Head Boy's Report
Another year has passed - certainly not a mundane one for our school. The one thing. about our school life - as a pupil or teacher - is that it is never routine, predictable or dull. . In early February I had little idea of what was 1n store for me as Head Boy, but, now, at the end of a rich and rewarding year, I can say it has been well worthwhile. Along with other. senior boys I have enjoyed taking an active part m the runn1ng of t~e school in such activities as the school counc:11, interhouse competitions, and a variety of soc1al events. 1985 has been a busy one for t~e.school c~un颅 cil Our young sportsmen and mus1c1ans cont1nue to路 benefit from council funding as does . our Raphael child in India. The future of the council as a decisive governing body within the framework of the school looks promising in the light of recommendations presently being proposed by Mr Ryder. lnterhouse rivalry thrives on the annual sporting competitions. These continue to be an important facet of school life and holding them during lunch hours has certainly increased support and interest. Girls! This year the dances between ourselves and Girls' High continued, and where would we be without them? They provide a welcome break from the classroom setting and are looked forward to b all. The senior ball was held at Girls' ~igh in t~is their centennial year. Our congratulations go to 'Girls' High on reaching this important milestone, and also to the senior girls who did a marvellous job in organising the social event of the year. The two main projects which the school has undertaken this year are the building of a new school pool and the now nearly-completed new library. The pool fund was given a major boost in the first term by the holding of a work day which was a great success, thanks to the cheerful participation of the whole school. All in the name of progress, several trees in the science quad. made way tor a lot of noise and an alarming array of concrete and steel which eventually became the new library; this obviously will be a valuable asset to the school. The old library, however, is by no means past its prime- it is a grand room with a lot of character and next year's seventh formers are very fortunate indeed to inherit it as their common room. 1 know they will look after it! 1 believe school pride is one of NPBHS's greatest assets. While some may think it an outdated concept it is one thing which distinguishes our school. Our haka was performed in great style as the First Fifteen downed Wanganui Collegiate on the Gully Ground, and it took an inspired prematch execution of the haka by the First Soccer Eleven before the goals came their way at their tournament in Levin. The seventh form enjoyed many activities with our counterparts at Girls' High. These included lunches and competitive (well, sort of) sporting clashes. The all-round ability of the average seventh form student of this school was amply demonstrated as we once again humiliated the girls on their own netball courts - not once, but twice! 1 would like to thank those senior boys, especially the four heads of houses, who have offered their help consistently throughout the year in organising dances and sporting competitions. They seldom received due credit but without them my job would be impossible and the school as a whole would suffer. The group leaders have also performed well in maintaining standards of dress,
BATHS APPEAL.;
"THE GREAT TIGER HUNT"
conduct and tidiness about the grounds. Overall the school has lived well up to its reputation this year. We have fine traditions which should be maintained. I would like to wish the school all the best for 1986, and may those of . you who return keep up the high standards. Simon Davenport NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Steven Venables, one gold & five silvers at the National Age-group Swimming Ch ampionships.
Grant Moorhead, Best Aggregate N.Z. Secondary Schools Golf Championshios.
Lester Gulliver, N.Z. Wrestling Champion.
Karlo Marsden, National Boxing Champion, 43kg class.
The Governor General and Lady Beattie had just finished watching an episode of "The Jewel in the Crown" when the Governor mused over the tiger hunt he had just viewed. There was the Viceroy of India atop a tusked elephant striding through the long grass in search of the golden beast. Behind was a stream of gun bearers, tent bearers and servants, whi 1st some way ahead were beaters driving the quarry towards him. How different to his shooting expeditions as New Zealand's Vice-Regal. The closest he had come to an expedition was the time he had gone out on his bicycle to hunt possums! The bike was needed to power the light; he had to carry his own gun and the dog did not exactly bring the quarry in. In fact it was only because the dog was Lady B's favourite that it did not find itself the target. But he did succeed and there beside the kiwi ( a v-necked leagus) hung one possum. The Governor had almost resigned himself to these obviously lesser achievements when he realised that he could still hang a tiger up there. Yes, there was a certain breed of tiger wandering around the coastal regions of Taranaki. He had also heard reports of isolated cases in other parts of New Zealand but these accounts usually stated that the animal tended to be advanced in years and the coat rather worn. No, he would go for a young beast whose coat was in prime condition. "Go" for a tiger: The Viceroy of India had beaters bring one to him. "We've progressed since then. I'll use my pen to beat the animal to me," thought Sir David. Hence our Headmaster, as keeper of the Taranaki tigers (T.T.! Ryder), received a command to bring some of his finer specimens down to Government House. Selection proved a trifle difficult but in the end he got a fair cross-section. Some were a little dusty from chasing dead bits of cow around the fields, whilst others were followers of the spot I ight and therefore rather well polished. Having arrived at Government House the Headmaster was told the real reason for his being there. He was there for a tiger hunt and his charges were to be the prey. The Governor now sits contentedly watching the final episodes of "The Jewel in the Crown". A sideways glance into the Trophy Room and he can see the sleek tiger coat mounted on the wall, its black stripes standing out from the glistening gold. Indeed he positively gloats as hanging beside the tiger coat is something the Governor of India never shot - a possum. Richard L. Cooper
March 29
Back in 1981 the Headmaster put the proposition to the school that the Centennial Gymnasium would only be worthy of the name if it had a Spectator Gallery as an essential part of the building. The Department of Education provided the gymnasium, but without refinements, and the boys of 1981 responded to the idea of the additions with great zest. The Gallery is, of course, testimony to their success. This year Mr Ryder put up a fresh challenge. The old swimming pool simply had to be replaced and the task would be that much more within our competence if the funds could be pushed to $100,000. That meant adding $20,000 to what has already been accumulated in recent years. The tactic of 1981 was repeated. In assembly the situation was clearly spelled out - the tradition the school has of helping itself highlightedall climaxing in the critical challenge being put. "Should each boy be determined to raise $20.00 or near it, we would have the money: stand if you believe in the cause and your ability to do your bit!" With a giant rumble the one thousand came to their feet and organisation began. Mr Brine and Mr Bublitz masterminded the programme and the House Masters and Group Teachers and Leaders provided the spur. The town and country were canvassed for work; sponsored activities flourished and a raffle was incorporated along with the usual giant bottle drive to round it all off. On Friday, March 29, with massive support from parents the business houses, Radio Taranaki and the Press, the boys went after the money. By April 4 the Parent Teacher Association, which as usual, was in the forefront ~ f activity (after all the new baths project is its central current cause) had taken in $16,000 and by Friday April 5 the target had been reached. 路 The following week in the Hall, Head Boy Simon Davenport, handed over to Mr Mclntyre, Board Chairman, and Mr Roberts, President of the P.T.A., a symbolic cheque for $20,000! The great tradition of the boys working to see that school continues to have first-class facilities is as strong as ever. What better demonstration of School Pride can there be!
THE 1985 FORTY HOUR FAMINE The slogan of the Forty Hour Famine this year was "Feed 'Em Fighters". About eighty boys took part. A greater number than this joined up at the start but quite a few boarders had to drop out because the last weekend in March was designated for a money-raising effort for the school. The dayboys worked on Friday but many boarders went home to work on farms and therefore could not starve themselves for forty hours. In spite of this, the total raised was $1423.00, over $300.00 more than in 1984. This was even more admirable in view of the fact that there were no special events at the school to encourage people to undertake the famine. The greatest individual effort was that of Chris Franklyn of the fourth form who raised $204.00. However, every boy who took part and handed in even a small sum of money has the satisfaction of kn~wing that he helped to feed people who are starvmg. My thanks to all the boys who went without food, and to their sponsors who donated the money. J.A. Howes
8 "The Taranakian" acknowledges with gratitude sponsorship from Warnocks
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