AN ESTEEMED OFFICER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 25 March 1926, Page 4

AN ESTEEMED OFFICER.

EDUCATION BOARD’S FAREWELL. TARANAKI SENIOR INSPECTOR. Evidence of the high esteem in which he was held, and the deep regret felt at his approaching retirement, characterised a little function held at New Plymouth yesterday, when members ot the Tarana'ki Education Board said farewell to the senior inspector/ Mr J. A. Valentine, who, in the five and a half years in which he has occupied the position, has won the admiration and respect of all with whom,-he has come into contact. Yesterday, Mr and Mrs Valentine, members of the board and'their wives and the departmental staff were present at afternoon, tea, and many complimentary remarks and expressions 9* re " grot were voiced by those present. At the monthly meeting of the board, the following resolution was passed:—

That upon the retirement of Mr J. A. Valentine, 8.A., the Taranaki Education Board places on record its high sense of tlie tact and ability with .which he has guarded the cause of education during the five and a; half years he has held the office pf senior inspector of schools in this district. The present high standard of efficiency throughout the schools is a living memorial to his faithful service and untiring zeal. The board regrets that the cast-iron regulations having reference to the retirement of officials in the public service, necessitate the loss of Mr Valentine’s services to education. In extending to him their cordial wishes for a long and happy rest, the members desire to tender their thanks for his long and loyal assistance, and express their sense of personal loss at the severance of official relationship. The board then adjourned and joined the guests at afternoon tea.

THE BOARD’S GIFT. The chairman (Mr S. G. Smith) said they had gathered to say farewell to one of the best departmental officers with whom the board had ever had the opportunity of being associated. Those who knew 7 of the w-ork done by Mr Valentine felt that not only was the board losing the services of an officer of high rank and integrity, but also one who had done a great deal for the welfare of the children of Taranaki. MiSmith felt that in the retirement of Mr Valentine he was losing one of his persoi/al friends, as well as one of the faiost efficient of officers. He deplored the “ wretched'regulations” which compelled men to retire according to age and service, and he thought that the time had come when the Government should reflect. He had come into contact with many - departmental officers during Ms political career, and with regard to some he would have no hesitation in recommending their retirement at the stipulated age; but this was not so with Mr Valentine. It was a shame that he should have to go out after five and a half years of great work. It was intended to, liave a copy of tne resolution passed by the board bound m album form and, bearing the signatures of the board members, prepared for presentation to Mr Valentine, and Mr Smith hoped it would be realised that the feeling behind the gift was that of the fullest confidence in the late senior inspector’s work, and sincere thanks, with the best wishes to both Mr and Mrs Valentine. Mr P. J- H. White, senior member and a previous chairman of the board, said that members who had been in close touch with Mr Valentine had learned to admire him. He had given of Ms best services for the children of Taranaki, and he could never be adequately repaid. Mr White hoped that the board was not altogether saying good-bye, but that Mr Valentine would remain in Taranaki as a citizen and would continue to take an interest in, and give Ms advice towards, the education of the children. - A FOOTBALL REFEREE.

Mr A. Lees, also a previous chairman of the board, said that, though he regretted ' the circumstances which brought about the gathering, he was pleased, to have the opportunity of speakiiig with regard to Mr, Valentine’s services. He thought he could claim to have known their guest longer than any other member, for it was on the football field in the early ’nineties that he first made Mr Valentine’s acquaintance. MY Valentine was then a capable referee, and this required many good qualities. He had a full knowledge of the rules and was firm and tactful with players. After a separation of many years, Mr Lees later met Mr Valentine as senior inspector in Taranaki, and found he still displayed the high capabilities which characterised his efforts on the field. In carrying out the regulations regarding teachers, he had displayed great impartiality. There was no other service m New Zealand which had more intricate and complicated regulations than that of education, but the board had placed implicit reliance on Mr Valentine, and at no time had he been found wanting. Personally, Mr Lees sincerely regretted losing the services of Mr Valentine, and felt it a great pity that some scheme could not be evolved by which men who had made a hobby of education should not be Tctired, but retained to give their advice. Mr H. J. Eaves said he felt that Mr Valentine’s retirement was a distinct loss to the district. k He had been a man of definite action, practical methods genial nature, and courteous manner. Mr R. J. Deare said that Mr Valentine had given the teachers a "square deal. ’ ’ He knew that all the teachers throughout the district would regret his retirement.

The Rev. J. L. A. Kyall said he considered it a privilege to be connected with the Taranaki Education Board in view of its high reputation, but he realised more and, more how much this reputation was due to the senior in.spector, to whom it would remain a splendid tribute. There was no doubt that Mr Valentine had done much in raising the standard of education <n the province to the high state which at present obtained. Mr H. Sims thanked Mr Valentine for his kindly advice on many occasions. ".A SMOOTHER OF TROUBLE.” Dr Elizabeth Gunn, of the departmental medical staff,' sajd that no one knew better than those who had had to work with Mr Valentine what a "fine eliap” he was. One of his greatest gifts was thfit of a "smoother of trouble.” It was with very deep regret that she realised that he would •no longer occupy liis official position; hut she was pleased to hear that he intended to remain in Taranaki. Mr Valentine’s colleagues, Messrs W A.- Ballantyne and T. J. Griffen, also paid tribute to the work of the senior inspector. The latter stated that during the period that they had worked together they had never had a disagreement, which was a good record. He felt sure that Mr Valentine’s influ-

ence in the province would last for at least a decade. ; THE. GUEST’S REPLY. When Mr Valentine rose to reply, he was greeted with applause. It was easily apparent that the thought of Ills' retirement was not pleasant, and his reply was an obvious effort. One thing, lie said, which had struck hirp had been that practically all the speakers had referred to him as a friend. He thanked them for this, and lie was gratified that it had been possible to create friendly relations among, those with whom he worked. He thanked the board members for having treated him -with the utmost, courtesy on all occasions. His life liad been in his work, and lie had simply used his talents. He realised that every consideration was due to the children, who would later build up the nation. With the chairman and the members' he had always been close and warm friends. The board had always received kindly any of his suggestions, and through friendly discussions the best decision had usually been arrived at. He thanked his colleagues for their kind expressions, and said that five years together would test the natures of most men, but during all this time they had been the best of friends. He was sorry to leave his work at the present time, when he left he, retired at the zenith of his power.' It had taken considerable time to reach liis present standard, and until his retirement he had had hopes of going even higher. From pupil teacher to senior inspector he had given 47 years of most interesting service. He thanked members for their kindly words, and he assured them he would part with the utmost regret. He hoped that some day he would have an opportunity of becoming a board member, and in that capacity lie might be able to help to do something for the good of the children. He appreciated the efforts of all who had assisted him, especially his wife, who had been his right hand —and perhaps something more. Mr Valentine ended with a catch in his voice. •Cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Valentine, and "For they are jolly good fellows” was sung. The Mayor of New Plymouth (Mr F. E. Wilson), who arrived at this stage, said that, while he was not actually connected with Mi / Valentine, he took notice of what was taking place. -He regretted the regulations which compelled the inspector’s retirement at this time, and expressed personal regrets and best wishes for a long and happy retirement.