PRESENTATION TO THE MISSES GREENWOOD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 772, 17 December 1886, Page 24

PRESENTATION TO THE MISSES GREENWOOD.

A very pleasing and interesting ceremony took place on Wednesday at St. John’s Schoolroom, Willis-street. About 200 pupils and ex-pupils of the Misses Greenwood, who are about to retire from their scholastic experience after eighteen years’ most successful labor in the work of tuition, invited those ladies to afternoon tea. The room was tastefully decorated with flowers, especially the table on the dais, which was rich in, floral ornaments very artistically disposed. Tea and coffee were provided in lavish abundance, and a most tempting display of good things, in the wav of eatables, was set forth on the various tables. When all the company were assembled the room presented a peculiarly attractive spectacle, over 150 pupils and expupils being present, some of the latter, now staid matrons themselves —the mothers of present pupils, while of these the ages ranered downward to very tender years. Altogether it was a particularly agreeable display of fresh and blooming womankind, while the genuine affection and enthusiasm felt for their present and late preceptresses, was so manifest and irrepressible that it must have been deeply gratifying to the Misses Greenwood. Mrs Richmond presided ; and among the guests were the Ven. Archdeacon Stock, the Rev J. Still, the Rev J. Paterson, and several other gentlemen. The whole affair was under the management of an active and zealous Committee, comprising Miss Fanny Twiss (who was a most efficient and indefatigable . secretary), Misses Jessie King, Lizzie Holmes, Carrie Gillon, Kate Gray, Jessie Gray, Sarah Turnbull, Agnes Pjrie, Dora Greenwood, Edith Owen, and Bella Before tea began, Miss Turnbull advanced to the dais and presented to Miss Greenwood the following address, which was beautifully illuminated on vellum by Mr L. Stowe “To the Misses Greenwood upon their retirement from their school at The Terrace, Wellington, 18S6. —We, your present and late pupils, upon the occasion of yonr relinquishing the charge of your school, desire your acceptance of the accompanying present as a token of our love and gratitude, and beg to assure you of our warmest wishes for your future happiness and welfare.” (Signed by the pupils.) Mrs Richmond, addressing the Misses Greenwood, then said : —‘"l have been asked by your old pupils to present in their name a bag of sovereigns to you upon your retirement from active work. I do it gladly. Five of my own children have been taught by members of the family. Ladies and gentlemen : As Mrs Greenwood, their admirable mother, did before them, these strenuous and upright women have planted the beginnings of civilisation in numberless homes. They have taught and practiced ‘ woman’s rights,’ not separated from her duties as the way with some is. They have helped the sick and needy from their small store, not counting their shortcomings against them. They have with open minds and warm hearts worked for years amongst us, both here and in Nelson. May they enjoy their wellearned rest, and those they have taught follow in their footsteps.” A large ornamental bag, heavily filled with sovereigns, was then handed by Mrs Richmond to the Misses Greenwood on behalf of their pupils. It may be explained that the reason the presentation took this shape was that the Committee were unable, in spite of a diligent search, to discover anything which they deemed suitable for the occasion, and they therefore thought it better to present the money to the Misses Greenwood, requesting them to use it in purchasing such mementoes as they might desire to possess. Miss Greenwood, who was greatly affected, expressed her warmest acknowledgments of the gift and of the feelings which prompted it. SpeakiDg for herself and her sisters, she said they were deeply touched by this proof of affection which would never be forgotten by them. They had always regarded their pupils with a love and interest which was not limited by mere school relations, but which continued, and would continue, through life. It was their intention to take up their abode permanently here, and she hoped they would very often meet their late pupils, who would ever be most welcome, and who would, she hoped, still come to them whenever they needed counsel or advice. She and her sisters would never forget the affection and kind feeling which had been shown to them if they lived another hundred years, which she hoped they would not. (Laughter.) Once more she thanked them most warmly, and wished them every future happiness. (Applause.) The Rev J. Paterson moved a vote ot ; thanks to Mrs Richmond for presiding so ably and gracefully over that pleasant cereI monial, and took occasion to pay a very high compliment to the Misses Greenwood for the excellent and noble work they had carried on during so long a period. .They had not only cultivated their pupils’ minds, bat had trained their hearts in right feelings, and had instilled into them grace of behavior founded on the best and only sound motive —that of doing to others as they would be done by. (Applause.) The Ven. Archdeacon Stock, m moving a vote of thanks to the Rev Mr Paterson for so kindly granting the nee of the room, took that opportunity of adding his own cordial testimony to the great worth of the Misses Greenwood’s in the cause of female education. Votes of thanks to the Girls’ Committee and to Mr Stowe for illuminating the address, followed. All then partook of the excellent refreshments provided, and separated after singing “ Auld Lang Syne.”