THE " WESTERN MAIL " BEARS TESTIMONY TO MR WALKER'S EXTRAORDINARY WORTH.

A man of noble character and of remarkable genius has been lost by the death of Mr T. A. Walker, the eminent contractor. The history of our country teems with the names of patriotic sons who have contributed towards building up the fabric of our English civilisation, and amongst these surely not the least famous are the great merchant princes and enterprising contractors. Glancing at the catalogue of gigantic deeds performed by Mr Walker, we are not less struck with the amazing conception and execution of the work accomplished by him than grateful that such men have been sent into the world for the purpose of facilitating commerce, and thus unspeakably benefiting mankind. By his labours many lands have been made richer and more prosperous, and, above all, this country is indebted to his marvelous skill. The history of that most colossal achievement, the boring of the Severn Tunnel, is sufficient illustration of the daring skill with which Mr Walker conceived his plans and the indomitable perseverance with which he carried them out. His personal character was as noble as his intellect was great. Wherever his contracts called him and his workmen there his philanthropy prepared, not only fit dwellings for the men, but places of amusement, of recreation, and of worship. His generosity was unfailing, and his kindness was extended to all. We regret that, while yet comparatively young, so noble a man should have been cut down. The history of his life, however, is prolific of encouragement to such as are labouring in difficulties and adversities. A self-made man, Mr Walker achieved a name and a fame which will live long among his fellow-men.

THE " MORNING POST " AND " STANDARD. "

The Morning Post and Standard of Tuesday last contained the following reference to the death of Mr Walker : - " Mr T. A. Walker, the contractor for the Manchester Ship Canal, died at Mount Ballam, near Chepstow, yesterday. His health had been failing seriously for some time, but his death was not immediately expected. He had some time since made all the necessary arrangements for the completion of his important contracts, in the event of his death, by his executors and staff of agents. Mr Walker's two chief contracts now pending are the Manchester Ship Canal Works and the harbour works at Buenos Ayres undertaken for the Argentine Government. Both of these works are well advanced, upwards of £2,000,000 having been expended on the works at Manchester and about £1,500,000 at Buenos Aryes. Among the great public works in this country constructed by Mr Walker were the Severn Tunnel, the Inner Circle Railway through London, the Barry Dock and Railways in South Wales, and the Prince of Wales Docks at Cardiff (ed.- incorrect - should be Swansea!). In these enterprises Mr Walker was closely associated with the leading engineers of the day, notably Sir John Hawkshaw, Mr Abernethy, Mr Leader Williams, and Mr J. Wolfe Barry. Mr Walker leaves a widow and four daughters. His son-in-law, Mr Charles H. Walker, is the chief agent in charge of the Buenos Ayres works, and his son-in-law, Mr Nott, is the agent in charge of the two sections of the Manchester Ship Canal, at the Manchester end. Mr Walker leaves a very considerable estate.

RECOLLECTIONS OF AN OLD FRIEND OF MR WALKER'S.

In course of conversation with our representative one evening this week, Mr John Robinson, C.E., the resident engineer of the Barry Dock & Railways Company, paid a high tribute to the memory of the deceased gentleman. Mr Robinson first came into immediate contact with Mr Walker whilst constructing the Whitechapel Extension of the East London Railway system, of which the former gentleman was the resident engineer, and Mr Walker was the contractor. The entire cost of this work was £91,661 1s 1d, and the line was opened in March, 1884. A remarkable instance showing Mr Walker's extraordinary energy and determination is afforded by an incident, related to Mr Robinson, which occurred in connection with the construction of the Whitechapel Extension line. Mr Walker had promised Sir Edward Watkin that the line should be opened on a certain date, and in order to fulfil his promise Mr Walker and Mr Robinson were constantly on the ground for some time personally superintending the works, the former acting in the capacity of ganger on several occasions. In this way the work was pushed forward with rapidity, and the entire line was completed within the time stipulated. The Standard, of March 3rd, 1884, referring to the completion of this contract, stated : - "The Whitechapel Extension of the East London Railway was inspected on Saturday by General Hutchinson, R.E., of the Railway Department of the Board of Trade. He was accompanied by Mr Shaw, the secretary, Mr Spagnolletti, Mr John Robinson, resident engineer, Mr Charles Barry's representative, Mr Thomas Walker, the contractor, Mr Banister, C.E., Mr Williams, traffic superintendent of the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, and a number of other gentlemen. The Inspector made a careful examination of the works, and the line is now certified as ready to be opened for traffic. This extension branches from the East London Railway, under Cotton-street, passes under Raven-row, East Mount-street, the London Hospital, and the Whitechapel-road, in front of the Pavilion Theatre, and terminates at St Mary's Station, near the Volunteers' Drill Hall, where it joins the extension, now in course of construction, of the Metropolitan and District Railway."