ABOUT PEOPLE

Southland Times, Issue 17937, 31 January 1917, Page 3

ABOUT PEOPLE

.Mr T. Grant, oi' Wintori, lias been appointed Judge of the poultry section of the Palmerston North Sho.w, which takes place in .fune next. A London cable announces the death at the ape of 7IS of the Very Kev. William Barker, I lean of Carlisle i who was chaplain to Queen Victoria from IST*; to her death).

Mr Win. Epps, secretary of (lie Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, is visiting New Zealand for the purpose of making inquiries into the management of hospitals generally, ami with particular reference to the treatment of sick and wounded soldiers.

Mr Malcolm Taylor, of the staff of the Bank of New Zealand. Mataura. lias been transferred to Roxburgh, and Mr George Smith, of the Wyndham branch, is relieving at Mataura. Miss A. Grierson will join the staff of the hank from February i.

Dr H. W. Cleary, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, says a London correspondent, lias been taken on the strength of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces as chaplain of ttie Ith Class.

Of the well-known Southland Richards family of nine sons, five have played the soldiers' part in the present great struggle—one, Stanley, having made the supreme sacrifice—and of the remainder it may he said that they are "doing their bit" to their great credit far from the shell-strewn centres. A sixth son in Martin Richards, fruiterer, Otautau, was drawn for active service in the last Military Ballot: tie. true to the family record, has decided to go to the medical test without scruple or protest. At the examination of candidate for commissions at Trentham last week Sergt-ma.ior Dennistou Cuthbertson, formerly secretary of the Southland Metropolitan A. and P. Association, passed first on the list. There were tiS candidates. so that Mr Cuthbertson’s success was highly meritorious, in the ordinary course Mr Cuthbertson would have left the dominion as Sergt-major with the February draft, but his departure will now be delayed for a month or two. After further training he will be appointed to a later draft as 2nd Lieutenant.

A resident who is desirous of according "honour to whom honour is duo" cites the case of the Wards family, of Tuturau, as one that does not know the moan Ins of the word "shirker" (states the AVyndham Herald). Four sons of Mr H. Wards offered and were accepted for service, .lames (who went witli the sth Reinforcements) is believed to have lost Ills life bv drowning when the Marquette was torpedoed. Harry is in the 17th; Fred Morris in the 18th; and Robert (who was located at Orepuki for ten years) in the 22nd. This is a good record.

The Otautau Standard records the death of Mr John Laldlaw. who passed away at his residence, "Terrace Farm,’ Otautau, on Friday morning. The late Mr Laldlaw, who for some years was farming at Isla Bank, removed to Otautau five years ago and acted as a contractor. Borne three or four months ago deceased had a slight stroke, from which ho did not recover, and had been in indifferent health in the interval up till the time of bis death. The late Air Laldlaw leaves a widow and largo family to mourn ids loss. Two sons are serving with the Expeditionary Forces. The interment took place in the New Cemetery, Otautau, on Sunday afternoon, the service being a Masonic one, conducted by Rev, AV, \A. Brown, of Mataura.

Mr A. McGillivray, of Alataura. has received the following letter from Sir Thos. Alackenzie. (High Commissioner); ”1 had the great pleasure of a visit from your son, who has gone through a trying time. He was looking well and hearty and proposed to make a visit to Scotland. I need hardly tell you how proud we are of all our New Zealanders have done. Not only are they brave soldiers. but individually they are gentlemen who carry the good name of the country wherever they go. I thought that you would like to hear that I have seen your son." Private McGillivray went away witli the Main Body and this is his first leave. The death occurred at her home at Brydone, on Sunday, of Mrs David Grieve, the wife of one of the earliest settlers of this district (says the Ensign). Although it is some twelve years since Airs Grieve left Gore, she will be remembered by many of the older residents. Bbe’arrived in that town in 1878. and her marriage took place'the following year. Mrs Grieve was a native ot Melbourne. A family of six mourn her loss, including Nurse Alary Grieve (Wanganui), Mrs Ernest Terry (Gore), and Private Donald Grieve. “I am proud to have lost my sight fighting for such a cause,"—thus Air Clutha Mackenzie, speaking to the Lord Mayor on the occasion of the presentation of the Freedom of the City of London to Mr Massey. The Lord Mayor cordially welcomed the young New Zealander as he reached the dais. Sir Chas. AVakefield referred to this incident a few days subsequently, when lie was present at the ceremony of inaugurating the incoming Lord Mayor, and he said he wished that everyone would show ttie same courage and imagination as Clutha Mackenzie and fight for the great ideals of liberty, righteousness, and honour. Mr william Rule, a well-known .Alataura Island farmer, died at his home on Friday after a protracted illness (states the AVyndham Herald). Deceased came to this country :!S years ago, at the age of 19 years. He was an industrious man, and as (he result of thrift lie became the owner of a fine farm property on the fertile Mataura Island. Here lie farmed successfuly and his family grew up in comfortable surroundings. He was a director of the Dairy Factory Company, and other local organisations bad in him an active worker. He was a member of the AA'yndham A. and P. Society. Some years ago Mr Rule became a victim to rheumatism, and this complaint hindered his activities. He bad a family of nine—four .sons and five daughters. One son (James) is ut ttic front, and one daughter is married (Mrs R. Wyper). One of the most popular of the cabmen on the Invercargill stand is Mr Archibald McNie. who lias followed the occupation for about nine years, during which be hak made many friends. "Archie" lias been called up for military service, having previously been rejected because of a weak ankle, due to an accident at football, at which, in bis day. he had distinguished himself. A number of well-wishers, desirous before be left for the training camp to show their appreciation of bis good qualities, tendered him a. social on Monday evening in Reid and Gray’s rooms, over thirty being present and Mr Jas, Aitken presiding. A toast list was submitted and the health of the guest was honoured witli enthusiasm, those present regretting that the exigencies of ttie situation compelled the departure of such estimable citizens as .Air AlcNie, and expressing the hope that he would return safe and soi'jnd. His deeds on the football field were also referred to and the opinion wtis held that if "Archie” acquitted himself* as well on the battlefield as cm the foo ball ground the Germans would know )Jp was there. The guest was presentee) with a set of military brushes. Mr Aitken, who acted for the, companv, stating that Air McNie bad received a number of presents from personal friends and the gift they had selected had been considered the most suitable. The guest briefly thanked them for their liberality and all too generous remarks regarding him, and sail! lie hoped tils weak leg would be aide to bear the strain of (lie work in the training camp. A number of songs were given and the proceedings (dosed with cheers and the National Anthem.