PERSONAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 57, 4 October 1916, Page 5

PERSONAL.

A cable received to-day by Mr J • Masters from his son, Dick, states; “Wounded in head, doing well.” Sapper Masters is a patient in,,the Military Hospital at Brockenhurst, Hants. Lieutenant Gray is in town to-day completing arrangements for his departure for Taumarunui, which is his headquarters for the future as area commander of a large district. Lrutenan.t Gray leaves' by the mail train to-morrow morning. Among the list of killed appears the name of Lance-Corporal Allah McLean, who was well-known in the Bird and Skinner Road district, where h * had many friends. Lance-Corporal McLean was a native of Abergyle, Scotland, where his mother lives, and I. tho time of his enlistment he was wtTkiag at Palmerston North. The late soldier had promising prospects iu front of him, having arrived in the Dominion about two years ago.

v News has, been received from Lieutenant Crutch (Hth Regiment) that the Minister of Defence will personally decorate Corporal C. Barker (of Cardiff) with the Distinguished Con- ' duct !Medal. Corporal Barker joined the Expeditionary Force and specially distinguished himself for bravery • at Gallipoli, and it is hoped that the piesentation will take place at Stratford, where he was trained and has many friends in the district.

Te Wera residents held a social on Monday night to farewell Mr Joseph Richmond, of the staff of the railway, who has been transferred to Marton. The respect in which Mr was held by the settlers of the district was truly reflected in the gathering, a-nd the social was a huge success. During the evening, Mr O’Brien, "oil behalf of the friends of Mr Richmond, presentee! him with a gentle- ' man’s companion,- and spoke of the very sincere regret that was felt at hii departure, As a member of the Civil Service, the recipient was out o • his own, being courteous and oblige

ing on all occasions. Mr McAloon 1 and Mr Mcllroy also added thentestimony to Mr Richmond’s go-d qualities, their remarks being loudly applauded. Mr Richmond, in reply, thanked all for their kindness, stating that he would not soon forget the

pleasant time he had while residing ' amongst them. Fpr the dance, the music was supplied by Mr Garlick and othersand the M.C. was Mr 0. B. Mc^tiop;, Ohe of 'the most successful social fuhOtiolis held in Te Wera took place

on' Friday last, when the many

friends of Mr and Mrs West and family gathered on the eve of their de-

parture from the district, to maße

them a presentation after many -years’ residence together. The function was an the form of a social

and dance, old and young joining in

heartily.‘"'Messrs 0./McAloori arid €V O’NeilLably officiated as M.C.’s, and Mj and Mrs Stockley supplied the music. The presentation consisted of a handsome marble clock to Mr and Mrs West, and a lady’s companion to Miss Jessie West. Mr O’Neill, on behalf of the residents, in making the presentation, spoke of the many rendered to the district by •Mr’HVest and his family in connection witH* school, factory, and other local instiiTufions. Mr Meredith and Mr Mcelroy toth added their testimonies, j MiJ West feelingly replied on behalf of /Himself . and his family. Dancing was kept up until the small hours of the morning, and the gathering broke up with the singing of “Auld , ' Lang Syne.”