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The concept of building the hall
The Hall was the vision of Frank Milner who, even before the Great War, had expressed the hope that Waitaki would have a magnificent Assembly Hall which would follow the style of similar buildings attached to the great public schools of England. The sacrifice of many Old Boys in the Great War of 1914-18 led the Rector, and the many persons linked with the School, to believe that the Hall would be a fitting memorial. From 1920 a committee advanced the project and appeals for money were launched. -
The Foundation Stone
Soon after his return from a visit to England, J. M. Forrester, architect to the Waitaki High School Board, produced a design which was influenced greatly by examples of halls he had inspected while in the Mother Country. The Governor-General, Viscount (later Earl) Jellicoe, who took a great interest in Waitaki, laid the foundation stone in 1923. This was the tangible start, although many problems remained to be overcome. -
Buiding the Hall
Difficulty was encountered in securing Oamaru stone of the finest quality with the consequence that work was suspended for several years. The builders were D. Sinclair and later Winsley Brothers, and the stone work was carried out by A. Smith. The cost soared from £6,000 ($12,000) to £17,000 ($34,000), the latter figure including the pipe organ. This amount was raised by the Old Boys, the School pupils of the period, and the High School Board. Their effort was assisted by a Government subsidy. -
The openning of the Hall
16 March 1927, was probably the most important day in the history of the School. After a frantic last-minute rush all was ready for the official opening of the Hall by His Royal Highness the Duke of York, who was later to become King George VI. The royal train stopped at the School railway crossing where the Duke was received by the members of the Board of Governors and the Rector. The Duke walked through the front garden and inspected the Guard of Honour and the Military Band. -
Music in the Hall
Numerous bands have played in the Hall; of recent years these include the New Zealand Army Band, the Singapore National Youth Band, an Australian School Band and the Roslyn Mills Band. Many organ recitals and musical functions have been presented. For ten years L. H. Goddard played a weekly lunch hour organ recital. In the more recent period D. C. Childs and R. H. Nelson gave many recitals and organised musical evenings.
