THE FERNSIDE SCHOOL

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21320, 13 November 1934, Page 16

THE FERNSIDE SCHOOL

* JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS i SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY REACHED I Reminiscences of the days spent at the Fernside School were exchanged by the large gathering of former pupils, former teachers, and former committeemen who attended the pearl jubilee celebrations (1864-1934) of the Fernside School at the school yesterday. Numbers of old pupils who had not seen one another for years met and exchanged greetings. There were about 400 present from all parts of the district and Canterbury, as well as several from the West Coast, while apologies were received from all parts of New Zealand. Fine ■weather was experienced, and the celebrations were capably organised by the jubilee committee executive, consisting of Messrs S. C. Hewitt (chairman), V. W. Guy (treasurer), \V. Smith, and J. A. MacKenzie (joint secretaries), H. Gibbs, and J. Hide. Apologies Among the numerous letters of apology read was one from the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) and Mrs Forbes. The day's proceedings were officially begun when Mr Matthew Dalziel, one of the first pupils, rang the school bell. The present headmaster, Mr J. A. MacKenzie, then called the roll for the first three decades, 84 pupils answering their names. The three oldest pupils present were Mrs W. A. Banks (nee Miss Janet Mclntyre), Rangiora; Mrs J. Wright (nee Miss Janet Paterson), Kaiapoi; and Mr Matthew Dalziel, Christchurch, as well as Miss Parkin, the oldest former teacher. Mrs Banks, Mrs Wright, Miss Parkin, and Mrs Hewitt (wife of the chairman of the jubilee committee) ■were each presented with a bouquet by Joyce Smith, Nancy Evans, Athol Miles, and Judith Weaver all present pupils. Former Teachers Among the old headmasters and mistresses present were Mr J. W. Sloan, of Christchurch (1888-1894), Mr Norman W. Pavitt, Mr C. J. Roseveare, and Miss A. Banks. Mr S. C. Hewitt, chairman of the jubilee committee, extended a welcome to old pupils, especially those of the first decade, and said he hoped everyone would carry away happy memories of the gathering. The Hon. D. Buddo, M.L.C., said that some 40 years ago he visited the Fernside district for the first time, and he could not see much difference between then and now. The children were just as vigorous, and he was sure would make just as good citizens. It was very pleasrnt to see so many at the gathering, although many of the older pupils had died. Former pupils whom he met never forgot to mention that they ■were pupils of the Fernside School. He was sure the school would turn out men and women who would make a name for themselves in New Zealand. He congratulated the school on attaining its pearl jubilee, and hoped it would have a bright future. Mr C. S. Thompson, chairman of the Canterbury Education Board, thanked the chairman and committee for its invitation to be present at the function. "Seventy years in the life of a school or district is a long period," said the speaker. "It is the span of an ordinary life." It was unusual that there should be two ladies and one man present who were scholars at the opening. Mrs Banks's father, Mr Mclntyre, had been a member of the first school committee, and Mr Dalziel's father had been chairman of the first committee. This was rather unique. Schools were institutions of character building, Mr Thompson said. He took great pleasure at meeting so many who had gone to the school, and on behalf of the Canterbury Education Board congratulated them on the gathering, and expressed the hopf that the function would be a great success and'that everybody would renew at least one old friendship. Mr W. A. Banks, a member of the Canterbury Education Board, said that it was 52 years since he first came to the Fernside district. Only a few weeks ago he had received a letter from Mr James Boyd, aged 96 years who was now a resident of California, and who helped to build the first school. He gave several incidents, which he could remember, of the early days of the school. Mr Norman W. Pavitt, a former master, said he treasured the recollections he had of his nine years as headmaster at the school, and mentioned the work done by his assistants.

Tribute to Committee Mr C. J. Roseveare, another former headmaster, who is now headmaster of the Sefton school, recalled incidents which happened while he was headmaster. He paid a tribute to the Fernside school committee which was in office at that time, specially mentioning Messrs Hewitt and W. Smith. He was proud to have been associv ated with such a fine body of men. The parents had always rallied round the school and the committee, scholars and teach2rs had always tried to

do their best in its interests. After lunch, which was served in a large marquee on the school ground, photographs were taken of the pupils of the various decades. During the early part of the afternoon, cricket, tennis, quoits, as well as a number of games for the children were played, while the older people chatted over old times.

There were 500 persons present at the afternoon tea when the three-tier jubilee cake, which had been presented by the Arnott family, all of whom had been pupils of the school, the first of the family attending in 1876, was cut, by Mesdames Banks and Wright.

Mr Hewitt thanked the Arnott family for giving the cake to the committee, and commented UDon so many members of one family being educated at the one school. Mr D. Arnott, on behalf of the Arnott family, said that the family considered it fitting that it should give something to the jubilee, and it was proud to be able to do something for the old school. During the afternopn the North Canterbury Pipe Band played a number of selections. Jubilee Ball A jubilee ball was held In the evening in the school. The assembly room was tastefully decorated with greenery and photographs of early pupils, masters, and school groups. Green and blue streamers were hung in the form of a cancpy from the central light, while hung round the outside of the school were numerous multicoloured lights. There was a large attendance. Old time and modern dances were enjoyed. The masters of ceremonies were Mr John Hight (oldtime dances) and Mr W. Smith (modern dances). The music was played by Miss A. McGrath's orchestra from i Rangiora.