PERSONAL ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3399, 7 May 1919, Page 22

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Captain Colin Gilray, Imperial Forces, who was the Rhodes scholar of 1910, returned from the front by the Bhamo. He is accompanied by his wife and child. Gunner Fred J. Hale, New Zealand Field Artillery, is returning by tho Kia Ora, clue at Lyttelton on May 7. He left with the 6th Reinforcements, and saw service in Egypt and France. ' The Ven. Archdeacon Mac Murray, who has retired from the charge of St Mary's Cathedral, Parncll, after nearly 27 years as vicar, was presented on the 24th inst. with a sum of £IOOO subscribed by past and present parishioners and other friends (states the Auckland Star). The death is announced of Mr Archibald F. M'Minn, third son of Mr and Mrs Alex. M'Minn, of Auckland. Deceased was particularly well known in football circles, having been a prominent representative player a few years ago. m Of recent years his_ health had not been good, and he_ was obliged to relinquish newspaper work in which he had been engaged in Carterton and Dannevirke. Mr George Whitcombe, who died at the residence of his mother, Mars E. C. J. Stevens, in Christchurch, on the 27th, was well acquainted with the early history of Canterbury, having arrived in New Zealand with his father, the late Mr Henry Whitcombe, surveyor, in 1851. Ho was married in 1838 to Miss Sedcole, Pahiatua, W'ho died some years ago. Mr J. Lockhart, of Island Cliff, has been appointed, second assistant master of the Rangiora High School. Mr G. El. Ritchie, the general manager of the National Mortgage and Agency Company of Now Zealand, has been appointed a director of the National Insurance Company of New Zealand, vice Mr James Farquharson (resigned). . Mr A. Hanna, who was appointed to take charge of the Portobello School, was presented by the staff and pupils of tne South School, Oamaru, with a purse of sovereigns in recognition of their sense of his worth and services during his association with the school. On behalf of the band, Mr Hanna was handed a fountain pen, and tho committee gave him a silver-mounted ebony baton. Mr Hanna responded. Mr William Pearce, whose death was reported recently, came to New Zealand by the William Bryan, the pioneer ship of the Plymouth Company, in -1841. He landecr with his parents at Moturoa. In 1860-66 he was a member of Major (the late Sir Harry) Atkinson's Bush Rangers, and took part in the fiirhts at Wairika and Mahoetahi. His wife, a daughter of Mr Thomas Hoale, arrived :n New Zealand in the Oriental in 1841. There are two sons and eight, daughters. Private K. C. M'Diarmid, a member of the Kia Ora's draft, is the second son of Mr Angus M'Dinrmid, of Maungatua. He left with the Main Body, and took part in the landing at Gallipoli. About nine days later he was wounded, and sent to a hospital in Egypt. From there he returned to tho peninsula, but, being prevented < on account "of his wound from going again into the firing line there, he was appointed to other diitv. subsequently leaving with the troops for Egypt at the evacuation. He was then sent to France, where he remained until shortly before the war ceased, being at that time in a hospital in England for treatment for one of his eyes. The engagement is announced of Captain H. J. F. Mills, of the King's Own Rifles, only son of Sir James and Lady Mills, of 60 Prince's Gate, and Roberta, eldest daughter of Dr and Mrs Percy Mitchell, of 40a Hill street, Mayfair. Dr T. Hughes, of Auckland, has been appointed to succeed Dr Fan's as district health officer for Otago and Southland. A farewell social and dance was held at Middlemareh on Wednesday to bid farewell to Mr E. W. Messent. During the evening Mr P. Carruthers, on behalf of the residents of the district, in presenting Mr Messent with a substantial cheque, expressed

the district's regret at his departure, and hoped Mr Messent and family would on joy all prosperity in the future. Mrs M'Kinnon then presented Mrs Messent with a handbag, and referred to the work performed by Mrs Messent in aid of the Red Cross. Mr Messent 'replied on behalf of Mrs Messent and himsslf. Dr 11. W. Cleary, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, is an inmate of the Mater Hospital, Mount Eden. On two days last week his condition was critical, but ho showed a marked improvement at the beginning of this week. Information has been received by mail that Major Ivan Stuart Wilson, M.D., F.K.C.S., Royal Army Medical Corps, has been given the award of a bar to his Military Cross. He was a student of Otago Boys' High School and the University.

Corporal J. R. Mason, brother of Private F. Mason, Musselburgh, who is returning by the Kia Ora, was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry on the field last September.

Mr John Hall, late foreman of works in the New Zealand railways, formerly stationed in Dunedin, died at his residence, Mount Albert, on the 25th. The late MiHall had been a member or the Mount Albert Borough Council, and took a keen interest in tho affairs of the borough. Last ■week he was re-elected unopposed to his seat on the council.

A private cable message received_ in Wellington announces the death, from influenza, of Mr Frank Hyett, secretary of the "Victorian Railway Workers' and one of tho best-known men in the Labour movement.

Mrs W. F. Barry, second daughter of Mr and Mrs W. D. M'Clure, of Dannevirke, has died at Ismailia, Egypt, whore she had been doing canteen work for some time, says the British Australasian of February 27.

The death occurred in a private hospital in Wellington on the 23rd ult., from heart trouble, of Mr Elias Dimant, one of the best-known and most popular of the commercial travellers who pay regular visits to New Zealand from. Australia. The late Mr Dimant was born in Ballarat_62 years ago, and received his education in that town. He was brought up to the_ softgoods trade, and about 30 years ago joined the staff of commercial travellers employed by Messrs Beath, Scheiss, and Co., of Melbourne, remaining in the service of the firm until his death. He had been ill for only two weeks. He leaves a widow and family at Kew, Melbourne, and two brothers and three sisters in New Zealand—viz., Mr E. Dimant (manager at Nelson for Messrs Ross and Glendining), Mr H. Dimant (of Foxton), Mrs G. P. Morris (of Picton), and the Misses Dimant (of Wellington). The death occurred on tho 29th at his residence, Victoria avenue, of Mr John Ramsay, the well-known builder, who had been in business in Invercargill for over 40 years. Among the buildings erected by the deceased was Ramsay's Hall in Tay street, which now forms part of Messrs Thomson and Beattie's premises. Some famous artists appeared on the concert stage there. The hall was also used • for Supreme Court purposes. Subsequently Mr Ramsay erected a large boarding house at Stewart Island, and he resided there for some years. Deceased leaves a widow, two married and two single daughters, and a son (Mr A. Ramsay), who is also engaged in the building trade. The remains of Second Lieutenant Norman Alexander Whiting were interred with military honours in the St. Barnabas' Church Cemetery at Warrington. The general regret felt at the death of Lieutenant Whiting within a short period' after his return to the dominion, and the sympathy with his parents in their bereavement, were shown by the attendance at the funeral. The pall-bearers were Captains Gray and Salmon, and Lieutenants- Parata and Marshall. Captain Jones represented the Defence Department. During the first part of the service held in the church the hymn "Now the Labourer's O'er" was sung. The firing party (14), in charge of Sergeant M'Pherson,- were returned soldiers, now attendants at the Seacliff Mental Hospital. The "Last Post" was impressively rendered by Mr Logie, the Waitati bandmaster, and concluded a very solemn ser vice. The Rev. _E. B. Wethey, vicar ff Warrington, officiated. The staff of the Land Transfer and Deeds Departments met on Tuesday, 29th (states the Lyttelton Times) to make a presentation to Mr W. Wyinks, District Land Registrar, prior to his leaving for Wellington to take up his duties as Registrar-general for the dominion. On behalf of the staffs Mr J. A. Fraser (deputy-registrar) handed to Mr Wyinks a solid leather suit case. In responding, Mr Wyinks expressed his wholehearted appreciation of the handsome gift, and said that he fully recognised the loyalty of the staff to himself and the service. Advice has been received by the relatives of Company Quartermaster-sergeant W. F. Taylor, of 60 Albany street, that he has besn awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. C.Q.M.S. Taylor is returning with the Remuera's draft. A Press Association cable message from Sydney reports that the New South Wales State Governor (Sir Walter Davidson) collapsed in the Government House grounds, and is confined to his bed. The cause of bis illness is not stated.

On Wednesday afternoon a pleasant hour was spent at the Ngapuna School, when Mrs Thomas, who has resigned her position as teacher, was made the recipient of a handbag as a small token of remembrance from the pupils and their parents. The chairman of the committee (Mr Andrew Carruthers) made the presentation, and referred to the capable manner in which Mrs Thomas had carried out her duties. Mr W. Cole responded on behalf of Mrs Thomas. During the voyage of the transport Ccnnthic from England to Lyttelton Mr Moss, engineer, who was on active f-ervice in France, and who held a class on board the Corinthic, lecturing and instructing the returning soldiers in steam engineering and engine-driving, was made the recipient of a present by his class. The presentation was made aboard the transport by Gunner Donald Ritchie. Mr Moss replied.

On Tuesday, 29th ult., at the Drill Hall, Outram, the residents gathered to welcome home from the froniTPrivate John Stanaway and to say good-bye to Miss Bagley, who has been mistress of tho Outram School for the past seven years, and who will join the staff of the Normal School. Proceedings opened with a short musical entertainment, contributed by Misses Scott, Bates, Southgate, E. Patrick, E. Dow, M. Dow, Mrs M'Bryde, and Messrs Roberts, Bathgate, A. Chisholm, and Harrison. Miss C. Campbell (a pupil of tho school) mado a presentation to Miss Bagley from the school children. Tho Chairman (Mr P. Chisholm) after eulogising Miss Baglcy's work in, the school, and as a member of the Patriotic Committee, presented her with a pendant

and gold chain from her Outram friends. Mr Harrison (head master) also spoke, expressing his appreciation of Miss Hag-ley's school work. Miss Bagley returned thanks. The presentation of an address w s then made to Private Stanaway. Slipper was handed round, and a dance was held ip till midnight. Lieutenant-colonel G. R. Mitchell. D.S.O. (Qtago), who is returning to New Zealand as 0.0. troops on board the transport Northumberland, duo at Wellington about May 8, has rendered splendid service to Now Zealand. He took part in the South African campaign, enlisting in the First New Zealand Contingent, serving throughout the Boer War as trooper and sergeant. In the war just concluded lie saw service in Egypt and on Gallipoli, where he was severely wounded. He was subsequently (as Major) appointed CO. of the AucklandWellington Training Battalion in Egypt, and (as Lieutenant-colonel) acted in a similar capacity in the New Zealaud Reserve Brigade, Salisbury Plain, England. Though handicapped by an injured leg, he never rested until he secured an appointment in France, and as Commandant of the New Zealand Base Depot at Etaples, and subsequently as CO. of the Entrenching Battalion, he performed his responsible duties so efficiently as to secure special mention in despatches. In addition to the D. 5.0., Lieutenant-colonel Mitchell was the recipient of the Karageorgc (Serbian) decoration, with swords. A cable message from Sydney states that Sir W. E. Davidson, Governor of New South Wales, is suffering from a heart attack. Tho appointment of Mr A. D. M Gavock as receiver of land revenue for the Otago district is notified in the Gazette. Mr E. H. Hiley, late General Manager, of Railways, will leave New Zealand for the Old Country by the Remuera on June 5 next.

The members of the legal profession met on Friday evening to bid farewell to Mr 0. E. Nalder, District Land Registrar and Registrar of Deeds, who has been promoted to -he Christchurch office. Mr J. A. Cook (president o? the society) occupied the chair, and said they wished to convey to Mr Nalder the high appreciation and esteem in which he was held by the members of the legal profession of Dunedin. Throughout the long period that Mr Nalder had presided over the Land Registry they had all come in contact with him more or less, and they appreciated the care and attention he had invariably bestowed upon their business, and also the patience and courtesy which he had shown them as individuals. Most of them, too, had to thank him for the ready and valuable assistance which lie had rendered them in removing some of the many difficulties incident to the administration of the. Land Transfer Act. They also felt that in the administration of that Act Mr Nalder had always endeavoured to work up to the. ideals of the author. Messrs Calvert and Mondy also spoke in appreciation of the work of Mr Nalder. Three cheers were given for Mr Nalder, who returned thanks. The service for which Lieutenant A. E. Byrne, son of Mr F. M. Byrne, for some years editor of the Tuapeka Times, won the Military Cross is thus officially described:—"On August 25,-1918, in front of Biefvillers, when all the officers of one of th'e attacking companies became casualties, Lieutenant Arthur Emmet Byrne, Ist Battalian, Otago Regiment, went up to take command. Under great difficulties he reorganised the company, and speedily had them ready to carry on with the advance. On the morning of September 7. in front, of Nieuville, suspecting that the enemy were holding a position very close to his line, he organised and led fighting patrols round the flanks, and .secured 60 prisoners and several machine guns without a single casualty to his own men. His courage, initiative, and coolness imder fire were most marked." Lieutenant Byrne is at present attached to the War History Department, London, engaged in writing the history of the operations of his regiment during the period of tho war. His brother, Lieutenant J. R. Byrne. N.Z.F.A., who was employed in England "for some months compiling a history of the New Zealand Field Artillery, s work in the great war, left with, the Mam Body as a sergeant on Headquarters Staff, and whilst on the peninsula was transferred to the artfllery, with which unit he served throughout, the western front campaign. He is now en route to New Zealand by tne Kia Ora. Both officers were formerly members of the staff of the Otago Daily Times. Corporal V. J. Byrne, the third of the brothers to see active service, was so severely wounded' towards the close of the heavy fighting around Armentieres as to necessitate his return to New Zealand and his eventual discharge. , A complimentary gathering to the JXev. J J Lewis, who has just completed 49 years in active ministry in the Methodist Ohu-ch in New Zealand, was held in the Pitt" Street Church on the 29th ult. (reports the New Zealand Herald). The Rev. G H Laws presided. Mr Lewis has latterly been in charge of the Dominion Road Church, and he had hoped to complete a full half-century in the ministry, but failing health comnelled his retirement He came to New Zealand in 1870, and was first stationed in Auckland. During the intervening years' he was minister of _ the chief churches of the Methodist denomination in Christchurch. Wellington,. Dunedin and in other important towns in the dominion. He was president of the New Zealand Methodist Conference in 1890, and has held various official positions m the Church. On several occasions he has represented New Zealand at the General Methodist Conference of Australasia. The Rev. H. E. Bellhouse, Mr George Winstone, Mr J. Watkinson. and Mr T. H. Chapman delivered eulogistic addresses, and Mr Lewis was presented with a study chair as a mark of esteem and affection. Mr Henry Prestige, a well-known resident of the Upper Moiitere, Nelson, who was in his 98th vear, died on the 29th ult. Mr and Mrs J. R. Mitchell, Clydevale, have received advice of the return of their son, Major Gordon Ross Mitchell, D. 5.0., by the Carpentaria, due at Lyttelton on May 14. Major Mitchell went away with the Main Body. Mr and Mrs Mitchell's fourth son. Jack, is still in Russia. A Press Association cable message from London announces that the estate of the late Lord Miehelham has been sworn at £2,000.003. Lord Miehelham was a son of the late Baron Hermann de Stern, of Portugal, and was the senior partner in the London firm cf Herbert Stern and Co. Miss Mercy Cameron, daughter of Mr J. C Cameron, of Castle street, and niece of the Rev. A. Cameron, of Anderson's Bay, has recently returned to Dunedin at the close of two years' study of her profession. Miss Cameron was one of the first massage students passed by the Dunedin Hospital,

tod on joining the Defence Department was Appointed to the Taumanui Hospital, Lowry Bay. After remaining there for about 18 months Miss Cameron was appointed one of the two masseuses on the Marama, and returned with that vessel in January last from London, and is now transferred to the Dunedin Hospital.

A Press Association cable message from London announces the death of the Rev. Wm. Spots wood Green, Government Inspector of Irish Fisheries, in his 72nd year. Mr Green, who was the first to climb Mount Cook, was also the author of a brochure on "The High Alps of New Zealand."