Complimentary Social.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxi, Issue 6077, 25 September 1903, Page 2

Complimentary Social.

On the occasion of his leaving the Elgin School to take up a position at East Eyreton, the residents of the district decided not to allow Mr A. Hunnibell to depart from their midst without showing in some practical way or other their deep sense of gratitude to him for his- successful labours among the school children in the past. Accordingly, about one hundred persons assembled nt the Elgin sohool last evening to take farewell of Mr and Mrs Hunnibell. For the past twelve years'Mr | Hunnibell has been connected with the | sohool, and the greater portion of this period he has been in sole charge of the school. His sc&o'astic work has always received commendation at the hands of the Inspector, which is the best test of the ability of any pchoolmaster. Independent of his abilities as a teacher, Mr Hunnibell | has enjoyed the privilege of being popular and much esteemed in the district where he has resided for so long. The arrangements for the sooial were complete in every way, the refreshment portion being in charge of Mesdames Choak, Smith, Jary, and Miss Protheroe, who carried out their duties to the letter. Among those present were several visitors from Ashburton. Mr A. Protheroe, the chairman of the School Committee, took charge of the general arrangements, and was ably assisted by Mr J. Choak, a member of the committee. The evening was spent in songs and dancing, Mr E. Protheroe performing the duties of VJ.C. to the satisfaction of all. The music for the dancing was supplied by Messrs Sherman, I)a!ton, and Anderson. The vocal portion was supplied by Miss Kickman, and Messrs Titumins and Budkiu, Mr Sherman sictiug as accompanist..

During an interval between the dances, Mr A. Pro: hero, chairman of the Sohool Committee, took the chair. He explained that the object of the gathering was to give Mr Hunnib -11 a suitable send-oIT and at the same time to make a presentation to him. Mr Hunnibell had laboured in the district for twelve years and during that time his work had been very creditable. Last year three scholarships were brought home to the school. His work bad been of such an excellent nature that he deserved a good send-off. He felt sorry that they we.re losing his services as a teacher, which East Kyretpn, the district to which he was going, would reap the benefit of. He £ben presented Mr Hunnibell with a handsome travelling rug, the.initiale of the recipient being worked on it in a very artistic.fashion. He made the presentation'on behajfoi the district, and wished Mr Hunnihell every success in his newappointmenl.

Mr J, Ohoak, aa a membe? of the School 1' Commi tee, said that he had been connected with the school for several years, and had •ilwayß noticed that Mr Hunnibeli's work wis very satisfactorily performed ; in fact, when the examinations came round there was scarcely a miss. The passes were always good throughout. Those who had not attende'l would probably not come out so well as those who h.ad, ancj could not expect to get on so well in the end. He endorsed the remarks of fhe chairman in regard to the general ability of Mr Hunnihell as a'teacher, and wished him success in the perfgrmance of hig new duties. MYJ. Cochpane expressed his? pleasure at being present. Mo had known Mr Hunnibell ever since he had come to the district twelve years ago, He congratulated him on his appointment—a position he was thoroughly deserving of. His ability as a teacher was unquestionable, and his integrity without reproach. Ho was gad to see so many present, and hoped that in his new sphere of labour he would be a success. . Since he came to the district his teaching work had been very creditable indeed. Mr Hu.nnibell wss a teacher who did-his duty in a mann<y which no one could find fault with. During the time he (Mr Cochrane) had been Chairman of* the Committee, Mr Hunnibell had got along all right with, him, iand they had been very good friends. He wished him success in the district where 1 he was going. ' Mr T. Eollitt said that it gave him much pleasure to endorse the remarks of the previous speakers'. ]Jnder Mr Hunnibell's tuition, the pupils bad gained h^n'ours, and for the short time had known Mr Hunnibell he had found that the. children were beloved by liinj. "They hsuj been well looked after, and well versed 'in' their education.

Mr Ifunnibell, jn responding, said that on ah occasion like the present one, he was not prepared to give a speech ; he waa better at that in the daytime when the youngsters were around him. He advised those present to believe only about half of what the previous speakers had said about him. (Laughter). He took occasion to thank the people of the district for their kindness, and also for the presentation. He could not say tfyat he was sorry at leaving the school, as he was going to a better billet. The attendance at the school he now con- i ducted h^d got §o low that presently he would not be a. ble to earn bread and butter. However, it was naturally hard to part with old friends and acquaintances which he had since he came to the district. Th^ree hearty cheeks were then given for Mr and Mrs Hunnibell. The floor was then cleared for dancing, which tya,3 k§pt qp with niuoh vigor for some time the ocropany dispersing in the "weesraa^QQrs," ■.-.-■■-.