PERSONAL ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2451, 6 March 1901, Page 17

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Mr John Donaldson, general manager of the Australian Widows' Fund Life Assurance Society, is among the passengers from Australia by the Monowai, and will arrive in Dunedin to-day. He is making a tour of the colony.

The Westport Times states that Mr Mangos, of the local Poet and Telegraph department, has been transferred to Dunedin. Mr Wilson, of Dunedin, will fill the vacancy at Westport.

The Tuapeka Times states, that Mr T. Paton, who has occupied the position of stationmaster at Lawrence for the last four years, has received promotion in the service. He will be transferred to the North Island, probably ,*o Dannevirke.

Mj 1 Allan P. Stoiieham, a resident of London, who is largely interested in mining in West Australia, has presented the Westralian Government with a marble statue of the late Queen.

At the Dunedin Gaol on Tuesday Mr Thomas Vincent, a warder in the institution, was made a presentation by the staff on the occasion of his being transferred to Lyttelton. Warder Vincent has been in the local gaol for the last 12 years, and during that time has won the respect and liking of his associates. To testify this they gave him a handsome silver-mounted pipe, a pouch, and a silver matchbox. Gaoler Phillips made the presentation, and wished him every success in his new sphere.

Trooper W. Stewart, who recently returned from South Africa, was tendered a social at Crookston on Friday evening (says the Tapanui Courier), when he received an excellent reception. During the evening he was presented by Miss Fraser, on behalf of his friends, with a beautiful gold albert and Maltese cross (the latter inscribed, " Presented by the residents of Crookston to Trooper W. Stewart on his return from South Africa — 22/2/01," and on the reverse side the recipient's initials), together with a set of gold studs and sleeve links. At a later stage Trooper Stewart gave an interesting narrative of his experiences in South Africa under General Hamilton. He brought home an extensive and interesting collection of curios, including Mauser ammunition, dum-dum and explosive bullets, shell pieces, and other articles too numerous to mention.

The death has occurred, at the age of 82 years, of Mr Thomas Allen Sidders, a veteran Geelong journalist, who engaged in journalistic enterprise of a varied character during his career. Deceased lived long enough to come within five reigns, having been born in that of George 111. The Rey. Mr Wood, of Westland, has been appointed to the charge of the Winton Anglican Church, which has been without a clergyman for some time past. The Rev. Mr Blair was inducted to thf> pastoral charge of Popotunoa on Thursday. The U3ual soiree was held in the evening. Mr Blair was tendered a farewell social last prior to his departure from Arrowtown.

Count de Courte, French Consul at Wellington, had a rather unpleasant experience on Monday at Inch Valley. Having been shown over the Inch Valley dredge, he put his foot too near the edge of the bank when going ashore, and was precipitated into the water, escaping, however, with a good drenching.

Prior to leaving New Plymouth Captain Campbell (the officer in charge of the Indian contingent) was presented by the Mayor, on behalf of himself and other friends, with a handsome native mat of kiwi feathers; and Mr Berry presented him with a walking-stick of native honeysuckle. Riseldar Major Mishara Khan was also presented by Mr Seddon, on beKalf of Mr J. Butterworth, with a valuable greenstone ear pendant, and Mrs Seddon with a pretty feather kit by Mrs Butterworth. The present in each case was suitably acknowledged.

Mr W. M'Donald, first assistant in the Oamaru South School, severed his connection with the school on Friday to lake up tne headmastership of the Green Island School. A large assembly of children, parents, and friends gathered in the afternoon to bid him farewell, and advantage was taken of the occasion to present him with a handsome silver tea and coffee service and oak tray. A number of speeches were delivered, in all of which reference was made to Mr M'Donald's high ability and geniality, and while regret was expressed at his departure, he was complimented on his welldeserved promotion. Mr M'Donald briefly returned thanks.

Mr J. Ballans, railway stationmaster at Waikari (Canterbury) has received notice of his transfer to Lawrence.

Messrs James Handyside, W. Nation, F. M'Rae t and F. M'Kenzie have been appointed

members of the Switzers Commonage Committee.

Leters of naturalisation have been issued to the following residents of Otago :—Catharine Sperry, Shag Valley ; Carl Christiansen, Waipori ; Alex. Bloch, Oaraaru, Katherine Dovalosky, Gore. Among the passengers by the s.s. Mararoa, from Sydney to Auckland, the other day was Sir Thomas Fitzgerald, a well-known Melbourne surgeon, who is accompanied by Miss Fitzgerald. They intend visiting Rotorua. A correspondent informs the Oamaru Mail that Mr Phillips, late schoolmaster at Awamoko, was presented with a gold albert and watch chain, and Mrs Phillips with a gold brooch on Tuesday evening last as a token of the esteem and respect in which they are held in the district. Mr Phillips succeeds to the charge of the St. Leonards School.