MOERAKI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 40

MOE RAKI.

The Moeraki School Committee met in the Schoolroom on th© 26th ult. to bid farewell to Mr C. Bell, | the retiring head master. There were present Messrs A. Hull (chairman), J. Dungey (treasurer). P. Clifford (clerk), A. Carmichael,' A. Donaldson, B. Pollett, W. Weka, and a number- of other gentlemen. The Chairman, on behalf of the householders and residents of Moeraki. presented Mr Bell with a purse of sovereigns, wishing Mr and Mrs Bell and family good health and every success in their new home. He asked them to accept the small present as a token of the goodwill, cordiality, and respect of the residents of the district. At the same time he said that all deeply regretted Mr Bell's departure; but they were pleased that his great success as a teacher had been recognised by his promotion to a higher position in his profession. All the other gentlemen present spoke in a similar strain, deeply regretting Mr Bell's departure and testifying to the many good qualities oi' the recipient. Mr Bell suitably replied, thanking one and all for-their very kind present and their hearty good wishes for himself and family. On the following evening a surprise party numbering about 70 gathered in the schoolhouse. to bid good-bye to Mr and Mrs Bell on the eve of their departure. Baskets and bags of eatables were quickly in evidence, and a gang of lads getting to work the copper was soon a-boiling. The various rooms were utilised for cards, draughts, pit, etc.. the two largest being utilised for dancing. There were musicians in plenty, and dancing became the favourite pastime. Songs and recitations were contributed by different nieinbexs of the party, and farewell speeches were made by Messrs J. Dick, C. Pastel, A. Gratz, and by Mrs Smith and Mrs Moses. Mr Bell suitably replied, thanking all present for their evening's entertainment and for the many expressions of regret at the departure from the district of Mrs Bell, ' himself, and family. At daybreak the party assembled to hear the reading of a testimonial from 'the school- committee, and then all joined hands in singing " Anld lang syne," and then Mr and Mrs Bell passed round the company to say good-bye.