A POPULAR SCHOOLMASTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20702, 27 April 1929, Page 9

A POPULAR SCHOOLMASTER.

FAREWELL TO MR HANNA. RECOGNITION OF PAST SERVICES. On Tuesday evening, in Albany Street School Gmyuasiuin, a farewell social was tendered to Mr A. Hanna by members of the School Brass Band, the Band Committee, and supporters. Mr Gray, convenor of the Band Committee, presided over a largo gathering, and briefly welcomed those present. During the evening songs were contributed very acceptably by Misses Allen, Morris, and Wynuc and Mr A. W, Alloo (members of staff),*, a cornet solo by Master Doig, a duct byMasters Doig and Coxhead, and a mandoline solo by Master R. Collie. The band contributed several selections under Mr Hanna’s able baton. Mr Gray, after sketching the history of the band, presented Mr Hanna with a handsome oak tray and salad bowl, suitably inscribed, from band members and supporters. Mr Thompson, chairman of the School Committee, handed him a cheque from the committee as a recognition of the services rendered by him to the band. He said they had met that evening to bid farewell to Mr Hanna, their bandmaster, who was leaving them to take up duties as headmaster at Tainui. Albany Street School had always been famous for its band, and when Mr Hanna hand suggested substituting a brass band for a fife and drum one, they were somewhat dubious about the success of such an undertaking. Mr Hanna’s enthusiasm, optimism and zeal had won through with a result that was now so gratifying to all concerned. The band had travelled far and wide throughout Otago and Southland, and had won fame for itself and Mr Hanna wherever it had gone. He was sure that in the near future they would have a rival band at Tainui. Mr Thompson concluded by wishing Mr Hanna every measure of success in his new sphere. Mr Sproat; headmaster, endorsed Mr Thompson’s remarks. He said Mr Hanna had worked for four years and a-hal£ under very adverse conditions, and had won the approval of all concerned. He was sure he would carry to Tainui that enthusiasm which had permeated ali his work. The band had added materially to all school functions, and Mr Hanna would be missed very much indeed. Mr Sproat said he could assure him that be carried away with him the best wishes of all the members of the staff. , Mr Wilkinson, a member of the School Committee and of the Education Board, also eulogised the work of Mr Hanna. He said it was largely due to the conductor that the band held the prominent: position it did to-day. He exhorted the* boys to follow in the footsteps of their conductor in being enthusiastic, zealous, and earnest in all their work. Mr Wilkinson congratulated Mr Hanna on his appointment, and wished him every success. I Mr Hanna, who was warmly received, thanked the speakers for their good wishes and for all they had said in connection with his work with the band. He humorously recounted some of their experiences while on tour. He wished to. thank all those who had helped to make the band a success, and specially mentioned a number of ladies and gentlemen without whose help he could not have carried on. He thank them for their beautiful gifts, and the committee for its generosity. He would carry away with him tlie happiest memories of his work in connection with Albany Street School Brass Band. Mr Dixon, conductor of St. jKilda Band, is to be in charge of the School Band, and was introduced to the audience. Mr Dixon briefly replied. Supp/or was then handed round, and the proceedings closed with the National Anthem. . Prior to his departure to, take up his new duties Mr Hanna was accorded a farewell by the scholars of his room. In making a presentation to Mil Hanna, Master G. Coxhead spoke of the happy relationship that existed between their teacher and the pupils. They wished him every success at Tainui. At an afternoon social tendered by the staff to lllr Hanna, the headmaster, Mr Sproat, referred to the able and zealous manner ‘in which their guest had discharged his school duties, and also to the success that had attended his efforts as conductor of the school brass band. On behalf of the staff he had much pleasure in presenting him with a barometer, and in wishing him success in his new sphere. Mr Hanna made suitable replies in each case.