DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1921, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

KAIMATA.

(From On». ; Own Correspondent.)

A very pleasant little function, arranged by the ladles in the school grounds, on behalf of the children, took place on Friday afternoon last, to bid farewell to Miss M. Death, our assistant teacher, who is leaving after twelve months’ service. Rev. R. J. Stanton was present, and voiced the feelings of the children at her leaving, and the regret of the parents, and mentioning tbe respect and esteem in which she is held. It was nothing to see de • lighted bands of little ones following her up ana down from gate to school, imbibing the knowledge she so readily gave. Mr. A. J. Taylor (secretary of the school committee) then presented Miss Death, on behalf of the children, with a beautiful silvermounted cake dish, and in doing so te wished her every prosperity In her new sphere of life. The recipient was quite overcome at leaving the school, and was unable to reply. Thanks are due to the ladies for arranging afternoon tea.

WAi-TOI-TOI—URENUI.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Cn Friday'afternoon last, there was a large assemblage of parents and others at the Mimi schoolroom for the purpose of bidding farewell to the head teacher (Miss J. Nolan), who is leaving to take charge of the Ackland Road school. Miss Nolan for the past four years has proved herself a most popular and capable teacher, and up to within the past few months has had to carry out her duties in a very small room, and with no assistance having under her charge between forty and fifty pupils. The very general regret caused by her departure, was expressed by all. Mr. Jas. D. Ross (chairman of the school committee) addressed those present, saying that he tad been asked to apologise for the absence of Mr. W. Taylor, of Bell Block, who had taken a warm Interest in the affairs of the school. Thej’ had had very short notice of the removal of tyfiss Nolan, who had only received a fortnight’s notice, and the committee had practically received no communication on the matter until within the last daj’ or two: The Board had taken no notice of a petition signed by nearly every parent in the district to retain the teacher, and the committee felt they were practically of no use, and were slighted by the Board in the matter. As matters stood, they Were losing one teacher because she was uncertificated, and her place was being filled temporarily by another who was also in the same position. He was practically a new-comer in the district, but from what he had seen and heard, Miss Nolan had ably fufllled her duties, and all had been pleased with the manner In which she had treated the school, and the Inspector’s reports spoke for themselves. In conclusion, he said they were all sorry to lose Miss Nolan, and would be glad to see her hack again, and wished her every luck and prosperity- In her new situation. Mr. Ross then handed to Miss Nolan, a most handsome lady’s companion, bearing the lnscrl.ption, "To Miss J. Nolan, from the parents and children of the Mimi school, 1921,” together with an autograph and album. (Applause). Miss Nolan, who was visibly affected, in acknowledging the gift, said she scarcely knew how to thank them all. Since taking over the school she had done her best and had received every assistance from the ’committee, as well as from the parents. She was very sorry to leave, as she had made many fr!.ends, and took a great interest ir the children. She had to go, but if ever she had the chance, she would only he too glad to come back. Miss Nolan was warmly applauded, and after the children, numbering some fifty, had been marshalled by Miss Frost (assistant), to view the present, all joined in singing "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow.” The committee, as well as a large number of ladies and gentlemen placed their names in the autograph book, and it was a most pleasing sight to see the manner in which the little ones flocked round Miss Nolan and held up their faces to be kissed, and spoke volumes for the esteem in which that lady was held by them. In the evening a very successful dance was held, visitors being present from Pakearuhe and Urenui. Mr. A. Ross as M.C. kept tilings moving merrily, and everyone present enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

An Institution which was at one time In a very flourishing condition in Urenui, but like many others during the war period, fell back, is the Public Library. The building adjoins the school grounds, and part of it forms a shelter shed for tire children and was handed over to the public by the Education Board, on the condition that it was kept in repair and painted. There are some 1300 volumes by standard authors, and the building itself is most useful for holding meetings etc. The subscribers’ list at present consists of some twenty members, and public interest seems to have wan’ed. I am informed by the secretary (Mrs. L. M. Burrell), that a meeting has rcently been held with the object of trying to place the institution on somewhat of its old footing, and with the object of raiding funds for the purchase of new books, a euchre party and dance will be held on Thursday evening next, May 5, in the Urenui Town Hall, when no doubt there will be a large attendance, and the movement receive the support It deserves. Mrs. Burrell, who looks after the building gratuitously, attends the library every Monday afternoon from 2 to 4.