“The Guild of Courtesy.”

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue XIII, 26 March 1904, Page 53

“The Guild of Courtesy.”

CHAPEL-STREET BRANCH. Last week Mrs. Neligan, wife of th Bishop of Auckland, inaugurated th< Chapel-street school branch of the new “Pupils’ Guild of Courtesy,” wnich has already obtained root in the Parnell school. There was a big attendance of children and visitors, among the latter being Mr Hobbs (Chairman of the Education Board), Mr Crowe (chairman) nnd members of the City Schools’ Committee, Mr and Mrs Leo Myers, Mrs Coleman, Mr and Mrs Mitchell, and Mesdames Hill, Eastgate and Draflin. Mrs Neligan made a warm and affectionate address to the children, who cheered her loudly. The certificates, numbering 127, were afterwards distributed to the children, who have taken up the movement enthusiastically. The objects of the guild arc expressed in the title, “Courtesy.” which includes generosity, gentleness and all the virtues which go to make life tolerable, and need to be inculcated young. The boys promise to abstain from swearing, smoking, disrespect nnd disobedience, and the girls to be obedient and respectful, and to encourage others to be so also. Badges were presented to the boy and girl who were regarded by the children as the most courteous and gentle, and were won by Oscar Stephens (with James Barry second) and Gladys Bathurst (with Gertrude Dobbs second). The badges were presented by Mrs John Mitchell (a gold one for the girl) and her husband 'a silver one for the boy), and they showed ths monogram “G.C.” The guild, whicli has been introduced by the headmaster, Mr Draffin, is a purely voluntary affair, and is perfectly free.