MUSSELBURGH SCHOOL

Evening Star, Issue 18926, 28 April 1925, Page 2

MUSSELBURGH SCHOOL

FAREWELL TO EX-TEACHER Last, evening, in the Coronation ITfdl* St. ivikia, a large nuumbor of pcopla gathered to hid farewell to Miss C. E. Clialmer, who has retired from the posi* tion of infant head mistress at the Mussel* burgh School. Mr D, 0. Cameron, jun, presided. In his opening remarks, the chairman said that Miss (J. E. Clialmer Jiad been at (he school for over twenty years. Miss t'haimer was the last link with, the original staff. .It had been decided to associate the family of the first head master (tlie late Mr White) with (he present gathering. Mr Cameron then raid a letter from Mr 0. E. While (son of th® late headmaster) of Christchurch. The letter read inter alia as follows:—• “ Would you kindly convey to all in* terested in the life of your school the very kindest feelings from my mother and the members of the White family, and say that we gladly join with all who arc carrying on the traditions of _ activities ot your school in paying tribut® to the great personality and work of Miss Clialmer. It is well-known to you al) that at the beginning of your school it was tin; great, privilege, of my lat® father to be associated with your honored guest this evening, for Miss Ghalmfif il&S& been indeed a tower ol strength during all her days of labor in the school. Til® value of significance of the ■work ol ft gual school 1 earlier cannot be estimated in terms of commerce, but as you all know, must be estimated in terms of character. What is the significance of your meeting this evening? Why is it ilial on the retirement of a leader of commerce there is no .spontaneous onthnrsi o) public a flection, and how does it come about that the whole community, young and old, have such a- living interest in a in miction of this kind ? .'Surely it is simply because our great teachers do their woVk, not for time, but for eternity. In other words, commercial men may come and go, because, .alter all, their duty is to take care of their own and other people's money, but great teachers should, and. wo hope, always will lie remembered, because their duty is to make and build clmrsctcr. Eo'ucation has always been the sacred concern ot < the people of Otago in particular, and it is with no mean pride that ex-Otago boys loon hack to their Alma Mater. -May we join with you, then, in bidding farewell to Miss Clialmer, whoso career has indeed been one of great benefit and Messing to your school, and would you extend to her the, very heartiest wishes for health and happiness in her well-earned retirement. Mrs While and mvself are gratified to see the formation of tlie ex* pupils’ club, which, after all, is one of (lie finest manifestations of heal* hy and happy school-life. Please congratunlat® the first president Mr J. B. Deaker, and all who are associated. with him, upn its formation. -May the, reunions bo lull of enjoyment for* ail members, and a source of strength and help to your pld school.” (Jn behalf of the parents, ex-pupils, and present pupils, Mr Cameron later banded Miss Clialmer a purse of sovereigns and a gold wrist watch. Mr J. B. Grant (head master) presented Miss ChalmaT with a trunk from the staff. Messrs W. Jacobson (cx-chainnan of the committee), J. Wallace, J. Robert* son, T. K. Sidey. M.P., and .1. B. Deaker also said n few words and wished Miss Clialmer tho best of luck in tbs future. Miss Clialmer suitably replied. An excellent musical programme *wimi rendered during the evening. The function concluded with the singing of ‘ Auld Lang Syne.’