SCHOOL JUBILEE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 23 April 1926, Page 5

SCHOOL JUBILEE

NORMANBV CELEBRATION

FIFTY YEARS’ PROGRESS AN HISTORIC GATHERING. It was truly a red letter day in the history of the town of Normanby yesterday when, in the presence of a large and representative gathering of townspeople and visitors, present and old masters and pupils—easily the greatest assemblage of people which had ever been present in the town —the jubilee of the foundation of the schopl was celebrated. Old settlers recalled that no such representative gathering had ever been in Normanby. There were old boys from Auckland, Gisborne, Wanganui; Wellington, and from every part of Tannaki, North and South, a gathering of old boys such as the present members hardly expected to be able to fveleome. Amongst those present were Hon. O. J. Hawken and Mrs Hawken, Mr and Mrs W. McCutchari, Mr H. Dempsey (Inspector), Mr S. G. Smith .(chairman), and Mr A. Lees (member of the board), Mr C. E. Gibson, and many .another of the early residents of the town. An apology was received from Sir .fas. and Lady Parr for their regretted inability to be present. Mr E. P. Grant (chairman of the committee) presided, and after the singing of the National Anthem, he 'said, in a few preliminary remarks,: that the members of the committee had had: to trust largely to their memories and to the . log book to discover the names of old pupils, and-he said that'if any old pupil had been ■ overlooked, they were sorry but could not be blamed. He hoped all would have a most enjoyable time. Mr Gane, lie added, had compiled a jubilee roll, and he hoped all old pupils, visitors and friends would sign this as a memento of the occasion.

Hon O. J. Hawken, M.P., first thanked the committee for the kindly invitation on the occasion of the great function in the history of Normanby. Fifty years was, he said, a long time in the life of any person, but in that of a school a very short period. "Many, he believed, were present who were there when the school was first opened. He knew the district then and remembered the tremendous forest extending right down to Manaia, m one unbroken stretch, and it was hard to imagine it would develop into the fine rolling country they saw to-day. Taranaki had progressed perhaps more than any other part of the Dominion, and South Taranaki as much as North. He sketched the development of farm and social life, and said that first after clearing the bush cattle appeared, and fungus perhaps gathered to help support the settlers. Then came the sheep business, and then dairying apepared about thirtytwo years ago, and to that- the country owed practically everything. They had adopted very successfully the best methods in dairying, and their production was 13 per cent, greater than any other part of New Zealand. Climate arid soil seemed specially adapted to itj and he said it was hard to "forecast what another fifty years might bring. He joined in congratulating the school in the great development shown. No doubt, he added, during fifty years a great many children had passed through its gates. He congratulated the people on having one of ..the most up-to-date schools in the district, He referred with sympathy and approval to the fact that they had erected these fine gates as a perpetual memorial to the sons of Normanby who fell in the Great War., all of whom served their'country well and truly. t The early days, he continued, saw very different methods to those of today, and there was firmer discipline which, he humorously added, was often seen from the end of a supplejack. He hop.ed the school would grow in usefulness to the community, and that the children now here would grow to be a credit to the couritry. - There-were a large number attending. . The schools were gradually accumulating memories and were centres from which, many good things would come. The children would look back with pleasure, and remember other children with whom thev went to school, for it was the early friendships that lasted. It was always a pleasure to come-to Normanby and address the people and the children, and he was sure that all. that could be done in a reasonable way would be done by the Government for the people of the district. ’ ' -•

Mr H. Dempsey, a'former teacher and inspector, spoke to the children,, telling them many interesting stories, and stresesd the need of everyone to be cheerful so as to influence others) His remarks were listened to keenly by all. Mr S. G. Smith (chairman of the Taranaki Education Board) said he was somewhat awed by the fact that he was preceded by his old revered headmaster • of, thirty years ago He was verypleased to be present to join in the celebration of the jubilee. He humorously pictured some of the methods of the masters of long ago, and said they did not believe in sparing the rod and so spoiling the child. Normanby had made wonderful progress during fifty years. He remembered the revolting conditions in the old Normanby School, and he had helped to secure a new building in keeping with the district. It was a school that attracted the attention of passersby on the main road as one of the prettiest . seen between Auckland and Wellington. The committee were to be congratulated on the fine gates erected as a memorial of the great sacrifice of the years 1914-1918. He joined in the congratulations offered and hoped Noxmanby would continue during the next fifty years to secure uninterrupted progress and success. - > Mr A. Lees also joined in hearty congratulations on the success attending educational effort in Normanby. Education was, he said, to-day on a high pedestal; methods were improved and changes seen every year. He conmended teachers for showing interest in work in and out of the school,, for the best schools were, seen where this -was evident and all-round methods adopted. He paid eloquent tribute to the work of the pioneers and those who had followed them. He said it would have been difficult for the people of 1876 to forecast that this district of Taranaki would export one-fourth of the, .total dairy produce of yNew Zealand. He again congratulated- all on the success of the school, and hoped that nothing but success would follow the efforts of those who were in charge of--the work of that school. . ...

Mr W. A. McCutchan, a headmaster of 1876, said he and Mrs McCutchan had been very pleased to receive and to accept the invitation of the committee. He pictured for his hearers how he came to New Zealand, and after losing the money he had brought, secured after some trouble the position of 'mastee, while living in Wanganui.- - -When he

came, lie said, lie feared that the discipline was not of the best, but he realised it was probably his fault and he at length secured the necessary discipline perhaps with the help of one of those supplejacks mentioned. He recalled some of the boys of those days—the Quins, the Robsons, Riddles, McKays, and many others. He congratulated the district on the wonderful change effected. Grounds and building were fine, and surely, he added, no expenditure on school buildings could but be approved. He pictured some of the troubles that had beset the settlers of those days, from the Maoris ploughing the land. Speaking to the children, he urged them to remember that the greatest thing was not to make money, but to strive always to do that part of the world’s work which fell to them to the utmost of their ability. All must work hard, remembering that the men who did best in public life were the silent workers. They must give of their very best for the country in which they lived.

Mrs O. Phillips (Stratford), an old girl (Miss A. McKay), who was selected to speak for the girls of the early school, made a delightful little speech, depicting the lovely country covered with bush in those days, on which the delicious “bul'li bulk” thrived, and when they had to- go to school through the bush. She said she had always pictured Normandy -as a romantic place because of the beauty of the hush. She recalled the Maoris of the early days, -and remembered some of them being: taken

away to prison, escorted by two .lines ol A.C.’s., the women howling and holding a real tangi. She spoke of the girls who were now mothers and__ grandmothers. and said they were a 1 ['proud of having done their nart in the work for their country. She- expressed the pleasure they nli fe't at coming back to renew the friendships -and bring hack memories of former days, and thanked tho committee for giving; li-er tlio opportunity of representing tire lold gi'iis. She referred, to. the- memorial of the sacrifice paid by so many boys of the school, and said the mothers were proud of bringing these heroes into the world. She pictured how bravely these lads went away to do their part in the world struggle and to help in making their district known as one of the best in New Zealand.

Mr €. Hunger and Mr C. Robson btrieflv spoke on behalf of the Old Boys. Mr Robson recalled the early masters —Mr Harie, Mr Weiss, Mr Thompson, Mr MeCutchan and Mr John Hill —and two of the first inspectors, Mr, Lee and M r Fo-ulis. the- latter of whom was very fond of riding, and afterwards met his death riding on the New Plymouth beach. He interestingly recounted some amusing and typical anecdotes of the days of fifty years ago. At the conclusion of the speeches, old boys and girls, many of whom had not met since their school days, joined in refreshments, kindly provided by the ladies’ committee, gathered up the threads of friendship, recounted anecdotes of old days, and “fought the battles of school days over a agin.”

It was a truly historic occasion, and most fittingly celebrated. It was an occasion—and this was felt by the older people specially—for joy and sorrow —joy at meeting once more, sorrow in remembering the many who had gone. THE EVENING GATHERING. SONG, STORY AND DANCE. After tea the people of the district, old and young, met once miore in the hall to continue the reunion.

The hall and stage were prettily decorated. a banner with the school colours, b'ack and green, inscribed “18701926,’’ farming -a very effective background. There was a large attendance, th e hall being packed to overflowing. Mr W. G. Gaii-e- presided, and in a few preliminary remarks said he hoped all would enjoy themselves and appreciate the opportunity of meeting once again.

A short musical programme was given, comprising items by Mrs Gardm, Mrs Conne'l. Miss -Stevenson, Mr Gunningham (songs), ATI' (violin), and Mr E. G on-id (instrumental). In a happy speech, Mr Gane welcomed all on behalf iof the committee, and said they wor; very pleased to se e so many of the- old gins and boys, who would see and appreciate the changes which had taken place during fifty years. The standing hush and muddy streets had given place to cleared spaces, good houses and up-to-date thorough-fores, and the i-.kl school to a most modern building. He wondered if the- pupils of the present day found it easier to lenirri in th: se spend id surroundings, but he added that they were certainly not assailed with the temptation to go birdnesting in the bush and to gather konin-i and karat a berries. He recalled the considerate, way in which the master treated them when they were late after being away swimming or playing hare and hounds. He said in eonelusion that all wiou'd endorse the hope that Norm an by would continue to grow, and that in the next fifty years they would have a hall twice as large to accommodate. all who would come.

A list- of apologies-for inability to be present was read In- Mr Gane, and as the writers are all old pupils, it wily be of interest to residents to quiote the names as below: —

C. E. Linn (Huiroa), T. H. Sims (Ongarua), Frank Barke (Tauranga), U. 1/. Barrett (Te Roti), Mr and Mrs Browne (DargavMlc), M. Doherty and J. Jj. Stancoin.be (Dannevirks), Sister M. de Sabs (Casey), (Convent, Wangianui), J. Casey (AA’aikeria), Marian Maephai', (Oropi), ill- and Mrs A. P. ’Williams (Waihi), Harry Allen (ltiotor.ua), Mrs -T. Irwin (Te Awa.mutu), L. Davies (R.irepehi). Katherine Stansell (Sisely). (Halcornbe), Bona.’d L. 'White. (Pa.rew.iniu), Fr- cL J. Hal) (Hawera), H. Wilson (Stratford). Mrs T>. D. Evans (Otakeho). Harold P. Gibson (Elth-aui), J. Dabinett (Wanganui), Daniel B. King (Wellington), James E. King (Klmndallah). chairman and committee WMiarcroa School, W. and M. McKenzie (Hamilton AV.), J.Cowern (Itaurimu), Mi- mu) Mrs B. Davies (AA r estmere), J. and G. Steele (Ma ugata.ngi), J. Siren - han (Bessie Ga.rclincir). (Stratford), L. Morris-on (A'anxliali) ; Mary Elliott (Te Puke), Norman H. Gane (Tauranga), Mr and Mrs AA’. AA'. Davies (Uruti), Mr and Alts C. C. Tarrant (AAhiverley). Mr and Mrs AA'. H. Daysh (Te Ban a Mon), •C. E. Gane (Tauranga); Mi- and Mrs Bcwt Rowe (Tauranga), Mrs H. H. Walker (A'.ise Er.i), (Tokoroa), Fannie Knight-Baker (Ivarori), G. Meredith (Koru), A. Bissett (AVanganui), E. M. Chapman (New Plymouth), W. H. and M. -1. Rowe (New Plymouth), Mrs E. M. Grandfield (Auckland). Mrs Wallis (Tauranga). Mrs E. M. Peters (Cb-dy) (■Marlborough), Mr and Mrs T. Dee (Ma.naia). Mr and Mrs Jojmston (Tauraiiga), Miss L. Mowbray (Palmerston North), Mrs MePhai.l (Tauranga), Mrs Redgrave and Mr H. Purnrd (Wellington), Mr G. Kilvington, Mrs Bessie Burr, Mr Frank Quin, Miss R. Tait, Mr Ken Havre, Mrs Mudford, Mrs AA'ilson (Elsie Cleaver). MR. HARRIS'S GREETINGS. A letter was received from AI r. .J. Harre, from Auckland, and was read by Mr. Gane Mr. Harre. said lie would have been present but for illness in bis family, and expressed the hope that the gathering would be a great success. He added a. few incidents of the early days, and said lie was immensely pleased that so many of his old pupils had done well in the world. He described the position of the school as he recalled it, in. the angle between the

Waihi Road, the main road, and the Hawera Road. He said it was a lonely place, with no other building in sight, and the nearest, Mr. John Winks’s house, hidden by a piece of native bush. The building had three rooms, two for a dwelling and one for the school. There were few pupils, and he said he believed 1 he had opened school several times and no pupils turned up. He recalled the names of some of the old families—the Hungers, Vines, Bretts, Riddles, and also several native and half-ca-ste children. In those days the school was known as Ketemarae and, with others, was under the Patea Education Board, whose chairman was Jdr. Tom Middlemiss. Mr. Harre'' said he used to “batch” at the school, and “a very lonely life I used to lead.” _ He recalled how a larger building was erected near the township, but as he had no instructions to occupy it from the- hoard or the local committee lie continued in the old building till Mr. Lee (inspector) arrived. The latter said that if he were the teacher he would not hesitate as to what to do, so Mr. Harre took the hint and shifted forthwith. Thenceforward, he adds, the (school increased by leaps and bounds, and one addition after another was made For five years he was away at a school near Hokitika, and by a coincidence came back on the same day of the year -on which he had first arrived.

He enclosed a photograph which showed old pupils, and he remarked that they seemed to be as good examples of young New Zealanders as could be found anywhere. Many of them went to the war; some distinguished themselves and some did not come back.

CONCLUDING DANCE. After the speeches and reading concluded the hall was cleared, and dancing, to the capital music of the De Luxe orchestra (Hawera) was indulged ill by all. The first few clauses were reserved for the older people a*pi the younger poophe followed later. Meantime dancing also took place in the Horticultural Hall, to music supplied by Miss Arden, Messrs F. Palmer, H. Hughes, and E. Linn acting as M’sC. A supper was kindly provided by the. ladies’ committee, and this terminated a most interesting and enjoyable evening. The general organisation of the function was in the hands of the chairman (Mr E. P. Grant) and lion, secretary (Mr. A. Paine), and to these two not a little credit is due for the success achieved. During the afternoon several items were given In* members of the l>o Luxe Orchestra and were much enjoyed. They also led the singing of the National Anthem and “Auld Lang Svue.”