On one occasion the General Manager happened to step off the train to interview the station master. Amongst other subjects spoken of was the troublesome operator. He immediately stepped across the passage to have audience with the obnoxious telegrapher.
In a very impressive tone he said, “Young man, I hear a great many complaints against you. You had better be careful or I shall have you discharged.”
The operator not knowing the General Manager from Adam, never having seen him before, looked at him in surprise, and said, “Who in the blank are you, anyway?”
“I am Mr. Bidder. Be careful, sir.”
“I don’t care a blank whether you are Mr. Bidder or Mr. Auctioneer,” turned on his heel and walked away.
It may be explained that, although doing railway telegraph work, he was actually employed by the telegraph company, and believed the railway company had nothing to do with him, in this he was mistaken. This interview more than confirmed the numerous complaints, and the services of the youth were immediately dispensed with.
Mr. S. P. Bidder was the first General Manager of the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada.
All Fools’ Day Incident.
In the year 1855, when the Government of Canada was located at Quebec, a Militia Bill was passed, dividing the militia into active and sedentary, the first to consist of volunteer troops of various grades and classes. Provision was made for dividing the country into military districts, regimental divisions and battalion divisions, with officers for each. This was the first step towards the organization of a regular volunteer force in Canada.