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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 4 (August 24, 1926)

Personal

page 7

Personal

Mr. B. A. Marris upon whom congratulations on his appointment to the important position of Staff Superintendent, have hardly ceased to shower, has now decided to retire on superannuation with 37 years service to his credit, and join his son in a local carrying business. Mr. Marris has always been recognised as a good organiser, and being very tactful, his term of staff work has been quite successful. Joining the service at Westport as a Traffic Cadet in 1888, Mr. Marris later had experience of passenger and goods work at Christchurch and Lyttelton. In 1897 he was appointed clerk in the District Engineer's Office at Westport, later going over to the Locomotive Department and being located successively at Petone, New-market and Auckland. In 1905 he was attached to the Chief Mechanical Engineer's office at Wellington, a position he continued to occupy until 1915 when he was loaned to the Defence Department as Chief Clerk of the Base Records Branch. He remained with the Defence Department until 1919, the Minister of Defence, the Officer Commanding the N.Z. Military Forces, and the Director of Base Records all placing on record the meritorious service rendered by Mr. Marris in that Department. He was later awarded the M.B.E. decoration. In 1924 Mr. Marris was appointed Chief Clerk to the Chief Mechanical Engineer, in 1925 Assistant Staff Superintendent, and in February of this year was promoted to his present position. Mr. Marris is a keen follower of Rugby, having represented Buller for a number of years and later holding a seat on the New Zealand Rugby Union, of which he was at one time Chairman. He is at present a member of the Council of the New Zealand Rowing Association, and formerly took an active part in this sport as a member of the Kawatiri and Canterbury Rowing Clubs. A keen bowler, Mr. Marris has twice reached the semi-finals in the New Zealand Tournament. He carries the good wishes of the whole staff in his retirement.

Mr. B. A. Marris [W. Vinsen, photo

Mr. B. A. Marris [W. Vinsen, photo

* * *

Mr. A. K. Harris, General Superintendent of Transportation, has reached his high position in the Service along the hard work route. Combined with unfailing courtesy, which has made his method of dealing with the public at all times a valuable asset to the Department, he has a capacity for thoroughness in everything he takes in hand and a habit of reaching finality with the most intricate problems that never fail to inspire both admiration and emulation in those who have been associated with him at the various stages of his career. He is fonder of work than of play. His wide range of experience in executive positions at various railway centres in New Zealand has well qualified him for his present duties. Mr. Harris joined the Railway as a cadet at Auckland in 1884, reaching the position of Stationmaster at Papakura nine years later. After a short period as relieving officer in the Auckland district he was successively clerk in the Traffic Manager's office at Wanganui and in the Traffic Superintendent's office at Wellington. In 1908 he was appointed Traffic Clerk at Auckland, and in 1912 was transferred to the same position at Dunedin. He was subsequently Assistant District Traffic Manager at Dunedin and Christchurch, and District Traffic Manager at Wanganui and Auckland. In February 1924 he was appointed to his present position.