H.S. Boy Best N.C.O. In Northern Command

Northern Advocate, 17 December 1942, Page 6

H.S. Boy Best N.C.O. In Northern Command

Regimental Sergeant-Major O. R. Haigh, of the Whangarei High School Crdets. has won the Friar Memorial Prize for the best secondary school n.c.o. in Northern Command. The announcement was made at the school breaking-up ceremony yesterday by the Area Commander (Lieuten-ant-Colonel H. P. Conyers-Brown). Colonel Conyers-Brown said that Haigh had distinguished himself in his association with the cadets and the award of the cup was a tribute to his work as regimental sergeant-major. The cup could not be presented yesterday as results had to be forwarded to England and the cup sent out.

A non-commissioned officer for several years now, Haigh rose to R.S.M in 1941 and retained the position this year. The Goring Shield was presented to him yesterday as the most efficient n.c.o. in the High School unit. His merit in the military field not only lies in ceremonial drill, and he won the junior shooting cup several years ago and this year was runnerup in the senior event. Head Prefect For Two Years

The winning of the Friar Cup is a climax to a High School career, distinguished also in the scholastics and athletics, for “Bob” Haigh has an almost unequalled record. A sixthformer this year, he has led the school as head prefect for two years, and before this was a prefect at an unusually low age. As head prefect he has had many and varied duties to carry out and he has done these willingly and well, to the admiration of the school as a whole.

He has been a consistent worker in school, and has passed several public examinations.

Athletic Champion

Gn the sports field he has shown a capacity fo r taking awards and cups. This year Haigh was senior athletic champion, taking the Crowley Cup. awarded for sprints, and breaking his own high jump record. He broke the record at the school sports, and later in the year unofficially broke it at an athletic meet. The record is sft sjins. This year he captained the First XV.. which achieved considerable success in the football competition. As the leading player in the team he was awarded the Old Boys’ Cup. Though he neglected this activity this year, he is an expert and finished gymnast, being champion in 1939. He also is a fast and strong swimmer and a keen tennis player, and his personality has earned him a place in school annals.

The Friar Memorial Prize was won by R.S.M J. F. Falvey, of Whangarei High School Cadets in 1935.