A PLEASANT GATHERING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9079, 1 May 1908, Page 5

A PLEASANT GATHERING.

A PRESENTATION FUNCTION-

At the invitation of the senior and junior girls attending the District High School, a number of ladies and gentlemen assembled at the school, yesterday afternoon, to partake of afternoon tea, and be present at a presentation, on behalf of the girl pupils, to Mrs J. W. Blackman and Mrs H. E. Moore, in appreciation of the services of those ladies in connection with the girls' swimming classes. The headmaster, Mr Jackson, referred to the efforts of Mesdames Blackman and Moore in securing permission for the use of the swin> ming baths for the girl pgpHs nf the 3QhGOi during three half-days of each week, of the season. Nearly four hundred children had attended, the swimming classes, of Which number, 77 boys and 51 girls, had learned to swim this year. Out of 46 High School boys, there were only .three who were unable to swim, and of the 54 High School girls attending the classes, 51 were new swimmers. The lessons had been continued late in the season, and had been attendsd by 128 learners. The results had been very satisafctory indeed, but he (Mr Jackson) thought they should go further. He was not content with the success they had achieved, nor the facilities that had been provided. He would like to have baths for the sole use of the school, and intended, next year, to ask the Borough Council to hand the baths over to him for the benefit for the children. He thought it was good to be like "Olliver Twist," and always ask for more. If his scheme proved successful, he would take care that every child attending the school should receive the benefit of the facilities offered. In connection with the past year's swimming classes for girls, the pupils were greatly indebted to Mr& Blackman and Mrs Moore for the time they had devoted towards instructing them, and it was mainly due to the efforts of those ladies that such excellent results had been shown. The girls all recognised their indebtedness to Mrs Blackman and Mrs Moore, and each one had contributed towards showing in a practical manner their appreciation of those ladies' services. Mr Brown, on behalf of the girls, then presented Mrs Blackman with a silver-electro tea kettle, and Mrs Moore with a gold "Nellie Stewart" bangle. The recipients each returned thanks, both referring to the enthusiasm that had been evinced by the pupils and the rapidity with which they had learned to swim. Cheers were given for the guests by the girls, and the gathering dispersed.