FAREWELL AT OKATO

Taranaki Daily News, 6 May 1931, Page 9

FAREWELL AT OKATO

PRESENTATION-TO MISS I. JULIAN.

The esteem in which Miss I. M. Julian is held by residents of the Okato district was shown by the large and representative gathering that assembled at the Hempton Hall last night, when a complimentary social was given her by the residents of Okato and the swimming club on the eve of her departure from the district after a residence of 2| years as assistant at the local school, a position that she resigned recently in view of her approaching marriage. Dancing made the early part of the evening pass pleasantly to excellent music by the West Coast orchestra.' Extras were played by Mrs. L. Wooldridge and Miss M. Edwards.' Messi’s, p. N. Corbett and L. O’Sullivan were masters of ceremonies, Mr. C./A. Batt, headmaster, extended felicitations on behalf of the staff. Miss Julian, he said, had been teaching for years without becoming a teacher, which was the biggest compliment he could pay her. She had been very patient with the children and would be greatly missed, especially in connection with sports, she having devoted considerable time in the interests of the children, particularly in connection with' swimming, in which she held the highest certificate.

Presenting Miss Julian with a seagrass easy chair on behalf of the public of the district, Mr. P. N. Corbett said that she would be greatly missed in the district, as for the past 2J years she had identified herself with its various activities. On behalf of the swimming club Mr. J. T ( . Power, president, expressed appreciation of Miss Julian’s work in connection with the club and'swimmirig generally. She had devoted a lot of time to instructing the children in swimming and life-saving and during the “Learn ■to Swim Week” had devoted very long hours. As a member of the committee her knowledge of swimming and club management bad been of great assistance to the club. He presented her with an oxidised copper and crystal fruit bowl, at the same time wishing her happiness. Mr. E. Govenloch briefly acknowledged on behalf of Miss Julian, who was accorded musical honours.

Supper was dispensed by a commit-' tee of ladies in < the supper room adjoining, which had been tastefully decorated. A committee with Mr. J. L. Power as chairman and Mr. C, G. Cocksedge as secretary organised the function, but in view of 'tl> e popularity of the guest their position proved a sinecure. as the whole district at once entered into the spirit of the affair and expressed a desire to show' their appreciation of Miss Julian’s work in the interests of the children, not only at school, but more particularly in the branch of swimming.