PERSONAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11275, 19 January 1900, Page 3 (Supplement)

PERSONAL.

Mr. J. R. Blair has been re-elected chairman of directors of the Bank of New Zealand.

Professor Bickerton, lecturer on chemistry and physics at Canterbury College, is leaving for a visit to England, and intends travelling Home in the new Orient liner Ortona.

On the 12th of Jan. Miss Jessie Bain, of the Hkrald binding department, was the recipient of a handsome silver service, suitably engraved, on the occasion of her arproaching marriage. A pleasing ceremony took place at the official assignee's nflice on Dec. 28, when Mr. C. \V. Goodson voluntarily paid his creditors 20s in the £. and was presented by them with a gold watch, a silver salver, and an illuminated address.

Dr. D. M. Lang, the chief medical officer at, New Caledonia, who will shortly visit New Zealand, is arranging for tho Paris Exhibition photographs of live stock. He says that very little is known of the Australasian colonies and their resources in France.

Mr. Arthur Postle, Papanui, who died on Jan. 3, left his residuary estate to the Canterbury College, with instructions that the amount is to be expended in purchasing hooka for the Christchurch Public Library. Mr. Wcston, one of the executors, estimates the legacy at £1500.

A Wellington Press Association telegram states that Mr. G. Hogbcn has received a letter from Professor Gcihind. of Strasberg, asking him to become a member of the International Seismological Commission, the object of which is to secure uniform observations of earthquake phenomena all over the world.

On the Bth inst, a very pleasing social function came off at Kihikihi (writes our correspondent), when the officers of tlio Survey Department tendered to Mr. C. W. Hursthouse a banquet and presentation, in order to testify to their appreciation of liis services, and the many kindnesses they had experienced at his hands.

A telegram from Wellington states: — Mr. Graham Moore, examiner for the Royal College of Music and Royal Academy of Music, has written to the superior of St. Mary's Convent, informing her that Miss Kate Connell, who gained first place in the recent examinations with honours, has obtained tho gold medal for the colony. ! Mr. J. A. Millar, M.H.R., Dunedin, was i presented with a silver ten and colfee service, and a purse of 200 sovereigns, in commemoration of his record vote of 9045 at the general election, and in recognition of past services. The presentation was made hy the Mayor. The Hon. J. G. Ward and 1 several members of both Houses were present, and spoke. Mr. "Angus Macdonald, father-in-law of Mr. Richard Anderson, Rangiora, celebrated his lU4th birthday on Sunday week (says tho Lvttelton Times correspondent), having been born at Fort William, near Ben Nevis, Scotland, on December 24, 1795. He came to the celony in 1864, and having a good knowledge of sheep, he for some timo managed a run in the Selwyn district for the late Sir J. Cracroft Wilson. He is now growing feeble, but Ims fair health. Mr. Patrick Higgins, Who has passed his hundredth vear, died a few days ago, a 8 the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. M. Kennedy North Loburu.

On Decmeber 26 a very pleasant little ceremony took place at the Ellevslie races, iu the stewards' rooms, when the well-known Canterbury sportsman, Mr. G. G. Stead, was presented with a life member's gold medal, amidst much enthusiasm. The presentation was made by Mr. L. D. Nathan, president of the Auckland Racing Club, in a few appropriate and happy words, and the recipient feelingly responded. Among those present was Sir Geo. Clifford, president of the Racing Conference. Our Thames correspondent writes:—Dr. M. H. Payne, who for the past 25 years has filled the position of court surgeon to the Thames Courts of the Ancient Order of Foresters, but who has now retired, and purposes leaving the district shortly, was on Thursday, Jan. 11, the recipient of a memento from the officers of the two lodges concerned as a mark of the esteem in which he is held by the members. The gift consisted of a beautifully coloured emblem of the order, with an illuminated address.

Mr. Graham, M.H.R. for Nelson city, on the occasion of his birthday, entertained the members of his working committees throughout the district, and their wives. The assemblage numbered about 500 persons. The Premier came from Wellington specially to be present. The proceedings were most enthusiast''. , , After midnight it was announced that the 31st anniversary of the Premier's wedding day had been entered upon, and the Premier received a most cordial welcome and congratulations.