OTAGO BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Evening Star, Issue 21286, 15 December 1932, Page 3

OTAGO BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

PRIZE-GiViHG CEREMONY GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S SOUND ADVICE Tho annual prize-giving ceremony of the Otago Boys’ High School was held iu tho Town Hull last night in the presence of a large attendance of old boys and friends of tho school. The presence of their Excellencies the Gov-ernor-General and Lady Bledisloe added considerably to the interest of the occasion. Their Excellencies wore received at tho main entrance by the chairman of tho Board of Governors (Dr G. E. Thompson) and tho rector (Mr W. J. Morrell), and after His Excellency had inspected the guard of honour, which was under tho command of Major M. Watt, Lord and Lady Bledisloe were conducted by the main aisle to tho platform, where Her Excellency was presented with a bouquet on behalf of the boys of the school.

Dr Thompson, on behalf of tho Board of Governors, pupils, cx-pnpils, parents, and friends of tho school, extended a very cordial welcome to their Excellencies. Tho presence of the official delegate of His Majesty tho King made them realise what the practice of empire was behind tho theory of it. They hart a second reason for giving their Excellencies a very cordial welcome, and that was that in the very short time that they had already spent in this land they had shown that they realised tho unity of the Empire by the manner in which they had made themselves at home in the dominion. During the year the High Schools’ Board of Governors had been in danger of dying an unnatural death. They did not know what the future had in store for them, if members of Cabinet could be regarded as gods, in their laps rested the board’s future. The board had done its best, in conjunction with the other boards of tho dominion, to extend its lease of life, and if the worst came to the worst and the constitution of the High .Schools’ Board was changed, then came the opportunity of the very great and serviceable and worthy Old Boys’ Society to step into the breach, and if the High Schools’ Board became the sub-committee of some wider unit, the danger would he that all the prestige and spirit which had been worked up during the past two generations of pupils and ex-pupils would be to a certain extent damaged, but in the hands of the Old Boys’ Society they need have no fear. Not only was the hoard in danger, but the economic proposals that wore now before the country might or might not have a very deleterious effect on the secondary school life of tho dominion. Therefore, if the worst came to the worst, it behoved every person with an interest in the school to turn to and maintain to the utmost of their endeavours the old spirit which characterised now, and had always characterised, that great school. A BELOVED KING. His Excellency said ho would like first of all to return thanks for the delightful reception of Her Excellency and himself that evening, both in their representative capacity and in that of a more personal character. They fully realised, as they had had every reason to realise during the last few days, as on former occasions, the steadfast loyalty of the City of Dunedin and the province of Otago towards His Majesty the King and tho British connection. Ho would like to remind the boys that His Gracious Majesty was not merely a link of empire apart from common history, traditions, system-of law, and ideals, hut he was the most loved, and tho most deservedly loved, of all remaining monarchs of tho world. (Applause.) He had referred to what he called the “ British connection.” They were proud of the fact that they' were sprung?, all of-them, with possibly a few exceptions belonging to the Maori race, from the British race who had always pointed the way to progress and high ideals among tho races of tho world, but who, ho ventured to say, stood higher in the estimation of the peoples of the world to-day than ever it had before. The happenings of the last few months, indeed, the happenings of the last ■ few days, had aroused the wellfounded admiration of tho whole world. He referred to it in particular that night because the remarkable manner in which the great British nation in time of trial had shown its solidarity in avoiding the danger of national bankruptcy, and. furthermore, had sot an example to all the other nations ol the world, In the direction of disarmament, as a road to world peace and of . selfsacrifice almost to the limits of national security, had evoked an outburst of admiration on tho part of other races on earth. Her children overseas, he was confident, would follow her splendid example of solidarity and preparedness for sacrifice rather than face either bankruptcy on the one hand or national disaster on the other.

The boys belonged to one of the oldest educational institutions iu New Zealand. They were already able to build up their own traditions. They already had in public life iu New Zealand, and in distinguished positions in the professional world in other countries, men in whom as alumini of their own school they had every reason to be proud. Among them, as they were no doubt aware, were that fine old veteran statesman. Sir Francis Dillon Bell, the present Minister of Finance (Hon. W. Downie Stewart), the Chancellor of tho University of Otago (Sir Thomas Sidey) i and, last'but not least, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Sir Charles Statham), and His Excellency wanted particularly to refer to Sir Charles Statham because he had reason to believe that there was no man in any F part of the British Empire, including tho Old Country, occupying the extremely difficult and delicate position of chairman of the Representative Assembly, who carried out his duties with greater dignity and with greater efficiency' than did Sir Charles Statham. His Excellency said he was also pleased to see on the platform one of the most eminent naturalists in the whole of the British Empire, Mr G. M. Thomson, who was once a member of the staff of the school. He mentioned these names to show that from the staff and from the old students they could recall men of distinction who liad earned the respect of their fellow citizens throughout the Empire. It should be a great stimulus to the hoys to maintain the prestige of their school, and do their best to emulate their public spirit and their successful vocational activities.

The Prime Minister of England, speaking a short time previously in support of a scheme for drawing up a history of the British House of Commons from the earliest days, made the remarkable statement that if the people did not value their traditions they were not likely to take duo account of the claims of posterity. ‘‘ It is because you have traditions.” said His Excellency, and traditions of which you have every reason to be proud that I venture to hope that in the course of your school life and afterwards you will do all in your power to make the future history of this country not merely a

prosperous one, but one which is of outstanding honour and dignity, and worthy of what I am fain to regard as the brightest star in the whole firmament of tho British Kmpire.” (Applause. ) FREE EDUCATION. His Excellency went on to say that of the 700 and more students of tho school practically all of them enjoyed their education at the expense of tho State. In that respect they enjoyed a privilege which any boy in the Old Country enjoyed only to a partial extent, and, so far as tho great public schools wore concerned, they did not enjoy it at all unless a boy had been successful in obtaining a scholarship. He mentioned that particularly because Now Zealand, in common with every other country in the world, was passing through a grave financial crisis—a crisis unprecedented in the whole of her history, and a crisis which had descended upon her through no fault of her own, but which had brought into existence various schemes of economy, one of which materially affected the staffing and the education of secondary schools. Ho thought ho might say it was an opportune moment to remind them of tho enormous debt which they, as well as the old boys for many years past, owed to the State —or, in other words, to the community at large—who. . through sacrifice in good times and very considerable sacrifice in economically depressed times, had done more, so far as ho knew, than was being done in any other part of tho British Empire to sec that the young people of the dominion received a good sound and progressive education. As he ventured that afternoon to remind the' pupils in the Girls’ High School, they could claim, per head of population. to have a higher average standard of education than any other part of the British Empire. He particularly laid stress on the “ average ’’ because he as sufficiently ambitious, so far as his temporarily adopted country was concerned. to hope that there might bo more outstanding'intellectual and athletic successes than had been achieved in the past. His Excellency appealed to those who were leaving school and who found themselves without employment to use t'-eir very best endeavours not to be idle. There was no worse investment on the part of the State than money expended upon the education of young men and women if those young men and women ,were going to lie mentally and physically fallow after they left the discipline of school. Finals, His Excellency said that all the hoys had their own vocational ambitions', but he was going to suggest that in following their own particular bent, so far as possible, they should not become intellectual or vocational obsessionists, or they might find themselves left high and dry in the world. He advised them not to follow one particular vocational groove, but to cultivate a hobby which they might some day turn into useful employment if they were unable to obtain tho sort of employment for which they had been trained. He concluded by wishing them all—parents, teachers, and boys —a very happy Christmas and a more prosperous New Year. (Applause.) THE DUX. The rector introduced to His Excellency the dux of the school—Neil George Robertson. Robertson, he said, went from the St. Clair School to the Boys’ High School five years ago, and had in addition to his scholastic successes taken a considerable interest in the other activities of the school. He was the champion rifle shot of the school, a prefect, and musketry ser-geant-major, as well as being secretary of the School Music Club and a capable violinist.

In congratulating Robertson His Excellency said that lie had been chosen as dux or leader among his schoolfellows, and it was to be hoped that in any walk of life in which ho might pass in days to come ho might continue to enjoy the position of leadership. Mr E. R. Smith, one of the oldest ex-pupils, moved a vote of thanks to their Excellencies for being present that night, to the rector and staff,, and to the Board of Governors, tho motion being carried by acclamation. Following is the prize-list, the name of the donor of the prize being given in parenthesis:— SPECIAL PRIZES. Gymnastics.—Senior challenge cup and medal: Gibbs, R, G. (late Mr G. H. Turton). Junior challenge cup and medal: Wilson, Maurice (Southland Old Boys). Swimming.—School championships— Senior challenge shield cup and medal: Jarvis, W. J. (Robertson Memorial). Junior challenge cup and medal: Simkin, E. R. (Auckland Old Boys). Boxing.—School championship: Leeden, A. J. (Mr R. G. Hudson), list and under; Georgeson, D. S. (Denniston Memorial Prize). lOst and under; Richan, J. H. (Board of Governors). 9st and under: Buckley. L. E; (Board of Governors). CADET PRIZES. DRILL. Challenge shield for most efficient platoon: Ko. 13 Platoon (D Company) (Hon. Sir John Sinclair); Sen. Sergt. K, A. Skinner (Mr W. Linton); Sergt. A.- C. Hallignn (Richardson Trust). Challenge bowl and medal for most efficient n.c.0.: C.S.M. C. I. C. Scollay (the Messrs Burt Richardson Trust). Sergeants prize and challenge cup: Sergt. P. B. Aldridge (Richardson Trust) ; Sergt. R. D. A. Kirk (Richardson Trust). Corporals’ prize: Corp. J. H. King (Richardson Trust). Buglers’ prizes: Seniors, Sergt. R. W. T. Whittington (Richardson Trust) ; intermediate, Bugler E. G. B. Lilly (Richardson Trust); juniors, Bugler J. P. Murdoch (Richardson Trust). Drummers’ prize; Drummer A. A. M'Coll (Richardson Trust). Maxim gun section : Corp. J. N. Macassey (Richardson Trust).

Artillery section.—Best sub-section : A Sub-section (Sergt. J. S. Rhodes (Artillery Officers’ Cup). Sergeants’ prize: Sergt. J. S. Rhodes (Capt. W. Pollard). Gunners’ prize: Bdr. F. G. Edgar (Major L. A. Rhodes). Signallers: Bdr. K. K. M'Cullocli (Lt.col. J. G. Jeffery). Riding: Bdr. L. 11. M.'Farlane (Major S. G. Scoular). Gunlaying: L.-Bdr. L. J. Joel (Artillery N.C.O.’s Club). Recruit gunners: Gnr. V. D. Gain. SHOOTING. Challenge cup and Hislorp Trophy: Sergt-major N. G. Robertson (Mr G. M. Thomson, Major J. S. Hislop). Junior challenge cun: Q.M.S. J. S. Moodio (Richardson Trust). Old Boys’ match.—Old Boys’ team, Pres. W. Bannerman (1873) ; present boys’ team: Cdt. G. R. Colston (Old Boys’ team) ; Gnr. C. A. N'Nishi (Richardson Trust). Company challenge cups.—Senior: Cdt. W. j. Morrison (ladies of N.Z.) ; Corp. D. W. Rutherford (ladies of N. Juniors: Cdt. L. J. Francis (ladies of N.Z.) ; Q.M.S. J. F Moodie (ladies of N.Z.). ATHLETICS. Challenge cup and prize : Thompson, A. S. (Uon. Sir. John Sinclair, Old Boys’ Society).

Junior challenge cup and prize: Forrestor, C. M. (Mr John Roberts, jun.). Challenge shield for relay race: V.c. Form (Mr J. J. Mallard). _ . Stuart Hawthorne Shield for junior relay: IV.b. Form (Mr J. J. Mallard). Form championship banner: Modern V.a. (Friends of the School). Half-mile challenge cup; M'Lean, A. A. N.; Ruddiman, T. S. (Bauchop Memorial Cup). Cross-country race; M'Lean, A. A. N. (Rosevear Memorial Cup). FOOTBALL. Challenge cup and prize: Manning, J. W. (the Messrs Morris). , ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL. Challenge cup and medal: Ruddiman, T. S. (Old Boys’ Association F. C., Mr J. A. Hey). HOCKEY. Most improved player: Osborn, E. R. (Mr E. A. Moen). FIVES. Open singles: Ryan, T. P. (lauics challenge cup). Junior singles: Simpson, J. JJ. N. Owen’s challenge cup). SPECIAL SCHOOL PRIZES. Prizes for good work.—Seniors: Falek,° G. B. (Mr F. B. Adams) ; Prichard, E. M. (Statham Mem on M Prize). Fifth Forms: Farrell, N. V. (Statham Memorial Prize) ; lurley, G. E. (Statham Memorial Prize). Lower Fifth: Aitken, V. R.; Looker, 11. J. J. Second year: Hick, E. 1. (Lee Smith Prize); Laverty, J. R. (Leo Smith Prize); Mahony, R. G. (Lee Smith Prize). First year: Lewis, E. J.; Brookes, N. J.; Stewart, J- H. Drawing.—Seniors; Macomo, R. T(Otago Art Society). Mod. v.: Moodio, A. W. Lower Mod. v.: Hardy, K. F. Mod. iv.; Andrews, C. G. Mod, ni.: Bathgate, J. L. Writing.—Senior, Kinc, R. D. A.; junior, M'Aclam, K. L.; first year, Chandler, I. M. Reading.—Moller, H. E. (Dunedin Shakespeare Club). Debating.—Senior: Duncan, E. K. Junior; M'Kenzie, R. S. English essay . —Simkin, C. G. I'. (Morrow Memorial Prize). .Athenaeum Prizes. —VI., Angus, G. C. M.; Upper V., Miller, G. S.; V., Rhodes, J. S.; Mod. V., Smith, R. H.; Lower V., Colvin, E. W.; Lower Mod. V., Morrison, E. J.; IV;, Rosevear, W. .1., and Findlay, Chas.; TV., Brownlie, Alex., and Simkin, E. R.J 111. Miller, J. S., and Chandler, I. M.; Mod. 111., Graham, C. J. Chamber of Commerce Prizes.— Senior, Davidson, W. G.; A lid die School, Anderson, R. S.; junior, Reid, D. J. FORM PRIZES. English.—Vl., Angus, G. C. M. (Fergus Memorial Prize) ; Upper V.a, Moller, H. B. (Alex. Wilson Prize) : Upper V.b, Stuart, A. G. (Alex. Wilson Prize) : V.a, Rhodes, J. S. (George H. Stewart Prize) ; V.b, Hamilton, P. H. G. (George H. Stewart Prize), Gore, Hugh (George H. Stewart Prize) ; V.c, Stent, E. J. (George H. Stewart Prize); Mod, V.a, M'Donald, ’l. I 1.; Mod. V.b, Smith, R. H.; Lower V.a, Colvin, E. W.; Lower V.b, Davidson, H. A. C.; Lower Mod. V.a, Laing, Leslie (Robertson Prize) and Morrison, W. J. (Robertson Prize) ; Lower Mod. V.b, Morrison, E. J.; Lower Mod. V.c, Jackson, G. F.; IV.a, Rosevear, W. J. W. (Dux Association) ; IV.b, Brown, )1. J. (Jubilee Memorial Prize) ; IV.c, Taylor, S. R. and Nelson, M. K; IV.d, Findlay, Chas.; Mod. IV.a, Brownlie, Alex.; Mod. IV.b, Simkin, E. R.; Mod. IV. c, Smith. Robert; Hl.a, Miller, J. S. (Dux Association) ; lll.b, M'Gregor, f). S. and Colvin, N. M.; lll.c, Chandler, I. M.; IH.d, Scott, J. R.; Mod. I if. a, Reid, K. W.; Mod. lll.b, Graham, C.J.; Mod. lll.c, Rutherford, G. Latin.—Vl., Robertson, N. G. (dux), and MTxuui, I. R. (Campbell and Hawthorne Prizes) ; Upper V.a, Miller, G. S. (Campbell and Hawthorne Prizes); Upper V.b, Davidson, C. H., and Stuart, A. G.; V.a, M'Kecbnie, R. D. (Jubilee Memorial Prize) ; V.b, Moodie, J. F.; V.c, Skinner, K. A.; Lower V.a, Anderson, W. L.; Lower V.b, Hanna, J. F.; IV.a, Geering, L. G. (Dux Association); IV.b, Brown, W. <L ; IV.C, Hanna, A. R.; IV.d, Harraway, N. C.; Hl.a, Dalziel, E. R.; lll.b, Holy, E. E. ; lll.c, M'Lay, A. F.; IH.d, Dixon, J T. French. —VI, Robertson, N. G. (dux), and M'Lean, I. R. (Hon. Sir John Sinclair) ; Upper V.a, Moller, H. E. (Alex. Wilson Prize) ; Upper V.b, Davidson, C. H.; V.a, Rhodes, J . S. (Jubilee Memorial Prize); V.b, Mathewson, J. A.; V.c, Skinner, K. A.; Mod. V.a, Ryan, T. P. (Jubilee Memorial Prize); Mod. V.b, Mitchell, J. M'F.; Lower V.a, Colston, G. R.; Lower V.b, Gibbs, R. G.; Lower Mod. V. M'Kav, A. S.; Lower Mod. V.b, M'Bain, j" A.; Lower Mod. Vx, M'Coll, A. A.; XV.a, Geeriug, L. G. (Dux Association); IV.b, Highet, J. M. A.; IV.c, Hanna, A. R.; IV.d, Harraway, N. C.; Mod. IV.a, Chrisp, E. W.;‘Mod. IV.b, Simkin, E. R.; Mod. IV.c, Hall, .1. 0.; Ill.a, Dalziel, E. R. (Dux Association); lll.b, Hanley, W. E.; lll.c, Cox, L. W.; Hl.d, Dixon, T.; -Mod. lII.a, Creighton, T. R. ; Mod. lll.b, Graham, C. J.; Mod. lII.c, Codings, B. F. Mathematics. —VI., Robertson, N. G. (dux), and Raynor, A. A. (Brent Memorial Prize) ; Upper V.a, Aldridge, P. B. (George H. Stewart Prize) ; Upper V.b, Nelson, A. N. (George H. Stewart Prize) ; V.a, Anderson, R. S., and Scales, S.. P. (George H. Stewart Prize); V.b, Scott, W. R. (Jubilee Memorial Prize) ; V.c, Skinner, K. A.; Mod. V.a, M'Donald, T. F. (George H. Stewart Prize) ; Mod. V.b, Mackenzie, J. N.; Lower V.a, Halligan, A. C.; Lower V.b, Johnson, R. M.; Lower Mod. V.a, M'Kay, A. S. (Robertson Prize) ; Lower Mod. V.b, Anderson, D. P.; Lower Mod. V.c, Jarvis, D. J .; IV.a, Geering, L. G. (Dux Association) ; IV.b, Cumberboach, D. S.; IV.c, Taylor, S. R., and Jenkins, Thos.; IV. Scott, L. I.; Mod. IV.a, Warburton, J. W.; Mod. IV.b, Davidson, J. D. A.; Mod. IV.c, Morrison, J. R.; Him, Marshall, N. G. (Dux Association) ; lll.b, Parkinson, W. P. H.; lll.c, Porter, W. R.; IH.d. Johnson, G. J.; Mod. Ill.a, Cookson, J. G.; Mod. lll.b, Gregory, K. H.; Mod, 111. Codings, B. F. Science.—Vl., Angus, G. C. M. (Dr Thos. Mid, proximo accessit to dux) ; Upper V.a, Moller, H. E. (Mr J. J. Clark); Upper V.b, Scollay, C. I. C. (Mr J. J. Clark); V.a, Dales, P. A. M. (Brugh Memorial Prize); V.b, Coombs, J. S. (Fulton Memorial Prize) ; V. Gillespie, B. E. (Fulton Memorial Prize) ; Mod. Vn, Valentine, A. E. (Jubilee Memorial Prize) ; Mod V.b, Bathgate, G. R., and Tyrie, H. J.; Lower V.a, Wallace, J. B. ; Lower V.b, Hutton, G. P. H., and Johnson, R. M.; Lower Mod. V.a, Freeman. E. M.; Lower Mod. V.b, Wilson, L. G. H.; Lower Mod. V.c, M'Coll, A. A.; IV.a. Georing, L. G. (Dux Association); IV.b, Cumberboach, D. S.; IV. e, Austin, Frank; IV.d, Scott, L. I. ; Mod. 1 V.a, Warburton, J. W.; Mod. IV.b, Thomson, T. J.; Mod. IV.c, Mark, Bruce; Ill.a. Campbell, D. H.; tU.b, Parkin-son. W. P. H.; lll.c, Cox, L. W. ; lll.d, Johnston. G. J.; Mod. Ill.a, Cookson. J. G. ; Mod. lll.b, Graham. C. J.; Mod. lll.c, Blampied, A. T. Commercial.—Mod. V.a, Ryan, T. P. (Mrs D. Baxter’s David Baxter Memorial Bursary); Mod. y.b* Cameron, W.

L.; Lower Mod. V.a, M'Kenzie, J. A. A.; Lower Mod. V.b, Wilson, H. J., and Scott, W. R.; Lower Mod. V.c, Hanna, A. P.; Mod. IV.a, Chrisp, E. W.; Mod, IV.b, Neill, J. A.; Mod. IV.c, Johnson H. P.; Mod. HLa, Donaldson, J. W.; Mod. HLb, Graham, C. J.; Mod. lll.c, Codings, B. F. Dux of the School (Board of Governors’ Gold Medal and Dux Association Book Prize).—Neil George Robertson.