WEST HIGH SCHOOL

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28699, 24 September 1958, Page 7

WEST HIGH SCHOOL

500 At Smoke Concert

“These are gentlemen who have given notable service to our school and to our country,” said Mr H. Filer, proposing a toast t(f life members of the Christchurch West High School Old Boys’ Association at a smoke concert held at the Addington Trotting Grounds tea kiosk last evening. The concert was part of the school’s centenary celebrations programme, and was attended by more than 500 old boys of the school. The life members toasted were: Sir Sidney Holland, Professor J. B. Condliffe, Mr L. F. de Berry, Mr W. W. Brough, and Mr E. K. Phillips. Each member present was presented with a gold lapel badge by the president of the association (Mr R. G. Thomson).

Sir Sidney Holland replied* to the toast. He said: “Coming here tonight has given me great pleasure, and I •'ppreciate this more than I can say. I shall recall one or two instances in my lifetime here tonight—nothing political though.” Sir .Sidney Holland entertained the old boys with several joljes. He concluded his reply by spying: “It has been reported in newspapers recently that I am not very well. Now I am very happy to tell everybody I am very well. I don't have to sit up in Parliament any more.” A toast to th< school was proposed by Mr E. K. Phillips, and a reply was made by the first assistant of the school (Mr E. W. Espiner). The school’s headmaster (Mr C. A.. Noble) was unable to attend the concert because of illness.

The toast to the Old Boys’ Association was proposed by Mr A. C. Pitcaithly, and a reply was made by Mr R. G. Thomson; “Kindred Associations” was proposed by Mr R. C. H. Madsen, and “Absent Friends” proposed by Mr W. W. Brough.