A POPULAR OFFICER

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 129, 31 May 1917, Page 2

A POPULAR OFFICER

MR. FLEMING'S SERVICES FOR

EDUCATION

Mr. T. R. Fleming, Chief Inspector of Schools, was entertained at luncheon, by tie members of the Education Board yesterday afternoon, on the eve of his trajisfer to Dunedin. The Hon. J. G. W. Aitken (chairman of the boai'd) presided!, and the vice-chairman was Mr. A. W. Hogg, the senior member of the board. All the present members of th<> board attended, also Mr. R. Lee (ex-chairman of the board and formerly Chief Inspector), and several former members of the board. The speakers were the chairman, Messrs. Lee, Hogg, Eishworth, and Mackay, the last named representing .the Marlborough section of the district.. They all paid warm tributes to'the success of Mr. Fleming's education work in Wellington. The Chairman, on behalf of those present, tJien presented Mr. : Fleming, with a barometer and travelling case, and Mrs. Fleming with a i pearl necklet and a rug.

Sir. Fleming sincerely thanked the speakers for their remarks, and referred to the friendly relationship that had always existed between the board and itsinspectors. He made special reference to. the valuable work done in the district by his predecessor, Mr. Lee. Proceedings terminated with oheers for Mr. and Mirs. Fleming and the singing of "For He's a. Jolly Good Fellow."

In appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. Fleming the board has inscribed the following resolution on its minutes :— \

"Oh the transference of Mr. T, R. Fleming to Otago as its senior inspector, theWellington Education. Board places on. record its high appreciation . of- the sterling' worth of his educational; services during an official connection with the Wellington Education Board ■ extending over 27 years, first as assistant inspector, later as chief inspector to the board, and recently as senior inspector under . the Education Department. To the discharge of the varied and responsible duties which devolved on him during that period of steady growth and development, he' brought a deep knowledge of educational theory and practice, a soundness of judgment, an integrity of purpose, an impartiality and a- friendliness of attitude, which have not only promoted smoothness of working and educational efficiency, but have gained him the complete confidence and the approbation of the board, of teachers, of committees, and of . the community generally. The board records its conviction that he has discharged the duties of his office right faithfully and well; a,nd it regrets his departure. Speaking on behalf of a very largo circle of friends resident in every part of this wide district, it tenders him and his family the • very heartiest good wishes for their future welfare and prosperity." Mr. Fleming was this week also the guest at luncheon of the professors of Victoria. College.