MISS MACKINNON FAREWELIED.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1922, Page 3

MISS MACKINNON FAREWELIED.

THE RESIDENTS TRIBUTE. (Contributed.) \ very enjoyable ,S(aMml and Dance was held in Hall, Lower Kokatahi on Wednesday last, the occasion being a farewell to, Aliss Aluckinnon, who is lea\u-£ on a, twelve months tour to Europe and Britain. The hall was beautifully decorated and 100.. ed kuy with flags, fernery and palms. Air Alurel (Chairman of School Committee), in a \<rhappy speech eulogised Aliss Mackinnon’s qualities as teaelk-r and citi-.c* 1 She had b e en many years in the district and was beloved by all. She had been a willing helper in all local, (.unctions and a splendid- organiser. He had great pleasure in liandiug .Miss Alack in non, a gold wristlet watch and purse of sovereigns, with all the good wishes of the Kokatahi and Koiterangi residents He also wished to thank Air AV. Kelly (violinist). Airs Alorris, Airs Alarlc AVallaee, and Aliss Devaney (pianistes) (or their vei y kindly assistance in providing the music, Air Kelly oi Koiterangi for his services as AI.C., the ladies of tlq. district for the dainty supjier provided, and Airs Graham for hall lights, piano etc. Everyone had helped to make the gathering a success. Mr Mark AVallaee, who also spoke in a very happ y vein, on behalf of the Kokptahi Football Qlu.b, said that Aliss Aiackinuon’s help and encouragement when he and other members of the Club were boys at school, was, in a great measure, the cause of their present love of the sport. She had

opened her purse many times when they needed a new football. He wish-ed-her, on behalf of th 6 Club a very pleasant time, and hoped on-her return, she would give, a lecture in the hall on her. travels. He then presented her with a slight token of their esteem.

Miss Mackinnon who was much touched with all thei r kind remarks, thanked them for their most generous gifts and for all the nice things said about her, many of which she thought she did not deserve, but had always tried to do her duty. She had spent very many happy years amongst them all and with her school children whom she dearly loved. She was much touch ed by their work of love which was shown in the most artistic decorations of the hall that evening. She thanked them one and all for a very happy evning and Messrs Morel and AVallace for their expressions of good will.

Everyone then sang “For She’s a very Good Fellow,” with great gusto. Mrs IV. Diedrichs contributed two lovely little songs which were much enjoyed by all present. Mr F. Curtayne also gave a couple of items. Dancing was engaged in until 2 a.m. when a most successful gathering was brought to a close by the singing of Auld Lang Syne. Great credit, was due to Mesdames /Monk and Morel, the organisers, who had worked so hard to make the evening such a success.

THE SCHOOL’S GOOD WISHES. On Friday afternoon Miss Mackinnon was entertained hv the school children, their parents and friends at afternoon tea in Lower Kokatabi school. Mr Morel (Chairman of the Committee, called on Master Huia O’Brien to read on behalf of the school children, the following address:— Dear Miss Mackinnon.—On this, the eve of your departure to Europe and other countries, for a well-earned holiday we the pupils of Lower Kokatabi school with parents and friends present have great pleasure in meeting you here at the school this afternoon to spend a. pleasant hour, and in some small part to demonstrate our appreciation of your'ever unfailing kindness and interest in our welfare. IVolds cannot express the. esteem in which you are held in our young hearts and minds and we deeply regret that we are parting with you as teacher.

In your travels abroad you will no doubt visit places of great historic interest, and view with your own eves scenes that will oft recall recollections of your instruction to us. We hope and trust that you will be spared to enjoy your well-earned holiday and return in good health to again take up vour duties as teacher.

We again thank you for your long and loyal services as teacher of this school, for your many kindnesses to us and for yonr work as a true friend and citizen. In conclusion we ask you to accept the small token that is -herewith tendered to you. The address was signed by all [lie school children. Little Nellie Marshall then handed to Miss MacKinnon a gold crescent brooch set in enicrdlds. Miss Mackinnon in a few happy words thanked them for their dainty gift which she would treasure very much, wished them success with their studies, Mid trusted a. bright and happy future would he before each one of them.