OTAGO BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22022, 3 August 1933, Page 7

OTAGO BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY

FREE ADMISSION GRANTED Dr Belcher was followed by Mr Alexander Wilson, M.A., who had completed 11 years as rector of the girls’ school. It was during his term as rector that the Government (in 1902) granted free admission to pupils. At this time the attendance had fallen from about 220, which had been maintained for several years, to 196. The effect when the school ceased to be a paying institution was remarkable. The attendance leapt to 348. Mr Wilson resigned in 1906 to enter journalism and Mr W. J. Morrell was appointed to the position, which he has held ever since. Under Mr Morrell's direction the school has grown tremendously, the attendance now being 722. The activities of the school have widened and the institution itself has grown in size. A high

, ACTING RECTORS OF THE PAST.

standard of scholastic / attainment has been maintained, while the outdoor life of the pupils has prospered under careful encouragement. THE RECTORY The history of the school boarding establishment has been summarised by Mr Webb as follows: —“The occupation by Mr Brent of-the old military barracks as a boarding establishment did not last long, and from 1864 to 1868 the residence of the rector, at first in a wing of the old school building j and later at Park ’House, was the hoarding house, but it never had to accommodate more than a very few boys. In 1875 the present building overlooking the Town Belt was erected. It was the abode of Mr Norrie

V THE PRESENT RECTOR AND THE DOYEN OF THE STAFF.

during his brief sojourn here, but since his departure, although still called * The Reatory,’ it has never been occupied by the rector of the school. Mr G. M. Thomson was there, in 1877 and continued in charge until 1885, and he returned to occupation later. After several changes the late Mr Mungo Watson took charge for five years and was a very popular house master. Since 1909 Mr - Campbell has presided there, and under his care the establishment has prospered as never before. , “The rectory used to be the home of school games, and the boarders led the school in them, especially ,in football. Mr Thomson, as the register records, was undoubtedly the founder of the school club, and,he had at the rectory a stalwart band of players. To keep them _in touch with the school when they left it he created the Pirates Club, inventing their uniform and badge,”

FORMER JUBILEES The seventieth anniversary celebrations on August 3 will mark the third occasion on which old and present boys have assembled to celebrate on a large scale the growth and progress of their school. The dinner which was held in 1013 to celebrate the jubilee of the school was attended by no fewer than 420 old boys and masters, and was described as the most notable function of its' kind that had ever been held in Dunedin and probably in New Zealand. Sir Francis Bell presided. A historical meeting at the school was attended by 600 past and present pupils. The diamond jubilee celebrations, held in 1923, were made notable by the fact that on this occasion the service of old boys during the Great War was commemorated, and it was fitting that at such a time the memorial arch erected to the memory of nearly 200 old boys who fell in the war should have been unveiled. The arch was dedi-

cated to the fallen by Sir Francis Bell and accepted on behalf of the. Board of Governors by the chairman (Mr G. E. Thompson). About the same time brass tablets on which the names of 1153 old boys who served in the war are inscribed were placed in position on the walls of the school hall. /■ The celebrations, over which the late Dr R. V. Fulton presided, were marked by great enthusiasm. A smoke concert was attended by 300 old boys, and 200 sat down at the dinner. It was estimated that 2000 past and present pupils took part in the Sunday parade and service, and the historical meeting at the school on the following day was in many respects a notable gathering. Sporting events also played a prominent part in the celebrations.

FORTHCOMING CELEBRATIONS The seventieth anniversary will be observed at functions which will extend over two days. The arrangements are as follows: — TO-DAY. 9 a.m. —Assemble for parade in Arthur street. 9.15 a.m. —Parade moves off. 9.30 a.m. —Decades will be photographed. 10.1,5 a.m.—Divine service. 11 a.m.—Historical meeting in school. 2.30 p.m.—Reunion, garden party/ gymnastic display, and sports. 3 p.m.—Football match. 6.45 p.m. —Reunion dinner, Town Hall supper room. TO-MORROW. 2.30 p.m. —Drive to Larnach Castle. 8 p.m. —Reunion ball. Town Hall Concert Chamber.