Farewell Social to Mr Blight. Te Aroha School Committee.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43083, 18 April 1907, Page 3

Farewell Social to Mr Blight. Te Aroha School Committee.

■ • S& • * ♦ • TRIBUTES of friendship. The term social may very aptly be applied to the event which took place in the Te Aroha Methodist schoolroom on Tuesday evening, when, in spite of the inclement weather, a goodly number of residents and friends attended in order to bid farewell to Rev. and Mrs Blight on their removal from the district. After numerous items for the amusement of the company had been given by some of the guests who were present, the chairman, Mr Hubbard, on behalf of the friends and members of the Church, expressed the deep regret which was felt by all at the reverend gentleman’s de' parture. The Chairman then presented Mrs Blight with a handsome silver cakestand, whilst Mr• Blight was the recipient of a useful silver-mounted travelling-bag and to Miss Moyses a purse satchel was presented. After a few words from the Wf '‘“jirman, in which he spoke of deep friendship which had existed between the congregation and thore who were leaving, and also explained that the presfnts were given as a mark cf that friendship and esteem, Mr Blight responded in a most feeling manner. Several of the members of the congregation then delivered interesting little valedictory speeches, after which supper, liberally supplied by the ladies, was freely partaken of. The singing of “ God be with you till we meef again,” followed by a vote of thanks to the ladies and the Chairman, brought a pleasant—though in some respects regrettable—evening to a close ivith the pronouncing of the Benediction by Rev. Colin Robertson.

1 A meeting of the Te Aroha School Committee was held last night. Present: Thos. Mclndoe. Esq. (Chairman) Messrs R. L. Somers, Geo. Sherlock, P Gilchrist, Rev. E. M. Cowie, Dr. Kenny (secretary) Mr Burton the head teacher was also present. Minutes of the meeting held on October 30th, 1906 v and spepial meeting held at the schoolhouse on March 4th, 1907, were read and confirmed. Technical School.— Mr J. Williams wrote promising subscription of £ L towards this object and wishing it every , success. On the motion of Mr Cowie, seconded by Mr Somers, it was resolved that the secretary write and thank Mr Williams for his offer. Electric Light.— Mr A. T. Crosher submitted estimate for installing ten electric lights in the head teacher’s house, £lO 15s. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Cowie it was resolved that the estimate be submitted to the Education Board. Refuse. —The Inspector of Nuisances, Mr J. Salmon, wrote requesting the Committee to provide a receptacle in the school grounds for refuse consisting of fruit, bread, paper etc. Mr Burton said the Inspector’s letter might give the Committee an impression that there had been some carelessness. He considered the letter quite uncalled for and explained the system of tidy disposal of refuse by burning. Wet I weather had interfered with the burning just lately, and made it impossible, hut there had been no refuse left near Ken-rick-street that could he insanitary. The Chairman said theie were many other nuisances that the Inspector might give his attention to.

School Picnic. The secretary of Waharoa School Committee wrote saying that if the Te Aroha Committee had not yet had an annual picnic to Rotorua, that school would be willing and pleased to join in such outing. The Secretary had replied that no such trip was contemplated this year. Finance. - The Secretary reported that there was a bank balance of £5 6s Id to the Committee’s account but accounts to the value of £l6 9s 2d were owing by the Committee. The accounts were passed for payment. Attendance.—The quarterly report showed that during the past quarter the average attendance had been a slight improvement. Painting Work. —It was decided that a communication be sent to the Board expressing satisfaction with the painting work done by Mr Davidson at the school. Condolence.— On the motion of Mr Gilchrist, it was resolved that the Committee transmit to Mrs Watt, through the Board, sympathy touching the death of her husband, late foreman to the Board. Valedictory. —Votes of thanks were passed to the out-gpiug officers and Works Committee. Mr Burton thanked the Committee fur (heir support in the math r of getting a school garden and other matters.