EMPIRE DAY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1985, 3 June 1919, Page 3

EMPIRE DAY.

SSCHOOL CELEBRATION

The celebration of Empire Day and the King’s Birthday by the local State school children took place in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon. The senior children were grouped on the stage, and the juniors seated in the body of the Hail. There was also it fair attendance of parents.

The headmaster (Mr Fume), in briefly out lining the object of the gathering, expressed pleasure at seeing a number of parents present. He said that there was not enough community of interest between the ■parents and the school, and he hoped that when the ;w,. g c;-s

occupied to set aside cctaiji days when the’parents could come along and see the children at their work. If the parents would avail themsel-

v:-' of iii,s opportunity of seeing what was going on inside the school ho felt sure that they would take a greater interest in education, and there would be more sympathy • tween parents and teachers. Addressing the children, Mr Furric said that the motto decided upon for the day was; ‘‘For God, Duly and Empire.” The proceedings opened by the whole of the children singing a hymn specially selected for the occasion. The senior and junior scholars then made the declarations, promising to bo loyal to their country and Empire, and obedient to their parents and teachers, after which Mr A. J, Kellow (chairman of the School Committee) addressed them on ‘‘Empire Day, its Origin and Moaning.” At his call cheers were given for the King mid Empire. Master Harry Gofliit recited “Children of the Empire” in a very ably: manner, and the senior scholars sang “Hearts of Oak.” Little Miss Belle Pearson recited Kipling’s children's Song of Empire very pleasingly, and the children sang “The Sea is England’s Glory,” following with a recitation, “The Land of Our Birth.” . /

Mr A If. Fraser (member of Ihe Wanganui Education Board) unveiled a temporary memorial containing the names of ex-tea-chers and ex-pupils of the school who paid the supremo sacrifice in the war, and in doing so referred to the excellent record, of the New Zealand troops, both on and off the Held of battle. Ex-pu-pils of the Foxlon 'school whose names appeared’ on this Foil of Honour had not hesitated to lay down their lives that the people in New Zealand might live in peace and unmolested. He said the children of the school could best show their appreciation of their services by trying to make the fox ton school ■one of the best in the Dominion — by attending regularly, doing their lessons well, and obeying their teachers. At their i sports he urged them to play the’ game, to play it well, to play fair, and, of course, to win if possible. Whilst the memorial wjjis being unveiled those present stood with bowed beads. The memorial contained the following- names: —Lieuts. A. Cowie and A. Shane, Sergeants Alex. Oray, M.M., and F. Levett, Gunner B. Bo we, Privates G. Feck, L. Howe, J. Harris, H. Ruseoe, A. Runnier, B. Cole, H. Kay, W. Young, S. Russell, E. D. Webb. Muster Ninion Ross recited “Happy Warriors.” Surgeon-Captain Adams then addressed the children on “Patriotism.” . The singing of the National Anthem brought the celebrations to a close.