POST OFFICE SERVICE

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21708, 15 February 1936, Page 22

POST OFFICE SERVICE

TO THR EDITOR OT THE PRESS. Sir,—With regard to the Chief Post Office and certain complaints of your correspondents, I should like to say that during all the years I have had occasion to transact ' business with Post Office officials in Christchurch, I have received nothing but courtesy. There certainly have been occasions when the counter space has been crowded; but this is only to be expected when the public in large numbers are affected by, for instance, the payment of quarterly unemployment tax and motor registration. On these and on other occasions also, 1 have noted a tendency on the part of many to sort themselves into some semblance of a -line to be taken in rotation; but it is quite a common thing for young men and women to push through from the back in an endeavour to obtain accelerated attention. To my mind this is due to the spirit of the times, which show an undue lack of old-time courtesv and consideration. It is no doubt due also to the prevailing spirit of “me first,” and an application of the modern business axiom, “It Is all right provided I can get away with it.” Whenever an attempt is made to put this across' me. I have always been quick to assert my prior right, and the official concerned has handled my business in correct rotation. With regard to congestion, one must remember that despite the fact that the Post Office authorities make many special arrangements, there is always a last-minute rush. Last year very little advantage was taken by motorists of the special accommodation provided for them bv the Post Office for the purchase of new plates; but on the last few days the staff was overwhelmed. The Christchurch City Council has the same experience with its annual Issue of driving licenses. Whenever I find the Chief Post Office too crowded, thereby causing what I might consider an unwarranted waste of my valuable time, 1 make my payments at a small suburban office, of which there are many round Christchurch. But why should the Chief Post -Office be the only business place condemned for hot having a brass rail? Should not the same argument apply to our trading banks, our bia drapery establishments during sale ■times, and last but not least, our hotels between the hours of 5.30 and 6 p.m.? —Yours, etc., SPOTLIGHT. , vFebruary 14, 1936.

TO TBR EDITOR OT THE PURSE. Sir,—Are the letters In the pillar boxes collected on Sundays? That is a question sometimes one asks. I have asked the post office people and the answer Is “Yes." This will surprise the Inhabitants of Christchurch, but why is it not stated on all letter boxes? It will pay the postal department to publish it abroad, A man with a pot of paint and a brush could supply that infCrmatlon. but it ought to be done at once so that people can catch that early Monday morning delivery. I have no other complaints excepting the woman who suddenly appears at the head of the queue at the Savings Bank counter and challenges dissent. I recently challenged one by remarking, “Lady, this is the head of the queue, and we are miles ahead of you!” She smiled poetically but got in ahead, and 1 think the officer felt embarrassed. The postal officials are civility itself. I suggest that the official when dealing with a queue should keep his eyes on the paper or book handed in by the person who heads the queue, and take that book—keeping his head bent down, so that the eternal feminine will feel nonplussed and take the hint. Anyway he will escape noticing her chagrin.—Yours, etc., Ba February 14, 1988