Dear Sir, How about that postal system! I went up to the Somerset Bridge Post Office to pick up a parcel. I did not have sufficient funds to pay the duty. I asked if I could use my debit card.

No was the answer, when have you seen a Government office where a credit card was taken?'' I had to leave, go home and return with funds.

Some questions I would like to ask Mr. Crichlow: When are you people going to modernise and get a credit card system installed in all post offices? Why don't you allow all sub-post offices to open on Saturdays for half a day just like the main post office does? It would be a great convenience to some, especially when you knock off from work at 5 p.m.! Also, how about some speed in the delivery system! FED UP Southampton Thank you, Post Office January 10, 1999 Dear Sir, This is by way of a sincere "Thank you and well done'' to Postmaster General Clevelyn Crichlow and his staff for their service above-and-beyond the call of duty on January 1, 2000 -- A Public Holiday.

From 8.30 a.m. to noon on the first day of the 20th Century, the General Post Office in Hamilton was open to receive mail and to provide a very special opportunity for local philatelists and souvenir hunters. Not only that, but Mr. C. (looking as jolly as Santa) was on hand to welcome customers and to offer a New Year's greeting. Additionally, the envelopes I left were not only immaculately franked with the date stamp but also embossed with a Post Office crest. These were then delivered in a protective cover to prevent soiling, folding and weather damage, thus arriving in pristine condition.

Doubtless there will be many local residents who will feel grateful for the Post Office's consideration and service on such a unique occasion. I am just one of them.

MAURICE F. HANKEY Devonshire