Outline of a Biography

Maxwell William Smith, better known as Max, has led an interesting and fulfilling life, especially during his long post as senior postmaster.

Some colourful accounts of his time as a postmaster are fondly told. Particularly long battles for respect of lawns, involving the then Reporoa postmaster, a hand-made shanghai and a black Labrador called Jeremy.

A brief history of pure cat breeding; family trips to the beach and all its mishaps; getting lost in Auckland; driving to Auckland hospital with his daughter’s leg strapped to an ironing board are just some of the funny occurrences which made life different for Max and his family.

He also has some long spinners of hunting and camping with his best friend, galloping like mad cowboys and chasing deer in the bush of Nuhaka and Tuai; Wairoa. His favourite dish for out in the bush was a cooked tin of condensed milk. By placing it over an open fire it would become caramelized. “Beautiful stuff.”

Max didn’t always plan on being in charge of New Zealand’s mail exchange. Born in 1926, the twin to his brother Tony, had enjoyed school to a degree, but never got to do stay for 3rd form after becoming chronically ill.

His mother had got him a job at a post office. He was 15 years old, a ‘drop-out’ as he likes to put it. Needless to say, Max was a bit surprised to but started work and never looked back.

Childhood was tough, with his most vivid memories being the death of his younger brother, and surviving the Napier earthquake of 1931. Max was 6 years old yet he has accounts of cars sliding around in carports, a terrible roaring sound and being knocked to the ground by the force of the quakes.


The father of six, grandfather to nine, survivor of one has a real knack for story telling. One of his favourite school stories is where he showed skillful precision by dipping a girl’s pigtail in his inkwell without her ever knowing.

There are stories of working in the telephone exchange, altercations with a friend’s dog- no shanghai involved this time-, the long running tradition and importance of having a pocket knife on you at all times and more.

The 79 year old also has a hidden talent for leather making. He has made a saddle, a handbag, wallets, picture frames, a rocking chair, clocks, coasters, coffee tables, a lazy- susan, bracelets, cheque book holders…to name a few. The craft is seen more as a hobby and interest rather then a business opportunity.

He has experienced the ‘what ifs’ though, His eldest Grandson entering the fashion industry and finding a market for leather cuff jewellery has opened opportunities. For a few odd weeks, Max had been turning out about 100 of bracelets. What was at first a trial run; turned into an order for more.

Winner of the best lawn in Te Puke, two years running, the retired postmaster has many hidden tales.