THE PRESENTATION.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9259, 23 December 1898, Page 4

THE PRESENTATION.

Mr McDonald then presented Mies Haselden, on bebalf of the teachers and pupils of the Kauaeranga Girls' School, with a hands me case of knives and forks, and a butter cooler. Miss Haselden had previously received from the teachers of the other schools in the district, a beaatif ul electro-plated hot water kettle, and sugar and cream set, accompanied by the following letter:—"To Miss Haselden, head teacher, Kauaeranga Girls' School: December 22nd, 1898.—The undermentioned teachers desire your acceptance of the accompanying souvenir as a slight token of their esteem and sympathy, at the same time wishing you the compliments of the season and every success and happiness in the future."—The letter was e:gned by 21 teachers of the principal schools. !■

Mr McDonald, in making the presentation, expressed a hope that Miss Haselden would long be spared to use the gifts. !

Miss Haselden said : I do not know how to thank yon for your kindness. The presentation is a great surprise to me, and it shows how well you can keep a secret, for I never heard .■ a breath about it. I thank you most heartily for these pretty presents. ; I shall always think of you with affection and love. I wish all the teachers who have helped me during the many years I have been here war© present to-day. I shall always remember them for the way in which they have helped me, and I hope that in the coming years you children will remember the iersoas I have taught you. (Applause.) The Rev. Pr. O'Callaghan said: 1 was asked a few minutes ago to say a few words, by the worthy Chairman of the Committee (Mr Paull). The Rev. Mr Serpell and myself are of one mind, in one respect—that a man has no right to speak oa the spur of the moment. If he does he may say something foolish. A man should be ashamed of saying anything fooljflh,

But since Miss Haselden has asked mo to Bay a few words on her behalf, If must say that we are all agreed ton one point—ws regret that Miss HaseJr den is leaving us, after so many years. Miss Haselden expressed a wish that all the teachers who have laboured with her, during so manyi years, could have been here this afternoon. A wish not to be accomplished—Alas! I will not make a long speech. Boyß and girls like short speeches and long holidays. Od behalf of Miss Haselden, let me thank you for the nice presents you have given her. She carries with her to her new home the good.wishes of all here present, and also of many who are not here this afternoon. Ido not really think that Miss Haselden will, by-and-bys, have any cause to regret leaving a school like this. Ibe I lievel am speaking the truth when Is iy ■ that in a quieter school she will be far happier. She will go amongst strangers, but will'make her mark as a devoted teacher, and one capable of instilling knowledge into the children, i now call upon you to give three cheers for Miss Haselden. (Applause.) The call for cheers was enthusiastically responded to by the children.