INSPECTOR BOSSENCE’S RETIREMENT

Otago Witness, Issue 3566, 18 July 1922, Page 28

INSPECTOR BOSSENCE’S RETIREMENT

EXPRESSIONS OF RESPECT AND ESTEEM. The teachers of Otago gathered in large numbers at the Assembly Rooms in the Y.M.C.A. buildings on the morning of the Bth for the purpose of recognising the retirement of Mr C. R. Bossence, inspector to the Otago Education Board, by word and deed. As far as possible teachers in the country, where the distance was not prohibitive, came to town in order to be present but for the most part the gathering consisted of teachers from city and suburban schools. Amongst several others who spoke in very high terms of Mr Bossence were Messrs J. Rennie, Hunter, G. W. C. Macdonald, W. C. Alnutt, F. H. Campbell, Professor White, Chief Inspector Fleming, Messrs C. R, Smith, O. Flamank, and two or three lady teachers The Chairman said it was his pleasing duty to represent the institute on that occasion in an official capacity, and in that capacity be had to convev to Mr Bossence the teachers’ keen appreciation of the work he _ had done, the regret they felt at his retirement, and their gratitude to him for kindly actions. Their desire had been that they should present Mr Bossence with something as a memento, and had thought he would appreciate it better if they said, “Will you take this present and convert it into something concrete that will suit your particular taste.” He therefore asked him to accept a scrap of paper which he hoped the bank would honour. He then handed Mr Bossence an envelope in which was enclosed a cheque for a substantial sum, those present rising and singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Mr Bossence was received with very warm applause on rising to speak. He said he was particular! v grateful to see members of “the old brigade” present, and he was glad to see that they were repelling the breaches of time. He wished to thank the large assemblage for the honour done him, and for the kind words of appreciation of his work. They had given him cheering words about the wav he had discharged his duties. Of that he had little to say. He was conscious that bis successes had been far below his ideals ; his faults had been forgotten and his errors condoned. He had tried to do bis duty because he had had such an example set him. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem.