FAREWELL FUNCTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 8 October 1936, Page 8

FAREWELL FUNCTION

MR SANDERS RETIRES SOCIAL EVENING TO POPULAR HEADMASTER A social evening to Mr H. B. S. Sanders, retiring headmaster of Tahunanui School, was held last nigm at the Tahunanui Town Hall. The hall which . was filled to capacity, looked particularly gay with multicoloured streamers, spring flowers, greenery and contrasting stage cur tains. A pleasing feature of the evening was the manner in which a large number of old pupils of the school, under the conductorship of Mr Sanders, rendered the chorus “Come to the' Fair.” Mr C. H. Chamberlain, prior to the opening of the musical entertainment, said old friends and pupils had gathered to convey good wishes to Mr and- Mrs Sanders on the eve of the former’s retirement. A short concert, consisting of recitations, talented dancing and songs by old pupils' was thoroughly appreciated by all. The following contributed items:—Misses Mary Day, Peggy Freeman, Jeanette Alborough, Gwenyth Sanders, Grace Inkster, Heather Chamberlain, Messrs A. Chamberlain, and E. Neve, and Mrs White. Mr Clarrie Lee provided the accompaniments, extras being played by Mrs H. McConchie and Mrs Dowling. Mrs H. B. Sanders was presented with a bouquet by Mrs Chamberlain.

The chairman, Mr Chamberlain, read a number of letters from old pupils and well-wishers unable to attend. All wished Mr and Mrs Sanders the best of health in their retirement and expressed appreciation of the splendid work carried out by Mr Sanders as headmaster. The chairman of the Tahunanui Town Board, Mr M. O’Sullivan said the assembly testified to the high respect in which Mr Sanders was held throughout the district. Mr O’Sullivan on behalf of the parents of Tahunanui expressed appreciation of the great work done by Mr Sanders. This popular headmaster had been loved by his pupils. Mr A. Depina said it was unfortunate that owing to ill-health Mr Sanders had been forced to retire half a year before fulfilling his term. He wished Mr and Mrs Sanders every happiness and long years in their retirement. Mr G. W. Barltrop, on behalf of the Nelson Education Board, said the large attendance was indicative of the esteem in which Mr and Mrs Sanders were held in the Tahunanui district.

Mr H. J. Thornton, secretary of the Nelson Education Board, said Mr Sanders had always placed the interests and welfare of the child first. No teacher could retire from the service who could look back and say “I have done my work more expeditiously than Mr Sanders.” “Behind you is a long period of excellent service, and I extend sincere wishes that you will enjoy to the full the retirement you have so well earned,” concluded Mr Thornton.

Mr A. Douglas and the Rev. W. W. Bedwell also added their tributes. MR SANDERS REPLIES “I would like to mention to old pupils especially how grateful I feel in being honoured in this way,” said Mr Sanders in reply. Some had come from a distance, one party journeying from Brooklyn, and the speaker was very touched by their loyalty. He deeply appreciated the assis-

tance of past and present teachers during his term as head-master. “I feel very grateful to you for this kind feeling of friendship and wonderful outburst of goodwill in honour of my wife, my family and myself,” continued Mr Sanders. “I am especially grateful for the kind things you have said about my wife.” Mr Sanders paid a tribute to the cooperation he had received from mothers and staff, the latter being “really wonderful.” Mrs N. R. Henderson, who was to carry on was a splendid teacher and capable of carrying on without a head teacher. The

speaker thanked teachers for the very happy time they had given him. By working as a team, they had made a success of the school. “I feel proud of the school” said Mr Sanders “and I don’t think you will find a better school in the Nelson district.” The speaker had great faith in the modern child, both morally, physically and mentally. This was largely due to a change in dress, j and an increased interest in sport j “I thank all the people from Brook-; lyn, and friends who have come from : near and far, and all pupils for the great tribute you have paid us” concluded Mr Sanders. Mr Sanders was then presented' with a suitably engraved gold watch ! and chain from old pupils, and Mrs Sanders received a handsome purse, j The popular pair was accorded 1 musical honours, and after hearty: cheers had been given, dancing was carried on until midnight.