FAITHFUL SERVICE RECOGNISED.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13020, 8 February 1911, Page 5 (Supplement)

FAITHFUL SERVICE RECOGNISED.

PRESENTATIONS AT RICHMOND

(From "The Colonist," Jan. 13.)

The Oddfellows' Hall, Richmond, was crowded to excess last evening on the occasion of a. social aud prescntution ta Mr E. Cowles and Miss Thompson, who are retiring from the service of the Education Board. The Mayor of Richmond (Mr Hunt) presided. An interesting programme of music was provided, and at a convenient interval the Mayor called upon Mr Maginnity to make the presentations. He would first, however, ask the Rev. C. Eaton to read an address presented by tho public of Richmond and signed by the Mayor. The address was of a highly eulogistic character and set forth in fitting terms the long and satisfactory service of Mr Cowles. Mr Maginnity, in making the presentation, said it he were a preacher, and he was not, but if he were, and were asked to deliver a jXTino;i appropriate to the present occasion, he thought he would select as his text fcur simple words, "Good service— well done." lie reviewed the forty } ears' service rendered by Mr Cowles in the education district of Nelson, and referred particularly to the success of the Richmond school during the 29 years Mr Cowles had held the appointment of headmaster. He found horn official records that Mr Cowles entered the Board's service in 1871 as headmaster of the Riwaka school. Ho then held the appointments of sole teacher at Clifton Terrace and Ranzau and was appointed headmaster of the Richmond school in June, 1882. During Mr Cowles' head teachership he found that the Richmond school had won the follow ing scholarships .— 1885 (2), Wilkes and Muir; 1887 (2), Cowk-s and J. Pctrie; 1888 (1), P. Harkness; 188.9 (2), F. Wilkes and L. Masters; 1890 (1), H. Baker; 1891 (2), A. Crump and J. Blairj 1893 (2), V. Gunn and R, Ellis; 1894 (1), A. T. M. Blair; 1895 (1), W. A. Tomliiisou; 1896 (1), F. Dyson; 1899 (1), F W. Dyson; 1902 (2), W. L. Win and K. L. Hammond; 1903 (2), F. S. Hodson and F. H. Brock; 1904 (2), P. Jory and G. AY. Cooke. Mr Maginnity thought chat that was a record of which any teacher might well feel proud, and it must be a pleasing retrospect to Mr Cowles to know that his efforts had been crowned with such marvellous success. Mr Maginnity madi2' fitting reference to Mrs Conies, who was present on the stage, and said he felt sure that she had been in no slight degree an able assistant to her worthy husband. He expressed the hopfl that Mr Cowles would still live many years to enjoy his well merited leisure. He then asked Mr Cowles' acceptance of a handsome purse, well filled with sovereigns, tho gift not only of the public of Richmond, but the public generally. Mr F. YV. Smith (a member of the Edueatioa Board) also made some remarks appreciative of Mr Cowles' services.

On rising to reply Mr Cowles was received with loud cheers. He found it very difficult to adequately thank the people for their kindly recognition of his services. He felt sure they would recognise tire difficulty he fell in speaking to them on such an occasion. He thanked the parents of the children for their hoarty co-operation at all times, also xhc Committee, and said that he had already thanked the Board for the great consideration shown him on all occasions. Mr Cowles remarks were icccivt<l with the henrtiest appreciation.

Mr Maginnity then said that he had a still further pleasing duty to perform in asking Miss Thompson to accept a silver service, consisting of a silver tray, tta pot, sugar basin and milk jug. lie expressed the hope that in her new life she would meet with tho same measure of success as she had done while a teacher of the Richmond school. Mr Maginnity referred to Miss Thompson's excellent rerviee as a servant of tho Board, and begged her acceptances of the gift.

!■ F. W. Smith, on behalf of Miss Thompson, suitably returned thanks.

An ampler supply of refreshments was handed round and much enjoyed hj those present. On the call of the Mayor three hearty cheers were given for Mr Maginnity for his attendance and for making the presentation.

Among those present were Messrs G. A. Harkness (Chief Inspector), A. G. Crawford (Inspector), J. Bruce ('agriculture instructor), A. A. Hintz (Director of Technical Education) and N. R. Williams (secretary of- the Education Board).

Apologies were roid from several gentlemen who were unable to attend.