PERSONAL.

Evening Star, Issue 11682, 14 February 1902, Page 4

PERSONAL.

Since 1891 the Hon. Hugh Gourtey has discharged the duties of chairman of the Otago Harbor Board, and his re-election to that important position yesterday afternoon was a distinct compliment by his brother members to the manner in which he has always guarded the interests of the Board. Speaking privately to a representative of the ' Star,' a member who has been associated with the Hon. Mr Gourley for many years, and who is well qualified to give an expert opinion, said no other member could, or for the matter of that would. devote so much of his valuable time to tie Board's business as Mr Gooiiey had given for the past eleven years. The Hon. A. J. Cadman passed through. New Plymouth last night on his way North. He returns to New Plymouth on Tuesday to confer with the Harbor Board regarding ironsand leases.

The University Senate meet at Otago University on the 19th inat. The registrar (Mr J. W. Joynt) and assistant registrar arrive in Dunedin to-morrow in connection with the business to be considered.

Our Chrratchurch correspondent wires that Mr John Ashton, familiarly known as "Daddy" among the volunteers there, and recognised as the "father" of volunteering .ia Canterbury, died yesterday, aged eightyfive years. At the age of ten deceased joined an English militia regiment as bugler, and served under George IV. and William IV. for seven and a-half years in all. Shortly after Queen Victoria ascended the throne* Ashton enlisted in the 7th Dragoon Guards, from which he was transferred to the Coldstream Guards. He got his discharge in 1853, and arrived in New Zealand in 1858. Whilst in the Coldstreams Ashton did duty as sentry at Windsor Castle soon after Queen Victoria's accession. On one occasion her late Majesty, in the course of her morning constitutional, stopped and made a number of inquiries regarding his career.

Mr R. Moore, M.A., LL.B., was to-day admitted by His Honor Mr Justice Williams as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand on the application of Mr W. L. Moore. We announce with regret the death of the Rev. James Kirkland, late Presbyterian minister at West Taieri, who expired somewhat suddenly at the raVdence of Mrs Bowler, Roslyn, early this morning. The cause of death was an epileptic stroke. Deceiwsd was educated at the Glasgow University, and came to the colony in 1863. His first church was at Inch Clutha, in the same year, where he remained till 1872, when he went to Hokitika. He was removed from the latter place to West Taieri in 1875, and stayed there up till the time of his retirement. Mr Kirkland as a student was employed in mission work. He was also Moderator of the Otago and Southland Synod during one year. He leaves a widow, four sons, and five daughters. One of the sous is a minister at Riversdale.

Mr John MacGregor (Duncan and s?acgregor) will Leave at the beginning of next week, and, joining his brother at Wellington, will proceed with him to the Old Country. Mr Harrison Jones (of J. H. Kirk ana Co.) returned to Dnnedin from the Ola Country on Tuesday after a few months absence* from the colony.