WAIANIWA DOINGS.

Southern Cross, Volume 5, Issue 38, 25 December 1897, Page 5

WAIANIWA DOINGS.

The Waianiwa township school has been closed by the Education Board despite the protests of a strong section of the settlers. It is possible that the matter may be carried into the legal arena, but meanwhile the householders interested, though defeated are by no means dejected. ■On the contrary, they gathered in the hall on the evening of the 17th inst., and marked the occasion by one of the most successful concerts ever held there, the building being packed to the doors. Mr J. Stevenson presided, and at a suitable interval referred to the good qualities of the • departing teacher, Mr T. G. Stockwell, and presented him with the following address, printed in gold at the Southern Cross office and enclosed in a neat frame : —■ Mr Thomas G. Stockwell, Head Teacher, Waianiwa School.

Dear Sir, —It is with great regret that we learn the time has arrived when you are about to sever your connection with our school. During ■the 13 months you have occupied the ■position of Master, you have discharged your duties in a manner that ■has won the esteem and confidence of the parents, and at the same time

has advanced the best interests of the children who have been under your supervision. The success achieved is all the more creditable from the fact that you had to contend against great difficulties, not the least of them being the inadequate accommodation available for the large number of pupils in attendance. In view of this fact, it is worthy of note that during the whole of your term not a single cause for complaint has come under our notice. We feel sure that wherever your future lot may be cast, your presence and ability as a teacher will tend materially toward the advancement of your school and district. With best wishes for imur future welfare, —We have, etc., John Stevenson 1 Mana _ era WILLIAM WEIR j Waianiwa, 17th December, 1897. Mr Stockwell made feeling acknowledgment of the kindness of the Committee, and later in the evening had to do similar duty again—this time for a handsome clock and an aneroid from the residents, for whom Mr W. Weir was spokesman.