WOODLANDS NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21271, 18 December 1930, Page 9

WOODLANDS NOTES

(From Our Correspondent.)

A very pleasant funettion took place in the public hall on Friday evening tvhen Miss M. G. Scott, who has been stationed as first assistant in the Woodlands School during the last four years, was the guest of honour at a social evening tendered by the many friends she has made during her stay. Mr W. Bell was in the chair for the first part of the evening’s proceedings, which consisted of a short but delightful concert programme when the following contributed items: Mr R. Anderson (pianoforte selection), Miss Florence Hobson (recitations), Mr D. Leckie (songs), Mr Anderson (banjo solo), Mrs Lcckie and Mrs Mina Clark (pianoforte duet). In his remarks Mr Bell made mention of the good qualities of the guest of the evening. Miss Scott, he said, had during her stay proved herself a very efficient teacher in the school room and it was no exaggeration to say that the infants loved her. He also referred to her activities outside school. In asking her to accept the pile of gifts which were heaped on two tables on the stage, he expressed the regret they felt at her departure, but wished her every success and prosperity in the future? The headmaster,

Mr A. L. McCaw, in an eulogistic speech, referred to Miss Scott’s undoubted ability in the school, especially among the infants, and congratulated her on the step she was taking in leaving the profession to enter upon a different social position. Mr J. Middlemis supported the remarks of the former speakers. Mr J. Trotter, junr., as president of the Literary and Debating Society, of which Miss Scott had been a member, and for the last three seasons honorary treasurer, spoke on behalf of that society. He referred to her services to the societty and wished her every success and happiness in the future. Mr Stalker, in replying on behalf of Miss Scott, thanked all for their kind remarks and their gifts. Mr J. Henderson, of Kennington, and Mr R. Anderson supplied the music for dancing. It was with profound regret that the news of the sudden demise on Saturday of Mr Daniel Dickie was received in Woodlands. During the war the late Mr Dickie bought the farm at Longbush then owned by McPhail brothers and formerly owned by Mr James McKercber. After a sojourn there for a few years he sold out, but returned again to the district to farm a small property which he bought from Mr W. Lambert. From here he laired to Invercargill aftter spending eigh years in the district. His indomitable spirit in carrying

on in spite of a very severe handicap won the admiration of all with whom he came in contact. The handicap was a crippled leg, the result of a severe illness. The late Mr William Beer, who died after a short but painful illness in Invercargill some time ago, had been living at Longbush for about 12 years. He spent most of his life at Riverton and around the Western District of Southland. He was of a quiet nature, not taking an active part on local bodies, but was always interested in anything that pertained to the welfare of the district. He was a good farmer. He leaves a wife and a grown-up family of three sons and three daughters. The eldest son made the sacrifice in the Great War. ______