[英文] 聖若瑟書院舊生會　首次周年大會暨晚宴

ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE ASSOCIATION.

First Annual Meeting and Dinner.

The first annual meeting of St. Joseph's College Association was held last evening, and the first dinner followed.

The chairman, Mr. H. Dixon, at the annual meeting said:-

Gentlemen - You have just heard read the Committee's report for the period from 8th October the date when the Association was formed to 31st December 1913. For that period, members subscription was $1 only each. The balance at the credit of the Account amounts to $35.05 after deducting $200 of the "Old Boys Scholarship Fund," which was especially contributed for that purpose. I hope that, out of future subscriptions there will be sufficient surplus to set apart a portion towards the Scholarship Fund, so that a large enough amount will be accumulated, which, when placed in Fixed Deposit, will yield a yearly interest wherewith to pay for the Scholarships provided in Rule 2 (d) of the Association.

Our thanks are due to the gentlemen who, at the Committee's invitation, were kind enough to come up to this Hall and deliver the instructive lectures detailed in the report. We are most grateful to our patron, Bishop Pozzoni for presiding at every one of the lectures. The attendance at these meetings has not always been as large as it might have been. It is only due to those who so kindly give up their time to us in the preparation and the delivering of the addresses, that members show their appreciation by attending them in larger numbers.

Brother Adrian.

You will have learnt, with regret of the departure of Rev. Bro. Adrian, the sudden news of whose transference to the Federated Malay States came as a shock to us. Than Bro. Adrian no better friend or more practical sympathiser could be found; he was ever ready with words of advice and encouragement, and took a keen personal interest in the working of the Association. An old friend of ours has come to take up the reins of administration relinquished by Bro. Adrian, in whom we have found as true a friend and as great an enthusiast in the objects and aims of our society.

One of Bro. Peter's first acts after his arrival in Hongkong was to invite your Committee to a round-table conference. This invitation, I need hardly tell you, was gladly accepted. Among other subjects of interest discussed at the conference, was that relating to a proposed Boys' School for Kowloon.

Boys' School for Kowloon.

This very proposal formed the subject of a report by certain members of the Association resident at Kowloon, who were appointed a sub committee to investigate the proposal and report thereon. This sub committee was formed at the request of the Board of Catholic Education in Hongkong. I am disclosing no secret when I inform you that the matter is receiving Bro. Peter's very earnest consideration. Bro. Director holds out every hope that the Kowloon School will become an accomplished fact before long.

More Members Wanted.

There are many of the past pupils of St. Joseph's College who are not yet members of our association. I will count on each one of the present members to bring at least one "old boy" into our fold, so that this Association may go on increasing in number and strength.

According to our rules, the committee you elected at the inaugural meeting in October last, have now to retire, and it is left to you to make the new appointments.

In this connection I regret to state that our honorary secretary has indicated to me that he cannot adequately devote the time for the secretarial work of the Association, but I earnestly hope that he may yet be induced to serve on the committee as I have always found him a most energetic and capable worker. I will indeed be sorry if the Association loses his services. As to the other members of the Committee, I must also express my best thanks for their valuable co-operation, and hope they will be re-elected.

The reports and accounts were passed and the committee re-elected as follows:- Mr. H. Dixon (President), Mr. F. E. Carvalho (Vice-President), Mr. J. M. Rocha (Hon. Treasurer). Messrs. M. Fermandez, E. J. Noronha, J. M. Noronha, Jas. D. Osmund, Dr. F. M. Graca Ozorio, Messrs. J. Graca Ozorio, J. C. V. Ribeiro, and J. P. Braga (Hon. Secretary). (Mr. Braga intimated a wish to retire and this was left with the committee.)

The Dinner.

The dinner followed and was a most successful function Mr. Dixon presided over a company numbering over 100. There were present: Sir Charles Eliot (Hongkong University), Bishop Pozzoni, Professor Salt (Hongkong University), Mr. G. de Martin (Education Dept.), Rev. Fra. P. Gabardi, A. Banchi, Valtortar D. Page, A. Grampa, Rev. Bros. Peter, Cornelius, Alphonsus and Cairnan, Major F. J. Bowen, Capt. Garwood, R.A., Asst. Scoutmasters G. E. Roylance and F. Bunje, Mr. F. J. Brookes, and Mr. J. P. Braga (Hon. Sec.)

The toast of "The Pope and King" was submitted by the Chairman.

Mr. J. Graca Ozorio then gave "Brothers of the Christian Schools" in a fitting speech, Brother Peter responded and made the important announcement that St. Joseph's College, was to adopt the Hongkong University examinations in place of the Oxford Local examinations.

The Guests.

Mr. E. J. Noronha proposed the toast of "Our Guests." In the course of his speech, he referred to the work of the Bishop and the Priests of the Catholic Mission, who have established schools, hospitals and chapels all over the City, the suburbs and the outlying districts. He also spoke in the highest terms of the University of Hongkong and its Principal, Sir Charles Eliot, who was present at the dinner. He made a glowing reference to the success of the British administration, which success has been largely based upon its liberal system of education. The toast was coupled with the name of Mr. de Martin, the Inspector of English Schools. Mr. Noronha concluded with a tribute to the local press and commented on their moderate tone and sound views. The toast was enthusiastically received.

Mr. de Martin replied in a neat speech.

The Scouts.

In proposing the toast of "Scouts and Bodyguard," Mr. J. M. Noronha said:-

This is the first occasion that a toast to the "Boy Scouts and Bodyguard" has ever appeared on a toast-list in Hongkong. I feel it a great privilege to be able to propose it, specially when I see every officer connected with the St. Joseph's College troop of Scouts and the associate members of the Bodyguard has honoured us with his presence here to-night, with the exception of an energetic Scoutmaster whose indisposition we greatly regret. To Major Bowen, the Chief Scout, the College owes the existence of the first troop of Boy Scouts in Hongkong. To Scout Master Edwards we are indebted for the drills and parades; and Messrs. Roylance and Bunje we have to thank for the assistance in drilling the various patrols. I mention the name of Mr. Brookes last, but this fact does not imply that our appreciation of such a zealous instructing officer, is the least. It was by one of those happy coincidences that the rally of the troop took place this afternoon in accordance with the expressed instructions of the Chief Scout, Sir Robert Baden-Powell, that such a ceremony should be carried out on St. George's day.

Some of our honoured guests have been witnesses of that parade, and many of us at this table have heard the inspiring address of our esteemed Chief Scout, Major Bowen. Under officers such as St. Joseph's troop is fortunate enough to possess, the Scout movement, which is only in its infancy in Hongkong, cannot fail of success. We shall heartily welcome the growth and expansion of the movement so as to include every eligible school in Hongkong. This is a desideratum devotedly to be wished. The aggregate of eligible scouts from among the schools in the Colony - Government and denominational included, - will represent a force which any Colony in the British Empire may be proud of. Hongkong, unquestionably, should have its district troop organised under administrative and executive committees affiliated to the association of which Sir Robert Baden-Powell is the famous chief. As in the field of sports, so also in the allied movement of a local scouts' organisation, the respective college troops can enter into healthy rivalry. On field days and at parades the various troops will put their best efforts to excel one another, and in this competition healthy stimulus will be instilled into the youthful members to excel in the various duties and obligations of a Scout which are such an important factor to build up character.

May the Scouts' movement succeed beyond all expectations and may Major Bowen, with whose name I will couple this toast, have the satisfaction of seeing and of taking part in that movement being extended beyond the confines of St. Joseph's College.

Gentlemen, I ask you to drink with me to the prosperity of the Boy Scouts and St. Joseph's Bodyguard.

The following telegram was read by Mr. F. E. Carvalho, vice-president of the Association:-

Shanghai, 23 April, 1914.

Braga, Hongkong. Thanks Toast. Requests Carvalho reply. Returns wishes. Cordial Greetings. Hearty Congratulations College, and Hongkong Association continued success. To-night hearts beat unison memories schooldays gone by. Desire renew ties old fellowship. Cheers, "tiger." Should old acquaintance be forgo. Ozorio, Hon. Secretary St. Joseph's College Association, Shanghai.

Mr. J. P. Braga also spoke and expressed the hope that some local magnate would, Carnegie-like, make it possible for Hongkong boys, whose parents were moderately circumstanced, to enter the University.

資料：

1. 中華民國3年4月24日（星期五）《士蔑西報》第5頁

   • 甲寅年三月廿九日

   • 公元1914年4月24日（星期五）