PERSONAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 265, 2 November 1908, Page 2

PERSONAL

Mr. A. S. Aldricli, Jiipanese (.'iuisiiL who died at I'araparaumu last week, had a rather remarkable history, lie was a young man in the railway service at Dublin some forty years when Japan began to make'systematic preparation lor the assumption of greater national importance. She engaged competent men in England and Germany lo organise her Civil Service, and the gc'ieial plan included a policy of railwayAmong I lie eNperts who went to the East was Air. Aldricli, who rose ■to. llu - position of chief secretary o' railways, lie remained in (lie .Japanese service until the late nineties, when he retired on a substantial pension mid settled in New Zealand, where lie had purchased an estate at Hunnythorpc during a visit paid to the Dominion' when on furlough. The late Mr. Aldricli ] was the recipient of many special marks, ol distinction from tho Japanese Government, being Hit- lir*l Knglishinan presented with the order of (he Rising .Sun, and also that of (tie Jlirror. Airs. Aidrich is at present en route from England to Wellington. Deceased leaves an adult laiuily of whom .Mrs. P. L. Dignan (Auckland), Mrs. 11. I!. Smith (Wellington), J Irs. Charles McKenzie (TTawkcs Bay), Mr*, .lames lidgeeomlw (Richmond. England), and Jlr. A. S. Aldricli, jun., slieepfarmer, are members.