PERSONAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2137, 12 March 1908, Page 3

PERSONAL.

Mr. H. J. Grieve yesterday returned from a holiday trip in the south. Tho members of the Flemming Dramatic Company arrived by the AVimjuera from Auckland this morning. Two-directors of the Bank of New Zealand, Messrs Watson and Milno, arrived in Gisborno from Wellington yesterday, and are spending a few days in the district. Amongst arrivals from the south vesterdav morning 'was Mr. David Thomas,'.for many years proprietor of a grain merchant’s business in Ashburton. Mr. Thomas, who has for upwards of twenty years been one of the most prominent figures in the commercial and farming world in Canterbury, sold out his grain business a few months ago to the National Mortgage and Agency Company. At that time he was tendered a magnificent tribute by the people of Ashburton of the very high esteem in winch he was held, the occasion being one of the most notable gatherings that has taken place in. that town. Mr. ihomas has since acquired a run m Southland, and more recently has purchased ’ the AVaipuloirau estate formerly owned by Messrs O’Neill Bros. Mr Thomas took a run out to J o Karaka yesterday, and to-day he purposes visiting Tolaga Bay. The Canterbury visitor was much struck with •the verdant appearance of the country he has so far seen in this district, ■which he says is in strong contrast •to that of other parts. “In Canterbury,” said Mr. Thomas, “the rain which fell the other day was Just in time to save the situation. The sheep market- was on the verge. The effect on the sheep market of the climatic conditions was very marked, for immediately after tho rain the price ot ewes went up os per head.” Constable Anderson, who has been transferred from Auckland to Gisborne, arrived by the AVimmera this morning. , „ At the Fire Brigade Conference yesterday, Foreman-G. "Wildish, of the local Brigade, was elected to the honorable position of president' of the conference.