Our obituary of to-day records the death of an old public servant in Newton-Stewart—Mr William Harding. Early in life he was a shoemaker, but this being too sedentary an occupation for him, he subsequently became letter-carrier for the northern division of Newton-Stewart and Minnigaff, which situation he held for nearly 20 years. Finding his health failing him, he resigned this post in favour of his eldest son, James, and the Post Office authorities allowed him a small pension, in recognition of his faithful services. In addition to the public duties referred to, he acted as librarian to the Reading Room and Mechanics' Institute. In these situations he was much respected, both for his attention to the duties of his office and for his affability of manners. He was also for many years local correspondent of an Ayr paper; and the past history of Newton-Stewart, and the bygone events which old people so fondly cherish, were spread out in his mind clear as a map. Many an instructive chat have we enjoyed with Mr Harding. On Thursday afternoon his remains were interred in Penninghame churchyard.