COLLEGE OLD BOYS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 204, 26 May 1931, Page 10

COLLEGE OLD BOYS

Annual Meeting ASSISTANCE APPRECIATED One of the oldest of the old boys of Wellington College, Mr. M. C. Barnett, presided at the annual meeting of the Old Boys’ Association last evening, at which there were about 30 present. The adoption of the annual report, which has already been published, was moved by the chairman, who referred specially to the death of Mr. J. P. Firth, for so many years principal of the college. The association, he said, owed more than it could ever repay to Mr. Firth for his interest iu the association from its beginning. In all its activities it could rely upon his support. The chairman moved that the association's sincere sorrow be recorded ou the minutes, together with its condolences with Mrs. Firth. The motion was carried in silence. The general nature of the report was most encouraging, said the chairman, and was worthy of a much greater attendance at the meeting, for it was essential that the committee should have the support of the old boys. The association was in a sound position. Mr. A. R. Meek paid tribute to the splendid services rendered by the secretary and treasurer. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The principal of the college, Mr. W. A. Armour, expressed his pleasure iu being able to meet the old boys, whom he sincerely thanked for the encouragement they continually gave to the school. It was pleasing to note the enthusiasm of old boys outside of Wellington, and particularly in London. Auckland had an association and it was hoped that a gesture might be giveu from Wellington which would lead to the formation of n branch at Christchurch. The improvements which/had been made iu the Memorial Hall were very noticeable, and it was probable that the gallery would be completed in the near future. He referred to the gift of the Oscar and Victor Gallie Bursary, and said the college had been wonderfully endowed in the way of scholarships, bursaries and prizes. The following officers for the ensuing year were elected :—President, Col. R. St. J. Beere, D. 5.0.; hou. auditor, Mr. O. G. Kcmber, F.P.A. (N.Z.) ; lion, secretary. Mr. W. W. Cook; assistant hou secretary, Mr. B. O. Biunie; hou. treasurer, Mr. C. A. Inues; committee, Dr. J. S. Elliott, Messrs. J. La mason. 11. Desborough, S. Coleman, L. A. George. L. Williams and A. Seed, also C. D. A. George (representing the college), the secretaries of the cricket and football clubs, and Messrs. M. C. Barnett, W. H. Denton and A. R. Meek (War Memorial Committee). It was decided to make grants of £2/2/for the mathematics prize, £2/2/- tor shooting, and £lO/10/- to lhe college grounds fund. The chairman said that Old Boys Day, which was missed last year, would this year be renewed on November 30. Reference was made to the work of Mr. Frank Leckie, who is preparing a history of the scjiool, and hoped to receive help from old boys in the way of information and photographs. Professor Kirk, an old master of tne college, suggested that the old boys’ annual dinner might be revived, and the matter was referred to the committee.