Stories
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from the Fletcher archives
BLUE PRINT
The Manager,
Fletcher Construction Co. Ltd.,
Dunedin.
Dear Sir,
If you will turn up a letter dated 26th April from Mr. J. C. Fletcher you will note the general requirements of the Fletcher BLUE PRINT. It is hoped to make the first issue as attractive as possible, and your full co-operation is therefore requested. You will appreciate that the more small paragraphs of a personal nature the BLUE PRINT contains the greater will be its popularity, and it is with this end in view that I appeal now for your interest.
What is required is a wealth of personal data regarding the social activities of your branch, staff gatherings, biological detail), and in particular a Roll of Honour. This should tabulate number and names of men and women in forces killed, missing, prisoner, wounded, decorations, etc., together with initials, military rank and branch of service.
You will appreciate the value of the personal touch, and in any of these social notes Christian names should be given as well as initials.
This may seem a tall order, but the BLUE PRINT is due to go on the stocks early in September, and I have delayed an approach to the branches for this personal material so that it will be thoroughly up to date. Would it be asking too much to have the stuff here within a week?
I would be obliged, also, if you would forward any available photographs of buildings, plant and processes which are suitable for publication. I am anxious to secure in particular pictures of buildings erected in the earliest stages of the Fletcher Organisation’s existence, and these may be in the possession of some of the staff or executives. All photographs should have characteristic captions stating what and where they are, also the name of members of the firm (or branch) depicted. A personal note is valuable, for instance: “Bill Jones at the four-sider� or “Joe Green and Tom Brown placing the funnel in a minesweeper�.
Kindest regards,
Yours faithfully,
W. G Plummer. - The Editor
A Savage Fletcher Legend
The legendary J.J (Joe Craig passed away in 2002, a week short of his 95th birthday. His son Jack Craig (who at that time had only been partially successful in retiring from the Fletcher Group Office), in unearthing a project scrap book, remembered being a five year old at the time of his father’s dramatic six week contract to rebuild the inaugural Social Security Department building for then Prime Minister, Mr Savage.
The original building to house the new Social Security department, charged with the task of administering the Labour Government’s “from the cradle to the grave� social welfare system, was burnt down eight weeks before the legislation was to come into operation on April 1, 1939. James Fletcher went down to see what had happened and met Mr Savage walking down Aitken Street. He was deep in gloom.
"What happens now?" James asked.
Mr Savage shook his head slowly. "It’s a real disaster. There’s no other building big enough for the department to carry out its work. We were determined to start in April, but now it looks as if the whole scheme will have to be postponed for some considerable time."
“If you want your building up, and ready to open on April 1, I’ll build it for you,� James replied.
The foundations were started on February 7 and the record-breaking contract was completed on March 23, in time for the official opening four days later.
Dr W. B. Sutch recalls how crowds came down to watch, cheer the men and give them tea during the breaks.
While James, Mr Savage and the Government Architect controlled the project at one level, it was Joe Craig as site manager and Lyall Young as general foreman who made it all happen. The floodlit job proceeded 24 hours a day, six days a week (although Jack Craig imagines the Sunday was used by his father for all the mountains or paperwork that were left unattended to during the week!). They even added in a reinforced concrete basement to the original design. The four-storied timber framed building with stucco facing was completed down too operational lifts, telephones, stem-heating plant, furniture, lawns and gardens.
At the official opening Mr Savage claimed that the achievement represented the greatest triumph in craftsmanship and organization that he had ever seen.
Ever the diplomat, James Fletcher disavowed the impression that the achievement was due to his efforts. “To you Mr Prime Minister, and your colleagues, has to go to credit for having the confidence in myself and the organizations I represent.�
Posted 16.02.09
The day I was employed
I was an unemployed adolescent, who walked into a building in Central Park, and managed to get work experience, which eventually led to a full time position. Unknown to me, at that very moment, I was to inherit steel in the blood. Alma Douglas, who gave me the opportunity, I am forever grateful, as this was the start of my working career. To gain knowledge from Gloria Bacon, Jason Peck, Alistair Baxter, Steve Kendall, Bobbi Wong-Nash and David Russell. Also Frank Graves and Ralph Moore. Not forgetting the many branches, Don Scott bulk store, Robert Sim from Rio and Ken Hainsworth of Auckland sales. There I was for eight to nine years, and they were the best times of my life. From administration, test certificates clerk and reception, to shipping officer, to planning officer, then finally to purchasing - planner. It was like an extended family environment, where we had enjoyed each others company, especially on event days, such as Halloween, Xmas, and Easter. Never have I experienced such a work environment and at times I miss. But the best thing is that we have all kept in touch ever since. I do hope there is a chance for an event where we could all meet again and I will never forget lovely Liz.