OTAKI PRESENTATIONS.

Shannon News, 13 April 1928, Page 4

OTAKI PRESENTATIONS.

DEPARTURE OF REV. R. J, LIDDELL.

On Wednesday afternoon last, the scholars and staff of the Otaki State School assembled to bid farewell to the Rev. R. J. Liddell, Mrs. Liddell and Mr. P. H. Rhodes. Mr. J. P. Brandon, chairman of the school committee, stated that the assembly had met to express appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. Liddell and family in regard to both the spiritual and the physical welfare of the school. He much regretted their departure after having been in touch with them for some years. During this time the family had given support to all the functions carried on in Otaki. He was sorry to have been absent on Tuesday > night when .the public made their presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Liddell. He wished them a happy and prosperous time in Carterton and hoped that when retirement came, that Mr. and Mrs.' Liddell would come back to settle in Otaki. On behalf of the children he asked Mr. Liddell's acceptance of a book. The children sang “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows" accompanied by the mouthorgan band and then gave three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Liddell and family.

Mr. Wilmot thanked Mr. Liddell sincerely for the work he had done. He had been of great assistance to the staff in the uplifting of the school. The ■weekly lessons given by Mr. LiddeL had been of the utmost benefit. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Liddell the best of health and a long life of happiness. Mr. R. Thompson spoke of the keen interest that Mr. Liddell had taken in the children and he was sure they were 'losing a ; good friend. As the headmaster had said Mr. Liddell’s presence would be greatly missed. Any person .who took an interest in the children was an asset to the district and he wished Mr. and Mrs. Liddell the same success that they had achieved here. ’ Mr. Liddell in replying stated that he had been taken by surprise and he much appreciated the kindly thought of the children. For four years he had taken, the lessons week by week and had been deligfted by the fine children and had endeavoured to make the lesions interesting while laying a foundation for the building of good and strong characters. If he had done this, he felt amply repaid. He had endeavoured not to miss any lesson during the time he had been here. He hoped to meet the boys and girls in days to come, either here or elsewhere and he wished that any who were near him at any time in the future would renew this past happy friendship. He thanked the staff for their help which had made work easy and> pleasant. He and his family were much indebted to Mr. Wilmot and the staff for their many kindnesses. He was pleased that his daughter had received such a fine grounding at Otaki in preparation for her career, and this he knew would be of great benefit to her. He regretted his departure and the severance of relations j with the scholars, staff and committee. IHe would value their present very ; ! much. He hoped the school would continue its prosperous march. Three cheers were then given by the scholars. Mr. Brandon then asked Mr. Rhodes to accept a gold-mounted fountain pen from the staff and scholars. In making the presentation, Mr. Brandon referred to the keen interest that Mr. Rhodes had taken in the children both in studies and in sport, and wished him a speedy return to health. 1 Mr. Wilmot said that Mr. Rhodes had been his first assistant for two years and had proved himself a capable and willing teacher. His class records had been excellent and he had handed oh a very fine class. . Mr. Rhodes had taken a close interest in the school both in study and play and had in all ways proved himself a man. He regretted Mr. Rhodes' resignation, but knew that he had resigned so as not to, interrupt the smooth working of the school. Mr. Wilmot was greatly pleased to see that Mr. Rhodes' health had improved and wished him a quick return to harness.

Mr. Rhodes, who has proved highly popular with all, thanked the staff and scholars for their token of regard and stated he was sorry that he had felt compelled to resign. He had greatly enjoyed his two years at the school and had been very pleased at the success of the children who were a credit to themselves, their parents and their teachers. With the staff he had always enjoyed cordial relations and he thanked Mr. Wilmot for his helpful advice and for the opportunities for advancement which the headmaster had accorded him. He had been very pleased also at the success of the children on the playing area and hoped that their opportunities for sport would be extended. In conclusion Mr. Rhodes thanked all for the happy times they had given him.