SOUTH SCHOOL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20146, 28 June 1935, Page 11

SOUTH SCHOOL

FIFTH RE-UNION OF EX-PUPILS SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION During the five years that the South School Ex-Pupils' Association has been in existence, each birthday has been celebrated under happy circumstances. Last night at the Stafford a large gathering was present at the fifth annual reunion dinner, the evening being spent to the accompaniment of song and story, with ample scope provided for a renewal of friendships made during school days. The many decades were well represented and the function was an outstanding success. The president of the Association (Mr J. H. Rodgers) was in the chair.

The birthday cake, which was presented by Mr J. S. Herron, was cut by Mrs F. Tasker, an early pupil at the school.

Opportunity was taken by the president to present the Association’s swimming challenge cups and miniatures, given for competition amongst South School pupils, to Miss Joan Rodgers and Masters P. Ruston and P. King, who were equal this year for the boys’ trophy. In proposing the toast of “The School,” Mr R. J. Wilkes said they should be proud of the school not because of its architectural beauty or the beauty of its surroundings, but for the proud record it had built up during the last 50 years in moulding the characters of boys and girls who had become useful citizens of the Dominion.

In reply the headmaster (Mr F. J. Mottram) spoke of the traditions that the school had built up during the last 50 years. The course had not always been an easy one, the site was not of the best, the buildings had not always been satisfactory, and they were at present experiencing a falling roll, owing no doubt to the trend of the population to the north. Although the school had not turned out a Rhodes Scholar or a Prime Minister, one swallow did not make a summer. The average quality of the pupils had been very good, and they should be justly proud of the ex-pupils who had played their parts in the civic life of Timaru and other towns. He congratulated the Ex-Pupils’ Association on its good work, and said he hoped that members would assist in maintaining the proud record the school held. Visitors Welcomed A welcome to members of kindred Associations was extended by Miss M. Nelson, in proposing an appropriate toast. Miss Nelson conveyed the best wishes of the South Association to the other Associations.

Mr A. Jones, on behalf of the Main School Old Boys’ Association, wished the South School Association every success in its efforts to assist the old school. He referred to the activities of the Main School Association and spoke of the value of members of such organisations meeting each year in social reunion. Mrs H. J. Brewer, president of the Main School Old Girls’ Association, also acknowledged the welcome.

Congratulations to the South School Association on the success of the function and the fine manner in which it had been supported were offered by Mr P. Ward, president of the Waimataitai Ex-Pupils’ Association, who also replied on behalf of Miss G. Rodgers, the representative of the West School Ex-Pupils’ Association. The value of Ex-Pupils’ Associations was emphasised by Mr S. A. Odell in proposing the toast of “The South School Ex-Pupils’ Asociation.” He spoke of the good work that it had accomplished for the school, and said that the enthusiasm of members was fully reflected in the gathering that night. The toast was acknowledged by the president, who said that as a result of a membership drive the roll had been doubled last year. It was hoped to further increase the membership, and he appealed t‘o all ex-pupils to link up and give the Association their support. School Committee Praised The toast of the School Committee was proposed by Mr E. S. Gibb, who paid a tribute to the men who'so'unselfishly gave up their time In the interests of the school. The chairman of the Schoo} -Committee (Mr A. H. Wyatt) spoke of the difficulties committees were faced with in securing funds with which to carry on their work. The bounty they received from the education authorities was not sufficient to provide fuel. The committee, however, was always sure of the support of ex-pupils, and he complimented them on the enthusiasm they had displayed. The toast of “Teachers, Past and Present,” was proposed by Mr W. Duncan, who drew an amusing comparison. He spoke of the closer bonds of co-operation that existed between teacher and pupil to-day. The toast was acknowledged by Miss Mahan, who considered that the children of the South School were second to none. She complimented expupils on their interest in the old school.

An enjoyable programme, which opened with the school song, contributed materially to the success of the evening. The following assisted: Misses L. and H. Smith and Mr R. Milligan (instrumental numbers), Miss T. Davis, Messrs W. Durning and A. Wheeler (songs), Miss N. McKenzie (recitation). A feature was the community singing led by Mr E. Budd. The accompaniments were played by Mrs A. Wheeler, while Mr G. Palmer played for part of the community sing.

Thanks were extended to the Timaru newspapers and to the artists.