PERSONAL.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 April 1938, Page 6

PERSONAL.

Mr A. R. W. Deadman, of the Post Office staff, returned to Masterton today after having spent a very enjoyable holiday in Auckland. The death occurred on Saturday of one of Pahiatua’s best known farmers in the person of Mr William Dick. Mr Dick had a bad turn while working on Friday afternoon and was taken to hospital but failed to rally. Mr F. Kirwin, a well-known runner, who has been on the Masterton Post Office staff for some time past, has been transferred to Hastings. He left Masterton last week for his new position.

Mr N. R. Terry, who has been on the Telegraph Office staff of the Masterton Post Office for the past two years, left this morning on transfer to the Central Telegraph Office, Auckland.

Mr F. M. O'Connor, of the Hororata Post Office staff, has been transfered to Masterton as an exchange clerk. The death occurred at Wellington yesterday of Mr George Percy Hercules Davidson, J.P., who was prominent in business circles. He was born in Sydney in 1877. After varied experiences in Sydney business houses, Mr Davidson came to New Zealand in 1905. Soon after this he entered into business on his own account as an exporter of wool, hides and skins, trading under the name of Davidson and Co., which business he pursued up until the time of his death. Mr Davidson was a member of the Welington Chamber of Commerce, the Central Club and the Wellington Racing Club, and was a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. He leaves a wife and son.

The first motorist in New Zealand, Mr Nicholas Oates, died in Christchurch last week at the age of 86. Mr Oates riot only imported the first mo-tor-car into New Zealand, in 1899, but also built the first penny-farthing cycle, imported the first "safety” bicycle and the first motor-cycle, and was the first motorist fined for breaking a by-law, for driving at the reckless speed of six miles an hour without a man running ahead with a red flag. Mr Oates came to New Zealand from Cornwall in the 'seventies and settled in Christchurch, where he became a pioneer of the cycle and motor trades. In 1899 he attended the Paris exhibition and there purchased a one-cylinder Benz car. In it he drove 1000 miles round Europe; and he afterward brought it back with him to New Zealand.

On Thursday night last the Ballance Hall was the scene of much gaiety when Mr and Mrs R. Cleghorn entertained at a party given by them to celebrate the coming-of-age of Mr Malcolm Ross, of Mangahao. The evening was spent in games and dancing, the music being supplied by Mi- R. M. Burns (bagpipes) and Mr J. T. Ross (accordion). The Monte Carlo waltz was won by Mr and Miss Bain and the competitions by Mrs F. W. Long and Mr C. Hercock. After a dainty supper had been served and the beautifully decorated birthday cake cut by the guest of honour, the usual toasts were honoured and suitably responded to. Mr Ross was presented with the golden key which was later autographed by all present.