KING'S COLLEGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 151, 29 June 1931, Page 10

KING'S COLLEGE.

REUNION OF OLD BOYS. SCHOOL'S FUTURE ASSURED. '■EVERYTHING TO BE PROUD OF." A highly optimistic note concerning the future of King's College was struck by speakers at the smoke concert held in connection with the old boys' reunion celebrations on Saturday evening. The new president, Mr. F. E. McCallum, presided over an attendance of 150 members. In responding to the toast "Our Old School," Mr. McCallum said that the old boys were in duty bound to carry on that spirit which they had learnt at school. There were some who were accomplishing good work, but the old boys as a whole were not doing as much as they could or as much as they should in the community of Auckland. He asked members to endeavour to influence parents so that the roll at the college would increase. "I have no fears for the future of the college," declared Archbishop Averill, chairman of the St. John's College Trust Board, in replying to the toast. Referring to the taking over of the college by the trust board, his Grace said that the school would remain as much King's College as ever it had been before. He hoped that the traditions and ideals of the old school would be maintained and strengthened. It was unfortunate that the board had _ had to take over the college during difficult times, but up to the present the financial position was satisfactory. Even under the present depressing conditions the roll had fallen off only slightly, and that was a happy augury for the future of the college. There were three reasons, said Archbishop Averill, why he had every confidence in the college. First, the school had an excellent headmaster; second, the old boye maintained a keen interest in their 'school, and third, the King's Preparatory School at Remuera provided a good feeder for the college. It was possiDlo that some people might think that the board was not doing all it should for King's, but it was very important that the board should watch the finances of the school, and that side was being carefully looked after. He would say that the future of the school financially was practically safe.

Steady Progress. The headmaster of the college, Canon H. K. Archdall, who was greeted with cheers, said that he could say the college was making steady progress. The examination results last year were very satisfactory, and compared favourably with those of other schools in the district. In sport the school was still trying always to play the game. It was quite clear that to-day there was a growing appreciation of schools like King's. *'I am pleased to note the growing interest of old boys in outside activities, and in this connection I would like to mention the splendid work done by Mr. J. E. Magi)l in connection with the immigration of public school boye from England," declared Canon Archdall. In conclusion he reminded the old boys that during the last eight years the sum of about £60,000 had been put down in cash in order to build King's College up. "King's College has nothing to be ashamed of, and everything in the world to be proud of," eaid the Rev. J.' M. Beaufort, headmaster of King's Preparatory School. Referring to the Lamp of Remembrance which was dedicated in the school chapel yesterday, lie said that he hoped the lamp would help those connected with the school to carry on in euch a way so that those old boye who had given their lives at the war would not be ashamed of them. Other toasts were "Absent Old Boys," proposed by Mr. T. H. Dawson;. "Kindred Association," proposed by Mr. D. R. C. Mowbray, and replied to by Messrs. "N. Hubble and J. Hogben; and "The Masters," proposed by Mr. A. M. Hume, and replied to by Mr. H. B. Lusk. SUCCESSFUL YEAR. ASSOCIATION'S ACTIVITIES. The annual meeting of the King's College Old Boys' Association wae held on Saturday, Mr. J. C. Whitney presiding over a large attendance. Prior to the start of the business all present stood in silence ae a mark of respect to the late Mr. R. R. Kissling. Reviewing the activities of the association during the past twelve months, the president said that the dissociation's indebtedness to the board of governors on account of the chap-el fund had-been liquidated. The senior B cricket team had again won the championship, while the third grade team had been bracketed at the top of the list. Gymnasium classes conducted by old boys for the benefit of lads in poor circumstances were progressing well, and were much appreciated. Messrs. F. A. Hellaby and A. M. Hume were elected life members. The holding of reunions in Hamilton and other country centres wae discussed at length. There was a sharp conflict of opinion, and it was decided that the incoming committee be recommended to inquire into the matter. 'It was decided to send a message of remembrance to Mr. C. T. Major, formerly headmaster of the. college, who is now abroad. The election of officers resulted as follow:—President, Mr. F. E. McCallum: vice-presidents, Mr. W. P. H. Erson and Mr. C. T. Keegan; committee (seniors), Messn?. K. H. Wilson, A. B. Rainger and H. Gibbons, (juniors) T. H. C. Caughey, C. G. Palmer and J. H. Jackson; hbnorary secretary ami treasurer, Mr. G. H. Batger; representative of the association at the college, Mr. V. Maxwell; editors of the old boys' section of the college magazine, Messrs. A. B. Rainger and I. Palmer. FESTIVITIES ENDED. VISITS TO COLLEGE AND SCHOOL. Old boys of King's College concluded their reunion festivities yesterday, with visits to the college at Middlemore and to the old school at Remuera. In the morning the old boys attended a chapel service, at which their president, Mr. F. E. McCallum, read the lesson. They were the guests of the headmaster at dinner, and in the afternoon they motored into Remuera, where they were entertained by the headmaster of King's School at afternoon tea. Before breaking up, thereuniori, which was one of the most successful held in recent years, the old boys attended the service at which the Lamp of Remembrance was dedicated in the school chapel by Archbishop Averill.