VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1919, Page 1

VALEDICTORY.

A verv pleasant function took place at the Hokitika District High School on Monday morning, a lien the teachers assembled to bid good-bye to Mr H. Williams (First Assistant of the Secondary Department), who lias been a member of the staff for the past eighteen years. The Rector (Mr. J. Brunton, 31. A), after having explained the object ol the gathering, said the time had come when they were about to lose the services of Mr Williams, who had been so long connected) with the school, and whose labours had been crowned with such success. Although only a short time in the school, Mr Brunton said lie had seen sufficient to enable him to testify to the great ability of Mr Williams as a teacher, and to his worth as a man. Personally he was exceedingly sorry to lose -Air Williams, and concluded by wishing Air and Airs Williams and family long life and happiness.

.Miss Ward, on behalf of tin l staff, said that whilst the teachers sincerely regretted tin; fact that Mr "W illianis was about to sever his connection with tho school, they regretted more keenly the fact that ill-health was the cause of his retirement. Many of the teachers present had been formerly pupils of .Mr Williams, anil those ilosived to acknowledge, with gratitude, their indebtedness to him for tho great interest ho bad then taken in their welfare. Mr Williams had been associated with the staff for the past eighteen years, the most cordial relations existing throughout the whole of that period. To bis pupils, and to bis follow-teach-ers, be bad at all times set a noble example of the truly ideal teacher—a teacher of great abiljty and of very fine character—a teacher whose pupils and fellow-teachers would always remember with feelings* ol respect. Ibe stall' felt proud of the High School, and of the achievements of its pupils, and recognised tliat the credit, of these brilliant records was undoubtedly due to Mr Williams. She concluded by wishing Mr and Mrs Williams and: family long life, health and prosperity. Miss S. Wallace, on behalf of the Roe lor and staff’, then presented Mr Williams with a valuable travelling

.Mr Williams, in reply, thanked the teachers for their handsome gill, and also for their good wishes extended to himself, Mrs Williams and family. Referring to the successes amongst Nigh School pupils, he paid a high tribute to the work of Ids assistants in the Secondary Department, and also to the Primary teachers throughout the district, who had laid the foundation for High School work. He concluded by wishing the school and its staff continued success.