NEW POST OFFICE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 58

NEW POST OFFICE.

PRIME MINISTER INTERVIEWED A deputation consisting of representatives of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce and of the Otago Expansion League waited on the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. J. G. Coates) at the Grand Hotel on Saturday forenoon. The deputation was introduced by the Hon. C.. E. Statham, M.P. Mr S. B. Macdonald (chairman of the Expansion League) said the deputation waa present in furtherance of a request for the removal of the old post office buildings and the erection of new buildings on the site. When they last pproached the late Mr Massey on the subject he asked them to hold the matter over till 1926. It was understood that the work would be commenced this year. There was no need for him to urge the necessity of tr.e buildings—that was too evident. Mr Peter Barr, speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, said the Prime Minister was thoroughly conversant with the position. A few years ago a deputation representing the Chamber of Commerce and the Otago Expansion league and some 15 or 16 other public bodies waited on Mr Massey in the Town Hall, and he was good enough to say he admired their persistency. Mr Massey also stated on that occasion that the building was not worthy of the city of Dunedin. Mr Barr s: d he hoped that Mr Coatee, while having rome real admiration for their persistency would also admire their patience. For 10 years the Postal Department had occupied a building which was acknowledged to be only a makeshift. Mr Massey had admitted the necessity for the new build.ng. At the same time the deputation was free to acknowledge that the Government had done very well by Dunedin in reference to claims made upon the Treasury, particularly in reference to University requirements. A little bird had whispered to them that the U niversitv requirements were larger than anticipated. It was necessary that the Post .nd Telegraph Department should be housed under one roof. Again, the various Governmem departments were scattered all over tne city, and in the interests of economy as many as possible of these departments should be accommodated under one roof. However, what they were concerned about chiefly w r as the demolition of the old post office and the erection of a new building on the site. The old building was. an eyesore, and should be removed a 3 soon as possible. Some of them were afraid that the renovation of the building, which had been carried out prior to the opening of the Exhibition, was an indication of a tenure. The Expansion League and the Chamber of Commerce had always worked together in urging this matter. When a deputation waited on t Prime Minister in November last he was quoted a- saying that the erection of the new buijdings would be commenced in 1926. Mr Furkert (Under-secretary for Public Works) had then told them that plan? and specifications would be put in hard at an early date. The Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley, M.IV) endorsed what had been said by tiie previous speakers. It had been a burning question in Dunedin, ho said; in fact, it might have been better if it had been a burning question in the true sense of the word, and if the buildings had boon burned down.—(Laughter.) He earnestly hope I that the Prime Minister would see his way to give effect to the wishes of the deputation and thus remove a 0100 on the city, tion, and thus remove them if they he patient until the university and he Exhibition requirements had been u et their requirements would be met too. The Dunedin City Council had been spending a good deal of money in beau'ifrcig the citv. and he did not think they were asking to') much in making their present request. He understood that the Postal Department was working under difficulties, ir ii? present makeshift building, and he t-v-ugn*: it ould be a sound proposition it the aejaDnent had a building suited to its requirement.- J and on economic grounds it would be an advantage to the Government. Tho Prime Minister, in reply, said.that Mr Barr was correct in saying that ihe Government hoped to make a start with the new buildings in 1926. Plans and specifications were now being prepared. There were alternative schemes—one to house the Post and Telegraph Departments in a building to cost about £IOO,OOO. and the other to have a building to accommodate all the Government departments. That was the point to be considered. Plans were being drafted and estimates prepared for both buildings. That was the posi lion at present. He would not promise definitely that a start would be made before the end of the present calendar year, but he could promise that a contract would be let and the work put under way before the end of the current financial year. Thar was the Government’s intention, and it would be carried out unless something cropped up which wuold necessitate a postponement.—(Applause.) As far as he could see at present, he did not think tlier * was anything which would stand in the way of the work being carried out ns proposed. The Government looked upon it as part of a bargain, and hoped to keen to the bargain. They would understand the alternative- proposals—one building to house the Post and Telegraph Departments and one to accommodate all Government departments. The latter would, of course, be the more pretentious building. There was also the question of economy to be considered. The deputation then withdrew after thanking the Prime Minister.