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These hats were part of the uniform of CNR conductors. Many of the duties of the conductor involved working with the travelling public, and so he was one of the most visible of railwaymen. The conductor was expected to keep his uniform in spotless condition. The standard, as they expressed it, was that he was supposed to be able to 'shave himself in his shoes'-- looking at his own reflection in the buffed surface. One of the most well-liked conductors passing through Kensington station was Johnnie R. MacLauchlan. The conductor collected the tickets, and Johnnie R. had a reputation for giving free passage to students travelling to the business college in Summerside. He also declined to charge anyone taking the train to the Prince County hospital. (Railway Heritage Association, photo by Tom MacDonald)