PERSONAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 7, 6 December 1926, Page 7

PERSONAL.

+ Shimmin has been appoinheadmaster of the Eketanuna district High School. Second-Lieutenant M. Niccol, of 2nd Company, C Battalion, Wellington 'Vest Coast Regiment,, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

A London cable states that Sir f rancis Bell and his daughter are passengers by the Corinthic, which has sailed for New Zealand. _Mr A. H. Wright, oF Palmerston North, was appointed part-time consulting engineer to the Manawatu Drainage Board at to-day’s meeting of that body. Russell Sloman, one of the victims °f the Levin tragedy, who has made considerable improvement during the past Week, was reported to be still better to-day. The Mayor (Mr F. J. Nathan), who has been on a visit to Australia, is expected to arrive at Wellington to-mor-row and to return to Palmerston North that evening or on Wednesday. Dr. T. Haigh, who visited New Zealand this year as examiner to the Associated Board of the R.A.M. and the R.C.M., has accepted a position as organist to the Sydney Cathedral and will take up his duties early next year. Dr. Haigh, it will be remembered, spent a week-end in Palmerston North nnd during that time gave an interesting organ recital at All Saints’ Church.

Mr Alexander Gilmour, who passed away in Wellington, aged 76 years, was born in Hamilton, Scotland, coming to _ New Zealand in 1890. He settled in Hawke’s Bay, where he was lor some years a well-known sheep farmer, retiring about a year ago. He is survived by his widow, two sons, and a daughter—Mr W. E. Gilmour, "'ho manages the farming interests in Hawke’s Bay, Mr J. A. Gilmour, registrar of the Court of Arbitration, and Miss Celia Gilmour.

Mr J. Coyle, who for many years has Jpeen secretary of the Wellington Hospital Board, and whose recent appointment to the secretaryship of the Newcastle Hospital Board aroused a protest from Australian labour organisations, was at one time clerk to the Pohangina County Council. Mr Coyle, during his occupancy of the last-named position, earned the reputation of being a remarkably popular ancl efficient officer.

The death occurred at Christchurch on Friday of Mr Mark Davis, founder of tlio firm of Messrs Grierson and Davis, wine and spirit merchants of Christchurch. The deceased gentleman, who was born in London 66 years ago, arrived with his parents in New Zealand when he was about six years_ of age.. He received his education at Nelson College and Cook’s College, Christchurch, later assisting his father in the latter’s business as a general merchant. Mr Davis founded the firm of Messrs Grierson and Davis about 25 years ago and came to be very well-known in practically all parts of New Zealand.

Mr W. B. Kirkwood, a former accountant of Auckland, died at Calcutta (India) recently, following an operation. During the World War Mr Kirkwood enlisted and was appointed to the headquarters staff, ultimately rising to the, position of assistant-director of movements and quarterings. That office carried the rank of major. After the armistice Mr Kirkwood was sent to England to adjust accounts between the New Zealand Government and the British Admiralty. He was next appointed; while in England, as an assistantincome Tax Commissioner for India, at « salary of £2OOO per annum.