OLD BOYS' REUNIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20959, 24 August 1931, Page 14

OLD BOYS' REUNIONS.

MOUNT ALBERT GRAMMAR.

A RECORD GATHERING.

OLD ACQUAINTANCES RENEWED

Moro than 400 old boys of tlio Mount Albert Grammar School gathered in the school hall on Saturday evening at the ninth reunion of the Old Boys' Association. Mr. V. C. Butler,- president of the association, wap in the chaii', and guests of honour were Mr. W. Ward Baker, representing the Board of Governors, Mr. M. Corner and Mr. Simmonds, representing the Auckland' Grammar School Old Boys' Association, Mr. Prust Stewart, and the staff of the school.

; "I think the presence of such a large number of members of an association which was started only eight years ago is a fino tribute to the affection in which the school is held," said Mr. F. W. Gamble, tho present headmaster, in an address of welcome. He traced tho growth of the school and tho development of the School House which, ho said, ho considered an essential part of tho institution's life. Referring to tho widespread activities of past scholars in all walks of life, he made particular reference to H. G. Vivian and G. L. Weir, tho New Zealand cricketers at present in England. In welcoming tho guests, Mr. Butler mentioned that each year tho number attending tho reunions had grown greater, and a new record had been established by tho present gathering. Tho vice-presi-dent of the association, Mr. J. 11. Jenkins, read a list of moro than 100 names of old boys unable to bo present who had sent their best wishes to tho school. A visitors' book was presented on behalf of the association, and most of those present inscribed their names in it. Discussion took place on the question of forming an Old Boys' Cricket Club and great enthusiasm was shown. A deputation was set up to approach tho Auckland Cricket Association in the matter.

Supper was served and a toast list was honoured. An enjoyable musical programme was presented, the following giving items:—The school orchestra, Mr. H. J. Skeels, Mr. J. R. Ferguson, Mr. A. F. Budd, Mr. T. Dugmore, and Master R. Parry. During the evening Mr. A. K. Gatland conducted the gathering in the singing of old school songs, which were apparently remembered very well by the ex-scholars. A pleasant feature of the evening was the renewal of old acquaintances made by the headmaster, Mr. Gamble, and tlio members of the staff, with former pupils. NEW PLYMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL. LARGELY-ATTENDED DINNER '• ' © Over 70'-old boys of the New.Plymouth Boys' High School met in annual reunion at a dinner at the Hotel Astor on Saturday evening. The gathering was the largest and most successful yet arranged by the Auckland branch of the Old Boys' Association. Among those present were' several masters who had accompanied the school football team to Auckland in connection with the annual match against the Auckland Grammar School. Dr. J. 11. Nicholson, president of the Auckland branch, presided, and during the honouring of a short toast list many reminiscences of old school days were exchanged. Replying to the toast of "The School," proposed by the chairman, Mr. A. J. Papps, the senior master present, expressed the regret of the headmaster, Sir. W. 11. Moyes, that he was unable to attend. Mr. Papps gave an interesting account of the development of the school in recent years, and assured old boys that the old spirit still prevailed. e The toast of "The First Fifteen" was proposed by Mr. 11. Jenkinson, and responded to by Mr. H. Leggatt, one of the visiting masters. Other toasts honoured were: "Absent Old Boys" and "Sister Colleges." _ As the school will celebrate its jubileo next Easter, an appeal was made to all old boys who could visit New Plymouth then to do so. It was stated that, a very comprehensive programme, extending over four days, had been arranged. Old boys representing the Auckland Grammar School, King's College, Nelson College and the Christchurch Boys' High School were present, and in replying to the toast of "Sister Colleges," paid warm tributes to the standing of the New Plymouth Boys' High School among the secondary schools of the Dominion.