PERSONAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17124, 27 October 1917, Page 4

PERSONAL.

Mr W. H. Sw-anger, secretary of the Education Board, who' recently, underwent an operation, has so far recovered as to be able to return to his home. Old Wanganui and district residents will learn with regret of the recent death of Mr. Walter Laurie Christie, LS.O., .at Dunedin, which has brought to a close an interesting career. Born at Paisley 75 years ago, lie left Home at the age of 18, and after spending some years on various fields he tried his luck on the goldfields of Otago. When "the call for service against the Maori rebels came, he, like many oth-ers,-joined the Defence Forces, and later the Wanganui Yeoman Cavalry. With a troop from the latter he took part in many actions in- various districts in the North Island; both East and West Coasts. His action in saving the life of Captain Percy at Opotiki, in the Bay of Plenty, is well remembered by many of his friends. He was engaged in the exciting work cf despatch carrying between Patea, Wanganui and Turakirfa, and some of his experiences of those days were exciting and interesting. He was the first New Zealander to receive the Imperial Service Order for "long and meritorious service." The youngest son, Lieut. H. A. .Christie, was killed in action in the Battle of Messines on June 2nd of this year.