PRESENTATIONS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2032, 12 April 1890, Page 3

PRESENTATIONS.

WINCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOL. A very pleasing ceremony took place yesterday at the public school, Winchester, when Miss Alberta Young, the infant mistress was the recipient of a very handsome testimonial. After school in the morning the children were assembled in the senior class room, where a few seats had been provided for visitors and such members of the committee as were able to be present.

Mr W. Deßenzy, chairman of the school committee, addressing Miss Young, said that he had much pleasure in presenting her with a silver watch and chain subscribed for by the children attending the school and their parents as a small token of the esteem in which she was held by the scholars under her charge. He went on to say that some time ago he had presented to the Board of Education a

petition signed by nearly all the parents of the children attending the school requesting that body to reconsider their decision with regard to the appointment of a fresh mistress. Of Miss Young’s abilities as a teacher there could be no doubt. The Inspector’s report spoke for itself, “ All the work of the preparatory classes is particularly good. The school has passed a very good examination. The order and discipline are quite satisfactory*” He had ascertained that the groundwork of their education was a very satisfactory one, as a preparation for the higher standards, and from the expressions of the committee he could assure her that they were perfectly satisfied. He was now happy to state that she had been reappointed. (Applause). Some members of the board had said that it was unfair that teachers not certificated should be reappointed when so many certificated teachers were waiting for situations, but he (the speaker) maintained that ibis was a very one-sided view to take. The board had not taken into consideration the loss the children would

sustain by a change of teachers. He had only to point to the difficulty already experienced at that school, where seven changes had been made in, five years. Such a course was unfair to teachers and scholars. If a teacher was showing satisfactory results that was all that was necessary. It was not because Miss Young was a relation of his own that he thus spoke. He could assure them that he would say the same, and indeed be more emphatic, had she been a stranger. One thing, however, especially pleased him, and that was the perfect confidence and love that existed between the children and herself. He had watched her on her way to and fro, and always found her surrounded by children to cling to her hand. He had visited the school and found that this familiarity in no way interfered with perfect discipline, and he was pleased in the interest of the parents and children that this perfect state of accord could exist. He had much pleasure in making the presentation ot that watch, which, as the hour for school drew nigh, would remind her that punctuality on her part would ensure the same with the scholars. In conclusion, he hoped that the present cordial feeling would exist untiL a call to some future sphere of life would necessitate a parting.

Mr Deßenzy’s remarks were received with applause. Miss Young, iu a few earnest words, thanked the chairman for the very handsome gift which he had presented to her in the names of the children and parents. It was unmerited on her part, but would be treasured as showing that they entertained towards her some little liking. She desired also to thank the committee for their kind expressions of confidence in her, and also all those who had signed the testimonial in her favor. She would ask the head master, Mr McCarthy, to say a few words on her behalf. Mr McCarthy considered this unnecessary, as Miss Young had fully displayed her ability to speak for herself. He desired, however, to endorse the chairman’s remarks as to Miss Young’s ability. It had been a pleasure to work with her, and he had found that her preparatory work was a capital foundation for the superstructure he had to build upon it. She appeared to have given their attainments a wider scope. On her sweetness of disposition and mildness of manner he would not enlarge. They were well known, and he hoped they would experience them for a long time. When the question of a testimonial was first mooted it gave him pleasure to see the avidity with which the idea was taken up by the children. It showed their appreciation of her good qualities, and the fact of such a ceremony as the present one haying taken place, honored as it was by the presence of such of their committee as could attend, was a sign that a right feeling .existed between 'teacher and taught. Not the ordinary feeling between mistress and pupil, but a feeling tempered by a spirit of parental affection if he might use the term. Mr McCarthy concluded by wishing Miss Young much future wellfare and prosperity. The child: ei having applauded in a very hearty manner, Miss Young

requested that they might be granted a half holiday, This was granted by the committee, and the children were then dismissed. A note of apology for unavoidable absence was received from Mr Ensor. He desired to convey to Miss Young bis wishes for her health and prosperity. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WOODBURY. On Tuesday evening last the members of the above church met for the purpose of presenting Miss Webb, organist of the choir, with a testimonial, testifying to the manner m which her services are appreciated. Mr D. Macdonald, chairman of the Church Committe, in a very neat and suitable address, made the presentation of a valuable watch and chain. Miss Webb, in reply, stated she was much gratified and very thankful for the very handsome and useful pre-, sent, and in after years, when she looked upon the same, it would be with happy recollections. She thanked the members of the church for the kind manner in which the same was given. The proceedings then terminated.