SOCIAL TO MR JACKSON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 474, 31 August 1909, Page 2

SOCIAL TO MR JACKSON.

FOXTON’S NEW SCHOOLMASTER,

The Mangaweka Settler devotes over two colums of space to a farewell social tendered to Mr Jackson, headmaster of the Mangaweka school, and his sister, prior to their departure to Foxton, where Mr Jackson has been appointed to succeed Mr Adams. The function took place last Wednesday evening, and was organised by the School Committee, parents, and Roman Catholic friends. Dr. Turnbull presided, and staled that whilst he congratulated Mr Jackson on his promotion, and the Foxton people in securing such an exceptional teacher, Dr Turnbull said the parents, pupils, and teachers regretted his departure from their midst. The school had the best possible results during Jackson’s term. Speaking on behalf of the Committee, he could honestly say there had never been a hitch between them. His methods of training and teaching the children under his charge was so effective, that from the youngest to the eldest, the pupils had al-'-ways respected and admired him. Dosing one who was so universally esteemed, they all felt it was only right to show their feelings by meeting together and saying good bye, and also to present him with a memento as a slight acknowledgment of what they all thought of their late teacher. After making reference to the many excellent qualities ol Mr Jackson, the Chairman then presented him with a handsome barometer.

The pupils of the school presented Mr Jackson with a most artistic silver ink-stand.

Mr Jackson in responding, said it was a pleasure to know that during his short stay in Mangaweka he had gained such strong expressions of approval, and that he was carrying away the good feelings of everyone in the community. He could truly say a teacher’s lot was not a pleasant one ; but it was gratifying to know, by doing his duty, he had won such kindly expressions of approval. It did not need the presentations to remind him, but the presence of such a large audience was quite sufficient to convince him of the esteem in which he was held. A teacher could do a great deal, but his work would be nullified without the co-operation of the parents and children. He spoke in the highest praise of the regular attendance and good behaviour of the children attending the school, and his one great regret was that he could not take them with him, Mr Jackson made special reference to the individual members of the school committee. They had always worked with him and had their hearts in the future . well- . being of the children. Taking leave of them meant promotion. If he did not accept the chance when offered he may not get the opportunity again. The handsome and useful presents would always remind him of the pleasant times he had spent among them. On behalf of the Roman Catholic portion of the community, Mr J. McLaughlin presented Miss Jackson with an afternoon tea service and silver-mounted card case. The speaker paid a high tribute to the many good qualities possessecL by Miss Jackson, who had ofSr ciated as organist to the Church. His co-religionists felt a gap had been caused by the departure of the Jackson family, which it would be impossible to fill. Others members of the school committee and the assistant master added their tributes to the esteem in which Mr Jackson was held. £