DEATH OP AN OLD AND VALUED PUBLIC OFFICER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2622, 15 June 1904, Page 48

DEATH OP AN OLD AND VALUED PUBLIC OFFICER.

(Fbom Our Own Corbespondext.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 10. "Very general tcegrct was expressed in Christchurch this morning -when it became known that Mr John William Mason, officer in charge of tho Telegraph Department at Ohristchtirfih, was dead, Mr Mason having succumbed to an attack of inflammation of tho lungs contracted less than a fortnight ago. The late Mr Mason was born at Port Fairy, Victoria, in 1845, and in 1862 entered tho service of the Victorian Telegraph Department. Subsequently he was appointed to the New Zealand ser\ ioe, and opened £h© first telegraph offioe — at tho Bluff — in. 1864. Mr Mason subsequently saw service in Wellington, Dun n din, and at the "White's Bay cable station. On July 1, 1868, Mr Mason was appointed t-o the charge of the Christchurch station, and except for a short time in charge in "Wellington, the deooased had remained here ever siiioe. Officers of the dcuartinent ia all (parts of tho colony will

feel the personal los=. caused hy Mr Mason'a cbath nu.-t kernly. The Ohriv. church staff ■\\a= most, gem incly affected on learning this morning that their v^ry popular chief had passed ai\ ay. In biwtieso circles the late Mr Mason was noted for his cxtrome cour-toi-y and earnest desire to servo tho public's best interests. Tho newspaper press of the city owe him an especial tribute fov many acts of kindness, extending over a period of many years. Mr Mason was an indefatigable worker, and seemed absolutely wedded to his work and his office. Ho was an adept at handling the wires, and in times of breakdowns caused by snowstorms or bad w<eather his skill and knowledge frequently saved the department large sums. He was in every sense a most conscientious officer and devoted to his duty. Mr Mason was prodeceased by his wife some six months ago, but he leaves a family of (several children.