EMPIRE PAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12281, 27 May 1903, Page 6

EMPIRE PAY.

Empire Day was duly celebrated at the Mount Eden school. The children, to the number of 700, f*Hder the conduct of Mr. A. Hcsking oieadmß&er) and staff, after being first marshalled in the grounds, passed before the tablet placed in one of tho class i rooms, as a memorial to Trooper Conuell, a former pupil of the school and one of the first Now Zealanders killed in action in the African war, each child 011 passing laying a floral tribute before the tablet. The children were then drawn up m order round the flagstaff, where the headteacher addressed them on the importance of the day. The Rev. 15. J. McFarland, 011 behalf of the School Committee, ;dso spoke, drawing attention to the meaning of the ceremonies of the day. The National Anthem was then sung, and throe cheers each given for the King, Quern, and Royal Family, and the children all passed in review before the flag, saluting it as they passed, the marching of the children being excellent. In the afternoon the children of the infant room, and in the evening thoso of the other standards. were entertained by an exhibition of limelight views, illustrative of the Empire, shown by Mr. Cooper, in St. Barnabas' Hall. In the afternoon the Rev. K. J. McFarland, and in the evening Mr. Jacka (chairman of the School Committee), spoke a few words suitable to the occasion. The arrangements for the day, drawn out by Mr. Hosking, were admirably carried out, and well calculated to impress the children. Empire Day was a gala day in Mercer. At ten a.m. the scholars and teachers of the publio school and most of the parents in the district assembled round the flagstaff for the purpose of saluting the flag. The chairman of the local School Committee (Mr. Scott Hunter) addressed the assembly, referring to the object for which they were gathered together. The Rev. Maunsell (who happened to be in the township) also gave a short patriotic address, both in English and in Maori. After the flag was sainted several patriotic songs were sung by the children. Three cheers were then given for King Edward VII. Mr. Scott Hunter, the Rev. Maunsell, and the headmaster then thanked the children for mustering so strongly, and also for their general good conduct. After the ceremony refreshments were provided, and the assembly then dispersed.

[nr TELEGRAPH. —OWN* CORRESPONDENT.] Whangarki, Tuesday. The children of tho Horahora and Whangarei schools assembled at nine a.m. yesterday to saluto the flag 1 . Messrs. J. D. McKenzie (member of the Education Board). G. Clark-Walker (chairman of the School Committee), Home, Jackson, Grico (members of the committee), and J. Conyngham addressed the children. Tho day was observed as a close holiday.