LIKE A RACE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 67, Issue 54, 13 December 1946, Page 2

LIKE A RACE

CAPTAIN SUTCLIFFE VIEWS YEAR TECHNICAL SCHOOL BREAK-UP “As we look back upon the school year we can liken it to a race,” said Captain H. Sutcliffe, of the Church Army, speaking at the break-up of the Ashburton Technical High School last evening. Some, naturally quick and "clever, had worked hard and gained the reward; some had started out carelessly, had realised they were losing ground, and therefore worked hard and they, too, had gained a reward, said the speaker. Some, comparatively few, he hoped, had it in them to do well but had come nowhere at all. Probably the bulk, however, had tried hard and also came nowhere at all. But they had gained a sterling worth of , character which, if persisted in, would make every one of them a credit to the society and community in which they lived.

“Carry the school spirit with you into public life,” said Captain Sutcliffe. “Aim higli. You may not hit the bullseye, but you will strike the target. If you do your duty courageously, you Avill be bound to meet opposition and have mud slung (figuratively) at you.” The speaker appealed to pupils to be constructive as citizens and to exercise among other qualities, tact, wisdom, diplomacy and foresight. “Even with the exercise of these you are bound to step on somebody’s corns. But no man can live unto himself,” continued Captain Sutcliffe. “We cast an influence over others for good or evil. Look for the best in everybody, and you will be amazed at the wealth of love and sympathy in the world. Trust in the aid of Almighy God to help you.” Ninety per cent of young people who bad been put in his care by magistrates for juvenile crime had been without religious background, said the speaker, referring to his welfare activities in England. R. Carroll (head prefect) thanked the speaker and called upon the school to show their appreciation by applause. Claims for More Accommodation The Technical High School Board had pressed claims for additional accommodation with some degree >•: success, said the chairman of the board (Mr H. Watts). “I am pleased to be able to say that a further building for conversion into two classrooms should be 'on the site early next year. These two rooms Avill provide the necessary class accommodation for two extra teachers to which the school is entitled.” Mr Watts commended the old students on behalf of the board on their decision to revive the association and for the sentimental regard which they still retained for their old school. He congratulated the principal and staff on their services, the pupils on a successful year completed, and thanked the board for their interest in the school.

All sports trophies and scholastic awards were presented by the Mayoress (Mrs E. C. Bathurst). Mr H. •Cornwall, as president of the Technical Old Boys’ Football Club, presented the Technical Old Boys’ Memorial Cup, which, he said, was in memory of 14 members of the club who gave their lives serving oyerseas. The club had a record that would stand comparison with any football club in New Zealand, said Mr Cornwall. In 1939 the junior team with 17 players had won its grade. Of these 17, 13 went overseas, two served in the home defence forces and two -were medically unfit. Mr Watts thanked the speaker for the evening, Captain Sutcliffe, and Mrs Bathurst, for their services. The following items were given in the course of the evening: Song, the school; solo by winner of girls’ vocal contest, Pamela Boswell; songs, Sea Shanties, the school; item by winner of boys’ instrumental contest, Noel Whiting; songs, “Old Refrain” and “The Old Fashioned House,” the school.