PERSONAL

Evening Star, Issue 22329, 4 May 1936, Page 9

PERSONAL

Dr D. G. M'Millan, M.P., left for Wellington to-day. Mr J. L. Passmore was a passenger by to-day’s express, en route to Wellington. Mr J. A. Robinson travelled to Christchurch by to-day’s express. Mr H. M. Patrick, principal of the transport division of the Post and Telegraph Department, left on his return to Wellington to-day, after spending three days here. Sir A. Edwards (Invercargill) and Mr J. Harrison entrained to-day for Wellington, where they will attend the annual conference of the Engine Drivers, Firemens, and Cleaners’ Association, which opens to-morrow. Mr D. B. Mackersey left to-day for Wellington, Melbourne, and Sydney. Miss M. M. Black, principal of Archerfield, was farewefled by friends at the railway station this morning, when she left on a trip to England.

Miss Mary Salmond, superintendent of the Women’s Training Institute, left by to-day’s express on the initial stage of a visit to England, the Continent, and America. Miss Anna Morwood left this morning on a visit to Scotland and Canada. A pleasant function took place at the city abattoirs on Saturday morning, the occasion being the retirement of Mr Lewis Mathieson on superannuation. Mr Foster, manager, made special reference to Mr Mathieson’s long terra of service, extending over a period of 30 years, and to the esteem in which ho was held by his fellow-workers. On behalf of the employees he presented Mr Mathieson with a fire-side chair and smoker’s outfit. Mr Winders also made reference to Mr Mathieson’s unfailing and obliging courtesy towards his fel-low-workers.

Dr Lang, a Presbyterian minister irt Canada, is to leave Vancouver by tha Niagara on April 22 to conduct a lecturing tour of New Zealand. Practical examinations throughout New Zealand for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London, will be conducted this year by Mr Michael Head, a well-known performer and composer. Mr Michael Head, A.R.A.M., is the son of a London barrister and journalist. He showed signs of musical talent at an early age, and_ in 1919 entered the Royal Academy of Music, winning the Sir Michael Costa Scholarship for composition, which he held for five years. During this period he studied composition, piano, organ,and viola, winning many prizes, including the Charles Lucas medal for orchestral writing. In 1926 he was appointed to the staff of the Royal Academy of Music as a professor of pianoforte. Mr Head has given recitals in London, the West Indies, and Canada, and has appeared at the Queen’s Hall and other London concerts. He has also broadcast frequently, singing groups of his own songs to his own accompaniment. In 1929 he judged at the first musical competition festival in Kingston. Jamaica, and paid a return visit there for the festival of 193,3. Air Head’s principal publications are his songs, many of which are well known. His unpublished works include a piano concerto (performed at the Royal Academy \of Music centenary celebrations and since broadcast and performed m England and South Africa), a tone poem, and a scherzo for orchestra. Ha has for some years been an examiner for the. Royal Schools of Music in the United Kingdom, and on their behalf has examined in Canada and the H esb Indies. . , , ... At the recent meeting of householders of North-east Valley to elect the school committee for two years reference was made to the death of Air P. C. Neill. The deceased was a very valued friend of the school, and lor many years* was the donor of the dux medal. Those present stood in silence as a mark of respect to his memory and as an expression of sympathy with his relatives. „ , , . , , ... Guests at the City Hotel include Alisa C. Burridge, Aliss N. Reid (Alelbourne), Miss H. Langton (Sydney), Air J. Lea (Wellington), Air W. Scaito (Wanaka), Air and Airs A. E. Smith, Air C. Schroedcr, Aliss E. Wills (Invercargill), and Airs B. G. Thompson (Stewart Island). Latest registrations at the Grand Hotel are Aliss E. Gardiner, Miss W. Lawson, Mr Ivan Menzies (London), Air and Airs H. Dundas (New York), Mr and Airs G. Bruce Smith, Mr B. O. Ellison. Air J. D. Jacobs (Sydney), Mr E. A. Callanan (Alelbournc). Air J. C. Neill (Palmerston North), Captain G. Prictor, Dr Weldon-Hogg, Mr \V. A. Simpson (Wellington), Mr and Mis K. A. J. Barbour, Air W. Beaumont, Air Ewing Shennan, Air and Airs P. Wood, and Airs H. Wood (Christchurch).