MR J. FOSTER FRASER

Evening Star, Issue 14184, 8 October 1909, Page 5

MR J. FOSTER FRASER

VISITS THE BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL. Mr John Foster Fraser visited the Boys’ High School this afternoon, and spoke to the lads in the happiest manner. He was given a cordial reception, the cheers sounding like summer thunder. The distinguished traveller was accompanied by representatives of tho Navy League branch, of the High School Board, and of Dunedin journalism. Fergus extended a hearty welcome to Mr Fraser, who was introduced to about 280 boys in the main hall of the school. Mr Fiaser expressed his pleasure atbeiivr amongst them. He was an old boy. He knew this school had been built up on tho traditions of tho schools at Homo, and ho hoped the boys would ever uphold these noble traditions. He had noticed in Australia and New Zealand that geography occupy a very high place in scholastic instruction. Geography was most important, because it is so useful with regard to business. And he thought that sufficient interest was not given to the study of history. Geography and history helped on© to hold a better idea of tho relative values of countries and things in different parts of the world. If they could visit Scotland and see Bannockburn. Stirling Castle, Edinburgh, and b'ledden Field they would begin to understand the value of history. It was just possible that some of the boys in tho room, would have the ambition to write books. It was no good having ambition to write books about China, India, Russia, or Siberia unless one was able to appreciate the things at home. One wanted to understand his own country first of all. Ho was £lad to see the different uniforms. New Zealand was truly a maritime country, and should be able to produce the finest sailors that ought to bo found in the British Empire. He had heard that after the boys left school they were not so keen on wearing uniforms fi conclusion, be advised the boys to always'play tho game in sport, in business, in life. Let them lose rather than win unfairly. Britain’s greatness was duo to the fact that her bovs held played tho gatne. —"(Loud applanse.) On the motion of Mr M. Cohen a hearty vote of thanks was given to Mr Fraser, who then saw the boys at drill.