GEORGE STREET SCHOOL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3972, 29 April 1930, Page 7

GEORGE STREET SCHOOL.

CONTINUATION OF CELEBRA-

TIONS.

JUBILEE DINNER

Ihe anniversary services in connection with the jubilee of the George Street School were continued on Easter Monday. During the forenoon and afternoon numbers of ex-pupils visited the school to inspect the many exhibits and to meet old friends.

Last night there was a celebration dinner in the concert chamber of the Town Hall, when there was an attendance of about 400 ladies and gentlemen. At the main table there were, among others, the following:—Mr C. A. Wilson (chairman of the Jubilee Committee) and Mrs Wilson, Mr and Mrs C. A. Patterson, Mr and Mrs W. Begg, Professor T. D. Adams, the Rev. J. D. Smith, Messrs J. W. Munro, ALP., J. Wallace (chairman, Otago Education Board), R. Ferguson (hon. secretary Jubilee Committee), W. H. Adams, and H. Douglas, Mrs S. Al Park, Mrs Roderick Al'Kenzie (nee Miss Whinam), Miss V. Campbell, Miss Al. Ford. Miss Al. Mackenzie, and Miss Al. Cameron (first dux of the school).

It was 9 p.na. when the programme of speeches and music was taken up, the first toast being that of “ The King,” which was received with enthusiasm'. The chairman read a number of messages of congratulation, including the following from the Rev. E. G. Guthrie (an ex-pupil), now in Chicago:—“Affectionate remembrance to all teachers and schoolmates, with loyal appreciation of and best wishes to our old school.” The Rev. F. J. Parker (Hamilton) telegraphed—“ Heartiest greetings to old school and best wishes for many years’ usefulness. I acknowledge with gratitude my debt to the teachers. I have the happiest memories of my schooldays at George Street.” Mr H. F. Skey (director of the Christchurch Magnetic Observatory) also sent a telegram. A radio from Miss Fraser, now at Chitral (India)', read:— “ Heartiest greetings,” and was received with applause. Mr Wilson went on to say that the committee thanked the pxscholars for their liberal support in the jubilee celebrations. They had had a happy gathering, but they deeply regretted the absence of their old teacher, Mr M'Nicoll. In speaking of the education given at the old school, Mr Wilson was led to say it was a pity if the English language was in danger in these days of pollution from outside sources. All means ought to be devised to prevent English being contaminated by any nasal twang. The chairman acknowledged the kindness of Mr H. Mayer (of Wellington) in donating a large number of medals to the school. He referred to the fact that many of their old comrades had passed away—some of them at the war—and the audience rose in silence for a few seconds as a tribute to the memory of the departed. Mr Wilson again referred to the successs of the celebration, and said he did not think it had been excelled by any gathering of the kind in or around Dunedin.— (Applause.) A large jubilee cake, upon which were 50 candles, occupied a place on the table in front of the chairman. At this stage the lighted candles were extinguished by the chairman and Miss Cameron (first dux), amid applause. Professor T. D. Adams proposed the toast of “ The School.” He congratulated Mr Wilson and the committee on the wonderful way in which they had or-

ganised everything and carried it through. It was a splendid spirit that had actuated people from all over New Zealand and from outside New Zealand to come to the function. He carried his audience back to the days spoken of in some of Charles Dickens’s works, and compared the conditions of those days with those prevailing in schools at the present time. Jubilee celebrations gave everyone an opportunity to think of the blessings they enjoyed to-day. It also gave them a chance to remember with gratefulness the many kindnesses extended to them by their teachers.— (Applause.) Mr Adams mentioned a number of names, each of which was honoured with applause. Referring to Mr M'Nicoll. he said that past pupils would always think of him as “ the grand old man” of the George Street School.— (Applause.) He suggested that as a memorial of the jubilee contributions might be made with a view to providing something permanent in the school as a remembrance of the jubilee. — (Applause.)

The chairman supported the proposal made by Professor Adams, and said that any funds collected might be handed over to the Past Pupils’ Association, which was to be formed.

Mrs S. M. Park, replying to the toast, said that many memories had arisen in her mind during the celebrations. She referred to a number of those who had passed away, having performed their duty well, and said it was right that those who remained should pay respect to their memories. She touched on the good qualities of Mr M'Nicoll and Miss Turnbull—the two persons whose names, she thought, stood out in the celebrations. Mr T. A. Patterson, speaking for himself, for the other teachers, and for exteachers. expressed deep gratitude for the words of kindly appreciation uttered by ex-pupils and for the warm hand-shakes with which they had boon greeted. He acknowledged with thankfulness a number of gifts from Mr Mayer (of Wellington) and Mr G-. S. Thomson. In reminiscent vein, Mr Patterson spoke of the time when he went to the school 20 years ago. and narrated some amusing incidents in the career of the school.

Mr D. Forsyth (rector of Port Chalmers School) paid a tribute to the splendid work of Mr Patterson, and what he had done in the last 20 years for the George Street School.—(Applause.) Mr W. 11. Adams, speaking as an excommitteeman, referred to the success of the school under Mr M'Nicoll, and to the good feeling that always existed between the: committee and the school staff. The Rev. J. D. Smith proposed “ Committees and ex-Committeemen.” He mentioned that ladies had also served on the School Committee, and spoke of the excellent work these ladies did in connection with schools. It was the thankless yet necessary task that had to be done in connection with many public institutions. The work was not appreciated as it ought to be, but all the' same it brought its own satisfaction—the reward of public duty.—(Applause.) The toast was responded to by Mr A. Pearson (chairman of the present School Committee), who said he would like to see the Government increase the capitation money granted to committees to allow them to carry out necessary works. Mr H. S. Bingham proposed “The Otago Education Board,” and thanked the board for the work it had devoted to the school to place it in its present position.

Mr J. Wallace (chairman of the Education Board), in responding, assured his audience that the relations existing between the board and the committees were always the very best. The board always gave what it considered a fair deal to every committee.

The toast of “Parliament” was proposed by Mr R. Varcoe and responded to by Mr J. W. Munro, M.P., “ Absent Friends” was instrusted to Mr Mayei Wellington), Mr H. Douglas (Wellington responding, and “Old Times” was in the hands of Mr C. Campbell, the reply being made by Mr H. J. Duncan. As the hour was late, the speakers made their remarks short.

The chairman voiced his thanks to the committee for its assistance; and tendered the best thanks of the committee to Mr R. Ferguson, hon, secretary, for the many services he had rendered to make the celebration the success it had undoubtedly been.— (Applause. )-

A number of musical and elocutionary items were given between speeches. The proceedings were brought to a termination shortly before midnight with the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne.” On Sunday afternoon a commemorative service was held in St. Stephen’s Church, when the Rev. G. W. Hercus (an expupil) was the preacher. There will be a ball in the concert hall to-night, and to-morrow is reserved for

a treat for the present pupil's at Logan 1 ark.

In our report of the George Street bchool jubilee celebrations Miss Verona Campbell was referred to as having been an infant mistress for 30 years. Miss Campbell was an assistant mistress, Miss I. Turnbull being infant mistress for about 25 years.