BREAKING-UP CEREMONY

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1920, Page 2

BREAKING-UP CEREMONY

VICTORIA STATE SCHOOL.

Victoria School broke up for the Xmas holidays yesterday at rather short' notice. Owing to the depleted attendance owing to the epidemics prevalent in the district just -now, it was determined the previous day to close the school a week earlier than usual. The occasion was invested with quite a special ceremony, which included farewells. and presentations to the Rector (Mr Brunton) who is leaving for Waimate and Mr McCullough Master) who is taking up teaching duties at Lyttelton. The scholars were assembled in the

infant room, and there were present all the teaching staff, several members of the Committee, and a sprinkling of parents. On the scholars being assembled, Mr W. H. Shannon, the Chairman of the Hokitika School Committee addressed tlie assemblage. He congratulated the school on the good results for the year as revealed by the late examinations, but regretted that they were to lose some of their teachers who had done so well with the respective classes. Some of the teachers were securing good promotions and on 1 that score they wgre to he congratulated but he was sorry for the school’s sake that they were losing them. Mr D. J. Evans, on being called on, said be was there to introduce Sergt. Chas. Parham, one of “the old boys” of the school, just back from war service. Breaking-up day was always important and Sergt. Parham’s presence would make it a red letter day in their memories. The speaker alluded to the soldier’s fortitude in the serious illness he had undergone and his trying experience in going “through the mill” of a desperate operation. They were glad to welcome him back and wish him health and happiness for the future. Sergt. Charles Parham, who was received with prolonged applause, thanked them for tlieir cordiaL reception. He was glad to be at the old school again, and his special mission was really to ask for a holiday for them. He hoped they would enjoy the holidays they were about to receive, and person--1 ally he would be always grateful to them for tlieir kindly welcome. Hon. J. Grimmond, M.L.C., a member of the Canterbury Education Board spoke of the success of the school and congratulated the staff and the scholars on the good results achieved. The pupils were on right lines in fitting themselves for the worlds’ work where they would have later opportunities to build up a greater Britain. In their present position they had a great inheritance from the past, and it was their duty as men and women of the future to hand on their trust unsullied and enhanced in value.

Mr A. H. Lawn on behalf of the West Coast Rugby Union here presented the Hokitika school boys with the trophies won in the seven aside football tournament held under the auspices of the

Union. The recipients were Masters Wogan, Aitken (2), Wells, O’Neil, Montagu, and Butland. Mr Lawn remarked that much of the kudos the school had gained on the football field this season was due to the untiring work of Mr McCullough who was a thorough sport and had the game so much at heart.’ Mr Lawn eulogised the play of the scholars and wished them renewed success next season, hoping they would go to Westport and repeat their former victories.

Mr Niven, Secondary Master, said

the scholars of Standard V and VI desired to make a. presentation-to Mr McCullough. He called on Masters Breeze and Houston to carry out the duty. The former read an address and the latter presented Mr MeCtillough with a phyOn behalf of Standard IV, Misses Jacobs, Fowler, Collett and Hickson presented a silver trophy to Mr McCullough, Miss Beatrice Hickson reading an address.

The secondary school boys also made a presentation to Mr McCullough of a wristlet watch.

The Chairman here took occasion to refer to the departing teachers whose work he specially eulogised. He referred to the smooth and pleasant manner in which the year’s work had passed off, and greatly praised Mr Brunton for his work at the school. The primary school presented Mr Brunton with a brief bag, Miss Leslie reading tlie address and. Miss Dale making the presentation. The secondary school presented a silver cake dish, Miss Bell making the presentation. Both Mr Brunton and Mr McCul-

lough acknowledged the presentations in very suitable terms. Mr Brunton paid a high tribute to the staff of the school, and said he was sorry he could not take all the staff with him.. He referred in complimentary terms to the

work of Miss Aitken who was leaving the school, and two of the younger teachers who were going to college. Ihe scholars sank “For He’s a Jolly good Fellow”, at the close of Mr Brun ; ton’s feeling address. Mr Brunton on behalf of the teachers presented the School with, » framed enlargement of the school football team, which Mr Shannon received and promised to assist the sport of the school in every way.

Mr R. Wild on behalf of the parents joined in the congratulations extended to the teachers, and expressed his personal pleasure at seeing so many healthy and well-dressed children present. He thought the parents deserved

congratulating on that account. Mr Wild spoke of the duty the scholars owed to their teachers and themselves to equip themselves to the fullest extent. Mr S. Preston in a very happy speech wound up the proceedings, provoking hearty laughter and applause with his humorous sallies. With three cheers for the staff and the singing of the National Anthem the school broke up for seven weeks’ Lo'iday, the announcement being as great a delight to the teachers as to the radiant-faced scholars.