MR ELL'S INTENTIONS.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13380, 1 April 1912, Page 5

MR ELL'S INTENTIONS.

[United Press Association.]

ChrSsichurcii, March 30.

The Hon H. G. Ell,, who was appointed a member of the Executive without portfolio, arrived in Christchurch mi Saturday and returned to Wellington the same evening. While in Christchurch' Mr Ell received official advieo that he had been appointed PostmasterGeneral, and also that he had been given charge of the National Annuities Fund. In an interview Mr Ell said that bo had received many congratulations on being elevated to Ministerial rank. It had been his desire to tako some active part in the administration of the affairs of the Booiinion, and therefore it'wai* with considerable satisfaction that ho received the ■ appointment, . He fully re-, cognised that in succeeding Sir, Joseph Ward, who was one of the leading post-masters-general in the world, and certainly the most able in Australasia, ho had a very difficult task before him. ' 'Sir Joseph Ward, however, has left the Department in such excellent working order that my work will bo considerably lightened," said Mr Ell. "I have a great deal to learn, and the first thing I am endeavouring to do is to got a thorough detailed knowledge- of the Department, and of what is being done in each district. Later on I purpose visiting each -centre- "with the view of making myself familiar with the various districts." Mr Ell added that while- in Christchurch he had an interview with the Chief Postmaster in order to getinto touch with what was being dono locally. He honed to sec the slot telephone system installed in the city. Tho Chief-Postmaster intended to -communicate with the tramway authorities with a view of having the first machine ivHtalled in the tramway shelter. If tho matter was arranged; and-the public appreciated the convenience, other slot i telephones woxild bo installed in different parts of the city. In connection with postal affairs'Mr Ell said that ho., hoped to see the house to house delivery. .extended well out into the- country districts, so as to give country people all the postal facilities possible. Tho existing policy was to extend the system wherever possible, and while ho did not

propose to attempt a revolutionary change, ho hoped to boo a gradual extension. There were one or two other «uatters lw had in view, and lie would oonfor later with tho seerotary. of the Department, in Wellington in order to gob the advantage of his knowledge;and experience.