PRESENTATION

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2256, 29 March 1921, Page 3

PRESENTATION

A very (pleasant ceremony took place at the local Slate School prior to the breaking-up last Thursday afternoon, when the scholars and staff assembled to bid good-bye to the first assistant, Mr H. F. Gabites,'and to make him a presentation of a solid leather suit case. Mr Fume, head master, spoke appreciatingly of Mr Gabites’ long and honourable connection with the school, and expressed his own and their regret at his departure. In Mr Gabites he was parting not only with his first assistant, but with a friend of many years’ standing. Mr Gabites had the welfare of the children at heart, and many times after school hours they had discussed matters of interest concerning the pupils’ educational welfare. On behalf of the school he wished Mr Gabites every success in his new position. He felt sure the pupils, would not forget Mr Gabites, and he was certain that Mr Gabites would not forget them and his association with the Foxton school. He then asked Mr Hornblow, Chairman of Committee, to make the presentation.

Mr Hornblow said while he was honoured in taking part in the ceremony he joined with them in their regret at Mr Gabites’ departure. They looked upon the present stall as the best under the Board’s jurisdiction, and they were loth to lose any of the teachers. He referred to the exalted nature of the teacliinf profession, and said that Mr Gabites was both a character builder and a gentleman, and there was no doubt but that his influence would have a lasting effect for good on many of their lives. He had pleasure in asking Mr Gabites to accept the token of esteem from the staff and pupils. The Committee would no doubt convey their expressions to Mr Gabites at a later date. Cheers were then vociferously given for Mr Gabites, who feelingly acknowledged the kind 1 hough ts expressed by Mr Furrie and the Chairman on behalf of the children and staff, and thanked them sincerely for their useful-tok-en of esteem. More cheers were given for the departing teacher and staff, which brought the ceremony to a close.