OKAIAWA CELEBRATION

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 29 September 1933, Page 9

OKAIAWA CELEBRATION

SCHOOL’S GOLDEN JUBILEE FOUNDATION 50 YEARS AGO. GALA LAY IN TOWNSHIP PUPILS PAST AND PRESENT Okaiawa was en fete to-day on the occasion of the celebration of the school’s golden jnbilee of its foundation on October 1, 1833, and the historical occasion was fittingly observed by a. gathering of some 500 old pupils, parents and former teachers of the school. Ideal weather prevailed, and a comprehensive programme of events was held in the school grounds. The township and school were gaily bedecked with bunting, and a. real festive air prevailed. Past and present were linked in the festivities, and pakehas and Maoris combined in making the day one of jubilation. The celebrations commenced with a parade from the town to the school, the Hawera Main School Band heading a procession of pupils of the school, Maoris in costume and many residents in fancy dress. Hakas of welcome were given at the grounds by a party of Maori warriors, and after the playing of the National Anthem by the Main School Band, short speeches were made by representatives of the Taranaki Education Board, the school committee, former teachers and former pupils. Many upologics for iniuvoidable absence were received. Mr H. W. Instill (Education Board) addressed the children on the importance of the occasion, which he described as the celebration of SO years of scmcG. He drew a comparison between the school facilities of the present and those of the early days, and referred to the growth of the school with the I district. The children had a heritage of which they might well be proud and he urged them always to uphold the traditions of the school and of the

district. At his call the children, gave cheers for the school, the stuff cind the committee. ! Poi dances, with rugs, were given 'by a bevy of Maori girls, and at their I conclusion a welcome was accorded the I visitors by the chairman of the school (committee, Mr. J. Barclay. I Mr Barclay expressed pleasure at j the large attendance. Naturally everyj one was very proud of the school and I its achievements. It had been well I served in the past, and faithful service Iliad been given by the various staffs I and committees who had directed its (affairs during the fifty, years. He read ! a list of former masters of the school, and also paid a special tribute to the services given by Messrs A. Lees, E. 10. Olivers, Z. Tiplady and R. H. ' | Clements, each of whom had given o\ei 21 years of sendee on the school committee. It was pleasing that a number of former teachers had been able to attend, and he was sure that, with the old pupils, they would have many pleasant recollections of their association with the school. He was pleased

also to welcome Mr. H. Betts, who, though not a member of the school committee, bad given valued assistance to the school for very many years, particularly in agricultural education. All, lie felt sure, were proud of the progress of the district during the fifty years, and appreciated most sincerely > the work of the early pioneers who had laid the foundations for such progress. „ , Mi- McAlister (Education Depait- - ment) referred to the -steady progress

of the school and to the -service that it had been given by local residents. He mentioned especially the late Mr Andrew Lees, whose work for education not only in Okaiawa, but also throughout the province, had been an inspiration to all wdtli whom he- had come in contact. He congratulated the district upon its development and upon the possession of a -school of which it might well lie proud. He could well appreciate the- feelings- of the elders when they looked back over the span of years m a realisation that their work had,been well done. llie children, he hoped, would maintain the high traditions of the past, and- in their hands lay the future He was certain that complete confidence could be placed in them, and that the future guidance of the school would be in very safe hands. . “Hawera sends greetings to Okaiawa to-day and wishes to join in congratulations upon the celebration of the -school’s fiftieth anniversary” said

the Mayor of Hawera (Mr J. E. Campbell). Between Hawera and Okaiawa there was a community of interest, and Hawera was proud to- be associated with the district on such an ocIcasion. It must be a great joy to the ■■older scholars to be able to partieiI pate in such a celebration, and they could look back with pride on their association with a school of which an,' district could be proud. He wished the school every future -success. Mr. Times, a former headmaster, spoke in reminiscent mood of his connection with the school. He was proud to be able to take part in such an historic event as its golden jubilee, and lie was equally proud to have been at one time in charge of the school. ; He referred to the improvements to (the school during the past years and the well-laid-out grounds, and drew a comparison with the conditions of some years ago. In conclusion, lie wished the school every future success. Mr S C Benton, a former teacher at the school, said that her early association with the district as a teaehei had been most happy, and she had

formed very many valued friendships which had lasted. On -such an occasion she was indeed pleased to be present, and to wisn the school the progress that it deserved. ~ , ~ Mrs A. D. Murdoch described the school in the days wheii she taught there many years ago, and compared, the conditions to-day with those of the past. She referred eulogistically to the school’s progress, and trusted that it would long continue. Mr J. B. Murdoch, who spoke on -behalf of the original pupils, referred to the early years' of the school. NVhen the building wa-s first opened, he said, the countryside was mainly fern and flax, with 'mud roads in the winter. School facilities were few in those days, but the deep personal interest taken by the teachers had compensated for a. great deal. He had spent many happy days at the -school, and he was pleased to have been associated with it. Its development through the years had been a. distinct pride, and he felt sure that its traditions would be fully mamtained through the years to come The Rev. R. P. Rlakena voiced the appreciation of the Maoris of the educational facilities afforded them, remarking that the race would not have been able to maintain its present position bad it not been that such a good educational service was not available. M r Tlangi Phillips sooke in similar vein, and said the Maoris greeted the teachers and the committee and added his congratulation's on behalf of the Maori pupils. Selections were given by the HaweraPipe Band ad a programme of items by the children followed, including songs, folk dancing, drill, hakas and poi dances and- also a burlesque football match between adults.