CENTENNIAL GESTURE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 191, 9 May 1940, Page 4

CENTENNIAL GESTURE

Reception To Visiting

Educationists

Visiting representatives to the annual educational conference and other distinguished educationists were the guests of the president and executive of the New Zealand Educational In stitute yesterday at an afternoon re coption at the Grand Hotel, Wellington. Tlie reception was of special significance as it marked the 57tn year of the institute's existence, and was also a centennial year gesture. The president of the institute, Mr. D. C. Pryor, and Mrs. Pryor received the guests, who included the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, and Mrs. Fraser, and the Minister for Education, Mr. Mason, and Mrs. Mason. The gathering offered an opportunity for representatives and their wives to meet other conference personalities. The main lounge and the smaller lounge oft it, which were thrown together for the occasion, there being more than 150 guests, were decorated with choice chrysanthemums and gladioli in shades of pink and gold. Musical items were given during the afternoon by Miss Molly Atkinson and Mr. K. Macaulay, who contributed songs, accompanied by Mr. Clement Howe at the piano, and Mr. Paul Magill, who gave pianoforte solos. In a brief address the Prime Minister spoke of the splendid co-operation that had been established throughout the education system during the four years in which he had held the portfolio of Education. His address was greeted with irpplau.se. Others present included Dr. C. E. Beeby, Director of Education, Mr. A. If. MeMurtrie, Assistant Director of Education; and Mrs. MeMurtrie, Mr. G. E. Overton, chief inspector of primary schools, and Mrs. Overton, Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Ball, Mr. and Mrs. Lopdell, Mr. T. Kane, and Mr. D. Forsyth, vice-presidents of the institute, Mr. F. L. Combs, Mr. P. J. G. Smith, Mr. P, Smitlieljs, superintendent of physical education, and Mrs. Smithells, Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Ashbridge, Mr. A. E. Campbell, director of the Council for Educational Research, and Mrs. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Banner, Mr. 11. A. Parkinson. Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Andrews, Mr. and Mrs C. Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. M. Riske, Miss J. W. Combs, Miss V. Curtis, Miss M. Magill, Miss W. M. Mansfield, Miss E. J. Taylor, Mr. J. Barnett, Mr. and Mr's. W. 11. Burgess, Mr. I. F. McDonald and Miss McDonald, Mr. R. McGlashen, Mr. F. R. Price and Mr. J. S. H. Robertson.