PERSONAL MATTERS.

Mt. Frederick Penty, of Wellington, is visiting Australia for the benefit of his health. Major Gascoyne, of Hastings, a prominent member oi tte New Zealand Veterans' Association, is at present in Wellington. Very Rev. Father Eeogh, formerly Rector of St. Patrick's College, mow in charge of Hastings (Hawkes Bay), is at present on a visit to Wellington. Mr. A. P. Mason, one of the Best known surveyors in the Wellington district, who arrived here 43 years ago, is lying ill at his residence in Abel Smith-street. Mr. J. P. Lxrke, M.P., who attended at the House on Tuesday night for the first time since his illness, has been ordered by his medical man to remain at home for a* few days. Among the passengers, by the Warrimoo from Sydney yesterday were Mr. T. B. Dwan, of Dwan Btos., Wellington, and Mr. Hcnilt, Feilding, who has •been visiting the Sydney Horse Fair. The Rev. Joseph Broadhurst Brockleh'urst, vicaT of Whangarei, has been appointed vicar of St. Matthew's, Hastings, in sucoession to the Rev. J. Hobbs, resigned (says a Press Association telegram). Mr. Joseph Palmer, a well-knovrn resident of Christchurch for 54 years, died on Tuesday evening. For a number of years he was chief officer and inspector of the Union Bank in New Zealand, and later became a director. Professor Brown, it was intimated at last night's meeting of the Victoria College ' Council, intends visiting England during the long vacation. He was granted leave of absence by the council until after Easter, 1911. The Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) leaves for Auckland to-morrow to take the criminal sessions there. Mr. Justice Williams is in the South doing _the work at Dunodin and Invercargill. Mr. Justice , Edwards goes f rom Auckland to Masterton to take the sittingsthere. Mr. Justice Cooper will leave Wellington on Saturday to preside at the sittings at Palmerston North. The Wellington sessions are being taken by Mr. Justice Chapman, Mr. Justice Sim is presiding over the Clvistchurch sittings. A familiar figure in the city is removed by the death of Mr. Henry J. Lepper, known to many 'as the "Little Tailor." -Deceased, who was 76 yeai's old, was an old resident of Wellington, having arrived at this port by the ship Borar in 1875. He set up in business in Herbert-street as a tailor, but for the last few years he has lived in retirement. His first wife died a number of years ago, and he married again. He is survived by a widow, three sons and two daughters, Mr. John Thomas Lepper, of the Government Insurance Department ; Superintendent Lepper, of the Petone Fire Brigade ; Mr. W. R. Lepper, and Mesdaines Butler and Harris, of Wellington. • Mr. J. W. Joynt, M.A., who is leaving for Ldndon to act as representative of the New Zealand University, was entertained by Old Boys of the Nelson College (of which Mr. Joynt is an exprincipal) last evening. Mr. T. R. Fleming, who presided, read a. telegram from the Old Boys' Association, «-. pressing deep regret at Mr. Joynt's departure, appreciation of his loyalty and interest in the college, and best wishes for his future happiness and success. Mr. Fleming remarked that the Old Boys had assembled to express their affection towards the guest, and on behalf of the association he presented Mr. Joynt with a travelling-clock, suitably engraved. In response, Mr. Joynt said he was made very happy and deeply gratified by the feelings expressed. That he would carry away the affection of more than ono generation of Nelson College boys would be a solace and a comfort to him when he was away. He hoped that the association would go on increasing and developing. Mr. Joynt passed in brief review the achievements and extending interests of the college. Other toasts'honoured were "School and Old Boys' Association," Mr. A. R. Atkinson, replied to by Messrs. G. W. Barltrop and F. W. Richmond ; "Masters, Past an-1 Present," Mr. J. M. Richmond, replied to by Mr. J. P. Firth.