PARENTS’ DAY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 49, Issue 3021, 23 December 1940, Page 5

PARENTS’ DAY

FUNCTION AT NGATEA

SUCCESSFUL AFTERNOON

AN OUTSTANDING DISPLAY A distinctly popular novelty during the afternoon of Parents’ Day at the Ngatea District High School on Tuesday last, was the “Primers’ Band.” These tiny tots marched from their classroom to a specially prepared stage in the new buildings, where each one occupied a small chair already marked with his name. Only discipline of a high order and patient care on the part of the teachers, Mrs Skipper and Miss McLean, could have attained such creditable results.

To the accompaniment of recorded music these small pupils performed with excellent timing, on the drums, cymbals and an assortment of other instruments of noise, but it was the variety of expressions which wholly intrigued their crowding audience, parents and friends keenly contesting the “box seats.”

An outstanding display of physical drill was given by the High School girls, W'ho had been trained by Miss Millei- and Miss N. McFarlane. The girls looked very attractive indeed in white blouses, blue rompers and white tennis shoes, and throughout the whole routine it was difficult to detect even the slightest mistake, reflecting much credit on the leadership of one of the higher form girls, Daphne Douglas. Music for the drill was supplied through a loud speaker to the playing field, and prolonged applause followed the girls as they ran, after completing their display, in single file to shelter from a heavy summer shower.

A stroll through the classrooms, was a profitable pastime for the crowd who spent from 10’’ a.m. till after three at the school. Some fine specimens of handiwork, sewing, woodwork, and the prize essays etc., were suitably arranged for the public

to see. A refreshment stall catered for luncheon and afternoon teas.

The headmaster, Mr Thomas, and Mr Burrows, chairman of the school committee thanked, the parents and visitors for their keen interest.

Several prizes were also presented, and the winner of the Patriotic Xmas hamper announced, Mrs Garner being the lucky owner of the winning ticket. In a guessing competition Mr J. O’Carroll came nearest to estimating the number of peas in a bottle. The old pupils’ race attracted the usual number of entrants and Mr Martin Barriball will hold the special cup for this year. Altogether, teachers, parents and pupils can be justly proud of Parents’ Day, 1940.