The New School Piano.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3700, 21 July 1906, Page 3

The New School Piano.

THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY. A very interesting and pleasing ceremonial was carried out in successful fashion at the State School on Wednesday afternoon last. A fully representative number of members of present and last year’s school committee, with a considerable number of ladies and parents of pupils, assembled in the quadrangle, where the children, under the supervision of the teachers, were lined up in due form' to receive them. The occasion was the inauguration of the new school piano, a beautiful and fine a toned instrument by BfOadwood and White. Mr Clemett, as Chairman of the School Committee, made the preentation. In an able speech, he pointed out, among many other things, how greatly all were indebted to Mrs T. Haywood for initiating and organising the movement and for the magnificent personal donation with which she headed the list,—also our indebtedness to the other kind friends who had subscribed, especially Mr George Coley, who with his usual and characteristic generosity, had made a most ra significant personal donation and otherwise evinced great interest in the progress and success of the movement. Finally, Mr Clemett pointed out—as a surprise—that besides the piano there was a beautiful music-stool presented, the gift of Miss Bertha Haywood (loud cheers.) Mr Clemett then called on Mr Baker, as Chairman of old Committee, to make a few remarks. Mr Baker, who was warmly cheered, made an eloquent oration, enforcing the remarks of the last speaker and especially confirming Mr Clemett’s arguments as to the importance of having ladies on the Committee. He said that if Mrs Haywood and Mrs Frankland had presented themselves for re-election last April, they would have been triumphantly elected at the head of the poll. Mr Clemett then called on Mr Frankland to make a few remarks. The latter gentleman said (laughingly) that Mr Clemett could not have made a more unfortunate selection, as he (Mr Frankland) knew less about pianos and music than perhaps any other man in Foxton. Nevertheless he was glad of the opportunity of expressing his delight in seeing this beautiful instrument at the disposal of the new school and adding his thanks to those the others had expressed to Mrs Haywood, Mr George Coley, Miss Haywood, and the other kind friends. He Said he could not help remarking the last time they were assembled there to do honour to our late beloved Premier and Minister of Education, the great statesman who had done so much to make New Zealand famous, and how he wished they had then had this exquisite piano to add beauty and grace to the exquisite display that the children then made. Mr Clemett, after some further remarks, expressed thanks to Mr Frankland for the picture of Mi Seddon which he had given to the school.

Mr Frankland said he didn’t know of anything he could have given that would do more good, as he considered our late Premier one of the great figures in human history, and one of the greatest benefactors mankind ever had, and it would be good- that the children should see his picture every day of their lives, because, though the boys could not all climb as high as Mr Seddon had done, they could all emulate his goodness, his conscientiousness, and his desire to benefit his fellow-creatures. Mr Frankland also called for three cheers for Mr Alf. Fraser for having obtained the beautiful new schoolhouse in which they were then assembled ; and, the cheers being heartily and vociferously given, Mr Fraser replied in very feeling terms. • Mr W. S. Stewart having spoken feelingly on behalf of the School and the teaching staff, several of the ladies then gave some very beautiful musical renderings on the new piano, Mrs John Robinson, Miss Haywood and Mrs Barnard singing, and Miss Haywood and Mrs Herston Frankland accompanying. These selections were enjoyed immensely by the large audience, children and grown-ups included. The guests then adjourned to Mr Stewart’s house, where tea was provided by Mrs Stewart and Mrs Frankland.