PERSONAL ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 59

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Tho death is announced of Mr John Speedy, aged 86 years, the oldest settler of Herbertville. Where he had lived for 50 year's. Deceased (says a Dannevirke Press Association message) came to the dominion when 12 years of age in the ship Lord William Bentinck. He resided at Hutt and Puketitiri before going to Herbertville. He leaves nine daughters and three sons, his wife having predeceased him four years ago. Mr H. Bringans, of the Mosgiel Post Office staff, has been transferred to Palmerston. Before leaving he was on th<s 14th ’ presented with a case of hairbrushes. At the last meeting of the Westland County Council the council was presented with a large framed enlargement of tho Cabinet of which the late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon was Prime Minister. The picture, which is a very fine one, was presented by Mr T. E. Y. Seddon* M.P. The council accepted the gift with pleasure, and resolved to forward a letter of thanks to the donor. 'j Mr T. E. King, a veteran of tho Maori war, died suddenly at Milton road on the Bi;h inst. at the age of 73 years (says the Auckland Star). Mr King came to New Zealand in 1845, at the age of four years, and during the early part of his life he resided in the Fiji group. Returning to New Zealand in 1862, he joined Colonel Whitmore’s force, and took part in the Waikato war. Subsequently he went into the service of the Union Company, and was employed in its head office for 50 years. Two years ago he retired, and had since lived in Auckland. In referring to the death at Napier of Mr Robert Buffett, the Hawke’s Bay Herald says that the deceased was born in Geelong, Victoria, in 1846. He was educated at the Geelong Grammar School, and came to this country in 1865. Early in the following year he was appointed wharfinger at Dunedin, and subsequently clerk in the Harbour Steamship Company, under the management of Mr (now Sir) James Mills. In 1875 the Harbour Company was merged into the Union Steam Ship Company, and Mr Puflett three years later was entrusted- with the duty of opening the Napier branch. He was transferred' in the following year to the Christchurch branch, where he remained for 10 years. Ho was next appointed manager in Wellington, after which he was at the head office in Dunedin for a few months prior to his appointment as manager at Napier, which position he occupied for 10 or 12 years. After that he was some time manager at Wellington, finally retiring from the company's service. For a number of years past ho has resided in Napier. He was a man of great business ability, and of a genial nature, which made him many friends. In 1872 he married a daughter of Mr Andrew Mercer, of Dunedin, and leaves five eons and five daughters. One of Southland’s pioneers—Mr James Hamilton, of Riverside. —vyho died on the 10th at Riverside was horn at Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1851, and came to New Zealand in the ship Ellenslce in 1863. He took up farming, and was a re-

spected coiffcractor. Later ho undertook extensive property dealing. He leaves four sons and four daughters. A Press Association message from Nelson states that the Farmers’ Union on the 15th presented Mr Ivo Tunnicliffe, provincial president, with a purse of sovereigns, in recognition of his long services to the union and farmers generally. ' , The late Mr George M‘Ghie, who died at Kaitangata at the age of 64 years, was a well-known miner and a member of the Masonic Lodge for 38 years, having held high offices m the craft in New South Wales. He was born in Dumfermline, Scotland, and started work in the mines when eight years of age, and followed that occupation until a few months ago. He was an extensive traveller, and had seen life and hardships in many climes. When 19 years old he went to America, and later left for Australia, where he worked at the Newcastle mines, and was a successful pitcontractor. He was a deputy in the Hamilton coalpit at the time of the disaster, and he was the leader of the rescue party that recovered the bodies of the 11 men who were entombed. H had been to the Homeland for a trip, and had also worked in the Coolgardie gold mines. During the period in which the industrial crisis was so much in evidence and .the forces of federation seemed intent upon an upheaval m labour at the Kaitangata mines. Mr M‘Ghie, with a fearlessness characteristic of his nature, promptly set to work -with several other workers, and was instrumental m forming the present union. Blunt in his manner ot expressing his opinions, he never failed to make himself clearly understood, and his intentions were at all times just and honourable. He was a keen disciple of Isaac Walton, and during the fishing season he was to be seen in sunshine or .rain, as ho plied the rod, generally, too, with a success equal to his ardour. Deceased had been ailhm for some time. He leaves a wife, one son, and three daughters, and a number oi grandchildren. , Mr H. Hirst, -manager of the Balfoui Dairy Factory, has been appointed (says the Mataura Ensign) manager of the W aimahaka Factory, vice Mr Wyeth, wh has been appointed to the Waikouaiti factory. A very old resident of the Oamaru district in the person • of Mr Edward Ryan, passed away on Tuesday morning at tlie Victoria Home, of which he had been an inmate for a number of years. Deceased (says the Times) has been in the Oamaru district -for almost half a century Prior to his departure from Riverton on transfer and promotion as manager of the Oamaru branch of the National Bank, Mr A. Hamilton was on Monday tendered a farewell social, at which he was presented With a purse of sovereigns. The Mayor, who presided over a large attendance ot residents, made the presentation on behalf of the public, and made reference to Mr Hamilton’s sterling qualities as a progressive resident for the five years he had been at Riverton Mr G. H. Gifford, mana-gei Bank of New Zealand, Riverton, said that Mr Hamilton thoroughly deserved the promotion he had gained. He was going to succeed a man (Mr M’Douall) who was well beloved by the people of North Otago. He (the speaker) could speak with someknowledge of the district as it was his native province, and he could assure Mr Hamilton that it was one of the finest districts and finest climates in the dominion He would ask Mr Hamilton to make the most of that evening because he was going to a “dry” town. —(Laughter and applause.) To Mr Barrett, his successor, he extended a hearty welcome as an old friend. Mr A. C* Mills, manager of the Otautau branch of the National Bank, aim numerous other residents, -added testimony. Mr Hamilton, in a happy speech, in which ho appropriately acknowledged the compliments and good wishes expressed, said that when ho entered the bank at Invercargill he had little to- live on, and therefore had to make his small salary keep him. Ho was promoted to Dunedin, came back to Invercargill, and then to Riverton, in 1892. From there he again went to Dunedin, and five years ago almost to a day he was sent as manager to Riverton, from which place he was exceedingly sorry to depart. All present joined in wishing Mr Hamilton, who took a keen interest in all sport, and family every prosperity in their new sphere. Mr Hamilton’s successor, Mr Barratt, in reply to a welcome, said that Mr Hamilton’s promotion >vas a great compliment to that gentleman’s ability. Mr Hamilton received a leather suit case from the Deacon’s Court of the Presbyterian Church. Mr Hamilton was also to be presented with an illuminated address from the sports’ clubs. Our Wellington correspondent telegraphs that Dr Frengley will act as Chief Health Officer and Inspector-general of Hospitals during Dr Yalintine’s absence on a trip to the Old Country. Dr Yalintine had a very hard time during the smallpox epidemic, and recently underwent an operation as the result of an accident that occurred several •years ago in the hunting field. Mr Oolin M‘Donald Gilray, Rhodes scholar, was on the 17th admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court. It may be mentioned 'that Mr Gilray had already been admitted as barrister of the Inner Temple, London. Before leaving Strath-Taieri to settle on Mr Anderson’s grazing run at Matarae, Mr and Mrs William Jones, of Ngapuna, were visited on Wednesday at their homestead by a surprise party of district residents, who wished to tangibly demonstrate the esteem in which the departing couple were held during their 30 years’ residence in that locality. Mr W. D. Mason, who presented Mr and Mrs Jones with a- pair of field-glasses and tea set respectively, referred at length to the hospitality and other good qualities of the recipients. Sir Jones, he said, took an active part in all progressive public affairs. On behalf of the donors, he had pleasure in wishing Sir and Sirs Jones long life and prosperity in their new home. Sir Jones modestly' acknowledged the honour done to him and to his wife, and thought that it was a privilege and duty to do anything to promote the interests and success of the district and its people. He sincerely fhanked the party for the handsome mementoes of associations of recent years. Convivial social enjoyment concluded a memorable function. Sir Andrew Carruthers is Mr Jones’s successor at £he Ngapuna homestead. .... , , The family, together with their relations and a few very intimate friends, met on Tuesday, 16th inst., to congratulate Mr and Mm John Thomson on the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding, when a very pleasant evening was spoilt. A large number of congratulatory telegrams were received. Mr James Edgar, in proposing the health of the couple, gave some interesting reminiscences of the early days, and compared the conditions then prevailing with those of the present time,. Mr Thomson suitably replied.

Mr and Mrs Thomson arrived in the dominion by the Sarah M. on December 31, ' 1862, and have resided in Dunedin ever since. Members of the family came from various parts of the dominion to attend the function. There are five sons, six daughters, and 32 grandchildren living. Mr Thomson is a well-known bowler, having been a member of the Dunedin Club for over 30 years. He is at present an active member of tho North-East Valley Club. A highly-esteemed pioneer and old resident in the person of Mrs George Wiseman passed away at her residence, Port Chalmers, on Friday. She was born in Tasmania 73 years ago, and 59 years ago came to live at Port Chalmers. With the exception of an absence of about four yeans in Melbourne, she had lived at Port Chaim era over since. Forty-nine years ago she was married to her late} husband, Mr George Wiseman, who was acc.'cfentally killed on the wharf at Port Chalmers about 37 years ago, leaving his widow to bring up a young family. Difficulties that might have dismayed many people similarly placed only served to stimulate Mrs Wiseman’s good qualities, and her lovable disposition endeared her to a wide circle of friends, by whom she was very highly esteemed. Mr John Cock, retiring superintendent of the Ross Goldfields Reconstructed (Ltd.), was (a Press Association message states) entertained at a banquet at Ross on Friday evening. A large assemblage of prominent residents of the district attended, and tho function was presided over by Mr Hewitt (warden), the Mayor occupying the vice-chair. Eulogistic speeches wore made with reference to Mr Cock’s capabilities as a manager and regret at his imnending departure was expressed A presentation from friends was made. Mr Cock will leave shortly on his return to Australia. At a special meeting of the West Harbour Borough Council on the 20th inst. Mr David Larnach was appointed town clerk of Ravensbourno out of five applicants, one of whom was a lady, late town clerk at Arrowtown. Tho secretary of the Harbour Board has received notification from the Marine Department that Mr G. R. Ritchie has been appointed the member ou the board representing the payers of dues on ships, vice Mr G.- B. Bullock, who recently took up residence in Wellington. The Napier Borough Council on the 20th (a Press Association message states) appointed Mr J. F. Warren, wlio has beeu_ in charge of the Waipori falls power station for over five,, years, electrical engineer for Napier at a salary of £6OO per annum. There were 19 applications for the position. One of the oldest identities of the Oarnaru district in tho person of Mr Duncan Campbell passed away at his residence, Hillgrove, on Friday (says the Mail). Tho late Mr Campbell, who was well known and respected, was 84 years of and had resided in the district for considerably over 50 years, during which time he had followed farming pursuits. A distinguished visitor to the Muncipal Conference on Thursday (says the New Zealand Times) was the Mayor of Huddersfield, England, Mr Joseph Blamircs, J.P. Mr Blamires is on his way to the British Association meeting in Australia. Tho Mayor of Wellington (Mr J. P. Luke) introduced Mr Blamires to the delegates, who welcomed him heartily. The Mayor of Huddersfield, in responding, said that ho had come straight from his boat to the conference without even stopping to take his j luggage to a hotel. A Foatherston delegate (Mr J. W. Card), an old resident of Huddersfield, also welcomed Mr Blamires to New Zealand. On Saturday afternoon Mf'and Mrs J. J. Connor celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding, which took place in Dunedin on July 18, 1854. Yesterday aftefhoon. they were met at their residence in Black a road, North-East Valley, by many old friends. Mr Connor is a very old member of the printing trade, and earned the esteem, of all with? whom he came in contact. Ar- \ riving in Otago in 1862, Mr Connor met tho lady who, in July, 1864, became Ins wife, and decided to remain in this city. He waa it one time a member of the firm of Jolly, Connor, and Co., who carried on business • successfully in the Octagon for seven years. Along with Bishop Moran, he was the .founder of the New Zealand Tablet, which was printed by him for 12 years, and waa then handed over to its present proprietary. On relinquishing the printing trade ho took up business in several hotels, but this hno I of life was not to his liking. The gathering yesterday afternoon was a very cordial one, I and the guests were the recipients of many A handsome presents, as well as the hearty congratulations of large numbers of friends. / Their home is a comfortable one and nicely ' suited to their needs now that, as Mr Connor expressed it, “the birds have flown. It is situated high up ou the eastern slopes i of North-East Valley, and has a charming and almost rural outlook- Mr Connor is 75 years of age, but is still hale and hearty, and his wife is five years his junior. He has a family of four sons and nine daughters, all the latter, with one exception being married. His eldest son (Mr J. J. Connor) holds a prominent position in the printing department of the Post and telegraph Stores in Wellington, and Mr W. F. Connor. the second son, is manager for Messrs Hallenstein Brothers m Auckland. Mr A. S Connor is farming at Napier, and the youngest son (Mr B. S. Connor) is principal Q f Messrs Hallenstein’s clothing department in Dunedin. During the next four months Mr and Mrs Connor will take a holiday trip through New Zealand, visiting relatives and friends, after which they will probably pay a. visit to Australia.