FAREWELL SOCIAL.

Evening Star, Issue 11823, 28 February 1903, Page 6

FAREWELL SOCIAL.

On Thursday evening last a social won held in the School Hall, Wakari, in, honor of-the head-teacher, Mr W. A- Paterson, who is leaving the district. Mr M. W. Wright, chairman of the School Committee, presided. The Rev. R. R. M. Sutherland delivered a happy speech, in which he referred in eulogistic terms to the teacher, whom he hfll known for some twenty-four years. Mr Paterson had. been a power, for good in the district as a teacher and as a man. Mr Kemnitz (ex-Mayor of Roslyn) then handed Mr Paterson a gold watch and chain from the residents of Wakari. .The watch bears the inscription: w A token, of appreciation to William Aird ' Paterson from the residents of the Wakari school district on his resigning after a period of twenty-five years' service." It gave him (Mr Kemnitz) great pleasure to hand Hub memento .to Mr Paterson, whom he had known longer than anyone else present: Mr Paterson had always secured and retained the confidence and trust of the "children under him. Mr Paterson said that he would value this gift not merely for its intrinsic value, but as a token of their regard to himself. An illuminated address was then presented by Mr Walter .Wright, on behalf of the ex-scholars of the RchooL It <read as follows:—"Dear sir,—Tne expupils of the Wakari School take this opportunity of expressing to you their high appreciation of the services yotf have rendered to the district in your capacity as head-master of the school. They can testify to the excellence of the teaching they have received, and that in the enthusiastio execution of your duties yon have ever shown yourself sympathetic and considerate to all under your care. Your high moral influence has been felt by all who came in contact vrith you, and' not least by your pupils. The ex-scholars trust that both you and Mrs Paterson, who have done so much noble service here,, and who have worked so unremittingly for the benefit of the Wakari School during the past twentyfive years, be long spared to continne their usefulness. Signed on behalf of the exscholars." In thanking the ex-pupils, Mr Paterson said that he highly appreciated their beautiful gift He would cherish.it, and hand it down; as well as the watch, as an heirloom to his family. Mr James Torrance, after a complimentary speech, presented Mrs Paterson, on behalf of the district, ,with a tea and coffee service. In replying on her behalf, Mr Paterson said that he was much indebted to his wife for her advice. and assistance. The true friends of a man ever honored his wife. He appreciated the delicate and graceful attention paid to Mrs Paterson, and thanked them heartily for their present. The Rev Mr Sutherland, on behalf of the. district, presented Miss Paterson with a gold brooch, and, at her request, returned thanks for her- Mr Coupar then handed Mr Paterson a writing case, from members of the ScJiool Committee, and from a grateful parent a case containing a silk handkerchief, which were accepted and appropriately acknowledged. Refreshments were supplied by the- ladies, and musical items and recitations were contributed, after which there was a dance. The music v was supplied by Mr John assisted by Mr Chisholm with his bagpipes. ,