VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1806, 26 March 1918, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATION TO MR. P. 6. JACKSON. Members of the local Horticultural Society met in Perreau’s rooms last ■ night to farewell and make a presentation to their president (Mr P. G. Jackson) and Mrs Jackson, who depart for Wanganui to-morrow, where Mr Jackson lakes over the headmastership of the Queen’s Park school. There was a representative gathering, and the Mayor (Mr J. Chrystall) presided. After refreshments had been partaken of, the Mayor referred to the object of the gathering. He said tlut Society felt that they could not. lei tehir president depart without publicly expressing their appreciation of the interest and enthusiasm he had displayed in the cause of horticulture, and to ask him to accept something tangible as a mark of their warm esteem. The Mayor said he regretted the departure of a good citizen. He referred to the good work done by Mr Jackson at the local school in the cause of scientific. instruction in .agriculture—’ which Was of such vital importance to the welfare of this Dominion, Reference was made (o the noble work of the guest in- moulding the mind of the children during their most important and plastic age. As president of (he Society which had assembled to do their president honour, bis enthusiasm had been marked, and be.left the institution in a sound financial position. The Society regret led bis departure, and Mr Jackson would carry away with him the very best wishes of members. The Mayor also made pleasing reference, to Mrs Jackson. He then handed to Mr Jackson a''travelling rug from the Society as a token of their esteem. >

The Secretary. Mr Patterson, read an apology from' Mr Galland, in which the latter paid a line tribute to the president and referred to his obliging and courteous treatment. lo exhibitors; also a similar letter from Mr and Mrs A. S. Easton, who expressed their regret at Mr Jackson’s departure, and the loss the Society would sustain thereby. Other apologies for unavoidable absence were also received. The Secretary endorsed the Mayor’s remarks, and said that he had no hesitation in saying that Air Jackson had been the mainstay of the Society. Air Jackson, who was received with a hearty round of .applause, feelingly acknowledged on behalf of Airs Jackson and himself the kindly expressions of appreciation and good will. His work on behalf of the Society had always been a pleasure to him. He had endeavoured to foster a love, for the beautiful, both as a member of the Society and as schoolmaster. Such work appealed to the best side of a child’s character. The Society should never lose the opportunely of catering £dr the children ifi its operations, for upon them depended the future of the Society. He referred to the good work done by the Secretary and stewards, and was glad to know that the Society had weathered the storm and was now a wellestabjished insiitution. He assured those present liml the presentation would not add lo the warmth of his feelings for them. He would have been perfectly satisfied had a vote of appreciation of his work appeared on the minutes. Vocal items were contributed by Aliss Kyle (who also played a pianoforte seleeiiou, Airs .Patterson, the Afayor. Mr Henderson, and Air Hornblow, a,tier which “Auld Lang Syne" was sung, followed by ‘‘For He's a Jolly Good Fellow.” Air and Airs Jackson leave Foxlon for their new home to-morrow. Speaking at the valedictory function to Mr Payne,. head teacher of the Queen’s Park school, at Wanganui mi Friday night, Air Pirani, chairman of the Wanganui Education Hoard, referring to All 1 Jackson, said: He■ .would have a difficult posilion lo fill, hi l l ho was a man of very high finalities. Mr Payne, in reply, said he wassure the same good feeling would be shown; to Air Jackson, who was so keen that he had already visited •Wanganui lo gvl in touch with the work.