SMOKE CONCERT AT THE COLLEGE.

Colonist, Volume XLVIX, Issue 11827, 7 January 1907, Page 5 (Supplement)

SMOKE CONCERT AT THE COLLEGE.

A BRILti ANT. FUNCTION. The snioke concert held in the Assembly Hall at the College last evening was a brilliant function, there being over two hundred old boys present. The proceedings throughout were most enthusiastic, and practically informal, speak era being limited to speeches of five minutes duration. The evening slipped away rapidly with music, song and stories of past school days, and a decided air of good fellowship permeated the whole gathering, Dr S. A. Gibbs, President of the Old Boys' Association, presided, and /was supported by the Hon. R. McNab,' Minister of Lands, and Mr G. Hogben, Inspector General of Schools. A lengthy list of toasts was gone through, the toast of "Nelson College" which was proposed by Mr A. R. Atkinson, ex-M. H.R., being most enthusiastically honoied, cheers being given for the old school until the rafters rang. Mr Fowler, who responded, was most cordially received, and was heartily cheered at the conclusion of his reply. Other toasts honored were: "The Old Boys' Association." (cheers for the President) ; "The Visiting Old Boys," proposed by Mr P. B. Adams and responded to by Professor v •Evans, Messrs A. Elliott. C. J. Bird (who was the oldest boy present and was accorded three hearty cheers and musical honors), E. Clarke, F. Munro,cheers for "Fid." G. W. Barltrop, H. Burnett, cheers for "Hug," J. Fookes. Jas. Harkness, J. M. Speed ; "Absent Old Boys," by Professor W. M. Richmond, and responded to by Mr T. Fleming; "Past Masters of tne College," responded to by Mr Joynt, who was heartily cheered and accorded musical honors? and Mr C. H. Broad, hon. secretary of the Old Boys' Association, who was received with musical honors. Opportunity was taken to present Mr F. Milner, M.A., with an illuminated address, which was signed by over three hundred old boys. The presentation was made by Dr Gibbs in a felicitous and eulogistic speech. The other presentations made to Mr Milner were a handsome marble clock, silver tea servioe and set of silver fish knives and forks, all of which were subscribed by members of the branches of the Old Boys Association throughout the Colony. Mr Miiner waa accorded a most enthusiastic reception, and whs carried shoulder high round the room. He feelingly responded and thanked the old boys for their gift, and dwelt at length on the merits of the Old Boys' Association, which he contended should be . represented on the Board of Governors. His remarks' were received with enthusiasm. The text. of the address was as follows : _" We. the old boys of the Nelson College, desire to express to you our warm appreciation of the great services you have rendered to our alma mateY, We recognise and deplore the loss of your rare ability, magnetic enthusiasm and beneficent influence. We foel assured that the success that has here crowned your effortswill attend you in your future career." The address was signed by Dr S. A. Gibbs, President of the Association, and three hundred old boys, . Apologies for absence and hearty good wishes for. a successful celebration were received from Messrs J. J. and T Sinclair, W Carter, H I Lewis G Croft Huddjestone, James Henderson, C A Buddie, James Drummond, A 1 Johqs, J Rish worth, W G Fletcher, ATM Blair, James lanes, M Blennerhassett, A R Jordan, J H Fowler, J W Askew, H O Hanby, J F Thompson, F H Lewis, and J H Richardson. During the evening the following contributed to the harmony : — Messrs Grace, D Jackson, R Gilbert, G Stewart, T Houlker, T HCondell, W Smith, B Mabin, A-U Magi-nnity, S Fairhall. H N V Rout played the whole of the accompaniments in an efficient manner. The gathering concluded at 12.30, with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and God Save the King."