HISTORIC SCHOOL

Evening Star, Issue 19127, 19 December 1925, Page 11

HISTORIC SCHOOL

CHRIST’S COLLEGE CELEBRATION THE ANNIVERSARY [Special to the ‘Staii.’] CHRISTCHURCH, December 18. In spirit the old hoys of Christ’s College to-day arc obeying the injunction of their school song and “ shouting amain.” They are doing so jubilantly, for to-day a programme has been commenced to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the school. The celebrations will extend over five days. It would be a poor sort of school that could not inspire pride, from those whom it has “ girded with knowledge,” and taught other lessons on its playing fields; and Christ’s College has real claims to distinction. It dates from the foundation of the province. It is not only the oldest school in Canterbury, but it is the oldest secondary school in the dominion. Furthermore, it has lived longer than many famous public schools in England. Three generations have sat in its class rooms, and to-dav grandsons sit by panels in the big school that bear the names of their grandsires. . , , , Tho college was an integral clement in the Canterbury Association’s plan for the settlement of tho new land, whereby a slice of the traditional English system —social, ecclesiastical, and educational —should bo translated to the Antipodes to form what was hoped would be the beginning of a new and younger England. Christ’s College, founded and conducted on the .lines of the historic public schools of England, has thriven vastly in the new setting, and has succeeded in combining in a most happy manner the traditions of the past with tho requirements of the present. Tho college never lost touch with local colonial sentiment, and never forgot its early associations and traditions. Celebrated men. have been its masters, and men destined to distinction in later life passed through its terms. Its history and present status show how amply the high aspirations of its founders have been realised. From all parts of New Zealand, and from beyond tho country, old boys have flocked to celebrate the birthday. One of them was at the school op its opening day when pupils sat in a httlo white-washed room at Lyttelton. There arc manv old boys among them who have won distinction in many walks of life. A prominent figure is the Hon. W. Pembcr Reeves, once a Minister of the Crown, once a journalist and author, once Agent-General in London lor the dominion, and now a hanker, who resides in London. His name will he closely associated with the school, for he is the author of tho linos ot the school song which will be sung many times in the celebration.