March Of Time Was School Jubilee Feature

Chronicle (Levin), 7 November 1949, Page 2

March Of Time Was School Jubilee Feature

Past and -present pupils alike of the Paraparaumu Schooi shoulcl carry with them for many years to come the memory of the march of time .procession organised as part of the jubilee celebrations, of the schooi, and held on Saturday. Considerable activity was apparent early in the day and some time fcefore the sched'uled time of commencement the route was thickly lined with masses of interested spectators. The procession itself was a remarkable spectacle and the uhnost credit is due to those re~ sponsible. The event was filmed by the National Film Unit and will doubtless rank as one of New Zealand's best. Transport from the former to the present century was there, with one of the first cars to arrive in New Zealand playing a leading part. A four wheeler phaeton, with driver and passengers clolhed in apparel of the era, a Maori Rangatira and his wahine and picanninis in a block dray, a tophatted hansom cab driver, tanlem and penny farthing cycles, all mobile, a pony with three wayback iassies attired in pinafore frocks, jomplete with lape collars and aems, riding three abreast, one of chem with the sweetest bunch of dowers for the teacher, 'piebald and utility ponies, right on down to the district nurse, Ministerial and National Airways Corparation 3ars, give some idea of the attention to detail that was in .avMence. Headed by the Otaki Band, the procession was given a most enthusiastic cheer all along the route. On arrival at the schooi, the arowd dispersed and pupils were ined up in various decades. To che strains of the National Anthem rendered by the band, the Qnion Jack was unfurled and a wreath laid on the cenotaph by Messrs Vaughan and White, two of the school's earliest teachers. The chairman of the Jubilee Committee, Mr. G. Howell, in- extending a cordial welcome to all present, said that their effort had been an attempt to depict 60 years of progress in Paraparaumu. He trusted all.would thoroughly enjoy themselves and he looked forward to a similar reunion in another 10 years. Congratulatory speeches were offered to the Jubilee and Schooi CommitteeS" by the Hon. H. A. Coombs, Mr. J. J. Maher, M.P., the chairman of the Wellington Education Board, Mr. Seddon, Mr. A. Hardham (Whareroa Ri'ding) and Mr. Caradus (Kapiti Riding) of the Huut County Council. The best wishes of the Prime Minister, Mr; . Fraser, and of the Leader of the; ;..Opposition, Mr. Holland, for the success of the jubilee and for further continued successes were conveyed by Messrs Coombs and Maher respectively. Following the speeches, Mr. Vaughan, teacher from 1906 to 1919 and the oldest surviving headmaster, called the first roil, when it was revealed that four pupils who ha'd attended the opening day of the schooi 60 years ago were present. Mr. White, another former teacher, followed Mr. Vaughan. Tributes were paid to the vast amount of work done and the interest displayed by Mr. S. W. Moult, and he was loudly applauvled on the fine results. Throughout the afternoon many happy groups could be seen busily engaged • in reminiscences, and it

is safe to say that the success of the function will continue to be dlscusse'd for many a day. Comments in the visitors' book, which all were invited to sign, heartily. endorse this. Throughout the afternoon present pupils were entertained with a programme of music by the band, with rides in Mr. Boult's 1899-er also a great attraction. Originally intended to seat ,four, on oceasions its caiuying capaci.y was easily 20. The celebrations were continued with a dinner on Saturday evening. and a church parade and organised trips on Sunday.