FOXTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3773, 29 March 1928, Page 2

FOXTON DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW BUILDING. BY MINISTER OF EDUCATION. The official opening of the building to accommodate the secondary pupils of the Foxton District High School was performed yesterday by the Hon. R. A. Wright, Minister of Education, in the presence of a large and representative assemblage. It. was a perfect afternoon for the function and the sloping ground of Ihakara Garden was ideal from the public view point. The High School pupils in their neat uniforms and hats adorned with the silver badge and school motto, weije an interesting group in the foreground backed by the pupils of the primary school The representatives of the Wanganui Education Board, Minister and those taking part in the ceremoney, were accommodated on a temporary platform in front of the ornate entrance.

Apologies for absence were read from Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., and Mr A. Fraser.

The ceremony commenced with the assembled pupils singing the National Anthem, a verse of “Land of Our Birth,” saluting the flag and reciting the declaration. These items were carried out with fine precision and clear enunciation. Mr. J. Iv. Hornblow (Chairman of the School Committee and member of the Wanganui Education Board*) presided, and extended a welcome to the Minister and visitors. The occasion, he said, was a red: letter day in the educational history of Foxton. The need for secondary education had been felt locally for a long time and as far back as 20 years ago, endeavours had been made unsuccessfully to inaugurate night classes. For years local children requiring secondary education had had to travel to Palmerston North, which entailed long and tedious hours. Despite this fact, however, local pupils had done remarkably well both in scholastic work and on the field of sport. The time came, however, when it was felt that the Education Board should be approached with a view to having a secondary school erected locally. The land for the building had been generously donated,' the Board had been sympathetic to the request and the Minister had realised,the need for such an institution, and the work had been put in hand with the gratifying result that they were assembled there to day to witness the opening of the new building of which they were all justly proud and which would serve Foxton for many years to come. The Mayor (Mr. M. E. Perreau), expressed the gratitude of the people of Foxton to the Minister for seeing fit to make the necessary grant for the erection of the new school, which he hoped would not prove merely an ornament to the town, but something which was to place the educational qualifications' of the younger generation on a high standard. He paid a tribute to the work of Mr. J. K. Hornblow and said that Mr. Hornblow’s ambition of many years had that day been realised, and he wished to congratulate him for his efforts in regard to the educational welfare of Foxton, and he paid a fine tribute to the donors of the land for the gift of the site. The people of Foxton were proud of the building that had been erected, proud of the Minister and proud of the Government of the country. Mr. Hone McMillan then formally handed over the deeds of the section to the Chairman of the W(anganui Education Board, (Mr. Collins), and in doing so congratulated the people of Foxton on the fine High School building that had been erected. He was pleased to see the happy association that existed between the Native and European children locally, and he hoped it would ever continue. He was an old resident oP Foxton, and missed many familiar faces that day, but lie felt sure they were all present in spirit. On behalf of the donors; Mesdames McMillan, Eparaima and Winiata benefiearies in the estate of the late Chief Ihakara Tnkumaru, he had much pleasure in handing over the deeds of the land on which the building stood. Mr. Collins (Chairman of the Wanganui Education Board) thanked the donors for their splendid gift ahd expressed the hope that the Maori and European people would always get on well together. He referred to the sterling qualities of the late Chief Ihakara Tukurnaru, whom he styled as a gentleman, who went about conciliating his people and drawing the bonds of friendship closer between Pakeha and Maori. He had set an example which could .well be followed by his white brethren to-day. He again publicly thanked the donors for their fine gift and hoped Foxton would justify the educational facilities provided. Mr. J. Linklater, M.P., extended congratulations to those responsible for the magnificent building erected. It might be thought that the building was • a big school for such a small town, but when it was taken into consideration that Foxton was surrounded by such excellent country it would l_>e realised that every inch of the space available would be required. The Foxton children were now provided with educational facilities that they should have had long ago and secondary education would be found to be of tremendous advantage to the people of Manawatu and the Dominion, as a whole. He referred to the recently opened

Massey College, at Palmerston N., which would prove of great benefit to the farming community in helping to solve the many problems that faced the agriculturist. Mr. Linklater reminded the pupils present that day that they would be the first pupils to enter the new school and he urged upon them to set up traditions for others to follow, and to set a high standard for the others to follow. He hoped they would prove very successful in their studies and in after life a credit to their parents. Mr. Linklater referred to the excellence of the school buildings, and the fine Town Hall, and drew the Minister’s attention to the blot on the landscape that the existing courthouse was and asked him to support any measures taken to have it replaced by a more up-to-date bnilding. Mr W. Adams (Wianganui Education Board) {gave an outline of the progress of education in Foxton since he was headmaster here many years ago, and paid a tribute to the work of the Chairman in the interests of education locally. Ha stressed on the pupils the necessity of education, and urged- them to grasp the opportunity at present offered them. Education was an ideal to be cherished, and he advised them to discipline themselves, to bear the characters of ladies and gentlemen by choosing a right occupation and following it diligently. He hoped each one of them would establish some school tradition, and motto of their own, and he trusted no one would disgrace those traditions so established. 'Mr Mclntyre (Wanganui Education Board), in addressing the boys and girls, referred to the importance of technical education. It

was on the application of the pupils while at school that depended the benefit to be derived from secondary education in late yeai’s. He hoped they would all follow in the footsteps of the late Chief Ihakara and acquit themselves as gentlemen and gentlewomen. The name Tukumaru meant shelter, or to afford protection, and he hoped they would all emulate the old chief in word and deed, and carry out the meaning of his name. Mr J. W. Bishop (Levin Commit-

tee) conveyed the Levin School Committee’s congratulations to the local Committee, and endorsed previous speakers’ remarks. Mr F. A. Mason (headmaster) paid a fine tribute,to the Board’s architect (Mr Hodge) the fine structure to be opened that day having been due to his skill. The Board '>vas particularly fortunate in having the services of such a fine architect as Mr Hodge. They were very proud of his work. The erection of a high school in Foxton meant that 100 per cent, more children could receive secondary education than previously, and if that was so, then the sum expended on the building was well worth while. Secondary education was free to all, and the heritage of all, and the teachers were all prepared to give of their best in the interests of the younger generation, both in the physical and ,moral uplift of this country. 'The Minister was then presented with a suitably engraved gold key by Mrs J. K. Hoimblow on behalf of the Committee. In accepting the token, Mr Wright said that he would always cherish the memento, which would be kept in his family for all time. He thanked Mr H. McMillan for the gift of the land, and asked him to pass on to the donors the thanks of the Government, which appreciated the genei’osity of the Native people. The Maoris, he said, had always been anxious for the education of their own children and the people

of New Zealand. He instanced the , line grants made by the Natives at Rotorua and elsewhere. Mr Wright touched on the necessity for the erection of the high school building locally, which meant the grouping ' of six different classes scattered about the town under one roof. Under the previous conditions it was impossible to give adequate instruction and supervision, and he was sure that no one could accuse the Board and Department of extravagance in connection with the new building. The Minister referred to the call for better education, and said that never had there been such a time in the history of this country when parents were so anxious for the educational welfare of their children. Np matter where he went, even in the backblocks, there people were all anxious that their children should receive good education, and consequently the Department was faced with requests for better facilities from all parts by anxious parents and committees. With the object of better education in view, and with this ambition on the part of parents, who were denying'themselves that their children should receive better educations , did the children realise what a good place school was. Did they believe and think their teachers excellent members of the community? Did they realise and appreciate the efforts made by their parents and teachers on their behalf? He urged them to seize the opportunity offered them now, to realise that their best friends were their parents, and next to them their teachers, and to forget any fads or foibles the latter might possess. The Government, on its part, was out to give them sound education, to make them victorious in life’s battles. The boy or girl who equipped him or herself well at school would be able to hold his or her own in life. The Governmtnt desired to turn them out good boys and girls who would make good citi J zens, good, honourable men and women who would carry out them work in life with honesty and iu-

dnstry. They could not get. on without industry, and the speaker referred to that industry and perseverence which had characterised the pioneers of this country. Industry was needed if they were to be happy in hard work. The boy or girl who to-day set out and mastered some problem of school life would conquer bigger problems in after years, and ultimately occupy high positions. Mr Weight made personal reference to both the Headmaster and Chairman of Committee, both of whom had been under his observation as young men. In reference to the work of District High Schools the Minister said that some people were inclined to believe that the best results could not be obtained at such a school. This was absolutely wrong. The District High Schools of New Zealand were doing excellent work up to the matriculation standard, thus opening the door to the University. Mr Wright then called for the usual round of cheers, after which lie officially' opened the building, and in doing so reminded the boys and girls that lie was opening to them the door of opportunity. 'The public then inspected the interior of the new building, and showered compliments upon the architect.

The Minister, visitors and Committee were then entertained at afternoon tea by the girl pupifs of the High School. These young ladies deserve special praise for the excellent layout and attention given to all. Votes of thanks were accorded to the Minister and Chairman of the Board by Messrs Hornblow and Oram, and a similar compliment was paid to the High School girls by Mr J. Linklater, MP

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING.

The building itself is a beautiful structure, standing on an elevated site surrounded by concrete walks and retaining walls on the Duncan Street and Bavensworth frontages. On the north the building backs on to the school property adjoining. The main entrance to the building looks out on Ihakara Gardens, and ’concrete steps on both the north and south sides, lead up to an entrance porch of Tuscan architecture, with eight Tuscan columns and an iron grill between the two outside pillars in the front. The entrance in Duncan Street is by steps to the elevated site and concrete walks which lead up to a porch of simple but pleasing design. The liavensworth and Duncan Street frontages are faced with classic ornamentation.

The exterior of the building is in keeping with the meaning of the columns, “solidity and simplicity,” and while simple in appearance is i r ery pleasing in design. There is no exposed woodwork on the exterior, and all gutterings, pipes, etc., are of east iron. All material used in the construction -of the building, with the exception of the iron, is of New Zealand manufacture, even to the locks on the doors.

Retuniing to the main entrance, from the porch bevel plate glass doors, lead in to the building, and open into a corridor and 14ft. by 22ft. bin. cloak room, which is under observation from the classrooms. 'The effect is particularly lne, the beautiful heart of rimu timber and blue brick arches contrasting with the white ceiling and wall effects. To the right, in the cloak room, are three washing basins. Eight-foot corridors run east and west, and north and south to serve the classrooms. The woodwork room is 36ft. by 26ft., and. is situated in the extreme west of the building, while the cooking room of same dimensions, including pantry and stove, completes the Ravensworth Place frontage. Along the Duncan Street side are located the science room, 32ft. by 22ft. 6in., and class-room 22£t. by 22ft. fiin. The building is heated by lowpressure water system, and is electrically lit throughout. The cookery and woodwork rooms are plastered throughout, but the other rooms and corridors are finished with 6ft. heart of rimu dadoes. The windows are of steel frame, 100 per cent, ventilation type, with cross ventilating sasAes in every room. The windows are operated by a brass rod opener, which does away with the old-fashioned cord system—an invention of the architect. Domestic hot water is provided from the stove.

Every detail in the construction of the. building has been well considered and excellently carried out, the whole reflecting great credit on the architect ' (Mi- Hodge). The work, with the exception of the brick and concrete work, which was done by the firm of J. Jones, of Wanganui, was carried out by the Board’s own staff.

Fire extinguishers and clocks are also installed in the building.