MAXWELL REGINALD CRAGGS – By Victor Melder
My association with Max goes back seventy years when we were mere striplings,
what brought us in contact, was not only that we were sons of engine drivers but
that we also shared a mutual Uncle and Aunt.
We met now and then, as Max lived in Colombo and I lived upcountry, as such it
was at family gatherings and other occasions.
We were both then in the intake of Special Apprentice Drivers (Batch of 1956) for
the Ceylon Government Railways, and there began our close association as apprentices
and later engine drivers ourselves, following in our Fathers’ footsteps.
The hard yards of being a railway apprentice were ameliorated with Max sharing the
days tasks, always with a laugh and joke. Those tedious days soon passed on and we
were on the footplate of a steam locomotive, travelling the length and breadth of the
island and catching up in out station towns.
What fun we had, sea baths, movies, exploring every town we booked off after duty
and the rich feasts we enjoyed whilst dining out.
We were trained on both steam and diesel locomotives and then appointed engine drivers.
Max was always concerned of the welfare of his fellow batch mates and helped in every way
possible. Be it drafting a memorandum or visiting anyone sick.
Within a few years of being appointed engine drivers, we both resigned our position of
engine drivers and emigrated to Melbourne, Australia. Max, Eileeen and family in late
1967 and myself, June and Family in early 1968.
We endeavoured to keep in touch as often as we could and Max continued his charism of
being everybody’s help. Many a time in our household, when problems arose, the catch
cry became “get Max”. This catch cry was on the lips of everyone who knew Max, as he
was at his best when helping someone.
With the progress of time and ageing, Max suffered kidney problems and was on dialysis
for some years, even though in pain and much discomfort he would endeavour to joke
about the vicissitudes of life, when we were in touch by phone.
I will miss Max, especially more so on every September 1, his birthday when I would call
him and exchange pleasantries and good wishes.
Good bye Max, you would certainly be missed, we shall meet again in the great railroad in
the sky.
Victor Melder
