THE BIRTHDAY HONOURS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19963, 4 June 1928, Page 8

THE BIRTHDAY HONOURS.

The accepted principle of rewarding public service has been well observed in the choice of recipients of honours on the occasion of His Majesty's birthday. Of special in-tei-est to Auckland is the distinction conferred on the Hon. Gcoige Fowlds, who is created a Knight Bachelor. Sir George, as his very many friends will now be pleased to address him, has. long devoted himself unsparingly to public service, in both local government and general politics. In these spheres he has proved himself, diligent and forceful, and in many activities of social import outside official circles he has been as meritoriously prominent. Of late, his official energy has been concentrated chiefly on educational work, notably as president of Auckland University College and as a member of the Council of the University of New Zealand. Gratitude is due to him also for a large share in bringing about the establishment of the Massey Agricultural College. His knighthood entitles him to the hearty congratulations of many beside the Aucklanders most familiar with the assiduous public interest he has so long displayed. The other five recipients of honour represent diverse spheres of service. Dean Fitchett, although not a great public figure outside his own Church save in Dun-

edin, where he has had a ministry almost unique in length and quite unique in influence, has richly earned distinction. His gift of piquant English has made his journalistic pen powerful and brilliant in guiding public opinion. The selection of Miss McLean gives peculiar gratification in its honouring of a lady principal whose great capabilities and devotion to high ideals have left a sure and shining mark on secondary school life. Captain Bollons has been more than the master of Government steamers: he has been a commanding figure among New Zealand seamen, and his decoration reflects honour on the service he represents. The other two recipients, Mr. Manson, the Dominion's Trade Commissioner in Australia, and Judge Jones of the Native Land Court, have been faithful public servants. The "birthday list" is therefore to be welcomed as fully consistent with the ruling idea held to operate in its annual compilation.