BALFOUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3276, 27 December 1916, Page 23

BALFOUR.

December 23.—W0 are about to lose our worthy Mr Learmonth, head master, who has been with us for nearly 26 years. During the lengthy period in which be has resided in Balfour, Mr Learmonth has taken a prominent part in all social, and especially in church, matters. Mr learmonth has accepted the position of head master at the Woodlands School. During- the last few clays he has been the recipient of several presentations, one being given by the scholars, another by the Presbyterian choir, and one by the church members and the public generally. Mr Learmonth was the senior elder of the Presbyterian Church, choirmaster, and superintendent of the Sunday school. His place will be hard indeed to fill. At a meeting of the P.W.M.U. a presentation of a gold brooch was- made to Mrs R. Learmonth, who has been president of that organisation since a branch was established in Balfour. General regret was expressed by members at the departure of their president from their midst. Farm Work.—Shearing is well under way. The weather has been of a broken nature, and has affected shearing to some extent. Farmers are busily engaged sowing winter feed. Owing to the scarcity of labour a great deal of work yet remains to be done so far as turnips are concerned. Final Leave.—We were glad to see our soldier boys (20 strong) back for Christmas leave. They look bronzed and well, and speak appreciatively of camp life and thentreatment there.