WAITETUNA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2442, 6 March 1888, Page 3

WAITETUNA.

Valedictory Soiree to the Misses Spenco. On Friday evening 2nd March ISSS, at the Waitetiina schoolroom a soiree was given to the above-mentioned ladies by the school committee- of that school, and their various friends in the district. Very deep regret has been felt since it was known that Miss Spcnce, the estimable teacher of the school, who holds a certificate from the Boar:l of Education of a high order, had sent in her resignation. She, together with her sister, had so endeared herself to the children and was held in very great esteem by the parents and all who had the pleasure of knowing them, A very large number of settlers met, perhaps the largest gathering that has ever taken place in the Ragliin district, aad a most enjoyable evening was passed. Trays were kindly given and presided over by the following ladies :— Mesdames Bulford, McDonald, Cogswell and Miss Wallis. Mrs Johnstone kindly lent her piaiio for the occasiou, and Mr NY. H. NV'allis J. P. occupied the chair. Programme :—Chairman's speech ; Miss Spenee's reply ; reading, Mr McDonald ; pianoforte solo, Mrs Johnstone ; speech, Mr Sutton ; piano solo, Miss L Cogswell; reading, Miss B. McDonald ; song, Mrs Johnstone ; Dialogue (nigger), Messrs Aand E. Wallis; . song, Mr Sweetman ; presentation by the Chairman of a purse- containing £10 16s with the following address:— "In making this presentation, the Waitetuna School Committee on behalf of the parents, children, themselves and the public generally, desire to express their deep regret at your resignation of your position as teacher of the NVaitetuna School, which you have now satisfactorily occupied for over six years, and on this the eve of your departure to your native country, accompanied by your estimable sister, we would further give expression to the respect, and esteem in which you have been held by everyone during the period yon have resided amongst us. The interest you have both taken in the welfare of the children under your charge, and your genial dispositions have won you the love and affection of all, and you will carry away from Now Zealand the good wishes and affectionate sympathy of all who have been associated with you. In handing you this purse we only regret that the amount is not very much larger, but we are sure you will accept the gift, small as it is, as of the grateful feeling of the Raglan people. It now only remains for us you a pleasant, safe, and prosperous voyage over the sea, to your former home in Scotland, and that sucaess and prosperity may ever attend your every future step is the sincere wish aud prayer of your Raglan friends." Miss Spenco iu very feeling terms thanked those present on behalf of herself and sister. Reading, Mr Cogswell; speech, Mr McDonald; song, Miss Alexander; piano solo, Mrs .Johnstone; song, Mr E. NVallis. Votes of thanks were given to the ladies and to those taking part, to Mrs Johnston for use of piano, and to the chairman for so ably presiding. The National Anthem having been sung all joined in with " Auld Lang Syne," ami the. soiree thus most happily terminated. After the room was cleared the young folks indulged in danciug which was kept up with spirit until the break of day.