NEW SCHOOL AT LEVIN

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1636, 8 July 1903, Page 55

NEW SCHOOL AT LEVIN

THE OPENING CEREMONY.

During the past few years the Levin district has given proofs of a solid prosperity, and has put in a strong claim to bo considered the intermediate centre between Palmerston and Wellington. Population has increased at a rate which can best be realised by a comparison of the school attendances for tho last few years, and by the early necessity for such a capacioius school as was opened on Saturday. There was formerly a school at Levin and another one a mile off, at Weraroa. Both became congested. On Saturday morning the children from each marched down and took possession of the new building, which has just been completed on a site half-way between tho two townships. After exchanging rounds of cheers, the youngsters mingled together and lined up for tho purpose of being welcomed to their new abode by the chairman of the committee (Mr W. C. Nation). Mr F. Bradey (chairman of the Education Board) and Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R. (a member of the Board) gave short addresses to the children, who then entered into the abandon of sports in the grounds. In the afternoon a Parliamentary party arrived by train. It consisted of the Hon. J. Carroll, (representing the Government), the Hon. J. Itigg, Messrs W. H. Field and F. R. Flatmam M.H.R.’s., and also Mr W. Allen (a member of the Education Board), Apologies were received from tho Minister of Education and others. Mr Carroll, at tho invitation of Mr Nation, declared the school open. In doing so he referred to the almost phenomenal progress of tlie district, as shown by the school attendance figures. When only a few years ago they asked for a school there, there was only a handful of scholars. Now they had over 300 assembled. Tho school’s progress was testimony to the attention and care bestowed on education in Levin. There were still improvements to be made in the system, especially in tho way of allowing poor children to proceed fi'orn the primary to the secondary schools. It cost the colony considerable sums to educate the young, hut the colony expected a return from the yofung after they had been educated. Ho was pleas ed to see among those present children of his own race, as it showed they were gradual ly removing the differences that existed between tho races. He would also remark, for the benefit of those who were l'esponsiblo for oi'dering the lessons of the young, that lie would like to see more native subjects introduced. We knew too little of the history of our own country; its flora and fauna; and. there was much that could be given to the young with advantage. Mr Bradey said tlie school had cost £1550, towards which the Government gave a special grant of £SOO. The balance of £IOSO had to come out of the ordinary building grant. The school had been built by Mr Williamson, the contractor, who had oai'X'ied out his work in a most faithful and satisfactoxy manner. He thought it would compare very favourably with most of the buildings in the Wellington district. (Hear, hear.) He congratulated the district on having such a school. Mi' Field referred to the excellent system of free and secular education in the country, and expressed the opinion that the personality of Mr Seel don as Colonial Treasurer would extend to that of Mr Seddon as Minister of Education. There was also a bright outlook for technical education. Cheers were given for the contractor (Mr Williamson), the architect (Mr Turnbull) the teachers aud others. Mr W. Allen addressed a few words to the children and the members of the committee. The gathering then entered the school and partook of refreshments, the children indulging in sports.