OPENING OF THE SOUTHBROOK SCHOOLS.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 108, 5 October 1874, Page 4

OPENING OF THE SOUTHBROOK SCHOOLS.

The schools recently erected in the Southbrook educational district were opened on Thursday last with a tea meeting and entertainment. Since the district was proclaimed under the Ordinance, the Wesleyan Chapel has been used as a temporary school until the new one was erected, but the committee may now be congratulated upon possessing a neat school, which will doubtless be found large enough for the requirements of the district for a time to come. The school is fifty feet in length by twenty feet in width, and is divided in the centre by a moveable partition, the one side being for the use of the boys and the other for the girls. At the aide is a fair sized class room, with entrances into the boys’ and girls’ divisions. The cost of the building was £Bl9, including the master’s house, the contract being taken by Mr Withers; and about £SO extra will be required to provide fittings. The schools are erected on two and a half acres of land situated near the centre of the district, and for which the committee paid the moderate sum of £75,

There was scarcely as much interest shown in the opening ceremony as would have been anticipated, but a fair number attended the tea, and the room was about filled at the entertainment. The tables at the tea were provided by Mesdames Steggall, Graham, Todd, and Whitham, and presided over by those ladies.

After tea an entertainment of music by the Rangiora musical society, and readings by several gentlemen, was commenced. Mr D. Graham, chairman of the school committee, occupied the chair, and opened the meeting with a few practical remarks upon the proceedings of the committee, and mentioned that they had secured the services of Mr Thompson and Miss Robson as master and mistress, whose appointments would, he believed, give general satisfaction. The Rangiora singing class, under the direction of Mr Merton, then gave, “God save the Queen.” A quartette by Messrs C. Merton, L. Hunnibell, G. H. and A. J. Merton, “ Evening,” followed, and Mr James Withers then gave a recitation on “ Logic.” A duet, “ The larboard watch,” by Messrs C. Merton, and Hunnibell was succeeded by a glee by the company, “ I love my love in the morning.” The Rev H, Bull was then called upon to address the meeting, and say a few words upon the progress of literature and scholastic attainment. He contrasted the penury and social position of many of the great writers of the olden time with that of these of the present day, showing how much they have gained during tne past century. He also referred to a statistical return of the number of persons in the United Kingdom convicted of Crime, and the means suggested to lessen the same, and shewing the close bearing education has oAcrime. He concluded by wishing the district every success. [Applause.] Mr C, G. Chapman then read “ Mr Bprout’s Courtship,” which created much laughter. A glee, “ Hail, smiling morn,” was rendered by the singing class. Mr Maude, M.P.C., next made a few remarks upon the prosperity of the school, alluding to the satisfactory report of the inspector at his last visit. He then read a piece out of the Spectator on the transmigration of souls.

Mr Merton sang “ The Last Man,” which was applauded. A part song by the company followed, “ Let the hills resound.” The Bev B. W. Dudley next gave a few earnest remarks, hoping the parents would send their children regularly to school. The national song, “ Buie Britannia,” was then sung, and, after votes of thanks to the ladies who provided the tea, Mr Merton and company, and the speakers, the meeting terminated .

Mrs Gallery and the Misses Dudley and Humphreys presided at the piano during the evening in their usual efficient manner.