VALEDICTORY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 130, 1 March 1940, Page 5

VALEDICTORY

PRESENTATIONS TO SCHOOI/ TEACHER SERVICES TO THE DISTRICT Ideal weather conditions prevailed for the Otnmarakau school picnic, held at Mr Martin's property. A large gathering of children and parents thoroughly enjoyed the full programme of sports events arranged for the day. Til is was followed in the evening with a social and dance when the opportunity Mas taken to farewell Mr and Mrs L. Connell, who are shortly to take up residence at Hunt lv, Mr Connell having been attached to the Otamarakau school as headmaster for the past eight years. On behalf of the residents of the Otamarakau and surrounding district residents, Mr M. Cameron, chairman of the school committee, presented Mr and Mrs Connell with a handsome chiming clock suitably inscribed. In making the presentation, Mr Cameron paid tribute to the high esteem in which both Mr and Mrs Connell were held. He referred to Mr Connell's qualifications as a teacher, and Mrs Connell's artistry as a teacher of dancing. The opportunity was also taken of making a presentation of silver serviette rings to Mr Connell's children. Presentations Made. Mr Cameron's remarks were endorsed by Mr S. Gunton. a former member of the school committee, who reterreil to the splendid results achieved by the children who had passed through Mr Connell's hands. On behalf of the Matata residents and members of the Rangitaiki Football Club, Mr Magee expressed regret at Mr and Mrs Connell's impending departure, and wished them well in their new home. Presentations -were also made to Mr Connell by Miss V. Ansel 1 on behalf of her dancing pupils, while Mr J, V. Mortenson presented her with t bouquet. Amusement was caused when a lei of onions was placed round Mr Connell's neck by Mrs Ritchie, representing the tears of the mothers of his pupils. The majority of the evening was taken up with dancing, interspersed with the following items given by Mrs Connell's pupils: Sean Triubhas by Miss Betty Collins (Te Puke): Irish Jig by Miss Betty Ansell (Matata); Russian Topak by Miss I. Mikkelsen (Otamarakau); Highland Fling by Lynette Connell (Otamarakau); Reel O'Tulloch by Misses S. Law, P. law, I. Mikkelsen and D. Gunton; Sword Dance by Miss Isabel Martin (Whakatane). An outstanding item of the programme was the "Irish Washer Woman,'" given by Miss K. Walton of Whakatane, which was followed by a tap dance as an encore. Vocal item.s were also given by Mr J. Loane, of Pongakawa Valley.