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- . / AM. w<TJql □ [\ \ \ \ I \ \ \\ // [KRO CHIPS 'J_ Vtnh IL WlShEPPARTON1909-1984 ';;r &1 HK1 ■? 'S % V ------ To MICRO a former school principal — after a lifetime in education — writes a history of a country high school, the result might be a learned tome rather weighty with historical detail and of limited appeal. Ron Michael has deftly avoided such traps. In this fascinating book, he has revealed the soul of the school. It is a book about the endeavours and achievements of teachers, stu­ dents and friends of Shepparton High School through challenging times; mere buildings have been kept in their proper perspective. A wealth of anecdotes and gener­ ous illustrations will delight those who learned and taught there; the author’s views on 75 years of educa­ tion policy in practice also provide a unique perspective for educationists. Mr Michael discusses the impact of computer technology and makes some stimulating observations on current issues in education and the administration of schools. This elegant book will be valued by all people interested in education. g The High School Shepparton 1909-1984 k L=r ' A From Mr Chips to Micro-Chips ISBN O 9596128 1 5 First published in Australia 1984 by Waterwheel Press Pty. Ltd. 159 High Street, Shepparton, Victoria 3630, Australia. Printed by Kok wah Press (Pte.) Ltd. Singapore. Design and Layout, Paul Custance. Cover Photography, Peter Hendrie. From y Mr Chips to Micro-Chips pp (if 1 THE HIGH SCHOOL SHEPPARTON 1909-1984 1 — Contents __ ____________________ 7_______________________ ___________ Acknowledgements 9 ___________ Foreword 11 ___ ______________ Introduction__________________ The Formative Years 1909-1929 ____________________________ 15____________________________ __________________ Chapter I: Early Days___________________ ____________________________19____________________________ ________ Chapter II: “Free, Compulsory and Secular"_________ ___________________________ 23____________________________ _________ Chapter III: The Agricultural High School_________ 33 _____________ Chapter IV: Traditions Established_____________ ___________________________ 39____________________________ ______________ Chapter V: On Depression Eve_______________ The Dual Campus Years 1930-1961 45 _____________ Chapter VI: Depression and War______________ ___________________________ 55____________________________ _____________ Chapter VII: Post-War Expansion______________ ___________________________ 61____________________________ i _______________ Chapter VIII: More Tradition________________ ___________________________ 77____________________________ _________________ Chapter IX: Profile 1961__________________ The Changing Years 1962-1984 83 ~ ____________ Chapter X: The Politics of Change_____________ 95 Chapter XI: Tradition versus Change 111 _________________ Chapter XII: The Product 127 ~ ~ I ____________ Chapter XIII: “Nineteen Eighty-Four"____________ ___________________________ 133____________________________ ________________ Chapter XIV: Towards 2009________________ Appendices 137 _______ Appendix I: Chronological Synopsis 1909-84_________ 152 Appendix II: Personnel 1909 152 ~ Appendix III: Presidents and Principals 152 Appendix IV: Mothers’ Auxiliary 153 ~ Appendix V: Chaplaincy, O.S.A., Cadet Unit, Buses 153 Appendix VI: Memorial Gates 153 Appendix VII: Prefects, School Captains, Dux, Premier House ___________________________ 154___________________________ Appendix VIII: Rotary Exchange _________________________ 155___________________________ Appendix IX: General Excellence 155 ~ Appendix X: Personnel and Students 1984 ____________________________159___________________________ Bibliography —5— Acknowledgements w hen Jon Tol invited me to research the history of Shepparton High School for its 75th anniversary he also made available the resources Advice, access and assistance have come from many sources. Ross McPherson and the Sheppar­ ton “News” have been most co-operative with of the school. From all levels I have received the particular assistance coming from Doug Rogers, utmost co-operation and assistance for which I am Jill Nightingale, Steve Hynes and others too, in most grateful. the front office and behind the scenes. Myrtle Ford Librarian, Sue Nankervis, and her staff and has made available resources of the Shepparton Bursar, Fay Reid, Mary Damianopoulos and the Historical Society and from her own knowledge of Office Staff generally deserve particular thanks as Shepparton High School made valuable com­ they have made available an almost complete set ments. Joan Benson has generously given her of records. It has given me much satisfaction to time and expertise to edit the manuscript and her document these records for preservation. constructive comments have been much appreci­ Jeff Lugg, a senior teacher of history, has not ated. only carried out time-consuming research but has During the past six months many ex-students also read my rough drafts, made many construc­ and others closely associated with the history of tive suggestions and generally acted as a sound­ the school have willingly been interviewed and ing board. With great patience he has also sought offered assistance and encouragement. It is my out many of the photographs and illustrations regret that the deadline for publication does not included in the final text and in this capacity has permit a more intensive probing into the school’s received assistance from numerous persons. history. My wife Helen has not only given enormous encouragement; but has also been most caring and tolerant. For several months a section of our home has resembled a research library. I feel greatly honoured that the Foreword has been written by such a distinguished ex-student as Sir Ian McLennan. It is with gratitude too, that I acknowledge the fact that the Council of Sheppar­ ton High School through its President Mr. Errol Wallace, himself a former Senior Prefect in 1941, has accepted the responsibility for the project. Finally, I must acknowledge the co-operation of Paul Custance who has arranged the material for the printer. He is solely responsible for the art direction in the book and design of the cover. Despite its shortcomings I hope the book will provide a record of some value for the school and that it will be read by students and staff new to the school and not just by ex-students and ex-staff. I The stenographic expertise of Mariam Fifoot say this advisedly as in retrospect I wish I had has enabled my rough tape recordings to emerge known years ago what I now know from the as a manuscript which after my many alterations benefit of the research. To carry out this research she has retyped for the printer. Without her however has given me great satisfaction and I assistance, skill and patience, the manuscript deeply value the co-operation I have received at could not have been prepared and I am indeed all levels. grateful. Ron Michael —7— Foreword By Sir Ian McLennan T'he Shepparton High School has a special educational institutions can lay claim to such a place in my affections and I was, therefore, steady stream of influential people as that cata­ greatly pleased and honoured when Mr. Michael logued by Mr. Michael. There are soldiers, air­ asked me to write this Foreword to his book. men, doctors, lawyers, engineers, businessmen, It was called the Shepparton Agricultural High and many others School when I attended it from 1922 to 1924, and I Secondly, it tells of the men who led the school still have my notebook with its cuttings depicting through its various years of development and Clydesdale horses, merino sheep, stump-jump achievement. The two I remember best are “Boss” plows, and so on. Callister, a truly great Headmaster, and A. G. Daws, a great man who went on to bigger and better things in the educational field. It is fitting that their story, and the story of other great teachers, should be permanently recorded. Thirdly, it shows clearly what a fine character­ O' ^4 building institution the school has been. I knew personally, in his latter years, Roy Clydesdale who was the first Captain of the School and, in *** according to Mr. Michael, the one who suggested that great motto “Labour Conquers All”. I like to think that this motto “rubs off’ on the students. I am sure it did on me, and I owe a very great deal to |: not only the education but also the character training I received at Shepparton. I Jnbmm*/ .r The book has been very carefully researched jL Ji and is, of course, a labour of love. It will be sought after by past and present students, but it also addresses a wider audience. It will be of much interest to all who are involved in secondary J? education, whether as parents, as teachers, or as administrators. I congratulate Mr. Michael on a fine achieve­ **■ ment, and heartily commend his book. Sir Ian McLennan A Sir Ian Munro MCLENNAN K.C.M.G., K.B.E, B.E.E. (Melb.) Mr. Michael’s book serves several purposes. I Firstly, it brings out the great benefits that not only the Shepparton area but also the State and indeed Australia have derived from the High School. These have undoubtedly exceeded the fondest hopes of its founders. Very few country —9— Introduction Shepparton High School began in 1909 as eminent and non-Government schools in this Shepparton Agricultural High School and as such state. was one of 10 Agricultural High Schools estab­ Shepparton High School has retained a strong lished in Victoria between 1907 and 1912. In the academic thrust but now shares the responsibility chapters which follow the general theme which for secondary education in this district with emerges is that, despite its agricultural origins, Wanganui Park High School, Mooroopna High emphasis has always been towards academic School, Shepparton Technical School, Sheppar­ studies. ton South Technical School, Shepparton College During the formative years prior to moving to of T.A.F.E., Notre Dame College (formerly St. the Verney Road site in 1929 many traditions were Colman’s College and Sacred Heart College) and laid which appear to have been based on the the Goulburn Valley Grammar School. tenets of traditional secondary education as char­ In the following chapters an attempt has been acterized by the legendary Mr. Chips. The Agri­ made to examine the role of Shepparton High cultural courses as such did not long survive, School in a community whose population num­ being replaced by Agricultural Science as a single bered about 3000 in 1909 and in 75 years has subject based on University prescriptions and grown to nearly 25,000 in the city of Shepparton without a large practical component. Although along with many thousands more in the hinter­ the farm lingered for some years eventually the land. This school has grown from 33 students in word “agricultural” was to be dropped from the 1909 to 1126 in 1974 and approximately 1000 in school’s name. Already significant numbers of 1984. Socially it has felt the impact of world war, students were gaining access to the professions depression, world war again, immigration and and the school itself earning a reputation for more recently the permissive age. Educationally it sound scholarship. was bom in the Mr. Chips era and has proceeded The 32 years which followed must have been through the ball point pen revolution into the extremely difficult for successive administrations post-sputnik era and is now adjusting to the as buildings at both Fryers Street and Verney impact of the micro-chip and digital culture. Road were necessary to cater for the school During this time some thousands of students have population. Early in this period course diversifica­ gained their secondary education in the school tion to meet community needs occurred with the where Labour Conquers All and many of them, further development of Commercial, Technical men and women, have made major contributions and Domestic Arts courses. The establishment of to local, national and world society. bus services from the mid-1940s brought a rapid This short history has been researched and growth in school populations, and consequent written largely during the latter half of 1983 and is overcrowding at the Shepparton High School. The perhaps concerned more with themes than with establishment of Shepparton Technical School in individuals, the latter being mentioned where they 1953 and Shepparton Girls’ Secondary School in seem relevant to the theme. Inevitably people who 1960 eased the problem to some extent and have made major contributions to the develop­ enabled establishment of facilities to perhaps ment of Shepparton High School may have been more adequately cater for student needs in Tech­ overlooked for which the author apologizes. nical and Domestic Arts subjects. Should information become available about ex­ Further extensions to the buildings on the students as a consequence of publication of this Verney Road site enabled the school from 1961 to book and the 75th anniversary celebrations then operate on a single campus. Since that date there the author would be pleased to document such have been further extensions and the school can material so that it can be included in any future now boast academic and sporting facilities of a publication. standard commensurate with those of most Gov- — 11 — The Formative Years •> i 1909 -1929 — 13 — The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 CHAPTER I Early Days Hawdon and Bonney MacGuire’s Punt Sherbourne Sheppard and Tallygaroopna Land Selection A Shire Council Shepparton by 1910 Closer Settlement Shepparton High School is situated on what Guire’s Punt on what is now the south-west was once part of Verney Road but since 1969 has corner of High and Welsford Streets. It was been called Hawdon Street. Joseph Hawdon and purchased from MacGuire by John K. Hill in 1853. his young manager Charles Bonney and their An advertisement which appeared in the “Mel­ party of nine were the first white men to pass bourne Morning Herald” 12th August 1853 in­ through the area. This they did after leaving cluded the following statement: Hawdon’s Station at Howlong in January 1838 to “Parties proceeding by this road will find the drive 340 head of cattle to the new colony in South crossing place much improved, a road like a Australia. On the advice of pioneer explorer bowling green, good accommodation, a well Major Mitchell they had crossed the Broken River stocked store, capital food for their cattle, a at its junction with the Goulburn. In 1930 a first rate glass of grog, and the strictest memorial cairn was erected at the intersection of attention to their wants.” Sobraon and Welsford Streets at the original site Sherbourne Sheppard, an Irishman who arrived where Hawdon and Bonney had camped on that in Australia in 1841, had acquired the Tallygar- epic journey. oopna run from Edward Khull in 1843. On the But for the acquisition of Tallygaroopna Station advice of friends, among them Albert Le Soueff, by Sherbourne Sheppard in 1855 this study could he headed for the Goulbum area and took up the well have been the history of MacGuire’s Punt Tallygaroopna run which had recently been aban­ High School. Patrick MacGuire had established a doned by Edward Khull. He returned to England punt to ferry gold miners and others across the in 1851 but remained longer than he had original­ Goulbum following the gold fever which com­ ly intended. On his return to Australia he experi­ menced in the early 1850’s and the resultant enced problems in securing tenure of the property movement of people between Central Victoria and the North-East. The first building in Shepparton, ▼ Joseph Hawdon and Charles Bonney, the first overlanders to pass the Emu Bush Inn, was built adjacent to Mac- through Shepparton in January 1838. COURTESY SHEPPARTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY — 15 — The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 f.'JI J AMacGuires Punt painted by Jean Von Guerard (1811-1907) an Austrian who arrived in Australia in 1853. Tom Roberts and Fred McCubbin were two of his famous students. stralian history but also, it would seem, with the very powerful one capable of exerting appropriate history of the Shepparton High School to which political pressure. reference will later be made. According to Raymond West, the population Although originally part of Echuca Shire, the had reached 2000 by Federation in 1901 and by eastern part of this vast area seceded and in May 1910 it was about 3000. In his booklet “Prosperous 1879 became the Shire of Shepparton. In “Shep­ and Progressive Shepparton”, J. Edward Robert­ parton Shire Reflections 1879 to 1979” Sue Wal­ son introduced “the more progressive men of lace clearly shows that there was keen rivalry Shepparton” in 1910 and described Shepparton as between Echuca and Shepparton in the events “a great agricultural business and implement which followed. Though not quite like Sherbourne centre of the Goulbum Valley District, Victoria”. Sheppard repossessing his Station headquarters, From him we also learn that Shepparton, four Shepparton Shire councillors in 1879 staged a hours’ journey by rail from Melbourne, was the minor coup to re-possess the town’s public hall. major business centre between Seymour and Further division occurred between Numurkah in Cobram. As well as the Furphy foundry the town the north and Shepparton in the south, with the could boast machinery suppliers, a brewery, a southern part becoming known as the Shire of cordial factory, a soap factory, a butter co­ Shepparton in 1886. It is a fact worth bearing in operative, coach builders, blacksmiths, stock and mind that the successful candidates in the first station agents, general stores, hotels, churches, shire elections were all from the land. One won­ banks, sporting facilities and schools. Of educa­ ders if there is a connection with the establish­ tion he had this to say ment of agricultural high schools in various parts “the Agricultural High School of Shepparton of Victoria as quite clearly the rural faction was a with all its appliances will well repay inspec- — 17 — ■phe Formative Years 1909- 1929 hardlv have realised the two organizations would . A E Watson who eventually occupy adjacent premises. . The Principal is Mr. A- E- an(J b00k- One of the progressive men of Shepparton was Mr J D Mitchell, a contractor and builder i„ iqi4 he became a member of the Legislative ZShl, olthe Assembly and held the seat until 1920. He Was Shire President on two occasions, 1913 and 1927 L President of the Shepparton High School Advisory Council from 1923-43. To arrive in Shepparton late in 1910 was one Church, Knight Street William Thomas Lightfoot, a painter and decora­ cient management Shepparton be- tor who had migrated from England. He went first An important development in PP shep. to Woomelang but a few weeks later settled gan in 1910 When irn^U°n Bfver The 3200 acre nermanently in Shepparton. His son Herbert parton side of the Goulburn know as Grahamvale Frank. William was born at Chiddingfold, Surrey area of No. 1 SettlemJon George Graham, M.L.A- the previous year, 1909, the year incidentally in and named after Hom Georg^^^ t which Shepparton Agricultural High School was was that year sub-dvideo t .n 2 and hnrn H F (Bert) Lightfoot began an association No. 2 Settlement Orrva^ , 1918. By the end with Shepparton High School in 1920 which was No. 3 Settlement at Lemn preserving to Drove continuous. Both J. D. Mitchell andH.F. of the ^cade the Shepparton q{ Rs Lightfoot will be mentioned again as the story of Shepparton High School unfolds. ■ He couth fg> £§> Sb Prosperous and Progressive - Shepparton. = Jnirodueing the Progressive Men of Shepparto xx xxxx xxx 37ie great j/gricultural aqd Jmpletnenf Cetjfrc oj the goutburn Valley district, Victoria. Illustrated throughout. ------------- Corn p±led ?nd Published by J. ED WAR D RQLuRTSpN. A Shepparton in 1910. — 18 — The Formative Years 1909 -1929 CHAPTER II 66 Free, Compulsory and Secular” The Education Act 1872 The First Primary School Private and Church Schools The Finke Commission The Education Act 1901 Frank Tate X he history of education in Shepparton, which encompasses primary, secondary, technic­ however, can be traced back to 1875 when the first al and further education through Shepparton primary school opened on January 1st of that State School, Shepparton Agricultural High year. Like so many of its latter day counterparts it School, Shepparton Technical School, Sheppar- opened in temporary accommodation which in this case was the United Free Methodist Church, a COURTESY‘THOSE WERE THE DAYS” weatherboard building in Welsford Street. This would have been a direct result of the Education Act of 1872 which introduced the concept of “free, compulsory and secular education”, meaning that education would be compulsory for ages 6-14, that there would be no tuition fees and that education would be free of religious influence. According to W. S. James, in his history of Shepparton, the first teacher was “a Miss Maria Crimp, a lady so small in stature that some of her scholars could have picked her up and carried her with ease, yet she was quite capable of maintaining discipline.” Despairing disciplinarians today might echo the words of Raymond West — “Those Were The '. -15 Days”. COURTESY SHEPPARTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY ? -j A Ruins of Hasset's School, Wahring. ife, ../•• ton Girls’ Secondary School, Audio-Visual Educa­ tion Centre, Promotion of Adult Continuing Education, Jackson College and now the College ‘ of Technical and Further Education. This develop­ ment will be examined in later chapters. From “Vision and Realization — A Centenary History of State Education in Victoria” we learn that J. H. Betheras M. A. was appointed District Inspector Shepparton in 1900. He undertook “the first elaborate excursion in the State with his journey school. 70 boys from Goulburn Valley ■ ‘:’U Schools met at Shepparton to travel in wagons U A:"-- and traps or on horse-back; each carried a rug or a Shepparton State School, Fryers Street, 1883. blanket, a towel, brush and soap as well as notebook and pencil. The boys journeyed to Dookie College, to Chateau Dookie Vineyard, to a A pioneer businessman in Shepparton, Mr A. F. model dairy farm and to the hill country. At each Rowe, who had 9 children, was a driving force in place Betheras had experts ready to talk to the Shepparton’s gaining its first Government school boys; among his speakers were Francois Castella building erected later in the 1870s. This site in and the Minister of Public Instruction, William Fryers Street has had a continuous development Gunn.” — 19 — The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 It was, however, private and church schools touched by^eitheMhe refusal of the squatt^J’ which were to pioneer secondary education in the district. The ruins of Hasset’s School at Wahring can still be seen. Established in 1885, it was in fact frontier” encouraged by a dual system of national the first secondary school in the Goulburn Valley. and denominational School Boards. The debate In 1889 Patrick Hasset moved to Shepparton and this issue was at least partially resolved in opened his “University College” but in 1904 he ?he Education Act of 1872 introduced into the again moved, this time to Prahran, where he t PPislative Assembly by J. W. Stephenson which founded Hasset’s Business College. tffpctively introduced “free, compulsory and Catholic education began with St. Brendan’s Ocular education”. This act then placed primary Primary School in 1891 and Sacred Heart College education (years 6 to 14) under state control and in 1902, the latter commencing with 25 students. A ® as welcomed by the “Age” newspaper as a “just Church of England Grammar School was opened in 1904 with classes being held in the former St and moderate measure”. J. J. Pledger in "Secular- Augustine’s Parish Hall (later to be the R.S.L. hall) btm in Victorian Education 1855-72” says that in High Street. This school survived only until “once Parliament had accepted the principle of 1909, the year incidentally that Shepparton Agri­ -tate control however the question of religious education in public schools became a burning cultural High School began. issue.” Shepparton being a comparatively later de­ velopment (there were only 33 people in (the COURTESY "THOSE WERE THE DAYS' — 20 — Ine Formative Years 1909 - 1929 y 0 r, il il COURTESY GLADYS PRICE. :e n ie ;h id ■y VICTORIA. .vdltiOi) I id st 15 at 511 EDUCATION DEPARTM ENT. of Us '71 (Eertiffcate nf a (Ehilb being sufficient!}) (Ebucafcb. ■Xof £ Im-cbtj tertifn that //d//-a h. £ ..J " i B has been educated uj> io the standard of education required, by | “ The Education Act 1872/' Dated at /this.. . -■............ . .... I8./L Of. 1 >1 *d 1 ▲Certificate issued 1890. This, then, was the educational climate which of land selection, railway development and the Shepparton inherited, secular denomination at advent of newspapers, Mechanics Institutes and primary level but beyond that denominational libraries, all in the aftermatch of the gold rushes in control either by a Protestant or Roman Catholic a period of “colonial particularism”. In his book church. In older and more populous provincial “Life in the Country”, Michael Connor develops centres such as Ballarat already these secondary the “liberal ethos” theme and asserts that this was schools were established. In “Duty Always — A a form of self-improvement typical of many History of the Ballarat High School 1907-1982” country towns. In the wake of this boom, however, written by Phil Roberts, we learn “that Ballarat came strikes, lock outs and depression and in the College had begun in 1864 under the guidance of resultant review, education was not without its the Presbyterian church ... Grenville College had critics. Encouraged by such influential personali­ been founded in 1860 for Wesleyan children ... in ties as David Syme through the “Age” newspaper, 1893 the Christian Brothers took over the man­ and Alfred Deakin in the Legislative Assembly, a agement of a Roman Catholic secondary school Royal Commission was set up under Theodore which they named St Patricks.” In the Goulburn Finke to enquire into Victoria’s education system. cto'1' In Parliament on 6th December 1898, Deakin had Valley the small population did not support any comparable development. described the Victorian education system as The decades of the 1870s and 1880s in Victoria being “in the lowest rank”. The Education Act of saw significant developments through the effects 1901 was a direct result of the Finke Commission — 21 — ___ The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 “Our educational history of late years has and enabled the appointment of the first Director been a succession of up-building and des­ of Education, Mr. Frank Tate (in 1902), who for truction with constant changes of policy more than 20 years was to have a profound effect justified at the time in the name of economy on state education in Victoria. The Act also and railed at a few years later as extrava­ provided for the establishment of Continuation gance of the worst kind. The different grades Schools which were to grant opportunities for of Victorian education are quite unorganized selected students perhaps from poorer class and there is a consequent educational waste homes to further their education, many of whom and inefficiency in the system as a whole." might eventually enter primary teaching. It was Between 1905 when Melbourne High School not the intention of the Act to offer competition to was founded and 1912, no fewer than 20 Govern­ the established denominational church secondary ment secondary schools were established includ­ schools. However, Tate proved to be a skilled ing 10 Agricultural High Schools. Shepparton was negotiator and despite his earlier comments and one such area where a powerful rural lobby was despite strong opposition from members of parlia­ able to win Government support which resulted in ment who had themselves attended denomina­ the establishment of the Shepparton Agricultural tional schools, he was soon stressing the need for High School in 1909. Government secondary schools. In his 1904 report Tate wrote r a Mr Frank Tate, first Director of Education. — 22 — 1 9 The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 CHAPTER III The Agricultural High School Conditions for Establishment Sutherland and Watson The Official Opening The First Years The First Extensions Problems on the Farm The Verney Road Building Courses to 1929 O n the invitation of the local lobby led by Progress Association, the Teachers’ Association, solicitor, John Sutherland, Director of Education, the Working Men’s Club and the Australian Frank Tate accompanied by Mr. P. M. Carew- Natives Association. The “liberal ethos” referred Smythe, visited Shepparton in 1907. At a meeting to by Connor was obviously evident in Shep­ in the Presbyterian Hall on the 1st March, with parton. Sutherland as Chairman, they together outlined The minutes of the Shire of Shepparton, 27th the conditions under which the Government May, 1907, record that it was moved by Cr. Green, would support an Agricultural High School for seconded by Cr. Nase “that £50 be voted from Shepparton. Basically the residents would have to Shire funds towards the establishment of an find £750, being half the estimated cost of a Agricultural High School in Shepparton and each building, land for a farm and to be able to Riding to contribute £12.10s. to make up this total, guarantee 50 students. At a subsequent meeting the grant to be made subject to it being legal to on the 25th March, held in the Shepparton Shire vote the sum”. By June £500 had been subscribed, hall, a motion of support was carried and a the Shepparton Agricultural Society had prom­ Finance Committee was formed. This meeting ised £100 and prominent landowner, Mr. William was attended by representatives of the Shire of Orr, who owned Wanganui estate, also £100. The Shepparton and representatives of other influen­ offer of 15 acres was received from J. Furphy & tial groups including the Agricultural Society, the Sons on condition that the school be established on that land. This, however, did not meet with the approval of the Education Department which wanted the school building adjacent to the Fryers HW- St. primary school for administrative reasons and the farm as a separate unit. In November 1907 the Education Department gave provisional accept­ ance for the project to commence reducing the local input of £750 to £500 and also requiring an assurance that land for a farm would be forth­ coming. Provision of the land was not secured until shortly after the school had been launched. A i <■<' I School Advisory Council minute of the 20th May, 1909 records “that the Government be asked to grant 50 acres for experimental purposes in the south­ east corner of allotment 57A1, 20 acres to be paid for as promised and 30 acres to be given free”. This motion was moved by William Orr, seconded by C. Palling and carried. Within 18 months of the visit to Shepparton by Messrs. Tate and Carew-Smythe provisional agreement had been reached with the Education Department, plans for a building prepared by Mr. AShire Minute 27th May 1907. John A. Clarke and tenders called. Work in fact COURTESY SHIRE OF SHEPPARTON commenced on the building on September 8th 1908. Although the building eventually cost about — 23 — ---- The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 £4,000 a tender of £3,050 was accepted. An Early in 1909 Mr. A. E. Watson arrived from interesting latter day comparison is that negotia­ Melbourne High School to arrange for the com­ tions concerning the 3-storey academic building mencement of the school. He had previously spent took nearly half a decade during the 1970s, the short periods at both Sale and Warrnambool building itself over two years to erect and the where Agricultural High Schools had been estab­ lished in 1907. building cost was $1,511,709. The pioneering work of John Sutherland and From H. G. Martindale’s “Story of the Sheppar­ his associates was about to be rewarded. Suther­ ton High School” published in 1946, we learn that land was to become the first President of Sheppar- on April 20th, 1909 the 33 newly enrolled students ton High School Advisory Council and was again heard the first official announcement. President for a later period (1919-1923). “girls assemble on the north verandah, boys His position on Council was taken in 1925 by assemble on the east verandah, all to face the Mr. F. O. Cameron to whom he had sold his law quadrangle” practice. It is an interesting fact that in 1909 John From this humble beginning Shepparton High Sutherland began a direct representation of that School has grown and there have been several legal firm with Shepparton High School Advisory official openings of component parts. The first of Council which was to last for nearly 70 years these occurred on May 20th, one month after the through Sutherland himself from 1909-25, Mr. F. school was launched. The Governor of Victoria, O. Cameron his successor from 1925-59 (including Sir Thomas Gibson-Carmichael, the Minister of 6 years as President) and his son, Mr. B. Cameron Education, the Hon. A. Bilson, the Minister of until 1977. Quite naturally an indirect association Agriculture, the Hon. G. Graham, the Minister of has continued. Lands, the Hon. H. McKenzie and the Director of 4 A Mr John Sutherland, first President of Advisory Council. *■ Mr A.E. Watson, first Headmaster, — 24 — - The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 — Education, Mr. F. Tate, had been invited by the Of the 33 students who commenced on Tuesday, Advisory Council. April 20, 1909, 21, comprised of 15 girls and 6 H. G. Martindale describes this first formal boys, were in the Continuation Class. Eric G. occasion Palmer and Margaret A. Graham were the first “At 10.20 on a very fine morning the Vice boy and girl respectively to be registered. The Regal party arrived in Fryers Street by drag. Agricultural Class began with 12 students, there The Governor was received by Mr. Suther­ being 10 boys and 2 girls. John W. Treahy was the land who gave him the orthodox silver key. first boy to be registered and the two girls The gate having been opened by R. registered were Dorothy Donaldson and Mavis Clydesdale, the Governor inspected the cadet Roe. guard of honour, unlocked the door and Included in the first Continuation Class was passed through the entrance hall to the Francis P. Selleck, later to become Sir Francis quadrangle. Here the school and a large Selleck who was Lord Mayor of Melbourne on 3 crowd were assembled and on Mr. Suther­ consecutive occasions. He, in fact, was Lord land’s invitation His Excellency made his Mayor during the visit of Her Majesty the Queen speech officially declaring the school open. in 1954 and during the Olympic Games in Mel­ Speeches by Messrs. Bilson, Graham and bourne in 1956. Tate followed. Also to join the class during this first year was After Sir Thomas had inspected the school a Francis H. McNamara who was to become the luncheon was provided by the talented cook­ first Australian Airman to be awarded the Victor­ ery class in the large room in the north east ia Cross. Prior to enlistment he had been a comer of the building.” primary teacher at North Kooweerup. After L 4j -JHMl CT ’ ■*£«> J fffi gfef- 111 TCt A Air Vice Marshal F.H. McNamara V.C. / — 25 — fl a Sir Thomas Gibson-Carmichael inspecting cadet guard of honour drawn from the Shepparton Section of “G" Company, No. 10 Victorian Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Cadet Corps. — 26 — The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 COURTESY SHEPPARTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY a Section of crowd at Official Opening. ;<l 1 World War 1 he remained in the Royal Australian Headmaster of Geelong High School), Mr. F. Air Force and rose to the rank of Air Vice Treyvaud (later to be Headmaster of Footscray Marshall. Number 5 on the register of Agricultural Junior Technical School), Mr. L. S. Davies (later to Class students was Roy A. Clydesdale who had be Chief Inspector of Secondary Schools), Mr. A. previously attended Hasset’s College for 12 Henderson, Miss B. Tipping and Miss M. Leadbea- months. He was the author of the school motto ter and of course Farm Manager, Mr. Ramsay. “Labour Conquers All” adopted during the very Recognising that there were problems due to first few weeks of the school’s existence. He and the lack of items of equipment and non-arrival of Kathleen Hannan were appointed the first Head staff e.g. sloyd master, and urgent ground de­ Prefects. Roy remained in the district and his velopment being necessary, Mr. R. Stephenson interest in the school continued. He was in fact who carried out the first inspection for the Educa­ present at the opening of the 3-storey academic tion Department during the last week of June building in May, 1976 almost 68 years from the 1909, in commenting on the initiative work of Mr. day when he had opened the gate for the Gov­ Watson, wrote ernor to enter the school grounds in May 1909 to “This, I believe, has been carried out with officially declare open the original building. thoroughness, tact, and without regard to During 1909 total enrolment increased to 48, what constitutes a ‘fair day’s work’.” comprising 28 boys and 20 girls. The Continuation To conclude his report he added Class consisted of 18 girls and 10 boys whilst there “I have every confidence that a fine working were 18 boys and 2 girls in the Agricultural Class. spirit pervading both staff and pupils will in In his first year, Headmaster, Mr. A. E. Watson future tests result in the school holding a had the responsibility of inaugurating secondary praise-worthy position among similar in­ work, launching the farm and presiding over the stitutions.” adjoining elementary school. He was assisted by a Mr. R. Stephenson again inspected the school in staff consisting of Mr. A. Bateman (later to be December of this first year. His general appraisal — 27 — The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 was “very good” in respect of all areas viz. side of the original building to the new brick grounds, buildings, furniture, organisation and construction where there had formerly been a instruction about which he commented. Quite residence. Apart from several years of war service clearly pride had developed in the physical en­ Jim’s career was in education. Although retired vironment as in reference to the grounds he for some 12 years, his last 14 working years being commented “it is an advertisement for the agri­ as Principal of Bonbeach High School which he cultural side of the institution.” started, Jim has retained a keen interest in his old With some minor variations, the pattern of school. enrolment shows a steady growth to 200 students Total cost of additions and renovations was to in 1919 and nearly 300 in 1929 on the eve of the be £2,000 of which local input would be £400. Depression. As would be expected the Fryers Minutes of the Advisory Council 21st October Street school was soon to experience accommoda­ 1918 record that “a circular be sent to all parents tion problems. This became more acute as fewer of High School pupils past, present and prospec­ students showed a desire to study the agricultural tive asking them to contribute” and “that after the course and a demand was growing for technical circular had been sent out it would be well if they and commercial courses. During the war years personally interviewed prominent men of the 1914 to 1918 little could be done to alter the course town and district who might be willing to assist.” structure. One wonders just how many times this procedure However in November 1919 the first extension was used in the years which followed. Compari­ became a reality. These consisted of a new brick sons will be drawn later in reference to fund building on the site of the former residence and raising for the Total-Tracy Complex. the relocation of wooden dormitories no longer From the minutes of December 7th, 1925 we required at the farm. Jim Hosie a student at the find. time remembers Alf Wade’s sloyd classes being “the Council considered the question of addi­ transferred from the former Room 12 on the east tional accommodation for High School stu- COURTESY SHEPPARTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY ----------- The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 dents and especially the question of securing use as a research orchard for the Goulburn Valley a 10 acre site on outskirts of town for a new was carried out. A special meeting of the Advisory school” and again on 23rd February, 1926 Council on the 4th October, 1927, was attended by ‘‘that Colonel Bourchier be invited to visit the Messrs. L. J. Wrigley (Acting Chief Inspector of school to see for himself the urgent need for Secondary Schools), J. M. Ward (Superintendent additions”. of Horticulture, Agricultural Department) and F. In August 1926 two sites were inspected — a 25 M. Read (Research Officer, Agricultural Depart­ acre site in Hayes Street “at extreme south end of ment). In his report to the Advisory Council as town” and a 20 acre site in Verney Road. The recorded in the minutes latter was the one recommended to the Board of “Mr. Wrigley said that briefly the proposal Inspectors and purchased at £105 per acre. The was that the school farm should be transfer­ Council apparently considered that Colonel Bour­ red to the Department of Agriculture for use chier was using delaying tactics as on the 2nd as a research orchard for the special prob­ August, 1927, they resolved lems of Goulburn Valley fruit growers. There “that the Secretary write to the Department was no doubt from the point of view of local drawing attention to the urgent necessity for interests that the farm would be of greater increased accommodation and that failing a service as a research orchard than as a satisfactory reply the delegates to the confer­ school farm. From the Education Depart­ ence at Showtime should interview the ment’s point of view the main question was Minister.” of the transfer and its terms. The farm was By this time it was fairly obvious that the given by the people of Shepparton as their establishment of Agricultural High Schools in contribution towards the establishment of an Victoria had not met with much success. A Agricultural High School and for some years proposal that the High School farm should be had been the only High School farm return­ taken over by the Department of Agriculture for ing a profit. The farm was worth at a COURTESY SHEPPARTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY A The School with Staff and Students about 1912. — 29 — S’ t The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 conservative estimate £25 per acre and con­ siderably more with improvements. The De­ partment of Agriculture had not suggested any monetary consideration for the transfer but it was suggested by the Department of Education that the other departments should pay £2250 for the farm buildings and that the animals be sold. He suggested that this £2250 k;< should be regarded as the local contribution to the school”. Following discussion Mr. Wrigley’s recom­ mendation was embodied in a resolution and carried by the Council. By June 1928 the Minister “had approved of the erection of a new building on the new site to accommodate 250 pupils” and ◄ Lesson on the Horse in November, 1928, Colonel Bourchier advised “that the tender of Mr. J. Cox of Caulfield had been accepted for the new building at a contract price of £6290.” The Verney Road building to be used as a junior • A school was occupied from the beginning of term 111 1929, just two years after the acquisition of the f seEPPAR‘tOf‘ r . land. “Goulburnia”, the school magazine, in De­ cember 1929, reports “at last the new school has materialized, it has progressed through numerous stages to its present state. First a mention of a new school in assembly, then a Garden Fete, a great pile of bricks, and more statements in assembly. Gradually the statements grew larger and the pile of bricks grew smaller. Massive foundations appeared, the cricket Call and Inspect *) pitch was started and we were told that all the New and lip-to-Date I 1 would be ready by second term. Alas! The Show of Summer Seasons’ Goods Q IN timber workers stopped work and progress ..MEN’S WEAR.. at the new school stopped also but by the end Now Showing at of second term the new building was ready T. J. MOVER’S, Wyndham Street. for occupation. The new timetable appeared (Specials) in PANAMAS. at the old school and the junior forms dis­ Tennis Shirts. Summer Underwear, Collars. Tics appeared. Oh the silence! By now we have and Summer Suits, and all General Men's Wear. grown accustomed to the silence and to the new school and regard it as quite an old friend.” Negotiations with the Department of Agricul­ . \ ture over the farm however collapsed for a variety .. . \i M. HALPIN, ' PRACTICAL of reasons. Agreement could not be reached over Guasmilh ad Bir^c'e Biildtr. the sale of stock, the removal of farm buildings, in \\I fact over a host of matters. The onset of the S^oolBu^Ete. .. depression was a final blow and the council . .htch Tb^* I\ ■ BICYCLES. continued to manage the property despite its being a continuing liability. Dookie College and nll *Vu> Dw ui tfoa FessJirajta. d Baris 1-rSA Tatura Research Stations were in fact providing « ® SWffUlM SfdelS HNI. frpn-stn* the research needs of the district. Following the Board and R^de^ 1937 Agricultural Department report, the Educa­ tion Department in 1938 decided to close the farm .............. -■ and sell the land. Reluctantly the council agreed and in 1939 the farm passed into private own­ ership, thus ending an era in the history of Business- ,t. Shepparton High School. Just how reluctantly this decision was reached will be seen in a later '< gtuJcnW nW in,trucU‘«'-*n' chapter. a Extracts from Prospectus 1913. — 30 — The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 In 1909 Continuation students studied the fol­ lowing subjects: English, History, French, Arith­ metic, Geometry, Geography, Physics, Nature Study, Drawing, Theory of Teaching, Singing and either Cookery or Sloyd. This was to prepare them for the Junior Public and Senior Public examina­ tions and possible entry to a professional career. 14 of the 15 students who entered for the Junior Public Examination in 1910 were successful and A School Farm 21 distinctions were obtained. Of the successful Buildings students that year, Frank McNamara and Clifford Williamson went on in 1911 to pass the Senior ■Public Examination which was to be known later i as the Leaving Examination. It was not until 1913 I that Senior Public subjects were regularly taught. In the 1913 Prospectus we read “that the subjects taught are English, Latin, French, History, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Geography, Physics, Nature Study, Drawing, Sloyd, Theory of Teaching, Music, Cookery. The students are prepared for the Junior and Senior Public Examina­ tions and for entrance to the university. They are taught for the State and Federal examina­ tions and also for the teaching profession but the examinations are not the only aim of the school as the students receive a very thor­ ough general education and their health and physical development receive every consid­ eration.” TJEING thoroughly conversant with the work that is being done in the Shepparton Agricultural High School, I can confidently Students who commenced the Agricultural J recommend parents, who are desirous of their children taking Course in 1909 studied the following subjects: up either an Agricultural or a Professional career, to’ enrol them ARTHUR BODDY. English, Theory of Agriculture, Practical Agricul­ GENERAL ,'CENT thereat Past students have been very successful at Public Service and University Examinations, and. though the School has been In TAB1LK AND SHEPPARTON. ture, Arithmetic, Book-keeping, Geography, Phy­ existence only a few years many ex-students now fill good positions. sics, Chemistry, Nature Study, Drawing and The prospects for a Boy or Girt who enters the Teaching Service Cookery or Sloyd. This was in addition to practic­ are no* very good. Pupils who arc living away from home are kept under strict supervision, and the school readily becomes a new al work on the farm and the school garden. home to them. irTttJtur:' crs&r In 1912 only 7 Agricultural students completed J. W. GRAY, M.A., Inspector of Schools. .nJ Co-Word. the year and by the end of 1913 the number had Money To L< dropped further. The 1913 Prospectus however r- A Statement by J.W. Gray M.A. XjOO Io £SO.-»O. ■—> > I had this to say about Agriculture “the students spend two half days of each "^r^.^’XT10'000 week on the farm and are taught both the —Old Rhyme SPorts. theory and practice of agriculture. Dry farm­ The Best Literature. ing is practised and irrigation carried out. In HUME’S, fact this school is unique in regard to irriga­ All lhe C,«t SlanJwJ W«l<i of tion as it is the only school in which gravita­ Staff. tion irrigation is at present practised. volume. I Technical Handbooks for the In- terested worker. An important ( ' Mr p s I1UI-U; ar, >■ , _ Cereal grasses, root crops, soils, manures, new series of practical volumes at Is 3d. each. 1 ensilage, fruit trees and stock are studied and PERCY HUME, The Book ; Physical Cu,ture. their cultivation and improvement are care­ Cul. Store, Shepparton. 'WOrfc<«nJilr«,h, function* fully attended to. The farm which consists of 56 acres is completely equipped in this re­ spect and affords great advantages to the I I "-r-- Terms. fumnienec. Toexjjj ,M Ju,>- students. The boys board at the farm in turn for a week at a time to practice night and morning farm work. The subjects taught are Practical farm work, s'“- Theory of Agriculture, Farm Handiwork, Farm Carpentry, Farm Book-keeping, Che­ mistry, Physics, Algebra, Mensuration, — 31 — - <1 The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 Arithmetic, English, Drawing.” mitories as previously mentioned were relocated To some extent there was a revival of interest in at Fryers Street to provide additional classroom agriculture and this was encouraged by Mr. W. H. accommodation as part of the 1919 extensions. Callister who became Headmaster in 1913. He Between 1919 when the first extensions were introduced some diversification into courses made at Fryers Street and 1929 when the Verney generally to include Technical and Commercial Road Junior School was occupied the school subjects. At the time of the visit of the Board of lacked facilities to permit much revision in course Inspectors, June 1915, only 14 of the 163 students structure. During this time the Agricultural enrolled were taking the Agriculture Course, a Course was replaced by Agricultural Science as a fact which was noted in their report. The previous single subject and Commercial Principles and year, 1914, had been one of the worst droughts on Commercial Practice introduced as Intermediate record and disastrous for the rural community. and Leaving subjects. External examinations The Board however ”was impressed with the fine were conducted for both the Leaving and In­ working spirit in the school” and concluded by termediate Certificates and the school was en­ saying “altogether this school seems to be fulfill­ joying moderate success in those examinations. ing its function as a District High School in the But quite apart from scholastic achievements, best sense.” many traditions were established during these With the introduction of Agricultural Science as formative years and particularly during the Callis­ a single subject in 1918 the full Agricultural ter years between 1913 and 1924. Course was soon to disappear. The wooden dor­ A Mr W.H. Callister. — 32 — “'ocrnaiive Years 1909 - 1929 CHAPTER IV Traditions Established Labour Conquers All School Badges World War I House System “Goulbumia” Old Students’ Association Scholarships — Callister Memorial, John Hare School Song It was during these formative years that the colours “have been subject to many changes and traditional characteristics of secondary education their history is befogged with uncertainty.” In were to be established in the Shepparton Agri­ 1925 dark blue, light blue and white were adopted cultural High School. The prefect system was and with minor variations have remained con­ adopted immediately with Roy Clydesdale and stant in the grey school uniform. Kathleen Hannan being the first Head Prefects. As Again we learn from Harold Martindale that the school population grew so did the number of there were ad hoc attempts to introduce house prefects appointed. From 1968 Head Prefects, competition with, for example, Telford Jackson’s however, were replaced by School Captains about “Jacobites” and Arthur Chessell’s “Cheeseobites” which comment will be made later. or “Boomerites” as early as 1921. Both boys were The school has had two badges — the original fine sportsmen and Head prefects, Telford in 1921 badge of the Agricultural High School and the and Arthur in 1922. Telford Jackson sadly died at current badge. One feature has been common to a comparatively young age but Arthur “Boomer” both, however, and that is the motto LABOUR Chessells after graduating from Duntroon had a CONQUERS ALL, the suggestion of Roy distinguished military career and retired a Briga­ Clydesdale and adopted following a vote of staff dier. It was in 1925, during the brief Headmas­ and students during the first few weeks of the tership of Mr. T. Scott, that the House System was school. According to Harold Martindale school inaugurated. Callister (blue) is of course recogni- ◄ Mr T.F. Scott. ▲ Staff 1913 — Standing (left to right) Miss Taylor, Miss Kewish, Miss Clutterbuck. Seated (left to right) Messrs W.H. Callister (Headmaster), F. Treyvaud, H. Liddlelow, E. Fairlie (killed Gallipoli). 4 School Badges. — 33 — V First Interhouse Sports 1925. Annua! Sports SHEPl-AKTON men SCHOOL BOUSE CIIALIEBCE CUP SUTHERLAND HOUSE WINS a four fa,: individual champ.onshipi small but and James Fairley. There was ke. r.valry between the house teams, and each had iU barraeken amonest t-<- ber responded, although it is fully be- of the staff, and the students as v .us ats*r-Uan«. ** *as also Cr. F. A FOOTBALL TEAM 1918. Back row (left to right): Les Belt, Bill '«« SVshi'K’S.S'c^, Grant, (unknown), Charlie Fink, Jim Abernethy, (unknown), Erasmus Hansen, Len Dooling, Mr Owen ("Obi) O’Brien. Middle row (L to R): much'° *arrant hU «eU‘"K about too Jim Robertson, (unknown), Ernie Thorne, Joe Sleeth (captain), Presentation of Trophies. (unknown), George Rathbone, Jack Lowry, Jack O'Brien. Front row (L to R): (unknown), Fred Meldrum, (unknown). 5-i 'JsVXxvir’Yx? and the tu.i- us anu patrons crowae.i the grind stand enclosure. _ v ScoU< in formally introducing tion of Mr. W. H. Callister, Headmaster from 1913 Lr. hair, express reeret nt th- cause which prevented the PreMden* to 1924 during the formative years of the school. attending, and said they all hoped that Cr. Trewin would soon be re- Sutherland (green) is in honour of Mr. John •tore l to health. He thanked the patrons for ti.e Interest which the, Sutherland the first president of the School Coun­ j had evinced r> the f;-‘va! by the!: attendance, ana said the staff and stu oente appreciated very much their cil and a driving force in the establishment of the •1 presence. As spectators, they encour­ aged the boys, girls and teachers in original school. Rodney (yellow) recognises Shep- the sports side of school life. Ur. rair remarked, tnat it w»» parton’s neighbouring Shire from which came . pleasing to observe that house compe- titions had been instituted, an-l t" many students and Goulbum (red) is, of course, observe also that two had been name I —one after Mr. J. Sutherland, who in the river on which Shepparton is situated. past years had evinced such keen in­ terest in the affairs of the school, an. > one after Mr. Calluter. who had been House rivalry was probably strongest in the •; the honored head master for so many years. He congratulated the winner* period prior to the advent of the bussing of on their success, and spoke words o' encouragement to the losers, counsel students on a major scale. From the late 1940s the .'. ling them to strive to bs successful in future, and to adopt as their motto school population grew rapidly and Shepparton "Eicelsior." (Applause.) Miss Peggy Dawson and Mr. Colin Dawson then stepped forward and re- High School was conducted on two sites a mile ceived from Cr. Fair the House Chai- Z lenge Cup. and they and those issv- apart. Organization of sport was extremely diffi­ -I- elated with them in securing the honor were congratulated by Cr. Fair. The cult using the limited facilities available for sport. individual cups were then distribute! Moreover, training sessions after school were well $ continue their interest in athletic* but at the same time to apply them- nigh impossible due to the commitments of stu­ ?? V. selves to their studies so as to fil themselves to take their places in lif* dents through the bus system. There were some ?? Votes of thanks were accorded tu Cr. Fair and all who had assisted in other reasons too without them being peculiar to « any way to promote the success of the festival, the students cheering Shepparton. At one stage it seemed that the House heartily. House Aftrcgatcis System would disappear but in more recent years Sutherland. 152 pts.; Callister. 149!; I Goulbum, 96; Rooney, 891. Suther­ land thus won the Challenge Cup. there has been a revival of house competition Individual Championships. Girls—Senior, P. Hawkins (S.). 10 though perhaps on a restricted scale. In 1927 debating was conducted on a house Senior. N. Ste ve is (C.). 25 pts.: In­ termediate, A. Nelder (C), 12; Junior basis. However, debating had been strong in the E. Ladgrove (R.), 10. school from the very first days of the school’s existence. It is interesting that 50 years later there has been a revival, not only in debating, but also in public speaking. — 34 — The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 — COURTESY SHEPPARTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY &!jrppartnn Tiigl; &rl;unl (Old Btubrnta' Anaariatinn i’lnit Pr«»<Ient -■"•o.fbrrhv .. " ':°D s.U-R 'IH > 'VRIC.IIT T»«.iurer: Srt,,..., „, An-v MCXrz ■^urhrr0 Vjaf '■ Mro «EIR •'fiss Shrai Annual K""".... ■’ ,K 'l'- ROU’E iRp-Mnwn Sinner Coiiuaitfce . ',R J- w niGnr .u'/p'"'""-'- a«<«nri <9airrrfl _ vrJ 2C-3-21 Wlglf Srijaul T lMwsox -s-ngSS: Kv'l «>n«e— i ““"B / "!f™» a„w Mr p ,. / MR ,“ " n rru a o.S.A. First Annual Reunion Dinner. The first edition of “Goulburnia” appeared in 1921 but not again until 1926 from which date it June, 1914. The following are excerpts from the became an annual production. During much of foreword, written by Inspector of Schools, Mr. J. this period the Old Students’ Association shared W. Gray, M.A.: the responsibility of producing “Goulburnia”. In “Our Headmasters have laboured incessant­ fact, during the period 1921 to 1926 when no ly and planned wisely. Our Teachers have “Goulburnia” was produced the Old Students’ taught soundly and with unsparing energy. Association published its own newsletter which it Our Pupils have studied industriously and continued to do after 1936 for some years. behaved excellently. Our successes both in Available evidence suggests that the Old Stu­ work and in play have been numerous and dents’ Association was founded in 1914 as in gratifying and without a school magazine we “Goulburnia”, May 1915, we read under the could hardly be said to be on a par with the column ex-students “in all probability we will best Secondary Schools in the State” never all meet again except perhaps through the “Let it be the ambition of every pupil and medium of the Old Students’ Association”. First ex-pupil to produce something worth at least President was Francis P. Selleck in 1914 who was the printer’s ink” again President briefly following its revival in “Success then to Goulburnia, may it grow as 1920. In the immediate post war years enthusiasm your school grows, may it find its way into was strong and a branch was established in every parents home, the literary production Melbourne. One of the objectives of the Associa­ of their own sons and daughters.” tion was to promote some positive form of assist­ “May it chronical a long line of success ance for the school. Already mention has been both athletic and scholastic.” made of its assistance to “Goulburnia”. In 1923 it During the formative years of the school “Goul­ opened a scholarship fund with the aim of provid­ burnia” had a chequered history and it was not ing a permanently endowed annual scholarship. It until 1936 that it became an annual magazine was first awarded in 1925, the awardee being published solely by the school. From late in 1915 William Johnson. Following the death of Mr. W. to 1920 publication ceased mainly due to the H. Callister in 1926 it became known as the exigencies of World War 1. Its revival corres­ Callister Memorial Scholarship. ponded with the revival of the Old Students’ It does seem likely that, but for the outbreak of Association. “Goulburnia” appeared briefly in World War 1, the Old Students’ Association would — 35 — _____ The Formative Years 1909 • 1929-------- HONOR ROLL The following ex-Students Served in the Great War, 1914-1918:— L. PALLING R. E. ATKIN'S J. HASTIE T. H. PROSSER G. BLYTH J. C. H. JOHNS R. T. PYLE L. BELT J. W. KELLOW J. G. POTTENGER R. BRUNTON F. H. RUNGE J. CLARKE L. G. KITTLE H. L. SWINBURNE A. R. COPPIN D. H. MILNE F. P. SELLECK T. A. CAHILL r. McCaskill S. R. SELLECK S. M. CALLANDER D. T. McNEIL G. McNEIL K. TUNNOCK J. CAMPBELL J. TREAHY F. CRONK G. W. McNEIL R. McNAMARA T. F. THORNE L. M. CAYGILL J. McG. WEIR H. DUCAT F. H. McNAMARA, V.C. L. McNAMARA H. B. WILKIN J. H. DAVEY E. A. C. WILLIAMS J. F. DUDLEY T. J. NORTHILL W. G. POGUE q. E. WILLIAMSON J. A. DOUGLAS F. J. WHITFIELD H, G. FURPHY L. PHILLIPS G. G. PAUL D. WATSON F. H. FURZE C. J. WHITE R. H. GLASSOX E. PALMER G. PELLOW R. WEST J. M. GLENN H. M. YOUNG C. J. GARDENER A Honour Roll located foyer Verney Road Building. COURTESY SHEPPARTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS OF ASSOCIATION MR. WILL. F. JOHNS. Viea-Peeiidealti MISS VALERIE CLARKE, MR. HARRY G. FURPHY. MR. JEFFREY N. MUNTZ, Box 33, Shepparton. MR. JAS. McG. WEIR, Commercial Bank of Australasia Ltd., Shepparton. Hon. Secretary (Melbourne Branch): MISS. RAE BLAND, 2 The Avenue, Moreland. MAGAZINE Shepparton ----- ppartoi Branch: MISSES IDA MITCHELL, and MYRTLE WALLIS. CALLISTI MESSRS. A. CALLISTER, Melbourne Branch: MISS M. and T. PELLOW. JAS. CAMPBELL. N. WEST. f. HOLMES, MESSRS. J. DUDLEY. V. LEWIS, H EDITORIAL As there was no publication of the Goulburnia towards the close of last year, the officers of the Association feel impelled mpelled toto publish pub this magazine in an endeavour to find a temporary substitute ubstitute for. though th not to replace it. Th many of our members, nben, especially to those who are unable to attend the reunions and social rial gatherings, the Goulburnia con- stitutes the only link between them andind their former school-fellows and with the school itself. It is for these• particularly that we attempt thia, our first unaided publication, and we aw wait the result with some anxiety. Of the It is now over two years since our Association was formed, Each year has shown marked progress, in increased membership, and wider activities. The appointment of district superintendents has marked another step towards the ultimate success of the Association and their influence can already be felt. The officers make an earnest appeal to all members to k —* up their keep Shepparton High School by th interest in the Association. By attendance at the reunions, by the personal influence of their enthusiasm on other old students with whomi Ithey come in contact, and by forwarding suggestions for the improveme sent of the Association, each member can assist in its development. Old Students’ Association The reunions are held twice yearly—one in Shepparton at Easter, the other in Melbourne during the September vacations, ni, and and social so gather­ ings are organised at intervals during the year. At At the th* meetings i at Easter and September, the general business of the Association is trans­ acted as well aa being social functions. The attendance at these meetings March 1122 and also at the periodical reunions is usually not nil that could be desired. As the very existence of the Association depends to a large extent on the aurcess of these functions they arc deserving of better support. We therefore trust that all members will endeavor tn be present at the Annual Meeting and Reunion to be held at Shepparton on Ealter Saturday, April 15th. r "Shepparton Newa" Print AO.S.A. Magazine 1922. — 36 — i ----fhe Formative Ywes 5509- 1.929 — have been an immediate success. Its first Presi­ invested. In subsequent years the gift was au­ dent, Francis P. Selleck, was one of many ex­ gmented and by 1948 a sum of £900 was invested. students to volunteer for service. The two editions During this period a complicated system was of “Goulbumia” published in 1915 refer to ex­ necessary' to administer the scholarship and as the students and ex-staff already serving. In all 56 funds increased the number of scholarships also ex-students and 4 ex-staff were to enlist of whom increased. A considerable amount of correspond­ three students, L. Caygill, T. Northill and D. ence took place between the Headmaster and the Watson (son of A. E. Watson, first Headmaster) donor on this particular subject. In his final year and two former staff, E. J. Fairlie and H. L. at Shepparton High School, Headmaster Mr. J. Swinburne, were to make the supreme sacrifice. O’Connor negotiated with the donor and the Their names are recorded on the memorial gates scholarship was changed to become the John at the entrance to the school while the Honour Hare Library Endowment Fund. In his perhaps Roll of volunteers appears inside the building. last letter to Mr. O’Connor on the subject the Staff member for 14 years, Alan G. Daws is donor said remembered not only because of the A. G. Daws “I shall regard this as a birthday honour for I pavilion on Chapman Oval but also because he is was 82 on the 19th February, 1949, only 3 the author of the words and music of the school days prior to your letter”. He went on to say song. This original piece of music was first “You made a kind enquiry about my health, published in 1926. It is here reprinted in full and well here goes — I cannot deny senile decay contains a special Old Students’ verse. A. G. Daws but let me tell you the best first — I ride my was also a great supporter of the Old Students’ bike 6 days a week to and from the foundry Association, being President from 1928 to 1936. and I feel sure I justify my existence there In 1922 the John Hare scholarship was estab­ and also once a week on top of my bike lished to perpetuate the Christian names of the convey a large basket of clothes to our much donor’s father. For this purpose a sum of £250 was esteemed washer woman. Several times I 'U;7 SA^; mo n,'T.”:±,...... AwWK- "■» ... — Jath’IXj'e u? ,rod Chorus: rhv muni ,.f lif,. “"foliling hrighl bcfnrv m. "ring* heavy (a,|. and djjjy i| Won by si,uh. I night oil. p ■' lil by mid- ■'"‘".pXSsit? ■- .■» . ‘CW *P'nl '"sh- *"■' A School Song — Music and Words. — 37 — The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 forgive them for not enabling me to escape find I am carrying my life in my hands but income tax on my donation to the John Hare there you are ‘Such is life’.” The donor, after fund for our High School benefit. It is a 2 more pages concluded by saying “Well, Mr. disgraceful legislation which should be recti­ O’Connor I regret I cannot write much more fied.” as I have a fair amount of work to do in the The donor of course was W. S. Furphy, son of foundry and we are short handed. But I must John Hare Furphy who in 1873 had established say I am glad you suggested to change over the Furphy Foundry. He, no doubt, would have from Scholarships to library for the High wished for some of the famous Furphy motto to School. Oh, I must tell you I have just thrown rub off on the school. There has certainly been the a sop to Chifley and Chenowith and don’t opportunity as a Furphy has been in attendance care if it chokes them. It should keep them during many of the school’s 75 years. quiet for 12 months at least. I will never COURTESY JOHN S. FURPHY f a W.S.Furphy with his brother George (centre) and their father John Hare Furphy. — 38 — The Formative Years 1909 -1929 CHAPTER V On Depression Eve The Verney Road Junior School Shepparton in 1929 The First Speech Night Some Recollections or the sake of continuity a number of develop­ arrangement giving rise to special difficul­ ments such as the John Hare Library Endowment ties.” Fund have been carried on beyond 1929. In In reference to site development it added general though, emphasis so far has been placed “on the grounds of the new school tennis on the two decades following the school’s begin­ courts and other facilities for sport are in the ning in 1909. Thus by the end of 1929 on the eve of course of construction, the paths are being the depression Shepparton High School Junior covered with screenings which were got School had been occupied, the first stage of what from the Dookie Quarry, a garden is being / was to become its permanent home. This was the formed and various other improvements are site on Verney Road now called Hawdon Street in progress”. This it attributed to a commun­ and neither the site nor the first building was ity contribution of £340 raised at the previous achieved without considerable effort on the part year’s fete, matched by a Government sub­ of the school administration and its supporting sidy and concluded that this “has saved the community. school from being a mere barn-like structure Following the occupation of this new building, devoid of the attractive features which mean the “News”, 16th September, 1929 had this to say so much in the mental training of the young.” “nonetheless the division of the school into We learn also from “The Shepparton “News” ” two sections a mile apart is a cumbrous 5th September, 1929, that Old Students’ Cricket Is Jffi - ; pj R non ▲ Verney Road Junior School 1929. - 39 — The Formative Years 1909 - 1929 Gents’ Watches, 15 Jewel Levers, Fully Guaranteed, From 25/-. JEWELLERS 7U7^ c/ TcGjft Store Shepparton and Kyabram a Advertisement Shepparton "News” 1929. Club annual meeting was well attended, that A. G. Sedan £320. Shepparton had a great year in Daws was appointed President and H. F. Lightfoot football defeating Rushworth 17 goals 13 behinds a selector. This meeting was no doubt aware of to 11 goals 14 behinds in the Grand Final of the work being done at the Verney Road site as it Goulbum Valley League. Jack Edwards, a stal­ foreshadowed the “possibility of soon being in wart defender, was one of several Shepparton possession of their turf wicket”. The fact that the High School ex-students in the side. But more turf wicket very soon was to become a reality was later about “Mr. Football”. J. D. Mitchell, the perhaps indicative of the role Old Students’ was current President of Shepparton High School playing and was going to play for several genera­ Advisory Council, retired from the Borough Coun­ tions. cil. The Borough was a mere two years old. Cr. J. Perusal of “The News” published during the T. Stuart had just replaced Cr. A. W. Fairley as latter months of 1929 enables interesting compari­ Mayor and Cr. W. L. Ross was Shire President. sons. Fairley’s advertised At the conclusion of the 1929 academic year the “High School Hose 2s.lid. Navy wool and school’s first Annual Speech Night was held in the cotton hose made especially to suit require­ Lyric Theatre. On stage with the Headmaster Mr. ments of pupils at Shepparton High School A. L. Rossiter were Advisory Council President, .— approved school colours”. Mr. J. D. Mitchell, Mayor Cr. J. T. Stuart and Shire At Fred C. Johns “Gents watches 15 Jewel President Cr. W. L. Ross. Apologies were received Levers, Fully Guaranteed” could be purch­ from Mr. R. Kilpatrick, M.L.C. and Colonel M. ased from 25 shillings.” A Graham-Paige deluxe could be purchased Bourchier, M.L.A. This historic occasion was reported in full by “The Shepparton “News” ” from Devines Motors Pty. Ltd. in High Street for £445. W. McMillan Ford Sales and Service, Wyn­ which began by saying dham Street advertised a range of Fords including “Admission was by invitation and the pre" the Phaeton £210, Sports Coupe £295 and Fordon sence of so many from far and near afforded striking evidence of the appreciation in — 40 — --------- The Formative Years 1 f;C9 - 192S----- which the school is held by the whole com­ who gained passes in six Leaving Certificate munity of Shepparton and its district and subjects and later became a junior teacher at the their sense of its importance as a factor in school, agreed with Rossiter’s comment. Subse­ moulding the lives of their children.” quent to her marriage to an engineer she spent In his opening comments Advisory Council some 14 years at Bahrain in the Middle East President, Mr. J. D. Mitchell referred to Speech where her family was reared, but has retained her Night association with Shepparton and has a surprising “as a new departure in the history of Shep­ knowledge of students of her era. Of that first parton High School. The Advisory Council Speech Night Win recalls were providing this specially that the parents “that the night was not all speeches as there might know what the school was doing. ” was in fact entertainment provided by the Headmaster Mr. A. L. Rossiter (father of Sir students in the form of choral items and folk John Rossiter, a former Assistant Minister of dancing.” Education) delivered a comprehensive report Despite the problems of the farm and the fact stressing community input into grounds develop­ that the term “agricultural” was soon to be ments and co-operation at both staff and com­ dropped from the school’s official title, Sheppar­ munity levels. In reference to curriculum and in ton High School had emerged as an important particular the professional, commercial and tech­ service industry in Shepparton. It had gained a nical courses available he said place of esteem in both the town and district and “few parents realize that this school presents was about to enter the next decade with confi­ the widest and most extensive series of dence. It did not know, however, that there would courses offered by any secondary school in be depression, war and recovery and that during the state.” those 32 years it would have accommodation A Form V student, and holder of the John Hare problems necessitating use of both the Verney » Scholarship that year, Win Sims (now Lennie), Road and Fryers Street buildings. A Mr A.L. Rossiter. A Mr J.D. Mitchell. — 41 — The Dual Campus Years 1930-1961 ■13 1 he ... 1 Cat us . sars 193 ■ -! CHAPTER VI Depression and War Deepening Depression Pressures During Fordyce Years Completion of Vemey Road Building The Art/Craft Centre Official Opening 1937 The Pavilion Grounds Development Closure of Farm Beginnings of Bussing More Accommodation Problems J—) espite the optimism expressed by Headmas­ 1930 was Rossiter’s last year at the school and ter Rossiter in the Lyric Theatre on the occasion of from the Council Minutes October 7th, 1930, we the school’s first Speech Night in December 1929, learn that a letter from the Secretary of the a period of austerity was about to commence. The Education Department asks the Council Wall Street Stock Exchange in New York had “to exercise all possible economy to curtail “crashed” in October of that year and as a expenditure and stating that the allowance consequence there were to be international rami­ had been reduced to half the usual amount fications. Soon quite stringent financial regula­ for the current financial year.” tions were to be introduced, an unemployment At the same meeting the fate of the farm was register would be kept at the school, payment of under discussion as advice has been received that fees would become a hardship for parents, school “the Minister had decided to dispose of the enrolment would suffer and buildings mainte­ buildings, machinery, implements and stock nance would be an increasing problem. In a of the school farm”. depressed rural economy the farm would be a A very strong letter of protest was drafted continuing liability as no longer could the Agricul­ together with an offer of support from the Hon. R. ture Department be expected to take over respon­ Kilpatrick M.L.C. In the event of these steps being sibility for it. unsatisfactory it was moved by Messrs. Cameron and Summers “that the Council proposed to arrange a monster deputation of representative bodies to further wait upon the Minister.” The Council was not going to give up the farm without a fight. Many people in Shepparton, in fact throughout Australia, will not recall in detail the rigors of the depression, some because they choose to forget, others because they were happy to recover from the privations and still others because they were too young at the time. Many, though, will recall because of the developing impact of the radio two events of national significance in 1930. One was the emergence of the young Don Bradman during the cricket series in England and the beginning of his batting feats which still dominate the record books. He has been described as the Phar Lap of cricket. The other, of course, was Phar Lap’s win in the 1930 Melbourne Cup, an odds on favorite. In retrospect Australians probably needed some­ thing to be nationalistic about as difficult times were ahead and together Bradman and Phar Lap arguably gave reinforcement to nationalistic com­ munity spirit which helped carry Australia A Mr W.C. Fordyce who succeeded Mr. Rossiter as Headmaster in through the depression. In Shepparton, organiza­ 1931. tions such as the Shepparton High School’s — 45 — “that providing the conditions and conduct Mothers’ Club are probably manifestations of this of the hostel proved satisfactory on inspec­ form of self-assistance through people being com­ tion by the Chairman and the Headmaster this Council is willing to undertake the At theconscious. munity beginning of 1931 Mr. W.C. Fordyce control of the hostel for a period not exceed­ arrived from Bacchus Marsh as the new headmas­ ing 12 months provided that no financial ter. His son Jack, well known retired Shepparton liability attached to the Council.” businessman, recalls that It should be pointed out that the hostel was the “two buildings a mile apart and much move­ only alternative to private board or students ment of students and staff by bicycle or on travelling long distances daily. Mrs. Vibert (then foot must have created difficulties for the Nancy Northcott), widow of the late Vince Vibert, administration. His father’s office was lo­ was a member of staff 1930-33 and recalls that the cated at Fryers Street.” hostel was in Lightfoot Street. It provided accom­ In his first report to the School Council, March modation for some 10-12 girls and was attached to 3rd, 1931, Headmaster Fordyce frankly stated that the residence of the Headmaster. The wife of the he had previous Headmaster has been the manageress. “a very strong staff, that in regard to attend­ However administration problems occurred dur­ ance there was a distinct falling off on the ing 1932 and Council withdrew its acceptance of technical side, the senior technical class responsibility. Girls as well as boys then had to being discontinued.” resort to private board in Shepparton. Jack Ed­ He also indicated problems arising in respect of wards relates that for years boys from as far as the farm and also the school hostel. Cobram arrived by train on Monday morning and From the next meeting, April 22nd 1931, we returned home on Friday night. He cited The learn that Harbisons from Numurkah as examples. “Mr. Seitz, Chief Inspector, had visited the farm with Mr. Mitchell to ascertain the In his report to Council, June 24, 1931, the probable loss on the farm this year as the Headmaster referred to current criticisms of Agriculture Department had refused to take secondary schools and said again quite bluntly “Council could do much to refute incorrect it over.” and exaggerated statements as At the same meeting the problem concerning the hostel was temporarily resolved when a motion (a) Overlapping of various kinds of classes do not apply to Shepparton. was carried A Orchard work in the early days. Farm Manager Mr. W. Gilchrist gave service for over 25 years. — 46 — The Dual Campus Years 1930 1931 (b) Large staffs referred to were necessary to technical needs of students with inadequate facili­ teach the great variety of courses re­ ties. quired. Despite these austerity measures, the school (c) The much criticised small classes were was delighted to have the opportunity to host the due to the fact that in many cases there North Eastern District Secondary Schools Sports were very few pupils requiring a particu­ Association Athletics in 1933. At the annual lar subject. meeting of the Association in 1932 “Shepparton (d) Great care should be taken not to penal­ High School had withdrawn from NEDSSSA as ize country centres. Already the Leaving for the sixth year the sports were to be held in a Certificate classes had been dropped on town other than Shepparton, the largest centre.” account of small numbers.” It would seem that the protest had been successful Clearly 1931 had been a difficult year but as apparently there was prestige associated with nevertheless at the final meeting for the year 16th this carnival. Catering on that occasion was most December, Fordyce was able to report that capably handled as a result of the Mothers’ Club “all school charges would be reduced 20% offer “to serve afternoon tea, soft drinks, ice for 1932, that Honours classes were prom­ cream and sweets at the ground.” ised for 1932, that it was also to strenghten “Goulburnia”, December 1933, proudly heralds technical and agricultural classes as only 17 the arrival of the Shepparton High School boys were attending the farm.” Mothers’ Club. It was a depression baby born on At that meeting Council endorsed a plan to use the 15th August of that year, which “Goulburnia” two acres of the school farm for experimental and described as a “red letter day” and claimed that research work in tobacco culture by the Agricul­ “for more than 20 years the external facilities ture Department. Of the 17 boys mentioned above for education at this school have been la­ one was long time resident of Shepparton, Bob mentably inferior to those enjoyed by other Long, who recalls the tobacco patch and also schools.” relates how he enjoyed his visits to the farm. He Irrespective of the rightness or wrongness of this recalls that “Old Gilchrist” was very protective of claim the Mothers’ Club under its first President, the cherry trees at the farm and threatened them Mrs. A.M. Taylor, and first Secretary, Mrs. R. with “a charge of buckshot” if they touched the Bloomfield, launched a campaign to offset at least cherry trees. He says they did not sample the some of the privations of the depression. In his tobacco. However in his report to Council, 7th report to Council, December 13th, 1933, Headmas­ September, 1932, Headmaster Fordyce comments ter Fordyce was able to acknowledge the purchase “on the smoking habit among boys and breaches of a piano by that organization “a very handsome of law by traders selling cigarettes to boys.” Ronisch upright grand”. The extent of the con­ During these years there was ample evidence of tribution of the Mothers’ Auxiliary will be the deepening recession. Already school charges had subject of later discussions. been reduced by 20% and Council was in strong By the end of 1934 perhaps the worst of the opposition to any increases because of the danger depression had been weathered. The auditors’ of forcing boys on the labour market. Even so report, October 5th, 1934, stated that Headmaster Fordyce recorded, 29th March, 1933, “all fees have been paid with the exception of that enrolment had dropped from 325 to 275 and 3 who have been ill and have not attended the school was maintaining an unemployment during the current term.” register. On the brighter side, however, the school It should be pointed out here that “free compul­ had sought approval to conduct internal examina­ sory and secular education” did not yet extend to tions for the Intermediate Certificate. This would secondary schools, a situation which was not be a cost saving for parents as under the internal going to be fully achieved until 1947. Exemptions system only a charge to enter the examination from the payment of fees were introduced gra­ would be made rather than a charge for each dually but in general terms in 1934 a payment of subject as well. Standards would be monitored by £2 per term was expected from non-scholarship the Board of Inspectors and thus this approval holders who were over 14 years of age, and not was in effect recognition of the school’s capabili­ the recipients of special assistance because of ties. hardship. An indication of the tightness of financial In his final report to Council before moving to control exercised by the Education Department is his new position as Headmaster of Ballarat High gained from the Council minutes of 21st July, School, Fordyce made the interesting comment 1933, which explains that the use of electric that “the people of this borough make little use of blowers had been stopped in the blacksmith’s the school”. He based this claim on the following shop due to the cost of £2 per year and hand statistics blowers had to be used instead. Council opposi­ “9 out of 11 prefects are from the country tion was to no avail and the school had the 7 out of 8 house captains are from the continuing problem of trying to cater for the country — 47 — The Dual Campus Years 1930- 1961 o SI ■K NnaaM*^. A Mothers' Club comes into existence 1933. 10 out of 14 senior form captains are from the 10.8% were tradesmen and about 19% were country engaged in tertiary studies. 8 out of 10 scholarship holders are from the In October 1915 W.H. Callister had conducted a country similar survey of approximately 250 ex-students. making a total of 34 out of 42 in leading The pattern was similar in that home duties or positions from the country” farming accounted for about 31%, tertiary study He added that 60% of students leaving before about 27%, commercial enterprises about 14%. reaching Form D i.e. Form 111 or Year 9 was far However, there is no evidence of students having too high. In other words they left on attaining the entered the various trades as perhaps appren­ age of 14 years when students could legally leave. ticeships were not available to the same extent. It This probably reflects the economic conditions is also evident that even in this early stage of of the time and that many residents of the borough World War 1, 8% of ex-students had already could not afford the fees, the cost of school books enlisted. and school clothes and preferred their children to Both these surveys seem to suggest that the immediately enter the employment market rather school was enjoying a fair amount of success in than remain at school. providing entrants for the professions and com­ Jack Fordyce recalls that he left school in mid mercial enterprises, the so-called “white collar” 1932, when he successfully gained a junior posi­ workers. Perhaps lack of facilities as well as tion worth £1 per week. He added that there were economic pressures was responsible for the low 29 applicants for that position and that they were student retention rate beyond age 14 and for many all required to sit for an entrance examination positions high levels at school were not yet based mainly on general knowledge. necessary. A survey published by “The News” of 500 The problem of course diversification to meet ex-students during the mid 1930s showed that these student needs, could not be met until more about 29% had become employees of commercial adequate buildings were available. It is reported enterprises, banks or the public service, 20.4% in Council minutes, July 25th, 1935, that Messrs. (girls) were engaged in domestic duties through Cameron and Date moved marriage, 15.6% (boys) had returned to the land, “that the President and Secretary initiate — 48 —