PERSONAL NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 May 1917, Page 5

PERSONAL NOTES.

Mr G, Eisfeldcr was an outward passenger for Christchurch to-day. Inc promotion of Lieut. N. Lawn, of the 13th North Canterbury ami Westland Regiment, t.o the rank of Captain is Gazetted. Mr Green, wharfinger in Greymouth, left this morning for Lyttelton, where ho takes up a similar position. Dr Baker and Chief Inspector Brock, of the Canterbury Education Board, visited the Paroa school this morning. The appointment of John Edgar Wade as Second-Lieutenant in the Territorial Force, has been confirmed. The many friends of Provost-Sergeant Watty, of the Samoan Military Police, will regret to hear that he is seriously ill. So far, the nature of his illness has not been diagnosed. Mr A. W. Min do, consulting engineer for Messrs John Chambers and Sons, was an outward passenger by the Otira express this morning. Mr Le Cren, of Christchurch, one of -the assessors at the Court of Survey, Greymouth. returned to Christchurch this morning. Sergt. W. D. Revington, on leave from camp to attend the Court of Survey sittings at Greymouth as a witness hi the Harbor Board appeal case, left by the Otira express this morning. Mr D. Burn, who lias been in the employ of Han well Williams, chemist, for some time, left this morning for Taihapo, whore lie will reside in future. Very Rev. Dean Carew, who has been in indifferent health for some time past, left this morning for Te Arch a. He was accompanied hv Father Bowden. Mr Patrick Horan, Coal Creek, received word last night that his son, William, who left with the 23rd Reinforcements, is seriously ill in Codford Hospital. His many friends on the Coast will wish him a speedv recovery. The Board of Agriculture has been reappointed as under; Sir. J. G. Wilson (President), and Messrs J. C. N. Griog (Vice-President). E. Avenll W. F. W. Bucklev, 0. J. Hawkcn, W. D. Hunt. W. R. May. A. S. Orbell, W. Perry, B. Rev-

nolds, and E. Hall. The following West Coasters are mentioned in the latest hospital report issued bv tbe Defence Department;—Removed from Seriously 111 List ; Lance-Corporal Donald Romage,. Rnnanga. Xnt Severe Cases: Rifleman Edward Albert Claikc, Reeftoii: Rifleman William Patrick Horan, Greymouth. The latest voluntary enlistments at the Defence Office, Greymouth, for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force are a? follows; Stephen Aubrey Weaver, printer, Greymouth, and Frederick Gustav Hahn, weighman, of Roa. For (lie Tunnelling Corps: Thomas Kerry. Runanga. and das. Boag, minor. Blackball. The latter enlisted some time ago, but owing to an accident was unable to leave with an earlier contingent. More men are wanted at the Greymouth Defence Office for the Tunnelling Corps. It is with verv deep regret that wo record the death of Mrs Mary Ann Hanna, wife of Mr Robert Hanna, of the National Hotel, and only daughter of Mr Thomas Louden. The late Mrs Hanna had been ailing for some time and was admitted to the local hospital early last week. She took a bad turn yesterday morning and passed away shortly before, noon. Deceased was of a most kindly disposition and wns highly esteemed by all with whom she wa« acquainted. Her demise will be keenly regretted, and the sympathy of the entire community will be extended to the. sorrowing husband and three little children, and her father and brother. Deceased was a native uf Dillinanstown.—Kuniara Times.

Mr Dugabl Ferguson, one of the best known of our New Zealand poets and writers, is at present on a visit to the West Coast. In the course of a- chat with a Star representative Mr Ferguson stated that he had just issued a new set of verses entitled “Castle Gay and Other Poems.’’ We have read the book with much pleasure. Mr Ferguson has a rare gift for verse writing, and he lias all a Scotsman's love of nature, winch he describes with great power and sympathy. “The Snow,’’ “Sunset,“ and “A Bush Ramble” are exceedingly good. It is in dealing with Scotland, its heroes and bards, that Mr Ferguson is at his host, and the book contains many verses of this class. Many of our readers have, probablv read with pleasure, Mr Ferguson's “Bush Life, ’ “The King's Friend,” and “Mates,” which were issued some years ago. and they will welcome the latest book from the old bard’s pen.

The news reached Reef ton on Monday of the death of Mr Thomas Bell, Mayor of Richmond, and Chairman of the Nelson Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, at the age of 60 years. The deceased was well and favourably known in Reefton, being at one time a member of the County Council, where he represented Murchison for a long term of office, and as such did much valuable work for his constituency. Mr Bell, with Ills family, resided for many years in Murchison, being one of the large land owners there, and was most highly esteemed and beloved by all who knew him. Hi the early days, before Murchison boasted a resident doctor or dentist, (he late Mr 801 l rendered first aid in all cases of necessity, often being days away from home nursing the sick and doing all in his power for those in trouble, for some years Mr Bell and family have resided in Richmond, Nelson, where he has taken an interest in all matters of progress. He was an active member of the Methodist Church in Richmond, and held many positions of trust in connection with that body. Ho was also Mayor of Richmond, which position was honored by his services. The late Mr Bell met with a serious accident some few years ago which undermined hi s constitution, since when lie lias been in rather precarious health. The nows of his dealh will bo received with much regret by all who had the pleasure of Ids acquaintance, as he was truly “one of Nature’s gentlemen. ’ Mr 801 l leaves a widow and a family of five daughters and two sons, one of (lie latter having seen service at the front, being invalided home from the medical service. Mr James Bell, of Forest Home, Reefton, is a brother. The sorrowing family have the sympathy of a huge ciicle of friends in this their great loss.

Mr John McGhishan. who for many years lias been a, prominent figure in Wellington musical circles as an orchestra conductor and teacher of the violin, passed peacefully away at a,u early hour on Wednesday last, at the residence of lii.s sister. Mrs Robert Bloan, 105 Mansfield Street-, Wellington South. Mr McGlashau was horn in Elgin, Morayshire, Scotland, sonic 68 years ago, and followed with success his taste for music and poetry. After spending some years as a violin tutor in in's native land, he emigrated for Iti.s health to New Zealand, and settled in Wellington, where ho continued his profession until a couple of weeks ago. He had the honor of being violin instructor to the daughters of the Earl of Glasgow, while the latter was Governor of New Zealand. He was for some years the conductor of the Masonic orchestra, and wielded the baton fo r the Scottish Society, and until his death he was conductor of the orchestra of the Wellington Working Men’s Club and Literary Institute beiim also a trustee of that institution.’ As a bowler be was also prominent on the green as a member of the Wellington Club. Although many, of his poetical ettor.s were topical lie was also the author of some very meritorious and more airibitious efforts in the philosophic field, and. the foreword contributed by the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G.) when “Melodies and Meditations”- was puWished two years ago, embracing - Mr . McGlashan’s principal works, was .-Tglowmg tribute to the originality and depth of