TEACHER FAREWELLED

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20986, 13 December 1939, Page 3

TEACHER FAREWELLED

WORK AMONG MAORIS On the eve of his departure for Narrow Neck military training camp, Warrant-officer C. S. Caddie, headmaster of the Rakaumanga native school at Huntly West for the past six years, was tendered a farewell social and dance, arranged by Mr Tonga Mahuta, on behalf of the Maori people, in the Waahi Pa Hall, Huntly West. The hall was packed to overflowing by Europeans and Maoris, which showed the esteem in which the departing guest and Mrs Caddie, were held. The function was also held as a farewell to Mrs Caddie, who is leaving shortly to reside in Auckland with her mother, Dr. A. Woodward Horsley. The hall was effectively arranged with red, white and blue streamers and a wealth of nikau palms, which decorated the walls. A happy evening was spent in dancing to music provided by the Rangitahi orchestra, which was much appreciated.

Mr John Kingi, chairman of the Rakaumanga school committee, who presided, apologised for the absence of Princess Te Puea, who regretted being unable to attend, and extended her best wishes. The Mayor and Mayoress of Huntly, Mr and Mrs W. C. E. George, Mr J. W. Connell, of Auckland, schools agricultural instructor, and Mrs Connell, and Mrs Dr. A. Woodward Horsley, of Auckland were present. Mr George Haunui, with Mr J. Rukatai, of Auckland, acting as interpreter, extended a warm welcome to the gathering, and on behalf of the Maori King, Koroki, and the Maori people, he presented Mr and Mrs Caddie each with a handsome Maori cloak as a small token of esteem and regard. Speaking on behalf of King Koroki, Mr Rukatai said that Mr Caddie had endeared himself to the children and the Maori people, and would take with him their best wishes. Mr W. C. E. George, on behalf of the citizens of Huntly, endorsed these remarks and paid tribute to the splendid work Mr Caddie had accomplished at the school. Mr George also spoke highly of the invaluable work Mrs Caddie had done in many ways for the benefit of the. school. He extended best wishes for a safe return. On behalf of the children of Rakaumanga school, Miss Phyllis Punakai and Master Whatu Paki made the presentation of a sandwich dish and fork to Mrs Caddie and a silver cigarette case to Mr Caddie. After expressing regret at their departure, Mr John Kingi, on behalf of the parents of the school children, presented a silver wristlet watch to Mr Caddie and a carved trinket box to Mrs Caddie. Mr Currie Martin, the oldest chairman of the* school committee, also paid tribute to Mr Caddie’s work. Mr Caddie sui/tably returned thanks. During the evening, Maori action songs and dances were given by the Rakaumanga troupe, a Maori farewell song was rendered by Miss M. McLean, one of the teachers, and a haka was led by Mrs George Haunui and Mr Cooper Awa. Among those present were:—Mesdames C. S. Caddie, J. P. Bailey, H. Payne, G. F. Wight, A. B. Jamieson, F. D. Armour, E.‘V. Daldy, V. J. Cook (Waikokowai), P. Rogers, Jones (Hamilton), Inglis, senr., W. Parkes, R. Shand, E. H. Fuller, H. G. Henderson (Renown), W. Paki, G. Haunui, F. Berry, G. Rayner, C. Brazier, R. Wilson, T. Neil (Tauwhare), T. Dawson. Misses J. Gordon, M. McLean, D. Paki, E. Allan, K. Salter. M. Hodgson, G. Caird, M. E. Harford, L. Applegarth, A. McPherson, Thomas, M. Morris, C. Berry.