ANNUAL REUNION.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20360, 18 July 1934, Page 14

ANNUAL REUNION.

West Christchurch Old Boys F oregather.

There was an attendance of sixty at the West ChristchurCjh District High School Old Boys’ Association’s annual reunion and dinner last night, in addition to which were representatives of the St Andrew’s and St Bede’s Associations.

The president of the association (Mr C. D. Sheppard), in extending a hearty welcome, made particular reference to the presence of the representatives of St Andrew’s and St Bede’s. He said the executive was gratified to see so many “ young old boys ” present and expressed the hope that the “ old old boys ” would, in future, turn up in greater numbers. In proposing the toast of ** The School,” Mr S. G. Holland referred to it as “ that grand old institution with which we are proud to claim association.” He paid high tribute to the old boys and old girls who during the last sixty years had built up such magnificent traditions. Responding to the toast, Mr L. F. de Berry, head master, thanked Mr Holland for the noble words he had used regarding the school and what had been accomplished. The proposer of the toast had referred to the aristocracy of character that education had given New Zealand and Mr de Berry thought that the schools in this country had added their part in building up that tradition. So, too, had the 40,000 or 50,000 pupils who had passed through West Christchurch. Flaying an Able Fart. The toast of " The Association,” was proposed by Mr F. D. Waller, ex-head master, who received ah ovation when he rose to speak. He had been present when the association was formed, and it had not always been as prosperous as it was now. It had been always of much benefit to the school, however, and it certainly helped the old boys to live a fuller life. According to Mr Sheppard, who responded, it was now over thirty years since the secondary department had been formed and the association was almost as old. He paid a high compliment to Mr Waller for the interest he had always taken in the activities of the Old Boys’ Association. Mr Sheppard thought it had fulfilled the function for which it had been formed. The Old Boys’ Association and the Old Girls’ Association had set the ball rolling to have the jubilee celebrations instituted and these had proved the greatest ever held in Christchurch, possibly in the Dominion. Mr B. Walker, secretary, also responded. He referred to the recently-formed I Wellington branch, which had started with over twenty members and would increase. The toast of the "Old Girls’ Association” was proposed by Mr L. G. Arnold, who made particular reference to the work done by the Old Girls’ Association on the social side. Mr J. C. Walton responded. “ Kindred Associations ” was proposed by Mr R. Ling, who extended best wishes for future prosperity. Mr J. Dunn, for the St Bede’s Old Boys’ Association. and Mr K. R. Wallace, for the St Andrew’s Old Boys’ Association, responded. Mr A. R. Mackay proposed the toast of the " Football Club ” and Mr E. Iv. Phillips and H. (secretary) responded. Mr Phillips said the club was in a better position to-day than ever before and during the next three or four years it would be able to field a strong senior team. “ Absent Old Boys ” was proposed by Mr .T. Singleton and responded to by Mr T. Cloudesley.