BONDS OF EMPIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6204, 8 October 1921, Page 6

BONDS OF EMPIRE.

INTERCHANGE OF DOMINIONS’ TEACHERS.

CANADIAN TEACHER FOR TE HAPARA WELCOMED.

Despite the unfavorable weather conditions there was a large number of teachers and others interested in local educational bodies present at the Le > Grande tea rooms last; mghb on the occasion of a civic reception tendered Miss Johnson, a teacher who has arrived here from Canada under the new exchange system. The proceedings began with the singing of the National Anthem, following which the chairman addressed the gathering. In doing so, Mr Wildish said they had met to give a civic recejiticn to Miss Johnson and he extended her a welcome on behalf of the citizens of Gisborne. The secretary of the Hawkes Bay Education Board had spoken highly of the ability of their guest and he congratulated Te Hapara school on having been allocated the first Canadian teacher to come to this district under the new scheme. In conclusion, lie referred to the many and considerable benefits that would accrue to the education of both Dominions through exchange of teachers. The speaker also thanked the Poverty Bay Teachers Institute for arranging the details of the reception. The deputy Mayor (Mr H.. DeCosta) also welcomed Miss Johnson, and in doing so, said her visit seemed a sort of linking up of the Dominions. He alluded to the benefit that Should accrue from her visit and trusted that, while in New Zealand, she would have a most enjoyable time. Mr J. R. Kirk, a member of the H.B. Education Board, apologised for the absence of Mrs Kirk, .but, on her and his own behalf, extended to the guest a hearty welcome. It was only the best of Canada’s teachers that were being sent out to New Zealand. Canada seemed a long way off, but these interchanges would draw it nearer. The representative women of Canada, he continued, would leave behind them the nucleus of a bond between the Dominions as did the soldiers from all parts of the Empire in the Great War. Next to speak was Mr Wilmot who, in behalf of the P.B. Teachers’ Institute uttered a few words of welcome and said great satisfaction had been expressed when it bocame known that a teacher from Canada was to come to this district. He re- . ferred to the good that would ensue from the interchange of teachers and the esprit de corps that existed among the teachers of this district. Miss Cameron, president of the P.B. Women Teachers’ Institute, in welcoming the visitor, said it was quite the natural thing for New Zealanders and Canadians to extend the hand of welcome. Speaking on behalf of the Te Hapara school, Mr G. K. Pasley assured their guest of the help and co-operation of the local members of the teaching profession. Mr F. J. Rowley, headmaster of the Gisborne School, said the Poverty Bay district was honored by having had a Canadian teacher sent to it. Miss Johnson would find the New Zealanders intensely loyal to the Empire as a whole. We were keenly interested in what was going on in Canada and in a small way were doing honor to that Dominion. The chairman of the Mangapapa Town Board, Mr W. J. McCliskie, spoke in a similar strain. On behalf of the Gisborne .School Committeo the Rev. James Aitken M.A., also spoke a few words of welcome.

Three cheers were then given for the guest and supper was served. Miss Johnson, in replying. expressed appreciation of the welcome extended her, and trusted she would not lie a disappointment to them. During the evening a programme of musical and vocal items was rendered, the contributors being as follows :—Songs, Miss Dougherty, Messrs Mmqihy. Wilmont, and Stewart; pianoforte solo, Miss Stone; recitation, Mrs P. A. Clark. Accompaniments were played by Misses Stoneham and Barlow.