It is with the greatest regret that I have to record the death on the 22nd December, at his residence Lower Hutt, of Mr. A. N. Longton. The late Mr. Longton joined the Railway Service as a Cadet in the Chief Engineer's office in 1897. He was later transferred to the Head Office, where he served several years, both as a Cadet and clerk, being subsequently stationed at Stratford, Wanganui, Aramoho, Otaki, Wakefield, and Lambton (Wellington). For the past six years he had occupied a responsible position in the Wellington goods office.

The late Mr. Longton took a keen interest in the affairs of the Railway Officers' Institute, being an active member of the Wellington branch, and a member of the Branch Committee. When the Executive Committee and the Headquarters of this Institute were transferred to Wellington, Mr. Longton was elected a member of that committee. He was also a member of the North Island Railway Appeal Board, being elected in 1920, and capably filled the position for a term of three years.

Although suffering from ill-health through a period of many years, nothing could daunt his cheerful courage and manly optimism. In his death the Railways lose a fine officer and the community a worthy citizen.

The funeral of the deceased took place on 24th December at Karori Cemetery. Four of his fellow officers acted as pall-bearers, and all branches of the service were represented.

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Another Railwayman Passes.

The death was recently announced at Auckland of Mr. Frederick Berry, an ex-railway enginedriver. The late Mr. Berry who was well known to the older members of the service, was for many years a senior engineman, and up to the time of his retirement on superannuation a few years ago, had a record of complete freedom from accidents of any kind. He emigrated from England after service on the Great Eastern Railway, and was one of the earliest drivers in Canterbury, being later transferred to the North Island.

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The local Railway cricket team is continuing to do well in the Junior Championship, and is now leading by a clear 4 points. In its first match with Kilbirnie, Railway disposed of its opponents for 113, and 76, replying with 318 runs for 6 wickets for its one visit to the crease. The chief scorers for the Railway were: Fay 99, Gill 88, Knapp 29, Gray 19, Hoare 19, McLeod 10. During the New Year holidays, the local team visited Wanganui, and tried conclusions with the Railway representatives of that town. Wellington won a close game by 12 runs on the first innings, the scores being: Wellington 126, Wanganui 114. The visiting players, who were billeted by members of the Wanganui team, had a most enjoyable trip, and all speak in glowing terms of the hospitality accorded them.