PERSONAL ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11950, 26 April 1902, Page 4 (Supplement)

PERSONAL ITEMS.

PflOF. TtlOS has resigned his office of keep er of the Oxford University Museum.

The Balfour studentship for original biological research at Cambridge has been awarded to Mr. J. S. Budgett, M.A., of Trinity College.

Sir Edward Grey, M.P., is one of the most attractive front bench figures of the House of Commons. As a speaker he is agreeable and pleasant, and at times really eloquent: if he errs at all, it is in being too short. He is a distinguished sportsman, and is said "to prefer fly-fishing to political success, and would rather be successful in a great tennis match than in an altercation with the present Government." Sir Edward, in 1897, proceeded to the West Indies as a member of the Sugar Commission. He is only thirty-nine years of age. and he can, if he will, become one of the leading politicians in Great Britain.

The author of " Ships that Pass in the Night" and "The Fowler" is thirty-eight. Miss Beatrice Harraden is an exceedingly well-read and well-travelled woman. Fewobjects of interest escape her vigilant eye, and she has a habit of storing up the exciting events of her foreign tours* for the benefit of the family circle. Her education was undertaken by the tutors of many colleges, Dresden, Cheltenham College, Queen's College. Bedford College, and eventually she graduated B.A. at London University. She has done a great amount of work tor C'assell's, besides writing many books. The two things she is most fond of are music and travelling.

The Westminster Budget says :—Memories of the now historic Jameson Raid Committee will be recalled by the engagement of Miss Flora Shaw, a niece of Sir Eyre Massev Shaw, to Brigadier-General Sir Frederick Lttgard, which has created so much interest in Colonial circles. The bride-elect, who has only just returned from South Africa, will be remembered, of course, as the only lady witness who appeared before that memorable body, and, indeed, with the exception of the friend who accompanied her, the only member of her sex who was permitted within the walls of the Grand Committee Room in Westminster Hall after the ukase went forth at the preliminary meeting that all ladies were to be excluded. Her evidence", as those who were present will readily remember, was delivered with excellent effect, and her replies to the various questions which were addressed to her in cross-examination were all given with admirable taste.

Mr. Kmger inhabits a small two-storeyed bouse known as "Casa Cunt," at HilverHum, a town of about 28,000 inhabitants, half an hour's ride by vail from Amsterdam. The villa is surrounded by large grounds, in which the ex-President spends many bourn of each day. Oom Paul rises early, takes a cup of black coffee, and then goes into the garden, where he remains, as a rnle. until 9.30. During this time he goes through his mail with his private secretary. He always takes with him on these occasions two companions— pipe and an old-fashioned Bible with large metal clasps. As is well known lie knows the sacred Book almost by heart, especially the Old Testament, and can quote a suitable text for any emergency. He reads his bible every day under the shade of a. large, tree in the grounds of the villa. At noon Mr. Kruger takes a cold luncheon with his nephew, Mr. Eloft, who is bis private sectary, and Mr. Von Boschoetan, ex-chief <»' the Iransvaal Ministry. After luncheon, Mr .Krnger takes ' a siesta, which lasts until four. In the afternoon he goes or a drive in a carriage bearing the former arms and escutcheon of the Transvaal, and returns about six. It pleases him very ,m . to observe the respect, Which be meets from all classes of the public; even the children strike up the Boer national anthem as he passes by. He. takes supper at half-past six, and retires IZ « n, ? ht , at ei « nt His splits do not seem to be crushed by the reverses wincn have overtaken his country, and for Jim! iV" la^ gely re «Ponsible, and from tme to time he observes: "We are as strong as ever we were; we can continue tins fight right along, and will never admit defeat."