HALL OF MEMORIES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 57, 4 September 1926, Page 9

HALL OF MEMORIES

FOUNDED BY GOVERNOR-

GENERAL

WELLINGTON COLLEGE'S

RECORD

INFLUENCE OF GEEAT SCHOOLS.

■ The honourable part played in the Great War by Old "Boys of the ■Wellington College,- and the wide representation its ex-pupils have in every activity of importance in New Zealand, were reflected in the distinguished gathering yesterday afternoon for the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the War Memorial Hall by His Excellency the Governor-General (Sir -Charles Fergugaon, C.M.G., X.C.8., D.5.0., M.V.0.). la « moving speech, Sir Charles drew a striking parallol between tho college and famous old English schools, paying a high tribute to tho influences on character of tho Dominion schools. The grounds in the vicinity of tho new hall were filled by the scholars, mul a large gathering of people, many parts of Now, Zealand being represented by Old Boys, while the Vicc-Begal party, College Governors, and other distinguished guests occupied t'.io platform. The chairman of tho BoaTd of Governors of Wellington College (Mr. W, 11. P. Barber) said that the Memorial Hall .would form part of tho new college fculldlngs so urgently required.. . It %ould be Used daily -as aiv assembly tiall in connection with the college, and on other occasions. It would hold the whole school at one time, and would prove of assistance in carrying on the work. Tho'old building, erected gome 52 years ago, was not large enough, and was in a state of decay. The main school building was to be erected at tho back of the hall. Plans were completed, and they were only awaiting the sanction of the Government to proceed With the work.

The erection. o£ the hall was brought about by the active work of the Old Boys' Association, desiring to perpetuate the memory Of all who took part in the war, and in particular those who gave their lives in defence of tho Empire, by erecting a memorial hall in the college grounds. Their sincerity in this purpose was proved by tho largo amount they had collected. They had contributed over £6000 for tho hall and its internal embellishments.