THE LATE MR W.B. HOWELL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15503, 13 November 1914, Page 5

THE LATE MR W.B. HOWELL.

PERPETUATING HIS MEMORY. GRATITUDE OF EX-HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS. Associated inseparably with the pro-* gress of secondary education in Timaru, as well as with education generally throughout South. Canterbury, is the name of W. B. Ho'weil, who spent many years of his, Jife in earnest and devoted labour in the cause of education. His indefatigable energies and never-flag-ging interest were given for the most part to the Tiinaru High School, whoso welfare and advancement became to him practically part of his existence. He was acknowledged as the "father" of the school, and it was but natural-that ■ the ex-pupils should wish to perpetuate his memory. This was successfully done yesterday by the ex-pupils of the Girls' High) School, at the annual garden party, when a brrss memorial plate was unveiled in the assembly room of the school, by the Ven. Archdeacon Jacob, in the presence of a large attendance of pupils, ex-pupils, teachers, parents, and wellwishers of the school. Mr J. Bitehener. chairman of the High School Board of Governors, presided, and was accompanied on the platform by Miss B. M. Watt, Lady Principal, the Ven. Archdeacon Jacob, and Mr J. McCalion, a member of ihe Board of -Governors. Mr W. Thomas. Rector of the Boys' High School, Misses and Mr B. Howell, were alio amongst those present. The chairman, in opening the proceedings said they were met that afternoon in very unusual circumstances. There was no one- who regretted more than he (the chairman) that that ceremony had been occasioned, because he felt, as one who had to visit T'.maru frequently, that in the death of Mr Howell he had lost a personal friend. Regarding the school no one had taken a keener interest in its welfare, and no one had talc en a greater interest in the wplfr.ro of the boys and girls than Mr H-welll.

Mr Bitchener en lied upon Archdeacon Jacob, who. on. rising: to perform the opening ceremony. Ivan recf"*ved with annlaiis'*. When Miss Watt had askr-d him if he would tin veil the memorial which the ex-T}'.mil.s of the G ; rls' High had raised to one who had good to at once asrre?d to. do so. He Wn in Tim-.ni nem-V rears, and he was not sure whether it w'"s the first- ti»»e he had <s tt en Mr Hcwell ov Tir>t that- he asked him to serve on the Board of Governors. Mr Howe'll then thought that his health would not allow him to carry on the work and he wanted him (the speaker) to serve in hi l s place, lie replied thrt he had always been interested in school work, even as a hoy, although that was mostly in school play. (Laughter.) He gladly acceded to Mr Howell's wiish and had heen a member of the Board ever since. From the first time he spoke to Mr Howell he coultl see what an intense in- ! terest he took in the .work of the school, both' in the boys' and girls' departments, his whole heart was wrapped iip in it. He wished to deal with two points of the character of him whose memory they now sought to perpetuate. : Firstly, the "late Mr Howell was a very public-spirited man and felt it not only a privilege hut also a. duty to take life part in public life. He did so in - many ways, but he believed the school work was nearest Jiis.'heart. In spite of ,liia ■ health, he <! &tckf the greatest interest and gave.up time ungrudgingly, when he felt he" might he pushing toward the work of the school. The Archdeacon reminded those present, especially the boys and girls, that it wfs their dutvto take an interest in public affairs. When they grew up he hoped they would do what, tliey could in taking their share of the life of the. commun'tv. 'They, should not hold aloof, tli'nking , otlhers might do- the work. Whatever they undertook, l e hoped thav would do with their whole heai*t as the late Mr Howell had, in every wa.lk of life. Mr Howell considered it not only a pr!vi\?ge but a duty before Gcd to do he could for the commun : ty. There was one word which he believed was written on the late Mr Howell's heart. He would not humility have thought tlhat he represented the word, yet" he was a wonderfu'l example of it and he always put it bafor.e others. The last time lie 'heard Mr Howell speak at the High , School he used the word. It was "integrity"—the word he loved. He set that standard bafore them that day,' and hoped they would all grow up in the full meaning of tihe word "integrity." If tliQv did so they would be sincere in all thev did, in school work and in play; when tlney grew to he men and women and went into the world, they ought to carry it into their home life, business life, and in their pijeasm'es it should always be remembered. They coukl thank God earnestly and sincerely for the example ,of the late Mr Howell. They owed him a deep, debt of gratitude for all he had done for them. ■ The Arcthdeacon then unveiled the tablet, which he read as follows: "In Memoriam of the late William Barker Howell, for 34 years a Governor of this school, died May 2G, 1914. Erected as a mark of affection

by the ex-giiis of the school 'The memory of the just is blessed.' "" To the glory of God, and in faithful 1 memory of the life of William Barker Howell, ive dedicate this trass, eaid the Archdeacon in conclusion. The ceremony was. a. very impressive one, befitting the occasion. The batoet is erected on the wall just above the fireplace of the assembly room. The afternoon being fin© there was a very large attendance of parents and well-wishers of the school, at the Garden party. Mr J. Craigie, M.P., and Mr R. Bowie (of the Board of Governors) were amongst those present. A programme of drills by the pup'.ls of the school was carried " out in a most creditable manner. Afternoon tea was dispensed and proved very enjoyable. Races for the girls, croquet and putting competitions were also carr'ed outand proved very interesting. Half the proceeds from the competitions will be arreted to' the Home' and Belgium Relief Fund-, and the girls generously r greed to cut down the prizes by one half. In several rooms of the T'fß a displaiy of handwork including essays, blackboard drawings, water oo.'our and oil paintings, all of whiclh wei'4 greatly admired.'