VALEDICTORY

Southland Times, Issue 21095, 29 May 1930, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

v, FUNCTION AT OTERAMIKA . Despite torrential downpours of rain, accompanied by a scries of sharp gales the public hall at Oteramika was well filled on Monday evening on the occasion of a farewell social to Mr Robert Stevenson, who is shortly leaving the district. Interspersed with dances, a fine musical programme was provided, the following contributing items: Songs, Miss Milne, Miss Carlene, Miss Lawson. Mr L. Drake and Mr F. ’ Hoddinott. The accompaniments were played by Miss B. Drake and Miss Speden, while music for the dancing was supplied by Miss E. White (piano) and Mr W. Fraser (violin). Mr William Birch (chairman) called upon Mr Stevenson to accept a beautiful chiming clock and a barometer with the good wishes of his friends throughout the district. In. doing so Mr Birch alluded to the facts that Mr Stevenson, who had lived practically all his life in the locality, had allied himself with each and every movement for the district’s welfare, mentioning the guest’s yeoman service on the School Committee and also the Public Hall Committee. Mr Stevenson, he said, had steadily improved his own farm, showing exemplary industry and diligence and these qualities and his natural clear sightedness and probity had always been at the disposal of any worthy objects or individuals requiring assistance. He voiced the sincere regret of all present at the undoubted loss sustained by Mr Stevenson’s departure from Oteramika.

Mr J. Ewart, headmaster of Waituna school, then called upon Miss Lottie Stevenson to accept a fine dressing case as a mark of the esteem in which she was held by her teachers and schoolmates. Throughout her school career she had endeared herself to one and all and he hoped that she would never forget her old associates at Waituna, who all felt a very real sense of sadness that she was leaving them. Mr Stevenson replied appropriately on behalf of his daughter and himself.