TO BE CLOSED.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20733, 19 December 1932, Page 10

TO BE CLOSED.

• CONDELL HOUSE AT CHRIST'S COLLEGE. A FINE RECORD IN SCHOOL HISTORY. The closing of Condell House, one of tho four boarding houses of Christ's College, marks the end of a period of somo importance in the history of tho school. As the headmaster (Mr R. J. Richards) said in his speech at the prize-giving on Saturday evening, when the decision to close the House was first announced outside tho school, tho closing is a result of the economic difficulties which tho school, in common with tho rest of the Dominion, is facing a.t present. Condell House has had a long history and ono of considerable importance in tho life of the school. It was opened in 1879, anil Mr T. D. Condell, who had for many years been an assistant master at the College, was placed in charge of it. The building at that time was smaller than the present cno and accommodated only twenty boys. The House remained under the caro of Mr Condell until 1893, when it was given up and used as a masters' residence. In 19.18 the increasing number of pupils caused the governing body to consider the question of a new iiousc, and it was then decided to add to tho building and to reopen it as a boarding house. Building Enlarged. This was done and the enlarged building, capable of accommodating 40 boys, was opened at tho beginn'ng of 19i9, being placed under tho care of Mr E. Jenkins, and beinK known as Jenkins' House. Mr Jenkins, who had been on the school staff since 1900, remained in chargo of tho House until 1923, vl.ui he was transferred on short notice to take charge of Waiting House, Mr J. G. Denniston, tho house tutor, taking ovc- his House. Mr Denniston resigned from the school staff at the end of 19*24, and Mr Jenkins returned to his old House. During his absence tho death occurred of Mr Condell, the first housemaster, and tho governing body, in appreciation of his life-long interest in the school, decided to adopt once more tho old narao of Condell House, and Condell llbuso it has been since then, though it must be remarked that to many old boys, especially those at school in tho last fifteen years, it is hotter known by the name of its housemaster., Mr Jenkins. A Distinguished Record. The House has had a distinguished record in both scholarship and spo<*t. The House library contains honouis lwards showing the sporting successes of tho House from its foundation, uud many well-known names are to be found there. Among them are 11. i). Acland, C. H. Mathias, H. B. Williams, A. B. Williams, E. J. Watt, W. Weld, J. D. Crossley, E. V. 0. Grigg. and A. K. Blunden, namos well known to the majority of Canterbury people. In the House's second period also the names of many well-known younger athletes appear, including several of tho sons of those who had earlier distinguished themselves. Amoug them are J. L. Armstrong. Garth Williams, J. 11. F. Sudgen. and J. S. Bntchelor. Other names on tho boards are I. C. Horton, 11. H. Elworthy, A. A. Blunden, and A. C. and R. E. Tripe. The library, which, besides theso records, contains many photographs of house groups in the old days, will probably bo preserved in its present iorm as long as tho building stands. In addition to theso personal successes scored by members of the House it has always held its own with tho other houses of the school, although it was usually smaller in size, neverhaving, more than 43 boys. Since it was revived in 1919 it 'has several times hold tho cricket, football, and athletic championships, and has given several head prefects to tho school.