VALEDICTORY.

Grey River Argus, 1 July 1922, Page 7

VALEDICTORY.

MR W. A. RUMBOLD. (Our Rc\fton Correspondent.) On Wednesday afternoon the scholars of the school, members of the School Committee, and a number of parents assembled in the largest room in the scliodl to farewell their headmaster, Mr Rumbold. A very nicely rendered chorus by Standards V. and VI., “The Gohlen Vanity,” was the first item on the programme ,after which Mr Goodyear, in a few well-chosen words, explained the object of the gathering, referring to the splendid feeling that had always existed between the scholars and headmaster, his keen interest in all school sport, and deep appreciation of the scholars for the interest he had taken in their welfare. He then read the following telegram received from Mr E. J. Scantlebury, member of the Nelson Education Board: “With you in spirit. Good-bye and good hick. ” Mr Goodyer then called on Mr W. B. Auld, chairman of the School Committee. Mr Auld said that if was with feelings of both pain and pleasure that he was present at such a gathering; pairbecause he did not like saying goodbye; pleasure to see that the efforts of their headmaster were so much appre-' ciated, and that the school h; d had a 1 successful time all through Mr Rumbold’s term of office. lie bespoke a kindly reception for Mr Ililgendorf, and hoped that the school would maintain its high standard of merit. The scholars then presented Mr Rum bold with a handsome entree dish and serviette ring. - Standards 111. and IV. then sang the chorus, “The Trail that Leads to Home. ’ ’ Mr Rumbold, in returning thanks, said that his remarks would be brief, but he most heartily thanked the pupils for their handsome present, which came as a. most unexpected surprise and one th: t he would always prize. He referred'to the difficulties of the position, the splendid support of the staff, and loyalty of th,? pupils. lie admitted he was deeply interested in sport, but the pupils owed far more to Mr Goodyear, who had taken the greatest of trouble in training them. He wished he could remain another two or throe months to journey with the boys’ football team to Hokitika, but nevertheless he wished them luck. He asked that the s: me loyalty bo extended to his successor, and that he would hear that the school was keeping up its old traditions. In conclusion he hoped both boys and girls would carry out the motto that he had impressed on them, “Truthfulness and honesty in work.” lie wished them all good luck. (Vociferous applause and cheers.) The infants’ classes delighted all with their rendering of “If I Were a Sunbeam. ’ ’ The singing of the National Anthem brought the gathmlng to a. close. Mr Rumbold, the committee, and ladies were then entertained at a dainty afternoon tea, by the ladies of the teaching staff. The address presented to Air Rumbold, late headmaster of Reef ton D.H. School, on his retirement, read as follows:—It is with mingled feelings of regret and congratulation that we have heard of your imminent departure from our midst. We regret because of the loss we sustain in your removal, and we congratulate you because you have ascend-cd yet another ring upon the ladder of success. We shall miss you in many ways, not only in our seh' - istic world, but also in the world of sport, for we fully recognise that much of the success attained by us in both spheres was due to your hearty cooperation and encouragement. We have felt that you were a friend and counsellor as we l .! as a headmaster. Tn giving you these slight tokens of the respect, in which we have always held you. we also give our heartiest, wishes for continued success in. your career, and every happiness in your new life. On behalf of the scholars of the Reeffon District High School we ;ire — Yours faithfully, Herbert TUid-, Thelma Dellaca.