PERSONAL NOTES FROM LONDON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13519, 16 February 1906, Page 3

PERSONAL NOTES FROM LONDON.

(Fhou Our Own Cof.reseokdent.) LONDON, January 13. The Rev, A. T. Cliodowski, of Dunedin, write 3 to tho Jewish Chroniclo denying that such a, thing, as anti-Semitism exists in Now -Zcaiand, The death was announced a few days ago of Mr James I'. Davidson,' J.P., formerly of Matakanui,. Helensburgh, and Otago, Neiv Zealand.. Mr Davidson, who passed away on tho stli inst., at ,12 Alexandra place, St. Andrews, Scotland, was 63 years of age. •Mr A. D. Lubecki is still spending a very pleasant time in tho Mother Country among his relatives and friends, and I understand has practically decided not, to return to New Zealand before next autumn, lie had ati opportunity of putting in a word on behalf of- Now Zealand last Monday evening, when lie attended a meeting of Captain Hobart's, tho Liberal -candidate for Westminster. Tho candidate had strongly objected to any preference being given, to the colonies over foreign producers, and asked, with assumed indignation, "What have the colonics ever done for 115? 'They have never given' British goods any protection, excepting Canada!" Mr Lubceki, watching ms opportunity, asked the candidate if he were aware that two or three years ago New Zealand had passed an act giving English goods, a. preference of 33 por cent, over foreign goods. Did not Captain Hobart. know that, and did lie think it right to make such statements to a public meeting without having taken the troublo to make himself acquainted ' with the facts of the case? This was received by tho impartial and courteous assembly with a storm of hoot,iugs and abuse. Captain Hobart said in reply that he was not aware of the alleged fact, and declared that, lie would not intentionally mislead tho meeting. Mr Lubecki retorted that if Captain Hobart had - not taken the trouble to acquaint himself with tho facts he should not make such a statement in public. This, too, was received with an outburst of groans and hootings from the audience, who evidently deemed itquite fair electioneering tactics to make gross mis-statements such as this. I am sorry to say that Sir Walter Bnller has continued seriously ill since last I wrote. As I mentioned previously, he bad completely broken down through overwork some rhroe months ago, and under the advice of the well-known specialist, Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton, ho took six weeks' Test in bed., and a course of massage with apparent advantage, Then lie was allowed. into the sitting room as convalescent. But on tho seventh day afterward ho experienced a complete collapse. The physician in charge again summoned Sir Lauder Brunton, and the patient had to take to his bed once move. T?rom that time ho lias been completely in tho hands of bis .doctor, not being allowed to read a paper of any description, or to see any person but those immediately around him. I bear that Sir Walter has shown good recuperative power, and is slowly regaining strength, though I fear it will bo some time yet before 110 will bo able to resumo his usual activities. But for t.liis unfortunate relupso ho would havo been starting now 011 bis trip to Egypt- and New Zealand, which, as matters are, must of necessity stand over for a time. This illness has somewhat interfered with tho completion of Sir Walter's "Birds of New Zealand," only a few pages of which have now to bo printed. Somo liltle time ago I had occasion to mention that Alfred Shrubb, the celebrated 1 runner, had been suspended by the Amateur Athletic Association for " malpractices," such malpractices being understood to consist of the acceptance of expenses in connection with his appcarauccs at athletic sports. The caso was widely regarded as one of cousiderablo hardship, if not of grave injustice, and general satisfaction has been causcd by the announcement that the whole matter is fo be reviewed. It is definitely announced that (he Amateur Athletic Association has taken definite action with reference to its inquiry into -tho caso of Alfred - Shrubb and his relations with tlio South London Harriers. On tho proposition of the amateur ex-champion walker, Mr 11. Venn, seconded by Mr C. Val Hunter, a resolution was passed at the recent monthly meeting of the Southern Commit teo of the Association, in tho following terms:—"Tho Southern Committee of the A.A.A. censures tho South Loudon Harriers with rcforcnco to their action in regard to Alfred Shrubb, they knowing ho was in receipt of only a small income, and was travelling all over tho country." Unhappily 110 reasonable doubt was felt that Mrs Butler, the wife of the Hon. A. Butler, assistant aide-de-camp to Lord Ranfurly in New Zealand, had perished in tho terrible shipwreck of tho steamer Hilda, near St, Malo. Had any remained, it has now boon definitely removed by the discovery of the unfortunate lady's mortal remains. Her body was found on Monday last 011 the Rocheboune beach, near St. Malo. Thcro is no need that I should enter into harrowing particulars as to tho condition in which tho corpse was necessarily discovered after so long an interval. The features, of course, wero wholly unrecognisable, but no difficulty was found in identifying the remains by means of a pearl nccklaco worn by the deceased and easily _ recognisable, and by a gold-filled tooth in tile upper jaw. The body has been forwarded to England for interment. Miss Fanny G. Sealv, who for some time past has been assiduously pursuing tho sttudy of music and of tho pianoforte at the ltoyal Academy of Music, and who won a bronze, medal for her pianoforte playing, couplcd with a "highly commended" report for her harmony _ and singing, has again been successful in her - recent examination under the Royal Academy, and has just received (ho gratifying nows that she lias gained tho diploma of Licentiate of the _ Royal Academy of Music. Miss Scaly _ intends to continue her studios at that institution somo time longer, after which sho hopes to return to New Zealand and then to tako up Jicr profession in teaching onco more, Mrs Bartleman (Dunedin) and her daughters, who arrived in England some little time back, have taken up tlioir residence at 64 Biddulph Mansions, Elgin Crescent, Maida Vale—a pleasant suburban locality 111 tho north-west of London." Tho day before yesterday the 6.5. Corinstwt«d on her voyage to New Zealand commanded by Captain H. P. David, and with Dr A. N. Stevens as medical officer 2f? 1)0 f ? cd - ® lc leaves Plymouth to-day. The Connthic carries a large number of saloon passengers, the official list being : — Sir L. and Lady M'Mahon, the Rev. W. H Shaw and Mrs Shaw, tho Rev. J. Hobbs, Major 11. N. Webb and Mrs Webb Dr J. B. Southam, tho Hon. 11. Hannon, Mrs Haimen, and the Mjssos Hamien <2), Mr and Mrs A. Boulnois, Miss Boulnois and Master Boulnois, Mr and Mrs C. A. Hawkins, Mr and Mrs H. B. Morton and family (3), Mr and' Mrs J. Pieters and Miss C. Pieters, Mr and Mrs J. R, Baxter and family (4), Mr and Mrs S. M. Button;, Mr and Mrs A. i\l. Forman, Mr and Mrs .T. Ireland, Mr and Mrs A. A. Le Sueur and the Misses Le Sueur. Mr and Mrs J. L. Martin and- the Masters Martin 12), Mr and Mrs H. L. Matthews, MiM. Matthews, Mr and Mrs K. Webb, Mr and Mrs H. D. Were, Mrs Taylor-Young and two sons, Mrs D. Atkinson and the Misses Atkinson (2), Mrs I. Brown. Mrs J. 51. Brown, Mrs 11. Cook,. Mrs L. Gillespie, Mrs 11. Maokail, Mrs A, M, Pearse, Miss Pearse and Master Pearse, Mrs M. Prior, Miss Prior, Mrs R, N. Rainier, Mrs and Mies Taylor and Mr R. Taylor. Misses J. Burrows, Dymond, Franoes, 0. Howell, Hutchison, M. A. Pratt, Rimnier, A. Sidney, I. S. Baker, B. Barnett, Brown, M. Brown, F. A. Braunschweig C. I, Callaghan, J. A. Campbell, 0. Flynn, R. Gates, A. E. Good, P. Hore, D. Hunter, S. Merrick, J. Reynolds, M. F. Trevithick, Messrs E. G. Beilby, W. Bowron, G. Hirshbach. D. Ivirkland, iun., P. E. M'Evov. F. A. Rimmer, R. E. Smith, L. R, Staines, A, Baker, 0. H. Barker, G. Bushby. St Clough, 0, H. Field, C. Giinson, 0. M. Hughes, R. H. Hunter, A. M'Lean, S. Murdoch, G. Osborne, W. T. Thomson. In the third class the Corinthio carries rather more than 200 passengers. Sincere regret was felt in the now large colony of quondam New Zealanders .settled in London on tho news being received of the death of Mrs Nevill, wife of the Primate of New Zealand, with whom deep sympathy is felt in his irreparable loss and great sorrow. Mr Lawrence Hutchison—son of MiGeorge Hutchison, late M.H.R. for Patea.— who has for some time past been prosecuting 1113 professional studies as a mining engineer by actual personal work and inspection in the Cornish mines, lias returned to London, and is continuing his studies at the School of Mines, South Kensington. He is at present staying with his mother and sister.? at their new residence, 25 Wetlm-by Mansions, Earl's Court. Miss Gladys Hutchison has been actively pursuing her musical studies, and has already become sta Mtamplished jjiafiisU

Tho news lins_ just arrived in London of a wedding of New Zealand interest which took placo at Texas on the lOtb inst. Tho bridegroom was Mr Robert Morris Spenco, eldest son of .Robert and Alico Spcnce, of Waldron, Bromley, _Kent; the .bride was Miss Jenn Kobortson M'Kcllar, fifth daughter of the late Mr David M'Kcllar, of Brooksdalc, Otago, Now Zealand., and of Mrs M'Kcllar, of San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A. Mr H, 0. Canieron is abopt.to leave for Liverpool, where tho New Zealand Government is exhibiting somo colonial produce at the Colonial Products Exhibition, to be opened almost immediately. Mr R. H'. Hooper will also go to Liverpool to assist Mr Cameron. llr Hooper is now residing at Sydenham, so as to be near New Zealand's permanent stall at the Crystal Palace. New Zealand is by no means unrepresented among the Parliamentary candidates in tho present general election. In addition to Mr Cathcart Wason, there are his brother, Mr Kugene Wason (who is standing for Clackmannan, Scotland), Mr E. G. .Tollicoo (Liberal candidate for Liverpool, Walton district), Mr A. Fell (Conservative candidato for Yarmouth). Sir James Fergusson (ex-Governor' of New Zealand, Conservative candidate for Manchester), Mr Peroy Harris (Liberal candidate for Ashford,. Kent), and .-Mr C. A. Moreing (head of tho firm of Bewick, Moreing, and Co., well known for their connection with NewZealand and other mines); Mr Moreing is tho selected Unionist candidate for Gainsborough, Yorkshire, Mr Neville Siovwright, 'formerly of Dunedin, whoso embarkation l in Stock Exchange business I mentioned some time ago, is, I am glad to learn, doing very well—indeed, in his own words, "Jinking splendid progress." ,0n Thursday evening last tho New Zealand footballers—those who are at present in London—were present by invitation at a special performance at the London Hippodrome—a sort, of variety entertainment .whoso speciality is performing animals. A notification of tho performance announced Miss Annetto Kcllermann. who nearly succeeded in swimming the Channel last, summer as "Australasia's Mermaid." and it was added that the Now Zealand football team and a number of "other distinguished Australians" would be present, l'he performance began at 7.45, and did not end till well after 11 p.m. It was a most varied entertainment, and like that of a music hall, Tho footballers wero all in the front fauteuilg l corresponding to the stalls in a New Zealand theatre. Smoking is, of coursc, allowed at the Hippodrome. During the performance there wero many allusions to the guests of tho evening. A prosperous voyago homo was wished them by limelight letters thrown on tho curtain, and at the invitation of tho manager the audience cheered them lustily. The Now Zealand team, rising, responded—very short, sharp, liltle cheers, epiite unlike the English ones. Miss Kcllermann also smiled most graciously at, them. Ilcr performance in the huge arena, which suddenly has tho floor taken n\vay,_ and is filled with watei by a most ingenious contrivance (the water flowing in all round tho top), was certainly the feafcuro of the evening. Sho is wonderfully graceful, really a perfect figure of <1 woman. Other items which were more than usually good woro tho fishing cormorants which sailed about 011 the water Miss Kcllormann had just left, catchmg fish thrown at them. An imperturbablo John Chinaman meanwhile boats about on a junlc, picks up tho birds with a long pole, catches them by the neck, and makes them disgorge the fob into a basket, There woro two pretty ballets during the courso of the evening, and some good Japanese balancing. Of courso with all these entertainments there is a good deal of fooling, but many of tho " burns '' are well -worth seeing. Callers this week at t-lio office of tho New Zealand Government havo been:—Mr T. ■C. Tims (late Whakatane), Mr P. C. Tims, Jlr J. E. Hanlon (GhristchurcJi), Mr J. S. Barton (Gisborno), Mr W. E. Judkins (Auckland), Mr J. A. Judkins (Christchurch), Mr Theo. Barker (Christchurch), Mr P. Melljsh (Christchurch). Mr J. S. S. Cooper (Christchurch). Miss Helen Mcichel, Mr S. Wilson (Wellington). It is with much regret that I have fo record tho death of Mr Richard Hackworth, who fo l-many years was chicf clerk at the New Zealand Government. Offices in London. Some six years ago Mr Hackworth experienced a stroke.which necessitated the relinquishment by him of all further work. Though his eyesight was permanently impaired, he bccamo better ■hy'sically for a time, but later on ho experienced a sccond seizure, lie slowly but gradually became worse, and an attack of bronchitis carried him oil' receully, Tho funeral, which was a private one. took place at Wandsworth. A handsome wreath was sent by his old colleagues in Victoria street. Mr Haekworth, who was 74 years of ago, entered tho New Zealand Government service as far back as 1873, working during the (enures of office as Aaent(reneral of Di Featherstdne, Sir .Tiilius Sir F. Dillon Bell. Sir Wostbv Perceval, and Mr W. P. Reeves, as well as throuffh the Agent-generalship of Sir W. Tvron Power. He leaves a. son. who is in the London and Westminster and two daughters, one of whom is married to ■Mr A. S. Row, who succeeded his father-in-law in the chief clerkship at. tho New Zealand Governmont offices here. Mr Haekworth was held in tho highest esteem by all who ever had anything to do with him. Mr William Alexander, A.M.Tnst.C.E,, A.M.1.M.E., and A.G.T.C., has been appointed instructor in technical engineering for Wellington, and be will leave for the eolony by the s.s. Rnapehu. Mr Alexander ha.-, a brilliant, record, being a Whitworth a National Scholar, and a Royal Exhibitioner. He is 29 years of n?c and is unmarried, and at tho'time of his acceptance of his now appointment lie held the position of "voting assistant" in engineering at. the Glasgow University. Prior to this he was for two years at the Paisley School as lecturer in mechanics and demonstrator in tho physical laboratory, and he was for a year lecturer in applied 'mechanics at Ajrdrie Academy. Jlr J. H. Witheford is 6til! in London engaged in enterprises connected with New Zealand's iron deposits.