VALEDICTORY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2154, 24 July 1920, Page 1

VALEDICTORY.

PRESENTATION TO MR. PIRANI

Mr Fred. Pirani, chairman of the Wanganui Education Board, was officially farcwelled by his fellowmembers at the Education Board meeting at Wanganui on Wednesday evening, and presented with a purse containing a cheque, in appreciation of his services. Mr A. Fraser said that on the eve of Mr Pirani’,s retirement they wished to recognise his long and arduous services to The cause of education. When the speaker became a member of the Board they met in a small building near the railway station, and the office staff consisted of three. The progress the Board had made in Mr Pirani’s lime was something to be proud of. He was the ideal man for a position which was not easy to fill. He was recognised as an educational authority throughout the Dominion. Had lie devoted his time and ability to his private affairs in the last 25 years he would have been thousands better off to-day. His retirement would be a great loss to the district. Mr Fraser then made the presentation, and said that it was subscribed to by the members and the secretary (Mr Swanger). Mr Hemingway said it was a pity the Education Department did not see its way to avail itself of Mr Pirani’s services. The retiring chairman called a spade a spade, and hit hard, but if people knew what he know they would not blame him, but wonder he was as moderate as he was.

Mr Mclntyre said Unit thirty years ago Mr Pirani was recognised was a coming man in (he educational world. He set a great example to others to give fheir time in Hie interests of education. Mr Pirani’s services had been given voluntarily, and a monetary value could not be placed on them. Mr Bruce referred to Mr Pirani’s work in getting the present office site, ami the site of the Technical College and Central Infants’ School. He was always most zealous. The School Committees’ Association hoped to meet Mr Pirani at an early dale to express their 1 banks. Mr Pilkington remarked upon Mr Pirani's great devotion to education.

Mr Preeth spoke in light vein, and at the conclusion said that Mr Pirani had pul, the Maiiganni Education Board at the top of the pole through bis pertinacious, irrepressible, and indomitable spirit. Mr Collins said Hial .Mr Pirani’s best trait was a great love tor the children.

.Mr Swanger also spoke, while a word of appreciation was likewise added on behalf of I lie Pre-s.

Mr Firatii spoke feelingly in reply. He did iiul regret Hie lime he had spenl in the work, although if Wiis forty years sinee In' was a member of a sehool ennimitlee. It was a pleasure and a joy lo lie unsocial ed with men worthy of ins sled, and always on (lie Board they had had a majority of men ol (bat class. He had always done his lies! for what was right, unswayed Impartiality or friendship. The Board had been most successful in its olJicers. He could not speak 100 highly of (he services of Hr Bw,anger, and of the good work of the chief inspectors and (he architect. Personally, he was very sorry to leave the Board, and he severed his connection with regret. It: was flood that somebody else should lake up (he work, for the sake of education. He could claim lo have democratised the Board in one respect, and that was consultin'*; members in every possible way. He thanked (he Board members sincerely for their kindness, and would always be pleased to assist them in every possible way. (Applause.) The members rose, and after singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow/’ gave three cheers.