MR RITCHINGS GRANT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CV, Issue 16126, 22 November 1916, Page 7

MR RITCHINGS GRANT.

FAREWELL AT TECHNICAL SCHOOL. The pupils of the Tiiuaru Technical School assembled in the School iasb evening to accord a. hearty farewell to Mr llitchiags Grant tlio popular director of the Timaru lec-lmical Scn.ool, who has been transferred" on promotion to Christchurch. A large atteudaiice of pupils was presided over by Mr Gf. .Daiglish (chairman of managers). Meinbens of the teaching staff, were also present and also Messrs C. Collins, k. Donehuc Main School) and G. Palmer (South School). An apology was received from Mr J. G. Grow';, one of the managers; Mr DalglisJi said this was a gathering to do honour to Mr .and Mrs Grant. Mr Grant had been, director of the Technical School for some ten years and had earned the esteem of ail he lhad come in, contact with. He- congratulated Mr Grant on liis promotion and expressed satisfaction thai; he would still indirectly have control of the Tiniaru district. . " ■ Miss M. Collins, on behalf of the present. and former pupils, expressed their regret that Mr Grant was"leaving Tiniaru, and bore testimony to the capable, kindly and genial manner, in Which he had filled the position of managing director, and ihis ;;eal for the welfare of the school. Many of the pupils had obtained good positions in banks, offices etc., thanks to the ihorough knowledge of commercial'work given at the school. For the kindly interest taken in them the pupils tendergd_ their grateful thanks, and wished him every success and happiness in his new sphere of activity. Miss R. Costigan then presented Mr Grant with a gent'.enian's outfit, with engraved presentation plate, as a token of esteem.

Mr G. Williams, as an old student, perhaps the oldest present, said he also had been asked to speak for past and present pupils. of their high appreciation of Mr Grant's work, of his overreach help and advice, and disregard of trouble, especially in securing them tho excellent teachers they had. Ho wished Mr .Grant every success in the future. '■

Mr Grant on rising to reply was warmly greeted. He said ho was proud to have been so long" associated with education in Timavu. He had made many friends here, and it was a wrench to leave so manj warm hearts. Ho had been happy in his work, and was proud to know.that since-:lie came 4000 pupils had passed through the school, and that the pupils had all been, well behaved.' There had never'""yet; been a case of insubordination. The pupils should be thankful that they had had a first class lot of teachers and regarding the managers, Mr "Grant said they had always worked harmoniously together, and had gained success without any friction whatever. He hoped they would long continue to conduct successfully the affairs of the school, when, after the war, technical education would assume larger proportions. In conclusion he said he would still be able to keep a "fatherly eye" over them all as he would not be far awa.y He would always look back k on the time spent in Tim am as one of the brightest portions of • his life. (Applause.) The students then gave three cheers for Mr Grant and sang "For he's, a jolly good fellow^" During the evenjnjl several songs wero sung, and other entertaim'nijr item's given, and at the conclusion of* the for-, ma.l proceedings a general dance was indulged in.