REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 11 May 1935, Page 2

REEFTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent.') REEFTON, May 10.

There was & large attendance at the farewell social tendered to Air AV. S. Pratt, headmaster of Recftou District High School, and Mrs Pratt, at the Gymnasium Hall last evening, prior to their departure for Blenheim, where Air Pratt has accepted the position of Principal of t'he. District High School. Lhe gathering opened with community singing. Air J. B. Discaciati was in the chair. Danding followed, and then Airs Bruce and Sister Hay-McKenzie contributed solos. Major 11. Campbell, who spoke on behalf of the Reef ton District High School Committee, in 'the absence of the Chairman, Mr W’. B. Auld, paid a high tribute to Air Pratt’s interest in school matters ;n well as his practical interest in the affairs of the district. Mr 'l'. L. Floyd, who represented the Jnangahua A. and P. Association, spoke of the departing couple’s great interest in hcrlic it! m :tl affairs, this being more particularly shown in the excellence of the exhibits they produced, for the Reefton Show, as well as in the assistance they had always given the Association. Air James Patterson, representing the ißecfton School of Alines, referred to Air Pratt’s interest in endeavouring to prevail upon his scholars to take up subjects in the mining fields. The interest Air Pratt had taken in the affairs on the Returned Soldiers Association, qf which he was President was referred to by Air A. Wells, who said they all regretted his departure. The assistance given to sporting bodies by Air Pratt was referred to by Air J. C’rossman, who also spoke on behalf of the Old Pupils’ Association. Air Coxall spoke on behalf of the Swimming Club. The County Chairman, Air J. B. Auld, also spoke, thanking M’ Pratt for assistance in the jubilee celebrations, anl on behalf of his friends and the various bodies in Reefton, asked his acceptance of a cheque, which it was hoped he would expend on something to remind him ,of his residence in Reefton. Air K. J. Holyoake, M.P.. who was present, after a cordial reference to the guest of the evening aun the events of the day, presented lhe Holyo ike medals for swimming won by C. Coxail, junr. ..’'d L. Sara Air Pratt in returning thunks for the kindly references to himself and Airs Pratt said he appreciated their kindness as well as their gifts. He had certainly clone his best for the school and hoped that he had been of assistance to Reef ton, which he considered had shown a good deal of improvement in the last few years and he hoped ’hat 'this improvement would continue. Dancing was then continued to the splendid music. supplied, by the Broadway Boy’s Dance Band ami Air R. Don contributed an extra. Air Al. Waldell, junr., was an excellent AI.C. A delightful supper, provided by the ladies was much appreciated, and a pleasant evening was brought to a close shortly before one a.in.

The funeral of the late Air John Humphrey, of Blenheim, a former wellknown resident of Reefton. took place in Reefton this afternoon, when a large number of friends assembled to pay itheir last respects. The service at St. Stephen’s Church was conlucted by the Vicar, the Rev. AV. Bell, who also read the prayers at the graveside in the Suburban Cemetery.