SIX-DAY RURAL DELIVERY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26115, 30 March 1946, Page 4

SIX-DAY RURAL DELIVERY

RESUMPTION URGED BY FEDERATED FARMERS At the meeting of the Federated Farmers yesterday a resolution was received from the Five Forks branch stating that farmers would offer the Post and Telegraph Department an extra 10s per year for rural boxes, provided they were assured of a six-day delivery with a suitable bus. , , Mr J. P. Rutherford reported having met the local postmaster (Mr H. A. Colvin), who assured the deputation that he was. in favour of returning to the six-day service. The postmaster asked if anything new, which might advance the farmeis’ claim, had arisen, but he was informed that members had their former claims. An hour's extension had been obtained in telephone hours at the Kiirow office. Mr Rutherford said that if the suggestion ot an increase in subscription was paid they would have a cheap service. It rested with the farmers to pay the extra 10s for a return to the six-day service. Mr S. Hore said he was not in favoui of paying an increase of 10s. Costs had increased in postages by 100 per cent., and he felt that such an increase should cover a six-day service. Mr Williamson said he was in favour of a private operator. In Omarama there was a two-day service and also a poor telephone service. The president (Mr J. Kingan) said that he had come to the conclusion that some proposition had to be made. Mr Rutherford moved that the Post and Telegraph Department be approached and offered an increase from £1 to £1 10s, provided a six-day service was instituted and suitable buses were provided.— This was carried. Mr McCaw said that residents received mail only twice a week in the Hakataramea district, and he had been assured by Mr Colvin that efforts would be made for an improved service. Mr McCaw moved that the postmaster and Mr A. H. Nordmeyer be thanked for their assistance in these matters, and the motion was carried.