School Celebrates Its Jubilee

Chronicle (Levin), 7 June 1949, Page 3

School Celebrates Its Jubilee

PROGRAMME MARRED BY RAIN _ : , • " - ■ Almost 2000 ex-pgipils, teachers and committeemen of the Shannon School joined in, the diamond- jubiiee celebrations, which were held. over the weekejrd. It was unf ortunate • that the weather was "most unfavourabie; but in .spite of this all present entered into the spirit of 'the occasion and the| committee is of the opinion that the celebrations. were most successful.

On Friday evening the Druids' Hall was filled to capacity for the jubiiee ball, which was a combined eiforb on the part of the school and the Shannon Football Club, which was 'celebrating its goldeii jubiiee. Although there were times when dancing was almost impossible because of the large crowd, the ball fulfilled its purpose, that of bringing the people together, and many old friendships were renewed at the hall. The catering arrangements were most satisfactory, supper being served in the infant school, On Saturday afternoon a roT call was held at the school, where tlie school amplifying system had' been installe'd for the speakers, who face'd the assembly from a dais'in the shelter of the School building. Although rain fell froni! tirri^ to time; the gathering remained :assembled until the procession was ready to move olf. After reading a number of apologies, including one from the Minister of Education, Mr. T. H. McCombs ,the master of ceremonies, Mr. J. T. Bovis, called upon Mr. R. , J. Law, chairman of the jubiiee committee, who was the first speaker. Mr. Law exten'ded a welcome to the many visitors, including Mr. M. H. Oram, M.P., and Mrs. Oram, | Mr. N. R. Sheddon, chairman of the Wellington Education Board, and Mrs'. Sheddon, and Mr. Robinson, a member of the Education Department, and Mrs. Richards, Who was the second teacher at the Bchool. Mr. Law went on to speak of the pioneers and the foundation of the school. He also made men-; tion of the progress of . the school from 1889 until the. present time. The excellent war . record Qf the pupils was also referred to by Mr. Law, who then read the . roll .of honour, those present standing- in silence us a mark of sympathy.anfi respect for those ex-pupils wlio had paid the supreme. sacrifice in two world wars.

. Mr. A. E. Jeffrey, chairman. pf1 the school committee, who also extended a welcome to those present, stated that the jubiiee had done much to bring the old pupils together and bring back ol'd- times. •He expressed the hope • that .all would have a most enjoyable time during their . stay in Shannon,., \ T, The Rev. M,. S. WheeleE ;thph conducted a short service^ .v-;.'^V * Spbaking on . behalf ,of ..V,;tl^e citizens of ' Shaffnon, the Maybr; Mr. D. A. Fitzgerald, congratiilated the committee on the very efficient way 'in Which the jubiiee had' been arranged and. extended a welcome to the visitors. He made mention of the sehool's history and achievements in the past. The Roll Call. Mr. Rovis then called upon Mr. Keri, the first Maori pupil, to ring the school bell. The present headmaster, Mr. F. O. Burtt, called the roll of the first 100 pupils, many answering with the customary "Present, Sir!" Mr. M. H. Oram, M.P., expressed pleasure at being present and congratulated the school on the occasion of its diamond jubiiee. He remarked that the ehief enjoyment of the function was the renewing of old acquaintahces. He stated that it was a pity that all the old pupils from;ithe first few days who "were present could not be given the opportunity of addressing . the gathering, as some very interesting experiences would be relate'd. In concluding his very fitting remarks, Mr. Oram extended congratulations to those who had spent much time in making the jubiiee a success. Mr. Sheddon, - chairman of the Wellington Education Board, also expressed pleasure at being present and extended the congratulations :Of the board to the school on this

occasion. Mr. Sheddon also. remarked on the early history of the school and said that he was im'pressed with the number of pupils who had passed through the school over. the past 60 years. The fact that visitors were present from all parts of New Zealand showe'd how the ex-pupils radiated out all over the Dominion. Other speakers were Mr. Keri, who spoke on behalf of the Maori people, Mr. Harry Kam, on behalf of the Chinese people, .and Mr, Robinson. They also expressed pleasure at having the opportunity of being present and congratulated the school on its 60 years of progress. r Lengthy Procession. Following the addresses, a procession, heade'd by tlie" fire engine and the Horowheniia Pipe Band, formed up outside the school gates and marched through the main street. Those taking, part in the procession were the various decades of ex-pupils and teachers, present committeemen, inclu'ding the jubiiee committee, the Junior Red Cross, children representatives of all organisations and decorated yehicles. A halt was made at the South African war memorial and the Genotaph, where wreaths were laid. The procession then returned to the school, where there was an excellent display of ol'd photographs. A most enjoyable afternoon tea was served by members of the Women's Institute and the jubiiee cake was cut by Mesdames F. Jamieson and E. Crowther. #osibs5 inade tey- Miss' CSrowther were presented. * The Jubiiee Banquet. !-On Saturday evening the Druids' Hall presented a gay scene for the jubiiee banquet arrange'd by the committee. Approximately 510 exblipils of the school attended and a- lengthy toast'?Iist was honoured. Gomprehensive airrangemehts had been made 'for this function and it

is a credit to the organisers that no hitch. occurred. The d.uties-of master of ceremonies were ably carried out by Mr. J. T. BoviS-, who handled the task very . efiiciently, making sure there was. no delay.-between ite'mj or toasts/ - Following the toast to "The king,". proposed by Mr. .Bovis, the fpllowing toast 'Iist was honoured: fbur School and Education Board," proposed by Mr. M. H. Oram, M.P and responded to by Mr. N. R Sheddon, chairman of the Education Board, and Mr. F. O. Burtt present headmaster of the school. "Old Pupils," Mr. R. R. Lind— Mr J. Martin (Takaka) , Mr. W. Moynihan (Shannon). Mr. R. Hool (Shannon), Mr./W. F. Gill (Wellington) ; "Past and Present Teachers and. Gommitteemen,"* Mr. K

\ Vfitchell— -Mrs. Thomson .(Palmers:on North) , Mr. A. E. Jeffrey, chairnan of the school committee, Mr. L, H. Best, past chairman, Mr. P. Bass, past ; chairman, Mr. H. D. Aitchison -and Mr. -D. • Patnck, present teachers; "The Town and District and Old. Identities," Mr. R. J. Law— -The Mayor (Mr. D..A. Fitzgerald) ap.d. Mr^ B.: Clayton (Deputy-Mayor) ; "Absent Friends," Mr. E. Barber. During the evening _ items were presented .by. Miss -Lois land, Mr. Ian Watkins and Mr. F, O. Burtt. The chairman of the jubiiee committee, Mr.' R. J. Law, extended to all- who had assisted in the smooth running of the jubiiee and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne"brought the prpgramme to a conclusion. , The Church Service. On Sunday afternoon the Renown Theatre was filled to capacity for the combined church seryice. The officiating ministers were the Revs. M. J. S. Wheeler (Anglican), J. W. Martin (Presbyterian) and J. Ashworth (Mebhodist). t - . «