THE ADDINGTON SCHOOL

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23262, 24 February 1941, Page 2

THE ADDINGTON SCHOOL

CELEBRATION OF JUBILEE The diamond jubilee celebrations of the Addington School were continued over the week-end, with a reunion gathering, a banquet, and the' unveiling oi the memorial gates. About 500 persons were present on Saturday afternoon, some who had come especially from other parts of the Dominion for the jubilee. At 2 p.m Mr J Jordan rang the school bell and the grounds were handed over to the visitors by the chairman of the school committee, Mr B. Sloane. After the Union Jack had been unfurled by Mr F Hickinbottom, the National Anthem was sung, and the tiag was loweredto half-mast while Mrs H. W. Gourlay and the youngest present pupil placed a wreath on tne honours board. West Christchurch High School buglers played "Last Post," and the Rev. A. McNeur led a prayer. From the dais in the middle of the ground Mr W. Craig, chairman of the committee which organised the celebrations, introduced speakers. The Mavor (Mr R. M, Macfarlane, M.PJ welcomed the visitors from other parts, and as member for the district congratulated the school committee and all connected with the school on their achievement in reaching this occasion. The three headmasters who have had charge of the school since 1893 (its second year) were then introduced. Mr W N. Seay (1893-1920) recalled the time wiien a roll of 303 pupils was handled by four teachers and five pupil teachers. Mr R. B. Clarke (1920-27) recalled more advanced conditions. He was very glad, he said, to see Miss B. E. Bowden (1896-99. infant mistress 1907-34) attending the jubilee. Mr H. Kennedy, who was an assistant for 34 years (1887; 1892-1926) was greeted with cheers when he rose to speak. Mr W. Shirlaw, the present headmaster (since 1928). said he would content himjelf with wishing all the visitors a happy reunion. In.the evening a banquet was held in the Oddfellows Hall, Selwyn street, and the Mayor again attended. Memorial Gates • The memorial gates given to the school by former pupils to mark the jubilee were unveiled at a special service yesterday afternoon by the Rev. Canon W. S. Bean, who took an active part in the work of the school during his long period of office in the parish. Canon Bean addressed a large gathering of former pupils and friends of the school, recalling incidents of his long association. "I hope and pray," he concluded, "that those who pass through these gates will, under the influence of the staff, grow u, good and useful Christian men and women, good and useful Christian members of society—that our sons may grow up as young plants and our daughters become- as the polished corners of the temple." The gold keys which were used to open the gates were presented to Mr B. Sloane, chairman of the school committee. The Rev. J. F. Feron gave the address. ■