PERSONAL ITEMS PROM LONDON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10409, 6 April 1897, Page 6

PERSONAL ITEMS PROM LONDON.

[FROM 008 OWN COKRESPON'DEXT.] Londos, February 26.

A few days ago I met at the Royal Colonial Institute Mr. E. C. Mills, of Wellington, who was looking remarkably well, and evidently enjoying himself.

Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Nathan and Mies Nathan have taken their passages for New Zealand, via Australia, by the e.e. Polynesian, which Bails from Mareeillei on the '28th March.

Mr. and Mrs. R. B. N. Twopeny are at present in Paris, where they make a week's stay, returning subsequently to London, and probably proceeding by the P. and 0. steamer to Melbourne.

Horr Balling and hia viola-alta seem to be making steady progress. The New Zealand musician and his instrument have both been eugaged for the coining Mottl concerts, when Herr Ballinpr will play the special solo part in certain orchestral pieces, to which the viola-alta will be a great acquisi-

Mr. Hammersley, who was formerly a much respected resident) in South Canterbury, but who has been eettled for some yeare in British Columbia, has been in England recently on a visit. He soemeil in excellent spirits, and said he was doing exceedingly well in his newsphoreof action. He left England on hie return to North America a few days ago. Last Saturday afternoon the Misses Sievwright, of Dunedin, gave a large and most enjoyable "At Home" in their pleasant rooms at Earls Court. Several of the latest achievements by Miss Ella Sievwright in the way of portrait-painting, were on view during the afternoon, and were greatly admired, especially one of the Hon. IV. J. M. Lamach'fl, painted by Miss Sievwright from a recent photo, of the subject. Mr. J. L. Kirkbride returned to London a day or two ago, after an extendoil tour of some weeks in the provinces. Mr. Kirkbride has been visiting most of the manufacturing centres, including Birmingham, Wolverhempton, Sheffield, Chester, otc. His visit had certain business objects, about which I may have something more to say later. Meanwhile 1 understand that the result was very satisfactory. Mr. Robert Wilson, late general managor of the New Zealand Midland Railway Company, is at prosent residing in Bedfordshire. He has been suffering for some time from serious illness, and I was sorry to hear recently that it was feared that hie health has completely broken down under the strain and worry to which ho has so long been subjected in connection with hie official duties and responsibilities. A few days ago I had a long chat with Mr. Hurry Armstrong, who was formerly Deputy-Superintendent for the Province of Southland, New Zealand, and who long held various provincial offices in tint part of New Zealand. He has now eettled down permanently with his wife and two children in a beautiful old house in the pleasant town of Bodford, where so many ex-colonists, Anglo-Indians, and retired army men reside.

Last Monday evening the various Peace Societies of the world met to celebrate the birthday of George Washington. In London tbe socioty met at the studio of Mr. Felix Moscheles, the artist. The AgentGeneral for New Zealand was among those present. Mr. Reovea was one of tho speakers in support of tho arbitration treaty with the United States, and made ono of his usual effective speeches; indeed, as he was about to eit down a general cry was raised for him to continue. Mr. Reeves said: " Thank you, but as I am a lover of peace, I shall hold mine," and he promptly down amid cheers.

Mr. William John Morrell, the new master of the Auckland College and Grammar School, is at present one of tho masters of Trent College, Derbyshire. He is M. A. of Oxon and was classical scholar at Baliol. Hβ took first-class honours in Moderations in every subject, and second in Lit. Hum,, 1889, and also passed very high in the University Classical Scholarship examinations. Ho has had five or six yeare' experience in teaching, and at Trent College held the high past of sixth form master. For two years he woe a lecturer in Classics and History for the Army University exams, at Wellington House, Winchester, and he has held various other scholastic appointments. His testimonials are exceedingly good. I may specially notice one from Professor Jowett, the famous master of Baliol, who eaye, " Mr. Morrell held a distinguished place in the exams., but I hardly think his University honours do full justice to his merits. He is not only a good scholar, but also has an unusual amount of knowledge, and great powers of acquirement. I look buck on his University course with great satisfaction." Coming from such a man as Dr. Jowett this is do small praise. The Rev. J. S. Tucker, headmaster of Trent College, says:— "I have great pleasure in testifying to Mr. Morrell's high qualifications. I can apeak most highly and unreservedly of him Oβ a teacher and disciplinarian. He is sn exceedingly able man. thoroughly conscientious and painstaking, and is especially successful in winning the affection* of hie pupils. Hβ is a man of strong and earnest character and of great energy, thoroughly impressed with the responsibilities of a schoolmaster's post." To these items of information about this latest and valuable acquisition to the scholastic world of New Zealand, I may add that Mr. Morrell is 23 years of age. He is at pre* send a bachelor, but confesses to being " engaged." He is an excellent all-round musician—a good pianist, and can acquit himself moat croditably, I understand, with one or two different orchestral instruments. So he ought to be welcomed with enthusiasm by the musical as well as by the scholastic world of New Zealand.