THE GIRLS’ HOSTEL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4057, 11 October 1915, Page 4

THE GIRLS’ HOSTEL.

OFFICIAL OPENING ON SATUR-t DAY. A HAPPY FUNCTION. The High School girls’ new hostel was opened on Saturday-, afternoon, when a large number of people attended. The ceremony was performed by Air E. H. Maun, the chairman of the Board of Governors, in the enforced absence of Hon. Dr. Ale Nab. who' had agreed to officiate. In course of a speech. Air Alarm enlarged upon the success and prosperity of the High School, and stated that there would be practically no formality or ceremony, but there was. in cases like the present, a necessary amount of talking, and he would like Air C. A. de Lantour, the ex-chairman of the Board of Governors, to give those present the benefit of a few reminiscences of the progress -of education in the district.* Mr de Lantour said that it was hardly a place or time to introduce reminiscences, but he would like to congratulate the Board upon the progress the school had made, and upon the completion of their fine new girls’ hostel. lie saw no reason, considering the progress already made, why the Gisborne District High School should.not become in time one of the educational centres of New Zealand. He was confident that if that object was possible to attain they would attain it. It- was certainly a pleasure for people living in the district to be able to send their children to school here, and it would be a credit to the girls to !>e able to complete tneir education in the place where they were brought up. ( Air J. W. Bright said -that in the words of the old proverb “The best laid plans of mice and men aft gang aglee.” This was certainly true of the present function., it had been planned to have the Hon. Dr. Ale Nab open the hostel, but owing to shipping delays the plan had gone “aglee. However, the Board had decided not to postpone the function, and the Governors were pleased to be able to open the hostel so soon, and to report the strong position they were in. _ln addition to the present building, they would shortly undertake improvements in the boys’ hostel, which would probably cost from £2500 to £3OOO, but would greatly increase the accommodation. Parents living in this district could no longer say that there were no local facilities' for the education oi their children, and in future there would be little excuse for a parent sending his children out of the district to finish their education. The school was now complete in every detail, and the accomplishments of us pupils should prove sufficient advertisement. He hoped and indeed felt confident, that the school would progress and grow to such an extent that even the fine hostel they were provided with would not be large enough to contain the number of pupils who would seek accommodation there.

51r J. R. Kirk also added bis congratulations to the Board of Governors on their; new hostel, and said that people living in the country could be well assured that ample provision had been made for the accommodation ._ as well as the education of their children. He trusted that pupils who were afforded the privilege of living in so fine a hostel would take a full pride in it and in their school. In connection with .the education of the pupils, parents would know that in addition to the usual school lessons, the greatei lessons of life were also being learned. The pupils would receive an education which would be practical in every way. Mr Mann apologised for the enforced absence of Hon. W. Morgan, the secretary of the Board of Governors, and stated that that gentleman had telegraphed congratulations. He also apologised for the absence of Mr Steele, another member of the Board-.-

Tho chairman then formally declared the hostel open, and invited the visitors to inspect the building. The inspection resulted in a universally favorable verdict. The different rooms and dormitories proved to be well-lighted, tastefully decorated, and comfortably furnished, and afforded accommodation for about 30 girls. There are at present about 3 girls at the hostel. „ After having inspected the bunding, the visitors were agreeably surprised when they were invited, as a conclusion to a very pleasant afternoon, to partake of afternoon tea, served by the girls.