RETIREMENT OF A POPULAR SCHOOL TEACHER.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXVII, Issue 1498, 2 November 1900, Page 5

RETIREMENT OF A POPULAR SCHOOL TEACHER.

On Wednesday afternoon last a large gathering of children connected with the Clinton Public School, together with the School Committee, and a number of friends, and others interested, assembled in the school for the purpose of bidding good-bye to Miss J. H. Paterson, who has been matron there for the last seven years, but who is now severing her connection with the school. At the outset the Chairman, Mr M'Lachlan, said they were met to do honor to their friend Miss Paterson, who, as they all knew, had resigned her position in the school. He remembered well the time of her appointment, when she was chosen out of 40 applicants, and that without any influence being used on her behalf. He had pleasure then in supporting her nomination, and he now rejoiced to think that he had made no mistake. During her stay with us she had not only thrown great energy into the school work, but had taken much interest in the well-being of the town. Especially at the annual school concerts were her services appreciated, where many had had the pleasure of seeing and hearing the children so skilfully trained by her. He (Mr M'Lachlan) regretted her retirement, but would always remember her connection with them with pleasure and satisfaction. Mr Williamson, a member of the Committee, said he was pleased to be with them that afternoon to bear testimony to the good work done by Miss Paterson. Her position had always been a responsible and trying one and it would be gratifying to her to know that her services had been appreciated, and also that she had many more friends now than when she came amongst them. As one of the committee he felt that ihey would fail in their duty if they did not express in some tangible way their appreciation of the goci work she had done, not only as teacher, but as a private citizen. .He wished her long life and happiness in the future. Mr M'Lachlan then presented Miss Paterson with a handsome illuminated address, couched in the following terms ;— "Presented to Miss Joanna H. Paterson, by the school committee on behalf of the parents and children of the Clinton School. " We. the parents and children connecttd .with this school having heard with regret that you are about to sever your connection with us, ask you to accept this address and the accompanying gifts as a token of our gratitude and afieetion, We fully recognise your successful and distinguished work in school, your wide and lasting influence for good, and the valuable assistance, outside of your professional work, rendered to every movement having for its object the well-being of the community. We wish to express our sorrow that your long connection with us ac a teacher is about to cease and we sincerely trust that in your new sphere every happiness may be yours. — Signed on behalf of the Clinton School Committee, " D. A. M'Lachlan, Chairman. "Clakenck Cuff, Secretary. " 31st October, 1900." He also handed Miss Paterson a beautiful silver cake-dish suitably inscribed,- and sa:'u he hoped these would recall pleasant recollep^ tions of happy days spent in Clinton. Miss Cissie M'Lachlan and Master John Forno, two of the senior scholars, then stepped forward, and, on behalf of the , children, presented their departing teacher with a valuable set of carvers, enclosed in a - handsome case, suitably inscribed. Master Forno, acting as spokesman, said they were . all sorry Miss Paterson was leaving. He

hoped she would remember them, and he was sure none of the children would forget her. Mr W. Nelson then, on behalf of the committee, of the Presbyterian Church, presented Miss Paterson with a purse of sovereigns. He regretted the awkwardness of the hour, as otherwise more of bis colleagues would have been present to testify to the valuable assistance she had always willingly rendered in affairs connected with the church. Mr M. Paterson then, on behalf of his daughter, feelingly and suitably returned thanks. He was sure Miss Paterson did not expect such kindly references to be made to her, or such valuable presents as they had given her, and he was also sure that she would always remember with pleasure and gratitude the kindly feelings which prompted their gifts, Addressing the children, he remarked that Miss Paterson would prize their gift and ever take the deepest interest in the .' reports of the school and in their individual careers. Several songs were rendered by the children, andjhe meeting closed with the singing of " God be with you till we meet again." ' ''■■'.. '\> -