SWANSON SCHOOL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23068, 20 June 1938, Page 13

SWANSON SCHOOL

GOLDEN JUBILEE MANY OLD PUPILS ATTEND EARLY DAYS RECALLED About 600 old .pupils and their friends assembled iin the grounds of the Swanson "School on Saturday for the opening of the golden jubilee celebrations. Proceedings were opened by the ringing of the school bell by the first pupil enrolled in 1888, Mrs. M. McGrath. Cablegrams from Australia and letters and telegrams from all parts of New Zealand expressing regret at unavoidable absence were read by the chairman of the celebrations committee, Mr. J. D. Thomson, who also read a letter received from the first teacher of the school, Mrs. L. L. Armstrong, wishing the celebrations every success. Mrs. Armstrong was unable to attend owing to illness. . Parade Through Grounds After the calling of the roll the expupils, arranged in units according to the years of their association with the school, paraded through the school grounds, led by a group of 30 pupils who had attended in the first four years, of the school's existence. The parade was headed by a piper. The Hon. H. G. R. Mason, M.P. for the district, extended to the school his heartiest congratulations on its 50th anniversary, remarking that such reunions did much to cement friendships made in early life. It was always interesting to meet old school friends, especially those one had not seen for perhaps 30 or 40 years, and to compare notes once more. Benewing Old Acquaintances Mr. C. R. Munro, a member of the Auckland Education Board, apologised for the absence of the chairman, Mr. T. TJ. Wells, and expressed bis great j pleasure in seeing the past pupils so thoroughly enjoying themselves renewing old acquaintances. He hoped that all might be present when the diamond jubilee celebrations were held. Mr. Munro also remarked on the great improvements that had been effected to the school and grounds, and said that conditions were in happy contrast to those prevailing in the first years. Mr. Chris Brown, a son of the first chairman of the school committee, recalled some of the early events of school life in humorous vein, and expressed regret that the first two teachers, although both still alive, were unable to be present. An enjoyable afternoon "was spent in the exchange of reminiscences, and in watching a programme of sports events arranged by Messrs. W. Calvert and G. Watson-Greep. A social and dance held in the hall in the evening brought the celebrations to a close.