DUTY WELL DONE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1924, Page 8

DUTY WELL DONE.

TEACHER’S FINE RECORD. RETIREMENT OF MRS. MARTIN. TRIBUTES AND PRESENTATIONS. A very pleasing ceremony, and one which will be long remembered in the history of the Central School, took place yesterday, when Mrs. G. Martin, headmistress of the infant department, was presented with an oak writing desk by old pupils of the school and a gold wristlet watch by the present pupils of the whole school.

The presentations, which were made at the school, took place prior to the annual distribution of prizes. There was a large attendance of parents, and among those present were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Wlson), Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P. (chairman, of the Taranaki Education Board and Central School Committee) and other members of the board and committee.

Mr. Smith, on behalf of the school committee and the board, said that the break-ing-up of the Central School this year was tinged with sadness by reason of the fact that they were about to lose the services of Mrs. Martin, headmistress of the infant school, where she had taught ever since 1902. Prior to this she was teaching at Fitzroy between 1895 and 1902. Never in his recollection as a member of the board and the school committee had a teacher made such a mark in character-building as Mrs. Martin, and as a teacher she was truly great. Words failed to express the great appreciation which he felt was due to Mrs. Martin for the services she had rendered while on the staff of the infant school. He hoped that on her retirement she would have long life and happiness in which to enjoy the fruits of her labours. TRIBUTES OF PUPILS. Miss Dulcie Eva, on behalf of the present pupils of the school, presented Mrs. Martin with a beautiful gold wristlet watch, and in a neat little'speech expressed thanks for all Mrs. Martin-had done for them. Miss Bertha Coleman, on behalf of the old pupils, presented Mns. Martin with a magnificent bouquet, composed of pink carnations, lilies, and maiden hair and asparagus ferns.

Mr. E. G. Smith, also on behalf of the old pupils, said he felt deeply honoured to have been granted the privilege of speaking on this occasion, having passed through Mrs. Martin’s hands both as a pupil and a pupil teacher. He recognised what a truiy Christian woman and wonderful teacher Mrs. Martin was. Both in the school-room and in social life one was immediately impressed by the infiinite kindness of ter manner and the truth of the saying, •’first impressions are best,” was ab’y borne out when one was introduced to Martin. He believed Mrs. Martin was contempkting a trip abroad, and on behalf of tie old pupils he wished her God-speed on her journey, a safe return, and many years of happiness in which to enjoy the full and well-earned fruits of her years of toil. Mr. Smith then presented Mrs. Martin with a solid oak writing desk, bearing a small silver plate, inscribed: “Mrs. Martin, from her past pupils as a token of esteem.” “I met Mrs. Martin for the first time 30 years ago,” said Mr. H. Dempsey, a member of the education board and ex- headmaster of the school. He paid a fine tribute to the capabilities of Mrs. Martin, both as a teacher and as a moulder of the characters of boys and girls. She was a wonderfully successful teacher as past results showed, and he admired her loyalty both to the inspector-, and himself. INFLUENCE ON CHARACTER. One of the greatest features in connection with Mrs. Martin’s work among the children, added Mr. Dempsey, was the successful manner in which she ingrained the best habits and tendencies into the characters of her young charges. Coming under such a refining influence at a tender age, Mr. Dempsey said he had no doubt whatever that the children would benefit to a wonderful extent as they grew up. As a member of the board and for many years a member of the Central School Committee, Mr. P. J. H. White expressed appreciation of the services rendered by Mrs. Martin, and suggested that she should, when she returned to New Plymouth after a well-earned rest, take steps to form a parents’ association in connection with and for the welfare of the Central School.

Mr. D. P. Evans, headmaster of ihe Central School, testified to Mrs. Martin’s loyal devotion to duty. The whole staff greatly regretted that she was leaving them as far as the school work was concerned. She had carried out her duties nobly and well.

Eugolistic reference regarding Mrs. Martin’s qualifications as a teacher was also made by Mr. J. A. Valentine (chief inspector).

Mr. Wilson feelingly replied on behalf of Mrs. Martin, and heartily endorsed the remarks which had been made regarding her.

A most impressive ceremony closed with the assembly all joining in singing, “For She's a Jolly Good Fellow.”