PERSONAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14282, 3 August 1908, Page 6

PERSONAL

On Friday afternoon, tlio staff of R. Malcolm (Ltd.) assembled to convoy to ono of their number (Mr Peter Thomson), who is severing his connection with the firm, to enter the services of a large retail firm in the city, a memento of the esteem in which he is held by his late fellow employees, In the absence of the manager (Mr Higliet), Mv Findlay presented Mr Thomson with a fountain pen, and in doing so passed some very graceful encomiums on tho recipient, and wished him every success in his new position. Mr Thomson, in a few suitable remarks, feelingly responded and thanked the donors for tho tangible mark of their respect. Mr W. G. Riddcll, S.M., was to arrive in Napier on Saturday to relieve Mr S. E. M'Carthy, S.M., who has been granted-thrco months'' leave of absence. Tho afternoon service .at the Chinese Church in Walker street yesterday was in memory of Mr Paul H. Chan, who died tho day before, on exactly the scvpnty-fouvth anniversary of the death of Robert Morrison, pioneer of Protestant missions to China. Mi - Chan became a membor of the church bv baptism on August 13, 1899, so that his membership lasted very nearly nine years. Ho was ordained an older by tho Rev. W. Hewitson on June 12, 1904. Tho memorial service was conducted by the Rev. A. Don, the church boing draped in white,' tho Chinese mourning colour. The main features of the deceased's character were fidelity to duty and gentleness of spirit, a blend too uncommon. sympathy is felt with his young widow, who' oamo from Canton to bo married less than two years ago. Hor late husband left no near relatives in Now Zealand. Mr F. Urquhart', who for tho past four years has filled the position of rabbit agent and assistant to Mr Ironside in the stock. Department -,at Qamaru, has (says the Oamaru Mail) rccoived notico of his transfer to Wyndham, whither lie will proceed shortly. Mr Urquhart is recognised as a conscicntious and diligent oQicer, and had made himself popular throughout the farming district under his supervision. He will be succeeded in Oamaru by Mr A. Hughes, of Palmerston. Mr A. W. Hogg. M.P., at the onening of Larson's bridjro, Nirealia, was presented •by Mr Moss, chairman of the fikctahuna County Council, on behalf of tho settlers, with a case containing 1000 stamps, as a token of their appreciation of services rendered. Mr Hoirg returned thanks for the unique gift, and assured tho settlors they need not think of the intrinsic value, as the knowledgo that they, had thought so well of him was iijally worth more to him than oven £1000. Mr W. F. Stewart, who has (&ays our Oamaru correspondent) been in charge of the telegraph instruction gallery at Oamaru for two years, left for Wellington on Saturday, the gallery having been temporally closed. Through Mr Stewart's tends have gone some nine or 10 galleries, consisting of about a score of 'aspiring telegraphists, who have been sent here for instruction by the department in t.he more technical work. Tho members of the local post and telegraph staff on Friday evening presented Mr Stewart with a gold fouiiitain-pen, as a mark of appreciation of their association with him, ami the hope was freely exprcssorl that, in a few months ho would be back in Oamaru in charge of another gallery. Mr Stewart lias .rendered assistance of real value to several enterprises eaioring for the youth of tlio town of Oamaru. A Press Association tolegram from Ohristehureh states that. Mr ,T. E. March, who lias beon connected with tlio Immigration and Land %ttioment Departments for over 45 years, finally retired from the civil service ou Friday Inst, on superannuation. Mr March has r-eoeived a very eulogistic letter from the Under-secretory of Lands oonvoying the appreciation of the department of bis work. An Auckland telegram states that the Rev. John Law, supernumerary Methodist minister of Mount. Albert, Auckland, died on Saturday night after ailing f«r some months. The deceased came to tho Dominion in 1363, and has had chargo of circuits in various parts of New Zealand. Ho was in his sixty-eighth year, and is survived by his widow and four sons.