PERSONAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1921, Page 4

PERSONAL.

Mr. O. J. Hawken, M.P., returned from Wellington by yesterday’s mail train.

Genera), the Earl of Cavan, succeeds Field-Marshal Sir Henry Wilson as Chief of the Imperial General Staff in February, states a cable from London. The Hon. Oliver .Samuel, M.L.C., arrived in New Plymouth by Thursday night’s mail train from Wellington and will spend Christmas here. Colonel Sir James Allen, High Commissioner for New Zealand in Great Britain, has been posted to the retired list of the New Zealand military force.

A Wellington message says that Mr. Walter Bruce, aged 72, of Auckland, for many years shipping reporter in the New Zealand Herald, but of late years Parliamentary Press gallery messenger, was found dead in his bath yesterday morning. A complimentary social was tendered the Rev. D. Mclvor by the members of Knox Church, Patea, on Monday last in view of his forthcoming departure for Marton after a residence of 13 years in that district, and he was presented with a leather travelling bag. Colonel R. J. Collins, who retires from the office of Auditor-General shortly, was farewelled on Thursday. Mr. Massey, in presenting Colonel Collins with an address and two easy chairs, paid a tribute to the long and faithful service he had rendered to the Dominion. Mr. Downie Stewart, Sir Francis Bell and Messrs. Nalder and Fowler, on behalf of the staff, also spoke. Colonel Collins made a suitable reply. Mr. Touche, of London, is on a short visit to New Plymouth, being accompanied by his wife and son. Thirtyeight years ago he was stationed in New Plymouth for a short period as a member of the Ixind and Survey l>epartfnent, which he left subsequently to go Home to join a. firm with big engineering interests in America. Mr. Touche became a director and afterwards managing director of the cwnpany. He retired a year or so ago, and is now on a tour of the world. He retains a kindly interest in New Zealand, which he regards as the finest country in the world from many points of view, and is charmed with New and TaraxmUq generally.