PERSONAL

Evening Star, Issue 20135, 27 March 1929, Page 7

PERSONAL

—Ministerial.— The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph AA aril) reached here from Invercargill hy the second express this morning, and was driven to the Grand Hotel. This afternoon Sir Joseph received a number of deputations and was afterwards taken for an inspection of the areas damaged by the recent floods. To-morrow jnornin, the Prime Minister will leave for Christchurch, and leave there for Wellington on Saturday night. As a permanent memento of the .Southland banquet in Ji is honoui Sir Joseph yesterday was presented with a leatberbmmd volume containing the signatures of all who attended The presentation was made by AD W Alexander, president of the Southland League, whose* remarks (reports a Press Association telegram from Invercargill) were endorsed by the major (Air J. Miller) and other prominent citizens Sir Joseph Ward expressed his deep appreciation of the gift, and said that other autographs giver to him had never hold so largo a mini Inn of signatures. The Hon AV if. Taveincr (Alinister of Railways and Customs) will arrive this evening by motor_ from Tapauui. During Eastc' tin- Alinister will remain in Dunedin transacting private business, and will leave for the north on Tuesday morning. Afr A. James left for "Wellington this morning. AA’hilst there he wdl attend the legal conference, which is to bo opened bj the Governor-General. The Rev. AV. AValkcr and his wife said good-bve to Dunedin this morning. They are travelling to Blenheim, on the wav to Auckland. Mr J. Barber went back to Christdumb to-dav bv the 11.3-1 train. All' AV. E. C. Reid, called to AVellington on hnsines, went by the through express to-day. Air T. M. Ball, district engineer, Public AVorks Department, returned front AA'ellington last night. Air T. R. Bavin (Premier of New South Wales) will sail for London on April 10 as a private citizen at his own co-t on a health trip. Keen appreciation ot the services of Mr F. Johnstone, local officer in charge of the Department of Industries and Commerce, was expressed at a meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association last evening. The President (Air J. Sutherland Ross) stated that Mr Johnstone had been promoted to the head office of the department in AA’ellington and that deep regret would he felt among the commercial community at his departure. Mr Ross paid a high tribute to Air Johnstone’s work in many activities, and said that he was highly esteemed by all with whom lie was associated. A minute expressing the appreciation of the association was recorded. Yesterday afternoon, at the Hospital Board’s office, Miss Maisic Al‘Donald was the recipient of a, handsome silvermounted oak tray and Doulton dinner set on the occasion of her approaching marriage. Air J. Jacobs, on behalf of the staff, made the presentation, and in doing so referred to the faithful services rendered by Miss APDonald during her connection with the board. Alessrs F. Silvias and P. J. Priest also spoke of the many good qualities of the recipient. Air Mearns briefly thanked those present on behalf of Aliss Al‘Doiialcl.

Mr C. .1. 1?onaltlson, of Christchurch (for many years manager of the National Bank of New Zealand), who is governor-elect of Botary in New Zealand, will leave 'Wellington by the Makura on April 2d for San Francisco, en route to the Botary International Convention, to be held at Dallas, Texas. Delegates from forty-four different nations will be present at the convention, and it is estimated that the attendance will be from 9,000 to 10,000 jotarians. —Christchurch correspondent.

There was a very representative and enthusiastic gathering :jt the Martinborough Town Hall last night to bid farewell to the Hon. A. D. and Mrs M'Leod, who arc leaving on an extended tour abroad. The Mayor of Martiuburongh (Mr W. B. Martin) presided. The lion. J. G. Coates described Mr M'Leod as one of the straigbtest of men, and one of whom he was proud to call a friend. During his work while lie held the portfolio of Minister of Lands Mr M'Leod had shown the greatest confidence and insight, and had meted out justice to all impartially. Anything lie had done would stand the severest scrutiny of any man or any group of men in the dominion. Had Mr M'Leod continued in office the speaker was sure that he would have put forward a sane and sure land settlement policy. Mr and Mrs M'Leod sail from Wellington on April 4, —Carterton Press Association telegram. An Auckland Press .Association telegram states that Mr H. G. B. Mason, M.P. for Suburbs, has withdrawn his candidature for the city mayoralty,

and will he replaced as a Labor nominee by Air Thomas Bloodworth. Among the, guests at the Grand Hotel are Air and Airs AA illiam AVeir (London). Airs K. C. Norwood (Auckland), Aliss ADlldownio (Gisborne). Airs and Aliss Drummond Du tide, Airs G. T. Alartin (AA’ellington). The latest visitors to the Excelsior Hotel include Airs Rowland Clark (Alelhonrne), Air and Airs C. 11. Preston, Air T. j. Hennessy (AVellington), Aliss B. R. Cutting. Mr R. 0. Talbot (Christchurch). Air A. D. Cooper (Cheviot), Airs AA’ilson, Misses AVilson (J). Mr G. AVilson (.Stirling), Airs James Smith '(lnvercargill).