PERSONAL ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3215, 27 October 1915, Page 29

PERSONAL ITEMS.

At the meeting of the Technological Branch of the Otago Institute on the 19th a resolution was passed expressing appreciation of a vice-president (Professor Waters) in volunteering to go with the Tunnelling Corps, in which he has been_ appointed to commissioned rank as captain. _ Members stated that they felt that the action of Professor Waters was an honour to the society, as well as to himself. An old identity, in the person of Janet Thomson Murray, relict of the late Mr John Dow, of Newton Farm, West Taieri, passed away on the 16th inst., at the ago of 57 years, at her residence, Bruntsficld Farm, West Taieri, after a short illness. 'She was a native of Pecbleshire, Scotland, and had been in Otago 62 years. She was widely known and highly esteemed by a large number of friends and acquaintances for her kindness and hospitality. At the Taieri and Dunedin Shows she w'as a keen competitor and prize-taker in the bread and poultry sections. She leaves a family of three sons. The death is reported at New Plymouth of Mr Fred G. Wells, for over 20 years traveller for Messrs M‘Gavin and Co. Born at Daleton, London, in 1855. Mr Wells came to Dunedin 55 years ago. In his early manhood he was an accomplished musician, as well as a walker and runner of no mean repute. During his connection with the firms of Messrs Guthrie and Larnach, Thomson, Bridger, and Co., and the Dunedin Timber and Hardware Company the deceased gentleman made many friends. He was twice married, and leaves a widow, two sons of the first marriage, and two daughters (one of whom is the wife of Mr F. C. Reynold®, of the Town Hall staff) and, one son of the second marriage. The latter is now in Dunedin on leave from Trentham.

There passed away on the 17th at Napier, at the ago of 90 years, one of New Zealand’s earliest colonists, and one of Napier’s oldest citizens, Mr Henry Rcnouf (says the Hawke’s Bay Herald). The late Mr Renouf, who was a native of Jersey, Channel Islands, arrived in Wellington in the Unkaponga on January 22, 1855, the day of the commencement of the great earthquake, which continued for three months. After visiting the Gabriel’s Gully rush in Otago, and the Nelson goldfields, he went to Napier, where ho had resided for over 50 years. He was in business for many years as a building contractor and coal and firewood merchant, but retired from active work about 25 years ago. Pie was a foundation member of the Scinde Masonic Lodge, and was present at the jubilee celebrations of the lodge only a year or two ago. Pie leaves a daughter and two sons. _ News has been received in Balolutha (says the Clutha. Leader) of the death of Mr W. S. Pillans, a member of the family of that name, well known in Stirling and Clutha districts. Mr Pillans for some years managed the Manuka Island Estate, a position which he relinquished to enjoy an extended tour of the Old Land. He finally settled at Tauranga. His father, the late Francis Lilians, was one of the_ first settlers in the Inchclutha district, coming out to New Zealand in 1849. Mr W. S. Pillans, who was married twice, had two sons by the first wife. The eldest, William Pillans, served in the Boer war, and subsequently farmed in South Africa; but, being in England -when war broke out a year ago, he enlisted and fought in Franco, being recently wounded. A few years ago the deceased married a Tauranga lady, to whom a son was also born. Deceased was about 65 years of age. The other day a farewell social was ten dered at Miller’s Flat to Mr Wm. Gray, who is leaving the district after a residence of nearly 50 years, of which 20 were spent in business as a butcher in Roxburgh. Three of Mr Gray’s sons are on active service, one being at present convalescent. The fourth son Pas also enlisted. Prior to his departure on promotion as assistant chief railway engineer at Wellington, Mr Hunter 'Macandrew was the recipient of a handsome case of pipes, an upholstered chair with fancy-worked cushion; and a rose howl and carved table for Mrs Macandrew, as a token of esteem from the works staff in the carpenters’ workshop. The foreman of -works (Mr Kane) made the presentation, and referred to the pood qualities of Mr Macandrew. whose relationship with the staff had always been most cordial. Messrs Cook, Robertson, Crawford, Davys, nnd Wills endorsed the remarks made. Mr Macandrew foolinglv acknowledged the compliments, and said re and Mrs Macandrew looked forward to the time when they could return to Dunedin, where he had resided during the Inst eight and a-half years.

A Wellington Frees Association message states that Mr Frank Grady, jeweller, an old resident, prominent in bowling circles, died suddenly on the 20th inst.; aged 75 vears.

it is stated that Mr A. A. Macpherson, of Christchurch, will take up work with the Agricultural Department (says the Press) on the completion of his duties as agricultural expert at the Panama Exposition. The Southland Times reports the death at Invercargill of Mr Henry John Webb, an old New' Zealand railway servant, at the age of 63 years. Mr Webb was born in Forest of Dean, Gloilbester (England), in 1852, and, with his parents, came to Lyttelton in 1864-. After leaving school he joined the railway service, and for_ 25 years of the time was engaged as engine-driver on the Southland lines. Seven years ago ho retired on superannuation. Deceased leaves a widow and three of a family—a daughter and two eons. The late Mr John Ambrose Kirk, who met his death by poisoning at Tapanui, was born in 1842 (says the Courier). His father was vicar of St. Saviour’s, Scarborough, Yorkshire, England. Ho was a descendant of Colonel Kirke, who was prominent m the Monmouth Rebellion, arid ho had several other relatives who distinguished themselves in the service of then’ country. Mr Kirke arrived in Wellington in January, 1857, by the Pvose of Sharon, landing on the day the foundation stone of the House of Representatives was laid. Deceased brought the first thrashing machine to New Zealand. At that time the road was being made between Lyttelton and Christchurch, and Mr Kirke lived for some time in a cave. With his brother, ho took up a sheep run near Lake To Anau, and they wore the first white men. up there. They started with about 400 mixed sheep. _ Mr Kirke claimed to ho the oldest original selector of pastoral leases in New Zealand. Later on he left that run, and, with his cousins.

took tilio Mount' Nicholas Station, near Queenstown. In May, 1876, he married, but his wife died a year later. After visiting the Old Country, in 1860, ho took up a run at Mavora. In 1684 ho again went Home, and whilst there married. On returning, Mr Kirko settled at Invercargill for a brief period, till he gave up Mavora run. In 1886 ho took up Dusky run, and continued to hold it until shortly before his death, when he transferred his interest to, his son. His second wife died in 1911, and he leaves two sons and two daughters, both of the latter being married. One of the sons is on active service. Professor H. D. Thompson, of the Princeton University, United States, accompanied by Mrs Thompson, arrived at Auckland by the Niagara from Vancouver (says the Herald). They propose to visit various parts of the dominion, and to continue their tour in Australia. It is understood by the West Coast papers (eays the Christchurch Press) that Mr W. F. Marsh, chief draughtsman for the Wellington district of the Lands Department, is likely to be appointed Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor of Westland. A well-known resident of Dunedin —Mr W. B. Vigors—died at his residence, Hope street, on Sunday, at the ago of 57 years. Mr Vigors, who arrived in Dunedin 1880, wa® born in Hanley, Staffordshire, in .1858. lie joined the Manchester and Liverpool District Bank, in which he remained for over six years. Shortly after his arrival in Now Zealand ho was appointed accountant in the Colonial Bank at Cambridge, Waikato. Eighteen months later he was transferred to Gore, and after filling many positions in the bank’s service he was appointed manager of the Dunedin branch in 1890. Four years later, on the retirement of Mr Watson, he was appointed inspector, and hold that position until ho was appointed a liquidator of the bank. A Press Association telegram states that Mr G. Hoklsworth, managing director of the Union Steam Ship Company, arrived at Wellington from Syclney by the UHmaroa on Monday afternoon. At the ‘sitting of the Westland Land Board on Wednesday the Commissioner (Mr PI. D. M. Hazard, who is about to take charge of the Southland Board, was tendered a cordial farewell. The board members testified to the departing officer’s ability and popularity, and, while regretting his departure, congratulated him upon his promotion. In acknowledging the sentiment (says the Grey River Argus), Mr Plazard thanked the ‘members, professions, and others with whom ho had become associated for courtesy and co-operation in the administration of the land laws of such an intricate district as Westland. The Hon. Mr Thomas Mac Gibbon, M.L.C., who, with his wife and daughter, is enjoying a holiday at Rotorua, since the rising of Parliament, has just received a cable from his youngest son, Mr Roy Mac Gibbon, that he has passed his examination, and obtained his B.Sc. degree in electrical engineering. Mr Mac Gibbon was a student at the Glasgow University, and on the outbreak of the w T ar in August, 1914, just before the examination in September of that year, he enlisted in the Lothian and Border Horse, and was attached to the motor cycle Scouts of that regiment. The regiment has been detailed for Home coast service, and in August of this year, with the assistance of his colonel. Lord Bindon, he obtained demobilisation and returned to resume his interrupted studies and sit for his degree in September and, as intimated, has been successful. Mr MacGibbon’e intention is to obtain a commission in the Royal Engineers, 'with a view to seeing active service.

Before leaving Strath-Taieri district Mr and Mrs Robert Mathcson were tendered a complimentary social by the Strath-Taieri Collie Club, of which Mr Mathcson was a prominent member, and for some years was president. Ho was also among those responsible for the holding of the provincial championship collie trials, held in Otago and Southland. In the course of the evening, the present president of the club (Mr W. G. Thompson), on behalf of the club, presented Mr and Mrs Mathcson with a pair of Morris chairs The good qualities of the guests were referred to, mention being also made of the enthusiastic energy and interest displayed by Mr Matheson in agricultural and pastoral matters for the welfare of the district. Mr Matheson suitably responded. The evening, devoted to cards and music, concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and “Auld Lang Syne.”