More Info →Central Normal Primary School Reunion - Bill Alcock

Description: W. S. J. (Bill) Alcock was the Chairman of the Centennial Celebrations Committee. This portrait was published on page 3 of the Central School Centenary (1873-1973) commemoration booklet, with the following text:

"Oscar Wilde wrote that the only thing worse than being talked about was not being talked about. If being talked about were the measure of the success of the School Centennial celebrations, all of us involved in the event would feel well rewarded. In the eighteen months of planning and preparation which preceded the actual celebrations it was obvious from the outset that the Centennial Committee and its army of helpers was approaching its task in a spirit of eager co-operation which was a shining promise of success. As the moment drew near the keen atmosphere of anticipation and participation had reached out far beyond those actually concerned with the school. The Centenary had become a community event, a milestone in the history of our city and - as it had been recognised earlier by the organisers - the celebration of the birth of education in Palmerston North. From far and near they came - within New Zealand and from overseas - and the corridors rang with gay excited chatter of hundreds as they recognised faces from the past (albeit changed and not quite resembling the images in the school photographs) who like themselves, if they could not turn back the clock, at least made time stand still while memories and fellowship reigned supreme. The Centenary was people - people who worked hard and long, people who rejoiced, people who joined in because they remembered and do not want to forget. The privilege of chairing the Centennial Committee is one I acknowledge with pride and humility - a unique experience incapable of repetition. I pay unreserved tribute to the host of people both on the committee and those co-opted who assisted so willingly. It is invidious to single out any for special mention but I am sure I will be forgiven for naming John Cowan - Mr Central School himself - without whom the task would have been immeasurably more difficult, the result less distinguished. I hope that this booklet will be treasured by everyone as a record of a chapter which all helped to write in the history of the School. W. S. J. (BILL) ALCOCK, Chairman, Centennial Celebrations Committee”

See: https://manawatuheritage.pncc.govt.nz/item/7989ae13-e86a-468b-a6b8-1f5ffd296a2c