PERSONAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 245, 13 September 1940, Page 6

PERSONAL.

The Minister of National Service (Hon. It. Semple), who was a visitor to Palmerston North yesterday, stayed overnight and left for Woffington this morning by train. It is officially announced in a cablegram from Singapore that ViceAdmiral Sir Geoffrey Layton has taken over as Commander-in-Chief of the China Station, relieving Admiral Sir Percy Noble. Lieutenant-Colonel F. K. Turnbull has been appointed officer commanding brigade units at the Trentham mobilisation camp vice Lieutenant-Colonel L. I-I. Jardinc, who has resumed command of the Taranaki Regiment for intensive training.

The appointment is announced of Mr Alfred Wyness to the extraordinary vacancy on the Wellington Harbour Board caused by the death of Mr D. J. McGowan. Mr Wyness has had 30 years’ commercial experience in Wellington and is very well known among the commercial community. The death occurred in Hastings on Tuesday of Mr John Keith Thorburn, a well-known resident, in his 62nd year. His wife before her marriage was Miss Dorothy Grunt, daughter of Mrs J. Grant, now of Palmerston North. .Mr Thorburn had not kept good health and was recently confined to bed following a heart seizure. Born in Ireland, he came to New Zealand nearly 40 years ago, settling in Hawke’s Bay. For some years he was an accountant in •Napier and later became engaged in survey work. He married Miss Grant, of Woodville, who predeceased him about eight years ago. Before his marriage lie lived at Greenmeadows, but later moved to Hastings. In his early days lie was a prominent member of the Napier Golf Club, both he and his brother, Mr G. Thorburn, being well-known in Hawke’s Bay golfing circles. Both saw service in the Great War, Mr G. Thorburn being killed in action, but Mr J. Thorburn returned to Hastings in 1919. Subsequently he joined the staff of the Hawke’s Bay County Council and at the time of his death was chief overseer, having been associated with county work just over 12 years. Mr Thorburn enjoyed the respect of all who knew him, he being an energetic worker and of a bright disposition. He leaves two children. The funeral took place at the Havelock North cemetery on Wednesday.