MAIN SCHOOL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20250, 28 October 1935, Page 4

MAIN SCHOOL

RE UNION OF OLD BOYS SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION Old boys from several parts Of the South Island were present at the Cafe Carlton on Saturday night, when the annual reunion of the Timaru Main School Old Boys’ Association was held. The old hand-bell, which was used at the school many years ago, summoned about 76 old scholars to their places, some of whom attended school in Timaru some years before the Main School came into being. The function was one of the most successful since the formation of the Association 10 years ago, and a happy time was spent in song and story when old school days were recalled and friendships made many years ago were renewed. The arrangements were in the hands of a committee headed by the president (Mr A. J. Jones) and the secretary (Mr C. R. Home) and the results of their efforts were reflected in the success of the gathering. Mr Jones presided, and in welcoming the gathering expressed pleasure at the large attendance. It was particularly gratifying to see so many visiting old boys who loyally supported the function every year. He mentioned the presence of Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., an old boy of the school, and said that in spite of Mr Burnett’s many duties he had made a point of attending. Proposing the toast of “The Main School Committee and Staff,’’ Mr C. E. Kerr paid a tribute to the keenness pf the teachers and to the good work of the committee. In many respects the success of a school depended on the co-operation that existed between the committee and staff, and in this direction the Main School had been very fortunate throughout the years. The high standard of teaching that had been apparent at the school since its inception was praised by Mr Kerr, who recalled the names of several headmasters who, he said, had inspired them with their sterling qualities. “It gives the committee great pleasure to work in the interests of the children,” said Mr J. W. Preen, in replying on behalf of the school committee. He said that owing to the tight purse of the Government, the work of committees was not easy, but they were doing their best to contribute towards the successful working of the school. Mr Preen spoke of the high traditions of the pupils it had equipped for the world. The committee greatly appreciated the sympathy and support of the Old Boys’ Association who had accomplished so much in the interests of the school.

Mr D. Hepburn, on behalf of the staff, said that a school lived by its tradition, and old boys of Timaru Main had a school of which they should be proud. In view of the changing outlook and tendencies in education there had been some talk of the school losing its identity, but if that took place it would be a tragedy. The modem tendency in education was to develop the individual and there was a great deal in it. The gathering could feel assured that the teachers were genuinely interested in every child coming under their care. “I can say without bragging that so long as the Main School is in the hands of the present committee and staff old bo3 r s have nothing to fear,” added Mr Hepburn. Formation Recalled The toast of “The Main School Old Boys’ Association” was proposed by Mr A. Carnegie, who said that the Association owed much to Mr A. Thoreau* who was the prime mover in its formation. Mr Carnegie spoke of the fine work of old boys in the interests of the school. In acknowledging the toast, Mr Thoreau said that Mr J. E. Reid had been associated with him when the thought that an association should be formed was born. Since 1925 much progress had been made, and old boys had been proud to do whatever they could to further the interests of the school. They stood to cement the good fellowship which existed many years ago, and it was hoped that the younger generation w’ould come forward and do their bit when the occasion arose. The roll was then called, and opportunity was afforded during supper for acquaintances to be renewed. Praise For Pioneers The toast of “The Pioneers”—men and women who attended school before the Main School started—was proposed by Mr Burnett, who congratulated the Association on the fine gathering and spoke of the good work the old boys were doing. The function had been well organised and the artists had presented an excellent programme. He was delighted to see so many representatives of the old families of Timaru present, sons of men and women who had brought the town to near city status out of the tussocks and wastelands. When we looked back on the old days we could congratulate ourselves on the benefits of civilisation, thanks to the men and women who

blazed the trail. He spoke of the old cob houses, in one of which the family of Mr T. Baker still lived In Timaru, and said that these were the warmest in winter and the coolest in summer, and were more hygienic than many of to-day’s modem dwellings. He traced the history of the water supply, the harbour, the Lyttelton tunnel and other undertakings, which he said displayed the confidence the pioneers had in the future. We were in the march of progress a little inclined to overlook the good things enjoyed in the old days, said Mr Burnett, who considered that It would be a wonderful thing In the world to-day if we could combine the mature judgment of the "old brigade” with the youth of the present. It did no harm occasionally to point out with tact and in good season that sonfe of the great things in the world to-day had been brought about by men who had passed the middle-aged milestone. “We owe a very great debt of gratitude to the men and women w’ho have gone before,” said Mr Burnett.

Hearty cheers were given for eight of those present who attended school In Timaru before 1874. The toast was acknowledged by Messrs J. Holland, who attended the Dhurch of England School in 1863, G. Bentley, EUis Mills, J. H. Wilds, J. T. Stephens, C. Knight and H. G. Scarf. Many reminiscences of the old days were given by the speakers. Other toasts honoured were: “Visiting Old Boys,” proposed by Mr F. C. Earl and replied to by Messrs J. McCahon (Dunedin), P. Clements (Christchurch), J. H. Anderson (Winchester) and J. K. Macdonald (Christchurch); “Kindred Ex-Pupils’ Associations,” proposed by the chairman and replied to by Mr J. H. Rodgers (Timaru South).

Much of the success of the evening was due to the happy spirit created by the community singing of old favourites and a splendid programme of individual items contributed to by the following: Messrs C. Lane (songs), W. Leslie (ventriloquism and conjuring), W. Ramsay (songs), J. K. Macdonald (recitations), H. G. Naylor and A. Wheeler (vocal duets). Mr Roy Heron played the accompaniments and Mr Wheeler led the community singing. The chairman expressed the Association’s thanks to the performers and to the newspapers for their cooperation.