PERSONAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17098, 22 February 1916, Page 9

PERSONAL.

Tho Hon J. Mien. Minister of Defence, motored to . Christchurch from Hanmer last night. He will leave for Ditmedin this morning, and will return to this citv on Thursday or Friday, when he will address a meeting on the question of recruiting. Mr F. Thompson, general manager of the Christchurch Tramway Board, left last night on a visit to the Nortn Island. '

The Rot W. •). Elliott left Ashburton yesferclav by tho first express for Auckland to attend the annual conference of tho Methodist Church of New Zealand.

Melbourne visitors to Christchurch yestordav included Mr C. R. Pombcrton, Mr"J. Jeffrey and Mrs Jeffrey and Miss Dorrie Jeffrey and Mr J. A. Slocombo.

The Duucdin correspondent of the "Lvtteiton Times" states that. Mr Marcus Marks, "Hansard" supervisor, is to succeed Mr John Mackay as Government Printer.

The Dunedin correspondent of the "Lvtteiton Times" reports the death of Mr James Jeffs, former owner of the Pink Stables, and well known in racing circles as the owner of Potrovnn. The " Timaru Herald" states that Mr John Anstey, M.P. for Waitoki, is at present in a private hospital, where ho is to undergo an operation, which, however, is not expected to bo of a very serious character.

Mr \V. J. Buckley (Wellington), Mr G. E. Parsons, Mr E. Parsons, Mrs E. Parsons and Miss Parsons (Kaikoura). Mr J. E. Henrys (Wellington) and Messrs H. M'Loan and J. >\ • Woodhouse (Mount H'ntt) are visiting Christchurch,

On Saturday evening the railway employees of Ashburton and Timvald mot at the Victoria Hall. Ashburton, to entertain Mr J. Hogg, platelayer, ot Timvald, who has retired after thirty years' service. During the evening Mr Hon-f was presented with a travelling rngTas a token of the esteem in which he'is held by the staff. At the meeting of the Ashburton County Racing Club on Saturday, tne chairman (Mr T. E. Upton) referred to the approaching departure for the Via Country of the president of the club, Mr J. "C N. Grigg. Eulogistic reference was made to the valuable services Mr Grio-f had rendqred the club, as a steward, as a supporter of tile club by running horses, and in monetary contributions. On behalf of the club Mr Upton handed Mr Grigg a neatly-bound race-book cover, with gold monograms of the Ashburton Pacing Club and ot Mr Grigg.

Tho Hon W. Webster, Australia a Postmaster-General, arrived in Auckland yesterday, states a Press Association telegram. Questioned regarding Ins visit, he said: " I am over here to have a look at the New Zealand postal service and to examine postal administration, postal buildings, postal appliances and 'even-thing appertaining to the service, with a view to seeing whether wo can beg. borrow or steal anything to improve the, efficiency of our own service, and to learn from comparison whether wo are behind or ahead of Now Zealand in our postal activities." The death occurred at Now Plymouth on Friday of the Rev H.' J. Lewis. Mr Lewis retired from the active ministry of the Presbyterian Church six years ago. He came to the Dominion about thirty years ago. and occupied charges at Nelson,'Dunedin, Gore, WoodviHe and Paaroa. Since residing in Now Plymouth, says the " Taranaki Daily News," Mr Lewis acted as relieving minister on many occasions when his health permitted. He was a keen student, and never lost touch with tho progress of modern thought, so always proved an inspiring speaker, being particularly happy in his addresses to boys. His lectures on literature were also valuable in stimulating interests which arc apt to be forgotten in the general rush, for amusement. Mr Lewis was a familiar figure on the bowling green, thoroughly enjoying the popular game. He leaves a widow, two sons and three daughters.