Webb Scrapbook, Christ’s College Archives
desirable to hold our own Jubilee at the same time as the Jubilee of the Province”. 3 A committee of Old Boys drew up a programme of events that fitted into Jubilee Week, so that members of the College community could also attend other occasions. However, things did not go as smoothly as planned. The Press on 15 December announced that some people may have been inadvertently left out when the invitations were sent out, but all were welcome. In response to enquiries about the dinner, the organising committee wished it to be known that evening
dress was to be worn. 4 Toasts abounded at the College Jubilee Dinner in the Provincial Chamber and praise was heaped upon the College for not only its education, but also for the achievements of the Old Boys. Reminiscences abounded in the newspapers about the beginnings of the province. William Rolleston acknowledged Christ’s College in his round-up of education and Dugald Macfarlane, who attended school in Lyttelton, recalled: “I now, with my brother, went to school in one of the barrack rooms. This school was the embryo of Christ’s College
Grammar School. I think the roll call started with four pupils. Mr Toomath was Master while Dean Jacobs was Head and took the divinity class.” 5 Then there was the procession which involved every part of the province – commercial, academic, and military. It wound its way through the streets, with spectators crowded onto every footpath. When it passed Christ’s College, “it was a touching scene when the veterans arrived opposite Christ’s College, and the boys with their fresh young voices, gave them three lusty cheers, and the old colonists with
3 Christ’s College Register August 1899 4 The Press 15 December 1900 5 The Star 15 December 1900
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