Robert (Bob) Ritchie boarded with the Sodens when he was in Bannockburn between his mail trips. He did the mail run from Bannockburn to Nevis.

in his younger days Mr Robert Ritchie had been coal mining in the Nevis, and carted coal from the Nevis dredges. He also carted stores from Cromwell to the Nevis.

Mr Ritchie began working as a mail contractor from Bannockburn to the Nevis during the winter months. He used pack horses to carry the mail. When he did not have a mail contract with the Post office directly he would work for the contractor on the winter deliveries. One of his last horses was the 24 year old Ronnie.

Mr Ritchie retired on Aug 24 1948. A ceremony was held at the Cromwell Council Chambers by the Mayor, Mr William Partridge to honor Mr Ritchie's long service to the community. Mr Aldridge, the chief postmaster of Dunedin and his wife were in attendance. Mr Aldridge and the Cromwell Post Master, Mr Murray spoke of and thanked Mr Ritchie for his 30 years of service and presented him with a framed testimonial from the Post Master General, Mr P N Cryer. For details of the Cromwell Argus report, see photo no 394.

Robert Ritchie died on 7 Apr 1949, at the age of 82 years, He was buried in the Cromwell cemetery.