DIRECTOR’S SERVICE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 16, 16 December 1937, Page 7

DIRECTOR’S SERVICE

TECHNICAL SCHOOL. CHAIRMAN’S EULOGY. Comment that one of the most important features of the function was a sad one—through the loss of the services of the director (Mr G.' G. Hancox), who had been appointed principal of the combined secondary schools at made by the chairman of the Board of Governers (Mr M. H. Oram) at the breaking-up ceremony ofthe Palmerston North Technical School last evening. Mr Oram stated that Mr Hancox had a sterling character and had been an inspirational influence in lifting the standard of the school. Hundreds of pupils had passed through the school under liis directorship to take their place in commerce, business and the life of the community. During his fourteen years as director he had accomplished much, and the school had made tremendous advances under his careful and capable guidance. Extensive additions had been made to the school, the site for ' the workshop donated by the City Council and the building erected, the assembly hall built, the large recreational area - in Grey Street purchased, and additional land acquired adjoining the school. These were, but a few of the material advancements in that period, during which the weekly hour enrolments had increased from 2445 to 16,252, and the staff from seven - full-time and 26 parttime teachers to 18 full-time teachers, one student teacher and 40 part-time teachers. Mr Hancox, added the chairman, had laid such a sure foundation that they could look forward to the future with confidence. Mr Hancox had been successful not only in material things, but had 'inspired the complete confidence, co-operation and loyalty of the staff, and had exercised a wonderful influence in character-building and good citizenship. There was in the hearts of all the Infpe that Mr Hancox would long be spared to continue his good Work elsewhere. Subsequently the director thanked all who had helped the school and himself in a wonderful spirit of co-opera-tion during the past fourteen years; and he urged the students to fit themselves with the uttnost ability for the vocation or profession they wished to follow. He was satisfied that there was still plenty of room at the top. Endeavours had been made to instil in the pupils a pride in themselves, that they should remain true to their ideals, that they would bear themselves modestly in prosperous times, and face adversity with courage. They had been taught that to learn proper living was more important than learning to earn a livelihood. Mr Hancox asked that the continued support of the parents and public be extended to his successor (Mr H. McD. Scott) and expressed the hope that the school would continue to grow and fulfil its iObjective. Dr. A. G. Butchers, head of the Government correspondence schools, the principal speaker at the function, paid a warm personal tribute to Mr and Mrs Hancox, and said that they were fully qualified to undertake their new responsibilities at Masterton.