Ted Rankins, a post master from 1980 to 1995 at the post office which The Argus called “the grandest building in the colony” recalled the bustle of Christmas 1950 when it was “steaming” with people and parcels.

Another memorable occasion was getting locked in the bell tower with a TV interviewer.

Mr Rankins praised the public service for refurbishing the building in the 1980s which made it “probably the most magnificent Post Office building in Australia”.

“It was absolutely magnificent to see the work that was put into it,” he said.