INCULCATING LOYALTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17966, 16 December 1921, Page 6

INCULCATING LOYALTY.

MT. ALBERT SQHOOL METHODS

AN INSPIRING CEREMONY. Fears have been expressed in some quarters that the saluting of the dag would in time become a mere form, conveying no lasting impression on the chad. To obviate the danger of this, a simple yet effective method has been adopted at tho Mount Albert Bchool, so that each child feels a personal interest in the preparation for and performance of the weekly programme. Commencing with the Sixth Standard, each class has, in turn, provided a programme of items, both musical and poetical, until the interest aroused extended to the infant which added its quota to the rising spirit of patriotic endeavour. The simple ceremony, far from lacking colour and vitality, has brought into being a genuine and vigorous esprit de corps, centring round the "Red, White, and Blue." • As yesterday was the last occasion of the year on which tho ceremony would take place, it was arranged that the School Committee, tho parents, and other interested adults should be present. A large number of adults assembled, including Mrs. N. E. Ferner and Mr. H. W. S. ; King, members of the Education Board, | Major J. E. Wallingford, of the Defence Department, the chairman and members of the Mount Ajbcrt School Committee, and Mr. G. F. Bennett, Mayor of the i borough. After a combined effort on the part of the pupils, who numbered about 500, the headmaster explained the object of the gathering, and then an enjoyable programme was siven, each class contributing one item. The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of the "National Anthem," and the whole assomblagc saluting the flag, 11