THE QUADRANGLE Supporting College with distinction
Two Harper House Old Boys who live the College values and demonstrate its virtues daily, were presented with Senior Honours Ties at assembly on Thursday 23 July 2020. For the Honourable Peter Penlington (5517) and Derek Banks (6247), Christ’s College has always played an important role in their lives, and they each gave thanks to the school for giving them the opportunity to learn to lead, to accept responsibility, and to give service. Introduced by the president of the Old Boys’ Association Richard Polson, who expressed how proud the College community was to recognise how both men had represented and supported College with distinction for many years, Peter and Derek were joined on the day by their wives and families – and both acknowledged the important contribution of their loved ones to their lives and their success. Peter attended College from 1946–1950 and Derek from 1954–1959. “I always counted myself very fortunate to be sent to this school, as it has shaped my whole life,” said Peter. “Your school years are very precious and I urge you to make the most of them. The friendships you make here will help to sustain you when you leave. And if
you’re given the opportunity for leadership and service, take it with both hands; it will stand you in good stead.” Peter declared himself to have had “an undistinguished school career” and said he struggled with Latin, a subject which was to be vital to his future career. “But never doubt that you can get there, if you really apply yourself,” he told the boys. “Always give your best, and don’t be deterred by failure. Be prepared to take on new activities, and remember the words of the founder of the modern Olympic games, the Baron Pierre de
Coubertin, ‘It is not the winning, it is the taking part’.” Peter graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury in 1956 and was admitted to the bar as a barrister and solicitor. He became a partner in the law firm RA Young & Hunter in 1960, leaving in 1977 to practise as a barrister sole. He became a Queen’s Counsel in 1978 and practised as a QC until he was appointed a judge of the High Court in late 1990. He sat on the bench in Hamilton from 1991–2002. After retiring to Christchurch, he undertook appellate work for the Fiji Court of Appeal for the next five years.
Christ’s College Canterbury
86
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator