VALEDICTORY.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIX, Issue 57, 28 February 1913, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

MB AND MRS H. 0. JOKES.

The Stirling Presbyterian Hall was - packed on Wednesday when a "farewell social was tendered by the people of the town and district to Mjr and Mrs H. C. Jones. Mr Jones "has j, e en headmaster of the Stirling school for about 19 years, and his merit in the teaching profession, always highly appreciated by those with whom he has conic in direct contact with, is now more widely recognised and he has been chosen for the rectorship of the Lawrence District High School, vice Mr Turner, who comes to Balclutha. Mr Jones will leave Stirling to-morrow for Lawrence, where he will commence his n ew duties as rector on Monday. Mr D. Boyd, member for the district in the Bruce County Council, occupied the chair. He explained the object of the meeting, and said he was sure the present was sufficient tribute to j[r and Mrs Jones' popularity and esteem. (Applause.) He read an apology for absence from Mr J. C. Anderson.

Mr P. MeKiulay quoted Shakespere's words, "The friends thou hast and their adoption tried, grapple them to thy hearts with bands of steel." This could well be applied in the case of their departing friends. Mr and Airs Jones had been great factors in Stirling towards the ennobling of their lives, more especially the young folk. (Applause.) Mr Jones was always just. The people were sorry to lose them, although it was gratifyingto kuow that their removal was for their betterment. They had always taken a keen interest in all the public institutions of the town., Tnere was not a single teacher in the board's service, more highly appreciated than Mr Jones. (Applause.) It was generally found that the Stirling boy was a good, honest, thorough-going boy when he stepped into the world. He could bespeak for Mr and Mrs Jones a thorough hearty welcome in Lawrence, and express the sentiment of all his hearers in wishing them a good and prosperous settlement. (Applause.) Mr P. McSkimming, senior, added his tribute.

Mr D. Boyd, speaking as a school committeeman, said that during the time he had been on the committee there had never been a complaint from a parent about the teacher, and everything had always been most harmonious between Mr Jones and the committee. He never knew a teacher to get so much out of the children with so little driving as their departing teacher, and his record for pupils who had secured scholarships was second to none in Otago. The speaker could congratulate Lawrence people on the excellent rector they had secured, and he felt sure the position would be filled most honourably. (Applause.) Mr Jones never went round and buttonholed school committeemen for better positions; if he did he would not have been in Stirling 12 years, but a recognition of his qualifications could not be set aside any longer. He felt sure that this promotion was only a stepping-stone to what would be a glorious career, and he hoped that when Mr Jones retired he would come back and spend the remainder of his days in Stirling. (Applause.) Mr Joseph Smith spoke of Mr Jones' good and conscientious work on the Athenaeum Committee.

Mr Coop, speaking on behalf of the Glee Club, said that for years Mrs Jones had been the foremost vocalist in the club, and Mr Jones' services as a singer and a worker were highly appreciated.

Rev. E. L. Woodhouse said he felt the Anglican congregation were sustaining a severe loss in the departure of Mr and Mrs Jones from Stirling. Although they had subscribed to the public presentation they also wished to give some little thing from the congregation, and so lie asked Mr and Mrs Jones to accept from the congregation a handsomely bound Cathedral Prayer-book. (Applause.)

Rev. W. \V. Brown said he was sure that every word expressed that, night was from the hearts of the speakers. Mr Brown laid particular stress on Mr •lones' fairness. He had always eiiHi'avoured to do the best he could for every child that went itiside the walls of the school. (Applause.) The speaker also paid his tribute towards the church work done by Mr .(ones. The success of the religious instruction was in a great measure due to the help given by him. (Applause.) But part of Mr Jones' goodness was due to his wife. (Applause.) On behalf of the Stirling people he had much pleasure in handing a purse of sovereigns to Mr Jones, and he assured him that the gift was accompanied by the'best wishes of the people. (Loud applause.) Mrs .1. C. Anderson said that from K'l'lliood Mrs Jones had sung her way into the hearts of the people, always smiling, cheerful, bright and happy, and ever ready to help. On behalf of the people of Stirling, the speaker said, she had to offer Mrs Jones an inscribed silver tray, with the hope that the recipient would long be spared to use it. t (Applause.) Mr J. 6. Henderson, representing the Bowling Club, presented Mr Jones with a silver cup, which the previous evening Mr Jones had won by coming out on top ln the singles challenge championship. (Applause.) Mr Jones, replying, said ho could not suitably express his gratitude to the People for their presence at the social, the kind sentiments expressed, and for Hie valuable presents. Both his wife and himself felt that the time spent in Stirling had been the happiest period of their lives, and they felt the parting "ow keenly. If he had done anything for the advantage of the district he could lay a large portion of the credit to his wife. It was pleasing to know that his services in the school had been appreciated. When ho entered the school he had recognised that it was a good on e, and he was pleased to take the cr edit of having kept up the standard s «t by his predecessor. It was the bought that h 9 had., helped to build up

the character of the boys and girls which gave him the greatest pleasure, and his highest reward was that he had been the means of making good citizens. Scholarships and other honours do not compare with that. He hoped all the public institutions with which he had been connected would continue to prosper, and he paid a tribute to the public in their open-handedness in helping these institutions. Regarding the school committee, he did not know the members very well; they never gave any trouble. (Laughter.) He had never knowingly done an injustice to a pupil; if he ever did one an injustice he hoped .ie would be forgiven. Mr Jones eou'luded by thanking the people from the liottom of his heart for all their kind-

■esses to himself and Mrs Jones. They could never forget Stirling, with its happy days and pleasant recollections. (Loud applause.) Cheers were then given for Mr and Mrs Jones and a spirited singing of •'For they are jolly good fellows." Supper, provided by the ladies, was then handed round.

The chairman passed a vote of thanks to those ladies and gentlemen who had assisted with the social, and particularly to Mr Inglis, the secretary. During the evening songs were contributed by Messrs Bennetts, Edwards md Fu.ltou (Kaitaugata) and Coop, and i duet by Messrs Coop and Bennetts. Miss Smith acted as accompanist. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought r.he social to a close at 11 o'clock.

ME AND MRS McELREA. PUBLIC SOCIAL. There was a very large gathering of the public on Wednesday at the social send-off to Mr McElrea, who has been for 17 years rector of the Balclutha District High School, and who leaves to take up the headmastership of the Normal School in,Duuedin. His Worship the Mayor (Mr D. Stewart) occupied the chair, and called upon the performers iu a shorty musical programme, which commenced the evening's entertainment. Several of the singers were new to a Balclutha audience, and each and ill of thein acquitted themselves admirably. Mr Adams sang "True Till Death"; Miss F. Murray, "The Beautiful Land of Nod "; Mr G. H. Waymouth, "A Red Rosebud" (encored); Miss M. Reid, "I Told My Love to the Roses" and '' Hush''; Mr Richards, '' There's a Laud" (encore, "Shadows"); Miss Hutton, "Childhood" (encore, "If I Built a World for You"; Mr' J. H. Guest, "The Ringer" (encore, "Trooper Johnny Ludlow"). Mr McElrea gave the recitation "Culloden."

The Mayor read apologies from Miss M. K. Allan, Rev. Mr Woodhouse and Mr Parker McKinlay (member of the Education Board), and called on the speakers and members of the school committee to take seats on the platform.

Mr Stewart said when they heard that Mr McElrea was leaving there was a unanimous desire that he should be presented with some token of the esteem in which he was held. School teachers could not .take a very prominent part in public affairs, and consequently they did not hear so much about their good work for the district as they did jf others less deserving. Mr McKlvea had been 17 years rector of their school, uid had rendered invaluable services in that position, as well as taking a part in the public life of the place. He had raised the school to a high standard, as evidenced by the scholarship and Civil •service examination results. He had taken a prominent part in the erection of the technical school here, and it was 'argely owing to his representations o the powers that be that they had the school; he was sorry it, was not in working order before he left. They all resetted Mr and Mrs McElrea's depar:iire, but it was satisfactory to know hat it meant promotion, and a wellleserved recognition as one of the best teachers -in Otago. Dunedin was only t short distance away, and he hoped l hey would still see something of their guests. It, was his pleasing duty to present Mr McKlrea with a gold watch i-s a token of esteem, and in recognition of the honour iii which he was held and of the appreciation they had for his services during the 17 years he had-been rector. He would also ask Mr McElrea to accept for Mrs McElrea a gold brooch. Mrs McElrea was a general favourite, and during her stay among them had earned their respect and esteem. (Applause.)

The watch was inscribed: "Presented to W. McElrea, 8.E., Rector of Balclutha D.H. School, in appreciation of his services to the school and district hiring the past 17 years. 26/2/13." The gold brooch presented to Mrs McElrea was of pretty design, with a ruby •Hid two diamonds.

Mr Malcolm, M.l'., was the next speaker. They all knew how much a teacher counted in bringing up their children; the children saw almost more of their teachers than of their parents, and the children of to-day were the men and women of to-morrow. The teacher had a great deal to do with the moulding of character, ami they had been extremely fortunate in having a man of Mr McElrea's worth in charge of their school. He thought" it was a mistake to leave presentations till a man was going away—it would be better to .et a good man know they appreciated him while he was still with them. Mr Malcolm spoke iu humorous vein, suggesting that every year the ten oldest residents should receive a presentation" in turn so as to keep them in the town. Me thought, however, they had all shown appreciation of Mr McElrea's services and how they valued his work. The committee had recognised it, and had taken care to give him all assistance ami support. He thought the committeemen had done a good work for the community. Heregrctted Mr McElrea was going away, and he ventured to say it was a mistake, as the school hero be one of the greatest in Ofcago before very long. He hoped the change would proVe of advantage to Mr and'- Mrs s£c-

Elrea ami family, and that they would be prosperous and in every way. j They were losing a *good man, but he I thought the Committee had been fortunate in liaving the names of two such excellent men sent forward to choose a .successor, and ho was pleased to be able to welcome the uow rector (Mr Turner), who Was present that evening. Mr 1). T. Fleming said they were all sorry Mr ami Mrs McElrea' were leaving, and he was quite sure they sorry to go. Seventeen years was a long time, but from the day Mr McElrea came he had done splendid work. From the point of view of examination results- the Balchitha District High School was top-notch. It was the most successful primary and secondary school in Otago. Besides his ordinary duties, Mr McElrea had taken a nvc. interest in various movements in the town; he had kept himself in toueh with local movements and activities, and tarried with him the best wishes of all.

Rev. W. Grcenslade thanked Mr McElrea for the courteous and sympathetic way in which he had met the ministers when they took the weekly Bible lesson, and paid a high tribute to the discipline of the school.

Mr Gilmour (chairman' of the school committee) said his feelings were mixed on this occasion. He regretted Mr, McKlrea's departure, but he was pleased to be present to do him honour. The committee had always been able to get sound advice and assistance from the ivctor, and they were proud to get it. .IQ. was losing a personal friend, who was a scholar ami a gentleman. Mr Gilmour thanked the staff for the good work done, as shown by the records. It needed the whole community to make any school a success—public and teachers alike, —and the school had been well assisted by the parents. In his eight years as a committeeman there had not been a single complaint by a parent. Mr J. H. Guest spoke as an ex-pupil of the school, relating in humorous style several reminiscences of school-boy days, in which Mr McElrea figured as the man behind the strap. Mr Stanley Kinder, another ex-pupil, saiit he wftshed to thank Mr McElrea for the care anil attention he had given him, both in school hours and after hours. Mr McKlrea he also remembered as a man with a right arm of length ami strength. He had since studied under many masters, but he knew of few with whom time could be spent with more pleasure and profit than with Mr McElrea, especially on his two great specialties—English and mathematics. He (the speaker) was the last of eight members of his family who has been under Mr McElrea, and they had all been taught carefully and well. He congratulated Mr McElrea on his welldeserved promotion. Mr McElrea, who was received with loud applause, said it was a trying experience that evening. He had spent li years of very happy life in Balclutha, and his wife fourteen. He had said "Yes" to the suggestion of the change rather hurriedly, and he was facing a big contract-; the school he was going to was very high on the list, and he would have to keep up its good name. He did not know how to thank them for their kindness and forbearance. Sometimes it was difficult for a parent to understand the teacher's point of view in the treatment of a child, but he could assure patents they all tried to do their best. He thanked the parents for their great support to himself and his staff. The school had progressed during his term. In April, 1896, when he took over, there were 265 on the roll, and 30 in the upper room; the rector had three assistants and three pupil teachers. Now he had seven assistants and two pupil teachers, and the roll number was oBJi, with 67 in the secondary schools. They had introduced the rural course into the school, and he looked forward to a great future.for this course. He thanked the committee for the work they had done for the school and for their ready assistance to him and the staff, an.d paid a high tribute to the members of the present staff. The new rector had been a pupil of his own—a successful pupil and a successful first assistant, —and he would fill his new position in a masterly manner. He thanked them specially for their present to his wife, although she had not appeared much in public. Still, ithad to be remembered that with five of a family her duties lay in her home, and she had done her duty to her family. She hail always taken a great interest in the work of the town, and felt the parting very much. "We all feel the parting. The place feels like homo to us, and we have had most pleasant experiences while here," concluded Mr McElrea, "We will always look with pleasure on its success, and I know the school will be a success in Mr Turner's hands."

Mr McElrea was greeted with prolonged ajiplauso and the singing of "They are jolly good fellows." An enjoyable dance concluded the evening's entertainment.

MASONIC PRESENTATION. At a meeting of the Masonic, Lodge on Tuesday' Mr McElrea, who has been one of the most prominent members for many years, was presented .with a beautiful gold jewel appropriate to the occasion as a mark of the lodge's esteem. AT THE SCHOOL. A pleasant little function took place at the Balclutha District High School last Wednesday, when the staff and pupils presented their rector (Mr W. McElrea, B/13.), with a pair of prism binoculars on his leaving to take up his new duties. All the pupils of the school were grouped under the trees, while the members of the committee and their wivos were also present. . Mr W. L. Harrison, M.A., in making the presentation, referred to the esteem in which Mr McElrea was held by the staff and pupils, and conveyed their sor|.row at losing so goocLand popular a I teacher, and also their wishes that,Mr i and Mrs McElrea;,and family might be happy in their new home. Mr T. Gilmour, on behalf of the 'school committee; Rev. E. 3k.W«ftfc

house, on behalf of the clergy of the district-; and Miss Gawn and Mr Wade, on behalf of the sta'ff, also referred "in eulogistic,tej;ins to the connection with Mr McElrea during the past years.

Mr McElrea in reply thanked the staff and pupils for their handsome present and good wishes i(>r himself and family. He'said it was Willi the greatest regret that he was leaving the school and district. He thanked the, sjtaff and committee for their loyal support in his efforte for the advancement of the, school, and the parents for their kindness and forbearance during his term of office.

The visitors then adjourned to one of the class-rooms, where the staff had prepared afternoon tea, which afforded an opportunity of a social meeting.