PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1919, Page 4

PERSONAL.

It is expected that Colonel the- Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, M.P. for EUesmere, will leave England in the course of a few days for New Zealand. Commissioner Howard, who is visiting the Dominion in connection with the Salvation Army jubilee reorganisation scheme, was tendered a civic welcome by the Mayor of Auckland on Saturday.' A Wairoa telegram states that Harry Rosa, whoso same appears in the d»-. faulters' list, was killed in action lart July. He was formerly employed at MSrmumaru, and left with, the Slat Reinforcements. Messrs A. J. Giddy, of Bell Block, A. Street, of Tarurutangi,' E. C. Stanley and T. Sampson, of Hillsborough, and 0. $tGray, of New Plymouth, left on Saturday night en an extended motor tour, the intention being to visit the thermal, region in and around Rotorua, a call being made at Auckland for the second and third days' racing. The death is announced, at the age of seventy-eight years, of Mr. John Nixon, a well known Canterbury fanners. Mr. Nixon was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1864, a few years later taking up land at Fairlie, South Canterbury. He retired in and letided in Riccarton until the time of his death.

The Rev. F. Griffiths, who has had 1 charge of the parish of St. Peter's, Ter- " race End, Palmerston North, for the past six months, will shortly be leaving for Australia, where he will take up his duties in the dioceie of Newcastle, in which town he was originally carryiag on his work. A presentation watm&de to Mr. Griffiths on behalf of his congregation by the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Naah, M.P.). Mr. Nash referred to the esteem in which Mr. Griffiths was held, and wished him every s/uccess in the future. Mr. Dougall George Mathesog, wfed died at his residence, Kelvingrove, Fenside, Canterbury, last Sunday, in hi* seventy-first year, came of an old Soot* tish family of fanners, and was born in Campbelltown, Ayrshire. He came to New Zealand forty yean; ago. The late Mr. Matheson was a noted sheepfanner, well known throughout Canterbury as » man with a great knowledge of He bred largely EngUth Leicesters and Corriedales. He leaves a widow, hot no children. Mr. J. B. Murdoch, at Saturday's meet' - ing of the Hawera County Ooußci], resigned hit' position as chairman, owing to hia approaching departure abroaj, which will necessitate his absence for several months. The resignation wa* accepted, and Cr. C. J, Hawken wa# elected chairman. Mr, Murdoch WW granted leave of absence as a councillor during hit' absence. In returning thanks, Mr. Murdoch stated that while abroad ' he would investigate the latest methods of road-making, particularly concrete roads. , . ,

The members of the New PlTßWttth Spiritual Church tendered * (WNradl social to Mrs. Harris Roberta (we Mater) at the new rooms, Union StqfAKhip Company's Buildings, on Satunlty evening. The funotjon was voll »ttfnded, everyone present enjoying the musical and vocal items given, Mrs. ]>• Thompson as soloist and Mi?? Wood; a# ' accompanist scored a distinct success. The gramaphon? items by Mr. Chullia were highly appreciated. During the evening a handsome wristlet Wftwwaa presented to Mrs. Harris; Roberta ft» a parting gift to remind her of tl)? JTOjoy* ment received through her services as spiritual teacher. * Very general regret and prqfoqpd Mfrow was expressed on Saturday whjpi it became known that Mr. Hslßo> » Hine Street, had succumbed to tplnal meningitis. Mr. Hodge was well own in New Plymouth. He went BW§y or active service, and returned hows in September last. He had recently entsreo into business as a cabinetmfjser. H» was a prominent and promising pltyor in the Citizens' Band, and hi* fellow members turned out yetterdw i% full numbers; to accord him a bandsman's funeral. On the way to the cemetpry the band played Handel's "Dead March" In Saul and Chopin's "Funeral March," and as the casket was lowered into the grave they played "Lead Kindly Light." There was also a largo attendant of returned soldiers, representatives) of - whom acted as bearers. The service wa« conducted by tlie Rev. F. G. Harviei and at its conclusion Bandsiqpn Taylfij played the "Last Post,"' to tho accompaniment of the roll of drums. The whole service wai' most impressive. Mr. Hodge leaves a widow and one young child.