PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 168, 3 December 1912, Page 4

PERSONAL.

The death is recorded of ill'. Duncan McGregor, sen., one of the oldest and most respected settlers in the Wairarapa district. The Christclmrch Press says:—"lt is stated that, the position of New Zealand Government Emigration Officer in London :i« likely to be filled by the appointment of a well-known New Zealand pressman."

Lord and Lady Islington left for Sydnpy last night. They will leave Sydney next Saturday by the Osterley. Lord Islington going to India and Lady Islington to England. Pending the arrival of Lord Liverpool the Chief Justice will act as administrator of the Government. He will be sworn in at Wellington this morning.

Mr. U. McNab has been elected president of the Manawatu Philosophical Society. In accepting the position, Mr. McNab said he consented to do so with some misgiving, because it was possible that during the latter part of the period he would be in another part of the world engaged in bis own particular branch of study. It was likely therefore that the next presidential address would be dictated in a foreign land and sent along by post. The late Mr. O'Brien, the centenarian who died at Petone last week, was born in County Cork. Ireland, and after many years of residence in England be came to New Zealand 3(5 years ago and settled in Canterbury, afterwards removing to Petone where his son and daughter reside. Deceased enjoyed verv good health up till about a month ago. He was wonderfully good tempered, and had a smiling word for everybody. He was twice, married, his second wife predeceasing him about live years.

The Government has Appointed Mr. M. 0. "B:i I'nott, Ohri.steluirch manager of tlie Public Trust Office. to be Inspector for the Department. His new duties wi]fcommence on ,Tan. 1, and lie will make Wellington his head quarters. Mr. BarnettTias been thirty years in the Government service. H'' lui'-. held the post of district manager at". Christchurch for the past twelve years. Mr. 8. A. Smythe has been selected by the Government to succeed Mr. Barnett in Christchurch. Mr. Smythe has been for the past twenty years in tlie head office in Wellington, and for the last few years has been in charge of the largest section of the work there, known as "Wills and Trust Estates." Mr. Smythe is expected to reach Christchurch about December 14.