Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ Association, Christchurch

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLVIII, Issue 45, 15 November 1923, Page 51

Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ Association, Christchurch

(From our own correspondent.) The annual smoke concert of the Marist Brothers’ Old IBoys’ Association was held on Tuesday evening, the 30th Xilt., in the Carlton Cafe, Rev. Brother Phelan presiding over a good attendance which included Sir George Clifford, and Messrs. H. T. Armstrong, M.P., and D. G. Sullivan, -M.P. The chairman apologised for the absence of his Lordship Bishop Brodip, who had intimated that it was with great regret that he found himself unable to attend. Mr. F. Smyth, in proposing the toast of “The Marist Brothers,” said that the Brothers in their youth had given up their pleasures in the outside world in order to train the pupils of their schools. The record of the pupils, both 1 in business and on the field of sport, showed that the Brothers’ efforts were crowned with success. Their example was one for all to follow. Brother Phelan, in reply, said that it was a pleasure for the Brothers to do anything at all for the Old Boys. They found that one of the best ways that they could further their interests was to encourage them in the world of sport. So far as the commercial side was concerned there was direct evidence in the room that the Marist Brothers’ Old Boys made good in the world of business, drawing the attention of those present to Sir George Clifford and Mr. D. G. Sullivan, M.P., both old boys and leading men in the province and in the Dominion, if in different spheres. Mr. W. E. Simes, in proposing the toast of “The Old Boys Association,” said though an admirer of the Marist Brothers’ Old Boys, he was not going to be afraid to criticise if he thought fit. There was one thing that the Association should have, that was a social room ‘ where healthy recreation could be provided for the members. It was essential that the association should look after the younger players right from the time of their leaving school. He eulogised the Marist Football Club, and stated that the games the club had played at Lancaster Park had provided him with a very great deal of pleasure. Sir George Clifford, president of the association, on rising to reply was received with acclamation. He had regretted that he had hardly done as much for the association as his position really demanded. He said that the first impetus to a child was given by its first teachers. He quoted an experience of his own of a well-merited punishment in his early days for playing truant from school, punishment administered in such a way that it was a lasting corrective, but remembered without any rancor. To the teachers was due the splendid position occupied by the Marist’s teams to-day, a position they would continue to hold if given a fair chance of meeting their opponents in the future. After paying a compliment to the thorough teaching of the Brothers, Sir George Clifford criticised the writing of the modern schoolboy, and said that indifferent caligraphy was proving an obstacle to gaining a good commercial position. He hoped that the reproach would have the effect of. having some action made for improvement. He added that he did not know if the writing of the pupils of the Marist Brothers’ School was better or worse than at the public schools. In conclusion he expressed a wish that old boys, in whatever part of the world, would keep in touch with the association. Mr. D. McCormick said that he felt it an honor to have his name coupled with that of Sir George Clifford, and thanked the proposer of the toast.. Mr. P. P. J. Amodeo, in proposing the toast of “The _ Bishop and Clergy,” said that he was sure that the Bishop “ would feel keen regret at being unable to be present. There was no more enthusiastic supporter of the Marist Brothers’ Club than his Lordship. Rev. Father Hanrahan, in reply, said that the Brothers had an adequate reward for their efforts in the good work of the old boys on the field and off. Mr. J. J. Coffey proposed the toast of “Friends and Supporters. ’ He said that the association had a particularly fine band of supporters. With' regard to a suggestion made earlier concerning club-rooms, there was a sum of over £4OO in the bank for the purpose of providing suitable accommodation for the association. Half of this had been

given by- Sir George Clifford, and the remainder by "friends, ■ supporters and members. He hoped' that next year’s function would be held in the association’s own rooms. 1 • : , Mr. D. G. Sullivan, who replied, said -that when he discovered he had had this task given to him he found it rather unusual, a pleasant change from acrid parliamentary debate. Referring to the Marists-Merivale match, he said that fiom all accounts it waft one of the greatest matches played in Canterbury. One of the finest things - ; in the world was good, clean'sport,’ and 1 it was to be regretted that active participation in sport was not carried on until later in life.; There would be less call on doctors’ services if this was so. 1 Nothing tended more-toward efficiency in the battle of. life than physical fitness. Mr. H. T. .Armstrong, in proposing the toast of “Kindied Clubs, . said that one of the-' drawbacks of being a politician was that he , was expected ,to say something at every gathering. He , congratulated the Marist Club on inning five of the. six grades and filling the position of runner-up-in. the remaining competition last season. Rivalry hr spoi.t brought : out .’the; best in mankind, and sectarianism was to be, found only amongst the kill-joys. At! the end of the last, season there was an unfortunate; misunderstanding, but at the same time it was unreasonable for anyone to lay down .conditions and terms of settlement which could not be accepted with hoifor by the other/side. Betweeen the players themselves there was no. ill-feeling. If the difference that existed, was left to the players he was satisfied that that difference would not exist much longer. Messrs. E. G. Searle (Christchurch), R. W. Masters (Albion), J. Foster (Merivale), and J. Fogarty (Marist Brothers’ Invercargill Club) suitably responded." \ * Mr. Arthur Fraser eulogised the good work that Sir George Clifford had done for the Marist Brothers’ Association. He hoped that the institution would be worthy of the piesident s efforts and that there would be real appreciation. He concluded by wishing Sir George Clifford long life and prosperity. Sir George Clifford said he did not thank the proposer of the toast for bringing him to his feet a second time; 1 'He had heard a great deal that evening of the sport of football, but personally he was more interested in another sport and anticipated a busy week ahead. He had read that day of the iniquity of betting, as penned by a reverend gentleman, but he did not subscribe to that view'. He did not expect to have a great measure of success next week, but if anyone desired to bet, he hoped they would, come homo happier in consequence. j . / Mr. W. E. Simes proposed the toast of “The Performers” and Mr. H. McD. Vincent responded. ■ Proceedmgs terminated with the toast of the . “Chairman” and the “Press.” Musical and elocutionary items, which contributed to the success of the evening, were given by Messrs. L. Don nelly, H. McD. Vincent, Laurenson, O’Sullivan, Doherty, Brosnahan, Masters, and Fraser. JUNIOR PLAYERS ENTERTAINED. On Monday evening, the 29th ult., the Marist Brothers’ Old Boys’ Association brought an eminently successful football season to a close by a dinner in the Carlton Cafe to the four lower grades, numbering in all about 80 players. The dining-hall and tables were tastefully decorated, and the boys did justice to the good things provided for the feast. The chairman (Rev. Brother Phelan) congratulated the members of the various teams on the grand spirit which prevailed during the season, and on the true sporting spirit in which £hey took their victories or defeats. The club (he said) had entered six teams in the Canterbury Rugby Union’s competitions, and had been successful in winning the senior, junior, third B, fifth, and sixth grade shields and the most coveted trophy. ' This was certainly a great achievement, of which any club could be justly proud. \ V -- . ' *. - A number of toasts, interspersed with musical; items, were then honored, and an enjoyable evening was brought' to a close. - ; -• : • /, •• ; ' _ /