Fine Weather Favours Yesterday's Garden Fetes

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 274, 22 November 1934, Page 8

Fine Weather Favours Yesterday's Garden Fetes

INTERESTING DEMONSTRATION AT GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

The gala day organised by tho Parents’ Association of tho Palmerston North Girls’ High School' to augment the funds for building an assembly hall, and held in lovely sunshine m tho spacious grounds surrounding the school yesterday, received a generous measure of public support. Combining with the parents’ association were the members of the staff, headed by the principal, Mrs M. Rhodes, the result of this effort being most gratifying to all concerned. The function was opened by Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., chairman of the High School Board of Governors. Stalls for the sale of produce, sweets and fancy work were arranged out of doors, while in the class rooms interest centred round the display of the pupils work, appreciation being freely expressed of the standard attained in arts and crafts, under the direction of Misses Grant and E. Berry, of the neatness of commercial work secured by Miss L. Brown, the progress in sewing under Miss McFadden’s instruction; of nature study and history guided by Miss Hume; mapping with Miss Mcßae, and science from Miss McLeod. Another excellent enducational' section was the display of posters from all parts oi; the world, arranged by Mrs Rhodes and Miss Turner.

Introducing Mr Nash, Mr R. H. 3311lens, chairman of tho Parents’ Association, referred to him as a pioneer of secondary education in this district, and said the residents were under a deep debt of gratitude to him for all he had done for the Boys’ and Girls' High Schools, and also for the Technical School. It was fitting that Mr Nash should be present to declare the fete open, this being the first occasion on which lie had been able to attend. Mr Nash expressed his pleasure in extending a welcome to the garden party and referred to the purpose of tho function and the inauguration of the fund by Miss Mills, to build an assembly hall. So far tho substantial amount of £384 had been raised, and with the help of the Parents’ Association he felt sure the time was not far distant when the hall would be an accomplished fact. The baths at the school were a monument to the work and industry of the principal (Mrs M. Rhodes), teaching staff, pupils and the Parents’ Association. It was very gratifying to find tho parents taking such an active interest. Much had been done which the speaker assured his audience was very much appreciated by the board. “We can truly say as citizens that wo are proud of our schools in Palmerston North,” said Mr Nash. There were teaching staffs in all of them rendering wonderful service. Continuing, he said: “We read of the pioneer days of education when a payment of Gd or 9d per week per pupil had to bo made, but thank goodness those days have gone and our young people aro 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 magnificent salaries of £4O and £6O per annum respectively. In conclusion the speaker said: “Many changes have taken place sinco the Great War, many lessons have been learned, and we are told and believe that tho conversion of warmaking into man-making will never be complete until education becomes the central concern of every ci vilised State and the ground of co-ojieration 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 play that go on in the world.’’ Declaring the function open Mr Nash wished the promoters a very successful and happy garden party. Mr Billcns apologised for the absence of the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs A. E. Mansford), and called for cheers for Mr and Mrs Nash. Directed by Misses R-. Bcnstcad (drill instructress), the school gave a delightful massed drill display which included figure marching, eurythmics and Greek frieze movements. .Stall-holders were as follow: —Produce, Mesdamcs L. M. Abraham, 11. B. Reid, Misses Birkett and Mcßae; work stall, Mesdames Edwards, Andrews and Wittakcr, Misses F. Edwards, M. Pridham, L. Brown and K. Birnie; sweets, Mesdames >S. Bristow, J. Iv. Paton and Hall; ice creams, 31rs D. J. Jacobs, Misses McNeil, Sinclair and P. Edwards. Competitions were abiv controlled by Messrs F. J. Oakley, S. T. Bristow and J. Iv. Paton.

Afternoon tea was served under the capable direction of Mrs S. J. Parlies, with the assistance of other members of the Parents ’ Association and Misses McFaddcn and McLeod. During this interval there was an interesting mannequin parade staged by pupils of Form 3A, 3B and 48, together with the home science course girls of Forms 5A and SL. The frocks had been marie by the girls under the direction of Miss McFaddcn, and the neatness and style of the dresses greatly impressed the onlookers.

Competitions, judged by Mrs M. Aitcliison and Mrs TV. Miller, resulted: Most original novelty (5 entries): M. Edwards 1, L. Edwards 2. Best tea towel: Joan Barber. Apron: M. Edwards. Plate of assorted sweets (High School girls only): J. TVollcrman 1, TV. Vautier 2; (open), M. Vautier 1. Sponge sandwich (High School Girls only): J. Clark 1, B. Farrahcr 2. Sponge sandwich (other than plain): B. Hansen 1. Tho festivities continued in the evening, when a jolly' dance was held at the school.

St. Paul’s Ladies’ Guild Favoured will golden sunshine, with the gardens surrounding the homo of Dr. E. C. Barnett, and Mrs. Barnett providing a delightful setting, tho garden party organised by St. Paul’s (Methodist) Ladies’ Guild to assist the trust funds of the church proved highly successful. The Mayoress, Mrs. A. E. Mansford, who officially opened the function, was

introduced by Rev. A. N. Scotter. Mrs. Mansford expressed great pleasure in being present. In these difficult times tho church was of great importance, she said, and it was imperative that this foundation should be kept intact. Those assisting in this great work could have the satisfaction of knowing they were helping in a cause that had done more for mankind than any other. Mrs. Mansford spoke in warm terms of the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Barnett in being so ready at all times to throw their gardens open for any good cause. Hhe then declared the garden party officially open.

Attractively spread with a pleasing variety of goods, the stalls created much interest and patronage throughout the afternoon. A baby shoiv and various competitions added greatly to the interest and enjoyment of the occasion. The stalls, with those in charge, were as follow: —Produce, Mesdames A. G. Pitt, F. Gooch, T. A. Hastings and J 3. Baker; cakes, ’Mesdames Gordon Bennett, L. Laurenson, G. 11. Stiles and F. Maynard; work stall, Mesdames 11. J. Harris, G. H. Bennett, J. Allan and A. N. Scotter; sweets, Misses Cummingharnc and Barnett; ice cream and cool drinks, Misses Shailer and Whitehead. A stall in charge of Mrs. 11. Whitehead displayed a particularly interesting array of her own work. The golf competition was in charge of Messrs G. H. Stiles, T. 11. Hoddor and Gordon Bennett, while Mr. G. H. Bycroft conducted tho nail driving. Mr. J. Allan supervised the potato race, and Miss A. Ellery the treasure hunt.

Afternoon tea, served on tables set under the shade of the trees, proved a pleasant interlude, those in charge being Mesdames G. H. Bycroft, Johansen, J. H. Hancock, J. 11. Forrest, T. Ellery, B. A; Miller, A. Tregurtha and Miss Scotter.

Many other willing helpers rendered valuable assistance during the afternoon, inspired by the leadership of the president, Mrs. Scotter, and enthusiastic secretary, Mrs. Barnett.

Tho baby show, organised by Mrs. TV. B. Cameron, was an item of great interest and attracted so many entries that the judges, Mrs. Mansford and Miss J. N. MeGhie, matron of the Palmerston North Hospital, had great difficulty in awarding the prizes. In remarking enthusiastically on the entries, the judges paid tribute to the beautiful wai' tho babies were kept and their fine appearance. The results were as follow: —Under six months, Ann Smith and Donald Richards; under 12 months, Betty Andrews and George Hill; under 18' months, Shirley Maunder and Warren Hughes. Competition winners were as follow: Potato race, Mr. F. Collis; golf, Mr. T. R. Hodder; nail driving, Miss J. Cosslett; treasure hunt, Miss P. Barnett.

Tho premises, furniture and fittings of the Bank of England are carried in the balance-sheet as assets to the value of one pound sterling.