SWEATED LETTER-CARRIERS. TO THE EDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume LV, Issue 64, 17 March 1898, Page 2

SWE ATED LETTE R-CARRIERS. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir — It has come under ray notice that the letter-carriers of this city have been treated in a most shameful manner. On the arrival of the last 'Frisco mail, for example, they were ordered on duty at 10 p.m. and worked until 5 a.m., without even time to get refreshments, and had to be on again the following day. For all this time they were offered four hours overtime, which bo it said to their credit they refused to accept. I should like to know, on behalf of these men, how snch a distinction is made between them and messengers, who always get paid for every' factor of overtime— and very justly, too. I hope the PostmasterGeneral will take notice of this and see that this particular class of Government employe's will not be so unjustly dealt with. I also understand that there is a sorter who is supposed to sort all the letters, &c. If this is so, what is the meaning of having the letter-carriers there every morning at 6 o'clock to assist this individual ? If it is his duty T,vhy j not make him do it, ov else give place to another man who will ? If it is too much work for him let him get an assistant. But in fair play and decency do not be sweating the poor letter-carriers, who have to work hard all .day in order to go their rounds. Complaints' have lately appeared, more than once; in your columns about late delivery. It. is no > wonder, considering the state of- things. • If would be well, Mr. Editor, if a commission of enquiry were iristitifte'd— say of the PostmasterGeneral, yourself, and, $h,e .JUayor of., the city — so as to get at' the root of these grievances—so as to see that all concerned' get fair play and justice, two.thiugS which! am . led to belie ve4o. not exist-at present as far as letter-carriers are concerned. I am, &c, Wellington", i4th*Marcb, w lB9S' TOv!fl!E' 'editor: Sir— Are the public still to suffer from the inefficiency of the delivery department ? Late deliveries seem to be the order of tlie day. Cannot, the present system be improved upon ? In justice to the carriers Ido not believe it is their fault. Over and over again letters appear in the Post on the subject, and all to no purpose. This morning was a record late hour. If the present staff is not sufficient why not employ one or two more ? So important is this" department that they cannot get a half or whole holiday as others in the service. I should like a return of the hours worked by each man during the last week ; it would, I am tc.J, average a long way over eight hours. This is the Swiss sj-stem with a vengeance, and the public have to suffer. " ~ " I am, &c , Time. Wellington, 12th March. is^s • / - >/ — — ■ - i