Schools’ rivalry commemorated

Press, 11 May 1981, Page 6

Schools’ rivalry commemorated

The friendly rivalry which has existed between Christ’s College' and Christchurch Boys’ High School for a century was reflected, in very practical terms, at the school's dinner on Saturday evening. .

In proposing the formal toast to the school, the headmaster of Christ’s College (Mr A. M. Brough) made a presentation — a handsome illuminated scroll:. The-? inscription reads: “The warden and fellows, and headmaster, staff and boys of Christ’s College send’ greetings to Christchurch Boys’ High Schopl on the occasion of their centenary. “To commemorate this event, and as an expression of friendship between the two schools, the college presents this illuminated scroll.”

There were 1400 old boys of the school at the dinner, at the Pioneer Sports Stadium, and hundreds more would have been there had it been possible to accommodate thepn. : „ , .

•' Mr, ■ Brough, ’ referring to the serried ranks of old boys before him, likened his task of proposing the toast trflhe school to that of the fight Brigade at Balaclava.

Mr Brough won a tremendous ovation when he referred to the beginnings of the school — established, he said, because the teaching staff of Canterbury College had complained about the poor quality of the boys presenting themselves, some 100 years ago, for university training. They came, then, from Christ’s College, he said. He referred to the bonds of affection which existed between the two schools.. “Our two schools are part of the fabric of the city, the province and the country” Mr Brough said. “Biased as I am, I can not but admire the scope and greatness of your achievements. I pay tribute to your past and express all good wishes for your future.”. The response to Mr Brough’s toast was made by Mr G. L. Bradbury who made some light hearted allusions to the rivalry : between the,.schools;-

The college crest, he observed,- had been desigped .by an old boy of the school. He thought the principal aim in the establishment of the. .school,.-referred, to by Mr ' x Brough, had been achieved. Old bovs had made their

mark in all walks of life. Mr Rex Anderson, who proposed a toast to the masters of the school over its 100 years, and the headmaster, Mr I. D. Leggat, who responded were both given enthusiastic receptions: There was prolonged applause: too, when it was announced that Mr Joseph Sladen was present, at 96 the oldest of old boys. With him was Mr William Deans, who was a third former in 1892, two years behind Mr Sladen at school. When the centennial celebrations end this evening with the second presentation of a concert in the Town Hall, the former pupils of the school who have flocked to the events in their thousands will have lasting memories not only of the friendships they have renewed, but of the extraordinarily efficient organisation which went into the observation of the centenary.: The Town Hall has been the centre of the: establishment. Hundreds of ’ former pupils gave their services to help .each event run The reunion after the official opening ceremony on Thursday evenine

was a masterpiece of organisation. About 2000 former pupils, coming out of the main auditorium after the opening ceremony, were directed easily to various parts of the building where bars had been established in strategic points; each decade had its own gathering place. Similar efficiency was shown on Friday night at the centennial party, at which some of New Zealand's top entertainers performed. To cater for both, younger and older former pupils music for dancing was provided in both the James Hay Theatre and the auditorium. A' six-piece band, The Modernaires, provided “calmer” music for the older generations in the James HayTheatre where the stage was used for dancing. In the auditorium an American soul singer, Herb McQuay, joined with New Zealand entertainers, Tina Cross, Mark Anthony. Defeck Metzger, Tony Williams, and Mike Mitchell to present a varied programme. Two bands, Affirmation and Nation, provided music for the younger set.

More than .2000 people attended the Centennial Church service in the Town Hall on Sunday morning. The service was conducted by former and present pupils of the school lead by LieutenantColonel .Wesley Simpson, a retired Salvation Army commander. The address was given by Archdeacon M. H.. Brown and the blessing was given by the vicar-general for the Christchurch diocese, Archdeacon R. J. P. Witty. The first lesson was read by the school’s senior monitor,’ Andrew Moore) and the . second lesson by Mr G. L. Bradbury, president of the Old Boys’ Association. A special series of prayers was read by Mr I. G. Reynolds, the Rev. A, K. Petch, the Rev. FL A. Brown and the Rev. B. Carrell. Each prayer was that used by past headmasters: The school choir of 80 boys took part in the. service. This was conducted by the school’s music master, Mr A.. B. Packman, accompanied; ! . by Mr R. E. Murray., The Uchoir also sung an Arrange-.??; ment of a psalm specially composed for the centennial

by a former music master of the schopl, Mr Clifton Cook. An assembly conducted along the lines of a normal school morning assembly will be held in the Town Hall this morning when 600 present pupils will be joined by 1900 former pupils and special-guests. The staff will assemble on the stage of the auditorium and three speakers will cover the old school history from the Worcester Street site and the first and second 25 years of the Straven-Road site. A golf tournament at the Harewood course will begin at noon .and the final of the Centennial concert will mark the end of the celebrations this evening. Perhaps the greatest triumph of organisation was the handling of about 3000 people at the school on Friday afternoon. With the assistance of Army marshals and others, ail 3000 were photographed, in their decades at school, in about twdfhours.-Next day, proofs were available of the' col- . oufddjpictures of the groups individuals, and each group’of about 120 had been accurately named.