PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1920, Page 4

PERSONAL.

Alarmist rumors regarding the health of Queen Alexandra are semi-ofiicially denied, but the recovery of her impaired vision is slow. The death ,took place at New Plymouth yesterday, from heart failure, of Mrs. M. A. M'}vo.y, of Hine Street. The deceased lady was the widow of the lata Charles M'Koy, 'and, was formerly resident at Waitara. At Manaia last , week, Mrs. and Miss Ricketts and family, who are removing to .Eltham, were farewelled at a social, Mrs. Ricketts being presented with a silver tea service, and Mibs Ricketts witn a gold brooch.

General Birdwood left Christchurch for Invereargill yesterday morning. He was accorded a civic reception on Saturday afternoon, and laid the foundation of the R.S.A. Memorial Club, He was welcomed by the Overseas Club, and on. Sunday visited the soldiers in hospital. On arriving at Invereargill last night, General Birdwood was given a civic reception. Dr. T. Julian, junr., F.R.C.S., M.C, C'h.B., has been appointed resident surgeon at the Wairau Hospital (says a telegram from Blenheim). There wel'e four applicants. Dr. Julian had three-and-a-half years' wa.' service, and for twelve months he was house surgeon at the Dunedin Hospital. A pleasant function took place at the Coronation Hotel, Eltham, on Saturday night, when the staff and workmen of the Eltham County Council met together to make a presentation to the engineer, Mr. R. D. Tosswill, who is shortly leaving for Wanganui. Mr Johnson, in presenting Mr. Tosswill with a case of fish and fruit knives and forks, referred to the high esteem ?n which he was held, and wished him every, success and prosperity in tiie future. Mr. C. J. Belcher (chairman of the Council) and Cr. A. H. Campbell also paid a tribute to Mr. Tosswill'g good work while with the Council.

At the annual meeting of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, reference was made by the retiring president and Mv. F. S. Johns to the impending departure of Mr W. J. Pcnn on a visit to Canada, both paying him a warm tribute for the work he had done on behalf of the Chamber in various capacities, and wishing liim bon voyage and a safe return- Mr. Penn, in responding, mentioned that he had been a member of the Chamber for over 21 years, and a member of the council for 15 years. Nothing has yet been done by the Prime Minister about the appointment of another Minister (says a telegram from Wellington). In the course of a few days Sir William Fraser will be retiring from the Ministry, and this will leave a portfolio to be allocated. No satisfactory placing of the Defence portfolio has yet been fixed for. Although Hon. J. G, Coates is acting, he has let it be known that lie does not consider he can do justice to the porfolios of Public Works and Defence as well. The appointment of a new Minister may not be made at once, but it is generally un. derstood that it will have to be made before the session is far advanced.