PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 302, 31 May 1915, Page 4

PERSONAL.

A London cablegram states that Lord Dcsborotigli's heir has died of wounda in France. A London cable reports that Captain i. Grenfell, the first officer to receive tho Victoria Cross in this war, has ibecu killed in France. At «io Oddfellows' Hall, Kltham, on Friday evening Mr. Upchurri, who is leaving for Chriatchurch to-morrow, and Mr. Dew, who will shortly proceed to Trentham, were farewelled. Mr. K. O. Hunter, Customs officer at Bluff, retires on superannuation shortlyi. Mr. I-lunter entered the service in 18US, after having spent many years at «ea as a ship's officer. ■Sapper G. O. Morgan, who has been killed in action at the Dardanelles, was a Hawera boy. Corporal Iv. R, Bowden, of the llawera 'Post Office staff, is amongst the wounded. Mrs. Lawson, of Patea, has received word that her son, Harry, who is with the Main New Zealand Expeditionary Force in tin; Dardanelles, has been selected for special service as a sniper, owing to his ability as a rilie shot, T . * Lieutenant-Colonel G. S. Richardson, who was formerly artillery instructor in the Dominion, is now assistantadjutant and quartermaster-general for the naval division which left England recently for Turkey, At the Eltham District Hiirh School on Friday Mr. lOngley, wiio is taking up an appointment at Wellington College, was presented by the scholars with a silver-mounted pocket-book and silver studs, hia services being oulogised by the chairman of the committee, Mr. Hurrell. Corporal G. F. Bertrand, who was a member of the teaching staff of the New Plymouth Central School, lias been wounded at the Dardanelles. Corporal Bertrand is well-known in football circles as a Clifton senior player and Taranaki representative. Sergeant Watts, of Auckland who left with the lltli, North Auckland, Mounted Rifles Regiment, has received a commission in the British army, fyv'jen the last mail left Egypt he was about to join his regiment. Lieutenant Watts has previously been on active service on the Indian frontier. Major J. E. Duigan (New Zealand Staff Corps) returned to New Zealand last week for staff duty. Ma jor Duigan passed through the Staff College at Quetta with distinction, and subsequently joined the New Zealand Forces at Colombo, en route to Egypt, where he suffered a break-down in health and was invalided to England. At the. Patea Town Hall on Wednesday a farewell social was tendered to the Rev. 11. and Mrs. Franklin, Mr. H. Dickie presiding over a large attendance. During the evening, Mr. Franklin was I presented with a case of pipes and tobacco pouch, while Mrs. Franklin received a set of fish knives and forks, silver entree dishes and a clock. j The death of Lance-Corporal Manly Marfell from wounds received in the Dardanelles comes as a blow to his parents at Toko, who only a few weeks ago lost their eldest son through an accident. Mnnlv Marfell was a fine type, of New Zealander, and solace will*be derived by his parents from the knowlodge that he died the most glorious death possible—through fighting for his King and country. A cable message received by the Prime Minister from the High Commissioner states that Lieutenant-Command-er Bernard Freyberg, of Wellington, was wounded in the Dardanelles on the sth instant. The High Commissioner adds that he has no details regarding Lieu-tenant-Commander Froybcrg's condition, but it may be assumed to be satisfactory, as when officers are seriously wounded progress reports are furnished. Mr. F. Copcstake, on the eve of severing his connection with'tile Stratford abattoirs, of'which staff he was been a valued member for some years, was the recipient of two small* presents from the staff as a token of esteem. The manager, Mr, Spilman, in handing Mr. Copcstake a jewel case for Mrs. Copcstake and a case of pines for himself, referred to (he regret' of all hands in losing Mr. Copestake's services. Corporal ftV. Brass (Canterbury Infantry Battalion, killed in action at the Dardanelles) was the well-known Mount Cook guide. He was a member of the Scottish Garrison Artillery before com-

ing out to New Zealand, a man of superb \ physique and perfect health, says the Cliristchureli Press. lie was a great favorite with his brother guides, who appreciated at once liis> strength, his fearlessness, and his good nature. He was a personal friend of Richmond, the guide who was lost with Mr. King in tiie descent from Mount Cook. Brass, with Mr. Turner, made an ascent on the same day, and the two parties were to have met on the top. They passed over the avalanche which, killed the others, tracing their steps down to it. Subsequently it was Brass who found the mangled body of Richmond, and his great strength was a considerable factor in bringing it down to the hut in that terrible journey in which the guides had to take it in turns to carry it on their 'backs down the mountain Side in the dark, a feat which seems almost incredible when the place is gone over in daylight. Brass and Bob Young (the latter's brother, Norman Young, by the way, being reported wounded last week, and at latest advice is progressing favorably). another very pomilar guide, came to PlirisMiureh to enlist. Young was "turned down" because some of his teeth required attending to, and Brass because he • was over the proscribed ' weight. This curious double mistake i was subsequently rectified by the auth- < orities and both were, taken in, Brass at ■ Tiniam into the infantry, and Young ' into the niounteds, and left with the i main force, Young being subsequently ; chosen as a special scout and Brass made i a corporal. Throughout South Canter- 1 bury, where Brass was well known, and by every visitor to the Hermitage, the i death of an exceptionally brave and i manly man will be deeply regretted, but 1 it is certain that he died as he would 1 have himself chosen. ' - 3.- 1