INCREASED MEMBERSHIP

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18397, 15 May 1934, Page 6

INCREASED MEMBERSHIP

H.S. OLD STUDENTS SUCCESSFUL DRIVE PAST YEAR REVIEWED A gratifying increase in the membership of the .association as the result of a successful membership drive is the outstanding feature of the report to be presented at the twelfth annual meeting of the Gisborne High School Old Students’ Association, which will be hold this evening at S o’clock in the Mary Elizabeth tearooms. The report contains -a review of the associaiion’s activities during the past year, and also sets out the objects of the association. * It reads as follows: — “The financial membership for the past year was 110, exclusive of 12 life members. This is over twice the membership of last year, and is mainly the result of a membership drive organised at' the beginning of June, last year. Mr H. 11. De Costa generously donated a, prize to the member enrolling the most new members. This was won by Mr. R. Tier with a total of 26 new members. The executive this year aims to increase the financial membership of the association fourfold. This is by no means beyond accomplishment, and w.e confidently solicit the co-operation of all old students this season in reaching this goal. “It must be conceded, by all that a strong and active association is invalu--1 able to the life of the school and an inspiration to present pupils. It might be asked why a large membership is desired. To attain a healthy membership would be tlie greatest achievement the association could accomplish at the present time. It would spell ‘success’ for the association’s various social activities, and infuse into them a new zest. It would earn for the association the admiration not only of those interested in the school, but also of the whole community, and would ensure that the finances of the association were maintained on a sound footing, thus still further enabling the executive to extend its activities in the interests of the school and of the old students, OBJECTS OF ASSOCIATION “The suggestion has been made that the objects of the association should be incorporated in this annual report and a copy as set out in our constitution is us follows: —(a) To foster and keep alive ; amongst old students of the school a remembrance of the school and an active ■ interest in its welfare; (b) to promote , and continue a mutual interest and fellowship among the old students, and to promote, sport amongst its members, and to conduct dances and social functions of a like nature; (c) to promote the interests of the school by encouraging the attendance of old students at the annual school sports, by offering scholarships . for competition amongst pupils of the ‘ school by offering prizes for competition amongst the pupils of the school, in ' such manner as the committee of the association shall think advisable. “During the yeur a most successful reunion of old students was held at ) Whatatutu. Over 10 were present, and , .it was unanimously decided to form a brunch of the association with the main ' executive at Whatatutu. The branch i subsequent to this held several highly i successful social functions, and the enthusiasm of its members will ensure !| its continued success. “While the association may have diffi- . culty in reaching a large membership—a difficulty which unfortunately appears to be common to all kindred associations—there has never been any lack of support give'n to tho social functions arranged by tho executive. During tho j year under review three dances and a } reunion dinner were' held under the 1 auspices of the association, and in every

respect proved outstanding miecesses. 'Die first reunion dinner in particular was most successful, the City Hall being crowded to capacity. In view of this evident interest the committee recommends that tho function he held annoally. “The association during tin l past, year gave every support to (lie school reference library. A donation of £25 was first made, and then a further £lO subsidy on u like sum raised by the pupils of the school. Further small donations were made as is shown in the balance , sheet. “In November last a team from the i (lid Students’ Association played the 1 • School Tennis Club team and were sue- ■ cessful in winning 18 out of 24 games. • We hope to arrange a return visit tins year. A football match also was played ■ against the school team, which won by - a narrow margin. i “Your committee desires to place on ■ record its appreciation of Mr. C. lllaek- ; burn’s continued kindness in allowing ; us the use of his ofliees for our meot- ) ings. We also wish to thank members i and their friends for their continued i support for our social activities during r the year under review.’’