MR. O'SULLIVAN'S RETIREMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9029, 16 April 1888, Page 5

MR. O'SULLIVAN'S RETIREMENT.

THE THANKS OF THE TEACHERS. At the regular meeting of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute, held on Saturday last, Mr. Stewakt moved, " That the members of this branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute desire, on Mr. O'Sullivan's retirement from the position of Senior Inspector, to place on record their high appreciation of the services rendered by him in the cause of education." He thought the resolution expressed the opinion of teachers generally throughout the provincial district, and he felt tnat steps would have been taken to present Mr. O'Sullivan with a testimonial, were it not that he (Mr. O'Sullivan) himself would object to such a proceeding. Mr. Wortiiington seconded the motion. He had known Mr. O'Sullivan during the greater part of his career as Inspector of Schools, and he could most thoroughly appreciate the very great difficulties which he had to encounter, and which ho bravely overcame, in the early days of this colony. (Hear, hear). He (the speaker) remembered his having to contend against want of money, want of teachers, and want of roads; and he could speak as to the patience which he exercised. Very many teachers who now rank high in the profession owed a great debt to Mr. O'Sullivan for the help and assistance which ho had rendered them.

Mr. Worthington said he would have liked to have seen a more substantial recognition of Mr. O'Sullivan's services, but on the last occasion on which a step in this direction had been taken, Mr. O'Sullivan had refused the testimonial which was then proposed, and had presented the teachers with the valuable library possessed by the Institute, and which would remain a monument of his self-denial as long as the body of teachers existed. (Cheers.) Mr. Harrison supported the motion. He was one of those who was much indebted to the tact, skill, and courteous forbearance of Mr. O'Sullivan. The President said he thoroughly approved of the motion, which was then put to the meeting and unanimously adopted.