GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 304, 21 November 1934, Page 2

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

ATTRACTIVE GARDEN PARTY. MEMORIAL PICTURE PRESENTED. Organised by the Parents’ Association to provide funds for an assembly hall, the garden party held in the attractive surroundings of the Palmerston North Girls’ High School this afternoon was a delightful function. The weather improved pleasantly after tho unsettled outlook of the morning, and there was a good attendance. The garden party was officially opened by Mr J. A. Nash, M-P-, and on behalf of the Board of Governors, of which he is chairman, he accepted for tho school a splendid colour print presented by the Old Girls’ Association in memory of the late Miss F. J. W. Hodges, who was principal of the school in 1927 and 1928. The picture, by C. W. Furze, A.R.A., is entitled “Diana of the Uplands.” “It is my pleasure to extend to you a welcome to this garden party, which is being held in aid of the Girls’ High School funds,” stated Mr Nash in officially opening the function. “A fund was opened some years ago to raise a sum towards the erection of an assembly hall. So far a substantial sum—no less than £384: —lias been raised, and with the help of the Parents’ Association I feel sure that the time is not far distant when the hall will be an accomplished fact. The baths at this school are a monument to the work and industry of the principal (Mrs M. Rhodes), teaching staff, pupils and the Parents’ Association. It is very gratifying to find the parents taking such an active intetrest. Much lias been done, and I assure you that this is very much appreciated by the board. I think we can t/uly say as citizens that we are proud of our schools in Palmerston North. We have teaching staffs in all of them rendering wonderful service. _ “We read of the pioneer days of education when a payment of 6d or 9d per week per pupil had to be made,” continued Mr Nash, “but thank goodness those days have gone and our young people are taught under most favourable conditions and free of charge. “The first Government school was opened at Russell in 1840 and the teachers were Henry and Lucy Didsbury who received the munificent salaries of £4O and £6O per annum respectively. “Many changes have taken piece since the Great War, many lessons have been learned, and we are told—and believe—that the conversion of war-making into man-making will never be complete until education becomes the central concern of every civilised state and the ground of co-operation for the League of Nations. Under that transformation the work of the professional teacher will become a link in a chain binding our schools and colleges with all the work and the play that go on in the world.” Mr Nash then announced that the Governor-General had consented to come to Palmerston North and be the official speaker at the breaking-up of the secondary and technical schools. “His Excellency is a very cultured man and an able speaker, and I am sure that the pupils will look forward to hearing him,” he said. “May I, in conclusion, wish you all a very successful, financial and happy garden party, and that your wishes will be fully realised.” Mr Nash apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs A. E. Mansford) and declared the function open. The president of the Parents’ Association (Mr R. H. Billens) commented upon Mr Nash’s services as a pioneer of education in Palmerston North, particularly in regard to the secondary schools. All owed him a deep debt of gratitude, he said. Cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Nash.

During the afternoon pupils of the school displayed their many avenues of ability, academic attainment, deportment, and discipline. An interesting physical culture display was given, the exhibition consisting of figure marching, Greek frieze movements, and eurhythmies. There was a fine poster display, a collection by the principal (Mrs M. Rhodes) being added to that of Miss Turner. Various phases of art and commercial instruction were illustrated in the classrooms.

Afternoon tea was provided under the capable supervision of Mesdamcs S. J. Parkes, Whittaker, Stagpoole, and Andrews. During this interval an entertaining mannequin parade was staged by pupils of Forms 3A, 3B and 48, together with the home science course girls of Forms 5A and SL. They exhibited attractive frocks made in dress cutting classes under Miss McFadden, and onlookers were impressed by the proficiency and skill displayed. Stall-holders were as follow:—Produce, Mesdames L. M. Abraham and H. B. Reid; work stall, Mrs R. Edwards, Misses P. and F. Edwards, and assistants; sweets, Mrs S. T. Bristow and assistants; ice-cream and soft drinks, Mrs B. J. Jacobs and mem.bers of the Old Girls’ Association. Competitions were under the control of Messrs S. T. Bristow and J. K. Paton.