EMPIRE DAY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14984, 3 June 1914, Page 10

EMPIRE DAY.

SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS

. Yesterday afternoon tho scholars of the West Christchureh School were assembled to celebrate Empiro. Day.

Dr. Chilton (chairman of the , School Committee) in his openfng remarks, stated that the ceremony should have been held on May 24th, but they did not then have the Australian flag, so it was decided to wait until the flag from Port Pirie , arrived. The greater part of the Empire had celebrated Empire Day last month, and although West Christchureh School was a little behind, ho hoped their enthusiasm would not be found wanting. ■ It was during the reign of Queen Victoria that tho greater part of the Empire had been founded; and this was the main reason for .remembering her birthday. He had received a cablegram that morning from Port Pirie School, South Australia, sending good wishes, and stating that the flag of New Zealand would be unfurled that day. Ho then called on the Mayor (Mr H. Holland) to unfurl tho flag.

The Mayor, addressing the scholars j said that when they grew up tho honour of this city and the Dominion belonged to them, and he hoped what the Government were' spending on their tuition would not be wasted. Together with Port Pirie School, itf South Australia, they were celebrating the day of days, so far as the Empire was concerned, and every boy and girl should remember that they were part and parcel of tho nation. If they brought disgrace on themselves, it was directly transferred to the flag they honoured.

Mr McMurray, an enthusiastic old boy of the school, and the founder of tho drum-and-fife band, also spoke. The headmaster (Mr J. Caughley) addressed tho pupils, and the playing of the National Anthem concluded tho gathering.

At the majority of local schools yesterday, including Normal, East Christchurch, and Addington/ special lessons wero given bearing on the subject of Empire Day. These schools havo not adopted tho suggestion of the Education Board that Empire Day should be celebrated in conjunction with tho King's Birthday, by bringing the children back to school on a public holiday, and having them listen to short speeches. "The children who need these patriotic lessons least," eaid one headmaster to a reporter yesterday, "would bo most penalised by the combined celebration. I have had experience of this Bort of thing, and a few quiet lessons on the subject of Empire Day given durnig school hours are calculated to have a better effect than bringing children back to school on a day which is always regarded as a close holiday.",