VALEDICTORY

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 3445, 19 March 1932, Page 5

VALEDICTORY

POPULAR MASTER FAREWELLED.

A combined dance and social was held at the High School last evening to farewell Mr. F. S. Merrick, who has received an appointment to the Cambridge District High School. There was a good attendance of both pupils and ex-pupils. Up till supper the evening was passed in dancing and games, after which a presentation was made to Mr. Merrick. Mr. Jack Irvine spoke for the expupils, expressing regret that Mr. Merrick should be leaving, but wishing him God-speed in his new sphere. Expupils always remembered Mr. Merrick with gratitude, for the friendship and help he had shown to them, quite apart from the actual teaching. In that sphere, too, Mr. Merrick had been the most popular of teachers. Mr. Shakes, speaking for the School Committee, further commented on the popularity of Mr. Merrick. It was often said that a schoolmaster never saw the result of his work, but the large gathering was ample proof of the high esteem Mr. Merrick was held by his pupils and ex-pupils. MrShakes then appealed to the members of the Old Pupils' Association loi their co-operation in helping to forward the interests of the school. Mr. Skinner endorsed the remarks cf the former speakers regarding the many good qualities of the guest of the evening. As headmaster of the Te Kuiti* District High School he had many opportunities of realising the good work of Mr. "Merrick. He regretted that they were losing the services of Mr. Merrick, but he carried with him the best wishes of the staff of the school, besides the pupils and ex-pupils. Mr. Skinner expressed regret Merrick was not present owing to being away from home at present. Mr. Merrick was then presented with a leather suitcase and travelling rug in appreciation of his work as master in the High School.

In thanking the pupils and expupils, and other speakers for their kind words and presentation, Mr. Merrick said that had it not been for various circumstances he would not be there bidding them farewell. It was leaving many friends, as he had always considered his pupils in that light. During the five years he had been teaching in Te Kuiti he had thoroughly enjoyed the work. Those five years he could count in the faces of those present, and he felt the parting keenly. The ties in Te Kuiti were very strong to him, and he would not have left Te Kuiti had it not been for health reasons.

Loud applause greeted Mr. Merrick's remarks, followed by the singing of "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow," and three ringing cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Merrick.