Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1899-03-04

llgnly respected anu PoPuiar ihehoui VI
;he Walpole school board. His efforts in
building up the North Walpole schools
have been untiring and in marked degree
A few weeks ago committee
OF John Carroll, j. II. Brown,
Quinn, John Haley and w. II.
Kiniry began soliciting for purse to be
FIR. Corcoran as testimonial of
and esteem; $500 was raised,
$50 being contributed by the Hibernians.
Wednesday evening was the time of PIE
sentation and all who could crowd into the
engine house were present.
THE PRESENTATION.
The presentation was made by Mary
Flannery, 13 years old, one of the North
Walpole school girls. She said:
1--WE, the people of the parish of North
Walpole, have assembled here tonight in
order to show our appreciation of the
labors which the Rev. FIR. Corcoran has so
faithfully performed in our midst. For
almost three years the Reverend Father
has faithfully toiled among US, uplifting us
both by his precept and example, showing
us indeed that our welfare pleases him and
our cares distress.
'Not only has be busted himself with
our spiritual needs but he has also taken a
deep interest in our temporal welfare a,
shown by his untiring efforts in the up
building of our school system since the
opening of the present school year.
"One thing that stands entirely to his
credit is the establishing of course in
music under the very able direction Of
Prof. F. G. Cramer, graduate OF the
Royal Academy of Music in London. AL,
though not widely known, it is a fact that
FIR. Corcoran meets the expenses of this
course from his own private resources and
thus places within our reach master Of
his art.
"And now that our appreciation may
take more substantial form, we herewith
present you, FIR. Corcoran, this purse as a
slight token of our very deep regard for
you and your faithful services and we sin
cerely wish that you may be spared long as
our leader"
REV. FIR. CoRCORAN's REMARKS.
FIR. Corcoran was deeply effected and
accepting the purse said
Il am accustomed to but one form of
public speaking, consequently on an occa-
sion of this kind, find it difficult to re-
spond to the sentiments expressed, without
falling back on the props of sermon. Still,
this is rather help to me this evening, as
can speak on well worn text, THE Oc-
casions of SIM" For certainly, find my
self in the proxlmate, dangerous tempta-
ton of indulging in thoughts OF vain glory
and pride suggested by the laudatory re-
marks you have just heard. The con-
seriousness that this praise is little deserved
by me, may serve as preventive and at
the same time as stimulant to efforts
worthy of it.
Alusion was made to my work in con-
nection with the schools. When was ap.
pointed member of the school board,
possessed at least one OF the qualification.
not often found in members of such body
namely, ample time to devote to the duties
required. There was on my part, there
fore, but little sacrifice; while there wal
considerable pleasure in the performance
of work in which l took deep interest
1t is impossible for any one whose employ
ment keeps him occupied during schoo
hours. to give that needed encouragement
to teachers and pupils that comes from
personal supervision OF their work. Hav
ing the time at my disposal, it became
matter OF duty to utilize it when appointed
to the position.
In the schools of North Walpole there
excellent material to work on. The child
rem are bright, and while possessed OF al
the life and love of fun found in most chill
dren, are ready and willing to study. i
the corps of teachers they find earnest help
ers, whose only object is to develop the ia
tent talents entrusted to their care. A
times, | have felt that the great conf
dence placed in the teachers by the par
ents was one of our greatest drawbacks
for it prevents that active cooperation O
the part OF the parent which is so essentis
to the success of the school. 1t is not sui
fcient to send the child to school, the par
ent must be present in the school by hi
encouragement and influence; he shout
feel that he is simply transferring his au
thority and interest in his child to tn
teacher for few hours of the day, an
should not only sustain that teacher in he
efforts to advance the child, and lend til
influence of parental authority in its mors
training and discipline, but should make
a duty to keep in touch with the progress
OF the child from day to day. Frequer
IegEEAE Min No.