POPULAR TEACHER RETIRES

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4671, 21 December 1944, Page 3

POPULAR TEACHER RETIRES

The annual break-up fancy dress dance of the Arrow town public school presented an opportunity of also farewelling Mrs E. M. Douglas on her retirement from the teaching profession. The function at the Athenaeum Had on Friday night was therefore invested with very special interest, not alone to present but to many scores of past pupils of Mrs Douglas. Consequently the attendance severely taxed the accommodation of the hall and vms a striking tribute to one who was much beloved in the community.

Mr Willis Shaw, chairman of the farewell committee, said Mrs Dougins came to Arrowtown in 191.1 and took up duty at the district high school. She was transferred to Wanaka and subsequently returned to Arrowtown. Her combined service at the local school extended over 2(i years. She 1 had given splendid service, and had endeared herself to pupils and parents alike. The opportunity was therefore taken to show some recognition of her worth as a teacher. The chairman read a number of apologies from ex Arrowtown residents. One received from the secretary of the Southland Education Board stated that Mrs Douglas had maintained a high standard of ofliciency" throughout her career and the board hoped she would be long spared to enjoy a happy retirement. The rector of the Queenstown district high school (Mr K. G. J, Shrimpton), on behalf of the teachers of the Lakes district, wished Mrs Douglas “as long and distinctive a period of retirement as has been her connection with the Arrowtown school;” For a very long time Mrs Douglas has done a man’s work during which she will, l.e hoped, find much pleasure in watching the lives of those whom she has helped to grow up. The chairman expressed the thanks of his wife, and members of the school staff.

Mr G. H. Hansen, chairman of the Arrow• school committee, thanked the many patrons of the dance, the children and the parents who had gone to so much trouble preparing the fancy costumes. He then went on to express regret that they were losing the services of Mrs Douglas who was rclinguishing her work after 40 years’ service as a teacher. She came to Arrow in 1911 as a teacher in the district high school and after doing ser-

vice elsewhere returned to Arrow town, where she taught over a period of 2(5 years, which was probably a record of service in one place. She meantime married and brought up a family. Reference was made to Mrs Douglas’ interest in the school gardens which were considered one of the best in the Southland, Education Board district. He found Mrs Douglas a very kindhearted woman and a good neighbour. He wished Mr and Mrs Douglas every happiness in their retirement, Mr L. Lee, who deputised for the chairman of the Lake County Council,

1 spoke in eulogistic strain of the many | good qualities of Mrs Douglas, whom jhe regarded as a personal friend. He | considered that the men and women of ! today who were pupils of Mrs Douglas ■in former years had much to thank i her for. They were, indeed, a rcflcc- | tion of the good work she had done jin shaping their lives. The large i gathering was living testimony of her 1 work. He hoped she would have many ! years of well earned rest. | Mr W. B. Gibb, mayor of Arrow-i.-town, said the gathering of old and ; present day pupils probably constitut- ■ ed one of the happiest episodes in Mrs Douglas’ life. He offered his congratulations to the guest on reaching a well earned retirement and complimented her for her many services to the town and district as a teacher and citizen. On behalf of Mr Dalrymple, j president of the Horticultural Society, I who was unable to be present, he offered his thanks for all she had done as secretary of the society. •

Master Victor Baker, in real manly style, then spoke a few words expressive of the feelings of the presen i day pupils and made a presentation to Mrs Douglas, Mrs J. E. Reid follovred with a presentation from all ex-pupils which, she said, carried the best wishes for a happy retirement. Musical honours Averc given thrice OA r er after Avhich Mrs Douglas replied. Speaking to the present day scholars who Averc seated in front of her. she said: “I am very proud of you, boys and girls;' you have been great pais and have done splendid Avork.’’ Continuing, Mrs Douglas said she was very pleased to feel that she avouUl be still living in the district and Avould therefore keep contact with present day as avoll as old pupils. The honoured guest recounted many episodes of her earlier teaching years and named several of the pupils whom she had taught, hoav men and women (fathers and mothers) avlio had brought honour on their teacher and parents. She was indebted to everyone for the great assistance they had gie'en to her. She also thanked the school committee avlio, among other things, helped to purchase the school piano and procure the necessary finance to start the school gardens, besides having the school remodelled. Mrs Douglas hoped that the same loyal co-operation would be extended to her successor as she had received. Finally, she expressed thanks to pupils and ex-pupils for their