An Era Passes

On November 12th, 1962, the telegraph department of the Gisborne Post Office transmitted its last morse message, to the East Coast towns of Tikitiki and Te Araroa, and in so doing, closed the circuit which has faithfully served the Coast for more than half a century.

The closing message was fittingly sent by Mr Bill Williams, who is believed to be New Zealand's oldest operator, with 46 years' experience to his credit, the latter half of which has been served in Gisborne.

The morse circuit has been superseded by a link with Ruatoria of modern teleprinter machines.

×

 

• 

Mr Williams tapping out his, and the Post Office's, last message in morse.

×

 

• 

A copy of the message which closed the circuit.

×

 

• 

Jimmy Te Whata, who is the Ruatoria teleprinter operator