THE RHODES SCHOLAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3614, 19 June 1923, Page 5

THE RHODES SCHOLAR.

PRESENTATION TO MR A. E. PORK ITT. Local amateur athletes assembled in force at Mr ( E. S Wilson’s board room on the 14th in si. for the purpose of making a presentation to Mir A. E. Porritt, the New Zealand Rhodes scholar for 1923. Mr E. L. Macassey, president of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, occupied the chair. He said that they had. met that night to say good-bye to their old friend Mr Porritt. As they were aware Mr Porritt was leaving them next day en route to the Old Country. He had made a great name for himself, not only on the sports fields, but also in other walks in life. He had always played the game—in fact he was one of the best and straightest sports they had ever seen in Dunedin, or ever would see. — (Applause.) Mr Porritt had been elected the New Zealand Rhodes scholar for 1923. This, too, was a great honour, and one not lightly obtained. —(Applause.) He might claim that a great honour had also been conferred on the amateur athletes of Dunedin.—(“Hear, hear.”) Mr Poi-rilt was the first medical student in New Zealand to obtain the distinction of being awarded a Rhode's scholarship. They would look forward to him making fresh running records on tile sports grounds of the Old Country, and would certainly follow his future career with interest. “On behalf of the amateur athletes in Dunedin,” concluded Mr Macassey, “it gives me great pleasure to present you with a travelling rug and a dressing case to remind you of the happy days you have spent with the sports of Dunedin. We wish you the best of good luck, happiness, and prosperity in your new home across the sea.”—(prolonged applause.) Mr Porritt, who was received with loud applause, said that ho thanked them from the bottom of his heart for their send-off. It was not so much their gifts—which, however, would be most useful to him on his travels—it was the kindly spirit which lay behind them. He had come to Dunedin from Wanganui three and a-half years ago, and he could honestly say that some of the happiest days in his life had been spent on the running tracks here. He had made many friends who w T ould, he knew, he lifelong friends. The Otago Centre had done a lot for him. Had it not been for the training, experience, and all-round encouragement that he had received in Dunedin he did not think he would have been much of a runner. Things had improved wonderfully in the centre during the time he had been here. There had been a great revival in the sport of athletics a revival which they were all glad to see. Theirs was a jolly good sport. They had to live a hard, clean life before they could do much on the track, and that was why they made such lasting friendships.—(Applause.) He wished the centre all the luck in the world, and each of them personally a lot more than that.—(Loud applause.) Those present then joined in singing, “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow. ’ STUDENTS’ SEND-OFF. Later in the evening Mr Porritt was accorded an enthusiastic send-off in the Allen Hall, by the students of the University. Dr Cameron, Chancellor of the Otago University, presided. He said that they were there that night to do honour to one who had distinguished himself not only on the athletic field, not only in the classes at the University, but also as a leader amongst his fellow students.—(Applause.) That was an honour really to be coveted. They were glad to honour Mr Porritt because he really deserved it —because he had shown himself not only one of the very best athletes, hut also ono of their best scholars.— (Loud applause.) He thought that the late Cecil Rhodes had been a very wise man in the way in which he had made use of his surplus wealth. Mr Rhodes had desired that the owners of these scholarships should be brought into contact with representatives from every part of their Empire as well as from other nations. That they would become leaders of men and be enabled to bring influences into the life of the communities and so lead to greater unity among the nations. He hoped that Mr Porritt would distinguish himself on the athlotio field and in his studies and come back with honour and glory to himself and their university.—(Loud applause.) Mr E. A. Rosevear said that he was pleased to be there that night to do honour to Mr Porritt on behalf of the outside public. Dunedin was_ proud of its University and took a keen interest in its welfare. They had followed the careers of the previous Rhodes scholars, more especially those who had come from Otago, with deep interest, and he could assure Mi* Porritt that they were proud of the distinction that had been conferred on him—no less proud than

the people of the northern town in which he had been bred, and that they would follow his career too with interest. The speaker referred to the enthusiasm with which Mr Porritt entered into anything on which he set his mind. If he had the selection of the New Zealand team for the next Olympiad Mr Porritt would ba the first man he would pick.—(Loud applause.) Mr D. Iverach, .president of the Students’ Association, spoke of Mr Pci-ritt’s work for the University. Ilis whole record at their University was one of which any student would be proud. lie thought he was eminently fitted to be their Rhodes scholar for 1923. —(Loud applause.) The speaker then presented Mr Porritt with a wristlet watch, an etching of the entrance to their University, and a wallet containing a substantial sum of money. The presentation was followed by three lusty cheers for Mr Porritt and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”

Mr Porritt, in replying, said that it was a pleasing thing for a student to go away feeling that he was backed up in the manner he was. It, would be his earnest endeavour to merit the Lind wishes which they had extended to him. He assured them that he felt, the responsibility placed on him as a Rhodes scholar. He spoke of the happy days he had spent, at the Otago University, and said that he appreciated what the speakers had brought out—that the men who went Home should be imbued with the ideals of Oxford, but that they should not stay there, and it was his intention to come back.—(Loud applause.) He would do his utmost to uphold the honour of Otago University when he .got Home.— (Loud applause.) A number of musical items were contributed during the evening, and at the conclusion of the proceedings Dr Thompson, president pro tem of (he University Athletic Association, presented the interfaculty challenge shield, won this year by the medical faculty.