PERSONAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1557, 30 May 1916, Page 3

PERSONAL.

Pte. Reg. Barber, of the 12th Reinforcements, son of Mr and .Mrs W. E. Earlier, who, as staled in a previous issue, was disembarked at Albany, cabled his parents in reply yesterday to the effect that he was convalescent. His trouble was meningitis, apparently in a, mild form. At the age of 70 years, Mr Peter "Walker, who took part in the Gabriel’s Gully “rush,” has just died in (he Westland Hospital. He arrived in New Zealand in the ship Storm Cloud in 1854, and was for twentysix years connected with the Hokitika Fire Brigade'.

Owing to Mr G. H. Stiles’ departure from Foxton, the local Horticultural Society will be called upon to elect a new president, at its annual meeting this week. Mr Stiles is one. of the Society’s most enthusiastic members and exhibitor, and his departure will be a severe blow to the Sovietv.

Mrs Boyes has arrived in Foxton to assist in the forthcoming Patriotic Concert, to be held next week. Mrs Boyes will introduce a patriotic version of one of Harry Lauder’s jmpular songs, which should not only he well received, but add to the evening’s door receipts. Lieutenant Allen, son of the New Zealand Minister of Defence, whose death in action was recorded some little while ago, was only 28 years of age. He had a, distinguished career at Cambridge University, and was a member of the English bar. He was one of (he group of literary men who originated and maintained the political quarterly known as “The Round Table.’*

We regret to record the death of Mrs East, wife of Mr Thomas East, of Johnston Street, which took place at an early hour this morning, after a very short illness. The deceased was 49 years of age, and had resided in Foxton for many years. She leaves a husband and two sons to mourn their loss. The funeral will lake place to-morrow afternoon, leaving the residence, Johnston Street, at 2 p.m., for the .Foxton cemetery.

The Rev. William Giltos, the pioneer Methodist missionary among the Maoris in the Kaipara, passed away at Auckland on Thursday last, aged 87 years. Arriving with his parents at the age of 12 years, Mr Dittos had been resident in New Zealand for over 75 years. His services as a missionary exceeded HO years. His health had been remarkably strong* ami vigorous for hi> age, until his present illness, and it is only- three years since he retired from his superintendency of Maori missions. The funeral of the late Mr Alt'. Jenks took - place yesterday a Iternoon. Despite the short notice given, a large number of townspeople paid their last tribute of respect to the deceased. The. casket was taken from his late parents’ residence to All Saints’ Church, where the vicar, Rev. W. Raine, conducted a- brief but very impressive service. The hymns, “For Fver With the Lord," and “Peace, Perfect Peace,” were feelingly sung by the choir and congregation. The vicar, after his address, in which feelingallusion was made to deceased, invited all present to engage in silent prayer. After the service at the church, the cortege proceeded to the Foxton cemetery, where the last rites for the departed were recited. The casket was covered with beautiful Horal tributes from friends of the deceased. Among the mourners were Air W. Bock, deceased’s late employer, and the linn's employees. At All .Saints’, after the service on Sunday night, (he “Dead March” was played while the congregation stood, as a last mark of respect to the memory of one who had devoted much <d' his time in the church’s service of praise. Miss Betty presided at the organ.

Mr Benjamin Egiinton, who died in Palmerston North last week, was (says the Rangitikei Advocate) one of the original members of the Unit Small Farm Association, which took up the land now known as Sandon some fifty odd years ago. His youth was spent in tin* Hutt district. In his early manhood Mr Egiinton was engaged in farming in the AVairarapa for a tew years. Then the attraction of the goldfields drew him to the Nelson province in search of his fortune. There he married, and he and Mrs Egiinton made their first home in Sandon, and joined that sturdy band of pioneers who,undertook the arduous task of transforming virgin country into productive farms. Stout hearts and resolute intentions were required for the task of conquering the roadless wilderness of bush, flax, and scrub that adorned the landscape in those days. That success attended the early efforts is well demonstrated by the prosperous and well-kept appearance of the same country today. The first settlers knew the gospel of hard work and how to apply it. For thirty-four years Mr and Mrs Egiinton lived and worked on the farm, where they reared a family of six boys and six girls.