VALEDICTORY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4715, 23 June 1924, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

GATHERING AT PAEROA SC HU OU* FAREWELL TO MISS E. M. GIBSON. It is always pleasing to be able .o record a period of honourable and efficient service performed by persons in their calling, and when that particular calling is school teaching it is only proper and fitting that recognition of the services rendered should assume some tangible form. To this end a happy gathering was held in dhe teachers’ room at the Paeroa District High School on Friday afternoon and the opportunity was taken to formally say au revoir to Miss E. M. Gibson, who has retired from the teaching profession on superannuation after a period of 32 years devotion to duty, nine years of which have been spent as teacher of the fourth standard at Paeroa. Mr G. H. Taylor, headmaster, on behalf of the teaching staff and pupils,* expressed the sincere regret of all at the retirement of Miss Gibson, and stated that her loss *to the school would be a real one. Mr Taylor stated that during his long career as a teacher, and also as headmaster, he could confidently say Miss Gibson was one of the most capable and conscientious teachers with whom it had been his pleasure to be associated. Her influence in the school had always been of the highest order, and he felt sure the high standard of conduct and influence for good which had been typical of Miss Gibson had been carried into many homes. Mr Taylor then presented Miss Gibson with a travelling rug and straps, together with a handsome .purse, and expressed the hope that the recipient would be spared to enjoy a long wellearned rest, and that the warmth of the rug would serve to remind herTtf--some degree of. the warmth of affection in which she was held in Paeroa. Mi.so Gibson was also presented with a fruit-knife by Miss Hannah Helling, on behalf of the girls of her class. Miso Gibson suitable tesponded, thanking the donors for their valued tokens. She assured them that though certainly looking forward to a rest from her labours she regretted very much having to sever her connection with the Paeroa school and the teaching profession. Aftei partaking of afternoon tea, provided by the lady teachers, Miss Gibson, accompanied by Mr Taylor, made a tour of each classroom and bade farewell, to the pupils.