PERSONAL ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2468, 3 July 1901, Page 5

PERSONAL ITEMS.

The Timaru Herald learns that Detective Fitzgerald, of Timaru, has been granted six months' leave of absence, and, accompanied by Mrs Fitzgerald, intends io the course of a day or two to leave on a trip to Ireland. Mr John Baker, who has retired from the management of the Bald Hill Company's dredge, was presented on behalf of the employees of the company with a handsome silver-mounted desk and cigar case as a token of esteem. Mr F. Yon Mai, one of the crew, also presented Mr Baker with some beautiful photographic views of the Lakes district, and also of the Bald Hill dredge. Nurse Ros^ Shappere has been awarded the insignia of the Red Cross, which is the highest distinction that can be awarded to women who serve with the British Army as nurses. She wa3 also specially mentioned in General Buller's despatches. Sister Shappere is well known in Dunedin and Timaru, where she resided for many veai's, and she is the younger sister of Mrs I. Salek, of Wanganui. The insignia of the Red Cross, as presented to women, is equal in merit to the much-prized Victoria Cross, presented to men for valour. — Wanganui Herald.

Trooper Smith, of Redcastle, who recently returned from South Africa, was met by a number of friends on Thursday (says the Oamaru Mail), when he was presented with a handsome albert chain of Wailaki gold with a Maltese cross, suitably inscribed, attached.

The Auckland Star states that the Rev. J. J. Cairney. whose parents reside at Ravensbourne, and who has been assisting the Rev. R. F. Macnicol at St. James's Presbyterian Church for some time past, has acceded to the request of the congregation to remain for a year. It is hoped that this will enable Mr Macnicol to thoroughly recuperate his health. Lieutenant T. Herd, of the Wellington Garrison Band, has been appointed judge for the great band contest to be held at Ballarat, Victoria, in October np-:t. Mr Johu Collins, of Maori Point, has been appointed a justice of the peace.

Mr Lachlan Maclean, who for some time past has been conducting Messrs Fleming a'lid Hedle'y's auction sales in the Oamani district, has returned to Dunedin to assume the management of the auctioneering department of Messrs Wright, Stephcnson, and Co.'s business.

The Wellington correspondent of the | Hawke's Bay Herald states that Mr Aihton Kaye, Hansard reporter, has received an appointment on the New South Wales Parliamentary Hansard staff. At the residence of Mr S. Jarvis, George street, on Friday evening, Trooper P. O. Fraser, of the second New Zealand contingent,, was presented with a gold band ring, I suitably inscribed, and a purse of sove- . reigns from a few of his friends and ad- j mirera. Mr Ingle made the presentation. Trooper Fraser suitably responded, after which Miss Amy Jarvis presented him with a silver matchbox and cigarette holder on behalf of the children. "Several songs and recitations were given during the evening, ; and the gathering was brought to a close t by the singing of " Auld long syne." Mrs James Arkle, of Palmerston, was . tendered a farewell "at home" by Mesdaines Hislop, Pattle, and Douglas in the Palmerston Oddfellows' Hall on the 18th inst., prior- to her departure to take up her residence in Dunedin. A very pleasant time was spent, and before the conclusion of the function Dr Hislop, in a short speech, expressed 1 egret at Mrs Arkle's departure, concluding by wishing her long life and every happiness, Mrs Arkle suitably replying. Te Rongokahira, mentioned as having been presented tQ the Duke and Duchess of. Cornwall ancTYork at "Rotor ua and received by the Duchess at the Grand Hotel, is better known as Mrs C. R. Parata,, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs D. Asher, of Tauranga, and daughter-in-law of Mr T. Parata, M.H.R. j Mrs Parata is one who can trace her ances- ! tors from thfl landing of the Maoris i& New; O k- iJ- . - * M-:

Zealand. She, being connected with Ngaiterangi and Te Arawa tribes, was selected afc Rotorua as one, with her aunt, TeJPairakau, to represent the Arawa on the Friday, when Mrs Parata (Te Rongokahira) presented a. valuable greenstone mere to the Duchess, which was carrier! continually by her ladyship throughout lier visit at Rotorua.