VALEDICTORY

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 March 1930, Page 7

VALEDICTORY

MR E. PARTRIDGE. [OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, March 29. Mr E. Partridge, who has accepted the position of Schools Inspector at Wanganui, received an enthusiastic farewell at the State School yesterday. In the morning the teachers met him and made him a presentation of a reading lamp. Regret was expressed at his departure and good wishes expressed for his future progress and health. Mr Partridge thanked the teachers for their kindness and loyal co-operation during his term here. In the afternoon, the school official farewell took place. The proceedings opened with the children singing the school song, composed by Miss . Duff. The children were marshalled ip the grounds, the verandah of which formed a dais for the School Committee and ' others. Mr J. Niven, assistant master, was in charge of the first part and after stating the object, called upon a boy of the primary school to * speak on behalf of- that department. Master Allen Coles delivered a wellprepared address, expressing regret at Mr Partridge leaving, thanking him for his good work for .them at school and wishing him further progress. A lad from the‘Secondary Department, (Maurice Connolly) expressed similar sentiments from that end of the school. Miss Rita Thiele made the presentation to the guest of a. gold wristlet watch. Then followed one of the tiny tots (Alice Wieblitz) who presented him with a set of gold studs. The gathering then sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow/’ Mr Armstrong (Chairman of the School .Committee) addressed the assemblage, first congratulating Mr Partridge, and also regretting his loss to the school. He referred to the improvements made inside the school and outside, stating that the Rector had been an inspira-

tion to the Committee and teachers alike. The tone of the school and the picturesque grounds bore witness to his fine work. On behalf of the Committe he presented Mr Partridge with a Kaiapoi travelling rug. Mr R- Wild (Chairman of the Canterbury Education Board) referred to Mr Partridge’s success as a teacher, saying he undoubtedly would leave his mark behind him, and a grateful lot of scholars. Mr Irwin (Schools Inspector) addressed those present from a teachers point of view, hoping the good work done by Mr Partridge would stand. Mr W. H. Shannon (School Committee) referred to the splendid work done by the Rector in extending the work of the Secondary School, instancing the inception of the Commercial Class. He also referred to the realm of sports in which the Rector had interested the children. Messrs Richards, Sweney and Pedder also spoke on behalf of the School Committee and Mr S.. Preston on behalf of the Mr ’Partridge was received with hearty applause. He expressed his pleasure in knowing that his efforts at the school had been appreciated, but he thought he did not deserve all that was said. He wished to thank the staff for their hearty co-operation and good feelings, the parents for their ready assistance at all times in providing funds by the annual fair, for the improvements referred to, the School Committee who had given him all the assistance they could, and last but not least, he thanked the children for their part. To them he gave some kindly advice about playing the game and helping the new Rector (Mr Men-

zies). He would always remember his happy days here and the kindness shown him. The singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” once more and the National Anthem concluded the proceedings. In the evening at All Saints’ Hall, the teachers and senior scholars tendered Mr Partridge a social. Music was supplied by the Black Hand orchestra, the school orchestra, Mrs Leavies and others. Mr Partridge was the recipient of an album of school views and groups. Mr Partridge leaves on Monday next.