VALEDICTORY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11643, 9 August 1916, Page 8

VALEDICTORY.

The children of - the Poukiore School met on Monday afternoon, August 7th, to “send-otf” two of their schoolmates—Stanley and Edward Roper. Afternoon tea was sumptuously provided by the ladles of the district, and the following toasts were made by the children, and drunk in “Adam’s Ale,” pure from the tap:—“The King,” Master Leo. Burn; “Our Soldiers,” Master WillieHealy; “The Ladies,” Master Robert Williamson; “The Departing Schoolmates,” Master Robert Williamson. Master Leo. Burnisan “Old Boy” and his speech went well; also his recitation “The Wonderful One Hoss Shay, ” rendered later in the afternoon was a huge success. Master Willie Healy, in toasting “Our Soldiers,” spoke well of the noble work our men are doing at the front in the struggle for the ideals of liberty and justice. The speech was seconded by Stanley Roper, who mentioned with pride the men who have gone from this district, amongst whom two have lost their lives in the defence of their country —Glen McLean and Norman Olsen. The health of the Chairman of the School Committee was proposed by the teacher, who spoke in glowing terms of the very lively interest-;-Mr Roper had always shown in tli school. His removal from the district will be regretted in many ways, r Master Robert Williamson, familiarly known as “Bobbie,” gallantly proposed the toast of “The Ladies,” making special mention ot the services as organist rendered by Miss Roper to the Y.P.S.C.E. every Sunday afternoon. Miss Koper resxionded. “Bobbie” also made the toast to the departing schoolmates, and spoke well of the two boys and his lifelong friendship for Stanley. Stanley responded feelingly for his brother and himself, and said he ‘ ‘hoped they would. be as happy in Silverhope as they had in Poukiore. ” Musical elecutiouary items were rendered by the children, Bobbie’s “Curfew” deserving special mention. Games in which all could join followed and about o p.m, “Auld Lang Syne” was sung and the happy party of 18 children and seven, “grown-nps” dispersed.