FAREWELL BANQUET AT WAERENGA-A-HIKA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3591, 2 August 1912, Page 2

FAREWELL BANQUET AT WAERENGA-A-HIKA.

A POPULAR SCHOOL TEACHER.

AIR ELLIS HONORED

A farewell banquet was tendered ,o Mr Ellis, who has left Waerenga-a-a-hika School, having ex'hanged places with Mr Pole, of Waipiro Bay. The dinner was held in the dining room of the AYaerenga-u-hika hotel and the function was in every way an unqualified success, being attended by 40 settlers representative of tho district, the large room being taxed w its utmost capacity.

Mr H. J. Lougher acted as chairman, having the guest of the evening on his Tight. The chairman gave tho toast of tho “King” which was enthusiastically drunk. Apologies for non-attendance were read by the Chairman from the following: Messrs F. J. Rowley, Leslie, Conan, Meßretney. Trafl’ord and McKenzie, who all wished Mr Ellis and family health and pi'osperity. The toast of “Tho Teaching Profession” was proposed by Air Geo. Davis, who, in the course of his remarks, referred to the importance of the. profession and lt,s usefulness in directing the building of a country’s greatness and expressed the opinion that New Zealand was fortunate in having such a fine lot of school teachers. Ho coupled the namc« of Messrs McLeod and Woodward with this toast and they suitably responded. Air J. AVauchop proposed “School Committees,” and Air A- 11. Cnlebrook responded. The Chairman proposed “Our Guest,” and, in speaking to the toast made reference to Air Ellis’s willingness at all times to work in friendly union with his Committee. Also to Air Ellis’s usefulness,.. not only in his professional capacity, but as a citizen, in which capacity he had been most ably supported by Airs Ellis, and bo-tlj had always shown a keen desire to assist where help was needed and an adaptability and willingness to assist at social functions. The Chairman explained that he had a pleasing duty to perforin, but before doing so lie would give others an oppjrtunty to speak to the toast. Air George Davis said he was, he believed. the oldest inhabitant of Poverty Bay present. He had lived next door to Air Ellis since his arrival here, and spoke highly of Air Ellis's good qualities as a neighbor, and regretted that Air Ellis had not come to AA’ae-renga-a-hika soon enough to teach all his family as the younger members Iliad been taught. Air J. AlcLcod said that as a neighbor and fellow teacher lie was delighted to see so many present to do honor to the guest of the evening. He had known Air Ellis for some considerable time, and to know him was to appreciate him as a teacher and a man.

Air Kay (Kaitaratahi) expressed his pleasure at being present and wished Air Ellis and family health and happiness at AVaipi-ro Bay. Air G. Jones, on behalf of country residents, spoke in eulogistic terms of Air Ellis’s kindness and geniality, and paid a high tribute to Air Ellis’s musical ability, and willingness to assist at social functions.

Air AYoodward, as president of the Teachers’ Institute, also spoke to the toast and in the name of the Institute thanked those present for the honor done to one of its members.

Air J. AVauchop, in a tactful speech, made feeling reference to the good feeling that had existed between ATr Ellis and himself, also to Airs Ellis’s willingness at all times to assist in social functions in aid of other schools. AL- Geo. Haapu also spoke wishing Air Ellis and family health and prosperity in their new sphere of action. Air H. Boat-son, speaking to the toast, made reference to Air and Airs Ellis’s hospitality. He regretted their departure very much, and felt that he was parting from the best friends that lie (Air. Beatscn) had in Poverty Bay. Air J. Erskino also spokeThe Chairman, on behalf of his friends in the AYaerenga-a-hika and surrounding districts, then presented Air Ellis with a purse of sovereigns, and an adress, and wished Air and Airs Ellis and family health and happiness.

In the course of his remarks the Chairman referred to the friendly relations that had existed between Air Ellis and his assistants. They all regretted Aliss Aleyev’s retirement from their school. Air Ellis was asked to receive, on behalf of Aliss Meyer, a hands erne silver-mounted hand mirror, a»’d that he would convey to Aliss Mover the hearty good wishes that bad been tendered to lier with tho presentation.

’Hie address presented to Air Ellis was in the following terms: —

Waereriga-a-liika, Julv. 25. 1912

To our Mutual Friend. Air H. E. Ellis.—-Dear Sir : AYe, whose names appear hereon, wish to tender you our goodwill and good wishes for the future career of yourself, wife and family. As a citizen who has resided amongst us for a period of nine years, we hold and have always held you in very high esteem. AYe regret your departure from our midst, but feel sure that in the district to which you are about to remove your - geniality oi chafacte* and usefulness in your professional capacity will be appreciated. It is our wish that you accept the accompanying purse of sovereigns as a small token of our goodwill towards yourself and family and that this short address wall serve to “keep green” recollections of your friends with whom you have been associated in this village.

The toast was drunk with musical honor* and three cheers and a cheer for Miss Mover. Mr Ellis,’ .in responding, said he thanked one and all for the kind expressions to him and for the presentation. Ho paid 1 a high tribute. to the teachers of Poverty Bay, and said that the district was fortunate in having such a fine lot of men and women. He hoped that the district' would give his successor as hearty a welcome as they had given him a send-off. “It is with mingled feelings,” con tinned Mr Ellis, “that I reply *0 the toast of my health. I feel sorrow - t parting with so many good friends, and I hope that the transfer winch J have arranged will prove satisfactory. 1 wish it to he clearly understood that T arn leaving here on my own initiative, the Education Boat c permitting me to transfer. >\ it-n 10ferenco to my assistant, I am pleased to take this opportunity to say T '.a J Miss Meyer is an excellent to acini, and one who-will strive to do hei lies.; wherever situated. I thank you most heartily dn behalf of Miss Moyer tor your kind remarks accompanying you* presentation and may assure you tnat both will be faithfully conveyed +0 1] Gl*. “In conclusion I shall be pleased to come down to Poverty Bay and meet *S . Mk i S :■ K .

my old fribnds at Waeronga-a-luk i whenever able to do so.”

“The Farming Community” was proposed by Mr J. O. Woodward, a .c responded to by Messrs Geo. Davis a no G. E. Jones. Mr Davis referred to the possibilities of New Zealand, its admirable climate, and soil—perhaps as. good ae anywhere in the world —which made the Dominion adapted to agricultural farming. With reference to dairy farming, lie said that much could be done to improve the industry ianJ he was a strong advocate for scientifictesting of cows, and retention of profitable classes only.

Mr G. E. Jones said the shcepfarning industry was one of great importance, and it was gratifying to know that Gisborne was third on the list of exporting centres. The farmers as a whole, he believed, worked to the best advantage. The elementary agriculture taught at schools would he or great benefit and productive of good results in future.

Mr J. McLeod proposed “The Ladies,” Mr J. McDonald responding. “Our Hostess” was proposed by Mr H. E- Ellis and responded to by Mr A. L. Rigney. During the evening songs were contributed by Messrs H. J. Lougher. Woodward, Rigney, G. E. Jobes and Ellis, while .recitations were given by Messrs J. McLeod and J. C. Woodward.