OAKURA NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1921, Page 6

OAKURA NEWS.

A POPULAR SCHOOLMISTRESS. The esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are held by the settlers of the Oakura district was manifested by the large attendance at the farewell social which was tendered them in the Oakuxa Hall on Wednesday evening on the eve of their departure for Puniho, where Mrs. Pearson has been appointed head mistress of the local school, after hold ing a similar position at Oakura for about five years. Mp. Pearson has acted as music teacher along the coast. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson and Miss Pearson have always been ready to help with any movement for the advancement or benefit of the district, and their services have proved invaluable in musical matters. It was . therefore no surprise that their departure was viewed with regret and that tire hall was crowded on the occasion of their farewell, which took the nature of a social. Excellent music was provided for the dancing by Messrs. A. Good (piano), F. Morris and F. X. Jans (violin), whilst extras were provided by Messrs. M. Pear■son, Price and Mr. Eric Pen warden. Messrs. Jans and C. West acted as M.C.’s. Songs wore rendered by Mr. W. Robson and recitations by G. Gilbert, each being encored. An excellent supper was dispensed, by the ladies. During an interval Mr. W. K. Morris voiced the regret all felt at the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Pearson'and family from the district. As teacher at the school foM the last five years Mrs. Pearson had always done her duty to the children, whose love and respect she had. earned. This was evidenced by the regret the children had expressed, and also by the fact that they also had made her a presentation. Mr. Pearson . had always done his duty to the district, having willingly assisted at any functions got up in the hall in the way of concerts or farewells. Personally, Mr. Morris felt their departure very much, as both bad done a great deal for the district. As chairman of the school committee he thanked them heartily for the way in which they had always had the interests of the school and the children at heart, and also for the way in which they had treated him during his term as chairman of the school committee. On behalf of the residents he then presented Mr. and Airs. Pearson with a handsome elock and Miss Pearson with a supper cloth, commenting on the great help Miss- Pearson had rendered with the recent pierrot entertainment. The recipients were greeted with applause and musical honors. Mk. Pearsop suitably replied.

Dancing was then resumed and was kept up with vigor until the early hours. The arrangements made for the gathering were complete and reflected great credit on the committee, of which Air. W. K. Morris was chairman and Mr. Jans secretary. Before concluding Mr. Morris thanked ail who had assisted, especially 'mentioning Messrs. F. Morris, Jans, Robson and Gilbert. During the week the children of the school also farewelled Airs. Pearsqn. and on their behalf Aliases Ethel Morris and Susie Alills presented her with a silver flower vase. The Oakura social pierrots gave an . entertainment last week in aid of the i church funds, when over ;C7 was eleareti. : The •pierrots, who were making their first public appearance, gave a number of songs, choruses and dances in good | style, reflecting credit on Mr. Pearson and A(j's. E. Larking, who were responsible for their musical and dancing I training. 'Pho soloists were Mieses i and J. Aujslie, -Messrs .lans and Robson, all being encored, the. remaining members of the troupe being Alisses A', and E. Morris, D. and E. Smart, S. Mills, Wilkins, K. Marsh, Al. Crockett. Mesdames Wilkins and Corcoran. Alusic for the dancing was provided by Aliss Pearson. Mr. Pearson and Air .Tans, ( whilst Messrs. Harvey and West were Al.C.‘<s. It is hoped to give another concert this month.