PERSONAL ITEMS.

Mataura Ensign, 20 March 1913, Page 5

PERSONAL ITEMS.

0 The Prime Minister (Hon. W. F. Massey) went on to Dunedin this morning (states a Timaru Press Association telegram). Mr K. P. Lee (M.P. for Oamaru) passed through Gore to-day en route to O.ueenstovvn. Mr Geo. Inder, who for several years has been assistant clerk of the Court at Gore, has received notice of transfer to Invercargill. Mr Inder will be succeeded at Gore by Mr Im. Macnab, of Lawrence.

Hon. W. M. Hughes (Federal At-torney-General) has denied the rumor that he intends to leave politics (states a Sydney Press Association cable). He declared that he will contest the West Sydney seat at the Federal elections. Detective Cameron, of Invercargill, has among others been promoted to the rank of detective-sergeant, the date of the promotion being as from March 1. It is something of a coincidence that the information should, have been published yesterday, which marked the 16th anniversary of Detective Cameron's joining the force. During his six years at Invercargill (state the 'Times') Mr Cameron has won wide esteem, and his promotion will be received with general satisfaction. A pleasant function took place at the residence of Mr H. Blair-Stewart last evening when Mr T. Green, of Wolsley street, who will shortly le tvo on a trip to England, was made the recipient of a handsome travelling-ru;> by a few of his intimate friends. Mr Geo. Shave, in making the presentation, spoke in felicitous terms of Mr Green and wished him an enjoyable trip and a safe return. Mr Green feelingly replied. The guests spent an hour at cards, and after eupper had been dispensed by the hostese, an enjoyable evening terminated by the singing or "Auld Lang Syne" and the giving of three cheers for the host and hostess.

There, waa ail enjoyable meeting at the Federal Tea Rooms at Invercargill last evening, when the staff of Messrs H. and J. Smith, Ltd., to the number of 30, was entertained by the firm prior to tho departure for a trip to the Homeland of the chairman of directors (M iss H. H. Smith). After supper, Mr I J. Smith, of the Gore house, extended a hearty wish for a pleasant evening to those who had gatnered to do honor to Miss Smith, and referred to the good feeling existing between the principals and tho employees, evidenced by the hearty response to this function, at the same time apologising for the absence of Messrs Dunlop, Martin, •Stevenson and Webb, for whom Mr Clark, of Butterwort-h Bros., spoke and expressed thoir regret at not being present. A. pair of beautiful marine glasses were, on behalf of the staff, I presented to Miss Smith by Mr Prit- ] j chard (the manager). Several musical I and elocutionary items contributed to j tho enjoyment of tho evening, and af- ! ter the secretary (Mr McNancy) had | expressed the thanks of the staff for | tho kindness of the directors in entcrI taining them so well, proceedings were I brought to a close with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."