1966 D Muff

Dudley Muff retired from the College at the end of November 1965, having served since 1931. For several years he was titled “College porter” and as such had a variety of duties that brought him close to students—maintaining the hot water supply, supervision of mail and general handy- man. Later he graduated to the post of librarian and for many years carried the whole burden of book control during the period when library facilities at the College could only be described as woeful. He was the whole library—typist, cataloguer, accessions officer, bookbinder, issuing officer, etc., and he did this work with an equanimity that all admired. He had a great facility in helping staff and students find the in- formation needed.

He joined up soon after the outbreak of World War II and served in Greece campaign but was taken prisoner and as a result was incarcerated in Germany, throughout which he retained his calm and poise. He was not idle, and he produced an illustrated diary of prisoner-of-war life which remains unpublished, but which is a unique document and work of art in the estimation of those who have been privileged to see it.

Returning to the College after the War, he continued as before, to live in his bachelor quarters, moving about unobtrusively, enjoying his golf, his bowls, and during Professor Hudson’s time, giving the latter opportunity for relaxation as a very accomplished billiards partner. He made the Library a very functional unit, despite its inadequacy and when the new George Forbes Memorial Library was opened in 1960, he moved over to relatively palatial accommodation, quite undisturbed in reaction, and until his retirement, he served as assistant librarian. He was one of those members of the staff who over a long period of time had exerted a good influence on many students and his never-failing cheerfulness and wry humour appealed to all his colleagues. He is living in Christchurch. Source: 1966 Lincoln College Magazine (No. 91 1966)