PERSONAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 October 1943, Page 2

PERSONAL

Squadron Leader F. J. Steel, D.F.C., who has been visiting his aunt, Mrs E. Watson, Villa Street,' Masterton, has left for the South. Mrs H. Paterson has been appointed to the Pahiatua Rehabilitation Committee as the representative of women s organisations in the district. The congregation of St. John's Presbyterian Church, Greymouth, last evening extended a unanimous call to the Rev. T. G. Campbell, Kaikorai, Dunedin, states a Press Association message.

Captain N. J. McPhail, formerly a well-known Canterbury and South Island Rugby player, is now a prisiner of war in Germany. Captain McPhail, like other New Zealanders, was for some time a prisoner in Italy. He has played on more than one occasion for Canterbury against Wairarapa at football. Promotions in the Royal New Zealand Air Force announced in last night's Gazette include the following:—To be wing, commanders (temp.), Squadron Leaders (acting wing commanders) G. Carter, GZH. Fisher. S. L. Gilkison, J. B. Price, A. M. S. Manhire, W. Temple and Squadron Leader I. A. Scott. The death is reported by the Press Association at Christchurch yesterday of Mr John Rigg, C.M.G.. at the age of 85 years. For a long period of years he was associated with the Labour movement. Born at St. Kilda, Victoria, in 1858 and educated at St. Mary’s, Wellington, and privately Mr Rigg had a colourful career. The Liberal-La-bour Ballance Administration had been experiencing obstruction by the Legislative Council, and Mr Rigg was one of the 12 appointments the Governor refused to sanction, and on whose behalf Mr Ballance finally appealed to the Colonial Office, which supported him. The legislation for compulsory arbitration was introduced and Mr Rigg was first-lieutenant, in the Upper House to the then Minister of Labour, Mr W. Pember Reeves. Mr Rigg was reappointed to the Council in 1900 and 1907. He was Acting-Speaker when his third term expired in 1914 and Mr Massey did not reappoint him.