PERSONAL.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10237, 28 August 1909, Page 3

PERSONAL.

The friends of Mi- V,. Piper will bo glad to learn that he is now convalescent. Our \Yiii ma to correspondent writes: Mr T. E. 'Wood, solo cornetist of the Waimato Brass .Hand was .presented on Thursday evening with a gold-mounted cigarette-holder by the members of the Band. Mr W. J. Wills, hon. conductor, in making the presentation on behalf of the Hand, stated that although they all regretted the Band had experienced a period of depression for some months past, owing to a scarcity of solo players, he was pleased to say it had now regained its normal condition, and with a full membership brighter days were in store. Mr Woods had been the mainstay of the Band, and without his help the institution would not_ have survived. Very often a "friend in. need" was forgotten when the need was past, but in this case the members had decided to mark their appreciation of Mr Wood's services by presenting him with a small token of their esteem. He trusted that the Band would long continue to have the benefit of their friend's help. Mr Wood thanked* the members for their kindness. The New Zealand Herald states that at a meeting of St. Andrew's adherents, at Hamilton, it was agreed to fix. the stipend at £250 and extend a call to the Rev. Jas. Clarke, of Pahnerston South. After the choir practice at St. Paul's Church last evening a presentation was made to one of the members, Mr H. 1). Stevenson, who is leaving Oamnru shortly for the North Island. In a. short eulogistic speech Mr Leslie referred to the good feeling that existed between Mr Stevenson and all the choir members; to his consistent attendance at all practices and church services; and to the zeal with which lie had worked for the general welfare of the choir. Mr Steyonson would bo a. great loss to the choir and to the town, but another city, Napier, would he the. gainer. The speaker assured Mr Stevenson of the sincere regret which is felt at his departure, and asked him to accept a gold-mounted fountain pen and a."Church Praise," suitably inscribed, as a token of their esteem and appreciation. Miss Tait and Mr Hardeman (choirmaster) supplemented these remarks. Mr Stevenson feelingly replied, thanking the members for the kindly feelings that had prompted the gift. He encouragingly urged the members to work together for the advancement of the choir and to remember that choir work is church work and God's work. He regretted that in leaving Oamaru he must sever his connection, with the choir, but assured them that he would always think of them with kindly feelings and that their presents would serve to continually remind him of the pleasant years he had spent in I their midst. Mr Stevenson leaves for : the north on Monday. . A Feilding message states that Mr 0. C. Pleasants, Liberal candidate for Oroua seat last election, has been presented with a purse of sovereigns from the Liberals of the district.