AN INTERESTING CEREMONY

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1917, Page 4

AN INTERESTING CEREMONY

UNVEILING REAR-ADMIRAL BEATTY’S PHOTOGRAPH.

At Victoria School yesterday afternoon at 1.45 o'clock, Mr «T. Giim monel, district representative-on the Canterbury Education Board, unveiled the photograph of Rear-Ad-miral Sir David Beatty, in command in the North Sea. The picture has been presented t.> the District High School by Lieut T. E. Y. Sodden M.P. who was on board H.M.S. “Iron Duke” some little time ago; when Sir David very kindly gave Mr Seddon his autograph signature. The scholars were assembled in one of the High School class rooms, and there were a number of parents present.

Mr J. Grimmond when called on to address the children expressed his pleasure at being present oh such a mission. They had all read of Real Admiral Beatty’s action in the Jutland Battle over a year ago when the German fleet ran away in the darkness, and had not ventured forth again. Mr Grimmond referred to Admiral Beatty as a type of the splendid naval men Britain had, and it was due to such men that Britain remained “ Mistress of the Seas. He deplored the sacrifice, now taking place in Europe and elsewhere, but it was a good thing that the war had come when it did and not later A\lion the nation might have been more unprepared still for the, ordeal of battle. Their men were fighting nobly and. dying bravely as Englishmen should in the cause of liberty and justice. The present generation hud come into a great heritage, and it was the duty of the men and women of to-day, as of the boys and girls now growing up to come after, to tight for and defend the national liberties they enjoyed. Mr Grimmond thought, it was good of Mr. Seddon when on board the great, war ship to think ofy distant Westland, -and to secure so worthy a trophy of one of Britain s heroes for the . walls of their High School. He had much pleasure in unveiling the picture which ho hoped would remain a proud treasure while the noble life and deeds of the gallant sailor would ever be an incentive to the young folk growing up and preparing to tike their part in the battle of life. (Loud applause, which was renewed as the Union Jack was removed, and the fine picture displayed.) , - Mr D. J. Evans who was invited to speak, said the sea had been regarded as England’s glory, and for the moment Admiral .Beatty was the glory of the British Navy. He was the Nelson of to-day, and it was fitting that on tip) walls of the school the two pictures of Nelson and Beatty should be side-by -side, /Mr Evans referred to the circumstances under which Mr Seddon had been fortunate to meet Admiral Beatty, and how the gift had come to the School. They all deplored the war and what it entailed, but if it could ■ be ended quickly Admiral Beatty and those associated with him in the great British Navy stood ready t > make any sacrifice necessary to bring the war to the victorious ending they all hoped for. Such men as Beatty were to be honored and revered, and the picture on the Wall would be a ready reminder of the sacrifice the gallant men of the Navy were making for the Empire’s safety. At Mr Evans’ call three hearty cheers were given for Sir David Beitfy. The Rector, Mr L. F. de Berry, on behalf of the school, accepted the gift which Lieut Seddon had made so thoughtfully. Admiral Beatty was the highest type of a Christian gentleman, who had the noblest ideals and who would not have been in this war unless he believed the cause to have been just. In the past they had been indebted to Mr Seddon for many remembrances, but he was sure the present gift would be specially treasured because Sir David Beatty 'filled them and thrilled them with

interest in the difficult and dangerous work he was, along with his men, constantly performing. He asked Mr Grimmond and Mr Evans to convej’’ the thanks of the school to Mr Seddon, and there might be the suggestion that if there were the (Opportunity Mr Seddon would seize it, and later on present the school with a companion picture of Sir Douglas Haig, the leader of the British land forces. Air de Berry suggested, too, that perhaps thtpupils of the upper classes might venture to write to Sir David Beatty, and tell him of the ceiemouj- that day and of the pleasured had given. Mr de Berry called for cheers for Lieut Seddon, the British Navy and the soldiers at the front, .all of which were responded to heartily.

During the proceedings the Fifth and Sixth Standards sang “Ye Mariners of England” and “The British Flag,” while the whole assemblage sang the National Anthem. At the close of the funcMr Grimmond' mentioned to the Rector that on such an occasion it would be fitting that the school might be for the remainder of the day. The very hearty endorsement of this suggestion b} r the pupils, left the Rector no option but to accede, and after roll call the school with^further hearty cheering was dismissed.