JOHN M'GLASHAN COLLEGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21976, 10 June 1933, Page 15

JOHN M'GLASHAN COLLEGE

OLD COLLEGIANS’ ASSOCIATION The twelfth annual meeting of the John M'Glashan Old Collegians’ Association was held on Thursday evening in the Somerset Lounge, the president (Mr C. G. Gray) occupying the chair. There was a very good attendance of old boys, and the visitors of the evening included Messrs James Begg (patron), T. C. Ross (chairman of Board of Governors), C. M. Gilray (principal of the college), T. S. Holme, J. A. Dunning, W. R. Brugh (president of the Otago Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Association), Stewart Glendining (Waitaki), and D .G. M. Reid (St. Andrews). In his opening remarks, Mr Gray said that the association had had a very successful year socially and the full programme of activities had been .carried out. The attendances of members at all functions had exceeded those of previous years, the annual ball being the outstanding success in this respect. He referred to the balance sheet, and expressed disappointment that there were so many outstanding subscriptions, _ but notwithstanding this, the association, thanks to careful administration, showed a_ small credit balance for the year, which, he hoped would be doubled by the next annual meeting. In conclusion, he expressed his appreciation of the manner in which the committee had loyally _ the interests of the association, especially mentioning the secretary, Mr R. D. B. Paterson, who had borne the brunt of the work and had given the association his whole-hearted support and untiring attention during the year. He wished to make special mention of Mr Paterson’s work in connection with the garden fete which had been held during, the year, the success of which was greatly aided by his efforts. The thanks of the association were extended to Mr and Mrs Gilray, who, by their keen interest in the welfare of members, had done much to consolidate the goodwill and friendship which was the spirit of the old boj's. In proposing the toast of “ The College,” Mr John Borrie stressed the fact that the college consisted not only of the masters and pupils at present attending it, but also of all the Old Boys who had had the honour of passing through it. They, the old collegians, were a part of the school, and their reputation in the community greatly influenced the life of ■fVip po11p?p. Mr Gilray, in his reply, gave a brief but very interesting resume of the school s activities throughout the year, and expressed great satisfaction at _ the successes which its scholars had gained. He congratulated several of the members who were capped at the last University capping ceremony, and reminded the old boys what pleasure it gave him to have reports of the satisfaction which ex-pupils of the college were giving their employers in the commercial world. He was pleased to report a higher standard of sport at the college, and mentioned the excellent time for the cross-country run, which had created a new record last year.. Although the football team had been defeated by their old rivals, St, .Andrew’s College, by 6 points to nil; the cricket eleven had avenged that defeat by winning their match with a. margin of eight wickets to spare. Mr Gilray regretted that for' the first time in fc«ur years he had to announce a change of staff. Mr Buxton, who had given excellent service both in the classroom and in the field, was leaving shortly for the north. He felt sure that all who had passed through Mr Buxton’s hands would regret losing his services, but would wish him every success in his new position.— (Applause.) In proposing the toast of "The Old Collegians.”, Mr James Begg said that he was pleased to be amongst such an enthusiastic group of members once again. He regretted that in 1932 he was unable to attend the annual meeting, and that had been the only occasion on which he had missed since the inception of the association. During , hie speech he referred to old boys (fortunately few in number) who were unable to find employment, and advised them not to lose heart. He felt sure that the time would not be long before their fortitude would be rewarded. Mr L. A. Kinmont replied on behalf of the association, and urged members to show more interest in the activities of the college. He suggested, that anyone who should hear of positions vacant should get in touch with the secretary or principal of the college and find if a suitable old boy were available to fill the position. In this way they could do much to build up an everlasting bond of goodwill and self-assistance, which was one of the aims of every old boys’ society. . „ The toast of “ Kindred Institutions was proposed by Mr A. W. Gray, who offered congratulations to the old Waitakians on having attained the fiftieth birthday of their school. He also wished the Otago Boys’ High School old boys every success in the functions which would shortly accompany their seventieth anniversary. Replies to the toast were made by the representatives of the various schools, Messrs W. R. Brugh (0.8.H.5.), S. Glendining (Waitaki), and D. G. Reid (St. Andrew’s). The evening then continued in an informal manner, when supper and musical entertainment added in no small manner to the pleasure of those present. Musical items which were greatly appreciated were given by A. R. Harris, J. Harris, L. Harris (trio), S. B. Jacobs, D. G. M. Reid, and C. G. Gray. The office-bearers for 1933 were elected as follows: —President, Mr A. R. Harris; vice-presidents—Messrs R. Grecnslade. J. M. Sidey, and P. W. S. Riley; secretary, Mr R. D. B. Paterson; treasurer, Mr L. 11. Burt; social member, Mr W. W. Small; sports, Mr R. T. C. Armstrong: magazine, Mr A. W. Gray: firstyear member, Mr N. Begg; ex-officio Mr 0. M. Gilray.