A TARANAKI MAN IN 'FRISCO.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 287, 13 May 1915, Page 8

A TARANAKI MAN IN 'FRISCO.

HIS DEPARTURE FOR THE FRONT. An almost unparalleled experience hns befallen Xorman XI. Ilalcombe, senior member of the well-known engineering firm of Halcomlie, Flanders and Read, of San Francisco, distinguished both as a mining and civil engineer on (the Pacific Coast.' He was one of the most popular of the British colony of California, and was treasurer of the .Southern Cross Club of San Francisco, and a leading figure in the work of the Australasian Club of the Pacific Coast. He is a son of the late Xlr. A. F. Halcomlie and brother of Xlr. A. U. Halcombc, of Urenui. He was educated at the New Plymonth High School, of which lie was Dux for two years. In the memorable earthquake and fire of San Francisco in 1000 Xlr. Halcombe had a narrow escape froiri death by falling buildings during the cataclysm, and financially was a great loser by the fire which devastated half the city. He again re-established himself in business and earned an even greater reputation in his professional career. He was a prominent member of the San Francisco Press Club, one of the best known organisations in the world on account of its associations with notable men and women in the world of art. music and letters. Xlr. Halcomlie, who occupied a suite of rooms at the present palatial Press Club Building, became a great favorite among the prominent men who frequented the club, and when lie announced his intention early in April of leaving Ran Francisco for London, there to accept a commission in the Royal British Engineering Corps, he was warmly congratulated for his patriotism and self-sacrifice in offering his services in England's cause. On the eve of his departure, for Kmdand, there was a notable gathering' at a complimentary banquet. Included in the company were several Oerilliui members of (he clnl, ami Teutonic students at Stanford University, all of whom are bosom friends of the respected engineer. Despite their nationality and the fact that their country was at war with England, they sunk all national differences and made XIV. TTalcombe the recipient of several handsome gifts to cheer him on bis way to the war zone « the conclusion of the dinner, Mr falcomhe was presented, on behalf of the officers, directors and members of the club, with a solid silver membership card appropriately engraved. It was the third card of its kind evev <Wven by the Press Club, the other two hav'"g been presented to ex-President Roosevelt and Charles C. Moore, president of the :Pana„,a-Paei(Tc Exposition. to the Vew Zealander wa.s the wish in XXestern frankness: "Cod he with you Hoy, and a safe and sound return." "