BELL BLOCK HEADMASTER

Taranaki Daily News, 1 February 1933, Page 3

BELL BLOCK HEADMASTER

FAREWELL GATHERING HELD. GRATITUDE OF WIDE DISTRICT. I I ; A largely attended valedictory social was tendered Mr. and Mrs. Norman Murray in the Bell Block hall on Saturday night when a period of over nine years as headmaster of the Bell Block school was completed and Mr. Murray’s services recognised by the settlers, exteachers, • education authorities and old pupils. Upon the platform with Mr. R. L. Parkin, .chairman of the school committee, were Messrs. J. A. Valentine (de-puty-chairman), H. Dempsey, W. B. Glasgow, D. Mackay, and H. W. Insull. Mr. Murray has been appointed headmaster of the Tawhiti school at Hawera. Mr. Valentine, introduced by Mr. Parkin, apologised for the absence of the board chairman, Mr, S. G. Smith, M. owing to Parliamentary, duties. He congratulated Mr. Murray upon the promotion he had obtained; it was, he hoped, the forerunner of others to come. It was to be regretted that under the New Zealand system teachers desiring advancement were compelled to change their positions. Mr. Valentine also commented, upon 1 the attendance of pakeha and Maori, who had met to do honour to one to whom honour was due. He congratulated the committee upon the smooth working and good reports in connection with the school, and on behalf of the Education Board he wished Mr. Murray a successful term as headmaster of Tawhiti. Mr. Dempsey added his congratulations. Mr. Lyall (headmaster of the Fitzroy school), as president of the North Taranaki- School Sports Association, expressed regret in losing Mr. Murray from the district He had been one of their righthand men, and a keen sportsman who had done much to develop good charactcr» : IN SCHOOL AND SPORT. Mr. Parkin expressed regret at losing Mr. Murray as headmaster of the school. He had done excellent work.' 'The proficiency examinations, which showed no failures, spoke volumes for Mr., Murray, although the continual changing of assistant teachers was not conducive to good results. At sport the school , had excelled. During Mr. Murray’s term three championships had been gained by the football team, the girls’ basketball team, and last year by the cricket team, the : only country team competing against town schools. The Boys’ and Girls’ Calf-Rearing and Agriculture Clubs had received much support, while in the school and grounds Mr. Murray had taken a keen interest, and • had done much work that would otherwise have fallen to the committee. On behalf of the ladies of the committee, Mr. Parkin extended thanks to Mrs. Murray for the valuable help given them in the many social functions held in connection with the school. Mr. Parkin, on behalf of the residents presented Mr. and Mrs. Murray with a scrolled topped table. Mrs. Murray was the recipient of a bouquet of antumn-tinted. flowers, Miss Joyce Parkin making the presentation. COMMITTEE’S ASSISTANCE,. ' ' Mr. Murray, for himself and Mrs. Murray, thanked, the residents . for their gift,' and expressed pleasure at seeing so many friends present that, evening. He was especially pleased to meet again so many of his old pupils,' and he hoped they would feel welcome ,to call on him at, any time. He thanked the committee for their .help during his long residence there. They had 'given him every assistance, and he arid'his. family had' received kindness, from one and all. .. Speaking of the school achievements in sport, he felt, Mr. Murray said, that the success attained by the cricket team was largely due to a Maori . pupil. Jack Broughton. In football the team had certainly excelled in gaining .the championship. They ■ had not had. a,, point scored against them. In basketball he felt credit was due to his assistant teachers. Mr. Murray asked for. support for his successor from pupils, parents, and committee. He urged the children to become good citizens, and. tanked the speakers for their many kind remarks. The following musical items were given: Pianofpre duet, Misses Johnston; songs, “Because,” and ‘Songs of Araby,” Mr. W. F. Okey; songs, “Songs at Eventide,” Mr. J. Quin; humorous song, Mr. J, Johnston. The accompaniments were played by Miss R. Johnston. Music for the dance was supplied by Mrs. F. Holmes and extras were played by Mr. Rowe. Mr.. T. Mallon was : master of ceremonies. Supper arrangements were supervised by Mrs. R. L. Parkin, assisted by Mesdames L. J. Rundle, Thompson, Mallon, Wey, Misses Parkin and N. French.