STILL WORKING AT 92

Press, Issue 29236, 21 June 1960, Page 18

STILL WORKING AT 92

Superannuitant For 38 Years “The Prtst" Special Service WELLINGTON, June 20. He was 92 last week, and he has been collecting Post Office superannuation for 38 years, but Mr George Hart, of Kent terrace, still goes to work every day. “He's our longest standing superannuitant and I reckon he's cost us a fortune," an officer of the Post Office said with a grin. The “fortune” amounts to nu»e than £13,000, at the rate of about £3O a month. But nobody at the Post Office would dream of com-? plaining, because Mr Hart is a popular chap. He used to be called the Mayor of Courtenay place, because he has been working the last 37 years at E.T. Saunders’s chemist’s shop in that street. He won’t accept pay for his work now, because he does not do very much, and anyway he wants to repay Mr Saunders “for his kindness.” Mr Saunders asked Mr Hart the other day what he wanted for his birthday. Mr Hart would not take anything, because he says he has everything he wants. But for a joke he suggested an electric blanket “provided it has a 10-year guarantee.” Born at Auckland in 1868, Mr Hart joined the Post Office in 1882 and retired after 40 years' service, in 1922, at the age of 54, the youngest Post Office worker ever to retire. He was then supervisor of the parcels office at Wellington. He started work in the chemist’s shop 37 years ago, but for the last few years he has been upstairs helping with the photographic work, mainly operating the glazer. He goes to work every weekday. from his home in Kent terrace. and he often walks down Courtenay place. “I like to keep on my legs,” he said. “If I stop walking I’m afraid my legs will give out.”