Dunholme Methodist Theological College by Robt. E. Fordyce
“Dunholme” from the Tennis Court
"DUNHOLME" METHODIST THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
Prince Albert College having been leased to the Salvation Army for a term of years as
a private hotel, students for the Methodist Church of New Zealand were trained for a
short period at "Pukekawa," Grafton Road, and at College Hill, Ponsonby. It was in
1912 that "Dunholme," an imposing residence on Remuera Road, Auckland, opposite
Mt. Hobson, owned by Mr. A. C. Caughey, was made available to the church as a
Theological College. The house had been built many years previously by the late Mr.
S. Morrin, after whom Morrinsville is named. Later it was the home of the late Mr.
Thomas Buddle, a prominent Auckland lawyer. When it became the College, in order
to accommodate ten students, two extra rooms were built, a few feet away from the
main building, and still later two more rooms and conveniences were added, thus
making comfortable accommodation for fourteen students. When the number of
students increased to twenty, a cottage in the grounds was renovated for the additional
men. "Dunholme" continued in use as the College until December 31st, 1928.
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Dunholme Methodist Theological College by Robt. E. Fordyce
The Management Committee
The first meeting of the Management Committee of "Dunholme" was held in Mr. V.
L. Prime's office on Wednesday, June 5th, 1912. Those present were the Rev. W.
Ready (President of the Conference), the Revs. C. E. Beecroft, G. Bond, T. G. Carr, C.
H. Garland; W. A. Hay, Messrs. G. A. Buttle, A. C. Caughey, T. W. Jones, A. Peak, J.
H. Shackleford, J. Veale, J. E. Wheeler, and J. Ambury. The Rev. A. C. I.awry was
Convenor. The Rev. C. H. Garland was appointed Principal, with the Rev. W. A.
Sinclair as Acting-Principal until the Principal could assume control. The first meeting
of this Committee, in "Dunholme," took place on December 2nd, 1912.
On July 21st, 1914, the Committee decided that the institution should be styled
Wesley Theological College, and the motto was: "Orbis provincia nostra," — "The
world is our parish." At a meeting held on October 17th, 1914, the name of the
institution was changed to the Methodist Theological College. In 1915, the College
opened with thirteen students in residence, but during the year the call of King and
Country was answered by four of the men, and two were called out into circuit work
as supplies for sick ministers. On January 16th, 1916, the Management Committee
decided that although few, if any, students would be in residence, it would be
inadvisable to close the College. In 1917 only two students were due to enter the
College, and actually only one attended, and that for only the first term, after which
the institution was closed for the remainder of that year, the Principal with his wife
and family remaining in residence, with three paying boarders. Principal Garland died
suddenly at the College on November 4th, 1918.
The College was re-opened in 1919 with Rev. G. T. Marshall as Acting-Principal, and
with only two students in residence. During this year, an approach was made by the
Presbyterian Theological College authorities suggesting the desirability of cooperation in the training of students. In view of recent efforts towards church union, it
is interesting to learn that our own church considered that such co-operation was not
desirable at that time. One cannot but feel that co-operation at that time might have
done much to hasten the union of our two great churches.
A New Principal
In 1920 the Rev. C. H. Laws, B.A., became Principal, and three students went into
residence. During his year of office as President of the Centenary Conference in 1922,
Principal Laws received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Victoria
University, Toronto, Canada. The Rev. H. Ranston, M.A., became Tutor in Languages
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Dunholme Methodist Theological College by Robt. E. Fordyce
and Literature, and in 1922 earned the degree of Doctor of Literature, by examination.
He became Acting-Principal in 1923.
“Dunholme” Front Entrance
At its meeting on May 11th, 1925, the Management Committee recommended to the
church that sanction should be given for the co-operation of the Methodist Church
with other denominations with a view to securing the introduction of a Divinity course
in the curriculum of the University, and the granting of degrees in Divinity. About this
time, it was reported to the committee that Bishop Cleary had presented two of John
Wesley's letters to Dr. Laws, as a mark of personal esteem.
In 1927 two innovations took place affecting the students. In that year, for the first
time, certificates were granted to students setting forth the work they had done while
in the college, and on November 23rd, 1927, the first Dismissal Service was held for
those entering their probationary years. The occupancy of "Dunholme" as the
Methodist Theological College came to an end on December 31st, 1928, and to mark
the occasion a special closing function was held. There were present the Rev. W. J.
Elliott (President of the Conference), Principal Laws, B.A..D.D., Dr. H. Ran&ton,
M.A., the Rev. H. L. Fiebig, B.A., Messrs. A. C. Caughey and J. Tyler were the
principal speakers. It has been reported to me by Dr. Laws, that on the balcony, after
the closing ceremony, Mr. A. C. Caughey was deeply moved.
Closing Days
After ceasing to be used as a college, "Dunholme" was leased as a convalescent home
for elderly ladies, and still later became a boarding-house, ultimately being almost
totally destroyed by fire on February 20th, 1949. In this fire two women unfortunately
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Dunholme Methodist Theological College by Robt. E. Fordyce
lost their lives, in spite of the heroic efforts of Constable D. A. Rowe, who was later
officially rewarded. Fireman L. R. G. Harlen ably assisted Constable Rowe.
“Dunholme” The Annex
"DUNHOLME" Destroyed by fire, February 20th, 1949.
Photo by courtesy of Auckland "Star".
On Wednesday, May 5th, 1950, having to wait a few hours in Auckland, I went to see
the charred remains of "Dunholme," and was fortunate to meet the voluntary
caretaker, a friend of the late Miss Leslie, who for her sake, periodically inspects the
premises. He took me all through the old building, and permitted me to take a piece of
wood from the dining-room as a memento. I understand that it is the present owner's
intention to rebuild the house on a smaller scale, but for "Dunholme" men, the old
building as we knew it, has ceased to be. The annexe with its four studies has been
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Dunholme Methodist Theological College by Robt. E. Fordyce
removed, and the site is now a lawn. Some ex-students will remember the gas-blowing
episodes which took place under this building. The laurel hedge, scene of many a
hedge-tossing tussle, is no more. The kitchen, the scene of many a merry "shout" party
was a depressing sight, as I recalled some of the parties that had been held there. The
narrow staircase with the two studies nearby escaped injury. As a college,
"Dunholme" has served its purpose, and our church has benefited for many years by
the faithful labours of the students trained within its walls.
IN MEMORIAM
This brochure would lie very incornplete unless some worthy tributes were paid to
some to whom "Dunholme" men owe so very much. I refer first of all to
THE LATE MR. A. C. CAUGHEY
(Owner of "Dunholme")
The late Mr A C Caughey.
(Owner of “Dunholme”)
The following tribute was compiled by the Rev. L. R. M. Gilmore. B.A.:
Andrew Clarke Caughey was brought up at Portaferry, Ulster, which he left in
1864 to be apprenticed to the Soft Goods trade in Belfast. Emigrating to New
Zealand in 1879, he became a Wesleyan minister, being stationed first at Paparoa
and then at Pukekohe. Ill-health caused him to resign in 1882 and he entered into
a business partnership with his brother-in-law, thus founding the well-known
Auckland firm of Smith & Caughey.
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As a layman, he served the Methodist Church faithfully, showing a practical
interest in all phases of Christian work. He and his sister (Mrs W. H. Smith)
jointly gave to the Church the property at Mt. Albert which became the first
Methodist Orphanage in the City, and Mr. Caughey acted as treasurer of the
Orphanage Funds for many years.
Mr. Caughey's public benefactions were numerous and generous. He and his wife
vacated their lovely home at Mt. Albert and presented it as a Karitane Home to
the City of Auckland, while the Y.M.C.A., the Y.W.C.A. and the Sunday School
Union, all received generous help at various times.
There can be no doubt, however, that Mr. Caughey's greatest service to New Zealand
Methodism was rendered in the field of theological training. From 1912 to 1928 he
leased "Dunholme" to the Church at a very low rental, and gave many generous
donations to improve the facilities there. The following are typical entries in the
Minutes of the Management Committee:
"Mr. Garland reported that Mr. A. C. Caughey was prepared to lay down an
asphalt tennis court and suggested that we pay the interest on the money
expended." (July 21st, 1914.)
"Owing to the sale of part of the property at "Dunholme," it was necessary to
erect a new wash-house. Mr. Caughey would donate £50 towards the cost." (June
18th, 1925.)
"Additional accommodation. The generous offer by Mr. A. C. Caughey of the
cottage on the "Dunholme" property was reported.
Seven students would be accommodated here. Mr. Caughey had also offered to
put the house into first-class condition." (Dec. 17th, 1925.)
“Dunholme” The Cottage
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When the fund for building Trinity College was founded, Mr. Caughey agreed to act
as treasurer and set a worthy example by an initial gift which exceeded £2000. It had
long been decided by the Church authorities that the honour of officially opening the
College should go to Mr. Caughey, but he was called to Higher Service a few months
before the building was completed.
THE LATE REV. WILLIAM ANDREW SINCLAIR
(The First Acting-Principal)
Mr W A Sinclair
(Acting Principal 1913)
The Rev. W. A. Sinclair's association with "Dunholme" was brief, covering the period
of the transition of the students from College Hill, Ponsonby, to the going into
residence of Principal C. H. Garland, who stated in his report to the Conference of
1913:
"The excellent foundation laid by the Rev. W. A. Sinclair, upon whom fell the
difficulties of initiating the college regime, has made it comparatively easy for
me to take up my new duties."
From the "New Zealand Methodist Times" of February 25th, 1950, I quote the
following:
"At the age of 81 years, the Rev. William Andrew Sinclair passed peacefully to
Higher Service on January 4th, 1950. Born of godly parents in North Canterbury,
he was converted and began to preach at an early age. Accepted by the
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Conference of 1889, he proceeded for training to Three Kings' College, and two
years later was appointed to Hastings. The last two years of his probation were
spent in Tauranga, where a revival took place. Thus began a rich and full
ministry—12 years in City Missions (Dunedin and Auckland); 11 years in other
circuits; one year as Acting-Principal of the Theological College; 14 years as
General Secretary of the Foreign Mission Department; 12 years as the Clerical
Treasurer of that department. He was appointed Secretary of Conference in 1915
and 1916, and in 1917 was elected President.
THE LATE REV. CHARLES HUGHLINGS GARLAND
(The First Principal)
Rev C H Garland
(The first principal)
(A tribute by the Rev. W. T. Blight, B.A., B.D.)
When a leading Presbyterian minister returned from a world tour he was asked, "Who
was the best preacher you heard on your travels?" His reply was: "That Methodist,
Garland, whom I heard in Pitt Street Church just before I sailed." Mr. Garland was a
great preacher. So simple that anyone could follow him; yet all the time he was
dealing with deep and central themes. He was also an evangelistic preacher. At one
time, when stationed at Wanganui, he was engaged in some newspaper
correspondence with an older minister who was accusing him of not being loyal to the
Bible. Yet, throughout those days of intellectual strain, he was seeing frequent
conversions at his Sunday evening services.
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Mr. Garland was powerful in prayer. He used to conduct family prayers every
evening, reading a passage, and then basing his prayer upon some verse or thought
which had specially appealed to him. I well remember the evening when the lesson
told of the wedding at Cana of Gallilee and of the water turned into wine. I wondered
whether there was material here for a prayer, but Mr Garland proceeded to thank God,
Whose Son had transformed the water of life into a rich wine. How much we students
learnt from this man of God, whose meditations in prayer revealed to us the Lord
Himself in the sacred pages of the Bible, and whose strong faith in God found such
glowing expression in his prayers.
Mr. Garland was a true scholar. His wide learning impressed all who lived near to
him. He was able to study with his children as they grew up and be a reliable guide to
them in school and university days. One of the students used deliberately to open up
some subject of interest, at the dining-table, and Mr. Garland would take the cue, and
give us facts and theories and points of view that showed how widely-read he was.
Mr. Garland had a keen sense of humour which often revealed itself. When I was
monitor one week, Mrs. Garland said that I could not have been talking very kindly to
the fowls, because there had been so few eggs. "Hush, hush, my dear," said our
Principal. "We cannot have the students learning foul language in the college."
I give thanks for the great privilege of two years at "Dunholme." A parsonage lad
myself, I saw in Mr. Garland the ideal which has never ceased to influence me. I never
heard him say, or saw him do anything which I felt to be inconsistent with his
profession. He was a great and a humble man.
THE LATE REV. GEORGE THOMAS MARSHALL
(The Second Acting - Principal)
Owing to the death of Principal Garland and also to the fact that only three students
were in residence during 1919, the Rev. G. T. Marshall was appointed ActingPrincipal during the year. The obituary record contained in the Minutes of Conference
1939 is as follows:
"George Thomas Marshall passed away on August 2nd, 1938, at the advanced
age of eighty-five years. In youth he surrendered his life to Christ and the service
of the church. He became a local preacher in England in his twentieth year and
came to New Zealand eight years later. He was accepted as a candidate for the
ministry, and entered Three Kings' College in 1882. After one year at the
institution he was sent out into circuit work. He was appointed in succession to
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some of the most arduous and difficult circuits in the Connexion, where he
served with faithfulness and courage of the highest order. He was a man of
deeply spiritual life. He had an able and active mind which was keen to the last,
and open to the best that it could learn. For several years he rendered valuable
service as Secretary of the Board of Examiners. Some of his finest work was
done during his supernumary years which began in 1916. For one year he acted
as Principal of the Theological College. In 1917 he was appointed General
Treasurer of the Foreign Mission Department, and for 17 years filled that
position with ability and distinction. In all his work he held the confidence of the
church in New Zealand and on the mission field. Amid all the changing
conditions of a long life he kept his faith intact and found the certainties of
religious experience secure to the last. After a brief period of suffering he passed
peacefully into the life that is triumphant. He was buried in Auckland".
STILL WITH US
THE REV. CHARLES HENRY LAWS. B.A. D.D.
(The Second Principal)
(A tribute by Rev. J. D. Grocott, B.A.)
A sprained ankle gave me one of the greatest of privileges, but the sprain was not
mine. It was that of the Rev. Dr. C. H. Laws, Principal of "Dunholme." In 1928
through under-cautious enthusiasm on the tennis-courts he was confined to a couch or
a hobbling stick. But he could not endure isolation. Almost daily he phoned
"Dunholme" for a student to post a letter, or bring a book, or for any other excuse for a
chance to yarn. That year he invited the third year men from time to time to tea at his
home. (He lived then out of college). We took our defences down, and at table
revealed the dark secrets of College, to learn to our enlightenment that the same kind
of dark deeds took place in 1885.
It was in 1885 that C. H. Laws entered Three Kings College A year earlier John
Hobbs, Thomas Buddle and John Warren died. That year James Buller followed, but
the continuity of the Church of Christ was preserved. Theological College was austere
then, but C. H. Laws brought a well-disciplined mind and body and an 'alert intellect
to it. From College he later went to the full work, equipped with a great thirst for
knowledge and a will to witness. Conference in succeeding years called him to every
high office. He gave scholarship, churchmanship and a spiritual tone. His record is
known everywhere.
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Rev C H Laws BA, DD
(Principal from 1920 to closing date)
From 1920-1930 he was the spirit and mind of "Dunholme." Every man of those years
still bears in his soul the marks of C. H. Laws. When any work is carelessly done, his
spirit rebukes us. When we fall to slip-shod thinking his wrath descends. When he
walked into the lecture-room at "Dunholme" frivolity subsided. We wrote books upon
books of notes, but every now and then he said, "Put your pens down." He then
proceeded to try to give to our poor minds something of his magnificent vision. I think
he was at his best in lecturing on the relation between science and religion. It was
topical and fitted well his disciplined, logical thought. He was severe on every lazy
brain. Careless thinking was inexcusable. After one "crit" I decided never to preach
again — and meant it. Next morning on the college lawns, he got into step with me,
and healed my raw wounds, and I've been preaching ever since.
His compassion was beyond all else. After stinging into alertness, he so poured his
understanding and kindness into our lives, that we would have endured the wounds to
receive the compassion. But everything he did had one purpose—that we, poor tools,
might become fitted to do the greatest work that has ever fallen to man's hand. I think
he "studied" us and fitted his attitude to our needs. In that deep meditative way he
brooded over the College in thought and prayer, as One greater than he did over the
disciples who were committed to His charge.
Many well-deserved honours came to him in the course of his career. He was twice
made President of Conference, once by the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and later, by
the Methodist Church of New Zealand. While he was President of the Centenary
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Conference in 1922, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by the
Victoria University, Toronto.
In 1927 Conference partly freed him from duties to raise the funds to build Trinity
Theological College, but he did more: he gave Methodism a theology-consciousness
which continues to grow. To the "Dunholme" men he not only gave a theologyconsciousness, but also a faith able to stand up to all the tensions of this age of iron
curtains.
REV. HARRY RANSTON. M.A.. Lift D.
(The Third Acting-Principal)
(A tribute by the Rev. E. C. Leadley)
A young Yorkshireman entered Hartley Theological College, Manchester, in 1900.
His name was Harry Ranston. He must have been like most other "theologs,"
immature, but keen, with the call of God in his heart. He developed into a good
preacher, a faithful pastor, and a fine scholar. He read the original Hebrew and Greek
of the Scriptures before breakfast. He was the author of two scholarly books: "The Old
Testament Wisdom Books and Their Teaching" and "Ecclesiastes and the Early Greek
Wisdom Literature." He well merited the decrees of M.A. and Litt. D.
Rev H Ranston MA
(Tutor from 1922 to closing date)
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It was our privilege as "Dunholme" students to sit under Dr. Ranston. We loved him.
Short, stocky, kindly, with a dry humour and a big heart. We will never forget him. He
looked with (partial) blindness on our escapades: made Greek as cheerful as possible;
and convulsed us at times with Old Testament exegesis (Isaiah 16 :11). He brought us
through our training equipped for the job, more certain of our call. "Rannie," "Doc," a
thousand thanks for your brotherly love and kindly spirit and reverent scholarship. We
will ever cherish vour memory.
No appreciation of the Doctor would be complete without reference to his good wife.
Mrs. Ranston had charge of a large and often turbulent family, but she gave it wise
and loving care. Towards the end of "Dunholme's" life she had a hard task. With
maids who did not stay long, and a stove which was of little use, and a Committee
which naturally did not wish to spend money on property soon to be vacated for
Trinity College, her task was not an enviable one. But she made "Dunholme" a real
home, a place so dear, that when in later years I stood by its blackened ruins, I felt a
great sorrow and was near to tears.
THE COLLEGE MATRONS
I feel sure that it would be the wish of every "Dunholme" man that a worthy tribute
should be paid to the memories of that noble company of ladies, the ministers' wives,
who cared for us in such motherly ways during our student days. We think with
gratitude and respect of Mesdames W. A. Sinclair, C. H. Garland, G. T. Marshall, C.
H. Laws and H. Ranston. Each of these ladies, in her own way, supported her husband
in his responsible duties in the College and created a happy family atmosphere, which
made college life much pleasanter than it otherwise might have been.
TUTORS
Much could and ought to lie written about the succession of able men who at various
times helped in the training of "Dunholme" men by their efficient work as visitingtutors. Space will only permit of the mention of their honoured names. I hope I have
not inadvertently missed any name. The visiting-tutors were:
The late Revs. A. B. Chappell, M.A., F.R.E.S., Dip. Jour., P. N, Knight, B.A., J.
A. Lochore, E. Drake
The Revs W. A. Burley, M.A.; W. G. Slade, M.A.; E. T. Cox, M.A.; C. H. Olds,
H.A.; H. Ranston. M.A., Litt. D.
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Dunholme Methodist Theological College by Robt. E. Fordyce
Messrs. W. E. Burley, B.A.; J. Dinneen, B.A.; D. Watt, B.A.; A. W. Short, R.A.;
C. R. Laws, M.Sc.; G. P. O'Shannassy, Ph.D.; F. Payne, and T. Harris.
THE HONORARY MEDICAL STAFF
The Minutes of Conference for the years 1913-1929 show that the following members
of the Medical Profession generously gave their professional services to the students
at various times. I regret that I have been unable to ascertain the correct initials and
degrees of most of these gentlemen. The best thanks of both staff and students are due
to them. Their names are: Drs. Somerville, McDowell, Fairclough, McMaster and L.
Thompson.
On the whole, the health of the students throughout the years was good, but, as was to
be expected, there were occasions when professional attention was necessary. This
was always promptly and generously given.
FOR KING AND COUNTRY
WORLD WAR I.
When the Great War broke out in 1914 "Dunholme" residents' in common with other
young men, answered the call from their King and Country. Those who thus served
were :
Messrs. A. A. Bensley, W. T. Blight, O. Burnett, E. B. Chambers A. R. Gordon,
M.A., F. T. Harris, H. H. Marshall, S. J. Mogridge , H. J. Odell, E. T. Olds, G. B.
Sheridan, W. S. Smith, R. B. Spiers, E. R. Warburton and W. A. Watson.
ROLL OF HONOUR
George B. Sheridan was killed in action in the Battle of the Somme on September
15th, 1916. Aldwyn R. Gordon, M.A., died of wounds in France on August 26th,
1918.
WORLD WAR II.
The 1946 Minutes of Conference contain the names of the following "Dunholme" men
who served as chaplains, either at home or overseas -The Revs. J. H. Bailey, F. G.
Brown, T. H. Carr, J. C. Draper, H. H Jeffries, and J. Wesley Parker.
The Rev. A. W. E. Silvester for services rendered to the American Forces in the
Solomon Islands was awarded an American decoration.
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Dunholme Methodist Theological College by Robt. E. Fordyce
CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF STUDENTS (1912-1928)
In compiling this complete list of "Dunholme" men I have decided to make it
chronological rather than alphabetical, and to include all who have been students,
although some have not continued in the ministry. A total of 78 men were at various
times and for longer or shorter periods students in "Dunholme." Of these 50 are in the
active ministry at the time of writing. Five former students are known to be dead. A
few are in the ministries of other churches, and the remainder withdrew from the work
at various stages in their careers.
1912.
Messrs. A. A. Bensley, O. Burnett, F. T. Harris, G. B. Hinton, H. H. Marshall, A.
J. L. Minifie, W. S. Neal, H. J. Odell, R. B. Spiers, W. A. Watson, S. J. Werren.
1913.
Messrs. A. R. Gordon, B.A., S. J. Mogridge, E. T Olds, E. E. Sage, G. B.
Sheridan, W. G. Slade.
1914.
Messrs. G. E. Brown, C. H. Kendon. W. S. Smith.
1915.
Messrs. W. T. Blight, J. Dennis, R. E. Fordyce, A.A., F. J. Parker, E. R.
Warburton.
1916.
Messrs. E. B. Chambers, A. M. Costain, W. H. Hocking, G. W. Jackson.
1917 and 1918.
No new students were received in these years.
1919.
Messrs. L. A. G. Brooks, T. H. Burton, M. Tauroa.
1920.
Messrs. A. F. Attwood, H. Benny, E. W. Hames.
1921.
Messrs. J. H. Bailey, E. H. Brooker, H. G. Brown, H. L. Fiebig.
1922.
Mr. G. R. H. Peterson.
1923.
Messrs. F. G. Brown, J. H. Hall, G. R. Harris, C. R. Taylor, A. H. Voyce.
1924.
Messrs. B. R. Hames, N. P. Larsen, E. J. W. Paulger, A. R. Penn, I. M. Raynor,
A. W. E. Silvester and H. V. Utting.
1925.
Messrs J. D. Grocott, C. O. Hailwood, F. J. Handy, F. H. Hayman, H. H. Jeffries
and R. H. Miles.
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1926.
Messrs. C. E. Dickens, H. Fallows, N. R. Gutry, H. W. Hitchcock, L. C.
Horwood, A. T. Kent, G. I. Laurenson. H. Noble, Walter Parker.
1927.
Messrs. J. M. Blight, W. J. Court, J. C. Draper, E. C. Leadley, M. A. McDowell,
J. Wesley Parker, W. Gordon Parker.
1928.
Messrs. G. R. Bowden, T. H. Carr, W. E. Moore, H. W. Payne and D. O.
Williams.
THE COLLEGE DEVOTIONAL LIFE
Morning prayers were conducted in the common-room by the students in rotation, the
Principal or the Senior Student conducting the evening devotions. In addition to these
two seasons of prayer and the students' private devotions, and the weekly prayer
meeting, the personnel of the College was divided into several mutually-arranged
groups which met each morning for prayer. Members of these groups took turns as
leaders suggesting passages of Scripture to be read and themes for special prayer.
Here is one which I have kept in my college Bible since 1915: 1 Kings, 9 : 1-13, "That
we may feel the earnestness of life."
SOME HONOURED "DUNHOLME" MEN
Up to the present five "Dunholme" men have attained to the Presidential Chair. They
are in order of appointment: The Revs. W. T. Blight, B.A., B.D, W. G. Slade, M.A.,
D.D., E. T. Olds, H. J. Odell and E. W. Hames, M.A (Principal of Trinity Theological
College). The Rev. G. I. Laurenson (General Superintendent of Home and Maori
Missions) is the President-Elect for 1952. The Revs. W. G. Slade. M A., D.D., and H.
L. Fiebig, B.A., have served the Connexion as most efficient Secretaries of the
Conference.
A number of other "Dunholme" men have filled important positions in the life and
work of the Church, and each according to his abilities and opportunities has sought to
be faithful in the service of God, by being faithful in the service of his day and
generation. May they long continue so to serve.
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Dunholme Methodist Theological College by Robt. E. Fordyce
SPORT
The limited personnel of the College did not always make it possible for teams to take
part in athletic contests, but whenever possible "Dunholme" fielded a hockey team,
and on one occasion won the Bernecker Cup, which was at that time, the third grade
trophy. On another occasion the College team defeated an Auckland representative
team in a friendly game. A set of boxing gloves were also frequently used in friendly
encounters.
REMINISCENCES
Students at "Dunholme" during the late Principal Garland's term there will remember
that Mr. Jack Garland used to share their experiences both grave and gay. He has
supplied me with some of his recollections of those days. The grace, "Be present at
our table, Lord " was sung to a variety of tunes, the singing being led by the precentor
who sometimes chose tunes which would not fit the words, with the result that the
singers were left with a few notes or words to spare.
During an epidemic of measles, as a preventative, each student was supplied with a
little bag of camphor, to hang around his neck. One 'wag" in the company tied a bag of
camphor around the cat's neck. It is doubted whether the cat was ever seen around the
College again.
A maid, very willing, but not a mental giant, one day informed a student that someone
had called him on the telephone during his absence. "Mr...." she said; "someone rang
up for you. I didn't catch his name, and I didn't ask his number, but he wants you to
ring him up."
At one period there was a student who would persist in talking about people "laying in
bed." Several times he was corrected about this, but still used the expression. One
morning, having remarked “Hullo,— laying in bed again," the accused protested his
innocence. Another student, having heard the conversation, put his hand under the
sheets and produced a china egg, remarking, "It's quite true this tune that you've been
laying in bed." The incorrect expression was not repeated.
During a few years, a stuffed lizard was used in connection with the initiation
ceremony held annually for the freshmen. This creature received the name "Dinkum,"
and is sure to be referred to whenever students of certain years meet. The escapades in
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Dunholme Methodist Theological College by Robt. E. Fordyce
which "Dinkum" figured are known only to the select initiated few. "Dinkum" still
exists, but is not used now by the men of Trinity.
Now my labour-of-love is finished. I trust it will prove to be acceptable to all
"Dunholme" men and be received with appreciation by those who were not privileged
to reside within our College walls.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To have been invited by the Wesley Historical Society (New Zealand Branch) to write
this brief history of " Dunholme," Methodist Theological College, was to be asked to
perform a labour-of-love, for in common with other " Dunholme " men, I cherish most
happy memories of the period spent there. This period was all too short owing to
World War I, yet to have spent even one year under the able tuition of such a scholar
and man of God as the late Principal Garland was to have enjoyed an inestimable
privilege, for which I have always since been thankful.
My cordial thanks are due to Principal E. W. Hames, M.A., for making available the
Minutes of the College Council for the period during which "Dunholme" was used as
a college.
I also desire to thank the Rev. L. R. M. Gilmore, B.A., for his suggestions, and the
Revs. W. T. Blight, B.A., B.D, J. D. Grocott, B.A., and E. C. Leadley for their
assistance in the production of this brochure.
ROBT. E. FORDYCE –
Paeroa, N.Z.
February, 1951
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