K T Conry, Public Man, presenting bouquet to Lady Blundell
varied than ever. The Headmaster thanked Fr Armishaw and stressed that the need for qualifications was greater than ever, if boys were looking for places at a University. Then he welcomed the guest of honour, the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Sir Denis Blundell, and his wife Lady Blundell, with a reminder of the great links between Great Britain and New Zealand. He went on to outline the improvements that had been made at Cotton during the year, spoke of plans for the future and expressed gratitude for a number of generous gifts made (luring the year. In conclusion he thanked the members of the Staff who were leaving, and assured the parents of the School's resolve to continue its efforts to give the boys a sound education. Before giving out the prizes, the High Commissioner said he was glad to be in a college where boys were being educated before the white man set foot in his country. Promising a short speech, he told the story of the vicar who was so stirred by the advent of summer that he assured his congregation that there was a sermon in every blade of grass. A few days later one of his flock saw him mowing the lawn and said: 'That's right, vicar, keep 'em short'. In a brief description of New Zealand, he surprised his audience with the statement that there were no animals (apart from a few bats) on the islands when they were discovered. Commenting on the neatness of the boys at Cotton, he urged them always to stay kempt and clean, even if, outside and after school, they exercised their freedom by wearing outfits more usually seen on King's Road. On the subject of dress, he told the story of the young batsman coming out to face a certain famous Yorkshire bowler
P M McCrystal, 1' J Trinham, J M Lowe, Sir Denis and Lady Blundell, A 1' Donovan, Headmaster
M B Feeny, R McGowan-Scanlon, D Atkinson
for the first time. This young man was immaculately dressed and every time that the bowler neared the end of his long run-up he would stop him in order to smooth out the odd wrinkle in his beautifully creased trousers. When at last he allowed the bowler to bowl, he was out first ball and on his way back he heard: "ard luck, chum, thou wert just getting set'. Finally he moved most of the audience with a stirring defence of Britain against its native critics. Comparing the British way of life with that of the USA with all its domestic troubles or of Russia with its curbs on freedom, he claimed that Britain still had some of the finest things ever devised by man to offer the world, above all the freedom of the individual and a balance between the individual and the State. The prizes were then distributed.
After this visit of parents with sons at Cotton, there was a visit some weeks later for parents and their boys who are to come next September, to let them see Cotton and meet the Staff and boys. A final burst of activity brought the year to its close, with the public and school examinations, the House Sports, in which Miler carried off the Shield again, and the House Cricket, which Challoner won for a change. On the last Wednesday of the term Bishop Gray and four silver-jubilarians concelebrated Mass for the boys. On Friday. 1 l July, at the Reading of the Marks, the Headmaster made presentations to the members of the Staff who were leaving, and took leave of the boys, of those who were at the end of their school career and also of those who are to return next September.
