PERSONAL ITEMS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 9 October 1924, Page 4

PERSONAL ITEMS.

People in Hawera and district will be interested to hear that Miss Maida Hooker has been engaged to play at the municipal concert in Auckland on Saturday night. Mr Hull, manager of the Carterton branch of the Bank of Smith. Wales, and formerly of Patea, ha s been promoted to the managership of the Hastings branch. One of Auckland’s" most familiar figures, Mr John Crawford, ’biis proprietor, died at Howic-k recently. Mr Crawford was born at Howick in 1862, and, with the exception of a short period spent ip the Waikato, the whole of his life was spent in the quaint little village of liis birth.

A message announcing the death of Mr David Russell Gardner, one of the proprietors of the Rotorua Chronicle, states that- he was the fourth son of the late Mr David Gardner, that he was educated at Maryborough, had been connected with the Press all his life, and at Rotorua for 20 years. He was killed by a falling tree at Hoteo, iNorth Auckland, and leaves a widow and two young children. General regret will (the Argus states) be expressed at the death of Charley Foot, at the early age of 19 years. The young man was well and favourably known in Eltham, where he had lived all his life. He ivas prominent in boxing, athletics and shooting. About seven months ago he contracted rheumatic fever, which resulted in his death.

The death took place at Greymouth on Friday of Miss Annie Firth, late of Cobden, .and sister of Mr J. P. Firth, K.C.M.G., of Wellington, after little more than a fortnight’s illness. Her. life had been spent at Cobden, near Greymouth, where she had expended much activity in church and general welfare work. She is survived by a sister, Mrs George Ross, of Havelock, and her brother, Mr J. P. Firth. The estate of the late Dr. Leys, editor and part proprietor of the Auckland Star, has been sworn at under £BO,OOO. The will directs the trustees to permit, the City Council to select for the benefit of the Corporation any of his pictures and naintiims, including his portrait by C, S'. Goldie, which the council considers suitable for the art gallery. The will also directs the transfer of property in Dedwood Terrace to the trustees' of the estate of his late brother William for the benefit of the Leys Institute. Bequests are made to the testator’s widow and family, exhorting them to give liberally to worthy public objects.—Press Assn. A deputation which consisted of Messrs Newton King, C. E. Bellringer, W. A. Hewitt, and the solicitor, Mr 'Quilliam, representing the Taranaki Meat Company, left for Wellington by the mail train yesterday morning. The object of the visit (states the Stratford Post) is to endeavour to reach .some finality in regard to the sale of the Company,’s business. Mr J. Connett, another member of the deputation, travelled on Tuesday morning, and Mr E. Marfell, who intended joining the other in embers yesterday morning, was unfortunately prevented from doing so on account of illness.

At. the home of Mrs J. L. Campbell, Kegworth street, Eltham, members of the Presbyterian Church -Ladies ’ Guild assembled to farewell Mrs G. Coplestone, who is leaving Eltham shortly. The afternoon was given by Mrs Murray and Mrs Campbell. The room ivas prettily decorated with spring flowers and flowering shrubs. As president of the guild, Mrs Murray made the presentation of a Doulton rose bowl and plate. She eulogised Mrs Coplestone’s good work in the church and as a member of the guild, and expressed the regret, of all at the guest’s departure. Mrs Coplestone suitably responded. Mrs Weir sang “My Aiii Folk,” and Mrs Campbell and Miss Campbell sang a duet. A flower competition, .conducted by Mrs Weir, was Avon by Mrs Campbell. The members of the Patea branch of the New Zealand Plunket Society foregathered at St. .George’s schoolroom on Tuesday afternoon to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs F. W. Grainger and family. Mrs. Sheild and Mrs. Roberts, in brief speeches, eulogised the work of Mr. and Mrs. Grainger on behalf of the society, Mrs. Grainger being the founder of the branch in Patea. On behalf of the members of the local branch, Mrs. Sheild asked Mrs. Grainger to accept a case of cutlery as a small token of the esteem and regard in which she and Mr. Grainger were held by the members of the society, who wished Mr. and Mrs. Grainger and family every happiness arid prosperity in their new home. Mr. Grainger, in reply, thanked the speakers for their kind remarks, and members for their handsome gift, which would remind them of the happy days spent in Patea. Mrs. Grainger also spoke briefly, and thanked members for their kind wishes and gift. She said it would he a big wrench to part'from their many friendk in Patea, but they hoped to ,see them all again from time to time! During the afternoon a splendid recitation was given by Miss Freda Boagey, songs being charmingly rendered by Mesdames Hamel and Moss. A very dainty after, noon tea was served, and the gathering broke up after singing “For They are Jolly Good Fellows” and “Auld Lang Syne.”—Press.