ABOUT PEOPLE

Southland Times, Issue 18831, 26 May 1920, Page 5

ABOUT PEOPLE

The death has occurred of Mr William John Gandy, one of Wellington’s early business man, who came to New Zealand in 1854.

Mr Culford Bell has been appointed adjudicator of elocution for the Dunedin Competitions Society to be held in September next.

A Press Association message from Capetown states that General Christian De Wet is seriously ill, and is not expected to recover. Mr Claude Haigh (late lieutenant N.Z.M.C.) has resigned his position in the Defence Department, and is proceeding to Auckland to “pilot” the Gertrude Johnson Concert Company on a tour of through the Dominion.

A Wanganui Press Association telegram states that Councillor T. B. Williams was last night elected to fill the position of Mayor, rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr C. E. Mackay'. Councillor Richardson was elected deputy-Mayor. A Sydney Press Association cable states that Mr Henri Verbrugghen, conductor of the New South Wales State Orchestra, has abandoned outside offers, and is remaining in Sydney. The Government will shortly consider the terms of his engagement.

The Prime Minister was asked on Saturday when the new Governor-General, Lord Jellicoe, would arrive. He replied that it would probably be the end oi September, although the date was not fixed. Lord Liverpool would leave at the end of June or the beginning of July.

The latest Gazette contains the following appointments of Justices of the Peace within :ne County of Southland: —Messrs F. P. Baylis, Riversdale; G. Bennett, Gore; J. Evans," Hedgehope; G. L. Gregg, Stewart Island; A. Horne, Morton Mains; and A. McEwen, Fortrose. Miss Blanche Lucena, who has had a continuous record of nursing service throughout the war, is at present suffering from a eery serious illness, says an English correspondent. She is in Somerset with her nother. At the beginning of the war Miss Lucena went out to Belgium, and after conriricrahle time there she served in Cairo. Returning to England, she worked strenuously at a busy canteen, and after the war her health gave way. She is, however, makng quite satisfactory progress. Mr John Forrester, who died at his late •esidence, S2, Warrington street, Christchurch, on Saturday at the age of 72 years, until about eighteen months ago resided in Vshburton and was Crown Lands Ranger for the district. He previously held a similar position at Oamaru. Prior to entering the public service Mr Forrester was engaged in farming and contracting with his brother, Mr William Forrester, in the Oamuru and Southland districts. During his residence in Ashburton he took a very aciive interest in the Ashburton Scottish society, and held the office of chieftain. Mr rorrester leaves a widow who is well known n musical circles, a son and two daughters to mourn their loss.

The retirement is announced of Mr T. S. Ronaldson, Assistant Public Trustee. Mr Ronaldson joined the service as an extra clerk in the Property Tax Department in 18S3, and in November of that same year was transferred to a permanent clerkship n the Public Trust Office. Ten years later he was appointed examiner of accounts in the office, and the succeeding year he was appointed accountant. In 1895 he was promoted to be chief clerk, a position he held for ten years. He became inspector in 1903 and, on the death of Mr A. A. Duncan, early in 1911, he became Deputy-Trustee. When the office was reorganised in 1917 Mr Ronaldson became one of the Board of Trustees with the title of Assistant Public Trustee. Mr Ronaldson was an enthusiastic athlete in his younger days.