PERSONAL NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 22, 27 May 1908, Page 9

PERSONAL NOTES.

The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) is this week making a tour of Taranaki.

The death is announced of Francis Coppee, a noted French poet.

The death is announced of Mr. Alfred Dampier, the well-known actor.

The Hon. Geo. Fowlds (Minister of Education) arrived in Auckland on Sunday, and Will remain for about ten days.

Jan Kubelik, the famous violinist, met with an enthusiastic reception in Sydney on May 21st. Professor F. S. Delver has been appointed Professor of English at the Berlin University.

Mr. Buxton, Mayor of Temuka, is announced as a Government candidate for the Geraldine seat. David Crewe, of Pahiatua, will be a candidate for the Pahiatua seat at next election as an Independent Liberal. Mr Pringle, General Secretary of the Y.M.C.A., at Singapore, is now on a visit to New Zealand.

A Sydney cable states that Mr. William Reid, of Dunedin, grand secretary of the 1.0.0. F., has been elected Grand Sire of the Grand Lodge of Australasia. It is probable that the Prime Minister (Sir J. G. Ward) will give a public address in Christchurch on political matters about the end of the present month.

Mr T. E. Pearson, head gardener of the Tourist Department, has been appointed landscape gardener for the City of Auckland.

Dr P. F. McEvedy, vice-captain of the British football team, is expected to remain in the Dominion at the end of the tour, and take up the practice of his profession. He is a native of Nelson. Mr. C. H. Reynolds, general manager to the Pacific Cable Board, who took ill while attending the Lisbon Telegraph Conference, died on May 22nd, aged 64 years.

His Excellency • the Governor, Lord PJunket, accompanied by Lady Plunket and party returned from Kawau by the Daphne on May 19th, after an enjoyable holiday visit there of nine days. Major Harry F. Head, R.A., the newlyarrived commandant of the Permanent Forces and Director of Ordnance, has expresed his firm belief in the wisdom of. universal military training. Chief Judge Jackson Palmer, of the Native Land Court, is due at Gisborne this week, to preside over a sitting of the Court. Six hundred cases are set down for hearing. Sir Robert Stout (Chief Justice) arrived in Auckland ffom the South on Sunday. He is to lecture On "Longfellow” at the Leya Institute on 28th lust.

Jan Kubelik, the celebrated violinist, and his wife, who are to give a series of concerts in Australia and New Zealand, were passengers by the Mamma, which arrived at Brisbane from Vancouver on May 18th.

Mr. George Wilson, for some time past superintendent in Auckland for the Provident Life Assurance Co., left on May 22nd, via the West Coast, for Tiinaru, to take up his new appointment as district manager.

Lord and Lady Plunket will leave Auckland the second week in June to take up their residence at Palmerston North. His Excellency intends to pay weekly visits to Wellington during the Parliamentary session.

The Governor and Lady Plunket attended St. Matthew’s Church, Auckland, on Sunday forenoon, in connection with Empire Day celebrations. They afterwards witnessed a march past of the volunteers.

Mr. C. Savage, who has held the position of foreman of works to the Devonpert Borough Council for 31 years, and who is now taking up a Government position, was, on Saturday evening, presented by the Council employees with a silver watch, suitably inscribed.

At the annual smoke social of the Auckland Rowing Association on Saturday night, Mr. G. S. Mitehell, formerly hon. secretary of the Association for a number of years, was the recipient of a handsome photographic shield of members

of the executive. Mrs. Charlotte Sievers, widow of the late Mr. August Sievers, passed away at her residence, Wellington, on Saturday morning. The late Mrs. Sievers arrived in Wellington with her husband in the year 1848 in the ship Mariner, and had attained the ripe old age of 82 years. An opinion is gaining ground in Wellington that the Mayor (the Hon. T. W. Hislop) will be a candidate for a seat in opposition to Mr F. M. B. Fisher, M.P. It is also stated that though Mr Hislop was an opponent of the late Mr Seddon, he can see his way to support Sir Joseph Ward.

Mr L. R. Phillipps, president of the Auckland provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, who is leaving for Canada shortly, has been presented with a set of silver-backed brushes by the members of the Auckland branch.

Mdlle. Von Rodt, of Berne, Switzerland, a well-known European authoress, is now on a visit to New Zealand. She has been a great traveller, and recently, when in South America, she spent some time in the island of Juan Fernandez, of Robinson Crusoe fame, where her brother was Governor for 27 years.

“The Times” Capetown correspondent telegraphs—A sign of gradual recovery is to be seen in the fact that South African products last year showed an

increase of £1,250,000 on the previous year, while the Cape exports of staple animal and vegetable products have increased by £2,750,000 between 1903 and 1907.

Another trade commissioner, Mr. Ben. H. Morgan, secretary of the Manufacturers’ Association of flteat Britain, arrived at Wellington, via Sydney, by the Moeraki on May 20. He is accredited as a special trade commissioner to inquire into

the Dominion’s requirements with a view to an expansion of trade between England and New Zealand.

Mr L. B. Ewen, who died last week at his residence, Matangi, Waikato, was one of the early settlers in the Waikato, having arrived there with his parents in 1875. He subsequently took up land at Matangi, and up to the time of his death was engaged in farming pursuits. Mr Ewen was 52 years of age, and was born at Panmure.

A Maori named Makomako, over ninety years of age, died at Kaiapoi, near Christchurch, on Monday. He claimed to have been alive when the Ruaparaha invaded Kaiapohia, and was connected with the old land transactions. It is stated that deceased witnessed the execution of one of the early deeds for sale of a large block of land in South Island.

Mr "Jack” London, the well-known American author, and his wife, arrived at Apia. Samoa, on the 7th inst., from Pago Pago, in the ketch Snark. Mr Ixrndon is on a trip round the world in his little eraft, and fins alreaay visited many of the islands of the South Pacific. He will from Samoa proceed to Fiji and afterwards to New Zealand.

At the annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:— Chairman, Mr W. S. Douglas; treasurer, Mr A. E. Greenslade; secretary, Mr E. E. Muir;-committee, Messrs E. W. G. Rathbone, F. Baxter, W. D. Lusty, E. Smith, F. W. Doidgo, E. A. James, W. F. Whyte, F. Rollett, and the Rev. E. H. Wyatt.

At the close of the service in the Sacred Heart Church, Ponsonby, on Sunday last, the members of the St. Vincent de Paul’s Society, Newmarket, presented the Rev. Father O’Donnell with a valuable souvenir, suitably inscribed, as a mark of gratitude for his generous donation of the proceeds of his recent lecture on “Ireland.” Father O'Donnell, who has spent two months in visiting various parts of New Zealand, leaves by the Moana this evening for Sydney.

We have to record the death of a very old colonist in the person of Mrs. Elizabeth P. Taylor, wife of Robert Cecil Taylor, who passed away this morning at her residence, Sarsfield-street, Ponsonby, in her 77th year. Mrs Taylor was the eldest daughter of the Rite Rev. J. Duffus, M.A., and arrived in the colony in the ship Daniel Watson, in the year 184 S. She is survived by a husband and five daughters, one of whom is married to the Rev. E. J. McFarland, Vicar of St. Barnabas', Mt. Eden. Mr. James Haxton, tlie well-known Wairarapa gentleman rider, is at present laid up in a private hospital at Wellington owing to an injury received by him while riding Lucretius in a race on tho second day at the Marlborough Meeting. During the race a stone was cast up by one of the horses in front of Lucretius, and struck Mr. Haxton with great force in the eye, which was rendered wholly blind. The unfortunate rider was taken to Wellington, where he was placed in a hospital. The wound is understood to bo somewhat serious. Mr. A. Bullock, of the literary staff of the Auckland “Star,” was, on May 21st presented by the staffs of the “Star,’’ “Weekly Graphic,” and “New Zealand Farmer,” with a handsome silver tea and coffee service on the occasion of his approaching marriage. The presentation was made by the editor ( Mr. T. W. Leys), who referred in the highest terms to tho popularity which he recipient had won for himself during his connection with the firm, and voiced the feelings of all present in wishing him all happiness and prosperity for the future. Arrangements have been made for a visit to the Dominion of Pastor Thomas Spurgeon. Mr. Spurgeon’s past work in Auckland has left a broad amt indelible mark. After he terminated his very successful pastorate at the Tabernacle (for the building of which he was responsible). Mr. Spurgeon acted as evangelist to the Baptist Union of New Zealand with gratifying success, lie has now entered into an engagement with the Union to again take up this office, for the work of which he proved himself so exceptionally fit. The engagement is for a year. Mr. Spurgeon, who is expected to arrive early next year, intends to bring his wife, son, and daughter witn him. A golden wedding, attended by more than usually interesting circumstances, was celebrated in Wellington the other day by Mr. and Mrs. It. A. Marshall. As far back as 1840, Mrs. Marshall landed in Wellington with her parents, in the ship London. Mr. Marshall arrived at Auckland in 1848 as a member of the band of the 65th Regiment, and soon afterwards moved down to Wellington. He was the first bandmaster of the Wellington Artillery Band (now known as the Garrison Band). With the exception of n trip to England in 1863, on tho ship Ida Zeigler, which was subsequently wrecked near Napier, and a short stay in Queensland, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have had their home in New Zealand. They have six children living. LONDON, April 10. Mr. J. Sutherland Ross, eldest son of Mr. John Ross, of Morven; Highgate, and Dunedin, New Zealand, win married yesterday (April 9th) to Miss Muriel Amy Inkster, eldest daughter of Mr. S. Macaulay Inkster, M.D., of Broomhill Lodge, Slteffield. The wedding took place at Christ Church, Hampstead, the Rev. J. G. Williams, of Ranmoor, Sheffield, officiating, assisted by the vicar of tho pariah. Mr. Rosa ia n prominent manber of the New Zealand A-'ociatiun ia London.

Recent callers at the High Commissioner's office:—Mr H.-D. Vavasour, Mrs and the Misses Vavasour (Blenheim), Mr Lewis B. Cooper (Christchurch), Mr Frank Bentley (Christchurch), Mr .Thos, A. Turnbull (Wellington), Mr Maxwell Ramsey (Wellington). Mr Donald Watson (Thames), Miss Annie C. .Freeman (Wellington), Mr Alfred S. Otterson (late Christ church), Captain and Mrs Irvine, Mr G. Hamilton Grapes '(Auckland), Mrs J. E. Farquhar Smith, Miss-Farquhar Smith (Wellington), Mr Robert Wilson (Wellington). As anticipated, John Roberts proved the victor in his level 15,000 up match ,tvith Weiss on an “Octang” table. When play ceased on Thursday night last the ’Australian was 1009 points behind his great rival, and might then have been .written down a certain loser. But Weiss as one of those who-“never say die till they’re dead,” and he “hung on” gamely to the bitter end. Friday’s play saw him fall further behind Roberts, who entered the last lap of the game 1127 points ahead. Weiss made a gallant effort to reduce the veteran’s lead, and played up as though he had still a .winning chance. In the afternoon the (Australian scored 842 points to Roberts’ 624, and at night put up an aggregate of 717, whilst his opponent was making the 625 points he required for game./ 'Finally, however, the Australian was beaten by 817 points, the scores being: •Roberts 15,000, Weiss 14,183. The money at issue was £lBO, Roberts having betted Weiss £lOO to £7O that he .would win. Dr. William S. Bruce, of the Scottish Oceanographical Laboratory, is planning a new Scottish expedition to the Antarctic. He suggests following and extending the deep sea investigations made by the Scotia in the South Atlantic, (Weddell, and Biscoe Seas. The work, mainly- oceanographical, is divided into three parts: First, a thorough investigation of the South Atlantic Ocean and islands south of 40deg. south; secondly, similar investigations in the Weddell and Biscoe Seas, including the mapping out of the limitations of those seas by .the coast-line of Antarctica; and, third,Jy, to investigate the lands adjacent to the Weddell and Biscoe Seas, and to make an attempt to cross the Antarctic Continent. Dr. Bruce estimates that an expedition fitted out With one ship, of about • 250 tons register and thirty-six men, including six scientists, would cost some £40,000. Additional funds, including the cost of a second ship, would, be required to carry out efficiently the pro•tject for the exploration of the land. It is estimated that the expedition would last over two years. LONDON", April 10.

Air David Peacock, of Auckland, arrived in London this week. He travelled via Suez, and, leaving the steamer at Port Said, .crossed to Brindisi and Bpent six weeks on the Continent, visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, Vienna,

Faris, and other cities. After a few ,/Weeks in England and Scotland he will leave for America, returning to New Zealand by the Vancouver route.

On April 29 Miss Muriel Teschemaker, Becond daughter of Mrs Teschemaker, of New Zealand, and 9 Egerton-gardens, is to be married at Holy Trinity Church, Urompton-road, to Commander D. Murray Anderson, H.M.S. Cumberland, younger son of General Anderson, 13 Roland-gardens, London. Recent callers at the High Commissioner's Office: -— Mrs Rathbone and 'daughter (Hawke’s Bay), Mrs E. R. Anderson and Miss Gladys Anderson "(Christchurch), Miss Dora Harman I(Christchurch), Mr John C. Hemingway i(Wellingtoh), Miss L. A. Brandon (Wellington), Mr A. C. Hadfield (Wellington), Mr. Samuel Het heringtou Mr W. M. F. Jacobson (Wel-

lington), Mr ( has. F. Pathe (Blenheim), Mr 11. J. Millar (Wellington), Mr A. Smith (Dunedin), Mr and Mrs H. J. Mariner (Sumner), Mr A. F. Scott i(Christchureh), Mr D. St. G. Gorton (Bulls), Mr ami Mrs Fred. ,1. Thomson ((Auckland), Mr Geo. 11. Royse (Dune-

din), Mr Norman Fitzherbert (Wan ganui).

A. K. M., Rowlands, the New Zealand amateur walking champion, was among the 28 competitors in the open 3000 metres (3281 yards) walking handicap liguring in the programme of the South Ixmdon Harriers’ Spring Meeting at the Oval lust Saturday. He figured at ■cratch, and was giving up to 325 metres ■tart. He walked fairly well, but could make little impression on the long start aiou, and finished twelfth, the winner

turning up in A. H. Pateman (140 metres), who won comfortably in 13min. 20s ec.

Miss Vera French, an Auckland violinist, makes her debut in London at the Aeolian Hall next month with the London Symphony Orchestra. She is to play on a Stradivarius violin, valued at £9OO, lent for the occasion by Mr Hart, the Wardour-street violin maker. Miss French, who is 19 years of age, has been absent from New Zealand about ten years. As a child she won the senior gold medal of the Associated Board of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, and at the age of 14 she played the Kreutzer Sonata with the Princess Henry of Battenburg, who presented her with a gold bracelet to mark her appreciation of Miss French’s abilities. Subsequently, Miss French studied at Prague under the celebrated teacher, Sevcik, and at his advice she spent a summer vacation studying and practising away in the heart of a Bohemian forest. Afterwards she took lessons from Leon Samatini, the well-known Dutch violinist. Miss French hopes ere long to make a concert tour through New Zealand, which she is anxious to revisit.

Mr Spencer Gollan, ex-champion golfer of New Zealand, was a member of Sir Henry Seton Karr’s team last Saturday in the annual match against Raneiagh. Mr Balfour and Mr Marshall Hall, K.C., were included in the team. Raneiagh were beaten after a close match. For the third year in succession, Anthony Wilding has won the Gentlemen’s bingles (Covered Courts) Championship at Lyons, and now takes possession outright of the handsome Challenge Cup a,#-* sociated with that event. Wilding play l * ed throughout the tournament at th© top of his form, beating in the semi-* final the American, C. P. Dodge, by tw®> sets to love, and twelve games to live (6 —-2; 6 —3), whilst in the final he beat M. Germot in even more decisive fashion, winning in three straight sets, and allowing his opponent to win only three of the 21 games played, the scores being 6—2, 6—l, 6—o in the New Zealander’s favour.

Associated with C. P. Dodge, Wilding also annexed the Gentlemen’s Doubles. Generally speaking, they had very little trouble with any of the pairs opposed to them, and playing a steady combination, Visually had their rival “set all the way.” In the final they were opposed by M. Germot and F. Poulin. The last-named was very weak in the first two sets, which the Austral-American pair won easily at 6—2, 6—l, but in the final the Continentals played up in really good form, and were only vanquished at 7—5.

London does not see much of the Australian novelist, Louis Becke, nowadays. For the most part, his time is spent rusticating at Culvados, a quiet little place some four miles from Honfleur, in France. A few days ago, however, Mr. Becke materialised in Fleet-street and paid a visit to your London correspondent. The novelist has recently completed a long tale of adventures in the South Seas, Australia and California, which embodies, 1 understand, a good many personal experiences of his brother and himself. After running serially in Home and Colonial newspapers, it will be published by Mr. Werner Laurie. Mr. Becke, by the way, has recently received the honour of Fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society, and will presently, 1 understand,. be enrolled among the distinguished company known as Fellows of the Royal Society. “Alphabetical distinctions,” as they are termed, are fairly common these days, but the F.R.S. and F.R.G.S. are not easily come at, and are consequently prized by the recipients. Hearty congratulations, Mr. Becke! General Booth entered his 80th year this week, and the occasion was celebrated by a great gathering of Salvationists and other friends in the Queen’s Hall. The ‘•General” was received wifi tremendous enthusiasm, and he spoke for more than an hour and a half without flagging. He said he felt as young as he had been ten years ago, and he was able to do as much work or a little more. As for his soul, it was still on the old foundation. After referring warmly to the quality of his officers and soldiers, the ‘•General” went on to illustrate their work t\v statistics of the |>ast week. In those seven days they had preached salvation in 32 languages, in 52 countries; had held 4G,(MX) meetings in their own halls, and 30,000 outdoors, with a total attendance of about 3,400,000; and had reached other 500,000 people by . visiting.

In seven days about 5,600 people had knelt at the mercy seat, including a hundred drunkards. The Salvation Army’s night marches and other -methods were now being imitated up and down the world, and he would rejoice if they were followed by the same glorious results. After describing the social and rescue operations, and saying they would continue the Christian-like work of feeding the hungry in London streets, despite the objections of some in high places, the “General” said that he had made up his mind to live as long as he could, but the same telegram that announced his death would proclaim his successor. He believed the Salvation Army would last as long as the sun and moon endured. It was learning all the time, and it believed in self-improve-ment. It was always crippled—that was, prevented from extending as it ought—by lack of money; and he was against going into debt. The members of the Army gave largely out of their poverty; but they must have a little assistance if they were to be the mighty aggressive force they ought to be. He was said to have received £ 100,000 for small holdings; hut it was only a loan, and he had to pay it back. The training institutions alone cost" £20,000 a year. They wanted help also for the work in the slums and among the multitudes of famine-stricken districts in India, too. He appealed not only to outsiders, but to Salvationists themselves; and not only for support of that kind, but for more red-hot religion, to fill the world with a knowledge of the wonderful Salvation of God.