NEW POST OFFICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23121, 20 August 1938, Page 23

NEW POST OFFICE

AVONDALE BUILDING OPENING BY MINISTER ; EARLY HISTORY RECALLED GROWTH OF THE DISTRICT The development of postal and telegraphic facilities at Avondalo since tho 'sixties, when the first office was established in a small store to serve less than half a dozen settlers in a manukacovered wilderness, was described by speakers at the opening of the now Avondalo post office yesterday afternoon. Erected at a contract price of £4107, tho building embodies tho most modern facilities. The new building is constructed in reinforced concrete in accordance with modern design to resist earthquake bhock. From tho vestibule, glasspanelled doors lead into a commodious public office, and a postmaster's office, a mail room Mid general office space are provided. The finishing timbers are of heart rimu stained in walnut colour. The Mayor of Avondalo for four years prior to tho merger with the City in 1927, Mr. W. J. Tait, said the opening of the new post office was a red letter day in the history of tho district, as it marked a further step in its progress. Ho referred to the condition of Avondalo 00 or more years ago when it, was known as "The Wliau" and outlined tho development which had preceded its elevation to tho status of a borough in 1922.

Amalgamation With City "The decision to amalgamate with the City in 1927 represented one of the most forward moves in the history of Avondalo," Mr. lait added. "1 wish to congratulate the Mayor, Sir Ernest. Davis, and tho City Council on tho largo amount of development work which has been authorised for tho district, and to thank the Government for erecting such a fine post office."

Reference to tho pioneering enterprise of the original settlers was made by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis. Ho outlined the outstanding career m public service of Mr. John Bollard, who had taken the initiative in changing the name of tho district from Ihe Whau" to Avondalo. Amalgamated with the city since September, IJ/t, Avondalo had continued to ilounsli. The length of streets was approximately 40 miles and, under the headings of capital works, relief works and general expenditure, the total outlav amounted to tho largo sum oi £360,000. , , , , _ Tho president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Mr. A. Ely, congratulated Avondale residents on behalf of the business community, stating that the progress of the district was indicated bv tho erection of the splendid post office. He stressed the efficiency of the work performed by the Post and Telegraph Department. Postman on Horseback Presented with a gold kov by the architect, Mr. L. S. Piper, tho Hon H. G. R. Mason, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, described the provision of the first postal facilities in a small store close to the corner of Rosebank Road and Elm Street. In 1872 the office was transferred to another store at the corner of Great North Road and Crayford Street and in 1881 it was placed in the railwaj station building, where it remained until 1912, when a permanent officer was appointed. "As early as 1861, there was a mail service in operation between Auckland and Knukapakapa and iio doubt Avondale was served by this line," Mr. Mason continued. "The railway which reached 'Avondale in 1880 proved a great boon to the settlers and from that year mails were received and despatched by rail. Tho inauguration of a postman's delivery dates back to 1888, when mail was delivered on horseback over an extensive area by Mr. Ben Bollard, who now resides at Mount Albert. For this service he received £6O a year and he had to provide and feed two horses." After officially opening the building, Mr. Mason despatched the first telegram to be lodged at the office to tho Prime Minister,"Mr. Savage, extending greetings and good wishes from the district.