This is a drill

Had the Pied Piper of Hamelin made his appearance in Dunedin yesterday be would have found it very hard to attract a larger crowd of boys and girls from the primary schools of Otago than that which assembled at the Carisbrook Sports Ground. From all parts of the district they came, in noisy, eager crowds, to watch and take part in the annual primary schools championship sports meeting, which commenced at 11am and concluded promptly at 5pm — so many that when an estimate was made during the afternoon it was decided that more than 4000 were present. The principal attraction of the day was an exceedingly creditable display of massed marching and physical drill given by 3000 children under the direction of Mr A.P. Roydhouse. Shortly after 3pm the pupils of all the schools formed up in squares at each corner of the inner area. They then moved off in columns of four, marching to music provided by Begg’s Band. A living Maltese cross and a St Andrew’s cross were formed, the effect being novel and very pleasing. The introduction of various brightly-coloured frocks and tunics produced a most striking display, which was further appreciated when the living mass of youngsters formed a great square and carried out a series of physical exercises. Orders were given by Mr Roydhouse through a loud speaker, and were most ably carried out by his giant squad. 

Flying high

The problem of a plane retaining its flying speed in the rarefied atmosphere of high altitudes has been solved. For months aeronautical scientists have been seeking to solve the problem of flying at high altitudes. Efforts have been directed towards adapting the super-charged engine system, which has been so successful on motor-cars, to aeroplane engines. A plane could climb to a height of seven or eight miles without any loss of flying speed. There is still the human factor to be dealt with, for flying at heights almost twice as great as that of Mount Everest imposes not only a considerable strain, but actual hardship on a pilot. Means are therefore being sought to enable a pilot to fly in comfort when travelling through the sky eight or 10 miles up.

Tech students at Balmacewen

The Dunedin Technical School special committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the farmhouse and hutments on the board’s property at Balmacewen be used next year to provide hostel accommodation required for country boys in attendance at the Dunedin Technical High School. It is agreed that the best arrangement would be for a married teacher to undertake the responsibility of direction, supervision, and control on the understanding that the extra or special remuneration offered him includes payment for assistance if required. The director has been asked to mention this matter to the married members of his staff, and in the event of any of those signifying a desire to undertake this special work, they will require to be furnished with a definite statement of the conditions and terms of engagement. The committee considers that £50 per school year would be a fair charge for each boy boarding at the hostel, and that the married couple would require to be paid at least £150. These amounts are based on the assumption that at least twelve boys would be regularly in residence. — ODT, 12.11.1925

Compiled by Peter Dowden