WANGANUI COLLEGE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 480, 13 April 1909, Page 5

WANGANUI COLLEGE.

OLD BOYS AND EMPIRE. DEFENCE. (BY TEI.EOIUI'H— I,'IIESS ASSOCIATION.) mi. / .' ■■'Wanganul, April 12. Celebrations in connection with AVanganui Uillege were continued to-day, when tho annual sports meeting was held. Over- three hundred Old Boys from all parts of the Dominion entertained Mr. Empson (retiring headmaster) and Mrs. Empson on tho sports ground. Dr. Marshall (Dunedin) occupied tho chair. Mrs. Empsoa was presented with a solid silver salver, suitably engraved. Miss Jimpson was given a wedding present of a S l *?? 80 7' 03 - ' Groat enthusiasm was shown throughout tho proceedings. Mr Empson s great work at the school during the Past 23 years is to bo eommomorated in a substantial manner, to be announced later. 10-night a bm gathering was present of Uld Boys and their friends at tho Drill Hall when the Rev. J. LI. Dove, tho new headmaster, was formally welcomed by the trustees, Old Boys, and present bo vs. To-morrow Lord Plunket will lay tho foundation stone of tho now sohool, which is to bo orected. at a cost of-£30,000. A ball will bo held m tho evening. College Old Boys to-day, over 300 have signed the following momorial to tho Government — AAe, tho undersigned Old Boys of AVangamu Gallons, or divers political views, unite in thanking tho Government for the steps already taken towards putting tho defences of the country in order. AVo thoroughly approve ths spirit prompting tho offer of a Dreadnought made by you, and we strongly urge tho Government to commence ail organisation which will enable a system of universal military training as the only fair and cßieient way of defending tho country, to be instituted in New Zealand as soon as possible. \U assure you of our heartv support in any such system you mny bring "in." A sum approaching £1800 was promise.! to-day toward the .erection of a now chapel in connection with the new college. It is undented that Mr. Emnson suggested a new chape in preference to a presentation to himself, as prr;oserl by tho Old Boys.