EDGECUMBE FAREWELL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 72, 11 May 1945, Page 5

EDGECUMBE FAREWELL

POPULAR TEACHER LEAVES

MR AND MRS F. PATIENCE

A public farewell was tendered to Mr and Mrs F. Patience in the Edgecumbe Hall on Tuesday last. The large gathering testified the esteem in which they are held and from a social point of view the. evening proved an unqualified success. Mrs Patience's interest in Highland Dancing is well known and the Caledonian Society of Whakatane paid a compliment and friendly gesture bj' sending out a stalwart Scot with his 'wee bag o' music' to 'pipe in' the guests of in traditional Scottish fashion. Dancing, interspersed with items provided popular entertainment and kept M.C. Mr J. H. Russell busy. A former pupil of M.rs Patience Janice Mayo, danced the Highland Fling and Scann Trubhais, Piper Fergusson giving a very real atmosphere by providing national music in a national way the items drawing warm applause. Songs by Miss I. Anson and Mrs J. Shaw were, much appreciated whilst a monologue by Miss PaviourSmith proved that the gathering was quick to appreciate humour. Mrs R. E. Blair was the accompanist. The Mr R. Withy ? on behalf of the community voiced rergret at the impending departure of Mr and Mrs Patience and extended good wishes to them. Mr D. S. Radcliffe on behalf of the Patriotic Committee paid tribute to Mr Patience's work as Secretary of the Committee and Sec-

retary of the Farewell and Welcome Home Committee, and in regretting his .departure, said that his part in these activities would indeed be hard to replace. A particularly warm tribute to Mr and Mrs Patience was paid by Mr J. Rutherford, J.P. w r ho was associated with the School Committee as Chairman for many years. Mr Rutherford thanked the guests for their lively interest in the community life and Mr Patience for the high standard achieved at the school, but especially did he thank him for

his great interest in the sporting activities, of the children. "He taught them to play," concluded Mr Rutherford "'the clean way." Mr J. on behalf of the Tennis Club, thanked the guests for their interest in the club over many years and paid tribute to their ability and keenness as players. Mr R. Withy then presented Mrs Patience with an occasional table and Mr Patience with a cheque. Miss E. Gow ex-pupil and ex-tea-cher presented on behalf of the district a bouquet to Mrs Patience. Mr Radcliffe on behalf of the Patriotic Committee, presented Mr Patience with a fountain pen. Musical honours were then accorded. Mr Patience in reply paid special thanks to Piper Keith Fergusson for the honour accorded Mrs Patience and himself and to the community for their expressions of goodwill and gifts. He felt that his. 14 years at the school had been amply rewarded by the progress of the pupils past and present, and he paid a lasting tribute to ex-pupils on Active Service. "Any success I have had," said Mr Patience, "has been due to the loyal co-operation not only of my staff past and present but to tlie goodwill and help of the residents of this fast growing district." We take with us the memory of many happy years, concluded Mr Patience. j

Alter supper dancing continued to music by the Rhythm Vendors Orchestra until 1 a.m. The singing of Auld Lang Syne concluded a full evening though bright was nevertheless charged with regret at the departure of two of the district's popular personalities.