MISS SHAW HONOURED.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4892, 19 October 1925, Page 2

MISS SHAW HONOURED.

RECOGNITION OF SERVICES.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS.

Not infrequently words of praise, and recognition of services well and truly performed by some person are more or less withheld until that person has passed beyond the knowledge of eulogies. Such, however, was not the case when it became known that Miss Minnie Shaw was letiring from her profession' after 33 years’ service as infant mistress at the Paeroa District High School. A strong committee, comprising prominent businessmen and social workers, many of whom were ex-pupils of Miss Shaw’s, was set up to consider ways and means of recognising, in some tangible form, the love and appreciation of .the long and faithful services and public duty well and truly performed by Misp Shaw. Circular letters were forwarded to all the known address of ex-pupils in New Zealand and Australia, as well as getting in touch with those who were resident in the town and district. The response to the appeal Was truly wonderful, and in itself paid a glowing tribute to the love and veneration felt for Miss Shaw.

The result of the committees’ efforts culminated on Thursday evening, when three presentations were publicly made. Long before the appointed hour the Gaiety Theatre was filled .to capacity, the audience comprising may expupils, personal friends, business people, and present-day pupils and teachers of the Paeroa High School. As the guest of the evening entered the theatre bn the arm other brother-in-law, Mr P. E. Brenan, the audience arose and heartily sang “For she’s a jolly good fellow,” followed by lusty cheers.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Marshall) presided. , The first par.t of the evening was devoted to musical and vocal items, thpee contributing to the harmony of the evening, in addition to the Paeroa Symphony Orchestra of nine members, being Mesdames P. Hague-Smith, C. P. Topliss, E. A. Bpnritt; Misses I and R. de Castro, and Messrs, A. M. Costain, J, Beech, E. Edwards, and R. Foster.. The accompaniments were played by Mesdames L. E. Cassrels, P. Hague-Smith, and Brassey. At the conclusion of the mupical programme Miss Shaw was escorted to the stage and took her seat on tne right of the Mayor. There were also seated on the stage Mr H. Poland, M.P., and Mrs Poland; Mrs E. H. Andrews, Messrs W. J. Towers, E. Edwards, P. E. Brenan, and W. Forrest. At this juncture a beautiful basket of flowers and a handsome bouquet, which were made by Mils E. H. Andrews, were presented by little Batty Alexander and Master Jack Silcbck to Miss Shaw.

In an eloquent speech His Worship the-Mayor explained the motive that had prompted the committee to make arrangements to publicly honour Miss Shaw. He then, read -letters of congratulation and apologies for unavoidable absence from Messrs W. H. Taylor and E. E. Gillman, ex-ch.airmen of the School Committee, and Dr. T. G. Smith, who could hot be present on account of illness, . Continuing, the Mayor said that with a record of 33 year? as a teacher in one school he believed Miss Shaw had established a record, and. a very worthy one indeed. It was ojily fitting that the public should feel prompted to honour their guest, not. only because of her professional record, but because Of her simple charm, which had endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. The way subscriptions had come forward' was a fair indication of the high esteem in which their guest < was held. The Mayor, said that he had been associated with Miss Shaw in the various activities of the community life in the town, and-her work and enthusiasm had been an inspiration to him on many occasions. Miss Shaw:had devoted considerable time to public affairs, said the speaker, and he specially instanced .the good work she had done for the Benevolent Society, much of which never saw the light of day, and as a consequence was not known to the public. Few people, he iiaid, realised the helping hand ’she. had extended or the loads that had been lifted frem the shoulders of those illrfitted to bear them.

Speaking of her professional work, Mr Marshall said; that by her sympathy and ready assistance Miss Shaw had always brought out ,the best in her pupils, and had moulded their characters on sound lines and high ideals. Parents had experienced’ no diffidence in sending their young children to tiie Paeroa school, because they knew full well that Miss Shaw would be mother, teacher, philosopher, and friend to them. Children and ex-pupils of the school were the rlcner to-day because of the bearing Miss Shaw had brought on their' characters by her wisdom and understanding. When the applause had subsided the Mayor called on Mr Poland to make the first presentation. Mr Poland, in a few well-chosen remarks, said that he deemed it a high honour to be called on in his official capacity as the representative of the people to formally farewell, their guest. He had known Miss Shaw intimately for 32 years, and no, words he could frame could adequately describe his high opinion of her. He referred to. Miss Shaw’s long term of public service faithfully carried out, and said that, her life-work had been of inestimable value, not only to the children but to the community at large. No - child could have passed through their guest’s hands without lasting benefit to that child. It was gratifying to know that Miss Shaw had found her vocation, and in deviating her life to it had gained signal success and the respect and love, of everyone. Apart' from her profession their guest, had found time to work for many institutions! in the town, and her ready assistance and sound judgment could always be relied bn. The loss of Miss Shaw to Paeroa was a serious one, and it. was hoped that

others would rise and .try to emulate the example she had set.

On behalf of the citizens Mr Poland called on Miss Shaw to accept a fi/andsome illuminated address, which read as follows :— .

Dear Miss Shaw, —We, the undersigned, representing the residents of Paeroa and surrounding district, the parents, and the old pupils of the Paeroa District High School, - desire on your severing your connection with the school to place on record our high appreciation of your services in the school and in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the district. Your unbroken term of 33 years as Mistress of the Infant Department of the school constitutes a record for the Dominion of which you may feel justly proud. Your influence has been ever for good, and has left an indelible impression upon the characters of upwards of four thousand children who have passed through your hands, and has endeared you to all.

“You have always taken a full share in matters pertaining to the welfare of the town and district. While testifying to your faithful and conscientious attention to duty, and to your many estimable qualities, We feel that in losing your services there will be vacancies that will be hard to fill ; but we recognise that you have fully earned a well-deserved respite from duty which we trust you will be long spared to enjoy. " l On behalf of the subscribers, many of whom have met in the Gaiety Theatre to-night to bid you farewtell, we ( ask you to accept this testimonial, and the accompanying gifts with best wishes for your health and happiness in the future. We beg: to subscribe ourselves: For .the residents of Paeroa and district,. Hugh Poland, M.P., W. Marshall, Mayor; W. F. Johnstone, chairman, Ohinemuri County Council; for the teachers of the Paeroa District High School, G. H. Taylor, headmaster ; ex-schblars of the Paeroa District High School, G. Hague-Smith, E. Edwards, J. W. Silcock, E. A. Porritt; Paeroa District High Schbbli Committee, C. H. Pascoe, chairman, W. L. Lawrence, secretary; Ohihemuri Public Library, W. D. Nicholas, chairman, Anna Thorp, secretary; Beautifying Society, E. W. Porritt, expresident, Della Butler, secretary; Paeroa Benevolent Sbciety, W. Marshall president, P. E. Branan, secretary ; .Paeroa branch St. John’s Ambulance, Dr. T. G. Smith, lecturer ; Paeroa District War relief Association, W. J. Towers, chairman, W. C. Alexander, secretary; Golf Club, Dr. T. G. Smith, president, R. L. Miller, secretary ; Croquet Club, Mrs Talbbys, president, Mrs G. H. Taylor, secretary ; Ladies’ Hockey Club, V. Shand, captain, A., F. Morland, secretary.”

PRESENTATION FROM PARENTS. Mr W. J. Towers, .the first Mayor of Paeroa, was .the next speaker. Mr Towers said that it appeared as if the former speakers had left little to say, but he did wish to wholeheartedly endorse all that h,ad been said that evening. . He had attended many presentations, but he was prepared to state that he had never had the pleasure of attending one that was more richly deserved than the one that evening. Mr Towers claimed the privilege over a long term of years of intimate friendship with Miss Shaw, and paid a. glowing .tribute to her many sterling qualities as a citizen. Referring to her career as a teacher-he said that no tribute could be too high to pay Miss Shaw, who had established a record, not only for length of service but for integrity and honesty of purpose. Her life should be an inspiration to younger teacheis. In his judgment Miss Shaw had never been known to fail or to falter. iQn behalf of the parents Mr Towers presented Miss Sha.w with a handsome, well-filled leather dressing case. 'OLD SCHOLARS’ TOKEN;

Representing some four thousand pupils who had passed through, Shaw’s hands, Air E; Edwfards, who was secretary of tne piesentation committee, read the names of some fifty ex-scholars who had written wishing Miss Shaw gocxl luck .and apologising for non-attendance. Letters' came from all, parts of Australia and New Zealand. Speak'ng reminiscently, M r Edwards said that he well remembered when he fl list entered the primary school and the help and encouragement he had received from Miss Shaw. That was many years ago, but Miss Shaw had never failed in her duty, or to help, uplift, and inspire her pupils. The speaker said that he, too, had been closely associated with Miss Shaw in various activities after leaving school, and he wished to add his quota of praise and .appreciation of her services. Her record was a wonderful one, and that, together with her noble character, had endeared her to thousands. Mr Edwards also commented 'on the ready response that had been received from all, quarters when a public presentation had been suggested. That fact alone, he said, was a good indication of the esteem in which Miss Shaw was held by her former pupils.

On behalf of .the old scholars of the school. Mr Edwards handed Mips Shaw a gold wristlet watch as a slight token of appreciation of her services and of ths love and affection the old pupils still retained for her, and he concluded by wishing her God speed, good health, and happiness. In a clear and steady voice Miss Shaw, who was received with enthusL astic applause on rising, said tha,t she was a. proud woman that night, and thankful that she had been spared .to hear the great praise that had been accorded her that evening. She wished to thank all who had assembled in her honour, and especially those who had come long distances. Continuing, Miss Shaw said that from the outset she had only tried to db her duty as a teacher and a citizen, and it was very comforting to hear that she had not been a failure. Speaking of the earlier days in the town, Miss Shaw said that she had been brought to Paeroa as a babe in arms, and had lived here ever since. She paid a graceful tribute to Mrs A. J. Thorp, Ohl Te Aroha Road, Paeroa, who was present. Miss Shaw said that Mrs Thorp, then Miss Horgan,

had been her first teacher, and had laid the foundation of her education truly and welL So far as the Paeipa school wais concerned, Miss Shaw said that she had always taken an pride in it, and she loved all. her pupils. Her teaching career had been made a pleasure by the fact of the Paeroa children being such dear children. Her association with her fellow teachers ha-dalways been of the happiest, and the school, committee had always loyally supported the staff. The speaker said that what little she had been able to dp for the public outside of her profession had also given her pleasure, and she considered that it was a poor spirit to take all and give nothing in return. Although leaving Paeroa for a time, it was not because she was tired of the town ; she really felt sorry at going, and would Jpok forward with considerable pleasure to returning again some day. Miss Shawmade a special plea- for support for her successor in the infants’ department, and asked that the same courtesy and kindness which had been shown her during her teaching career should be shown the teachers by the parents and scholars. Miss Shaw gave an apt quotation from Con of Shaughraun, which she said ably described her feelings that evening. In conclusion Miss Shaw expressed her sincere thanks for the valued presentations received, and also to the promoters of ‘ her farewell function and the concert party. “I wish you all a long life,,, much happiness, and greater prosperity for dear old Paeroa," she concluded. '

The singing of 'Tor she’s a jolly good fellow,” “Auld Lang Syne,” and the National Anthem, followed by hearty cheers, concluded one of the most memorable gatherings ever held, in Paeroa.