Post Office delay

Press, 21 February 1986, Page 16

Post Office delay

Sir, — Could the New Brighton Postmaster please explain to all patient but angry customers why at 4.35 p.m. on February 5, when I joined a queue of about 10 there were nine out of 10 windows closed? The nine tellers not working were either counting their money or standing about talking and I went in for urgently-needed stamps, and finally was served at 5 p.m. There was such a queue by this time, a “missing” teller had to ask one or two to move so she could shut and lock the door. The New Brighton Post Office is notorious for its inefficient, inconsiderate attitude towards customers. I feel an apology was in order for Wednesday’s long, long delay, as well as an explanation. In the 25 minutes I was in the queue not another window was open. If I had not been there myself I would not have believed it. I usually use Travis Road Post Office and cannot praise their service highly enough. It was bad luck for me that I happened to be shopping when I realised I needed stamps. — Yours, etc., Mrs G. BISCOE. February 6, 1986.

(When this letter was received it was referred to the Post Office, but it was printed by mistake on February 13, before the Post Office reply was received. The acting Deputy Chief Postmaster in Christchurch, Mr G. B. Ware, has replied: “It is accepted that a delay in service to the public was experienced on Wednesday, February 5, and this is regretted. It has been established that the reason for the delay was that incorrect information had been furnished by the Department of Social , Welfare in relation to the unemployment benefit payments. This meant that before payment could be made, all benefits had to be confirmed with the Savings Bank Branch, Christchurch, that payment was in order. In addition, tellers were operating with new-type computer terminals which had only just been installed. Your correspondent indicates that only one teller’s position was operating. This was incorrect as at that time four tellers were operating, but they weriflnot in attendance at 4.35 p.m.-’as they were obtaining

information from other sources in order that customers could be dealt with. ’ The necessity for prompt, friendly, courteous and efficient service to the public at. all times is regularly emphasised to all Staff.”] Sir, — I heartily agree with the remarks of Mrs Biscoe on the shambles at the New Brighton Post Office. This must be the worst Post;,.Office, in Christ-' church. Many times ! hdvCbeen ...there and, out of. 10 or. |2. windows, only two, or ;at the most, three, are open; with a - aueue of customers sometimes stretching to the door. The staff seem efficient enough once you ‘reach them after the long wait, but are often inconsiderate to the point of rudeness. At Aranui, Parklands and Travis Road Post Offices, the staff are pleasant and obliging and it is a pleasure to be served. I strongly advise New Brighton customers to get in their cars and go to Aranui Post Office. I find this quicker than waiting for the dreadful service at New Brighton. — Yours, etc., R. DERRETT. February 14, 1986. [This letter was received after . Mrs Biscoe’s letter had been printed because of an oversight. — Editor.]