PERSONAL ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10406, 2 April 1897, Page 6

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Mr. Giorce Dd.vnett returned from the Island* by the Ovalau yesterday. Colonel Fraser, Sergeant-at-Arms, left for Wellington yesterday by the Mahinapua. The Hon. VV. McUullough, M.L.C., left for Wellington by the Mahinapua yesterday. Mr. J. H. Jull, the retiring stationmaster at Waipawa, was presented with a purse of sovereigns, subscribed by business people and settlers in token of the respect in which he is held. A meeting took place last nighb in St. James' Hall as a farewell to the Rev. William Watt, who for 38 years has been labouring as a Presbyterian missionary in Tanna, New Hebrides. The Revs. R. F. Macnicol, R. Sommerville, T. F. Robertson, and R. Scott West were present, and took part in the proceedings. The Rev. W. Watt gave an interesting description of Ihe work among the islanders. Musical items were rendered by Misses Falls, Mercer, and Bruce, and Mr. Lee. The marine engineers of the Union Steamship Company's fleet, as well as those connected with' other vessels, intended, had the late Mr. John Darling come to New Zealand as proposed, to present him with an address and album of photographs, in testimony of their appreciation of the great services rendered by him to the profession, particularly in this colony. Mr. Darling Had personally aided many young New Zealandere who visited the Old Country. Many of them were indebted to him for the high positions they now occupy. Mr. John Mitthaws, coachbuilder, a wellknown Dunedin citizen, died at his residence on Sunday afternoon, Born at Bradford-on-Avon in 1834, he learnt coachbuilding in London, and emigrated to Victoria in 1854. Six years later he came to Dunedin, and in 1861 he commenced bufinese in Great King-street, which he carried on until compelled to retire by illhealth about two years ago. Taking a keen and active interest in public affaire, he was elected a councillor for Lcith Ward and served for a term, and was also elected a member of the Licensing Committee. Hβ was an active member of the Union-street School Committee for a number of years. Hβ was one of the original members of the Court Pride of the Lcith Foresters' Lodge. He leaves a, widow and a grown-up family of four sons and two daughters. A complimentary social was held in the Social Hall of the Y.M.C.A. on Wednesday evening , , in response to invitations issued by Messrs. F. M. King and Wesley Spragg, on behalf of the friends and political supporters of Mr. George Fowlds. Fully 100 ladies and gentlemen attended, and an elegant light collation was provided. Mr, Edward Withy presided. After the toast of" The Queen" had been duly honoured, the chairman introduced the guest of the evening. He said that they had assembled to congratulate Mr. Fowlds on the plucky fight he bad made at the late election. He called it a plucky fight, because it was fought solely on principle-on proved, round, economic principle, and not, as elections are usually fought, on the mere prin ciple of" catching votes." Mr. Fowlds expressed his gratitude for the recognition of his efforts to promote the cause of social reform. He felt that although defeated, he had gained in moral strength and fibre by the struggle, and, when the time came, would be ready to fight again. The Rev. George Burgeis then proposed "Social Progress," and said they looked to social evolution to bring about the elevation and vital vigour of humanity as a whole. Mr. Tudehope responded, and said that in all ages the greatest foe to social progress was the ignorance and apathy of the people themselves. Mr. F. M. King, in a humorous speech, proposed the toast of "The Press," to which Mr. Gerald Peacocke responded. The evening was enlivened by some excellent songa and recitations, including "The Miller and the Maid," by Mrs. F. '11. King; " 1 Shot an Arrow," by Mr. Mitchell; and • humourous recitation by Mr. Priestley, who in a neat speech proposed "The < Ladiee." The meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman,, coupled with best wishes for himself and Mri. Withy, on their approaching departure from Auckland to join their tots on their farm on the East Coast. •■' i■ ■ l ■■•■•'■ ■ . .