REUNION DINNER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 253, 25 October 1937, Page 12

REUNION DINNER

TECHNICAL PAST STUDENTS SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION ‘ SUPERANDA OMNIA FERENDO’ “ ‘All is overcome by working’ ’Tis our motto prove it true. Do your best no duty shirking To proclaim the white and blue.” In connection with the reunion celebrations of past pupils of the Wanganui Technical College a dinner was held on Saturday evening, when approximately 150 old students attended. The function was a most successful one and served to renew many old acquaintances made in school days. Ex-pupils from distant parts were in attendance and the spirit prevaling was a true indication of the school-consciousness of all present. The Past Pupils’ Association was formed last year, and since its inception has been very successful in its activities.

The toast, “The School,” was proposed by Mr R. I. Sewell. The speaker stressed the value of the reunion of old school mates. As one grew older he more appreciated the school, and this grew as the years passed. When boys had just left school they thought but little of the place where they had learned so much. In New Zealand there was not so much tradition attached to schools as there was in other countries, but this was being changed, and already some colleges in this country were becoming known as “public schools.” Mr Sewell said that the Old Boys’ Association could do much to assist the school in its activities, and in future years, when the association became financial, it could help greatly. He concluded by urging those present to do for the school what it had done for them, and so aid posterity. Mr I. E. Newton, principal of the college, thanked the previous speaker for the toast, and said that he was pleased to be supported in the representation of the school by the oldest member, Mr A. Nicholls, the custodian. Mr Nicholls had been at the school for nearly 21 years, and during that time he had seen many pupils pass through the institution who were destined to become figures of importance in the various walks of life. The speaker said that recently the opportunity had come for an old boy to become a member of the board of managers, and he stressed that all past students should take an interest in the administration of affairs of the college. He suggested that in future years there should be one or more ex-students on the board. He wished to congratulate the association on its organisation, and expressed the hope that it would continue in the work it was doing. Mr Newton reminded his listeners that great changes were pending in the organisation of education in New Zealand. The entire system was being investigated and old boys and girls would be wanted to do their part in the changes for the better that were to be made.

Serious problems were being encountered with the lay-out of the Wanganui Technical College, and these would exercise the minds of those in control of the school. The site was too small and the buildings entirely inadequate for the purposes for which they were required. The area adjacent to the hostel was suitable for the erection of a new school and he would like to see the institution moved there. The question which had arisen was “Is the college to remain where it is or be shifted?” Funds were in hand for the erection of an Old Boys’ hall, but it was impossible to take any step in the matter until departmental authority decided what the future of the Wanganui Technical College was to be. Other toasts were: “Absent Comrades,” “The Staff—Past and Present,” “Our Custodian,” and “Kindred Associations.” Songs were given by Messrs B. Jones and E. Brandon.