THE LATE DRIVER CURRIE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10107, 7 May 1917, Page 5

THE LATE DRIVER CURRIE.

IIIS COMRADE’S TRIBUTE,

At the meeting of tho Palmerston North branch of tho N.Z. Locomotive Engine Drivers’, Firemen and Cleaners’ Association yesterday, the chairman. Mr P. L. Langford, made feeling and sympathetic reference to the Joss sustained by the branch and its members bv tho sudden and untimely death of Mr J. Currie, engine driver. What made the passing more sad. ho said, was the fact that their late comrade was actually struck down whilst on duty on his engine, and passed away after a few hours’ illness. Many of the members present paid a last, tribute to their late comrade’s sterling character as a man and a unionist. After arrangements had l>een made for the funeral, the meeting carried in silence a motion recording its deepest sympathy with the bereaved widow and children, and out of redirect to his memory adjourned for a week. The late Mr Currie spent the last 18 years of his railway service In Palmerston, with the exception ol a few years at Fox ton. The large assemblage of railway men at tho _ funeral yesterday afternoon was a fine tribute to their departed comrade, and indicated the extent to which he had endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact. All grades ol the service were represented. The Locomotive Department was represented by Mr McNeelv, locomotive foreman. The Council and Grand Council of the N.Z. Locomotive Drivers’, Firemen and Cleaners’ Association was represented by Mr L L Lewin, the Grand Councillor for the District-, and the local branch by practically all its members, with all the officers. As a special tlibido to the deceased’s memory. tno engine he regularly worked was placed juSt outside the loco, shed and draped with crepe and (lowers, and as tho cortege [tasted on its way. it. stood a silent, token of respect to the one who was being taken to his last resting place. The pall-bearers were Engine-drivers A. Alsop, .!•.. Andrews, F. Ellis and B. Boden. representing the loco, men, and the Masonic Brethren, and Messrs F. J. Lewin. Grand Councillor, and .7. J. Allingham. branch secretary, representing the Ihocdmotive Association. Ihe funeral was also a!tenths! by membots of tito Masonic and Orange Lodges.