OLD BOYS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1930, Page 10

OLD BOYS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION. DEPRESSION’S ONLY CURE. The responsibility resting upon the old boys of secondary schools in the present period of depression and their ability to discharge it with credit was briefly referred to by speakers at the annual re-union of the South Taranaki branch of the New Plymouth High School Old Boys’ Association.

The toast of “Sister Schools’’ was proposed by Mr. F. E. Clarke, who spoke briefly of the work of the New Zealand secondary schools in fitting young men for life. The loyalty of old boys to the fine traditions of their old schools was a great power for good. Many people thought, said Mr. A. Gray, headmaster'./of the Ha’wera High School, that excessive education was the cause of the present world-wide depres- 4 sion. It was the duty of the young men to settle that question. ,In the past perhaps life had been too easy and had not been taken seriously enough. It was going to be harder. It remained with the young men to show the age that, far from being the cause of the depression, education was the only possible cure. , Canon E. H. Strong, a Nelson College’ old boy, said he was certain that the future of New Zealand and every British country depended’ upon the old/boys of the secondary schools. “Bring into your lives that same splendid team spirit characteristic, of every school,” he continued. “If you keep that and- the sense of fair play and justice the country has nothing to fear in this period of depression. To you the country looks, and I believe not in vain, for a successful outcome.” Old boys of other schools who replied to the toast were Messrs. R. F. Page (Wellington College), M. R. Jones (Wesley Training College and Te Ante), R. C, Wilson (Auckland Grammar), A. W. Lawn (Stratford), B. Malone (St. Patrick’s), A. W. Thomas (Otago Boys’ High School) and F. J. A. Fox (Christ’s College ). - ~r —'■ . HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS. HAWERA SMOKE CONCERT. Following the annual meeting ofi the South Taranaki branch of the New Plymouth High School Old Boys’ Association, a smoke concert was held, Dr. R. G. B. Sinclair presiding over a large attendance, including old boys of nine other schools. The toast of “The School” , was proposed by the president. Mr. Leggat, in replying, briefly, traversed alterations being made at the school. He was glad to see so many old boys present. Canon E. H. Stroiig and Messrs. Wilson' and Dobson also replied. The toast of the headmaster was also in the hands of Dr. Sinclair. Mr. F. E. Clarke proposed the toast of the parent body, Mr. J. F. McDonald re-\ plying. Musical items were given by Messrs. B. Malone, R. F. Rage, S. Anderson, P. Spragg, W. C-artcr, J. i Dobson, M. R. Jones) A. W. Lawn, A. Walker, W. W, Thomas, A. Boiietti and Ll J. Rowe. GENERAL ITEMS. When approaching the intersection of Main South, and Kearns Roads, Inaha, on Wednesday mo'rnipg a cream lorry owned by the Waimate, Plains Dairy Company and driven by 'Mr. J. Matheson became out of control owing to the sudden application of the brakes on a greasy surface.' The vehicle skidded across the roadway into a bank and capsized, much of the cream being spilled. The driver was picked up semiconscious, but recovered after medical attention. The hood of the lorry was damaged. Owing to the enthusiasm and perseIverance of Sister Inglis a Hawera team has been entered for the Dr. Collins Cup competition at Wellington. This is open to home nursing classes all over New Zealand, but apart from Hawera and New Plymouth only Wellington representatives are engaged. The Hawera team, which leaves this morning, comprises Sister Inglis, Mesdames S. R, Veitch, M. R. Jones and H. Reid, and Misses D. Clement, D. Hooper and M. Jackson. . An appeal for assistance towards the completion of the s-wimming baths at the New Plymouth Boys’ High School was received at the annual meeting of the South Taranaki branch of the Old Boys’ Association from the headmaster, Mr. W. H. Moyes. Mr. Moyes, who apologised for his unavoidable absence, wrote that, as only £3OO was required, large donations would not be necessary. The Manaia school will carry out a big programme of athletics on the Domain tbrmorrow, when over 80 events will be held. The entries for each event are very large and spectators are assured of seeing good contests. The first event starts at 10 a.m. Refreshments will be obtainable and hot water will be provided free*. The committee is making a small admission charge to provide prizes for the .winners. A tennis dance will be held in the Okaiawa Town Hall on Wednesday. Ngaia’s String Orchestra has been engaged and an enjoyable function is anticipated. CONCERT AT AWATUNA. A very successful concert of outstanding merit was held in the Awatuna Hall. The Kaponga Band was in attendance and added much io the enjoyment of the evening with instrumental and dance music items. Mr. W. A, Lind presided. Every item was encored, and Mr. Middleweek, a new performer iu the district, had to respond four times. After the pianoforte overture played by Miss Benton songs were sung by Misses Evans and Davis, Mesdames O’Donoghue and Harre and Messrs. Middleweek and W. Hey. A pianoforte duet was played by Misses Duckett and Pope. Much appreciated sketches were acted by Messrs. Feudal!, Tonkin, Hanson, Corder’ and Albon and Mrs. Corder, and steel guitar- numbers were given by Miss G. Hughes and Mr. Beavis. Supper was provided by Mr. Lind. Dancing followed to music supplied by the Kaponga Band, Mrs. Evans and Misses Corbett and Hughes and Mr. W. Coxhead. Miss Benton and Mrs. Evans were the accompanists. AUROA PERSONAL ITEMS. Mrs. King has returned home from her recent severe illness in hospital. Mrs. F. Rye is staying with her mother, Mrs. Bigham, Eltham.