PERSONAL ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2721, 9 May 1906, Page 27

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Mr E. A. Pyke, who has been proprietor of the Bruce Herald for some years, has sold the paper to a small private company, consisting mostly of local people, and has purchased a paper at Cambridge (North Island). Mr James Christie, who was in 1884-5 a reporter on the staff of this paper, and subsequently editor of the Waimate Times, the Ashburton Guardian, and other journals, will be the responsible head of the new proprietory. Mr Christie assumes the management of the Bruce Herald on Tuesday next. Mr W. Hay has been appointed a member of the Assessment Court for the Borough of Balclutha. under "The Government Valuation of Land Act Amendment Act, 1900." The Bey. A. Neild, of Naseby, formerly of Selwyu College, has been appointed to succeed the Rev. C. S Bowden as vicar of St. Mary's, Mornington. The Very Rev. Dean Fitchett, as bishop's commissary, has also appointed Mt Neild to be canon of St. Paul's Cathedral, and he thus becomes a member of the Cathedral Chapter. Mr W. Burnett haa been reappointed to the Cathedral Chapter.Th« Eev. Mr Chodowski, Jewish rabbi in Dunedin, on the Ist inst. receiv-ed the regrettable iiews of the death of his mother, widow of The i late" Rabbi I. J. Chodowski. Mrs Chcdowskf, who died at Oels, Germany, was 86 years of age. ... At the last meeting of the Blenheim Borough Council Mr Charles Rowland Pease. a recent arrival from England, wss appointed borough engineer- and gas manager. There werfe 26 applicants for the position, four of them belonging to Dunedin. Messrs D. M. Dickson, M. T. Edmonds, and R. Burns have been elected members of the Otago Heads Road Board without opposition. Major Andrews, of the Indian Cavalry, arrived at Adelaide from Bombay by the R.M.S. India on April 21, and left by the express in the afternoon for Sydney, en route to Kew Zealand. Major Andrews expects to return to India in about 12 months' time. Mr Thomas R. Dodds, an o!d resident on the Flat, died on the Ist inst., after a prolonged illness. Mr Dcdds was for some years town clerk of the borough of St. Kilda, and on resigning held the position of returning officer for Cavershain. He was a very old member of the Caledonian Bowling: Club, and was secretary of the club for a number of years. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the game, and on Mr Capstick's retirement, on being appointed secretary of the New Zealand Bowling Association, Mr Dodds succeeded him as the contributor to the Otago Witnesß of " Bowling Notes " by " Jack," •which ho continued until compelled to give up through failing health. Mr Alfred R. Hardy writes stating that he. and not Mr R. F. Hardy, has been elected a member of the Portobello Roard Board. A few of the friends of the late Mr Charlie Fisher, of South Dunedin, have been instrumental in having -his grave at the Southern Cemetery enclosed within a concrete wall, and in having a marble slab placed at the lead, an inscription on the tablet showing low it. has been erected. Mr Robert Wilaon, of the staff of Messrs Dosnald Reid and Co.. at Balclutha, was presented with a set of pipes and a tobacco pouch by the tennis and football clubs there prior to his departure for the firm's Dunedin office. Mr Stanley Jeffreys, architect, of this city, has been notified that his design (No. 2) for workmen's homes has been accepted by the Government. He is instructed to call for tenders for two houses on the Windle Settlement. Many friends will regret to learn that Miss Brown, who was associated with Mr and Mrs A. E. Storrie and Miss Elsie Lilly iv mission ■work at Chandgsd, Belgaum, India, passed away on March 21. Miss Brown nursed Mrs Storrie through an attack of typhoid fever, and then took the fever herself," but was too much exhausted to resist it, and after a. brief illness entered into rest. A native of the district gave a plot of land in which she might Tje buried. Mies Brown's utter unselfishness endeared her to those who were closely associated with her in life and service, and her death is deeply regretted. Mr and Mrs Storrie are leaving India shortly on furlough, and are expected to arrive here towards the ttad of June. Mr 3 Storrie's home is at Puerua. The Dunstar Times states that Mr and Mrs David M'Connochie, of Clyde, celebrated their golden wedding on April 29. Gathered around them were a large circle of sons and daughters and grandchildren, several of whom had travelled from Dunedin to be present. Mr M'Connochie arrived in Melbourne iv the fifties, and for some years carried on a drapery establishment in that city. On the discov«ry of gold in New Zealand he decided to leave Australia, for this colony, arriving by the ship liightning on her first voyage to Port Chalmers in 1662. The rush to the DunsUn ■was then the big attraction of the Otago Goldfields, and he immediately made his way to Clyde, where he has remained ever since, his residence on the banks of the Molyneux being one of the oldest structures in the township. For a good number of years Mr M'Conuochic conducted a drapery business at Clyde, and also for a few years in Alexandra, having been associated there with Mr James Samson, now "well known in auctioneering circles in Dunedin. On relinquishing the drapery business Mr M'Connochie devoted his attention to contracting, and many of the largest works in the county have been carried out under his supervision. One of the most handsome presents received was from Mr James Samson, of Dunedin. who forwarded two very handsome gold watches to his old friends of 50 years' standing. The membars of the family presented a purse of sovereigns, the gift being made by Mr J. R. M'Connochie, the oldest son present. Messrs William Wills {Dunedin), Frank Farley (Dunedin), and Thomas Barry congratulated Mr and Mrs M'Connochie on their attainment of their golden wedding. One of the most pleasant features of the function ■was a golden wedding song composed by Mr Charles Umbers, Dunedin. Our Queenstown correspondent telegraphs : — "Mr James William. Fraser, of Harbour Buildings, Dunedin, has been appointed clerk, treasurer, collector, and returning officer for I/ake County. There were 55 applications for the position. The council had a very long sitting, lasting from 10.30 on Tuesday morning to 2 o'clock on Wednesday morning. The Rev. Mr Nansoa has been .ppointed ussistant to Canoa Mayne at the Napier Cathedral. — Mr Isaac Stevenson, who was installed as illayoi of Port Chalmers on Wednesday, is tne fourteenth gentleman to occupy that position during the last 41 years. Mr John Riddell has been selected as a representative foi-the Sandymount Subdivision n the Peninsula Road Board. Mr Miller Eoberteon having withdrawn his nomination. Definite arrangements have practically been ffnade for a visit of Gipsy Smith, the evangelist, to the colonies, lie proceeds to America in

September of this year, and will return to England in March, 1907. He will then be ready to visit Australasia, accompanied by Mrs Smith and Miss Smith.

At the freezing works, Port Chalmers, on Wednesday, Mr Andrew Thompson (late manager) was presented by the staff of the Dock Trust and Produce Export Company with a handsome piece of silver plate. Mr Hamilton, representing the latter company, was unavoidably absent. Mr J. Smaill, in making the presentation, referred with regret to the retirement of Mr Thomson, who was on© of the originators of the freezing works, which, from their inception, had been exceptionally successful. Mr Thomson had earned the esteem not only of every member of the staff, but of everyone doing business with the works. Various members of the staff expressed regret at losing Mr Thomson and kindliest wishes for his future welfare. Mr Thomson, in returning thanks, stated that while he had been connected with the freezing industry, for the last 25 yeara, the freezing works of the trust had been his absorbing scheme, and he was especially gratified that the works had proved so successful. He could look back with pleasure over all the incidents of the management and intercourse with the staff, and be heartily thanked all for their kind thoughtfulness expressed in their gift. Messrs T. Smith and F. H. Ward have been nominated for the vacancy on the Hawksbury Borough Council, caused by the election of Mr B. W. Fell as Mayor. A poll will be taken on Wednesday, 9th inst. The- Alexandra Herald states that MrUesher, inspecting engineer of the Public Works Department, is at present in the Otago Central district on a tour of inspection of the Otago Central railway works. Miss F. Bremner has been appointed relieving teacher at the Glenore School, and commenced her duties on Wednesday. It is not known at present (says the Milton Mirror) whether Miss Hutton will take charge of the school. Captain R. Murray Menzies, of Te Anau. who died at Invercargill on Wednesday, came out to the colony from Scotland about 10 years ago. He began a steamer service on Lake Te Anau early in 1900. Mr George Leslie, who has been Registrar of Friendly Societies for several years, severed his connection with the Government service on Monday. In accordance with the provisions of the act, Mr C. X. Benzoni, deputy registrar, has assumed charge of the department pending the appointment of Mr Leslie's successor. Mr William Moore, who has resigned the position oi Mayor of Milton, has (says the Bruce Herald) established a record in municipal service which will be hard to beat. He was elected in 1885, and has served continuously ever since that date — 10 yeara as councillor and 11 years as Mayor. During his whole term of office he has only missed nine meetings — eight when a councillor and one when he occupied the mayoral chair. The Ashburton Mail states J bat oue of the oldest residents of Otago has passed away in the person of Mr Samuel Cassey, who died at his son's residence at Lauriston on Tuesd.iy. He arrived in the colony in one of the urst three ships, and spent most of his time in New Zealand in the Government service, from which he retired about 13 years ago. Since that time he had lived in Dunedin, until about 18 months ago, when, upon the death of his wife, he went to live with his eon at Lauriaton. The friends of Mr William Conyers, at cne time Commissioner of Railways in this colony, will regret to hear of the death of his wife, which took place in Melbourne last week. Mr Ccnyers cabled to the Mayor of Invercargill (MrScandrsil) that his wife expressed a wish to be buried by the side of her mother in the Invercargill Cemetery, and asked him to make the necessary arrangements therefor. This was done, and the body arrived by the Waikare on Tuesday, Ist inst. Mr R. L. M'llroy, M.A.. who fiTled the position of second assistant at the Waitaki High School for four years and a-half, has been appointed first assistant of the Central School, New Plymouth. Miss Evelyn Byers, who for some time past has occupied the position of teacher in the Lauder School, and who is now about to leave the district, was the recipient of a. handsome gold bangle, given by a few of her friends, and presented by the school children. During the last year Miss Byers has had a great deal of unavoidable broke* 1 time, but nevertheless her pupils made good progress, and secured most satisfactory results. At Timaru on Thursday afternoon Mr Wiifred White, accountant in the Bank of New South Wales, who has been promoted to the Dunedin branch, was presented with a travelling rug by his fellow-officers. Miss Alice Pollard has accepted a lucrative engagement with Messrs Edwardes and Wheeler, the well-known South African entrepreneurs, for a season of musical comedy, and will leave Sydney for South Africa by the Persic on May 12. The death of Mr Robert Marshall, one of the oldest settlers in the Taieri district, is anuounced in this issue. The deceased, who was 82 years of age, was born in Greenock (Scotland), and he came to the colony in the ship Thetis in 1854 to jo:n his brother, the late Mr David John Marshall, who had previously arrived in Otago. Messrs Marshall started farming on the property well known as Granton, which they carried on successfully for many years. Two year? after the death of his brother, who died in 1900 at the age of 76 years, Mr Robert Marshall, who had succeeded to the whole estate, disposed of the property, and has since lived in retirement. Mr Marshall took a. trip Home in 1879. He never took any part in public matters, but, being very musical, he found amusement and recreation in playing the organ, violin, and flute. Mr Marshall was unmarried. Mr Archibald Nichol, better known as "Archie," who has been in the employ of Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewen for 32 years and six months, died very suddenly on Friday from complications following an attack of influenza. He was a trusted servant of the firm, whose warehouse he has regularly locked up after business hours for a period extending over a quarter of a century. Cheerful and obliging in disposition, he had the respect and esteem of all his fellow-employees. Deceased, who was 56 years of age, like his brother. Mr P. Nichol, was a member of the "Union Football Club away "back in the days when one-third of a Saturday afternoons play would be devoted to practising the Association game, one-third to Rugby, and the other third to the Australian game. Our Lawrence correspondent writes:— lne first of a series of social winter meetings was held in the Church of England Schoolroom on Wednesday evening. Canon Richards, in opening, said, this particular social was of a twofold character, being not only one of a series to be held, but it was further intended to give an opportunity to the many friends of Mrs Donald Mitchell to say good-bye and wish her God-speed in neT new homo at Ro«lyn, to which she was about to remove. The Canon further said it was hardly necessary for him to say much in reference to the valuable assistance Mre Mitchell had rendered to the Ladies' Guild and many other good works in connection with the church. On belittlf of her many friends be wished her all happiness in the

sphere to which she was removing, and begged her acceptance of a small token of I affection and gratitude in the shape of a ! purse of sovereigns. On behalf of Mrs Mitchell, Mr Henry Hart begged to acknowledge the gift with heartfelt thanks, and said it was a, well-known fact that Mrs Mitchell wss always ready and willing to assist in any good and, benevolent work independent of creed or position; and he was pleased to be able to say that, although she was removing to Roslyn, s-he did not mean to sever her connection with the guild, but would be only too pleased to continue to assist as far as she was ab'e. A very enjoyable evening was spent by those present, and at the close they took the opportunity of wishing Mrs Mitchell good-bye, with expressions of regret at her departure. Mr Leonard Thomas Burnard, LL.B.. was on Saturday admitted by his Honor Mr Justice Cooper as a barristsr of the Supreme Court. Mr John M. Allan, en leaving Kensington School to take up the position of head teacher of Kelso School, was presented with an inkstand by the children of Standards V and VI, and was afterwards entertained by the teachers of the schcol at afternoon tea. The presentation was made by Mr Mcore, head master, who spoke in high terms of Mr Allan's work. Four candidates — Messrs W. Snow, J. Sim, T. Mackenzie. M.H.R., and R. Peattie— have already decided to contest the three E-eats allotted to the South Ward under the subdivision of the Otago Education District, and the Rev. P. B. Fraser and Mr W. D. Mason are also mentioned as probable candidates. Messrs D. Borne, J. Mitchell. A M'Kerrow, and W. .Nicolson will be candidates for the three_ seats in the North Ward, but so far nothing has been decided upon, regarding the candidates for the Central w *rd. Mt W. A. Sim, of Messrs Mondy, Sim, and Stephens, wn3 entertained by the members of the Otago Club on Friday night prior to his departure for a holiday tour of the Old Country. About 50 gentleman were present. In the absence of Sir Henry J. Miller (president), the Hon. T. Fergus presided. The staff of Messrs Mackerras and Hazlett (Ltd.) assembled on Saturday to bid farewell to Mr J. B. Thomson, head shipping clerk, who is leaving the firm to take up the management of Messrs Thomson and Co.'s Invercargill branch. Mr J. W Mil! 3, managing director, in a pleasant speech, referred to the harmony tha-t had always existed amongst the staff, to which, in a great degree, Mr Thomson contributed. He had known Mr Thomson since he joined the firm as office boy 14 years ago, and regretted his departuie. Mr Thomson had a capita' business experience and a strong character, and he felt quite satisfied as to his success in his new position. On behalf of the staff he asked Mr Thomson's acceptance of a handsome travelling bag with fittings, travelling rug, gold links, and gold-mounted umbrella. Mr Joseph Heatley also added a few appropriate and pointed remarks. Mr Thomson replied in happy terms, and thanked the directors and staff for their kindness, and said that he never would wish to work for a better fUm, and the length of service of some of his fellow employees would prove his remarks. The toast of Mr Thomson's health, with musical honours, concluded a pleasant function. Mr F. "W Flanagan, chief draughtsman in the Land and Survey Department, has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Crown Lauds for the Nelson district. Mr Flanagan is a son of Mrs J. D. Dallas, High street, Dunedin. The Hon. Thomas Fergus, Dr Church, and Mr F. G. Cray aTe already candidates for the representations of the central division of the Otago Education Board. A Nelson telegram announces the death of Mr Henry Edwards, for 50 years with Messrs Sclanders and Co., and well known throughcut the colony in business circles. He was local agent for the South British Insurance Company. The poll for the election of a member to represent the HighcLff subdivision on the Peninsula Road Board resulted in the return of Mr Francis Black, who received 32 votes, as agains-t 23 polled in favour of Mr James Fairbairn. The members of the Port Chalmers Bowling Club mustered in force at Bastings's Hotel c n Monday evening to make a presentation to Dr Bauchop and felicitate him upon his approaching marriage, which takes place to-morrow. Mr Gray (president of the club) occupied the chair, and there was a very large attendance of bowlers. In making the presentation, theChairman said they were very pleased to see Dr Bauchop again in their midst, and that on behalf of the Pert Chalmers Bowling Club he had much pleasure in congratulating him upon his approaching marriage. During the many years Dr Bauchop had been « member of the club he had always worked hard to further its best interests. H«" had proved himself a keen bowler, and his departure from the district had been a distinct loss io tho club, which had always held him in 'he highest esteem. On their behalf he Lad much pleasure in welcoming him back to their midst for a short time, and had great pleasure in asking him to accept a dinner Bervice as a small tangible expression of their goodwill. Mr John Mill, Mr M'Kay. and Mr M'Laohian also spoke in high terms of Dr Bauchop's sterling qualities, and wished him every hnt>piness and nroftierity in his new sphere. In reply.,. Dr Bauchon thanked the members of Il'o club for their kind expressions of goodwill and for the handpome mesent which accompanied them. He- had often regretted thenecessity for severing his connection with the Port Chalmers Bowline Club, but honed that Ophir would some day possca a bowling club, and members of his parent club wou'd always be most hearti y welcomed as visitors. A number of toasts were honoured, and some songs were sung, the gathering being in every way a pronounced success. Nurse Lindsay, who Tecently fevered her connection with the South'and Hospital staff to join that of the Dunedin institution, wa-; on the eve of her departure the recipient of a gold brooch from the staff, and a testimonial signed by the uatients. as marks of their goodwill towards her. For a number of years Nurse Lindsay lias been on duty in the Southland Hospital, and she carries with her the good wishes of a large circle of friends. The testimonial heading, which was composed by a patient and engrossed by Nurse Pryor, ran thus. — To Nurse Lindsay, on her departure from the Southland Hospital, May 4, 1906. Goodbye! From your accustomed .place We'll mi«s youi ever cheerful face, Your kindly words, your gentle grace. Goodbye! Take with you this, our kindly thought, May wish of yours ne'er come to naught. May every flower that decks the day Be yours to scatter on life's -way ; May all the friends that gather ioun3 Your way in faithfulne=* be found, Like to the mirror on your shelf, A sweet reflection of yourself. Goodbye' Long may your footsteps be Traced on the sands of charity: May all these graces round you lie, Faith. Friendship, Hope, and Love. Goodbye! Sixteen Chinese ani\c-d in New Zealand during March, and three left.