FOUNDED IN 1853

Evening Star, Issue 21543, 16 October 1933, Page 10

FOUNDED IN 1853

GREEN ISLAND SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY REUNION FUNCTIONS HELD Eighty years ago the Green Island School came into being, and thirty years after that the present building was opened. Over the week-end reunion functions were held to celebrate the eightieth anniversary, the first of these taking place on Saturday afternoon, when many of the cx-pupils and teachers gathered in the school ground to renew old friendships and for the purpose of grouping for several photographs. Before the photographs were taken one or two speeches were made. “ As president of the Green Island School Association it gives me grout pleasure to welcome you all to the celebration this aftenioon,” said the Mayor of Green Island (Mr W. T. Smellic). “ It is the eightieth anniversary of the school, and the fiftieth of this present school—a fine building of which we are proud. In February, 1926, we celebrated the seventy-third anniversary, and it proved a most wonderful event — ex-scholars from far and near assembled here. Many of them had not met since childhood days, and it was a marvellous sight to see grey-haired men and women recognising each other after so many years of absence, and recalling incidents that had happened in their young days. Truly the reunion was a revelation. Since that reunion, however, many changes have taken place; times are hard now, and though many more would have desired to be present, circumstances have not permitted, and I know they are with us in thought and spirit, if not in reality. I am certain their thoughts must often wander back to the old school and school mates and the happy childhood.” The first school was opened in October, 1853. Air Thos. Bell was the first teacher, and subsequent teachers were Alessrs Bethune, Wright, and A. G. Allan (continued Air Smellie). The second school was opened in 1862, the masters being Afessrs A. G, Allan and W. Duncan. The present school was the third, and was opened on October 15, 1883—fifty years ago to-morrow (Sunday). The headmaster was Air W. Duncan, and subseqent masters were Alessrs Ei Piper, W. APDonald, C. C. Rawlinson, P. Hilgendorf, J. Nelson, and E, Reward. The mistress was Aliss Horne, first assistant Mr H. L. Darton, pupil teachers Air .1. H. Alatheson, Misses Catherine Fanlds (Airs 1 aleoner) and Isabella Alason (Airs D. Buchanan). From. 1853 to 1862 there was one teacher, in 1883 six, and m 1933 eight. The roll number in 1883 was 255, and in 1933 300. The number of pupils passed through the schools in eighty years was 6,330. It was interesting to note that the subject ot erecting the present school was discussed bv the School Committee on September 6, 1881, when a deputation consisting of Mv Irvine nnd Rev. AI. Watt (later Dr Watt) was appointed to wait on the Otago Education Board. After many meetings and much discussion on the subject the present site was selected. This puichased from Air Robert Currie m Alarch, 1882, the price being £3oo. Professor Shand was chairman ot the Education Board. The architect was Air Somerville, and the builder Air F. Siedebcrg, the contract price being £1,862. At a meeting of the committee held on October 11, 1883, Air Watters proposed that the new school be opened on October 15. 1883. and _Mi Jas. Miller seconded the motion. The School Committee comprised the following Alessrs Wills (chairman), Miller, Watters, Alurray, Fastier. Irvine, and Rev. M. Watt. Air Watters was the only surviving member of that committee. Since then alterations and additions had been made, and he understood that the school was about to bo remodelled, so there was no knowing what it would be like fifty years hence. Mr A. E. Ansell, M.P., who came from Wellington specially to attend the reunion functions, first congratulated those responsible for their arrangements. , Ho said that lie attended the school for a while, and that ho counted those days amongst the happiest of his life. It was a great joy to meet old school friends and renew acquaintanceships. That hard times had been experienced was to be admitted, but things were on the upward trend, and there was very good reason to exercise more optimism than was the case a tew years ago, Mx* Janies Wallace, chanman of the Education Board, was deserving of thanks for his efforts on behalf of the school in pushing along the matter of remodelling, a project so near and dear to those assembled that day. Air Wallace said that ho did not wish to take all the credit for the efforts made in the school’s 'interest. There were great hopes for the future of the school. It would be admitted now that the boys at school were better for a licking occasionally, and the girls did not get one, but would have been better for it also. (Laughter.) He conveyed the board’s congratulations to the school on reaching its anniversary. In regard to the remodelling of the school, the members of the board combined to help the school. He had not been told that the school would be remodelled,, but he had that morning received a telegram from tho Aliniater of Education (Hon. R. Alasters) stating that he regretted being unable to give any decision yet, but' would give the matter his favourable consideration. (Applause.) • The Chairman of the School Committec (Air A. W.-Miller) extended to the ex-pupils a welcome to the school grounds. Attention should be drawn to the teachers and committeemen who had worked In the interests of tho school in the days that had passed. He spoke of the success the school had had in the sporting world, reading out some of its victories in 1931. The remodelling had been nurtured and fostered by the committeemen for many years. The cost of the work would be £1,841. A grant from the Education Department would total £1,282, that from tho Education Board £133, and under tho No. 10 scheme, the Unemployment Board would find £293. The balance—£l33 —would be found by the committee. Part of tho remodelling would include the installation of a proper internal heating system. He thanked Mr Wallace, Air D. C. Cameron, local representative of tho board, and Air Ansell for their work in placing the matter before the Government. On behalf of tho present-day teachers and pupils, the Head Master (Mr E. H. Heward) also extended a hearty welcome to those present. The visitors would carry away with them pleasant thoughts of their old school. Every teacher and pupil would strive to maintain the traditions that had been built up at the school in tho last eighty years. Afer the taking of tho photographs, the assembly adjourned to the gymnasium for afternoon tea. following which tho mayoress (Airs W. T. Smellic) planted an oak tree in the grounds to commemorate the occasion. Mr J. Altller, the oldest living pupil present,

then placed a wreath on the school memorial, along with the following epitaph:— —Lest We Forget.— A tribute of affection to those whoso names are inscribed on this memorial. from ex-teachers and pupils of Green Island School. The Green Island Municipal Baud, conducted by Mr W. 11. Clarkson, played several selections during the afternoon. OTHER FUNCTIONS. On Saturday night a dance was held in the local Town Hall, and yesterday afternoon ex-pupils and present scholars met at the school and marched to the Town Hall, where a thanksgiving service was held.