COLLEGE FESTIVAL

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 145, 16 March 1931, Page 8

COLLEGE FESTIVAL

Garden Party Success . GROUNDS IMPROVEMENT Excellent weather favoured the garden party held on the grounds of Wellington College on Saturday afternoon in aid of ground improvements at the college and also the earthquake fund. Mr. W. H. Barber, chairman of the board of governors, said the reduction of the capitation grant from the Government from £2/10/- to £2 had considerably reduced the resources of the college. Many ground improvements were needed, and it was hoped that that day’s function would assist in their execution as well as providing for the earthquake sufferers. The Alayor, Air. G. A. Troup, in declaring the garden party officially open, congratulated those responsible for the effort they were making to improve the precincts of the college. He was pleased that, as Mayor, be had been able to assist the board in having the grounds extended. The college had perhaps the finest playing ground of any school in New Zealand. He deplored the present danger of centralisation in education, and the consequent removal of initiative from the governing bodies. Air. Troup expressed the view that such was not in the best interests of scholars. Air. W. A. Armour, headmaster, recalled that the Government was still under promise to the board of governors for £720 for the grounds and for £250 as a subsidy on funds raised last year. He hoped that that money would be forthcoming when the financial depression was less severe. The college had already made a contribution of £4O to the earthquake fund, but hoped to add to that sum. A phvsical display was given by scholars. Stalls, games and competitions were patronised by those present. A dance was held in the evening. The sum of £l6O was raised as a result of the day’s efforts.