OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION.

Colonist, Volume XLV, Issue 10407, 13 May 1902, Page 1 (Supplement)

OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION.

A well-attended meeting of ex-Collegians was held in the Shelbourne Street Schoolroom, April 23rd, to consider the question of reviving the Old Boys' Association in connection with the Boys' College, and other matters, Mr C. J. Harley occupied the chair. The Chairman read several apologies 1 from " old boys" who were unable to be present. Mr Harley said that the Old Boys' Association had been formed some seven years ago, bnt for some considerable time past interest had apparently ceased, until last year, when Mr Littlejohn gave a dinner to the old boys at the College, which was ; returned by tbem at a later period, when the subject of 'reviving the Association was brought forward. He explained the advantages of having such an Association at length, and read the Constitution of the Association, which was founded in 1894. Tbe priucipal objects of the Association I were to establish a bond of union among former pupils ; to afford a chance by which old boys may be made aware of each other's addresses, and present circumstances ; to endeayor to form a complete roll of the pupils of Nelson College since its formation, for which purpose sufficient materials were to be found in Ihe official records of the institution ; and to afford ex-pupils an opportunity of testifying in some practical form tbeir interests in the College and its present working. On t^e motion of Dr Gibbs. seconded bj Mr J. W. Askew, it was resolved to revive the Nelson College Old Boys' Association. The last balance-sheet, wbich showed a credit balance of £1 19s, was read and adopted. The Constitution of tbe Association, with an amendment that the annual subscription be 2s 6d instead of ss, was carried on the motion of Dr Gibbs, seconded by Dr Andrew, and the following officers were elected: — President, Mr C. J. Harley ; Vice-presi-dents : Mr W. S, Littlejohn, Dr. Gibbs (Nelson); J. H. Firth, J. W. Joynt (Wellington) ; J. B. Eoy (New Plymouth), V. Wither, Dr. Evans (Christchurch) ; — Barnicoat (Wanganui), Dr, Morice (Greymouth) ; Hon Secretary and Treasurer, Mr F. Milner ; Committee : Messrs A. Adams, W. Bout, W. W. Squires, J. Houlker, E. S. Cresswell, J. W. Askew, A. Sclanders, C. Broad, and Dr. Andrew. Mr Cresswell then proposed that the Association convey to Mr Littlejohn, the Principal of the Nelson College, its hearty congratulations on tbe marked and success- • ful development that has characterised the institution since his accession to the Prin-

had been connected with the College for j tbe past 20 years, and for the last three had j been the Principal. During his term the | number of pupils had increased from 100 to 156, of whom 71 were boarders. The institution hid established a reputation throughout the Colony, which he considered j was due to Mir Litf ejohn's organisation. Ho referred to the scholastic attainments of the old boys who had been pupils under Mr Littlejohn, and said that of 19 pupils who , were recently candidates for matriculation, 18 had passed successfully. Six had gone in for the Victoria College examinations, | and the whole number had passed. He referred to the very great interest Mr Littlojohn had taken in outdoor games, as well as in the Cadet corps, which was. a- credit to any institution, and claimed to be one of the smartest in the Colony. Dr Gibbs seconded the motion in a eulogistic speech, and it was carried with applause. On the motion of Dr. Andrew, seconded by Mr Squires, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr H Moore, who had compiled the Old Boys Register. Mr Adams said that old boys from the Wellington College and the Boys' , Hio-h School at Ctristchurch desired ] to meet the old boys from Nelson , College on the football field, and he j proposed that the Secretary make enquiries and endeavor to arrange football matches with the old boys of these institutions. The motion was carried. . The question of establishing a cycle corps in connection with the old boys was next considered, and Mr C. Broad explained the regulations, &c, in regard to same. It was ultimately resolved, on the motion of Mr J. Houlker, seconded by Mr Squires, that an Old Nelson College Boys' Cycle Corps be formed, and a subcommittee consisting of Messrs Houlker, Squires, and Mules was appointed to c.anvass for names aad report to- the General Committee. On Mr Hursthouse's motion, a resolution was carried expressing regret that Mr Drummond had left the College, and wishing him success in his future career. Mr Drummond was also made an honorary member of the Association. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated tbi meeting.