HAPPY REUNION

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 85, 27 April 1937, Page 6

HAPPY REUNION

Maraekakaho's Splendid Effort A GAY EVENING (Contributed.) Enhaneed by the glorious moonlight night, one of the most delightful functions ever held in the Maraekakaho district eventuated on Friday evening, the happy occasion being the inaugural reunion of Maraekakaho people, past and present, and ex-pupils of the schpol. It was most gratifying to the orgaidsera to see tlie hall, resplendent in its decorations, of school colours, etc., crowded to capacity, the overflow happy to "crack wi ' ane anither," and recall old-time reminiscences in the large lobby entrance. What a happy ctowd it was, with cheery, smiling faces, exchanging greetings as one and another recognised some old school pal, or some fellowemployee of the "good old days," and bringing back to mind those old words ■ of our beloved Bobby Burns, . "Dn't be feared tae let yer seP gang free, When talkin' tae a cronie." A well-planned programme of modern and old-time dances, arranged by Mr. Tom Walker^ and interspersed with song and story, and excellent music of popular old-time favourites supplied by Les Henry's orchestra, kept people happy from the word "go." A lastminute alteratiou, tmfortunately, had to be piade in the programme, as through the epidemie restrictions "of no admittanee nnder 16 years," a party from Napier consisting of a piper and Scottish dancers, were regrettably unable to assist in adding their quota to the real Highland zest of the proceedings. The management was in the capable hands of Mr. Skip Donovan, and goodworking committee, and everything wen't off without a hitch from start to finish. The popular M.G.'s were Messrs. Tom Walker and Ben Harkness, who saw to it that there was never a dull moment. Interesting Photographs. Oh the wall were arranged interesting photos representing the school at various stages of its progress from the time of its inception in 1893 to 1937, as also a school roll of the pupils, four of the . original school being present. Not only "were there representatives from all over Hawkes Bay, but also were some who travelled from Taupo, Gisborne, the Waikato and Wellington in order to be present at= the auspicous event, and to all, Mr. Lachie MaeLean (Glencoe) in a stirring presidential opening address, extended a hearty Scottish welcome, saying how delighted he was to see among 'the assembly several of the station employees of the early days, as well as several who had given continuous good service to the station over a long period of years. In reminiscent vein he recalled many interesting events, grave and gay — milestones along the road — during the yeara of progress in the " breaking-in " and iormation of the station. In concluding his address he wished all a thoroughly jolly evening. The Rev. It. B. Waugh, Havelock North, Tepresenting the church and Education Board, in a few well-chosen words; heartily congratulated the pupils and ex-pupils, and teachers past and present, on the general excellence and high standard of efficiency that ths school had always maintained. Replies to Congratalations. Mr. Jack Lyons, in a humorous and witty little speecli, responded on behalf of the ex-pupils, and Mrs. Alex Whyte on behalf of the ex-teachers. Thanking Mr. Waugh for his congratalations, Mrs. Whyte said that the home-life and environment of the Maraekakaho children had always made them a Teal pleasure to teaeh, and a credit to any district. To use a simile, by way of illustration, teaching there was like "putting on the top-dressing to a seed in a well-prepared ground. ' The response was suvo and speedy. The pupils could hold their own, not only scholastically, but also maintained a high standard in sport and games, and thanks to the generosity of the late Sir Douglas MaeLean, who always took genuine interest, the school' was always well equipped with the best of every: thing possible. After all, a school was judged, not only on the efficiency oi' '.Is seholars, but also on the citizens it produees, and boys and girls educated right through at Maraekakaho had nobly held their own. Mrs. Whyte said it was a grand inspiration to be umong them all once more, and that the feeling resembled that of a wanderer returning horneafter 20 years' absence.

Mr. Tam McGuire ("Scotty") replete in Highland costume, delighted everyone with his "Roamin' in the Gloamin' " and had to respond to a well-merited double encore. "The klountains of Mourne," was delightfully sulig by Miss Donovan (Hastings) who responded to an encore, and Mr. MacDonald (the Port) gave one of his Gaelic songs arfd for his encore another humorous song of the same ilk. Miss Molly McCorniiclc and Mr. Vallance were the winners of the spot vvaltz, receiving moinentoes of tho ococcusion. Organisers Congratulated. A deioctable savoury sit-down supper was sorved under the capable supervisiou j>f Mrs. Donovan and Mrs. Tom Walker, »»id a willing band of helpers . Before cJosing, a hearty vote- of thanks and congratalations were extenutd tho chief organiser, Mr. Skip Doncvan,. and Mrs. Donovan, for their Iruly splendid aehieveinent, and sparing no efforts to make the function the unc'oubted success it was, the crowd singing "For Thc-y Are Jolly Good Pellows. ' ' Mr. Donovan, in reply, very modestly. said he had baclring him a working committee out on its own, and "tlat we'll all be looking eagerly forv.ard to next year's re-union. | ln the "sma' wee hours" of tho aiorning "Auld Lang Syne" was sung as only Scotsmen can, the National Antliem concluding a truly memorable function, |