UPOKONGARO EN FETE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18965, 17 March 1924, Page 9

UPOKONGARO EN FETE

FAREWELL TO MR. AND MRS. MAcCOSH. The old Upokongaro Hall has seen many a social function, when local residents and visitors have gathered there to enjoy themselves with right good will. Few people will deny, however, that the function held last Friday evening ag a farewell to Mr. and Mrs. S. D. McCosh excelled in every way, and ranked as probably the most enjoyable social gathering ever promoted in the building. The exceptionally large number present evinced the esteem in which the guests of the evening are hcldf Over fifty cars lined the roadway, giving evidence of the large crowd which had gathered to do honour to a couple who, throughout some twenty-seven years’ residence in Upokongaro, strove always to serve the district, and to help those resident there to live in a spirit of goodwill, and goed fellowship.

Mr. W. R. Ford, speaking on behalf of the school committee and the residents, said that Mr. McCosh had taught continuoulsy at the Upokongaro school since 1896, a period Of over twenty-seven years. During that time, he had earned for himself the reputation of being a most efficient teacher. The speaker and many others present had been pupils, and they could look back upon, school days in Upokongaro with pride. “Old Mac was hard, you know,” said Mr. Ford, “but I don’t doubt that some of us deserved what we got.” (Applause, and voices; “Too right!”) The speaker referring to Mrs. McCosh, said that that lady was a very dear friend to the whole district. She nursed many of the residents when they were babies, and when sikness was about, she was always there to give a hand. (Applause). Mr. W. H. Swanger, secretary to the Wanganui Education Board, said that Mr. McCosh had always been looked upon as a very efficient teacher, and the board was extremely sorry to lose his services. Mrs. McCosh was one in a thousand, (applause.) He had vivid recollections of her Sterling work during war time, and during the 1918 epidemic. Mr. Swanger concluded by conveying the board’s best wishes to the guests of the evening, for many long years of happiness in their retirement.

Mr. Donald Ross said that it gave him a great deal of pleasure to be present that evening. Ho was chairman of the school committee twenty seven years ago, when Mr. McCcsh was selected for the position of head teacher. The records of the ..school since that time had proved that on that occasion the committee had made a wise choice. (Applause). Since coming to the district both Mr. and Mrs. McCosh had endeared themselves to every resident, and they would be greatly missed. “I have very great pleasure,” said Mr. Ross, “in handing to both Mr. and Mrs. McCosh small token* of the esteem in which they are held by the residents of Upokongaro and districts.” The speaker on behalf of the residents presented Mrs. McCosh with a gold wristlet watch, and Mr. MeCosh with a case of pipes and purse of sovereigns. Pakehu and Maori voices blended in a lusty singing of the time honoured “For they are Jolly Good Fellows,” when the presentations were made. Mrs. McCosh, in returning thanks, said that she was sorry to be leaving, but they were not going far away, and everyone present would always be welcome in their new homo. Mr. McCosh said that he wished to thank the residents for the help they had given him in the ’ school work. Th school committee and the Education Board had done a lot dur-J ing his time, and he was grateful for their assistance. Mrs. McCosh and he were sorry to be leaving, but they were not going so far away that they would be out- dt touch with Upokongaro altogether. (Applause). During the evening items were contributed by Madame Ivo Symes, Mrs. D. Strachan, Misses Symes, Kendrick, and Newrick, and Messrs Peter Swan, H. V. Duigan, Randall, Newriek, E. Melody, and Morgan. Mrs. Hammond made a very efficient accompanist, and an orchestra’ from the Kaiwhaike Maori Pah played glorious dance music. A committee of local ladies served a very delightful supper. , Mr. and Mrs. MoCosh will leave the district at the end of the month to live at Aramoho.