PRSENTATION TO MR PHILLIPS.

Kumara Times, Issue 807, 2 May 1879, Page 2

PRSENTATION TO MR PHILLIPS.

A number of the inhabitants of the town and friends of Mr Phillips (the late Head Master of the State School, assembled last evening at the Schoolroom, for the purpose of presenting him with a testimonial and address previous to his depaiture for Shortlaud. Although not exactly of the nature of a banquet, a plentiful supply of the rhoieest liqueurs of all descriptions hid been provided, with which to drink the health of the departing gliest in flowing bumpers. His- Worship the Mayor (E. Blake, !'l*f|.) '-c-iiiiicj Mi« fhair, with the <iu<\st of the evenino 0 n his right, and Mr R. J. Seddon acting as vice-chairman. After the usual loyal toasts had been proposed aud duly responded to, The Chairman proposed the toast of the eveuing, and in so doing said he regretted much the purpose for which they were assembled that evening, the wishing "Godspeed" to a gentleman whom they all highly esteemed and respected. The address he was about to present Mr Phillips, although it contained only ; a. few words, eouveved a great deal, and he (the chairman) felt certain that there was hardly a resident in this town who would not regret"the departure of Mr and Mrs Phillips from amongst them. Of another thing he felt assured, that many who were now children would when advanced in years, always remember with gratitude their early instructor and instructoress, Mr and Mrs Phillips. He had treat pleasure in ptesenting Mr Philips, on behalf of the people of Kumara, with an illuminated address and a handsome silver tea aud coffee service, as a slight recognition of his services as Head Master of the State School, and at the sani-i time proposing " the health of Mr and Mrs Phillips," and wishing them " God speed." The following is the address referred to:— " To Horatio Phillips, Esq. " Dear Sir—Hearing with regret that you have resigned your appointment as Head Master of the State School and are about to leave the district, we, the the undersigned parents of the children attending the School and others, beg to express our entire satisfaction with the progress of the pupils under your tuition, and that of Mrs Phillips and Miss Crowther, during the time you have had charge of the school, and also to thank you for the unvarying kindness shown to them during that period. " We must also thank you for the readiness with which Mrs Philips and yourself have always responded to any calls made upon you for assistance at entertainments given for charitable purposes.

" We tru t that your future career may be attended with happiness and prosperity to yourself and family."

The toast having, been drank with musical honours.

Mr Phillips said he hardly knew how to respond, as he little expected this mark of public esteem on his depart n re. He was very pleased to find that both his wife's and his own services had been appreciated, and in thankiug

them for the very handsome present he had received that evening) he could assure them that he should look back in years to come at the great kindness he had received from the people of Kurnara. He knew it Was a difficult task for any teacher to satisfy body but he felt gratified to think that he had sati.ified the majority of the inhabitants of this town.

Mr R. J. SEDDOtf, as a tnembet* of the Board of Education, and also Chairman of the Local School Committee, could testify to the valuable services of Mr Phillips, who had taken charge l " of the school under exceptional circumstances, and had succeeded by his untiring energy in bring it to its present high standard of efficiency. The master of a school had a difficult task in dealing with children of all detiojnina* tions; but in this Mr Phillips had succeeded, and he trusted his successor would follow in his footsteps in this matter. On behalf of the Local Schdol Committee, he had great pleasure in handing Mr Phillips the following cer* tifirate:— . ? “To Horatio Phillips, Esq., Head Teacher Kumara State School. “ Deal' Sir—On the eve of your parture from Kumara, .to take charge of the Shod land School, I. have inuch pleasure in testifying that from the time yon took charge of the Kumara School Up to the present you have given every satisfaction, and proved yourself an able and efficient teacher. The,; exceptional circumstances under which the Kumara State School laboured in having children coming fjoit from all parts, untrained, and rrfany who had never been .previously at sclioool : the fact, then, of vullr haying within the short '.space of two years, brought the school to occupy the y&vy proud position of second on the list of schools in the Westland Educational District speaks volumes ; and though I deeply regret losing your valuable services, still, as you are bettering your your position, I conclude with wishing you every success in the new sphere of yoUr laboms.

"I am, ike, "KICHARD JotiN SeDDOK,', '• Chairman Kumara Local School Committee, and Member of Westland Board of "Kumara, April 29th, 1879." Mr Phillips briefly replied: - "

The remainder of the evening wag spent in a most harmonious manuer, several of those present contributing some capital sougs and recitations, the proceedings being brought to a close with the singing of " Aald lang syne."