PERSONAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10417, 15 April 1897, Page 3 (Supplement)

PERSONAL.

Mr. John Sinoleton, of Wellington, has been awarded the certificate of merit, of the Humane Society of Australasia, for savingthe lifdof n boy named Kirkus at Clyde Quay last February. Mr. J. H. Jull, the rotiring stationmaster at tVaipnwa, was presented with a purse of sovereigns, subscribed by business people and Settlers in token of the respect in which he is hold.

Mr. John Coutts, late foreman of tho boiler department at Price Bros.' Foundry, Thames, has been presented with a large siza photograph of his fellow workers as a token of their esteem and respect. Mr. John Reid, of Motiitapu, was entertained at a banquet at the Auckland Club on March 24th, at which there was a large gathering. Mr. Reid left by the Alaineda for Sydney, en route for England. Hon. W. Montgomery, one of the oldest members of the North Canterbury Education Board, on the occasion of his retirement from office, was presented with an addross testifying to the loss they would all sustain by his resignation! An animated scene was witnessed on March 29 on the Ouehunga wharf, fully 200 poople having assembled to witness the departure of Major Pitt for Wellington, en route for England, At the steamer left the wharf three hearty cheers were given. Mr. J. E. Fulton, late manager of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company, has been presented by the employees of the company with a handsome gold watch and chain, suitably inscribed. He was also presented with a tea ami coffee service for Mrs. Fulton, and a gold bangle for their daughter Vera.

A very pleasing incident took place on April lObh, at the nursery of Messrs. 1). Hay and Son, of Remuera, on the occasion of Mr. F. Bennett leaving that establishment after having noted in the capacity of general foreman for the last 14 years. Mr. 11, Hay. on behalf of the employees, presented Mr. Bennett with a very handsome iilbulu, and in doing so complimented him upon the friendly relationship that had existed between himself and the firm, and heartily wished him every success in his new enterprise. Mr, Bennett suitably replied. The ceremony of nnveiling tho statue erected on the lawn in tho Parliamentary grounds to tho memory of the late Hon. John Ballance, who died while holding the position of Premier of the Colony, was performed by the Hon. R. J. Seddon, Promier, on April 7th. All the members of the Government were present, and most of the members of die Legislature, and a large gathering of the general public. The cordon of the Permanent Artillery was placed round the immediate vicinity of the statue, and inside, those most closely connected with the ceremony were permitted to enter. Mr. \V. T. Dodds, who has for a considerable number of years filled the position of inspector of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, has left Wellington tor England via Australia. Mr. Dodds , connection with the company extends over a period of more than 20year«, and the high esteem in which he is held by the staff was manifested when he was the recipient of an address signed by the branch managers throughout New Zealand. Accompanying this document was a draft (subscribed by all the members of the New Zealand staff) with which Mr. Dodds was requested to purchase in London a memento suitable to the occasion and to his own taste.

A deputation from the Murine Engineers' Institute waited on the Premier on March 29, and presented him with an album containing over 200 signatures of members, and an illuminated address, which alluded to the valuable services rondered by the Government in passing the Shipping and Soamon's Act, and in advocating oheir cause. Mr. l'ayten, in making the presentation, paid the Shipping and Seamon's Acb had been discussed itt the annual dinner of the Marine Engineers and Naval Architects at Home, by whom a complimentary letter was sent by the secretary here. The Acb was favourably criticised, too, by engineering journals in England nod America.

By the Takapuna on March 28fh Mr. Ben Tillott arrived at the Manukau. Shortly aftor eight o'clock a break and carriage, containing eighteen representatives of various trades mid labour organisations, proceeded to Oneliunga to accord him a welcome. On the 29th at the Tuilorejses Hall, Cook-sb., a function of more than ordinary interest to those associated with the labour movement, took place in the form of a welcome social to Mr. Ben Tillett. There was a crowded attendance present, including representatives from the several local labour organisations, and a large number of ladies. Mr, Fraser, chairman of the Trades and Labour Council, presided. Mr. Tillett, who was warmly received, said that during the course of bis tour through the colony he had been favourably impressed with the prosperous state of affairs that appeared to prevail, and with the fine physique and generally happy conditions of the inhabitants of this favoured land. On April 13 Sir (Jeorge Grey completed his 85th birthday, and woareonlyexpres a ing the general sentiment of the people of New Zealand in wishing the veteran statesman many happy returns of the day. His is a name that will for ever remain inseparable from the history of this colony, and although opttiions rany differ respecting the policy which he pursued whilst in a position of influence anil responsibility in connection with the public affairs of New Zealand there is, and can be only one opinion in regard to his long and distinguished career as a broad - mindod and enlightened servant of the State. That career, it is interesting to recall in this year of Her Majesty's record reign began before the Queen nscended the throne, and there ate few if any of the many eminent men who have been her representatives in outlying parts of the empire so early in her reign that still survive. Although Sir George has taken up his residence in England id will be pleasing to him to know that he is not forgotten in the land whose history he did so much to mould, and it will be gratifying to our readers to know thab there is a likelihood of the old statesman returning to the colony to end hie days in the country he loves so much and with which his name will be for ever linked.

An interesting ceremony took place on the sth of April at the rooms of, the literary staff of the Nkw Zealand Herald, namely a presentation by the staff to Mr. Henry Horton, eldest son of Mr. A. G. Horton (of Wilsons and Horton, proprietors of the Herald), on the occasion of his marriage to Mias Jessie B. Thomson. The presentation took the form of a handsome secretaire. Mr. Wm. Berry (edUor) made the presentation on behalf of the staff. He said that the members of the literary staff of the Herald had assembled for the purpose of offering their congratulations to Mr. Heni'y Horton on his marriage, and of expressing their best wishes for the health, happiness, and prosperity of himself and Mrs. Horton. They had had prepared, as a token of their good will and good wishes, a secretaire, which would be a memorial of the occasion, and they asked him to accept it as their wedding gift. Mr. Horton, in acknowledging tho presentation, thanked the staff on behalf of himself and his wife for their handsome gilt, which also would be a most cherished souvenir in hia home of the kindly relations subsisting between himself anil them, and which feeling he hoped would go on increasing and strengthening in the future. The secretaire wan made to order at the establishment of Mr. J. T, (jarlick, the well-known furniture manufacturer and upholsterer, Queen-street, and was tastefully and artistically executed to the entire satisfaction of those concerned. It is in the modernised Early English character, of handsome rimn,with mottled totara facings, and carved panels. The top part lowers down to a writing position, and when not in use the front is replaced into position alid secured. The interior is fitted up with the usual pigeon-holes, and the various drawers have silvered handles. Between the two front panels is a silver plate bearing the following inscription suitably engraved :—" Presented to Mr. Henry Horton by the literary staff of the New Zkaland Herald on the occasion of his marriage. Auckland, March 16,1897."