MEMORIAL CORNER

Press, 27 April 1964, Page 12

MEMORIAL CORNER

Dedication At Mairehau H.S. A memorial corner in the Mairehau High School Hall was dedicated by the Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. W. A. Pyatt) on Friday. The corner includes a plaque, flanked by two flags, and is “to honour the memory of all who have contributed in peace and in war to buildthe good society which we here in this school and in our community enjoy today.” One of the flags is the New Zealand flag, bought for the school by first-day pupils who are still at the school. The other is the White Ensign from the Loch-class frigate H.M.N.Z.S. Killegray. The ensign was given to Mr J. N. Allan, former commander of the Canterbury division of the Royal New Zealand Navy Volunteer Reserve, by the Kill egray’s war-time commander, Lieutenant-Com-mander A. A. Bell, now of Devonport.

Mr Allan presented the flag to the school last year, and was a guest at the dedication ceremony .on Friday. The Killegray was engaged on minesweeping and antisubmarine work during the war.

“There seems to be some doubt as to what is the message of Anzac Day,” said the Rev: M. Leadbetter at the dedication. “Mankind is surrounded by millions of witnesses, those who have died that we may live as we do, and we should see that we honour them." The headmaster of the school (Mr A. B. Ryan) welcomed the guests and introduced Mr Leadbetter. He said Mr Leadbetter had been the rector of Waimate High School, Invercargill Boys’ High School, and Waitaki Boys’ High School before entering the church, and was now minister at St. Mark’s Church, Upper Riccarton. The dedication was attended by the school and there was a short service conducted by Mr Pyatt. The lesson . was read by Robert Oliver, the head boy. .