PERSONAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15183, 30 June 1911, Page 6

PERSONAL.

A Wellington message reports that Mr A. G. Millmgton, gaoler there, died yesterday from an internal complaint. We are pleased to learn that MrT. Parata, M.l'., has recovered from his recent, illness, and is now able to attend to his usual duties. A cablegram from Ottawa announces tho death of Mr G. Lafontaine, father of Lady Lauricr, at the ago of 95 years, Air John- Scott, who litis boon over 14 years on the staff of Messrs Nimmo and Blair, and who is well known in local bowling circles, is transferring to the staff of Messrs ft. Wilson and Co. At the Dunedin Telegraph Office last night, Mr Isaac Blackie, who has been promoted and transferred t.o Beaky, was the recipient of a handsome rug from the telegraph staff. Mr Talbot, in making the presentation, roforred to the many good qualities of the recipient. Mr Blackie briefly replied. Tho wife of the Rev. W. Ready, wlio recently sustained serious injuries in jumping from tho window of a burning houso in Auckland, has arrived safely in Dunedin, and is none the worse for tho Jong journey. Tho Rev. W. Ready left foy train yesterday, and is travelling by Main . Trunk, hoping to reach Auckland in time to take his services on Sunday. Mr A. L. Hordman, M.P., has received invitations to address public meetings on political mat-tors in various parts cf tho South Island. The Dominion states that lie will probably pay a visit to Ot-ago and Southland at an early date. Master Ernest Thompson, son of Mr A. Thompson, of Aorangi, left Feilding on Tuesday (says tho Star) for Dunedin, where ho will enter tho Government servico to become a 'draughtsman. Mr Norman Churton, tho well-known singer, arrived at Dunedin yesterday morning from Invercangill. He will remain here for a few days revisiting old friends, and will then proceed northward in prosecution of a holiday from his Australian engagements. Tliero is a probability that Mr Churton will sing a solo on Sunday cvcniir" at First Church. - ° Messrs Andrew Gillies and J. A. Crawford were entertained at a smoke concert by members of tho Dunedin Snorts Club at the Provincial Hotel on, Monday evening, and wore the recipients of presentations from the members on severing their connection -with the club through leaving Dunedin. Mr Gillies is joining the firm of Martin and Co., Wellington, and Mr Crawford R. H. Scott and Co.. Invcreargill. Messrs Williamson, Angell, Graham, Ormiston, and others contributed towards tho evening's entertainment. At the Police Station: last evening Constable J. Fox was the recipient of a marble clock, given by his comrades, who took the occasion of his recent marriage to indicate in this manner their friendly interest ill his welfare. In a few well chosen words Constable Cameron voiced tho sentiments which actuated the donors, and wished Miami Miis Fox a long and hapov -life. Tho recipient suitably replied. On Wednesday afternoon a gathering of citizens did honour to one who (says our correspondent) might fittingly bo called tho grand old man of Oamaru, Mr J. M. Brown, who, after nearly 30 years of activo life as a member of the Borough Council the Harbour Board, ami Mayor of Oamaru is withdrawing from the public eye. Tho Mayor (Dr M'AdamJ presented to Mr Brown a purso of sovereigns on behalf of tho people of tho town. Sinco ho camo to Oamaru from Dunedin in 1883 Mr Brown has served on almost every local body, mid has been in all respects an excellent citizen, as was testified by the many speakers at tho gathering. At Stirling on Tuesday evening Mr ICing, who has }>eon stationmaster at that station for tho past nine years and is under orders to transfer Rangiora, was met by tho members of his staff and membens of the Kaitangata Coal Company's railway staff, together with a few friends, ami presented with a handsome hanging lamp as a small token of the esteem in which lie is held. Mr W. Bishop, in making tho presentation, spoke in glowing terms of tho sterling qualities of Mr King, and wished him and family all success and happiness in their now home. Several other members also spoke in a similar vein. Mr King suitably responded and thanked those present for their kind remarks and t.ho handsome present. Several toasts wero honoured and musical itemS rendered, and a very pleasant evonnig was brought to a close by tho singing of " Auld lang svne." At the close of yesterday afternoon's sitting of the Anglican Synod tho president, tin Very Rev. Dean Fitcbett, on behalf of members of Synod, presented tho Rov. J. C. Small, the clerical secretary, with a fountain pen in recognition of the

very successful way tn which ho hud carried out liis duties from session to session. Iu making the presentation the Dean referred in complimentary tprnas to the manner in which Mr Small had performed his duties lis. clerical secretary,. his remarks being cordially endorsed by the applause of the members present.—Mr Small, in acknowledging tho unexpected gi£t, mentioned that Jib regarded- his appointment to the pest lie had held from year to year a? a very great distinction, and expressed his gratitude at tho recognition his services had received.