VALEDICTORY.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1926, Page 4

VALEDICTORY.

1 -<s»■ (From A Correspondent.)

On Friday afternoon the scholars and parents of the district met in the Humphreys schoolroom to bid farewell to the teacher, Miss Annie Ritchie, who is severing her connection with the school. Mr Lopas presided, in the absence of the Commissioner (Mr Hewlett) and made very eulogistic remarks concerning the curriculum of the school under Aliss Ritchie's regime. She had come to Humphreys almost a stranger and had won her way right along the line. AH Lopas continuing, said the Commissioner had previously told him that at no time had there ever been any trouble or friction during the seven years of service rendered by Aliss Ritchie. He then called upon one of the pupils, Aliss Ysobel Ditelv, to read an address to -Miss Ritchie, which ran as follows: “ Dear Teacher, —I am requested oil behalf of the pupils of the Humphreys School to tender you our very sincere

regret on the occasion of your severing your connection with our school. Since your sojourn of seven years hero as our teacher, you thavc always been very kind, painstaking and conscientious in nil your ways towards us. If at any time we have seemed wayward or rebellious we are all very sorry for it, and we wish you all happiness, peace and good fortune in any avenue of life upon'which you may enter.” Miss Lily Mills then made the presentation of a brown leather suitcase, a Roslyn travelling rug and a box of Swiss guipure handkerchiefs, as an acknowledgement of the high esteem in which the teacher was held by both pupils and parents. The gathering then very lustily sang, “ For She’s a Jolly Giod Fellow.” Miss Ritdbio in a neat little speech thanked those present for their handsome gifts and said goodfellowship had always existed between the people and herself and that they had always shown her great kindness when on her round of visits. Although she was taking her departure Humphreys always would remain evergreen in her memory. Afternoon tea was freely partaken of and the young folk enjoyed several games and other pastimes.