SANDON NOTES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 220, 15 August 1927, Page 10

SANDON NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) SANDON, Aug. 13. At the close of school yesterday tho children assembled at the Public Hall, where with parents and friends a farewell afternoon tea was tendered to Mr W. H. Stevenson (head teacher) who has accepted an appointment with the Wellington Education Board at Epuni School (Lower Hutt). The gathering opened with community singing by the children, which was much appreciated by the young folk themselves. Mr W. E. Pearce (chairman) asked Mr H. J. Fagan (president of .the sub-union) to present the school banner to tho winning team (Sandon-Carnarvon combined). Fagan congratulated the boys on their win and urged them to always remember to play the game cleanly and as the banner was handed to the skipper (Billy Lumsden) Mr Fagan said that hohoped one day to hoar of one or numbers of the team being selected as “All Blacks.” A call for cheers in recognition of Mrs Oppatt organising the afternoon teas for tho school games was responded to lustily. Mr Stevenson returned thanks on behalf of the boys.

Mr Pearce said he had a very pleasing duty to perform and addressing Mr Stevenson said that scholars past and present as well as parents all recognised that they were under a deep debt of gratitude for his earnest attention to duty while in charge of tho Sandon School. Ho wished him success in his new sphere and he felt sure that with the opportunity for study Mr Stevenson would’ attain his ambition. In handing the guest a handsome gold watch Mr Pearce said that it carried with it the best wishe? of all for good luck, health and prosperity. Mr Stevenson expressed his sincere thanks for the present and said that he felt really sorry to be leaving the district. He thanked tho members of the committee for the assistance they had given him and particularly mentioned Mr H. J. Fagan (ox-chair-man) and Mr Pearce. He also thanked the parents for the help they had given him by encouraging their children to use their best endeavours to get through their standards, and addressing tho children he urged them to do their best while the opportunity offered to get prepared for all that might come'along in lifo’s pathway. Mr Stevenson resumed his seat amid hearty and sustained hand clapping. A dainty afternoon tea closed the afternoon function' and this was clone full justice to, particularly by the young folk. In the . evening Mr Stevenson was entertained at a smoko concert by malo friends and tho large number present testified to his popularity. Mr B. J. Frecklington (Ohakea) occupied the chair and asked Mr Stevenson to accept from his many friends in tho district a handsome suitcase. A few "toasts were duly honoured during the evening and musical items hedped to while away a pleasant hour or two. Mr Stevenson is assuming duty at his new school on Monday.