From: The Bendigonian, Tuesday 22 December 1914

OUR COUNTRY SERVICE
AXEDALE
16th December.
A farewell social was tendered to Mr. T. F. Bissett in the Presbyterian Church last night on the occasion of his leaving the district. A large number attended, including a few invited guests, to pay their respects. Mr. J. Hamilton presided in the regrettable absence of Rev. Thompson, through illness. Mr. Hamilton, in a few introductory remarks, regretted the departure of the guest, and was supported by Messrs. Mill, Deane, Brewster, Drake and Millington, who fully endorsed all that the chairman had said. Mr. V. Deane, on behalf of the congregation, then presented the guest with a heavy pair of gold cuff links, with initials inscribed. Mr. Bissett feelingly:responded, and stated the gift would serve as a connecting link between him and his Axedale friends. Musical honors were accorded. Mr. Bissett has acted as organist to the church for the past seven and a half years, and his services will be much missed. Mr. J. Hamilton favored with a song in fine style. Excellent Patho selections were given by Mr. Deane. Thanks were accorded the ladies by Mr. Bissett for the repast, which was tastefully provided. A most enjoyable evening closed with singing the National Anthem and “Auld Lang Syne.”. Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Hamilton carried out arrangements creditably.
18th December.
A very large gathering of parents and friends met in the newly erected shelter shed at the local State school, to say goodbye to Mr. Thomas Bisset, head teacher, who has been connected with the school for the past 10 years. Refreshments were provided by the ladies. The children were first attended to, and afterwards the adults sat down to tempting eatables neatly arranged on small tables. Cr. S. Doak, who presided, spoke at some length on the many good qualities of Mr. Bisset, and the great interest he took in the education of the children; also the training of the children in connection with school concerts, which enabled the school comittee to erect such a fine shelter shed : Mr. Bisset has done his part in inducing the Government to remodel the school, owing to the increase in attendance, which ‘is due to the teaching ability of
Mr. Bisset. Mr. Doak’s remarks were supported by all the gentlemen present, who expressed regret at Mr. Bisset’s departure from Axedale. The chairman then presented Mr. Bisset with a beautiful solid leather dressing case, bearing the following inscription:-‘ To T. F. Bisset, H.T., from parents and friends, Axedale State School, 1008, 17/12/14..” Master Thomas O’Neill then read an address on behalf of the scholars. Miss Daisy Earl handed Mr. Bisset a gold sovereign case with his initials engraved thereon. Mr. Bisset made a feeling response, thanking the parents and friends for the very nice present, and also the children for their gift. He referred at some length to his connection with the school, and expressed much pleasure with the manners and work of the scholars. He would cherish greatly the gifts he had received. A vote of thanks to the ladies, and “Auld Lang Syne” brought a pleasant afternoon to a close. The presents, which were greatly admired, were purchased from the stock of Messrs. Prescott and Dawe, Mitchell Street, Bendigo.

OUR COUNTRY SERVICE. (1914, December 22). Bendigonian (Bendigo, Vic. : 1914 – 1918), p. 11 (Morning). Retrieved December 8, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92053551

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