VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1925, Page 1

VALEDICTORY.

There was a very large and full;, representative gathering of citizens at Keller’s Hotel yesterday afternoon at five o’clock to farewell -Mr Thomas Irvine, Rector of the Hokitika Dis trict High .School, who has severed his connection therewith to take up a more important post in a. Wellington public .school. 'l’he Mayor (AD (f. A. Perry) presided and in the course of a very complementary speech referred in glowing terms to tho splendid work done by -Mr Irvine while in charge of tlie school at Hokitika-. He. extended the goud wishes of the citijpii.s for the future prosperity of Mr and .Mrs Irvine and family in their new sphere.

Messrs AY. D. Alaekay (teaching staff), R. AVells (School Committee), Wm. Wilson (Coif ClidO. J. W. A [orris (Tennis Club). J. A. Murdoch (for the hoys), and J. Niven, joined in npprociative remarks, referring to the connection of Air Irvine with the rcspectivo 'bodies and eulogising the set vices lie had rendered during his location m the town, Tlie health of Mr Irvine was then duly honored. Replying to the toast. Air Irvine said he felt highly honored by the very large and representative gathering present, and for the very kind rofernces made to his work bore. lie liarl attempted his best in a humble effort in a very responsible position, to bring out the best in the mankind of tho making. He had enjoyed his stay in Hokitika and his connection with the several spurting bodies referred to. Me thanked them sincerely for their kind references to Mrs Irvine and Ids family, and assured them of his deep regret at leaving the very many true friends he 1 made here.

Further toasts were hoiyired .of Hiokitilea. School Committee and past teachers, Messrs Richards and Maekay responding before a very happy function concluded.