INFLUENCE ON BOYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20331, 12 August 1929, Page 10

INFLUENCE ON BOYS.

IMPORTANCE TO THE CITY*

TRAINING IN CHARACTER.

GATHERING OF OLD PUPILS. The annual reunion of. the Auckland Grammar School Old Boys' Association was held on Saturday evening, the president, Mr. A. St. Clair Brown, presiding. A large number of old boys was present. Tho toast of "Tho Auckland Grammar School" was proposed by Mr. Brown, who said tho school was the mainspring of tho waters of youth in the city. With all duo respect to those people who would like to send their sons to boarding schools, he could say they would be amply served by the Auckland Grammar SchooJ. It was interesting to note how much well-known families of Auckland had contributed to tho school. Many of the old foundation members were present with their children. Mr. Brown said a definite spirit of brotherhood was springing up with tho Maoris of New Zealand, several of whom had passed through the school. There were many present who virmld sec the centenary of the school, and he asked that these should always keep in mind tho diamond jubilee celebrations. In reply, Mr. If. J. D. Mahon, headmaster of the school, said he had been associated with tho school for 37 years. No period was so memorable as the ono then being celebrated. Through all gatherings was noticeable a spirit of loyalty to and affection for tho school, of which all old pupils were justly proud. Tho school was associated closely with tho growth of Auckland. Tho greatest purpose of tho school wa3 to train boys of high character to fill responsible positions in tho community. It could bo realised how much had been accomplished by old pupils by taking into account those present. The success of the school was duo in a large measure to the staff, both past and present.

Proposing the toast, "Kindred Associations," Mr. J. Stanton extended a warm welcome, to tlic representatives from outside bodies. ]{eprcsenlatives present included those from tho Mount Albert Grammar School, the Mount Albert Old Boys' Association, King's College, Sacred Heart College, Christ's College, and the Scddon Memorial Technical College. Replying on behalf of tho Mount Albert Grammar School, the headmaster, Mr. F. W. Gamble, said the Monut Albert school was the same at heart as the parent school, and the same traditions existed there at the present time. The toast ■vvas also replied to by representatives of other associations present.

Several musical items were given and a song cotnposed by Mr. 0. W. H. Sinclair, expressing the sentiments of the occasion, was sung by Mr. K. Dellow.