Mt. Somers School To Mark 90th Anniversary

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30984, 14 February 1966, Page 8

Mt. Somers School To Mark 90th Anniversary

Opened in 1876 under the head-mastership of Mr R. M. Spurr, with aroll of eight pupils ranging in age from four to 15 years, the Mount Somers school in Mid-Canterbury has, since then, seen more than 2000 pupils pass through its doors, and on May 7, this year many of them will be returning for its 90th anniversary celebrations. Although circulars have not yet been sent out to former pupils and teachers, the organising committee expects that there will be a very good attendance at the anniversary celebrations, especially from those in the 1890 to 1930 decade. The celebrations will commence at 1.30 in the afternoon with a roll call and decade photographs, to be held at the school. After the roll call and photographs addresses will be delivered by representatives of the Educa-

tion Department and the Canterbury Education Board, with the possibility of an address by the Minister of Education (Mr Kinsella). A buffet tea will be held in the evening, after Which there will be a social and dance, to be held in the Mount Somers Hall. Built of timber from the Peel Forest, the original school building was erected by Mr W. Wright, a builder from Kaiapoi at a cost of £750. In 1920, a new school was erected in the Mount Somers township, on the site of the present school. Up until the jubilee celebrations, in May 1926, there had been 622 pupils through the school, but the present number of former pupils is well in excess of 2000. The present headmaster is Mr J. S. Luke, and the present school roll stands at 82.