Personal Paragraphs.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue XXI, 21 May 1904, Page 45

Personal Paragraphs.

Miss Violet Twigg, of Petane Grange, Napier, is the guest of Miss McTavish, Mrs Fraser (New Plymouth) is on a visit to Auckland. Mr W. R. Bloomfield has been elected diairman of the Epsom Road Board. Mr. and Miss Langridge (England) are making a short stay in Wellington. Mr W. Goring Thomas (Wellington) has gone to England for a trip. Miss Empson, Rotorua, has been spending a holiday at Wairakei. Miss Fleetwood, of Marton, was in Wanganui for the Hunt Club ball. Mrs S. A. Atkinson (Wellington) is visiting relations in Blenheim. Miss Ethel Smith (New Plymouth) is staying with friends in Wellington. Miss Turner, Rotorua, has goue to Coromandel on a flying visit.

Miss E. Hanna (New Plymouth) is visiting her many friends in Auckland. Dr. Webster (Wellington) has gone to Sydney for a holiday trip. Mr. Tracy Moresby, Paeroa, is paying a flying visit to Auckland. Mrs. D. I. Barron, of Rotorua, has been to Auckland on a visit. Mr. A. P. Buller is away from Wellington on a holiday trip. Mr A. de B. Brandon is back in Wellington, after a short visit to Sydney. Mrs. W. Chrystall and family (Christchurch) are at Sumner for three weeks. Mrs. T. Macky, of Devonport, is at present on a visit to Te Aroha. Mr- D. 11. Haggitt has been appointed associate to Mr. Justice Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Percy Stothart (England) are making a stay in Wellington. Mrs. Pritt and her son returned to Auckland last week after a very enjoyable visit to Wanganui. Mr Charles Russell, of Wanganui, has returned from South Africa and England. Dr. Alexander Wilson, assistant at Wellington Hospital, has been appointed to the charge of the Napier Hospital. Miss Waldegravc (Wellington) has been staying with Mrs Atkinson (Hawera) recently. Mr and Mrs J. Orford, of Wanganui, have returned from their visit to Wellington.

Dr. and Mrs. Valentine are travelling in the Hinemoa with the Premier and party. Mr and Miss Beetham, who have been spending- some days in Wellington, have returned to Braneepetb, Wairarapa. Miss Nancarrow (Christchurch) is at present the guest of Miss Alexander, South-road, Hawera.

Mrs. Taylor and Miss Fanny Taylor (Christchurch) left last week for Sydney for the winter. Mrs. Broad, late of Wellington, has gone to reside in Napier, and has taken a house on the Bluff Hill.

Mrs. T. L. Murray and Mr. Leslie Murray, who have been on a visit to Rotorua, returned to Auckland last weekMiss Campbell, of Manutahi, is the guest of Mrs H. F. Christie, St. John’s Hill, Wanganui. Mr Martin Butler is chairman of the Cambridge Road Board for the ensuing year. Miss Lloyd Hassell is the guest of Mrs. Malyon and Mrs. Meredith-Kaye during her stay in Christchurch. Mrs. T. C. Williams, Miss Williams, and Mr. Guy Williams, of Wellington, are visiting Rotorua. Miss Ledger (Nelson) is staying with Mrs. Syme, Manslield-avenue, Christchurch. Mr Moss Davis, who leaves for England this week, is to be banqueted on the 18th at the Royal Hotel. Mrs Tempter (Eltham) was the guest of Mrs (Dr.) Western-* (Hawera) for race week. Mrs and Miss Waldegravc (Wellington) have gone to Sydney for a few weeks. Sir. and Mrs. 11. Rawson are back in Wellington after a short visit to the South Island.

Mrs A. E. D’Arcy, of Sydney, is staying in Wanganui with her sister, Mrs Hoult.

Miss Gorrie, of Auckland, and Miss Royse, of Dunedin, have just spent a short lioliday in Rotorua.

The Hon. E. Mitchelson contemplates visiting the Northern Wairoa district early in June. Bishop Verdon, of Dunedin, who is suffering very badly from rheumatism, is recuperating at Te Aroha.

Lieutenant Courtney has been appointed captain of the “D” Battery, Wellington. Mrs. J. Rose (Wellington) is visiting her brother, Mr. J. Greenfield, Vernon, Blenheim.

Mr. T. Watson has been appointed commissioner for the Marlborough Exhibition.

Miss Acland (Christchurch) has coma up to stay with lie'' sister. Mrs F. Lysaglit (Hawera), for jome time.

Mr and Miss Wall, of Porirua, are at present in Wanganui with their brother, Dr. Wall.

Lieut .-Colonel Ferrar was a passenger from Wellington to England by the Rimutaka.

Miss Spencer, headmistress of the Napier Girls’ High School, has left for England, via Vancouver.

Mr and Mrs A. S. M. Polson, of the Napier Boys’ High School, are spending their vacatioft in Wellington. Mrs. Chatfield (Island Bay, Wellington) is staying with friends in Christchurch.

Mr T. Corkill, of New Plymouth, who has been on a visit to Dunedin, has now returned.

Mr A. S. Thompson has been reelected chairman of the Mount Wellington Road Board. The Misses Brewer and Cutfield, of Hamer, were in Wanganui for the Hunt Club ball.

Mrs. W. Lankshear (Wellington) has gone to England for a trip, travelling by Suez.

Mr and Miss Fairlie, of England, who have been spending some time at Rotorua, are now in Wellington.

Mr John E. Taylor has been unanimously elected chairman of the Mangere Road Board. Major Taylor, the American negro cyclist, is returning to America from Sydney, via Auckland, in the Ventura.

Mrs Bridge (England) is visifing her brother and his wife, Mr and Mrs C. R. Bnyly (Hawera). Mr Charles Wilson, of Mangatilahu, leaves this week in the s.s. Manuka on a trip to England. Mr and Mrs Gifford Marshall, of Wanganui, are spending a fortnight’s holiday in New Plymouth and Auckland. Dr. Mason, Chief Health Officer, arrived from the South by the Takapuna last week. Mr. Thomas Martin, proprietor of the Grand Hotel, Auckland, is visiting Wellington. Miss Emily Brabant, of Wanganui. is visiting friends and relatives in Wellington and Napier. Miss Annie Kennedy is spending a few weeks with her people in Cobdenroad, Napier

Mr. W. 11. Ponsrod, of the Dunedin staff of the New Zealand Insiiiarca Conqiauy, has been transferred front Dunedin to Auckland.

Misses Moling (Wanganui) are staying with Mrs Lysaght (Mokoia) for a few weeks (writes our Hau era conespondent). Mr. E- Earle Vaile has purchased Messrs. F. and W. Wright's fine picture, “The Peha Gap.” and asked the City Council to accept it for the Art Gallery.

Mr and Mrs Leicester and family, who have been living at Feilding for some years, have returned to England by tha Rimutaka.

The Hou. James McGowan. Minister for Mines, and his private secretary (Mr C. .Matthews) arrived in Auckland from Gisborne on Sunday.

Mr Newton King (New Plymouth) has been called hurriedly io Dunedin on account of his brother, Dr. T. King’s, health.

Mr J. IL B. Coates (Wellington) left by the Mokoia for Sydney, on route for England. Mr Coates will travel by way of Vancouver.

Captain O. Schultze, of the barquentine Neptune, will take over the command of the barquentine lima on arrival from London.

Mr. Robert Angus, of Auckland, general manager in New Zealand for Thus. Cook and Son, is at present on a visit to Wellington. Mr., Mrs,, aud Miss Empson, who have just returned from a trip to England, are paying a visit to Canterbury before settling down in Wanganui again.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Edwards (Nelson) have been in Christchurch for n week, and have now gone to visit Mrs. McRae, Amur!.

Dr. and Mrs. T. L. Read, of Waipawa. are on a trip to Auckland. Dr. Ross is taking charge of Dr. Read’s practice duping his absence.

Rev. Father John O’Shea, of Ireland, arrived by the Waikare on Sunday, and went on to Rotorua on Monday for the benefit of his health. Sir John See and his son and daughter arc still in Rotorua, and Sir John has already derived great benefit from the change. Miss D. Gray (Wanganui) is spending her term holidays in New Plymouth, and is at present the guest of Mrs Wi Skinner.

Lieutenant Evans, of ilie Morning, ami Mrs. Evans have returned to Christchurch, after having been as far south as Milford Sound.

Miss M. A. Cargill, who has been visiting Mrs. Kettle, Carlton Mill-road, has returned to Dunedin (writes our Christchurch correspondent).

Captain A. H. Walker and son, of Mount Roskill, go to Fiji in the Moura to meet the Manuka, sailing for Vancouver.

Mr P. Oliphant, solicitor, and Mrs Oliphant are journeying to San Francisco in the Ventura. It is their intention to visit the St. Louis Exposition.

Mr. Wm. Morton, a well-known Wellington citizen, who for some time past has been staying at the Star Hotel, left Auckland for home last week. Miss Wilford and Mr. C. R. Robinson were the winners of the mixed foursomo competition, played on Saturday week, at the Hutt Golf Club's links-

Mr. J. HtraHian. late assistant in•pcetor of Nelson Schools, has been appointed inspector for the Marlborough district.

The Hon. Captain Raillie and Mrs. Baillie have returned home from Wellington, and arc staying at the Federal Hotel, Pieton. Mr- and Mrs. If. A. MacGregor (Wellington) have gone to England for a holiday trip, travelling by' way of Vancouver.

The new chairman of the Seatoun Road Board (Wellington) is Mr. F. Townsend, who succeeds Mr. C. Crawford-. '

Miss Olive Lusk, Auckland, left for Gisborne by the Zealandia last week. White in Gisborne she will be the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rees. Mr. A. AV. Kitson has just been transferred from the Dunedin branch of the Bank of New Zealand to headquarters at Wellington.

Miss Cutfield, of the “Kapai” tea rooms, Hawcra, is leaving on a trip to England in about a week's time. She expects to be away about six months. Mr 11. J. Blow, Under-Secretary of Public Works, arrived in Auckland on Sunday by the Takapuna from Wellington. and is staying at the Star Hotel.

Mr Kenneth Morpeth has been appointed secretary of the newly-formed Hockey Referees' Association, Wellington.

Messrs. F. C. Marley and Holt (Manawatu) leave by the next San Francisco mail stehmrr for a. trip to the United States and England.

Mr John Gray last week resigned his seat on the Thames Drainage Board, as he is about to leave New Zealand and settle in Canada.

The acting-chief of the Dairy Department, Mr. D. Cuddie, is paying a fortnight’s visit to the dairy lactories in the Auckland province.

The many friends of Mr. Frank Souster, Northcote, will be glad to learn that he is slowly' recovering from a somewhat protracted illness.

Mr and Mrs Moss Davis and the Misses Davis (3) leave in the Ventura on a round the world trip. They- will visit the St. Louis Exposition.

Al the close of Sunday-school at Kiripaka on May Ist the children presented Miss Taylor with a beautiful album on the eve of her marriage to Mr W. R. Dunn.

Mr J. Strachan, assistant inspector in the Nelson educational district, has been appointed inspector of the Marlborough schools out of 43 applicants from all parts of the colony. Mr. A. E. Savage, bandmaster of the Hamilton brass band, was presented with a silver-mounted baton by the band-last week, in recognition of his-ser-vices to the band.

Air J. A. Algie, postmaster at I’aeroa, was presented by' the members of iiis stall with a Gladstone bag on Hie eve of his departure for the South to be married.

Air. taslon.Smith, of the well-known Caslon type foundry, and his son, who have been touring the colony, arrived in Auckland last week from Rotorua. They are staying at the Star Hotel.

Mr. J. L, Stanford, who is going to Stratford, where he will enter the legal profession, lias just resigned his position as associate to His Honor Air. Justice .Williams.

Major-General Babington, Lieut.,Col. Chaytor. Dr. Marton, ami Alessrs. Tripp, AL Chapman. Handyside, anil Wright have become members of the Wellington branch of Hie Navy League. Father Furlong, of St. Benedict's, 'Auckland, is relieving Fattier Darby at Hamilton, the latter having come to Auckland to be near bis father, who is very ill.

The general manager of Hie Union S.S. Company (Mr. C. Holdsworth) goes to England by way of Canada, in the Moura, which joins the Alauuka at Suva.

A complimentary social was tendered to Mr- and Mrs. T. Ilarle Giles by the past and present, pupils of Giles* College in King Edward's Hall on Muy 13 about 300 people being present. Mr. Meßurney, purser of the s.s. Taviuni, has been granted two months’ holiday leave, and proceeded to Sydney on Monday. His place on the Taviuni >• being filled by Mr. O'Callaghan.

Mr Francis Holworthy, who recently gave Shakespeare recitals in Auckland, left for Christchurch by the Waikare on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Mrs Holsworihy.

Father Mulvahill, of Gisborne, who arrived here lust week, lias had to go into the Mater Miscricordiae hospital at Mount Ellen on account of serious illness.

Alias Daisy Campbell, who has been organist of Holy Trinity Church, AVaiuku, for the past 12 years, has been presented with a silver teapot and a sideboard by the parishioners. Lieut. Chesney, of the Permanent Militia, stationed at Auckland, is proceeding Home in the course of a few weeks for the purpose of undergoing a course of military training.

Mr. J. r. Ilooton. of the firm of J P. Hooion and Co., importers, accompanied by his wife and daughter, leaves this week for Fiji and joins the Alanukau for Vancouver.

On dit, that, a hockey club is to lie started in Rotorua amongst the girls. A most successful conversazione in aid of the club was held in the Assembly Hall on Fridav, the 13th.

Airs AV. Pharaz.yn, Miss May Greenwood, and Mr and Mrs H. V. Crawford left for England by the Rimutaka. They will probably be absent from Wellington for two years.

The manager of the State Fire Insurance Department (Air. Brindley) has en-tered-on his duties, and is arranging for headquarters in Grey-street, Wellington.

Aliss Beatrix Atkinson, who recently returned from a course of musical studies in England and on the Continent, is going to live in Wellington, and intends to take violin pupils.

Air. W. B. Hudson (Government Life Insurance Office) is shortly leaving Wellington on a trip to England, travelling via Suez. Mrs. Hudson accompanies her husband. Alessrs. Clifford and Weld, of Flaxbourne, have donated £lOO io the guarantee fund of Hie Marlborough Exhibition, and Mr. AV. Kennington, of Onainahutu, has contributed £25.

Dr. Alexander Wilson, son of Air. IL Wilson, a well-known Napier dentist, lias been appointed to the position lately vacated by Dr. Leahy, as house surgeon at the Napier Hospital.

Mrs. James Gammack has left her house (Latimer-square, Christchurch), and intends going North for the winter. Her present intention is not to take up housekeeping again for two years.

Mr. J. Stewart, engineer of the s.s. Aotca, has resigned his position in order to take a holiday". Air. Stewart has become quite an old identity on the Helensville-Wairoa service, and will be much missed. AA’ord has been received by the Catholic clergy in ( hristclitirch that the Rev. Father Chastagon, who was in charge of Darfield parish, and who had to take a voyage on account of ill-health, died in France.

Air. C. Scager, managing director of the Wellington and Wanganui Steam Packet Company, is at present on a visit to Auckland in connection with the construction of the company’s new steel steamer by Messrs. Scager Bros. Captain Phillips and the officers of the Manuka, excepting Air. Drewette, chief officer, ami Mr. O. Gillon, purser, are to proceed with Hie vessel to A'ancouver. Messrs. Drewette and Gillon have been transferred to the Aloana.

The Rev. J._ A. Luxford, chaplain of the New Zealand militia, left in the Alararoa on Monday to attend ilia Atethodist General Conference in Alelbourne. having obtained five weeks* leave of absence.

Air. AV. Grantham, who haa been Methodist Home Missionary in the Kaeo district for Hie past two years, was presented with an album and a purse of sovereigns by his parishioners whiii lie left the locality. Airs. Jackson, of AVellington, who lias been spending the last month or two visiting her parents, Captain and Airs. AVorsp, and other relatives in Auckland, left by the Zealaudia for the South last week. Miss Jennie Ireland returned to Auckland from her trip to Invercargill, Dunedin, mid AA’ellington by Hie Alararoa ou Sunday last, and, with her mo-

ther and sister, is staying at Sonoma, in Alfred-street. ' ' •

The Hon. W. P. Crick. Alinister for Lands in the New South Wales Government, accompanied by his secretary, arrived in Auckland on Sunday, en routs for Rotorua.

Mr. John Allen, of AVaingaro, and his brother, Mr. Thomas Allen, leave by the Moura this week for Fiji, en route for England. They join the s.s. Afanuka at Fiji for Vancouver. This is the fourth time the latter gentleman has taken a trip abroad.

At a large gathering of members of the Canterbury railway staff on Saturday Mr F. AV. AVaite (district traffic manager), who has been transferred to Auckland, was presented with a silver cigar-casc and cigar holder and a spirit flask.

The Hon. C. 11. Mills has accepted an invitation to attend the unveiling on Empire Day of the monument which is being erected on Massacre Hill, between Blenheim and Picton. in memory of the Marlborough men who died during the Boer AVar. ? .-A

Air. S. A. Longuet, who was formerly in Hie grain and produce department of the National Mortgage and Agency Co,. Christchurch, and latterly in the company’s Dunedin branch, has been appointed manager of the Auckland firm of Messrs. A S. Paterson and Co.

Mr. John G- Macdonald, formerly a student-at the Otago University, lias received the appointment of junior surgeon at the Grand AVestern Dispensary, Alarylebone, London, of which institution Dr. Baillie, another old Dunedin student, is senior surgeon.

Captain Hargreaves, who has resigned command of the ferry steamer Loyalty, in order to join the Union Company, has been presented by the residents of Seatown, AVellington, with a handsome set of carvers.

Air James AATiile, a well-known resident of Opotiki, is reported to be seriously ill, and his condition is causing anxiety to his friends. Air White is one of the best-known men on the coast, where he has been in business for many years past.

Mr. William AVill, who lias resigned the editorship of Ihe “ Weekly News,” was presented with a silver-mounted writing-ease by Hie members of the staff on Saturday. Air. AA’ill has been associated with the firm for the past 40 years, and is now giving up active journalistic life.

Air and Airs Rees, of Napier, who arrived in Auckland by the Alararoa on Sunday morning, are leaving this week for St. Louis by the Moura, which connects with the Marinka' at Suva. Air, Airs and Aliss Lusk, also of Napier, are also in the party.

Air Wm. Ms Kwell, M.L.A., a Labour member .of the Queensland legislature, is at present on a visit lo uis father, Mr Peter Maxwell, xjf the Thames. Mr Maxwell, who is a native of the Thames, has not visited this district for IS years. - -a -

Captain William Champion, who has had twenty-five years’ experience in Island trade, has. been appointed by tie Minister in Charge of Island Adminisliation to the command of the Government schooner Countess of Ranfurlv, vice Captain AVorsley (resigned). Afrs. La Trobe (Auckland) went to Wellington to meet her son, Air. AV. 8. La Trobe, ALA., who arrived from" England by the Tongariro, to take up the appointment of director to the ton Technical School, in succession to Aft. Riley.

Airs Reeves, of Karaka Bay, AVellington, who pluckily jumped off the wharf and rescued Captain Hargreave’a little daughter from drowning, was entertained at a social and presented with a small gold life-buoy by the residents of the bay.

Air. Henry Wirgman Robinson, whor recently retired from Hie position of Stipendiary Alagistrate at Nelson, has taken up Ifis residence at Masterton (Wairarapa), and has entered into partnership with his son. Air. Henry Robinson, the well-known barrister and solicitor. .- a .u-

Mr W. L. Rees left Gisborne for England on May 14 to appear before • the Privy Council in a case in which the Bank of New Zealand Assets €oaipsny is appealing against the decision of The New Zealand Court of Appeal regarding tlie VVaingaromia blocks. Mr Rees joins the s.s. Manuka at Fiji. Among passengers from England by the Corinthic was Miss AV. Whitson, of Dunedin, who has just concluded her musical studies at the Royal Academy of Music, London. During her tivo years’ course she was successful in winning two medals and taking the degree of L.R.A.M. Miss Whitson is the daughter of Mr T. W. Whitson, of the Union Steamship Company. Mr P. M. Hansen, manager of the Auckland Electric Tramways Company, and Major Alexander, private secretary to His Excellency the Governor, were entertained at the Northern Club by Mr Wm. Coleman on May 13 on the eve of their departure for England. .A large number of friends were present. Mr Hansen lias booked his passage by the mail-boat leaving Auckland for San Francisco this week.

Mr Geo. Gibbs Jordan, who is a passenger by the Zealandia to Christehureb, is the new organist at St. Paul’s Church in that city. He resigned the position of organist at St. George’s Church, Melbourne, for the purpose of taking this. He was formerly deputy-organist of Gloucester Cathedral.

Miss Eileen Ward, daughter of Sir Joseph Ward, who, when barely 15, sat for a competitive Australasian examination organised by the London Trinity College of Music, was one of three—the others are Australians—who were successful. Site got-- 94 -per cent, of marks. By last mail she received a prize of nine guineas.

Mr. G. A. U. Tapper, of the Christchurch branch of the Bank of New Zealand, who is well-known in. cricket circles, and who was at one time a prominent member- of the New Zealand Cricket Association, has been promoted to the managership of the Tiiuaru branch of the bank.

Recent callers at the Government tourist office were;. Miss Daniells, England; Dr. H. Ziele, Dunedin; John Scott, ■Sussex, England; Mr T..C. Thrupp, England; J. Eastwood, Durban, South Africa ; John Myllie, Kilmarnock, 'Scotland; Mr and Mrs E. A. Lockyer, West Australia; Wm. Aked, -Vancouver, Canada.

Mr. John Harvey, aged 88. who ar- ■ rived at Gisborne in 1853, died there cn May 13. With his brother, he landed in Wellington in the thirties with stock valued at about £20,000. Mr. Harvey was doing well in Poverty Bay, until he was nearly ruined' by a Hauhau raid. Eventually he became storeman for the late Captain Reid, who left him a pension.

Miss Grimshaw, a journalist representing the London ‘-Daily Graphic” and other English journals, is visiting the Cook Group, her mission being to write “up” this part of His Majesty King Edward’s possessions. She intends to also visit the northern islands and Palmerston, and then journey on to New Zealand and so back to England. .

Captain Bethune, who was killed during the attack on the British force at Gyangtse, in Thibet, has several relatives in Wellington, one of whom is inspector of the Bank of New South Wales. Deceased, who went through the Chitral campaign, had the reputation of being a very smart officer, thoroughly proficient in the Russian.and Chinese languages. He was 35 years of age and unmarried.

■ Mrs. Hughlings Jackson (Christchurch), left Auckland for her home on May 12, after a most delightful trip of two months visiting Wanganui, Rotorua, Cambridge, and finally spending a fortnight with her parents (Captain and Mrs. Worsp), at the Grand Hotel, Auckland, where all her old friends were so very pleased to meet her.

The Napier Boys’- High School -has again achieved a notable performance in cricket during the season recently closed. The first eleven, playing in junior cricket, have won the cup. without a single defeat, and tj |e second, eleven, playing in the schools’ competition, also secured the cup without a defeat. For the last two seasons neither team has sustained a single defeat in cup matches. -

A number nf well-known country people are visiting Nupjer just now. Among them are: Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hunter and family, Porangahau; Sir William and Miss Russell, Flax mere; the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. W. Johnstone, Mr, and Mrs. Bidwell, Wairarapa: Mr. and Mrs. Fitzherbert, Feilding; Mr. and Mrs. J. B. A’Deane, Ashcott; and Mrs. C. A. I’ownall, Wairarapa. Three charge-nurses of the Auckland District Hospital—Misses Williams, Gill and Bull—who have resjgued from the Hospital to take up private .nursing were given a farewell at the Hospital on Saturday, and the lady superintendent (Mrs. Wooten), on behalf of the nurses, presented Misses Williams and Gill with a case of surgical instruments’each, and Miss Bull with a travelling bag.

Mr. Herbert Flemming arrived by the Waikare on Sunday to take up the Waikare yesterday to take up the management of the Mel. B. Spurr season. Mr. Flemming will be remembered as a popular actor in New Zealand, where he commenced his career under the late Mr. William Iloskings. He was last in the colony with the Janet Achurch Company about 14 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Moriarty, hotelkeepers, in Dargaville, having sold out, the members of the St. George Lodge a few T days ago presented Mrs. Moriarty with a gold bangle, set with sapphires and diamonds, and Mr. Moriarty with a gold sovereign case. Mr. Moriarty goes to Australia and thence to America and England for a holiday, with some relatives, and Mrs. Moriarty spends a holiday in Auckland for a while.

The headmaster of the Coromandel High School had a very narrow escape in a recent explosion in the science room. Portions of the exploded hydrogen jar struck the ceiling, which is 25ft high. A splint of the flying glass struck Mr. Tanner on the eyeball of the right eye, inflicting a very nasty gash. His right hand was also eut, and it is marvellous that it was not shattered, as at the time of the explosion he was holding the collecting jar. Fortunately the, pupils (about 30 in number) eseaped injury. The members of the Eden Gun Club on Saturday finished the competition for Captain Myers’ cup, which was ultimately won by Mr- J. Strathern. The cup was won by the club at the last association meeting, and the present competition was to decide the individual man who should hold tt. In Saturday’s shooting Strathern killed 36 out of 40 birds, while 32 birds each were got by Messrs. Gleeson, Haszard, Malcolm, Rubery, Combes, and Grayson. The final round for the silver salver presented by Mrs- R. A. Carr to the Auckland Ladies’ Golf Club was played off on May 12 over a course, of 14 holes. The match was between Misses M. and W. Cottier,' E. Pierce, and J. Richmond, who had the best totals for the two previous rounds. Miss W. Cotter was the fortunate winner of the very handsome prize, her score being 65 net. Miss E. Pierce was second with 75 net. Miss M. Cotter’s score was 76 net, and Miss J. Richmond’s 79 net.

Mr Benjamin Aitken, late editor of the “Indian Daily Telegraph,” of Lucknow, leaves Auckland this week for Fiji, where he devotes some time to studying tee natives. He has given son— time to inquiry into the customs of the Maoris in the North Island, being much interested in the ra:e. He las been delighted with the Eng'ish ways of the pakeha residents in the colony, the progress of which has also interested the Anglo-Indian. He says there is a surprising number of Anglo-Indians settled down in the colony for their old age. Mr Aitken goes from lAji to America nod Englund, and hopes to be back in India in June.

With the object of ascertaining how the mortality of other hospitals compare with that of the Melbourne Hospital from the administration of chloroform (says the Melbourne “Age”), the committee of the latter institution has communicated with several bodies on the subject. The management of the Women’s Hospital has stated in reply that chloroform is the anaesthetic generally in use there, and that out of 2326 cases, treated since Ist July, 1898, only two patients died from its effects. It was also stated that ether is used in the proportion of 10 per cent., and that no deaths hud followed its administration during the past five years.

The Pakuranga Hunt members had in enjoyable run on Saturday, finding at Mr. Montgomery’s place, near Ihuinata, at hall-past twelve, and killiug rm Mr. Wallace's place at half-past one. They found again on Mr. Ellet’s land, and the Imre took them for a heavy gallop over the mountain. He was at last killed in a gorse patch near the Manukau. A third hare was chased over rough scoria country, and as far as Mr. Ellet’s residence, where the party stopped for refreshments. Afterwards they followed, and they went through Rennie’s, Montgomery’s,'and Kirkbride’s, and down to the crossing of the Ultimata creek, where it was killed. This was the last run, and was very much enjoyed. There were several small spills.

The Revs. Garland, Simmonds, Law, ami Luxford left Auckland on Monday for Australia in the Mararoa, to attend the general conference of the Methodist Church of Australasia, and Mr T. E. Corkill, of the Bank of New Zealand, will follow next week to attend as a layman. The conference is the supreme legislative body of the Church in Australasia, and its acts will be watched with close interest. The chief subjects discussed by it will be the supernumerary fund, the foreign missions policy, church membership, and the proposed union of the churches, and important legislation is expected in the first three subjects. The conference opens in Melbourne on May 26.

The Right Rev. Dr. Ridley, who is now visiting New Zealand, will shortly arrive in Auckland. Until a few months ago he was Bishop of the Diocese of Caledonia, on the N.W. eoast of North America, in the British dominions. There he has laboured with great zeal for the past 24 years, chiefly among the various tribes of Indians, and among the white men who came to the Klondyke goldfields passing through his diocese on their way. The work was exceedingly hard, and at; times the privations were severe. His earnest, work and practical commonsense have made his name a household word in that region, and no one could surpass him in his knowledge of the Indians of that district. His diocese consisted of numberless islands and creeks. To get to these he had a little steamer, and he would see to the engines himself. He is a tine type of a pioneer bishop. He will address a meeting in the Choral Hall during his visit, and on the 26th a meeting of young men in the Y.M.C.A. Rooms. He will be accompanied by Dr. Pain, a medical missionary from old Cairo, Egypt.

Prior to Mr. E. C. Forbes leaving Opotiki a few friends, hurriedly called together at very short notice, met in Mr Short’s rooms for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr Forbes, who was finally leaving the district. Mr J. IL Hammond (manager of the Bank of New Zealand), in a few appropriate words, bore testimony to the universal esteem in which Mr Forbes had been held during his residence in Opotiki, and made special reference to the liberal and unselfish manner in which ho had treated the various associations, clubs, etc., in the district in his business capacity, doing so in many instances against his own interests. The spokesman assured Mr Forties that his departure would cause sincere regret, and wished him good-luck in bis new sphere. Mr Forbes was then presented with a handsome solid silver tea-urn. Mr and Mrs Forbes are now staying at Mountnessing, Graf-ton-road, Auckland.

A very enjoyable concert was given at the Veterans’ Home on May 13 by Mrs. Bedford, of Ponsonby-road, aud several friends. The inmates very much appreciated the kindness of the visitors in going out to the Home, and at the dose of the programme responded heartily to Captain Archer’s call for cheers. The following was the programme:—Orchestral selection. Mrs. Ralph, the Misses Ralph, and Mr. Gerald Ralph; song, “ Tosti’s “Good-bye.” Miss Madeline Knight; violin solo, Mr. Gerald Ralph (encored) ; recitation. “How Harris Sings a Comic Song.’’ Miss Mona Mackay; song, "Ave Maria,” Mrs. Clive Collins (with violin obligato by Mr. Gerald Ralph); Highland fling. Miss Knight’s pupils (Miss Kathleen Little and Miss Brightie Barry), encored; song, “ O Dry Those Tears,” Airs. Clive Collins; Irish jig, Miss Knight's pupils (encored); song. “Angus McDonald,” Miss Madeline Knight; musical selection, Master J. Tole; “ Lord of Lome Lancers,*’ Mona Mackay.

Rehara Te Riki, the great native spiritualist of the North, has g-ue to the Island of Motiti, where he visits his relatives and attends the tangi over the remains of his late brother, Hlfuiona Te Orenui, the well-known chief. Te Potaihi Netana, a young Matapihi (Bay of Plenty) chief, is at present seriously ill, and his condition is causing great anxiety amongst his tribe.