PERSONAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1942, Page 2

PERSONAL

The Hon W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, returned to Wellington today from the north. Ordinary Seaman Ronald Slatter, R.N.Z.N.V.R., formerly of Masterton. is spending his leave with his parents, Mr and Mrs J. A. Slatter, of Bentley Street. The death occurred on Sunday, at his residence, in Brougham Street, Wellington, of Mr James Paul, one of the heads pf the firm of Townsend and Paul, at the age of 77 years. Dr W. A. Riddell, High Commissioner for Canada, was taken ill on Saturday when acting as a judge in the Plunket Medal oratory contest at Victoria University College. 'His condition yesterday was reported to be slightly better though still serious.

After a residence in Auckland of 73 years the death occurred on Saturday at Orakei of the Hon George Ferrers Townshend, aged 38. He was the son of the Rev Lord George Osborne Townshend and nephew of the fourth marquis. He arrived in New Zealand in 1877 and joined the Lands and Survey Department, in which he continued till his retirement a few years ago.

The death has occurred in Hastings of Mr Thomas Butler Bax, formerly known through New Zealand for his club-swinging records. Mr Bax was born in London over 87 years ago. He left Now Zealand with the Ninth Contingent for the South African War. and was a member of the New Zealand Camel Corps in Palestine in the last war, gaining the rank of captain. At Napier 30 years ago he set up a world record by swinging the clubs for 148 hours.

The death occurred at Wellington last week of Mrs Mary Webley, relict of Mr David Webley, of Lower Hutt. Mrs Webley, who was 79 years of age, came to New Zealand from South Australia when a child with her parents, the late Mr and Mrs William Beale. She was an ardent worker for the Methodist Church and a prominent member of the Lower Hutt Croquet Club for a number of years. Two sons, Messrs Harold (Lower Hutt) and Stanley Beale (Martinborough), are left to mourn their loss. Her youngest son, Arthur, was killed in the Great War. Mrs J. Stonehouse, of Lower Hutt, is a sister and Mr C. L. Beale of Masterton a brother. Though the funeral was a private one. there was a large gathering at her late residence when a service was conducted by the Rev F. J. Parker, formerly of Masterton. The large number of beautiful wreaths testified to the esteem in which the late Mrs Webley was held.