HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1918, Page 1

HOKITIKA SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY. JUNE 26th. A special meeting of the Committee was held at 8 p.m. Present:—Messrs A. Aitken (Chairman), J. Lloyd, D. Stevenson, S. J. Preston, and R. Parkinson. RESIGNATION OF RECTOR. The Chairman asked the acting-secret ary (Mr. King) to read the following letter:— From L. F. do Berry, Rector stating that as he had been offered and had. accepted the position ol headmaster oi Martmi High Klicool, he regretted that ho had to tender his resignation as Rector at Hokitika District High School, and asking to be relieved on the last week in July.—Received. Mr Lloyd moved that the resignation lie accepted with very deep regret. He paid a tribute to the splendid services rendered to the- school by Mr. do Berry. He sincerely regretted that they were losing the- services of an able and efficient teacher.

Seconded by Mr. Preston. He was very sorry that they were compelled to receive the resignation. They knew it would he difficult to replace, him. ITe fell that their loss would he Marton’s gain. ITe trusted Mr. do. Berry would continue to progress and be wish-, ed him every success.

Mr. King deeply regretted the necessity of accepting the resignation, but they recognised he was bettering his position, and doing what each one was personally endeavouring to do. Mr Stevenson added his expression of regret at losing Mr de Berry, and he trusted thev would he able to get, some ono to till the position as worthily as Mr de Berry had done. Mr Parkinson endorsed tlie remarks, stating the records of the school had shown the good work of the Rector. Mr Hickson said there was not another school of the same size that- had a better record than Hokitika school. This proud distinction proved the work .put iu Ijv the Rector and staff. The Chairman saiil he was exlivinoly sorry they were losing the services ol so callable a lonelier as Mr do Berry. Hokitika had been very lucky with its headmasters in the past. Mr de Ben.' has known how to conduct tlie school with discipline and still gain the "arm regard of the scholars. ITe was sure the hoys and girls of the school will be sorrv to lose him. They were under a great debt of gratitude to him tor the great enthusiasm that he had put into his# work. They all joined with good wishes for success in the l-uturo. The motion was then agreed to. Mr de Berry thanked members for I,heir cordial and all too flattering remarks. Tie had striven in his small way to do his best for the young people under his charge. During his seven years he had done this, and hoped that , when he went awav the people would feel that the school had not suffered during his term of office. The teachers under his charge had worked locally, assisting to their utmost in the advancement of the school. He thanked the Committee for the very cordial relations that hail always existed. II was resolved to forward the resignation to the Board with the request that tin" vacancy be tilled at soon as possible. TECHNICAL CLASSES.

Mr. Hickson reported on behalf of the sub-committee in connection with the proposed technical classes. The details of the proposal had been fully outlined in the newspaper. The main question for the Committee to consider was whether ihev would act as the controlling body. This lie strongly recommended, the Com niitt.ee to take over the management. Mr do Berry followed, recommending that the Committee take over the charge of the classes, outlining the best procedure to be followed anil advising that a start bo made without delay and promising every possible assistance, his desire being to see the movement fairly established.

After a general discussion it was resolved that the Committee agree to assume control of the proposed technical classes, together with such representatives from other bodies as may he decided at the joint meeting to he held and that Mr do Berry lie asked to take temporary charge as director. The meeting then concluded nt 8.50 p.m.