PAPATOTARA NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 22012, 11 May 1933, Page 3

PAPATOTARA NEWS

SCHOOL TEACHER HONOURED.

(From Our Correspondent.)

A crowded hall at Papatotara on Friday, May 5, was a tribute to the popularity of Miss Mona McLean, in whose honour the evening had been arranged. The chairman of the School Committee, Mr R. C. McKenzie, in assuring the guest of the esteem and regard of all present, referred to the cordial relations which had existed between the School Committee and Miss McLean during the two years that she had been on the staff at Papatotara. Miss McLean had earned the respect and esteem of the parents and residents of the district as well as the love of the children. Her stay had been altogether too short and the committee and parents regretted losing so valued a member of the school staff. In presenting Miss McLean with a gold wristlet watch as a token of appreciation and regard from the residents of Papatotara, Mr McKenzie wished her success in future and congratulated her upon her appointment. Mr W. Hellier, the headmaster, said he was glad of the opportunity to voice his appreciation of Miss McLean as a teacher. In all her work she was painstaking, conscientious and reliable. The children worked cheerfully and well for Miss McLean. Mr Hellier also referred to the able assistance Miss McLean had given at all functions in connection with the school, and in training the children for a concert she was as untiring in her efforts and as thorough as in the class work. He wished Miss McLean success in her new position. On behalf of the pupils of the school, Miss Olga Bennet wished the teacher happiness. The boys and girls at the school, she said, would miss her very much and they wished to thank Miss McLean for the interest she had taken in her pupils both in the classroom and on the playground. She then handed the teacher a blue xylonite toilet set which carried with it the best wishes of the school children.

Miss Maureen Roderique, another pupil, handed Miss McLean a bouquet. In reply, Miss McLean thanked the speakers for their kind reference to her work in the school and the children and parents for the handsome presents. These she would treasure, and she would also remember the confidence they had placed in her as a teacher. Her thoughts of her stay in the district and of the many friends she had made would always be pleasant. After supper the floor was cleared for dancing, music being supplied by Mrs S. Walker (piano) and Mr J. Young (violin). Mr W. J. McLean was M.C.