100 PER CENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 November 1940, Page 6

100 PER CENT

NAVY LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP UNION JACKS PRESENTED. TO SCHOOLS. CEREMONIES AT TE ORE ORE AND FERNRIDGE. The presentation of Union Jacks to the Te Ore Ore and Fernridge schools, to mark 100 per cent memmership of the Navy League, took place today before representative gatherings of parents, teachers, pupils, members of the Masterton branch of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Navy League and others. The presentations were made by Sir Charles Norwood. president of the Wellington. Navy League, with whom was associated Mr’R. Darroch. secretary of the league. Mr Gordon Reid, chairman of the war council of the league. Colonel T. W. McDonald, and Mr V/. I. Deavoll, respectively a member and the secretary of the Wellington Education Board. Apoligies for absence were received from Mr AV. V. Dyer, chairman of the Wellington Education Board and Mr Alex Donald, a member of the board. The ceremony at Te Ore Orc took place this morning. The chairman of the Te Ore Ore School Committee, Mr J. McDonald. in introducing Sir Charles Norwood, expressed thanks to the visitors for their attendance and the ladies and others who had assisted in entertaining them.

GRATITUDE TO TEACHERS. Sir Charles Norwood said his party had come from Wellington with keen appreciation to see the schools gaining IGO per cent membership in the Navy League. He emphasised how grateful they were to Mrs Fouhy (headmistress) and to her assistants for creating the beautiful sentiment in her school that had made that membership possible. Mrs Fouhy’s work among the Maoris had been imbued with a wonderful spirit of devotion to make them happy in their school associations. He expressed his personal congratulations and thanks to Mrs A. Caselberg and her ladies' committee for their work ori behalf of the Navy League. The Wellington members were deeply indebted to them for their excellent and unselfish service. He went on to say a word of congratulation to the children and stated that a great deal of thanks was due to Colonel McDonald for his efforts to ensure that the children should know as much as possible about the Navy League. He hoped the children would grow up in the spirit and with knowledge of what the Navy meant to them. They were only free to be there to receive this flag because the Navy policed the sea and kept the enemy in its place. He hoped that all these children would merge into the senior section of the Navy League. Every man, woman and child in the country should feel in that way towards the Navy and acknowledge its claims to be supported. These children showed an example to older people. He hoped they would influence their parents to become senior members of the league. It was his privilege to present the flag to the school. The flag was received on behalf of the school by James Elers. MEANING OF THE FLAG. ' Mr Darroch said Mrs Fouhy was one of his old pupils from Te Aro School and he had great pleasure in knowing of the good work she had done. He went on to explain the meaning and significance of the flag. There was no more beautiful flag in all the flags of the nations; When they looked up to their flag they should remember never to do anything mean or base or anything to discredit their country or school. The Navy League had been endeavouring to promote loyalty and patriotism among the people of the whole British Empire and had urged the necessity for a supreme Navy and a supreme Air Force. He referred to the magnificent work of the Mercantile Marine and to the great part the children of today would play in the world of tomorrow —they were going to build the New Jerusalem in their green and pleasant land. He joined with Sir Charles Norwood in congratulating Mrs Fouhy and the school ‘on their great work for the Navy League by securing 100 per cent membership. In conclusion he quoted several lines by F. Bourdillon: —

What have I given? Bold sailor on the sea (or in the air) In earth or heaven That thou shouldst die for me. What can I give? O! soldier lean and brave Long as I live To pay the life you gave. SUPPLY OF COMFORTS. Mr Reid, referring to what the Navy League was doing in New Zealand, said the league had formed a war council to supply woollen garments and comforts for men in the mine-sweep-ing service. He expressed appreciation of the work of Masterton ladies. ■ At the present time the league was getting a tremendous number of new members. He congratulated Mrs Fouhy, the school and Masterton ladies on their work and thanked the hosts for entertaining the visitors. In recognition of distinguished service performed on behalf of the Navy League, Sir Charles Norwood presented Mrs Fouhy with a long service badge.

MAORIS FOR THE NAVY. 1 On behalf of the Maoris. Mr D. Anartt thanked them very much for the flag presented to the school. He referred to the British Navy’s mastery of the seas and thought that Maoris would make good sailors. Why not try them in the Navy? he asked. Several vigorous hakas. an action song and on old Maori chant song, contributed by the pupils, were greatly enjoyed. Mi’s Caselbcrg expressed, on behalf of the Ladies' Auxiliary, thanks In the hostesses. Following' the unfurling of the Hag (ho children gave three cheers and sang the National Anthem. GATHERING AT FERNRIDGE. A somewhat similar ceremony took place at (he Fernridge School this afternoon, where Miss Dawson, the headmistress, was also presented with a long service medal from the league.