TARANAKI TEACHERS' TRIBUTE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 137, 1 June 1908, Page 4

TARANAKI TEACHERS' TRIBUTE

AN OFFICIAL APPRECIATED.

The teachers of Taranaki had a big surpri-o party -'all on their own" last Saturday afternoon. Mr. p. ,S. Whit-1 combe, secretary to the Taranaki Edu- I cation lioartl, unsuspectingly accepted the invitation of Mr. Mcllroy, secretary of the Teachers' Institute, to afternoon ten at the Kia Ora Tea-rooms, and there found school teachers gathering from fur and near. Noon the party of about seventy teachers of all grades and both nexes, together with the inspectors and several members of the Hoard, was seated around afternoon ten tables, and they were about to "set-to," when Mr. .1. \V. Mail, president of the Taranaki branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute, made a little speech to the effect that the teachers had gathered there to do lionor to Mr. Whitconibe, to recognise his .unvarying kindnes* to the teachers and hia constant geniality in the discharge of hi s duties. He said the teachers had decided not to wait for his retirement before showing their feeling rt towards him. and had found in the changing ul the'lion id's ollices an opportunity lor publicly recognising Mr. Whitconibe's worth.

.Mr. Mcllroy read apologies from Mr. W. Kennedy, a member of the Hoard, mid Mr. W. .1. Evans, headmaster at high wood, the former referring to the guest as a friend to the teachers and one "worthy the honor of recognition. '

Air. H. J)eni|ise,v, as the teacher with tlie Idlest continuous, service under tin- Hoard, was the next speaker, as the inuuthpieci' of the teachers of the district. Having known Air. Whitcombe intimately for a great nninber of years, it was no surprise to learn of the suggestion of making him a presentation. Thi! idea hail been taken up moat heartily, and funds were cheerfully and ungrudging! v subscribed. Why was Mr. Whitcombe 'so deserving of this honor? Ik'eause he was universally esteemed by the teachers, and had the respect aiid confidence of the Hoard and of the public. Jle was "one of Nature's gentlemen, and lie couldn't be uiigentleninnly if he tried," having a great regard to the comforts id' others, an eagerness to | help others mil of a dilliculty, and a painstaking record in I lie work oE the Hoard. Teachers resident outside New Plymouth had but a slight conception of the amount «f midnight oil burned in the secretary's ollice. but they felt that he should not do so much iiightwork. for that reason they had decided 10 present him with a comfortable armchair, and another for Airs. Whitcombe, having the idea that when they were comfortably ensconced in these, before the evening fireside, he would not feel inclined to venture out to Hie ollice.

The teachers well knew of many benelit,, received nt Mr. Whiteoinbe's hands, and now wished to show appreciation of

Mr. Wade, chairman of the Hoard, made the presentation of the two beau-tifully-upholstered chairs, and in doing so sa'id he knew Mr. Whitcomlic as ft sincere anil earnest friend of the teachers and a coiirscicntiuus servant oi the Hoard, lie hoped he would long be .-pared to retain his present position, and that he and his wife would long enjov the lieautifnl present of the teachers, anil that the present good feeling existing between the donors and the recipient would long endure. Mr. Tisch, as the youngest member of the Education Board, added his tribute, thanking Mr. Whitcoiube for his many kindnesses. He congratulated the teachers upon their action, and suggested that the Hoard might very well increase the secretary's salary. .Mr. Whitrombe was completely surprised, and spoke tinder considerable emotion, briollv but sincerely returning his thanks to the teachers for their kind remarks anil their kind and hamkonic present to Mrs. Whitcomlic and himself.

"lle's a .lollv (lood Fellow'' was sung, and cheers given for Mr. and Mrs. AVhitcombe. Afternoon ten was then served, concluding a very pleasing gathering.