Compiler of Vital Statistics

NZ Truth, Issue 1239, 29 August 1929, Page 6

Compiler of Vital Statistics

ACCORDING to the unlearned, doctors and grave-diggers are reputedly m sole possession of interest m cradles and the incidence of burials, yet there, is one civil servant at least whose writings exhibit perfect passion for knowing the most possible about both. x 'He of whom we speak is Wilfred Wulstan Cook, Registrar - General, an exception m statisticians, the lie direct to the many who conceive the compilers of numerical liturges as coldeyed} short-sight-ed, figure - bound curmudgeons who bark across their desks at you, or quote poundages or nence at after-

noon-tea parties. Cook is known affectionately by the label of '"Duxie," probably because of the habit he developed as a |enior boy

of Wellington College, always to be at the top, and perpetuated later by his urgent enthusiasm for the old school.

He is now secretary of the Old Boys' Association, and if there happens to be one of those little annual get - togethers of which most of us have heard, "Duxie" is there to wield the friendly mallet of office, helping to sustain the old traditions, keeping warm the glad hand of association.

At the close of each succeeding year "Duxie" must experience a number of conflicting sensations. Surprise and apprehension, maybe, at the steep pile which Death has reaped; optimism and smiling reflection at the kicking figures which Life has placed m the scales.