POPULAR HEADMASTER.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18653, 23 August 1930, Page 7

POPULAR HEADMASTER.

MR W. G. BURNS FAREWELLED. On Thursday evening a large number of parents assembled at the West School to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs W. G. Burns and family. The gathering was representative of the many activities connected with the school, and, by the enthusiasm displayed, gave proof of the respect in which the guests were held. The early portion of the evening was devoted to vocal items of a high order. Those who contributed items were:— Miss Flamank, Miss Firkin, Mr Collins, Mr Cunningham, Mr Drennan, Mr Reid. Mrs Ball, Miss Rudge and Mr Dewar provided music for accompaniments and dancing. The chairman of Committee, Mr W. H. Thompson, on behalf of the Parents’ Guild, staff and Committee, presented Mr Burns with a beautiful chair of Spanish design, and in doing so, congratulated him on his appointment to the Caversham School —one of the largest schools in the Dominion. He also congratulated the Caversham Committee on its choice of a headmaster. During the four years of Mr Burns’s term at West School, he had succeeded in making himself most popular with both parents and scholars, joining in everything connected with school life. His departure was keenly felt by all who came in contact with him. Mrs Burns also had the esteem of every lady in the district. Her activity in the Ladies’ Guild had been frequently commended. She was a strong right hand to the work in connection with any functions that had been held. Other speakers were Mrs Houston, who, as president of the Guild, presented Mrs Burns with an oak tea waggon and linen to match; Mr Calder, on behalf of the staff; Mr W. W. Garton, Headmasters’ Association; Rev. C. W. Duncumb, Ministers’ Association; Miss Hardy, ex-pupils; and Mr Segar, parents. Many apologies were received for unavoidable absence, these including Messrs Gow and Preen, who were absent at an Education Board meeting. On rising to reply, Mr Burns was greeted with prolonged applause. He feelingly thanked the donors for their handsome presents to himself and Mrs Bums. He said that when he came to Timaru he realised he had a hard task in front of him, following in the footsteps of such an able and popular headmaster as Mr R. S. Pearson. However, with the aid of splendid Committees, and a loyal staff, he had striven to do his bit, and if he had succeeded in any small way, he felt well repaid. His motto had always been “service,” and he tried to live up to that motto. He thanked the parents for their loyal support to the school during his term of office, and also the various Committeemen and the staff for their support at all times. Supper was provided by the members of the Ladies’ Guild. Humorous competitions were organised by lady members of the staff. During the evening, Mr T. C. Palliser, on behalf of the Committee, took the opportunity of presenting an enlarged photo of past and present Committeemen to Mr T. Currie, who had this year retired after serving on the Committee for seven years. On Friday afternoon, the pupils of the school assembled to farewell Mr Burns. Beth Drennan, on behalf of the pupils, presented Mr Burns with a gold-mounted fountain pen, and an Eversharp marking pencil in case. Mr Calder and Mr Thompson also spoke of the many good works which Mr and Mrs Burns had done for the school and pupils. Mr Burns feelingly replied thanking the children for their beautiful present, and concluding by stating that he would always remember the happy days spent at West School. This evening, Mr and Mrs Burns and family will be the guests of the Ex-Pupils’ Association.