Obituaries Australia

Mr. Llewellyn Henry Griffiths, M.B.E., formerly Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs in South Australia, died yesterday at the age of 80. He had retired from his postal duties six years ago, after nearly 60 years of service. Until recently he lived at Blackwood, but at the time of his death was staying with a son-in-law at Seacliff.

Mr. Griffiths installed the earliest condenser trunk line circuits in this State. These were the forerunners of the whole country trunk line service. In 1883 he assisted in the installation of the first telephone exchange in South Australia, and was the first night operator on the switchboard.

In 1910, when the telephone and engineering branch was divided into two departments, Mr. Griffiths was appointed telephone manager, a title later changed to superintendent of telephones.

Apart from being instrumental in many technical advances in both telephone and telegraph services in this State, he always took a keen interest in the welfare of the GPO staff. He was the first president of the Postal Institute, and was made a life member of the institute on his retirement.

He was also a member of the Institution of Engineers of Australia and a foundation member of the Institute of Public Administration.

He had a strong personal influence on the Post Office staff, and instilled ideals of loyalty and service to the public which are still bearing fruit today.

A widow and four children survive. The burial will take place at the Mitcham cemetery today.