GERALDINE ENTERTAINED BY STAFF

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23082, 22 December 1944, Page 3

GERALDINE ENTERTAINED BY STAFF

Departing Teachers Presentations Made

Two school teachers were honoured betore their departure from Geraldine. 'They were the headmaster of the Geraldine District High School (Mr B. F. Hayman) who is leaving to become principal of the Christchurch South Intermediate School, and Mr G. B. Couch, first assistant in the secondary department, who is leaving to become the headmaster of the South Brighton School. The gathering at the Geraldine District High School comprised members of the staff, school committee and Parent-Teachers’ Association. Speaking on behalf of the staff, Mr F. E. G. Malcolmson said it was always somewhat unpleasant to say farewell, but the sadness was tempered by the fact that in saying farewell to Mr Hayman they could also congratulate him on being promoted to such a good school as the South Christchurch Intermediate, which was probably the largest of its kind in the Dominion. The staff wished him every success in the future, and trusted that Mrs Hayman’s health would be benefited by the change to Christchurch. Mr E. N. J. Hannah said that the staff were sorry to lose Mr Hayman, but in their profession they had to move on to progress, and thus many ties of, friendship were broken. They all wished, him and Mrs Hayman the best of health.

Mr F. W. Grayburn, chairman of the School Committee, said that the school was losing an excellent headmaster in Mr Hayman, and it was a sad day for them to say goodbye to him. The committee wished him every success in his new position.

The president, of the ParentTeachers’ Association (the Rev. E. R. E. Rossi in saying farewell to Mr Hayman on behalf of the Association, mentioned that although it was necessary to move on in the teaching profession, work well done was never lost. As

president of the Parent-Teachers’ Association he had been brought into close contact with Mr Hayman in his school work, and wished to congratulate him on his promotion. Miss Clark expressed regret at Mr Hayman’s departure, but wished him every success in his new appointment. She then presented him with a wall mirror on behalf of the staff, members of the School Committee and members of the Parent-Teachers’ Association. In thanking Miss Clark for the present, Mr Hayman said that his relations with the staff and also with the School Committee had been most cordial, and they had all worked as a team. He had to thank them all for the co-operation they had given him at all times. Mr Hayman also referred to the fact that Misses Neutze and Greenall had finished their term as probationary teachers and were leaving the school, and he wished them every success in their future career. Morning tea was served by the women members of the staff. . resentation to Mr Couch Mr Malcolmson said that the members of the staff received a shock when they learned that Mr Couch was sewing his connection With the school. They had learned to admire him for his unfailing courtesy and thoroughness in his work, and they all wished him every success in his new sphere of work. Miss Allen, on behalf of the secondary staff, thanked Mr Couch for his assistance and ready help at all times so freely given, and congratulated him on his promotion to headmaster. Mr Hannah said that Mr Couch was inclined to hide his light and not to reveal the solid work he was doing in the interest of the scholars. While regretting that Mr Couch was leaving the school, they had to congratulate him on his new appointment. Mr Hayman mentioned that he had enjoyed his three years' association with Mr Couch, and that he had been able to leave the secondary school work to him knowing that everything would be attended to. Mr Couch had many good qualities in teaching, and he wished him every success at the South Brighton School. A presentation of a travelling bag was then made to Mr Couch by Mr Hayman.

Mr Couch, acknowledging the present, said that he had to thank them for all the generous things that they had said about him and his work. Both Mrs Couch and he had enjoyed

their stay in Geraldine and appreciated the kindness of the staff and outside friends. He thanked the staff for their co-operation, and said they were all members of a happy family. He was sorry to leave Geraldine and its hannv association. He had been teaching in secondary schools for 18 years, and felt the break in having: to give it up and take charge of a primary school. December Rainfall Mi- A. J. Blakiston reports that a further 24 points of rain were registered at “Wynwood,” Geraldine, up to 9 a.m. yesterday. This increases the rainfall to date for this month to 8.16 inches, and for the year to 36.54 inches. Water Supply Restored "The works staff and extra labour under the borough foreman (Mr J. Goodall) have done a great job. and the Geraldine Borough water supply is now restored,”. said Cr. P. H. Davis (chairman of the Works Committee) yesterday. “It was practically necessary to build a new headworks for the supply race,” said Mr Davis, “and the work was carried out with dispatch. The team which carried out the repairs worked long hours to restore the service before the holidays.” “Hard Up” Dance The employees of the Geraldine Linen Flax Factory held a “Hard Up” dance in the Town Hall on Wednesday evening. There -was a large attendance. Music was supplied by an orchestra, and extras were played by Messrs Fawdray and McKenzie. Miss M. Rowe and Mr B. Monk contributed solos. The Lucky Spot was won by Miss Molly Stewart and Mr M. Walker, the Monte Carlo by Mr B. Robertson and Miss Seldon and the prize for the first couple on the floor by Miss Margaret Hunter and Mr Timblick. Personal The Mayor of Geraldine (Mr D. C. McKechnie) left yesterday for Tekapo. He will return to Geraldine on Boxing Day. Mr and Mrs B. F. Hayman are visiting friends in Waimate. Mr and Mrs G. B. Couch have left on a visit to Christchurch.