TAKAMATUA.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17609, 11 November 1922, Page 6

TAKAMATUA.

A DOUBLE CEBEMONY. On Thursday afternoon a large gathering assembled to take part in the official opening ceremony of the neuschool in Takamatua, and to witness the unveiling of the Roll of Honour. Among those present were Messrs E. H. Andrews and Geo. Penlington, iepresenting the Education Board, and Mr Geo Armstrong, of Akaioa, an ex-chairman of tlie committee. The new build'.na, standee quite closo to the old school, is a substantial structure, well lighted and ventilated and equipped with dual desks and other furniture and apparatus in keeping with modern ideas. It should serve the district for even a longer period than did its predecessor, which now awaits the fate of those things "no longer needed " At the invitation of Mr G. A. Hammond, chairman of the School Committee, Mr Geo. Armstrong presided over the gathering, and expressed pleasure at being present on such an important occasion. He remembered the old school in his boyhood days, 60 years ago. He expressed a hope that other districts on the Peninsula wou'.d before long have new school buildings erected. Mr E. H. Andrews, as representative of the Education Board, then addre=sed the gathering. He first apologised for the absence of the chairman of the Board. He stressed the importance of education, and paid a tribute to the self-denying labours of "sola charge" teachers in small country schools. He congratulated' the Reform Government on its progressive education pol : cy, in conclusion, trusted the district.would duly appreciate the modern biiiia-ng provided for the instruction of the children. Mr Andrews then formally declared the school open. When tho company had entered the new building, Mrs Geo. Armstrong unveiled the District Roll of Honour, ereJj Had) to the memory of the expupils of the school who had served in the Great War. Mr Armstrong delivered an eloquent and patriotic speech, in whdeh he made deeply appreciative reference to the sacrifices of New Zealand's "soldier hoys." He exhorted the children never to forget them, and to endeavour, in their own lives, to be worthy of their heritage of peace and freedom. The Roll of Honour, made of carved oak, is handsome in design, and altogether a most appropriate setting for tho names that appear on it. The list is as follows: — In memoriam for those who fell—J. Bower, J. Oattermole, L. Hammond. H. O. Pidgeon, 3>.C.M., H. Pidgeon, and C. Seg:ir. Returned—L. Armstrong, L. Brown, P. Brocherie. L\ Curry, M.M., H. Curry, W. Curry, C. Dack, 8. Hammond, F. Hoidem, E. Magee. H. Mora, C. Narbey, A. Narbey. W. Odell, A. Orme, "W. Rhodos, A, Shadbolt, I.aurie Shadbolfc, A. Shadbolt, H. Se«ar, R. Sunokell, E. Woodill, R; Woodill. Following the ceremony, tho ladies of the district entertained the gathering at afternoon tea.