Until 1964 the railway line ran through The Square and down the centre of Main Street in Palmerston North with road on either side. The letter, against the fencing of the rail line, was written by affected residents of Main Street. Forty residents signed the letter, including Robert Edwards, an architect, who held a copy of this letter in his papers.

Martin Stagpool was in charge of the Palmerston North Police Station from 1902-1910, when he transferred to Oamaru. The letter comments upon his impressions of Oamaru, including prohibition, and the Pawalka murder case. Robert Edwards was a prominent Palmerston North citizen and architect, who served as both a Councillor and Mayor.