OBITUARY.

MR CHARLES RANSON. EX-MANAGER OF N.S.S. COMPANY. The death occurred yesterday morning at his residence, Bassett Road, Remuera, of Mr Charles Ranson, who retired from the position of manager of the Northern Steamship Company in May, 1921, after having held that post for 34 years.

When Mr Ranson joined the company in the early days it was a comparatively small concern, but during his long term as manager the company developed a big coastal trade, built a large fleet, and paid regular dividends.

Mr Ranson was born, in Suffolk, England, close on 75 years ago. He came to New Zealand in 1876, and for five years managed the auctioneering and shipping business of the firm of Freeman R, Jackson, of Wanganui. After opening an agency for that firm at Hawera, Mr Ranson went to Auckland as accountant for the firm of Hun-

ter and Nolan, auctioneers, which is now merged in the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd. In 1887, Mr Ranson was about to leave New Zealand, when one of the directors of the Northern Steamship Company, Mr J. McCosh Clark, casually mentioned to him that the board had decided to wind up that company. Mr Ranson stated that he believed he could make the company a success, and he was appointed manager the next morning. There were at that time eight vessels, and 100 employees, the shares being unsaleable at 1/6 each. Mr Ranson got the 20/ shares written down to 14/6, and the 12/6 shares to 7/. Then the work of reorganisation went on rapidly, and when Mr Ranson retired the fleet was 40 vessels, and the number of employees 500. The Clansman was the only vessel left which belonged to the fleet in 1887.

It is of interest to note that during the period of Mr Sanson's management only five vessels were lost —the Gailock, off Taranaki, in 1903; the Kia Ora, between Ifawhia and Raglan, in 1907; the Muritai, on the Hen and Chickens Island, in 1908; the auxiliary scow Te Teko, on Slipper Island, in 1920; and the Tasman, off Whakatane, in 1921.

Deceased was a steward of the Auckland Bacing Club, an enthusiastic bowler, and as one of those connected with the organisation of the Whangarei regattas in past years was keenly interested in regattas both in Auckland and elsewhere.

Mr Eanson leaves a widow and two sons, Mr Maurice Eanson, engineer in the Northern Steamship Company, and Mr Hector Eanson, who is farming at Waiuku. CAPTAIN JAMES CEAWFOED. The death occurred at his late residence, 33 Fairview Road, Mt. Eden, on Monday, after a brief illness, of Captain James Crawford, in his 80th year. Deceased was well-known to- the older generation in Whangarei, having been mate on the s.s. Argyle under the late Captain Stevenson, and having been on the Whangarei to Auckland ferry service for a considerable time about 30 years ago. Deceased married Miss Knaggs, of the Mangapai district, and she survives him. After leaving the Northern Steamship Company's service the late Captain Crawford commanded the s.s. Waitaki and continued trading to Whangarei in that vessel.