TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20432, 1 June 1936, Page 4

TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

EX-PUPILS FORM AN ASSOCIATION SUCCESSFUL DINNER Upwards of 200 ex-pupils of the Timaru Technical High School attended a dinner held in the Stafford Tearooms on Saturday night. For some time it has been felt that an effort should be ■ made to bring ex-pupils together so that an association might be formed, thereby keeping them in touch with each other, and establishing a definite link with the school. The evening's proceedings were of a most friendly and sociable nature, a good many meeting old school chums for the first time since leaving the class-rooms behind. The proposal to form an Ex-Pupils’ Association was

enthusiastically received, and steps were taken to appoint officers. After dinner had been partaken of, the principal of the school (Mr F. L. N. Tuck), who presided, extended a welcome to all, and expressed pleasure aj, seeing so many present. He expressed a hope that a pleasant time would be spent and that ex-pupils would take the opportunity of renewing school day friendships.

The first toast honoured was that of “The School,” which was proposed by Mr J. Turkington. He said that he had been given the toast because he was one of the older ex-pupils, but he would not care to say when he was at school. A voice: 1921, Jack.

Mr Turkington: I am glad to see that there are some of the older pupils present (laughter.) He went on to say that the school had made splendid progress, and he wished it continued success and prosperity. He also expressed the committee’s appreciation of the manner in which ex-pupils had patronised the function. Status of School Raised Responding to the toast, Mr Tuck said that about two-thirds of those present had been at the school during the last six years, but he was glad to see so many present who were at the school before he was appointed principal. The gathering was an historic one. Suggestions had been made that an Ex-Pupils’ Association should be formed, but it was not considered desirable to do anything until they found what support would be forthcoming for the function that night. The splendid attendance was ample evidence of the interest and enthusiasm of expupils, and an association could be formed which would serve to keep alive memories of school days, and stimulate interest in the school. Mr Tuck said that he hoped their school days had been happy ones, and that they realised that the school meant something to them. He had taken part in many similar functions, and it was a pleasure to teachers to meet ex-pupils, and to know that they were making good, and were making a worth-while contribution to the life of the community. It was obvious that they had present a highly intelligent and good looking company (laughter), so the school must be making a valuable and worthwhile contribution to the towns and communities of South Canterbury. The speaker referred to the wide area from which pupils of the school were drawn, and pointed out that two years

ago the status of the school was raised to that of a Technical High School, bringing them into line with other schools in the Dominion. They continued to be fortunate in having a most capable and enthusiastic staff, all of whom had been at the school for some years. The school encouraged people to make visits of inspection,

and he knew from remarks that had been passed that the work of the staff was appreciated. The school had done fairly well at sport, and while they had not always won, they had played the game, and the teams had been honoured for their sportsmanship. Mr Tuck paid a tribute to the Board of Managers, who had the interests of the school at heart, and he also thanked the Education Department for its interest in the school. He referred to numerous improvements which had been effected at the school, and said that one of the most encouraging signs of recent months had been the increase in openings for employment. For two or three years the school had had an anxious time endeavouring to place pupils in employment, but towards the end of last year eight boys had been placed in the electrical trade, and a number had also been placed in apprenticeships. In conclusion, Mr Tuck expressed a hope that the school would continue to progress, and that the pupils, when they left school, would maintain the highest standard of civic responsibility. Interest of Board The toast of "The Board of Managers” was proposed by Mr J. H. Marsh, who stressed the important work done by the Board. The Interest they took was greatly appreciated by the general body of ex-pupils. The Rev. J. D. McArthur, chairman of the Board, acknowledged the toast, and caused hearty laughter when he remarked that the raising of the status cf the school coincided with his election to the Board of Managers. The members of the Board gave their services freely, and the school was fortunate in having such a man as Mr Tuck at its head. He also praised the staff, and offered best wishes to the Ex-Pupils’ Association, stating that the Board would be only too pleased to assist in any way possible. Mr J. W. O’Connell proposed the toast of “The Old Girls’ Basketball Club," referring to the high standard the members had set both on and off the field. He also congratulated them on having taken steps to have an ExPupils’ Association formed. The president of the club (Miss 11. Couper) was accorded an ovation on rising to respond. She thanked Mr O’Connell for his tributes to the club and briefly reviewed the history of the club, which had had to face many difficulties, but was now on a sound footing.

The proposal to form an Ex-Pupils’ Association was then discussed, Miss M. Crossman moving that an association be formed. She said that the formation of such a body had been in the minds of girl ex-pupils for some time, and they had felt that perhaps the boys would like to co-operate. It was with that object in view that the gathering had been arranged that night. The association would hold expupils together, and she suggested that the boys might form sports clubs. The motion was seconded by Miss D. Callaghan and carried unanimously.

A president will be elected later, but the following nominations for the office were received:—Messrs J.. Marsh, J. Callahan, V. Keons and J. W. O’Connell.

The following committee was appointed:—Misses V. Burrow, E. Ivey and W. Daniels, Messrs J. Marsh, J. W. O’Connell and V. Keons. The following were appointed a country committee:—Misses M. Crossman, N. Findlay, M. Coles and M. Washington, Messrs O. Davey, A. Dix, R. Cunningham, S. Preddy and A. Smith. Miss Couper and Mr Johnson will act on the committees as representing the school.