“SPIRIT THAT COUNTS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 703, 1 July 1929, Page 14

“SPIRIT THAT COUNTS”

KING’S OLD BOYS’ REUNION DINNER TRADITIONS OF THE SCHOOL “It is the spirit of the school which counts, and the spirit of King's College is the same today as the year in which the institution was founded." This striking tribute to their old school w r as paid by more than 100 old boys and staff of the college and preparatory school, who attended the annual dinner on Saturday evening. The function, one of the most successful organised, was presided over by Dr. J. A. W. Robertson. The school remains the same, even though the headmaster and the staff has changed considerably, Dr. Robertson asserted. Keenness, loyalty, and leadership were the principal lessons learned at King’s, which was of the type that produced leaders. He was confident the old boys were solidly behind him for the welfare of King’s. “I feel I am a trustee of a tradition, and an institution,” declared the Rev. H. K. Archdall, in responding to the toast to the college. He appreciated the fact that what a headmaster could accomplish depended on how far he could submerge himself in the welfare of the college which he is controlling. The biggest things in life depended on the extent to which traditions and institutions which created something, laudable in life were handed on to others. He appealed to old boys to feel they were one in developing the sound tradition of the school. The college was working intellectually better than ever before, The sporting tradition had been ever present, and had always been sound. The chapel, too, was developing. “We are trying to turn out boys for King’s who have learnt how to play the game in every way,” declared the Rev. J. T. G. Hardcastle, headmaster of the preparatory school. “The education system cannot cost too much if it is producing the right type,” he added. “Absent Old Boys” was the toast proposed by Archbishop Averill. Thoughts naturally turned to the large number of old boys who had made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War, he said, and these comrades’ memories would never be forgotten at any reunions. They had brought honour and glory to themselves, their school, communities, and Empire. The chapel erected to their memory was a beautiful inspiration. The archbishop said he felt that King’s College was going to produce a great many men who would occupy leading positions in the community. Standing in silence, the old boys paid tribute to their fallen comrades. Other toasts honoured were the staff, proposed by Mr. H. B. Lusk, and kindred associations, proposed by Mr. A. G. Gibbons, and responded to by Mr. H. E. Gillespie. The reunion celebrations, extending over four days, were concluded yesterday, when a party of old boys visited the college at Middlemore, and attended divine service with the present scholars in the chapel. After lunching at the college, the party visited King’s School, Remuera, the original King's College. Members of the party were the guests of the Rev. J. G. T. Castle at afternoon tea after | attending a short service in the chapel.