VALUE OF THE PAST.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20075, 2 August 1937, Page 3

VALUE OF THE PAST.

PRESERVING THAMES HISTORY. MR. W. 11. HOULT'S VIEWS. A strcwig appeal for the collection and preservation of early Thames history was made by Mr. W. 11. Hoult in proposing the toast of the Thames Old Boys' Association at the reunion smoke concert on - Saturday evening. He stated it was essential that the past must not be forgotten, and in this work the Old Boys' Association were playing their part in endeavouring to keep alive the things worth remembering. He was pleased to note that the

local newspaper was arousing interest in the proposed Old Pioneers' Museum. Such an institution was worth having hi the town and worthy of every encouragement. He was sure that in many homes still could be found old photos, and documents of considerable

value to future generations. Thames was now entering its 71st,

year of history, and unless something was quickly done to collect and preserve its early records they would bo gone for ever.

Replying, the president of the Assonation-, Mr. B. Watson, said the Old Boys had a collection of photos., but they would help in any scheme to found an Old Pioneers' Museum.

In urging that more citizens should join the Association, he mentioned the creation of a benevolent fund which had done good work in the past. The pioneer spirit was the spirit which actuated the Thames Old Boys' Association. The secretary of the Association, Mr. W. B. McDonald, also replied, giving many interesting instances of the early days, several of whUli arc printed today in other columns.