Jamieson, Robert George
On leaving Williamsdale.
PRESENTATION TO Mr. R.G.JAMIESON
On Saturday night last, the residents of Williamsdale, also visitors from Michelago, Queanboyan, Burra, Tharwa, and various other centres assembled at Mrs. Keeffe's to pay a tribute of honour and esteem to Mr. R. G. Jamieson, teacher of the Williamsdale school, prior to his departure. Mr. J. Keeffe, J.P., occupied the chair, and in his opening remarks said it was a great pleasure for him to preside on this occasion. We are gathered here this evening said he to tender a farewell to Mr. Jamieson, and convey our feelings of regret at his departure, although we are pleased to learn that his removal means promotion for him.
He, Mr. Keeffe, spoke highly of Mr. Jamieson as a fellow-citizen, and after a very able and appropriate address touched lightly in a humorous strain of the tact and diplomacy that the guest must have exhibited during his stay at Williamsdale to have won the kindly feelings of so many single ladies, as in most cases there was a division among the fair sex as to the virtues possessed by any single man, but in this case it was not so; all were of one accord, as was clearly demonstrated by the presentation the ladies intended making to Mr. Jamieson that evening.
In drawing to a close the speaker conveyed the good wishes of the residents to Mr. Jamieson, and hoped the present gathering, together with the mementos, would be an encouragement to that gentleman to aim high, ascend the ladder, and take his stand among the foremost. The chairman then called upon Mrs. T. A. Trotter to read an illuminated address and make a presentation on behalf of the ladies.
Mrs. Trotter responded to the call, and after a few well-chosen remarks proceeded with reading the address as follows :-
Presentation to Mr R.G. Jamieson.
We, the undersigned residents of Williamsdale, desire to tender our esteem to you for the genial manner which you have always shown, both socially and otherwise, in co-operating In all movements to further advance our interests. Since your arrival in our midst, some twelve months ago, your manly and straight-forward manner has gained for you an exemplary reputation, and engraved upon the residents of this part an everlasting and honourable impression. You were a zealous and diligent worker in your school, and your sudden departure is much regretted by your pupils and their parents. We now beg of your acceptance of these small mementos as a recognition of our brotherly love and esteem; remembering that they convey our sincerest and best wishes for your welfare. In conclusion, we trust that you will long be spared in health and happiness to continue in the office you now hold, and wherever your lot may be cast we hope that you will still be surrounded by the same true friendship as you now leave behind.
Signed by 30 names. Mrs. Trotter on behalf of the ladies then handed over a silver-mounted oak ink stand and cabinet case combined with a shield bearing the following inscription : - " Presented to Mr. R. G. Jamieson, by the Williamsdale ladies, on his departure. 22/7/05.
Mr. F. L. Smith, J.P. was then called upon to make a presentation on behalf of the Williamsdale gentlemen. Mr. Smith ably discharged the duty entrusted to him, and in the course of his address, said he believed Mr. Jamieson to be a faultless man for if he had any defects they were not visible to the naked eye. He also spoke very highly of their guest as an officer, at the same time remarking that the pupils and parents were all sorry to lose their teacher whose place would be hard to fill.
Mr. Smith then handed to Mr. Jamieson a handsome Gladstone bag with a silver plate bearing the initials, " R. G. J." Messrs. T. A. Trotter and W. Shumack also spoke in very high terms of their fellow teacher. Mr. Jamieson rose to respond amidst unlimited cheering and clapping. He said he could not find words to thank them for their kind remarks and the presentations he had received. It made him feel that there were many things he had left undone which he should have done. He wished he could live his 12 month's residence in Williamsdale over again so that be could have a chance to do something more worthy to gain their esteem. However, he would never forget their kindness and assured them that the mementos would always be treasured by him, and wherever he went they would bring back many happy recollections of the pleasant time he had spent at Williamsdale.
28 July 1905, Queanbeyan Age
Schools
- Williamsdale School
07/1904 - 07/1905