PERSONAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3860, 6 March 1928, Page 25

PERSONAL.

Vice-Regal. It is probable that Mr W. Downie Stewart will leave Dunedin on Thursday. It is Mr Stewart’s intention to be in Wellington next week to meet Mr Pratten, Federal Minister of Customs, on his arrival next Monday.

The Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) and Lady Alice Fergusson were accorded a most enthunsiastic reception at Mqtueka by a very large gathering of citizens on Tuesday. Notable features of the day were the children’s and pioneers’ functions. A civic luncheon followed, and the fruit, hop, and tobacco gardens were later inspected, : nd the processes in the tobacco drying kilns and apple packing sheds were described. The Whakarewa Home, which has been the refuge for destitute Maori and pakeha children for over 60 years, was also visited. Although Nelson was not officially visited, their Excellencies were driven round to the schools and colleges, where addresses were given. A call was also made at the Masonic orphanage for girls, where their Excellencies were delighted with the surroundings. An interesting visit of inspection was also paid to the “ K ” jam factory, which is in the midst of a busy fruit season. The vice-regal party left for Wellington at night.

Two candidates have been nominated for the mayoralty of Gisborne—Mr James Blair, at present Deputy Mayor, and Mr David William Coleman, a well-known Labour leader. The election has been caused by the death of the Mayor, Mr C. E. Armstrong.

At the ex-servicemen’s dinner to Sir Charles Fergusson, at Denniston. a resolution was carried—“ That a cablegram be sent to General Sir George Richardson, Administrator of Samoa, congratulating him on his stand and commisserating with him in his unenviable position due to the Samoan unrest.

After spending a very enjoyable holiday in Honolulu, Dame Nellie Melba returned to Australia by the Niagara. So delighted was she with the charms of the Islands that she purchased a cottage at Honolulu and hopes to spend manv happy days there. Dame Nellie said she was fit and well for the strenuous work ahead of her in Australia —that of or ganising a large part cf the work in connection with the approaching grand opera season. She added that she was greatly looking forward to coming to New Zea land with the company later in the year Sir Lindo and Lady Ferguson returned to Dunedin from their tour abroad by the first express on Tuesday.

A Sydney Press Association cable messa -~e states that Bishop Molyneux, cf Melanesia, has arrived in Sydney en rout to New Zealand.

Dr Alexander Cumming, F.R.C.S., Edm., who has been resident surgical officer at the North Onncsby Hospital, Middlesbrough. Yorkshire, for over a year is (says on” London correspondent, writing on January IS) spending some time at various hospitals in Liverpool, prior to returning to New Zealand.

New Zetland-bound passengers by the Ormonde, leaving this week (says our London correspondent, writing on January 19) include Mr and Mrs R. P. Charman and infant. Mr. Mrs, and Miss Daly. Mrs and Miss Throp, Mrs Ferguson Mrs Petrie. Mr H. Greenhalgh. Mr Scott, and Mr P. B. B. Nichols. Mr Nichols. Secoond Secretary at the Foreign Office, was lately appointed liaison officer between the British Government and the Government of New' Zealand.

The Rev. 11. K. Vickery, who is taking up the nosition of chaplain to the Flying Angel Mission to Seamen in Auckland, arrived by the Marama on Tuesday accompanied by his wife and only child. Mr Vickery, who has been chaplain to the Newcastle Mission for the last 10 years, has been appointed to -.uckland by the London Committee, after consultation with the Auckland Executive. Miss M. I. Turnbull, lecturer in classics at the University of Otago, returned to Dunedin on Wednesday after an absence of five months, having spent the greater part of the time in Greece. A Sydney cablegram states that during the voyage of the Ulimaroa from Auckland a passenger, Mr F. N. M'Coll, died. It is believed that death was due to heart failure.

The resignation of Cr W. J. Lewis from the Peninsula County Council was received with regret at the monthly meeting last week. Members referred to the excellent services given by Mr Lewis during the time of his association with district local body matters. In reply, Mr Lewis said that farming affairs now occupied so much of his time that he did not feel able to continue as a county councillor. The Otago Education Board- has made the following appointments:—Mr A. H Williamson, headmaster, Kaikorai: Mr John Melville, headmaster, Kaitangata; Mr W. T. O. Kaye, headmaster, Mosgiel District High School: Mr W. J. Bennett, headmaster,-Portobello; Miss V. Murphy, sole teacher, Wanaka Road; Miss J. C. Wilson, infant mistress, Roxburgh District High School; Miss J. O. Kidd, first assistant, Teaneraki; Miss I. O. Preston, eleventh assistant, St. Clair; Miss R. Macalister, infant mistress, Normal School; Mrs F. R. Benham, secondary assistant. Alexandra District High Schoolj Mr A. T. Lonie, sole teacher, Wedderburn; Miss E. S. Whyte, assistant, Bannockburn; Miss L. M. Smith, assistant, Tokoiti.

A pleasant hour was spent at the Mosgiel District High School on Wednesday afternoon the occasion being a farewell to Miss Christie, who has been infant mistress at the school for seven years. Mr M'Donald (acting rector) was chairman, and called on Alice Thomson to present Miss Christie with a spray bouquet on behalf of the teachers and scholars. After an enjoyable concert programme the guest was presented by Betty Korner with a Victorian posy on behalf of the children in the infant, room. Mr M’Donald referred to Miss Christie’s long service of seven years in the school, and Mr Swallow, on behalf of the School Committee, thanked her for her kindness to the children. On behalf of the teachers and children, Miss Jackson pre sented Miss Christie with a handbag, and hoped she would carry many pleasant

memories of Mosgiel SchoqJ away with her. In reply, the recipient expressed her gratitude to teachers, parents, and children, oho had tried to do her duty, and had given of her best.

Sir Thomas Meckenzie left Dunedin yesterday by the first express for the north. After visiting friends in Canterbury and the West Coast, he will take his departure from Wellington on March I' by the Mataroa for London. A cablegram from London states that miss. Esther Fisher, a New Zealand pianist, gave a successful recital on the eve oi her departure.

<? u gG , Ho Vden, of 87 Signal Hill road, Opoho, has been granted a diploma in horticulture under section 6 of the' Act 7 1927 aUd Institutc of Horticulture'

Mr Victor Bonney, the eminent gynaecological surgeon, will arrive in Dunedin to-day. On Wednesday he will deliver address to medioal students, and the same evening he will be the guest of fc Ur n dinner at Fernhill 11 Thursday evening he will address the local division of the British Medical Association, and on Friday ha ".d So “ ,h “” L - k " d “‘™ t

, 5 . , . r R ° be , rt Horne, who was Chancellor ?n IWI w Cheq i' Or >■" Cabinet n 1921 2- and who had previously held office as Munster of Labour and President UVL,- rd of Trade, is due to arrive in Wellington this week, and will spend a week m the Dominion. A visit to Duned.n will be included in his itinerary. i Ro J )ert , Stuart Macdonald, whos# death took place on Friday, was born i* this city in 1853. In 1872 lie was ap. prenticed to the printing trade, in th# employ of Messrs Mills, Dick and Co and he later joined the firm of Messrs * erguson and Mitchell, with whom he wai associated for many years. He retired hve years ago. Mr Macdonald was a mem* her of the Dunedin City Guards in 1871. under Lieutenant A. Somerville. He waa one of the founders of the Mornington Presbyterian Church, and was a member of that church up to the time of his death. He was a member of the Dun* edin Horticultural Society, and exhibited in the amateur section of the society's shows for many years. He was also corn nected with the Early Settlers’ Associa* tion. Mr Macdonald’s wife died in and he leaves three sons and tw> daughters.

After a, lengthy vacancy the parish of Mount laa has been filled by the induction ot the Rev. J. S. Young, of New Bright-00. The induction service was held in the Ranfurly Church on March 1 at 3.30 p.m. Ir, the evening a welcome social was tendered to Mr and Mrs and Miss Young. The social was largely attended and a fine hearty spirit prevailed. A valedictory social was tendered to Sergeant and Mrs Vaughan at Naseby on Thursday evening. The Mayor (Mr T. C. Hove). on behalf of the public, briefly referred to the high esteem m which Sergeant Vaughan and bis partner were held by all who knew them, and as a token of that regard handed Mrs Vaughan a roll of notes, which he asked her to accept wilfi all good wishes for happiness in the future. Mr A E. Brown, speaking for the Bowling Club and Mount Ida Curling Club, cf which Mr Vaughan had been president, referred to his enthusiasm and whole* hearted support in those clubs. Mr J. I. Fraser added a tribute to Mr Vaughan's qualities as Clerk of the Court, and his duties as a policeman in which position he always showed courtesy to everyone.Amongst others who spoke were Mr W. Jepson, for the Football Club, Mr R. M’Skimming, Mr O’Brien (postmaster), and. Mr H. Laing. Musical honours were then given the guests. Mr Vaughan thanked all who had made their stay in Naseby a happy one, and had helped to make duties more pleasant, and expressed appreciation of all that had been said. During ths evening songs, etc., were contributed bf Mr J. I. Fraser, Mr A. Ball, Mrs R. Fiaher. Dancing was continued until, early hours.

An arrival in Dunedin on Saturday afternoon was Brigadier-general Batemen* Champain, C.M.G., who is visiting New Zealand in the capacity of secretary-gene-ral of the British Red Cross Society and delegate from the League of Red Cross Societies. General Champain was met at the Railway Station by the president of the local Red Cross Society (the Rev. V. G. Bryan King) and by other members of the society, and on Sunday he wai taken on a motor trip around Dunedin.