GARDEN PARTY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 7, 6 December 1937, Page 2

GARDEN PARTY

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

Presenting a cheerful appearance were the grounds and buildings or Palmerston North Girls' High a™, on Saturday when they were the seen of much activity, the occasion “ eln = annual garden party held by school. The drive was outhneu v t strings of bright flags and the school was also bedecked with bunting, le ing a festive air for tms gala aay. Rivalling these decorations were u.t> gardens with their colourful floweis and flowering shrubs, rose;, petunias and azaleas predominating. The iw«j where afternoon tea was served haa been made very attractive with additional pictures, and vases of vivid nasturtiums. The pupils had transtormeu the long corridor with deep pink bueet William and rambler roses- and, witn the many windows flung wide, tne air was sweet, cool and fresh. On the big lawn behind the scm.-rl, where the massed drill took place, the stalls were grouped in a senn-circle, making a gay picture with their various coloured awnings and tempting wares, being especially attractive dining the frequent appearances of the sun. . The stalls were in the charge of the following, assisted in each case .by a small committee: —Cakes, Mrs D. Black; sweets, Mrs J. E. H. Mewett, ice-cream and soft drinks. Mrs B. J. Jacobs and Miss K. Birnie (Old Girls Association); work stall, Mrs Gadcliff e ; produce, Mrs D. Heggie; baby show (jTidged by Sister Elliott V Mrs Belfit; afternoon tea. Miss E. E Stephens; sideshows, Messrs Ball and Houston ; competitions, Mr Stubbs,. Besides a manneouin parade given by the girls, a further exhibition of their work in the various arts and crafts was on view in one of the classrooms. A large collection of babies’ dainty frocks, and knitted garments, as well as a splendid array ot pastelshaded underclothes, intricately sewn, were displayed on many small tables, with a special section of articles made from leather, such as purses, belts, book-ends, napkin rings and bookmarkers. Corunleting this exhibition of highclass work were the pastel drawings, lettering, floral designs in colour and still-life studies, which were effectively arranged round the walls. Added colour was given the proceedings by file attendance of the Palmerston North Garrison Band, which played several numbers during the course of the afternoon.

Mr J. Hodgetis, M.P.. who was accompanied by Mrs Hodgens, was introduced bv Mr J. Mewett. president of the Parents’ Association. Mr Hodgens recalled that it was the second time on which he. had declared the Girls’ High School gala day open. In speaking to the Minister of Education (Hon. P. Fraser) yesterday, said Mr Hodgens, he had asked if there was any message the Minister wished to have conveyed to the gathering and the Minister had asked the speaker to remind the assemblage that there was a minor revolution, as it were, going on in education to-day, and the Minister wished him to assure all who worked for the furtherance of educa-tion-parents. teachers, committee members, and all others —of the Minister’s wholehearted desire to co-ope-rate. The Minister had further suggested that Mr Hudgens. might point out.what the Minister of Education ana his department, had done fo* - education in the last two years in Palmerston North.; Mr Hodgens said the total grants' amounted to £16.320, not including reference to the site for the intermediate school, of which the members of the Education Board knew as much as he did in rnspect of negotiations for n site in Ferguson Street. For the Girls’ High School there had been a total of £3577 approved, including £2QOO for an assembly hall. For the Boys’ High School the total was £2365. and for the Palmerston North Technical School £6910.

It was a privilege to declare the gala day open, said Mr Hodgens. and he expressed the hope that when the gala had closed those who had worked for weeks in organising it woukl be'able to say to themselves that there had been gained the few extra pounds necessary for the assembly hall fund. Mr Mewett submitted;an anology for absence from the Mayor (Mr A. E Mansford).

A popular attraction was the baby show and the task of the judge, Sister Elliott, was by no means an easy one. Prizes were awarded as io.low : Girls under six montns, Muriel Ford 1, Margaret Katcune 2; boys under six months, Donald Kay 1, Willied Wliittinghouse 2; boy 12 months, Robert Rossistcr 1, Bruce Wikes 2; girl 12 months, Joan Algar 1, V emcc Trembath 2; boy 18 months, Lionel Clover 1, Allan McGuiness 2. Special prizes were awarded to Graham \\ ild and Jean Nash.

One of the features of the afternoon programme was an impressive display of modern drill by practically the whole school, under the capable direction of Miss J. Galvin. Well-merit-ed applause greeted this splendid exhibition of grace and muscular control. A beautiful and artistic Grecian dance by the pujuls, wearing white Grecian dresses relieved with green and gold, was the .embodiment of rhythm and grace. , A mannequine, parade by the girls also attracted a great deal of admiration. For this the pupils wore frocks made during the year, the variety of colourings and styles making an attractive picture.

The principal of the school (Miss E. E. Stephens), who was a tower of strength to the function, acted as hostess to the official visitors, Mr and Mre J. Hodgens, and other members of the Board of Governors, Mr M. H. Oram (chairman) and Mrs Oram; Colonel J. H. Whyte and Mrs Whvte, Mr and Mrs A. A. Langley, Mr and Mrs W. R. Birnie and Mrs M. Aitcliison ; also Mr J. Murray, rector of the Boys’ High School, and Mrs Murrav. Following the concert at night, at which two plays were presented—- “ Alicia Disposes,” under the direction of Miss Prideau Pridham. and “Tie Philosopher of Butterbiggins.” produced 'by Miss K. Birnie, and also a number of glees for which Miss Gillies was responsible—supper was served. The opportunity was then taken liv Mr Mewett to express thanks to ell who had assisted towards a splendid result. The object of the gala day, which bnd been organised by members of the Parents’ .Association in co-oper-ation w : th Miss Stephens, members of the Ftaff and scholars, was to aurrmont tlib funds to build an r.ssemtdv hall and the large attendance' testified to the interest, of the puhlic in the school’s welfare. , The gross takings amounted to over P I OO.

:Miss Stephens added her appreciation of the co-.oncration of the staff and the good team-work displayed by all connected with, the function.