PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1918, Page 4

PERSONAL.

Mr. James Howarth has been appointed secretary and manager of the Patea Fanners' Trading Association. Mr. A. E- Sykes, of New Plymouth, returned from a trip to 'Sydney by the Manuka on Wednesday. A London cablegram states that Sir Alexander Godley has been promoted to Lieutenant-CJeneral for distinguished service. Mr. J. Moorby, of New Plymouth, received word yesterday that his third son William, who left with the 26th Reinforcements, has been killed in action. Mr. J. 0, o'B.orke was yesterday reelected chairman of the Oaonui Dairy Company, a position he las held for the past eighteen years. An Ottawa cable states that the Canadian papers publish appreciative notices of Lord Forrest, who is described as a great Australasian statesman, and an Empire builder worthy to rank with the best. A private cable received in Invercargill records the death in England of Mr. Samuel Ballamore, well known in New Zealand as manager and inspector of the Union Bank, and subsequently general manager for the Bank of Australasia. He retired seven years ago. After, his return from the Antarctic last year, Sir Ernest Shackleton was sent on a special mission by the Imperial Government to South America. He went back to London in April last, and after preparing an important report he was given charge of a certain expedition connected with military operations. He holds the rank of major in the British army, and has serving under him several of the members of his Antarctic Expedition. Mr. Frank Wills is his second in command, and Dr. Mcllroy and Dr. Macklin are also with him. Sir Ernest Shackleton expected to return to London this month.—Wellington Correspondent.

Xewa has been received by Mr. P. J. Johns, of Wanganui, that his son, Captain F. -X. Johns, MX/., New Zealand Medieai Corps, was killed in action on August 25, in- France. The deceased, who had only returned to New Zealand prior to the outbreak of war from Edinburgh, after passing his medical course, joined up with the 7th Reinforcement, and had been through the vnrious actions of the past three years. He won hia MO. during one «i t&8 actions in France. The remains of the late Trooper Arthur Preston Kidd, eon of Mr. S. 'Preston Kidd, of Westown, were buried at Te Henui cemetery yesterday afternoon with full military honors. The cortege, which left the JJew Plymouth hospital at 2.30, was a lengthy and representative one. The casket was borne on a gun cariage, being draped with the Union Jack arid covered with floral tributes. Lieut. Crutch, of the Hawera group office, was'in charge of the arrangements. The units repre-. sented were the territorials, cadets, Returned Soldiers' Association, and Veterans. The Citizens' Band led the procession, their very impressive rendering of the Dead March being the subject oi much favorable comment. The Returned Soldiers' Association provided the bearers and a bugler to sound the "Last Post." The firing party was drawn from A. Company of Territorials. ChaplainColonel Evans officiated at the graveside, Particulars of the death of Captain Ray FitzGerald, M.C., are given by his brother, Corporal Gerald FitaGerald, in a letter to the hitter's wife. The two brothere were, encamped 16 miles away from each other, and had met only a week before Captain (FitzGerald was killed. Captain iFitaGerald was an <es{ caped prisoner of war from and consequently was not supposed to flv over the 4ine on ths Western, front. He insisted on doing so, and it was ]n hW sedend fly. that he met his death. He was in a British aeroplane observing for their artillery Are, and was escorted 'by four other aeroplanes. They were attacked by seven Fokker biolar.es, and Captain FitaGerald was shot through the head. The petrol tank was also caught by the enemy, and the machine wai forced to land, fortunately in the British lines, without cupelling Are. A car was at once sent for Corporal FitzGerald, but as his battalion was on the move it did not find him early enough to enable him to be present at his brother's funeral. The ( pilot {whom Corporal FitslGerald saw in hospital) was wounded in the face, and one of the British escort was shot down in flames. Cantain FitzGerald, who was an old Wellington College W. was a (brother of Mrs. A. % Stewart, of Eltham. ' -