PERSONAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20053, 11 April 1914, Page 5

PERSONAL.

: The death of" the tDowagei Empress of Japan is announced. , . , Sir Joseph Ward sailed for Sydney by the Maunganui on Thursday night. Sir Josepli returns to the Dominion in about ten days.—Press Association. A Gisborne telegram announces the death of Mr. A. R. Muir, a vet'Oran. journalist, aged 70. Deceased was born in "Wellington and was connected from his earliest years with the " Indepen- ! dent," of -which his father was part pro- | prietor. He arrived in Gisboriie in 1883 to assume proprietorship of ■ "the Poverty Bay "Herald." At- the conclusion of rthe ordinary meeting of tb© |3t. Andrew Kilwinning Lodge on Thursday evening, occasion was taken to make a presentation to the Chaplain (Rev. Bro. J. A. Luxford), who is about to leave Wanganui. The presentation, ■which consisted of a handsome silver plate, was made by Bro. J. H. Keesing. Bro. Luxford, in reply, spoke of-fche pleasure he had always experienced in attending the Lodge meetings, and wished the brethren every happin ess in the future. Tho news that Mr. Fred Pirani is to contest the Wanganui seat at next election in the interests of Reform has been most favourably received all round. The "Wairarapa Age," in commenting upon the announcement, says: The intimation that Mr. Fred Pirani has been selected as the Reform candidate for the Wanganui seat at the next election, will bd received with satisfaction by a large section of the community. Mr. Pirani was returned to Parliament as a "Liberal" over twenty years ago. It was not long before he discovered, however, that the term "Liberalism" -was a misnomer, and that it was used largely as a catcherv for a band of opportunists. During his career in Parliament Mr. Pirani rendered very useful service to the country. He was a keen debater, and was always to be found on the side of clean e;overnment and square dealing. Since he' has retired from politics, he has taken! 'a very active interest in education"! matters and his services on the Wanganui Board have earned 'him the eratitudo of the whole of the people of that thriving district. He is a man of wide experience, intense patriotism, and more than the average amount of energy and commonsensa. His return to Parliament would be a distinct gain to the country, and for thai reason nTf! cordially wish him success in h's Wangamii campaign.