Tolaga Bay's New Post Office

In conjunction with the opening of the new Post Office in Tolaga Bay on Monday, 29 August, was, also, the cut-over to the automatic telephone service.

After opening for business in 1901, the old Post Office is closing down after serving the district for 65 years.

Mr A. D. McGregor, Riding Member, Cook County, presided over the opening ceremony, which, due to the wet weather was held in the Reynolds Hall.

Mr A. R. Bamford, Director of Accounts, Wellington, spoke on behalf of the Post Office, after which Mrs Esme Tombleson, M.P., addressed the large gathering, pressing the button at 11.15 am to inaugurate the new telephone service.

After declaring the new Post Office open, Mrs Tombleson sent the first telegram to the Postmaster General, Mr Scott, in Wellington.

With Mrs Tombleson, sending the first telegram are, from left, Mr Bamford, Mr M. D. Hunter, postmaster, C.P.O. Gisborne, and Mr T. Smith, newly-appointed postmaster of the new Post Office.

Yvonne Milne answers the last few callers on the old manual exchange before the cut-over

Mrs Tombleson presses the button to start the new exchange.

Mr A. D. McGregor addressing the gathering

The interior of the old Post Office prior to closing

Judy Ruru is first to post a letter after the post office is declared open.

Janice Craill found a spare fourpence and made the first call from the public call box in the foyer of the new building.

Ted and Audrey Wilson, with daughter Heather, and Mrs H. Higgs came in from the country for the occasion.

Mrs A. Morris, a sister of the late Miss Minnie Gallagher, who was the first postmistress in Tolaga Bay, was present with her daughter and son-in-law, Mrs and Mr C. K. Williams.

Mr and Mrs Doug Tuck. Doug has been promoted to postmaster, Kaiwaka.

The new post office which is situated in the main street.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 147 : September 7, 1966

Tolaga Bay's New Post Office