VALEDICTORY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 54, 24 July 1914, Page 4

VALEDICTORY

An; interesting function took place last night at St. Andrew's Church, New Plymouth, the occasion toeing the closing scene in the Sunday school in the career of Mr. N. K. MJcOiarinid, as superintendent at St. Andrew's. There was a large number of people present to express their appreciation of Mr. McDiarmid's past services and good wishes for him in the future, and the proceedings were marked 'by much enthusiasm. The .first part of the evening was-de-voted to a musical programme, in whieii the following took part:—Misses Armstrong and Smith, pianoforte so'.os; M':ss McTsaJie and Mr. Hallam. songs; Mr, ■Ewing and Mv. McOle'dan, recitations; and -two (|uartettesi by Misses Rea and Amlbuw, and Messrs Morshead and 11cOlellan.

After sapper, Rev. Rosevcare took ir.au opportunity of expressing tin- thanks of those concerned to Mr. McDiarmid for liis good work.. He went on to emphasise the important 'position the superintendent of a Sunday school! held in the education cf the child, where tllmlatter was in its most plastic stage. lie also stressed the importance of the personality and ideals of the leader of ilie school, because they wou'd indelibly stamp themselves upon the child mind, lie recounted souu' of fc work of Mr. McDiarmid during the 20 years of his term of office, during which he hud won 'hi* way info the hearts of teach- ' ers and scholars alike. They did not i gnidge Mr. McDiarmid his we'i-rarned | rest, but were sorry tfliHt the time had | come for him to sever his connection ', with tile school. J Several other gentlemen spoke in a'| similar strain, and Mr. MeDiarawd re- ! p'.ieil in a speech full of interesting reminiscences, concluding with an appeal for assistance to Mr. Mathicson, the new superintendent.