A RETIRED INDIAN OFFICIAL
The news of the death of Mr. Sydney William Chart, of West wood, Newtown-road, came quite as a surprise to most of those who had known him, for he was out and about on Friday. He was found unconscious in his bed on Saturday morning, having had a seizure during the night, and without regaining consciousness. He passed away on Tuesday. Since his return home from India he had lived in Newbury and the locality, and has been a keen Church worker. A man of most regular habits, he was conscientious to a degree in anything he took up, and in a quiet and unostentatious way was always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

Sydney William Chart was the son of the late William John Clark, an architect and surveyor of Mitcham, Surrey. When thirteen years of age he entered the Railway Clearing House in 1857, remaining there until 1864, when he secured an appointment with the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, first in the audit department, eventually rising as chief in charge of the cashiers and pay department. He remained in the Company's service when it was taken over by the Government, and retired 1901 under the new limit after 38 years' service. How much his services were appreciated may be judged by the fact that the Company had his portrait painted in oils and hung in the magnificent block of buildings which form the offices in Bombay. H e was probably the oldest Volunteer in the district for as a drummer boy he took part in the first great Volunteer Review which was held in Hyde Park, and then whilst in India he was amongst those who started the Bombay Volunteer Artillery. He held many gold medals for shooting and Queen Victoria's medal for long service with the Volunteers. He was also a recipient of a handsome presentation from the members of the Bombay Volunteer Artillery for his valuable service on behalf of the Corps.

He was connected with Newbury by marriage, his wife being Miss Garn of this town, and when he left India, it was to Newbury that he turned to spend the evening of his days. He first resided in the Craven-road, and afterwards went to Kingsclere Woodlands. He was there 16 years and took his share in parish life as Churchwarden. In 1919 he came back to Newbury, residing in Westwood Lodge. His wife survives him, and they celebrated their golden wedding on Christmas Day three years ago. He leaves an only son and three daughters.