VALEDICTORY

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2775, 23 August 1924, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

SEND-OFF AND PRESENTATION TO MR DAVIDSON.

At the Masonic. Hall on Thursday (veiling, Air Davidson, acting-head-master of Ihe Foxton State School, who has accepted a position at Christchurch, under the Canterbury Education Board, was entertained by the teaching staff, committee and their friends at ;> social gathering. A capital programme was arranged h\ ATisses Williams and Beard and \IJ J. K. Honiblow was entrusted with its fulfilment. Ii was not long before those assembled broke down the icy barrier of conventionality and were participating in old time games and quaint—very quaint—dances and even tugs-of-war in which the fair sex displayed the victorious pull. Vocal and instrumental items were interspersed, those contributing wore Miss Delany, Alesdames Cannon!, Downes, Delany, AlTtssrs Poole, J. K. Tlornblow, Davidson. and Barron. Alisses Delany. Healey and Airs Carmont presided at the piano. At a suitable interval. Air ITornblow, on behalf of the stall and committee, presented Air Davidson with a solid leather travelling bag. In making the presentation. Air Honiblow referred to Afr Davidson's enthusiasm and splendid services in the educational welfare of the children ami paid a tribute to ihe faithful discharge of his added responsibilities, as acting headmaster. All sincerely regretted his departure and if opportunity offered in the future lu would be welcomed back as headmaster (applause). On behalf of all he wished him success in his new sphere of labour. The Rev. W. H. Walton, on behalf of his fellow ministers, paid a liihute to Afr Davidson's ability as teacher and to his influence for the moral uplift of the children. Tie wished him God speed in his future activities. Air Davidson, who was received with applause, feelingly acknowledged the appreciation of his work among the children. He said Foxton possessed sonic brilliant children and he was proud of their school work, some of which had received o-reaf commendation from high educational experts. lie was carrying away' with him some of the work done by Foxton pupils. With whatever school he was connected he ejidcavoured to make it the best from every point of view. The Foxton school possessed a splendid staff of teachers nithout the co-opera-<:on of which a head teacher’s efforts would he of little avail. H"' id nrrv away with him very . .out memories oi his connection v. ill, jhe local school and they had '•V i,..-i wishes for Die future (applause). Occasion was taken to hid farem Miss AlcKclvic, who has had chill-go of the Beach side-school and appreciative reference was made to her work.

Cheers and the singing of “For They are Jolly Good Fellows” concluded the presentation. A tasty supper was served by the teachers at the conclusion of a very enjoyable evening. PRESENTATION BY SCHOOLCHILDREN. At the State School yesterday afternoon, tin l children took farewell nf and made a presentation to Air Davidson, prior to breaking up for ihe term holidays. A number of parents were in attendance and the chairman of committee presided ov er the gathering. The programme was arranged by the school council. The following items were given:— pianoforte selection, “Angelas, • by .Jack Gower; “Cheery Song." Standard IV.; recitation “Torch of Life” Eddie Stevenson; song, "Good King Wenselas." Std. TIL; "Spring Song" infants; recitation, “Slave’s Dream." Ted Murphy; song, “Golden Slumbers,Std. 11.; song, “Pedlar’s Caravan,” Std. I, songs "Loch Lomond" and “Come to the Fair, Std. VI.

Olga York, president, of the School Council, read an artistically decorated address from the pupils of Std. VI., appreciative of their teacher’s efforts on their behalf. The address was supplemented by a short speech, very nicely delivered, by Hex Ball, vice-president of the School Council, and vociferously applauded by the whole school. Mr Davidson feelingly acknowledged the sentiments expressed in the address which he would look upon as one of his most treasured possessions. lie congratulated the School Council upon the good work ii was accomplishing. On behalf of the whole school, Mr Davidson was then made the recipient of a travelling rug. On behalf of the teaching staff, .Miss Williams, infant mistress, also spoke of Mr Davidson’s enthusiasm as a readier and the good feeling which had existed between himself and the staff and wished him success in his career. Cheers were given, three times three, for Mr Davidson, followed by tin: singing of "Auld Lang Syne,” and the National Anthem. Mr Davidson leaves on Monday for Christchurch and will subsequently take up his duties at the Richmond school.