PERSONAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 26, 24 September 1912, Page 5

PERSONAL.

Mr. E. C. Huio, who has edited .the Chris tchurch "Evening News" for the past six yearsj has resigned. The death h announced of Admiral Sir Richard Vesey Hamilton, G.C.8., who was Senior Lord of the Admiralty in 1889-91. Mr McCullough, of Cambridge, has been appointed successor to Mr Mahoney at the Carterton branch of the Bank of New South Wales. k Mr F. Pirani was last night re-elect-ed chairman of the Wanganui Education Board. Mr A. E. Sykes, of New Plymouth, who has been absent in Australia for the past five months &n a business trip, roturned home on Saturday. Mr A. J. Law, teller at the InglewOod branch of the Bank of New South Wales, has been promoted to Geraldine. Mr. and Mrs. Thacker leave this evening for Auckland, en route for their new farm-home, 30 miles from the city. Sergeant-Major Dallinger left, ftor Wellington this morning on business connected with the establishment of the Territorial School tf Cookery.

Mr. J. B. Hine, M.P., left for Wellington this morning. He speiit a very busy day yesterday in interviews yvibii a number of his constituents.

Mr. B. Fearon has been appointed secretary to the Stratford Acclimatisation Society in succession to Mr. C. D. Sole, lesignod. The failing health of Sir William Steward, now in the 72nd year of'his age, is causing some anxiety to his friends.' The veteran ox-Speaker is suffering from an old-standing throat trouble.

Mr. Frank Hutchens, of Hawera, has left for Christchurch and Greymouth, where he is to give pianoforte recitals. These will probably' complete his engagements in New Zealand (states the "Star") and next year he will most likely make a tour of Australia.

Mr A. P. Dryden, Chief Postmaster nb New Plymouth, will shortly leave for Christchurch to relievo Mr It. B. Morris on sick leavo for three months. Mr Drvden will bo relieved at New Plymouth by Mr J. H. Stevens, Assist ant-Inspector of Post Offices. Mr F. Ballinm, who has taken up his position ort the staff of the New Plymouth High School, was for two years first assistant at the Dilworth 'institute, and prior to that was on the staff of King's College, Auckland. Mr Balham is a French linguist of some note, holding the silver medal of the "Alliance Francaise," and having for some time been secretary of the Auckland French Club.

Mr. Askew, of Messrs. McLaren and Co., Christchurch, arrived in Stratford yesterday to take in hand the putting together of the new steam roller. The machine, however,_ has not vet arrived from New Plymouth, though it is expected at any time. Mr. James Corrigan, agent for the Mutual Life and Citizens, who, after a somewhat serious accident, has been recuperating at llotorua for the past eleven weeks, is again following his calling, 'with headquarters in Stratford. ■

Mr. W. J. Girling has been unani; mously elected General Secretary of the Trades and Council a: Now Plymouth, vice Mr 0. E. Roper, who lias resigned, having received a clerical appointment with a local company.

Mr H. Willis, Inspector of factories and Awards, who left isew Plymouth this morning en route for Christchurch,"war, presented by /the master tailors of Taranaki last nighwith a travelling bag, as a slight token of the esteem in wnich he is held by the business community.

William Matthie, whose death took place in the Old People's Home at Westport on Wednesday, was a native of Greenock, Scotland, and ban reached tho ripe old age of 78 year;. After residing in Australia ho came to New Zealand, following the gold rushes at Hokitika. Ross, and Thames; later working on the Brunner-Reefton railway'construction workr,, and finishing up with residence of 36 years in tins district.

Mr. G. H. Hodgkinson, of Patea, while working" on a planing machine on Saturday, met with a nasty accident (reports the '"Press"). The back of his left hand came in contact with the planer, which was revolving at about 2000 revolutions per minute, with the result that it was frightfully lacerated, one knuckle being taken right off. Mrs. White, wife of the Rev. J. H. White, Patea, died en Friday last: The late Mrs. White (states the "Press") was a daughter of tho late Mr. James Wales, of Leeds, England, and came to this country with her husband some nineteen years ago, residing first in New Plymouth, and afterwards at Rahotu, next at Kimbolton, and latterly in this district. Wherever sue went Mrs. White endeared herself to all with whom she came in contact, by her bright and cheery nature, in spite of nor'very delicate state of .health. Besides her husband, Mrs. White leaves behind her a family of three sens, Mr, G. Herbert White (New Plymouth). Mr. Sydney W. White (London), and Mr. H. Temple White (Feilding)', and one daughter, Mrs. Arnold Wa.es ',Puniho). Mr. Robert Spence th'.s morning received cable advice of the death on Sunday last at Towoamba, Queensland, of Wilfrid Gibbs Leckett. Mr. Beckett was an old Taranaki boy, received his early education at the Central High School, New Plymouth. After, matriculating, he became attached to the Victoria College, Wellington, choosing the law for a profession. He displayed remarkable ability as a student, both at school and in the University. Before completing his degree course, he joined the office of Mr. Spence, the local solicitor, and was engaged in _that employ for upwards of two yearsT Mr. Spence coached Mr. Beckett for his final law examination, and the latter was duly admitted to the Degree of LL.B., N.Z., in i 903. In 1904 Mr. Beckett commenced the practice of his profession on his own account at Petone, but was stricken with an attack of pleurisy, which, was .shortly.. supQrvencjd ,by phthisis. For over eight years tho deceased has been an invalid, the last few years having been spent in Australia in various homes for consumptives, while the end came on Sunday last. The late Mr. Beckett was 32 years of age. He was very well known in Stratford, where he made a host of friends during his Residence in the town. He was also well known in New Plymouth and Stratford as a remarkably good athlete. He played for the Stratford Football Club seniors for over two seasons. Mr. Beckett's parents, brothers, and sisters, will receive the sincerest sympathy from very many in this district.