OLD STONE-NORMAL SCHOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22716, 31 October 1935, Page 7

OLD STONE-NORMAL SCHOOL

REUNION OF EX-PUPILS There was a large attendance of expupils in the Somerset Lounge last evening, when the Old Stone—Union Street —Normal School Ex-pupils' Association held its third social reunion of the year. The president (Mr H.J3. Jones) occupied the chair. Extending a welcome to those present, the chairman referred to the death of Mr Robert M'Skimming of Patearoa, who had been one of the earliest pupils of the school, and a faithful member of the association. He had been a hardy pioneer of the province, said Mr Jones/ and he was held in respect by all who knew him. The president. welcomed especially Messrs M'Queen and Smith, two of the oldest pupils, of the school, and stated that it was gratifying;to' the committee to see so many members continuing to take an interest in the affairs of the association. He then made reference to an interesting booklet which had recently been discovered among the possessions of the association, which gave the headmaster's quarterly reports for the years 1865-75. It contained mainly records of attendances and fees paid in the old days, and showed that the attendance of the school had risen from 390 in 1865 to 626 10 years later. 'The remainder of the evening was spent in exchanging reminiscences, the following items being presented at suitable intervals: —Pianoforte solo, Miss Anderson; song, Mr W. J. Strong; recitation, Miss M'Kee; conjuring, Mr J. Meggett; violin solo, Mr Larkins; song, Miss Margaret Pratt; choir items, expupils' choirs; humorous items, Mr W. M'Kee; reading, Mr W. J. Strong; song, Mrs Leech; humorous item, "Wax Works"; recitation, Mr J. Fleming; humorous recitation, Miss Nan M*Keej song, Miss Noni Davidson.