SCHOOL JUBILEE

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 October 1926, Page 3

SCHOOL JUBILEE

UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL. TO LATE MR A. A. ADAMS. Erected by Ex-Pupils and Friends, in Memory of ALAN AUGUSTUS ADAMS, Headmaster of this School, 1890—1919. Born at Ballynahineh, Ireland, 3/3/1857. Died at Greymouth, 20/9/1920. A Devoted and Faithful Master.

Such is the inscription upon the memorial tablet placed upon the wall, alongside the Honours Board, in the entrance to the Greymouth Main School. The unveiling ceremony constituted one of the features of the Jubilee observances yesterday afternoon, and was largely attended. Warm tributes were paid to the memory of the late Headmaster by the various speakers, the first of whom was Mr J. Tennent (Chairman of the School Committee). During all the time the late Mr Adams spent at the school, said Mr Tennent, he endeavoured to the best of his ability to train the boys and girls under his control in a way suitable for their after life. That was well known to the old scholars. As a man and as a teacher, he did his best for them, and there was no one who had passed through the door of the school as a teacher who had done more to ensure the progress of the pupils than Mr Adams did. To his memory, they were that afternoon unveiling a memorial. He hoped that all those present would remember the principles that Mr Adams endeavoured to inculcate in the minds of his pupils. He did his best for them, and those who knew him best had the greatest respect for him. As a teacher, he was often thought to be severe. He was certainly very strict, but he was aiming at framing character, and endeavouring to put stability of character into his

pupils, to fit them for the future. That he succeeded in his effort, and made men and women of them, was well known to them. To his memory they were assembled, and Mr Tennent hoped they would ever cherish the association with the school of a man who did his best for them, and try to live up to the principles he inculcated. The Mayor (Mr AV. H. Parfitt) said that he had the pleasure of going to the school when Mr Adams was headmaster, and he associated himself with the remarks of the Chairman concerning the great , work performed by the fate gentleman. That day was the anniversary of the Battle- of Trafalgar, added Mr Parfitt, and it was very fitting indeed that with it should coincide the unveiling of a memorial to a man who was a true patriot, loyal to his King and country. During the war time, the State School took part in raising funds, and Mr Adams was so keen to see the school’s candidate win the Queen Carnival that he gave an open cheque to ensure that result. Air Adams was a great sport. He was a strict disciplinarian, his word was his bond, and he inculcated into the minds and hearts of the children, something worthy of the school and the town. They sympathised with Mr Adams’s widow and his son, Air Alan Adams, who had inherited the great esteem of his late father. In conclusion, Air Parfitt said he was sure that the late Headmaster would never be forgotten by the pupils. Air Seddon, ALP., said that it was fitting to lay aside for a few moments the carnival spirit, to remember the services rendered to the school for

nearly thirty years by Mr Adams. He was very happy to associate himself with the remarks of the previous speakers in praising Mr Adams’s noble services. When they looked upon his record they must feel proud, because it was really onsurpassed throughout the Dominion. Mi Adams came from the Old Country and brought with irm high scholastic traditions. The record achieved by State School pupils showed that he did not fail in the object he set out to achieve. It must have been a proud—and painful —time for him when so many of the boys he had taught went abroad when the Empire called. The School Honours Board showed how the call -was answered, and how many made the supreme sacrifice. In proportion to the number of pupils, the Greymouth State School’s record would stand the most close comparison with those of other schools. It must be gratifying to Mr Adams’s widow and son, and all those who were near and dear to him, to realise that those who had passed through his hands appreciated his services and had decided to commemorate his memory. That day they were asked to watch one of the old teachers, i^ s W. Thomas, unveil the memorial. Mr Seddon joined in paying tribute to the memory of Mr Adams, of whom, they might say, with Shakespeare, that in him “the elements were so mixed that Nature might stand up and say to all the world : This was a man . Drawing aside the Union Jack di aping the mejnorial tablet, Mrs Thomas said: “In unveiling this tablet to our much respected old schoolmaster, I do it with reverence, veneration, and respect. ’ ’ OLD SCHOLARS’ RE-UNION.

Happiness was the keynote of the reunion of old scholars, which took place at’the afternoon tea, following on the unveiling of the tablet to the memory of the late Mr A. A. Adams. The tables, set out in one of the class rooms, had previously been arranged by Mesdames B. Tate, G. Morrison and Stewart, and transformed the room into a fairy bower. Mr John Tennent, Chairman of the School Committee, presided, and there was an attendance of some one hundred and eighty old scholars. The gathering will be memorable, as it afforded another opportunity for the visiting old scholars to “find” their erstwhile schoolmates. Out of the big re-union, a number of smaller ones resulted as the afternoon proceeded, and the recalling of incidents of the old days gave rise to many hearty laughs. . The toast list began with The King and the School,” moved by the Chairman, who followed with that of the “Old Scholars.” The toast was reponded to bv Messrs H. Noy, F. Kilgour, D. McKay, Jas. Kerr, Mesdames Perkins and Smith. Teachers, Past and Present,” proposed by Mr W. R. Kettle, was responded to by Miss J. Sotheran and Mr D. Shirlaw. “The Builder of the First School” was proposed by Mr Seddon, M.P., and responded to bv Mr W. Arnott. The Mayor (Mr W. H. Parfitt) proposed “Past Chairmen,” response being made by Mr Frank Hamilton, of Nelson, whose father was a former Chairman of the Grey School Committee. “The Present Chairman, Secretary, and Committee” was proposed by Mr H. Betts, and responded to by Mr John Tennent (Chairman), R- Barrowman (secretary)The following old scholars were among those present Messrs W. D.

Davidson (Auckland), E. Ashton, E. J. Parkinson, T. Codyre (Wellington), F. A. Kitchingham, T. W. Bustard (Wanganui), J. G. McMillan, W. Scott, F. Barrowman, J. Moss, C. D. Betts, H. Lowther, J. AV. Greenslade, .F. Hamilton, Henry Betts, W. Chetwynd rf AV. Rothwell, T. Brown, J. Saunders, AV. Weaver, H. Noy, F. H. Kilgour, Fred Hamilton, J. McLean, AV. Blair, T. Seddon, AV. H. Parfitt, R. Barrowman, S. Oxenham, I. Lord, T- Brown, Jas. Kerr, Chas. Benyon, F. Parkinson, J. McLean. Among the ladies present were:— Vera Falvey, D. Stanton, J. E. Thomas, A. Kerr, Ellen Paifitt, Emma C. Malloy, Emily Truscott, C. Larking, B. McSherry, E. Shirlaw, M. Bell, E. Williams, 0. Oliver, Muriel Trengrove, S. Grams, Alice Wilson, Lydia Dixon, Agnes McKenzie, Jessie Williams, J. G. Hambleton, hl. Lee, E.

Larsen, J. S. McNicol, G. Kyle, M. C. Tibbles, E. Fass, V. Volheide, AV. Mcßrearty, Mary Mitchell, E. Campbell, M. Stewart, C. Tillyshort, H. Hambleton, Amy Watson, I. A. Weenink, A. Reynolds, C. Gleeson, G. Keller, Maisie Keetley, E. Whyte, D. Watson, J. Lewis, E. Kear, F. Dittman, M. Cottle, P. Tobin, L. Miller, S. Craig, I. Weenink, M. Hall, E. Payne, A. Arthur, R. Sweetman, I. Bignell, L. I. Neiley, M. Greenslade, F. M. Ferguson, D. Coles, M, Con-

greve, A. Leahy, E. Murtagh, M. Roberts, M. Hewison, V. Robin, J. Goodall, E. M. Smith, S. Jamieson, J. Walton, J. Keating (nee Chilman), G. Malot (nee Chilman), Neo, B. Burley, R. Matheson, A. Keller, C. S. Perkins, R. McKay, A. F. M. Pferkins, M. Coumbe, N. Dearing, A. Costello, E. Gleeson, I. Tennent, E. Payne, A. Arthur, J. Matheson, Jeanie Hall, R. Matheson, F. Phillips, M. Stevenson. During the function songs were sung by Mrs D. McKay and AV. Blair, and an appropriate song by Mr John McCormick, “Sweet Seventeen,’’ per medium of His blaster’s Voice gramophone. A telegram regretting absence from the function was received from AV.Roulston, of Marton Junction. “Auld Lang Syne” was sung at the conclusion of the re-union. 1 SCHOOL CONCERT.

JUBILEE’S GREATEST TRIUMPH. “Better even, than Wednesday’s street procession,” sums up judgment on the concert given by the scholars at the Opera House last evening. The building was packed, a large number of ticket-holders being unable to gain admission. The whole proceedings ■went with vim from the beginning, the youngsters displaying a ‘stage presence” almost up to the professional standard. The dressing and sostumes in the various items were delightful and uniform,and local mothers must have been very busy with the needles of late. The result, as seen last evening, must have been ample reward. The programme opened with a “Nursery Scene,” tiny tots in the primer classes scoring a great success. A chorus of youngsters sang familialnursery rhymes, whilst the principals did what was required of them, and did it wonderfully well. Alother Hubbard and her dog (a great animal this!), Simple Simon, Pat a Cake, Humpty Dumpty, Jack ‘Horner, BoPeep, Jack and Jill, Yankee Doodle, were among the characters, and each

added to the success achieved. Miss Moore, who was responsible for the training of the children, deserved general commendation for the result of her labours —and patience. Standard 2 girls gave an attractive action song, after which came a clever drill display by Standard 3 girls. The Blaketown children demonstrated their skill in two items, one a Fairies’ Dance (very attractively dressed), and by inarches efficiently rendered. “The United Empire” gave an. opportunity for an effective tableau, by Standard 5 A., the loyal and patriotic sentiments expressed by representtives of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, being to the audience’s taste. Jazzing and Charleston “fans” were given an opportunity to admire the old-fashioned but graceful Minuet, danced by Standard 3B girls, whilst “Fairy Bells” by Stan dard 1, not only was itself attractively staged, but provided an opening for Ella Robertson, as Queen of Flowers, to display her talent as a dancer. Standard 4 A, in the “Haymakers” and a novel gymnastic display, aroused considerable enthusiasm, the latter being one of the hits of the evening. More dancing by Standard 5 girls and Girl Guides maintained the excellence of the previous items, whilst a maze of marches, combined with song, by Standard 48, was also very appreciated. After a brief interval, the curtain rose on a picturesque camp fire scene, the lads and lasses grouped around, singing various old and popular songs, accompanied by Messrs C. Lamont and A. Larkinson (banjos). Sandwiched between these items were individual turns by Jessie Blight (Highland Fling), Valmai Hoglund (“Morning at School”), Mavis Bond (“Tale of a Pup”), and Nance Martin (“Chinese Dinner”). Each was clever of its kind, and applause was general. Perhaps the most popular item in this part of the programme was a boys’ chorus of local “hits,” Mr Shirlaw’s Caruso voice, and Mr Barrett’s whitebaiting adventures being among the allusions humorously made. Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem ended what was really a memorable entertainment. Mr J. Tennent thanked the audience

for their support, and the teachers and performers for their efforts. He announced that the concert would be repeated at an early date. So many people helped to make the proceedings successful that' it is not possible to mention all their names, but special praise is due to Mr Shirlaw and all his staff; to Mr Blocksage, whose lighting effects added to the attractions of some of the items staged. Miss McSherry was the principal pianiste. EUCHRE TOURNEY. The Euchre tourney was continued last evening, when there were twentysix tables in play. An exciting series of games were played, resulting as follows : —Mrs D. Greaney, games, 1; Mrs Thomas, 8 games, 2. The final of the tourney will take place this evening, when it is expected there will be an exciting finish, several of the two nights’ players being “in the running” for the prizes, with the possibility of a “dark horse” coming to light tonight and upsetting all previous anticipations. KIDDIES’* DAY. The Jubilee celebrations were continued today, when the younger generation “came into its own,” and were entertained at a sports gathering. Promptly at 1.30 o’clock this afternoon a monster procession of children moved off from the Band Rotunda. Constable Crowley, on his charger, led the procession, which wa? headed by the Caledonian Pipe Band. About ninety of the children were in fancy dress. Following on those in fancy dress came between 400 and 500 school children marching in ranks of fours carrying flags, and in charge of teachers from ths Grey Main, Cobden, and Marist

Brothers’ Schools. Behind the children came several of the exhibits which took part in the processions on Wednesday, among them being the Grey Harbour Board’s ship “Aotea,” the Brighter Greymouth Oddfellows’ whare, the Borough Council’s motor lorry, the Railway Workshops 1876 engine, and a number of motor cars. The procession was a fine one, and demonstrated the number of children of tender years in and around Grevmouth. It was intended that a number of the country schools should have been represented, but it was found impracticable to get into touch with them all at short notice.

TO-NIGHT’S FUNCTIONS. To-night’s, great double programme is undoubtedly the finest ever presented to Coast audiences. At the Town Hall the ball of the season takes places. Plain and fancy dress, it caters for all lovers of dancing. The supper is a special ■> effort on the part of the ladies’ committee, and will provide all that is desired. The music? “Everybodys!” ’Nuff sed. The floor? Perfect ; specially prepared by the floor committee. The decorations (electric) by Messrs Smail, will be a feature of this great social endeavour. Mr. Patterson will be Master of Ceremonies. The stage, a drawing-room beautifully furnished. The Circle will be open to onlookers, and the general organisation will be on all fours with that which made the procession such a signal success. Double tickets 7/6, extra lady 2/6. gentlemen 5/-, Circle 1/-. At the School/the Re-Union Euchre Tourney will be concluded. The prizes ate larger than ever to-night, being first £5, second £l. The Carnival Fete will be continued. Highland dancing, band selections, a wireless concert, community singing, competitions, tea rooms; etc., will all combine to make this evening one long to be remembered.

SATURDAY’S PROGRAMME. On Saturday there will be presented a real West Coast “Night Out’’. At 8.30 a torchlight procession will leave town for the school, and on arrival there a grand carnival will be held. There will be an open-air jazz and side shows. A mysterious Mr. X. competition will be held, for which the prize of £1 is offered. Mr. X. must be addressed as follows: “Are you Mr Jubilee X?” and the first person, so doing will receive the prize. A jubilee sale will be held, and everything sold regardless of cost. The side shows will all be going, and there will be general fun at the fair; the evening to conclude with a battle of flowers, confetti, the singing of Old Lang Syne and God Save the King. The Novelty Staff is m charge of Mesdames T. Scott, E. AVarnes and T. Topliss. - ■ ■ , Ti Further donations to Kiddies Day : An Old Scholar £5, Tom AV ells £2 2s. Jim Kerr £1 Is, Sam Lawn £l, Flo McMillan £l, AV. Garth £l, and G. T. Moss £5. The State School Jubilee Committee acknowledge £1 from Mr F. Chunn and 10s from Allan Smith, towards the children’s sports fund.

THE LATE HARRY SMITH M.A. Old Scholar -writes: —“Amid the encomiums poured forth yesterday on the old teachers, A. B. Thompson, Stewart, J. Craddock, A. A. Adams and others, one name was strangely enough missed, probably because the teacher came comparatively late in the half century of the school’s existence although well before the first half of that period had expired; I refer to Harry Smith M.A., master for some years and then Inspector of Schools in this district. A man with University education he was one of the pioneers in the teaching profession to break away from the idea of iron discipline. He lead rather than drove. Possessed of wide learning, easy of approach, endowed with the highest of ideals and a sound capable teacher he strongly influenced for good all the children who passed through his hands. As a teacher he always stressed the importance of the development of the reasoning powers. It was the method by which the result was obtained rather than the result itself which mattered. In all things he was scrupulously fair and honourable, ever ready to elucidate the children’s difficulties, ever anxious to develop the characters and mental and physical powers of his pupils, ever anxious to inculcate the duty of “playing the game.” In every respect Harry Smith ranks and rightly ranks with the greatest of teachers who have passed through the Greymouth State School and his early death left an aching heart with every former pupil.”