PERSONAL ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10410, 7 April 1897, Page 6

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Mrs. Dan O'Connell, aged 86, and for many years a resident of Wellington, New Zealand, died in Sydney Benevolent Asylum 9D March 24. Mr. Humphreys, solicitor of Tauranga, is at present in town suffering from an obstinate throat affection, and is being attended by Dr. A. Challinor Purchas. Mr. Thomas Bavin, eldest son of the Rev. Rainsford Bavin, has just taken his LL.B. decree with first-class honours and gold medal at the Sydney University. Constable Hope, who has been stationed at Wanganni for some time past, has resigned from the force. It is understood that Mr. Hope intends to leave the colony «nd seek fresh fields and pastures new. The Very Rev. Father Martin, Dean of Cbristchurch, is at present on a visit to Nelson as the guest of the Very Rev. Father Mahoney. Thirty-six years ago Father Martin was curate to Father Garin in Neleon, and he is one of the pioneers of bis Church in this colony, wherein he has resided for some forty years. The Masterton Standard relates a romantic story concerning an old colonist. It states -. " More than 30 years ago the lather of Mr. Brook Lee, of Masterton, was believed to have been killed in the Maori war, and was mourned by his family as dead. But he recovered from his wounds only to learn that his family had perished in a heavy flood at the Hutt. Instead of going to Wellington to see if it were a fact, he decided to go to California, where he resided for many years. Ho eventually settled in British Columbia, where he prospered and becamo a wealthy ranch owner. A short time ago he heard that his eldest son was alive in New Zealand, and immediately sent for him, Mr. Brook Lee, junr., left Auckland by the last outgoing San Francisco mail boat, and expects to be absent about a year. In the meantime Mrs. Lee and family continue to reside at Masterton."

Another of Nelson's earliest settlers (says the Colonist) has passed away at the ripe age of 77 years, in the person of the late Mr. David Norgate, of Stoke. He came to Nelson in February, 1842, by the ship Mary Ann. Deceased endured all the rough experiences and hardships which were the lot of the early settlers. For a time he carried on farming up the Maitai Valley, on what was then known as Almond Tree Flat, but in 1850 he removed to Stoke, where he resided till the day of his death. He married Miss Mary Eyles in 1842, and she died in 1888. He left a family of five sons, two daughters, and twenty - two grandchildren. Deceased was a consistent member of the Wesleyan Church, and was •reatly esteemed by his fellow-settlers, many of whom attended his funeral, which took place at the Richmond Cemetery, the Wesleyan minister (Mr. Marshall) officiating on that occasion.

MISSING FRIENDS.

The following inquiries for missing friends are from Lloyd's Weekly:— John Welborn went to Wellington, New Zealand, in 1880; last heard of in Auckland in 1895. Daughter Alice asks. Richard Wade left London for Melbourne in June, 1860, and Melbourne for New Zealand in 1862, no news since. Brother Thomas asks. Amelia Robertson, formerly of Peckham, went to Cbristchurch. New Zealand, about 13 years ago; last) heard of in 1888. Her brother (William Feltham) asks. Herbert Robertson, last addressed W. Sergeant, Express Avenue, Wellington, New Zealand, whose mother has written biin several times without any response reaching her, anxiously inquires. Alfred Jenkins, of Dartford, sailed for New Zealand in March 12 years ago. Sister Agnes inquires. George William Richards, son of Captain Richards, of Weymouth, was in New Zealand eight ye?re ago. Aunt (A. Shales) asks. Mr. William Price, of Hyde, Otago, New Zealand, is sought by bis sister, Mrs. Ann Walker. George Morrow, baker, of Old Kent Road, went,to New Zealand in 1873; lived in Brook-street, Nelson, New Zealand, when tat heard. Brother William asks. - James Nutt was in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1862. Brother John seeks news. Jeremiah' O'Connell left Cork, Ireland, about 1871; was last heard of in Victoria or New Zealand. A nephew seeks him, and also news of his aunts, Julia Kellaher and Margaret O'Connell, who went to America about eight years ago. George and Fanny Carter left Deepdale, .« Lincolnshire, about 22 years ago for New Zealand; not beard of since. Nephew Bichard Burton asks. * . Harry Pooley went to Australia .in 5' February, 1892, bat when last heard of ithought of going to New Zealand. Brother , V William seeks news. ' iw: •' -; , Thomas White was in New Zealand eight yeare ago. Sister, of Gloucester, inquires. f^''H»n«h; Parsons, of Australia 16 years * . ago, is now in New, Zealand, i Son of her ' • . sieter Julia ask»." : .' ; yi"