PERSONALITIES

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 195, 20 August 1935, Page 6

PERSONALITIES

The death occurred at Gore yesterday of Mrs. James Hargest, mother of Mr. J. Hargest, M.P. She was born in Wales and came to New Zealand in 1879 and had resided in the Gore district ever since.

Mr E. D. McKci'vic, who was last evening elected io the position of president of the Eangitikei Racing Club, is the youngest racing club president in New Zealand. His father, the late Mr James McKclvie, was the last president of the club.

Mr. It. M. Firth, who has been appointed New Zealand Trade and Tourist Commissioner at Los Angeles, was tendered a farewell dinner at Wanganui on Saturday', the Mayor (Mr. Rogers) presiding. Mr. L. J. Schmitt, general manager of tho Industries and Tourist Department, sail Mr. Firth was one of the most brilliant olliccrs tho department had, and would be a success in his new sphere of activities.

The death occurred sudddcnly yesterday of a notable figure in New Zealand science, Mr. Louis Thomas Griffin, assistant director of tho Auckland War Memorial Museum and curator of the Auckland zoo. Mr. Griffin possessed a reputation beyond the Dominion for his attainments, the most remarkable of which was his knowledge of Egyptology. He was able to read Egyptian hieroglyphic script with facility and was recognised as an authority. He was a regular correspondent with some of tho world’s leading experts of Egyptology. He came to New Zealand 27 years ago to take up the appointment at tho Auckland museum as scientific assistant to the late Dr. T. F. Cheeseman, then curator. He was a leading authority on the fishes of New Zealand. First aiding the Auckland City Council in an advisory capacity during the formation of the grounds of tho zoo, he was appointed curator 12 years ago.