TEACHER FAREWELLED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18581, 15 December 1934, Page 14

TEACHER FAREWELLED

WAIROA SMOKE CONCERT PRESENTATION TO MR. ROBSON (Herald Correspondent.) There was an attendance of between 40 and 60 members of the Old Boys gpd sister clubs, as well as past and present officers and Rugby Union members, apd the Mayor, Mr. H. L. Harker, himself also an Old Boy, at the farewell to the esteemed headmaster of the Wairoa District High School, Mr. J. T. Robson, who is retiring on superannuation and proposes to reside in Christchurch. Mr. T. Le C. Powdrell, the president of the Old Bovs’ Club was in the chair, supported by Mr. Percy Bates, the club captain, the guest of honor being on his left. The chairman proposed the toast of “The King,*’ followed by the National Anthem. Apologies were noted on behalf of Mr. A. G. Nolan and Mr. A. H. H. Unwin.

Mr Cowan in a very humorous speech, proposed the toast “The Rugby Union,” and Mr. Goodley, replying, said the sub-union members had a hard job to do and gave up a lot of their time. Among the most active was Mr. Robson, who took the greatest interest in football generally, and in the Old Boys’ club in particular. Mr. P. A. Milne uroposed the toast “The Referees’ Association,” paying' a high tribute to their efforts to clean up and keep clean, the game. Mr. Tretvby replied. Mr. Insull proposed “The Old Boys’ Club,” and the chairman replied, specially stressing the interest taken by Mr. Robson ini the club while not neglecting football interests generally. Tli ere was good feeling at the close of the season and a good standard of football. ADDRESS PRESENTED The chairman presented to Mr. Robson an address, beautifully inscribed by Major gcott, and bearing the banner and colors of the club. The address, nicely framed, bore the following: "J. t. Robson, Esq., Wairoa, —vVe, the undersigned, representatives of the Old Boys’ Football Club, feel that we cannot permit vou to leave Wairoa without our expressing the club’s appreciatin of tlie great and untiring efforts you lave made J;n mg your stay in this dislict to further our national game ot football. The members of the club fully realise that but for your enthusiasm arid willing assistance, so cheerfully rendered at all times, the club could not have enjoyed the success it has achieved in the past. Nothing we can say can adequately express i ur gratitude l’or that assistance and our regret that we are to be deprived of your valuable help and wise counsel in the future. We wish you, sir, many long and happy years to come, and all that joy in your retirement that, by a life of strenuous endeavor, you have so justly earned.” The chairman also passed Mr. Robson a pipe and tobacco pouch, suitably inscribed, and a painting for Mrs. Robson. REPLY BY MR. ROBSON The recipient- thanked the club members for the gifts. They had .good men both in the town and country, he said, and he would be watchful even in Christchurch. He paid a tribute to Mr. Nolan, whose good judgment saved many a situation. He congratulated the Old Boys' on its splendid determination to win. The toast-list was then resumed, Mr. C. Hale proposing “Kindred Clubs,” during which be congratulated Whakihi on winning the competition. Mr. Harker, speaking on the part of the town, voiced his appreciation of Mr. Robson in his educational work, as a citizen, and as a supporter of footballThey were sirry to lose Mr. Robson and his family, and wished/them success in their new sphere. Mr. Heslop proposed the toast, “The Old School, ' and -Mr. Fitzgerald replied ; Major Scott proposed “Absent Comrades,’’ Mr. Harker replying; Mr. Alexander proposed “The Coach, M;\ Holden,” wno is leaving for Palmerston North, Mr. Holden replying; Mr. Robson proposed “Maori Players,” and Mr. Cowan “Present and Old Representative Players,” this being replied to by Mr. W. 11. Scott. The chairman, after apologising for the absence of Mr. Don Alexander, an old member, paid a tribute to the work of Messrs. P. Bates, 0. Hale and K. Robson. “The Press” was proposed by Mr. Bates and replied to by Messrs.' V. Fraser and Lambert. Among those who rendered items Were Messrs. Buckingham, V. Fraser, Rrrretfc. G. Knight, McKinnon, M. Edwards, and R. Herbert.