TE KUITI SCHOOL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 468, 25 May 1912, Page 5

TE KUITI SCHOOL.

EMPIRE DAY CELEBRATION

Yesterday was quite a gala day at the Te Kuiti school the occasion being to hoist the Union Jack presented by Mrs E. 11. Hardy, and also to present prizes to the children. Some 300 children were present and also a large

number of parents and visitors. Mr J. Walsh (chairman of committee) welcomed all present, and stated that through the courtesy of Mr J. Boddie the flag pole had been erected, and now Mrs Hardy had kindly presented them with a flag; he would ask Mrs Hardy to unfurl the flag. This ceremnoy having been successfullycarried out three hearty cheers were given and God Save the King was lustily aung by all present. The children then marched past the flag and saluted it. This movement was carried out very smartly, and it wa3 good to see all the children down to the tiniest tot saluting the Union Jack.

His Worship the Mayor, in speaking to the children, remarked that the Union Jack was a national symbol which was used in many ways and in many parts of the world. Under the flag, said Mr Hardy, every man, woman and child was free, not a trace of slavery existing. Mr Hardy explained to the children the origin of the flag, and exhorted them to be amenable to discipline and order; to conduct themselvea well at school; to respect women always; and to be loyal and strive to make themselves worthy citizens of the British Empire. The Rev. R. Mitchell said it would be the last opportunity he would have of addressing the children before leaving for Auckland. He had come to know all the children so well that he looked upon them almost as his own family. Mr Mitchell advised the children to serve those near to tnem faithfully and well; they would then be fitted to fight a greater battle than soldier's have to fight; they would he fit to fight the battle of life. Mr Floyd, secretary to the commtitee, stated that to look back upon tbß short history of the Te Kuiti school showed one what great strides had taken place in the increased number of children attending the school. Six years ago the attendance was 65, and now there were 310 names upon the roll. Originally there were two teachers, now eight were necessary. Mr Floyd remarked that it must be gratifying to their old headmaster, Mr Stanton, to be present that day and see the great increase.

Dr Paxton, in a brief speech, thanked the people for attending the function in such numbers and trusted all had enjoyed themselves. Mr Walsh expressed the committee's appreciation of the good work done by the headmaster, Mr Power, and his staff, and stated that all knew that Mr Power and his staff gave a great deal of time and attention to the welfare of the children, and were thoroughly keen on their duties. Mr Power returned thanks. Three hearty cheers were given for Mrs Hardy, Mr Hardy, the chairman and committee, and the ladies. During the afternoon a sumptuous tea was provided by the committee and their wives, and most thoroughly enjoyed by all. Lollies galore, kindly provided by parents and friends, gladdened the hearts of the little ones. The committee received great assistance from Mr Grinter, who kindly lent chairs, and Mr E. J. Thomson, who provided crockery and urns. Prizes as follows were presented to the children by Mrs Hardy:

Special Prizes. —Standard 6: Una Mabbett and Geo. Forsyth. Standard 5: Elsie Power and Kapua Hetet. Standard 4: Claric9 Day and M. Simpson. Standard 3: H. Mabbett and Annie Dooley. Standard 2: Grace Fickling and Alec. Nicholson. Standard 1: Kenneth Mathew and Millie Tumahoe.

Class Prizes. Standard 6: Una Mabbett, Geo. Forsyth and C. Stanton. Standard 5: E. Power, K. Hetet and M. Bayly. Standard 4: Mabel Power, J. Forsyth and H. Lewis. Standard 3: Myfenwy Jones, E. Lewis and R. Gillanders. Standard 2: Dan Manawaiti, G. Fickline and A. Nicholson.

Standard 1: K. Mathew, G. Whaley and Kohia. Primer 4: Eva Fitznatrick, M. Lawson, P. Fickling, Marjorie Fox, Mark Cantlon and R. Power. Primer 3: K. Kawe, Marama Wallace. J. Lawson, U. Ormbsy, R. Scott and Tuku Tathi. Primer 2: Vila Bayley, M. Wetere, Pairania, Elsie Darrow, Martha Turner and A. Anderson. Primer 1 : Mania, Lizzie Floyd, Margaret Sellars, Willie Whaley, Titi Tumahoe, C. Renouf.