PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1918, Page 4

PERSONAL.

, MrV;F. Vi Frazer, S.M., ias been ap-1 pointed chairman of the Public Service j Appeal Board, vice Mr. Peter Barr, incapacitated through _ illness.—Press Assoc. Mr. H. A. Stratford, who takes up his appointment as headmaster of the Central School, New Plymouth; on Monday next, is expected to arrive in town to-day. The Taranaki Education Board yesterday decided, out of 19 applicants, to appoint Miss Irene Bullot as assistant in the board's office. The Taranaki Education Board yesterday confirmed the appointment of Mr. M*Cracken as a member of the Pembroke School Committee. Mrs E. Skelton, Smart Rood, has received advice that her eon, Corporal N. Skelton, was transferred on June 14th, to Horndhurch convalescent hospital. Mr. C. J. Ryan, the Crown tenant's representative on the Land Board, was congratulated yesterday by the chairman and other members on taking bis seat for the fourth consecutive term. It is worthy of note that Mr. Ryan has been elected unopposed for the third occasion. Military Medals have been awarded to the following Taranaki soldiers:—Bombardier Ernest F. Newman, Private Eric J. Revell, Lance-Corporal W. Trebes, all of New Plymouth; Sergeant Frank G. Richardson, Uruti; and Corporal Frank ■Baker, of Rahotu.

At yesterday's meeting of the TaTanaki Education Board a motion of sympathy with Mr. P. J. White in the death of his another, was carried in the customary manner. The following resolution, moved by the chairman, anent the death of Mr. Joseph Mackay, was also similarly carried:—"That this board convey to Mrs. Mackay and family its sincere sympathy and regret at the death of Mr. Mackay, who was for over ten years a member of the board, and that the board places on record its appreciation of his long and valuable services in the cause of education in general."

News has been received that Mr. R. 0« Earle, Wanganui, is missing and wounded, and is reasonably supposed to have, been killed during the recent German offensive in France. He was the eldest son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Earle, of Wanganui, and was well known all over the district. Shortly after tho outbreak of war, he left his farm at Upokongaro, journeyed to England, and joined King Edward's Horse as" a trooper (mashinegun section). In addition to serving in he also served on the Italian front. He was recommended for promotion on several occasions, but with* characteristic modesty preferred to do his duty in the ranks. The fact that the term of hia appointment as Governor-General has been extended was referred to by his Excellency at an Orphans' Club gathering on Saturday evening. He said he had been in New Zealand for five years and a-'half, and had largely exceeded the average period for which a representative of the Sovereign remained in any of the dominions. Those who had sent him to New Zealand had thought fit to ask him to remain longer, and he considered it & great honor and privilege to represent | King and Empire in New Zealand at a period like the present. He was glad to have been able to help New Zealand's patriotio endeavors. Referring to the progress of the war, the Earl of Liverpool said the end did not appear to be likely in 1818. He had no mora information in respect to this matter than any other person. (Possibly it would not be in 11918. In I&JS the enemy thought the battle was to the strong and the race to the swift; in 1918 and onwards the battle would be to the strong. Perseverance and determination would see the Allies through to the end. There was a large attendance at the Eltham railway station on Tuesday evening to welcome home Lieutenant Harold Wilkinson, M.C, C.G. Beige. The v Salvation Army Band was also in attendance, and played appropriate selections. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. T. B. Crump) said, as all. present knew, they had gathered there that evening to welcome home an old Eltham boyLieutenant Wilkinson. He was home on furlough, but hoped to go back to the front when his furlough was concluded and he was fit for duty again. There were many reasons why they should extend a hearty welcome to Lieutenant Wilkinßon. Not only was he an old Eltham boy, but he returned with doable distinctions and decorations. He had been awarded the Military Cross, which was pinned on his breast by the King, and also the croix de Gaerre, a valued Belgian distinction. With soldierlike modesty, Lieutenant Wilkinson had not provided them with any details of the deeds which won him these coveted decorations, but they knew that the shell which wounded him had killed a major standing on one side of him and a corporal who stood on tho other sideHe went to France wtQi the Artillery, and fought right through the Somme battle and other engagements. They also welcomed him home because his record and return reminded them that their sons and brothers of the people of New Zealand were making history and winning glory on the shelltorn fields of Fmnce. In conclusion, he called for three cheers for the returned soldier, which were very heartily given. Lieutenant Wilkinson briefly returned thanks for the hearty welcome extended to him—Argus.