EMPIRE DAY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13666, 23 May 1908, Page 7

EMPIRE DAY.

CENTRAL SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS

The Empire Day celebrations at the Central School took place yesterday. JThe central point was at the base of the nlast which has recently Hb^en erected on the>* Lemon "Street frontage of St. Michael's Square playground. Here/the children to the number of about 550 were massed in charge of their teachers, the two companies ot cadets being under arms and in command of Captains Mcflroy and Davidson respectively. A small platform was provided for the convenience of the speakers and a number of forms for the accommodation of the visitors who assembled in strong force. The Collier and Colonial Piano Company had kindly lent a Brinsmead piano for the occasion. When all was an readiness the Ensign was hoisted and the royal salute given by the cadets after which all present joined in singing the National Anthem, Mr. C. T. Mills conducting and Mr. Will Perry presiding at the piano. - The headmaster (Mr. Dempsey) then briefly addressed., the children, reminding them of the occasion that had brought 'theins together after which Mr. -F. P. Corlrill (cnairman of the School Committee)' took charge of the proceedings. He questioned the children as to what he had said to them on last Empire Day and asked them to bear in mind that on Monday next celebrations would be going on in every part Of the globe where the British flag was flying. Mr. H. Okey, M.P., referred to the affection whicjjt Kjtng Edward enjoyed , throughout his Dominions and also alluded to the esteem with, which His '" Majesty's representatives in this Do- ■ minion. (Lord and Lady Plunket) were held by\ all classes of the community. He went on to state that it had been s regret to him while attending Parliament in Wellington that his own district was so remote from the capital, as, it would have been a great pleasure to him to have personally conducted e&ildren from this district ''through parliament buildings. Still, he would always be pleased ,to see &ny of the New Plymouth cMldrenjriro might be IB Wellington and - would endeavour ijb make their visit interesting. } The Rev. F: Gk" Evans addressing the children said the great factor which had kept the British Empire together for, all these centuries and made it so great a power in the world was the loyalty ot its people. One of the most beautiful things in ;all the world was loyalty, and he appealed to them te be loyal to each othe^, loyal to their school, to their teachers, and -when they grewe up to be men and, wbmen liheye would be worthy members of the glorious Empire. The Rev. Mr Guy said he was proud to be one of the sons of the Empire, and when tfie" flag wals' to be saluted -he liked to be present to give his cheer. He hoped the children wotdd grow- up leading good lives. „ , '\Be s honest in speech, be sincere iit/your dealings to one a*ot|b?er; fear ;Gdd, and 4h&rsou will asis€ in upholding the honour of thex Empire of which you are." The Mayor, said, as a British subject it did him gae&tw&en recently; travel ling in Europe- sabd^the East see tbs Union Jack dying. It made a foreign land feel like home, and after travelling through countries where the Crescent and" other devices were the national emblems; it was always* a relief lio come in touch.' once more with the good old Union Jack. ' The fiev. T. €. Brooke said it had been^ pleasure to him tk'&?steeeiX at t&e JSmpire Day v celebra«i6ns laa* jear, and he was glad to^have th« opportnnity of again meeting the < P^*~ dcen on a similar occasion. A.previous Speaker had said the Empire was built up on loyalty, but in his opinion justice had played an equally important part. Wherear other civilised-, nations had* annexed the land of savage races regardless of their 'wishes, • it was a noteworthy f ae* that British colonisation had proceeded on different lines. For example, when New- Zealand was colonised and brought undor the British flag, instead of the lands being taken by force from the Maoris they had been honestly -paid for. -The Rev. S. S. Osborne took patriotism as his theme, and addressed his remarks chiefly to the cadets. He recognised it was necessary for the country tfiat the Sons of the Empire should be trained to shoot and fight, so that if ever 1 they should be called upon they would be prepared to defend their native land. During the afternoon Bir Schnackenberg gave » fine rendering of "Sons of t#e Empire/ a number of senior girls gave a pretty soarf dance, and a squad off cadets a flag drill. ". At the close the Chairman proposed &, vote of thanks to all who had. assisted in the. celebrations, and this- was carried by acclamation by the children. Cheers were also given for the chairman, the committee, the headmaster, and the teachers. FITZRQY. Empire Day celebrations at the Fitzroy School also took plafre yesterday afternoon. . The children we're assembled in front of the school. There was A large muster of the cadets. The flag was hoisted and saluted, and afterwards appropriate speeches were ntade. •Ehe children rendered--patriotic songs, and were subsequently the recipients of lollies, provide^ hj the chairman of tfce School Committee, Mr. J. Tfech.