Spring affects different people in different ways. Some become restless, due to spring; others become reckless, blaming spring—like Omar Khayyan with his

“And then—and then came spring And, rose in hand,

My threadbare penitence apieces tore”—;

while others again regard spring as a season of opportunity, reform, new beginnings, and improvements. This latter touch of spring—the “spring cleaning” touch—is an instinctive effect to which all humanity responds; a vital part of the “longings, fightings, strivings for the good they comprehend not,” from which all human progress is derived. It is one of the compensations in world affairs that spring comes to different parts of the world at different times, thus making the “spring urge” a continuous but distributed process that never lets the world as a whole sink into a tideless-blooded lethargy.

The railwayman is responsive, like his fellows, to the spring stirring which, being a touch of nature, makes the whole world kin. He sets a new outlook on life and the affairs of every day.

He is prompted to cast his eyes around to see in what way his environment may be improved. Perhaps he looks over the lay-out of his depot, office, workshop, goods shed, yard, or whatever sectional job is under his immediate control, to think out practical methods for improving matters. He may decide on a general clear-up or re-arrangement, a kind of stock-taking of his resources; he will look over any arrears to get them off the slate.

Then there is the general appearance of the place to consider. Gardens are prepared, where possible, to bring natural beauty into touch with industry, and to give pleasure both to those who work the railways and to those who trade with them.

Thinking of the Department's clients, the spring-inspired railwayman plans out new ways by which the service given at his station or depot may be improved to suit the public needs, and schemes to keep present clients pleased and to attract new ones. For, after all, it is the impression gained by the public from the individuals composing the service, that frequently swings the balance for or against railway patronage. The fifteen thousand employees of the Department, page 6 with their relatives and dependants, mix through the whole social structure of the country, and are in suitable environment for helping to shape public opinion to ensure action favourable to the use of the railways. Springtime is a good time to realise opportunities by effective action along these lines, for the common good of the service.