Parade - Opening Of New Post Office 1907?
Photo reference number: 1314
A&G Taylor Pictorial Postcard, Duke St Arcade, Cardiff etc.
Postmarked Newport Mon 1907, dated 5 Oct '07.
We think this is probably connected with the opening of the New Post Office in High Street on July 18th 1907. Interestingly the photographer has concentrated on the procession of postmen rather than the dignitaries. - The Rt Hon S C Buxton MP officially performed the ceremony.
No clue in the sender's message on the reverse, he just explains that he couldn't find any paper to write a letter!
Text from Johns's 1911 Newport Directory:
"The New Post Office, opened July 18th, 1907, is situated in High-street, between the Railway Station and the Corn Exchange, and is a very handsome and imposing looking structure. The site is an admirable one in many ways, there being direct access between the sorting and despatching rooms and the Railway Station, enabling the mails to be easily and quickly transferred. The structure, which is five storeys high, including the basement, now provides ample accommodation for the large business transacted in the postal department in the town. The main entrance is at the left-hand side of the building, and leads to a very spacious public office, the remainder of the ground floor being mainly occupied by the sorting room. The telegraph and telephone instrument rooms are on the second floor, the third floor being occupied by the battery rooms, stores, etc. The cost of the building, including furniture and fittings, was about £31,000."
It is possible also that the picture is connected with the visit of HRH the Prince of Wales to Newport June 6th 1907.
