REEFTON SCHOOL

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 August 1939, Page 12

REEFTON SCHOOL

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS. [OUK OWN CORKESrONDENT.] The Reefton District High School celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of its foundation, during the week-end. The opening function was held Friday evening, when the annual school fancy dress ball was held. Despite adverse weather, the attendance was large. Mr Dickie (headmaster) and his staff, with the women’s committee who conducted the supper arrangements, hud worked hard for the success of the gathering. All pupils of the Reefton School attended in fancy costume, and in honour of the Jubilee, each pupil present was handed a gift. No prizes were allotted. Mrs Archer and Miss Archer provided the music for the children’s dance programme, which lasted until 10 p.mMr Dickie voiced the appreciation of the Committee, school staff, and the women for the assistance given towards the conduct of the ball. He presented Mrs Archer with a crystal bowl as a token of esteem from ’he staff. At 10 p.m. the adults took the floor, and music from Mrs Curtis’s orchestra. provided an enjoyable programme for a record attendance. Mr R. Baird was M.C. and Mrs Eklund played extras. The ball ushered in fittingly th© Diamond Jubilee. The celebrations were continued on Saturday afternoon, when the official welcome to ex-pupils and visitors was extended at the school. The attendance was large. On the entrance steps, associated with Mr Jas. Patterson (chairman of the School Committee) Were Messrs J. O’Regan (County -Chairman), R. A. Dickie (headmaster), J. K. Harkness (a former headmaster of the school for 14 years) and J. K. Patterson and J. Dellaca (representing the organising committee). The Inangahua Silver Band attended. Mr Jas. Patterson welcomed ex-pupils, and visitors, and expressed his satisfaction at seeing a full attendance of present scholars. He was pleased to welcome exteachers. He hoped that all would carry away pleasant memories of the Jubilee. Mr Dellaca read telegrams of apology from Messrs P. Frazer (Acting-Prime Minister), P. C. Webb (Minister of Mines), J. Skinner, M.P., K. J. Holyoake (ex-M.P.), J. Kilkenny (Mayor of Westport, an ex-pupil), F. S. Hayes, W. S. Pratt and A. E. Werry (former headmasters). Mr John O’Regan also Mr R. A. Dickie (headmaster) welcomed pupils past and present and all teachers back to the school. He felt proud to be at the school as its headmaster at the Jubilee, and he contended that tbe record in service to the community which ex-pupils had given and were giving would not be excelled anywhere in New Zealand. All over the world, in England, Australia, South Africa and in all parts of the Dominion ex-school pupils held high positions, due, he felt, to the high character-forming influence of the school. It was fitting that these ex-scholars who had served the community in the Great War should be remembered at this time, and he read the school roll of honour. The orginal opening roll of the school was called by Mr Dickie. Eight pupils, Mrs George Wells (nee Williss), Miss Elizabeth Campbell, Mrs J. McElwee (nee M. Austin), Messrs J. B. Auld, Jas. Patterson, William Wills, Robert Patterson, and William Patterson all answered present. To Mrs Wells and Miss Campbell, Freda Patterson (senior girl prefect) handed each a bouquet. Frank McPherson handed to Mr J. B. Auld a walking-stick, in remembrance of the Jubilee, Mr Auld being the old'est boy pupil present. The Chairman presented to the youngest pupil a posy of flowers. Mr Harkness also spoke. Mr J. B. Auld, the oldest pupil present, rang the old school-bell, and the Headmaster dismissed the gathering for playtime. Afternoon tea was served to the visitors.

JUBILEE DINNER. With those present in sections, representing their years of attendance at school, the Inangalhua Silver Band 1 played the procession to the Gymnasium Hall, where the Jubilee dinner was held. Some 350 guests attended. A short toast-list was honoured, Mr J. K. Patterson recited “Play the Game,” and two songs were sung by Rev. L. Norwell, “Serenade” and “The Rose of Tralee.” Mrs E. Baird wajs the accompaniste. After the honouring of the loyal toast, the following toast-list was honoured: — “The School” (Mr J. B. Aupld—Mr J. Patterson); “Ex-Pupils” (Mr W. B. Auld—Dr. J. L. Wicken); “Headmasters and Teachers” (Mr J. K. Patterson—Messrs J. H. Harkness and R. A. Dickie); “The Nelson Education Board” ..(Mr G. Patterson —-Mr Harkness) ; “School Committees, Past and Present” (Mr A. F. Wells —Mr C. Potter); “Absent Friends” (Mr J. Dellaca—Mr J. Crossman). The singing of “Auld Lang Syne” closed the proceedings. A short-night dance was later held in the bandroom. Music was supplied by Mrs George Crossman, Misses J. Archer, M. Wright and Mr A. H. Lawn. Messrs R. Baird and George Crossman were the M.’s CSunday’s programme for the Jubilee celebrations was a combined morning church service at the Criterion Theatre. There was a good attendance. Miss Mary Lawn was organist. Mr J. K. Patterson was chairman for the service, which wafe conducted solely by ex-pupils.