NEW SCHOOL.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1917, Page 2

NEW SCHOOL.

FINNERTY ROAD FUNCTION. The new school recently erected by the Education Board on Finnerty Road was formally opened by Mr. R. Masters, chairman of the Board, at a sociaV held on Friday evening. Mr. E. Bennett formally welcomed Mr. Masters and other visitors to the opening. Mr. Masters, in opening, expressed his pleasure at being present and congratulated the Finnerty Road people on the completion of their efforts to secure a school. They were fortunate in having secured the services as teacher of Miss Rowntree, who was a specially capable member of the profession. The fact that there were 32 children already in attendance, with three more shortly to join, fully justified the decision of the Board in erecting the school. On behalf of the members of the Board, Mr. Masters congratulated them and mentioned that the Board was absolutely unanimous in its decision to erect the school, and he as chairman assured the Finnerty ißoad people that every assistance would be given the committee in regard to the management of tho school and the welfare of their children. It was about three yeaTs since they first started out to obtain a school, and that night he desired to say that to the settlers themselves the credit was due. One acre had been provided free of cost, but the Department stated that there must be two acres, which was tho number laid down now, and eventually the Department found the extra acre. In cases where the settlers were so anxious, it was only right that they should receive every consideration at the hands of the educational authorities, and in getting the school it was only what they deserved. Mr. Bennett was specially worthy of mention for the active interest he had taken in establishing the school. He urged parents not to assume that because their children had passed through the primary schools their education was complete. There were technical and secondary schools, and while it might prove a sacrifice to parents in finding labor on their farms, they also owed a duty to their children and the State to give every possible facility to the children to take full advantage of the facilities provided. He asked settlers to take an interest in the school, and reminded them that he would be visiting the district in about a fortnight's time for the purpose of electing a committee for tho school ; lie desired that they should meet him arid elect tho strongest body possible in the district to further the interests of the school and its pupils. During the social which followed items were contributed by Miss V. Rowe, and Messrs J. Rowe and J. Lister. All were encored, the items proving very enjoyable. Mrs. Bianchi presided at the piano for the dances, Mrs: Moßeth assisting with the extras, whilst Mr. A. Scott was M.C.