PERSONAL ITEMS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 15 February 1919, Page 4

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Mrs Haseltine, of South Road, Hawera, has received word that her son, bergeant A. J. Haselune, who left with the Main Body, is returning. by the Zealandia, which is due in Wellington on or about February 28.

Mrs Grant Cowen, who underwent a serious operation at Nurse White's hospital on Monday last, is reported today to be making very goou progress towards recovery.

Word has been received that Private J. K. Murray and Corporal A. S. Herbert, of Otakeho, are returning home on or about th« 19th.

Mrs H. McKay has received advice that her son, Alex, is returning in Draft No. 217, which is due to arrive about the 28th February. Sapper McKay has seen over threa years' service in France, and has not been wounded.

A London cable states that a.wards have be.en granted to the following New Zealanders: —Bars to Military Crossos, CaptAin. J. Evans <md Lieut. W. It. Burge; Distinguished 'Service Orders, Lwut.-Coionels L. H. Jardine, J. H. Neil, Major J. R. Mitchell, and Captain H. E. Rarrackmgh.

Mr W. G. (Mender, late assistant town clerk at Hastings, and well known in sporting circles in Hawke's Bay, has been appointed maj^agetr of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Club, vice Mr J. I. Cox. who is leaving for England. Mr Calender has seen considerable service. He went away as a private, and during his three and a-half years! service gained his commission.

Mr Gane has received advice that his son, Norman Harold Gane, who has been a prisoner of war in Germany, has been repatriated to England.

The Mayor intimated at last night's meeting of ftlhe Council that he would be, absent from the town for two* or three weeks and suggested the appointment of a deputy-mayor. Cr. Bone was appointed.

A pleasant little gathering took place this morning, when the companiorisnip of the Star gathered around "the stone" to wish good-bye to Mr W. W. Awdrv, sub-editor, who is leaving the ranks of journalism to take up farming pursuits. Mr A. Black, who acted as spokesman, in presenting Mr Awdry with a gold-mounted fountain pen.} referred to the kindly relations which existed between the companionship and the sub-editor, and wished him every success and hapomess in his new centure. Mr Awdry suitably replied. At another function the ihembers of the firm and the editor met to present Mr Awdry with a cheque as a mark of appreciation of his services during the seven years he had been with the Star. Mr Parkinson stated that the recipient had performed his duties with ■satisfaction to the firm, who were sorry that he was severing his connection with the office. Mr Awdry expressed his thanks.

Miss E. WHiittington, assistant in the office-of the Hawera Borough Council, has resigned her position.

A very pleasant function took place last night in the Mokoia Hall, when Lieuts. J. Catchpoleand A. 0. Williams were publicly welcomed home. There was a largo attendance of friends from Mokoia and surrounding districts. In the unavoidable absence of the Rev Grant Cowen, Mr T. H. Prowse undertook the duties of chairman. He read an apology from the Rev. Grant Cowen, and went on to say how pleased they all were to have Lieuts. Catchpole and Williams back in their midst, after having done their duty to the Empire and humanity. In asking these gentlemen to accept a cheque for £10 each, he stated that it was the intention of the Mokoia people to present each one of the returning boys with a cheque for a similar amount. Lieuts. Catchpole And Williams suitably replied, the latter referring to other Mokoia boys who were yet to come home,, and eulo'gismg their work at the front. He also publicly congratulated Lieut. Catchpole on winning his distinction. During the evening a number of musical and elocutionary items were rendered, after whch the floor was cleared fo r dancing, which was vigorously Sept up till the wee sma' oors."