A POPULAR HEADMASTER.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5487, 20 July 1916, Page 5

A POPULAR HEADMASTER.

SOCIAL AT MANGATAINOKA,

MR CHATWIN FARE WELLED.

Th© popularity of Air G. YV * Chatwin; and Mrs Chatwin and family, who are leaving Mangatainoka to re»de in Paliiatua, was evidenced m a narked degrree at the citizens sendoff in tile Library Hall, Manga taikofca, last night. Almost every resident of the settlement appeared to have turned out. People were there who had not been inside a social hall for yearn,' and several visitors were wresent from Pahiatua and suriouudW districts. The Mangatainoka scho-. children attended miorce. Many people had to stand, and the doer was werhaps somewhat overcrowded during the dances. The hall was very’ tastefully decorated for the occasion with greenerv and streamers ot nags, valuable assistance being given in the decorating work by Mr J. May. Ihe chairman of the function was Mr If. J. Bengston (riding member on the Paliiatua County Council). About 10.30 o'clock a halt was called in the festivities. The committee Mcended the stage, and Mr W. Brown rose and explained that during ms lengthy residence of 18 years amongst them, Mr Chatwin had taken a helping hand in everything for the welfare of the community. He referred to Mr Chatwin’s association with football. cricket the local Athletic Society and kindred institutions. The children, too. always had a good word for Mr Chatwin, which was one of the best references a master could get. . The residents felt they could not let f Mr and Mrs Chatwin depart without some token of the esteem in which they were held by the people of Manfatainoka. On behalf of the resient.s. lie presented Mr and Mrs Chatwin with a loller-top writing desk, the silver plate on which bor© a suitable inscription. This ceremony was followed by prolonged applause and three hearty cheers for the guests. After musical honours, there were futher cheers. Mrs Chatwin was also presented bv the schoolchildren with a bouquet. Mr Bengston jocularly remarked that the people of Mangatainoka must be pleased that Mr and Mrs Ohatw'in were leaving their midst, otherwise they would not have made such a nice present. (Laughter;. He read apologies, accompanied by good wishes, from the Rev. R. Herman, Messrs E. Ashby,*ll. A. Williams. E. G. Thompson (Ballance) and J . Me Lea ry. Mr D. Boyle expressed Ins pleasure at taking part in such a gathering. Mr Chatwin had done good work in the district and had played an honourable part. The speaker had not known him as long as most of the residents, but during the time lie had been acquainted with him, in business and socially, his experience was that he nevei wished to deal with a better man. A schoolmaster at the best ot times had a hard row to hoe, but the Mangatainoka school, during Mr Chatwin’s term, had attained a high standard of efficiency. He congratulated Mr Chatwin on his promotion to the headmastership of the Pahiatua District High School. (Applause). The honor had been well deserved, y H* hoped that he would be very sucee'—tul in hi' new sphere, «uct have a happy future. Mr Boyle said Mr Chatwin would be missed on the Mangatainoka Patriotic Committee, but he would represent them on the executive of the War Relief Association. ftn rising to reply, MrChatwin was greeted by loud applause. “How is it possible.’’ he asked, “for me to thank you adequately?' H* had spent 18 very happy years in Mangata noka. Mrs Chatwin and himself had received a very cordial reception when they came to Mangata inuKa. and they hod receive*; the best <, treatment ever s:-nce. Ha repeated that it was very difficult for him to fully express the deep gratitude of Mrs Chatwin, himself ami family. for the* kindness shown them, and the great honor done, them that evening. He hod always tried te, do hi.s fluty, but realised he had failed miserably very often. It hae] always been a great pleasure for hirn to be connected with the various institutions. and to be able te, render eeimc pleasure and service to the corn, munity During the whole tim*> he hael been in < her go of th© Mangatainoka school he had been most fortunate in his assistants. rne,re particularly the lady members e,f the staff. Of all his teachers he was leaving the best behind. (Applause). Tt wat aot nfve-'sarv for hirn to say lie meant Miss Cade. (Applause). Whilst she was in charge of the- infant dfcpartmen there* was no fear of the* school *\not going right. A school was made in the* infant department. With r< ferem ■*• te, his successor (Mr F <* Thompson, <xf Ballance). he de- < land that th# -r-hr>ol wes getting a ■ - te (A voice: No. never, .sad applause;. Mr Chatwin went on to ->ay that In- iiad taught the parents ot -ortif- ot the present pupiK Tie only complaint he had to make; against Mangatainoka people was that they would give the people of I’ahiatua -,uch an exaltcil idea e,f liim- * -> lr that after a tew months he we,it'd fall as flat as a pan-cake. (Laughter). He again expressed the sincere thanks or Vlr Chatwin. himself and family (or Hu- fin, gathering that evening, •nd the hearty goo,] wishes extender] t their. (Applause;. Three ni<>re cheer' u* i < given lor Mr Chatwin and a only an,| cheers were also given fee Miss Cade . of the teaching staff. Th*, d;,n<<* music was supplied by Mr ( Mills (piano;. M. Burt (violin) and P Walsh (cornet;. Extras ••ere* contributed by Mi.se Raynor, Mrs Chatwin and Mi Frank Chatwin. Tho children ang the National Anthem ond other items. DoWy Fisk an el \* ilie f»w.in<*v rend, reel a, vocal duet n tuneful style, while- Funic© Ohatwin Doll; 1* isk and Nelli© Swaney sang th, patriotic song. “Keep the Home Fires Burning.'’ Recitations u«*r« given by Mr G. W. Chatwin, Maste rs Kennv Howell, and Tan Taylor. Dio Ms C. wer© Messrs W. Re m J. Rolx-rtson an<l B. J. Reng- *, n A splendid supper, which in«btde<l fruit, was handed round, under fi.e supervision of Mesdrimes Rrown. f Tf,ndei son, Rilkinton. E Hnm-v. C. Walker. H Wilson.. Bengston. King, and Mis. Cooper. The social commrt-

tee comprised Messrs,. JB. J- Bengston (chairman;, H. Owau, W. Brown, J. Raberteon. D. Boyle, E>. Harvey; W. Morrison, R. Henderson, O. WftUser, B. Harvey, A. McPherson, W. J. Skilton, E. Ashby, J. May, R. Burke and J. Styria. Mr D. W. Wilton made an excellent secretary of what proved to be a highly successful and enjoyable gathering.

Mr and Mrs Chatwin were recently the recepients of gifts from th© Manta inoka Anglican congregation On the 28th inst. they are to be the guests of the old pupils of the Manga to inoka School.