A POPULAR TEACHER.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 63, 2 March 1921, Page 6

A POPULAR TEACHER.

MISS M. 1. GRAY. FAREWELL BY HASTINGS NORTH SCHOOL. At the termination of the school day on Monday 28th February, the children of the Hastings North School, their parants, ami the teachers assembled to say farewell to Miss M. I. Gray, who lor the past seventeen years has been associated with the school as its infant mistress. The School Committee was represented by the chairman, Mr. A. VV. Hamilton and "Mr. A. Saunders. Mr. McNeil, secretary, forwarded an apology for absence. Mr. Hamilton, on behalf of the committees, past and present, thanked Miss Gray for her earnest devotion tb duty during her long connection with the school, ami took opportunity to offer congratulations on her wellmerited promotion and to express the hope that her work at Napier South would be as much appreciated as it was here. Mr. Chaplin, headmaster, on behalf of the childien, parents and teachers presented Miss Gray with a solid leather hand-bag and a gold wristlet watch, emblematical of the golden opinions won from children, parents and teachers. In the course of his remarks, Mr. Chaplin traced the growth of the school from its inception, Aug 21th.. 1903/ when the roll number was 52, to its present state with a roll of 440. During these years of development Miss Gray had been entrusted with the laying of the foundation and the thoroughness of her work is to-day widespread and reflected in the superstructure that has risen from the two generations of children that have come under her care. Miss Gray had always been more than the infant mistress, she had at all times taken a practical interest in the games, sewing, singing, drill and heme science of the upper classes, whilst the social side ol the school life, concerts, picnics etc., received her whole-hearted support. Mr. Chaplin expressed his deep sense ol sorrow at losing the services ol such a capable, pains-taking and trustworthy co-worker, and on behalf of the teachers and pupils wished her the best of luck in her new sphere of action. Mr. A. Lake, first assistant, replied on behal.f of Miss Gray who was visible affected with thoughts oi parting from the old school, and in doing so referred to the fact that the memories and reflections of seventeen years made it almost impossible for Miss Gray to personally return thanks. He referred to Miss Gray’s happy relations with the school and especially thanked the headmaster, Mr. Chaplin, for his maiiv acts of kindness and for his considerate treatment during all theso years. He reminded those present that Miss Gray would ever keep green in her memory thoughts of her happy connection with the Hastings North School and that whenever she had occasion to wear their beautifui wristlet watch she would always remember that embodied in the gift was an expression of their appreciation of her work. At the invitation of Mr. Hamilton the children rose and gave three rousing cheers for the guest of honoui.