Postal Perspectives

Walking into a modern post office you are faced with a surprising range of goods for sale with items directly related to the postal service usually relegated to the side. This sign from the Rockley Post Office provides us with a different view of the functions and role of the post office. It also reminds us of a time when the post office and banks were open on Saturday mornings.

The availability of banking and postal services on a Saturday was essential at a time when some residents only came to town on the weekend. Any reduction in hours of business could impact on the whole community. Without Saturday banking, cash could not be acquired or money orders cashed, bills may not be paid and local business would inevitably suffer. The longer hours for the telephone exchange was essential as before automation all telephone calls were connected manually.

At times, Rockley Post Office struggled to maintain the hours of business displayed on this sign. As mining in the district fluctuated so did the population and business at the post office. This in turn influenced the postmaster’s grade and salary as well as the post office’s hours of operation. For example, in the 1930s, a decline in business led to a reduction in the hours of operation with an attempt in 1941 to have them restored unsuccessful.

It is easy to imagine residents of Rockley gathering socially at the post office as they conducted their banking, posted letters, sent a telegram or made a phone call. Telephones now fit into our pocket providing instant communication in a number of forms and banking at the touch of a button. This sign therefore reminds us of a time when the Rockley Post Office by providing all communication and banking facilities was the hub of the local community.