FAREWELL SOCIAL AT CARNARVON.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9440, 10 May 1909, Page 8

FAREWELL SOCIAL AT CARNARVON.

It is always pleasing'.to notice the auooeasfal efforts that are made by the teachers to whom the education —and we might say the fnrtare character—and. of the yonth of the country is entrusted. The duties of those in charge of the children are most important ones, and to the conscientious teacher mean a great deal more than the ordinary curriculum demands. To assist in turning out good men and women, should be the aim of every person to whom this duty is entrusted; ana although teachers sometimes express themselves as scarcely satisfied with results, it la gratifying to record the high standard.of perfection that is attending their efforts Though few persons in this world attain their ideal, yet fehera'are many outstanding examoles'of the good work of our school-teachers being recognised and appreciated; If evidence of’this were wanting the enthusiastic gathering of residents of the Carnarvon district on Friday evening to bid farewell to Mr Harold Bo water affords abundant proof that be at any rate has been most successful in his efforts during the five and a half years that he lias been head teacher of the Carnarvon School. The function took the form of a social, and the proceedings were carried out with marked enthusiasm throughout the eveniug. , During the early part of the evening vocal and instrumental items were pleasingly rendered by the following contributors Overture, a selection by the Carnarvon orchestra, under the baton of Mr R. B. McKenzie. Miss Keith sang two songs with pleasing effect, as also did Miss Lewis, who was enthusiastically recalled for the second song. Mr Mulligan sang “The Dream of Paradise,” and later on gave the humorous recitation “The Irish Fire Brigade.” Mr W. Penney was very clever in whistling solo, and was recalled, ■ Supper, that had been provided by the ladies, was then handed round. After which the chairman of the Committee, Mr H, Rockel, made a few remarks relative to Mr Bowater’s marked success in the school and his high standing a member of the community. The test of his remarks is embodied in the following illuminated .address that ho asked Mr Bowater to accept on behalf of the parents as a souvenir; and he wished him continued success in his new sphere of labour at Taouni.

The testimonial is of chaste design and bears the following inscription : Mr Harold R. Bowater. Dear Sir,—As you are now severing£yonr“ connection with the Carnarvon School will yon kindly allow me, on behalf of' the parents and friends as also of the School Committee to convey to yon onr deep sense of the valuable servicse rendered by yon to onr school as its teacher, Yonr ability has been successfully proved by the passes gained by the pupils in the, higher classes ©very year, and the good results of your influence upon the children under your cafe have been very marked. You have eminently succeeded during the time—five and a half years—yon had charge of the school in winning the love and respect of the children, while your unfailing attention to your duties with tact and courtesy engendered the highest esteem of the parents as well as of every one in the district. We ask yon to accept this testimonial as a small tribute and memento of our appreciation of your good work as a member of our community. And while much regretting yonr removal from our midst we heartily congratulate yon upon your promtion and wish you every success and pleasure in your new sphere of labour.—Yours very truly, H. Kookel, Chairman Carnarvon School Committee. Carnarvon,' May 6th, 1909. Mr Bowater was also the recipient of a handsome ink stand, the gift of the children. The presentation was made by Miss Anderson on behalf of her school fellows. On rising to rsapond the guest of the evening Was greeted with hearty applause. He said that ho would not attempt to make a speech as on occasions like this it was impossible to adequately express one’s feelings: the sincerely thauke the gathering for their good wishes and their handsome presents. He did not require any token to remind him of the pleasant years tlut lie had spent among them. His duties had been simplified by the harmony that had always existed with the various committees, and he would always remember the many kind acts that , had been shown to him in Carnarvon The chairman then introduced Mr Purnell, their representative of the Education Board, who was warmly greeted. Mr Parnell said that bo was extremely pleased to be present to assist in honouring their retiring teacher and in congratulating him upon his deserved promotion. He was surprised on entering the room to learn that there was so many people in the district; their presence verified his own judgment of Mr Bowater’s character, whom he could safely say was one of’the most painstaking teacher in the Board’s employ, while his exemplary conduct as a member of the community provided an excellent example to the youth of the district. Mr Purnell further remarked that he would always exert his best endeavours to bring education within easy reach of every child. Every request'for new schools could not be attended to at once as the Board had only a limited supply of cash available. He assured his Makowhai friends that their request for a new building was not forgotten and he hoped that at an early date a building suitable to their requirements would be an accomplished face. To get the best results of the education system a perfect harmony must exist between the Board, the Committees and the parents, and while he was a member he would always try to cultivate this feeling. Mr T. McKenzie also made : a eulogistic speech, and the proceedings terminated with singing the National Anthem. The piano used for the occasion was kindly lent by Mrs G. Milligan. The new teacher will be. Mr Malcolm Me Ewan, who is assured of a hearty welcome. Mr Newman, M.P., wired apologising for his unavoidable absence.