FOR A BRIEF PERIOD

Evening Star, Issue 21170, 2 August 1932, Page 8

FOR A BRIEF PERIOD

POST OFFICE ERECTION SUSPENDED

DUNEDIN'S CLAIMS FULLY REALISED

POSTMASTER-GENERAL COUNSELS PATIENCE

“ The opinion is firmly held that it is wise to hold over the commencement of this work for a further brief period. In the next few months we should be in a much better position than we are now to gauge the prospects for tho future, ami it may then be possible to enter into commitments with more confidence than is possible at present.” So states the Postmaster-General (Hon. Adam Hamilton), in reply to agitation for the immediate commencement of the erection of a new Post Office on the vacant Princes street site. The following letter has been received by Sir Charles Statham, M.P., from the Postmaster-General; — “ Following on various representations which you have made to me from time to time as to the intentions of the Govex'nment with respect to tho erection of tho Dunedin Post Ollice, 1 wish to state that this matter has been receiving the consideration of Cabinet on several occasions recently, and i wish to inform you of the present position,” tho Minister says. “In the first place, the Government fully realises the claims of Dunedin for a new Post Office building. A suitable site is available and already a very large amount of money has been expended on the foundations. It is also realised that the citizens of Dunedin have waited long and patiently, and had the present depression been a little longer delayed there is reason for believing that the construction of the building would most likely have been in progress by now. The uncertainty of the immediate future, however, has caused tho Government to review most of its projected public expenditure, the urgent need for all available cash making it imperative for it to conserve its resources.

“ Although the necessary money for this building can be provided out of the Post Office Account, this must not be taken to mean that this work will not affect the Consolidated Fund. The ac counts may be kept separately, but they are both public moneys. The uncertainty of the movement of costs and prices and money values in the near future is also a factor influencing the present position. “ I am fully aware of the great impetus which such a work would give to the unemployment problem in Dunedin, and so am keen to see the erection of the building undertaken as early as possible, but the opinion is firmly held that it is wise to hold over the commencement of this work for a further brief period. In the next few months we should be in a much better position than we are now to gauge the prospects for the future, and it may then be possible to enter into commitments with more confidence than is possible at present. “ This need nob be taken to mean that the building is abandoned, but that it is temporarily being held up. I would therefore respectfully ask the Dlined in people not to be over-anxious at this stage.”