Masters are apt to look on the practice with a jaundiced eye, and to rob it of one of its recommendations by inflicting a stiff fine on the carver.
In the most favourable circumstances the fame achieved generally ends with the renovation or scrapping of the desk, and many old boys of the Otago High School had a narrow escape from the common fate yesterday when, at a meeting of the Board of Governors, a letter was received from the rector asking that the desks in one of the rooms at the school should be planed and varnished.
Happily there were old boys on the board, whose youthfulness of heart had survived grey hairs, and one of them deplored the fact that the planing might remove the honourable scars dealt by the lads of 20 and 30 years ago.
A search over the battered desks, he remarked, might reveal interesting relics in the names of some of the many prominent men whose alma mater this old school had been.
A jocular discussion followed, during which one member suggested that the most interestingly inscribed of the desks might be on view at the annual dinner of the Old Boys' Association, crowned with laurel leaves; while the rector, in jest, expressed that it would be a profitable transaction to present the old desks to the association in exchange for new ones.
Finally Dr Fulton and Mr H. Webb were appointed a sub-committee to inspect the desks, with a view to preserving anything of an historical nature which they might find.
The incident was a delightful exemplification of the affection and reverence of the old boys for everything connected with the school.
In view of the constant appeals made by our boys at the front for tasty food, it is not surprising that schemes are afoot to gratify the request of the soldiers.
It has been decided now to forward home-made jam. It is easy to imagine how delighted our boys will be with this commodity, which will be a luxury and a treat to men on service.
It is hoped to be able to send at least 10,000 tins in February.
In order to make sure of the jam carrying properly, the association asks that housewives use the tins of approved type, which they may see at the Early Settlers Hall, or order there, if they choose.
They are 2lb tins, purchaseable at 2s per dozen.
It is also suggested that in making this jam a pound of sugar be used for every pound of fruit.
Some housewives economise with the sugar when making jam for immediate use.
The extra sugar will keep the jam better.
Already the association has supplied 12 dozen tins to Lawrence, 50 dozen to Mosgiel, 8 dozen to Clinton, 12 dozen to Waikouaiti, and in addition many private orders.
At the garden party at Mr Solomon's place on Saturday there will be a special stall where these tins can be bought.
Through the courtesy of the officer commanding, the Fourth Regiment Band will play during the afternoon.
Mr Solomon will allow his flowers to be plucked and sold towards the end of the day.
Several young ladies connected with the big shops will run a Christmas stall laden with gifts suitable for sending to the soldiers.
The farewell to the Eleventh Reinforcements will be at the Early Settlers Hall on Tuesday evening.
A large gathering is expected.
It is requested that the tickets of admission be presented at the door of the hall. - ODT, 10.12.1915
