REUNION DINNER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20365, 24 July 1934, Page 11

REUNION DINNER.

Gathering of Southland Old Boys. The first reunion dinner of the Christchurch branch of the Southland Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Association was held last evening at the Reyal Hotel. There was an attendance of fifty members. Added interest was lent to the evening by the presence of Mr T. D. Pearce, rector of the school for twentyfive years. Mr A. M. Burns presided and welcomed the old boys to the dinner. Among the apologies received was one from Dr D. R. Uttley, the present head master. The toast of The School ” was proposed by the chairman. He thanked particularly Mr Pearce in making the trip to Christchurch for the occasion. Growth of School. Mr Pearce, in reply, said he counted the journey from Invercargill well worth while. Reunions of the sort that evening served a very usual purpose In letting one generation know of the doings of another generation. The school lia '1 been comparatively small for the years 1881 to 1903 but in that year his predecessor. Mr U E. Fowler, then head master, hacl many more pupils when the high schools were thrown open. Since that date it had been growing ever since. In the twentyfive years Mr Pearce had been there 2100 boys had passed through his hands.

The compilation of the school register had not been easy. Old boys were difficult to trace, but he had received everv support and assistance. In all it entailed the writing of about 2000 letters. Financially the register had been a great success. When he first went to the school there were no playing fields were vastly different to-dav with 17 acres of ground. Mr Pearce spoke of the work of the masters. The school had endeavoured to combine the principles of sport and of study and he was sure it had been successful. The toast of "Kindred Associations" was proposed by Mr L. J. Hensley and replied to by Messrs A. O. Wilkinson (Otago Boys’ High School), W M. Cleland (Timaru High School), *A. G. Jameson (Waltaki Boys’ High School) and E. Rastrick (Christchurch High School). Offloers Elected. The annual report stated that the financial membership was at yet not very strong. It Was hoped to make the dinner an annual function. "The formation of strong old boys’ associations is one of the ways in which we can help the school to which we owe so much and also keep fresh friendships begun in our school days" stated the report. " With these aims In view we look forward to the second year of our branch association which has opened so auspiciotisly to-night.’’ The report was adopted and the following officers were elected: Chairman, Mr A. M. Burns: vice-chairmen. Messrs L. J. Hensley and A. If. Cavell; secretary and treasurer. Mr A. .T. Campbell; committee. Dr C. K. Held, Messrs H. O. Jefcoate. H. Hartley. O. H. Macau, S. W. Young, A. C. Brown and H. E. Dyer; auditor, Mr L. Hendren.