BERWICK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 39

BERWICK.

August 16. — A very plea^im* leremony took place in the Public HalJ when Miss I. C. Hay, who had been in change of the Berwick School for about 18 months, and who lias retired frorr the teaching profes- i sion — was tendered a farewell. There was j a splendid gathering, over which Mr W. j Munro presided. The Chairman stated that the oommittee'f of the church and Sunday school had joinec forces to provide • a social evening for M:«s Hay before that lady left tho district. They all recognised that hh-o had carried ou* ier duties in a very painstaking manner, and was e\er ready to lend « helping hand in any social work, never sparing herself ir any way. He was cure fhat the children would be sorry at Miss Hay's departure, and, sneaking on behalf of the church and Sunday school, he thought that they would- have some difficulty in refilling Uhe vacant chair at tine organ. He thanked Miss Hay for the spontaneous help she had given \n conducting the musical parts for the church, Sunday school, e<nd prayer meeting, and he would ask her to accept of the sraa-11 present as a slight recognition of s'ler kindly help which she had given- ungrudgingly at all times; and with best wishes for a healthy and prosperoir life he. had much pleasure in handing Miss Hay a dinner service consisting of 66 .pieces. The Rev. D. M'Coll, in returning thanks foi Miss Hay, said that he could scarcely onderstand the position : Miss Hay was leaving the district, and she was not leaving it. As he understood the iiosition it was thru : Miss Hay was only going to leave then' for a short period, she having beeor oersuaded to return in the near future md settle amongst them permanently. Be could endorse all Lheir chairman had said regarding Miss Hay's abilities and help, asd regretted that they had come to the parting of the wave. On Miss Hay's behalf he thanked them for their nice present, which came entirely unexpected. A vocal and instru-

mental programme was then gone througH to whidh #he following ladies and gentle* men contributed : — Pianoforte duets. Misse? George and I. Grant and Misses Hay and L. Lawson; pianoforte solos, Miss Laur^ Hawke; vocal duets, the Misses Hawk< and the I\lisses Heanan ; songs, Mrs Halley, Mi>ss M'Donnel, Mr "Won. Grant, iun., Mr Jae. Millar, Mx_A. Heenan, Mr W. Baird, and Mr A. Standen. Ample re-freshmenta for ail were provided by bhe ladies of the district. "A spirited and enjoyable dance followed. — A correspondent.