WAI-ITI.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 12 March 1912, Page 2

WAI-ITI.

COMPLIMENTARY SOCIAL. MR AND MRS EDRIDGE AND MISS LAMMAS FARE WELLED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A complimentary social took place in tho Wai-iti Schoolroom on Thursday evening, 7th inst., Mr. I. Tunnicliffe (Chairman of the School Committee), presided. Although the weather wa.* doubtful, the building was packed with scholars past and present, parents and residents of the district. The room was tastefully decorated, and reflected credit on those who undertook the work. The first item was a grand march by the children, who formed a line in front of the guests of the evening and presented three pretty boquets. To J Ira Edndgs. (presented by Winnie Eves) ; Miss Lammas, (presented by Connie Tunnieliife) : Miss May Edridge, (presented by Evelyn Wadswortli), who also presented a gold brooch with "May" on it. subscribed foi by her playmates. Th, e dumb-bell exercises by the little ones, under Mist Jessie Small, was very well done, and i-eceived an encore. Tlie programme was carried out .by past and present scholars. A song by the children (music everywhere), and a duet (instrumental) Misses E. Eves and Rhoda Hoult; song, Hazel Thompson; recitation, Mr. T. Cropp: vocal duet, Misses A. and P. Baigent; song, Mjss J. Smith (Nelson) ; vocal, duet. Mrs Lightband and Miss Cropp ; dialogue, five young ladies. Miss -Kate-Hoult Miss Tlielma Batt, Miss Jessie Small. Miss Floris Hoult, Miss Rhocla Hoult recitation, by Hazel Cropp, entitled "Oui Hard Tasks," composed by Mrs Cropp a very suitable it-am for the occasion : dialogue, Miss Elsie Eves and Mastei Theo. Wadsworth.- Great credit is duto the ladies who spent .so much time (Mesdames J- ~W. Eves, J. Small, an-ci T. Watson) instructing the children. Mr. I. Tunnicliffe (chairman) here-call ed on Mr. E- S. Hoult to present Mrs Edridge with a silver-mounted dressing case suitably inscribed, and a handsome travelling rug to Mr. Edridge. Mr. Hoult said that the district was losing the services of two Excellent neighbours and citizens, also' the school was losing a good teacher. "During Mr. Edridge's residence in the district of upwards oi 30 years, there were many who had received benefit from his influence. His J efforts had always been for tho welfare of the school and district. The district s loss would b e another's gain. Mr. Hoult asked Mr. and Mrs Edridge to accept the presents not as a parting gift, but as souvenirs of the time spent in Waiiti, and as a token of the esteem in which they were both held by all. Mi - . Hoult also expressed the hope that Mi', and Mrs Edridge would eventually settle in the district. The chairman read letters from Messrs Franklyn and Lock, members of the Education Board, expressing regret at their inability to -be present; also expressing their appreciation of Mr. Edridge's efforts in the cause of education, and hoping that h e would live, many years to enjoy his "well-earned rest. Mr. F. W. Smith a?so spoke veryhighly of Mr. Edridge's work in the school, litent'ry and musical centres, and said that a schoolmaster's influence was of necessity most widely felt, and Waiiti had been most- fortunate- in having the services- of such an able man as Mr. Edridge for so 'long. Mr. Smith also spoke of the improved conditions under which teachers could retire now as compared with a few years ago. "Mrs C. Lines, also Mr. W. Wadswortli. spokp in appreciative terms of Mr. Edridge's successful work in the district.

The audience then "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and gave thrfe hearty cheers. The chairman then, on behalf of the parents attending • the school, presented Miss Lammas with a very handsome clock (with silver plate inscribed, "Presented to Miss from the scholars and friends of Wai-iti, March 7th, 1912, in appreciation of Tier successful work at the school duiiritr the seven years she had been assistant teacher.") Miss Lammas, he said, had Rained not only fh e love and respeefc -of the children, but a-lso the goodwill of the parents. The chairman also spoke of Miss Lammas efforts in connection with the Wai-iti Literary Society, 'fox* which she had been, seoietaiy for four years. There was a general feeling of regret at the loss of such a valued teacher; but the r fru; ret. w ab tempted with a feeling of satisfaction, because Miss Lammas would elhortly <retum (to reside 'in. the district under another name. All wished her many years of happiness, and this a-lso received musical honours On rising to receive thanks Mr. Edfijdge received qu<ite an ovation. Sp6a.king of the number of years he had resided among them he could safely say that he did riot know of a single enemy. Hie relations with t'he various committees had been of Iho most pleasant character. He hoped some day to return and settle in Wai-iti. (Applause.) Mr. Ed ridge said the good name and record enjoyed iby the school was owing to the excellent assistant teacher he had associated 'with him. ,The reports were for the lasit tflireo years marked "Good." He hoped that' 'his successor would secure the next, pest, viz. "Excellent." Miss Lammas also suitably returned thanks, and expressed pleasure at receiving such, a 'mark of appreciation from those wlio had heen ,associated with h'er. Miss Ttuth Hoult, as secretary, rendered good service in connection with the programme. After a dainty supper

and social chat the 'pleasant evening terminated with all winging Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.