CROMWELL SCHOOL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3959, 28 January 1930, Page 23

CROMWELL SCHOOL.

REUNION CELEBRATIONS

CROMWELL, January 24. The. reunion celebrations of the CromweH School for a period of 65 years from 1865 to 1930 opened yesterday afternoon in brilliant Central Otago sunshine. If the first of four days’ celebrations can be taken as a criterion, they should prove notable in the history of the town, memorable and appropriate in their salient features, and the most successful of the kind yet held in Central Otago. I* or some days prior to the function ex-pupils were arriving from all parts Some are here from as far as Auckland, others from the heart of the North Island, and many again from all cornet’s of the South Island.

Ihe town is gay. The main .street and buildings are lavishly bedecked with greenery ami bunting, and give an idea of the thoroughness of the organisation and the spirit of the people. In tiie assemblage there are many “ notables ’ — e.g., those who, as pupils, knew the school from 1865 on for a few years, and the first brigade, from 1865 to 1880, musters a r ’ of some 35. In all it is a remarkable gathering. Early on Thursday little knots of early celebrities could be seen here and there recounting the stories of long ago, when the quest for gold was*the inspiring spirit of the day. Many had not met for almost countless years. If they had, memories of long ago could not be recounted in a manner such as an occasion like this affords.

The official opening ceremony took place at 2.30 on Thursday afternoon. Lieut. E. Jolly, of the Boer war. was the mounted marshal, and under his guidance a great procession assembled. Wisely the point of assembly was fixed in from of what was the school building of 1865. still wonderfully preserved. Since it was moved from its original site it has served many purposes. To-day it does service as the premises of a well-knowr local skin buyer, and is the second building on the left-hand side of the road entering the town from the bridge, or eastern, side. The streets were lined with visitors as, to the .trains of the Cromwell Brass Band, the procession moved off to what is known as the old school, now the Oddfellows’ Hall, just opposite the Athenseum Hall. Here there was a break of 18 minutes to enable expupils to renew memories of the old building. Continuing, the procession set out for the new school in the back part of the town.

Here the official welcome anil a few speeches were delivered, and other more serious obligations observed. On the platform were the Mayor (Mr C. AV. J. Roberts) and Miss Roberts, the president of the association, Mr L. M. Jolly, Mr A. Stephens (secretary), Mr AV’. Gam (chairman of the School Committee). Messrs Warburton (headmaster 1892 1906). AV. F. Abel (1906-1916), Mrs AV. D. Jolly (nee Miss Waddell, mistress, 1895-1901), and Mrs AV. A. Bodkin and Mrs Abel.

The president briefly opened the proceedings, and reverently the assemblage stood in silence in memory of departed pupils. The Mayor officially welcomed the visitors, outlining the memories of such a function, cordially greeting one and all, and complimenting the association on its organisation. On all he conferred the “ freedom of the city.”

The president followed with a resume of the history of the school, and the list of teachers since its inception. Those present were heartily received, while through the decades the names of Miss Scott (now Mrs Rooney, of Auckland) and Mr R. J. Barrett, of Timaru, raised rousing cheers. Included in a long list of congratulatory messages received were 10 from Sydney and Melbourne. Mr Abel AA’arburton, who is present from Ngaruawahia, thanked one and all for the opportunity of meeting them again, especially the pupils of his time. He had endeavoured, as a teacher, to the full of his powers, to do the best for his pupils. The warmth and genuineness of his reception left no doubt on that. Ihe boys and girls who had passed under him had been healthy, vigorous, and intelligent He assured his hearers, after close observation in all parts of the Dominion, that in his opinion the descendants of the old diggers of Otago were the best human stock in the Dominion. Cromwellites by birth could deem themselves citizens of no mean city, and it was their duty to uphold the traditions of the past and main tain and hand on its spirit, and carry on its work. The foundations had been well laid by their parents. The erection of a fit superstructure was their duty. Mr AA’. Gain (chairman), in his modest way, cordially welcomed one and all, and Mr AA’. F. Abel, for the mome.nt, contented himself by returning thanks for the welcome.

The speeches over, to Mr AA’arburton was decreed the privilege of placing a wreath on the school's Roll of Honour, which he did in true military style, with a solemn salute. An enthusiastic committee of ladies then treated the rare gathering, estimated at over 600, to afternoon tea.

The evening was devoted to a free-and-easy in the Athenaeum Hal], and here again the spirit of the occasion was in evidence. Interesting tales and stories were related on all sides, with musical items and songs, the function again concluding with refreshments. These were the outstanding items. Mrs AA’. Gain, the oldest lady pupil who attended the opening of the school, and Mrs AA 7 . D. Jolly, the oldest lady teacher present, were each presented with a bouquet as a token of love and appreciation. Interesting reminiscences by Mr AV. Marsh, of

AA yndhani Herald, were of an impressive nature. He, too, attended the opening school in 1865, and is a brother of Mrs Gain. Another of the first school in 1865 was Mr Janies Ritchie, of Nevis. The National Anthem was the closing of a memorable day.

In all the appointments there is one outstanding. AA'hat is known as an art gallery is housed in the Council Chambers. It contains a great array of photographs of the town, local celebrities, and early pioneers from 68 years ago onward, and is a centre of great interest. There is an interest in it far beyond those associated with the school, and a suggestion has been made to have such a worthy collection preserved for all time. Pupils are coming and going all the time, and the large and representative attendance is - difficult to estimate. There were over 300 in the procession, and many, with family ties and for other reasons, could not parade.

THE SCHOOL JUBILEE. CROMAVELL. January 24. To-day (Friday) the celebrations continue merrily under perfect weather conditions. This morning was occupied with the roll call and photographing, and throughout there is a wonderful spirit of welcome. There was a surprise this morning in the unexpected arrival of Mr James Hurley, a pupil of 1865, from AA’endonside. AA’ith Mr E. Luscoinbe added, this makes five of the 1865 pupils present at the gathering. This afternoon every available car was loaded for a motor tour of the district, up the valley and to the Roaring Meg, where a halt was made for a picnic. To-night an old-time concert and dance promise to draw a record attendance.