THE QUEEN'S PARK SCHOOL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12629, 17 October 1905, Page 2

THE QUEEN'S PARK SCHOOL

OPENING OF THE NEW ROOMS

An interesting function took place at the Queen's Park School yesterday afternoon, when tho rooms erected to replace those destroyed by the recent firo at the school were officially opened. Tho rooms (three) are divided by sliding doors, which, when thrown back, convert the rooms into one large hall. The rooms are beautifully lighted, and well ventilated. The walls are painted in a pale green tint, while a convenient dado of hyloplate can be used for blackboard work in place of the old-fashioned easel board. The furnituro consists of American individual desks, which are a great improvement, as each child has a desk to himself or herself.

Mr. G. S. Bridge, chairman of tlie Education Board, presided, and there was also a good attendance of members of the Education Board, School Committee, and friends of the pupils. Mr. Bridge, in opening the proceedings, said they had assembled for the purpose of opening rooms which were a new departure in AVanganui, or, for that matter, in New Zealand. At the end of last year Mr. Gray, the Chief Inspector, visited America, and, among the ideas he brought back with him, was that of adopting the individual desk system of America. These desks had been imported, and, as could ba seen, were a vast improvement on the old-fashioned kind. Another new departure was in regard to the black boards. Instead of having two or more boards of the old kind, the walls were now covered with a material very much resembling slate. These were a great improvement, and would doubtless prove of great benefit to the childlen. Mr. Bridge said that but for the fire which recently occurred the children would not have had such fine rooms, but ho went on to warn his hearers against the selfishness which prompted people to be pleased at the sight of a tire. The speaker then dealt with the educational advantage enjoyed by Wanganui children, and said that they would have only themselves to blame if they did not take advantage of the facilities offered them. Mr. Bridge congratulated the School Committee oh the improvements they had effected in the school grounds, and appealed to the children to keep the school buildings and grounds in good order. . On resuming his seat, Mr. Bridge was long and loudly applauded. Mr. Payne, addressing Mr. Bridge, said the children wished him to accept « small token of their gratitude and regard. They were much indebted to Mr. Bridge for the time and care hehad devoted to their interests, and they wished to thank him for their pleasant surroundings in which .they would work in future. Miss Dora Pinches then handed t<s Mr. Bridge a gold sovereign case bearing the inscription, "Mr. G. S. Bridge, a token of gratitude and regard from the Queen's Park school children.—Oc tober 16th, 1905." A handsome shower bouquet was also presented to Miss Bridge by Ella Moffatt. Mr. Bridge, in returning thanks, said ho had not expected to receive such a handsome present, and he did not know that ho had done anything to deserve it. His object had been to have every educational advantage placed within the reach of the children. It had been his life work, and he hoped that they would soon see not only the Queen's Park school, but every school furnished with the best furniture and apparatus procurable. On behalf of Miss Bridge he thanked the children for their beautiful bou-. •* Tho Rev. T. B.1 Maclean-(late chairman or the School Committee) and Mr. H. E. Adams (a member of the Education Board) addressed the children, congratulating them upon their fine rooms and furniture. Mr. W. Bruce, chairman of the School Committee, followed. He congratulated the school upon the fine rooms erected, saying that they were such as any school might be proud of. He paid a warm tribute to Mr. Bridge, remarking that no one had given more time, attention, or energy to educational matters than that gentleman. He was sure everyone in the community would applaud the action of the children in making a presentation to Mr. Bridge. Mr. Bruce also spoke warmly* of Mr. Gray, and the work he had done for education. After referring to the educational privileges enjoyed by Wanganui children, Mr. Bruce reminded his hearers that they had greatresponsibilities, and he urged them to so live that they would be an honour to their school, their teachers, and their parents. Mr. J. R. Johns then announced that the prizes promised on Empire Day by the Mayor, had been allotted as follows:—10s. each to the Wanganui and St. John's Infant Schools, and £2 each €o the District ,-High and Park Schools, three prizes baing given to each standard. Mr. G. Spriggens' prizes, value £2, for writing, had been divided as follows:— 15s. each to the District High and Queen's Park Schools, and ss. each to the two Infants' Schools. Mr. Bridge then declared the building open, and after a verse of the National Anthem had been sung, announced that the school might be dis* missed.