MR. DEMPSEY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 141, 23 September 1910, Page 4

MR. DEMPSEY.

The' sentiment that underlies a tribute to a public servant whose work for the people has been of exceptional woith is entirely wholesome. Mr. H. Dempsoy, the headmaster of the Central School, has just completed a quarter of a century in the service of the children and of their parentsi. Locally he is known to possess those great qualifications that, quite apart from mere ki""V'£re and scholastic attainments, may be welded into the being of the children. The function of teaching children to be decent citizens is the greatest of all functions. The man who possesses it in an unusual degree possesses it mainly because of his human 'love and sympathy for the little ones. The ideal teacher is the man or the, woman who can place himself or herself in the position of the child; who has an understanding that cannot be cultivated by study or books or any other device, but which is inborn and a part of the teacher. The influence of such a one is most potent. The respect he receives from his pupils is not only a lifelong asset to them, but it is a crown of success that he may himself wear gladly. Mr. Dempsey's influence is not only stamped upon the children of the present day and generation in NewPlymouth, but it has also been stamped on many of the parents of these children, for during his occupancy of the position he adorns no less than 6000 have passed out oi the Central School moulded according to his high standard. In recognising the great services of such a man the people who do so offer up thanksgiving for a boon the importance of which cannot be exaggerated. The making of a nation begins in the home and in the schoolroom, and if there should be a nation where the home influence is not the dominating influence the onus of supplying the omission is on the schoolmaster. Si the moulding of a nation the schoolmaster takes precedence of politician, judge, journalist or orator. There is no greater influence, except that of the mothers qf -the children. And so, in honoring an ornament of a profession full of pitfalls, requiring knowledge, sympathy, kindness and tact, the people of New Plymouth insensibly honor the idea that the children are the first concern of the country. We desire to add our cordial congratulations to those of the citizens of New Plymouth, hoping that Mr. Dempsey's usefulness will be extended for many years, and that he may find as much joy in his task as the people feel in acknowledging his services. v