UNHAPPY TASK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23994, 18 June 1941, Page 6

UNHAPPY TASK

CASUALTY TELEGRAMS METHODS OF DELIVERY RELATIVES' APPRECIATION

Ail unhappy and unenviable task, the delivery of war casualty telegrams to relatives, lias been performed with great sympathy and understanding by officers of the Post and Telegraph Department in recent weeks. Relatives interviewed yesterday were unanimous that the greatest consideration had been shown.

Departmental instructions have been given that the more serious casualty telegrams, such as those announcing deaths or men missing, must be delivered by an adult. Telegrams announcing wounds are usually delivered in the normal way, although at some offices senior employees have been, delivering them also. However, officers have been going beyond the mere letter of departmental instructions. "Although word camo through at 10 o'clock on a Saturday night, the postmaster himself brought the telegram," it was stated in one case. "He took my husband aside and broke the news to him before giving him the telegram. I can assure you the way it was done was greatly appreciated."

Great Trouble Taken Cases wero quoted where officers had found women alone in the house and without revealing their identity had found where the man of the house worked and delivered the telegram to him personally. The father of one soldier was not in his office when a postal officer arrived. Instead of leaving the telegram with a member of the staff he called back until the recipient returned.

Another instance was given where an officer learned that the wife of a. soldier was in delicate health. He went next door and inquired for relatives, found the woman's mother and took her with him to deliver the telegram. A soldier's mother said a telegram announcing that her son had been wounded arrived at a. suburban office after delivery hours. The official on duty communicated with her by means of the nearest telephone to her house.

Senior Men Engaged At the chief post office the delivery work is being done by men of the telegraph staff normally on duty in the office. This work is being undertaken in addition to routine tasks, as the staff has not been augmented for the purpose. At suburban offices senior members of the staff are delivering the telegrams, the task in many cases being carried out by the postmaster himself. The method adopted is left to the discretion of the officer. That the courtesy shown by men who have no personal connection with the advices is appreciated is shown by the number of people who have later called at post offices to express their thanks. The way the matter has been approached has earned the gratitude of many parents.