PERSONAL ITEMS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11551, 6 April 1903, Page 5

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Sir J. G. Ward will arrive in Christchurch to-morrow evening, and on Wednesday morning will receive two deputations, to be introduced by Mr Geo. Witty, M.H.R., with regard to the Belfast railway station nnd the trucking accommodation at Hornby railway station. He will also receive a deputation from the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society in connection with matters regarding the Society's grounds. Tho Hetf. W. Hall-Jones, Minister for Public Works, arrived in Timaru from Dunedin on Saturday, and .spent yesterday at his homo at Scarborough. Today the Minister leaves Timaru at midday for Mount Somers, on a visit of inspection, and ihe is expected to reach C—ristchurch) to-morrow evening. The Hon. T. Y. Duncan, Minister for Lands, arrived in Christchuroh from Wellington on Saturday. The marriage of the Rev. Dr. EVlorley to Nursing Sister Grace Webster took place at Adelaida tho other day. Dr. Jessie Maddison arrived from the north on Saturday. A telegram from Auckland states that Captain Morris, M.L.C., is conscious and out of danger. Mr C. J. Seufft (Dusseldorf) and Mr and Mrs Simms (Grassmere) arrived from the north on Saturday morning. Commissioner Tunbridge arrived from Wellington on' 'Saturday morning. Mr Lawrence Bjrks. electrical engineer to the City Council, reached Christchurch on Saturday.

Mr D. A. Abercrombic left for Wellington by ■Saturday night's steamer. Mr H. C. Eaton. Mr E. E. Williams, Mr James Edgar, and Mr G. Laing-Meason went couth by the express on Saturday morning. Mr H. D. Buchanan, Mr J. F. Buchanan, and Mr A. E. Murray left for Little Rive r on .Saturday morning. Mr A. Barber left for Springfield on Saturday morning. Captain and Mrs Coleman (Ashburton), Mr T. A. Phillips (Oamam), Mr R. N. Bealey (Hororata), and Mr L- Crowley for .the north) left town on Saturday (morning. Commander Campbell, of tho Wellington Naval Brigade, -is likely to receive the appointment of Under-Secretary for Defence, in succession to Sir Arthur Douglas, a Wellington correspondent hears on good autliority. Lieutenant-Commander Campbell is at presenti assistant property tax commissioner, but has for years taken very active interest in volunteers nnd defence matters as an officer of the Navnls. Mr G. P. Woke, solicitor, of Greymouth, who was formerly headmaster of the Timaru Main School, is at present spending a brief holiday in Timaru. Mr Griffiths (Melbourne), Mr Reid, Mr Whut.'.oy, Mr Goodman (Dunedin), Mr Boyd (Wistport), Mr W. Emery, and Miss Emery (Dunedin), Mr N. W. K'ngdon (D lined in), Mr E. Austin, Mr and Mrs Mcllraith (Honwbush), Mr W. GriffithsSmith. Mr and Mrs J. A. McKerrow (Dunedin), Dr. Fyffo (Wellington), Mr W. Milne (Oamam), art;" Dr. Laing (Devcnport) are visitors to Cliiistcluirch. Mr FitzGerald, who succeeds Mr Shana#han as clerk of tho Lytteiton Magistrate's Co tut, arrived yesterday by t_e Te An an. 'Mdlle. Dolores, Mdlle. Vandour, and Mr J. Kevin Tait arrived from the North yesterdiiv.

Miss M. E. Bush, the Christchurch contralto, is about to follow the lead of many | other colonial vocalists, and visit the Old Country for the purpose of cultivating her voice. Miss Bush will probably sing at the Royal Humane Society's concert, and will give a song recital' next month, prior to leaving for London.. In going to England :he. is acting on the advice of Mad.iiiM Belle Cole. In a pleasant letter to t.lfi young vocalist., received by last mail, M adamo Cole congratulates her upon hr.r decision and her progress. The celebrated singer adds: "I often wonder if I will ever hava the good fortune to be with you again. I hope so. Tso often think of yc-tt nil out there. I have had a most splendid ytvtr. never mere busy and never in such good form for my work. Everyone says I have never sung so well. It has not. l.et'ii a, particularly good musical season, bat. I have been very busy. Clara Butt is vtry ill with feme internal trouble. The poor girl ban had an operation, and is still ia b:-(i. Miss Crosxley is in America for tha winter. Give my very kind regards to all who inquire for me in New Zealand. I shall always have a warm spot in my heart fcr iit and the people there."