PERSONAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3137, 2 October 1922, Page 5

PERSONAL.

A young man named George Robertson, a native of Hawea, was killed on Friday night last, through the capsizing of a motor car- It appears that he and two companions were proceeding to a ball when the accident happened- . The Rev. J* C Gellie*B.A* who who for some 12 years Minister of the Lauder Presbyterian Charge, passed away in Dunedin at the ripe age of 87, and was buried at the St. Bathans Cemetery last Sunday week, the officiating Clergyman, Rev. A. V. G- Chandler making feeling references to the character and work of the Minister, his predecessor in office, who was so favourably remembered by the older residents of the district- • * •

We hear that Mrs S. Sheppard of Becks, who has been an inmate of the Dunstan Hospital for some weeks is making good progress towards recovery. Mr James Corrigall, of Omakau, has been dangerously ill for some time, and though slightly improved is still in the danger zoneMr John Sheppard, formerly Chairman of the Vincent County Council, has been visiting his former district, and renewing old friendships. A wedding of considerable local interest takes place on Wednesday, 4th Oct, when Miss Minnie Naylor is to be united in matrimony to Mr John Hamilton, formerly of Dunedin. • « « ■■• •

Our Ophir correspondent writes : —On Friday last alter the weekly ceremony of saluting the flag had been performed, the pupiis of the Blacks School were treated to a memorable break in the curriculum. At the request of the Headteacher, Mr Michael Ryan of Matakanui, who is shortly returning to England, had consented to address the School on the subject of his experiences with the Old Contemptibles, preceeding and during August, 1914. Mr Ryan described the highly scientific and practical (raining at Aldershot which turned out the men, the weekly ten-mile cioss-country races, shield 1 arcs, qe» cider skirmishing through woods, and general strenuous athletic programme. The two mobilisations of June and July aroused the suspicions and expectations of the.regular army. The landing in France and enthusiastic welcome from its impulsive inhabitants followed., the forced marches to Mons, the rearguard action under continuous pressure, necessitating rapid fire at close quarters on massed field grey infantry and the manning of the trench es near Amiens by the Allied walking wounded, of war's thrilling sights, that of many batteries galloping into action opening fire and moving to new positions was one of the greatest. Near Mons, in their first action the men of his company were heartened and inspired by the sight of an aged village Priest crossing fearlessly and unhurt under the murderous lire to Minister to a French unit in the vicinity. Mr Ryan's conclusion was impressive. Although war was a wretched and thoroughly deplorable method of seliling disputes, still it was sometimes neceesary, and its dangers tested men., as pure gold is tested by fire. On behall of the scholars the Headteacher thanked Mr Ryan for his absorbing narrative, reminding the pupils that it was an honour to Central Otago to be able to claim one oi the four New Zealanders in the Old Contemptibles, and also the first of our countrymen to be wounded in the Great War. Three lusty cheers were given for the guest.