YOUNG, WILLIAM FARQUHAR (1868-1937) was born in Otago and educated at a public primary school. He joined the Post and Telegraph department as a messenger in Dunedin (1878), becoming telegraphist at Waihemo (1882), telegraph check clerk at Dunedin (1906) and at Christchurch (1907). He took part in 1890 in establishing the post and telegraph officers association (of which he was the first president), and promoted the demand for superannuation and other privileges. He retired from the service in 1910. As a youth Young studied elocution under William Hoskins (a Shakespearian actor). A solo chorister with an alto voice, he became a leading singer, and in his teens was a member of the Dunedin Savage club and the Liedertafel. Resigning from the postal department, he devoted his whole time to singing and elocution. He was a lover of both Gaelic and Maori, which he fostered in Caledonian and other societies. From 1912 until his death (on 29 Jan 1937) Young was a prominent figure in the musical life of Christchurch, where he taught singing and elocution. He married Mildred Righton.

Post and Telegraph department records; J. H. McKenzie (information); Cycl. N.Z., iv (p); The Press and Star-Sun, 30 Jan 1937.

Reference: Volume 2, page 272

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