PERSONAL ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11347, 16 April 1900, Page 6

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Colonel Phillips, Commissioner of Police, of West Australia, died at Perth recently, from pneumonia. He was the oldest Civil servant in the colony. • • Mr. George Ross, a practical farmer from Palmerston South, Otago, lias been ap* pointed manager of the Levin State farm, which was this month taken over by the Department of Agriculture. A verp pleasing ceremony, took place on Thursday afternoon, says a Mangonui correspondent, when the pupils of the Mango* nui school presented Miss M. Bowden, the assistant teacher, with a beautiful • writing desk. Miss Bowden is leaving the district, having been transferred by the Board to the Totara North school. She had made herself popular with the children and parents during her residence amongst them for four years. Mr. Houston, M.H.R.,' the chairman of the committee, made the presentation, in \ few remark?, .oil behalf of the children and parents. ' There were a number of ladies present on the occasion. The parents and children now are sorry at losing the services of Miss Bowden. ' The following was enclosed in the desk:—"Presented to Miss Bowden by the Mangonui school children, as a mark of their esteem and regard, and with best .wishes for her future welfare and happiness." Miss Bowden thanked the children and parents for their kindness. ' v

Our Aratapu ' correspondent writes:—A farewell meeting, tendered to the Rev. S. «T. Gibson, Wesleyan minister, who, after four years' ministry in this district, is leaf* ing for Cambridge, was held in the Aratapu Hall on Tuesday evening. The hall "' aS filled in every part. The chair was' taken: by Mr. Stallworthy, circuit steward. MG. French moved* a resolution expressing appreciation of the services rendered by the Rev. Mr. Gibson, and praying that the blessing of the Lord may follow him and Pit, wherever they go. This resolution was seconded by Mr. M. Harding in a verj happy manner, and supported by Mr. NA. Mcleod, who testified to the popularity of Mr. Gibson in tfre Dargaville end of the district, and to the excellence of his pu'P l ministrations. The resolution was carried in a hearty manner, and Mr. Gibson, in responding, said he had ever found the people sjmpathetic, and he had never laboured id a circuit where he had met so much sympathy and brotherly kindness. Songs, ana addresses were given during the evening, and the farewell was one of the heartiest sends-off any minister has yet received w the district.