PERSONAL NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7862, 3 July 1905, Page 2

PERSONAL NOTES.

Detective Bent dam, who lias been stationed in Wellington (or sonic pears, is to be transferred to New Plymouth, where he will succeed l)c- i lectivc Benjamin, who is retiring on pension. The Sydney Newsletter of a recent, date gives currency, to a report that Mr Henry Lav,-son, the Australian poet, will go to Japan in charge of horses and in search of new impressions. The popularity of Detective Benjamin, who is retiring from the force on la pension, was evidenced at a farewell gathering held at the residence of Mr and Mrs Butt]more on Friday evening. A good number of friends assembled in honour of the veteran officers, and a very pleasant social evening was' spent. The members of the local force took the opportunity of presenting Detective Benjamin Willi a silver-mounted pipe as a token of i.he high regard and esteem in which lie is held. Constable Beattie, of Waitara,, made the presentation in a felicitous speech, in which he expressed their sense of loss at his retirement. Constable Buttimore also I spoke on behalf of the force, and took the occasion to sketch the detective's, successful career during his 28 years service in New Zealand. The remarks were supported on behalf of the townspeople. Detective Benjamin appropriately acknowledged the cordial feeling which had prompted the gathering, and thanked the host and hostess for. their hospitality. He would always have a warm regard for his New Plymouth friends. The gathering dispersed with "Auld Lang Syne." Detective Benjamin left on Saturday morning for Palmerston North, where he will take up his residence.