THE PAST UNITED.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18168, 5 November 1930, Page 3

THE PAST UNITED.

I TECHNICAL OLD BOYS. ASSOCIATION FORMED. 1 i ' ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. t Since the inception of the Hamilton Technical High School . a few years ago many pupiis have completed their courses of study within its walls, and gone forth into the world to take up various positions. As is the case with other schools, a large number of these completely lose touch with their school. There is no doubting the fact that an, old pupils’ association is an absolute necessity to every school, particularly when it reaches the stage that the Hamilton Technical High School has attained. Not only does such an institution serve to l cement the bonds between the past and the present, but it can do a tremendous amount of good for a school, in many ways. For some time past there has,.been a feeling among past pupils of the Hamilton Technical High School that some action be taken regarding the formation of an Old Boys’ Association. The girls have had such an institution for some years, and it has been a great success. Recently the boys held a meeting, and agreed to go ahead with the proposal, so a general meeting of old boys of the school was called for last night. About seventy were present when the principal of the school, Mr W. Fraser, took the chair, and throughout the evening an atmosphere of enthusiasm prevailed. The chairman, after welcoming those present to the school, said that the time was ripe for the formation of an Old Boys’ Association, which would undoubtedly grow to be the largest in the town, judging by the rate of the school's progress. He mentioned that last year 2co pupils completed their courses, and left the school. With the improvement of the buildings, old pupils would have something of which to be proud. Mr Wynne Kelly, the convenor of .lie meeting, said tiiat the large attendance indicated the popularity of lie proposal, and he was sure that .he association would be a live organsation. He then called for the feeling of the meeting regarding the proposed step. Objects of Association. Mr R. Smith moved that an association be formed, Mr C. Morris seconding, and when put to the meeting die motion was carried unanimously. The chairman mentioned that a few weeks ago a meeting was held to discuss the interests of old boys, and at this gathering rules were drawn up, and other matters relating to the proposed association were considered. It was suggested that Winter Show week was the most suitable time for, an annual function or reunion, as many of the prospective members followed farming pursuits, and lived in the country. The meeting also recommended that the name of the body be the Hamilton Technical Uld Boys’ Association, and that its objects be for the furtherance of social intercourseamong old pupiis, and the continuance of their interest in the school. Membership was to be restricted to old pupils of the school, but past pupils of the evening classes and members of other technical schools would be admitted as associate members.

Mr A. St. George that if associate members were to* be admitted, they should have no part in the control of the association. _ Mr F. Pickup spoke in support of this, and said that if an association was to be formed it should be for Technical School past pupils Some discussion arose over this matter, and it was ultimately decided that active membership be limited to day pupils, while members of the evening classes and other schools be allowed associate membership. Speaking of the latter class, .Mr Fraser said that if these pupils were keen enough lo join the association they would do their bit in upholding the traditions of the school. In any case, the committee would have the power to refuse admission to any undesirable applicant. Annual Subscription. While on the subject of membership, Mr Keljy said that it -was usual when forming an association such as this to admit the masters of the school lo honorary membership, in which case they would have no voting powers. He moved as a recommendation to the committee that the privilege of honorary membership be extended to the masters. This was approved. The matter of the annual subscription was next discussed. Mr C. Morris suggested that the fee be 3s (3d, exclusive of the badge. Mr Fraser mentioned that it had been recommended that pupils who joined the association' within a year of their leaving school be charged 2s Gd for the first year, while other members be asked to contribute ss. After consideration this scale was adopted, the secretary mentioning that the subscriptions are now payable, either to the treasurer or himself, or at the school. It was decided lo hold the annual reunion on June 3 of eacli year. Election of Officers. The election of officers resulted: — Patrons, Messrs W. Fraser and W. 11. Paul; president, Mr R. Smith; yicepresidents, Messrs A. St. George and G. Latta; secretary, Mr Wynne Kelly; treasurer, Mr D. Annelt; auditor, Mr Noel Smith; committee, Messrs W. .Mclntosh, B. Boswell, O. Slow, F. Pickup, J. Stuart.' The committee was instructed to draw up a set of rules to be presented at the next general meeting. As a recommendation to the committee, Mr Boswell moved that they discuss the matter of an association blazer, to incorporate the school colours, idue and silver. He also moved that the design, when decided upon, be registered. Mr Kelly was of the opinion that the association should work in conjunction with the old girls of the school in‘determining the style of the blazers, as they were kindred bodies. The question of a suitable badge was left over to a later date for consideration.