HONOURING A SCHOOLMASTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2591, 9 June 1923, Page 3

HONOURING A SCHOOLMASTER.

A short time ago a new school was opened at Turakina by the Minister for Education (the Hon C. J. Parr)*; At the interesting opening ceremony there were present the Chairman and members of the Wan-ganui'-'Education Board and prominent <settlers. “Standing well back from the main doorway, keeping a watchful eye on his well-disciplined pupils (says a contemporary) was the Headmaster, Mr Gabities, who was accorded a big ovation, as he responded to a call from Mr Lethbridge, who in happy speech stated tliat“asf an appreciation by the inhabitants, he wished to make a small presentation to Mr and Mrs Gabites. They both had won the esteeih and affection of parents and children.' Mr Lethbridge spoke of the pluck of Mr Gabites, who long before the school closed down for the holidays should have undergone an operation. He, however, stuck to his school and Avas operated on and spent his holidays in hospital. This was pluck, showing his heart Avas in his work, his pupils, and the school. Not being well enough to resume duty Avhen school reopened, Mrs Gabites had taken his place. The Hon. Parr was pleased to see the appreciation shown of the Avork of the teacher. The king pin in our whole business is the man who teaches. “Honour your teacher, and honour yourselves,” he concluded. Amidst hearty cheers, an envelope containing “scraps of paper” was banded to Mi- Gabites, Avho regretted he had not the pluck to express his thanks as he would like to. Rev. Wilson, chairman, expressed the Committee’s thorough satisfaction with Mr Gabites they could not have a better teacher. Mr F. Gabites. referred to above is the eldest son of Mi and Mrs H. F. Gabites, of Foxton, and brother of Mr IT. Gabites, who for some years was first assistant at the local State school. The Gabites Bros, are men who reflect honour upon the teaching profession of this country.