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just before it reaches Highgate was one of the near-by favourite spots where many a snow fort was built and many a happy snow-fight indulged in, to say nothing of slides and sledges and stilt walks. Kemnitz's Bush in Littlebourne, with its waterfall; the old Public Pound (where boys learned to smoke), near the one-time Roslyn Volunteer Fire Brigade Station who does not remember of the advent of the first fire engine (called the `Pridie of Roslyn'), and the happy band of ex-pupils and others who formed the original Brigade, and manned the levers.and pumped with might and main practising for fires, for did not our copy-books teach us that "Fire is a good servant, but a bad master." Those were the days when there was no high-pressure water supply, a friendly tank, creek, or water-hole being resorted, to; but "where there's a will there's a way." Chapman's paddock (now Dunottar) was an amateur football field, and many a local picnic was held there. The Kaikorai football field was then undreamt of; it came into existence through the settlement growing around closing up the other playing areas. Fraser's Dam (now Kaikorai Baths) and Lambert's Creek and paddocks (near by the Roslyn Tram Power Station) were also favourite places for sport. The City Corporation is now preparing a play-field between School Street and, Taieri Road, facing Nairn Street, and here the future scholars will gather for many a romp and pleasant game. The present roomy asphalted school-ground provides fine opportunity for the recreation of scholars during school hours. The scholars of 40 ago can remember how about 3.30 almost daily there appeared on the school ground the old "Dominie" with outstretched hand and whistle and the command to leave the school grounds and make for home and lessons, which the scholars reluctantly did. As the boys at the High School had their favourite "pop" shop, so among the, scholars of Kaikorai there were their favourites. The earliest scholars used to frequent the shop of the dear old lady (Mrs. Ross), at the corner of City Road. Bye and bye there came a new shop (Tom White's) up on the bank (now Goodley's), and this became the spot for the younger scholars (and how children still love to go to a new shop !). Here we regaled ourselves with lolly-flags (six for a penny) and liquorice bought from our meagre allowance of cash, often earned by running messages for local tradespeople, while others ran the "Star" or "Globe" or "Herald" or "Times" or delivered milk. How "Scotty" Webster added to our funds when he started his little boot-repairirg shop and scheelacked" or, glued patches on our boots. and gave us "bawbees" for messages. Mrs. Barchams (the eccentric lady), whose first shop was next to Webster's, and later at the corner |