OBITUARY

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 141, 15 June 1926, Page 6

OBITUARY

-MR-. T.-A. PETERKIN.

Full of,years, there passed away at his residence, Woburn road, Lower Hutt, Mr. T. A. Peterkin, one of the best-known and respected members of that commum*yThe late Mr. Peterkin took an important part in public and social functions, and was at one time Mayor of Lower Hutt. It..was, however, In railway circles that Mr, Peterkin was best known as a considerable portion of his life was devoted to that^branch of the public service. He might, indeed, claim rank with a number of others who for the most part have passed away as one of the pioneers of New Zealand railway administration. When Mr. Peterkin joined the railway service there Were few lines, and these ,ran only a short distance from the larger towns. . That from Wellington extended only to the .town Hutt, and similar conditions prevailed through the Dominion. The. men who were placed in responsible ..positions were consequently called upon to exhibit versatility in many office-,' embracing the locomotive, traffic, maintenance, and workshops branches, and it is remarkable how well they managed things in. those days, apd how great is the' contrast with the specialised railway system now extending throughout the Dominion. It is well to remember the debt owing, to those who blazed-the trail,- and who- were to be found stimulating the work of breakdown gangsf restoring damaged lines of railway, and improving primative plants to meet the difficulties that sometimes occurred: ' Among these men Mr. Peterkin occupied a very worthy place. He was 88 years of age. Born in London, the late Mr: Peterkin joined the London and North-Western Railway, and became a leading hand. He emigrated to- Victoria, and for three years was manager of the Vulcan Foundry at Geelong. H<<" superintended the building of the freezing works at Rockhampton, and established. a foundry there. He afterwards served as an engineer on cable work, and' later brought out the St. Agnus to New Zealand. In 1876 he was appointel railway engineer at Westport, and for some time was' manager of the Christchureh Tramways. He rejoined the j railway service, serving at Hillside and ! Addington, and for seven years was again manager at "Westport. , In 1897 he: was appointed locoin'otive engineer at Wellington. c; ■•■•• ■'-• Before proceeding with the business at the Lower.Hutt .Borough Council meeting last evening, the Mayor (Mr. W; T. Strand) made feeling reference to the . passing away' of Mr. Peterkin He moved that a motion of sympathy be sent to the relatives, and this motion was carried in silence. It'was decided to .send s. wreath from the Councillors an_ citizens.