PERSONAL ITEMS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14215, 3 June 1910, Page 5

PERSONAL ITEMS.

Mr J. Graigie, M.P., left by the second express for the north last night, ?Wll h % V{ 7 t0 Wellington, where he will attend a niMtine of the Executive Mr p • larb "V r Boards Association. 7 Craigie "'ill afterwards go on to Auckland on private business baker, of 'fimaru, who has been in business here for a great mLjl, lias disposed of his property as aldng concern and will leave-hero short* for etrecf T d ! S , tr, , cfc ' where Lo ha « »" cured a. big block of land. in S 0 e athori »K was held n the Sophia Street Hall last night ulo„ men, hers of the Smithfield Gun Club tendered a farewell social to thenpresident Mr George McCaa. 1 long toast list was gone through; comnl* ninnta ! , v . speeches m Jf ' fnLlf M , altes< i cross attached for h mself, a silver teapot for Mrs McMcCaa & P l a, c! goW rin S f °r Miss inS il. n ? J - i? 1 ' 8 "' 0 " did the catering m a very satisfactory wnv A pleasant little function took place at Waimataitai last evening, when Mr John Macgrogor, an old resident" *n« presented with a travelling rug and gladstono bag on the occasion of his departure for Canada, where lie intends taking „p farming. The host and Mrs Maegregor laid a. bountiful supper, _ after which dancing was indulged in until a late hour. Mr Maegregor hopes to secure one of the free grant government farms of 160 acres His cousin, Mr Robert Armstrong has already a similar section and is said to bo doing well. A great surprise was sprung upon Councillor Sinclair on Wednesday night when a large gathering of friends paid a surprise visit to his house and made him the subject of a presentation in recognition of the fair and able manner in which he fought the recent Mayoral contest. Speeches of a complimentary naturo were made by a number of the visitors, and a very pleasant evening was spent. The present took the form of a well-filled purse of sovereigns. Mr Sinclair made suitable acknowledgment of the compliments paid him.

The death is notified to-day of a former resident of Tima.ru, John Gauiwho will be remembered by old identities here. The deceased a n 2o' e of Halifax, Yorkshire (born ia 183u and therefore 75 years old at death), came to New Zealand in 1848, and after being a while in Nelson went to Australia, where he remained 14 years, and became the champion shearer of Australasia, his record bei mg 222 sheep in 8 hours. This has recently been beaten. Returning to New Zealand he spet some years in South Canterbury, and returned to Nelson about 3D years ago, and kept a_ hotel at Foxhill until he retired a New Zealand he spent some years in was a member of the General Committee of the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and also a member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, his advice to the latter body on all matters pertaining to fhe welfare of dumb animals being valued and appreciated. He was a widower, his wife having predeceased him many years ago, and seven sons survive, six of whom liv» in Australia.

Last Friday evening there was n large gathering of the residents of the district at the Tawai schoolhouse, to say farewell to Mr Bringans, tho schoolmaster, and Mrs Bringana, who are removing to Clyde, where Mr Bringans lias got an appointment. A social and dance was held on the occasion, and during tho evening the chair* man of the committee, Mr F. P. PoJvin, presented to their departing friends a beautiful oak tray and Bilver water jug. Mr Pelvin said that during tho three years and seven months Mr Bringans had hoen their head teacher ho had earned the esteem of all tho residents, by his personal qualities, an<J as a teacher, though working under (Trent difficulties, he had passed all his pupils with credit to himself and the school. Mrs Bringans. too. had earned the esteem of everyone by her happy. disposition and goodness of heart, and tlio children especially would ero.atly miss her. Mr Pelvin, on behalf oif the residents, wished them both hapni-. ness and prosperity in future. Mr Bringans made suitable reply, and the comnanv sang "For they are Jolly Good Fellows." A pleasant evening was snent with song and dance, thr ponnlnr country musician, Mr J. Mo Ateer, sunnlvinrr the music, and i the ladies furnished the supper.