OPAKU.

Patea Mail, Volume XLVIII, 20 December 1926, Page 3

OPAKU.

VALEDICTORY. MR. AXD MRS. J. B. BENNETT. - The settlers of the Opaku district foregathered with scarcely au oxcep tion at the Opaku Hail ou Eriday aiglu to ibid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, prior to their departure for Taikorca, whither Mr. Bennett has been transferred. The proceedings, which took the form of a social evening, were presided over by Mr. G. Miller, who. in a brief and feeling speech, expressed the regret of the settlers at losing Mr. and Mrs. Bennett from among them. Mr. Bennett had not only been a good teacher, one of the best the school had ever had, if not the best, but ho had been a good friend ana neighbour as well. The influence ol both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, he felt sure, would be felt in the district foi mahy years to come. Mrs. Bennett ha a done magnificent work in connection with the Sunbeam Club, and the children would never forget her. (Applause.) He had much pleasure in ask ing the Ecv. J. F. Tulloch to make a presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Beunctl ou behalf of the settlers in the dis triet.

The Eov. J. F. Tulloch said he had only known Mr. and Mrs. Bennett for about nine months, and he had learned not only to esteem them, but to love them. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett wort worthy of far more than words could express. They were losing far more than a good teacher, they were losing two who were held in high "regard by one and all in the district. The splen did work of Mr. Bennett in the Grea. War and his work as a farmer subsequently, prior to his re-entering tin teaching profession was a test of his sterling character. He would join ■with the chairman in wishing that they would find’ people who would appreciate them as the Opaku people did. Aa result of their residence amongst them the young people had a higher ap preciation of life than they had hat. before. On behalf of the residents ol Opaku he asked Mr. Bennett to accept a barometer and Mrs. Bennett a clock as a small token of the esteem and re gard in .which they were held. Miss Chrissie Miller, op behalf of tin members of th.e (Sunbeam Club, pro seated Mrs. Bennett with a handsonu cake stand.

Mr. Bennett ,in thanking the speah era for their kind remarks and th; settlers for their gifts, said it was di± dealt to express their feelings. They were very proud to have made so many friends and never expected they woulc have the presents given them that night. He appreciated the notes lu had received from the parcnts>SJ-show-ing their appreciation of what the children had done, and he hoped they would do the same with his successor. In regard to the work he had been able to do the boys and girls had assisted him wonderfully, and he hoped they would do even 'better in the future. One behalf of his wife and family he thanked them all for their gifts and foi their kindness from the first day they had come there. He would never forget how after one winter holidays he and Mrs. Bennett on their return found the kitchen stove cleaned and alight and the bedding all aired. With such friends they could not help but be happy. He thanked them once again for fill their kindjiess. (Bond applause.)

Mrs. Bennett, in a brief speech, also thanked the donors for their gifts ami the speakers for their kind remarks. They would serve as an inspiration for them to Jive up to the high opinions formed of them. It had been nothing but a series of gifts since they had come to Opaku. The warm feeling of friendship was even greater than the presents. ‘The three years spent: in Opaku had been the’ happiest since their marriage. She especially thanked all for their kind present, and hoped they would remember some of the things she had told them, which she was sure would lead to their future happiness. (Applause.) Dancing, which was the order of the evening, was then resumed and kept up till an early hour, the music being in the capable hands of Miss Miller and Mr. G. Miller. A dainty supper was provided by the ladies during the evening, and heartily enjoyed by all. Mr. J. Shoahan officiated as M.C. in his usual thorough manner, and saw that no stone was left unturned to give everyone a happy time. The committee wdio had charge of the arrangements arc to be complimented on the success of their efforts, everything being carried through without a hitch. The decorations of the hall, which w r ere exceptionally good, were the object of general admiration.