POPULAR SCHOOL TEACHER

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12485, 29 June 1926, Page 4

POPULAR SCHOOL TEACHER

PRESENTATIONS TO MISS FLORENCE BIRD. That there is real pleasure in remembrance was conclusively shown at the Hataitai School on Thursday last, when a series of presentations were made to Miss Florence R. Bird, the late infant mistress, who owing _to ill-health has been compelled to resign from the teaching profession. At the conclusion of the afternoon session the /children were assembled, and Joan Gibson, on their behalf, presented Miss Bird with a leather travelling case. Afterwards the teaching staff entertained her t-o afternoon tea, and as a mark of their esteem presented 1 a leather handbag. At night a large number of parents and residents attended a social evening in her honour. Mr T. Forsyth, M.P., speaking as chairman of the Wellington Education Board, thanked the guest of the evening for her splendid unstinted service over a lengthy period, and sincerely hoped she would enjoy a well-earned rest. Messrs J. L. Arcus, D. Ardell, A. G. Barnett, C. W. Bear, L. J. Brabin, A. B. Croker, and F. Turner (on behalf of past and present committees), Mr J. B. Grant (headmaster), and Mrs Fuohy (representing the teaching staff), and Mr T. G. Hislop (on behalf of ex-teachers) eulogised Miss Bird’s devotion to duty, and the regard in which she was held by past and present pupils of the school and the community generally. Eileen Searle, on behalf of the Hataitai School Old Students’ Association, presented a charming set of xylonite dressing-table accessories, and the school committee chairman (Mr H. R. Searle) asked her acceptance of a cheque for a substantial amount as a token of gratitude and respect from the parents. Mr A. A. Kirk suitably responded on behalf of the receipient. A feature of the evening’s entertainment was an interesting musical programme rendered by past, and present pupils of the school. At the conclusion of the programmo the ladies’ commit-* tee served light refreshments.