FOXTON’S NEW SCHOOL MASTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1813, 13 April 1918, Page 2

FOXTON’S NEW SCHOOL MASTER.

FAREWELL SOCIAL AT OHAKDNE. On Tuesday evening, says the Ohakunc Times, a large number of representative men of the town tendered a valedictory social, in the Patriotic Hiill, to Mr L. J. Furric, on the eve of his departure for Foxton. His Worship the Mayor (Mr E. J. Barry) was in the chair, and a vailed and well-selected toast list, which evoked some very interesting speeches, was gone through. The .chairman proposed the toast of the evening, “Our Guest,” and in doing so paid the highest tribute to Mr Furrio’s worth as head-master of the school and as a citizen.- He briefly reviewed-thc high educational ideals of. their guest, and said that through his conscientious devotion to duty he had inculcated in his pupils a line spirit that must inevitably influence their future lives. In conclusion he read the following adress to Mr Furrie, which he stated would be sent to him when it was illuminated, the shortness of the notice having prevented its being so prepared in time for the present gathering. Ohakune, April 2nd, 1918. L. J. Furrie, Esq. , Dear Sir. —Wc, the undersigned, wish to express to Mrs Furrie and yourself the deep regret we feel upon your leaving this district.. We fully realise the inestimable service you have rendered as head-master of the Ohakune State School, and we can not allow you to leave us without publicly expressing our sincere appreciation of your worth. Not only-do we congratulate you upon the excellent examination results achieved through the untiring efforts of yourself and staff, but we wish on behalf of the town to thank you personally for so much devoted labour in the interests of the school and its'scholars. You have far exceeded the limits imposed by duty, and the school and its grounds bear ample evidence of untiring energy and zeal for its welfare. You have allied yourself with many institutions working for the, public good, and have thoroughly fulfilled the social duties of a good citizen. You take with you our cordial good wishes for your future welfare, '' and in bidding you good-bye we wish to accord to you our very best thanks, and to ask that if- ever the opportunity presents itself you will call in and see us and the school for which you have done so much. The chairman’s remarks were strongly endorsed by Messrs Vance (Chairman of the School Committee), Butler, Dunne,. Dr. Peltham, ' and the Rev. Father Menard. The last named speaker paid a very high compliment to the guest in saying that the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Convent had told him that in all their experience of opening convent schools they had not met with a better conducted lot of children than those who had come to them from the Ohakune Public School. (Applause.) Mr Furrie, who was received with prolonged applause, replied in a. very feeling speech. He thanked his Ohakune friends for. their very high encomiums, for the great compliment paid him on the present occasion, and for the address presented to him. He also thanked them heartily for their kindly references to Mrs Furrie, and said that both of them had but tried to do their duty. He regretted leaving them, but hoped to see them sometimes in Foxton, and he certainly hoped to see Ohakune again. Meanwhile he wished one and all the best of good wishes.