PERSONAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14279, 30 July 1908, Page 8

PERSONAL

At the meeting of tho Duncdin Fire Board yesterday. Foreman J Salmon, of tho City Fire Hrigadc, was promoted to the position of deputy superintendent Tho Cheviot News received a telegram from Mr A. W. Rutherford, M.P., to the effect that "it is almost a certainty that the Hon. W. Hall-Jones will bo this new High Commissioner." Information was received yesterday, by private- cable, of the death at Numba, Now South Wales, of Mr Edward Pritchard, who was a. well known resident, of Duncdin many years ago. Ho was a. contractor in an extensive way, and among the other undertajungs carried out by him when in New Zealand was the erection of the Caversham Gasworks. Ho was also a warm supporter- of the turf, and was himself interested in tho ownership of a number '_ ,of horses, among them being Sir Modred, the winner of the Duncdin Cup and other ; races, and Gazelle. He was married to a sister of Mr H. Goodman, trainer, of Cavbrsham, and his wife and family survive 1 him. Tho death of Mr James Harwood, at Hio age ol 75 years, took place on Wednesday at tho residenco of hie son-in-law, Mr Charles Swinard, Oamaru. TheOamaru Mail gives particulars of the late gentleman's long career in Now Zealand. He arrived in 1865 by tho ship Wild Duck, landing at Napier, with his wifo and family, at a time when the Maori spirit was in "a state ol ■ rebellion. Although never called upon to tako up arms, Mr Harwood was enrolled as a member of the Militia shortly after ho landed. After a residence of about two years in the Hawke's Bay province ho removed with his family to Southland, residing first at. Riverton and later on in the Lakes district. In 1878 he went to Oamaru, where ho remained until 1897, when ho again removed' to the North Island, making his homo with one of his sons. He returned to Oamaru about two months ago. In the early eighties he occupied a position on the staff of the Oamaru Mail, and was subsequently collector for the North Otago Times for many years. Mr Harwood was predeceased by his wife 26 years ago. He is survived by three sons and one daughter, the latter being Mrs .lames Swinard, with whom he resided at the timo of his demise. Last evening at the Carlton Dining Rooms, a farewell social was tendered to Mr \Y. Fisher, of tho Duncdin Telegraph office, on the eve of his departure for Christchurcli, to which office ho lum been promoted to a position on ilie executive staff. The gathering, which was presided over by Mr F. C. Hawley (telegraph office), was largely attended and was representative ■ of both branches of the' Post and Telegraph Do partment. In proposing tho toas A "Our Guest," Messrs H. P Donald, A. G. Williams, and D. A. Herbert spoke >ji terms expressive of Mr Fisher's- many good qualities, and, in congratulating him most heartily upon his promotion, expressed regreat at losing an officer whose gentlemanly bearing and high sense of justice had earned the esteem of his fellow workers. Mr Fisher feelingly responded. A lengthy musical programme, 'ntcrsporscd with various toasts, furnished a most enjoyable entertainment, and the gathering: was brought to a close.hy tho singing of " Auld lang syne." A Feilding message stales that Mr A. C. Matheson, manage of the Bank of New Zealand, has received notice of promotion to the inspecting staff. His duties will be principally in the South Island. Mr Matheson was at one time captain of the ; Feilding Football Club, and was a Manawatu representative footballer. I