PRESENTATION TO MR. W. MONKHOUSE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 322, 23 January 1908, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO MR. W. MONKHOUSE.

THE EDUCATION BOABD'S FAKEWELL. At the Education Board meeting yesterday, a letter was read lioni Mr." W. Monkhouse, resigning his position as a member of the Board. the resignation being rendered necessary by his departure for England making il impossible for him to tarry out the duties, lie need hardly say that he resigned with «-\treme regret. Mr. Tisch moved, and Mr. Faull secouded, "That the resignation ol' Mr. \V. Monkhouse lie accepted with regret, and that the Hoard places on record its high appreciation of the many yeanv service rendered by Mr. Monkhouse ft* a member of the Taranaki Education Hoard, and regrets that in view of his departure from the Dominion I o take up is residence in the Old Country it ia to accept his resignation." At the conclusion of the Board's busi■u'rts, the members and oflicers of the . Hoard (Messrs. \Y. A. Ballantyne, chief nspector: F. 0. Whetter, assistant in>peetor; I\ S. Whiteombc. secretary: .J. Sanderson, architect; Miss S. Thompson, assistant-secretary; Miss I. Mace, typiste) bade Mr. Monkhouse farewell. The Chairman said he wa»s sure th« members would all join with him in oxpressing deep regret at the resignation, and appreciation of Mr MonkhouseV long nervices on the Board. Ever since Mr Monkhouse had become a meniber ho had taken a very active part in the Hoard's business, showing such zeal and energy that the speaker was led to feel that by his resignation the educational interests of the district would suffer a great loss. His lengthy experience on other bodies had often, enabled Mr Monkhouse to render very great assistance to the Board. lie was convinced that •Mr Monkhouse had been actuated by a great love of the work (hear, hear), and uv his nviignation the Board and the schoolchildren would suffer. There was some consolation in knowing that their lo*s would be sonte other community';! gain, for he was not a man to let his* talents lie hidden under a l)U9hel whilst there was work to be done in the interests of his fellow-men. Mr Wade said he deemed it a great honor to present to Mr Monkhouse an enlarged and framed photograph of the Board and ita staff. He knew the gift would be acceptable, for Mr Monkhouse had expressed a desire to have such a memento his connection with the Board. Mr Wade concluded by wishing Mr and Mrs Monkhouse and family a pleasant voyage and every happiness and success in their new home on the other aide of the world.

Mr Faiill followed, in an equally eulogistic strain. He felt sure that Mr Monkliouse would noon enter public life at Home, for lie was a man who could nut be content to rust out, but would wear out.

Mr Tiseh spoke of Mr Monkhou*e'fl ability displayed on the Taranaki and Stratford Hospital Hoards, and hi* polished method of debate, ilis departure ! was indeed a Joss to the divriet. tor men of his stamp they eould ill afford ,to lo6e. Mr Morton said that no words of his eould hilly express his admiration of Mr Monkhouse or his regret at that gentlemail's departure. By his eourtwy and tact- he had shown his ranK as a true gentleman. The Stratford district would find it hard to replace him on the Board. Mr Trimble referred to Mr Monkhouses work as chairman of the teachers' selection committee, and expressed keen regret that he would cease to meet him at the Board's table.

Mr Kennedy endorsed the previous speakers' remarks, and said he had known Mr Monk'house for 23 yearn. He would slim him up in a few words, "a gentleman." He had earned the ras]>cct of all classes of the community in which he had lived, and in farther fields. He was exceedingly sorry that Mr Monkbouse was going, for it would be impossible to replace him. Mr Morison considered the people of Taranaki were losing one of the strongest men they had ever had in educational circles. He also paid a warm tribute to Mr Monkhouse's "disinterested interest."

.Mr Adiam"'Considered it would be bard :o get a better member than Mr Monk-

house. who had always worked in a fearless manner and impartially. .Messrs Whitcombe and Ballantyne spoke on behalf of the officers of the Board, acknowleding his courtesy and consideration.

Air Monkhouse, who spoke under considerable emotion, said he hardly knew how to express his feelings. It gave him great pain to have to leave the Board, not only on account of his strong interest in the wont, but because it meant parting with some of his dearest friends. He had always taken a great interest in education, and had for ten Jv.irs acted as an unpaid teacher in a night school when educational facilities were not as now. No work on any Board had given hini the same pleasure as he had derived from this work, both because of his own keen interest and be-

cause of the kindness and courtesy ')i his colleagues and the officials. At times, however, he had been oppressed—as no doubt other members had been—with a feeling of the inadequacy of nls own abilities, his shortcomings, and failings. Tie would derive abiding pleasure from this photograph, reminding him of their comradeship in the greatest work a man could take up, for in his opinion education was of paramount importance, lie heartily thanked the members and stall for thoir kmiT gift and kind wishes.