FAREWELL TO HEAD MASTER

Evening Star, Issue 19290, 1 July 1926, Page 9

FAREWELL TO HEAD MASTER

MR FITZGERALD RETIRES TWENTY YEARS' SERVICE After twenty years’ service a a head master of the Maori Hill School, Mr J. i\. Fitzgerald has resigned, and he was tendered a farewell social in the local Coronation Hall last evening. The building was crowded. Mr P. F- Clark (chairman of the school committee) presided, and on behalf of the committee expressed pleasure at seeing such a largo attendance. Mr Fitzgerald deserved the tribute.. On Monday. July 1(5, 1906, the school was opened, and Mr Fitzgerald had been appointed head master. The speaker also welcomed the new head masterMr Wilson, who, he hoped, would niaintain the high standard set by bis predecessor. Mr Clark read several apologies, including one from the mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley, M.P.). On behalf of the staff, past and present, Mr T. Paterson said that Mr .Fitzgerald had endeared himself not only to the pupils and parents, but also to his colleagues. Ho believed that the retiring head master would not soon forget the friendship and loyalty of his stuff, in conclusion, he expressed the hope that Mr Fitzgerald would long enjoy health and happiness and pleasurable recollections ot the pupils and staff of the Maori Hill Schoof.

Mrs G. E. Harrison (first dux of the school) and Mr J. Kinnear spoke on behalf of the ox-pupils. Mrs Harrison said that the school had been fortunate in having Mr Fitzgerald as its head master. All those who camo in contact with him had been impressed by his Earnestness, and she was sure she was voicing the feelings of the old girls when she said that his retirement was regretted. Mr Kinnear referred to the interest Mr Fitzgerald had taken in the pupils, not only while they were at the school, but after thev had left as well. As pupils they alt admired Mr Fitzgerald, The speaker then called on all the cxpupils to stand, and there was a large response. Mr Kinnear expressed the hope that Mr Fitzgerald would enjoy his well-earned retirement.

Mr S. N. Brown spoke for the Maori Hill School Committee. Ho said that Mr Fitzgerald had raised the tone of tho whole school, and had had a good influence upon the children. He had taken an interest in the scholastic affairs of the school, and also the physical, moral, and social side. It was to lie hoped that he would not leave the district. The next head master would undoubtedly feel that it was a hard task to follow in Mr Fitzgerald s lootsteps, hut from what ho had hoard or Mr Wilson ho was sure he would hold the uamtion worthily. Mr Brown then presented Mr Fitzgerald with an album containing a photograph of tho school, tho staff, and the pupils, also a testimonial and a well-filled ''''allot. As a token of the esteem in winch she was held by tho residents of the district, Mrs Fitzgerald was presented with a silver ten service. „ “For they are jolly good follows was then sung, and was followed by three cheers. Professor 11. E. Davios .spoke on behalf of tho parents and residents. “Mr Fitzgerald comes of a good stock,’ said Professor Davies. Mr Fitzgerald possessed the two most important factors in the equipment of a teacher —personality and character. As a parent he thanked him for all ho had done for the children. The Chairman of the Education Board (Mr ,1. Wallace) recalled that (iffy years ago there were at least two pupils at the Moray Placo School. One was Mr Fitzgerald and the other was himself. Mr Wallace spoke in glowing terms of Mr Fitzgerald’s work, and concluded by expressing the hope that ho would enjoy a long life of happiness. In reply'Mr Fitzgerald said that ha had done his best for tho children and tho school. Ho recalled that it was with groat trepidation that he entered on his work at Maori Hill. The speaker thou traced the history of the school. In February, 18? 1, lie joined the .service of tho Otago Education Board, a'nd in leaving ho would like to pay a tribute to those who had controlled tho education affairs in Otago. Ha referred to tho secretaries, the inspectors, and f-Jio committees, who had all put their hearts into their work. Ho also paid a tribute to tho staff, adding that all the success ho had met with had been duo to his teachers. Ho also thanked thfc parents for the active interest they had taken in the school. He suggested that an ox-pupils’ association ho formed. Although ho was severing his connection, ho would always have pleasant memories of the school. Ho wished Mr Wilson every success.

Tho Chairman then introduced Air Wilson, who remarked that Air Fitzgerald’s example was an inspiration to go and do likewise if possible. During the evening musical items were given by ex-pupils of the school.