ROUND OF FAREWELLS FOR MISS KINROSS AND MISS TRUMAN AT WEEK-END

Wanganui Chronicle, 13 December 1949, Page 2

ROUND OF FAREWELLS FOR MISS KINROSS AND MISS TRUMAN AT WEEK-END

Caught up in a whirlwind of farewells and presentations, Miss E. M. Kinross and Miss E. M. Truinan, retiring principal and matron respectively of the Turakina Maori Girls’ College experienced a busy week-end. Both have given 30 years’ service and are leaving Marton to reside in Havelock North (Hawke’s Bay). Commencing on i riday afternoon at the annual college break-up they were farewelled by the Wanganui Presbytery, the local executive of the college committee and the New Zealand Maori Mission staff and presented with cheques, a crystal table lamp, vase, fruit bowl and a silver mountea casserole.

At the annual banquet held at the college on Saturday night they were farewelled by the staff and pupils and several former pupils who had come from all parts of New Zealand to attend the function. On behalf of the staff and present pupils, the head prefect, Hoehe Hughes, presented the guests of honour with a firescreen with a tukutuku panel and a border of Maori carvings. From the Auckland Old Girls, Daphne Papunui (Ardmore) presented Miss Kinross and Miss Truman with, a fireside stool while from the Hawke’s Bay old girls, Sister May and Mrs. H. Rete (nee Mataira) presented the guests with a cheque, part of which is to purchase the nameplate "Turakina” for the 'new home they are building at Havelock North.

At a social hour following the evening service at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Sunday, opportunity was taken by the congregation to say farewell to Miss Kinross and Miss Truman. Miss Kinross has been a member of the congregation for some 20 years and was a member of the management committee of the church. Mrs. J. Robertson, on behalf of the Marton P.W.M.U. presented the guests with a crystal salad bowl and two sweet dishes, while Rev. J. Robertson, for the cogregatlon made a presentation of a large chiming clock.

During the evening a party of girls from the Turakina Maori Girls’ College gave two items and a vocal solo was given by Miss Margaret Thompson. Three members of the St. Andrew’s junior choir—Misses Margaret Robertson, Marjorie Robertson and Astrid Paget—also sang. Mrs. R. C. Ball acted as accompaniste. The Cantata.

The after-church social followed a splendid rendition of the Christmas Cantata entitled “Nativity of Christ” by the St. Andrew’s choir. The congregation packed the church and the manner in which the cantata was presented was reflected in the afterchurch comments —an inspiring achievement. The soloists were Miss Margaret Robertson, Mrs. H. J. McChesney, Mr. L. D. Carey and Mr. R. C Ball. The whole production reflected great credit on the church choir. The organist was Mrs. R. C. Ball.

Paying a warm tribute to the guests at the social, Mrs. J. Robertson, said that the Marton P.W.M.U. appreciated the love and kindness shown by Miss Kinross and the great interest she had taken in the organisation. She had always been willing to help in every way. The girls were an honour to the school and it was a privilege to have the college in Marton. The P.W.M.U. was always interested in the work of Miss Kuiross who had been a very effective teacher. The girls were taught not only intellectually but also morally and spiritually, said Mrs. Robertson. , Mothers To The College. Mrs. Robertson.spoke of the fine work accomplished by Miss Truman as a teacher, matron and nurse. The Turakina College was a home away from home. Both women had been mothers to the college and this meant a great deal to the parents. “We wish you every blessing and hope that both of you have good health and happiness,” said Mrs. Robertson in conclusion. The college is held in high esteem throughout the Dominion and this is in ho small measure due to the efforts of Miss Kinross and Miss Truman who have been exemplary workers in the Maori mission field, said Rev. James Robertson speaking for the congregation. The church had a unique opportunity of influencing the lives of the Maori people through the college. There had been many outstanding girls and the teachers had excellent material to work upon. There was a splendid staff at the college, whose influence was important. It meant that a constant stream of girls were passing out of the school with ideals which would only have very farreaching benefit to all, said the minister. Spiritual Welfare. Each had made an outstanding success of her particular job and had rendered a valuable contribution to the spiritual welfare of the Maori people at the same time winning the affection of the girls going through the school, said Mr. Robertson. Miss Kinross was also a member of the church’s management committee. She had been wise in counsel and sound in judgment, added Mr. Robertson. Both Miss Kinross and Miss Truman were held in the highest esteem by the congregation. Expressing her appreciation of the good wishes and the treasured gifts, Miss Kinross thanked the congregation for what they had done for the school. Miss Kiryoss said they were going to live in Havelock North though they had felt greatly tempted to remain in Marton. "However, we intend to name our home ‘Turakina’ and when you see that word on the gate I hope you will come in,” said Miss Kinross. She paid a tribute to the excellent choir, the P.W.M.U. and the minister of the church, Rev. J. Robertson. She had enjoyed all her associations with St. Andrew’s Church and the opportunity to serve. Miss Truman also briefly replied saying that she too had had a happy association with the church Opportunity was also taken to congratulate two members of the present staff, Miss M. Mitchell, 8.A., and Miss L. Galloway who have been appointed principal and matron respectively, while Miss W. Smith, also on the present staff, was congratulated on her appointment, replacing Miss Mitchell. College Banquet. The banquet at the college on Saturday night was indeed a highlight and was attended by the staff, present

pupils and some 12 ex-pupils. The head prefect, Hoehe Hughes, presided. The entire programme was arranged and presjAted by the pupils themselves and comprised action songs and poi dances. The words were composed by the girls themselves in the nature of a farewell to Miss Kinross and Miss Truman and suited the occasion admirably. Speaking at a special farewell at the college break-up last Friday, the Rev. J. G. Starnes (Edgecombe) a member of the Maori Missions Committee said he wished to express his deep appreciation of the. splendid service both Miss Kinross and Miss Truman had rendered to the Maori people through their work at the college. It was a service to which everyone owed a deep gratitude. The church was conscious of the loss it was sustaining through their retirements but extended to them best wishes for their future. Ideal Principal. Speaking for the college executive, the Wanganui Presbytery and the P.W.M.U., Rev. James Robertson (Marton) said all were convinced that Miss Kinross had made an ideal principal. Both had done magnificent work which would stand for many years and bear fruit with far-reaching effects. The Rev. J. G. Laughton, C.M.G., Superintendent of the Maori Missions, also paid an admirable tribute. The life and Influence of both Miss Kinross and Miss Truman had been truly woven lnto,£the fabric of the college, he said. It had bewi a privilege to have had some part iff the school's achievement,’ said Miss Kinross in reply. "Your great interest in the college has been maintained and increased as the years passed by. '-It has meant a lot to me and it was ajl given so ungrudgingly,” added Miss Kinross. She thanked both Maori and pakeha for the joy they had given her and Miss Truman in their wdtk. Miss Trqnjan also made a brief reply, expressing her appreciation of the help received.