VALEDICTORY.
On Wednesday afternoon last the residents of Te Kiri assembled at the hall to bid fare ell to Miss Isabel Edwards, the head teacher of the local school, and hcv sister Miss Mabel Edwards, who have been residents of Te Kiri for the past four years. The gathering took the form of a social, and the children gave songs and recitations in a maimer not unworthy of the high reputation the school lias enjoyed in this respect. The Misses Edwards acted as accompanists. After a varied programme had been enjoyed, Mr. F. Tindle, chairman of the school committee, on behalf of the parents and children of Te Kiri, presented Miss Edwards and her sister with an exceedingly handsome leather case containing silver-mounted, ebony-backed brushes, combs, mirrors, etc. In making the presentation, Mr. Thidle said they had received shellBhocks, etc., but the greatest shock of all was when they heard that Miss Edwards was leaving them. As a member of the school committee, during the both the Misses Edwards were always he had found her straightforward and pleasant. She was well liked and respected both by children and parents. They had received splendid reports of her work from inspectors, and Te Kiri school had been worked into the front rank. She had had the interests of the children at heart, and had battled hard for any possible improvement in their school conditions. In conclusion, he had much pleasure in making the presentation to the Misses Edwards. Mr. Collins, secretary of the school committee,' also eulogised Miss Edwards' work among them. He referred to the excellent reports of the inspectors, and said that he could vouch personally for the tone and discipline of the school. Te Kiri's loss would be Te Roti's gain. In school work Miss Edward's methods were absolutely up to date. In any movement for the good of the children both the Misses Edwards were always ready to help. If they wanted a concert Miss Isabel Edwards had only to be asked and it was forthcoming, and in running such functions she was a host in herself. She was the most economical teacher they had known as far as stationery, etc., was concerned. In fact, good management characterised all she took in hand. He felt that he was voicing the sentiments of the residents of Te Kiri in saying that he regretted the departure of Miss Edwards, but felt glad that she was bettering herself, as, no doubt, her new school was more conveniently situated than Te Kiri. He had much pleasure in calling for three cheers for Miss Edwards. These were given very heartily, and Miss Edwards, in replying, said she thanked them all deeply for their kind mark of appreciation. The four years she had passed among them were in some ways sad years—they were four years of war. Yet if she had succeeded in impressing upon the boys and girls under her charge the ideals of loyalty to country and service to mankind she would always feel that it had been a high privilege to have been entrusted with the Te Kiri school during that time of trial. She would follow the progress of the Te Kiri school with the greatest interest. She urged the children to help their new teacher in every possible way, and also referred to the ready response of the Te Kiri children to any patriotic or charitable appeal. Mr. Tindle then said he had a presentation to make to Miss Giddy, the assistant teacher, who was leaving to take up a similar position at Lincoln. She was well liked by the children, and it would give him much pleas. ure to hand it to her. Unfortunately. Miss Giddy had not yet quite recovered from her accident, but it could he sent on. The gift was a handsome leather hand-bag and purse. Miss Edwards returned thanks for Miss Giddy, and an adjournment was made to the'tea table, where a first-class spread was found, to which all did justice. Games and scrambles followed, then Mr. Kirkpatrick, on behalf of the visitors, thanked the ladies' committee, who. with Mrs. Thomas, sen., at their head, had worked indefatigably to make the afternoon a success. The National Anthem brought a very pleasant gathering to an end. Before leaving, Miss Edwards handed over to Miss L. Munro the balance from the peace celebration fund (ISs 7d) to be devoted to any patriotic purpose the committee of the said fund may see fit.
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Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1919, Page 6
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746VALEDICTORY. Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1919, Page 6
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