GALLOWAY SHIELD

Southland Times, Issue 19546, 9 May 1925, Page 8

GALLOWAY SHIELD

WON BY NORTH SCHOOL.

PRESENTATION YESTERDAY.

On February 20, 1914, at Greenhills, lan Galloway, physical drill instructor, gave his life in an heroic effort to sa\e a drowning boy. To perpetuate his memory amongst the school Children of Southland, the citizens of the Invercargill district donated a handsome Memorial Shield, to oe competed for annually by physical drui squads from each school. In th.s way tne Galloway Shield is a great factor in promoting what was once a brave man’s ine work —the physical training of children m Southland.

The Galloway Shield has been competed for eight times. Mernvale School was victorious the first year, and the North School held it during the thtfee succeeding years. It was then won by the Gore School, but the North School children again came to the fore, and the coveted trophy has been in their hands ever since. Yesterday it was placed in their keeping lor the sixth time by members of the Southland Education Board and School Committee, who assembled at the school in the afternoon.

Prior to the presentation of the shield the New Zealand National Anthem was sung by the assembled children. The Rev. J. Collie presided, and said that the shield was given to the schools of Southland to commejporate an act of heroism which was performed 11 years ago. The North Invercargill School had won the shield six out of eight times, and he hoped they would keep it. It was symbolic of the ideals of self-sacrifice and heroism and was an object lesson to the children in their daily lives. The Southland Education Board was taking a great deal of interest in the physical drill of the children, and he had pleasure in asking the Chairman to present the shield to the school. Mr H. Smith, chairman of the Education Board, said he wondered how it was that the North School had succeeded in winning the shield so many times. There was no doubt that it was due to the energy and efficiency of the teachers and children, and he trusted that in after life the children would feel the mental and physical benefit of their splendid efforts. He had pleasure in handing the shield to the headmaster (Mr J. Soar) to hold for them. He hoped that they would always remember the high ideals for which it stood.

Mr P. de la Perrelle, M.P., also addressed the children, and said that the sight of so many robust boys and girls made him feel proud to be a New Zealander. The shield was given for the best physical development, and he heartily congratulated Mr T. Baird, who, as instructor, had done really excellent work. He hoped they would be equally successful in the years to follow.

Other speakers were Messrs D. A. Strachan (Senior Inspector of Schools), J. D. Trotter, A. V/. Jones and B. C. Galloway and Major Rice, after which the North School headmaster (Mr J. Soar) thanked the speakers on behalf of the school-and, in doing so, complimented the staff and children upon the excellent work and enthusiasm that had been shown.

The function concluded with hearty cheers for the members of the Education Board and the singing of “God Save King,” after which the visitors were entertained at afternoon tea by the staff.