High Standard of Work.

In the course of his work Mr. Widdop had been associated with works of great importance. He understood that in co-operation with the District Engineer he was responsible for the construction of the Greymouth wharves as they were to-day. What would no doubt be the greatest monument to his memory was that his was practically the inception of the present big scheme for extended railway facilities at Wellington, now in course of fruition. As General Manager, he greatly appreciated the great help, very loyal assistance, and sound judgment he had had from Mr. Widdop. The time had been a strenuous one, with a tremendous programme of work, and the greater portion of page 15 the work had fallen on Mr. Widdop and his branch, but it had been carried out on a high standard entirely to their credit. It was traditional in the service that the standard of the Maintenance Branch should be a high one. Commission after Commission had stated that the track left nothing to be desired, a great tribute to Mr. Widdop and the men who went before him, especially when the nature of the country was taken into consideration. The fact that they were running fast passenger trains in the dead of night without accident was a tribute to the branch and its head, which, in regard to the safety of the public, left nothing to chance. He thanked him sincerely for his loyalty in difficult times, and he was charged by his colleagues to express their appreciation of his co-operation.

Mr. Sterling also spoke in high terms of Mr. Widdop's helpful association with his staff, and of his life in general, which was an example of what the lives of the heads of branches should be.