Cashmere H.S. Hall Opened By Minister

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30120, 2 May 1963, Page 15

Cashmere H.S. Hall Opened By Minister

As it promoted activities which fostered social and cultural graces a building of this type was vital for such a school, said the Minister of Education (Mr Tennent) officially opening the new assembly hall at Cashmere High School yesterday. More than 1100 pupils and invited guests packed the hall, which is the largest in any school in Christchurch. About 50 persons unable to get into the hall gathered in the foyer. Not so many years ago a pupil’s flrSt duty was to sit still and listen. Children were considered empty vessels into which knowledge was poured, and no allowance was made for children above or below average intelligence, said Mr Tennent. The catering for, and development of, individualism was now an important function in any school, and buildings of this nature, which engendered loyalty and a spirit of co-operation by permitting the organisation of

large scale activities was vital, he said. Education, sound and universal, was imperative for democracy, said Mr Nash, guest speaker at the ceremony.

A sound education, he said, was one that produced thinking people, and education of this calibre was the rightful heritage of all. In many countries democracy and thought—one of the most important aspects of living—were drastically hampered by illiteracy, said Mr Nash. He traced the evolution of the education system in New Zealand from his own school days, when children attended at “9d a time or 2s 6d for five” each week. A cadet guard of honour was inspected by Mr Nash and Mr Tennent before the opening. Both were introduced to the gathering by the chairman of the school board (Professor A. Crowther).

During the ceremony items were presented by the school choir, accompanied by the school orchestra.