PART TO PLAY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20918, 25 September 1939, Page 3

PART TO PLAY

SERVICE DURING WAR REMARKS TO OLD BOYS HIGH SCHOOL REUNION At a time such as the present with the world again facing a major war, the qualities developed during their school life would stand old boys in good stead, said Mr H. D. Tait, principal of the Hamilton High School, when speaking at the annual reunion dinner of the Old Boys’ Association, held on Saturday night. “Whether you go overseas or whether you have a job at home, your very best efforts will be required,” he said. “To those old boys who go into camp next week and to those who follow after, I would say God speed. May the spirit of Anzac, of those whe served in France and Palestine, be ever before you in the trials ahead.” Things Moved Rapidly Mr J. R. Fitz-Gerald, the retiring president of the association, said things had moved very rapidly since members had met last year. “We are being asked to make sacrifices which we did not visualise,” he added. “The question before us is: Is it worthwhile making some sacrifice to retain those democratic institutions which our school life taught us to respect?” He knew, how old boys would answer such a question. It was times like the present which would bring out those good qualities developed in school years. “As an old Digger I know what they will have to go through,” said Mr J. Bollard, a member of the Board of Governors, in proposing a special toast to old boys who will enter the Hopu Hopu camp for training for active service this week. “Wherever they are and whatever they do, they will have the best wishes of every boy in the school. When we enlisted during the years 1914-18 it was through a sense of duty, and those joining up now are actuated by the same sentiment.” The toast list was as follows: “The King,” the chairman, Mr Fitz-Gerald. “The School and the Principal,” Mr Fitz-Gerald; reply, Mr Tait. “The Masters,” Mr C. L. Brett; reply, Mr M. C. Gudex. “Kindred Associations,” Mr A. H. Petersen; reply, Mr D. S. B. Heather (Auckland Grammar School Old Boys’ Association).