POST OFFICE TOWER

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 May 1942, Page 2

POST OFFICE TOWER

REPAINTING CRITICISED. Many caustic comments had been made by citizens as a result of the cleaning and repainting work now in progress on the exterior of the Greymouth Post Office, said Cr. J. Saunders, speaking at last evening’s meeting of the Borough Council. In ordinary times, ne added, it might be gratifying to see the Post Office painted up, but he thought that, at present, the wrong steps had been taken by the Post and Telegraph Department. There had been reduced lighting in the town for over 12 months, including the lighting of the Post Office tower. The Department, in its wisdom —or otherwise—had decided to paint the tower a brilliant while, a job that should have boon left un - til after the war. The people should be given all the protection possible against enemy action, but the Department was bringing the tower into brilliant relief. There was also the question of the power used in the spraying machine. If petrol were being used, that should not be the case when there was such a shortage. He moved that the Council make representations to the Postmaster-Gen-eral. The Town Clerk said that the tower was to be painted green. Cr. Saunders: That is further waste. Cr. G. R. Harker. E.P.S. Controller, said that he had mentioned the matter to Major McKnight, and they interviewed the Postmaster. The latter got into communication with Wellington, and the work on the tower was stopped. They suggested that the tower should be painted green, which would camouflage it against the background of the hills. Cr. Harker said he agreed with Cr. Saunders, that the expenditure was uncalled for at present. However, they did not want to stop the painting. as the work had gone so far. Cr. Saunders said he still contended that the work should have been postponed. He was pleased to know that the painting of the tower m white had been stopped. The repainting of ihe Public Trust Office could also have been deferred. Money was required for national savings and the Liberty Loan, and the Government should expend any funds available more judiciously.