FOXTON STATE SCHOOL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1834, 1 June 1918, Page 3

FOXTON STATE SCHOOL.

EMPIRE AND KING’S BIRTHDAY

CBLLEBRATIONS,

Empire Day anil the King’s Birthday were jointly celebrated at the local State school yesterday arterhoon. The ceremony took place in the quadrangle, which was nof t large anough to accommodate all who attend and parents and friends overflowed into the class rooms. The head teacher, Mr Euryie, welcomed parents and friends.. Ho was pleased to see among those* present several ex-pupils who had attended in the old school in the days gone by. The schopl had selected as the motto for the day the words; “Our Empire, Ake! Ake!” The (lag was saluted, and each child came to the salute to the accompaniment of bufle and drum. Tho school then recited the following declaration: —

We believe the British Empire to stand for Freedom, Justice,' Order and good Government, and pledge ourselves as boys' and girls of the Greatest Empire in the. World to maintain the heritage handed down to us by our ancestors.

The scholars then sang “Hearts of Oak,” under the baton of Mr Gabites, and Stella Robinson feelingly recited “The Flag.” The Mayor (Mr John Chrystall) then delivered an . address on the duties of citizenship, followed by an address by the. Chairman of Committee on the King? Vivian-Ross recited “Patria” very nicely. A tableau was then presented depicting Britannia’s call to arms in defence of Belgium. Belgium .was represented by a sweet little maid (Nancy Harper), who was endeavouring to hold a burly German (Ken. McMurray) at bay. Britannia (Nathalie Spring), attended by Scotland (Ivy Lacey), Ireland (MadgeiAdmore), and Wales J Hilda. Davis), then beckoned, and cadets, representing all parts of the Empire, rallied to the call. The tableau was both inspiring and spectacular. The National Anthem was then sung, and lusty cheers given for the King and the soldiers of the Empire. After the ceremony, which, by the way, was the best of its kind yet. held at the school, parents inspected the class-rooms and flag-drawing exhibits by the scholars. A collection was taken up for the purpose of providing prizes and school necessities in connection with the work, and resulted in a substantial sum being realised. The 'awards were as follow V. and VI., B. Chalk 1, F. Procter 2, V. Daniel 3; Std. IV., E. Healey 1,.H. Nieholls 2, H. Mitchell 3; Std. 111., T. Walsh 1, A. Francis 2, A. Osborne 3; Std. 11. (girls), E. Moore 1/ Eunice Williams 2, (boys) H. Huff 1, B. Powell 2, S. Honor special; Std. I, U. Vertongen 1, H. Kirby 2, W. Dilliams 3; Primer IL, O. York 1, V. Moore 2; Primer 1., G. Aldridge 1, C. Dawson 2.