FAREWELL TO INSPECTOR

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1930, Page 9

FAREWELL TO INSPECTOR

His QUALITIES appreciated. PRESENTA'J’JON TO MR. GRIFFIN. The esteem in which Mr. T. J. Griffin is held by the teachers of North Taranaki was demonstrated by the representative gathering of members of the N.Z.E.f. in the Chequers tearooms last night. Mr. J. E. Shimmin, presided of the North Taranaki branch, was in charge of the proceedings. The Education Board was represented by both members and officials. Mr. Griffin, who has been a school inspector for 10 years, has been appointed senior inspector in Nelson. On behalf of the teachers Mr. Shimmin presented the guest with a travelling rug and a decanter, jug and glasses, and Mrs. Griffin with a standard lamp. Mr. Shimmin said the teachers were there to show their appreciation of Mr. Shimmin’s work in Taranaki. There was ‘a tendency for those who had lived in one place for some time to take for granted the special benefits they enjoyed. Having come to New Plymouth not so very long ago, he could say that, compared with some other places, they were very fortunate in the good things they had here. He had had experience of inspectors in England, America and Canada. In.the last-named country they were men -one was always proud to meet; they entered a school as friends of the teacher. He had found the same type of inspector in New Zealand. They were not examiners or inspectors so much as helpers, assistants ami friends to the teachers.

Mr. Griffin had shown himself to be a friend of the teachers. His first object on entering a classroom seemed to be t- dispel fear, worry and despair, and replace them by confidence both in the teachers and children. He considered that instead of terming these men inspectors they should be called consulting educationists. Mr. D. P. Evans said that with 38 years in Taranaki he held the record for years of service in the district. There was no doubt that Mr. Griffin had proved himself a man in eveny sense. Mr. Evans said lie was headmaster at West End when he first came in contact with Mr. Griffin as an inspector. It had thrilled him to see the way Mr. Griffin had gained the confidence of the children. lie had a kindly smile and the happy knack of setting the pupils at their ease. He thought the reason for the inspector’s success in Taranaki was that he had always had a kind spot in bis heart for the children and for the teachers, especially the probationers. The young teachers gained confidence in his presence. The service in Taranaki would be fortunate indeed if the vacancy were filled by an inspector who could adequately fill Mr. Griffin’s place. He knew he was voicing the opinion of everyone present when he expressed deep regret at Mr. Griffin’s departure. He had performed a great work for education in Taranaki and was sure to succeed elsewhere, Mr. Evans also paid a tribute to Mrs. Griffin. The wife of an inspector, he said, was forced to make great sacrifices, as her husband was away for the greater part of the year in travelling from school to school.

Miss Papps, headmistress of the Central Infants’ Schoo], said it had been hard to realise the truth of the report that Mr. Griffin was going. It showed the affection towards him of children and teachers. She had'often heard teachers say that a visit from Mr. Griffin was more-like a visit from a friend than an inspector. He seemed to find out the good points, at the safne time giving helpful advice regarding the weak ones. Mrs. Griffin had played a noble part by helping her husband in his home life. The women teachers felt that in losing their inspector they were losing a very good friend.

Ou behalf of the assistant masters, Air. IV. L. Wagstall paid tribute to Mr. Griffin for his help and encouragement to him and dozens of others. Mr. C. A. McKinney, organising teacher, spoke on behalf of the country teachers. From Mr. Griffin, he said, they had unfailingly received fair treatment and sweet' reasonableness. He had sounded notes of encouragement that had inspired the teachers to fresh efforts. Mr. McKinney said he would always remember the following note by a teacher in a school log-book: “Air. Griffin, inspector, was at the school to-day. The kind of inspection one often dreams of, but never hopes to experience.”

Mr. N. R. McKenzie mentioned Mr. Griffin’s remarkably sound judgment in summing up the capabilities of a teacher. He did not think he had ever met a man who could size up the work of a class or teacher as quickly. He was a perfect travelling companion, and most even-tempered. Replying, Mr. Griffin said he felt under a deep obligation to the teachers. If he deserved all the kind things that had been said he felt it was they he had to thank, for from them he had received every encouragement, even if they had received encouragement from him. So they were all square. He had been exceedingly fortunate in having congenial comrades and teachers

to work with. He would like to see teachers banish any fear they might have of inspectors. He was extremely sorry to say good-bye, but he would return to spend his retirement in New Plymouth. His appointment at Nelson was the realisation of an ambition to finish his teaching career in the place in which he began it. During the evening Mr. G. A. Lyall led

community singing, Miss Valentine recited, and songs were given by Messrs. C. Drader and Lyall. The Misses Hughes and Drader played the accompaniments. A competition was won by Miss E. Harper. After supner the floor was cleared for dancing.