PERSONAL

Evening Star, Issue 17548, 31 December 1920, Page 8

PERSONAL

Dr &uy Scholefield, the well-known jourualist, has purchased the ' Wairarapa Age,' and will take possession of the business shortly. The ' Evening Star' companionship gathered round the "stone" last evening to farewell Mr George M'Cracken. who has been appointed lecturer to the Workers' Educational Association. Mr G. Buchanan, printer, in making the presentation of a gold brooch for Mrs M'Cracken, referred to the many fine qualities and conscientious work of Mr M'Cracken, his long connection with the ' Star' (nearly 56 years), and wished him everv success iii his new sphere of labor. Mr Wm. Thompson, -father of the " Chapel," also spoke in warm terms of Mr M'Cracken's ability "and upright character, and expressed his 'confidence that he would make a name for himself as instructor of the workers' classes. Mr M'Cracken made an appropriate speech in responding. He thanked the companionship for their gift, which he was sure would be appreciated by his wife. He referred to his long association with the ' Star,' which he had always regarded as a refuge from the troubles that agitated the outside world. He looked upon his appointment as one affording a great field for investigation nnd most congenial to his ideals. Three cheers were given for Mr M'Cracken. Sydney papers announce that Sir Philip Gibbs, the famous war correspondent, has been appointed editor of the ' Review of Reviews.' Sir Elliot Johnson, M.H.R., acting under medical advice, is "proceeding to New Zealand at the month-end for the benefit of his health (says the Sydney ' Sun 1 '). It is some years since the Speaker has had a holiday. The death of Lady Johnson was a heavy blow to Sir Elliot and his only daughter. The Speaker hopes to return about the middle of February. Mr Robert Clark left for Timaru this morning, having been appointed by the South Canterbury Caledonian Society to act as judge for the piping and dancing (including championship) events at its New Year gathering. A social evening was tendered bv the Bakers and Pastrycooks' Union to Mr F. E. Davis, who is leaving to fill a position in Wellington. Mr C. T. Campbell occupied the chair, and presented Mr Davis (on the union's behalf) with a walking stick suitably inscribed and a shaving outfit. Songs by Messrs Thomson, Richardson, and Templeton helped to make a very enjoyable evening, which concluded with the sineing of the National Anthem. Mr W. Gray, principal of the Presbyterian College, Melbourne, and formerly principal of the Wellington Training College, is on a visit to the Dominion. 'Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M., leaves for Australia in April on six months' leave of absence. Mr W. B. Millier, Assistant Secretary to the Marine Department, returned from a holiday visit to Australia by the Manuka. Mr A. D. Dobson, city surveyor, Christchurch, leaves this week for Australia to attend the annual meeting in Melbourne of the Australasiait Association for the Advancement of Science. He will represent the New Zealand Institute of Engineers. New Zealand Institute of Surveyors, and Canterbury Philosophical Institute. Mr W. P. Watson, who died on Wednesday, aged seventy years, came to New Zealand in 1871, and had lived in Dunedin ever since. Mr Watson was best known as general manager of the Kaitangata Railway and Coal "Company, a posiwhich he hold for many years. On leaving the company he became general manager for the firm of M'Leod Bros., soap manufacturers; but at the time of his death was accountant in the employ of Messrs H. L. Tapley and Co. He leaves a wife and three daughters, all of whom live in Dunedin. One of the daughters is married to Captain Hugh Williams, master of the Union Steam Ship Company's Tofua. • On relinquishing his position in the 'Otago Daily Times' and 'Witness' Newspapers Company, Mr Frank Larking was the recipient of a presentation from his fellow-employees. Mr H. Harris, manager of the jobbing department, made the presentation, which took the form of a silver watch, and referred to the long period Mr Larking had been in the employ of the company. Best wishes were extended to the recipient on his retirement. Mr W. Easton, manager of the company, menioned that the directors had decided to present Mr Larking with a cheque for faithful service Tendered. The Ven. Alfred Neild, M.A., for many years resident in this diocese, and formerly Archdeacon of Dunedin, has arrived in Dunedin to take up his new duties as financial organiser of the bishop's crusade. This crusade has been started by Bishop Richards to put the finances of the Anglican diocese on a sound footing.