WELLINGTON COLLEGE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 200, 21 May 1936, Page 13

WELLINGTON COLLEGE

Old Boys’ Association YEAR’S ACTIVITIES REVIEWED The annual report of the Wellington College Old Boys’ Association states that there was an unexpected increase in the roll number of the school during the year, there being no fewer than 237 new’ pupils, mid a total in attendance on tiie opening day of 809. On March 1 the roll stood at 789. There was also a pleasing increase in the number of hoarders. some of whom come from considerable distances.

A steady yet quite perceptible improvement goes on year by year in the appearance of the grounds. The four Lights of Remembrance so kindly donated by tiie Hawke's Bay and Canterbury branches (one each), and Sir Lottis, M. C. and A. 11. Barnett (one), as well as one by the association, added much to the approach of the memorial hall, and they were of great convenience when evening functions were being held. Another four were needed to complete the crescent round the grass terrace. There was by no means a strong entry last year for the university entrant!? scholarship examination, hut in the university entrance examination there were 76 successes, while 93 passed the sciiool certificate examination. The cadet battalion continued to hold an annual barracks, witii the result that both the cadets and the band maintained a high state of efficiency. On the Playing Fields. Bleak weather marred a good portion of the cricket season, yet the school eleven acquitted itself well in grade matches and in having a draw with Wanganui Collegiate School in the annual game, the report continues. . . The school fielded a somewhat diminutive Rugby fifteen during last season, but the material was good. Everybody who witnessed the tournament held. nt Wanganui last August was enthusiastic at the display put up against heavier opponents. The fifteen had one win and one loss in the series of games. This, year the tournament will be held at Nelson, where it is hoped the billeting will, be again successfully arranged. . Boxing, life-saving, swimming and tennis had all been vigorously supported during the past year. There was inaugurated for the first time an insurance scheme to cover pupils in the event of accidents occurring withing the school precincts, or during organised games. The subscription is a very modest one, and the poqplarity of the idea will be understood when it is stated flint there are no fewer than 400 subscribers. ,>c Mil “Needless to say our 1930'-3b ah Black representatives. Messrs. J. L. Griffiths and B. S. Sadler, acquitted themselves most meritoriously while on tour, the report proceeds. “Our heartiest congratulations arc extended to these two young bld boys, with our best wishes for further successes in their football careers. Tiie football chib is a very happy family, a wonderful club spirit being maintained bv a general co-ordination of committee, coaches, supporters and members, both active and honorary. “It would not be fitting to discuss Old Boys’ cricket during the last season without reference to the magnificent performance of Mr. J. 11. Lnniason. He captained the Wellington representative team with conspicuous success in the Blanket Shield matches, and also against Mr. E. R. Holmes's M.C.C. team. It is not too much to say that his excellent battin- in these matches, combined with Jus very tine fielding and inspiring leadership, played a great part in Wellington’s somewhat unexpected successes. Both he and Mr. B. Griffiths represented New Zealand in matches against the JI.CC. team Members of the club achieved representative honours as follow: —New Zealand: Messrs J. R. Lamason and B. Griffiths. Wellington : Messrs. J. R. Lamason (captain), B. Griffiths and W. Rainbird. Junior: Messrs. G. Whyte (captain), R. Boves and K. Young. We desire to congratulate Mr. A. W. Dunean on Ins reappointment as sole selector for the M el lington Cricket Association. The winning of the Plunket Shield by the Wellington eleven is striking evidence of Mr. Duncan’s .success. "Many of our staunchest supporters passed away during the year, chief among whom were tiie Right Hon. Sir Francis Bell and Mr. Frank Lcekie. Although Sir Francis Bell was not an Old Boy, he always took a keen interest in the school, and he donated the swimming baths in memory of one son who attended college in the ’nineties. Mr. Leckie was known to you all as the ‘College Historian, and his ‘Early History of Wellington College’ will keep his name for ever in the memory of Old Boys and the school. New Branches. “During the year a branch of the association was formed in Taranaki, the initial reunion being held at Hawera on October 12 last, llliis was attended by Messrs. zVnnour and Brodie, and representatives of the association, and proved a most enjoyable function. The formation of a branch in the Wairarapa is under way. Mr. S. R. Gawith having undertaken to call meetings in Masterton and Carterton at an early date. The formation of a branch at Palmerston North is also in hand. Mr. W. H. Simmons, so well known, particularly to Old Boy footballers, is on the preliminary work."