PAPAKURA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 251, 16 February 1917, Page 1

PAPAKURA.

I MR JONES' RETIREMENT POPULAR SCHOOLMASTER HONOURED There was a large and interesting gathering of Papakura residents at the school on Wednesday afternoon, the occasion being a public presentation to Mr D. W Jones, who has resigned his appointment as headmaster at the school after having held the office for a period of 18 years. In addition to the scholars and the newly appointed headmaster (Mr J. E. Elliott) and teaching staff among the company present were Messrs E. Evans (chairman of the school committee), L. J. Mills, W. Creighton, J. E. Woodhouse, J. Whitaker (members of the school committee) and 0 Hardy (secretary), Rev W. (j. Woods, Rev W. S. Potter, E. McLennan (chairman Papakura Road Board); Messrs Mark wick, W. Richardson, W. Linstrom and H. W. Geissler (Papakura Town Board), D. A. Stewart (late chairman of the Town Board), A. and R. Willis and others.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr J. D. MacKenzie (chairman of the Education Board) and from Mr R. M. Gillespie (chairman of the Town Board).

After the singing of the National Anthem, the chairman (Mr S. Evans), in an interesting address, mentioned that they had assembled to honour their late headmaster (Mr Jones) who had been associated with the school for the past 18 years. During that time he had witnessed many changes. When Mr Jones first came they had only one room, while at the present time they had four good class rooms and other offices. Representations had been made for an additional room and he hoped that would be erected soon. Starting with a roll of 60 children the number now on the roll was 260. Mr Evans alluded to the cordial relationships which had always existed between the committee and Mr Jones during the long period Mr Jones had been associated with the school. Referring to those who had gone from the school to serve their country, Mr Evans mentioned that Mr Jones' son who was now on active service, was a Rhodes scholar which was naturally a source of pride to his father. The chairman, continuing, said that as a mark of their appreciation and esteem the committee and friends, recognising Mr Jones' good work, asked him to accept an illuminated address (the full text of which has already been published in these columns) from parents and friends of Papakura who trusted that he would continue to live many years happily amongst them. Mr Evans also asked their guest to aca travelling rug which he felt sure would be of service when travelling. Mr Maikwick, speaking on behalf of the Town Board, trusted Mr Jones would enjoy a long and happy life. Mr A. Willis referred to his happy associations with Mr Jones and to his public spirited help at all times. Mr E. D. McLennan, as an old resident, also spoke of Mr Jones' many good qualities and to his desire at all times to forward the advancement of that district. The speaker highly commended Mr Jones for the good tone of the school. Mr D. W. Stewart, as au old friend, wished Mr Jones good health and a long and happy life. The Rev. W. C. Wood, in a cheery speech, paid tribute to Mr Jones' abilities as a schoolmaster, and alluded to the fact that the tone of a school was the outcome of the character of its teacher. Thus at the end of eighteen years, he said, they were there to bear testimony to the very excellent tone which the school possessed. The speaker trusted Mr Jones would remain with them in health to enjoy his wellearned rest.

Mr Jones, who was loudly applauded, expressed his appreciation of the kindly sentiments contained in the address. It was indeed gratifying to him that after eighteen years' continuous service he retained the good wishes of the many parents and friends. It was somewhat embarrassing (continued Mr J ones) to say fitting words on such an occasion, but without the hearty co-operation of parents his work would have been much more difficult. He spoke admiringly of the School Committees with which he had been associated during the past eighteen years and recognised some of the difficulties they had to face for lack of funds. Mr Jones mentioned that he commenced his duties there in April, 1899, and during his '6'6 years' service ho had only been iu four schools, so that he was well acquainted with the district. In again thanking all for the presents he asked the parents to give that support to his successor (Mr Elliott) which they had accorded him. Mr Elliott, the newly-appointed headmaster, on being formally welcomed by the chairman,, briefly expressed his pleasure at tho opportunity of being introduced to the peoplo of Papakura. He askod for the co-operation of the paronts in eonding tho scholars to school regularly, and while ho was as they knew a sportsman he wished it to bo understood that teaching came first. THE CHILDREN'S I'AM. before the singing of the

National Anthem, Jessie Wilson, one of the Benior scholars, stepped forward and read an address to Mr Jones, accompanied by a gift of a handsome clock. The address was as follows: On behalf of the pupils of this school we, the undersigned scholars, beg you to accept this small gift as a token of our appreciation of the kindly help you as our teacher have given us. We hope that its tick will be so silent that you will not notice the passing of time and that the gong will serve to remind you of hours spent mere happily than those in the serhool.— (Bigned). Jessie Wilson, Daisy Stewart. The pleasant proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem. The residents of the Papakura Town District are notified by advt. in this issue that the sanitary bylaws as recently adopted by the Town Board will come into force on March 7th next.