PUNI.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 175, 19 May 1916, Page 4

PUNI.

PUNI'S NEW SCHOOL. OPENING FUNCTIONS. Friday last was a gala day in Puni, the occasion being the official opening of the building recently erected to replace the t)ld school destroyed by fire some months ago. To fittingly celebrate the event a picnic was arranged for the children followed by. a social and euchie party in the evening. The picnic, which was hekHn Mr Arthur Landon's paddock, was most successful, both young and old thoroughly enjoying themselves. Ihe following are the results of the various events : Std. IS, boys : E Wright 1, R. Preece 2, H. Pieiton 3. Std. 4 and 5, girls : Thelma Parkinson 1, liita Rjberti 2, Phyllis Preece 3. Std. 4 and 5, boys : Ce;il Rogers 1, A. Douald 2, E. Landon 3. Std. 2 aud 3, girls : Isabel Preston 1, Sybil Paikinson 2, Irene Landon 3. Std. 2, boys: Allan Preece 1, Mervyn Landon 2, A. McKenzie 3. Std. 1, girls: Phyllis Landon 1, Marion McClune 2. Std, 1, boys : Rolf Parkinson 1, Mervyn McClune 2. Piinier, girls : D. Roberts 1, Elsie Johns 2, Mavis Landon .'5. Primer, boys : Kenneth Adams 1, Ted Harvie 2, Claude Preece 3. Boys' Three-legged Race : H. Preston and C. Rogers 1, Raymond Crosbie and Oswald Pollock 2. Girls' Three-legged Race : Thelma Parkinson and J Landon ], Isabel Preston and Sybil Parkinson 2 Ladies' rate—taisa Vera Wright I, Miss C Preston 2, Mrs A Landon 3 Championship—fcybil Parkiison 1, Irene Landon 1 At 230 p.m. all adjourred to ihe school, where in the presence of a large gathericg of settlers and visitors the opemng ceremony was performed by Mr (j J Garland, chairman of the Auckland Board of Education. In the courss of his address Mr Gailand congratulated

the residents upon the acquisition of such an up-tc-date structure, which reflected great credit upon all concerned in its erectior, particularly upon Mr John Farrell, the Board's architect, whos3 designs of school buildings are widely copied, both in New Zealand and in Australia. Addressing his juvenile hearers, Mr Garland urged upon them the value of Imperialistic ideals, and inculcated the the necessity of honest endeavour, bolb in and out of school, to the end that they might become good and worthy citizens At the conclusion of, bis addresp, Mr Garland presented to eac*i pupil of the school a book, the gift of the Picnic Committer, accompanying each presentation with a few appropriate remarks Other speakers included Mr F Perkinc, chairman ot the Pukekube School Committee, and Mr J Patterson, a member of the Pukekube School Committer, both of whom pointed out the advantages to be cbtaine 1 by attendance of pupils at the Pukckohe District High School During the function Mr J Landon, chairman of the Puni School Committee, presided and introduced the various speakers. At its con elusion, the new building was inspected by these present, its generally modern features—particularly in regard to lighting and ventilation—eliciting very favourable comment, as did also the much improved external surroundings of the school premises. The lattsr are due to the energy ut Mr J Landon and bis fellow committeemen, whose interest and cordial working witb the teachers have brought about sach a vastly improved condition of affairs In the evening, as already ststeJ, a Bocial and progres : ive eucbre party was held. The latter was capably supervised by Messrs S Murray and A Landon. Tre priza winne'B were: Men's, Mr P Clancb; lidies' Miss Shepherd For tbe dancing, music was supplied by Messrs J Roberts, J Wright, R Reynolds and M Irwin. Mr J McClune acted as M.C. An excellent sjpper was provided by tha ladies

Altogether the day's proceedings were moat successful and enjoyable, arc! great credit is due to all who woikcd so hard to bring about this desirable result