SCHOOLMASTER HONOURED.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 21 December 1925, Page 4

SCHOOLMASTER HONOURED.

PUPILS’ PRESENTATION TO MR INNES.

The remarkable record made by Okaiawa School, both in indoor and outdoor work is a feather in the cap of the popular headmaster, Mr T. Innes, and striking evidence of liis ability, not only as a teacher, blit as an organiser in every field of activity entered by, his elder pupils. Their appreciation of liis training and tuition was appropriately aeknow ledged by the girls and boys of Std VI. when, on Saturday afternoon at the Carlton Booms, they entertained Mr and Mrs Innes and a few friends at afternoon tea and made him a presentation to commemorate the great work done in 1925. Speaking on behalf of the pupils, Mr A. Lees, chairman of the school committee, said they had met to do honour to their headmaster, and it was a happy inspiration that they should meet and 1 say good-bye, because most of the pupils were leaving for second- ' % ary schools. The gathering was indicative of the esteem in which Mr Innes was held and an appreciation of the efficiency of his work and methods. He contrasted the great reserve shown by teachers of the old days with the co-operation between teacher and pupil of to-day, and r their interest in everything pertaining to the scholars and their work. He said he was certain the teacher could help the pupil outside the school, andthat education was not confined to academical work only. Sport taught boys and girls to be able to take a beating, while agreiultuial work taught them a love of nature. In making a presentation to Mr Innes fr.om toe scholars, he (Mr Lees) hoped they would l nev.er. forget the splendid example set in the high standard! maintained by him, both inside and out of the school of how they should behave in later life. He presented! to Mr Innes W a handsome pocket book and a silver pencil, “to express a parting hope for best wishes for 'Christmas and New Year.” One of the. girls also presented/ Mrs Innes with a pretty bouquet from the pupils. The acceptance was greeted with cheers and toe singing of “For they are jolly good fellows,” great enthusiasm being shown. Mr Innes said he was very pleased with the kindly thought of the pupils as well as with toe present made, “which consisted of two things lie much wanted. The year 1925 would, he said, be a very pleasant memory to him in the future. This year Std. VI. had been unique in numbers, in toe character and standard of the work done. He was certain no class he had ever had was so good or so easy to teach and so responsive to his teaching. Its record had made history in the Okaiawa School and made the name of the school known far and wide. Referring to those pupils who had not got proficiency, he said they had not failed, but had not secured the marks necessary to reach a certain standard. Study gave young people the key by which they could open toe treasure house of knowledge. He was pleased to know that so many were going to secondary schools, which would give them a fine 'opportunity. He wished them all success in the future, and hoped they would maintain high tlie honour of Okaiawa., He thanked tlie chairman for his complimentary remarks, and said that Okaiawa had been exceedingly fortunate in having a man. like Mr Lees at the heudl of the committee and one who had been for so long associated with toe work of the school. He and Mrs Innes were deeply sensible of the honour, done to them by the pupils and he again heartily thanked them for their good wishes and their P This concluded a very happy and pleasant function, which demonstrated the. cordial relations existing tmtween headmaster and the pupils of the Okai awa School^^^^^