PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 143, 14 July 1909, Page 3

PERSONAL.

Mr. Edgar RusSell, well known m local raciu!> circles, died at 11.30 last evening. .u:. ».'. H. Hayes, late chief engineer tor.'iM Colony, died yesterday morning, says a Wellington telegram. Professor Simon Newcomb, president ' of the Astronomical Society of America, is dead. The late professor was 04 years of age. He was educateu oy ins father and went to the United States in 1853 taking up teaching as his calling. He soon made a career, passing '. 'through ths leading American and English universities. He made many astronomical researches, which are given ' ito the world in over 300 papers. From iBB4-94 iie was a professor of mathematics and astronomy at John Hopkins (America) University. He published many works relating to astronomy. .- The death is announced of Mr. D. McKinnon Bain, licensee of the Oakura • Hotel,.and fomierly New Plymouth manimi Wt tße Collier and Colonial Piano He was well-known in mu-1 *"< V circles, and went to England as i ■. -r of the New Zealand touring lr « band. .-,n old New Plymouth identity, none other than Mr. John Staploton,' passed over on Monday night to the ranks of tiv ■■"•at majority. A.familiar figuro here' was John Stapleton, of late years bent almost double. But those who "'' lenew, him thirty years ago as a member of the Armed Constabulary recall a fine, . .stalwart, handsome specimen of man- . iobd. He'was a 'good sort" in those "days, and a good sport, loving a good : -librae and knowing one wlien he saw it.

A fine characteristic is recalled by one <jf Hie A.C.s who was in his confidence—- ' he never forgot his mother, and used to send regularly a practical proof of ■ that. He was n native of Coleraine (County Derry, Ireland), and was born in the early, thirties. Whilst still a young man he emigrated to the colonies, and eventually joined the Armed Constabulary, serving under Coionel Roberts, Major Chute, Captain Rowan, and Captain Messenger. Twenty years ago. ~' •' ahortlv after the Rev. Dean MeKennas arrival here, he entered the Dean's serr,; vice, remaining with him until fading E r health compelled him to retire. For *t* many wars past Mr. Stapleton, under fc tfhe ioubrinuet of "Wait-a-bit," had been P a prominent and unswerving barracker ',' l, Jor the Tukapa Football Club.