PRESENTATION AT HUNTLY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2767, 8 April 1890, Page 2

PRESENTATION AT HUNTLY.

Onk of those pleasing incidents which too rarely occur, showing the kindly feeling which should always exist between the people and he who has charge of the educational matters of a district, was shown on Thursday night last when the Huntly Hall was crowded to excess to bid goodbye to Mr Talbot and his family, who are about to leave the district. A concert and social entertainment was provided by a committee chosen by the parents of the children. .The Rev. Mr McKinny, who ministers in the district, was chosen chairman. In addressing the meeting he stated they were met to-night to do honour to one who deserved all the honour they could give him, for not only in his ordinary dijty as teacher haß he given general satisfaction, but he has also assisted very much in this place the worship of God, and a very great deal of the success of our services maybe traced to him. His family has silso been foremost in doing all the good they could aud were ever ready to lend aid in any emergency. On behalf of this assembly I therefore wish Mr Talbot and his family God-speed in their new home. Mr McKinny then read the following address and presented Mr Talbot with a magnitiI cent marble clock :—Mr Talbot,—The duty which we have this evening to perform we ought perhaps call a pleasure, but associated as it is with the approaching separation from an old friend, causes it to be no pleasure to us. We refer to your departure from Huntly and to our assembling here this evening to present you with a small token of our esteem as friends, and our confidence in you as a teacher. The parents of the children who have been under your cave for the last four years, are thoroughly satisfied with you as a teacher and with the progress their children made under you. The results at the examinations show the high state of efficiency of the school. We regret, Mr Talbot, that your duties take you from.among us, but be assured you take with you the good wishes and the sympathy of almost every person in Huntly. We hope that in your new sphere of duty you, Mrs Talbot and family, will be happy and comfortable, and that there may be many years of hapipy and prosperous life before you all. We now ask you to accept this timepiece from the residents of Huntly and neighbourhowd as a-token of their friendship, confidence, and respect for you and yours, and we ask you when you look upon it to remember that you left in Huntly many a true friend and well-wisher.— Signed on behalf of the parents and residents of Huntly, J. 'McKinny.-Mr McKinny then read the inscription engraved on the silver shield as follows. Presented to Mr 11. T. Talbot, head teacher, Huntly District School, by the parents of the children under his tuition and other friends on the occasion of his leaving the disfcriotjas a token of their esteem and regard.— Huntly, 2Sth March, IS9O. Mr Talbot, when about to reply, was evidently unable to control his feelings for sometime. He expressed his heartfelt thanks for the kindness which prompted the proceedings of the evening and for the exceedingly beautiful present which he had just received.', and •aid, " While I have life I shall not forget your many kindnesses and the respect in which you have always held myself and family. I have sought to do my duty faithfully and I take this credit to myself, and which I feel, that I have done this district some service and that I leave your school in a more efficient state than I found it. I have one matter to say to you. and see to it.—That the educational affairs of your district do not fall into the hands of unscrupulous men, those who would sell the trust you repose in them for a mess of pottage. Elect men who will allow my successor to do his work, men who will not obstruct him in his duties and who will not hinder the education of your children, elect men with whom it will not be a shame to associate. Then, and not till then, may you expect the education of your district to prosper. I wish you all health and comfort, and I shall make it my business to come occasionally to see you. Good-bye.—" The social entertainment was kept up to 3 a.m., and overyono enjoyed themselves heartily.