Newtongrange &. District Children's Gala Day
1924
The crowning of the dux girl of Newbattle Public School was
carried through on Saturday in splendid weather. The field arrangements were
excellent, Mr Wm. Fowler, Headmaster, having a week earlier had a rehearsal
which made doubly sure that no hitch would take place on the final day. A
large and energetic Committee, who had for months past been busy with the
preparations, had their arrangements so well defined that everything passed
off without a hitch. The children were early astir and assembled at the Square
Park, all eager to enter upon the festivities of the day. Under the supervision
of Mr. Wm. Fowler, assisted
by members of his staff and the General Committee, the children were formed
up in three sides of a square, in the centre of which the crowning of the
Queen was carried through with fitting pomp and ceremony. The proceedings,
which evoked keen interest, were witnessed by a great gathering of the public
in addition to approximately 1,800 children.
Elizabeth Jackson, daughter of Mr. George Jackson, Co-operative Buildings,
Newtongrange, and dux of Newbattle Public School, had been selected as the
recipient of the royal honour and she was duly crowned Queen of Newbattle
Parish for the ensuing year. As she alighted from the taxi which conveyed
her to the scene of the coronation, surrounded by her maids of honour, pages
and other attendants, she was accorded an enthusiastic welcome and the acclamations
of her subjects broke out afresh as she advanced towards the lavishly bedecked
lorry on which the ceremony was performed.
Her Majesty's Court comprised:
Queen - Elizabeth Jackson;
Maids of Honour - Annie Briggs, Margaret Dickson, Lizzie
Meek, May Haldane,
Pages - John Macguire, Alexander Smith;
Crown Bearer - William Scott;
Herald - Robert Trotter.
The President, Mr. Walter Walker, in opening the proceedings said he deemed it a high honour and privilege to again preside over the great assemblage. He complimented Miss Jackson on attaining the dux position of the school, and congratulated Mr. Fowler and his staff on the high standard of education provided in Newbattle Public School which had the distinction of being one of the best schools under the Midlothian Authority. He predicted that this, their second gala, would be an even greater success than last year and was sure both old and young would enjoy themselves to the full. Mr. Walker also intimated that the Committee had agreed to provide a shield on which the dux pupils of Newbattle School would have their names inscribed, the same to be retained for one year by the dux boy or girl as the case may be. This, he thought, would create an incentive so far as education was concerned.
Miss Mitchell, in a graceful and becoming manner, placed the crown on Miss Jackson's head and declared her Queen of Newbattle Parish. Rising from her kneeling position in which she had been invested with her high authority, the Queen presented a pretty and fascinating picture and was greeted from every side by the cheers of her loyal subjects, to which she smilingly bowed her acknowledgements. In appreciation of the important duty she had so well performed, Miss Mitchell was presented with the Queen's bouquet of flowers, after a neat little speech by Ina Pearson. Mr. Fowler called for three rousing cheers for Queen Elizabeth and these were enthusiastically accorded. Mr. Walker then presented the Queen with a beautiful bracelet watch and Wm. Scott, who was next in order of merit at the school, with a silver watch. Miss Mitchell presented the Herald, Robert Trotter, and each of the Maids in Waiting and Pages with a box of chocolates.
Following the blast of a trumpet, Robert Trotter, Herald, read the royal proclamation, signed by 'Elizabeth Queen', to the effect 'that all our loyal subjects strive to live in peace, charity, and goodwill one towards the other, that a respectful and ready obedience be given to all parents, teachers, and those placed in authority, that all animals, whether wild or tame, in all places of our dominions, shall be treated kindly'. The proclamation also acknowledged the wisdom of those who govern our educational affairs in continuing the liberal arrangements for school holidays during the past year, and tendered 'our royal thanks to the people of Newtongrange and district for the good work they have done, and for their combined efforts to continue to our faithful subjects the opportunity of pleasure and sport. It is our royal will that this day should be given up to these objects, and we have confidence that our faithful lieges will conduct themselves honourably on this occasion'.
The procession then set off en route for Roans Dyke Park, kindly granted by Mr. Thos. Spears, Newbattle Home Farm, marching to the music of Newtongrange Silver Band and Arniston and District Pipe Band. Each child received a pie and milk on arrival, and later a well filled bag, fruit and abundance of milk. The weather was on its best behaviour, and sports were indulged in ‘till well on in the evening. The Lothian Coal Company kindly granted the necessary equipment for the sports ground. The local contractors rendered splendid service driving the younger children in their lorries. The catering arrangements were in the hands of Mr. J. Rutherford and Mr. Jas. Smith, ably assisted by a willing committee.