ELTHAM.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1922, Page 5

ELTHAM.

At the breaking-up sports of the Eltham School, on Tuesday, Mr. T. Thomas, who has been headmaster of the school for 30 years and is now retiring, was farewelled by the parents and others interested in the school, including the committee. Eulogistic speeches were made by Mr. I. J. J. Bridger, the Mayor (Mr. Tayler), Mr. Lees (chairman of the Education Board/ and others, the hope being expressed that Mr. and Mrs. Thomas would enjoy many years of well-earned rest and possibly, after a long holiday, return to Eltham. Mrs. Hawken, at the request of the Mayor, presented Mrs. Thomas with a silver tea service and tray, suitably inscribed, and handed to Mr. Thomas a gold watch and chain from the parents of the pupils. On behalf of the school staff, Mr. Bicheno presented Mr. Thomas with a handsome camera in a leather case, while Miss May Manley, on behalf of the pupils of the school, presented Mrs. Thomas with a lady’s travelling companion and silver pencil case, and Len Slater presented Mr. Thomas with a travelling-rug. In expressing hearty appreciation of the gifts and the kindly sentiments voiced, Mr. Thomas said that the school opened with 38 pupils and now had 386 on the roll. Cheers and musical honors were accorded the recipients, the function ending with the Naitonal Anthem.