WAITAKI OLD 'BOYS' ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22960, 15 August 1936, Page 18

WAITAKI OLD 'BOYS' ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REPORT In its annual report the Executive Council of the Waitaki High School Old Boys' Association congratulated members on a very successful year, during which the membership had again shown an increase, which was very gratifying. The council, however, urged branches to organise drives for new members, pointing out that the strength of the association was in direct proportion to its numerical strength. The council was very gratified and encouraged by the manner in which the branches were functioning, the social functions proving very enjoyable. The council had always had some difficulty in meeting all its financial engagements at the beginning of its year, as capitation was payable at the end of the year. Recognising this, the Oamaru branch paid £ls, and Otago £lO, on account of the capitation at the commencement of the year, a thoughtful act that made things much easier for the council. The council acknowledged gratefully the outstanding services to the Christchurch branch and to the association given by Mr C. C. Holland as secretary of the Christchurch branch, who has relinquished the position. The Otago branch, noted in the past for its generosity, this year made a contribution to the council of £3 8s 6d, being a voluntary addition to capitation of 6d per member. The report of the trustees of the endowment fund stated that the response to the appeal made to old boys had been in the main very satisfactory, the average of each policy being over £SO. They complimented the National Mutual Life Association, and its agent, Mr C. W. Gillies, upon the success attained, particularly in the South Island, though they felt somewhat disappointed that there had not been-a more substantial response from the old boys residing in the north. They appealed to those who were unable to Earticipate in the scheme at the time, ut who promised to do something later, to redeem their promises. The objects of the fund were to ensure that the school be provided for all time with suitable playing areas, necessary buildings, special scholarships, furnishings and equipment, and' maintenance of buildings and grounds. It was very disappointing that after complete arrangements had been made for the success of Founders' Day, the functions should have been so poorly attended. The council considered abandoning Founders' Day in future, but the Oamaru branch felt that it could still be made a great success, and was prepared to make good any deficit up to £5 5s if held next year; another instance of the very generous support of this branch. At last Founders' Day the splendid new sports ground so generously given by the rector was officially christened " Milner Park'.' by the Mayor of Oamaru (Mr M. F. E. Cooney), himself an old boy; Copies of the "History of Waitaki" were still obtainable, but the executive was greatly disappointed that larger numbers were not taking the Waitakian, which, by the courtesy of the school, was l he official paper of the association. It was hoped that early In the year the revised rules would be adopted by the association. The Board of Governors continued to give every satisfaction, but the council regretted exceedingly that owing to ill-health Dr Alexander Douglas had to give up the position of chairman, which he had filled with such conspicuous ability over a long period. Major H. S. Orbell and Mr R. H. Hill were elected parents' representatives, Major Orbell being elected chairman. It was with profound regret that the death of Mrs Barbara Douglas, wife of Dr Alexander Douglas, was recorded. Mrs Douglas took the keenest interest in every aspect of the life of the school, and was a woman of very considerable ability and wide interests, and the school, the town of Oamaru, and the district generally had lost a good friend. The beauty and dignity of the Hall of Memories and the reverence with which it was treated by the pupils would, it was felt, have nuite an effect on the aesthetic and spiritual side of their lives In last year's report it was mentioned that plans for oaken pews in keeping with the design of the building had been prepared, but nothing had yet been done, although the matter would not be lost sight of. It was gratifying to record the greatly improved roll of both day boys and boarders, and the rolls at present are larger than at any time last year despite the large number who left at the end of the year. The roll was now so great that the classroom accommodation was quite inadequate. The school continued to maintain its high standard both in class and in the playing fields. Congratulations were extended to R. L. Austin on the high position he obtained in the junior University examinations, and also S. S. Amies, who just missed obtaining the coveted honour by a very few marks. Since then he had been awarded the Lissie Rathbone Scholarship of Otago, the Robert Bell Scholarship of ivnox College, and finally gave up these to accept the Soames Scholarship at Canterbury College. Congratulations were also extended to R. U. uavies on winning the Wellington Navy League Palmer essay. In both cricket and football the school teams met with good success. The athletic sports and annual barracks were marred by bad weather. The shooting was well maintained, and a large number received King's medals in the Imperial Challenge Shield competition. The association congratulated Mr G. Wilkinson un His weu-eameu piouiotion as lecturer of music at the Dunedin Training College. Mr Seyb was promoted to take his place as nead of the Junior High School and was carrying out his duties in a very efficient manner The vacancy caused through Mr Seyb's promotion had been filled by Mr A. Gibo, who also took charge of the school singing. The rise in the roll at the commencement of the year necessitated the appointment of an assistant, and Mr L. V. Bryant (formerly a member of the staff) was appointed. Mr M. A. Fastier was now the school organist, and took charge of the music pupils. Additions were steadily being made to the plantation of native trees, and in the course of a few years this should be a valuable and beautiful addition. Milner Park had proved a valuable acquisition to the athletic side of the school. The time was not far distant when the erection of stands and pavilions for the use of spectators and players would have to be &eriously considered. The gardens -and lawns were always beautifully kept, and a source of delight to all the visitors. The erosion of the sea continued to be a menace, and old,boys would regret to learn that the bank is now only three feet from the target pits, so that the Defence authorities had already made an estimate of the cost of replacing'them at a safe distance from the foreshore.

Congratulations of all the memberg were extended to Mr R. H. Hill (the association's president) on his election to the Board of Governors, to the Rev. A. H. Nordmeyer. and Mr T. E. M'Coombs on their election to the House of Representatives, and to Mr G. F. Hart on his being again chosen for the All Black team, to W, R. Laney and C. C. Gillies for their fine exhibition with the University tootball team while in Japan. The Christchurch branch was to be commended on its efforts in paying off its debt for the stained glass window presented to the Hall of Memories. It had been a fine achievement, as the cost was just on £2OO. The council thanked all the branch committees and their secretaries for their work during the year, Mr C. G. Meikle for acting as auditor, the press, and the many friends of the school and the association for their assistance.