FAREWELL AFTERNOON.

Otaki Mail, 31 March 1939, Page 2

FAREWELL AFTERNOON.

ME, R. D. L. IRWIN HONOURED. PUPILS RECOGNISE HIS WORK. After an association of eight years with the teaching staff of the secondary department, of the Levin District High School, Mr. R. D. L. Irwin leaves at ths end of the month to take up a position at the Woodville District Ilign School. During that time he has guinea exceeding popularity through the manner in which he has advanced the educational welfare of pupils and through the interest he has displayed in the sporting activities of the school, notably in tennis, football and military training. 1 ester.,.iy afternoon the secondary scholars, on their own initiative but assisted by members of the teaching staff, s;. ,v lit to recognise his services by assembling in the Regent Hall aim making Mr. and M is. Irwin then guests. Ai.-o present were the Mayor and Mayoress (Hr. and Mrs. P. \V. Goldsmith), Mr. A. C. lvennerlev (School Committee chairman) and Mrs. Keimerley, Mr. W. D. Thomas (head master) and Mrs. Thomas, and Mrs A. J. llesp. Pleasing informality characterised an entertainment programme presented, items being contributed by the follow-ing:—Wand-driil, the girls; songs, Margaret Bain and Mary Clark; recitations, Tess Hirst and Margaret Whit alter; piano solos, Mary Donnelly; and piano-aceordeon numbers, Barry Yailance. The accompaniments were played i>y Miss Blackburne and Campbell Davie. Ronald Lanhsliear was in charge

of the programme. During the proceedings, on behalf of the pupils, Muire Tait presented Mr. Irwin with a crystal reading lamp, while Gordon Dennis asked him to accept a volume entitled “The World’s Greatest Paintings,” which contained 100 masterpieces from famous art galleries in full colour, with descriptive writings and information. In wellchosen words, each paid tribute to -Mr. Irwin's work and said it was with sincere feelings of regret that pupils farewelled him. Good wishes for work in his new sphere were extended to both Mr. and .Mrs. Irwin. Mr. ’Thomas said tlie function had emanated from a genuine desire on the part of pupils to show their appreciation of Mr. Irwin's work. During his association with the school Mr. Irwin had shown dignity, courtesy, unselfishness, sportsmanship and honour, and a!, of these lie had endeavoured to pass on to the pupils by example snicl teaching, lie voiced regret at his departure.

Mr. Kcnncrlcy said that Mr. Irwin laid endeared himself to every pupil of the school, and the function was an indication of his popularity. While in Levin he had shown himself to be one easily approached and over willing to assist pupils in their work. The school committee, at a recent meeting, had place.', on record his valuable services and extended good wishes to him for his future.

Mr. Goldsmith congratulated the pupils on their excellent organisation of such an unusual and enjoyable function. He regretted Mr. and Mrs Irwin’s departure, but said tiie town was pleased to have had two such good citizens in their midst for so long, i lie speaker said he also wished to lie associated with the good wishes extending to the guests.

On rising to reply, Mr. Irwin was met with a spontaneous round of applause and the singing of ‘‘l or r i hey are Jollv Good I'eUows/* He said that with Mrs. Irwin lie was exceedingly sorry to leave Levin for many reasons, lut particularly because they would leave behind them many sterling friends. lie added that they sincerely appreciated the honour done them, an«* thanked pupils for jtheir handsome gifts which would serve as a constant reminder of their residence in Levin. A willing band of pupils dispensed a dainty afternoon tea to the guests, members of the teaching staff and fellow-scholars, bringing to a close r» function whb-h deserves commendation for the thorough organisation.