KNAPDALE SCHOOL

Southland Times, Issue 20979, 11 January 1930, Page 10

KNAPDALE SCHOOL

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS. SUCCESSFUL PICNIC AND SPORTS. The jubilee celebrations in connection with the Knapdale School, which, opened in 1879, has since then met the primary educational requirements of this prosperous district, were commenced yesterday. Probably few associations carry with them such pleasant memories as those formed during school life, and it was therefore not surprising to find that in addition to many still resident in the district, who received their earliest instruction at the Knapdale School, visitors from as far north as Auckland assembled to join in the jubilee celebrations of their old school. Many old friendships were renewed and the little groups of ex-pupils, which foregathered during the day derived very evident pleasure by recalling incidents connected with their school life. Favoured by perfect weather conditions the various functions passed off very successfully, and the exceptionally large number of people, both old and young, who took part in the picnic and in the sports spent a most enjoyable day. The celebrations were opened with a short service conducted by the Rev. A. W. Armstrong, who briefly referred to the keen interest taken in educational matters by the early settlers of the district.

Mr M. H. Miller, chairman of the Jubilee Committee, and whose name is the first to appear on the school roll, extended a cordial welcome to visitors and more especially to those ex-pupils who had come from a distance in order to attend the jubilee. The chairman also placed a wreath on the school roll of honour. The wreath was made by Miss M. Wilson, M.A., headmistress of the Technical College, Dunedin, and a former pupil of the school. Following this ceremony an interesting programme of sports was commenced and continued until the luncheon hour, when an excellent repast was provided by the members of the committee and assistants

Subsequently the school roll was called and was answered by a surprisingly large number of those who had attended the school at various periods from the time it was established right down until within the last decade. Photographs of the expupils were taken and should provide an interesting record. Early in the afternoon the sports programme was resumed and afternoon tea was also provided. The arrangements in connection with the jubilee were very complete, reflecting credit upon the chairman, Mr W. FI. Miller, the secretary, Mr R. Fraser, and the members of the committee. During the afternoon a number of the Gore Highland Society’s pipers were in attendance and provided a most enjoyable programme of music. Mr W. Irvine, on behalf of the Jubilee Committee, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr S. Graham, who generously gave the use of a paddock adjoining the school grounds for the purposes of the picnic. Past Teachers. The Knapdale School opened with a roll call of approximately 40 pupils, Mr Wright being the first teacher. Mr Wright was followed in succession by Messrs W. Sutherland, O. Farrell, W. McClure, E. Fisher, A. McNiel (now senior inspector under the Southland Education Board), McKinnon, Rogers and Blue. During Mr McKinnon’s term the average attendance reached 65— the point at which the appointment of a pupil teacher was warranted, Miss Janet McKinnon, now Mrs Burnett, of Arthur’s Point, being appointed. Subsequent teachers were Messrs Donald, Hughes, Jolley, Graham, Naylor, Eggleston, Lyttle and IL Fraser. The latter relinquished his appointment after the outbreak of the war, but after his return from service was reappointed and is the present headmaster of the school. Fewer schools have been better served by those responsible for the education of its pupils than Knapdale, and each of those who taught from time to time did his best to promote the physical, moral, and educational interests of the scholars. The average attendance at the present time is 50. The school has been equally fortunate in those who have given their services as members of the School Committee, the first chairman of which was Mr J. S. Millar. Other early committeemen were: Messrs Marshall, Collins, Speden, Baird, Wilson, Mallon, Irvine, Mcßae and Watt. Sports Results. The following are the results of the sports events:— Ex-Pupils’ Events. Girls over 16. —Miss L. Cross 1, Miss J. Byers 2, Miss P. Jaffray 3. Men over 16.—G. Wayte 1, I. Wilson 2, J. Gerken 3. Girls under 16. —H. Byars 1, E. Wilson 2. Old Girls’ Obstacle Race.—Mrs Shaw 1, Mrs J. O’Hara 2, Mrs McKenzie 3. Boys Under 16.—J. Wilson 1, I. Dickson 2, I. Wilson 3. Second Period Ladies.—Mrs F. Cross 1, Mrs Allchurch 2, Mrs Robson 3. Early Period, Men.—R. L. Byars 1, F. Gerken 2, A. Beath 3. Second Period, Men.—P. Mallon 1, J. Fraser 2, J. A. Wilson 3. Early Period, Ladies. —Mrs G. Gerken 1, Mrs Barnes 2, Mrs Shaw 3. Third Period, Ladies.—Mrs G. McLeod 1, Mrs F. Murray 2. Stepping the Distance, Ladies.—Mrs W. Johnston 1, Mrs W. McKenzie 2. Present Pupils’ Events. Girls under B.—Marie Newman, Winnie Casey 2, Betty Wilsoq 3. Boys under B.—G. Wilson 1, Keith Whiteley 2, R. Dodds 3. Girls over B.—Doris Wilson 1, Daisy Cross 2, Ruth Dodds 3. Boys Over B.—Ernest Armstrong 1, N. Newman 2, John Miller 3. Open Events. Girls 5 and under 7.—Myra Newman 1, Margaret Wilson 2, Jean Byars 3. Boys 5 and under 7.—Allan Higgins 1, Robert Dodds 2, G. Wilson 3. Girls under s.—Ruth Wilson 1, Alma Stark 2, Edna Maslin 3. Girls 7 and under 9.—Edwina Hargest 1, Ruth Dodds 2, Doris de Silva 3. Boys 7 and under 9.—Allan Smith 1, Keith Whitley 2, Colin Dixon 3. Girls 9 and under 11.—Gretta Newman, Elsie Neill 2, Daisy Cross 3. Boys 9 and under 11. —Gobson Whiteley 1, Frank Nicholson 2, Leslie France 3. Boys under s.—Kelvin Smith 1, Mervyn Gray 2, David Irvine 3. Girls 11 and under 13.—Doris Wilson 1, Rita Moir 2, Joyce Styles 3. Boys 11 and under 13.—David Higgins 1, Cuthbert Higgins 2, Ernest Armstrong 3. Boys’ Sack Race under 15. —Gibson Whiteley 1, Bruce Wilson 2, Andrew Dodds 3. Sack Race, girls under 15.—Doris Wilson 1, Elsa Wilson, S. Price and Rita Moir (equal) 3. Young Ladies’ Sack Race: Miss A. Forbes 1, Miss J. Dodds 2, Miss B. Jaffray 3. Putting the Shot.—G. Gordon 1, E. Casey 2, M. H. Penney 3. A number of events were not concluded. Other Functions. In the evening a most enjoyable concert and a dance were held, and at both functions there were particularly large gatherings. This evening a jubilee banquet will be held in the Gore Town Hall, when another very successful function may be anticipated. The celebrations will conclude on Sunday afternoon when a special service will be held in the Presbyterian Church, Knapdale. All ex-pupils of the school are especially requested to be present, while a hearty invitation is also extended to visitors. A particularly appropriate service has been arranged, the preacher being the Rev. A, W. Armstrong.