TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 May 1919, Page 5

TECHNICAL COLLEGE.

PRESENTATION TO MR, A. GRAY. .. A social and dance was given in tho '' Good Templar Hall last night by the t. New Plymouth Technical College Girls' Hockey Club in honor of Mr. A, Grey, director, prior to his departure to talc* • up the position of ptfnclpajl of the Hawera Technical High School. These was a very large attendance of students and ex-students and instructors. The tnusic for the dancing way provided by Mrs. Moverley's orchestra, and the duties of M.C. were carried out by Mens H. Moverley and H, Jury, Some musical . items were contributed during the evening. Opportunity was taken in connection with tlio occasion to make some pre- . sentations to Mr. Gray, and this was r,' done by Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., a member . of the Education Board, on behalf of the contributors.

Mr. Smith referred to the good work done by Mr. Gray as Director of the New Plymouth College and as Director of Technical Education in TaranakL His organising ability was heyond question,, and lis had inspired and held th# full confidence of the board. Mr. Gray also held the respect of the students exstudents,', who wished tJ express their feelings to him in a tangible form. Ho then presented to Mrs. Gray, on behalf of the Old Girls, a beautiful .solid sOver vase, and to Mr. Gray a companion. Irom the present girls Mr. Gray received a case of pipes, and from the boys twenty volumes of the work of Scott. Hearty applause accompanied the presentation of the gifts. Mr. Gray, in replying, said he lad been quite overwhelmed by the great kindness shown to Mrs. Gray and himself, and by the very flattering things said about hijn by Mr. Smith. He thought the time had come now when the old students of the college were old otioi!crli to take part in the important functions of the community, and ho ■ urged them to maintain a live interest in their old college. He also reminded those of them who were in positions; of trust that those positions carried responsibilities which they must discharge. He deprecated the idea of giving only the barest requirements of service, and urged that it vras an evtra ounce of service given, though not required, that made all the difference between mediocrity and excellence. He also reminded any that might become employers that that extTa service should be recognised. He thought . also the time had come when Old Boys' | and Old Girls' Associations should be formed to keep the ex-students in touch with each other and with the college. He commended the (.indents and ex-students for their loyalty to himself and to the / college, which had made his position much easier than it would otherwise at times have been. He referred to the difficulty under which the college sports , had been maintained, but appreciated the spirit the hockey girls, which had enabled them to go through their seasons though they were not wiuning any matches. In football matters a little better had been done, and he hoped that some of the boys who had been through the college would come out as representatives of the Taranaki Province. Ho concluded his reply with an appeal to all the students to run straight in life. There was a great need for men of strength of character, and he would watch the careers of his New Plymouth students with much interest.' '(Applause.) Cheers; were then given fpx Mr. and Mrs. Gray and Mr. Smith.' 1 ' : At the meeting of the Hawcra Technical School Committee on Wednesday the chairman (Mr. J. B. Murdoch) paid' that this was the first meeting since the appointment of Mr, Gray as principal. He moved that tho committee express its appreciation to the board for the appointment of Mr. Gray in charge at ' Hawera. Ho said he felt .it was to* excellent move, and would be a great advantage to the town. In seconding tho motion, Mr. Hooker said he considered the school was fortunate in having the services permanently of Mr. Gtpv! In regard to the merging of the two schools, while it was anticipated thaithere might be some trouble, it proved that the whole work was carried out smoothly and with good effect. The motion was carried unanimously.—S^m.