GIRLS' COLLEGE JUBILEE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21468, 17 April 1933, Page 10

GIRLS' COLLEGE JUBILEE

NELSON CELEBRATIONS EX-PUPILS' GATHERING OVER 500 TAKE PART [BY TELEGRAPH' —OWN CORRESPONDENT] NELSON, Sunday In fine weather the Nelson Girl's Coll(irro okl girls' reunion in connection with tho 50th anniversary of the school commenced yesterday with a general gathering at the main entrance to the college. About 500 old girls responded to tho assembly bell, which was rung at 10 o'clock. In tho gathering were five of the six principals of the college, and no fewer than 25 of tho first year's pupils. Miss J. Stewart, M.A., the present principal, offered the former pupils a warm welcome back to their old school. "The link between the past and the present is a very close one," said Miss Stewart, in the course of her address. "Wo have as present girls 43 who are the daughters of old girls, and we have six granddaughters of old girls. (Applause.) This, I am sure, is a real compliment shown to the school by the mothers, and is an expression of their own affection for and interest in tho college, which holds for them, we hope, nothing but happy memories. With the passage of time, changes are inevitable, and to many of you our material surroundings may seem unfamiliar. Whatever you may think of these changes, you will realise that they have been made necessary by our gratifying increase in numbers and that they have not been undertaken without considerable thought on the part of those in authority. They have not altered the spirit of the school you knew." Miss Stewart offered a special welcome to tho ex-principak and ex-mis-tresses, somo of whom had made long journeys to bo present. The roll of pupils who had joined the school in 1883 was called by Miss Isaac, first assistant. Morning tea was served and a group photograph of all present was taken. In the afternoon a display of games and physical exercises was given by the present pupils, practically every girl in the school taking part. A ball was held last evening, and various other gatherings have been arranged for Monday.