NEW SCHOOL AT LEVIN.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5009, 6 July 1903, Page 2

NEW SCHOOL AT LEVIN.

THE OPENING CEREMONY. During tho past lew years tlio Levin district lias given proofs of a solid prcsXicnty, and lias liut in a strong claim to bo considered tho intermediate centre between Palmerston and 'Wellington. Population has increased at a rato which can best bo realised by' a comparison of tho school attendances for tho last low years, and by tho early necessity for such a c.ipaciuus school an was opened on Saturday. There was formerly a school at Levin and another ono a mile off, at Wcraroa. Both became congested. On Saturday morning the children from each marched down and took possession or tho new building, which has just been completed on a site half-way between tho two townships. After exchanging rounds of cheers, tho youngsters mingled together- and lined up for tho purpose of being welcomed to their now abode by the chairman of tho committee (Mr W. C. Nation). Mr F. Bradoy (chairman of the Education Board) and Mr A. AV. Hogg, (a member of tho Board) gave short addresses to tho children, who thou entered into tho abandon of sports in tho grounds. In tho afternoon a Parliamentary party arrived by train. It consisted of tho Hon. J, Carroll (representing the Government),' tho Hon. J. Rigg, Messrs AY. H. Field and I'. R. Fin lman. M.H.R.’s., and also Ah' AA 7 . Alien (a member of tho Education Board), Apologies were received from the Minister of Education and others. Mr Carroll, at tho invitation of Mr Nation, declared tho school open. In doing so bo referred to tho almost phenomenal progress ot tho 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. The school’s progress was testimony to tho attention and care bestowed on education in Levin. There wore still improvements to bo made in tho system, especially in tho way of allowing poor oliildren to proceed from the primary to the secondary schools. It cost the colony considerable sums bo educate the young, but the colony expected a return from the yoyiug after they bad been educated. Ho was pleased to see among those present children of bis own race, as it showed they wore gradually removing the differences that existed between the races. Ho would also remark, for the benefit of those who wore responsible for ordering the lessons of tho young, that ho would like to see more native subjects introduced. Wo knew too little of the history of our own country; its flora and fajoua ;yand there was much that could be given to tho young with advantage. Mr Bradey said tho school had cost £1550, ; towards which tho Government gave a special grant of £SOO. Tho balance of £IOSO had to come out of tho ordinary building grant. Tho school bad been built by Mr AVilliamsou, tho contractor, who bad carried out bis work in, a most faithful and satisfactory manner. Ho thought it wcm Id compare very favourably with mosh of tho buildings in tho Wellington district. (Hoar, hoar.) Ho congratulated tho district on having snob a school. , Mr Field referred to tho excellent system of free and secular education in tho country, and expressed tho opinion that tho personality of Mir Seddion as Colonial Treasurer wojnld extend to that of Mr Sodden as Minister of Education. There was also a bright outlook for technical education.’ Cheers were given for the contractor (Mr "Williamson), tho architect (Mr Turnbull) tho teachers and- others. Mr AY. Allen addressed a few words .to the children and tho members of tho committee. , , The gathering then entered the school and partook of refreshments, tho children indulging hi sports.