POPULAR TEACHER GIVEN FAREWELL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17781, 26 February 1926, Page 5

POPULAR TEACHER GIVEN FAREWELL.

A presentation was made to Mr* D. M. Shirlaw, M.A., head master of the Waimairi School, at the schoolroom last night. Mr Shirlaw has been appointed to the Greymouth School, and a large number of residents attended to bid him farewell.

Mr T. Holmes, chairman of the School Committee, said that it was four years ago since Mr Shirlaw had been appointed to the school. Immediately after his appointment the discipline had improved. Mr Shirlaw had never had a failure in Standard VI., and in every way he had been a successful teacher.

Messrs IT. Hookham and J. J. Hall expressed regret at the departure of such an able schoolmaster and a good man.

Mr Holmes presented Mr Shirlaw with a travelling rug and Mrs Shirlaw with a Doulton tea service. Miss Gladys Dailey, on behalf of the past and present pupils, presented Mr Shirlaw with a brief bag. Mr Shirlaw. who was received -with great applause, said that the conditions at the school in his early days were bad. He had heard that there had been fourteen teachers in two years. The buildings were abominable, but by the hearty support of the staff they had pulled through. With the new school buildings, he asked parents to support the schools A number of children in the district were going to outside schools. By sending the children to the Waimairi School, a larger staff would be allowed, and greater efficiency would be 'achieved. Mr Shirlaw referred to the great need of parents allowing their children to continue their education at the secondary schools. Hoarding money to leave to children was a poor thing compared with equipping them with better knowledge and making them more competent to make their way in life. A number of musical items was given, and the ladies supplied supper.