PERSONALITIES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7083, 4 December 1929, Page 4

PERSONALITIES

THE BED CBOSS. When the war-drums throbbed and the white flag with its red crosses floated over the entrance gates to the Awapuni racecourse —marking the military camp of the New Zealand Medical Corps—Lieut. Col. (Dr.) James Hardio Neil was in charge of the crowds of khaki-clad men who later were to earn a name in the annals of the Dominion’s history. Educated at Otago Boys’ High School in 1899-02, he went on to Otago University where lie graduated. After a period as resident medical officer, he went to the South African War with the 4th. Contingent as Surgeon-Captain, subsequently being sent home to England by the New Zealand Government for surgical training in the Army Medical School at Netley. At the outbreak of the Great War, he was posted to the Awapuni camp, succeeding Captain Goldingham, who was in charge from its institution. He then took the Rifle Brigade Field Ambulance to France and commanded it throughout the period of the war, winning the Distinguished Service Order and the Croix do Guerre. Dr. James Hardie Neil is now in medical practice in Auckland and was for some years attached to tho Auckland hospital. During his university career, he was a keen athlete, gaining representation in the first XV., and the cricket and hockey elevens, while he has also represented the Auckland province in the last-mentioned department of sport.

Dr Frank Ward, medical superintendent of the Palmerston North Hospital, is at present indisposed. It is understood that Sir Dudley De Chair’s term as Governor of New South Wales has been extended to April, states a London cable.

The newly-appointed conductor of the Takapuna Municipal Band in Auckland is Mr E. F. Hildred, who was formerly . a member of' tho Palmerston North Garrison Band.

Messrs. N. Campbell, J. Bussell (Kairanga) and W. Pickard (Palmerston North) were yesterday welcomed as visitors at the weekly meeting of the Citizens' Luncheon Club. Mr. L. Bramwell, Feilding’s representative on the Manawatu Swimming Centre, who is at present in a private hospital, was accorded a vote of sympathy at last night's meeting of that body.

Sir Gcorgo Fowlds, of Auckland, chairman of tko Council of Massey Agricultural College, was a visitor to Palmerston North yesterday and wilt' attend the laying of the college foundation stono this morning. t .

At the monthly meeting of the Manawatu Amateur Swimming Centre held last night, the chairman, Mr. A. D. Campbell, welcomed new delegates in Messrs. J. A. Walsh and A. J. Fairweather (Pahiatua Club) and Mr D, A. Smillio (Y.M.C.A. Club). A motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Messrs. H. N. Dew hnd L. G. Iv. Gojdsaek, who lost their lives in the recent drowning fatality at Woodvillo, was passed by members standing in silenco at last evening '» meeting of the Manawatu Swimming Centre.