THE LATE MR. DAVIDSON

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 219, 10 June 1919, Page 6

THE LATE MR. DAVIDSON

A EULOGY. A eulogy of tho life, and work of tho lato Mr. Hercules Davidson, formerly Chief Accountant of the Railways Department, is published in tho "Railway Officers' Advocate." The writer says:— "■His was a type that is all toy rare in the service to-day. He was a railwayman almost from infancy, having started at tho age of eleven as weighbridge bov at'Arbroath. But. long hours of labour at a tender ago did not rob him of a desire for education and culture. Those 119 set out to acquire by his own personal endeavour, and men most intimate with him could jud:;e of his success. A brilliant accountant, liq gave years of faithful service to his .Department in. "building up tho system of accounts which is such an outstanding feature uf our railways, and all this he did without kudos or prospect of preferment: As an executivo officer ho set a very .high standard as a disciplinarian. Ifo took a deep interest in each individual member of his staff; and while at times kindly and approachable, iie never descended to familiarity. His advice was often sought 1 and given in thu most intimate family matters. His sound judgment nnd-strong common senso helped lo unravel many a personal perplexity, jjf. was a strong individualist, believing m a fixed aim and ambition in life, and the training and perfection ol one's powers towards that end. Outside his office, life ho was a citizen of no mean standing. ... A line type of broad-minded Christian, his works spoke far louder than his words. lie was ever ready to visit tlio sick and the bereaved, and many a mile has he trodden 011 such errands. There arc souls that he has helped aero-.'; the border when no clergyman would have been admitted. In addition to these many activities ho followed up the absorbing hobby of photography, and in time came .to rank as one of tho leading amateurs in tlio Dominion,, besides receiving recognition ill Loudon and Sydney."