SCHOOL REUNION

Evening Star, Issue 19786, 9 February 1928, Page 5

SCHOOL REUNION

ST. ANDREW'S COLLEGE The reunion celebrations of St. Andrew’s Collegiate School, which were held to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the school, commenced on Sunday, January 29, with a service in First Church*. As arranged, ex-teachers and ex-pupils assembled in the class rooms and proceeded to the church in procession, led by Miss Smyth and Miss Tucker, who for a number of years held an important position on the staff.

A large number ot parents and friends were present. The service was conducted by Rev. E. J. Tiplcr, 8.A., who delivered an inspiring address of thanksgiving. Hymns appropriate to the occasion were snug, Miss Phyllis Westland officiating at the organ. The garden party given by the Ex-pupils’ Club, and held in First Church grounds on the Monday afternoon, proved a happy function. Miss Smyth, who carried a beautiful floral spray in flowers of the school colors (the gift of the Ex-pnpils’ Club), assisted by Miss Anderson, received the guests to the number of over 800. Seats had been arranged under the trees, and a concert platform gramophone provided music, which was much appreciated by all present. An adjournment for tea was made to Burns Hall, which had been most artistically decorated _ for the occasion. The Fenwick Shield, presented by the Otago branch of tho Navy League, and won for tho school by Miss Ethel Johnstone, occupied a prominent position, and was much admired. After a dainty afternoon tea had been served a concert programme consisting of vocal solos by Miss Kathleen Salmond, a pianoforte solo by Miss Maizie Wood, a vocal duet by Mrs Duthie and Miss Madge Black, and a recitation by Miss Maud Townsend, was greatly enjoyed and evoked hearty applause. A collection of _ photographs of pupils of tho school in days gone by gave much amusement, especially to the ex-pupils. It is now eight years since the school was closed, and it was a happy idea to hold a reception where tho school had been formerly held. The next function was a dinner party, which was held at the Strand Salon, George street, on Tuesday, January Jl, and at which only the principal, tho teachers, and the pupils of tho school were permitted to he present. The floral decorations, devised under the direction oi Miss Kathleen Salmond, were a work of art. Tho entire scheme was carried out in the school colors in sweet peas and scabias, with trails of asparagus fern. On entering to take tho place of honor at the head of the table Miss Smyth was presented with a Victorian posy with streamers of ribbon in the school colors, and was greeted with the smiles of a happy party of eighty-five pupils and teachers. After all had enjoyed the excellent dinner provided and the cake decorated with the school emblem had been cut by Miss Smyth, toasts interspersed with musical items were honored. Miss Tucker, in a capable and charming manner, carried out the duties of toast mistress. After replying to tho toast of tho school, Miss Smyth proposed a toast to Miss Kathleen Salmond, who had recently brought distinction to her school ‘’when tier picture, ‘A Sunny Slope,’ was chosen by the Selection Committee as worthy to be shown at the Imperial Institute of Art exhibition to be field in London. The toast was honored with great enthusiasm. After tho toast of the Ex-pupils’ Club bad been drunk Mrs Buna Wales, on behalf of the members of tho Expupils’ Club, in an appropriate speech, spoke of the excellent work done lor the chili and for the reunion by its esteemed secretary. Miss Mary Anderson, and on behalf of the club members presented to her an attache writing case and manicure set. Miss Anderson, in a neat little speech, thanked the members for their kindness. Mrs Duthie, on behalf of Dies Ex-pnpils’ Club, presented to Miss Smyth (who accepted it for tho school) a beauti-fully-designed honors list, bearing the names of the pupils that had won university degrees and diplomas. After Mr .1. P. Northey had moved a vote of thanks to tho Reunion Executive for its work in arranging such a delightful evening the proceedings came to an end with the singing of 1 Anld Lang Syne.’ On the night of Wednesday, February 1, the final function of the reunion, which took the form of a dance and conversazione, was held in Tudor Hall, which was prettily decorated for the occasion. Over fifty pupils and their partners took part in the dance, which was very enjoyable. Miss Smyth was again presented with a bouquet of flowers. The proceedings were of the very happiest, and all wore sorry when this the final function of the reunion had to be brought to an end with the singing of ‘ Auld Lang Sync.’ Teachers and pupils are now to be found in many parts of tho world, and in most parts of Now Zealand. Miss Tucker, who is now principal of Clyde Grammar School, Woodencl, came from Melbourne expressly to take part in tho reunion, while others came from different parts of New Zealand. Telegrams and letters conveying good wishes were received in large numbers, some coining from America and Australia.

The organisation of the whole proceedings reflected credit on the .Reunion Executive. A souvenir booklet, outlining the history of the school and giving interesting information about the career of its pupils, was compiled bv Miss Smyth.