Cyril Whitaker Obituary

From Mairi Clark, Chief Photogrammetrist (1982-84)Department of Lands & Survey:
Between 1954 and 1984 I was on the staff of the Photogrammetric Branch of the Lands & Survey Department where we used photographs from NZAM to satisfy the mapping requirements of New Zealand’s government departments.
In my earlier years, as a stereoplotter operator, and later, when my tasks included the preparation of flight plans, I probably took for granted that the flight lines -- and in some specified cases -- the actual photo centres – would be in the correct places. It is only in retrospect that I have given more thought to the skills of the navigators and pilots who achieved those results.
Cyril was a skilled pilot but in later years I came to know him as more than that. When I became involved in discussions of such matters as the annual flying programme. I found that his compatible personality made him a pleasure to deal with.
I served under four Chief Photogrammetrists, including the first, George Railton, who filled that position from 1940 to 1961. He was followed by Bill Cree (1961-72) and Bob Barrett (1972-82) and I succeeded in them in that role. I am confident that they would have wished me to express their appreciation , as well as my own, of the contribution that Cyril made to the comprehensive photographing of our country.