CEREMONY AT SCHOOL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 23, 2 March 1942, Page 5

CEREMONY AT SCHOOL

HEADMASTER FARE,WELLED

MR C. C. SOUTHEY HONOURED

Ten years faithful service as headmaster of the Whakatane District High School was recognised when 011 Friday fellow teachers. pupils and members of the School Committee met at the local school to hjid farewell to Mr G. G. Scuthov. who leaves Whakatane this week to take up duty as headmaster of the Tauranga school. Mrs Southey and Frances, Peter and Colin were also honoured. All pupils of the school congregated and the chairman of the School Committee, Rev. S. G. Caulton, addressed the gathering stating that it was an eloquent testimony that Mr Southey had been able to rule the school in such an efficient manner and still retain the affection of all. It was a valuable tribute to his character and work. Mr Caulton continued that the great work Mr Southe}- had done for the school was valued and appreciated and without doubt the children -would in future years have happy memoiies of their hedmaster.

valued and appreciated and without doubt the children -would in future years have happy memoiies of their hedmaster. O'n behalf of the school committee the speaker stated that the relations had been very happy ones. The work of a committee could be made easy or hard by a headmaster, and at Whakatane the work had proceeded smoothly thanks to the helpful Avork of Mr Southey. The chairman then called on the head prefect, Ma ire Berg, to make a presentation, and in a neat speech the pupil conveyed the best wishes of the pupils to Mr Southey and presented him with, an armchair.

Another pupil, Gay Burt, came forward toi present Frances, Peter and Colin with engraved silver serviette rings and wish them happiness at their new school.

In reply Mr Soutliey stated that his ten years spent at the school had been of the plcasantest and the co-operation of staff, pupils and .school committee was greatly appreciated. He specially thanked the committee for alwaj'S so readily supporting his suggestions in regard to the expenditure of funds and struck a pleasing note for the children when he said that the funds for their swimming baths were still mounting. Mrs Soutliey, the children and he did not require presents to makf* I hem remember Wliakatanc. They would have happy memories of the town and the school and would not be far awiij'. From time to time he would visit the town and he asked the children to take every opportunity of visiting Tauranga to play inter-school sports. In going to Tauranga he was returning to his 'j'kl school where he had spent two years as a pupil and four as a teacher. As Mr Southey concluded his reply 'Cheers were given by the pupils. The function continued when the staff entertained those present at afternoon tea and made a further presentation on this occasion Mrs Southey being the recipient of an armchair. Mr Bigelow", of the Secondary Department a6ted as chairman and spoke in glowing terms of Mr Southey's services as headmaster. He also spoke of the pleasant association enjoyed with Mrs Southey who had always been "a good soout."

Mr Southey's task had not been no. easy one with the three schools separated and the infant school some distance away. However, the control had been excellent and an outstanding feature had been Mr Southey's spirit of reasonableness. He bad at no time interfered with the teachers but had always given them help when they required it.

He had -taken a particularly keen interest in thenneA r buildings and in the Avell'are of the stalT, and generally set a remarkably high standard. Mr BigeloAV concluded by stating that he Avas certain it Avould be impossible to have a better man as Mr Southey's successor.

Speaking on behalf of the committee Mr C. W. Good stated that Mr Southey had been a tower of strength to the members and extended the thanks of ail to him i'or his splendid Avorlc in the interests of education in Whakatane.

Father Leon in a short speech thanked Mr Southey for the ready manner in Avhich he had co-operated and assisted the Convent. He had been more than generous Avith his help and it Avas Avith regret that the Turns and the speaker had learned that lie Avas to depart. That the teachers Avere losing a good friend was the theme of Miss Whiteside's remarks. They had all lelt that Avhile Mr Southey Avas in charge all was well. She was sup-

ported by Miss Birch avlio stressed the sympathy and understanding Avhich had been a feature of the "head's" character.

Mr Seebeck thanked Mr and Mrs Southey for personal kindlinesses when he rose to add his quota of praise of the departing guests. As a headmaster Mr Southey had worked closely with his staff and helped them in many ways. Mr Seebeck stressed the excellent work done by the headmaster in advancing the school and obtaining improvements and additions to the buildings. He wished Mr and Mrs Southey happiness at Tauranga and in later years a pleasant and long retirement.

Mr Wilkins, manual training instructor, speaking also for Miss Bosward, cooking mistress, expressed gratitude for the co-operation so readily given by Mr Southc} r .

That his work at the Whakatane school had been his hobby as well as his vocation was stated by Mr Southey who added that he had found it a full time job which did not allow him much time" for other interests in the town. He had amongst his regrets at leaving the town the thought that so many jobs iie had in hand would have to be left unfinished. He was sorry that children were still being taught in sheds and bandroom and would we come the day when the accommodation would be improved. He returned thanks to all present and stated that his relations with the staff and committee had been of the happiest. In leaving the school he had done so mainly because lie considered that eighteen years was too long for a headmaster to remain in one town. He had a further eight

years to serve before retirement and it was better that he spent that time in another town.