Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1926. SCHOOL JUBILEE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 March 1926, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1926. SCHOOL JUBILEE.

We are accustomed to think of New Zealand as a very yoxmg country, and so it is in comparison with the longer-settled lands of the North, but that time is passing is emphasised by the numerous jubilees held of late in various centres. One that the Greymouth community should take much interest in is due next May, namely, the jubilee of the State school; Many interesting stories could be told of the teachers and scholars who have passed through the district school, during the past 50 years, and the older generation still with us, must often compare the scholastic facilities. in ,their youthful days with those that prevail to-day. In some things, perhaps, the elders would claim that things were managed better. then than now, but that critical attitude is common with those whose main associations are with the past. It cannot be doubted that there have been great improvements made in national schools, and that the former “terrors” have been replaced by comparative pleasures. It is generally agreed that a district school is one of the most important buildings in any locality, and it is the cluty of all to see that the surroundings are in keeping with its high purpose. Greymouth has a good State school-building, on an excellent site, with land and ocean views that must help to develop the sense of beauty in the juveniles. The playing area around the school is riot of the best, the conditions especially after heavy rain, frequent on the Coast, being far from ideal. It is proposed that the proceeds from this year’s jubilee commemorations- should be spent on improvements to the, schoolgrounds. With this decision, there should be general approval, and it is to be hoped that great interest and corresponding financial support, will be aroused over the school’s jubilee. Few fiinctions can have .a greater appeal than a, school jubilee, and adequate organisation should result in complete success. The work must not be left to a few, or regarded solely as the committeemen’s responsibility, but all exscholars and parents of present pupils, should co-operate to achieve a record triumph. Quite apart from the jubilee proceedings there is scope for more public interest in Greymouth school affairs. The social and sporting facilities offered to the juveniles do not appear to be excessive, nor even parallel with those in much smaller centres. It is these avenues of activity which help to develop pride in. ffhe school and create that “tone” without which school-life loses much of its value and charm. Finance is a factor that is of importance in school-sports, and without the assistance of others,

the school authorities are unable to do all that they would perhaps desire. The school jubilee functions will help to arouse more sustained interest in the State school’s progress, and this, as well as the material improvements expected, should make the reunions memorV able and worth while.