Historic School Holds Reunion

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 219, 5 December 1927, Page 16

Historic School Holds Reunion

PARNELL GRAMMAR LINK WITH KING’S COLLEGE A unique reunion of the old boys of the Church of England Grammar School, Parnell, was held at King's College, Mangere, on Saturday afternoon. Those present included Sir James Coates, Messrs. IT. Kinder, A. Hanna, T. Barstow, D. Hay, W. H. Hargreaves, B. Noxkes, F. Woodhouse, W. Goodhue, T. Gilbert, J. James, A. T. Williams, R. H. Wynyard, N. T. Williams, F. Beale, J. Beale, H. P. Kissling, G. A. Kissling, C. Purchas, A. Fairburn, J. W. Bridgman, Dr. A. C. Purchas. the Rev. P. Smallfield, Canon A. Williams, Canon P. T. Williams and the Rev. W. E. Lush. Among the apologies for absence were those from Sir Francis Bell, Archbishop Averill and Messrs. H. O. Nolan and F. Maunsell, of the Wairarapa. Sir James Coates and Messrs. D. Hay, J. A. Beale and J. W. Bridgman, were at school together in 1862. The continuity of the three schools, St. John’s Collegiate School, the Church of England Grammar School and King’s College was discussed. There was no connection legally between the old grammar school and the college, said Canon P. Williams, but he admitted that the ties of sentiment still existed. The headmaster of King’s College, Canon H. K. Archdall, said that Canon Williams’s statement was correct and the fact that the old school continued to be called the Church of England Grammar School after it was out of control of the St. John’s College Trust was proof that the sentiment existed. Dr. A. C. Purchas said he realised the old grammar school still existed and there was room for many Church of England schools in Auckland. Mr. P. H. Upton, chairman of the King’s College Board of Governors, said that all the schools had been founded on a spiritual basis and although there might have been a legal break, there was no break in the continuity of the pupils. They were trying to maintain sentiment and the object of the reunion was that they could look upon some institute as their alma mater. King’s College was not claiming to be the old grammar school but something similar. In view of the historical facts as to the continuity of the Church of England Grammar School with St. John’s School and with King’s College, the meeting decided to suggest respectfully to the King’s College Board of Governors to arrange for the incorporation of the old boys of the Parnell School and King’s College. It was also suggested that the old boys of the Auckland Church of England Grammar School be urged to join the King’s College Old Boys’ Association, thus keeping in touch with the progress of the school.