MR F. W. CRAIG.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19473, 7 May 1925, Page 6

MR F. W. CRAIG.

FAREWELL. BY TELEGRAPH STAFF. Mr F. W. Craig, late Superintendent of thu local Telegrapn Office, who voluntarily retired on superannuation on' April 30, after having completed 41 years’ service in the department, was met on Monday afternoon by a very large gathering of the stall who assembled to say good-bye. Mr R, M. Doull, senior supervisor, expressed his pleasure at seeing so many present. and said it was an indication of the popularity of the retiring officer. In asking Mr Craig’s acceptance of a travelling bag and several other useful articles, Mr Doull referred to Mr Craig’s long service and the success that he had attained in the department. In voicing the opinion of himself and the staff he assured the recipient that he carried with him on hie retirement the best of good luck and health to enjoy his well-earned rest. He said that although Mr Craig had only been stationed at Dunedin in the capacity of superintendent for about two years, he had previously been attached to the office as senior supervisor during the war period.—(Applause.) Mr A G Williams said that he had known Mr Craig for a long time and he considered that the department was losing an efficient officer, who at all times had willingly gone out of his way in an endeavour to assist others. He wished him the best of luck and trusted that he would long he spared to enjoy hia rest—(ApPl MeSsrs J. Broadbent and A. Thomas also spoke. Mr Craig, in reply, thanked those present for the handsome gifts. He assured them that they would remind him if the necessity ever arose, and he did not think it would—of the many’ pleasant spent with them all. Mr Craig said he joined the service as a message boy at Blenheim 41 years ago, and after four years gained his cadetship, and was promoted to Christchurch, where he was stationed for a number of years. While at Christchurch he did a larife amount of relieving work, at one time for a period of approximately 12 months at Cheviot. From Christchurch he was transferred to Wellington as a supervisor, and from the latter place he was again promoted and transferred to Dunedin in the capacity of senior supervisor From Dunedin he was promoted to Palmerston North for a period of two years, and one year at Wanganui, in both instances being in charge of the telegraph branch. From Wanganui he was appointed Chief Postmaster, Blenheim, and he said that he was very proud to go back to the place where ho had joined the service as a lad. After serving for a period in Blenheim he was selected to fill the important position of superintendent in Dunedin. He again thanked them, and after introducing his successor, Mr E. H. Marriott, from Napier, the gathering was brought to a close with loud cheers for Mr Craig, and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”