Greymouth State School golden jubilee souvenir

Lord, E. Iveagh (Edward Iveagh), Greymouth Evening Star Co., Greymouth, N.Z, 1926

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Title: Greymouth State School golden jubilee souvenir

Author: Lord, E. Iveagh (Edward Iveagh)

Published: Greymouth Evening Star Co., Greymouth, N.Z., 1926

Greymouth State School Golden Jubilee Souvenir

Compiled ly EC I. Lord

To commemorate the strenuous labours of all those who have so faithfully served in the interests of the School during fifty years, 1876—1926.

1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

Department of Tourist and Health Resorts

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secure your Tickets from The

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It costs no more to avail yourself of the splendid facilities afforded by the most up-to-date and efficient travel-system in the Dominion. Rail, Steamer, Motor and Accommodation Tickets issued to any place in New Zealand, and reliable information given.

Itineraries and estimates prepared promptly and descriptive literature supplied free of charge

© Booking Agencies in all Main Centres

Local Address; Write, Call or Phone

The Government Tourist Bureau

Midland Chambers : ; Mackay Street

Phone: 162

P.O. Box 176

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1576 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1928

Officials

Patron:

T. E. Y. SEDDON ESQ., M.P.

Chairman of Committees:

J. TENNENT ESQ

(Chairman Grey School Committee)

Executive Committee;

J. TENNENT ESQ. (Chairman Grey School Committee); W. H

PARFITT ESQ., (Mayor of Greymouth); J. W. GREENSLADE ESQ

(Chairman, Grey Power Board); G. E. PERKINS, A. H. WILDE,

R. A. BARROWMAN and E. I. LORD

Ladies’ Committee:

MESDAMES W. H. PARFITT (Mayoress), C. L. SCHAEF, HODGKINSON, SWEETMAN, J. TENNENT, MURTAGH, ROBINSON, WATSON, WILSON, WISE, SCOTT, SHUTTLEWORTH, HARVEY, MITCHELL, ANDERSON, W. THOMAS, LEAHY, STEWART, BELL, REYNOLDS. COUMBE, CUNLIFFE, WHYTE, D. M. SHIRLAW; MISSES E. MOORE, DUNN, R. WATSON, M. MURTAGH and G. WATSON.

General Committee;

MESSRS J. TENNENT, R. J. WILLIAMS, P. BECK, W. SCOTT, A. OLIVER, H. HERRING, W. H PARFITT, R. A. BARROWMAN, F. J. PARKINSON, T. BROWN, B. DIXON, D. M. SHIRLAW, OWEN WILLIAMS, A. KILGOUR, J. McLEAN, J. ROBERTSON, F. LAWN, G. E. PERKINS, G. PEROTTI, KIM WILLIAMS, W. KYLE, E. I. LORD, J. W. GREENSLADE, A. H. WILDE, W. COCHRANE, G. SMITH.

Organiser:

B, I. LORD

Secretary:

R, A. BARROWMAN

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1576 : Souvenir o£ State School Jubilee : 1926

State School Jubilee

Official Programme

Tuesday, I9lh, —Opening Day

1.20 p.m.—Arrival of visitors by Christchurch express

8.0 p.m.—Civic Reception to Visitors at the Town Hall— Chairman: W. H. Parfitt Esq., Mayor of Greymoutli

GOD SATE THE KING

I—ADDRESS OF WELCOME - - The Mayor

2—CHORUS, .... Male Choir

3—ADDRESS, - - Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P."

4 —SONG (Selected), - - - Miss Warne

S—ADDRESS, Mr. D. Baybutt, County Chairman

6—SONG (Selected), - - - Mr. J. Hadland

7 —ADDRESS, Mr. J. Steer, Grey Harbour Board

B—MUSICAL MONOLOGUE, - Miss M. Parfitt

9_VIOLIN SOLO, - - Miss E. Wallace

10 —ADDRESS, - Mr. J. W. Greenslade, Power Board

11 —SOXG (Selected), ... Miss B. Drake

12—REPLIES, .... By Visitors

13—CHORUS, .... Male Choir

Wednesday, 20th, —fubilee Day

2.15 p.m.—Old School Bell to ring, Fire and other bells to follow signalising completion of 50 years, and start of grand procession from Boundary Street through Town and to the School. On arrival, children to Salute Flag. Military Guard of Honour. Municipal Band.

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1876 : Souvenir ol State School Jubilee : 1926

Wednesday, 20th, —Jubilee Day (Contd.)

Speech of Welcome to Visitors by J. Tennent Esq., Chairman of School Committee, Opening of Carnival, Highland Dancing. Military Display, Afternoon Tea. Re-Union of Old Pupils, Side Shows, etc.

7 p.m.—Grand Torchlight Procession from Boundary Street to School. Pyrotechnic Display, Coloured Fire at Re-Union Carnival.

8 p.m.—Opening Grand Re-Union Euchre Tourney. Prizes to value of £2O. Continuation of Carnival. Side Shows etc.

Thursday, 21st, — Re-Union Day

2.30 p.m.—Grand Re-Union Afternoon Tea at School Continuation of Carnival. School Children’s Treasure Hunt, prize £l/1/-. Numerous Novelties.

8 p.m.—At Opera House—Grand Children’s Concert. At School, second session Grand Euchre Tourm Continuation of Carnival.

Friday, 22nd, — Children’s Day

1.30 p.m.—Grand Children’s Procession from Boundary Street to School. Sports on School Ground and Dixon Park.

8 p.m.—Grand Re-Union Plain and Fancy Dress Ball Prizes for best Dressed Lady or Gentleman, each £l/1/-. Conclusion of Grand Re-Union Euchre Tourney. Conclusion of Carnival.

G0 D SA V E THE KU'G

AULD LAJfG SVN’E

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DEDICATION

To Scholars Old and New

■* I 1 HIS Booklet, compiled for the Committee of the Grey Main (District High) School, to commemorate its fifty years Jubilee, will, we trust, be appreciated by those whom we endeavour to serve. It is a long span in the lives of those who took part at the opening and who are privileged to be with us to-day. The intervening years have wrought changes and have brought advancement in every walk of life. That the School has been able to do much for those whose education it was entrusted with, is worthv of mention.

Many boys and girls to-day are holding their own with the best in the Dominion and reflect the highest praise on the work accomplished; others have left our shores and are doing well in the lands of their adoption. And many are not here as the Hand of Time has gathered them in and our memories go back with kindly thought to the old association so reminiscent of school days.

That the School has been efficiently staffed is borne out by the results and to those men and women who have devoted their lives and worked hard to impart such knowledge, we tender our appreciation.

The Call of Duty to the Empire was. nobly answered by old Pupils, our Rolls of Honour testify to their great response and the toll of life spent in maintaining our liberty.

In sports and games of all classes, our scholars have acquitted themselves most creditably, and many fine records have been achieved.

To Mr. E. Iveagh Lord, an old pupil, who has been entrusted with the compiling of this booklet, the Committee tender their thanks.

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1876 ; Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

The task of gathering facts connected with the School has been no light one and that he has been able to compile so much from the irregular records is indeed pleasing.

That the years to come may see the School and its traditions ever to the fore; loyal to God, King and Country, aiming at the betterment of all and teaching the strong principle of Peace and Goodwill, that the work may ever flourish and the generations to be, profit by the efforts done in our School, is our sincerest hope.

Yours Faithfully

JOHN TENNENT,

Chairman, Grey Main School

Before the State School

The first educational institution opened in Westland was the Hokitika Tancred Street School, which was established in September, 1865, by Mr. Alexander Malcolm, and which was attended by 69 pupils.

Greymouth’s first school, St. Patrick’s, which was founded by the Rev. Father E. Royer in the year following, was situated in Arney Street and boasted of an opening attendance of seventy-five pupils. A charge of two and sixpence per week was made for senior pupils and two shillings per week for juniors. In the year following, three other schools came into existence, all being of a semi-private nature. They were, taking them in the order in which they were established, the Misses Heaphys’ Mackay Street School, Mr. Harry Warren’s Greymouth Grammar School, and hte Mackay Street Church of England School, taught by Mr. Thomas Thomas for many years afterwards master at Totara Flat.

It will thus be seen that even sixty years ago Greymouth had four schools, institutions which though handicapped by the want of adequate facilities, yet did wonderful work in instilling into the then rising generation the rudiments of knowledge. For ten years these schools carried on their good work. Then in 1876 came State education and the school whose Golden Jubilee we celebrate to-day.

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1576 Souvenir of State School Jubilee ; 1920

A. B. Thomson, First Headmaster

Archibald Bruce Thomson, born at London, July, 1849. Educated at South Kensington Grammar School. Graduated Associate of Arts. Came out to Australia and took up teaching profession in Victoria. Appointed first Headmaster of Greymouth Main School, 1876. Appointed Headmaster Napier District School, 1878, resigning in 1891. Subsequently,' he was Assistant Librarian at General Assembly Library until his retirement from the Public Service on superannuation. He died June, 1921, aged 72 years. A born teacher with pre-eminent powers of imparting knowledge to his pupils; a kindly and genial nature and a gifted public speaker.

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

Early Teachers

It has been shown that Mr. A. B. Thomson was the first Head Master, Mr. Alexander Roulston the first Assistant Master, and Mrs. Magoffin the first Mistress. The attendance, however, rapidly increased, in consequence of which two pupil teachers were appointed, they being Miss Jean Batchelor (afterwards Mrs. Pickering), and Miss 11. Gilroy (afterwards Mrs. W. 11. Fowler). Shortly after this, Miss E. Stanley (who became Mrs. R. Goulding) was appointed to the position of Assistant Mistress, and Miss Alice E. Brown (later Mrs. Bennett), and Mr. William Reid, were appointed additional pupil teachers. In March, 1876, Mr. Roulston resigned, and Mr. W. B. Douglas, of Christchurch, was appointed in his stead. Shortly after this, Miss Jean Batchelor (Mrs. Pickering) resigned, and Miss C. S. Perkins (afterwards Mrs. M. Perkins) w T as appointed to her position. In July, 1876, Mr. W. Reid resigned and Miss Sophia Jones took up his duties. There were no further changes in the staff prior to the opening on the 19th of October, 1876. Thus the original staff at the old School consisted of Mr. A. B. Thomson, Head Master; Mr. W. B. Douglas, Assistant Master; Mrs Magoffin, Head Mistress; Miss Stanley, Assistant Mistress and Miss H. Gilroy, Miss A. E. Brown, Miss C. S. Perkins and Miss Sophia Jones, pupil teachers. In the following December the Central Board of Education authorised the appointment of an additional Assistant Master and the Committee decided to offer the position to Mr. R. Goulding, of Victoria, who had applied for the position of Head Master, when Mr. Thomson was appointed. Mr. Goulding accepted the position and took up his duties in January, 1877. Late in 1877 Messrs J. Bramwell, now of Fielding, and William Williams, were appointed pupil teachers to take up their duties in February, 1878.

Unfortunately, tbere are no further official records available for some years, consequently the following list of teachers, which has been compiled from various sources, is probably not correct in every detail but is right in the main. In this connection it is certain that Mr A. B. Thomson resigned in 1878 and was succeeded by his Assistant Master, Mr. Goulding, Mr. R. Clements replacing the latter. About this time, Mr. Douglas resigned and his position was tilled by Mr. Alexander Malcolm, now M.P. About this time Messrs Barclay and Burt were also appointed. Mrs. Magoffin resigning, Miss Stanley then became Infant Mistress, a position which she held until her marriage with Mr. Goulding. Associated with Miss Stanley were the Misses 11. Gilroy, C. S. Perkins, Katie Gilroy, Maria North,

1576 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee 1926

Eliza Ewing. Francis Kemple, Bessie Batchelor, Katie Brown, Elizabeth Robinson, Mary Felling and Marion Taylor. Mr. Phornton was the next Head Master and Messrs Clements and Alex. Malcolm were his assistants. When Miss Stanley retired Miss Weaver was appointed Infant Mistress. During Mr. Thornton s time, Messrs Henry Parker and Arthur Smithers (the brilliant writer and one time secretary to the Hon. Pember Reeves) as well as the Misses Sotheron, K. Brown, A. Kemple and E. Kilgour (Mrs. W. Thomas) entered the teaching profession as pupil teachers. Upon the retirement of Mr. Thornton, Mr. J. W. Stewart became Head Master and with him were associated Messrs Adams. Craddock, J. Gloy. H. Parker, the Misses Laws (Mrs. Hungerford), Blair (Mrs. Austin), Batchelor. Turnbull. T. Felling (Mrs. Alf Russell), Janet RobinMll > Mrs, F. W esl i. Edith Easson (Mrs. Parsons), Fanny Williams (Mrs. L. Anderson), Alice Kemple, Eva Kilgour (Mrs. IV. Thomas), Florence Brown and Beatrice Henderson, Mr. J. Malcolm at a later date joining the staff.

Mr. A. A. Adams succeeded Mr. Stewart in 1890 and held the position for nearly thirty years. With Mr. Adams many teachers were associated, among whom were Messrs Craddock, .1. Malcolm, 11. Smith (afterwards Inspector), W. S. Austin (also an Inspector, who in the Great War rose to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel). Dolf Taylor, Lieut. A. Talbot, (who fell at the Front on October the 12th, 1917), Misses Pegler, Cromie, J. A. Wickes. De Berry, Jamieson, Moriarty, Sheard, Ford, T. Mullins (Lieut. X.Z.E. Forces), 11. T. Wood, J. Wilson and Scott. The Misses Laws (Mrs. R. Hungerford), Batchelor, Blair (Mrs. W. S. Austin) and M. Skoglund all of whom were infant Mistresses, also the Misses Cox (Mrs. P. Bond), Weenink (Mrs. Wise), Roache_(Mrs. Xelson), Warren, Thompson, Hitchcock, Robinson, Struthers, Murdoch, D. Bignell and E. Moore.

Mr. Allison followed Mr. Adams and held office until 1925, when he resigned. Among the' teachers under his jurisdiction were Mr. J. Wilson, Assistant; Owen Williams, A. G. Williams, and G. McKenzie. The Misses M. Skoglund (for many years Infant Mistress), E. Moore, Wylie, Hopkins, Robinson, M. Bignell, D. Bignell. r. ■. -

On Mr.'Allison’s retirement the present Head Master, Mr. D. M. Shirlaw was appointed, his staff now consisting of Messrs O. W. Williams, A. G. Williams, Miss B. Moore, Infant Mistress; Mrs. Wise, the Misses G. Cullen, L. Williams, A. Cornwall. M. Bignell, K. Ryan, M. Lilhurh, 'M. O’Brien, J. Brown, B. McSherry, E. Panckhurst, E. Walsh and Mr. F. Barltrop. At the Blaketown Side School, Misses M. Dunn, C. Bourke, M. Phelan.

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1576 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 ; Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

The Old and the New School

On the 22nd of October, 1874, was held the first meeting of the Greymouth School Committee. Present: Messrs F. Hamilton. J. W. Moss (Mayor, and father of 6. T. Moss Esq.), Heber Newton, James Kerr (afterwards M.L.C. and father of the wellknown Greymouth family), Harry Kenrick R.M., and John Greenwood. Mr. Hamilton was voted to the chair. It was then resolved that Mr. John Greenwood be appointed permanent Chairman. In 1877 Messrs Newton and Kenrick resigned and Messrs W. H. Revell and James Barkley were elected in their stead.

The business of the meeting was the consideration of appli cations, which had been called by the central Board of Education for the various positions in the Government school, which was to be opened shortly. For the position of headmaster, there were nineteen applications. Mr. A. B. Thomson, who was then a resident of Victoria was appointed. For the position of second master, there were three applicants. The committee selected Mr. A. Roulston of Greymouth. There were thirteen applications for the position of schoolmistress, and Mrs. Magoffin, wife of David Magoffin, storekeeper, of Greymouth (who was a member of the first Greymouth Borough Council elected in September, 1868) was appointed, those selected to take up their duties in January 76. The then school was situated in Arney Street and was known as the Old Catholic School Room and there, it duly came to pass that on the morning of the 18th of January, 1876, was opened Greymouth’s first State school. But. alas, long before nine o’clock—before the doors were opened, it was seen that the small room temporarily used was quite insufficient to accommodate the number of children present, which was considerably over 200. The committee, therefore, decided to send home the senior pupils, who were requested to assemble at the Good Templars’ Hall, (afterwards the Public Hall, now the Opera House) on Friday, February Ist, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Thomson (headmaster) then proceeded to receive thi names of those who were not enrolled, examining them to ascertain the class for which they were fitted, so that no more time

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee 1926

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 : Souvenir o t State School Jubilee : 1926

would be lost in getting to work as soon as the Good Templars’ Hall (which was being built by Messrs Arnott and Hunter at a cost of £650) was ready for occupation. As arranged, on February the first. Good Templars’ Hall, was used as a school, and continued to be used as such until Thursday the 19th day of October, 1876, when the old school on the present site was formally opened. This site was purchased from Mr. Edwin Ashton (father of Messrs E. and A. Ashton, the latter being the first child born in Greymouth) and was at the time, the subject of much comment, being generally considered to be too far from town. Time has indeed justified its selection, for the site to-day is an ideal one.

Ihe formal opening of the school was ceremoniously performed ; it was a day of great rejoicing, in which all Greyraouth joined, for was it not the day on which, the first practical result ol the system of education then pertaining in Westland, was celebrated? After 50 years, it is indeed meet, to refer to the almost insuperable difficulties which met the first efforts of those who desired to obtain, at least, a minimum amount of education for the rising generation of the West Coast. In this connection, it is sufficient to say, that the necessity arose for securing at least a complete system of primary education which did not then obtain, and in spite of many difficulties, this was secured.

The formal opening was performed by G. G. Fitzgerald Esq., Chairman of the Westland Education Board, who paid a tribute to the untiring efforts of the local committee and handed over the key of the building to Mr. John Greenwood, the Chairman, who suitably replied. Prior to this 700 children had assembled at the Good Templars’ Hall, and, headed by the Fire Brigade Band, marched to the new school, where various kinds of amusements had been provided, and also what was supposed to be a liberal quantity of those things which delight the hearts of children. However, in the ease of the youngsters, they were doomed to disappointment, visions of buns and tarts soon disappeared, for when questioned as to the smallness of the supply, the provider stated he had supplied the amount ordered, that in his opinion a “baker’s dozen” did not mean 13, bvit 7, hence the shortness.

While the children were making the best of things, luncheon was in progress, this was not altogether a suceess—the provider being again to blame. There were 65 present and the turnout seems to have been cheap and nasty, the attendance on the

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1576 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

F. W. Badger At Opening of Old School

F. J. Parkinson At Opening of Old School

D. McKay Pupil of the Old School

E. Warnes Pupil of the Old School

Prominent Old Boys

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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guests was very bad—who became very impatient, and who showed their disapproval in no uncertain manner —the menu was limited, flabby mutton, excessively salt ham, uncured tongues and half decomposed salads, with all the concomitants of a slop dining cellar. This taken in conjunction with the bad service raised the ire of the guests who to use a phrase of today “became hostile.” However, all things come to an end, and after a reasonable allowance for the extra demand upon the digestive organs of the guests had been made, a number of toasts were proposed.

The Chairman (Mr. John Greenwood) after the Royal Toast had been honoured, proposed the “Central Education Board,” Mr. Harry Kenrick S.M., responding. Mr. G. W. Moss proposed “Our Guests” and made special reference to Air. J. Smith, Inspector of Schools. Mr. W. 11. Kevell proposed “Teachers of the District,” to which Messrs Thomson, Ahearn and Douglas replied. The toast of the Architects and Contractors Messrs Young Bros, and Arnott and Hunter, was proposed by the Chairman, Mr. 11. Young and Mr. William Arnott responding. (It is interesting to note that of the gentlemen included on the toast list, Mr. Arnott is the only one living).

The Old School Buildings

A general description of the old school buildings will doubt less be of great interest to those of to-day, who had no oppor tunity of viewing it, and will recall many pleasant recollection: to those who through the years learned to love their Alma Mater

The site was practically the same as that of the new school, which stands on a section of over three acres and which was known in the old days as Ashton’s paddock. (The Dixon Park old residents will remember was by the same argument known at .Martin’s paddock).

The building, taking the ground plan first, was somewhat of the form of the letter 11, and consisted of one large room 45ft. by 25ft., two rooms 40 by 25, one class room 25 by 22, one gallery room 25 by 20, two small rooms for masters 10 by 12, known as the offices. (What old boy did not dread being sent there), and two lobbies 14ft. by 12ft., beside two entrance porches each 12 feet square. The principal feature of the front was the belfry which rose to a height of 60 feet and which covered the south entrance porch. The bell was cast by the

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

Mrs. W S. Austin (ne- Blair) Ex-Teacher

F. H. Kilgour Eight years Secretary and Chairman School Committee

Lfc-Col. W. S. Austin. 1t.5.0. Ex-Inspector Grey Education Board

G. T. Moss Pupil of the Old School

Prominent Old Boys

1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee 1926

Hispateh Foundry, and strange to say, at a preliminary trial before being placed in position the shackle snapped. This was at once repaired, and to-day the old bell still does duty. A broad verandah ran round the three sides of the quadrangle formed by the back of the main building, which were heavily balustrated. A flight of wide steps six feet high led to the ground at the back where the offices were. All the rooms opened on to the verandahs and afforded the greatest facility for communication. The south wing was devoted to the smaller scholars and was known as the “infants’ room” being provided with a gallery (a set of seats arranged as steps). The floor space provided in the building was amply sufficient for 450 children, forge fire places were found in every room and comfort was assured. (The big log and coal fires of long ago were much more “comfy” and cheerful than the modern method of steam heating now in vogue). The building as a whole was of a peculiarly tasteful, elegant and arial design, and the main clans room was not unlike a small, but very pretty church. It had quite an ecclesiastical appearance with its stained glass windows. Gothic roof and varnished walls. It was designed by Messrs R. A. and 11. W. Young of Greymouth, and built at a cost of £2,300 by Messrs Arnott and Hunter. It was one of the largest wooden buildings in the Dominion and when pulled down the greater part of the timber was in a state of perfect preservation, The wooden scroll work which ornamented the tower is now to be seen in the Old Boys’ Club Room, and needless to say is one of their proudest possessions.

Before the School was Built

Report of Entertainment in Good Templars’ Hall

(Now the Opera House) February 12th, 1876.

Last evening the Local School Committee gave an entertainment to the children attending the Government School in the Good Templars Hall. A half holiday having been given to them in the afternoon they assembled at the Hall at seven o’clock, and after being regaled with buns etc., they were afterwards amused by the exhibition of the magic lantern, conjuring tricks, etc. About 300 children attended, and also a good number of the general public, the payments from whom it is expected will defray the cost of the entertainment. A most enjoyable evening was passed. After the public had been admitted at 8 o ’clock.

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

Frank Keddell

Alfred Aishton Greymouth's Firstborn

Frederick Kitchinghain (Watkins Medallist)

Gerald Perottl Italian Vice-Consul

Old Boys Attaining Civic Dignity

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187G : Souvenir ot State School Jubilee ; 1926

Mr. Greenwood, Chairman of the Local Committee, delivered the following address ‘ Ladies and Gentlemen,—The Local . ommittee desire to say a few words this evening as to the objeets they have in view in promoting the present gathering. As I don t wish to weary either the little folks or their elders, I pi )^ 1 as as P oss ible. We desire to mark the inauguration ot the Government scheme of National education in this part of the 1 rovince, and also to enlist general sympathy and interest in its success. 1 hough the Committee was elected more than a •' ear a ?°. so many delays have occurred in providing a schoolhouse that we have not been able to make a fair start till the beginning of this week, when we were able to hire this hall, "Inch is just finished, from the Good Templars. We hope to have a building of our own in a few months, but meanwhile, considering that this place was not built for a school we may congratulate ourselves on its being so suitable. We opened school about three weeks ago, as you know, in the old Roman Catholic schoolroom, but could only take about 130 of the smaller children. However, on Monday, when we began here, 293 children attended, and there are now over 300 on the books, with an average attendance of 295 ,which we expect to see increased in the course of a few weeks. We have been fortunate in securing a gentleman of large experience in teaching, as our head and we have much pleasure in noticing the hearty co-operation ■of the other teachers and their evident determination to pull together and make the school a success. While speaking of cooperation. I want every one here to-night to feel that he or she can help forward the school in one way or other. If every boy or girl does his or her best to be regular in coming and attentive and industrious, they will not only get on quickly, but will make the work much easier and pleasanter, both for themselves and their teachers. Then again, the parents can do their part by taking care that the children come regularly, and by encouraging them to be diligent and obedient in school. As for you boys and girls, make good use of your time now, for people very seldom have much time or opportunity to learn what you are learning now after they are grown up. Now pray do not suppose that reading, writing, cyphering, and such like is all that is meant by education, for a man may know all that and yet be a very good-for-nothing fellow. Industry, truth, kindness subordination, and unselfishness are still more important, and have more to do in making a man or a nation either good or great. Schools on the National system have sometimes been called 4 ‘ Godless Schools, ’ ’ but I do not fear that they will really be so

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187G : Souvenir of State School Jubilee 192G

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

Joseph McLean

George Sweetnian

John Gieseking

James Goodall

Old Boys Attaining Civic Dignity

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

unless they are taught by “Godless men.” We are all pretty well agreed about reading and writing, etc., and it is only a fair division of labour if, in educating our children, we attend chiefly to cultivating their heads during some five hours a day, while we take other steps to train their hearts during the remaining nineteen hours. Our main object then, this evening, is to enlist as much of your active sympathy as possible in the work, and to show the young folks that if school means hard work we will, at all events do our best to make it pleasant to them.” The head master, Mr. Thompson, then performed some amusing conjuring tricks, and then followed the magic lantern illuminated by the oxyhydrogen light, the manipulation of the lantern being done by Mr. Greenwood, and some amusing remarks as showman by Mr. Harry Kenrick. Miss Sims presided at the pianoforte with her accustomed brilliancy.

Report of First Annual Distribution of Prizes

(Tuesday, January 17th, 1877)

The first annual distribution of prizes took place yesterday, and passed off with great success. The prizes were numerous, and really beautiful books in most instances rewarded the labours of the successful competitors. The prizes, we understand, were chiefly procured from Melbourne. A considerable number had afterwards to be procured from Hokitika, the original number not being sufficient to supply the demand upon it. Punctually at 3 o’clock the children were mustered in the main room of the school, and shortly after the members of the Committee arrived and Mr. Greenwood began the business of the meeting. In a very excellent speech he pointed out the desirability of all those who had not gained prizes to be not disheartened thereby, for, while it was in every one’s power to deserve success, it was not in every one’s power to command it. He stated the pleasure he felt in presiding at this the first distribution of prizes in the State School, and having concluded his remarks, proceeded to distribute the prizes according to the list furnished by the Head Master. We append the list, and also the Inspector’s report on the School, which .Mr. Greenwood read at the beginning of the proceedings.

General Proficiency

sth Class —Dux of School —J. W. Bramwell; Second Prize — Herbert Perkins; Third Prize —Ernest Holmes.

4th Class—First Prize, (Girls) —Catherine Brown; Second Prize—Frances Kemple; Third Prize—Helena Brown, Bessie Bachelor. First Prize, (Boys)—W. Parkinson; Second Prize —William Brodie; Third Prize—George Smith.

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1576 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

J. T. Petrie Ex-Councillor

J. Kerr Ex-Councillor

K. Skoglund Ex-Councillor

B. Hart Ex-Councillor

Old Boys attaining Civic Dignity

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

This is an advertisement.

please pass on to the next page

.Bigotry ever controls the reason. It reason were enthroned, unhampered and unlimited, there would be no bigots.

In the minds of the average person education at school is a necessary evil; when school days with their golden opportunities are over it is then that it dawns on the individual who thinks seriously, that Education is the dynamic force that lifts men up to the top of the ladder, the one spot where there is plenty of room and scope.

Music is not a mere amusement, but one of the greatest refining educators of the age, except when prostituted into foxtrots etc., when it ceases to be music and becomes mere rhythm with a musical flavour. More than twenty years ago Sir Henry Wood, the famous conductor, said, “Get rid of that hooty-tooty woolly tone that you have; get a good gramophone and good records, listen to them, sing with them, and thus make singers of yourselves.” British singers rose to the occasion, and to-day witness the tact that the “hootytooty woolly tone” so prevalent a quarter of a century ago has gone, and gone for ever. In its place we have the rich colourful effortless tone so charming to the ear. What did it? Education per medium of a good Gramophone and good records.

Do you aspire to be a singer, a pianoforte player, an elocutionist? Educate yourself; the means are at your hand; get a good Gramophone and records, sing, play, practice with them and thus reach the top of the ladder and behold an appreciative world at your feet. Don’t be bigoted and think you can attain eminence by your own unaided efforts. Remember, too, that the best educative instruments are to be found on the premises, and the best records the world ever produced are on the shelves of—

THE BRISTOL

Tainui Street, Greymouth.

“His Master’s Voice” Instruments and Record; will make super-musicians of you.

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3rd Class —Ist Division: First Prize, (Girls) —Elizabeth M Noil: Second Prize —Catherine Stenhouse. First Prize (Boys)

- -Charle; James; Second Prize—John Goodall; Third Pr Charles Harrison.

3rd Class —2nd Division : First Prize —Jane Sotheran ; First Prize—John Flowers.

2nd Class —First Prize (Girls) —Alice Kemple; Seeon; Prize—Annie Stenhouse. First Prize (Boys)— William Cox Second Prize—Alfred Skelton.

Ist Class —Fpper Division: First Prize (Girls) —Caroletta Dewson; Second Prize Annie Constantine; Third Prize —Susan Sweetman. First Prize (Boys)— Charles Holder; Second Prize —James Sfenhouse; Third Prize—William Thomas.

Ist Class—Lower Division; First Prize (Girls) —ITrli James; Second Prize—Agnes Thom. First Prize (Boys)Minchin Rudd; Second Prize -Edward Burrowes.

Infant Division: Girls—Sarah Thom, Jane Ewing, Cecilia Jones, Eva Elmer, Caroline Richardson, Ida Austin, Mary Garth, Maude Brown, Agnes Arnott, Edith Warnes, Dolly Wilson. Boys—Sam Pankhurst, Frank Blackmore, Thomas Coppersmith, Joseph Pickering. Edgar Long. Frank Sweetman, Harry James. Robert Alcorn. Heber Williams, Norman Blackmore.

Special Prizes

sth Class; Arithmetic: Joseph Bramwell, 11. Perkins; Writ ing- -Watson Bramwell.

sth and 4th Class. Outline Geography—Frances Kemple Joseph Bramwell. Good Conduct—Cath Badger, Lena Kenrick Regular Attendance—Eleven pupils tied for this prize, and the Committee presented each with a book. We were unable to obtain their names.

'"'ill ill 11101 l lIIIIIIVO. 4th Class: Arithmetic—W. Brodie 1, W. Parkinson 2. Almost equal. Writing—Bessie Bachelor.

3rd Class: Arithmetic—Tanner 1, Florence Harrison 2. Writing—M’Gregor. Attendance—George Hosie, Ada Parker, Good Conduct—Ada Skilton.

2nd Class; Writing—Ed. Panckhurst. Arithmetic—Alice Kemple. Good Conduct—Hugh Badger. Attendance—Edward

Latin—lst Division—W. Williams; 2nd Division—Geo. Smith; 3rd Division—Harry Kilgour. French—lst—Margaret Tavlor; 2nd—Will Kenrick.

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1876 Souvenir o( State School Jubilee 1926

Sewinj;—sth and 4th Classes -Bessie Bachelor, Catherine Brown, Emily Laney. 2nd Class —Mary Weenink, Maude Elmer.

3rd Sewing- Ada Skelton. Minnie Hart. Minnie Taylor.

Ist Sewing First Prize—('aroletta Dewson ; Second Prize—

A. Tregay, M. A. Godfrey, Elizabeth Richardson. Ist ( lass 2nd Division—Florence Brown, 1 rba James.

Extra for Good Conduct

Ist (’las;—P. Drew. Mathew Kerr, A. Orr, W. Warnes

I lu 1 numbers at the school are daily increasing;. The Hcai Master informs us that on the opening day 350 pupils wen present, whilst yesterday morning 390 were receiving instruc turn. We must not omit to say that the afternoon’s proceeding: vere witnessed with much interest by a large gathering of tlu friends of the pupils, and others taking an interest in education al matters generally.

Inspector’s Report

“A very careful examination of the school enables me to report " ifh confidence that the praise bestowed upon it by mv last report, is fully justified by the results now obtained. The pupils presented in the fifth standard, on this occasion, gained nearly 20 per cent, more marks than at the preliminary examination in June, and notwithstanding that half the class was presented in this standard for the first time. When the returns for the other classes are compiled, I believe equally satisfactory results will be shown. The classification, organisation, and discipline, are perfect, and the latter maintained without a shadow of harshness or severity. The advantages of the new school buildings have been made the most of, and with the exception of the space alloted to the Infant Division, which is well crowded, the accommodation is equal to the present requirements of the school. Should there be any considerable increase in the attendance, however, it will be necessary to complete the building according to the original design. The assistants appear to work harmoniously with the Head Master, and have no hesitation in saying that every department of the school is in a satisfactory condition. The needlework of the girls shows marked improvement, and is as creditable to the teachers as it must be satisfactory to the parents of the children taught.

JOHN SMITH,

November 24, 1876.”

Inspector.”

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Mr. John Greenwood was Native Agent at Greymouth, and apart from being the first Chairman of the first School Committee, was also Secretary and Treasurer to that body. An ardent educationalist, he worked untiringly in the interests of the rising generation and did much to bring about the building of the School w'hose Golden Jubilee we celebrate to-day. Mr. Greenwood was a son of Dr. and Mrs. Greenw'ood, of Mitcham, Surrey, England, and arrived in this country in 1843 by the ship “Phoebe.” He attended the Bishop’s School, Nelson, and later St. John’s College, Auckland. He accompanied Bishop Selwyn on many of his historical journeys and voyages, and thus gained a wonderful knowledge of the language and customs of the Maori people. He was appointed Native Agent here in 1869, which post he held until the time of Tainui’s death in 1882, after which the Natives shifted down to the Pa at Arahura. For some years after this Mr. Greenwood practised his profession of dentistry here, eventually moving to Nelson where he died in September 1910, aged 74, after having lived a long and useful life, the greater part of which he devoted to the advancement of education.

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Alan Augustus Adams (Headmaster 1890-1919)

In 1890, fourteen years after its inception, Alan Augustus Adams became Headmaster of the Greymoufh State School. There were four Headmasters before his advent, Messrs Thomson. Goulding, Thornton and Stewart, and when Mr. Adams joined the staff it was as assistant to the latter. Shortly afterwards Mr. Stewart resigned and Mr. Adams was appointed in his stead, a position he held with credit to himself and to the betterment of the School for almost thirty years. Among the many innovations brought into being by Mr. Adams, one stands

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pre-eminent and will ever remain a glorious tribute to id; memory. For it was he who inaugurated the ceremony o Saluting the Flag, the ceremony which now, by Governmeni instruction, takes place every Monday morning in every Stab School throughout the Dominion—the ceremony which instil; into the child mind love of country and the sense of freedom enjoyed under the British Flag.

I’nder Mr. Adams’ able guidance, the School became second to none, and to-day many ex-scholars owe their success in life to his wise and able counsel. An athlete himself, he believed in the development of the body as well as the mind, and consequently turned out citizens of the very best type.

As showing the esteem in which he was held, a brass tablet has been placed in the new school, which is self explanatory and which reads as follows:—•

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Rev. G. T. N. Watkins

The Watkins Medal

In 1869 there came to Greymouth the Rev. George Thomas Xoel Watkins, Man of God.

He succeeded the Rev. George Beaumont, Greymouth’s first Anglican Minister.

The Rev. Watkins, by his quiet and earnest manner soon endeared himself to the whole of the community. He was gen crons to a fault and to the poor and afflicted of every denomination his purse strings were never tightened.

“For his charity

There was no winter i’nt; an autumn ’twas.

That grew the more by reaping.”

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E. I. Lord First Chairman Watkins Medal Trustees.

Old residents still remember how on one occasion he gave away his overcoat, and attempted to go through the winter without one, until this being noticed, another was left at the Parsonage by an anonymous admirer.

For ten years he toiled among his folk, sharing their joys and sorrows, —then when just on the eve of his departure on* a holiday trip to his native town Deptford, Kent, England, he was taken ill and despite all that Dr. C. L. Morice (the dear “Old Doc.”) and his friends could do for him he passed hence on June the 18th, 1879.

Just at this time (for the purpose of showing their appreciation of his sterling worth and to assist him on his way) his

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G. E. Perkins First Watkins Medalist Mayor of Greymouth 1912-1917.

friends had subscribed £125, which they had intended to give him on the day of his departure. (It would not have been safe to have given it to him before, for he would have surely given most of it away). But “man proposes and God disposes,” so there was called a public meeting to decide what to do with the money, Mr. Richard Nancarrow the then Mayor presiding.

The meeting was very largely attended every section of the community being represented. After many touching references had been made to the deceased gentleman, it was resolved “that the amount be funded for all time to provide annually a gold medal, to be called the Watkins Medal.”

In this connection a beautiful scroll and roll of honour

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T. E. Coates Mayor ot Greymouth 1908-1910 Present Chairman Technical College

handsomely framed, together with an enlargement of the Rev. Gentleman is hung in the school, and is one of its proudest possessions. The scroll reads as follows:

The Watkins Medal—Founded A.D. 1879. In memory of the Rev. George Thomas Noel Watkins, Incumbent of Trinity Church, Greymouth, beloved of all denominations, who passed away on the 18th day of June, 1879. Aged 48 years.

For the purpose of perpetuating his memory, the citizens of Greymouth subscribed the sum of £125, and in public meeting assembled at the Albion Hotel, Greymouth, on the 24th day of June, 1879, resolved as follows, viz:—“ That a gold medal of

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W. H. Parfitt Present Mayor of Greymouth.

the value of five pounds sterling, to be called the “Watkins Medal,” and embossed on the obverse side with the profile of Mr. Watkins, and on the reverse side with a laurel wreath and the inscription of the winner, be awarded year by year to the best scholar of school age in the Grey District High School, and that Captain Allardyce, G .C. Bowman, Prank Hamilton, James Kerr. Edward Iveagh Lord, Dr. C. L. Morice. and Richard Nancarrow be appointed to administer the said fund and carry out the intentions of this resolution.”

On January 1, 1905, when this scroll was written, the trustees were E. I. Lord (chairman), Messrs Allardyce (absent), E. P, Heaphy, G. 8. Smith, J. G. Thomas, Hanwell Williams and the Ven. Archdeacon York ex-officio member.

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J. W. Greenslade Chairman of the Grey Power Board, Present Deputy-Mayor of Greymouth.

The trustees to-day are Messrs G. E. Perkins, Archdeacon Carr, P. C. Ileaphy, E. J. Thomas, Dr. C. Morice.

Apart from this medal, the Rev. Watkins’s memory is perpetuated by the beautiful stained glass memorial window in the chancel of Trinity Church, which his executors, the late Mr. J. G. Thomas and Mr. G. S. Smith, had placed there. In the vestry of the same church hangs his portrait and his diploma as an Associate of the King’s College, London. The stone w’hich marks his last resting place was erected by sorrowing friends, even as he was loved so was he mourned.

Truly a man of parts was the Rev. G. T. N. Watkins—a

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E. P. Heaphy First Secretary Watkins Medal

truly tolerant man who never let class or creed interfere with his charity, or what he considered his duty. “By thy works they shall know thee” could well be applied to him who even though dead 47 years still lives in the hearts of old residents of Greymouth, who realised his leading principle was Christian duty, md that to him might well be applied Browning’s beautiful lines—

“And so to live, that when the sun

Of our existence sinks in night,

Memorials sweet of mercies done

May shine our names in Memory’s light;

Then the blest seeds scatter’d bloom

A hundredfold in days to come!”

Watkins Medal

The following report of the presentation of the first Watkins -•fecial speaks for itself. It was made on the afternoon of Saturday the 16th of April, 1881, by Bishop Sutor, of Nelson, Mr. Richard Xancarrow, the then Mayor, presiding. The Volunteer

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Hall, as old residents will remember, was situated on the corner of Jlackav and Werita Streets.

The Watkins Prize Medal

The interesting ceremony of presenting the Watkins gold medal to Master Edward Perkins, of the Greymouth State School, took place at the Volunteer Hall, on Saturday afternoon last. The attendance was not large, which seemed to be a disappointment to those who did attend. The invitation which had been given to scholars, parents, and friends, did not seem to have much effect on either class.

His Worship the Mayor, in a few brief remarks, explained that the committee felt that the opportunity afforded by the presence of the Bishop amongst them was a most favourable one for presenting the prize. They had accordingly requested the Bishop to mark the event by making the presentation, and he had promptly acquiesced in their desire. His Worship then handed the medal to the presentee.

The Bishop of Nelson, before presenting the medal to young Perkins, made a touching and eloquent reference to the late rev. gentleman whose name is associated with the prize, hoping that such occasions as the present would he the means of calling to their minds the many excellent qualities of the deceased; and from what he had already observed, he felt certain that the memory of their late friend and pastor was more than a pleasing association, it was profitable also. He was a useful and devoted companion and friend, also a guide and counsellor; and possessed that description of character which left its mark in society. He possessed two qualities which pre-eminently distinguished his character. These were diligence and self-denial In respect to diligence he might say that he was diligent in season and out of season ; and perhaps had he spared himself more he might still have been a minister amongst them. The memory he left behind him was most valuable. Another conspicuous feature in his character was his singular self-denial, and utter want of self-seeking or advancement. Those who were in sorrow or suffering found in him a friend, sympathiser and consoler. His principles were the highest that could animate a man, and he always carried them out thoroughly. The Bishop then addressed the youth about to receive the prize, and pointed out to him that the medal did not mark a period where his efforts

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Dr. William McKay, M.8., F.R.C.S. (Edin.) (Watkins Medallist)

were to cease, or that he was to regard the prize as a reward for having achieved something. He should regard it as a mere incentive to him to go forward and aim at and accomplish higher and better things. He should also try to imitate those noble qualities of diligence and self-denial which had characterised the giver of the medal. The Bishop then handed the medal to the recipient, wishing him success in the world, and expressing the hope that the medal would be an encouragement to him to go forward.

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WATKINS MEDAL ROLL OF HONOUR

1880—GEORGE EDWARD PERKINS.

1881—WILLIAM WILSON.

1882—HENRY J. ACHESON.

1883—ALICE KEMPLE.

1884 —1885 —No Award.

1886—EDITH EASSON,

1887—WILLIAM McKAY

1888—GRACE DIXON.

1889—SAMUEL LAWN (Medal) and

B. C. WARNES (Jubilee Sovereign).

1890— B. C. WARNES (Medal) and

MINA SKOGLUND (Jubilee Sovereign).

1891—ANNIE WEST (Medal) and

JOHN McMILLAN (Medal).

1892—WINIFRED M. ARNOTT (Medal) and

EMILY CHUNN (Jubilee Sovereign).

1893—EMILY CHUNN.

1894—ISABELLA MOORE.

1595 AGNES WEEN INK.

1896—ANNIE McMILLAN.

IS97—FREDERICK KITCHINGHAM.

1898—HARRY YEADON.

1899—VIDA BARKLEY.

1900—MAGGIE GARTH.

1901—ETHEL WHITFIELD.

1902—ALAN J. PETRIE.

1903—ALFRED GEORGE MOORE.

1904—THOMAS W. ROONEY

1905—LEONARD J. ARMSTRONG.

1906—BLANCHE WALSH.

1907—MAUDE McINTOSH

1908—APHRA ASHLEY.

1909—JAMES COCHRANE.

1910—BLAIR TENNENT (Medal) and ROBERT C. BURRELL (Jubilee Sovereign)

1911—EDWARD MALLOCH.

1912—ELVERA McCAULEY.

1913—JAMES YOUNG-SAYE.

1914—ROBERT J. HARRINGTON,

1915—ELSIE N. SMITH.

1916— F. R. GEORGE ATKIN

1917—L. TEASDALE

1918—No Award.

1919—WILLIAM MASON (Medal) and NORA MABIN (Medal).

1920—phillip McDonald.

1921—ERNEST LAING

1922—1 AN J. T. ROBINSON (Medal) and MARY SEEBECK (Medal).

1923—COLIN SMYTHE.

1924—MAURICE C. SMITH.

1925—NOELEEN TRAUE.

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Dr. E. G. Lynch M.8., Ch.B. (Otago Univ.) F.R.C.S. (Edin.)

Dr. Cairney M.D. Assoc. Prof, of Anatomy, Uni- of Otago.

Dr. C. L. Morice M.R.C.S., F.R.C.S. (Ed.)

Prominent Old Boys

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William Arnott (Centenarian) The Man who Built the School

Mr. William Arnott was born in Edinburgh on May the 17th, 1825, and is to-day in the 102 nd year. On the outbreak of the Crimean War he at once volunteered for active service, and is one of the few veterans of that terrible campaign still living. Immediately after the cessation of hostilities he came to Australia, making the passage by the ship “Jessie Munn.” Not “striking it rich” in Victoria, he sailed for Dunedin where he devoted himself to the building trade. When in 1865 the Coast “broke cut,” he resolved to try his luck here and landed in Hokitika in March of that year. Ho immediately came North to Greymouth and has resided here ever since. In 1876 the firm of Arnott and Hunter (of which he was the senior partner), built the first State School as has already been related. Mr. Arnott thirty-five years ago, established a carpentry class in connection with the school giving gratis (though a busy man), an afternoon a week to the personal instruction of pupils. This pioneer effort in Technical Education will be ever gratefully remembered by Old Boys who were fortunate enough to receive its benefits, and who in after life made good use of the thorough knowledge of the craft acquired from William Arnott, Master Builder.

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Cornelius O’Regan, Poet

Con. O’Rsgan

Cornelius Joseph O’Regan—(affectionately remembered by his admirers as “Con” O’Regan)—was horn on the sth of January, 1874. His parents resided in the Inangahua Valley and were pioneer settlers. He was even in early years of a studious and retiring nature —yet a boy fond of physical exercise, who loved to roam about the bush, axe in hand, felling trees to assist in the clearing of the farm land. When he was eleven years of age he contracted rheumatism through having received a drenching while felling trees. From this he never properly recovered, his heart being badly affected.

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For some years he attended the State School at Totara Flat, where his ability was at once recognised by Mr. Thomas Thomas, the then Headmaster. When fourteen years of age he won a scholarship, which entitled him to two years’ tuition at the Greymouth High School. This he took full advantage of and passed the Junior Civil Service examination with credit, afterwards matriculating. It was while he was at the High School that he wrote his first poems, which dealt with local subjects alone. Later, he wrote verses of Dominion-wide interest, which appeared in the Canterbury Times, the Otago Witness and the Daily Graphic. In 1894 he published a booklet (printed by the Greymouth Evening Star Company) entitled Voices of Wave and Tree. The preface to this was brief—to the point and read as follows:—‘‘The earliest of the following poems, New Zealand, was written in my seventeenth year; the latest Life’s Vigil, in my twentieth. These facts may not suffice to excuse their shortcomings, but I trust they will at least serve to mitigate the severity of censure.—C. J. O’Regan.”

Cornelius O’Regan chose teaching as a profession and at the time of his death was Master of the State School at Inangahua Junction. His health, which had been bad for years, grew steadily worse, and early in September. 1895, he went to Westport for medical advice. His medical advisers there at once realising the gravity of his case, summoned his relatives. A few days later, on the morning of Saturday, September the 7th, 1895, when in his 21st year, he passed peacefully away, and was buried at Reefton.

The “Greymouth Evening Star” commenting on his death, fittingly expressed the general sense of the Dominion’s loss when it said that ‘‘the finest literature of the country had been lost by the death of the youthful poet; as a purer or more intellectual mind than his was not to be found amongst those who hailed New Zealand as the land of their birth.” The following poem, ‘‘ln Later Days,” shows the depth of understanding Con O’Regan had attained anent our glorious pioneers, and is without doubt a faithful portrayal of the characteristics of the men who blazed the trail on this wild West Coast.

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In Later Days

Life’s claim is almost duffered, the washing-up is near,

Swag, billy, and tin-dish I’ll need no more

In the new field that I’m off to. Come, sit beside me here;

To-night let’s live again the years of yore.

This is a heartless world, Tom, but still I find it’s true

That it’s hard to give it up, though bad it be—

Ah, I thought it was a grand world in August ’62

When I sought this “land of gold beyond the sea."

I’d landed just a fortnight, when I dropt on you, old man,

(At Rowdy Morgan’s shanty ’twao, you know);

Then we tramped it up to Turon and set in with Jack M’Cann —

Poor Jack, he sought the new fields long ago.

What days of cheerful toiling, what wild uproarious night

What happy days, what glorious night were then;

Such mirth and merry-making, such drinking and such fights,

Old mate, such times we’ll never see again.

We got the gold too easy, or we hadn’t been so green—

Until too late we never knew its worth;

But that was digger nature. Was the digger ever seen

Who, ’neath the smile of Fortune, dreamt of dearth?

We’re sadder now and wiser, for times and men have changed.

“The good old days” will dawn on us no more;

And we who in the spring-time over golden fields have ranged.

Must in the autumn toil, despised and poor.

And time has scattered tar and wide the gallant stagers old,

The most of them the great Divide have cross’d,

And made, in fields tar fairer, a far better find than gold,

Where, once obtained, their pile can ne’er be lost.

Another generation has arisen in the land.

New notions are the order of the day;

Men now live by their wits, Tom, dress fine and do the grand.

For the age of diggers’ shirts has passed away.

But they can’t come near the old ones, scorners of despair and fear,

Who roughed it by wild forest, craggy fell,

And through swirl of roaring rivers for many and many a year,

Daily faced the face of Death, and stood it well!

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I was just like all the rest, lad, what the moderns call a fool,

What I worked for like a horse, spent like a man,

Or rather—like a pupil of the “Old Colonial School,”

That never reckoned want within its plan.

But I've acted squarely ever unto my fellow mar

I’ve battled long and now I’d like to rest.

I’ve trod a rugged pathway since my day of life began-

I’m glad the sun is going to the West.

Yes ! Day is nearly over, soon the mystic Dusk will conic

With the Sleep that brings the rest when day is past,

And next morn will bring the waking in the Everlasting Home

Where every worn old stager rests at last.

The School and the Boer War

When in 1899 our own West Coast Premier Richard John Seddon, of glorious memory electrified the world in general and the great Dominions in particular, by offering to the Imperial Government troops for the South African War, many ex-pupils promptly offered their services.

So great was the rush to join the Colours that the Coast quota was limited to one hundred men, all of whom safely returned but Trooper Tom Martin, an Old Boy, who was the first man from the School to make the Supreme Sacrifice for King and Country.

ROLL OF HONOUR

TROOPER H. BROWN

TROOPER M. JOHNSTON

TROOPER T. MARTIN

trooper a. McCarthy

trooper j. McMillan

TROOPER M. NEWSOME

In one of the four bays of King Edward the Seventh Coronation Band Rotunda, Boundary Street, is a memorial drinkin" fountain, on each side of which are tablets inscribed:—

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F. L. De Berry, M.A

The School and the World War.

When in August, there came the call to arms, ex-pupils throughout the Dominion, —nay, throughout the Empire,— magnificently rallied to the Motherland in her hour of need.

“Theirs was not to reason why,

Theirs was but to do or die,”

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And true to tradition, they (in common Avith the flower of the manhood of this fair land of ours) went forth to fight the good fight—and to die if necessary (as alas, many did) for King and Countrv.

Not only did our Old Boys readily volunteer for Active Service, their Masters too joined up and played a noble part throughout the Great Campaign.

The School too had its Florence Nightingales—its Nursing Sisters— who in their fearless deAOtion to duty, gave even their lives.

The Memorial Gates at the School entrance were erected in honour of our glorious dead—and an Honours Board proudly proclaims that the School in the War of Nations did its duty nobly and well.

ROLL OF HONOUR

AUSTIN, AY. S., Lt. Colonel.

BEKTHELSON, H.

ADAMS, A. A., Capt., 14th West Yorks.

BLAIR, J.

BLAIR, E.

A’COURT, Charles, Corpl.

BLAIR, G.

ANDERSON, A.

BLOCKSAGE, Jas.

ANDREWS, A., Sergt.

BLOCKSAGE, E.

ANGUS. R. P„ Sergt.

BREBNER, C. S. G.

ARNOTT, AV. H

BROWN, Hugh.

ASHLEY, L.

BROWN, Fred.

ASKENBECK, Axel.

BROWN, E. (Died).

BROAVN. A. C.

BOWMAN, John (Killed)

BADDELEY, S.. Lieut.

BOWMAN, R.

BADDELEY, C.

BOWMAN, W.

BALL, AVm.

BUFTON, S. (Killed).

BAXTER. Wm,

BUFTON, G.

BEAMAN. T. .1. (Killed).

BULL, J.

BENNINGTON, F„ Lieut.

BYRNE, J. (Killed).

"97

1876 Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

"99

Lest We Forget One pillar of the School Memorial Gates

1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

100

IS7G Souvenir of State School Jubilee 192(1

Roll of Honour (Continued)

CAMERON, T.

CAMPBELL, D

CAMPBELL, G,

CAMPBELL, J.

CARSON, D.

CHALK, H.

CHAPMAN, L.

COCHRANE, J.

CORKHILL, C. (Killed).

COTTLE. G. (Killed).

COUMBE, L. J. (Killed)

COUMBE, F.

DALE, A. E. (Killed).

BEARING, T.

De BERRY, L.

DEBENHAM, F. W.

DEBENHAM, H. E. (Killed).

DETTERT, A

DOBSON, C.

DOMS, J.

ELLISON, J. (Killed).

EVANS, W.

FAIRHALL, E., Sergt.

FOORD, F., Capt.

FURNESS. A. J.

FURNESS, L. (Killed).

FRICKER, B. (Drowned).

GALBRAITH, L.

GAMBLE, W.

GANDELL, J,

GARTH, H.

GIBBONS. A

GIBBONS, H

GIBBONS, D. R.

GITTOS, W.

GLEESON, C.

GLEESON, H. (Killed).

1 1 . I IV 111 GLEN, A, ,J.. Lieut

GOOD, A.. (Killed)

GOODALL, J. E.

GOODALI ’ r

HAGLUND, F.

HAGLUND, W.

HALL, J,, Lieut.

HALL, R„ Q.M.S.

1 HALL. G. (Killed)

vj, iiMiieu). HANRAHAN, R„ (Killed).

HANSEN, J.

HARRIS, E.

HARPER, N. R„ Lieut. (Killed).

HARPER, W., Corpl. (Killed).

HEAD, A.

HELEY, J. (Killed).

HENDERSON. J„ Lieut. (Killed).

HENLEY, G.

HENNIKER, A. (Killed).

HERRING, Hyde, Capt.

HERRING, E. S.

HOGG, W. (Killed)

HOLDER, G„ Lieut, M.C.

HOLMES, S.

ISDELL, C. C. (Killed)

JACKSON, A.

JACKSON, J.

JACOBS. J., (Killed).

JOHNSTON, R.

JONES, L. A.

JONES, N. W. Lieut.

JONES, T. H

KEDDELL, J.

KERNAHAN, L., Sergt.

KERR, Wm.

KITTELTY, W. (Killed).

KITTO, Ernest.

LAING, A.

LARSEN, A. O.

LINDSAY, Donald (Killed).

LINDSAY! Gorden.

LINDSAY, Hugh.

MESSENGER, W. (Killed).

MILLINGTON, R. (Drowned).

MILLS, P. (Killed),

MILLS! S. R., Sergt.

MOORE. A. G. (Killed).

MORRIS, S.

MORRIS’, Geo.

MORRIS, A.

MORRIS, B.

MOSLEY, T.

MOSS, s’.

MOSS, C.

moss! H.

MULLINS, T., Lieut.

McALPINE, Geo.

McALPINE, Wm.

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 : Souvenir o( State School Jubilee : 1926

Roll of Honour (Concluded)

McALPINE, A.

McBEATH, j.

McCarthy, b.

McGURK, W. J.

McILROY, Geo., Lieut. (Killed)

mcintyre. f.

Mcknight, j., Major.

McKAY, D. Sergt.

McKENZIE, H. G. (Killed)

McLEAN, O.

McQUEEN, N., Lieut.

McQUEEN, j., Lieut.

McQUEEN, R. H. (Killed)

NELSON, Charles.

NELSON, G., Corpl.

NEVILLE, W.

OGILVIE, Geo. E. (Killed).

OGILVIE, H,

ORR, Gordon (Died at Sea).

OXENHAM, Clarence.

PARFITT, A.. Sergt

PARFITT, C.

PASCOE, S, W

PASCOE, B.

POTTS, J. (Killed),

POULTER, G. (Killed)

PRIEST, A

PRING, Thomas.

PRING, W

REGALDO. J

REVINGTON, W. D., Lieut.

REYNOLDS, J.

RICHARDSON, C.

RING, L„ Lieut. (Killed).

RING, A., Sergt.

ROHLOFF, A. R„ Capt.

ROBERTSON, P.

ROCHE, P." ’

ROGEN, A.

RONAYNE, R.

RUSSELL, J.

RYAN, T.

RYAN, A.

SAMPSON, G.

SHAW, W. (Killed)

SKOGLUND, K„ Lieut.

SMITH, A. (Killed).

SMITH, E.

SMITH, T. H,

SMITH, P. G.

SMITH, R. B.

SMITH, M.

SOTHERAN, 0., Sergt., (Killed).

STEEL, W.

STEWART, R.

STEWART, W.

STOKES, J.

TALBOT, A., Lieut. (Killed).

TAYLOR, L.

TBNNENT, R„ Lieut. (Killed).

THOMAS, W.

TOMLINSON. W. F. (Killed)

WAINWRIGHT, F.

WALSH. T. H. (Killed)

WALTON, L.

WATSON, A. (Killed).

WEAVER, A. E.

WEENINK, H. (Killed).

WEENINK, F. (Killed).

WEENINK, Wm.

WEENINK, C.

WHITE, S. B.

WHITE, Alt.

WICKES, A,

WILLIAMS, A,

WILLIAMS, F.

WILLIAMS, W. R.

WILLING M,. (Killed).

WILSON, R.. Lieut.

WILSON, P., Lieut.

WOOD, R. T.

WYLDE, A. (Killed).

WYLDE, P. H.

WYLDE, L., Lieut.

YEADON, H,

YOUNG, Roy.

ZIEGLER, L. (Killed)

NURSES

ISDELL, Helena (Drowned),

KILGOUR. Ada Florence

KITTELTY. Mabel.

TO3 "

1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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187G ; Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 19 2 G

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1876 Souvenir of State School Jubilee 192G

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

D. M. Shirlaw, M.A (Present Rector)

rri hj° T S Christchurch, educate;! at Sydenham School and Boys’ p g School, Christchurch. Entered the teaching profession as a upi Teacher at the East Chiistchurch School, and on completion of Hi'h'a S i, W , M a Pl ,ointe<l Assistant and House Master at the Boys’ riign School, Napier. Subsequent appointments held were as follows: j. Assistant, Opawa School, Chiistchurch (nine years); First Assistant Unwood School, one cf the largest suburban schools in c-nnstchurch (twelve years); Head Master Waimalri School, Christenurch (4J years). While engaged in teaching, Mr. Shirlaw pursued a- S'*™ at c , anterbur y College, and was successful in obtaining us M.A. degree in 1912. While in Christchurch, he also took a great interest in the work of the New Zealand Educational Institute, and held the position of Secretary of the North Canterbury Branch for nine years.

107

1876 Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee ; 1926

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee ; 1926

Greymouth Technical High School

The Greymouth Technical High School was established in 1923, opening on February 23rd as a full-time Secondary School providing courses usually a isociated with a Technical School as well as the General Professional work of the older type of High School. It absorbed the Secondary Department of the Greymouth District High School, and the Technical Classes conducted by the Canterbury Education Board. The controlling body is the Greymouth Technical High School Board which also administers the Technical School conducted in the evening and the Manual classes for Primary pupils at Greymouth, Reefton and Hokitika. The Technical High School is therefore part of a composite institution, and is carrying on the work so well begun by the Greymouth District High School, as well as courses of a more vocational character.

The pioneering work having been done by the Technical classes, and the Greymouth District High School, all the advantages of a fully equipped secondary school are now available to the District. The actual courses of instruction are: The General Course leading to Matriculation, University Entrance, and other Professional Examinations, the Trades Course which prepares boys who intend to enter the Engineering and Woodworking Trades, the Commercial Course which trains students for Commercial pursuits and at the same time gives them a good general education, and the Domestic Science course which is framed specially to provide for girls who do not wish to take up Commercial work or to prepare for any Public Examination, but who would benefit by a course of instruction on very practical lines which would fit them the better to fulfil the very important function of home making. All the pupils participate in the general life of the school on equal terms.

It is felt that this type of school will best provide for all the requirements of Secondary work in the medium sized towns, and in recent years this is the type that has been generally favoured. Schools of this type are capable of providing a greater variety of

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187G ; Souvenir of State School Jubilee ; 1920

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1876 Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

training than ordinary Secondary Schools to suit pupils prepar ing for the work of life in all its various forms without losing anything of the power to produce the best scholarship in tin case of its professional pupils who pass through the highesl forms.

The school is provided witli a Chemical Laboratory and a Physics Laboratory for work in practical Science for general and trades pupils, an art room, an engineering workshop, a woodwork room, and a cookery room.

Xo doubt further accommodation for Domestic Science pupils will be added as the demand grows. Xo effort is being spared to create a sports ground worthy of Westland’s first purely Secondary School.

The District was fortunate, too, in that there was in existence, a High School Board established by statute in 1883 and endowed with reserves for the purposes of furthering Secondary Education. This Board came to an arrangement with the Government whereby on the transfer of their accumulated funds to the Greymouth Technical School Board the Government made a direct grant of £2,500 which, together with the funds transferred, is being used for the purpose of erecting a hostel for the benefit of country pupils. Thus, owing to the careful administration of the Greymouth High School Board, the District not only has now a fully equipped secondary school, but also will have next year accommodation for school boarders in the school hostel. Plans are now being prepared for a boys’ hostel and for a girls’ hostel which will be erected upon a very suitable site of one and a-half acres within five minutes’ walk of the school. This is a stage which many schools have had to wait long years to attain and it is to be hoped that the District will take full advantage of the facilities provided.

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee ; 1926

Greymouth Technical College

the Greymouth Technical College comprises both a day and an evening school. The day school takes the form of a Technical High School which unlike a Technical School, may be attended only by full-time day pupils taking a complete course. It is in all respects a secondary school but it offers a greater \ ariety of courses than the ordinary secondary school, each course providing for the needs of a different class of pupil.

Pupils are enrolled for a General Professional Course leading to the public examinations, a Commercial Course, a Trades Course preparing for Engineering and the Woodworking Trades and a Domestic Science course of a very practical character for girls who intend to remain at home.

Despite the fact that only about half the pupils are taking courses leading towards the Public Examinations, the school has an excellent examination record. Last year out of 15 candidates presented for Matriculation, 13 gained a complete or partial pass. One pupil entered for, and passed Engineering Preliminary Examination, one gained a Senior National Scholarship and 23 passed Public Service Entrance. This compares very favourably with much larger secondary schools. During the past three years five Senior National Scholarships and five Junior National Scholarships have been gained.

The next term opens on Monday, January 31st, 1927. A new school hostel will be opened on an excellent site five minutes’ walk from the school and will be under the supervision of the Principal. The rates for full boarders will be £1 per week. Early application should be made by parents for hostel accommodation. Parents of Westland, support your own Secondary School !

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1876 ; Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

Old Greymouth Memories

The placing on record of some notable events in the early history of Greymouth, will, without doubt, be of great interest to old scholars. That reason alone justifies its inclusion in this souvenir.

In 1864 on the 21st of July, the first steamer, the “Nelson” crossed tin* bar and made fast to the trees growing along the river bank. Captain Leitch was in command, and among his passengers was Reuben Waite, the founder of Greymouth.

In 1865 on the 14th of November, Greymouth’s first paper the “Grey River Argus” was published, Mr. James Kerr, after wards M.L.C., being the founder.

In 1866 Dobson, a surveyor, was murdered by the infamous Burgess-Kelly gang on the bank of the Grey River near the township which now bears his name.

In 1867 on the 12th of January the old tram line to Paroa was opened (this was afterwards extended to Kumara). On the 28th of the same month Sir George Grey, Governor, paid his first official visit to Greymouth.

In 1868 on the 17th of July, Greymouth was proclaimed a Borough. Edward Masters was the first Mayor, Arthur John Whall the first Town Clerk; R. J. Johnstone the first Engineer and Messrs Edwin Ashton, James Coates, Joseph Kilgour, David Magoffin, Joseph Charles Moore, William Kae, Edmund Wickes, William F. Strike and John Weatheral Parkinson its first Borough Councillors.

In 1869 happened the Great Fire on Mawhera Quay, originating in the Melbourne Hotel, which was destroyed. It spread along the Quay, there burning another hotel and three stores also destroying several offices and stores in Werita Street, while to the west among other buildings and stores, it burnt the Bank of Australasia, the Union Bank of Australia, Forsyth and Masters and Thomson-Sinith and Barkley. To save the rest of the Quay the Bank of New South Wales was pulled down.

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

In 1870 was established the Greymouth Gas Company. The provisional directors were, Messrs Thomson, Murfin, Gilmer. Kerr, Kennedy, Kilgour, Blackmore, Masters and Kenrick. Up to 1888, there were five managers, Messrs Lawrie, Broadbent, Ashton, Robins and Ogle. Mr. W. H. S. Hindmarsh (“Waratah" of “Tales of the Golden West” fame) was the first secretary; Mr. Corbett the second, and Mr. J. T. Skoglund (who served the Company faithfully and well until the Borough in 1900 purchased the works) was the third. Mr. J. Kennedy was in 1888 appointed manager and to-day retains the position.

In 1872 occurred the most destructive flood it has ever been Greymouth’s misfortune to experience, the whole of the lower end of the town being washed out to sea, house after house toppling over and being carried away by the raging torrent.

In 1873 another disastrous fire took place, and, strange to <ay, it occurred on the same day exactly twelve months after the flood of the year previous, and then fire consumed that portion of the lower end of the town which had been spared by the

In 1874 on October the 22nd, was held the first meeting of the Greymouth State School Committee.

In 18/5, opening of the Brunner Railway by His II the Superintendent of the Province, J. A. Bonar Esq.

In 1876 on October the 19th, State School opened.

In 1879 on June the 18th, Rev. G. T. N. Watkins died.

In 1881 on the morning of May the 12th a whirlwind of terrific force, swept through Greymouth leaving behind it a scene of desolation, indeed the damage done was estimated at close on £4,000. Houses were blown down, chimneys felled to the ground and roofs whirled away as though they were so much cardboard. The Anglican Church was completely destroyed and had to be rebuilt.

Such have been a few incidents of interest which have occurred through the years, the most of which will be familiar to old scholars. Space unfortunately, does not permit of further rem.

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

School Inspectors

At such a time as this it is indeed meet to place on record the names of those men whose duty it has been for the past fifty years annually to examine and report upon the School.

The first Inspector (whose report for November, 1876, appears elsewhere) was John Smith, who was appointed by the Westland Central Board of Education.

Mr. E. T. Robinson of this town followed, and was Grc\ mouth’s first resident Inspector. Mr. Robinson will be well n membered by early scholars as a man who did yeoman servic in the cause of education.

Mr. Edward A. Scott succeeded Mr. Robinson in 1880 and continued in office until 1912 when he retired. A teacher by profession, he earned the esteem and respect of all he came in contact with. He died in 1919 and a brass tablet is erected in the present school in his honour.

Mr. Harry Smith. 8.A., followed Mr. Scott. He also was a teacher by profession, being for some years assistant to Mr. Adams. He held the position until his untimely death. A man in a thousand, he earned the gratitude of hundreds of ex-scholars who enjoyed the privilege of his masterly tuition.

Mr. W. S. Austin, another teacher who served under Mr. Adams, followed Mr. Smith. He was the last Inspector appointed under the Grey Education Board. During the Great War he rose to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, New Zealand Rifle Brigade, gaining great distinction and the confidence of both officers and iien.

Messrs Valentine, McGaskill and Irvine have since filled the position, under the jurisdiction of the Canterbury Education Board who now control the School.

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1876 : Souvenir of State School Jubilee : 1926

Appreciation

Concluding this Souvenir, the Jubilee Committee desire to place on record their appreciation of the efforts of those Ladies and Gentlemen who have worked so hard to bring these Celebrations to a successful issue. It has indeed been gratifying to have received such unstinted support from both ex-seholars and the public generally, without which the wonderful success attained could never have been achieved. The aim of the Committee to celebrate in a fitting manner our Golden Jubilee has been more than realised. We have brought together old pupils from all parts of the Dominion, old friendships have been renewed, old scenes revisited—we have lived again for a moment the happiest period of our lives and in so doing have truly celebrated the Golden Jubilee of our Alma Mater. The Committee then, thank Old Pupils for their attendance, thank the citizens of the Coast in general, and of Greymouth in particular for their support, and one and all for their appreciation of our effort to celebrate in a fit and proper manner the Golden Jubilee of the Greymouth State School.

Au Revoir! Christchurch Express leaving Greymouth

120

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