PRESENTATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1348, 10 December 1885, Page 2

PRESENTATION.

On Sunday afternoon an address was presented to Mr J, B. .Williams, late schoolmaster at Mount Somers, by a number of the parents and householders in the district. The address, which was handsomely and appropriately framed, was prepared by Mr Alfred Harrison, and reflected the vary highest credit upon that gentleman’s taste and skill. The following is the wording of the address: “ To John Bailey Williams,. Esqnire.— Dear Sir, —We cannot allow you to leave this district without giving expression to the good feeling entertained towards you for the many sud substantial services you bare rendered us in various capacities daring the last feu* years ; and we deem this a fitting opportunity to acknowledge your strict attention to your dot es as teooher, and the de<p in ereet yon have always taken iu the religions aad moral training of the young. We also desire to express our deep regret at losing one who has. gained universal esteem by his gentlemanly beating and high moral character. We join heartily in wishing you health, happiness, and prosperity in your future sphere of labor. Good b? 6 ! — (Signed) Ouoald Macfarlane. Chairman of School Committee, for the residents of the Mount Somers district.—November 39,1885.” In the unavoidable absence of Mr Maofarlane, Mr W. Edsou made the presents tion, and took advantage of the opportunity to speak in highly eulogistic terms of Mr Williams’ services to the district.—

Mr Williams, in acknowledging the presentation, expressed the gratification be derived from the expression of good-will by his friends. It was proverbial that teacheis rarely succeeded in giving general satisfaction; bat be thought he had hitherto succeeded very well in that direction. Man had been described as an imitative animal and it was only natural perhaps that a few parents should have imitated one another in making complaints in respect to their children. He thought much of the dissatisfaction arose frotn the irregular attendance of the children, which, he ventured to say, was without precedent In the colony. He referred to his efforts in the Sunday School and other movements, and codtfuded by again thanking his friends, in feeliug language;, for their very handsome present —Those present having again expressed their goodwill towards Mr Williams, the meeting dispersed*