COBDEN’S NEW SCHOOL

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 January 1924, Page 6

COBDEN’S NEW SCHOOL

OPENING CEREMONY.

Another important step in the advancement of education on the Coast was taken at Cobden yesterday afternoon, when the new State school was officially opened by Mr E. H. Andrews, a member of the Canterbury Education Board. There was a large attendance of adults and children who made an inspection of the school (a description of which has been previously published in the “Star.”) All congregated outside the main entrance when the speeches, in connection with the official opening, were delivered. ’ Mr C. Grams (Chairman of the Cobden School Committee), conducted the proceedings. He apologised for the absence through ill-health of Mr H. J. Bignell, Chairman of the Canterbury Education Board, who was to have opened the school. He stated that the School Committee had received a letter of apology from the Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister of Education who was unable to be present, owing to prior engagements in the North Island. It was a proud day for the Cobden people to see such a fine, substantial building erected and he knew they would do all within their power to add to the appearance of the school by beautifying the grounds. He, personalty had two schemes for the improvement of .the grounds. Mr H. R. Barrett .said that he was proud to be headmaster of the school. The Board had done a great deal in erecting the school and it was up to the Cobden people to assist in the work of improving the playing fields. An additional £6O above the Government grant was necessary to maintain the school. Mr J. Tennent, Chairman of f the Greymouth Main School Committee, congratulated Cobden on possessing su'di a modern and well-appointed building. He would like to impress on the boys and girls the desirability of taking a pride in the school. He referred to Mr J. J. Firth, a former headmaster of the old school, as an instance of the quality of teachers which Cobden has possessed in the past. Mr Firth had reached the pinnacle - of education in the country. The Mayor, Mr W. H. Parfitt, joined with the people of Cobden in congratulating the School Committee and members of the Education Board for their successful efforts in erecting the school. He also congratulated Mr. Pennington, the Board’s architect and the foreman. Mr G. Bignell. Mr. A. Peverill, a Board member, said that the credit for the construction of the school was due to the Chairman, Mr. H. J. Bignell, who had worked hard to impress the Board With the necessity of the school. He expressed satisfaction at the Coast schools attendance records, which, in spite of the wet weather conditions, were of the highest. The average attendance of the Cobden School was particularly good. Canterbury people were known to be enthusiastic in the -aise of H-’mation, but he as.su .ed them the Cu.st was equally so. Mr G. H. Andrews, an ex-chairman of the Board, in formally opening the school, said he deemed it a great honmr i> perform the ceremony, but he was sorry that Mr H. J. Bignell was unab’e to be present. He wished to endorse Mr Peverill’s remarks in refer- ■ ence to- Mr Bignell, as few people realised what efforts Mr Bignell had really made in connection with the school. The agitation for the school had first begun shortly after the amalgamation of the various boards, and he was one of those who weer brought ove rto inspect the site. At the time he foresaw great difficulties in having the old school condemned, for, inadequate as it was, it was only 20 years old. However, they were fortunate in th“ fact that the Board considered it would pay better to erect a new school Ih'tn add new class rooms and extend the grounds. The Government had de cided that if the Board would raise £3BOO they would find the balance of the £6OOO. Mr Bignell had since the beginning unceasingly hammered at the Board, till the school was an accomplished fact. He stated that the Board, of which he has been a member* f. r 14 years, was notably free from parochialism. Proceeding, he .said he viewed with apprehension the newlyformulated policy of the Government, in which it was suggested to erect wooden buildings of second-class timber. Such a policy would leave a legacy of trouble. He wanted the children to have pride and help to beautify the school grounds. Three cheers were then given for the Board members, the School, Committee and the Headmaster. The National Anthem was then sung, after which a delightful afternoon tea, provided by a committee of Cobden ladies, was partaken of by the visitors.