MAKING GOOD

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 143, 21 June 1927, Page 11

MAKING GOOD

PLUCK AND GRIT

AN ADDRESS TO BOYS

"When I look out of my bedroom window—l can't see very much of Wellington—but I,can see 'Boys' Institute' in great big letters, and "Tepid Baths,' and on very cold mornings I hope that the baths are a little more than tepid," said His Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral, Sir Charles Fergusson, when addressing a gathering of boys at the Boys' Institute last evening. His Excellency paid a tribute to those controlling the works of the Inatitute, which, he said, was splendid and noble. The whole community owed a debt of gratitude to the Institute, and he hoped the public would support it. "I am looking ( round at all the boys' faces here," he said, "to see who the next Prime Minister is going to be. (Laughter.) Or should we say the next Mayor jof Wellington?. Who looks like a Mayor? Or shall we say a Chief Justice?"

It was perfectly true, ho said, what Mr. Troup had stated, that each boy could make his way in the world and do something big. Of course, they all could not do it, but evoryono had a chance, and thoy had heard instances to-night o£, ; Instituto boys who were in very high positions. "How did these chups manage?" he asked. "We have not all got cqu.il chances in life; it seems hard, though, but thoro it ia. But remember this: it is all the more to the credit of theso lads who are handicapped in tho raco of life, and yet make good. And I want each of you to try and mako good in something. You can keep' on trying, and you will find that you will get on better than you think. It's just because of pluck and grit, and of holding on. If you make up your mind, you will get on, and although you might not get to tho top, you will get a long way up tho tree. I will tell you what I mean by grit. You saw those two boys boxing to-night. The littlo fellow had the worst of it, but he stuck to it right to the end of tho third round. You all know Canon Fielden Taylor, ill and sick, tho one follow you might have thought would sit down and have a rest. Not a bit. He's going on till he drops. Try and get that idea in your head—pluck and grit—and being determined you will do something. Be proud of your Institute. The honour of your school or college is a great incentive to make good. Keep up the name of the Boys' Institute in Wellington. Good luck to you, boys!"