PERSONAL MATTERS.

Mr J. H. Gunson defeated Mr R. Tudehopc for the Mayoralty of Auckland.

Mre Claude Jones, of Khandalah, is at present on a visit to her aunt, Mrs Marley, of Carnarvon.

Mrs \V. M. Halley, of the Taratahi, has had to enter a private hospital to undergo an operation.

The death is reported of a very old resident New Plymouth—Mr John Crozier—at the age of 89 years.

Mr John Diucen, truant inspector for the Wellington Education Board, paid a visit to the Mnstcrtou school yesterday.

The Rev. .I. *'• Comric has been rosippointcd chairman, and Mr W. J. Brown honorary treasurer, oi the JSew Zealand Alliance.

At a smoke concert on Wednesday night, Mr Winchester was presented .■with a handsome token of esteem by the settlers of Pongaroa.

A London cablegram states that Colonel M. W. Tigho has been appointed Major-General commanding the forces against German East Africa. General llutlon has resigned tho command of the 21st Division of the New Army, through ill-health, states a London cablegram.

Mr D. Hebenton, organiser of the Farmers , Union, loft Mastcrton this morning for Ballance, whero lie will, by invitation, address the local branch of the union.

The funeral of tho late Mr Thomas Sparks, senr., took place at Clarcville yesterday afternoon, tho cortege being a leniithy one. Deceased being a member of the Carterton Lodge of Oddfellows, a largo number of the brethren attended.

Arising out of tho resignation of Mill. H. Ostler, Senior Crown Law Officer, and the promotion oi. , Mr I'- S- K. Maeassey to'that position, Mr V. U. Meredith, of Wellington, has been appointed to the Crown Law Oilk-r. lie will commence, his duties on Monday.

Mr C. A. Marshall, of Cartcrtou, died at Cartcrtou on Wednesday afternoon. Deceased had been in feeble health for a very long time, and his end was not unexpected. He was a remittance man, and came to New Zealand many years ago his parents residing in England. The late Mr Marshall was f>o years of age.

The defence authorities have received advice of the death of No. 57492, Private Eugene Tangney, Sth (Southland) Company, Otago Infantry Battalion, main body, New Zealand expeditionary force, on April -Oth, from pneumonia. Deceased's next-of-km is >liss Mary Tangney, Good Shepherd Convent, Mount Magdala, Ilalswell, Christchurch. Private Tangney was 25 years of age. At the annual meeting of the Eketaliuna Club on Wednesday night, the president (Mr Y. C. Tumor), vicepresident (Mr J. P. Lowes), and secretary and treasurer (Mr J. S. Tripe) were'all re-elected. The new committee consists of Messrs Cowlani, Dempsey, Keilsen, Page and Allen. Very handsome silver cups donated by various members of the Club, and won in a billiard and snooker competition, were presented as follows:—Billiard championship, Mr T. Knight; snooker championship, (unfinished); handicap billiards Mr C Davie: handicap snooker, Mr T. Murray; rose bowl for highest break in snooker, Mr Cowlam; trophy for highest break in billiards, Mr Athol Smith? News has ben received iv Auckland of the death of Captain 11. -I. I. Walker, you of Mr and Mrs Henry C. H. Walker, of Kemuera. The text of the telegram from the Secretary of State for War is as follows:—"Deeply regret Captain Walker, Ist Eoyal Warwickshire Kegiment, killed in action.. April 25th. Lord Kitchener expresses sympathy." Advice was received on January 22nd that Lieutenant Walker had been promoted to the rank of captain. His name was mentioned in dispatches the following month for "gallantry and distinguished service in the litdd." Captain Walker was 25 years of age.