PERSONAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 73, 23 February 1945, Page 4

PERSONAL

At the Now Zealand Rotary Conference in Auckland Mr M. S. Spence, of Napier, was elected district governor nominee for 1045-46.

Among degrees conferred by the University of New Zealand is that of Bachelor of Agricultural -Science upon Robert Howard Ellis and Francis John Southcombe, of Massey Agricultural College.

The Minister of Supply (Mr Sullivan) has left London on the first- stage of his return by air to New Zealand. On his way across America he will spend a few days in discussions at Ottawa and Washington.

Mr J. 0. Cuff, of the Feilding branch of the Bank of Australasia, who has been stationed at Feilding since the Napier earthquake in 1931, has received advice of his appointment as manager of the Paeroa branch. At a meeting of flic Palmerston North sub-committee of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society members paid silent tribute to the memory of the late secretary. Mr A. C. Brooks. The chairman (Mr W. 11. Proctor) said that although Mr Brooks had held office for a comparatively short time he had proved most capable.

Official notification has now been given that Private Ronald R. Brown, of Palmerston North, who was a member of the Third Echelon, is presumed to have died of wounds. Previously it was reported that he was wounded and missing. Private Brown, who was 28 years. of ago when he entered the Army in 1940, was known' to many residents of Palmerston North, where he was brought up, largely through his membership of the Kia Toa Rugby Football and Cricket Clubs. Prior to his entry into the Army he was employed in the upholstery trade. In November, 1942, lie was severely wounded when his unit suffered heavily in action in the desert. His mother is Mrs A. RosSj of Wanganui. Mrs W, H. Davies, of Albert Street, Palmerston North, is a sister, and Mr G. A. Brown, of Milverton Avenue, a brother. R.N.Z.A.F. headquarters in London report that Squadron-Leader A. E. Umbers, D.F.C. and Bar, Dunedin, is missing, believed killed on operations. Commanding officer of the New Zealand Tempest Squadron, he was regarded as an excellent leader and pilot. Universally known as “Spike”, he was one of the original members of this squadron when it was formed in March, 1942. It was then operating in Hurricanes, and its role was night-fighting. It flew with Havocs which were fitted with searchlights. Later the squadron was put into Typhoons, and it was during this period that SquadronLeader Umbers came into prominence. He was awarded the D.F.C. in September, 1943, and was a flight commander when he completed his first tour. Before his rest period he became a test pilot and returned to fly Tempests. He received the Bar to his D.F.C. from the King in the field.