POPULAR RECTOR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26631, 29 November 1947, Page 8

POPULAR RECTOR

MR H. P. KIDSON'S RETIREMENT VALEDICTORY FUNCTION At an informal function last night old boys of the Otago Boys’ High School bade farewell to the retiring rector, Mr H. P. Kidson. The chair was occupied by Mr W. Lang, who called upon Messrs D. A. Solomon, A. C. Stephens, and J. P. Northey, respectively representing the Old Boys’ Cricket Association, Football, and Hockey Clubs, to address the gathering. All expressed their gratitude to Mr Kidson for the support he had accorded their sports, and wished him happiness in his retirement. Praise for Efficiency A presentation of a clock was made to the retiring rector by Mr W. F. Watters, life governor of the Old Boys’ Society. Mr Watters referred to the general high standard and educational efficiency which Mr Kidson had maintained during his rectorship. His 13 years of service had been a particularly difficult period, especially during the war. Not only was Mr Kidson an excellent headmaster, but he was a pilblic-ispirited and patriotia citizen. Old boys were looking forward to seeing Mr Kidson at the eighty-fifth anniversary ctelebratione of the school next year. In reply, Mr Kidson confirmed the statement that he had experienced a rather difficult period. The establishment of a new schooland the alteration of boundaries had caused attendances to drop for several years. The war had brought added burdens. Mr Kidson said that he had been called upon to write to the parents of 250 former pupils who had lost their lives. He had endeavoured to follow the British secondary school tradition during his tenure of office, and was retiring with a great admiration for the qualities of the boys. Importance of Games He emphasised the importance of games in bringing out such virtues as courage, restraint in victory, and undismay in defeat. The old boys were an important element in the school, he stated. It was highly desirable for a headmaster to have a body of faithful ex-punils upon whom he could count for support. He would never forget the school, and was proud to have been its rector. Congratulations were extended to Mr Lang on his appointment as rector of the King’s High School by Mr J. C. H. Somerville. Old boys were delighted, Mr Somerville said, and knew that Mr Lang would carry out his duties to the credit of the school which had brought him up. Mr Lang stated that he would find himself initiating many of Mr Kidson’s methods. He hoped to do much for the old boys of both schools. Films were shown during the evening, and in an enjoyable musical programme songs were contributed by Messrs R. T. Hunt, I. Hanna, Bryan Drake, and R. Macdonald, while Mr Ritchie Hanna played violin solos. Mr lan Harvey was the accompanist. Mr Lang welcomed Mr Ritchie Hanna, and spoke of the .notable reputation he had gained overseas. He also congratulated Mr Harvey on being awarded a scholarship which would enable him to study in the United Kingdom. The chairman mentioned the fact that seven old boys had recently been elected to the City Council, while two had gained seats on the Hospital Board.