BACK AT SCHOOL

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 78, 29 September 1934, Page 10

BACK AT SCHOOL

OLD NEWTOWN PUPILS

POWER OF OLD PICTURES

PROGRAMME FOR CELEBRATIONS

Hundreds of people of mature years went to school again today—the Newtown Public School which was established fifty-fivo years ago. There were scenes of enthusiasm in tho grounds and the old schoolrooms. Some of the original pupils were there, and many a grey or bald-headed man remembered faces, scenes, and happenings Ire" thought he had forgotten. Perhaps many a laugh-stirring reminiscence would have lain in tho corridors of memory but for the freshening cues which tho occasion offered.

Old photographs of old faces hanging in one of tho schoolrooms seemed to wield a mighty influence. It is a strange psychological adventure to fly back, past all the years and wrinkles, and in a few seconds stand with short pants and grubby knees. Tho camera has not lied; it is all refreshingly true. In tho Newtown schoolrooms early this afternoon men and women saw themselves as they used to appear— and all who saw were merry. The older the merrier, it seemed. That was the prelude, for many, to the commencement of the jubilee celebrations which commenced for tho adults this afternoon.

The programme for this afternoon provided for the calling of tho roll of the first scholars of the present headmaster (Mr. W. Hickson). Tho chief marshal, Mr. Parsonage, will assist to lino up the pupils according to tho decades of attendance, and headed by a pipe band the assemblage will march to the Winter Show Building. Present-day school children will there, assist in a programme of singing, dancing, drill, and games. Addresses will be given by the chairman, Mr. J. W. Salmon, Mr. E. McKeen, M.P., and Mr. W. V. Dyer (chairman of the Wellington Education Board), Mr. J. F. Thurston (ex-headmaster), Mr. W. Dobson (one of the original scholars), and Mr. W. Hickson, the headmaster. At afternoon tea the opportunity will bo afforded of remembering old acquaintances and renewing old associations. A social and dance will be held m the dance pavilion this evening. _ Tomorrow thero will be a thanksgiving service in Our Theatre, Newtown. Tho school children enjoyed a holiday yesterday and in the afternoon were entertained by the Parents' Association. Over 600 pupils attended at Our Theatre, where a special picture programme was screened. The children afterwards returned to the school, where they were guests at tea. A notabls feature was the three-tier cake presented by Mr. .Mid Mrs. Mawson.