HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17081, 13 August 1917, Page 7

HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REUNION. The annual reunion of the Otago High School Old Boys was held on Saturday evening. Mr J. J. Mallard (vice-president) :occupied the chair. There was a very representative attendance of Old Boys, who enjoyed one of the most pleasant functions of tho kind yet held by. tho association, the proceedings being essentially of a social character. Tho first _ toast was " Old Boys at the Front," which was proposed by Mr A. A. Finch, who said it was a matter for congratulation to the school and of pride to tho Old Boys' Association that so many members of that institution had answered tho call of King and country, some of whom had figured in despatches and/military honours, while others had given their lives. It was not a negative contention when it was said that secondary school life was a strong force in tlie world. Those elements in school life which moulded tho character and developed the sporting instinct in the boy not only mado good citizens but made them valuable assets in tho _ field of war.—(Applause.) Be their stations high or humble, tho training tlio boys had received in tho High School could not fail to make them good and faithful citizens. The association should feel tho highest pride for those of its members away—they should be remembered and honoured. —(Loud applause.) The toast was responded to by ex-Lieutenants M. J. White and R. Paterson (returned Old Boys), who both agreed that from their experience at tho front the officers who had come from the Otago J3oys' High School were second to none that had left the dominion. - Tho toast of "The School Past and Present" was proposed by Mr W. R. Brugh, who traced the history of the institution and also associations since the year of its birth, 1863. Right throughout the years, said Mr Brugh, the students had kept the school's flag flying, and to that day wero upholding it in the battlefields in France as they held it at home and on Gallipoli.—(Loud applause.) The school had its sacred traditions—traditions that any educational institute might well be proud of—and these must be upheld.— (Loud applause.) Mr W. J. Morrell (rector of the High School), in replying to the compliment, said that the work of tho association was beneficial to the school and was, in addition, conducive to unity and good-fellowship of all Old Boys. The Old Boys had uphold tho grand traditions of the school—a fact that was exemplified by a number of ex-students who were away on active service. There was something like 900 Old Boys away in the cause of Empire, and some 13 had been mentioned in Sir Douglas liaig*s despatches, while over 100 had mado the supreme sacrifice. No school could have a better possession than the memory of its scholars who had given their lives in the great cause.—(Loud applause.) Messrs. N. "Watson and G. M. Thomson also spoko. . ,Tho remaining toast of the evening— "Sports"—was fittingly proposed by Mr E. J. Smith,, and responded to by Mr R. P. S. Kelman. Interspersed with the toast list were a number of most acceptable musical items, which were contributed by Messrs Calder (vocal), Finch, Carter, Mirams, Easton Salmond Titehener, Strong' and Ilaggitt, tho last-named acting as accompanist. The reunion concluded with tho singing of " Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.