PERSONAL

A London .cablegram states that Lieutenant-GiCTieral Bird wood has been promoted to be general.

An early official! announcement nmy be expected (says the Wellington correspondent of the Lyttelton Times) of the appointment of Mr T. M. Wilford, M.P. for Hutt, to fill the vacancy in the Cabinet caused by the death of the Hon. Dr. McNab.

Mr B. P. Biu-bmy, the'agricultural adviser' to the Canterbury Commissioner of the National Efficiency Board, was a visitor to the A. and P. Show yesterday. He is procooding to Havelock, and will return to Blenheim shortly, remaining hero- a fcuv days. During hi;; stay hw will confer with the Marlborough Coniinioteo of Advice.

The death occmred at T\Va;iganui yesterday nffcej-noon. of Mr Edward Purser. The. deceased gentleman, who wiu? 7o years of age. arrived in New Zealand with his wife in the early days, landing at Nelson. .Mo came on to the Wairan, and settled in Blenheim, remaining here until the late •nineties, when the family removed to Wangaimi. During his residence hers Mr Purser served a term as Mayor. Ho established a. largo business in Wangaimi, which \h vow lacing ciirried on by sonic of his votip. The deceased is survived by a. widow, tix sons, and four daughters, ' and thri'e is a. large number of grandsuhildren. Tlie &>>ns arc Henry, George, and Albej-t- (Wimganui). Cyril and Frederick (Hsuvora), < and Williai.i (Raet(ihi); and the daughters M'e.sdames G. Adams, T. F. Hull, and C. H. Mills (Blenheim), and Mis« Purf»>r (Wanganui).