OKAIAWA’S JUBILEE

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1933, Page 5

OKAIAWA’S JUBILEE

OLD PUPILS FOREGATHER HAPPY RE-UNIONS AT SCHOOL. PICTURESQUE SCENE IN GROUNDS. AEROPLANE DROPS MESSAGES. Yesterday, the jubilee of the Okaiawa school was a red letter day in the history of the township. There was a happy gathering of old pupils at the school, where the afternoon was spent in exchanging reminiscences. There was also an programme presented by the children which provided amusement for both old and young. Coated with new season’s grass, the district has never looked better, and with ideal weather the conditions were perfect for the occasion. There was an attendance of nearly 1000 people, and the proceedings passed off without hitch. The opening address was by Mr. H. W. Insull, secretary of the Taranaki Education Board, who addressed the children on the significance of the occasion. He referred to the difficulties of the early days and the growth of the educational facilities of the district. The children of to-day enjoyed a great heritage, he said, and had a splendid future to live up to. The chairman of the school committee, Mr. J. C. Barclay, extended a welcome to the visitors and referred with pride to the achievements of the school both in work and sport The school had been well served by masters and teachers, who had done much faithful work. The committees, too, had put in good service, among the members to be specially mentioned being Messrs. E. O. Chivers, Z. Tiplady, R. H. Clements and A. Lees, all of whom had a record of over 21 years on the committee. PRESENCE OF MR BETTS. . The chairman expressed pleasure at die presence of Mr. H. Betts, who although never a member of the committee had always been associated with the interests of the school. He thanked Mr. Betts for his long and valuable services. He was proud of the district and' the progress it had made, and was glad to pay tribute to those brave men and women who had laid the foundation of the progress now enjoyed. He hoped there would be many happy re-unions and that all would carry away pleasant memories of the jubilee. Mr. J. McAlister, in the absence of the chairman and deputy-chairman of the Education,Board, referred to the loss of the late Mr. A. Lees, who had been so long associated with South Taranaki education. He spoke of the future that was before the children, some of whom would live to see the centenary of the school celebrated. The future was full of promise and who could say what wonderful things would take place within the next 50 years. Mr. J. E. Campbell, Mayor of Hawera, said Hawera sent its greetings and joined in congratulating Okaiawa on the school’s jubilee. Hawera noted with pride the great progress made by the school and. district The high ideals of the founders had been well maintained by those who had followed, and it must be a great pleasure for old scholars to meet and talk over old times. Mr. T. Innes, a former headmaster, said he was very proud of the half century’s progress at the school with which he had been associated for 19J years, and he extended his best wishes for the future success of the school. He contrasted the old school with the present modem building and the well-laid out grounds. In conclusion Mr. Innes paid tribute to the good work of the teachers. Mrs. C. Benton, who was a teacher at the school over 30 years ago, spoke of the many happy memories of the time she was teaching at Okaiawa. There were many happy week-ends at the old homes, and it was a pleasure to see the former scholars once more. Mrs. A. Murdoch, also a former teacher, referred to the changed conditions today and congratulated the school on its jubilee. ORIGINAL PUPILS. Mr. J. B. Murdoch, representing the original pupils, said that when one recorded 50 years since he first went to school it took away the cream of one’s life. He recalled the early condition of the country, which was covered with fem and flax and had roads of mud. The grounds had to be cleared of fem to make a playground. The teacher put the boys to this work, but it had not done them any harm. On behalf of old pupils he congratulated the chairman on the splendid school and grounds. The Rev. R. P. Rakena, on behalf of the Maori race, expressed appreciation to the educational authorities for the facilities given his people for the gaining of - knowledge. From these the Maori children had gained great benefits. There had been many changes in 50 years, and the Natives had learned many things from the pakeha, both good and bad, but there were present some who still possessed the Maori mind and way of thinking. In the olden days it was the custom of Maori women of 30 or 40 to tattoo their lips to rejuvenate their appearance. To-day the Maori maidens went to a chemist’s shop and obtained powder to stimulate their beauty. “That is education,” he said (laughter). In conclusion he again thanked the authorities for their good work during the past 50 years. Mr. Rangi Phillips, an old pupil, in an eloquent speech, expressed great pleasure at being present He referred feelingly to the memories of those who had passed into the Great Beyond and said it gave him a feeling of gratitude to be alive to see this wonderful age of progress, mechanical invention and industrial revolution. He paid tribute to the school of his boyhood days, and in a pean of praise wished it prosperity in the future. He hoped that it would continue to inspire and guide the youth of the district as in the past. Mr. Phillips greeted the school in Maori as follows: “Greetings to you all; we are one,” this being heartily echoed by the Natives present. Posies were presented to Mesdames Barclay, Benton and Murdoch by three little girls from the primers. Apologies were read from the Hon. R. Masters, Messrs. S. G. Smith, M.P., E. F. Hemingway, C. A. Wilkinson, M.P., H. G. Dickie, M.P., T. Harris, R. Williamson, T. C. List, M. McDonagh, H. Dalton, L. Hight, Mesdames M. J. Goodson, A. Collier and several old pupils. The . chairman then invited those present to make ah inspection of old photographs and school work in the school. One photograph depicted the original wooden school building. There were several groups of early scholars. Several photographs were of the old type of dairy factory, one was of the Joll staff about 20 years ago. These all assisted the newcomers to visualise the conditions of the past. The school work represented all forms of handiwork, including drawing, plasticine and art work, that have been incorporated in the curriculum of modem education. The display was most comprehensive and was a revelation of the abilities of the pupils. An adjournment .was made to the playing field where the children presented an attractive programme of drill and folk dancing. There was also a football match between the smaller scholars of the Okaiawa and Matapu schools. The

young footballers played with zeal and maintained the tradition of the district in this sport. A burlesque football match in fancy dress proved an entertaining item, and many of the “old-timers” took the field and entered whole-heartedly in the. carnival spirit. Parading amidst the throng were several ladies dressed up in midVictorian attire, reminiscent of fashions that have long since passed into history. t The Maoris entered into the festival with great enthusiasm and performed several hakas and poi dances that captivated the spectators. It was a picturesque scene as the wahines in the garb of their ancestors threaded their way in and out among their fashionably dressed pakeha brethren, and the picture will long be remembered. Many clicking cameras made records that will serve as a perpetual reminder. A modern touch to the proceedings was appropriately added when Mr. Brian Haybittie was observed high up aloft in an aeroplane.’ He performed numerous

stunts, all eyes being eagerly turned skywards. Coining nearer he continued the evolutions and twice swept closely over the grounds scattering cards being a message. There was an enthusiastic scamper of children to . collect the falling cards, which will be treasured as souvenirs of the eventful day. On the cards was the following message:—“lBB3-1933; Okaiawa school jubilee: A message from the sky. Welcome to all old pupils and residents. Wishing you a successful and happy re-union. Delivered by aeroplane, September 29, 1933.” On the conclusion of the sports a return was made to the lawn, where afternoon tea was served. The befiagged grounds once more, presented an animated scene as old residents intermingled and renewed acquaintance with friends over a cup of tea. During the afternoon Mr. H. Betts planted a totara tree in front of the school in commemoration of the occasion. The Hawera Pipe Band and the Hawera Boys’ Band attended and enlivened the proceedings with music.