CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 83, 14 May 1914, Page 2

CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.

REPLY TO COMPLAINT. AN IMPROVED SERVICE. Some little time ago a complaint appeared in THE SUN in regard to the difficulties and delays experienced in the Customs section of the Parcels Post Office. The matter was referred to-the Secretary of Customs by the Minister of Customs, and - " the Collector in Christcliurch secured a report, which has been received by the Minister. The Collector forwarded to the Minister a report by Mr Fantham, examining officer, who was engaged in the Parcels Office at. the time the incident referred to in THE SUN took place. It has been the custom for two officers to be in attendance for the first two days after the arrival of the English mail, At all other times one officer had been in attendance for an hour in the liiorning and half an hour in the afternoon to deal with invoiced parcels. These were the hours stated on the notice cards to importers, thoug;h in jtfactice the time had been much when the convenience of the public required it. The Collector had gone into the question of the Customs officers' attendance at the Parcels Post with Mr Morris, Chief Postmaster, with the result that he had arranged that an officer should be in daily attendance chie hour; in the .morning and twp„. hourrf, in the afternoon —double the time that, had hitherto been given. Also, should there be a rush at any time, the sub-collector br Collector should be informed, so that additional help £ould be sent. This arrangement Should obviate any unnecessary delay, and meet any v case of 'emergency.

t As regards the accusation of discourtesy, the Collector had been informed by 'the Postal official who was present at ;the timev thatisit •Hvas whollywithout warrant. .T