HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1920, Page 4

HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS.

ANNUAL RE-UNION. ' The annual re-union in connection with the flew Plymouth Boys' High School Old Boys' Association was held in the dining hall of the school boarding establishment last > night. Mr. A. MacDiarmid, president of the Association, occupied the chair, and despite the unfavorable weather there was an attendance of over 100 and a very enjoyable evening was spent. A number of apologies were read, and, afier justice had been done tp the light fare dispensed, the chairman proposed "The King," which was enthusiastically honored. Mr. R. H. Quilliam, in proposing "The School," remarked that it was a matter for congratulation that they could look back on such a successful year in every department. The bcliool had maintained its record in sport and had increased in popularity, whilst there -was no reason to doubt that the scholastic suits would be quite up to Sermer years, Tie paid a, tribute to the principal (Mr. W. H. Move's), to whom the remarkable progress made during the past few yearn was largely due. One had onlj; to see the cadets to recognise the discipline, which could only make for good. Mr. Moyes, who was greeted with enthusiastic applause, said that he Appreciated the remarks as a proof of sincere regard for the school and a keen desire to promote its interests. Without their assistance he would be unable to achieve his aim, which was to build up in New Plymouth a school worthy of the town and district, and no greater encouragement could be given than to find that he had the goodwill, friendship,, and loyal support of the old boys of the school. Looking back on his eight years, at the school, he realised that they had played no little -hand in the development of , the school; indeed, without their assistance it could not have grown to the position it had among the schools of the Dominion. Its progress, he said, had been remarkable. In 1012 the roll number wrb between 60 and 70. In 1813 H was 130. Since then it had gone on increasing, until now the roll number was 414. This growth he attributed to the good fellowship that existed between the school and its old pupils. Of this every week lie had -proof, applK cations for admission coming to hand. It was often stated that New Plymouth was dead, in that it had no sports ground, etc., and in this connection lie would like to see the younger men render assistance. He touched on the scholastic attainments achieved at the uni-' versifies by pupils of the school, and ,said that at, last the. school was turning put its full quota of professional men. Before concluding, he referred to the death qf an old boy of the school, Lieut. Alister Sutherland, who died recently in India from enteric fever. "Sports and Pastimes" was proposed by Mr. Kirkby, who referred to their importance in the school life of A hoy. Sports and pastimes were really essential to a school, and in this connection he pointed to the wonderful record of the school in shooting, etc., which had made its name known throughout New Zealand. Mr. A .Bewley, in response, said that to the old boys of the school it Was not only a pleasure to watch the sports, but to see the results, the school having now reached a point when it could compete on level terms with the big schools of the Dominion, and this was a tribute to Mr. Moyes and his staff. As showing the calibre of the school in Sport, he pointed out that a member of the cricket team had last year represented North Taranaki, and this year had just failed to reach the century. He urged old boy* to take a keener interest in sport, and not alio* the end of tho school days to finish their interest in sport*. There was great need for their assistance, in getting a cricket ground worthy of the town, as without this it would be impossible to raise the standard of cricket locally. "Sister Colleges" was proposed by Mr. C. H. Wynyard and responded to by Mr. A. R. Kyder, who referred to the influence such institutions had on the youth of tho Dominion. "The Board of Governors" was pro? posed by Mr. A. MacDiarmid. Dr. Fookes, in responding, said he realised that the position the school now occupied was largely due to the principal, who was one of the most popular "heads" in New Zealand. The board had every possible desire to see the school reach the position it deserved among the institutions of the Dominion. Other toasts were: "Absent Old Boys/* feelingly proposed by Mr. W. P. Okeyr "The Ladies," proposed by Mr. Bradbury and responded to by Dr. Fookes; "The Press," proposed by Mr. H. Fookes and responded to by the Press representatives present ,- During the evening an excellent programme was rendered, items being contributed as follows: Pianoforte solo, Mr* Morey; songs, Messrs Brooker, Qfcey, Cocker, Calder and Fox; recitation, Mr, MacDiarmid; whilst some storyettes Wer» contributed by Mr. MacDiarmid and Dr. Fookes. Mr. Morey played the accompaniments.