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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 3 (July 1, 1927)

New Superintendent of Staff

page 5

New Superintendent of Staff.

Although the position of Superintendent of Staff on the New Zealand Railways has been established for only a little over two years, there have already been three occupants of the position. The late Mr. W. O. Ennis, who was specially chosen on account of his wide experience, knowledge and tact, held the position for only 15 months when a disastrous motor accident terminated his long and honourable career. His successor, Mr. B. A. Marris, had occupied the position barely a month before it became known that he desired to retire into private business, and although, since then, he has carried on for almost a year, a settled staffing policy could hardly be looked for until a new appointment was made.

Mr. J. Brown.

Mr. J. Brown.

Mr. J. Brown, who has now succeeded to the position, is a railway man with 33 years service, and has seen rapid promotion during the last three years. He comes to the work with many good years of service before him, and the experience he has recently gained as Chairman of the Shunting Commission and Chairman of the Regrading Committee places him in a particularly fortunate position for knowing both the men and the problems they have to face in all the varied activities upon which the Department is engaged.

Mr. Brown has many personal qualities which suit him for his new position. He has a ready capacity for sizing up either a man or a situation, and a cheery outlook on life which should help, when applied to the problems of staff management, to maintain contentment amongst the members and assist in the development of courtesy and efficiency. These are the qualities which produce satisfaction and pleasure for the trading and travelling public, and good service for the Department.

Joining the Railways as a cadet at Oamaru in 1894, he worked up through various positions, including that of Clerk at Caversham, and in the Traffic Inspector's, Traffic Superintendent's and District Manager's offices at Dunedin. Mr. Brown was for several years Stationmaster at Burke's and in 1913 became Assistant Relieving Officer at Dunedin. After experience in the District Manager's offices at Dunedin and Wellington he was appointed Assistant District Traffic Manager at Auckland in 1924 and the following year became District Traffic Manager at Wanganui. The appointment to his present position dates from 1st June, 1927.

The Creed of Elbert Hubbard.

I believe in the stuff I am handing out, in the firm I am working for, and in my ability to get results.

I believe in working—not weeping; in boosting—not knocking; and in the pleasure of my job.

I believe that a man gets what he honestly goes after; that one deed done to-day is worth two deeds to-morrow, and that no man is “down and out” until he has lost faith in himself.

I believe there is something doing, somewhere, for every man ready to do it.

I believe in to-day and the work I am doing; in to-morrow and the work I hope to do, and in the sure reward that the future holds.