RETIRING HEADMASTER

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 145, 16 December 1933, Page 11

RETIRING HEADMASTER

MR. KIDSON FAREWELLED

Ths retiring principal of the Hutt Valley High School, Mr. H. P. Kiclson, who has been appointed rector of the Otago Boys' High School, was farewelled yesterday at the breaking-up ceremony of the school. . < . . The chairman of the Beard of Gover-' nors, Mr. D. A. Even, said every school reflected, the personality of its headmaster, aud as the college had hud only one headmaster, the high standard it had attained was a tribute to Mr. Kidson. The Board of' Governors realised the efficient manner 'in which; the school ,was». run. Mrs. Kidson had endeared \herself to all by her tact, kindpess, and unfailing courtesy. He -wished Mr.. Kidson every success in his new. position. (Applause.) On behalf of the Board of Governors, the Parents' Association, and the Old Pupils' Association, Mr. Ewen asked Mr. and Mrs. Kidson to accept a silver tea and coffee service tray as a small token of the esteem in which, they were held. On behalf o£ the Parents' Association, Mr. C. 35. Dowlanii spoke of the great service Mr; Kidson had rendered to the school, and said how sorry all were at losing him. Captain W. Olphei't added his tribute to Mr. Kidson on behalf of. the parents of past pupils.. ■ Mi\.TV. Taylor said the Old Pupils' Association owed a great'deal to Mr. Kidson at its inception in 1929, ,and much had been done for the association by the prin,cipal since then.. The Mayor of Lower Hutt (Mr. J. TV. Andrews) said he would like to pay a tribute to Mr. Kidson as a citizen. The member for the district, Mr. W. Nash, expressed regret at Mr. Kidson's departure, and wished him every success in his new appointment. Mr. Kidson'was greeted with prolonged applause when he rose to1-reply,. First of all, he said, he Would like ,to extend thanks on behalf of Mrs. Kidson and himself for the beautiful gift. He was not happy that day at all, for it meant his, severance with the school, and he had spent some of .the happiest days of his life as principal of the school.' He had begun at first, he said, with 160 pupils at Petone, and now a school was built» up. He thought sound foundations were laid for the school.. The'staff was composed of men and women of personality who wore prepared ot work together in, the interests of the school. He thought the board,had made a, wise choice in appoint? ing. Mr. Millard to succeed him; the appointment had been a relief to him.. The various chairmen of the Board of, Governors had been men of standing and of known integrity. There had been no petty criticism from the board, and he had appreciated this more than anything else,. He appreciated the interest of the Parents' Association and the Old Pupils' Association in the school. He thanked thel other colleges, and the primary schools for their goodwill, and concluded by wishing the school every success. * Cheers were given for Mr. and. Mrs. Kidsoni and they were Accorded musical honours. - ' '- A beautiful bouquet was presented to Mrs. Kidson by Olive Castle. ;