OBITUARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16123, 11 January 1916, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MR. R. C. BLACK. A wxix-kxowx officer of the Post and Telegraph Department, Mr. Robert Charles Black, for some years postmaster at Dannevirke, died on Sunday-' morning. Just over a year ago the deceased officer retired from the service and took tip residence a few months ago in King's Avenue Mount Eden. About three months ago his health failed him and -.ins ... death occurred on Sunday morning- last.'-- Sir. Black was born in Invergorden, Rbsshire, Scotland, but 'while he was but" a : boy his parents moved to London,, aba"-Mr. Black received his/education- 1 : the metropolis. He entered the Imperial Got '■ eminent service -as a, telegraphist; serving in that capacity for five years, - durin~ which time-, he was' stationed in London" Manchester, and Dublin. Then,-in the early seventies, he came to this'*coantrv and joined the New Zealand Post and .telegraph Department. First he was stationed at White's Bay, near Blenheim where the southern terminals of the cables connecting the North and South Islands are stationed. He soon gained a reputation as one of the most expert operators in the service. Mr. Black was also stationed at different periods in Welling ton, where he was associated years ago with Mi. F. Gannaway. now superintendent of the Telegraphic Department. Auckland, in Featherston, Greytown, Rivefton Milton, and Dannevirke*. At the lastnamed place he was postmaster for about 10 years. Mr. Black married Miss Annie Tait, of Blenheim. He was keenly interested in educational matters, being a member of the school committees in the different towns where he was stationed Well read and possessing a. "good library of his own, he also took aa executive part in public library matters, and'- he was interested in all sociological questions. Mr. Black was a Presbyterian, and for many years was an elder of the Church. He is survived by his widow, three sonsMr. C. S. Black, assistant manager of Messrs. Wright, Stephenson, " and Co ChristciuTeh;- Mr. B. W. Black, of the Pacific cable staff, Auckland ; 5 Mr. Duncan Black, of the Post and Telegraph Deoartment, Christehnrch— 4 two' daughters Mrs. F. V. Frazer and "Miss Effie "Black; The interment, which will be private, takes place day. - v -