"IF -"

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 137, 6 December 1929, Page 10

"IF -"

THE SECOND CHANCE

"If I had my life over again," is a common enough phrase. Most people have ideas on the subject, and express them with a mixture of amusement and regret when discussing those errors of judgment, those lost opportunities, and over impulsive actions which everyone at some time of life considers he has made and repents accordingly. It is unusual, though, for two public men speaking from tho same platform, to each acknowledge a desire for the same profession had they their past years to live again.

"My heart goes out to the student in whatever branch of study, but particularly it goes out to the student who is equipping himself or herself to teach others. Ido not know of any more noble profession in life. I think I can say that were I to begin life again it would be as a teacher." With these words the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) endorsed a similar expression of opinion made by Mr. T. Forsyth (chairman of the Wellington Education Board) yesterday afternoon, when both were speakers at the closing ceremony of the Teachers' Training College. "I cannot look upon a more inspiring sight than the 240 prospective teachers before me, added Mr. Troup. "That means that every one of you goes out to influence perhaps as many more in the course of your life. There is a depth and a reach that you have that is given to very, very few in life." Mr. Forsyth's remarks on the subject were enlivened by an anecdote, which brought a burst of understanding laushtcr from the students. It concerned the Bishop of Manchester, who once saw inscribed on a desk in an examination room: Sacred to tho memory that has always left mo during these examinations."