Colonel J. J. Esson, C.M.G., who is to be the first chairman of the Railway Board, was born at Picton in 1869, and was educated at public schools and privately. He joined the Public Service in the Post and Telegraphic Department at Picton in 1881. From Picton he was transferred to New Plymouth, Marton and Wellington. In Wellington he was transferred to the accounts branch, where he took charge of the clearing room. After twenty - five years in the Postal Department, he was transferred to the Treasury, where he held successively the positions of clerk-in-charge of the pay and revenue branch, and Chief Clerk and Inspector. In 1916 he was appointed Accountant and Assistant-Secretary. On the retirement of Colonel Collins as Auditor General, and the appointment of Colonel Campbell in his place, Colonel Esson succeeded the latter as Secretary to the Treasury. Following the war, he was a member of the Economic Commission set up by the Government, and was also a member of the Uniformity Board, covering the different services of the State, and the Stores Control Board. He was recalled from active service in connection with special work on finance and defence. He acted as Assistant Public Service Commissioner during the regrading of the Service. Having had nearly forty - four years’ service, he was retired voluntarily on superannuation and the Government, desirous of utilising his expert financial training and knowledge, retained him as Financial Adviser.