PERSONAL

Southland Times, Issue 23954, 21 October 1939, Page 4

PERSONAL

Mr W. J. Chatfield, accountant of the Bank of New South Wales, Invercargill, was bidden farewell by members of the staff before his departure for Bumham and was presented with a set of pipes and a tobacco pouch. Two other members of the staff, Messrs P. G. T. Speedy and A. G. Scott, were also met before leaving for camp and were made presentations of toilet and shaving outfits.

Mr R. H. Strang, of Invercargill, has been advised to report at the Taieri aerodrome on Tuesday to begin training in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Mr Strang had previously gained his “A” licence as a member of the Civil Reserve of Pilots. On Thursday evening he was bidden farewell by other Civil Reserve pilots at a social function in the club-house at. the Southland Aero Club’s aerodrome at Myross Bush. Yesterday afternoon he was met by the staff of David Strang Ltd., and a presentation was made. Mr Strang will leave by car for the Taieri on Tuesday morning. Mr A. M. Mcßeath, who is at present acting secretary has been appointed secretary of the New Zealand Racing Conference. —Press Association.

Mr P. S. Fougere, who leaves Invercargill this morning to enter camp at Weraroa for training with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, was the recipient of presentations from the staff of Featherstone, Adamson and Francis, and members of the First Church Senior Young Men’s Bible Class. Mr Fougere, who is a member of the Southland Aero Club, has completed a year’s training in the Civil Reserve of Pilots. Several speakers wished him success in his Air Force career and an early return. Mr Fougere replied. Mr R. G. Witt, who has now left the literary staff of The Southland Times to join The Southland Daily News, was yesterday presented by the literary staff of The Southland Times with a fountain pen and pencil. The editor, Mr R. Lund, in making the presentation expressed regret at Mr Witt’s departure. Mr N. Earl, chief of staff, and Mr S. G. Dinniss, chief sub-editor, also paid tribute to Mr Witt’s work. Colonel E. Puttick, D. 5.0., N.Z.S.C., has relinquished his appointment as honorary aide-de-camp to the Gover-nor-General on being appointed aide-de-camp (additional) to the King. Mr Joseph D. Birrell, general manager in New Zealand of the Westinghouse Electric International Company (N.Z.), Limited, for 16 years, has been promoted to general manager of the Far Eastern zone, with headquarters at Manila.

Pilot Officer B. T. Sheil (Retired List) has been posted to the active list, confirmed in his rank and promoted to the rank of flying officer. He is to have the honorary rank of squadron leader while employed as publicity officer attached to Air Headquarters, Wellington.