SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22911, 19 June 1936, Page 16

SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION

SCHOOL COMMITTEEMEN HONOURED After long and faithful service rendered to the Kensington School and district as members of the School Committee, Messrs J. Read and H. A. Foote, at the recent biennial meeting of householders, tendered their resignations, neither seeking re-elec-tion. It was felt by residents of the district that their services should be suitably recognised, and on Wednesday evening_ they were tendered a valedictory social in the school, there being a very large attendance. At a suitable interval Mr D. C. Cameron. the local member of the Otago Education Board, was called upon to make presentations to the guests of the evening. Mr Cameron stated that Messrs Read and Foote had given loyal service to the school over a lengthy period, the former having been a member of the committee for 35 years, being treasurer for a great part of that time, and Mr Foote had been for 10 years on the committee. Mr Cameron spoke of the unselfish work of both gentlemen, who had given up a great part of their time, without reward, in the interests of the school. The Education Board was appreciative of the work of the school committees, which were doing much to improve the conditions of the children attending the schools. During recent years many improvements had been effected at the Kensington School, both inside and out, and to do this work a great deal of money had to be raised. Thanks to the efforts of the staff, members of the committee, and interested householders, the necessary finance had been obtained. Mr then asked each of the guests to accept a handsome chiming clock, suitably inscribed, as tokens of appreciation of their services to the school, Mr A. Holley, the present chairman of the committee, endorsed the remarks of Mr Cameron, and spoke of the actual work of Messrs Read and Foote as members of the committee.

The presentation of crystal dishes to Mesdames Read and Foote was made by the headmaster of the school, Mr A. Hanna, who said that these ladies had been loyal workers for the school, especially in connection with its social activities. Mr Hanna also paid his tribute to the services of Messrs Read and Foote, who were undoubtedly men with high ideals, and who, when they took anything in hand, endeavoured to their utmost to see the task carried to fruition. As treasurer of the committee’s funds Mr Read

hail been, mi ideal man for the position, while Mr Foote in his capacity as chairman had shown exceptional ability and tireless energy. The school would greatly miss the services of these gentlemen. Messrs Read and Foote suitably replied, the former relating many amusing anecdotes of bis experiences while a member of school committees. Both speakers stated that they had enjoyed their associations with the school, and what they had done had been a labour of love. They thanked the residents for their handsome presentations, which would always serve to remind them of the school and its associations.

During the evening novelty items were rendered by the Misses Phillips, a pianoaccordion solo by Mies S. M'Clatchy, tap dances by the Misses Bryan, and recitations by Mr Edwards, Music for dancing was supplied by Mrs Cullen, while Mr E. Craig made an efficient M.C.