SCHOOL'S IN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1938, Page 10

SCHOOL'S IN.

OLD BELL RINGS.

IN BERESFORD STREET.

NEW SCHOOL AND NEW ERA.

Back to school to-dav went many residents of tlie city, most of them folk who had thought their schooldays over long ago. Back to school, and on a Saturday afternoon, too! But it was a special occasion—the opening of the new Beresford Street School. The Southern Cross was flying from the flagpole of the old school, whose sixtieth anniversary had been celebrated but a few months ago, and cross the old asphalt playground, perched jauntily on the rising: ground of the southern slope, was the new school. Bright and jaunty in its new paint and red-tiled roof, it seemed an appropriate physical challenge to and reminder of the school's motto: '"Keep Honour Bright." Bright and Helpful. In its modern suggestion of light and airiness the new school contrasts strongly with the statuesque dignity of the old building, which has grown old gracefully so far as the outer shell is concerned, though revealing the defects of its age in the matter of stuffiness and lack of facility for adjustment to weather and other conditions for the comfort of teachers and scholars. A two-storeyed wooden building with six classrooms for the ordinary scholars, a special classroom for retardate children. teachers' common room, kitchenette and various other facilities.' required for school work, the new structure contains the latest modern facilities for general comfort. Light and airiness are special features, for the rooms have a flood of northern and southern light and arc built so that the northern walls may

be slid open in summer to give practically open-air condition*. In cold weather, of courw, the walls and doore are draught-proof, and electric heating of the rooms can give them a cosy comfort. Toilet and lavatory accommodation is provided on a generous scale. In a corner of the schoolground is >i new dental clinic, which will be equippc"! 011 the modern lines which have been evolved within the last few years. First Chapter Closed. And so, with the ceremony, the Beresford Street School officially closed tie first chapter in it* history, dating back to 187S, and entered upon its modern era. The Hon. I*. Fraser, Minister of Education, officially made the opening. Associated with him were a number of persons concerned with education and with the school. These included the Hon. \V. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs and member for the district; Mr. \V. J. Campbell, chairman of the Auckland Education Board; Mr. Buckley, chairman of the Primary Schools' Association; Mr. N. F. Lambnurne. Director of Education; Mr. F. A. Trainer, chairman of the City Schools' Committee; Mr. J. Hill, present headmaster; Mr. Rice, superintendent of the dental service; and Mr. Ca ugh ley, representing the old boys and girls. After the National Anthem had been sunjr by the large assemblage and selections had been played by the City Boys' Band, the days of the old school were rung out on the school bell, rung bv Mr. Ixm Porter, the old school's first

bellringer. Mr. Parry's Tribute. The sentiments of the old scholars and the residents Generally were happily expressed by Mr. Parry, when he thanked the residents for the lonjr patience shown and stated his gratitude to the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, for having rewarded that patience with an up-to-date school and modern dental clinic. He further thanked Mr. Fraser for having taken time off from his endless Departmental tasks tio honour the district by being present to make the official opening, and included Mrs. Fraser in the people's gratitude for having come to grace the occasion with her presence. After having mentioned the school's fine record in the past, and paying a tribute to its staff, Mr. Parry offered, on behalf of the people of thi district, a special tribute to Mr. Fraser's vision and achievement in educational work and reform in the Dominion, which had won the admiration of many visitors from overseas. After having acknowledged the tributes bv Mr. Parry and others who spoke on similar lines, Mr. Fraser officially declared the new school open, and the company inspected the builrtinff. and partook of refreshments which were provided by a willing ladies' committee.