SCHOOL JUBILEE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 231, 30 August 1937, Page 9

SCHOOL JUBILEE

WHAKARONGO GATHERING. t ' AN OUTSTANDING EVENT. From every angle the AVhakarongo School diamond jubilee gathering on Saturday was all that the committee responsible for the organisation could desire. The queen carnival had proved a happy augury in more than fulfilling expectations, the weather had changed from fain in the morning to hot sunshine in the afternoon, the attendance was excellent and brought together many persons who had been parted by years of residence in varying districts, and competent organisation took the day’s arrangements forward without a hitch.

Following the luncheon, of which a report was published on Saturday, Mr AV. H. AA r ood, as secretary of the jubilee committee, read telcgralns and letters he had received from old pupils and residents in all parts of New Zealand who were unable to be present but forwarded congratulations and _ best wishes. Mr Wood also read a list- of old pupils who wbre now residing in other parts of the world, such as Los Angeles, New South AValcs, Queensland, Victoria, England. Samoa, Texas, Columbia, South Africa. He also referred to the presence of Mrs Lynch, the first teacher, and also Mrs Burns, of Ballance (formerly Miss Janet McKenzie), who was the first cadet teacher at the school.

After the loyal toast had been honoured, Mr J. A. Nash, who was accompanied by Mrs Nash, proposed the toast of “The AA'hakarongo School.” Mr Nash congratulated the school and the settlers on reaching the jubilee, the occasion, he said, being a very important one. He recalled events of the early days and the efforts of the settlors and others to raise funds for the school. Concerts were held and it was a great pleasure for many in Palmerston North to journey around and help. The early settlers did splendid work under trying conditions. It was a pleasure to see Mrs Lynch present. (Anplnuse.) She and other teachers had difficult tasks, but they had done their work well and turned out good settlers and citizens. Mr Nash referred, amidst applause, to Mr “Dick” Lloyd, an early teacher, and caused amusement when he said he w r as always regarded as the “Mayor of AA'hakarongo.” It was to be regretted that many of the early settlers had passed away and were unable to see the splendid results of their pioneering efforts. Mr Nash congratulated the district on the splendid financial effort of the jubilee functions and Mr A\ 7 ood, headmaster, on the fine historical record he had compiled in booklet form of the events of the district. To raise £SOO in so short a time was very praiseworthy. The one thing outstanding about the early settlers was that they raised large families, with their children making their mark in the community. It was a pleasure to honour the work of the old settlers and teachers and pupils of the school. Replying, Mr C. J. Ereiistrom said

he was delighted to see so many present to rejoice with him on the occasion. He praised the work of the first teachers and early settlers. He was very proud of the fact that he was on the first roll of the school. He had many fine playmates, some of whom had passed away, unfortunately, and he hoped that the children of to-day would honour their parents as the old pupils had worshipped theirs. The school had seen a line of teachers of fine characteristics. Mr Erenstrom recalled incidents of his schooldays which created amusement, and said it was a pleasure to renew acquaintanceships of his school days. Mr J. Lynch also replied to thy toast, recalling incidents of his school days. He thanked Mr Nash for the compliments paid the district and its community and for help rendered on various occasions. THE EARLY BAA'S.

Proposing the toast of “The Early Settlers,” Mr J. Hodgens, M.P., commented oil the experience of the first teacher in having to ride on horseback to her new post, and he remarked that the early settlers had gone to what was then a new bush-clad district to make homes, to work for their sons and daughters. Had they succeeded? he asked. One had only to look at the district now to find the answer. Mr Hodgens said his mother resided in Palmerston North—she was 81 years of age—and from her he could appreciate the changes in present day life compared with earlier times. . The speaker visualised how much the early settlers would appreciate the districtnow could they but return and see it. In calling the toast Mr Hodgens coupled with it the name of Mr E. Henaghan. When replying, Mr Henaghan emphasised that the early settlers had had confidence—confidence in themselves and in New Zealand. We had been told by visitors that certain things could be improved in New Zealand and we were suffering from an inferi-

ority complex whereas, taking into consideration the conditions and the circumstances controlling tliaf which had been criticised, we had rather cause for gratification. The early settlers had not had an inferiority complex. They had gone about their work, farming, and when the centenary of the school was celebrated their descendants would still lie engaged in the same occupation. There was one way and one way only to perpetuate properlyy the way only to perpetuate properly the memory of the pioneers—to carry on it even better, if possible. The toast of “The Continued Success and Prosperity of Palmerston North.” was proposed by Mr J. Romley, who said it was onlv fair that he should pay a tribute to the City Fathers. particularly those of the early days who had had vision and foresight in planning the beautiful Square of todav. Their work was being well followed by those who held office at the present time, and the speaker made complimentarv reference to the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) and Mrs Mansford. He expressed thanks for the support which had l>een forthcoming from the city for the jubilee of the school. Replying, Mr Mansford thanked the committee for the invitation to ■ him and Mrs Mansford, and on behalf of the city he congratulated the present and past teachers, pupils and the residents of Whakarongo on the school attaining its diamond jubilee. As the jubilee showed, the school had been one of the first established in the district and Whakarongo had been very closely associated with the growth of the city. When the residents of Whakarongo thought of the expansion of the city it was pleasing for them to know that they had something to do with it. Sixty years ago the city had had a population of 700; by 30 years ago it had risen to 10,700, and now it had a community of just on 24.000. Much of that growth had been brought about by better means of transport. Quite recently the city had acquired the Milson airport, and when that mode of transport became more popular the city could be expected to add stjll further to its growth. Palmerston North must grow and would be the largest inland city in New Zealand. It was the sixth city of the Dominion to-day; it would not be long before it was the fifth and then the fourth. Mrs Mansford lit the candles on the two-tier birthday cake made by Mis

R. Hastings, ail old pupil, and iced by Miss C. Vautier. Mrs Mansford took the opportunity of extending her personal congratulations. Mrs P. Munro (Utiku) extinguished the candles and Mrs Lynch (first teacher) cut the cake, assisted by some of her girl pupils of those days. GATHERING AT SCHOOL.

Following the luncheon, the assembly repaired to the school grounds, where the paved paths and courts, with trees about the boudarics, proved an ideal site lor a further gathering. The roll was called by the headmaster,

Mr H. W. Wood, and mumbers of those wlio had attended the school in the years up to and including 1882 answered “Present.” When the year 1882 was reached a moment’s silence was observed in memory of those who

had passed on. “We can only say how grateful are the members of tbe committee that their efforts have been so successful, said Mr M. E. Knudsen, chairman of the School Committee, in offering thanks for the generous _ assistance given by residents of the district and others. The speaker paid a tribute to the work of Mr Wood in tlie compilation of the historical booklet dealing with the development of the school and district. Originally the district had been a Scandinavian settlement and many of its pioneers had since died he said. The securing of education ior their boys and girls muon

harder tiian it was now. Mr Knudsen also touched on the part taken by the school at various phases of its existence, saving the roll of honour showed that in‘the Great War ex-pupils had played their part, in company witn those from other schools. The mem-

bers of the committee were very proud of the scliool grounds, but now that the school was 60 years old they had thoughts of a new building, it was to be expected that the chairmen of the Wanganui Education Board (Mr E. F. Hemingway) who was to be the next speaker, would have something to say on consolidation of schools. The members of the school committee would be quite willing to meet the board and discuss the pros and cons of consolidation. The committee wanted to come to an understanding before they did anything with their share or

the money from the quen carnival, ana arrangements had been made so that the money eoukl he spent only to the best advantage. The speaker did not know whether the Whakarongo school had been particularly fortunate with its teachers or with its pupils, the fact remained that pupils leavin„ the school could more than hold then own with those from the city schools. That might be a point against consoiida Thunking the committee for their invitation to him to attend, Mr Hemingway said it was always a. pleasure to visit the schools and meet those who were doing so much for the . elnldien. The Palmerston North district had good schools and the committees hac seen to it that the grounds were well cared for. so much so that they were considered by school inspectors to bo among the finest in the Dominion Ihe speaker congratulated the committee and the settlers on their efforts tor the jubilee, and spoke particularly on Mr Wood’s compilation of the historical booklet. Ho suggested that copies he properly bound with a lasting cover and one copy deposited with the Education Board and another with the school records. Jubilees filled a twofold purpose, commemorating the founding of the school and reminding the rising generation of the difference between the life of the pioneer of 60 years ago and that of to-day. Incidentally, jubilees served to remind one and all' of the debt they owed to the PieHeel's, those who had blazed the trail and had laid the foundation qf the Dominion’s prosperity. By their lives of sacrifice and hard work they had helped to make New Zealand the country it was to-day. We -owed the pioneers a debt we could never adequately repay. The speaker touched on the development of the means of transport,

spertlaing of tlic muddy track, the metalled road, the tar-scaled road and then the aeroplane. He then addressed himself to the standard of New Zealand education and said there was not a great deal to complain about in it, quoting the experience of New Zealanders overseas. Touching on consoli-

dation, Mr Hemingway, said lie was not going to speak of it except to remark that if application was made to Mr G. N. Boulton, the secretary of the board, be would visit the school and discuss the subject with the committee. Mr Hemingway emphasised that the final decision rested with the residents themselves. 1 f they wanted consolidation, the motion they nassed would be fox-warded to the board, and the board would send it on to the Minister of Education Then, and then

only, would the Minister agree to the measure applying to that particular school. ADVANTAGES OF TO-DAY. In the course of a brief speech, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, M.P., said the greatest compliment to be paid to the old settlers was to be, to the best of their

ability, as good and as courageous as

the old settlers had been. Those attending school now had very many more advantages than had children

when he had attended school (in Ireland). Instead of being feared the teacher was now the children’s friend and helper. It was to be hoped that the children would make the fullest use of those advantages and opportunities of to-day and that they would be useful, honourable and upright in whatever position they might fill—a credit to their district and their school. Mr Cobbe concluded by congratulating the residents of Wha.karongo on the jubilee of the school and on the progress of the school and district. He hoped the district would prosper even more in the future than in the past. The final speaker, Mr J. W. Batchelor, a member of the Education Board, said he heartily rejoiced with the assembly in the progress made by the school. Teachers were now looked on more as a tower of strength in time of trouble instead of being feared, and the people of Wha.karongo need not worry about the welfare of,their children because the boys and girls were in very good hands. Mr Batchelor recalled that in 1878 he had first attended school in Main Street. Palmerston North; the children then had made excuses to stay away. Now his grand-, children thought it a hardship if the weather kept them from attending. Mr Batchelor spoke in eulogistic vein of the interest of the parents in school matters, and said he “took his hat off” to the members of the committees. He congratulated those connected with the school on its attaining the diamond jubilee and assured them of the closest co-operation of the board with them for the welfare of the school.