VALEDICTORY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18675, 3 October 1922, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

MR AND MRS J. R. RUTHERFORD, PALMERSTON. Prior to his departure to take up the position of head master of the Mormngton School, a large gathering of teachers, pupils, and parents met Mr J. R. Rutherford M.A., who has been rector of the Palmerston District High School for the past 12 years, to bid him farewell. Mr Rutherford was made the recipient of a Chesterfield chair. The presentation was made by one of the scholars (Peter Gordon). Mr Sutherland (chairman of the School Committee), Dr Thomas, and Messrs _ Burn, Sheat, and Mayer all spoke culogistically of Mr Rutherford’s work, both as a teacher and a resident. Mr Rutherford suitably replied. During tho afternoon much appreciated items were rendered by Mosdames Smith, and Mayer, Misses E. Cates, R. Sutherland, A. Pino, R. Cormack, C. Cameron, M. Alcock, I. M. Williams, and Master C Appleby. The ladies provided a dainty afternoon tea. Tho Palmerston and Waihemo Horticultural Society elected Mr J. R. Rutherford a life member of the society for special services rendered, and regretted losing such a good member. Rev. John Davie. Messrs Arkle and Sutherland waited on Mr Rutherford to express the people’s appreciation of his services rendered to the Palmerston Presbyterian Church for the last 12 years. The women of Palmerston met in the Presbyterian Sunday School Hall, which was prettily decorated with flags and large bowls of spring flowers, for the purpose of bidding farewell to Airs J. R. Rutherford. There was a gathering of about 70, and songs were rendered by Mosdames Smith. Sutherland, and Mayer, and Miss Bennett. Two competitions caused much amusement. Airs J. Gordon and Airs M‘Gregor were the winners; Mrs C. M'Gregor, the booby winner. During tho afternoon Airs Arkle, on behalf of those assembled, presented Mrs Rutherford with a gold wrist watch and a cheque, and in so doing referred to the many services Mrs Rutherford had rendered to, the district, and said that during tho war no one in Palmerston had done more for tho boys at the front than Mrs Rutherford. Mrs Rutherford thanked those present for The gifts.. Tho dispensing of a dainty afternoon tea brought to an end a very, pleasant afternoon.