ABOUT PEOPLE

Southland Times, Issue 25367, 20 August 1935, Page 6

ABOUT PEOPLE

Messrs R. J- Swale and W. Dunlop, who have been visiting Christchurch, returned to Invercargill by car yesterday.

The Hon. Mr Justice Kennedy left for Dunedin by the • mid-day express yesterday. His associate, Mr H. K. Bullock, also travelled north. Mr A. T. Newman, Mayor of Gore, leaves by this morning’s express for Wellington to attend a meeting of prospective candidates for the Democrat Party.

The death occurred at Gore yesterday of Mrs James Hargest, aged 79, the mother of Mr J. Hargest, M.P. for Invercargill. Mrs Hargest, who was born in Wales, arrived, as a bride, in New Zealand in 1878 and settled in the Gore district, where she had lived ever since. She had a family of nine, four of whom served in the Great War (one losing his life). Her husband, who was a pioneer farmer of the Mandeville district, died about six years ago.

Mr R. M. Firth, who has been appointed New Zealand Trade and Tourist Commissioner in Los Angeles, was tendered a farewell dinner at Wanganui on Saturday, the Mayor, Mr Rogers, presiding. There was a large and representative gathering. Mr L. J. Schmitt, general manager of the Industries and Tourist Department, said Mr Firth was one of the most brilliant officers the department had and he was sure he would be a success in his new. sphere of activities. —Press Association message.

The death occurred at Gore on Thursday last of Mrs Elizabeth Drummond Duncan. Born in Lethnot, Angus, Scotland, 76 years ago, she spent most of her life at her native place. She married Mr John L. Duncan some 49 years ago and she was predeceased by her husband in 1912. In 1920 she decided to come to New Zealand and with her family arrived in the Dominion and settled in Invercargill, where she resided until five years ago, when she removed to Gore. She was a typical Scotswoman, quiet and unassuming, and was loved and respected by all with whom she came in contact. She made many friends, especially in Invercargill. She was fond of her garden, but her home and her family of three were her real hobby. The late Mrs Duncan leaves one son, Mr John L. D. Duncan, of Invercargill, and two daughters. Miss Beatrice Duncan, of Invercargill, and Mrs T. Brocket, of Gore. Her remains were interred in the Gore cemetery on Saturday afternoon, there being nine from her native village present.