SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4533, 6 February 1942, Page 4

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

Mr Austin Yarndley is at present on a visit to Christchurch.

Mr R. J. Thompson, of Gisborne, has been appointed a Commissioner of the Native Land Court.

Mrs J. Smith, who has been visiting her mother, Mrs H. P. Nelson, of Roto-o-Rangi, has returned to Wellington.

Mr Norman Worthington, of the Radio Station, Wellington, is at present spending his annual leave with his parents, Mr and Mrs H. Worthington, Kihikihi Road.

Mr R. G. I- Hamilton, orchard instructor m Canterbury, has been appointed. district supervisor in Auckland for the horticultural division of the Department of Agriculture in succession to Mr L. Paynter, who has retired.

At a meeting of the Te Awamutu Swimming Club, the chairman, Mr S. Wanklyn, paid a glowing tribute to the splendid work performed by the senior vice-president, the late Mr G. B. Melrose. As a mark of respect, all present stood in silence for a brief period.

His many friends will be pleased to learn that an improvement is to-day noticeable in the condition of Mr N. F. Rigby, headmaster of the Te Awamutu Primary Schools, who is confined to his home by illness. It is probable, however, that he will have to remain in bed for another week.

Miss Elizabeth Shirley, of Wollstonecraft, Sydney, has been appointed as chauffeuse to the GovernorGeneral of Australia, Lord Gowrie. Miss Shirley joined the W.A.N.S. at its inauguration, and was one of the physical training instructors, and completed two special motor mechanic courses.

In recognition of the long and distinguished services of Mr William H. Moyes as headmaster of the New Plymouth Boys’ High School and of his services generally to education in the district over a period of almost 30 years, a cheque for £5OO has been sent to him from the residents and former pupils of the school. An additional £lOO has been received since the sending of the first cheque. Mi Moyes, who was born at Nelson in 1881, was educated at Nelson College and Canterbury University College. He was demonstrator in the physics department of Canterbury College from 1903 to 1905 and was an assistant master at Timaru Boys’ High School in 1906.

Miss Alice Deck (Nelson), who celebrated her ninetieth birthday anniversary last week, is a member of a family noted for its longevity. Four of her brothers and sisters died at ages ranging from 91 to 97 years, and three more reached the late eighties. Miss Deck arrived in New Zealand by the Cornwall in 1853, and has lived in the Nelson district ever since. Among other residents of Nelson who are celebrating their ninetieth anniversary during Nelson’s centennial celebrations, is Mrs John Mead, sen., of Motueka, who arrived in New Zealand from Scotland 87 years ago. Another resident, Mr John F. Rose, of Takaka, celebrated his ninety-first birthday recently.

Prior to their departure from Te Kuiti yesterday for Katikati, the Rev. W. T. and Mrs Brabyn, formerly of Kihikihi, were entertained at a largely attended gathering in the southern town. The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. S. W. Webber, of Otorohanga. referred to Mr Brabyn’s great capacity for hard work, his unusually large amount of common sense, his help and guidance to young men and women, and his sense of humour. He had the love and affection of the citizens and also the respect and goodwill of his brethren in his own church. Health reasons alone had prompted Mr Brabyn to seek a smaller parish. The Mayor of Te Kuiti (Mr H. T. Morton) and other speakers paid glowing tributes to the sterling worth of the guests of the evening. The chairman, Mr D. J. Thomson, on behalf of the congregations of Te Kuiti and Rangitoto, handed to Mr Brabyn a substantial cheque and to Mrs Brabyn the book “ The Seven Pillars of Wisdom.” The Te Kuiti School Committee also made a presentation.

Mrs C. K. Wilson, who is about to leave Pio Pio to reside in Wellington, was entertained by the members of the Pio Pio Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, of which she is graciously regarded as “ the mother.” There was a record attendance. Mrs Cullen eulogised the work and ideals of Mrs Wilson, and on presenting her with a dainty shoulder spray from the Committee, stated that the Rest Room erected at Pio Pio would always stand as a monument to her efforts. Mrs Morris emphasised the very real sorrow they all felt at parting with their loved leader, but hoped she would return many times and visit them. As a token of love from the members of the branch, Mrs Wilson was presented with a beautiful fur necklet with the wish that it would keep the recipient as warm as thoughts of her would always be. Before concluding, Mrs Morris gave her the old Irish blessing, “ May you never lack green pastures under your feet or heartsease in the Garden of your Life.” On rising to reply, Mrs Wilson received an ovation. She pleaded eloquently for a new and better order after the war was ended. She urged all to stick together and do their utmost to aid reconstruction, which would not be an easy task. Thanking the members sincerely for their gift, Mrs Wilson was deeply touched, stating that she would always treasure it.