RONGOTEA NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12012, 15 March 1920, Page 5

RONGOTEA NOTES.

From Onr Oftn Correspondent. UNVEILING MEMORIAL The honour board in memory of soldiers who were ex-pnpils of the school was nnveilel at Carnarvon School, Roiigotea Siding, on Tuesday by Mr E Newman, M.P. There was a large gathering of relations and parents of soldiers in spite of the very inclement weather. There were also present: Rev B J James, Mr J? Pirani, chairman of Wanganui' Education Board, and Mr O Banner. Inspector of Agriculture for Schools. The assembly service was recited and sung by the children in a highly creditable manner, the behaviour and general interest of the children showing that they appreciated as well as understood the sacred side of the memorial ceremov. , * The declaration o£ loyalty being said by Archie Griffen, three verses of the National Anthem were sung. This was followed by the children’s declaration of faith and patriotism recited by Douglas Burne after which was sung Kipling’s hymn “Land of Our Birth We Pledge to Thee.” After the declaration of obedience by Florence Rose, followed the flag salute, the declaration being solemnly recited. The singing of Bracken’s “God Defend New Zealand” finished the children’s part of the ceremony. A short and inspiring address was then given by the Rev B J James, of Sanson, who emphasised the heroism and self-sacrifice of our men. “In Flanders Fields, ” after the hymn • 'O God Our Help in Ages Past. ”

Mr E Newman was introduced by Mr W Burne, chairman of the School Committee. His speech accented the value of patriotism as a living spirit to be instilled into the lives of all people. He deplored the fact that in past years history had been taught in our schools, generally as a dead subject, patriotism being a virtue almost unmentioned. In view of this fact the heroism and seif-offering of our young men were all the more wonderful. In the future we, hope that history, the story of our nation’s struggle and growth, will be taught a;j the effort of a people to read the heights of parity, heroism and the ability of willingness to live for others—“each for all. ”

Then the Rev James led in prayer and after the hymn “Jesu Lover of My Soul,” the next speech was made by Mr Pirani. As one who had visited the boys at the very front and who had seen battles, he spoke to the children of the soldiers, their suffering and their bravery. The men were an example of what ordinary people could be when they set their minds to a great purpose. They were not saints, just men, but they gave themselves for others. The speaker dwelt on the greatness of giving, and exhorted the children as to the need for learning to give and to live for others, forgetting self, as did the soldiers whom we now honour. Mr Pirani remarked at some length upon the work of women during the war,.- giving details which were a most favourable comment as to their ability, efficiency and endurance. Coming nearer homo, he noted the highly satisfactory work done by women teachers. He urged the p3ople, who in the country have unique opportunities, to treat their teachers with kindness and with honour, and to do their utmost to make them happy whilst they lived among them, and this for the teachers’ own sakes and also tor the sake of their children. A good teacher must be happy 7 He had seen men wearing the look of the man who lost a shilling and found sixpence, but he would maintain that the women teachers d-d their work cheerfully and looked cheerful about it.

After the conclusion of this speech afternoon tea was dispensed by' Mesdames Burne, Hansen, Giles, Rose, Dixon and others The accompaniments for the service were played by Mrs W V Smith The honour board, which is a very handsome one, was printed by Mr P W Dixon gratuitously. Tna names thereon are as follows: — Died or Killed in Action—A W Booth, M J Currie, J J Cook, P Gifford, C Hansen, F Hamlin, E Jarvis, K McMillan, H Schultz, A Schultz, W Young. Wounded —P Olaasen, S Lmnsden, G McOutchen,' G A Whitfield, W L Whitfield, L Richards, W Gilligan, H Olaasen, H Bowater. Returned all right—Nurse Guthrie, Chaplain McKenzie, G Harre, W A Cook, J B Cook, G E Low, A L Low, H Lmnsden, J Mudford, H Reeve, N Rowe, E Rowe, H McMillan, N McMillan, A Lind, H Boyle, G F Litfield.