FINE WORK

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 79, 30 September 1924, Page 3

FINE WORK

SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION , GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S PRAISE. The annual presentation of prizes and certificates to successful Sunday echolars in classes under the jurisdiction of the Wellington Sunday Schools' Union took place in the Town Hall last evening, when the large building was very well filled. The chair was occupied by Councillor F. Meadowcroft in the unavoidable absence of the president, Mr. H. D. Grocott. The gathering sang the National Anthem with greajt enthusiasm as Their Excellencies Viscount Jellicoe and Lady Jellicoe entered the hall. The chairman, in his address, men--I tioned that he had received a letter from Mr. Grocott, who was in Suva, stating that he regretted exceedingly being unable' to be present at the gathering. Mr. Grocott expressed the opinion that there were no better friends of His Excellency and Lady Jellicoe than the boys and girls in New Zealand, particularly those in the Sunday School Union. Ho wished Their Excellencies a safe return to the Old Country, though regretting their departure, for they had endeared themvelves to the people of New Zealand, as no previous vice-regal personages had. (Applause.) For four years His Excellency had taken a great interest in the union, and it was regrettable that next year he would not be present to speak to the gathering. The chairman then called for three cheers for Their Excellencies, which were heartily given.

The Governor-General, in his reply, said it was remarkable that out of 461 scholars, 409 had secured either prizes or certificates. Such results spoke highly for the principle of sacrifice which actuated the officers, of whom there were in Wellington one to every ten scholars. Such a principle was the making of a community and the making of a nation. (Applause.) He praised very highly the work of Mr. W. E. Howe, organiser of the union, among the children in the backblocks. "My greatest regret," said His Excellency, "will be parting with the children of. this Dominion. May the Sunday School Union go from one success to another." (Applause.)

The presentation of- prizes then took place,..the following being mentioned particularly for conspicuous merit:— David J. Donald, Masterton Methodist; Joy L. Bade, Berhampore Baptist: Mavis E. M. Rolls, Taranaki Street Methodist; James Roberts, Aro Street Methodist; Peter B. Heal and Peter Tait, Island Bay Baptist. Excellent choruses were rendered by a combined choir of boys and girls under the able conductorship of Mr. W. E.^ Howe, and recitations were given Isy Miss Rowena Wing and Miss iinisie Instone during the evening. The Doxology and a benediction concluded the function.