SCHOOL JUBILEE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23010, 11 April 1938, Page 13

SCHOOL JUBILEE

BERESFORD STREET REUNION AND ROLL CALL THE FINAL CEREMONIES Ex-pupils from as far north as Kaitaia and as far south as Wellington wore present at the reunion and roll call held at Bcresford Street School on Saturday as part of the diamond jubilee celebrations. Over 1000 former pupils, representing the six decades since the establishment of the school, were present, in addition to large numbers of other visitors. A number of speakers were introduced by the chairman of the jubilee committee, Mr. T. T. Garland, who expressed apologies for their absence from the Prime Minister. Mr. Savage, the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, and tlie Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, who was represented by Mr. F. W. Schramm, M.P,/ School's High Reputation

"It is the object of the Government to provide the best facilities for the young," Mr. Schramm remarked concerning the new school now being built, "so that they may become the best citizens that the State can produce." He referred to the high reputation of the school throughout New Zealand and to the many brilliant scholars who had passed through it. On behalf of the Auckland Education Board, Mr. T. U. Wells, chairman, congratulated the school on its celebrations, and hoped that with a new building it would develop new life. Other speakers were Mr. G. W. S. Pace, deputy-chairman of the school committee, Mr. F. C. Pace, president of the Auckland Primary Schools Committee Association, and Mr. A. E. Thompson, deputy-headmaster. The ex-pupils afterward assembled in Beresford Street under banners representing each decade of the school's life and marched to positions in the grounds while music was played by the Old Pupils' Orchestra, conducted bv Mr. F. C. B. Burnnand. Approximately 150 of the first pupils, who enrolled between 1878 and 1888, were present, the oldest pupil being Mr. W. Feek aijd the earliest teacher being Miss E. Sinclair. Names of the first pupils at the school, together with those of teachers, were read out, and. after the roll call had been concluded, a group photograph was taken. A Thanksgiving Service

The final ceremony in connection with the jubilee was a thanksgiving service, held in brilliant sunshine in the school grounds yesterday afternoon. Approximately 1500 past and present pupils took part in the service, at which Mr. Garland presided. He briefly addressed the gathering, the lesson was read by an old scholar, Mr. E. V. Slvfield, and a prayer was offered by the Rev. Arthur C. Nelson. Mr. Garland announced that the committee proposed to obtain permission to place a casket in the foundation stone of the new school*, containing a record of the jubilee celebrations and the roll of 2800 names of former pupils who had attended the various functions. He said it had also been suggested that in future old pupils should meet annually at a banquet and thanksgiving service. The proposals were approved by acclamation by those present.