Little Rakaia.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume X, Issue 914, 30 May 1891, Page 2

Little Rakaia.

PRESENTATION TOMR|.f . STEVENSON. ".H

•' ' ■ ■ ■ — :o:— • ■:, . V- ■;./ .:. .j : , Mr Stbvrsson, who has been tnaa-t-r of the Little Rafciia Schoblfpr the pasfc four years, and vrhol leaves fnilnijtjffately for Woo Mile, North lalanl, wheie he has received a good appo ntment, was entertained by a large nurnbt.r of friends at a farewell rfocial m the schoolroom on Thursday evening, and made the reeipi. ent'of a very handsome silver tea atfrtice. Tea «ml dainty com stibles were provided ly the ladie? of the district, and enjoyed b/»U. Mr Gabbie occupied the cf« Air, #nd explained t\\o object of tint sowing.

Mr Stevenson for about 'thirteen years, and had noted hi* industry and integrity even as a boy. He remarked that he had throughout been a successful teacher and had set a very good example to the young men m his vicinity. He had also not been afraid of owning himself to be a Christian, nnd had taken an active parr m work of that character m the district.

A programme of music, readings, and recitations followed : — song ' Far Away' Miss Ruddook ; song, • There is no Home like my Own v Mr Storry ; reading, * Scotoh- Provost's visit to George III,' Mr Frame ; Song, 'Uncle Jack' Mr Bruce West; song, 'The Soldier'? Tear,' Miss Gabbie; recitation, Mr McHolm ; Duett ' The Gipsy Ocuntess,' Miss Martha Gabbie and Mr Bruce West; song 'Remember Me,' Dr Withers - } song ' Cockles and Mussels' Mr Storry ; recitation ; ' The Relief of Lucknow/ Mr Frame.

Tbo chairman read a letter of apology from the Eevd E. Whitehouse who was absent through illness, and also f om Mr John McLeod with all good wishes for Mr Stevenson, and regretting that he was unavoidably absent. '[[■'/ The Chairman m a eulogistic speech, then presented Mr Stevenson with a silver tea senrice, wishing him many happy years to enjoy the use of it, feeling certain that he, Mr Stevenson, had the good wishes of every parent and child m the district The service bore the following inscription t—' Presented to Mr A. Stevenson by the Committee and children of Little liakaia School with best wishes. May 28th, 1891, W", Gabbie, Chairman.' Mr Stevenson, m well chosen words, feelingly returned thanks for the souvenir of bis happy residence among them, and said he shoal J always look back with pleasure to the time he had spent here. He thanked the Committee for their considerate treatment of him; he also thanked the scholars for their good behaviour and industry, and said he never once had required to use the ' stick ' m the school. He should never forget them down to the youngest child. He asked them all to promise to do their very best to get on with the new master, and said as New Zealand was not very large, he should probably meet some of them when they had entered the arena of 'life." ''Cheers and chorus •' For he's a jolly good ■ fellow.' Kdn& ' ' To <d»y,' Miss . Gabbie' ; reading, "-How Kubinstein Played,' Mr McHolm ;, ft' reply to an -encore h?. gave , a recitation,, * Passing ; Through, the Gate;' song,, * Twickenham Ferry,' iMiss Kuddock [ Mr Gates cdntributed largely to the evening's enjoyment by his ..artistic^ accompaniments to the songs, .„ Mr Burns proposed a vote 'of thanks to the ladies who bad provided , the tea. Q.rried by acclamation. Tne'Ohairman proposed a vote of thanks to. .those w bo had taken part m the programme.' The Jttev. W. West then closed tne meeting by pronouncing the i Benediction v r/ ,