THE PONGAROA MAIL CONTRACT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11805, 14 December 1912, Page 1

THE PONGAROA MAIL CONTRACT.

(Per Press Association.) Pahiatua, November 12. ' A meeting of Pahiatua citizens this afternoon vigorously refuted the statements made to-dav in an Eketahuna Press Association message, and. reiterating the statements madein Pahiatua at Wednesday- night's meeting, : which stated that the majority of the people of Pongaroa were in favor of the Pahiatua route as proved by rival petitions; also that the postal Department's duty is to cater for the existing and not a speculative population. The Pahiatua r£ute is also shorter. Eketahuna, December 13- - At a special meeting the Chamber of Commerce passed a. resolution em-, phatically. protesting against the action of a -few Pahiatua.- business and "professional; men . in. -endeavoring to create airimpressiori" that tlie Gov esurient -was fa.voring Eketahuna- at the expense! of Paihiatua over the Pongaroa- mail service. Thisj "it os claimed, 'is contrary to -fact, aind a- grave injustice! to the Government, and tlie statements are denounced as' absolutely unwaxrainted l -"and '.supremely ridiculous- The Eketahuna route, it is asserted, is superior in -overv . wav,- and-ns favored' by a big majority of the Pongaroa people.