SCHOOL JUBILEE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20729, 13 February 1939, Page 8

SCHOOL JUBILEE

AT WHATAWHATA SATURDAY’S CELEBRATIONS 60 YEARS’ PROGRESS RECALLED A representative gathering of pupils, ex-pupil=, parents and friends met at the school grounds on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Whatawhata School, on Saturday. Many of the old pupils who were there when the school opened in 1878 journeyed from as far as Nelson and Wellington to take part in the celebrations. It was a red letter day for many of the ex-pupils and many old friendships were renewed. An energetic committee attended well to the needs of the visitors and a most enjoyable day was spent. The outstanding feature of the day was the roll-call, when the names of all the pupils and ex-pupils were read out and each person answered to his name. At the close of the roll call group photographs were taken of the old pupils for every ten years. A unique birthday cake, which was made by Mrs Frank Rothwell, jun., had depicted on the first tier the Waipa River flowing beneath the old Whatawhata Bridge, while on the second tier was the old flour mill, of many years ago, and on the third tier a model of the school as it was in 1906. The 60 candles were lighted by Mrs Skeates, these were blown out by Mr and Mrs H. Johnstone and the cake was cut by Mrs Calder, sen. Planting of Trees A tree-planting ceremony took place on the grounds when Mr A. Ferguson, the oldest living committee man, dug the hole, and Mr T. S. Skeates, donor of the tree, planted it. The Whatawhata Maori "Group of entertainers presented poi dances and songs. Both the chairmen of the jubilee committee and the school committee welcomed the visitors and expressed the desire that the celebrations would live long in the memories of the people. Mr H. Johnstone, chairman of the jubilee committee, called on ail present to stand in respect to the former pupils who had passed on. References to the starting of the school, the part played by the old pioneers, and the rapid progress down the years were made by the following speakers: Mr F. Rothwell. sen. (on behalf of the old pupils) ; Mr A. Ferguson (the oldest living committee man) ; Mr Heringa Jacob ("on behalf of the old Maori pupils) ; Mr McKenzie (president, headmaster), and Mr Sutton, (who was headmaster from 1909-33). Representatives of the Auckland Education Board, Messrs F. Primrose and Bowyer, expressed pleasure at being present at the function and hoped that the school would continue to make rapid progress. Apologies were received from the chairman and secretary of the Auckland Education Board and many ex-pupils. Minister’s Admiration Opportunity during the afternoon was taken to present a bouquet to the oldest living woman pupil present, Mrs Calder, sen., this being made by the youngest pupil, Margaret Calder. The ladies of the committee entertained the visitors to afternoon tea. An apology was also received from the Hon.. W. Lee Martin, who, owing to pressure of Parliamentary business, was unable to be present. The Minister desired to express to those present his admiration of the pioneers of the district who by their perseverance and foresight had helped to make the opportunities for education what they were to-day. He also wished to remind all present of the changed attitude toward education, and the improved facilities now available from the primary school to the university.