OLD PUPILS

Waipa Post, Volume 51, Issue 3694, 6 December 1935, Page 7

OLD PUPILS

TE‘AWAMUTU DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL.

ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

ELECTED,

An attendance of about fifty former pupils of the Te Awamutu District High School assembled at the Oddfellows Hall on Wednesday evening at the instance of six old boys, who were the driving force in the project to establish an Old Pupils’ Association.

Mr A. J. Shepherd, who was voted to the chair, briefly outlined the objective, mentioning that a. former member of the teaching staff, Mr A. F. Brewer, had for long been an enthusiastic advocate of the plan, and as a nucleus Old Boys Rugby and Cricket Clubs and Old Girls Basketball clubs had been formed There was, he understood, a desire to form an Old Pupils’ swimming team and hockey club. So much for the sporting side. Then socially there had been activity, and he instanced the very successful socials and dances promoted last winter by old pupils. Scholastically, also, there was room for active interest, in establishing and advancing the espirit de corps of the school, and displaying a keen interest in the work and affairs of the present-day pupils. Mr Shepherd added that the purpose of the meeting was to decide whether an Association should be formed, and if so, to elect officers foi its government. Mr J. Bevin moved that a .Te Awamutu District High School Old Pupils’ Association be formed. Miss L. Cruickshank seconding, the motion was carried unanimously. It was explained that all former pupils of the school are eligible for membership, which is not confined to the period since the school was elevated to the distinction of a District High School. A letter was read from the Auckland Grammar School Old Boys’ Association setting, out the constitution of that organisation, and offering any help or advice possible. The objectives of the Grammar 0.8. Association included the promotion of goodfellowship among members, maintenance of the interests of the school, the formation of a club or clubs, promotion of the interests of the school by establishing scholarships, prizes, etc., the organisation of projects for the advancement of the Association and assistance to old boys and their dependants, the holding of reunions, and dealing with all matters pertaining to the welfare of old pupils. The election of officers was then proceeded with and resulted:—Patron, Mr A. J. Shepherd; president, Mr Alex. Ross; vice-presidents, Mrs R. Dawson, Mrs R. G. Andrew, Mrs B. F. Morris, Miss Lehndorf, and Messrs J. T. North, Ken. Bowden, C. W. Rickit, Spenceley Walker (Auckland) and A. F. Brewer (Kawakawa); secretary and treasurer, M;r V. A. de Coek; committee, Misses M. Cruickshank, L. Ahier, Joan McGovern, and Messrs S. Shepherd, A. G. Blair and J. Jourdain.

As there were contests for the principtal offices the elections were very interesting, and in one case it appeared that the winner defeated two other candidates (equal) by only one vote. . In accepting office as patron, Mr Shepherd said he esteemed the honour, and felt that it was one means of linking the old pupils with the present-day pupils, and that the Association would be a live active force in advancing the interests of the school with which they had been so closely associated in former years. Mr Ross, in taking over control of the meeting as newly-elected president, said the honour was not of his seeking, but he wbuld always do his best for the Association. The choice of a badge for the Association was debated, and eventually the decision was in favour of the design of the old association, with blue background and the initials of the Association incorporated. The annual subscription was fixed at ss, redueable to 2s 6d if paid by a date to be fixed. The executive was asked to prepare draft rules, etc., for presentation at another general meeting. It was mentioned that the presentday pupils have promoted a social re-union, to be held within a fortnight, and invited all former pupils to attend. ,