ALEXANDER MeBAIN MEMORIAL.

Hutt News, Volume 6, Issue 46, 25 April 1934, Page 6

ALEXANDER MeBAIN MEMORIAL.

The ceremony of unveiling an enlarged portrait to the memory of the first headmaster of the school, the late Mr. Alexander Mcßain, tools place at the Eastern Hutt School on Tuesday afternoon. Among those present were Messrs W, H. Olson, H. N. Benson, A. N. Burns, B. S. Knox (representing the Borough Council), Eevs. H. E. K Fry, and H. V. C. Reynolds, Messrs H. E. and Govdon Mcßain (sons),- Mrs A. Mcßain, Mrs H. Ti. Mcßain, the Misses Mcßun (2),( and Miss Carte and! a number of parents of old pupils and several members of the School Committee. | Apologies were received from the Chairman of the Education Board and Messrs Dyer, and Stonehouse. Speaking principally to the children ol the school, the chairman of the School Committee (Mr. H. S. Dlxdding) said that they had met to do honour to the memory of one who had laid the foundation of the school. He had done a great deal to establish the beautiful school grounds. His influence had taught the children to respect the beauties of nature with the result that, although many thousands of children had passed through the school under h : s care,' the trees and shrubs in the grounds were allowed to grow without being damaged. Mr Budding urged 'he children to always remember the lesson ' in future life. j Mr. Walter Nash M.P,, who unveiled the portrait, said 1 that the late Mr McBain had, by his knowledge and skill, helped the children in their personalities He had given of his best, not only at the school but in the local government of t-he town where he expended his knowledge for the benefit of the whole community. He had been a great advocate of sport and when he was'no longer able to take an activc part ho had devoted his time to enabling others to play the game. Mr. Nash felt that when Mr Mcßain passed away the Lower Hutt had lost a great citizcn and one who had tried l to make the world a better place for those who came after him.. Even in his suffering he had ben a great example to those around him.. Mr Nash concluded with the quotation, "Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord." and implored the children to try and follow his example. The portrait was then unveiled and handed to the headmaster of the school. In acknowledging the gift Mr Benson thanked Mr. Nash for the fine sentiments expressed' and for the tribute to his predecessor. The gift would be greatly treasured by the school so that Mr Mcßain's name would never be forgotten. The proceedings were concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.