SERVICE TO COLLEGE

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 218, 10 June 1933, Page 2

SERVICE TO COLLEGE

Retiring Groundsman Honoured Upon his retirement after 24 years' service as groundsman at Wellington College, Air. J. Muirhead was yesterday made presentations from the staff atnl pupils of the college, members of the Old Boys’ Association, and the ground staff. , The presentations were made tn the Aleniorial Hall, the principal. Mr. M . A. Armour, presiding over a gathering icpresenting all the branches of the school. Both Air. and Airs. Muirbcad were present. Air. Armour said leave bad been taken of Air. Aiuirhead in the school, to which he bad given long service extending over 24 years. An address was to be presented expressing regret at his retirement. He had served under three headmasters, and had given himself wholeheartedly to the interests of the school, showing traits which had won him the respect and admiration of the members of the staff and the generations of boys which bad passed through the school. Uis services iu tlie preparation of wickets and grounds tm cricket and football bad been particularly valuable, while be had been of great he;p to the boarding department by his knowledge of farming and interest in the dairy herd. Mrs. Firth had desired to be associated with the presentation, to winch she had contributed. They ail wishe*i Air. and Mrs. Muirhead good bealt.i auu prosperity in the leisure which lay betore them. , , ... A cheque was then presented by V . . D. Longburst, head prefect, together with tlie address, ou behalf of the staff ami

pupils of the college. Colonel' St. J. Beere, on behalf of the Old Bovs’ Association, presented Mr. Muirhead with a chair made from the timbers of the old school. The chair bore a silver plate suitably inscribed and bearing the dates "1909-1933.” In the years Mr. Muirhead had been at the college the grounds had been improved out, of sight, said Colonel St. .T. Beere. A presentation on behalf of the ground staff was made by Mr. H. Howard, and other tributes to Mr. Alnirbead's services were paid by Mr. W. 11. Denton, representing the Board of Governors, and Alessrs. T. Beard. F. Joplin. J. S. Lomas, ami T. Brodie, of the college staff. Mr. Muirhead expressed bis appreciation of the kind words which had been said, of the presentations which had been made, and the farewell extended to an old hand. Musical honours and cheers were accorded, and afternoon tea was then served.