Fortrose School farewells Mr Whittingham, in 1933

Notes from the Fortrose district in 1933 shows that an enjoyable night was held in the local hall where all the locals congregated to farewell Mr and Mrs Whittingham the schoolmaster from the last two years.  Mr T. Golden took the chair and in his opening remarks set the agenda saying that the night was about Mr and Mrs Whittingham and dancing was then commenced with Mr J. Sinclair as master of ceremonies and the first dance was led off by Mr and Mrs Golden.

Dancing continued until about 10pm when Mr Golden took the chair again and talked about how Mr Whittingham was an excellent teacher and went on to discuss the current education system.  Previously teachers were in one school for long periods, with two teachers being at the school for 45 years.  Now teachers were promoted to higher schools and Mr Whittingham had been promoted to a much larger school and although they were sorry to lose him, they congratulated him on his new appointment.  He then called on the Rev. W.H.S. Hine to present a pair of binoculars to Mr Whittingham.
Rev. Hine said he was pleased to do this and it gave him great pleasure as he had known Mr Whittingham for some time and saw the happy faces in the children going to school which in itself was the proof of the reverence that they held their master.
Mrs W. Chisholm then presented Mrs Whittingham with a beautiful handbag.
Miss Winnie McEwan then presented a  nice present to little Miss Whittingham.
Mr Cox, schoolmaster of Waimahaka, spoke of his long friendship with Mr Whittingham.
Mr J.C. Thomas reiterated what the previous speakers had said and referred to his war and school records.
This was followed by equally praiseworthy comments Messrs W. Chisholm, Harry Anderson, Mr Hurle sen and jun who referred to his interest in football.
Mr Whittingham in his reply said he rose with mixed feelings joy and sorrow being intermingled.  He did not like to say 'goodbye' and would rather have the old English "God be with us till we meet again".  His stay in Fortrose had been one glorious day of health and happiness and even though leaving the district, he would be amongst them again.
Teachers were birds of passage, moving hither and thither, and one never knew where it would end, but as in war they had the consolation that it would end sometime. He thanked the school committee for their help and said he had never come across a better one to work with.
Dancing then resumed until supper was served and "Auld Lang Syne" was sung and a very happy evening was bought to a close.