HERETAUNGA SCHOOL.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume III, Issue 146, 5 June 1913, Page 6

HERETAUNGA SCHOOL.

NEW BUILDING AT HAVELOCK OFFICIALLY OPENED.

It is significant of the growth cf Havelock North as well as of the unusual natural advantages it offers as an educational centre that another cxcellent institution —the Heretaunga Boys’ School —should have opened its doors yesterday, and consequently the occasion marked an important event in the history of the town. The opening ceremony was performed by Dr. Averill, Bishop of Waiapu, in the presence of about three hundred people. After inspecting the building the visitors assembled in the main schoolroom, where short addresses were delivered by Air C. Ellison, chairman of the Board of Governors, and his Lordship the Bishop. Air. Ellison expressed regret that Bishop Averill, following medical advice, would be unable to deliver an opening address. The speaker extended a warm welcome to those present and went on to briefly sketch the history of the Heretaunga school. He said the original school was built by Air. AV. Nelson, entirely at his own expense, at a time when there were practically no private schools in the district save the Napier Grammar- School, which then ceased to exist. The public of Hawke’s Bay owed a debt of gratitude to Al.-. Nelson in that respect. (Applause). The Heretaunga School was opened in 1882, there then being five boarders and five day boys, among whom were Air. E. J. Matt. Air. Arnold Williams, and three of Air. Nelson’s sons, one of them being Air. G. Nelson. When he saw the conveniences and comforts provided by the new- building he almost wished that he could go to school again, so great was the contrast with the conditions of his time. Air. Ellison referred to the old Napier Grammar School, established in the fifties, and said he remembered leaning over the balcony of the school and watching the wounded from the Omaranui battle being carried by to the hospital. He felt that, as the Heretaunga School was in reality a lineal descendant of the old Napier Grammar' School, old boys should take an interest in it. In reference to the new Hcretaunga School, Air. Ellison said that for several years the yyes of Air Gray (the principal) and his friends were longingly directed towards the Havelock Hills, but the first active steps were taken bv Airs. Lowry and Airs. (Dr.) Tosswill. It had been suggested that, when the school was taken over by a company, it was done for the purpose of making profits. He desired to give an emphatic denial to that statement. The company was formed of old boys, whose only desire was to see the school placed on a good footing. The site, buildinc and furnishings had cost over £10.300, Litt it was money -.’ill spent. Air. Ellison thanked all these who had assisted in any way, and referred to the admirable way in which the architects (Alessrs Rush and James) and the contractor (Air. Monk) had carried out their work. In conclusion, he urged the boys to uphold the honour of the school.

The Bishop of Waiapu. in the course of a brief address, said lie thought the previous sneaker had ovc-looked one person, Mr. Ellison, in returning thanks to those who had assisted the project. Mr. Ellison was a man who, when he put his hand to a thing, did it well, and the school as it stood to-day was evidence of that. (Applause). A superstructure was no good unless the foundation was sound. A preparatory school was the foundation of education, the most important •part of a boy’s education, and th.is school, therefore, had a most responsible duty before it. It was most important that the education in this school should not be divorced from that most necessary part of education, religion. Some People looked upon education as a fetisn. something that would , settle all the social evils; but lie did not. He considered that the future of the school would depend to a great extent upon the boys who were at piesent in it. (Applause). The visitors were then afforded the pleasure of hearing Airs.. Dudleyy Hill sing two songs, and the ceremony concluded by the pupils giving three cheers each for the Board of Governors, Mrs. T. 11. Lowry. Mrs. Hill, the Bishop of Waiapu, and the new school. The visitors were subsequently entertained at afternoon tea, and the boys of the school were also hospitably treated. At the latter function, a large cake, on which the words ” Heretaunga School” were written, was a prominent feature. The cake was presented by Mrs. Admore. of Hastings, who had charge of the catering.

THE SCHOOL BUILDING. The school is built on modern lines throughout, providing aceommodafor 50 boarders, four masters, matron, and an efficient house staff. Sick quarters, with nurse's room and lavatory, have been provided. These have a separate entrance and are "entirely isolated from the mam building. Great attention has been given to securing effective, ventila tion, particularly in the dormitories and class rooms. An outstanding feature throughout the whole building is the well planned and ample window space, which gives a sunny and cheery atmosphere in every room. The foundations are of concrete. The walls are framed in heart rimu. finished with weatherboards on the outside and the interior is most effeeiivelv treated with etemit asbestos, tinted in most artistic rims an.i finished with plain oiled riinu strappings.

The grouping of the elevations is most pleasing, and the p.anning of the various departments is most convenient. Seemingly the archi teets studied most carefully five great prineipiles. viz., labour saving, (comfort to inmates, the relative posi | lions of departments one with an | other, and economy of space and (construction. , , I The assembly hall is vety nice y 'treated with great beams dividing

the ceiling up into bays, large win- j dows, and direct access on to a 6u x| lu verandah. The class rooms look ’ what they are intended for. viz., work —plain, serviceable, and we!’, proportioned. The dormitories are especially airy and lofty, and look as though they could defy any dis ease germs to find a resting place or dark corner. The Loys' library", the master’s studies and dens and the hall sitting rooms are cosy and homely looking. The kitchen is com pletc with every possible convenience and office. The great 7ft Luke range looks as though it means business in the cooking line, while the nuggety looking “Little Giant” heating boiler placed by its side looks as though it is quite up to its business of supplying hot water In the various baths and lavatorybasins which are placed throughout the building. The building was erected from designs prepared by Alessrs. Rush and James, F. and A.N.Z.1.A., of Hastings, and under their supervision. Air. Monk, the contractor, ably sup ported by Alessrs. T ,R,itchie and Co., plumbers, and Air. AV. Bartie, painter, has carried out the work in a very creditable manner indeed, and more than that, finished it up to contract time. Alessrs. Ritchie and Co. also installed the electric lighting installation. The total cost cf the building was £‘5566/15 10.