Vogeltown Headmaster Farewelled on Transfer

Taranaki Daily News, 24 August 1942, Page 4

Vogeltown Headmaster Farewelled on Transfer

Parents and pupils assembled at Vogeltown on Saturday to farewell the headmaster, Mr. G. H. Davey, who is leaving for West End after four and a half years at the Vogeltown school, and Mrs. Davey. The attendance was large. It was intended to hold a gala, but the weather caused the ceremony to be held indoors, where there were several stalls and an exhibition of children's work, including hand work and art work. Vogeltown was regarded as a "happy" school, and its reputation increased through the service of Mr. Davey, said the chairman of the Taranaki Education Board, Mr. J. A. Valentine. He commented on the influence for good that Mr. Davey had upon the children, and questioned whether parents always realised what the influence of a teacher meant to the children. Mr. F. L. Frost, M.P., commented on Mr. Davey's activities for the school outside the educational side. His work in organising the centenary display, he said, would ever be remembered. The senior inspector, Mr. R. R. Hunter, also paid tribute to Mr. Davey's work. In Mr. S. G. Christensen, he thought the school was receiving a worthy successor, said Mr. Hunter. Mr. E. Le Pine. chairman of the West End committee, Mr. V. C. Davies, who had been associated with the planting of the school grounds from the outset, and Mr. J. Muir Thomson, a former chairman, also added their tributes. On behalf of pupils and staff Selwyn Harrison presented Mr. Davey with an armchair, and Kathleen Holland presented Mrs. Davey with a spray and a piece of china. Appreciation of the interest Mr. Davey took in the children, the parents and the school surroundings, was expressed by Mr. A. S. Eggleton, chairman of the school committee, who presided. In presenting Mr. ' Davey with a pipe and smoker's companion on behalf of the school committee and the women's committee, Mr. Eggleton acknowledged the help of Mrs. Davey. Afternoon tea was served by the women's committee under the presidency of Mrs. A. S. Kirkland.