HIGH SCHOOL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 203, 28 July 1937, Page 5

HIGH SCHOOL

COMMEMORATION DAY. Commemoration Day was observed at the Feilding Agricultural High School this morning, when the address was delivered by Mr F. W. Gilligan, principal of the Wanganui Collegiate School, his subject being “English Public Schools.”

The ceremony opened with a hymn, followed by Scripture readings by the captains of the various school houses as follow: —Oroua, Psalm 37; AVhnkatane, Psalm 90; Kiwitea, Psalm 119; Rangitikei, Psalm 121. The school prayer led by Mr C. B. McClure (act-ing-principal) followed. Mr McClure at this stage read numerous letters and telegrams of congratulation, including a message from Mr L. J. Wild, and one from Mr Hector Booth which rend, “Your friend till death.” Referring to Mr Gilligan, the speaker said that he was grateful to him for accepting an invitation to give tile address. Mr McClure regretted that he had beep unable to give Mr Gilligan more notice, but he had not known until yesterday that Sir Andrew Russell would be unablo to be present owing to a bereavement. He intimated that a. letter of sympathy would be sent to Sir Andrew. Continuing, Mr McClure expressed his pleasure in seeing such a good attendance of old pupils, a.nd said that he had not anticipated that he would be presiding in place of Mr Wild. The speaker then introduced Mr Gilligan who, he said, was a brother of the famous Mr Gilligan in his remarks said that he was particularly glad to accede to Mr McClure’s invitation, but he explained that it was difficult to fully deal with his subject on such short notice. Continuing, he said there were contacts between the local school and the Wanganui Collegiate School. MrMcClure had been a teacher at the latter school, and football had been engaged in between teams representing the two schools. English public schools were not really public schools, but were private institutions to which people with limited means sent their sons. I he English public schools aimed at implanting team work, fair play, etc. Excellent traditions in regard to these schools were contained in a book written by Dr. Norwood, who had just left New Zealand, and this book the speaker commended to all. Religion, discipline, culture, athletics, and service constituted the foundation of English public schools. Religion was the most important because it dealt with the spiritual side of life. Touching on discipline, the speaker said that every average member of the community liked discipline of a firm nature. “It is the liard things of life that make for character,” said Mr Gilligan. “Discipline demands a firm but kind administration,” he added. Regarding culture Mr Gilligan said that we were living in an age of increased leisure. There was more time to devote to culture and he pointed out that half an hour a day for ten years would make any student of a particular subject a workl-wide authority on that subject. Regarding athletics, Mr Gilligan said that the standard of values was very much better to-day in English public schools than it was years ago. Referring to football as a game conducive to making players athletic, he said that in some schools football was not a game of sport but a religion. 110 thought that football was the finest sport that- could ho engaged in by youth. Continuing, ho went on to point out opportunities for service, many of which, lie said, were not realised. “The New Zealand boy has a very much more practical outlook on life than the English boy, probably due to an excess of lnatriculation-ininded-ness among New Zealanders,” Mr Gilligan observed. “Ten years ago public schools in England were the same but in more recent years the position has been modified somewhat.” Concluding, the speaker referred to the stamina and noble work of the

pioneers of New Zealand. ■ They possessed sterling character, foresight, wonderful ideals, and a determination to succeed and to be of service. Their work stood out as an example and a beacon light, and they had carved out a wonderful heritage. Mr Gilligan then announced that he had to return to Wanganui and regretted that he would not be able to stay for the roll call. Mr J. Knight (chairman of the Board of Managers) moved a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker for his interesting remarks. The motion was seconded by the president of the Old Pupils’ Association (Mr W. A. G’arthew), who said it was a privilege and a pleasure to have listened to a discourse on English public schools, which were rich in tradition and which the Feilding High School aimed at emulating. The ceremony closed with the singing of “40 years on” and the planting of a commemoration tree in the school grounds. Celebrations were continued this afternoon with the roll call and a football match, and will be concluded this everting with the “Head’s” tea, followed by the annual meeting of the Old Pupils’ Association and election of officers.