ASHHURST NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 101, 28 March 1929, Page 2

ASHHURST NOTES

VALEDICTORY TO MR AND MRS HUTTON. On Tuesday evening the Ashhurst Town Hall was well filled when some 200 Seople gathered to farewell Mr and Mrs L. G. Hutton and family who are leaving for Putaruru, where Mr Hutton has been appointed headmaster of the district high school. Expression of the esteem in which the family are held took the form of a social and dance, items being rendered as follow: —Miss Hills, song, “A Bowl of Roses”; Mr and Mrs Parkes, duets ‘‘l Don’t Believe You” and “The Keys of Heaven”; Mr W. Balmer, songs, “Fisherman of England” and “Achal by the Sea” ; Mr H. Bristow, song, Hoea Ra; Mrs Parkes, song, “Good-bye.” Misses E. Trafcs and S. Read were the accompanistes. The opportunity was taken by Mr W. N. Brewer, chairman of the School Committee, to present Mr and Mrs Hutton with a case of cutlery, a gift from the residents of the district, and to also . make a presentation to the Misses Margaret and Alison Hutton. Mr Brewer referred to the active interest that both Mr and Mrs Hutton had taken in local affairs during their sojourn in Ashhurst. Mrs Hutton had been one of the hardest workers on the Plunket Society Committee of which she had been secretary for some time. Her interest in library affairs and the efficient manner in which she had carried out the secretarial duties in that connection had resulted in an increased membership, and the finances, which had been at a low ebb a few years ago, were now on a sound footing. Mrs Hutton had also been a keen arid hard-working member of the Croquet Club. Mr Brewer spoke highly of Mr Hutton’s achievements as headmaster of the school, stating that the inspectors’ reports had been very satisfactory and testified to the keen interest that Mr Hutton had taken in his work. Much credit was also due to him for the excellent condition of the school grounds, the school having qualified for the environment certificate of - the Education - Board. In sports, Mr Hutton had given the children every encouragement and particularly was thus the case with swimming. Over 100 swimming certificates had been awarded to his pupils. In concluding, Mr Brewer said that the district would be much the poorer in losing Mr and Mrs Hutton, but what would be the district’s loss would be another’s gain. On behalf of the residents of Ashhurst and district he wished them God-speed, good health and prosperity. Those present then joined in singing “For They are Jolly Good Fellows.” In returning thanks for the expressions for future happiness and for the presentations, Mr Hutton said that Mrs Hutton’s services to the community had been freely given and were a labour of love. Referring to the school grounds, he said that much of the work was due to the efforts of the committee who had given him every encouragement and with whom it had been a pleasure to work. The children also had taken a great interest in caring for the grounds. .He had encouraged the children in their sports, as he believed it was in their interests to learn something of everything and everything of something. The main thing was the development of the character of the children and this had been his aim. In conclusion, Mr Hutton said that after six years’ residence in Ashhurst, they found it very hard to sever their connection with the district. Dancing was continued until a late hour to excellent music supplied by Mr and Mrs, Martin. . During the evening, extras were played by Misses S. Read and E. Dunham.