INGLEWOOD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 March 1916, Page 8

INGLEWOOD.

MR. STRATFORD FAREWELLED. (From our own Correspondent) A very pleasant gathering w - as held in the "school on Tuesday afternoon, the occasion being a farewell to Mr. Stratford, wlio is leaving- for camp on Saturday, having received a commission in the fctrees. The children assembled in the playground, and Master 0. Dean read the following address: "Mr. Stratford—We. the eliiildren of the Taglewood school, feel that wo cannot let yon jro away without first placing on record our regret and sense of. loss in your departure from the school. During the time that you have been headmaster you have justly earned and kept the respect of all pupils, and have given them a training that cannot fail to greatly benefit them in after life. We , fully, realise the careful thought and pains that you have taken for onr welfare and feel that, no matter vrherc we are, we shaTi always have pleasant thoughts of our school days at Inglewood under your charge; all of us are proud to >be your pupils, and we only hope that the time will come when you will resume your duties in this 'school. In your daily life you have set us an example'of all that a mam should be: and we feel that We cannot do better than try to follow in your footsteps as good, clean, upright i citizens. You have answered the call of yonr country, and thus. set us the greatest example of all. Before you go we wish to take this opportnity of presenting you with something that may help to keep the old school green in your memory, and of wishing yoii God speed aiid a safe return. On behalf of the scholars of this school I hereby present you with this smail token of our esteem." Master Dean then handed to Mr. Stratford a handsome dressing ease, suitably inscribed. Mr. Stratford suit- j ably responded. The children were then dismssed and the teachers and members of the committee adjourned to the school, where afternoon tea was provided by the lady teachers, after which Mr. Messenger, on behalf of the teachers and eowmiltee. presented Mr. ' Stratford with a travelling rug and liquor flask. Short speeches were also made by .Messrs liavn and J. Sutherland (for the committee), and Mr. Wagstaff (01 behalf of the teachers), after which Mr. Stratford thanked the donors for the'^handsome present 3. The singing of '■Anld T.aug Syne" brought a very pleasant gathering to a close.