POPULAR MAGISTRATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23463, 30 March 1938, Page 17

POPULAR MAGISTRATE

WORK FOR OLD SCHOOL HONOURED BY EX-PUPILS (Pep United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Mar. 29. The work for the Christchurch Boys’ High School of Mr R. C. Abernethy, who has been appointed to the magistracy, was praised at a luncheon given in his honour by the Old Boys’ Association. Mr H. P. Smith (president) presided over an attendance of about 20 prominent old boys. The appoinment of Mr Abernethy to the magistracy would meet with the universal approval of old boys, Mr Smith said in presenting the guest with a fountain pen and a Ceresharp pencil. He extended congratulations to Mr Abernethy and wished him and Mrs Abernethy a happy future. The headmaster (Mr G. J. Lancaster) said that the people of Invercargill were to be congratulated on their good fortune in securing the services of Mr Abernethy. He made special reference to the work of Mr Abernethy in the improvement of the school uniform, in the formation of the Parents’ Association and in the foundation of the assembly hall at the school. On behalf of contemporaries of Mr Abernethy at the school, Mr G. R Park conveyed best wishes to him. He also spoke of the respect that Mr Abernethy had gained from his men as an officer in the Great WarAppreciation of the advice, tact, modesty and sense of fairness of the g;est was expressed by Mr A. M. Hollander, who was president of the association when Mr Abernethy was vice-president. “My aim was to see how much I could do to interest others to work for the school.” Mr Abernethy said in returning thanks. He paid a high tribute to the work of Mr Lancaster.