AFTER THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8608, 19 December 1913, Page 7

AFTER THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS

RETIREMENT OF MR CLEMENT "WATSON. After thirty-eight years’ service, Mr Clement Watson retired yesterday from the teaching staff of the Wellington. Education Board. He has held the position of headmaster of To Aro School continuously for the last thirty-three years, and bade farewell to the staff and pupils when the school broke up for the Christmas holidays yesterday afternoon. As a parting gift, ho was presented with a travelling rug and a case of pipes by the teachers. Mr Keen, first assistant, made the presentation, and Miss Bright (who has taught at the school for a long time) and Mr W. J. Lankshear (chairman of the School Committee) also spoke. Mr Lanknhear spoko very highly of Mr Watson’s work and personality. “Remember,” he said, “1 speak as one who knows, for my' connection with thocommittee now extends over twentyyears. I have been impressed with his unfailing courtesy and energy at all times.” Tho teachers spoke very highly of Mr Watson as a man, and mentioned tho valuable assistance he was always prepared to giro young teachers. The school committee on tho previous evening carried tho following resolution unanimously ;—“The committee expresses its sincere regret that tho state of Mr Watson’s health renders such a step necessary, and places on record its high appreciation of tho faithful and valuable work don© by him during the long period of his headmastership, extending ovor'tbirtvthreo years, and its deep sense of the value of his services in the cause of education generally, and to Te Aro ciehool and district in particular; the committee hopes that his health will be thoroughly restored, and that he will be able to enjoy his well-deserved leisure for many years to come.”