Archive #5/65: Opening Day - 14th April 1953

Mr Alex Kirkpatrick accompanied the Governor General, Sir Charles Willoughby Norrie and Lady Norrie, through the lines of boys and parents to the especially constructed dais. At the end of the speeches, Lindisfarne College was declared officially open by the Governor General. This was followed by the dedication, given by the Rt. Rev J Baird. There were 31 first day pupils and the two Staff members, the Rev. F.H. Robertson and Mr P.G.H. Southwell.

There were 13 boys in Form 4 and 18 in Form 3. The Cochrane twins arrived later in the year to bring the numbers up to 33.

“During his opening address, Sir Willoughby told us that it was our duty to become good citizens. He explained that a good citizen is one who gives to the world more than he takes from it and leaves the world a better place than he found it, what better advice could we have had than that!

After the official ceremony we were entertained by the Hukarere Maori Girls College and Te Aute Boys who performed an action song and a Haka respectively. This was followed by a sumptuous afternoon tea provided by our Matrons.”

Reflection from Roger Alexander, First Day pupil.

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