“OTAGO HIGH”

Evening Star, Issue 20863, 5 August 1931, Page 12

“OTAGO HIGH”

OLD BOYS' REUNION Old boys of Otago High School, founded in 1803, including ono of the three surviving original boys (Mr John Alackay), quite a number who started school within the f st two years, some of the old masters, and representatives of other high schools, mot on Saturday evening in the Dominion Farmers’ Institute" for their annual reunion (says the Wellington ‘Post’). Until this year a formal dinner has been held for the reunion, but Saturday evening’s function was less formal, but was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Among those present were Sir Charles Statbam, Sir Thomas Sidoy, Dr C. E. Adams, Mr P. Levi, Mr G. G. White, Air John O’Shea, Air O. C. Mazengarb, Professor H. H. Cornish, D N. Graham, Robertson, Gillies, Slater, Twhigg, Harty, Sir Alfred Robin, Captain Park, Captain Spence, Captain Barron, Air J. Murray, Air G. E. Breeze, Air G. R. APKellar, Air G. A. Weir, Air L. A. Hutton, Air W. A. Armour, Air E. T. N< -is, Air W. W. Bird, Air A. Porteous, Air G. J. APNaught, and Mr E. M. Christie. The president of the Wellington branch of the Old Boys’ Society (Air J. 13. Aloodie) welcomed the old boys in a happy speech, in which personalities, barred on most occasions, were plentiful, personalities of a good many years ago. The gathering, ho remarked, included a number of men who had made their mark in the affairs of New Zealand, and lie was particularly pleased to welcome Air Mackay—the boy who sot the first school record by breaking the first school window—and was also pleased to see that so many of the younger old boys were taking a real interest in the association. The school songs were sung with enthusiasm, and the baka was given with still more enthusiasm.

Air P. Levi, proposing the toast of “ The School,’ went back to the old school as ho knew it in 1872, and recalled many schoolboy doings and old masters. In responding, Air C. G. White remarked that a good school was a great leveller, for in it all hoys, no matter what their Immc position might he, stood equal, and merit found its way to tho top. The Otago High School could point with pride to tho records of many of its old boys in law, politics, the Public Ser ' e, education, and in militai y service. Tho tradition of a good school was greatly to ho desired, and tho tradition of tho Otago Boys’ High_ School had been a great power in this country. Greetings were received from the Christchurch branch of tho society, and there was a break in the programme while each old boy stood and introduced himself, giving his school years also. Tho production of a much-bat-tered school cap which saw service in 1899-1901 raised a lot of laughter—it seemed to be somewhat shrunken.

“ Tho Masters” was proposed by Mr O. C. Mazengarb, who ’•ccalled more school happenings, some painful, but none bitter. The toast was responded to by Mr W. A. Armor.-, now principal of the Wellington Boys’ College, and Mr E. T. Norris, New Zealand University Registrar. Remark was made of the much wider school life to-day than was so a few years ago, for to-day there were many clubs—tennis, debating, musical, social, as well as football and cricket—which were not formerly recognised as part of school life. The value of reunions 01 oh boys was also touched upon, in keeping aliv„ old and happy memories and in maintaining the high traditions of the old school. “Kindred Associations” was proposed by Mr O’Shea, and was responded to by Mr A. I’. Harper, representing Christ’s College, Christchurch, the school’s old rival in sport, and by Mir R. East, representing Waitaki High School. The toast of “ Absent Old Boys,” proposed by Sir Alfred Robin, was honoured as the final toast. Prior to tho social tho annual meeting was held. Tho main business was the election of officers, which resulted as follows:—Patron, Sir F. H. D. Bell; vice-patron, Mr G. C. Eache; president, Mr J. B. Moodio; vice-presidents— Messrs W. A. Armour, W. W. Bird, J). F, Bauclvop, R. Campbell IJegg, G. Craig, 11. 11. Cornish, G. R. Goldie, F. J. Jones, J. Mackay, 0. C. Mazengarb, B. J. Murphy, J. O’Shea, Sir A. G., Robin. H. Graham Robertson, Sir Thomas Sidcy, Hon. W. D.‘ Stewart, Sir Charles Statham, Hon. G. M. Thomson, and C. G. White; executive —Messrs C. G. White ( baii-man), J. B. Balharry, I). F. Bauchop, H. Nelson, R. Park, A. P. O’Shea, E. C. Smith, and J. Murray; lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr E. R.. Winkel; bon’, auditor, Mr T. K Moodie.

AUCKLAND BRANCH TO BE REVIVED

[Special to tub ‘ Star.’]

AUCKLAND, August 3. At the reunion dinner of the old boys of the Otago High School to celebrate Foundation Day of the school songs were sung and reminiscences recounted by Messrs N. Morris, C. M. Littlejohn, and W. H. Ackroyd. It was decided to revive the local branch of the Old Boys’ Association for the purpose of preparing a full register in Auckland and province, and of arranging a reception to Mr F. H. Campbell, the veteran master, who will visit Auckland towards the end of the month. A committee consisting of Messrs D. W. Faigan, M. It. O’Shea, and D. A. M'Niccoll was elected.