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.

Deeds of Kindness

Many good deeds are done of which little or nothing is heard, their value being, however, none the less real. Amongst these was the action of the girls of the typing staff of Railway Head Office in arranging for placing three children in this year's Health Camp.

Anyone who has been associated with these camps knows how almost universally beneficial they are to physically backward children—how the kiddies put on pounds and pounds in weight, and are sent home in glowing health to parents who sometimes have difficulty in recognising, in these fat, tough, bouncing youngsters, their own formerly somewhat puny offspring. All credit, then, to those who, recognising the need, do what they can to forward so worthy an object.

The Mystery Wave

No one can finally resist the mystery wave which is sweeping over this country in the tramping-train movement.

After days of set routine, when the only matter about which there is much chance to speculate is perhaps the possible romance wrapped up in a chance caller, or the composition of the next meal, there is something wonderfully attractive about the idea of setting off for you don't know where, in the company of you don't know whom, and leaving all planning to an authority in which the utmost reliance can be placed—in this case, the Railway Department. Hence every mystery train is a success, and the demand for these grows. The people of the districts visited enter into the spirit of the outing with much heartiness, and render assistance in every way possible, many owners of private properties throwing open their estates for the pleasure of the tramping parties. As some of the finest native forest lies in such country, this privilege is greatly appreciated, and care is taken that the properties suffer in no way from the incursion.

A reminder is always issued by the Department on this point, and some amusement was caused on a recent tramp regarding the way in which one lady had observed the warning. The lunch had taken place in the bush, about a thousand disposing themselves in comfort along the banks of a beautiful stream. After lunch, this lady was seen to wrap up carefully the tea-leaves in a piece of paper and pack the parcel to take home, rather than throw the tea-leaves out on the ground in this thousand-acre forest. Such super-care is an inspiration.

Tribute to Staff

In the course of his speech at the annual reunion of the Railways Chief Accountant's Branch, held at Wellington on 10th September, the Assistant General Manager of Railways, Mr. G. H. Mackley, referring to the cordial relations exisiting between the management and the staff, said: “I regard myself as a unit of the service, and am always prepared to meet, on a common footing, every member of the staff. The compliments paid by prominent businessmen,” said Mr. Mackley, “have been very flattering and encouraging regarding the manner in which members of the Department go about their work. If that spirit continues to prevail we need have no fear of getting where we want to in the not-too-distant future.”

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