ASHHURST SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 95, 22 March 1939, Page 10

ASHHURST SCHOOL

DIAMOND JUBILEE. OUTSTANDING FUNCTION. Converging on Ashliurst from the early morning, hundreds of former pupils of the Ashhurst School gathered to-day to mark in appropriate manner the passing of the first 00 years of the school’s life. A memorable function, which lasted from shortly before noon till well into the evening, it was marked l>v a spirit of reunion and unalloyed happiness as four hundred men and women who had passed through the classrooms of the school revived memories of former days. From as far north as Whangarei and as far south as Ashburton, and from numerous centres between —Alatamata., Auckland, Napier. Gisborne and New Plymouth were included —visitors assembled, and met with a very large number of residents of the district to celebrate in fitting manner the jubilee of their Alma Mater. If the Ashhurst School has lacked pretensions in respect of size, it was evident to-dav that it has given to the Dominion a fine body of men and women who, in thjjr reminiscences, were able to recount the scholastic thoroughness and pleasure that has comprised the admixture of their school days. Proceedings commenced at 0.30, when visitors commenced to assemble in the sehoolgrounds, which were at their best, in spite of the dry weather, to welcome them back. Following the official start, a roll call was held, revealing the presence of many who attended school on the very' first dav, and lunch, which was taken in two sittings in the hall to accommodate the visitors, was followed by the taking of photographs. An opportunity for impromptu speech making was afforded during the afternoon when a conversazione was conducted, and the afternoon’s proceedings concluded with a tea. The official visitors included Hon. .T. G. Cob he. M.P.. Messrs K. F. Hemingway (chairman of the Wanganui Education Board), G. N. Boulton (secretary of the hoard), and T. A\ ■ Mudfnrd (a district memlxsr of the hoard); also Rev. 0. A. Boston (Methodist Churc-h). Ilev. A. .T. Farnell (Anglican Church), and Rev. Father Heriihy (Palmerston North). Mr .T. H. Sumner (chairman), Mr \V. N. Brewer (who presided over the opening ceremony*), and Mr R. D. Davis (secretary) spent a busy time receiving the numerous visitors. Former teachers who attended the function included Miss M. Coutts, who went to Ashhurst in 1906, and Mrs A. E. Orgias (1920). Messages of greeting received included those from Miss L. Mowbray (a teacher from 190 S, and now of Petone), Mrs J. Giles (nee McMurray), Rongoten; Miss AT. Morgan, of Australia : Mr H. Henderson, of Palmerston North; Mr H. Tremcwan, of Lower Hutt; Messrs G. A. and F. Hayward, of South Africa ; Mr A. McKenzie, of Wellington (a pupil in 1886); Bnchler family, of Roslyn; and Mr E. Hickey, of Taihape. The roli cab was conducted by Mr AY. J. Andrew, of Wanganui, who was the headmaster from 1896 to 1908, and who extended a warm welcome to the former pupils; also to Mr J. Nairn, of Feilding. who was the head of the teaching staff from 1920 to 1922. Among those to respond were the following who wore pupils in 1879 when the school was opened ; Mrs C. A. Sprint (nee Florence Gray), Messrs J. Wilson (Colvton). E. P. Wood (Ararnoho). AY. *S. Maunder (Ashliurst), and AA 7 . A. Rimmer (King Country). Mr Andrew, in addressing the gathering, saiil he had recalled those who would not attend the ceremony. On reaching Ashhurst he had visited the cemetery and read the names of those who could not attend ; he had also remembered those who had fallen in France, and those who had departed this life in other parts of the Dominion. At his request the assemblage remembered in silence those who had passed away. Mr Brewer, who was himself a scholar from 1894 to 1900, and who has served on the School Committee for about 20 years, recalled the early I davs of the school since it was opened with 27 pupils. (These details appear on page 11.) All wore grateful for the beautiful day and it was a pleasure to warmly welcome pupils past and present. and to come. It. was desired to band on the good deeds of the past with the wish that they be accepted by present and future pupils. Mr Sumner, on behalf of the Jubilee Committee and the School Committee, also warmly welcomed the visitors. He expressed thanks to the ladies for their splendid work in dealing with the airangemonts. which had really commenced twelve months ago. The only wish was that all enjoy themselves. Mr Hemingway, who spoke briefly, congratulated the school on the attainment of its jubilee, which served to show to the rising generation the debt it owed to the pioneers. Colonel J. H. Whyte and Mr AY. H. Brown, of Palmerston North, were unable to attend the function as hoard members owing to previous engagements. Ashhurst had a warm spot in the hearts of board members, who would do all in their power to assist the school.

TOASTS HONOURED. During the luncheon the occasion was taken to read the messages of greeting received. A toast list was also observed. Mr Cob be, who was introduced by Mr Brewer, proposed the toast of “Th c School.” The record of the Ashhurst School was an excellent one, and it was a treat to observe the large number who had gathered J.o celebrate the jubilee, Mr Cobbc said. The settlement had been formed 02 years ago, and it was evident that it had rapidly secured a school. A jubilee was a very ancient institution and was originally the mark of a sUyears' period when slaves were freed, debts were wiped off. and rejoicing was general. Mr Cobbe felt that thc occasion was one oi jubilation tor the district, which could he heartily congratulated on the work and initiative of the residents. The Manchester Block had been settled in 1874 and the Ashhurst district later, and it was good to recall those days. “The good old times” were happy ones, hut all had to look forward to the future. We had one of the finest countries in the world, and it was our own fault if it did not prosper. Mr Cobbe concluded by repeating his good wishes to the school. . , Mr R. N. Finlay, the present headmaster of the school, in responding to the toast, recalled that the school had established traditions and a history equal to those of any other school in the Dominion. A school never grew old —it was “forever spring” with a constant succession of new pupils. The teacher succeeded best who put the child in the position of being able to teach itself, which was a life-long task. The new approach to education had brought altered conditions. A great debt was owing to the School Committee, who had rendered yeoman service in numerous ways, and with the Education Board had earned a great deal of gratitude. Thc school mistress had an important task in her keeping with

the young child, and at Ashhurst some very fine women had filled the position. The school would continue to maintain the high traditions of the past, added Mr Finlay in conclusion. Amid applause, Mrs E. Whittaker (nee Frances Maunder), of Okoke, Taranaki. lit the candles on the jubilee cake, and Mrs 0. A. Spring (nee Florence Gray), of Moutoa. extinguished them. Both wore pupils in 1579. At a subsequent sitting Mr Mudforrl proposed the toast of “The School. ’ Mr Andrew responding. Other speakers were Rev. Mr Foston, Father Herlihy, a.nd Cr. R. Stewart (Oroua County Council). The beautiful two-tiered cake, which was cut during the function, was made and donated by Mrs Klein and Miss Sixtus, former pupils of the school. The extensive catering arrangements, which reflected the greatest credit on all concerned, were in the hands of Mcsdames H. Woodroofe, A. Williams, and T. Paton, and many helpers.