TIMARU MAIN SCHOOL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19621, 16 October 1933, Page 9

TIMARU MAIN SCHOOL

OLD BOYS’ RE-UNION

PRESENTATION TO SECRETARY The ninth annual reunion of the Timaru Main School Old Boys' Association was held in the Cafe Carlton on Saturday night, and was one of the most successful functions promoted by the Association. Many old boys travelled long distances to be present, and they were privileged to spend a most enjoyable evening. The gathering was presided over by the president of the Association (Mr A. Thoreau). Proceedings opened with the toast of the King, followed by the hymn, "Lest We Forget." The president then said that it gave him great pleasure to welcome all to the gathering, which was a memorable one. They were now in the ninth year of their existence, and next week they would commence to prepare for the diamond jubilee of the school. In future the Association would see to it that the jubilees were not forgotten. The nine years of their existence had been memorable ones for him and for the Association, and he thought they could look forward to many more years of success and enjoyment. The last few years had been very difficult ones for everybody, but he thought he could honestly say that the Dominion had turned the corner, and that they could look forward to a brighter and more prosperous future. He also mentioned that steps were being taken to form an old boys’ orchestra, and a start would be made at an early date. School Committee. In proposing the ' toast “Main School School Committee and Staff,” Mr W. G. Irwin said that he felt honoured in having been asked to propose the toast. The name committee brought back to mind the committee room, which in the early days, was the lecture loom, and many and varied were the lectures which they had received. They were usually short and to the point, and had a lasting effect on the pupils. (Laughter.) The work the committee was doing in that same room to-day was of a different kind, and the men who went there gave a great deal of time to the interests of the school. What they did they did well, and every one should be well pleased. The school, throughout the years, had been particularly fortunate in having had men of high culture and outstanding citizenship as headmasters, and, as a result of their work, splendid' citizens had been turned out. The teaching profession was one of the noblest of the professions, and the teachers were deserving of the best encouragement the parents could give them. He was sure the teachers were as much interested in the welfare of the children as were the parents themselves. The name of Mr J. W. Preen had been coupled with the toast, but he was unfortunately not present. Mr Irwin, however, extended congratulations to Mr Preen on his appointment to the presidency of the newly-formed Primary School Committees’ Federation.

Responding to the toast, Mr A. Carnegie (chairman of the School Committee), congratulated the old boys on the fine gathering. The committee and staff were greatly indebted to the old boys for the assistance they had given in recent years. In 1928 improvements were commenced to the school grounds, and it was hoped to have the programme completed in time for the jubilee next year. The old boys had given roses for a rose bed at the schoo.l and it was a monument to them. The grounds had been levelled and they had lawns now almost fit to play bowls on.

The headmaster (Mr W. W. Garton) also responded, expressing gratification for what the old boys had done. He also said that if parents would remember their school days, they would know that their children were not the angels they thought they were. If parents would try to appreciate what the teachers had to do, and would consult them, they probably would find out that very often it was the child which was in the wrong. Committees were doing a very fine work, on very little money, and he was very proud of the present Main School Committee. Secondary Schools. The toast of “Secondary Schools” was proposed by Mr J. W. Holdgate, who said that it was hardly necessary for him to emphasise the value of such Institutions in every community. Timaru was privileged to have two very fine secondary schools, and parents were proud to be able to give their children (he benefit of higher education, which would fit them to take their place In the world. Mr A. Stead, chairman of the Technical College Board of Managers, said that although he was not an old boy of the school, he had served on the committee for 21 years. During his term as chairman, he had never heard a cross word, and he was glad to hear Mr Garton say that the committee was still a happy family. He returned thanks for the manner in which the toast had been honoured, and said that the Technical College managers had been pleased to receive a visit from a party of old boys. They were endeavouring to help the boys and girls along the road of life, and greatly appreciated the interest taken by old boys.

The Association. The Mayor (Mr T. W. Satterthwaite) proposed the toast of the Old Boys’ Association, and in doing so, said that he was an old boy of the school, although he was not there very long. That day he had seen a map, dated 1875, and it j had been very interesting. Within a j year or two of that his parents ar- j rived in Tlmaru, he at that time being a baby in arms. The Mayor said he I was sure they were all proud of the school, for many of the old boys held j high places throughout the Dominion. I One was a Judge, others doctors, and I others were in high and Important of- I fices. The gathering that night brought | back memories of the old days, and | he was pleased to see many old faces j round the room. He congratulated the I president, secretary and committee on ! [ the fine work it had done during its nine years’ existence, and he also expressed n hope that the committee and j staff would maintain the traditions of the past. The toast was responded to bv Mr C E. Knight, who said that the As- I soclatton was out to do what it could for the old school. He also mentioned j that old ooys in Auckland had formed a branch of (he Association. Other toasts honoured were:—''Visiting O’d Boys" and "Kindred Associations." Work of Secretary. During ihe evening, opportunity was 1 :aken by Mr J. Reid to make a pro- < sentation to the secretary (Mr C. ! Home) In appreciation of his efforts on l behalf of the Association. Mr Reid j ’ said that the secretary had put in a ! ’ tremendous amount of work, and they i were grateful to him for all he had I done. They hoped that he would carry j 1

on next year and help them through the Jubilee. Mr Home, In acknowledging the gift, said that he had endeavoured to give of his best. He had held the position, like the president, since the Association was formed, but he did not wish to take the count of ten. It was his opinion that the office should be taken up by a younger man. Proceedings were brightened by community singing led by Mr Ft. A Holdgate, with Mr H. R. Bennington at the piano, assisted by Mr C>. Booth on the cornet. During the evening, Items were given by Messrs G. Griffiths, J. Avery, J. W. Holdgate, R. R Wills, W. Thyne. J. Moves. R. A. Nlcol. W. J. Dickson and S. Brooks.