SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 89, 28 November 1911, Page 2

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

lays foundation stone of the new school.

A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION

Sir Joseph Ward, Prime Minister, accompanied by Lady and Miss Ward, arrived in Stratford by yesterday afternoon’s train from the south, Sir Joseph’s mission being to lay the foundation stone of the new school. On the railway station Sir Joseph was met by the Mayor and Borough Councillors, members of the School Committee, and leading citizens. _ The Mayor, addressing the Premier, said that as the present was Sir Joseph’s first visit to Stratford since his return from his visit to England he desired to extend to him a hearty welcome to Stratford and to express the pleasure of everybody at seeing him again. He desired Sir Joseph to realise how they all appreciated tii© work he had done at the Imperial Conference, not only for the Dominion of New Zealand itself but for the statesmanlike work he had done for the whole of His Majesty’s dominions. He hoped Sir Joseph’ 9 stay in Stratford, would be a pleasant one. (Applause.) Sir Joseph expressed his thanks to the Mayor for his kind words of welcome and for his appreciation of the work he (Sir Joseph) had endeavoured to do at the Imperial Conference. It was not always that the work done at these conferences was appreciated at its full value. ' If they had done nothing else they had made the people of the Old Country commence to realise that though the Dominions were far away from the Motherland across the sea, the people of them had not been weakened in their feelings as Britons. (Applause.) A visit to the Old Land convinced a colonial that it was better, as in New Zealand, to have land cut up among settlers than to have it aggregated for deer parks. In the colonies they had learnt most of what they know from the old pioneers from Britain; but the people of the Old Country could learn much by hearing the views of people in the young and vigorous countries and examining their schemes for dealing with conditions. Those present at the conference were able to interchange ideas, and to inform each other as to how problems were dealt with in their different countries. He was sure there were few countries which could equal New Zealand so far as advancement was concerned. He had been in Stratford on many occasions, and he was glad to visit the town again. Sir Joseph concluded by again thanking the Mayor for his hearty welcome. The gathering broke up with cheers for Sir Joseph Ward, Lady Ward, and the Mayor. THE GOVERNMENT’S EDUCATION POLICY. LAYING THE STONE. An adjournment was then made to the school grounds, where a large crowd of adults were gathered to witness the operation of laying the foundation stone. A platform was provided for, the speakers, and was tastefully decorated with flags. On the platform were: Messrs H. Trimble (Chairman of the Education Board), P. S. Whitcombe (secretary Education Board), Sanderson (architect Education Board), J. Masters (Mayor), P. Skoglund (Town Clerk), C. 1). Solo (Chairman School Committee), W. Hathaway (Chairman County Council), J. 13. Hine (member for the district), F. Tyrer (headmaster), W. L. Kennedy aiid W. Rodgers (members Education Board). The Mayor said he desired again to express his pleasure at Sir Joseph’s presence, and when they realised the sacrifice he had made in order to bo among them at that busy time they would see that they had much to be grateful for; and it showed plainly at any rate that he had the interests' of Stratford, and especially its young people, at heart. He desired also to express the thanks of the citizens to the Education Department, for the prompt manner in which rebuilding had been commenced. But lie thought the Department might have gone a step further and .built the whole of the school in brick, taking away the wooden portion which had been saved from the fire. Every time Sir Joseph came to Stratford after the brick building was completed lie was sure the old wooden portion would bo an eyesore to him. (Laughter.) However, they were thankful for small mercies . They were all proud of the country’s education system. Many of those present would remember the time when it was almost as possible for a camel to get through the eye of a needle as for a working man’s son to get past the shovel; but everybody was on an equal footing now—the working man’s son ■had equal education facilities with the rich man’s son, and boys were being turned out from the /schools who were taking the most prominent places in the country. In all departments of the public service and in business, boys from our schools were taking the richest posts l . Stratford had not been behind in taking advanttage of the education system, and their school had been turning out boys who were a credit to the town and to the schoolmaster. (Applause.) He did not know any town which turned out better boys and girls. Mr AV. Hathaway, chairman of the County Council, said he had to congratulate Stratford on its new school, but ho thought it should be larger than the foundations indicated it would be; for at an early date the railway from Opunake would bo running to Stratford with a consequent increase in the number attending the school. (Applause and laughter.) He thought the sooner steps were taken to have the whole school in brick the better it would be. They had a good deal to thank the Government for. Thirty years ago Stratford was in the bush, and though the settlors had done a great deal for themselves they should not forget what was done by the Government for its forsight. Mr Trimble, chairman of the Education Board, said he was pleased to bo present that day because the present was the first primary school in the education district to be built in brick. He did not think it would he long before they had the Premier there to open another school, for the time was coming when it would be necessary to separate the primary and high schools. He could easily believe that in time Stratford would become the educational centre of Taranaki because of its central position in the province. Mr J- B. Hine, M. P., said ho thought the lire was a very fortunate one ,and he thought the citizens thought so too. He hoped Sir Joseph’s visit to Stratford would disabuse his mind of anything he had heard regarding “child slavery.” If he looked around him ho could not believe in “child slavery”—ho worn! receive a lasting reminder that there was no such thing, in Stratford at least. Mr. Sole then called upon Sir Joseph Ward to address tiio gathering. Sir Joseph expressed his pleasure at being present on so important an occasion. He was glad also to notice that the weather was behaving. He could set at rest any doubt there might be in Air Hine’s mind regarding his view of “child slavery.” He did

not regard anybody in tbo colony as other than free citizens —free from shivering of every kind. Nor did he believe that the parents of Taranaki would treat their children worse than did the parents in other parts of the Dominion. And ho could confirm his opinion by a glance round the crowd of happy children present that day. (Applause.) The school authorities said the children were having a hallholiday that day, but they all seemed to lie present, and ho did not think they were enjoying a proper holiday, therefore he would bespeak a whole holiday for them on the morrow. (Juvenile applause.) He desired that the children might have a holiday as a means of impressing on them the fact that in times to conic they would bo the men and women of the countiy. In twenty-live years the older generation who were at present managing the affairs of the country would have departed to that bourne from which no traveller returns,” and even before that time came the present school children would’ have the destinies of the country in their hands. He did not desire the children to have a holiday merely on sentimental grounds—he desired them to have the holiday to impress on their memories,an iinpoi ant stage in their history and the history of the Dominion. (At this point, as 'a result of a whispered conversation, Sir Joseph announced that his appeal had touched the, hearts of those responsible, and that a full holiday had been granted the children. I.lie announcement was received with ruithei juvenile applause.) Sir Joseph, whose Voice was hoarse, proceeded to say that he had a slight cold, and that as he had a good deal of talking to do before December 7th (laughter), he "ou d have to ask to be excused it he could not be heard by everybody. the new school would cost about £3o00 ; and it was pleasant for citizens to know that before having properly goo so much there were those at the head of aliaiis educational who were already asking tor more. They were looking ahead, and warning the future Minister for Finance to have money ready for the purpose. But. the Government iccognised its duty in the matter of attending to education, and at present it was carrying out that duty throughout the country ; and if at any time the expansion of the district warranted an extension of the school, those in authority need have no uneasiness about their needs not being attended to—the Government would always be found ready to act in such cases. It was interesting to review what the Government was actually doing in the way of education. The total number of primary schools was 2096, the roll number of children being 154, U)b, and the average attendance 135,7J8. At present the standard of exemption was standard V., but next year would bo raised to standard VI. 'The Department issued free school books to scholars and the School Journal was' also available to scholars. Free passes on the railways were provided, and where there wore no railways other allowances were made. in the Public School Cadets a good grounding was given iu military and physical ; drill. Ihe cadets at the schools had nothing to do with the Territorials, and senior cadets would not be allowed to attend camps in company with adult Territorials. Even anti-militarists would agree that the training given to Public School Cadets would be ot great benetit to the lads. Thei average salary paid to men teachers was £2Ol, and to women £132. The scale of salaries was the same for men as for women. 'The Department had three training colleges ior teachers, and at these colleges there were 380 students last year. There was also a system for helping imcertiucated teachers to get full certificates. There were 31 high schools, which dealt with the manual and technical instruction provided in the Education Act. Tree places were provided for nearly 8000 pupils in 1910. There were four innversity colleges—one in each of tho four centres—at which there were 1691 students, and last year 149 degrees were issued by the universities. There were 99 village schools for Maoris. In tho nine boarding schools maintained for the higher education of Maoris there were 378 pupils last year. Provision was made for the education of deaf and blind children, and there wore twelve institutions for the reformation of vicious children. Last year the Education Department cost £1,083,000. Nine million acres -had been sot aside as an endowment for education and old-age pensions, seventy per cent, going to education. In addition, there were lands of a-value of about three millions set aside wholly for education. Tbe revenue from; these last year was £149,000. This short review would give an idea 'howj wide the education system was. His late colleague, Mr had told him that the Stratford school was doing some of the best work in the colony. (Applause.) It was the first school in the colony to take up rural education, and this was a particularly pleasing feature in view of tho fact that this branch of education had since been so widely taken up. Sir Joseph then dealt lightly with bis experience in laying fomylation l stones and turning sods, and defined all stone masons, bricklayers and navvies to beat him, though ho did not guarantee to last so long at tho business as some of the sturdy men who wore engaged in those businesses all tbe year round. He hoped they would soon he gathered together again to open an extension to the school, and nobody would be more pleased to be present than lie himself, if the town should grow to such an extent as to make an extension imperative. (Applause.) At Sir Joseph’s call three cheers were given for tho success of the school, and three cheers were given for Sir Joseph. , , Sir Joseph then laid the foundation, stone, and declared it well and truly laid. \ REWARD FOR DODD AND COLLINS. GOLD MEDALS PRESENTED. At this point the Mavor asked Frank Collins and .livv Dodd fo,stand Forward, Collins resp) ■d : ng. The Mayor said be bad tbe pleasing duty of requesting Lady Ward to present to the boys gold medals supplied by Mr. and Mrs. J. Edwards to mark their sense of appreciation, or the action of tbe lads in endeavouring to save tbo life of their young daughter Thelma, who was recently drowned in the lake in Victoria Park. Although tbo boys were not successful in saving tbo child’s life, they bad shown pluck and richly deserved tbe medals. Everybody present knew tbe circumstances of the case. Lady Ward then pinned the medal m Collins’ coat. Sir Joseph Ward: We will give him three cheers. He did a bravo act, and will grow up to lie, a brave man. Tbe cheers were heartily given, and wore repeated for Dodd, despite bis absence. REMINDERS OP TWO HISTORIC WRECKS. MALLET AND TROWEL PRESENTED. For tbe purpose of commemorating

11 1 0 occasion of laying the stone, the Premier was presented by iVlr. Sole with a trowel and mallet suitably inscribed, the wood work being done by Mr. S. Clark. The handle of the trowel was made from wood I rum the vessel “Boyd,” wiiich was wrecked in the Bay of Islands about a hundred years ago, the blade being inlaid with New Zealand woods. The handle of the mallet was of wood from the “Boyd,” and the head of wood from the wreck of Orpheus,” which was lost on Manukau bar in tlie early days, the head being also inlaid With New Zealand woods. These historic woods were in the possession of Mr, Clark. Sir Joseph Ward expressed himself as highly pleased with the articles, and at his request Air. Sole is to forward to him a short history of the loss of the two vessels named. REFUSAL TO MEET ALL DEPUTATIONS. WILL PROMISE NOTHING. It had been intended to have two deputations wait on the Premier, one regarding a new post ollieo and the otner regarding the light loan; hnt when approached on th.e matter Sir Josepii said he did not intend to receive any deputations on his present visit, and he did not desire to make any promises.

ENTERTAINED AT DINNER

After the foundation stone ceremony Sir Joseph Ward, Lady Ward and Miss Eileen Ward were entertained at dinner at the County Hotel by the District High School Committee, the chair being occupied hy the Chairman of the District High School, Mr. C. D'. Sole and the Chairman of the Education Board (Mr. Trimble), the Sec-, i clary to the Board (Mr. P. S. Whitcombe), the Secretary to the Committee (Air. T. Harry Penn), other members of the Education Board and School Committee being present. After an excellent repast Air. Sole proposed the usual loyal toast, and Mr.. Trimble the health of Sir Joseph Word whom they were all very proud and pleased to sec amongst them. Ho had to thank Sir Joseph for, during such a strenuous time, finding time to visit Stratford. He also alluded to the Premier’s recent visit to the Imperial Conference, and remarked that Sir Joseph. Ward had there, in the Councils of the Empire, represented New Zealand with great ability. The Premier, who was applauded, thanked Air. Trimble for bis kind words, and said be desired to remind some of those present who perhaps were not so familiar with New Zealand’s earlier Parliamentary'' life that Air. Trimble’s father had betm an esteemed member of the House of Representatives, and it was a source of very great pleasure to him to have the toast of his health proposed in such kindly terms by the son of the late Colonel Trimble, in those earlydays it was men of the late Colonel Trimble’s stamp who helped to impress on the rising generation what was exncctcd of them by their country, and whatever their particular views might bo on many questions, if their first thought was of their country and its welfare then no great mistakes could bo made. The Imperial Conference at which he had had the honour to represent New Zealand, though only a visionary fabric, was yet very real in that it had, he believed, laid the foundation of a great Empire structure and marked a great and substantial progress of the Imperial idea. With a few concluding remarks Sir Joseph resumed his seat, amid applause. Sir Joseph Ward subsequently pronosed the health of the Chairman (Air Sole) and the Mayor (Air. Masters) in happy fashion, referring especially to the hard work anil little thanks Mayers usually received. Afr. Sole and Mr. Masters suitably replied. LADY WARD ENTERTAINED BY THE COMMITTEE. AT AFTERNOON TEA. Lady Ward, accompanied by Miss Eileen Ward, was the guest of the School Committee at afternoon tea at the County Hotel, during the afternoon. The drawingroom was tastefully arranged and a dainty afternoon tea was provided. Airs. Sole (wife of the chairman of the School Committee), assisted hy Airs. T. Harry Penn, dispensed tea, which was greatly appreciated by the tired travellers. Lady Ward, who was looking particularly well, wore a smart tailored costume of navy serge, heavily braided with black silk braid; navy bat trimmed with largo bow of navy glace silk and pink-shaded roses; she had a handsome fur. Atiss Ward, extremely smart black and white check costume, large pretty straw hat, trimmed Saxo blue silk, and added a pretty blue ostrich boa. Mrs. T. Harry Penn, smart blue costume, black hat, with lovely ostrich feathers. Mrs. Sole, smartly gowned in grey costume, pretty toque with touches of violet, large lace scarf. Airs. Cameron, green tailored costume, dainty black jot toque. Airs. Smart, black costume, cream vest, navy silk toque. Airs. Aletson, black silk voile skirt, cream blouse, pretty straw hat, trimmed black and white ribbon bows. Airs. McCluggage, grey Sicilian costume, large “Maud Halliday” hat, with hand-pain ted scarf. Miss Alyrtle Atasters, cream frock, pretty cream hat trimmed with blue forget-me-nots. The Rev. Aletson and Messrs Penn, Solo, and AlcChiggago were also present. An apology was received from Airs. Hine, who was unavoidably absent.