SCHOOL “INVADED”

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 25, 18 October 1940, Page 1

SCHOOL “INVADED”

TROOPS MAKE MERRY PARNELL VISITATION A party of New Zealand and Australian airmen and a detachment of troops on October 9th provided a bright memory for the infant pupils of the Parnell School states the “Auckland Star.” The party, which was on a route march, paused for a “breather” opposite the school just as the children streamed out for the morning interval. Inspired perhaps by memory of their own childhood days, the airmen invaded the grounds, and, much to the delight of the children, began to take part in the games. Basketballs were flung with an aim speaking eloquently of weeks of bombing practice,, infants were carried shoulder high, and small boys were allowed to examine the rifles of the troops with breathless interest. - While their fellows disported themselves in the playground, a number of the detachment invaded the class rooms. Some gathered round the piano and conducted an impromptu sing-song, while others made full use of chalk and black-boards. “Whatever will the headmaster say?” said the stampeded teachers, but for the children it was the experience of a lifetime.