POPULAR HEAD MASTER

Evening Star, Issue 20982, 22 December 1931, Page 11

POPULAR HEAD MASTER

MR A. H. WILLIAMSON RETIRES Tho three farewell functions which were arranged in honour of Mr A. H. Williamson, head master of the Kaikorai School, on the 1 eve of his retirement, were marked by a warmth of goodwill which speaks volumes for the esteem in which both ho and Mrs Williamson are hold. The farewell by the staff has already been reported. At tho forenoon assembly on Thursday, Miss Betty Herd, a senior pupil, in a neat speech on behalf of the scholars, presented to their retiring head master a fine leather bowl case. After tho presentation of prizes at tho break-lip, Mr W. Sinclair (chairman of tho School Committee), stated that on Mr Williamson’s appointment the committee requested him to bo present at its 'meetings, and that it had always been glad of the asistance and advice ho had given it. Under him the school had been a happy place for both scholars and staff. On receipt of his resignation, the Education Board had referred in highly eulogistic terms to the work and worth of their trusty servant. Tho committee and parents appreciated to the full the very fine work that had been done in the school under Mr Williamson’s inspiring leadership. The speaker asked tho guests of tho evening to accept an oak hallstand, suitably inscribed. The Revs. Ryan, Tipler, and Smith, and the Yen. Archdeacon Fitchett also expressed their regret at the fact that Mr Williamson was severing his connection with tho school. Mr A. Hanna (vice-president of the School Sports’ Association) spoke of the valuable work the departing head master had done in connection with the Education Institute, the Sports Association, teachers’ grading, and the Appeal Board, mentioning that, though Mr Williamson had tendered his resignation as president of the institute and of the sports association, both those bodies, as a mark of honour, had asked him to continue to hold these positions to the end of the term.

Appreciative references by the various speakers met wtih hearty applause from the largo audience which packed the hall to the doors.

Mr Williamson, in reply, thanked the people of Kaikorai for the kindness he had met with at their hands. When as a boy ho had played in High street, now Highgate, ho little thought that one day he would occupy the honoured position of head master of the school, fn attaining such success as he had done, he had to thank a loyal and very fine staff, and a committee which had always treated him and his staff in a considerate way. The parents were most reasonable, co-operating fully with the -teachers. In conclusion, the speaker stated that, though he was leaving the school, ho was not severing his connection with the district.

The singing of ‘ For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow ’ brought the function to a close.