OLD CITY SCHOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26749, 19 April 1948, Page 6

OLD CITY SCHOOL

REUNION OF EX-PUPILS ALL DECADES REPRESENTED Representatives of every decade in the long career of the Old Stone, Union and Normal Schools gathered in the grounds of the present Normal School for a'centennial reunion on Saturday. The building was decorated with bunting, and there was the general festive air which usually accompanies school reunions. The Dunedin Ladies’ Brass Band played several items. The well-attended function was presided over by Mr W. Rutherford, who directed the committee responsible for the arrangements. The unfurling of an historic flag opened the ceremony. Describing this particular Union Jack as “ a link with the memories of the past,” the chairman stated that it had been given to the school by pupils of the Holden Street School, London, in exchange for a New Zealand flag. A distinguished ex-pupil, the late Sir Thomas Mackenzie, had presented the New Zealand ensign to the English school. The Union Jack was hoisted to the masthead by Mr T. G. Kellan, and the Rev. J. H. Cable offered a prayer. Former headmasters of the school, who were associated with the chairman on the platform, were Messrs W. McElrea, P. Stewart, L. de Berry and W. A. Sproat. Mr Rutherford also welcomed Mr R. Walls, M.P., Mr A. Hanna, representing the Kaikorai School, Mr J. C. H. Somerville, representing the Anderson’s Bay School, Mrs A. Herbert, the oldest ex-pupil, who • was presented with a spray by Diana Marshall, the youngest present pupil, and Misses L. Maxwell and M. S. McMullin, two of the oldest former teachers. A special tribute was paid to the oldest of the former headmasters, Mr McElrea. Short addresses were given by Messrs Wall and Hanna and the present headmaster, Mr J. McK. Miller. The debt owed to ex-pupils who had made the supreme sacrifice at two world wars was referred to by Messrs Rutherford and Oliver. The function closed with afternoon tea and the exchange of reminiscences, many of which were prompted by the production of old class photographs.