The death, at the advanced age of 87 years, took place at Christchurch on 7th July last of Mr. John Timms, formerly Inspector of Permanent Way. During his employment in the Railway Department the deceased was known as John Smith, but on his retirement it was ascertained that his name should properly have been John Timms. He was a very old servant of the Department, having been employed on the first railway in New Zealand. He had worked as a platelayer before coming to the colony, and after his arrival obtained employment with the contractors (Messrs. Holmes and Richardson) constructing the Lyttelton to Christchurch Railway. In September, 1867, he was appointed ganger at Christchurch in the service of the Canterbury Provincial Railways. He retained this position till September, 1871, when he became Inspector on construction work, in which capacity he was temporarily transferred to the Public Works Department. He was engaged in supervision of platelaying contracts during the construction of the Main South Line in Canterbury and North Otago. He returned to the Working Railways Department as Inspector of Permanent Way at Oamaru in May, 1877, and was transferred to Christchurch in a similar capacity in August, 1884. He retired on superannuation on 31st March, 1906.