VICE-REGAL VISIT

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2087, 23 May 1907, Page 2

VICE-REGAL VISIT

AT Till? GISBORNE DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL. At ton o’clock yesterday morning His Excolloncy was driven to tho High School, accompanied by tho Mayor, Mr. Townley, and tho Hon. Captain Tucker. Upon entering tho building, tho chairman and members of tho School Committee wore presented to His Excolloncy, and a largo number oT assembled school children welcomed tho visitor by singing “God Save the King.” A visit was then paid to Miss Lousley’s cookery class, where about twonty girls were seen at thoir exorcises. His Excellency said it was a most important branch of study. Visits wore then paid to the scionce room (Mr. tVauchop), and tho art room (Mr. Leslie) and Latin class (Miss Gow and Mr. Kinder). The ceremony 'of unveiling the clock presented by Mr. Parker was performed by His Excellency, and in doing so he said he was pleased to perform tho ceremony. He appreciated--very highly what this great success meant; it did not mean only the hard work ol the boy, but it emphasised the splendid teaching ho must have received. It also indicated that there must be a high standard in the school with a number of children very keen on getting on. A small coterie working well among themselves will raise tho school more than one pupil or one energetic master. Tho good work of one should be an incentive to all to follow the example. In these days of competition only those who worked hard would be successful. The children’s writing class (Mr. Olsen) was visifed, and His Excellency was shown the attendance board. He advised them also to work hard when they worked, and to play hard when they played. His Excellency commented on standard four (Mr. D. Cowan) for their cadet uniforms, and said that it might bo necessary to defend the country in the future, and the cadet system inculcated, habits of respect and discipline. Ho advised them to remember that politeness was a real virtue in a boy or girl. The boy who did not respect his teachers would not have self-respect himself. He observed that the lads had their eyes front very well, and he referred to years ago when Queen Victoria was passing, he turned his eyes round to look at her instead of keeping them to the front. In the standard six class room (Mr. Leslie) where there were also some of standard five (Mr. Wauchope), His Excellency said in unveiling a second clock presented, that perseverance was something worthy of cultivation. No doubt the boy who came first in all New Zealand for the scholarship worked his way best for the reward, and his success also reflected credit on the teachers. No country gave a bettor education than this. Mr. Leslie called for three cheers for His Excellency, which were heartily given. His Excellency was shown some specimens of writing and drawing in standard five class-room, and he commented very favorably upon them. Visits were also paid to the woodwork classes, preparatory classes (Miss Cumming), primer (Miss Sheen), and standard one (Misses King and Morgan). In the open air, surrounded by a large number of scholars, His Excellency presented Master A. Adair and Miss Ivy McConnell with the “popularity” prizes, donated by Mr. Herbert De Costa, and voted for by the fellow students of the successful ones. His Excellency said he was not going to make a speech, but was going to make an announcement that the children would much prefer—a half-holi-day. He asked them not to forget that they belonged to the greatest Empire in. the whole world. It was not so because it was the most powerful or the richest, but because in it were nourished the noblest ideals and the best Government. Tlireo hearty cheers were given for the Governor and the visit terminated with the singing of “God Save* the King.”

TE RAH COLLEGE

From the High School His Excellency proceeded to Te Rau College, where he was met by the Revs. F. AV. Cliatterton and R. T. ICohere. The students assembled and one of their number voiced tho sentiments of his comrades in referring to the different ideals of the' past with the Maoris and the present. His Excellency indicated the pleasure it gave to observe such good work done. Christianity should come before the ordinary worldly affairs. Three hearty cheers were given for His Excellency as he left for the Hospital and the Old Men’s Home.

IN THE COUNTRY,

Leaving Gisborne at 1.15 p.m. yesterday, His Excellency commenced a very agreeable motor trip to the To Arai Native Church. The party inspected the magnificent carvings in the church and their extent surprised and pleased the Governor.

On behalf of the local Maoris, one of their number stepped forth and welcomed His Excellency in real native style and apologised for one of their principal natives not being present.

His Excellency returned thanks for their welcome their expressions of loyalty and good wishes to himself.

The party then called at Mr. Claris's, near To Arai bridge, and after partaking of his kind hospitality their photographs were taken by Mr. VV. F. Crawford. Mr. Walter Barker' drove His Excellency, the County Councillors and the Mayor to the Patutalii school, and arriving in good time were met by a mounted escort of cadets guiding the party to the school where they found the children and cadets drawn up on the lawn, where a dais was erected for His Excellency on a length of matting. Captain Woodward in a very nice speech welcomed His Excellency and expressed the loyalty of tile people of Patutalii to the King and Empire and assured him of their readiness t< take their share in defending the colony if necessary. The scholars then sang the National Anthem.

His Excellency spoke to the assembled settlers and school children on tlie lines of his utterances at'the Gisborne High School yesterday morning. The school was inspected by his Excellency, and at the conclusion the children gave three cheers. Mr. Atkin exhibited a - collide of pumpkins of liis own growing, weighing 93 and 96 lbs respectively. The visitor was invited to lift tjie products, but declined. Sheaves of wheat and mangles, grown on the Patutalii Flat, were also shown. Leaving the school by motor car the party continued the journey to Mrs. Percival Barker’s, where a large number of ladies and gentlemen were present by invitation to meet his Excellency, who was pleased to meet those gathered together, and after making himself agreeable to all, most sumptuous refreshments and afternoon tea were partaken of. The party returned to town without having any mishap to any of the motors, and arrived at 4.3 Q. The (roads were bad in places, but the trip was carried out successfully in every way.

MASONIC FUNCTION.

A large and representative gathering at the -Masonio Lodge Abercorn, Childers Road, was held last nigh when the Governor, as Grandmaster of New Zealand, paid an official visit to Lodge Abercorn. Over a hundred brethren were present, Worshipful Master Brother Mann, presiding.

The ceremony was rendered the more impressive by .tlio efficient orchestra uudor tlio conductorship of Bro. Hookey. Tlio Grandmaster was formally, received and gave an interesting address to tlio brethren. Ho pointod out that his visit to the lodge-must'not bo taken ns a precedent. It was due to tlio poculiar position in which Gisborno was placed. If bo had visited 'all the lodges in Now Zealand ho would have had no time for his official duties.

After tlio meeting and adjournment was made to the refectory downstairs, where light refreshments were partaken of. The following toasts wore honored: “King and Craft,” “The Worshipful Grand Master,” proposed by Bro. Mann, W.M., and responded to by His Excellency, “Bodge Abercorn, ’ proposed by Bro. Primrose and responded to by the W.M., “feistei Lodges,” coupled with the names of Bros. Primrose and Sandlant, “Grand Lodge of Scotland” responded to by Bros. Whinray and Jones, “The Visiting Brethren,” responded to by Bro. Roberts and other visiting brethren. During the evening songs and recitations were rendered by the various brothers and the Grand Master appeared to enter into the spirit of tlio meeting.

By the wish of the Grand Master a

collection was taken up for the Widows, Orphans and Aged Persons

Pund and realised a considerable sum. The Grand Master explained that ’t was bis wish that the present funds

should be doubled if possible, before he left the ,colony. . The meeting concluded with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”