PUBLIC FAREWELL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 September 1936, Page 2

PUBLIC FAREWELL

TO MOTUEKA HEADMASTER PRESENTATION TO MR H. ROCHFORT, M.A. (From Our Own Correspondent) " On Friday afternoon, Mr H. Rochfort, M.A., Dip. Ed„ Headmaster of the Motueka District High School, was farewelled at the Masonic Hall by members of the school committee, pupils, and the public. Among those present were the Mayor of Motueka (Mr R. J. L. York), Mr F. Carling (Education Board), and Rev. H. Bloomfield representnig the clergy. Alter the singing of the National Anthem, the Rev. J. H. Bailey chairman of the school committee, explained that the gathering that afternoon had been organised for the purpose of bidding farewell to the headmaster. Mr Rochfort had, he said, endeared himself to all during his four years’ sojourn in the district, and although Mr Rochfort’s departure was regretted, all would be happy to know that in leaving Motueka to take up duties in Wanganui, it meant advancement for him.

Apologies for absence were tendered on behalf of the Rev. Canon Crossman and Mr G. M. Smith, both of whom sent their best wishes for the future happiness of Mr and Mrs Rochfort.

The Mayor, in paying a tribute to Mr Rochfort, said he felt- sure that the boys and girls of the Motueka school would agree with him when he said that it was hard to part with a good friend. Speaking on behalf of the citizens of Motueka, Mr York expressed regret at losing a citizen of the calibre of Mr Rochfort, whose influence would leave its mark in the years to come. He had endeavoured to make the education of the pupils as complete as possible and had always treated them kindly, making their school days very pleasant. Mr Rochfort’s influence had not only had its effect on the characters of the children, but many adults had benefited from association with him. He was full of zeal, and his one ideal was to see the school grow and prosper and the town advance. He (Mr York) was pleased 'to know that Mr Rochfort was going to a larger town and a larger school. In -wishing Mr and Mrs Rochfort every success in the future, the Mayor said he felt sure that Mr Rochfort’s good influence would be felt in Wanganui as it had been in Motueka.

The Rev. H. Bloomfield stated that, although he had not known Mr Rochfort very long, he had ascertained the fact that he was a kindly and approachable person, and one with whom the teachers could work in harmony. A bond of love and friendship existed that kept the headmaster, staff and pupils together as one. Mr Rochfort was a man of high principle with a religious conviction and possessed the qualities for a good religr ious influence, the fragrance of which would be felt for a long time. The speaker expressed the hope that Mr Rochfort would be happy and that he would have many years of useful school life before him.

Mr F. Carling said he came from the Nelson Education Board to sympathise with. Motueka. and the school on losing their headmaster, Mr Rochfort. He was proud to think that Mr Rochfort had been selected to take charge of a difficult school—an intermediate school—for which knowledge, courage and tact were required. .'He was confident that Mr Rochfort . would be the right man in the right place when he went to Wanganui. He was sorry Mr Rochfort was going away, and had been asked to express the Education Board’s regret. Mr Carling wished Mr Rochfort happiness and long life, and expressed the hope that Mrs Rochfort’s health would improve on going to Wanganui. Mr A. G. Nightingale, acting headmaster, said he was grateful to the committee for affording the teaching staff the opportunity of regret at the departure of Mr Rochfort and of congratulating him on his preferment.

Master Ron. Scott, on behalf of the pupils, congratulated Mr Rochfort oh the advancement he 'had attained in his profession. He (Mr Rochfort) had earned the respect of all the pupils in the Motueka school, had entered into their sports, and had contributed considerably towards the good friendship that existed among the pupils. His personal qualities would, concluded the speaker, assure him success in his new sphere of life. The Chairman expressed pleasure at the fact that a pupil had voiced so appropriately and in so fine a manner, the feelings of the pupils towards their headmaster. He was 'sure that Mr Rochfort must feel proud to be held in such high esteem. PRESENTATION OF BOOKS The Rev. J. H. Bailey said the occasion could not be allowed to pass without some tangible appreciation of the headmaster’s services to the school being shown, and he asked Mr Rochfort to accept a Complete set of Dickens’ works (twenty-two volumes), a copy of Hutton and Drummond’s “The Animals of New Zealand,” and a copy of “Old New Zealand” by a Pakeha Maori. . , , , A plate, on the case containing, the books, bore the following inscription, “Presented to. Mr H. Rochfort M.A., from the Motueka District High School.” . HEADMASTER’S REPLY Mr Rochfort, in expressing his deep gratitude for all the 'kindly things that had been said about him and for the handsome gift , which he had received, said that while he knew he did not deserve such kindness, at the same time he found it most gratifying to realise that what he had attempted to do for the school had been appreciated by the general public, by the school committee, and by the pupils themselves. He was very sorry to be going away and especially to be leaving behind so many kind friends, such an efficient hardworking and loyal school staff and the school pupils, to whom he had become very much attached. One failure on his part he deeply deplored—he was going aWay and leaving the old school still standing. The children were entitled to something better than the dark depressing rooms, , in which they spent the greater part of the daylight hours. The sunshine in this district was their natural heritage, and at the, school they were totally deprived of it. He would like the Minister of Education and the members of the Education Board to visit the school, not only on a bright sunny day, but on a dull day, and they would then realise how unsatisfactory conditions inside were. He hoped the committee and the public generally would keep on battling away until their children were housed in an up-to-date school, with proper provision for sunshine and fresh air.

Finally Mr Rochfort thanked all — children, committee, parents and staff —for the unfailing kindness they had shown to him during the time he had been among them. He would carry away many happy memories of his stay in Motueka.

A very enjoyable afternoon tea was dispensed by pupils of the High School.