PERSONAL NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 26, 30 June 1909, Page 7

PERSONAL NOTES.

The Hon. J. T. Paul, M.L.C., and Mrs. Paul are making a trip to the Rotorua and Auckland districts.

Major Shepherd, Sergeant-at-Arms in the House of Representatives, arrived in Auckland from Wellington. Mr.' and Mrs. R. Herbert Webb, of [Wellington, are on a visit to Auckland.

Mr. Hector McKenzie, one of the first pioneer settlers of the Waipu district, died last week, at the age of 95 years. Mr C. Maudsley, of Wellington, arrived in town by the Main Trunk express last week, and took up his quarters at the Grand Hotel. Mr. Reginald T. Everard, of the Bank of New Zealand, Wellington, and lately relieving at Palmerston North, has been transferred to the Auckland branch. Mr. W. T. Jamieson, of Christchurch, the contractor for the Auckland Post Office, returned to Auckland last week, having arrived by the express from Rotorua.

Miss H. R. Morrison having returned from her visit to the South, has now resumed duty as officer in charge of the women's branch of the Department of Labour at Auckland. Colonel and Mrs. O’Neill, of Tauranga, returned bv the Navua from the Islands.

Colonel Knight, officer commanding the Salvation Army in the North Island, is at present on a three weeks’ tour of the Auckland stations under his command.

On Monday week last Major T. W. McDonald entered upon his new duties as cadet staff officer commanding the New Zealand Publie School Cadet Corps, in succession to Lieut.-Colonel L. W. Loveday, recently retired. Mr. R. W. Macßride, of New York, Who has been staying at the Grand Hotel, left for Wellington last Wednesday by the Main Trunk train. Mr." Macßride is the representative of the New York Hippodrome, at which the company of •Rotorua. Maoris are to appear for a nine months’ season. '

Sitting in Chambers last week, his Honor Mr Justice Edwards admitted Mr W. E. Haekett as a barrister, bn the motion of Mr W. H. Armstrong. ' Mr H. C. Tewsley, late of Auckland, and now of Wellington, arrived at the Grand Hotel last week, having come up to Auckland by the Monowai. Sir William and Lady Steward, accompanied by their daughter, Mrs R. Curtis, pf Ashburton, returned to Wellington from a visit to Natal by last week's Sydney steamer. Amongst the arrivals at the Grand Hotel last week were: Mr. H. Jackson ’(Wellington) and Mr. R. B. Jackson '(Nelson), who came up from the South by the Main Trunk express. Mr T. Parata (Southern Maori M.P.) has been detained in Wellington owing to the illness of his son, Mr W. Parata, ■who is now recovering, and will shortly leave for Rotorua. It is understood that Captain Pearce, Who has seen considerable service with the Kaipara S.S. Co., is leaving the Kaipara trade shortly, with the object of taking up a position elsewhere, says our Dargaville correspondent. Captain Pearce will be greatly missed on the river, he being not only a most capable officer, bu® Very popular with the travelling public. The funeral of the late Mr. Charles F. Andrews took place last week, and was largely attended. The District Executive of the Ancient Order of ■Foresters, of which body the deceased Was District Treasurer, and also secretary of Court Nil Desperandum, were present, while all the city and suburban courts were represented, the officers of Court Nil Desperandum acting as pallbearers. Prior to leaving for Purewa, file cortege proceeded to St. Matthew’s Church, where a service was held, the Rev. W. E. Gillam officiating here and at the grave in an impressive manner. The Foresters’ service was conducted by the District Chief Ranger, Bro. Fred, iPrice.

Mr. S. F. Whitcombe, who takes up the duties of district traffic manager, Wellington, in succession to Mr. T. Arthur, joined the New Zealand railway ■ervice in 1876 at Pieton, and was subsequently promoted to the position of traffic clerk, Wanganui. He held similar positions at Auckland, New Plymouth, and Napier, and in 1890 became traffic

agent in the last-named place. In 1892 he was appointed district traffic manager, Invercargill, and held similar positions subsequently in Wanganui and Christchurch, being transferred to his last post in 1904. Mr. Whitcombe, who takes up his duties almost immediately, will have general supervision of traffic matters in the North Island.

Mr. A. Grant, railway traffic manager for the South Island, who is retiring upon superannuation at his own request, was (says the “New Zealand Times”) goods manager on the Otago provincial railways, and became general manager of those lines, holding this position until 1881, when the general administration was vested in the Wellington officers, and Mr. Grant became a district traffic manager. In 1890 he went to Auckland in that capacity, holding that position for some years, being then transferred to Wellington as traffic superintendent, while on several occasions he acted as chief traffic manager. He then transferred to Dunedin as traffic superintendent in charge of the South Island, holding this position until the present date.

The death occurred on June 16, at Glenelg, near Adelaide, of Mr. David Nock, in the 81st years of his age. He was one of South Australia’s well-known public men, an ardent temperance advocate, and supporter of Methodism. In 1875 he was elected to represent the district of Light in the Assembly, and at the exp ration of thrfee years declined to offer himself for re-election, on account of ill-health. He succeeded in carrying the local option principle, and secured a curtailment of the rights of publicans concerning Sunday trading. He was first president of the .South Australian Alliance, and was connected with nearly all the philanthropic institutions. He represented South Australia at the Methodist Conferene s in New Zealand, Sydney, Melbourne ana Brisbane. Sir Robert Stout, Chief Justice of New Zealand, was presented to His Majesty the King at the Royal Levee last week. Dr. MeArthur, S.M., of Wellington, is at present in town to preside at the sittings of the' Railway Appeal Board. The Hon. T. Y. Dunean was expected to reach Rotorua from Wellington on Friday evening. He spends a fortnight in the Hot Lakes District.

The ReV. Dean Harper, of Christchurch, who has been in indifferent health of late, left on Thursday for London, travelling via Vancouver. He has relinquished his intention of visiting Mexico. Mr D. Goldie was elected for the third year in succession at last week’s meeting of the Fire Board, upon the nomination of Messrs Kent and Walker, representatives pf the insurance companies. The Ven. Archdeacon Cole was a passenger to Auckland from the North by the C’ansaian on Saturday. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. A. R. Guinness, is visiting Rotorua for a short holiday. Mr. C. J. Reakes, Chief Government Veterinarian, arrived from the South by Sunday’s train. He is staying at the Grand. Mr. D. Murray, of Wanganui, arrived in town by Sunday’s express, and took up his quarters for a few days at the Star Hotel. Mr. H. C. Tewsley. of Wellington, who has been staying at the Grand Hotel, left for Wellington by the Main Trunk express on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Studholme (of Canterbury) arrived at the Grand Hotel on Monday evening, being passengers by the express from Rotorua. Dr. and Mrs. Stapley, of Hamilton, are at present on a visit to Auckland, and are staying at the Central Hotel, having arrived by Sunday morning's train. Mr. W. W. Butler (of England) arrived at the Central Hotel on Sunday, having come over from Sydney by the Wimmera. He left for Rotorua by Tuesday’s express, on a tour of the Dominion.

Mr. George George (Director of Technical Education and Manual Training) left Auckland by the Main Trunk express on Sunday night for Wellington, where he will attend a conference of directors and superintendents of Technical he has arranged to be held this week. Mr. W. Farmer Whyte, sub-editor of the “New Zealand Herald,” was on Saturday evening entertained by the other members of the staff at a social gathering, on the occasion of his approaching marriage and departure for America. Mr. Whyte was presented with a travelling bag by the literary staff and a silvermounted pipe from the mechanical staff. Mr. R. Carter, Secretary of Customs; Dr. Hay, Inspector-General of Mental Hospitals; Mr, W. C. Kensington,

Under-Secretary of Crown Lands; and Mr. F. G. B. Waldegrave, Undersecretary for Justice, are gazetted members of the Public Service Classification Board, in place of Messrs. T. E. Donne, W. T. Glasgow, T. H. Hamer, and J. D. Ritchie, who have resigned. The Rev. Father Holbrook (late of Cambridge) has been appointed senior priest at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in succession to the Rev. Father Meagher, who assumes command of the parish embracing Parnell and Newmarket. The Rev. Father Tigar, who has been carrying on missionary work for some time past, has been appointed parish priest at the Thames. A further appointment is pending. Mr. J. P. Campbell was presented on Friday evening in the new Presbyterian Church at Kelburne (Wellington) with ten volumes of books, and Mrs. Campbell with a valuable entree dish, on the occasion of their departure for Auckland, where they take up their future residence. The Rev. Dr. Gibb occupied the chair. The presentation was made by the Rev. W. J. Comrie, who referred to the good work done by Mr. and Mrs. Campbell in the interests of the church al Kelburne. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell leave Wellington for Auckland next Wednesday.

The death of James Dougal Melville, aged 56 years, occurred on Sunday at Hamilton. When the Waikato war broke out he went to Onehunga and served, on the Government steamer Sturt, under Captain Parnall. For some time he worked at the Thames during the early days of the goldfields, and afterwards resided with his uncle in Maungatawhiri Valley. In 1883 he went to the Waikato, and has ever since res ded in the neighbourhood of Hamilton. He always took a keen interest in temperance matters, and zealously worked for any scheme which might benefit the fanning community. A pleasant smoke concert was held at the Waitemata Hotel on Saturday evening, when a large number of railway employees assembled to make a presentation to two old locomotive drivers, Messrs. C. Fitzpatrick and G. G. Flynn, who have retired on superannuation. The presentation took the form in eaeh case of an easy ehair, whilst a gold brooch and a gold bangle were presented to each for Mrs. Fitzpatrick and Mrs. Flynn respectively. Mr. W. Scott (locomotive foreman), who made the presentation, spoke of - the many good qualities, and the high esteem in which both gentlemen were held by their fellow employees. Messrs. Fitpatrick and Flynn feelingly replied, and thanked those present for the expressions of goodwill. Mr. W. Veitch (president of the A.S.RB.) also made a presentation to Mr. Fitzpatrick on behalf of the members to mark their appreciation of his services in the Society. The usual toasts were proposed, and responded to heartily. Messrs. J. Stallworthy. M.P..- S. I. Clarke and W. B. Leyland, members of the Timber Commission, returned tn Auckland from Wellington by Friday morning’s express. Mr. Stallworthy was accompanied by Mrs. Stallworthy. A London Press Association cable states that the Western American Railway Company is opening an agency in Sydney. Mr. V. A. Sproul, late manager of the Oceanic S.S. Company Auckland, has been appointed manager of the agency. Mr.'W. H. Wilson, 8.A., LL.M., who is leaving Wellington to take up a position in the office of Mr. F. E. Baume, K.C., of Auckland, was made a presentation by the staff of Messrs. Field, Luckie and Toogood, on Wednesday night, on the eva of his departure for this city. Mr A. A. Stewart, master of the Waihi High School, who is leaving for Hawera shortly, was farewelled by th« Waihi Cricket Association last week at a smoke social. Mr A. H. Benge, headmaster of the District High School, presided. Mr Wallnutt, secretary of the Suburbs Cricket Club, of which Mr Stewart was a member, presented the guest with a pipe (in case) and a silver matchbox, on behalf of the club.

In connection with the projected erection of alhome for incurables in the vicinity of Auckland (for which a large bequest was recently made) visits of inspection are being paid to various sites that are under consideration. The District Health Officer (Dr. Purdy) and the medical officer to the Cost ley Home (Dr. F. King), last week paid a visit to the Mcadowbank Estate, and also to another site in the Mount Roskill Road district, in the neighbourhood of the Veterans' Home,

In a letter received at Whangarei by the last English mail (says our correspondent) the sad intelligence was conveyed of the death of Mr. Peter Dempster, late chief steward of the s.s. Cort’s Castle, who passed away suddenly at London on May 9th. At the subsequent inquest, a verdict of death from heart failure was returned. Mr. Peter Dempster was well-known and respected in Whangarei, being the son of Mr. Maxwell Dempster, of Kamo-road. It had been » the intention of the deceased to settle in Whangarei on completion of his voyage in the Corfe Castle. The deepest sympathy is freely express'd for the family in their sad bereavement. Mr. J. Strauchon, who has been promoted to the position of Surveyor-Gen-eral from that of Commissioner of Ci own Lands for Auckland, presided at the meeting of the local Lands Board for the last time on Thursday. The members of the Board expressed regret at Mr. Strauchon’s departure, and referred in the highest terms to his ability and management. In replying, Mr. Strauchon thanked the members for their expressions of esteem, and acknowledged the assistance rendered him in office work by Mr. Leckie and his assistants. Mr. Strauchon, who left for Wellington on Saturday, was presented by the staff of the Lands and Survey Office with a set of six fine pictures. Mr. C. H. M. Hawk, officer in charge of telegraphs at Auckland, who has been notified of his transfer to Wellington. was on Thursday afternoon presented by the executive officers in the local branch with a piece of plate, as a mark of esteem. In the course of his remarks, Mr. Wyatt (assistant-officer in charge) expressed the great regret of the staff at losing Mr. Hawk, who had conducted the business of the office with conspicuous ability, winning the loyal eo operation and confidence of all. Th® control of a branch of 270 officers was a difficult task, and Mr. Hawk had done his duty well. Mr. Hawk, in reply, thanked the staff for the presentation and good wishes expresses!.

Mr. David L. Nathan, a director of the firm of Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co., of Auckland, was married in Paris on the. 23rd inst., to Miss Simone Oulman, of that city. Mr. Nathan, who has been on a visit to Europe with his mother, is the son of the late Mr. L. D. Nathan. Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Nathan intend travelling for a time through Europe, arid returning to Auckland towards the end of the year. A cable from the bridegroom was received by the firm in Auckland, requesting that the staff and employee® be entertained at a function to mark the occasion, a smoke concert beinjf accordingly held on Wednesday evening in the Masonic Hall. Over 120 were present at the gathering, over which Mr. Alfred Nathan presided, the tana* of the bride and bridegroom being duly honoured. ’ The congratulations of the family and of the staff have been cabled to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan, in Europe. The Rev. A. T. Chodowski, who has held the position of Minister of the Jewish congregation in Dunedin for 11 years, resigned last week, to take effect from September 9. In a letter to the president of the congregation, Mr. Chodowski says he has been engaged in the ministry for 22 years, and has not been able to make any provision for failing health or old age, or for his family. During the whole period he has felt the work involved in providing for the supply of " kosher meat” very oppressive, and it has now become almost intolerable. These and other considerations have strongly influenced him in coming to a decision. During his residence in Dunedin. Mr. Chodowski has taken a keen interest in loeal affairs. Mr G. B. Cooper, of Christchurch, ararrived in Auckland from Lyttleton by the Victoria. ( His Worship the Mayor (Mr C. D. Grey) returned from the South on aSturday morning by the Main Trunk express. Mr J. H. Clay, of Wanganui, arrived at the Grand Hotel on Saturday, having come north by way of the Main Trunk line. Mr M. Paul, mining inspector, has been making a round of the northern portion of the Hauraki goldfields, having visited Kuaotunu, Coromandel and Thames. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Fleming, of Wellington) arrived in town by the Main Trunk train on Saturday. They ara staying at the Central Hotel for a week or so. . . . ■

Miss Ward, who accompanied her parents to England, will probably remwin in London after they leave for New Zealand, and return with Mr Vincent Ward, who is expected out in November.

■ StaffSergeant-Major Taylor (of the Otago military district), who had been stationed iu Invereargill for the past three years, died suddenly on Thursday evening, presunsibly from heart disease. An exceedingly happy function eventuated at the Supreme Court on Friday, when the members of the legal profession in Auckland and the court officers gathered in the chamber room for the purpose of recording their esteem of Mr Henry Martin, who recently retired from Ute position of court crier ami custodian. Mr J. R. Reed, president of the Auckland District Law Society, on behalf of the legal profession, and court officers, asked his Honor Mr Justice Edwards to present the testimonial, which took the form of an illuminated address and the accompanying cheque for £125. His Honor was handed and then read the address, which ran as follows: — "On behalf of the legal practitioners in tlie city of Auckland, we have very much pleasure in asking you to accept the accompanying purse as a token of their goodwil' amt respect, and of their regret that as you have reached the prescribed age limit, you are now retired from the post which you have held for so many years. During the long time that yon have been associated with the Supreme Court, you have earned tlie esteem of all those members of the profession with whom you have come in contact, and ' they feel that in you the Government is losing a valued servant of the highest intergrity, industry, and zeal. -With best wishes to yourself and Mrs Martin, and the hope that yon will long enjoy the rest to which you are entitled, we are. Sir, yours very sincerely.’’ 'Signed by tlie president, vice-president, 'and members of the council.

In presenting the tokens, the Judge said that it had given him very much pleasure to accede to the wishes of the Society, although not now a member. Personally, he was exceedingly sorry that Mr Martin was retiring. The experience Mr Martin had gained in past years was experience that would take his successor a very long time to pick up, no matter what his zeal, and he certainly had zeal. And his Honor referred in flattering terms to the manner in which the recipient had been able to fulfil the duties of registrar during the recent illness of Mr Thomas. Exceedingly did he regret the severance, but he was also exceedingly pleased that the legal profession was recognising Mr Martin’s past work, and he concluded by expressing his,, personal wish for Mr Martin’s future happiness and welfare. Mr Martin acknowledged' the presentation in a few well-chosen terms, recalling several incidents in the course of the many years with which he had been associated with the court, during which time the happiest relations had existed between himself and the members of the -Cgal profession and court officers. The Very Rev. Father Keogh, S.M., late rector of St. Patrick’s College, Wellington, arrived, in Auckland by the Main Trunk express on Saturday from Wellington, He will be the guest of his Lordship Bishop Lenihan for about a month, after which he leaves for Hastings to take charge of that parish. in consequence of pressure of business, Mr. Harold Beauchamp recently tendered his resignation of the office of Consular Agent for France in Wellington, and this has been accepted by his Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Paris. Mr. James' Macintosh, the local manager of Messrs. Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.) has been appointed in Mr. Beauchamp’s place. Mr. D. GoMie, who has been elected Chairman of the Auckland Fire Board for the third year in succession, is the nominee of the Government, the other members being three representing Insurence companies, and three from the Auckland City Council, who are appointed for two years All the members have been appointed for an additional term, and at the last meeting the election of Chairman for the ensuing 12 months resulted as stated. A dance in compliment to two prominent members of the Waihi Golf Club (Dr. Deck and Mr. A. A. Stewart), who arc leaving Waihi to take up their residence in Waipawa and Hawerrt respectively, was held in the Academy Theatre last week (says our correspondent). The attendance was large nnd representative, and included a number of visitors from Thames, Pacroa, and iWaikino. The pupils of the secondary department presented Mr. Stewart with a souvenir yesterday morning as a token of the esteem in which he is held by them. Mr. J. Strauchon, who has been promoted to the position of SurveyorGeneral from that of Commissioner of Crown Lands for Auckland, was on Friday morning presented by the staff of the local Lands and Survey Office with a set of six paintings of New Zealand geencry. Mr. C. R. Pollen, chief dralights-

man, made the presentation, and expressed the regret of all at Mr. Strauchon’s departure. Messrs. R. Leckie, R. BaHautyne, and P. Kavanagh endorsed Mr. Polles’s remarks, Mr. iStrauchon suitably responding. H» leaves for Wellington by Monday’s train, and his successor (Mr. E. C. Gold Smith) takes up his new duties on the Ist prox. Mr. H. A. Gordon, F.G.S., A-MJnst. C.E., consulting engineer to the State Coal Mines Department, who retires from the Public Service on superannuation at the end of this month, was born in Aberdeenshire in 1831, and, after qualifying as an engineer, went out to India, and subsequently came to Australasia, and engaged in mining in Victoria and New Zealand. He was for a number of years an engineer and mine manager on the W'est Coast. He entered the Public Service in 1874 as Public Works Inspector for Westland, and in 1882 he was transferred to the Mines Department as Inspecting Engineer, a position which he occupied until ten years ago, when he left the service and entered into private practice in Auckland. After the inauguration of the State Coal Mines (Depatrimicnt, he assumed his present position as its consulting engineer.