PRESENTATION TO MR. WARREN—On Wednesday evening about 250 of the scholars, old scholars, parents, and managers of the National Schools assembled to tea in the New Hall to bid farewell to Mr. Warren, the master of the schools, and to give a welcome to Mr. Ridpath, who is about to succeed him in the mastership of the schools. Tea over, the company kept their seats at table, and the rector, the Rev. Canon Barker, in an able speech, reviewed the progress of the schools under Mr. Warren's management, and the prosperous state of the schools both numerically and financially was noticed. Referring to the finances, he said he hoped none would think because they were prosperous they could afford to dispense with their subscription, as they were only prosperous comparatively. In the year 1875 after they had had the grant they were £65 to the bad, and last year when they balanced their account they had £107 in hand. That was very satisfactory as compared with 1875, but he could not think they were in a satisfactory condition so long as the amount at the commencement of the year was not sufficient to carry the school through the year, and that would require another £100. He then presented to Mr. Warren on behalf of the scholars and parents a purse with £10, and on behalf of the choir a very nice writing desk. Referring to Mr. Warren's services in connexion with the choir, he said although not accounted a musician himself, he was always pleased to hear strangers say they never heard the music given better than in Rushden Church, and he gave Mr. Warren credit for a deal of the proficiency thus attained. Mr. F. U. Sartoris also bore testimony to the respect in which Mr. Warren was held, and stated that for a man to gain and retain the respect and esteem of so many of the scholars, parents, and managers as he had done he must have a good heart. He asked those present, especially those husbands who had good wives, to sympathise with Mr. Warren in his being obliged to leave the village on account of his wife's health.
Referring to Mrs. Warren he said she had rendered good service to the school in the needlework, and in other ways in assisting the staff, and on behalf of himself, the managers, scholars, and parents, he wished her a speedy restoration to health, and a happy home where they were going. Mr. Warren, who was overcome with emotion, in replying, took occasion to refer to the progress Rushden had made since he had been there, which was thirteen years last December. Then there was but one, now there were several large houses. Trade had improved, and the population had doubled. The school at that time only had 160 scholars, while now there were 550 on the books.
The school had grown from babyhood to youth, and he hoped it would never reach old age, if that meant decay. It was for the parents to say whether the school should prosper. If they wished it to he advised them to send their children regularly—not to make half-timers of them; see to their lessons at home, and not to hear every tale that might be brought home. Referring to the new code, he said it laid additional burdens on the backs of the scholars and teachers. They did not know what the report for the past year would be, but he had good reason to think, both in the proficiency and money grant, it would be better than the previous year. A man should not speak highly of himself, but he might of his profession, and he was proud of his, as they not only taught their scholars the three R's, but cleanliness, good manners, and the other virtues, and more especially what the Rector and Mr. Sartoris had referred to—godliness. Mr. Warren had written his reply, but the Rector had to finish reading it; after which the Rev. Canon Barker moved a resolution of welcome to Mr. Ridpath, and hoped he would be as successful as Mr. Warren had been. This was seconded by Mr. W. Freeman, an old scholar, and carried by acclamation. Mr. Ridpath, in responding, thought he could not do better than walk in his predecessor's footsteps, and that he would endeavour to do. The Rector then called for three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Warren, at the same time asking all the old scholars present to stand up, to see how many there were, when fully 150 stood up and gave three times three deafening cheers, after which the company dispersed, and went through the Rectory Grounds, which were kindly thrown open to them.
|
