COLLEGE MEMORIAL

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 58, 9 March 1928, Page 10

COLLEGE MEMORIAL

LECTERN PRESENTED "A NOBLE PjECE OF WORK" Designed and constructed by Mr. E. C. Isaac, father, of an old boy of the sehooj, a handsome lectern was unveiled in the Wellington College Memorial Hall this morning. The ceremony took place before the assembled school, and among those present were Mr. T. H. Cresswell, late headmaster of the college, representatives of the Wellington College Board of Governors, ami the Old Boys' Association, and Air. W. Armour, ,the present' headmaster of the college. ' ' • . Tho Jectern, or reading desk, consist-' ing 0.-' base and four lonic columns, is of oak, and above this .is the desk proper, which is of bronze.. The bookboard is carried by eight solid bronze pillars —the-four .-in front forming spaces for pierced bronzo repousse panels, while the College Crest and motto in gilded metal is .on a bronze plate in the centre. The side panels are also of pierced repousse, and the book-board of oak is inlaid with a geometrical design in kingwood, satin wood, and ebony. '.'Something over a year ago," said Mr. Cresswell, "it occurred to me that there were, v many pupils and ex-pupi! s of the school who would like in some way or other to' associate themselves with the opening, of this fine hall. I sent, round a subscription" list, and without the least difficulty collected 'a fairly large sum of money. The subscriptions came from hundreds of boys who -had recently left school. I did not approach anyone except boys who had been at school under me. Hundreds of boys who had left school responded and also a-large number of boys who were at school, and of whom, I believe, gui to a number are still in tho school. The money was used to purchase the1 lectern, but there is still a certain amount left,- and that will, later be devoted to some other purchase in connection with the hall." . TOR DAILY USE. The lecturii,' continued Mr. CrcsswoH, had been built entirely by Mr. Isaac, who was well known as .a supremo artist in wood and metalwork^ Mr. Isaac had, put .into the lectern a great deal of time and a great deal of labour, and he thought it would be admitted, a great deal of soul, for Mr. Isaac himself was the father of an old boy of the school who served during • the wari It had been built with a view to it harmonising with the general design of the building. The ; lectern, while intended as an ornament,- was also intended for daily use, and he presumed the headmaster of the college would use it every morning. . ' ; ■■:': "As an iold boy of Wellington College and as one "who has been honoured by being its head'prefect, I shall always cherish the associations which gowith being a member, of this school," said Mr. Leu. George. „The loetern would embellish the: hall which would always stand as a memorial to those boys who learnt the-principles of loyalty, sacrifice, and service while under tho headmastership.of Mr. J. P. Firth. TRIBUTES TO MR. CRESSWELL. Dr. J. S. Elliott (president of the Wellington College Old Boys' Association), who unveiled, tho loetern, said that it had been provided by the, forethought of Mr. Cresswoll and the generosity of more recent old boys of the school. He congratulatecl Mr. Cresswell upon the, happy thought which inspired him to have constructed such a fine piece of work. Ho "could not but refer to. their gratitude to Mr. Isaac, who had not only put his brains into the noble piece of work, but his hands and his heart as well. They all thanked him. (Applause^ With regard to tho money still.,in hand, ;he, suggested that it would bo well used in the provision ,of a piano for the hall.' "Tho very happy ! thought that inspired Mr.' Cresswell to erect this lectern is ono that we,shall always romomber with the deepest gratitude," said Mr. Armour. The headmaster then read tho following lines from a letter received from Mr. Isaac: Tho construction of this desk has been a joy to me, and I. have done my best to make it worthy of tho plaeo it is to, occupy, and trust it will be . counted worthy by those who see it as well as by those who uso it. ' . ' ■ ': '' '' Thoso lines,'' addod Mr. Armour, "very aptly and beautifully express tho work put into tho lectern by Mr. Isaac." At the conclusion of the coromony cheers werp given by the pupils for Mr. Cresswell, Dr. Elliott and tho Old Boys' Association, aiid Mr. Isaac.