PRESENTATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11809, 11 August 1900, Page 9

PRESENTATIONS.

THE NORMAL SCHOOL

A very pleasant function was carried out in the Normal School yesterday, when the staff, students of the college, and girls of the upper standards assembled, to make a presentation to Miss Fitzgerald, who is severing her connection with that school. Mr D. R. White, M.A., principal, in handing over the presents—a handsome work table and a massive marble clock, with suitable inscription—spoke as iolows: —We are met to-day to say good-bye to Kiss Fitzgerald, who' in severing her connection with the Normal .School. Miss Fitzgerald has been a member of the &tafi since the foundation of the school in 1876. We think it fitting at the close of hei lons* and useful career-publicly to express to Miss Fitzgerald our appreciation of the work she has done in this school. Twenty-' five years, a quarter of a century, is a long time, and during this period Miss Fitzgerald has seen many pupils, students, and teachers come in and pass out of the institution. To liave_ worked year after'year in school and in .the Training College for so lons' a time must have- been the means of forming associations and memories not easily forgotten or obliterated.' Those of us who have worked with Miss Fitzgerald will always remember her for her kindly disposition, for her ready and cheerful assistance in everything that concerned us or the welfare and reputation of the school. J.ier relations with her colleagues, students, aud pupils have been uniformly amicable and friendly. This is easily explained : it has been due to her tact and common sense. Miss Fitzgerald always knew when to speak and when to leave a thing unsaid, and that' goes a long way towards keeping oiu work in harmony with the people around us. If a person wishes to make himself and other people unhappy, he can find in teaching very many opportunities for the exercise of this particular faculty. " There's 'nothing like teaching for a bit of worrit to make the days pass." But Miss Fitzgerald had the tact, if there were any. little " bits of worrit," to treat' them lightly, as professional differences of opinion that did not interfere in any way with the deeper sentiments of personal esteem and deference towards those with whom she was working. Her consideration for other people's feelings has been characteristic of her'daily work. Miss Fitzgerald's colleagues are saying good-bye to her., not simply as colleagues of long years of standing, but as a friend says good-bye to a friend. Speaking for myself, I must say that on her leaving the school lias not seemed quite the same place as formerly: I had so come to look upon l;cr as a necessary member of our staff. ■ I need say 'nothing more on this point. "Praise from a friend and censure from a foe are lost on hearers that our merits know." Miss Fitzgerald-lias no enemies, no foes. Her friends know her merits. With regard to Miss Fitzgerald's professional work, I should like to say that if has been carried on with undemonstrative enthusiasm; it has been good and useful work. As a school subject, sewing ought to be the means of giving a training in habits of. neatness and industry that should prove of great value. in many ways. It has, besides,.a special value in imparting a certain * degree of technical skill often required in after life. Sewing deserves a higher place in the curriculum of work than is given to it; it is of more use than some of the more pretentious subjects in the syllabus of instruction. In my reports to the Education Board I have from time to time expressed my appreciation of Miss Fitzgerald's services to the school and the Training College in this department of work. Miss. Mtzgeraid will carry with her into private life all our good wishes.' We hope she will enjoy gooa health nn'd immunity from care or anxiety of any kind; We trust that, surrounded by many kind friends and relatives, she may have many years of active interest in the other duties of life. I don't think it possible for Miss Fitzgerald .ever to forget the Normal School. We hope when she looks .at our simple gifts she will say to herself, " Those wore happy years. Time went well with us in those days."—(Applause.)

The Rev. Mr Fitzgerald, who replied on behalfi of his sister, said: Mr Rector, Staff, Students, and Children, —I thank you heartily for putting mo in the position in whicli I .now stand. ■ It will be a record day which will ever dwell in my mind as a happy one. I think the time has arrived when. teaehin% should be raised to the honour of a profession. ; I do not see that the medical, legal, and . ministerial professions should share, all the honour. It takes as much time and talent to make a teacher as any other of the -three I have named. I think you will agree with me that if the Minister of Education were empowered to confer a degree Miss Fitzgerald would have a vow fair claim to tho title of Dr Fitzgerald.' She laboured for the welfare of children of the Border in the .old country for several years, but that which she has done here is'better known to you.. You willi.remember her labour with, gratitude and love. I feel that the progress of education is making wondrous advance. It delights me to look at the children before me. . Again .thanking you on behalf of ray sister foy. these beautiful gifts and the kind nxpfession of your feelings towards her, I wish you all success. —(Applause.) At the conclusion of this ceremony Mr and Miss Fitzgerald, with the staff and students went to the room of the sowing .mistress, where the lady students had thoughtfully prepared afternoon tea.