TE PAPAPA SCHOOL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 77, 1 April 1932, Page 11

TE PAPAPA SCHOOL.

MR. H. T. GIBSON'S HOBBY. There were several presentations yesterday afternoon at the Te Papapa school to the retiring headmaster, Mr. H. T. Gibson, who goes on superannuation after a long and successful career. Mr. H. Dawson, chairman of the school committee, presided over a large gather f ing of parents and friends and scholars, tho ceremony taking place in &e school grounds as the day was so beautifully fine. Gifts were handed to Mr. Gibson on behalf of the children, the school committee and the teaching staff, the last mentioned being handed over by Mr. G. Tooman. Preference was made to the excellent work Mr. Gibson had done during tho nine years he had been in charge at To Papapa. In the course of some very interesting remarks when thanking the donors, Mr. Gibson said he was not satisfied that the educational system of the Dominion was complete in itself, and lie had always maae It a hobby to keep in touch with his old pupils, and follow their careers. He felt that it was only by retaining contact with old. pupils that the cycle of education could bo complete. For 25 years he had invited each scholar on leaving to write from time to time, say how he was getting on, and if in want of advice to ask for it. He also kept a series of albums with the photographs of old scholars, each tabulated with particulars of their school career.

.Mr. Gibson said he was satisfied that his efforts had been in a measure successful. Even, to-day ho was receiving letters from ex-pupils who were now fathers or mothers 'of children who were themselves now going to school. He looked upon what he had done as a hobby that brought ite own reward in the contact and friendship that resulted, and after all that was what went to lightening the load and sweetening the years of service among children.