OTARA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2685, 30 August 1905, Page 35

OTARA.

August 95.— A very successful school concert and dance was held in the Otaia School en Friday evening, August 18, the chair being occupied by Mi Joseph Thwaites. A number of items on 'he programme were contributed by the school children in excellent style, refleciiug great credit on their teacher, Misa Patience Purvis, who had trained them witii marked success. Songs were contributed by Mrs Wybrow, Misses Patience, Mabel Purvis, and Mina Greig, and Messrs Joe Thwaites, Wybrow, T. T. Thomas, and W. Taylor, whilfi Mr John Walker gave fcwo humorous recitations with good effect. The nigger coon songs in character by the cllil* dren were especially appreciated by tfca audience. After the concert the opportunity; was taken by the school children of presenting Miss Purvis with a handsome gold broocK on the occasion of her leaving Otara to t»£d charge of the Spricgbank School. The presentation was made by Miss Teany M'Cahnan, who read an address on behalf of herself and schoolmates, expressing regret at losing their; teacher, and wishing her happiness and success. The Chairman, on behalf of the committee and people of the district, said that during the three years Miss Purvis had been in Otara her never-failing coiirtesy and affability had gained for her their favour and esteem. He very much regretted her leaving the school, and wished her a happy and prosperous career in the future. Mr M' Caiman also spoke in eulogistic terms of Miss Purvis. Miss Purvis suitably responded in a few" well-chosen remarks. Prizes were then distributed among the children, -every pupil being the '.happy recipient of a prize. After this* refreshments were handed round by tho ladies of the district. Great credit is due Mr Walker for attending to the making of the tea. After, all had partaken of the good things the- school was cleared for dancing, wfiich waa under the control of Mr James Blair, who made an efficient M.C.. ilusio was supplied by Mr W. Wybrow, assisted by Mr W. Taylor. Dancing was kept up till 5 a.m., after which' the singing of "Auld lang syne" terminated, a very pleasant night.