PERSONAL MATTERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LX, Issue 9344, 15 April 1909, Page 5

PERSONAL MATTERS.

Mr Uriah Coa George, who was the oldest Oddfellow in Eugland, died ou February 20th in his ninety-sixth year.

Lieut.-Colonel Hume, who recently retired from the position of Inspector of Prisons, has been nominated for a seat iv the Wellington City Couucil.

Rev. C. E. Porter, the new Methodist minister for Mastertou, arrived here by last evening's train from Welliugtou.

Sir John Teuniei, the great cartoonist of Punch of former days, celebrated the eighty-ninth anniversary of his birth recently. Some time ago Sir John was seized with au attack of aphasis, or loss of the power of speech, but he has since improved, aud it is hoped that he will be well again before long.

• Mr James Barry au old aud respected resident of Wellington, died on Saturday. Iv 1858 Mr Barry left his native country in the ship Risiug Sun for Victoria. New Zealaud, however, attracted him, aud in 18(51 he arrived at Hokitika, after being shipwrecked on the coast. On arrival iv Wellington he entered the buildiug trade, was eminently successful in his business ventures, aud resided here ever since. He was associated with Mr William M'Dowall, the firm beiug known as Barry aud M'Dowall, aud was responsible for the erection of some of Wellington's well-known public and private buildings.

Rev. D.C. Bates, who has beeu appointed Government meteorologist, was born at Spalding, Fmglaud, in 1868. aud ordained in 1891, minister of the Church of Euglaud. He served iv New South Wales aud New Zealaud uutil appointed chaplain to the Ninth New Zealaud Coutiugeut in South Africa. After returning from the war he retired from his clerical profession through illuess, aud entered the Civil Service iv 1903 in the Meteorological Office. Ou the amalgamation of that office aud the Weather Bureau iv December, 1906, ho became assistant weather reporter to Captain Edwin, R.N., who had fouuded the bureau iv 18.4.

Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., who will fulfil the Magisterial duties in Mastertou during the absence of Mr W. P. James. S. M.. ou holiday, sat ou tho local Bench this morniug for the first time, and was welcomed by the members of tiie B.ir ureseut. Mr R. K.

Jackson, as senior member of the Bar iv attendance, said there would undoubtedly have been a larger attendance of the Bar to welcome His Worship but for the Easter holidays. Personally, couusel had great pleasure in welcomiug His Worship, having known him tor nearly thirty years in the service, and the spaaker hoped that His Worship's short stay in Mastertou would be a pleasant one. Mr Graham, iv reply, thanked Mr Jacksou sincerely for his remarks of welcome, aud hoped the kindliest feelings would exist between the Beuch aud Bar during his short residence iv Masterton.

An officer has just retired from the Agricultural Department nuder the superannuation scheme whose work deserves public recognition says the New Zealand Times. He is Mr John Drummond, stock inspector, and for many years past in charge of the local quarantine work. Mr Drummond had grown up with Wellington and from his boyhood days has been connected with stock. Iv his prime he was regarded as a man unsurpassed iv the haudliug of stock aud even now there are few men who can manage an animal better than he. In lauding the valuable imported stock under his charge and in caring for them during the quarautiue period ho displayed both skill aud judgment while all the care a man could take was taken 'by him. He succeeded because he was no red tape official. He considered neither his own time nor himself. If au animal demanded special care it received what attention Mr Drummond could give, for, beiug a true lover of stock, he gave any animal uuder his charge the same consideration he wouid have giveu had it been Ins own. Mr Drummond was stock inspector at Masterton for many years.