CAPTAIN CHARLES READ.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 10, 2 September 1908, Page 31

CAPTAIN CHARLES READ.

This "snap" was taken about three years ago on board the "Mokoia,” by Mr. Morris Ranson, to whom we are obliged for the loan. He was then chief officer of that vessel. He afterwards went home for the X.S.S. Co., and brought out the S.S. "Ngatiawa" for them. He then resumed service under the U.S.S. Hag as Captain of the "Waipouri,” from which he was transferred to the "Ha wet.” THE LATE BAROX 'SPECK VOX STERNBERG. By the death of Baron Speck Von Sternberg, Germany loses a brilliant and successful young diplomatist, whose loss at the present time she can ill afford to bear. President Roosevelt's cable of sympathy doubtless voiced the sentiment of the entire American community, for during his stay in Washington he was universally popular and won the highest respect of all parties for his masterly ami delicate handling of difficult questions which arose while he represented

his country in the United States. Baron von Sternberg was one of the German Commissioners at the Samoan conference, and was prominent in the negotiations following the outbreak of

trouble in China, which necessitated his recall from Washington to confer with the heads of the German Foreign Office in Berlin. In recognition of his services, h ewas appointed German Consul-General at Calcutta, India, a position he held for two years, and which he gave up for the more important post at Washington. THE LATE MR. A. D. WILLIS. Mr. Willis was for some time in partnership with the late Hon. John Ballance as proprietors of the Wanganui "Herald,” and hence the friendship which existed beween the two. He was a member of the Borough Council for six or seven years, and during his term of office was instrumental in accomplishing a good deal, including the securing of the reserve of 1,200 acres for the town. The deceased gentleman was also a member of the Harbour Board, on which he did valuable service. He was ehairman for several years. On the death of the Hon. John Ballance, Mr. Willis was elected M.H.R. for Wanganui, which office he held from 1893 to 1890, and

again from 1899 to 1905. To every one of the many positions which he filled Mr. Willis brought sterling attributes of tireless industry and unimpeachable integrity.