VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 73, 23 February 1938, Page 12

VALEDICTORY.

MISS V. I. CURTIS HONOURED. Between fifty anti sixty women schoolteachers of Palmerston North and surrounding districts gathered at Messrs Collinson and -Cunningliame’s tearooms, yesterday afternoon, to farewell Miss V. I. Curtis, president of the Manawatu branch of the Women Teachers’ Association, who is leaving shortly to take up a position’at Mangorei School, Taranaki. Mrs J. Walker (vice-president of the branch) extended a welcome to the visitors present, especially to Mrs Eggers, a former president, and expressed the sorrow of the branch at losing Miss Cutis, who had played an important part in the Women’s Association and spurred them on to greater endeavour during the nine years she had been in the district. Having worked with her for seven years, the speaker said she had learnt the true worth of Miss Curtis, and was suffering a personal loss also. The association appreciated fully what he had done, and it would keep an active spirit and carry on after her departure. In the meantime it extended to her congratulations on her. well-earned promotion, and best wishes for happiness in her new sphere.

Miss B. Watkins added to Mrs Walker’s remarks, saying that Miss Curtis would be specially missed, as last year she had occupied the position of vice-president of the Palmerston North branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute and this year, had it not been for her transfer, she would have automatically become president. She had always given of her time and energy to help other teachers, and had realised the importance of having outside interests. Not many positions of the kind Miss Curtis was going to were open to women, but it was hoped that before long it would be realised that senior women could occupy such positions as ably as men.- Miss Curtis’s school had been one of the few in the district which had been graded excellent for several years, and while the speaker offered congratulations on her appointment to New Plymouth, she hoped that some day Miss Curtis would he welcomed back to Palmerston North. ■ The guest of honour was then asked to accept with all good wishes a handsome set of crystal sweet dishes arid a posy from tlie Manawatu branch of the Women Teachers’ Association. Mrs Eggers and Miss Fowles added j.| ,e remarks of the former speakers. Miss Curtis, in expressing thanks tor the flowers and the gift, said that she did not really need a tangible gift to remind her of the fine body of women with whom slie had worked in the Manawatu. She hoped that before long promotion would be available for women teachers who were ambitious for organisation. It was most important that the young teachers who had entered the service should realise tlie importance of having outside interests. Personally, she had found golfing a great relaxation, and had derived a great deal of pleasure from her part in the activities of the Palmerston North Little Theatre Society. She recommended outdoor sports and drama as great tonics. Working with the local branch of the institute had been a pleasure, as the members had been a fine body of men always willing to co-operate. In conclusion, Miss Curtis said it would make her very happy to be visited by her many friends in the Manawatu, whose kindness and gifts slie greatly appreciated.

Nominations were then received for the positions of president and vicepresident of the Manawatu branch of the Women Teachers’ Association, the positions to be occupied until the annual meeting. Mrs Walker and Miss Watkins were elected president and vice-presidents, respectively. The following reference was made to Miss Curtis in the annual report of the Manawatu branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute: “The president-elect, Miss V. I. Curtis, has accepted a position in another district. While congatrulating her upon her promotion we must admit of a very distinct loss to our branch. Her great popularity with all members as well as her untiring efforts in institute work are widely known ill this district. With her, we have no hesitancy in saying, go the good wishes of the branch.”