HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

Evening Star, Issue 19319, 4 August 1926, Page 2

HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

SfXTY-THIRB ARHIVEBSARY OCCASION FITTINGLY MASKED Tho Otago Boys’ High School was founded in 1863, so last night’s reunion marked the sixty-third anniversary. It was a gathering that fittingly celebrated that important occasion. The reunion was held in tho Somerset Lounge. Mr J. C. H. Somerville (president of tho Old Boys’ Society) was in the chair. The Chairman referred to apologies that had been received from Sir Charles Statham, the Hon, W. Downie Stewart, Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., Mr Walter Blackie, Dr W. Marshall Macdonald, Mr W. C. Burt, Mr E. C. Reynolds, Colonel Moir, and many others. He touched on the absence of Mr Peter Barr, Chief Trade Commissioner at the Toronto Exhibition. Proceeding, the speaker expressed pleasure at seeing present many old boys who had not been present at previous reunions. He referred to the importance of this occasion, marking the sixty-third anniversary of the founding of the school. He referred to the honor done to old boys —Sir Charles Statham and Sir Francis Dillon Bell (who had gone Homo to take hid scat on the Privy Council). The latter was probably the most illustrious pupil who had over passed through the school. The speaker referred to the fine spirit present among the old boys, and remarked on the number present when Otago met Waitaki High School at Oamaru, and he went on to refer to the formation of the High School Old Boys’ Cricket Club. Finally, he spoke of a proposal to bring up to date the High School register. Mr E. J. Anderson proposed the toast of “The School.” Ho said that the toast was not one that lost its importance with ago. As those grey turrets on tho hill grew greyer, and as the passing years added to the tradition of the school, the toast became more important. The speaker referred to the great war record of the school and the distinction won by old boys. He spoke also of the school sports, saying that the Old Boys’ Association Football Club was a credit to the school. (Applause.) The school was flourishing. They had every pride and faith in it, and he did not think there was anything further to say beyond this: that now that there was a proposal to found junior high schools old boys must not lose sight of the lofty tradition built up through sixty-three years "by the old school. Other schools might ho as good; none were better. (Apnlause.) The toast was then honored.

Tho Rector (Mr W. J. Morrell) replied on behalf of tho school. He said it was the- twenty-first year—he realised it with some dismay—that he had replied to tho toast. (Applause.) Much of what ho had intended to say had been said by Mr Somerville and Mr Anderson. It was right for him now to say a note of gratitude to all who had taken part in building up that tradition, of which the present school was now so proud. They owed a great debt of gratitude to those who. had gone before ; to those who had built that tradition when the school had no tradition to live up to. They owed much to Mr G. M. Thomson, who, with his colleagues, had done great things to build up the name of the school. (Applause.) He personally felt the greatest sense of gratitude to. the staff of the school from year to. year. Ho referred to Mr F. H. Campbell—(applause)—who iiad returned to his work like a giant refreshed after his absence. Other names to be mentioned were Mr R. W. S. Bolting and Mr M. G. MTnnes. Another member of the staff leav-, ing them now (and his loss was a great one to schpol cricket) was Mr R. He R. Worker. (Applause.) He also owed a. great debt of gratitude to tho old boys. When he commenced his work as rector tho old boys kept a living interest in the welfare of the school. There were Dr Fulton, Mr Walter Guthrie, and Mr Herbert Webb. (Applause.) In later years prominent old boys were Mr J. J. Mallard and Mr hi. Webster. (Applause.) All the old boys had added and would add to 1 lie name of tho school in the wider world. (Applause.) Mr E'. Webster referred to the fact that the Chancellor of the University (Mr T. K. Kidcy, M.P.) was an- old boy of the school, while the Vice-Chan-cellor was their rector. Proceeding, ho said his duty was to make a presentation to the man who was instrumental in putting that noble arch at the school’s gateway, Mr Leslie Coombs. (Applause.) He spared no effort in seeing that the funds were there and the work carried out. He presented Mr Coombs with a fine photograph of the arch, with Hie lofty towers of the school behind ; and the gathering, rose and sang “For lie’s a jolly good fellow.” , , , . Mir Coombs expressed thanks for tho gift. Other toasts honored were School Athletics” (proposed by Colonel E. R. Smith, and responded to by Mr R. W. S Rotting), and “Old Roys’ Clubs” (proposed by Mr Rotting, and responded to by Mr W. R. Brinsley and Mr C. A. Latimer). During the, evening songs were given hv Mr Gordon Burk, Mr L. A. North. Mr A. W. Alloo, Air W. J. Strong. Mr J. A. Hnggitt,_and Mr D. J, Colder. The accompanist was Mr W. L. Haggitt.