COUNTRY NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 19516, 16 May 1922, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS

GORGE ROAD. Our district w r as enlivened on Friday last when up to 150 people gathered at the local hall to bid farewell to the popular head teacher, Mr A. G. Linn. Mr O. E. Niederer presided, and the early part of the evening was taken up with a splendid concert programme, items being contributed by Miss Irene Dawson, pianoforte solo; Miss Rita Thomas, a recitation; songs were given by Messrs T. aud H. Monteath, H. Lawrence, J. and D. Dawsons and A. Boniface. At an opportune time the chairman, on behalf of the residents of the district presented Mr Linn with a beautifully gold albert and pendant suitably inscribed as a token of esteem. In making the presentation Mr Niederer said they all regretted losing Mr Linn as his work as headmaster had been exemplary and that he had won his way to the hearts of the people both young and old, and being a keen sport was a general favourite and considering the high standard of his work, his conscientious manner and 1 his sterling character he must indeed have a glowing future. Mr Monteath and Mr Beck each said they sincerely regretted that Mr Linn was leaving the district. Mr Linn, in thanking the people for their present and the kind remarks made by th? various speakers said that it had been a labour of love for him to work for them, and that a teacher could not wish for a better school of children than that he had here, and all seemed to work together for their mutual benefit. He would always have fond memories for his pleasant sojourn in Gorge Road. After the usual singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” with possibly more enthusiasm than usual, and hearty cheers, a delicious eupper provided by the ladies was handed round and the hall was then cleared for dancing which was carried on merrily till about one o’clock, when a second supper was partaken of and dancing was then continued for some hours longer. The success of the dance was due to the splendid music supplied by Mrs J. Dawson and MissDavis on the piano, and Messrs W. Fraser, H. Lawrence, and R. Shirley on the violin’ Mr C. P. Beck made an efficient M.C.

At the end of the school day on Friday a pleasing little ceremony took place in the schoolroom when Master W. Freeman, on behalf of his schoolmates, in a neat little speech presented Mr Linn with a set of military hair brushes. Mr Linn, in thanking the pupils for the surprise present sprung on him, asked them to always play the game as they did while he was their teacher and keep up the good name of the school and be honest, obedient and industrious.