HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS

Evening Star, Issue 22718, 4 August 1937, Page 13

HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS

ANNUAL REUNION DINNER MOST SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION Over 00 members of the Otago High School Old Boys’ Society gathered hist evening to celebrate the annual reunion and dinner. ,The president (Mr A. M. Begg) was in the chair, and the company spent a most enjoyable evening;' The President welcomed Mr T. M. ©. Muir, of Invercargill, who had entered the school on the very day: on which the school had opened, August 1,1803; Colonel E. R. Smith, who had made entry in 18C5 ; the present rector of the school (Mr H. P. Kidson), the mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox) ; members of ihe Hoard .of Governors; and kindred societies. The ifiajor toast of the evening was ‘ The School,’ proposed by Mr P. S. Anderson, who said that he would not attempt anything in the nature of_ a resume of the history of the school, for that would be mere presumption on his part, because of the presence of one of the first pupils. . There were, however.. ma'nv lasting impressions gained by all while at the school. There was one thought—the concrete one—which made it appear in reminiscence as_ a magnificent architectural structure with beautiful lines, yet with wonderful simplicity in its construction, typical of the Scottish pioneers who raised it. They had decided, upon leaving Scotland, to promote two things—the Church and education. .'They had proceeded with these resolutions to such effect that all were indebted to them for the benefits accruing from' the realisation of their ideals. All wore cognisant of the high standard attained in the colleges of'the city.

In the abstract. the scholastic, athletic, and -social sides were presented. The first was the raison d’etre of the school itself, and it was a fortunate fact that masters of the school had all shown that necessary adjunct to profound knowledge—the ability to impart that knowledge to others. They had given of their best in the shaping of the crude materials under their charge; not, however, that the material had been wholly crude, two notable examples manifesting themselves in Sir Francis Bell and Dr Aitkeh. both of whom had achieved international reputations in their respective spheres. Such were the products of the school. In conclusion, the speaker touched Uipon athletics in retrospect, eulogising the beneficial results every boy derived: from this phase of school life. He was imbued with the team spirit, discipline, self control, and his initiative was developed. The social side was not the least important, ■by which comradeships were formed and made lasting" Mr Kidson replied on behalf of the school.

The toast ‘ (Sporting Activities ” was proposed by Dr John Fulton, who stated Jns intention of launching an appeal for recognition of the efforts -of the moderate performer in sport. It comparatively easy fop accomplished players of any game to derive enjoyment from their participation, but lfc . much harder for those of lower (Standing or less accomplishment to provide the foils for them. Yet it was the indifferent exponents, who, though with a full realisation of their ity to win, derived the greatest reefeation in .the fullest sense of the word from sport. There was developed in them more than in any. other the full appreciation of the Ipve of the game for the game’s sake. If there was a test, similar to those of matriculation as on the scholastic, side, in athletics, he felt sure that the Otago Boys’ High ochool would rank high. But* sport was “ secondary consideration : ih school hfe. Stdl, lie thought that the Waitaki. Boys’ High School, v. 0.8.H.5. annual Rugby fixture, which had been .dropped some time ago, should' be remstituted. It promoted great inteivst among the hoys, and the old boys themselves enjoyed the annual reunion which followed.

Reply was made by Mr R; W. S. Dotting, who referred to the activities of the school which could scarcely be included under the category of sport —debating, music, and drama presentation—which- had some following and prestige. He also eulogised the work or Air M. G. M’lnnes, who had retired from the charge of the cricket after about 50 years in the school, and who had been succeeded in this position by Mr AV. G. M’Clymont. Finally, he supported Dr Fulton in the desire that the Waitaki match should be reinstituted. The Otago Boys’ High School did not wish the game to be dropped, and' he hoped that something would bo done to revive it.

Mr W. J. M'lmios proposed *' Kindred Associations,” and made further reference to the re-institution of the Waitnki-Otago _ game, stating that many other societies were desirous of having this brought about. Messrs A. Baxter (Timaru Boys’ High) and J. E. Matheson (Waitaki) were, associated in the reply. Mr W. J. Morrell, a former rector of the school, favourably compared the workings of New Zealand schools with those of British public schools. In replying on behalf of the British Public Schools’ Club he would like to • express his pleasure at the way in which New Zealand schools were faithfully maintaining the traditions of the British schools.

Mr F. 11. Campbell reported that he had received a letter from Mr F. Y. Smith, of Invercargill, an<J Mr Walter Linton, of Sydney,- wishing the society every success.

Items tluriug the evening, were presented by Messrs J. H. Haggitt, W. W. Strang, arid H. Harvey, to accoiiipaniments provided by the first-named. The evening closed with reminiscences, a prize being presented.