WADESTOWN SCHOOL

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 7, 3 October 1929, Page 15

WADESTOWN SCHOOL

VISIT BY MINISTER. Yesterday was a red-letter day in the history of the Wadestown School. The occasion was a visit paid by the Minister of Education (Hon. H. Atmore), Mr. Atmore was accompanied by Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P. for Wellington Suburbs, Messrs. Nicholls, G. L. Stewart and Powell (Education Board), and A. Parlane (chairman of the School Committee). The party were met at the school by Mesdames Thomson and Smith (Home and School Association), and Messrs. Ongley and Peebles (School Committee). On entering the class-room, in which were packed over 120 children of the upper classes, Mr. Atmore was presented with a buttonhole bouquet by Miss Mary Connor.

The headmaster (Mr.' S. H. Ferguson) briefly introduced the Minister to the children. '

Miss Gwen Robyns, a pupil of Standard VI, gave a cordial welcome to the Minister. She referred to the rapid growth of the district, and the consequent increased attendance, and trusted that the Minister would not forget the urgent needs of the school.

Miss Dorothy Grainger (Standard VI), and Miss Dulcie Stafford (Standard V) supported their colleague. Mr. Nicholls, representing the Education Board, briefly addressed the children.

Mr. Parlane explained to the Minister the urgent needs of the growing school, and drew his attention to what the committee had already done with the assistance of the local residents. Mr. Wright also spoke briefly to the children, and wished them every success at the end of the year. . • Mr. Atmore! who was received with acclamation, complimented the little girls on their excellent speeches. Their clear enunciation and articulation reflected great credit on their training, he said. At the request of the-Minister a special holiday was given the children to mark the occasion of his first visit to the school.’ '' \ ‘ , The party were then conducted to th? infant in Weld Street. Here about 130 children favoured the Minister with their little songs, under the guidance of Miss Bnttersby, infant mistress. Mr. Atmore suitably greeted the little ones, and bespoke for them a holiday also. . \ The party were entertained to morning tea by the staff of the junior school.