PERSONAL ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3183, 17 March 1915, Page 54

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Mr A. E. Russell, son of Mr T. H. Russell, Milburn, has received information that ho has successiully passed sections of tho B.A. and B.Sc. degree examinations. Mr Vincent Fyke, manager of the Bank of Nc*v Zealand at Gisborne, and formerly of Gore, will retire from tho bank on March 31 after 35 years’ service with the institution. Mr James M‘C. Boyne, 8.A., of Gore, has been appointed . to the Palmerston North High School staff (says the Mataura Ensign). Ten applications were received for the position. Mr Boyne will leave for his now position to-day. At Hawcra on Friday evening Mr R. IT. Lecce, a native of Roxburgh, was entertained at a social prior to his departure on transfer to the Palmerston North branch of Messrs Booth, Macdonald and Co. Reference was made to tho sterling character of Mr Leece in his private life, in his business, and in his sport. H« 'has been a prominent member and an enthusiastic supporter of the Hawcra Tennis Club. Mr Leece is well-known in Otago, having been with Messrs Nimmo and Blair at Dunedin, and later a resident of Oamaru. The ladies of Crichton, Clarksville, and Monoymore districts assembled at informal afternoon tea at Mrs D. Rush’s residence, Clarksville, on Wednesday, 3rd instant (says the Bruce Herald), to bid au re voir to Mrs Rush and members of her family on their departure for Mosgiel. Mrs R. Kydd, in a happy speech, referred to Mrs Rush’s residence of 30 years in that district, and expressed regret at her impending departure. She presented Mrs Rush with a Morris oak chair, and the members of the family with other souvenirs of their connection with Clarksville district. The death took place at Oamaru on the 8 th of Mr Henry Macguiro, at the age of 78 years. Tho deceased was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, but had been a resident of New Zealand for over half a century. For a great many years he was employed by the Oamaru Borough Council, but advanced years and failing health necessitated his retirement. Before coming south (the Mail reports). Mr Macguire took part in tho Maori War, as a member of the New Zealand Forces, and received the Now Zealand medal and a pension. He served in tho old Oamaru Rifles for a good many years, and showed many of the qualities of a good soldier. The Bruce Herald reports tho death of a pioneer of the Tokomairiro district, Mr Charles Holt, at the ago of 78 years. A native of Rochdale, Lancashire, tho deceased emigrated to- Melbourne in 1861, in the ship Great Britain. He remained in Victoria for tho brief period of two years, and thence emigrated to Now Zealand, arriving in 1863. He went to the Tokomairiro district immediately after arrival, and was for three or four years farming. Deceased then commenced in business as a fellmonger, continuing until 1879, when he and his family removed to Oamaru, where he resided until about 10 years ago, and afterwards removed to _ Kaikorai district, and lived a retired life. Latterly Mr Holt’s health had boon indifferent owing to his advancing years, and a few months ago ho was taken to Milton, where he passed peacefully away. Mrs Holt predeceased her husband 15 years ago. Mr Holt loaves five sons and three daughters. A respected resident of Southland, Mr .Walter Thom, passed away on Friday (says tho News). Born in Glasgow in 1836, ho emigrated to Australia in 1854, and in 1865 arrived in New Zealand, joining tho firm of Messrs Ross and Glendining. When tho West Coast mining boom sot in he started business in Hokitika. He was a member of the jury which sat in the case of Burgess, an associate of Sullivan and Levy, tho notorious West Coast mm-derere. In 1880 Mr Thom arrived in Invercargill as manager for Messrs Halloustein Bros. He afterwards joined the firm of Messrs Herbert, Haynes, and Co., and was well known as traveller for that firm for 19 years. During tho last eight and a-half years Mr Thom had lived in retirement. Ho took an active part in temperance work, especially in the eighties, and was a past officer of the Reohabito Lodge. Ho was also a Past Master of tho Southern Cross Masonic Lodge, and had been an older of St. Paul’s Church for the past 35 years. Mr Thom, whose wife predeceased him by a few months, leaves five daughter and two sons. Death has removed one of the oldest identities of the Bluff, Mr Paul Smith, R.N.R.. at tho age of 80 veavs. Mr 9>m‘+V> w/iN born at Cunningbnrgh (Shetland Islands) in 1855. As a lad ho served his apprenticeship in tho fishing industry, and wont to sea in a whaler, following that industry for many

years. Mr Smith whaled in the Baltic, the Arctic, and even as far north as Greenland, and his reminiscences were of an exciting and varied nature —from., smaeh-ups by whales to tough episodes with polar bears on the Arctic ice. In 1862' ho married, and in 1873 ho decided, with a number of other Shetlanders, to make a home at Stewart Island, arriving at Dunedin in the ship Uturk in 1873. Stewart Island did not come up to expectations, and .after 12 months ho decided to leave it. He then settled in Bluff, whore ho spent the remainder of his life. For some time ho was engaged m the coastal trade in the steamers Boomerang and Wanganui, but gave it up to act as stevedore for Messrs Niohol Bros., who were largely engaged in the shipping industry, assisting to load the first wool ship (the William Davoy) at Bluff for London direct. Subsequently he followed the fishing industry, and also worked for the Railways Department and on the wharf. He is survived by his wife and family of nine. Mr H. Tresedor, who, for a number of years, has been resident engineer at Invercargill under the Public Works Department, has received notification of his transfer (says the Southland News) to the Lands and Survey Department, Otago. Air Tresedor will take up his new duties on May 1. W ord has boon received that Dr W. J. Porteous, of Dunedin, who has for some years past been representing the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand in medical mission work in India, left Colombo for the dominion on February 28. Dr Porteous, with his wife and three children, is coming homo on furlough. The death is reported at Woodvillo of Air Charles Robertson, who was a police constable at Dunedin in the early days, and who has since been employed in the Woodvillo district as a contractor and bridge builder. The Kapuka correspondent of the Southland News reports the death of Air Charles Robinson, after a long illness—one of the oldest anil most-respcctod residents and pioneer of Southland. Mr Robinson, who was for a great many years postmaster at Kapuka, was one of the very earliest, if not the first, settlers in the Kapuka district, arriving from the Motherland when Hi tie more than a youth. He leaves a largo family of grown-up sons and daughters. A large and representative .neetutg of Dunedin underwriters was held in the Savoy Rooms last week to say farewell t.o Mr W. I. Bolarn, who has been promoted to the management of his company’s Canterbury branch. Mr J. S. Hislop, chairman of the association, presided, and in presenting Mr Bolarn with a handsome silver tea service and tray, referred to the recipient’s many good qualities, and to the esteem in which he was held by his fellow-under writers in Dunedin, and congratulated him on his welldeserved promotion. Several others spoke on similars lines, and the toast of the guest was most enthusiastically responded to. The death is announced of Mr John M‘Phail, a highly esteemed resident of the South Wyndham district, at the age of 70 years. He had been in failing health for about six months, but had only been confined to his room for a few days. Born near. Killin, o.n Loch Tay, Perthshire, Scotland, ho arrived at Port Chalmers in 1868 by the ship Schleswig Bride, and shortly after was married at Riverton. Ho subsequently removed to Palmerston. He settled in Central Otago for several years, and then, over 55 years ago, removed to South Wyndham. Deceased was a member of the school committee and a Sunday school teacher for 25 years. Airs ATPhau predeceased her husband by 23 years. Prior to his departure from Beaumont, Air George Lawson, who has filled the position of station master since the opening of the line some three months ago, was met by the members of the staff and those engaged in the yard, and presented with a morocco wallet and a box of cigars (says the Tuapeak Times). Air P. JvlTvay, in making the presentation, referred to the sterling qualities of the recipient, and the very capable manner in which lie had administered the affairs of the new station. Mr Waigth, on behalf of the fruit-growers, also spoke thanking Mr Lawson foi his courtesy at all times, and wishing him success in his future positions. The death occurred at Napier on the 6th of Airs Alahalath Dabney King, relict of Air G. L. King, of Napier, and mother of Captain W. S. King, of Christchurch, well known in dominion band and military circles. The deceased, who was 75 years of age, and a native of Hastings, England, was a keen enthusiast in musical matters, and she was particularly interested in singing and band work. Three of her sons, Alessrs W. J?., H. H., and H. A. King, have been connected with dominion bands for many years, while her youngest daughter. Airs J. A. Rosewarno (noe Miss Adelo King), is well known as a mezzo contralto vocalist. The late Airs King and her husband, who died about three years ago, came to New Zealand in 1874 with three young children, and they lived for several years in Dunedin. Later they removed to Oamaru, and for many years past the whole family, with the exception of Air W. S. King, has been living in Napier and about the Hawke’s Bay province. The deceased leaves four sons, two daughter's, and many descendants to the fourth generation. Aliss L. E. Broom, at present an assistant teacher in the Oamaru North School, has received an appointment (says the Alail) in the Cambridge School, under the Auckland Board.

Mr F. A. Cullen, receiver of land revenue at Dunedin, has been promoted to a similar position in the Auckland Land Office, and Mr C. E. Archibald, chief clerk in the Dunedin office, will bo receiver of revenue in addition to his present duties. The death occurred on the Sth of Mr William Westropp Smyth, a very old resident of Camara and North Otago (says the Times). Mr (Smyth, who was a native of Limerick (Ireland), was 71 years of age, and was well and favourably known throughout the whole district. Ho is survived by a widow and a family of two sons and eight daughters. An Auckland Press Association telegram reports the death of the Lev. R. F. M'Nicol, formerly minister of St. David’s Presbyterian Church. Another of the old identities of Riverton has a aw-v—M v s M‘N"U.<rhton. mot^r of Mr John M'Naughton, and sister of the lato Mr John MTntyro,—at the age of 76 years (says the Western Star). Deceased was born in Inverness, Scotland, and came to Now Zealand with her brother in the ship Silistria in 1£&0. landing at Port Chalmers. From there she went to Riverton. She married and lived on a farm at the Highlands, whore her husband died 35 years ago. Since then she had taken up her residence with her only son.

The late Mr Alexander Robertson, at one time of the Waitapekn district and for many years past a resident of Kaitangata, who passed away at Dunedin recently, after a lengthy illness, was 74 years of ago, and was well known in the Clutha district, hav-

ing arrived in Otago with his father and mother and other membcra of the Robertson family by tho Southern Cross in 1856. After a number of years farming, the iate( Mr Robertson bought a farm at Waitapeka, where ho resided for some years, being a successful breeder of merinos. He later went to Kaitangata, and was a successful agent for the Government Insurance Department, but had to give this occupation up owing to the frailties of advancing years. Ho is survived by a widow and daughter. Mr A. T. Johnston, of the Balclutha District High School staff, has received cable advice (says the Leader) that he has passed the first section of his B.A. degree examination. At a meeting of tho employees of the New Zealand Express Company (Ltd.) ou Thursday evening a send-off was given to Mr E. F. Duthio. who lias lately retired from the management of tho company. The foreman (Mr Donsem), on behalf of the employees, in presenting Mr Dnthie with an illuminated; address and an enlarged photograph of the employees of the Dunedin branch of the company, referred to the esteem in which he was hold by the employees, and wished him every success in his new position as representative on the Arbitration Court. Tho toast of the guest was most enthusiastically received. Mr Duthie replied thanking the staff for the kind expression of good feeling and for tho handsome presents, which he would always cherish. The North-East Valley Senior Men’s Bible Class last evening assembled in the home of its loader (Mr G. Mauson) for tho usual study meeting, after which a presentation was made to tho leader of the class on the eve of his marriage. Before a handsome Morris chair was presented to Mr Mauson some of the members expressed their gratitude for tho help ho had been to them in their Christian work, and also wished him every happiness in wedded life. Mr J. Gray, who made the presentation in fitting terms, asked Mr Manson to accept tho gift as a token of love and esteem. _ Mr Manson suitably responded, and specially thanked the Bible class movement, of which his future partner in life had been a member. After a number of pleasant musical items tho evening was brought to a close with prayer and the singing of tho doxology. Miss Elinor Thompson, who, as Sister Elinor, is about to take up work as the deaconess of St. Andrew’s Church, was duly ordained on Sunday before a large congregation. Professor Howitson conducted the service, and preached on the subject of Christian work and power, from Acts 2,8: “Ya shall receive power. After tho ordinafons questions had been answered m tho affirmative. Sister Elinor was declared duly ordained, and received the right hand of fellowship from Professor Howitson and Dr Waddell. A Melbourne cablegram announces tho death of Sir Richard Baker, an ex-Ministor of Customs. Mr R. Semple, having resigned Ins position as organiser lo tho Tinted federation of Labour, has (telegraphs our Greymouth correspondent) secured employment at Beaiey Flat. In connection with the recent death of Mrs John Harrison, of Plindon, the district has had a double loss, for, in addition to losing a much-respccted resident by death, it has (a correspondent writes) suffered another loss in the person of her daughter, Miss A. Harrison, who resided with her mother at Hindon, but has now decided to remove elsewhere. Miss Harrison has very successfully taught tho school at Hindon for tho past six years. Her skill as a floral and landscape painter, and her musical and other accomplishments, made her in much demand at social gatherings, etc. A cablegram has been received from tho secretary of examinations, Durham University. Fngla.nd, stating that the three students presented by Sehvyn College were successful in the recent examinations for Licentiate in Theology (L.Th.). The successful candidates were Messrs A. L. Cantor, A. S. Epglcton, and H. J. L. Goldthorpe. On Friday afternoon a number of Balelutha residents met at the Borough Chambers to make a presentation to Major W. S. Pcnnycook, on the occasion of his departure to take a commission in the sixth reinforcements, and to wish- him God-speed. The Mayor (Mr E. J. Boyd), on behalf of tho residents of Balclutha, presented Major Ponnyoook with an eight-chambered- automatic revolver, with two boxes of cartridges. Advice has been received in Dunedin of the death of Constable Charles Daubney, at Camara He was an Englishman, and was apnointod to tho New Zealand Constabulary in June, 1882. In his long service he spent many years at North Dunedin, and was stationed at . Woodhangh. He obtained leave in October. Serious illness followed, and ho was retired on superannuation in February. Since then until his death on Friday lie was with a son-in-law in Oamaru, Ho was 65 years old.