PERSONAL ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3016, 3 January 1912, Page 34

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Sir Robei't Stout, Chief Justice, is at present on a holiday visit to Dunedin. Mrs Parker, sister of Lord Kitchener, accompanied by her husband, left by the Tahiti last month for San Francisco and Bermuda., where she will spend a short holiday with her brother, the Governor of Bermuda. From there they will leave for England, where they intend to live. Mr and Mrs Parker have lived in New Zealand for over 20 years. The death is reported of Mr W. J. Winter, an old resident of Wyndham. He settled there in 1874, and carried on successfully the business of a saddler till he retired to his farm at Menzies Ferry a few years ago. He wae a member of several local bodies. For many years he was one of Wyndham’s landmarks, and his demise will bo regretted by many who feel a pang when another link with the past disappears. Ho leaves a widow and family of ten —- three of them daughters.

The Rev. Alfred North preached his farewell sermons at the Ponsonby Baptist Church on Doe. 24, thus concluding a nine A cars’ ministry, to enable him to take, up the important position of organiser to the home and foreign missionary societies with which the Baptst Union of New Zealand is connected.

Miss White, who has been in charge of Glenkenich School for several years, and has recently been promoted to the Benhar Shcol. was entertained by her friends at a social held in the schoolroom on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Miss White was the recipient of very valuable presents from the school committee, residents, and children of the Glenkenich district.

A very pleasant gatherin'? was held at “ Nithvalc,” North-East Valley, on Friday, Dec. 22. when, at the kind invitation of Mrs Glendining, a largo number of exHigh School girls met' for the purjroso of making a presentation to Miss’ Edith Little on the occasion of her severing her connection with the school after a long term of service. A sumptuous afternoon tea was provided by Mrs Glcndining and her daughters —Mrs Mitchell and Miss Glcndining. Mrs Burn, the first lady principal of the school, presented Miss Little with a purse of sovereigns, referring in felicitous terms to Miss Little, who was the first pupil of the school to gain a scholarship, and was also the mathematical dux. Mrs Burn spoke of the pleasure it had given her to welcome Miss Little at a later date to a position on the staff, and stated that the friendship between her and her former pupil remained unbroken to the present day. Miss Little, in replying, thanked Mrs Glendining, Mrs Mitchell, and Miss W. Gordon, to whose exertions the success of the afternoon was due, also Mrs Burn for her words of appreciation, and, the exgirls for such a handsome token of their affection and esteem. After all had said good-bye to Miss Little, wishing her bon voyage and much happiness in the future, the meeting broke up. The many friends in New Zealand, of Captain Thomas Malcolm, eldest son of the late Captain James Malcolm (one of the pioneer skippers in the Union Steam Ship Company’s service), will hear with regret of his death, which took place recently at Shanghai (China). Mr Malcolm was w'ell and favourably known as chief officer of the steamers Wakatipu and Herald, and after resigning from the company’s service left for China, where he rose rapidly to the post of commander under the flag of the China Navigation Company, being at the time of his death master of (.lie Tamsui, trading between Eastern- ports. The climate, however, told its tale upon him. and his death was due to an attack of tuberculosis. The deceased was an old Dunedin lx>y, and inherited the seafaring life from his late respected father, who in his day was more intimately known in connection with the ill-fated steamer Penguin, which vessel was under his charge for many years,

Dr and Mrs S,almond celebrated their golden wedding on Christmas Day, having been married at Dunfermline on the 25th December, 1861. The guests were limited to relatives, and they were sufficient to fill the house. There survive four sons and four daughters. _ There are 16 grandchildren ; and, besides, various members of correlative branches of the family. The venerable couple were the recipients of many tokens of love and gratitude, and of numerous congratulations of friends. Not the least appreciated was a cablegram from the congregation in North Shields to which the Professor ministered for 17 years previous to his arrival in the Dominion, where ho has resided for 26 years. Dr F. W. Pennefather, of County Wicklow, Ireland, who was private secretary to Sir William Jervois when he was Governor of New Zealand, and subsequently acted as a puisne judge of the Supreme Court during the absence abroad of Sir Joshua Williams, is a visitor to Wellington. He intends to make a motor car tour in the North Island early in the Now Year. When the fiat went forth *by the Otago Education Board that female teachers with a certain period of service had to retire under the sujierannuation scheme, genuine regiet was expressed that Miss M'Laren, infant mistress at the Tokomairiro High School, was amongst those who were thus com [Killed to sever their active connection with the teaching profession. An extension of time was granted until the Glimmer vacation, and December 20 marked the close of Miss M'Laren’s active connection with the Tokomairiro High School, with which she had been associated for 34 years, out of a total period of 38 years’ service as a teacher. At the annual break-up of the school highly complimentary references were made to the good work done by Miss M'Laren during her long term of service with the Tokomairiro School, and the dux boy of the school (Master D. Forsyth) presented her, on behalf of the pupils, with a handsome oak writing cabinet and oak flower stand, the cabinet bearing the inscription : Presented to Miss M'Laren by the pupils of Tokomairiro District High School, on the occasion of her retirement. December, 1911.” A highly complimentary resolution was also unanimously adopted by the Milton School Committee at a meeting held on the previous Monday, the same to be forwarded to Miss M'Laren.' Grace Inglis Millar, the wife of William Y. Millar, and youngest daughter of the late Mr John Sinclair, excise officer of Yerholm. near Kelso, Scotland, died at her residence (“ Twcodsidc Invercargill, on Doc. 24. The deceased lady was born on May 9, 1831, at Yetholm, Box bur vshire, and her father, dying a fortnight later, tho family removed to Kelso, where they resided for some time. The mother's health, now causing anxiety, the family

removed to Edinburgh, where they resided until that lady’s death, which took place in 1348. Some time later the deceased left for New Zealand in the ship Moultan, which arrived at Port Chalmers on December 24, 1849, her destination being Dunedin, which was reached a few hours later. She and her elder sister Georgina started business in Princes street, . Dunediir, as drapers, milliner, etc., and in 1853 were joined, by their eldest sister, Marv, who arrived from Scotland by the Rajah. The sisters worked together until the marriage of the two younger ones, which event took place on December 24, 1857, Georgina becoming the wife of Robert Millar, and the subject of the present sketch the wife of William Y. Millar. A year or two later the two married sisters left for Invercargill, where they resided till their deaths. The eldest sister (Mary) died 58 years ago, and Georgina three years ago, about which time deceased’s health, which had for some time given the family considerable anxiety, began to decline visibly, and failing eyesight caused her much trouble. Being- possessed of an unusually active nature, however, she refused to give in, and it was not. until some six weeks ago that she took to her bed, the illness terminating as stated. The deceased had three children, two daughters and a son. Mary, the youngest daughter, died 29 years ago, and John, the son, 17 years ago. The other daughter still survives. There are also eight grand children and two groat grand children. The deceased lady was much respected by the early settlers of Southland and Dunedin, and she always had a warm welcome for them, particularly those from Dunedin. When the room in the Albion Hotel, where the first Oddfellows' Hall was opened, became unavailable, the meetings were held in deceased’s homo, at the comer of Do on and Yarrow streets, a house that still stands, the property of Mr W. B. Scandrett. On meeting nights the late Mrs Millar had to vacate the house, the suggestion often being laughingly made that she too should become an Oddieilow. However, she cheerfully accepted her temporary banishment from her noino,_ and always took a warm interest in anything pertaining to the order. It is interesting to note that her husband (Mr W. Y. Millar) was the actual founder of the first lodge established in Invercargill, and that he and Mr Henry daggers (a former mayor of Invercargill, and now of Melbourne) alone survive of the original members, Mrs Millar’s death makes another gap in the fast thinning ranks of the early settlers, and she will be most missed by the sorrowing husband and daughter. Mr Richard Allen, a well-known and much respected townsman, passed away at his residence in Invercargill early on the 27th December in his 75tn year. The deceased was bom in London in 1834, and educated there and- at Dunmow, in Essex. On leaving school he became a junior clerk at the London docks, and in 1855 he emigrated to South Australia, where he was employed as a stockkecper in the northern districts for eight or 10 years. He afterwards went to Port Victoria, where he started the pioneer shipping business in the Rivorica district, being the first to ship wool from that localjty. Removing to Adelaide, ho engaged in the produce business. and during the last five years of his residence in that city lie acted as manager of the Glcnelg Railway Company. In 18:3 he removed to Mount Gambler, whore ho entered business as a stock agent, etc., and remained there until 1893, when ho went to Invercargill on behalf of Mr T. C. Ellis, who commissioned him to proceed to London in connection with a scheme to settle farmers on the Five Rivers Estate, a scheme which did not come to fruition. On his return Mr Allen received the appointment of legal manager of the Morning Star Gold Mining Company, which at that time was receiving handsome returns. Early in the career of the Southland. Farmers’ Union ho was appointed secretary of that body. During the time he was in South Australia ho took an active part in municipal affairs, and while the ward system was in existence in Invercargill ho represented the Third Ward in the local council. For some years Mr Allen carried on business as an accountant, and was secretary of a number of institutions, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Hardware, Grocers and Employers’ Associations, the Navy League, the Musical Union, and the 4rthur’s Point Gold Dredging Company. He was also auditor of the Southland and Starr-Bowkett Building Societies, and he also interested himself greatly in the movement having for its object the engagement of boys in England for farm work in Southland, and was in direct communication with the Central Board in London, who have control of the scheme in England. For several years Mr Allen was secretary of the Southland Horticultural Society and was himself an enthusiastic floriculturist. He was one of the founders of the North End Bowling Club, and was also a deacon of First, Church, and took a loading part in the deliberation which led to the decision to proceed with the erection of a new building. Ten days ago Mr Allen had a bad turn, and since then had not been able to give his usual attention to business. On Boxing Day he was about town, but complained of his health, and passed away early yesterday morning from heart trouble. Mr Alien who was predeceased by his wife several years'ago, loaves a daughter and a son, the former. Mrs John Edmond, being at present in London. Tl ic Rev. G. C. Blathwayt, vicar of the parish of Port Chalmers, lias handed in his resignation to the Bishop’s Commissary, having been appointed principal of the Maori College at Otaki. The Rev. W. H. Roberts, L.Th. (Australian College of Theology), at present curate at Gisborne, has boon appointed vicar of the parochial district of St. Martin’s, NorthEast Valley. A cablegram from Melbourne announces the death of Mr X. H. Watkin, a son of the Rev. Janies Watkin, one of New Zealand’s pioneer Methodist missionaries. Miss G. C. M. Cameron, M.Sc.. who has been assistant at the Gore High School, has received the appointment of science mistress at the Methodist Ladies’ College, Melbourne.

The many friends of Mr James Harpur Blncko, of Waverley, Taranaki, and ono time manager of the Bank of Australasia at Dunedin, Invercrgill. and Gore, will regret to hear of his death, which took place at his -residence on December 26 from heart failure.

The Oamaru Presbytery on Dec. 28 sustained a call from the Weston Totara charge to Mr James D. Wilson, licentiate from the Theological College. The call was signed by nearly the whole of the cormnunicants and by 93 adherents. The ordination and induction were appoinacd to take place on -Thursday, January 11. The Maori chief Taraua. whose death occurred on Deo. 24 at Parawanui, was

well known as a sportsman, and was successful—as was his lather —both as a breeder and a racing man. Rangipuhi, raced by Tarawa, won the Hawke’s Bay Cup of 1894, and the Palmerston, Rangitikei, Fending, and Dunedin Cups, and the Thompson Handicap (Wellington). Among other racehorses of his breeding were Muriwai (the dam of Equitas), Bt. Joe, Apa, and Equitas, and there are some good young ones now on the Parawanui Estate.

Walter Atkin, proprietor of the Westport News, died at 6.30 p.m. on Dec. 23, after an illness extending over six months. Deceased was a native of Cork (Ireland), and went to Melbourne in 1868, and subsequently came to New Zealand, joining the West Coast Times, Hokitika. Later, with others, ho established the defunct Grey Valley Times, and subsequently became manager of the Inangahua Herald, Reefton. Some time afterwards he took over the Lycll Times, which ho conducted until IS9S. Then he purchased the Westport News. Deceased was twice married, his second wife predeceasing him by five weeks. He leaves by the first marriage a grown-up family—two sons and throe daughters. • Mr Daniel Lynch, aged 78, who was chief messenger at Parliamentary Buildings for many years, died on Christmas Eve at the residence of Mr J. Murphy, Guildford terrace, whore he had lived since the death of his wife two years ago. Deceased, who was a West Coaster, was very well known. His children are the Rev. Father Lynch, C.SS.R., formerly of Dunedin, and now at Philippine Islands; Mr J. D. Lynch, Greymouth; Mr F. J. Lynch, Sydney; and two daughters, Dominican nuns, Dunedin. Prior to the interment, which was private, a requiem mass was celebrated at the Basilica. The service at the grave was conducted by the Rev, Father Creagh, C.SS.R., assisted by Fathers Brown and Peoples. The Rev. A. Wingfield, the vicar of the Gore parish, received a very welcome surprise at tho hands of his parishioners on Saturday, Deo. 23, The treasurer of tho church, Mr T. Taylor, waited upon him at the vicarage, and after handing him a letter expressing the good wishes of the parishioners, presented him with a purse of 20 sovereigns as a Christmas gift. The vicar, who was taken completely by surprise, said that he could not find words in which to express his thanks and his appreciation of the kindness which had prompted the parishioners to make sucih a generous gift. He said that this was one of the many kindnesses which had been extended to him from tho time that ho first took up tlio work in the extensive parish over which he had been placed seven years ago. The vicar asked the treasurer to kindly convey to the parishioners his many thanks for their kindness and thoughtfulness. Mr David Wilson, who died on Christmas Eve, at tho advanced age of 85, was a very old colonist, having arrived in the Dominion in the birquo Victory in 1857. Ho settled in tho Ashburton district 58 years ago, and loft an estate which, it is expected, will be sworn at just under £30,000. Tho religious and charitable bequests total £3500, and of this all but £2OO is left to funds a,ud institutions in connection with the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. The £3IOO is divided amongst 14 objects, the biggest amounts being £4OO each to the aged and infirm ministers’ fund, and to assisting weak congregations in settled charges. £350 is given to tho Knox College endowment, fund, and the same amount to tho church extension fund, while £250 is left towards scholarships for divinity students, and £2OO each towards the foreign missions and the widows and orphans’ funds.

Mr and Mi(s John Purvos, of Akatoro, celebrated the golden anniversary of their marriage on Boxing Day. They came out to New Zealand in 1861 in the ship Pladda, and brought up a family of nine. There were 50 persons present at the festivities on Tuesday, including 41 grandchildren and three grcat-grandfchildren. Word has been received from London that Mr A. H. Reid, son of Mr G. H. Reid, of Balclutha, has successfully pasted a full examination fqr tho Fellowship of tho Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, London This is an important examination in optics, and Mr Reid is to be congratulated on his success so (soon a f ter commencing his course of study. He is the fiitJ: from Otago to gain this diploma, although there are four or five in: Christchurch and throe in Wellington.—Chitha Leader.

Mr and Mrs P. M’Skirnming, jun.. Benhar, and the Rev. W. W. Brown. Stirling, left Port Chalmers by the Mocraki on Wednesday on an extended pleasure trip to the Old Land. They expect to be absent from Now Zealand for about eight or nine months. During Mr Brown’s absence the Presbyterian Church at Stirling will be under the charge of Mr J. H. Stevens in January, and after that Mr H. Clark, a divinity student, will conduct the services.—Glut ha Leader.

Mr Robert Taylor died at liis late residence, Otokia, on Friday, 22nd Dec. Jle was born at Cnlross, Perthshire, Scotland, on January 1, 1849, and at the time of his death was 62 years of ago. On leaving tschool he was apprenticed to the black* smith trade, which lie successfully followed till his death. In October, 1869, he married, and in 1874, having (finished his apprenticeship, ho decided to emigrate to New Zealand, and landed here by the ship Wild Deer in January, 1875. After {-spending a few months at Riccarton (East Taieri) he came on to Otokia. where ho started business as a general blacksmith in 1875. his (shop lieing situated just across the road from the present one. Increase of business soon induced Mr Taylor to erect the present shop, where ho worked constantly till t-orne four months ago, when hie health gave way. Acting on the doctor’s instructions, ho went with his wife for a health trip up north, but, unfortunately, he did not improve, and on returning homo was decidedly worse, and was practically confined to hie bed till his death. Mr Taylor took an active interest in public and social life. His unfailing courtesy and discretion earned him invariable respect. Mr Taylor leaves a wife, four sons, and five- daughters to mourn their lods. One of the sons and four of the daughters are married, and two other daughters are dead.

Mr William Moore, of Milton, received intimation bv the American mail on Wednesday of the death of his elder brother John, aged 69 years, who was accidentally killed at Atlantic City, N.J., on October 20. From the nublished account of the accident. it appeaits that Mr Moore was hurrying from a trolly car to catch a train, when he was struck by a taxi-cab, and hurled twenty feet away, receiving injuries which caused his death two hours later. The, deceased gent,Leman, accompanied by his wife, spent a few monthfe’ vacation in the Milton district in 1904, and also visited

some of the recognised holiday resorts throughout New Zealand prior to returning to Philadelphia. The Philadelphian files to hand fstato that the late Mr John Moore was connected with various enterprises in that city. Born in Ireland 69 years ago, Mr Moore cams to this country when a boy. He founded the John Moore Furniture Company, which did a large and successful business at 2336-38 North Front street for 30 years. Twenty-one years ago he formed the Consolidated Icc Manufacturing Company, and was a mem bear of the board of directors. Seven ycaifs later he became president of the concern, which post he held until the time of his death. He was president of numerous building and loan associations, and w&{s widely known' in churcli circles, being a member of Norris Square Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Free and Accepted Mason's. He is survived by a widow and two sons.”

A golden wedding, in the light of its infrequent occurrence, is always an event of interest, and more particularly so to those intimately connected with the couple who are celebrating it. It is fitting, therefore, that an occasion of so unique a character should ho marked in sonic special manner. A very pleasant function was held in the Early Settlors’ Hall on the 29th December, the occasion being the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of James Patton and Rhoda Wright. The Rev. P. W. Fairclough occupied the chair, and in a neat speech congratulated the old couple on attaining their golden wedding and also on the excellent manner in which they had brought up their family, each one c-f whom had done well. The Rev. Mr Reid, of Port Chalmers, proposed the health of the | bride and bridegroom, and after this bad boon duly honoured Mr E. A. Rosevear presented Mr and Mrs Patton with a wellfilled purse of sovereigns. Three of the sons —Messrs Johnson W. Patton, C. W. Patton, and Jas. W. Patton responded on behalf of the old people. Afternoon tea was then dispensed, and a programme of songs and recitations concluded the gathering. The function was a most enjoyable one throughout, the guests present being friends and acquaintances of long standing, and including among them some of the early settlors of Otago, conspicuous amongst whom was Mr Chas. Duke. In the evening the celebrations were again continued, and after the usual speeches had been made and a musical programme rendered, dancing was indulged in, and kept up to a late hour, when the hearty singing of “ Auld lang syne” closed the day’s proceedings. Mr Patton has had an interesting and eventful career. Ho was born in Whitby, Yorkshire, in 1837, and was early-apprenticed to the ship-building trade, which he followed for some years. Mrs Patton was born in the same town in 1841, and they were married in the Whitby parish church by the Rev. Wm. Keane in 1861, coming cut to New Zealand two years later. For some years Mr Patton followed the occupation of a shipwright in Dunedin, and in 1865 ho assisted in the building of one of the first “ spoon ” dredges for the Manuherikia. When the gold rush broke out Mr Patton spent some time on the goldfields, but being unsuccessful he returned to Dunedin and occupied himself as a bricklayer. Mr and Mrs Patton have a family of seven sons and throe daughters, all of whom are still alive, occupying responsible positions in various parts of the Dominion. Mr C. C. Waby, tin old settlor on the Canterbury Plains, near Southbridge, died at Auckland, Deceased came to the Dominion in the early sixties, and on one occasion unsuccessfully contested the Ashburton seat at a general election. He had resided in Auckland for the past five years. Mrs James Ogilvio, wife of Mr James Ogilvie, of Thames street, Oamaru, died last week at the age of 69 years. Mr Ogilvio is an old settler at Oamaru, having established an ironmongery, plumbing, and tinsmith's business there in 1869, throe years after his arrival at Port Chalmers from the Old Country. Mrs Ogilvie was a daughter of the late Mr James Russell, of Leith, Scotland, and was married on the last day of the year 1859. There were fix sons and nine daughters bom of the marriage. Heartfelt sympathy will be extended to the relatives in their bereavement. In the death of Mr Henry Purvis, which was announced in our issue of the 30th ult., Otago loses another of her old identities. Mr Purvis came out to Victoria as a boy of seven with his parents. On attaining manhood he followed several of the rushes on the other side, and in Die year 1851 ho came over to Now Zealand, and took part in the search for gold here. He went to Gabriel’s Gullv. and, like many others, tramped from field to field with varying success. In 1863 he returned to Victoria for his family, and settled on the Taieri, where he resided until his death. He entered business as a builder, but retired from active operations about 20 years age, having made a competency. The deceased gentleman deeoly interested himself in the East Taieri Presbyterian Church, of which he was one of the most respected elders for over 35 years. In the early days, before the introduction of the organ, Mr Purvis acted as precentor. Ho was a member of Dio North Taieri Road Board, and also a member of the East Taieri School Committee, He was also an ardent gardener and was for some time a member of the Taieri Horticultural Society. Mr Purvis was predeceased by his wife, who died in 1897, and is survived by a family of seven children, 21 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Mr Robert Leo, late managing director of Dio Kaitangata Coal Company, and a director of the New Zealand Express Company and other concerns, died at his residence, Threepwood. Lower Shotover, last Saturday. His death will be a heavy blow to the Wakatinu district, as he had put a lot of capital into various mining concerns, besides bringing to bear his ripened exjjerience. Many of these ventures were vqr.v successful, and have been tho means of employing a lot of labour and circulating a good deal of money. Ho leaves a wife and grown-up family of throe sons and one daughter. The main cause of death was heart trouble.