GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

Southland Times, Issue 21073, 3 May 1930, Page 8

GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL DINNER. ' Friendships were renewed and memories of school days revived at the eleventh annual dinner of the Southland Girls’ High School Old Girls’ Association last night in the Federal Tea Lounge, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion with Iceland floppies and autumn tinted leaves. When the loyal toast had been honoured telegrams of good wishes from Mrs. J. A. Hanan (patroness of the association), Miss Gladys McKenzie, Miss M. McKie, Miss I’. Young, and a message from Mr. Charles Gray were read by Miss G. Basstian, secretary of the association. Miss E. B. Pay, president of the association, welcomed the new members, for whom she considered the association was of special benefit, the old members who had loyally assisted the association for many years and the Gore Ex-Pupils. Miss Pay then explained the proposed alteration in this year’s syllabus, suggestions for several special evenings having already been received, and asked for the co-operation of the members during the season. In proposing the toast of “The School and Staff,” Mrs. N. J. Armour said that those who were present at the school jubilee celebrated last year realized that the pupils past and present were the school. When preparations were being made for the jubilee, several of the ex-pupils, by the courtesy of the Board of Governors, had had access to the board’s minute books, which contained the complete history of the school. The story of the progress of the school was a most interesting one and there had been many outstanding events during the 50 years. The most important event since the jubilee was the establishment of the hostel, and the Lady Principal and Board of Governors were to be congratulated on their new achievement. The school, Mrs. Armour said, should be proud of its present staff. It would readily be admitted that Miss Samuel, as Lady Principal, was giving loyal service to the pupils, and the teachers had all proved themselves hard working and conscientious and intensely interested in the success of the school. Miss Samuel, Lady Principal of the Girls’ High School, in replying to the toast, referred to the establishment of the hostel and asked for the interest of the ex-pupils as that was as essential to the success of the new venture as the interest of the present pupils. A name had not yet been chosen for the hostel and members of the association cotdd assist, Miss Samuel explained, by offering suggestions. In conclusion she expressed the wish that, 1930 should be a prosperous year for the association and the school.

In reply to the toast of “Absent Friends” proposed by Miss M. Kersc, an interesting letter was read from Miss Gladys McKenzie, who is at present teaching at Glenroy. “We are pleased that married members in spite of their manifold duties, still take a keen interest in the affairs of the association,” said Miss Gladys Bath, in proposing the toast of "Our Married Members.” Mrs. J. S. Robbie, replying, thanked the members for their toast, and said that there was room in the association for those married members who were taking no active part in its progress. Miss M. Manson, in proposing the toast of “Kindred Associations,” spoke of the growing activities of the Gore Ex-Pupils, the Southland Boys’ High School Old Boys’ and Technical Ex-Students’ Associations. The success of all such associations was undoubtedly due to the fostering of a sense of loyalty to the old schools. In replying, Miss R. J. N. Douglas, representative of the Gore High School ExPupils’ Association, said that it was unfortunate the Gore Association could not have more frequent intercourse with the Invercargill associations. The Gore expupils had still very few activities, but they were slowly making progress. During the evening most enjoyable songs were contributed by Mrs E. K. Mills, Miss L. de Reya and Miss L. McCurdy, a pianoforte duet by Miss M. Crofts and Miss M. McKenzie, and a pianoforte solo by Miss W. Thom.