STRATFORD SCHOOL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 93, 19 April 1912, Page 5

STRATFORD SCHOOL.

OPENING OF THE NEW BUILDING A IMG GATHERING.

The new Stratford District High School, in the shape ox the very handsome brick edifice that now adorns Fenton Street, and with Fenton Street, Stratford, was opened very successfully last evening by Mr. Trimble, Chairman of the Taranaki Education Board, in tiie unavoidable absence of the Minister for Education, the Hon. J. A. Hauan.

Tho Prime Minister, Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, telegraphed as follows; — “1 regret that it is found quite impossible for a Minister to be present at the opening of the District High School. Departmental and oilier duties require tire presence of Ministers either in Wellington or in other parts. Had it been possible to arrange to do so one of my colleagues would have been with you. I trust you will have a most successful gathering.” Hon. J. A. Hauan, Minister of Education, wired “Referring to your invitation to open your new District High School on Thursday next 1 am exceedingly sorry to have to =ay that important public matters make it imperative for mo to be m Wellington during this week, and that in consequence 1 shall be unable to perform the ceremony on the date named. If an opportunity occurs for me later to visit Stratford I shall be very pleased to do so, and will Jet you know in good time.” A communication was also received from Mr. W. T. Jennings, ex-M.P. for iaumariinui, as follows: —“1 have to acknowledge yours of tne 12th iast., and please convey to your committee mytiiauks at receiving the invitation to be present; but a prior eipagement precludes me. 1 hope the new sciiool will maintain the reputation that Stratford holds so worthily in educational matters.” The Chairman of the evening, Mr C. I). Sole, in opening proceedings, extended a very hearty welcom j to those who had come from such very long distances to be present. He had to apologise for the absence of Hon. J. A. Hauan, Minister of Education, who was quite unable to be present. Mr. Ell would have come, had not the death of his wife’s mother prevented him. He was very proud ot the new school, which was a credit, not only to the Education Board, but also to the district. The only pity >t was not big enough. He trusted the new committee would use their beat endeavours to see that sufficient accommodation was provided. At present they had 700 children on the roll, but had only accommodation for 050. He was especially very pleased to see so many householders present. Mr. Sole, then called upon the,Mayor to addtesv the meeting.

The Mayor, who was grottccl with applause, said he had come to enjoy himself, not to make speeches. He wished to congratulate the school committee on the magnificent building that had been erected in keeping with Stratford. They should have had this building a very long time ago, and the fire"was not such a very had thing. The only pity was that it did not last longer and burn the other part. (Laughter.) Ho happened to he the first person who noticed the fire and rang the alarm, and wished that perhaps the brigade had not done thenwork so well. However, they must he thankful for small mercies. Stratford was a big school, and the children 'attending it came from all parts—from north, cast, south and west. The reason was because in Stratford the children got fitted for almost any position in life that they migat take up. It would he a wonder if such was not the case, considering the material the teachers had to work on. They had a good Headmaster—a man who was not here for the purpose alone of drawing his pay. He nad known Mr. Tyrer for a very long time, and he knew that he did his utmost to train the bovs and children to the v erj best of his ability. (Applause.) “When you get such a man,” added the Mayor, “the school is bound to be a success.” Then, again, the school had been very fortunate in having a good staff of teachers. Likewise they were blessed with a good go-ahead School Committee, and one of the most enthusiastic chairmen, he believed, that any school committee could possess. (Applause.) “Take my advice,” added hr Worship, “and never put him out, because you will never get another man who will do the work. Keep him while he is willing to work.” (Applause.) The next speaker was Mr. J. B. Hine, M.P., who said he added to that of tho other speakers lus hearty congratulations on the magnificent new school building. He was always pleased to have an opportunity of congratulating Stratford on its progress, and always pleased to see thai progress. Mr. Hine said he had come there that evening, not to speak himself, but to hear the APniscer of Education. He emphasised the point that in the House education was above party politics. Ho thought that for that reason the portfolio of Education was rather a rosy one, so far as administration was concerned at least, though it might not be so rosy with regard to the Education Boards. He wished particularly to hear what the new Minister had to say on the educational requirements of Taranaki. (Hear, hear.) Education in Taranaki was certainly only in its infancy. In a few years Stratford would have a High School—>that is, an institution separate from the primary school. Things could not stand as they were, a colleg : or a university would have to follow. Mr.Hinc referred to the value of education, stating that they who had experienced the lack of education that was common years ago knew full well its worth. He urged tho scho to do their utmost to win the scholarships that were provided, and he hoped that Stratford would maintain it.-: reputation for winning these scholarships. In conclusion, Mr. Hine urged the householders to take an interest in their school and their school committee. The parents would not be doing their duty to their children until they used their best endeavours to get that university, and secure those scholarships. (Applause.) The Chairman said he would now call upon the Hon. Thomas Kelly, M.L.C., to deliver an address. “Mr. Kelly,” said -Mr. Sole ,“;s a very old Chairman of the Education Board, and had done yeoman service tor the cause of education in Taranaki.”

Mr. Kelly, who was greeted with applause, said lie had very much pleasure in being there that even ing. Ho said that the first time he had been in this district he could not sec- Stratford for trees. It was a forest then, and there was only room b,r a surveyor’s tent. That was in the very beginning, when they were just emerging from a war with its consequent troubles. They imported a population from Great Brita'n and placed’them at Stratford as far down the line as Hawera. At that time no land could lie obtained, as it was lockul up by tire natives, who were determuied that no pakeha should dwell in their territory. Afterwards, however, land came in abundance. With this, Dipt progress commenced. When first things started the revenue for education was so small that they could only give 6d per

head, in addition to the amount paid 1 I)v the parents. They did not think of anything higher than 1 primary education —just reading, wilting, and arithmetic. Now they had long realised that something moie Hum this was necessary. ’They realise'; that industrial education was necessary so that work might he done on a scientific basis. But what they paid in education in 1875 was in strong contrast to what they paid to-day. I hey spent one million pounds annually, or on an average £1 per head. That was a considerable sum, but it was wel* spent. He believed that the salvatioi of the future depended on a good system of education—on employing competent teachers and building such buildings as they were now in. He was astonished when he saw that building, for it was one of the best he had seen for years —in fact, it made New Plymouth people'jealous. (Laughter.) He would say that such a building was worthy of the people and wortny of the district. (Applause.) Mr. Killy referred to the necessity for allowing teachers to use discrimination in training children, as the scholars were non all geniuses, nor had they the same mental capabilities. He concluded by remarking that the child of tne poor man, if ho wished to enter the realms of higher education, had the same advantages as the child of the rich man. “And,”’ added the speaker, “I think that is as it should be.” (Applause.) “The youngest member of tin Education Board” was then called upon. Mr. Masters said he had two grievances—one that he had not been told that he was to speak that eva mg, and two, that he should have to speak after such distinguished speakers as their member, a member of the Legislative Council, Mr. Sole, and the Mayor of the town. (Laughter.) He wished to congratulate the town on the new school, which was quite i;i keeping with the progress of Stratford, (Applause.) Mr. Sole was already saying that it was not big enough, but there was another matter which, to bis mind, required more urguit attention, and that was tho enlargement of the playground. They had half an acre of ground for seven hundred children to play in. He was quite sure that at one time they could not all he at one time squeezed in that playground The School Committee had to depend on the streets and the Domain fm a playground. He considered tnat that was a position in which no committee should be placed. They had members of the Board there that evening and they should not forget that he had mentioned this question. Referring tithe school residence, he remarked thai he had heard it said that it had not been painted for seven years. It should he pulled down and the playground extended as far as tho horse paddock. In conclusion, Mr. Masters paid a tribute to the work and ability of the Headmaster, Mr. Tyrer, and said thai the parents need never have anything to worry about while tho educational interest’s of the children were in the present Headmaster’s hands., (Applause.) The next speaker was Mr. Rogers, who put in a plea for the displaying of greater interest in school affairs on the part of the householders. The Stratford School was worthy ot all the attention they could bestow upon it. for it held a unique position in the Dominion, in that it was h model school. Their old scholars were soir.t of the-men of whom they might well he proud. < Mrn Rogers referred in strong terms!dJofth'e valueidf a debating class to the-school, and held that an”education without giving a man the nerve to express his views was not a complete one. He commended the suggestion to Mr Tyrer, and offered a handsome prize for tho most successful debater if the scheme should In taken up. Mr. James Young, a member of tin Education Board, representing tin western area ; also spoke a few words ! He remarked thatHne proposal to have the schoolground’Ctflarged would meei with his support. The Chairman then called upon Mr. Trimble, Chairman of the Taranak Education Board, to formally open the school. Mr. Trimble said it gave bin very much pleasure indeed do bo then that evening among so many- people and he was also very pleased to have tho honour of opening the building, though, like Air. Hine, he was disappointed not to have the Minister o; Education with them to perform thai function. He wanted to hear the Minister's views on education. There wen many things in connection with this school and with their other school; that they wanted done.

Referring to the building, Mr Trimble said it had cost somewhere aboui £3600, and he congratulated the district on having sucli a splendid school. There was one thing they must look forward to, and it was certain to come and that was the separation of the High Schopl from the primary school He prophesied a great future lor Strut ford so far as education was concern cd. Stratford was the most central town, and it would probably he in the future far more important than it was now. It had an admirable climate suited for a hoarding school. He was quite sure that the climate of Straftord was very much hotter than that on the coast, where all their high school; were at present. , The Chairman of the Education' Board then went on to refer to the fact that money accruing from certain re serves set apart for providing funds for educational purposes in Taranak; was in danger of being transferred tc other purposes than those for which it was intended. It had been suggest ed that the money should be spent ir providing an agricultural .college ax Moumaliaki. Tiie conference at Now Plymouth had rejected this, but certain members of that conference had in the face of this interviewed the Premier at Hawera with a view to having the contrary of the Board’s wisher carried into effect. If this was done the reserves would he practically taken away from Taranaki and given to thewhole of New Zealand. Ho did not think himself that under the circumstances these gentlemen had the right to act as they had done. The conference wished that the money from tin reserves be used for the purpose cl giving scholarships’'in agriculture will, the view to scholars taking the course at the University, with as its goal the degree of Bachelor of Agriculture. Tnat was a very proper thing. Tbit was an agricultural d.strict, anu agriculture would always be ita mainstay. It was the proper thing for children to be trained with t n; highest knowledge of their profession. (Applause.) Mr. Trimble referred to the excellent work done by school comraittc' i s. and the necessity for having them. A great many people, he knew, considered that ail a school committee was there for was to see that accounts were paid and buy ink. (Laughter.) Besides seeing to laying the wants of the school before the Education Board, the committee acted as a medium between parents and teachers. It could do a great deal in that way. If it was decided to abolish . school committees some substitute would have to he made to sec to the local matters. In conclusion, Air. Trimble said that Stratford was the best school ir the d strict, and he congratulated, the school in having such in excellent Headmaster as Air. Tyrer. (Applause.) lie thanked liis audience for their kind

attention, ami than adaed, ‘I have great pleasure, indeed, in declaring this school open.” (Applause.) In replying to the eulogies made on the work ol the School Committee and its Chairman, Mr. C. I). Sole announced that he would not stand loi re-election at the householders’ meeting to he held shortly. Curing the interval between speeches an enjoyable musical programme was got off. Songs were given by Mrs. K. Massey, and Mr. I). TwohilJ. Mr. T. Marshall gave a euphonium solo, and Miss Kvelyn Rogers x violin solo. Dancing and cards kept the crowd in high spirits till the early hours ol the morning. The progressive euchre tournament was won by Mrs. Robson, and Mr. Sangster. Altogether there must have been an attendance of over four hundred people. The school proveil an ideal place for lidding such a function, and it is the unanimous opinion of those who attended that it was one of the most enjoyable gatherings that have been held for quite a long time. Great credit is due to Dio committee, and especially the energetic Chairman, Mr. C. J). Sole, for the excellent manner in which all the arrangements were carried out.