PERSONAL ITEMS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 837, 8 June 1910, Page 4

PERSONAL ITEMS.

The Hon. R. M'lCenzie, Minister for Public Works,'is expected to return from Nelson to-day. Messrs. T. E. Taylor, M.P., and T. Pa rata, M.P., are passengers by tho Maori, which left Lyttalton. last night i'or Wellington. Mr. 11. Horton, of Auckland, one of tho proprietors of the "New Zealand Herald," is at present on a visit to Wellington. E. CJjfton, licrrtl of tho Live Stock ami Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture, left for Auckland yesterday, and will return on l-'riday. Dr. Pomare, of the Health Department, has left Wellington 011 an official visit to tin- South Island. The Kev. John Dawson returned yesterday from a visit to Auckland. Mr. W. G. Loddef, managing engineer of the Gear Company's works, .Potone, leaves to-day by-the Main Trunk express for Rotorua, where Ho intends to spend a few weeks' holiday. Mr. John Y. Dirch, chief reporter of the Auckland "Herald/' and writer of Ihe libretto of "A MooYish Maid"" and other musical .comedies, has resigned his appointment to become press 'agent for Mr. Geo. Willoughby, the actor-manager, Mho lately introduced tho comedy "Tho Night of the Pavtv" to K«w Zealand.

Mr. R. E. "Wood, of this city, leaves on Friday by the Ulimaroa, and will join the Malwa at Sydney on a trip to England.

The Roy. A. Doull, M.A., of Otahuhu, who is being invited to the charge of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Cliuroh, Palmerstoii North, in succession to the Rev. I. Jolly, is the only son of the late Rev. J. Doull, of Bulls, and is look*# upon as one of the coming leaders of the Presbyterian Church. Ho took his Arts in. the New Zealand University, obtaining first-class honours in mathematics. During his theological course, ho studied two years in the Free Church Hall, Edinburgh. His ordination dates back to 13 years ago, when he was settkd in Rangiora. Some six years later he was called to Otahuhu, in which charge he has laboured with .diligence and much success. In temperance work he is one of the New Zealand leaders, and the Presbyterian General Assembly has given Mm, for 1 some turn.-, tho convtmership of its. temperance committee. His platform powers are of a high order, and his progress lias, given great satisfaction to his luany friends. Mr. Doull is a nephew of the late Rev. Mr. Wright, first minister of Palmerston North.

The friends of Mr. David Butterick, one ox Ashburton's oldest and most esteemed farmers, will regret to learn, that he is seriously ill.

A graceful tribute to the "Father of Auckland" was paid by the Governor (Lord Plunket), in replj.-'.* to the citizens' address of welcome a*. Oovernment House, Auckland, on Satii. y evening. : His Excellency, in replying * a remark by the Mayor regarding Kii.. George's visit to New Zealand, said thai *lie felt sure-that when he presented himself to his Majesty to give an account of his stewardship, one of the first, if not the first, questions that the King would ask would refer to the "Grand Old Man of Auckland," Sir John Logan Campbell. Ho had received a letter from Sir John that morning expressing regret\at being unable to be present, and hoping to have an opportunity of seeing him before he left for Home. Lord Plunket added that he would endeavour to see Sir John before he left, if only for the sake tof being able to tell King George that the Grand Old Man, who conferred such a lustre on the corporation of Auckland during his Majesty s visit to that city, was still alive, and as unswerving in his'loyalty to his sixth, as to the five previous Sovereigns under whom it had been his lot to live. These references .to Auckland's illustrious citizen were received >rith , hearty applause.

Mr. W. H. Swagnes, having declined appointment as secretary to the Wanganiii College Board of Governors, the board (says our local correspondent) has conferred the. appointment on Mr. J. P.'Williamson, of U'anganui.

Mr. F. Holloway and Miss Holloway, of Masterton, aro leaving Wellington by the Corinthic on June 16, on a visit to the Old Country. .

Mr. John Vallance, a well-known far-, mer in the Sefton district, died at his residence at .Mount Grey Downs on Sunday. He had been in indifferent health for some time, but was- able to be about until Saturday. He was a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, and came to, the Dominion about forty-six years ago, landing at Port Chalmers. He took a keen interest in agricultural and- public affairs, and for nearly thirty-; years was a member, of .the Kowai Road Board, of which he was several times chairman. He has left a widow, one son and fourdaughters.

On behalf of the staff of A. and T. Burt, Ltd., Mr. J. E. Burt presented their fellow employee, Mr. Norman Burnett, with a marble clock and case of pipes, on the occasion of - his . approaching marriage. After congratulatory remarks from Mr. Elgin, warehouse manager, Mr. Barnett suitably responded. ■