VALEDICTORY

Wairarapa Daily Times, 10 December 1937, Page 8

VALEDICTORY

MR O. H. E. YATES. PRESENTATION LAST NIGHT. At the conclusion of. the break-up ceremony of the Masterton Technical High School in the Municipal Hall last night, the Parents’ Association held a most successful dance, which attracted a large attendance of parents, ex-pupils, pupils and friends. During the evening Mr. G. Selby, chairman of the association, paid warm tributes to the work of the Principal of the School, Mr. O. H. E. Yates. .Qnvbehalf of the parents, pupils and expupils, he thanked Mr. Yates for the capable manner in which he had conducted the school. The institution itself had its drawbacks, but no one could fail to appreciate the results achieved under Mr. Yates’s wise and capable guidance. The success of the old pupils and the respect and confidence in which the school was held were a distinct credit to Mr. Yates. After wishing him every success in the future, Mr. Selby presented Mr. Yates, on behalf of the parents and old pupils, with a handsome silver tea and coffee service as “a memento of the old Masterton Technical High School.” Mrs Yates, who was presented with a bouquet by Mrs Selby, was the recipient of a'set of silver tea spoons. After expressing on behalf of Mrs Yates and himself very sincere thanks for the kind remarks and the beautiful gifts, Mr. Yates mentioned the late Mr. James Coradine, Messrs C. E. Daniell, W. H. Jackson and G. Selby as men whose names were written large in the history of the school. In recent years Mr. Selby had played his part as a member of the Secondary Education Board, the Trust Lands Trust and the Parents’ Association. Mr. Yates said" lie particularly appreciated the honour that had been done him by the old pupils, who had assembled in such very large numbers. “The school,” he added, “is net dead. We are merely emerging from the chrysalis to the butterfly stage, moving into a wider sphere of existence.” The success of a school depended on the success of its pupils and in that respect the Masterton Technical School had every reason to be proud of its record.

Mr. and Mrs Yates were accorded musical honours.

Music for the dancing was provided by the Blue River Dance Band and Mr. W R. Nicol carried out the duties of M.C.. Supper was served by lady members of the Parents’ Association.