2004 WCOBA Lampstand

1

WCOBA Executive News The Lampstand The Lampstand is a Registered Newsletter of the Wellington College Old Boys’ Association.

Correspondence can be sent to: Stephanie Kane WCOBA Secretary PO Box 16-073, Wellington, NZ Telephone: (04) 802 2537 Facsimile: (04) 802 2541 Email: oldboys@wellington-college. school.nz The Lampstand is edited, designed and produced by Stephanie Kane.

Please support The Lampstand by joining the WCOBA today. Your support assists in producing The Lampstand, Old Boys’ activities and events, as well as funding College awards, buildings, activities and maintaining the Archives.

Annual Membership..................$25.00 (Converts to Life Membership after five payments) Life Membership.....................$100.00 (Includes a Certificate of Life Membership) If you have misplaced your Life Membership Certificate and would like another, please contact the WCOBA Secretary and a new one will be mailed to you. Details are on the enclosed feedback form.

From the Editor The 2004 Lampstand is rather late in being mailed due mainly to the overwhelming response to the 2003 issue as well as collating the many items which we hope will interest Old Boys of all generations. We also held off this edition to included the coverage of the Class of 1964 reunion which took place recently.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to write in and in particular those who have supplied items for inclusion in this year’s Lampstand. We have received some very interesting stories and welcoming letters that we hope all readers will enjoy. We welcome all contributions!

Special thanks to our College Archivist, Paddianne W Neely who has spent many hours as well sourcing material for inclusion and thanks also to Ted Clayton for his input in confirming details, and to staff and Old Boys who submitted material as well.

Purpose of the WCOBA The Wellington College Old Boys’ Association was founded to: • • • •

Further the interests of Wellington College and its past and present members and, to keep former pupils in touch with each other and with the school.

Maintain a register of names of all who have passed through the College since 1867 and endeavour to record the addresses of all those alive.

Arrange reunions and other functions for Old Boys.

Support current students at the College where needed.

These aims are met by the Association undertaking the following tasks: • •

• • •

Production of the Lampstand each year, covering activities of Old Boys and other relevant information.

Maintenance of a computerised database giving details of all Old Boys of the College including teaching staff. This includes addresses where known. The Secretary will release addresses to bona fide Old Boys but will not allow any access for commercial purposes.

Financial support for College activities including sporting and cultural activities, sponsorship and academic prizes.

Organisation or assistance of various reunions or other social functions either at the College, national wide or internationally for members which the association wishes to encourage and extend.

Administration of charitable funds managed by the Association for current and past students including assistance with fund-raising appeals.

The WCOBA is situated at the College and is run on a part-time basis by the Association’s Secretary during term time. Communication can be made by telephone, email or facsimile.

WHERE ARE YOU? WHAT DO YOU DO? Ever wondered what your old classmates are up to? Ever thought they may be interested in what you do?

This newsletter belongs to you, Old Boys from Wellington College. We need you help to make these pages more interesting and informative. Write a few lines to fill us in on what you have been doing since leaving school, or what you are about to do, a recent achievement, a momentous event or any other item of interest. Alternatively, we also welcome more in depth articles, as appear on these pages. You may also have news on other Old Boys; family, friends, staff associated with the College.

Pictures speak a thousand words. In this digital age, it’s really easy to provide a photo, but please email all digital pictures at maximum resolution. Alternatively send us a photo, which will be returned if required. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Secretary, WCOBA, PO Box 16-073, Wellington.

WCOBA Executive 2004-05 President • RD (Bob) Slade (1954-58) bob@slade.co.nz • PO Box 13-551. Johnsonville, Wellington • Telephone: (04) 477 0027 Immediate Past President • KR (Ross) Macdonald (1952-56) • Fax: (04) 232 5494 Secretary • Stephanie Kane • Email: s.kane@wellington-college.school.nz Treasurer • R H (Richard) Taylor (1956-60) • Email: RTaylor@lecg.com Members RW (Rob) Anderson (1969-73)• Email: r.anderson@wellington-college.school.nz RJ (Ray) Arbuckle (1953-57) • Email: rj.arbuckle@xtra.co.nz MD (Matthew) Beattie (1970-72) • Email: matthew.beattie@insteplimited.com BD (Barry) Jobson (1953-57) • Email: barry.jobson@national.org.nz CJB (Chris) Lendrum (1994-98) • Email: chris.lendrum@nzrugby.co.nz RP (Richard) Townley (1994-98) • Email: richard.townley@nzl.xerox.com RJ (Roger) Moses (Headmaster)• Email: r.moses@wellington-college.school.nz

If you haven’t seen the 2002 and 2003 issues of the Lampstand, go to the Wellington College web page and download the back issues for reading at your leisure. www.wellington-college. school.nz [communities/old boys].

2

WCOBA Executive News

PRESIDENT’S REPORT I

have pleasure in presenting the Annual Report of the Wellington College Old Boys’ Association for the 2003-2004 year.

LAMPSTAND PUBLICATION This annual newsletter to Old Boys was mailed to members in July 2003 and comprised twenty pages being the largest ever issued. It not only covered a wide range of news concerning Old Boys and current events at the College, but also some absorbing historical items with accompanying photographs.

Many favourable comments have been received about the high quality of this publication and the Editor, Stephanie Kane, who is also Secretary of the Association, is greatly commended for its preparation.

QUADRANGULAR TOURNAMENT & SOCIAL FUNCTION This very historic and traditional rugby tournament was held at the College in July 2003 and was blessed with lovely sunny late winter weather. All teams played to a high standard and were fairly evenly matched. Large crowds attend throughout and the scene was most picturesque with the mature trees that surround the lower ground where the games were held.

Wellington College won the tournament defeating Christ’s College 34 to 25 in the final. The Headmaster, Mr Roger Moses, and his staff are to be congratulated for the smooth running of the tournament and its attendant social functions.

WCOBA Contacts World-Wide

At the conclusion of the tournament a Cocktail Party was held for Old Boys, staff (past and present) and partners in Firth Hall made all the more enjoyable by the tournament win. Some members of the 1st XV attended, including Captain Seminar Manu (1999-03), and the Headmaster, Mr Roger Moses addressed the gathering.

PREFECTS GOLD LEAF PLAQUES The upgrading of the wooden plaques has now been completed and they are to be hung on the walls of Firth Hall. The cost of the upgrading has been met from the Old Boys’ Centennial Trust. An official opening is planned to be held later in the year in conjunction with a social function.

Thanks are extended to Committee Member Barry Jobson for his work on this project and to Paddianne W. Neely, the College Archivist for co-ordinating the upgrading.

MORE ON THE PLAQUES ON PAGE 5 ASSISTANCE TO THE COLLEGE The Association is pleased to offer financial support to the College when ever possible and has made from the Centennial Trust an interest free loan of $50,000 towards the establishment costs of the new Gary Girvan Library. The loan is repayable in October 2005.

Continuing financial support is also extended towards the maintenance and development of the College Archives which is so important for our College with its rich history and tradition.

Other support given was a subsidy of $4,310 towards the 2003 Annual Prize Giving and donations to the College Rugby Club and to the College Necessitous Fund.

OLD BOYS’ DATABASE It is essential that an accurate and upto-date database of members, (currently around 30,000), be kept and as a priority the Association, in conjunction with the Foundation is working to correct a number of errors concerning names, addresses and other school-related details.

READ MORE ON THE DATABASE ON PAGE 4

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE I wish to thank the Executive Committee for their strong support during the year, particularly Headmaster Roger Moses for his enthusiasm, and our Secretary Stephanie Kane for her outstanding work.

CONCLUSION Since becoming President a year ago, I have received tremendous encouragement and goodwill from many old school friends and other old boys I have met. It reinforces what I have always thought that we are all very proud of Wellington College which is so well lead by Roger Moses and his high calibre staff.

Our Association now has its own website containing current Old Boys information, including the last two issues of the Lampstand. www.wellington-college. school.nz. [Communities - Old Boys].

Bob Slade May 2004

AUCKLAND: Graham J. Ade 56 Vivian Wilson Dr, Bucklands Beach. Tel: (09) 537 5682 (H)(09) 273 5311 (W). Email: adeconsult@clear.net.nz CANTERBURY: John Veale PO Box 669, Christchurch. Telephone: (03) 351 5510 WAIKATO: Alain Harper 15 Bunyard Road, Rotokauri via Hamilton. Tel: (07) 848 4091 Fax: (07) 838 0082. Email: apralain@wave.co.nz MANAWATU: Don Bowers Pohangina Valley East Road, RD Ashhurst. Tel. (06) 329 4759 HAWKES BAY: Merv Ewing 8 Waikonini Place, Havelock North. Telephone: (06) 877 8371 or Dave Halliday, 14 Jervois Road, Taradale. Telephone: (06) 844 7590 NELSON: Brian Hurst 190B Nile Street East, Nelson. Telephone: (03) 548 4456 Email: hurstbchallenge.nel@xtra.co.nz AUSTRALIA (NSW): Ron Jeffs 3/40 White St, Balgowlah, NSW, 2093. Tel: 61 2 9437 4411.Fax: 61 2 9906 8146. Email: bscaansw@bscaa.asn.au AUSTRALIA (VICTORIA): Dr Peter Osvath 75/8 Perth Street, Prahran, VIC 3181 Tel: (03) 9521 4430Mob: 0418 107 903. Email: peter.osvath@csiro.au UNITED KINGDOM: Martin Conway 1 Sycamore Lodge, Gipsy Lane, Putney, London SW15 5RH Telephone: +44(0) 20 8392 2566 Facsimile: +44(0) 20 7542 9024Email: martin_conway1410@yahoo.co.uk If you would like to be the contact point for Old Boys in your town/city/country, please contact the WCOBA Secretary. We will include your details in the next issue of The Lampstand and in the interim, add your details to our Website.

3

WCOBA Executive News

Old Boys’ Database A

mammoth task is underway to update the WCOBA Database.

The existing database has been in circulation since 1992 and has found to have many discrepancies.

In late 2003, the WCOBA Secretary, Stephanie Kane took on the challenge of bringing the database up-to-date and as this magazine goes to print, is still working away on the information, noting the following: • All current addresses were checked for details. The name of the street, suburb, city, province, state and country were amended where necessary.

• Many Old Boys from 1990 to 2003 had not been included and that Old Boys from 1880 - 1890 were also missing.

• Many names were spelt wrong in data entry errors. This also applied to dates of entry, leaving and dates of birth as well as personal names i.e. middle names.

• Many deceased Old Boys still had addresses, which would have meant that their widows would have received a mail out.

• Many Old Boys who had only attended the College for one or two years (particularly in the 1930s and 1940s were missing). It seemed if you left for work, or transferred to another school, you were deemed to

not get a mention, likewise if you had died or been expelled.

Students enrolled from 1919 - 1990 were issued with a registration card when starting at the college. Each card is checked against the database to confirm their details or add them if not listed. It appears there could be up to 10,000 names missing (from 1919 - 19909) on the database, for who there are registration cards for.

• The original school registers from 1867 to 1919 will be cross-checked against the database and corrections be made.

This is where the missing 1880 - 1890 students were picked up and have since been added.

• Once the alphabet is complete, then we will need to ‘locate’ those on the database who do not have registration card as to their association with the College. This will be checked firstly against past rolls in the Wellingtonians, and if no success, against old staff lists or committee lists so these people can be noted as staff or friends of the College etc.

• Returned mail needs to be crosschecked to the database, so changes are made to addresses, status (deceased), or other reasons (i.e. not an Old Boy).

We receive a large number of ‘Gone, No Address’ where Old Boys have moved on and not notified us.

Once completed, the database will give the WCOBA and the Foundation a historical record that will be as correct as can be and will be much easier to maintain and keep up-to-date.

The records will also show the previous school attended and details of Prefect Status, and highest sport and cultural representation at the College, as well as academic award achieved as well as any other notes of interest.

Apart from being a lengthy exercise, it has also been an lesson about the history of Wellington and Wellington College. The number of generations that have passed through the College is astounding. It has also been interesting to note the prominent families who were early settlers of Wellington, with streets named after them or businesses still in operation today.

On a sadder point is to note students who died whilst at school (more so in the 1800s to early 1900s) and those who were killed in combat. Understanding the importance of historical records and maintaining them to a correct status has helped make this review more rewarding.

An up-to-date database is essential to the College and the Wellington Community and this is the only report that will hold 137 years (to date) of information.

Class of 2003 Leavers’ Dinner

This is where we need your help. It is hoped that in due course produce a Register of the College with details of every student who has passed through the College gates. Wanganui Collegiate has recently carried out this exercise and it’s a fitting tribute to all Old Boys of their school to have such a rich heritage of information. Wanganui’s book is one volume in length, whereas Wellington College’s would be many if we estimate to be 30,000 Old Boys. In 2017, the College will celebrate it’s 150th anniversary and it would be good to know that we have a full record of every Old Boy. Please inform the Association if you have a brother, father, uncle, nephew, cousin, grandparent, grandson, friend or colleague who is not on our mailing list so their details can be added and if they have passed away so that also can be noted. If you would like a class or year list from your era, that can be supplied if you needed to refer to it for adding details. Addresses are the important issue; we only have 7,000 current addresses so if you know of an address for a relative, friend or colleague, please let us know.

A

Guest speaker was Richard Townley (1994-98), who entertained the audience with his tales of life at the College and spoke of his time at Otago University, including the many spur-of-the-moment Wellington College reunions held in student flats around Dunedin. Richard is back in Wellington, dabbling in politics and coaching College rugby, in between working.

very successful and memorable Leavers’ Dinner was held in November, 2003 for the Year 13 students.

Students sat in their 1999 Year 9 form class, with some still having most of their original class in attendance and others down to a few remaining at the end of their five years at school. There were also two tables of ‘Befores and Afters’ - students who started prior to or after 1999. The number of staff in attendance was heartening, as it was their last opportunity to bid farewell to students who have ‘grown on them’ over the past five years.

Bob Slade, WCOBA President, also spoke of the enjoyment of being an Old Boy and treasuring the memories of years gone past. His encouragement to become a Life Member of the Association was well received and it was pleasing to see the number of students sign up to become Life Members and receive their Old Boys’ lapel pin.

As the form class photographs of 1999 flashed up on the screen, representatives from each form class spoke on their experiences over the past five years. Stories emerged of inter-form challenges, haka practices, McEvedy, and Quadrangular Tournament.

Headmaster Roger Moses concluded the evening by wishing all the boys the best in their futures as they go onto greater things.

It certainly was a memorable evening, celebrating a lifetime of friendships to be carried on around the country and the world until the class of 1999 meet again at their next reunion.

4

WCOBA Executive News

Name Boards Restored to Former Glory

O

for posterity, the oldest board at present being 1907.

Over the years, they have become splattered with paint, cracked, scratched and faded and were removed from the walls at the College and put into storage.

The historic boards have now come out of hibernation, getting a new lease of life.

The refurbishment was co-ordinated by the College Archivist, Paddianne W. Neely.

The upgrade has now been completed

by Mr Kurt Hobman, a specialist in goldleaf painting; the boards have now been restored to their former glory. The Boards look impressive in their new home, and are a permanent record of the senior boys through many generations.

ld Boys will remember the black wooden Prefects Boards and Firth House Boarders Prefects Honours Boards which were hung on the walls outside the Headmaster’s Study in the days of Mr H A Heron and in later years were hung in the TTR Room opposite the current reception area.

In 2002 Barry Jobson (1953-57), then President of the WCOB Association, approached the Headmaster Mr Roger Moses and it was agreed that following refurbishment they would be hung again, this time on the walls of Firth Hall. This room is now the principal social room of the College. Older Old Boys will remember it as the former Boarders’ Dining Room, upstairs in the building which contained the Music Room (the building with the ‘roman numerals’ clock on the exterior).

This new home will create a great ‘talking point’ for social functions as guests recall the senior boys of their era. Also, the names can now have a permanent home

The old wooden boards are painted black with the names written in expensive gold leaf. Many boards had borer and general deterioration through age.

The final cost of restoration is expected to be over $20,000. Former Prefects will be written to seeking contributions to this project, and the average cost per name is $60.

Support will be sought on an ‘ability to pay basis”’ - from young WCOB students to retired Professors! For some, ‘40 years on’ will have long since passed!

The Old Boys’ Association consider these honours boards to be important records of those boys, chosen from their peers, to be the senior boys of their year as part of

Barry Jobson (left) and Simon Lockhart (194952) (below), hold their Prefect Boards at the start of the Old Boys’ refurbishment project.

A sample of the poor quality of a couple of the boards before they were returned to their former glory, with some being completely redone and others touched up, all in gold leaf.

5

a special select group.

The names on the boards read like a roll call of New Zealand dignitaries; luminaries like Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves, All Black Ian Uttley and space pioneer Sir William Pickering.

But the exploits of other Old Boys like Sir Ron Brierley and trade unionist Ken Douglas, who never became prefects, mean the boards have an added significance for Headmaster, Roger Moses.

“That’s one of the really interesting things. Some of our most significant and proud Old Boys were never made school prefects. So a really important message is that there are often people who don’t necessary stand out at school, but who discover their niche afterwards and make a huge impact to society”.

It is hoped that Old Boys will contribute generously by way of putting something back into a College which gave all of them so much, and join in with the forthcoming celebrations to welcome the boards home.

Barry Jobson (1953-57) WCOBA Executive

News from the Archives

O

ne hundred and forty five Old Boys and friends of the College have visited the Wellington College Archives over the last year to view some of the 7,000 plus items generously donated to the College. 411 items of that total have been donated during the last twelve months.

whose biography he is writing. In fact Douglas was with Dr Pickering when news was received that Pickering had been made a Member of the Order of New Zealand. He was later also present at his funeral. Douglas has assisted me greatly with memorabilia for the pictorial memorial to Dr Pickering that will hang in the corridor leading to the Assembly Hall.

Regrettably visits by current students and staff have had to be restricted because of lack of space. Many Old Boys who have kindly offered assistance have also had to be refused and this saddens me as I know much more work could be accomplished with their help.

The congested converted corridor which houses the Archives, measures 22 yards long, nine feet wide, seven feet high and is jammed to the roof. Only one person can work at a desk at a time – the other must stand. Much work is done on the floor outside in the school corridor.

Over the past 14 years, our Archives have provided invaluable help and ideas to many visiting school archivists and headmasters throughout New Zealand.

We were once the leader, now we lag behind in accommodation.

Late last year and during February and March 2004, I was asked to work at Wanganui Collegiate School to set up their Museum/Archives. In contrast, a two-storey 1912 brick building which once housed sixty boys was completely refurbished inside and out to provide working storage and display space. With help from my husband Don, we were able, with ease to accomplish this task as

The entrance into the Archives is a tricky manoeuvre. The new doubled doored precision storage cabinet on the left was kindly donated by Ken Brierley. It has to be forward each time boxes of material are required from the cabinets behind.

One of the large set of five metal shelves donated by a former parent, Dr Rodney Allen can be seen as well.

Ted Clayton continues to come to the Archives most Mondays where he arrives armed with numerous newspaper articles. His research skills honed on thirty-one years of teaching here are of enormous value. I thank him for his help and friendship.

well as set up a photographic display of 1800 images in Big School to celebrate the school’s 150th Jubilee.

I cannot stress enough the absolute necessity for a secure, stand alone Archives at Wellington College. We need to protect our memorabilia in the best possible environment and encourage our boys and staff to embrace the heritage of our fine College.

The highlight for 2004 has been the restoration of the Prefect Honours Boards 1907-2003, and their placement in the historic Firth Hall (Firth House Dining Room) along with the first of several old enlarged photographs of that building.

A welcome visitor from the United States was Old Boy Douglas Mudgway (193640), a colleague of Dr William Pickering,

The middle of the Archives where storage boxes are stacked six boxes high on either side in front of filing cabinets and plan drawers. These too have to be moved forward when photographs are needed from the files.

6

My sincere thanks to Stephanie Kane, WCOBA Secretary. She is great to work with. Headmaster Roger Moses has provided constant support and enthusiasm. My sincere thanks to him and his wife Ros and all the other staff who have been so supportive especially during Terms III and IV. The shock of sudden ill health has curtailed much of my work. However I will return!!

Please keep the memorabilia coming in.

It is a joy to open the letters and parcels each week. If, because I have been away, some of your requests may have gone unanswered, please drop me another reminder and I’ll action them as soon as I am able.

Greetings to you all for the Festive Season.

Paddianne W Neely Wellington College Archivist

Ted Clayton works at the table alongside the fin heater on the right. I have no work space. Note the narrow lane from the entrance to his desk. It’s frightening to think of an earthquake.

News from the Archives CAN YOU HELP? Are you an Old Boy or former staff member of the College? Do you have relatives or know friends who are, or have been? If so, you may be able to help the Archives obtain some of the following: • • • • • This unusual view of Firth Hall was taken in 1947 by JA Griffiths and donated to the College Archives. An enlargement has been made and now hangs in Firth Hall.

Save the Archives...

Dear Editor For the last nine years, I have attended the WCOBA AGM at Wellington College. Every time the Archives have been discussed (that the problem of a permanent home for the thousands of treasured memorabilia handed in by Old Boys of the College) is bypassed. We listen every year to promises of action to Paddianne Neely, the Archivist, who has fulfilled this time consuming position for the last 14 years.

The only area for her to work in is in a windowless corridor with the only access opening into the woodwork class. The door therefore must be kept closed to stop the infiltration of dust. The stagnant air becomes very foul, necessitating short breaks outside. The space is so jammed up with storage boxes, drawers and shelves that there is only room for one chair. What a disgraceful situation. I can’t image anyone, other than Paddianne being prepared to work in such atrocious conditions. This, by the way is the fifth location the Archives have been located in.

I would like to ask that the WCOBA review their priorities so that a permanent, functional home can be found for the Archives. I consider that it is our problem to provide a permanent home for the sorting, displaying and protection of our valued memorabilia.

Paddianne has set up four other College’s Archives, all of which have permanent facilities, where everything is able to be displayed. While we, after 14 years have no permanent home and thus unable to display the amassed items. Wellington College has changed over the years; the present pupils have no idea of the past history of the College or of the great achievements reached by many Old Boys in the past. All of this information needs to be on permanent display so that Reunions

etc can be held in the surrounds, and so students and Old Boys can participate in the 137 year history of this great school.

I attended this College from 1941-45 and over the 59 years that have passed; my bonds with the College are as strong as ever. In my day, the College Assembly Hall, a magnificent Grecian, two-storey structure, had a permanent display area upstairs, through which we passed several times each day while changing classes, often stopping to look at the hundreds of items dating back to the College’s birth.

Come on Old Boys of this famous College. Let’s raise the necessary funds to build a permanent two-storey building, located perhaps just metres away from the Headmaster’s residence, where the safety of our history can be displayed for all to see. What a magnificent attraction this could be, for visitors, Old Boys, and parents of new students to be able to look back on the history of the College.

The location of this building within metres of the Headmaster’s house assures the safety of its invaluable contents. These assets of the Old Boys need to be fully protected, because if destroyed by fire, or lost, the past history of the achievements of thousands of Old Boys would be gone forever.

We, the past members of this great College cannot permit any risk of this happening, so please let us rectify this impossible situation of the moment and raise the necessary funds to turn a dream into a reality.

So come on Old Boys. Let’s push for a new Archives for us all.

Yours sincerely M I Deterte (Maurice)

• • • • • • • •

• •

Memoirs.

Photographs/Snapshots: College Life: pupils, staff, Old Boys Head Prefects & Duxes Original Uniforms: School Cadets, ATC, Sea Cadets, Pipe Band Caps: Colours & Sports, Caps, Straw Boaters Sports Gear Medals: Dux Medals, Badges, Awards. War Medals Book Prizes Art Work by Old Boys.

Books: Old Boy authors.

Musical recordings by Old Boys.

School Reports Certificates Papers: Board of Governors, Headmasters, Parents’ Association, College Mothers, Correspondence, WCOB Newsletters Firth House Crockery Architectural Plan Drawers Please contact: Paddianne W. Neely Wellington College Archivist Telephone: (W) [04] 802 2520 (F) [04] 802 2542 Telephone: (H) [04] 386 2072 (F) [04] 386 2076.

A Goodly Heritage, Proud Traditions, Cherished Memories WELLINGTON COLLEGE ARCHIVES

7

War Stories BERNARD FREYBERG, VC and the WELLINGTON COLLEGE CONNECTION

Bernard Freyberg c 1911 Wellington College Swimming Champion

Sir Bernard Freyberg being farewelled by Wellington College boys on the wharf prior to his departure for Great Britain, 1952

ellington College is justifiably proud of the varied achievements of so many of its Old Boys.

However, there is one Old Boy who stands head and shoulders above all others, one whose achievements and honours surpass that of all other former students. That Old Boy is Bernard Cyril Freyberg (1898-04), who when he died in 1963 was known as Lord Freyberg of Wellington, New Zealand. He was formerly Lieutenant General Freyberg VC, Commander of the Second NZ Expeditionary Force, subsequently Sir Bernard Freyberg Governor General of New Zealand, and finally Lord Freyberg, Lieutenant Governor and Deputy Constable of Windsor Castle.

from Oriental Bay to Somes Island and back, a challenge that they could hardly resist. This determination was displayed again when in his 30s, he tried to swim the English Channel, and although caught by the changing tide just 500 metres from his goal, he refused to give up until, exhausted, he was pulled from the water.

W

Not bad for a boy who grew up in Hawker Street, the youngest of five brothers who all attended Wellington College, who when he started at College was one of the smallest boys in the school, and was given the nick name ‘Tiny’, a name that remained with him for the rest of his life.

At school he made his mark, not as a prefect, not scholastically, nor as a member of the 1st XV or 1st XI, but in swimming. It was in the swimming pool that Freyberg could compete with older and bigger boys on an equal footing.

CAN YOU HELP?

Here, his fiercely competitive nature shone through. It was not unknown for him to challenge his brothers in a race

When he left school, Freyberg trained as a dentist, and having secured a good career, his story might well have finished there. However, like so many young New Zealanders before and since he left New Zealand for his OE and was in England when war was declared. Freyberg joined up, was commissioned and set sail for Gallipoli. It was on the eve of the Gallipoli landings that Freyberg first displayed his remarkable qualities of courage in war and was awarded the first of his many decorations when he swam ashore to set off decoy flares. Later in the war, at Beaucourt in France, Freyberg became part of an elite group of New Zealanders to be Awarded the Victoria Cross for extraordinary feats of bravery.

Following the armistice, Freyberg made the army his career and with the outbreak of World War Two he was appointed to command the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force throughout its campaigns in Greece, Crete, North Africa, and Italy. Freyberg’s courageous acts in World War One had already given him legendary status and this, added to his

astute, compassionate and ‘lead from the front’ style of leadership, earned him the respect, admiration, loyalty and affection of all troops under his command.

Despite serving in the army for over 30 years, Freyberg was no warmonger.

Perhaps it was the death of two of his brothers in World War One that shaped his attitude to war; an attitude that is evident in a letter that he wrote to the head prefect at the end of 1942. In it he wrote, “It is the hope of all of us that your generation will not have to go to war.

Throughout the world it will be the duty of your generation and ours who know what war means, to do everything in our power to make a repetition of it impossible”.

When Freyberg completed his term as Governor General and left for Britain as Deputy Constable of Windsor Castle, the College farewelled him in appropriate style. In his history of the college The Light Accepted, Wyn Beasley records ‘….on 15 August the school lined the wharf at the gangway of the Rangitane, where their idol walked down the ranks before the official farewells. We hope, commented the Wellingtonian, that the last shore voices heard by Their Excellencies were those of our boys in a spirited haka.’ Freyberg never returned to New Zealand.

Robert Anderson Assistant Principal Old Boy (1969-73)

C

olm McNulty, a History Teacher at Wellington College is researching the role of Wellington College and its Old Boys during WWI. He is anxious to obtain any information that current Old Boys may possess on any of the more than 1600 who fought in the war. In particular he is seeking any relevant letters, diaries, photographs and newspaper articles on the following individuals who were either Old Boys or staff at the College to include in a book he is planning to write.

Some names include Bill Fitchett, Arthur Coningham, Conway Taylor, Alex McColl, Bernard Freyberg, Oscar and Victor Gallie, Bob Purdy, Norman Shrimpton, Douglas Harle, Eric Porritt, Thomas Grace, OW Williams, AE Caddick, HTM Fathers, JDK Strang and AJ Cross.

Please contact Colm at the College (04) 802 2520 or c.mcnulty@wellingtoncollege.school.nz or through the WCOBA Secretary, who will pass the information onto him.

8

War Stories WELLINGTON COLLEGE STUDENTS VISIT BATTLEFIELDS

I

n the Wellington College Cricket Pavilion, there is a photo of the 1907 1st XI. The captain of that team is a fine looking Maori boy, T.M.P. (Hemi) Grace. Grace was a cricketer of some repute. His bowling figures against our arch rivals, Wanganui Collegiate of 6 for 26 and 6 for 53 in the 1905 fixture and 5 for 61 and 5 for 29 in the 1906 fixture have remained unmatched in the decades since.

Grace went on to play a couple of games for Wellington in the 191112 season.

the New Zealand Division from Gallipoli through to the Western Front. We had selected a number of Old Boys and gleaned information about them from the College Archives and on the trip told their stories. For many of these men the story concluded when we visited their graves among the myriad of military cemeteries throughout France and Belgium. It is sobering to reflect that 222 Old Boys from the College were killed in World War One. We visited the battlefields of the Somme, Messines and Passchendaele. We also visited the French town of Le Quesnoy which was liberated by New Zealanders on 4 November 1918, just a week before the Armistice. The New Zealanders took the garrison by stealth by climbing the town walls. The historic town was left intact and there were no civilian casualties. The townsfolk have been grateful ever since and there are many links there to New Zealand such as Rue de All Blacks.

With the outbreak of war in 1914, Grace joined the Wellington Infantry Regiment and sailed with them for Egypt. On the eve of the New Zealanders departure for Gallipoli, an Old Boys’ dinner was held in Cairo. At the end of the dinner the 39 Old Boys present signed the menu and posted it to J.P. Firth. Hemi Grace was one of those who signed the menu.

On the Gallipoli Peninsula Lieutenant Grace distinguished himself at the notorious Quinn’s Post. He was asked by Colonel Malone to form Snipers’ teams to counter the Turkish snipers who had been responsible for heavy casualties at Quinn’s Post.

Grace was effective in this task of ‘eliminating’ Turkish snipers as the number of casualties caused by snipers decreased and there was a resultant increase in the morale of the ANZACS at Quinn’s Post. Hemi Grace was killed at Chunuk Bair on 9th August 1915. He was 25 years of age.

As well as visiting battlefields, memorials and museums, we also went sight-seeing in wonderful places such as Paris, Rouen, Normandy, Bruges and London. During our time in France, the French students could practise their French language skills with varying degrees of success.

The group had a wonderful time and returned wearily to New Zealand, appreciative that they have the opportunity to live out their dreams and ambitions and fulfil their potential, opportunities denied to so many of those in previous generations of Wellington College students.

This past June, 44 students accompanied by five staff visited Gallipoli. We had a service at the New Zealand Memorial on Chunuk Bair. We read Hemi Grace’s name along with the names of 23 other Old Boys who were killed there and in their honour, the boys performed a stirring haka. Each boy then placed a poppy at the base of the memorial and we looked for the names of the Old Boys on the memorial.

Robert Anderson Assistant Principal Old Boy (1969-73)

Above: Wellington College students at Le Quesnoy have a quiet moment to remember our Old Boys who lost their lives in WWI

The visit was part of a three week trip following the route of

Hemi Grace - First Class War Hero & Cricketer

Hemi Grace’s name on the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair

Hemi Grace prior to his departure with the Wellington Infantry Regiment to Gallipoli. (Photo taken from memorial Edition of The Wellingtonian, 1919).

Brass Rubbing of Hemi Grace’s name on the New Zealand Memorial at Chunuk Bair, completed during the visit by Wellington College students in June, 2004.

9

War Stories

J

Long Journey to the Boarder

ohn Mulgan’s biography Long Journey to the Border by Vincent O’Sullivan (Penguin 2003) has received extensive and favourable coverage recently and O’Sullivan’s tells a compelling story. John (192627) (deceased 1945) was born in Christchurch, where his father, the poet, critic and essayist Alan Mulgan worked on The Press and his mother Marguerite was one of the first women graduates of Auckland University. Most of John’s boyhood and adolescence was spent in Auckland, apart from two years as a boarder at Wellington College, when his parents visited Britain. Four pages of the book relate his life at Wellington College and his letters home were the usual vein of limited schoolboy interests. Although he came first in his A-stream class, there was little mention of school work but a great deal about sport, both playing and watching, and an enthusiasm for tramping and a devotion to rugby, his prowness at which the Wellingtonian described as magnificent after he had played as a forward in a team which went through the season unbeaten.

University, where his main subjects were English and Greek as well as student journalism, running foul of the university authorities in a freedom of speech controversy. Near the end of 1933, on money borrowed by his father, he entered Merton College, Oxford and two years later took a first class degree in English.

John joined the Clarendon Press and quickly learned the skills and routines of publishing. In 1936, with his close friend, he began a fortnightly newspaper column Behind the Cables, which was run in the Auckland Star and provided an alert, informed commentary on current European politics.

Above: John in his last years at Wellington College.

Below: Vincent O’Sullivan’s Book “Long Journey to the Boarder”.

John took up debating with the same enthusiasm and was judged second best speaker in almost every debate.

Another interest began when John joined that small group of boys who actually enjoyed school cadets.

He learned signalling and went shooting. By the time he reached Fifth Form, he took a keen interest in how military procedures were planned and carried out. As he explained to his mother ...to be made Company Orderly Sergeant meant that when the school went out to the camp in Trentham “I will have to look after the stores and rations for 150 boys”. When John’s parents returned from Britain to Auckland, John initially elected to remain at Wellington College, however the family ties were too strong and he moved to Auckland Grammar School and back to the folds of his family.

As second-in-command of an infantry regiment, Mulgan fought in the front line at Alamein and it was here, after nine years away from his country, he again met up with large numbers of New Zealanders, emotionally stirring him to say “It was like coming home. They were mature men, these New Zealanders of the desert, quiet and shrewd and sceptical. They had none of the tired patience of the Englishman, nor that automatic discipline that never questions orders to see if they make sense. Everything that was good from that small, remote country had gone into them, sunshine and strength, good sense, patience, the versatility of practical men. And they marched into history”.

The author of the New Zealand novel, Man Alone, John emerges from this latest penetrating biography as a man who spoke for the generation that grew up between the wars. He wrote a few days before he took his life ‘It took me to the age of thirty to stop being frightened, not just of physical things, but fears of what people thought of me and other fairly

Following college, John went to Auckland

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS...

In 1939, John joined the 5th Battalion of the Oxford and Bucks and spent the next two years on officer training manoeuvres in Northern Ireland, with the occasion sojourn back to London to record a number of broadcasts Calling New Zealand. Then in 1942, he was posted to the Middle East.

I

n response to numerous requests from parents and Old Boys of the College to offer a World War One Battlefield trip for adults on similar lines to the very successful trip recently completed by students of the College in June this year, we are seeking a indication of interest in an effort to gauge the extent of such interest and hence the viability of organising such a trip in either June/July or September 2005.

If deemed viable, the trip in terms of its structure and format would follow a pattern similar to that of the recent school trip. The theme would be to explore in a broadly chronological order the remarkable story of Wellington College Old Boys throughout WWI. It would entail a trip to Gallipoli and Istanbul, then a flight onwards to Paris with sight-seeing visits, a study of the New Zealand Division on the Western Front in Belgium and France, then onto London.

Such a trip would of necessity have to coincide with some extent with the June/July or September holidays. The cost of such a trip would be of course dependent upon many variables such as numbers but we would broadly estimate a cost per person of $7,000-$7,750 for a 18-20 day trip inclusive of airfares, accommodation and transport. This figure is just an initial estimate and will be subject to revision in the light of projected numbers.

Any Old Boys, friends of the College or any other interested parties in this trip should express their interest in accompanying us by contacting either Colm McNulty c.mcnulty@wellington-college.school.nz or Robert Anderson, r.anderson@wellingtoncollege.school.nz or telephone (04) 802 2520.

10

War Stories WWII AVIATOR HERO

A

rthur Coningham (1909-11) was, after Keith Park, New Zealand’s most prominent expatriate officer of the Second World War. Although born in Brisbane, he grew up in Wellington. He went to German Samoa with the Samoa Expeditionary Force in August 1914, and later served with the NZ Expeditionary Force at Gallipoli from June to October 1915, before typhoid led to his repatriation to New Zealand in October. Travelling to England at his own expense in March 1916, he joined the Royal Flying Corps and underwent flying training. From December 1916 he was a fighter pilot with 32 Squadron on the Western Front. He did not achieve his first ‘kill’ until 11 July 1917, but followed it with three more in the ensuing nine days. These successes earned him a MC. His streak of victories continued when in late July he claimed yet another three victories, for which he was made a DSO. Wounded in his last engagement and suffering from the effects of stress, he was sent to England to recover.

By this time he had acquired the nickname ‘Maori’, a reference to his New Zealand origins, which duly became corrupted to ‘Mary: From March 1918 he commanded 92 Squadron. By the Armistice, he had flown 176 patrols, personally destroyed nine enemy aircraft, and shared in the destruction of four, service which was recognised by the award of a DFC in June 1919.

Coningham secured a permanent commission in the RAF after the war, and spent much of his time in the Middle East.

He commanded a squadron charged with maintaining order in Iraq. In OctoberNovember 1925, he led three DH-9a twoseater biplanes from Helwan (near Cairo) to Kaduna (Nigeria), a round trip of more than 10,000 kilometres, for which he was awarded an AFC in 1926; the value of that route for sending aircraft to Cairo from Great Britain and the United States would be fully realised during the Second World War. At the outset of that conflict, he was commanding Bomber Command’s 4 Group, which he led through the first two years of the bomber offensive against Germany; for this service he was made a CB in July 1941. But it was in the Middle East that he made an even greater mark. Dispatched to Egypt in July 1941 to command 204 Group, later the Western Desert Air Force, he forged a powerful ground attack instrument which was to play a vital role in the North African campaign. He was appointed a KCB in November 1942. The doctrine of interservice and Allied cooperation which he championed was put to good effect when he commanded what became the 1st Allied Tactical Air Force in Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy during 1943.

In January 1944, he took command of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, with responsibility for the air support of the invasion of France (see D-DAY). He remained in this post for the rest of the war, and in January 1946 was made a KBE. After commanding Flying Training Command, he retired from the RAF at his own request in I August 1947.

Five months later, he was killed when the airliner in which he was crossing the Atlantic crashed into the sea north-east of Bermuda.

A

ANZAC DAY, 2004

mongst my most prized possessions are four medals passed down to me from my grandfather who died before I was born. He survived both Passchendaele and the Somme and wore those medals proudly every ANZAC Day in commemoration of his mates who never returned. 220 Old Boys of Wellington College were included in the ranks of those who gave up their lives for “King and Country”. Their names are commemorated forever in brass at the back of our Assembly Hall.

It is a sobering exercise to cast one’s eyes over the names of the fallen and to meditate on the lives of so many young men cut off in their prime.

Leslie Heron Beauchamp (1906-07) is one such name. He was the much loved brother of Katherine Mansfield.

Students of New Zealand literature will know of the devastating impact that Leslie’s death had on his older sister.

Thomas Marshall Grace (1904-08) is another whose picture hangs outside our Reception. Captain of the 1st XI Cricket in 1907, Grace was a striking young Maori who was a Lieutenant at Gallipoli. He died, victim of a

sniper’s bullet, on Chanuk Bair. The name of his team-mate from 1907, Edwin Percy Greatbatch (1905-07), is engraved alongside that of Grace, another ANZAC casualty.

It is right and proper that part of our tradition at Wellington College is an ANZAC service at which we commemorate our Old Boys who have fallen in war. As guest speaker at this year’s service, we were privileged to have Jane Pierard, greatgranddaughter of Colonel William Malone who commanded the Wellington Battalion at Gallipoli and died alongside so many of his men. Jane featured two years ago in a moving television documentary Children of Gallipoli. She spoke passionately of the impact the trip to Gallipoli has had on he life. Her message was a poignant reminder of the present is inextricably linked to our past. A group of current students have recently returned from a visit to Gallipoli and pay homage to those soldiers who were instrumental in forging our identity as New Zealanders.

Roger Moses Headmaster

Ernie Rosenthal (1957-60) stands alongside Head Prefect Tom McCarthy, with Deputies Tama Wawatai (left) and Lewis Bollard (centre) at the Wellington Cenotaph on ANZAC Day, 2004.

The words of Kemal Aaturk on ANZAC Memorial at Anzac Cove

Arthur and Bernard Freyberg were old close friends, and Freyberg attended the memorial service on 14 October and dedicated the memorial chair by which the College recognised one of its most distinguished Old Boys.

11

Reunions

A Wonderful Weekend of Forty Years On

A

hugely successful “40 Years On” reunion of the Wellington College “Class of ‘64” was held at the College over the weekend of 15-17 October 2004. Members of the class came from England, USA, Canada, Malaysia, and Australia.

The celebrations began with a special school Assembly where the Headmaster, Roger Moses, welcomed us, and we all joined in singing “Forty Years On”. Keith Quinn, with his wonderful common touch, gave an address everyone will long remember. The Assembly was an especially moving experience for us all.

After a cup of tea in the cricket pavilion Roger Moses took us around the College. Much has changed in 40 years but it is very evident that the College is vibrant and in great heart.

Head Prefect John Marshall, with the 2004 Head Prefects

The Reunion golf tournament on the Friday afternoon was won

by Robin Hill who was presented with a silver salver kindly donated by Juri Alnek. Then it was off to the first official social function, the Friday night cocktail party in Firth Hall, with much talk and laughter. Many adjourned, much later in the evening to a Courtenay Place restaurant for a very late night, and more reminiscing and singing.

Saturday night’s dinner in Firth Hall was a highlight of the weekend. Keith Quinn did an outstanding job as Master of Ceremonies. There were toasts to the College, (John Marshall) absent friends, (Neville Trendle) Firth House (Doug Lingard) and the Class of ’64 (Roger Moses). Rick King gave a brilliant speech. People have never laughed so much. The College Boys Collective sang beautifully for us. And after midnight the Class of ’64 also sang beautifully (or so we thought) around the piano.

Keith Quinn remembers 1964

A raffle at the dinner raised $1,500 to start a fundraising campaign for a new archives room for the College. Grateful thanks to Ron Higginbotham, Onny Parun and Guy St John Ives for donating splendid prizes.

On Sunday morning we had a lovely church service at St Marks Church where Rev Jonathan Boyes led us in a prayer of remembrance for those of our number who had died, and Rohan Pattison read a lesson.

An informal Sunday lunch ran until late in the afternoon and gave us all an opportunity to reminisce some more, and pledge to keep in touch.

Throughout all these official occasions, and the informal lunches and dinners there was a most wonderful spirit. We realised that we carry the school spirit with us always. We realised too that we have a special bond, the Class of ’64. The old friendships remain, and grow stronger with the years. And blokes we didn’t know so well at school are now mates.

Class Members of 1964 listen attentively in Assembly

There are many who we want to especially thank. Roger Moses made a special contribution and joined in with enthusiasm in all our activities; Paddianne Neely, the college archivist, under difficult circumstances created marvellous photo boards recording the years 1960-64 and Stephanie Kane, Secretary of the WCOB Association was the vital link between the organising committee and the College. John Harding (Hokitika) and Nick Cooper did a great job contacting the Firth House boys. But most of all I want to thank my fellow members of the organizing committee whose commitment and planning, and hard work made the reunion such a great success – Chris Jacobsen, Keith Quinn, Olly Lane, Juri Alnek and Neville Trendle.

John Marshall (Member of organising committee) Head Prefect 1964

Getting ready for the tour of the College - 40 Years On 12

Reunions

Alister Bell, Juri Alnek, John Marshall

Larry Williams, Tom Connor, Cliff Topp, Geoffrey Phillips

Larry Coombes, John Veale, Doug Lingard

Ron and Alison Higginbotham, Robin Hill

Mike Olsen, Adrian Perano, Chris Jacobsen

Oliver Lane, Andrew Wilson, Rick Gesterkamp, Anne Lane

Cliff Topp, Peter Elmslie, Peter Jenks

Rick King, Mike O’Connor, Derek Golding, Bob Slade

13

Reunions

T

he school assembly to welcome back the class of 1964 began with a heartening rendition of 40 Years On, sung in gusto by young and old alike.

Headmaster Roger Moses welcomed the Old Boys back to their College and reminisced on events that took place in that year. Head Prefect of 1964, John Marshall gave the reading and spoke briefly of his time here and memories long held by him and classmates. He then introduced classmate Keith Quinn to the College who addressed the assembly and we are grateful to Keith for sharing his address with readers of the Lampstand.

Thank you Mr Moses, Headmaster and thank you John Marshall, and good morning boys.

In the next very few minutes I’d like to convey to you, if I can, some of the spirit of 1964 (and the connection with today) which has brought together this fine bunch of young Wellington College lads you with you here at assembly today.

Its amazing – some of us who have just met a few minutes ago have not seen each other since we left school here at Wellington College in 1964.

The famous song we all sing at this college is called “40 years on” and the men you see in assembly today are getting together this weekend because we are the exact embodiment of the title of the song. We left this school 40 years ago exactly, so the song is very appropriate for us … We are the Class of - “40 Years On.” The spirit of the time we all spent here as schoolboys has been so powerful down the years that nearly 100 of us, and our wives, from all parts of the world, are gathering over this weekend to celebrate and remember the times we had here as young men.

What I’d like to say to you is that in our memory the school has changed a lot physically in 40 years. Many of the buildings we knew are changed and gone but in many ways seeing you all here this morning at assembly, is probably the best reminder to us that nothing much has changed at all.

This might hurt you guys but you look exactly like us! You look the same as we did way back then. Same pullovers, same blazers and shirts - we have that in common (though we had the beloved cap!)

But I am here to speak on behalf of these

blokes of ‘64. We’re here today because when we look back and forgetfully wonder.

We have to admit we loved our time at school and though it might be hard for you to have the same feeling as we have, being here makes us feel young again.

To you, 40 years ahead may seem a lifetime (and maybe it is) but to us coming back and coming up the drive and seeing these men is only the click of the fingers back through time, the blink of an eye, back 40 years!

I only want to make one point today. Some of it involves me, some of it involves my colleagues and mates here.

Take it from me, in the years ahead you will never forget the bloke you sit next to in your classes, or whose with you in your sports team, or whose singing badly behind you here in assembly or the teachers who teach you.

The mind and tradition of a Wellington College kid does that to you. 40 years on we (of the class of ’64) have not forgotten our time here – and that’s why we are back.

I also want to say how much I admire the spirit of what we learnt about each other in the years we spent here.

We of the Class of ’64 will not gloat this weekend over who has achieved more in life since walking out the gates for the last time.

Among this bunch of men are a number who have achieved much with distinction in their lives.

From our year, in business, in law, teaching, sports, medicine, travel, and being just good family men, much of the success these blokes will tell you came from the principles of hard work and concentration laid down in great part by the ‘disciplines instilled in us’ by this school then, and we’ve never forgotten them.

And I know that those traditions of concentration decency carry on today.

Of course we also have people in this gang of students who did not do so well at school here.

14

I can remember the horror of the look in the eye of my mother when I had to tell her I had scored only 26 in school cert maths at the end of my third year at Wellington College and a year later 11% in University geometry.

We had average kids in our year but the spirit of the school has brought all types of Wellington College boy back today I can remember a time when we sat in assembly and our two new All Blacks of the time came to talk to us; Ralph Caulton and Ken Gray, very famous players of the ‘60s.

Neither had ever been in the Wellington College first fifteen in their time at school.

This week a rugby magazine asked me to pick next month’s All Black touring team I hope you will be proud of me when I tell you that I picked Ross Kennedy and Neemia Tialata in my All Black team. For two reasons; one being I think they deserve to get in and 2) they are old boys of this school!

Back in our days, while the school craved for academic success among its pupils it also offered decency of judgement for us after leaving school so that there could be successes ahead in our lives ahead for the average kid too.

Yes, we average students are back today as well, (maybe to haunt some of the masters who are joining us this weekend too!)

So that’s it. We are back. We of the school of 40 years ago, are joined together with you of Wellington College today.

To us we are “40 years on” . There’s another line in the song YOU and WE have sung here today.

The line says… “parted are those who are singing today…’ of course not all of those from our year are here; some 10 to 12 have passed away down the years since – so we’ll think of them too.

Thanks for allowing me, from Room 6S1 of 1964 to represent the class of “64 to talk to you.

We feel the same as you this morning.

Perhaps the line in the song should be today “joined together are those who are singing today….”

Reunions

Form 4A (1941) Reunion, London 2003

1941 Reunion Lunch in the Dining Room of the NZ High Commission, London (Clockwise from top right): David Salkeld, Jean Josling, George Gair, Hemlen Joplin, Peter Macdonald, Elizabeth Salkeld, Doris Macdonald, Peter Whittle, Kathe Whittle, Peter Collins, Fay Gair.

T

Finally a stroll through the grounds led us to a pub where we lunched before returning to London to prepare for the evening’s Dinner.

he idea of a Form reunion in the UK was first suggested

by George Gair, who knew that he and wife Fay would be in England in 2003 and wondered if others might be as well. Peter Macdonald was receptive to the idea, but felt that it would be practicable only if the event took place in London.

However, the only affordable venue would be NZ House, and George was the only one with the influence to secure this. So indeed it worked out, with David Salkeld, a veteran of earlier reunions, appointed CEO from that point.

David had organised the dinner at his club, the Royal Air Force Club, seated at a circular table with a switch of seating after the main course. The evening proved a memorable one; some of those who had attended previous reunions felt that the standard of catering on this occasion, at both the RAF Club and NZ House, had reached new heights. Peter Macdonald proposed the loyal toast, and George then expressed the group’s gratitude to David and Elizabeth for all their fruitful efforts, but also the ideals of the College and perhaps the particular character of our Form which had led to this particularly rich and lasting association.

Peter Collins spoke last, toasting Absent Friends. He began with a recollection of Tom Smith, saying that if Tom had written an essay in his school days at all in the vein of the piece he had contributed to Memories of Form 4A, 1941 then he would either have won the Essay Prize or have been expelled. Peter’s speech was quite remarkably eloquent, heartfelt and moving.

Each past reunion had been intended as the last, and as it becomes evermore likely, it was expected that this would be the last substantial gathering of 4A members, their wives or widows on UK soil. In the event, the following met in London in June; Peter Collins, George and Fay Gair, Helen Joplin, Joan Josling, Peter and Doris Macdonald , David and Elizabeth Salkeld, Peter Whittle and wife Kathe.

We met in the High Commissioner’s dining room in NZ House.

The feeling of warm comradeship was immediate, and was reinforced by the display of photos and memorabilia of the form and its previous reunions, (sent over by Wellington College Archivist, Paddianne Neely), and aroused everybody’s interest.

It included an early picture of Frank Joplin (Graham’s father and long-term staff member). Graham is quite seriously unwell, but he immediately recognised his father when shown the photo.

Following a boat trip along the Thames, the proceedings closed with a lunch at NZ House the following day, at which George reflected on the happy outcome of the reunion. Then, in the words of the programme, au revoirs and farewells, with pleasant memories and anticipation of at least individual future meetings.

A dinner followed, where David welcomed the group and George expressed appreciation of all the work which had gone into the reunion. The occasion reminded several of us of the warm hospitality we had enjoyed at NZ House and at the High Commissioner’s residence during George’s days of office in London.

As recalled by Peter Whittle (1940-43) Footnote: A luncheon was held in September this year at Helen Joplin’s home at Kingston on Thames where Peter and Kathe Whittle, David and Elizabeth Salkeld and Peter and Doris Macdonald met up again.

Photo Below: Reunion Visit to Wellington College UK. Back Row (L-R): George Gair, two Wellington College Masters, Peter Macdonald, Peter Collins.

Front Row (L-R): Peter Whittle, Hugh Munro, Headmaster, David Salkeld

The programme for first morning saw us gather at NZ House to take a coach to Wellington College, Crowthorne, and meet some of the staff there. We were first met and given coffee by Nicholas Ritchie, the College Archivist, who had himself visited New Zealand and taught at King’s College, Auckland under an exchange arrangement with Ian McKinnon. He and another representative of the teaching staff, Mark Lovett, seemed very pleased with the chance to give us a lively account of the history of the school and some of its highlights.

We then met with the Master, Hugh Munro, who welcomed the group with every evidence of warmth and interest. There was a wide-ranging discussion, and the half-hour set aside for this purpose ultimately stretched to nearer the hour, with vigour undiminished on either side. The Master indeed seemed of the opinion that some kind of permanent relationship between the two Wellington Colleges was both desirable and feasible.

Wellington College (England) is internationally oriented, and the two colleges have common ideals in their nineteenth century founding.

15

Reunions North Island Get-Together

O

n November 5, 2003, a good contingent of Old Boys travelled from Auckland, Hamilton, Katikati, Masterton, Morrisonville, Reporoa, Taupo and Te Puke to join colleagues from Tauranga and nearby surrounding areas at a pre-Christmas luncheon.

(L-R): John Newman, Ollie Nixon, Alan Gaskin, John Little

(L-R): Paul Burnett, John Barnard, Allan Mayes Please remember to tell us if you are having a get-together, whatever the size. We would love to hear about your gathering and news.

Members began arriving late morning and there was a steady stream from then on until lunch was served at 1.00pm.

The caterers at Tuscany at the Village prepared a special menu for the 57 who attended and added a nice touch by setting up the tables in college colours black and gold.

After extending a welcome to all those in attendance and making mention that a further 43 Old Boys had been contacted but unfortunately were not able to make it, David Walpole (1945-49), an industrial chemist and farmer, kindly gave us a short address before the formalities concluded. There was a clear indication that everyone enjoyed the meal and the opportunity to catch up with past friends and to meet other Old Boys.

Hopefully, another informal reunion can be arranged again soon.

Peter Little (1947-50) Please write to Peter if you would like details on the next planned gathering at 64 Tindalls Bay Road, Whangaparoa.

(L-R): Colin Isaacs, Tim Broad, Bob Maitland, Ivan Palmer, Geoff Gordon

(L-R): Brian Duncan, Peter Little, Bill Sparks reunion • n. 1. the process or an instance of reuniting. 2. a social gathering attended by members of a group of people who have not seen each other for some time.

REUNION OF 1942. FIRTH HOUSE THIRD FORMERS, 2004

D

uring WWII, at the start of Term One 1942, the College and Firth House were occupied by Army Units. The need to find class rooms at nearby schools such as Wellington East Girls’ College, resulted in a late start. Firth House became available about two weeks later, but the military presence remained until the May holidays.

marvellous hosts. Since 1993 we had lost Quentin Angus, and another, John Roake, was somewhere overseas.

Sixty-two years seemed to have passed

Our sojourn in Waipawa, with marvellous hospitality, a tour of the rural part of the Bay, new to most of us, apples and pears fresh off the trees and generally a most pleasant time for all. One regret was the weather, which did not allow us to do a flight in David’s plane to get an overview of the locality.

Into this situation came eight ‘new boys’ as we were called, from a variety of places around the lower North Island, to meet up with one other who had spent 1941 there as a pupil at St Marks School.

During that first year one of us passed away at the House, but the remainder grew up and onto their various careers.

Contact was maintained to the extent that we each knew where we were and what we did, though and we met at the odd college reunion.

In 1993 seven of the nine got together at Taupo, missing one who had died only months before. Ties were renewed and made more frequently. In February this year, we met again, along with our wives, at Waipawa, where David Wilson, wife Elizabeth and family were the most

introduction of women teachers. Then there was Jimmy Hall, in command at Wellington East… At Assembly, to the boy who had carved his initials on a desk top...

“It’s yours, it has your name on it!... Take it home and bring it back on Monday, dressed and stained properly! “ … Noted by all present. Today’s discipline seems to be different.

very quickly but the memories and friendship over that time brought back many thoughts and stories: sentries at the gates to check passes whenever boys left or entered the College grounds; the fact that we considered ourselves to be Old Boys of Wellington East Girls’ College along with about 150 others; the 16

Our thanks also went to the College which provided a colour copy of the Coat of Arms which was reproduced for the table mats which graced our reunion dinner. A much appreciated thought of our hosts.

John Sherring (1942-46) Photo: (L-R): John Sherring, Clive Westbury, David Wilson, Les Giles and Merv Crocker

RELIVING THE 80S

Reunions

I

n March last year I ran into an old classmate from my year (Meali Paleti) who coaches basketball at Wellington College. We decided to get together with a couple of old school mates. Our list got bigger and bigger as we remembered more and more names from our year.

After making many phone calls and by digging up a 1978 and 1979 Wellingtonian, I went to work looking through the phone book and came to the conclusion that 60% of my year had moved from Wellington and many of them were overseas. Each time I spoke to someone from my year, he said he knew another guy from 1978 who would also be keen to meet up. After a few weeks of the word getting around, boys from years above and below me also asked to join us as well for a laugh and catch-up. Finally, a list was compiled and sent through to the WCOBA to update the database with their details and a venue was booked to host the evening.

At our first reunion in July 2003, around 80 Old Boys turned up and around the same number again at the second in February this year. Adverse weather conditions kept some Old Boys away from our first reunion; in particular, ten old boys couldn’t get past Paekakariki because of flooding and decided to have their own mini reunion at a bar in Waikanae.

I then thought of all the great teachers and wondered if they were still around so it was great that Messrs Rob Anderson, Dave Sowerby, Ted Clayton, Mike Pallin, Bruce Farland, Sandy Yule and Wilf Haskell were able to attend.

Having those gentlemen there brought some of the Old Boys out of the woodwork and it was good hearing both sides of the stories and not just from the boys.

There were one or two boys who I wouldn’t have thought would have bothered to show up for various reasons and when they did show, there was more warmth than they expected and as both nights carried on into the next morning, many anecdotes were related of people, events, and staff that happened in our time.

I organised these reunions because I realised that I had made a few good friends at Wellington College and I guess getting older, has made me yearn for my days as a youth and the opportunity to catch up with them again.

Earl Cleverley (1978-83) If you would like to join in the next planned reunion to be organised by Earl, please contact him at CLEVERLE@fishserve.co.nz.

Seeking Old Boys in Queensland

Seeking Old Boys in Canterbury

Dear Editor My Name is David K Cope of the Fish and Horse era, not to mention Ted Clayton whom I had the pleasure of touring the old school in 1996. I was a pupil from 1959-63 and enjoyed my years at College. I have lived in Brisbane since 1973 and am the Director of a development company (Oxford Crest Pty Ltd) who specialise in senior rental accommodation. This year we are constructing some 700 units. This is a growth industry in Australia and no doubt in New Zealand also. It would be great to hear from Old Boys in the same industry.

t the 2004 Quadrangular in Christchurch, Old Boy Peter Morrison (1970-75) kindly hosted a get-together for Old Boys of Nelson and Wellington Colleges (both local and visiting for Quadrangular) at his Brassiere and Bar - Mansfield House in Merivale.

David Cope qamdkc@hotmail.com And, an email from Dirk J Mouton (1979-83) who would like to get in contact with Old Boys in Queensland to see if it would be viable to arrange a get-together.

Please contact Dirk at PO Box 300, Morayfield, Queensland 4506 or dmouton@bigpond.net.au

A

Peter would like to arrange a gettogether for all Wellington College Old Boys currently residing in Christchurch (whether permanently, at University or passing through) and would like to hear from you so that a date can be arranged for this gathering.

Please make sure the message gets out to Old Boys who may not receive the Lampstand and pass their details onto Peter and the WCOBA Secretary so they can be added to the database.

Please call Peter on (03) 355 3730 or email: mansfieldhouse@xtra. co.nz to express your interest. And we hope to report on the proposed function in next year’s Lampstand.

I

am currently hoping to get in contact with an old friend of mine who is an old boy of your school. His name is Mark Walker (1976-80) and he would have gained his UE in 1980, I am sure that he went on to attend Canterbury to complete a degree in electrical engineering. He had a brother Craig who also attended your school.

I am now resident in Australia and it has been around 20 years since I have seen Mark. His parents changed addresses some time ago and I cannot trace him that way. Any assistance or suggestion you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I can be contacted on the following email: patrickaf@optusnet.com.au Thank you in anticipation, Patrick Flinn If anybody can help the author, please let him know as well as the WCOBA as we do not hold a current address for Mark or his brother.

17

CLASS OF ‘65, WHERE ARE YOU?

F

ollowing the overwhelming success of the 1964 reunion, we would like to think that reunions for ‘Forty Years On’ become an annual event for Old Boys of Wellington College. To get the ball rolling, we ask Old Boys of 1961-65 to contact the WCOBA Secretary to express interest for a reunion in October, 2005 in Wellington.

Once interest is expressed, we can then look at arranging a weekend of events to replicate the successful weekend that has just taken place.

Looking at the database, there are 240 Old Boys who left in 1965, 108 of them started in 1961, the remaining joined or left the school in those in-between years. We have around 100 addresses for this year and records show that three are deceased, however there could be more we are unaware of.

Going by the reports received from the covered Reunions covered in this issue of the Lampstand, new friendships have been formed and renewed, spanning 40 years.

Memories have been revived and no doubt many from this year group will now meet up again.

Please express your interest to be involved in the 2005 Class of ‘65 Reunion to The Secretary, WCOBA, PO Box 16-073, Wellington or email: oldboys@wellington-college. school.nz.

Class of 1966 - start thinking ahead!

Correspondence

Memories of 1941, Peter Keeton Dear Editor Having read various literature and Lampstand’s over a number of years I notice that 90% of the emphasis of the Old Boys’ Association is concerned with glorifying people that were Captain of the 1st XI, Captain of the 1st XV, Head Prefect, Dux of the College and so on. I spent five years at Wellington College between 1941 and 1945 and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I made one or two lifelong friends and learned many things about myself.

However, I am one of many who struggled through the lower classes; I was 3C, 4C, 5C, 5 Remove and Modern 5 Remove. In other words I had five years without going into the 6th Form and I was never a Prefect. I advanced to a Corporal in A Company in my fifth year, played hockey for the 3rd XI and in my last year - 3rd grade rugby. I boxed reasonably well and was a trout fisherman during the summer. The only accolades that I ever received were a third in the Senior Breaststroke, seventh in the Mile Walk which was a considerable achievement, winner of the Travel Club prize and second in Modern 5 Removed in my final year. I was one of the people that with today’s educational system would have been recognised very early as dyslexic. My reading skills were appalling so much so that they embarrassed me at all stages of my school career. My early schooling in England was muddled because my parents moved - I went to seven schools by the age of ten.

One would tend to say especially in those days, “how could this person ever be successful?” I am not alone in this. The long and short of this is that in my third year at Wellington College in 5C when I think I was about 25th out of 32 in the Class (that was my usual position), my schooling changed.

I decided that I wanted to pass School Certificate. With my mother’s assistance, I started to be coached in every subject; my coaching was five nights a week for the next 2 ½ years. While others played, I worked.

In 1944, I sat School Certificate and passed only one subject so it was back to coaching for another year. In 1945 I sat School Certificate again and passed in all subjects, not brilliantly, but I passed. My father who was a Law Professor at University College London and Dean of the Faculty wanted me to go to U.C.L. and study under him.

Four people from Wellington College sat Overseas Matriculation, a paper equivalent to today’s Bursary exam; and I was the only one that passed.

We returned to England in May 1946 and in July of that year, I was told that I had passed, my brother had failed; and so had the other two people who sat with me. That achievement was the turning point of my life

I married a New Zealand girl in the United Kingdom on a Scholarship to the Royal Academy in 1952 and in 1954 we returned to New Zealand with our first child Jenny (18 months old). I had learnt how to succeed and what success meant.

We returned to New Zealand in 1954 and I joined the law firm of MacAlister, Mazengarb & Co in Wellington in 1955. In 1956, I became their Upper Hutt Branch Partner. Later I had my own practice in Whangarei for ten years, thereafter going into private business.

My life in New Zealand has been eventful. I became President of Jaycees in Upper Hutt, chaired many sporting and other bodies and became a councillor in Upper Hutt in 1954.

I moved to Whangarei in 1963 where I had similar success. Right through my life I have been regarded as an innovator and a leader and was sought after because of this always being asked to lead, for example Chairman, Pompellier College Building Committee; Chairman, Whangarei Lawn Tennis and Squash Raquets Club Committee; Coordinating Solicitor with United Carriers and so on.

Some of the boys in 3C are now dead but I mention one or two - Jack Mathews from Melling. He became a doctor. There was a boy called James Henderson, like me from Khandallah. I think he became an Accountant and various others from a lowly academic beginning, did extremely well in life.

It is nice to look back on who was Head Prefect, Captain of the 1st XV and so on but it is time your magazine recognised this was not all that life at Wellington College was about. For me it was mainly about personal learning and gaining confidence.

How often do we congratulate those from a lowly academic start who in fact made the grade and what in fact was the ‘Grade’. Achievement in life takes many forms, a successful family life for example.

Conversely, how often did those people who seemingly made the grade as prefects and sporting heroes, fall by the wayside in life?

I would like to see a reunion of that class of 3C in 1941. I would also like to see some recognition by the College of the low academic and sporting achievers who made the grade, to see that they are not overlooked as other so-called failures at school have been by the hierarchy. Since I graduated in law, I have never been the sort of person who is passed over, nor have I been the sort of person that has allowed others to put me down. There are a great

I joined UCL in October 1946 and passed my LLB degree there in 1950.

I then studied for the Bar exams which were substantial, passing those in 1951. It must be said that 90% of the people at London University at that time were ex-service people, only 10% schoolboys. I was competing at a very high level, 40% failed their first year.

18

many others with similar beginnings who have a success story to tell. It is time we heard from them.

I am now 76 years of age. I am married for the third time to a lovely young Chinese lady aged 36. My second wife died three years ago. I still run in harrier races and I can still do 59 minutes for 10 km. I consider that despite the ups and downs of my life, I have been successful. I have four grown-up children who are all successful (one is a lawyer) and eight grandchildren.

Currently I own and run three businesses a building company in the Waihi District, an art investment company, (I wrote a book in 1986 Investing in Old New Zealand - sold out quickly, and a scrap steel company in Mount Maunganui which exports steel.

I would be prepared to impart some of this knowledge to those at Wellington College who are seemingly not making the grade and feel left out, if invited I still travel regularly all over the place, not only in New Zealand, I feel that I would like to give something back to the College.

Peter C Keeton LLB PO Box 14, Waihi 3061 Telephone: 07 862 6358 or 07 863 6813 or heritagepaintings@xtra.co.nz Photos: Left: Peter in his first suit, with his WCOBA badge, just before his departure to England, 1945.

Right: Peter, today aged 76.

3C, 1941 The he WCOBA database records the following of 3C 1941: (NA - No Address on database), (AD - Address on database), (NR - No record on database), (Dec - Deceased). EL Arvanitis (NA), J August (AD), NC Batten (Dec), JG Baxter (Dec), EG Cameron (NA), G Carkeek (AD), RDG Charlton (NA), JG Cunningham (NA), MH Cunningham (Dec), FW Duckworth (AD), RJH Dunford (NA), GA Fraser (NA), JR Graham (AD), JW Gwynn (Dec), JK Henderson (Dec), GH Hewitt (NR), EK Huffam (AD), D Hull-Brown (AD), PR Jackson (AD), MGW Keeton (NA), PCC Keeton (AD), DL Knapp (NA), AJ MacDonald (NA), RJ Mansfield (NA), GJM Martin (NR), JT Matthews (NA), LR Menzies (NA), PD McLean (NA), DA McKinstry (NA), AR Milne (NA), IH Murdoch (NA), HF Schwimmer (NA), NA Stagg (NA), NF Tocker (NA), WM Toomer (NA), SJ Williamson (NA), JN Weston (NR). If you have any information, on anyone in 3C 1941, please contact the WCOBA Secretary, who will pass the information onto Peter, so hopefully a reunion can be arranged.

Correspondence McEvedy Magic Moments

Letter from Abroad

P

eter Davenport (1946-50) dropped a note to congratulate the 2004 McEvedy team on their win (the biggest margin on record) earlier this year. Peter was the Captain of the 1950 team and a team member for five years; 1946-50 [although there was no meeting in 1948 due to the polio scare]. Wellington College held the shield right through that period. Peter says, “Glad to see it back where it belongs!”

Dear Editor

This is mainly to say how much I appreciated the 2003 Lampstand received recently, and especially to congratulate you - together with Paddianne Neely on its production and the enlarged content, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. As a former editor, I certainly know what it can be like to assemble and collate so much varied material and present it in an attractive and appealing way as you have done.

In fact, various items in this issue have sent me back to look up AW Beasley’s 1992 History of the College to check a few points, and remind me of others. I have a few comments: First, some surprise at the opening statement on page 14 that photo’s of the College Pipe Band are ‘rare’. That may well be so; but I feel quite certain that I’ve seen the upper photo before. It doesn’t seem to figure in Beasley’s book, but perhaps it appeared in a Wellingtonian of the time (which I can’t check, because I gave all my copies to Paddianne some years ago). Anyway, I am pretty sure that the pipe-major in that photo is Mac Gapes - (whom you also picture in column 1 of page 8) - but perhaps Paddianne already knows that.

The piece that also gave me particular pleasure was Paddianne’s account (on page 15) of Klaus Haymann’s remembrance of some of the characteristics of headmaster and key staff of his and my own) years at the College. I could add some others of my own: one of my lasting and favourite memories of ‘Jeemy’ Hall and the twinkle in his eye was his often-repeated urging to us; “Work hard, and eat plenty”.

Above: McEvedy Team 1950 • Below: McEvedy Team 2004

Lastly, I’d like to ask whether you have a current address for a former schoolmate Eric O Hall (1939-43), Dux in 1943. He used to be in Cambridge, UK and later Sheffield, however an English colleague of his whom I met by chance only a few weeks ago tells me that Eric later took a Professional Chair at a University in Australia. I’d be very please if you are able to put me in touch with him. [Please also let the WCOBA Secretary know].

Every good wish to both you and Paddianne for the sterling work you are doing for the WCOBA, here’s one person who really appreciates it.

Sincerely Graham Weston (1939-42) Foxwell End, Yarnton Road, Cassington, Witney, Oxon, UK OX29 4DY, United Kingdom

Caravanning, Cruising & Crooning

T

Castle Connection

ony Allsop (1952-57), wrote to us from Australia asking for the words to the school haka and told us what he has been up to since leaving College.

P

rior to the 2003 Quadrangular Tournament at Wellington College, we received a letter from Tim Castle (1963-67) with news of Old Boys from his family and the Castle Quadrangular Connection.

He moved to Australia in 1959 and toured NSW and QLD, returning home two years later. He returned to Queensland’s entertainment industry, singing in bars and night clubs. After a few years, Tony says he took up a ‘real job’ and was appointed as manager of Bradford Insulation CSR’s building supplies division in Cairns, where he met and married his wife Denyse, a doctor in Cairns. They opened up a medical surgery in Bowen, QLD in 1975.

Tim’s grandfather Sydney (1907-10) was an Old Boy of the College.

Tim’s father Lester played in the Christ’s College 1st XV 1939-1940 and consequently played in two quadrangular tournaments of those years for his school of which he was Head Prefect. Tim himself had the honour of playing for Wellington College’s 1st XV in 1967 where they drew 0-0 with Wanganui Collegiate at Wellington College.

With a love of boating, the couple bought a flybridge cruiser, cruising the Whitsunday Islands. After obtaining their commercial skippers tickets, they sold the surgery and bought a charter yacht, spending the next seven years sailing the Whitsundays and Queensland coast. They returned to land in 1989 and bought a property in Mackay, QLD. Denyse opened a surgery there with another doctor and has just retired.

Tim’s son Ben (1993-97) was a member of Wellington College’s 1st XV which competed at the Quadrangular in Nelson in 1997.

Ben had a contract this season with the Chiefs’ Super 12 team and will play for Bay of Plenty in NPC. Tim’s middle son Tom (19962000) was in the 1st XV in 1999 and 2000, which also competed in the Quadrangular Tournaments. Tim’s youngest son Jack was at Wellington College from 1999-2000 before moving to Wanganui Collegiate and may yet make it to Quad!

In the meantime, Tony has been writing articles for a boating magazine (literature must be in the family as his uncle was famous poet James K Baxter). Tony and Denyse’s love is now caravanning, having sold their boats and he also writes for several caravanning magazines including a New Zealand one called MCC, published quarterly.

Tim says, “This review of the Castle connection with Wellington College would not be complete without observing that my ‘little’ brother Peter (1968-72) followed me at Wellington College and it is with considerable pride that I note that Peter’s eldest son Andrew (1998-03) is a member of the 2003 Wellington College 1st XV and will of course be competing at Quad and his younger brother David (2000-05) is in the 2nd XV. Wellington College certainly has a

Thanks Tony for your news.

Tony can be contacted on twododos@bigpond.com 19

Correspondence

You Can’t Be Serious!

E

rnie Rosenthal (1957-60) and the current Careers Adviser at the College came across the following article about his good friend Ken Gotlieb (1957-60). Ernie traced the author, Neville Martin, who lives in Khandallah, Wellington.

Neville went to Wellington College with Ken 1955-58. Ernie says that the article really warmed his heart and wished that Ken had lived to read it. Sadly, Ken passed away last year. Neville told Ernie that he first wrote the article for the Sunday Supplement (National Radio) programme. It ran a couple of years back before he reworked it for a column he wrote for the Farmer’s Weekly which is published in Feilding and goes out to most farmers.

This nation has never been short of inspirational achievers - in science, sport, the arts, business, medicine, the military and more. Kiwi men and women have matched it with the world’s best in many fields. We are rightly and naturally proud of them. They help us define who we are.

It’s a funny thing about the tall poppy syndrome - there comes a point in the growing process where society loses the urge to cut the precociously successful off at the knees and starts applauding their loftiness. I suspect it is at about the point when we can all vicariously claim credit for the achievement of the party concerned.

But if it is heroes and heroines we need to strengthen our sense of national identity as we venture into this new and uncertain century, let me give you another. Ken Gotlieb.

secondary school in the 1950s. That school, I suspect like many of its ilk in those days, seemed determined to prepare its pupils for the future by installing in them the values of the Edwardian past.

It was clear to the school that something had to be done. Elvis Presley had begun to lead the rising generation astray. Juvenile delinquency had recently been invented and was proving disturbingly popular amongst a widening circle. Good social order was manifestly under threat.

Such a menace to the fabric of society, our school’s establishment sought to counter by steadfast application of the Philosophy of the Cold Shower. Among the inviolable tenets of that particular creed was that all third form boys, excepting those, either missing limbs or possessed of a medical certificate of incapacity, were required to take an active part in the Annual Sports Day. The fact that your physical shape or general inclination in sporting matters might not suit you for competition was immaterial.

Subjecting yourself to comparison with the athletic abilities of others was mandatory.

From Fourth Form up, participation was optimal. What was absolutely implicit however was that those who entered would give their all in whatever event they might choose.

Those of us acquainted with the physical attributes of the aforementioned Ken knew that whatever his thing was - it certainly wasn’t running. He was possessed of a

Now before you reach for your “Who’s Who” or Encyclopaedia of New Zealand Biography to discover which previously unsealed Himalayan peak he conquered; which German machine gun nest he silenced single handedly, or which Olympic sculling field he left in his wake - please don’t bother.

I

attended

a

Ken, and some cohort roped in to compound the outrage, were ambling - miles behind the field, engaged in ‘animated conversation.

In front, the leaders ran around the track, finishing the race in a couple of minutes or so. We cheered them to the line and then turned our attention to Ken’s blasphemy.

He and his chum had yet a lap to go and completed their final circuit to the ironic cheers of those who deemed it unwise to display unqualified support for this insurrection.

As I recall, masters arrested him on the line and took him away for corrective discipline before the terrible contagion spread further.

I have never forgotten the gall of that young man.

He was chubby. He was Jewish - at a time when to wear that label could and shamefully, frequently did, provoke taunts from the ignorant and the prejudiced.

And yet for the entire world to see he had cocked a defiant snook at the macho culture in which he found himself. He had dared not to take competition seriously.

And Ken Gotlieb.

Photo: The Jewish Youth Group preparing to board a flight from Wellington to Melbourne for a Jamboree Camp.

Ernie Rosenthal (front centre), Michael Hirschfield (second on Ernie’s left) and Ken Gotlieb (far

boys’

Fine Wines of Waipara

explain;

Thus, his appearance on the starting line of the 4th form 880 yards in 1956 gave rise to a state of mass incredulity. He couldn’t be serious, surely? Twenty seconds after the gun had set the field on its way; all doubts about the matter were dispelled.

I’m proud to live in a little country which has produced - among so many Rutherford, Hillary, Te Kanawa, Upham, Meads, Frame and Sir Alexander McIndoe.

The exploit which inspires me to put Ken Gotlieb forward for icon status is not yet recorded in the annals of conspicuous Kiwi achievement. But while he is not yet, officially, one of the nation’s heroes, he has always been one of mine.

To

physique which suggested that when his mother had told him to finish everything on his plate, he had been unwavering is his desire to please.

Dear Editor As an old boy of College I set out herein updated personal information that you may wish to include in the next issue of the Lampstand.

Barry Johns, (1955-1956) who practiced law for 30 years in Christchurch up until early 2001, is now producing wine under the Fiddler’s Green label from a vineyard situated in Waipara, North Canterbury.

Barry and his wife Jennie, first began planting the vineyard in 1994 and now have 14 ha under full production.

The wines produced are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Fiddler’s Green has built a solid 20

reputation for top quality handcrafted wines both here in New Zealand and overseas. The most recent success being in the San Francisco International Wine Competition (June 2003) where their 2001 Riesling was awarded a Gold medal and the 2002 Sauvignon Blanc a Silver medal. The Competition attracted 3,865 entries from 21 countries and is one of the most highly regarded wine shows in the USA. Barry can be contacted at PO Box 81, Amberley, North Canterbury, Phone (03) 314 6979, Fax (03) 3146978, Email: fiddler@xtra.co.nz and websitewww .fiddlersgreen.co.nz.

Correspondence Perseverance has paid off for this esteemed Gentleman Dear Editor I was a pupil of the College 1941-45 inclusive. I think it was about 1993 that I wrote to the College requesting the words of a song Forty Years On we used to sing during Assembly. As I was on the point of retiring (for the first time) I thought some of the words could well apply to that occasion. I received a very pleasant letter from the then Headmaster including the requested verses.

To my grief, during two house shifts, the letter was misplaced. There was also a comment therein that the School records included an Israel Aarons but not an Ian Aarons. I truly meant to reply forthwith, thanking him and the School for his prompt reply and also pointing out that in 1946 I had changed my name by Deed Poll to Ian - a name I was always known by at school and by friends.

That at least would settle the College record straight. Sadly various events took over and the reply was overlooked.

That aside, although the aim was indeed to retire then, colleagues and the ‘Firm’ I worked in, talked me out of it and in fact I carried on working mostly part-time for a further ten years. It was my attendance in Dunedin, 2002 for the commemoration of the 50th year since graduation from the Otago University Medical School in 1952 that I came to my senses and realised that the time for retirement was well overdue! Yet, because of further peer pressure and the comment that I had not yet reached the ‘use by date’, retirement did not happen till 31 December 2003! Now at last I am enjoying the quiet surroundings of a farm not too distant from Adelaide and able to become engrossed in my numerous hobbies.

It is with much hesitation that I add the following, but considering that at long last this letter is being written coupled with the fact that I have finally come to the end of my career, please forgive me for reminiscing about aspects of my past related to the College. I guess I owe allegiance to Wellington College, which gave me the foundations for my future. However, sadly, all is not quite that simple. Whilst it’s now truly past history perhaps you might be interested in a few facts. WWII changed the format of the College considerably and by necessity some of the younger teachers left - some, regrettably to be killed (a delightful Mr Dale, comes to mind). Sadly, because of these circumstances, classmates and I came under the spell of a few less-capable teachers. One in particular, took us for maths and science - ineptly. His lazy teaching methodology was destructive to me (and I believe others). I gained little if anything from him, whilst at the same time he managed to instil fear and an intense lack of confidence.

Perhaps I was mentally immature, but I did badly in my first attempt at what was then called Medical Preliminary - disastrously in Maths - a subject that had become frighteningly mysterious! Yet, miracles can occur! By immense contrast, there came into my life next year a marvellous teacher, a man of great worth who, for reasons best known to him, had faith in me and consequently altered my entire student and later life. I admired him and still do, for it is to him I owe what became my future. His name was James (Jimmy) Hall. Whilst we met after my graduation in Medicine when he openly showed much joy and pride, I feel my gratitude to him was totally insufficient.

Even now, I wish I had sought him out to make him understand and acknowledge my positive feelings towards him and how much I owed and admired him. Unfortunately, I left Wellington soon after and lost contact. I do not mean to sound melodramatic, but this regret haunts me.

Please do not think these are ramblings of an old man - though certainly I do not feel old - and Colleagues do not believe my age!

However, there is another event that I feel I should relate out of interest, for it taught me very much. It took place in one of Jimmy Hall’s class, one day, in 1945. I was in what was called 6R as I had to repeat the Medical Preliminary the previous year, this time more successfully but was obviously not bright enough to be placed in 6A. The Headmaster at the time was Mr Hogben. We were in what was then the West School (is it still standing?). He openly sought me out in the class. As I stood in front of my classmates, Mr Hogben openly and loudly suggested that as I had done reasonably well in Maths and Science this time (thanks Jimmy!) I should sit the then new University Entrance exam and head for an engineering course.

I remember thanking him but indicated my desire was to try for medicine and nothing else. He became agitated as I repeatedly refused his request. Then, in front of my peers he angrily pointed out that: 1.

2.

3.

I did not have the intelligence to enter medical school let alone become a medical doctor; My character was wrong for that profession; I came from the wrong social group.

Standing in the front corner of the room, adjacent to the windows, was an embarrassed, pale, sad-looking Jimmy Hall and the class was so quiet! I remember telling Mr Hogben that he had every reason to question items 1 & 2 as far as they concerned me but he had no right to comment on the social aspect (referring to my Jewish background). He stormed out slamming the door and for better or worse that was the last occasion we spoke to each other, as I was now obviously persona non grata! I can’t understand why this discussion was not held privately in his room. I would have stayed an extra year in the College were it not for that event but was later also assured by both James Hall and another great teacher James Cuddy that I could now manage University and would be happier there. I gladly took their advice and ultimately was fortunate enough to be one of the six non-scholarship students selected directly to Medicine from Victoria College as it was called then. I truly do not know how many applicants for medical school entry there were that year from Victoria College but I believe it was in the vicinity of 200.

Immediately after graduation from Medical School in 1952, I sauntered up to the Headmaster’s residence, diplomas in hand to ‘show off the impossible’. But pride is inexcusable and perhaps it’s as well that the event did not happen - the cleaning lady told me that Mr Hogben had just left Wellington College and New Zealand for the UK. These events taught me that a teacher has immense power - mostly for good but sadly at times for the opposite. Whilst diagnostic 21

medicine was always and remained my true love, I have done much teaching throughout my career, be it at first most reluctantly but later with much enjoyment. I had undertaken innumerable under- and postgraduate courses not only in New Zealand but also London and ultimately in Australia, both Melbourne and Adelaide. Included were training sessions mostly for Pathology Registrars but also candidates for the Colleges of Physicians and of Surgeons. I was invited to be an examiner for the College of Pathologists of Australasia, a position I held for 16 years till I realised that some of the candidates knew more than I did!

I still think that Wellington College’s Motto is a gem and I hope most sincerely that in my time I was able to pass on to students and colleagues what knowledge and experience I might have gleaned over the years. However, because of the unforgettable influence of Jimmy Hall and a few other teachers I hope most sincerely that I managed to combine this with patience, encouragement, positivity and humour.

It is with very considerable hesitation that I enclose for your perusal a copy of my CV. Please do not misconstrue its enclosure as arrogance or the like on my part. It is merely to complete and conclude the records of your previous student Ian (ex Israel) Aarons, Again, please accept my apologies for the inexcusable delay sending this letter originally to say thank you - but now for it becoming an over-lengthy rambling epistle.

Very best wishes to you and the College Ian Aarons (1941-45) MB.ChB, MD, MCPA, FRCPA PO Box 91 Dublin, SA 5501, Australia Ian’s CV reads like a medical journal on its own. A graduate of Otago University’s Medical School in 1952, Ian’s posts include Medical House Officer, Hastings Hospital, various GP and Obstetric Locums, Pathology Register at Dunedin Hospital, Senior Lecturer in Pathology at OMS, Senior Consultant Pathologist at Otago Hospital, Forensic Pathologist at OU, Membership and Fellowship of Pathologists of Australasia, Research Fellow at Institute of Pathology at London Hospital Medical School, Renal Transplant Diagnosis and Research at St Mary’s Hospital, Denver Hospital and Medical School processing renal transplant tissues for immunological and electron microscopy studies and diagnostic research, Senior Lecturer of Histopathology and Experimental Pathology at SMH, Associate Professor in Pathology at OMS, Pathologist in charge of Surgical Biopsy and Cytology Services, Immunofluorescence and Electron Microscopy at OMS, Co-deputy Director and Senior Consultant and Renal Pathologist at Dept. of Anatomical Pathology, Prince Henry Hospital, Melbourne, Senior Special Pathologist, Head of Renal Pathology, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, Clinical Senior Lecturer at Adelaide University, Honorary Senior Consultant Pathologist at Adelaide’s Children’s Hospital, Pathologist Clinpath Laboratories in Adelaide, Locum Pathology in Cavan, Ireland and Examiner for Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. Ian has also had 48 publications and presentations produced.

Stories of Interest

Headmaster speaks on steps of Parliament

T

What lessons, then, should we as teachers learn from this despicable outburst of hatred?

First - that despite the current preference for teaching process to content, there is a body of knowledge that should be taught afresh to each generation. All students should be made aware of the Holocaust and the unmitigated evil of genocidal maniacs who would inflict their perverted philosophies upon civilised societies. For me, one of my most profound experiences was visiting Anne Franks’ house in Amsterdam, and emerging into an anteroom where pictures and statements from contemporary neo-fascist groups are a chilling reminder that brutality and hatred can lurk closely beneath the surface in every society. Students should be reminded through the lessons of history that a Hitler, Idi Amin or Pol Pot can emerge in any society where the voice of moral reason is silenced.

he following address was given by Roger Moses, Headmaster of Wellington College, to the “anti racism” rally outside Parliament on Wednesday August 24, 2004.

Ladies and Gentlemen, It is both an honour and a privilege to speak on the steps of Parliament this afternoon, but as a principal of a New Zealand secondary school, it is also my responsibility.

Like the overwhelming majority of my fellow citizens, I was both appalled and horrified to hear of the shameful and callous attack on the cemetery at Makara. My heart went out to wonderful Jewish colleagues on the staff at Wellington College and to my students whose grandparents’ graves had been desecrated in such a profane, malevolent manner. I asked myself, “Could such depravity possibly occur in New Zealand? Surely such racist bigotry was the preserve of pre-war Nazi Germany and not Wellington in 2004? The reality struck home for me a couple of days later when my greatly respected friend and colleague pulled out of his car the charred and twisted remains of the Star of David salvaged from the burnt out prayer chapel and passed on to him by the police.

Second - we should remind our students that, unlike kindness, generosity and compassion, tolerance is not necessarily a virtue.

We should not tolerate those actions which destroy the dignity and self-respect of ethnic groups in our society, nor the vitriolic words of those who would stigmatise and demean the immigrants, refugees and other minority groups in our midst. Nor, might I add, should we tolerate those who so abuse the freedom of speech we cherish so dearly to undermine and subvert the foundations of freedom which are axiomatic in a decent and just society.

During assembly that morning, I held that Star of David aloft as I spoke to the boys of the outrage that had occurred in our community and how vigilant we needed to be in response to such sinister and evil intolerance in our own country. To my shame as an educator, it occurred to me that many of the young men seated in the assembly probably had no knowledge whatsoever of the Holocaust, surely the ultimate symbol of man’s inhumanity to man, when the pursuit of power is divorced utterly from a moral framework. That morning, I shared three quotations with my students of the College. The first, the oft-quoted but profoundly relevant words of Edmund Burke: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

Third - we as educational leaders need to emphasise and promote the truth that through the ages, there have been values and standards of decency which transcend particularities of race, gender, religion and culture. In the Christian tradition of which I am a part, these standards are best summed up in what has come to be known as “the Golden Rule”: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.

Such is the basis for any reasonable, decent society where diversity of population is celebrated and difference of opinion is welcomed.

A hundred years later, Martin Luther King put it this way: We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of bad people but for the appalling silence of good people.

In conclusion, may I share a passage which I read every year to my students. It is a letter written by an American high school principal to his staff, and is a poignant reminder that any education system must remain inextricably linked to a moral context: Dear Teacher, I am a survivor of a concentration camp.

My eyes saw what no man should witness: gas chambers built by learned engineers; children poisoned by educated physicians; infants killed by trained nurses; women and babies shot and burned by high school and college graduates.

So, I am suspicious of Education.

My request is: help your students become more human.

Your efforts must never produce learned monsters, skilled psychopaths, educated Eichmans.

Reading, writing, arithmetic are important only if they serve to make our children more human.

Then, I referred to the most memorable speech of my lifetime, King’s oration delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC when he said so prophetically: I look to a day when people will be judged on the content of their character rather than the colour of their skin.

Finally, I shared the famous statement attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller: In Germany they came first for the communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me and by that time there was no one left to speak up.

TALKING IT UP

How important it still is for us as educators in the 21st century to identify evil behaviour when it occurs and to ‘speak up’ without hesitation.

O

Thank you for your attendance this afternoon.

ld Boy Nick Whittington (1995-99) has recently had a string of successes in his final year of a BA in French and LLB(Hons) at Victoria University.

Nick represented the University at the 2004 Willem C Vis International Commercial Arbitration Mooting Competition held in Vienna in April. The moot was attended by 1,100 participants from 136 teams in 42 countries. It was a mock arbitration between two companies in a contractual dispute over US$500,000 worth of food packaging machines.

Once past the preliminary rounds, the team defeated MacQuarie University (Sydney) in the Round of 32, Harvard University in the Round of 16, the University of Texas in the Quarter Finals, and the University of Freiburg (Germany) in the Semi Finals. In the final, the team lost narrowly to Osgoode Hall Law School (Canada) in what was described as one of the prestigious competition’s best finals.

Nick also won the 2004 Bell Gully Victoria University Mooting Competition held at the High Court in May, judged by Court of Appeal judge Justice McGrath, Bell Gully partner Jill Mallon, and Victoria University Law Lecturer Antony Shaw. He was presented with the Sir Richard Wild Memorial Cup and a 22

cash prize provided by English Barrister John McLinden. As a result of this win, Nick will represent Victoria University in the Australian Mooting finals in Sydney in July, and the New Zealand national mooting competition in August.

In September, Nick will relocate to Annecy, France, where he has accepted an offer to study at the Université de Savoie.

There he will study domestic French law and public international law in French.

Joy Dunsheath - Wellington College Staff AND MORE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS At a Victoria University Law School’s function last year, the school celebrated it’s students successes in international competitions.

Guests of honour included Martin Smith (1993-96) LLB, who reached the quarter-finals of the prestigious Willem C Vis Mooting Competition in Vienna. Martin and co-mooter Fionnghuala Finn were the top Australasian team, and were placed in the top eight of 128 teams from over 40 countries.

Martin also received an Honourable Mention as one of the 30 best oralists, out of 500 competitors.

Stories of Interest Italian Knighthood bestowed on Old Boy

Farewell to a Good Neighbour

R

ichard Sweetzer (1956-60) started school as a very young boarder at Cathedral Grammar, Christchurch, for four years. After a move to Wellington, he boarded at Wellesley College in Days Bay for four years and then began his secondary education at Wellington College.

On leaving College he journeyed to England and worked for the publishing house of Robert Maxwell. He returned to New Zealand and worked for Sir Arthur Porritt from 1967 -1972. It was through this work and after a second trip to England that he was to become an official member of the staff at Government House under Sir Denis Blundell (1919-19), himself an Old Boy of Wellington College.

T

Richard worked for seven Governors General, three of whom were Wellington College Old Boys - Sir Denis Blundell, Sir Paul Reeves (1946-51) and Sir Michael Hardie Boys (1944-48). A fourth, Sir David Beattie, although not an Old Boy, was the father of one of our Head Prefects, Matthew Beattie (1970-72).

Ken has kindly presented to the Archives ‘Tugboats, Wellington Harbour, 1967’, painted by himself. This painting now hangs in the Headmaster’s Reception area where it has been much admired.

Ken has been a constant support to the Archives and has donated some very valuable memorabilia over the years.

After twenty-eight years of loyal service, the Executive Officer for Government House, Richard Sweetzer MVO (1990) decided to retire to Blenheim and try his hand at something different. Not the quiet life, but one of supportive involvement in the community. He has a large shareholding in a winery/vineyard, is a member of the Blenheim Club, Marlborough Club, the Rotary Club, Polo Club and organised the opening of a new winery as well as assisting one of his old primary schools, Cathedral Grammar, prepare for its 125 years celebrations, and he is still doing advisory work for Government House.

he President of the Republic of Italy has conferred the honour of Cavaliere Ufficiale on Old Boy Ken Porter (1935-37) for his services to the Italian communities in New Zealand and Australia. It is the third in the order of four and the equivalent of a Knighthood.

His new home is set in a semi rural area within a fifteen minute walk of the town centre. He has already begun renovating and attacking the place with a paintbrush.

It was while he was thus occupied in his paint spattered garments that a sleek black Jaguar coasted up his long driveway

Major Ken R Porter ED & Bar. ANZAC Day, March 1996, leading the NZ Contingent in Melbourne Australia

and Dame Silvia Cartwright alighted.

“A bit hard to bow in filthy old painting clothes armed with a paintbrush”. But the Governor General didn’t mind, they are old friends.

Dame Silvia hosted a black tie dinner for Richard before he left Wellington, and no doubt she will call in again when down on unofficial or official business.

On his arrival in Blenheim, Richard was surprised to find in his letterbox a large envelope. The sender’s address was marked ‘Balmoral Castle’ and contained a letter of thanks to him for work well done!

Richard loved the work at Government House. He met a wide variety of people over the years. He organised five visits

by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. About 15,000 visitors passed through the doors each year, from Royalty and foreign heads of state to ordinary New Zealanders. It was the New Zealanders who had worked hard for their communities in various capacities that provided the most satisfaction for him.

His responsibilities involved organising the investiture ceremonies for people who had been awarded various honours.

Another task he took pleasure in was visiting schools to present the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. But Richard will be remembered most at Wellington College for providing the College with the full collection of photographs of the Governors General who visited the College which hang outside the Headmaster’s office.

Richard also donated the cost of framing for all these photographs.

The College showed its appreciation by inviting him to an Assembly and made a presentation to him. The feeling was one of warmth on both sides. We wish Richard Sweetzer, Old Boy and friend, well in his retirement and we thank him again for his contribution.

Paddianne W Neely College Archivist

Richard with his pride and joy, his 1962 Rover Mark 1A 23

Stories of Interest

What Drives Alan Gibbs?

New Zealand Industrialist hits top gear with high speed amphibian.

M

ulti-millionaire innovator Alan Gibbs (1953-56) is one of New Zealand’s most tenacious business people. He’s a pioneer known for his bold style, reformist passion and capacity to create wealth.

In October 2003, Alan launched his most audacious venture ever, a high speed amphibian that performs like a sports car on the road and a speedboat on the water.

The Gibbs Aquada is a world-first new technology which he claims will “revolutionise a portion of the automobile industry over the next two decades.” Gibbs calls the technology “the most significant innovation in the automotive industry in the last 100 years. Essentially, we’ve doubled the utility of the motor vehicle.”

Alan is backing his latest innovation with a large personal investment. He has spent the past seven years driving a team of engineers, designers and technicians through hundreds of obstacles and engineering challenges. The resulting technology is undoubtedly New Zealand’s boldest entry into the automotive world since Bruce McLaren’s cars first appeared on race tracks in 1966.

Gibbs is perhaps best known as the hard focussed industrialist who engineered some of the toughest infrastructure and business turnarounds in New Zealand’s short but fast evolution from basket-case to open-market economy.

The fifth-generation New Zealander rebuts the notion of having quit the country, saying he’s passionate about New Zealand and continues to want to influence the way it develops. “Besides,” he says, “I’ve been busy.”

Gibbs says he is ‘bi-hemispheric’, dividing his time between Nuneaton in Warwickshire, the UK base for his company Gibbs Technologies, an apartment on the Thames River, and a farm at Kaukapakapa north of Auckland.

Here he has established a world standard sculpture park.

Alan was born in Christchurch in 1939.

His family moved to Wellington when he was seven, where he was a student at Wellesley College later moving on to Wellington College.

example Land Rover will now have the chance to become truly off-road.” The short to medium-term view is to develop a number of new vehicles that showcase this revolutionary technology.

Gibbs studied engineering at Canterbury University in the late 1950s, but while in his second year he discovered a passion for economics. “I loved it - there could be more than one right answer.” Following four years of an engineering degree, he went on to graduate with an MA(Hons) in Economics at Victoria University, in 1961.

Reproduced with thanks from the Wellesley College Newsletter

So what about the Gibbs Aquada, is it the solution to what customers want? And will it work?

“The potential application and value of such a technology is vast: solutions for urban transport issues, new forms of recreation and leisure and advanced capability for emergency services, rescue services, police and the military.”

Part of the difficulty in engineering such a technology, explains Gibbs, are the number of compromises that have to be made in developing a truly amphibious craft. “Imagine a thousand components and five hundred requirements all fitted into the same space without compromising each other unduly, and you have the Aquada.”

He says the development of Aquada’s technology often led the design team into uncharted territory. “Conventions had to be challenged at every step.”

Gibbs says he wants people to look beyond the Aquada as a leisure craft and consider the potential value of the technology. He says that this is a long term programme and points out that the investment to date has been considerable. Over the past six years Gibbs Technologies has applied for over sixty patents relating to amphibious vehicles and has invested tens of millions in Research & Development.

Gibbs says the technology is designed to be licensed to third party manufacturers, who can apply it to their vehicles. “For

Websites Gibbs Technology Limited www. gibbstech.co.uk Gibbs Aquada www.aquada.com BRANSON TO TACKLE CHANNEL IN KIWI CAR British entrepreneur and adventurer Sir Richard Branson is planning to drive across the English Channel in one of New Zealand businessman Alan Gibbs’ amphibious sports cars. Sir Richard, who was one of the first to place an order for the £150,000 (NZ$411,400) Gibbs Aquada last year, took one out for a spin at the London boat show. “One day I envisage teams from across the globe racing across the English Channel in amphibious vehicles to set records and win trophies. “In fact I will attempt to set a cross Channel record myself this summer [as the first car to cross the Channel unaided] - just to get the ball rolling.”

Mr Gibbs said Sir Richard was enthusiastic about the James Bond-style opentop three-seater Aquada after his test drive. “He bought a vehicle the day we announced it in September but he hadn’t seen it till [Monday] when he had a drive in it. “He apparently just raved about it”.

Sir Richard was the first customer to drive the Aquada. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in March. Mr Gibbs said the Aquada, which converts from a car to a boat at the touch of a button, should handle conditions on the English Channel with ease. “You wouldn’t do it on a rough day, you’d pick your weather conditions,” he said. The Aquada cruises at 40kmh and has a top speed of 48kmh on water and a top speed of more than 160kmh on land. Mr Gibbs said his company Gibbs Technologies has plans for a four-wheeldrive version of the vehicle.

The Dominion Post

“My advice to the boys would be to get stuck into life and do the things they enjoy. One is likely to be most successful following one’s passions” 24

Stories of Interest With thanks to the Auckland Branch of the WCOBA

T

he Spirit of New Zealand is an experience that most New Zealander’s know something about. A friend or family member may have been on it, and many would have seen the magnificent ship sail in and out of the harbour. It has become a well-known feature of Kiwis growing up and thanks to the generosity of the Auckland Branch of the WCOBA, I was able to go on the Spirit, and experience it first hand.

My voyage was incredible. What many of my friends saw as “ten days on a pirate ship” turned out to be ten of the most rewarding days I could ever have imagined. From sitting out a gale in Wellington Harbour we sailed across the Cook Strait, into the Marlborough Sounds.

From there the rest of the voyage was spent sailing around the sounds, learning new skills, playing games, tramping, swimming at 6.00am, doing night watches and climbing the rigging. However it was not what I did that made it so exciting, it was the people on board that made it exciting. In ten days I came to know many of the 40 fellow trainees better than many of my friends back onshore.

The last day of the voyage was ‘trainee day’, where the 40 trainees took charge of the ship. A vote was held to decide positions for the day, and I was very pleased to be voted as Captain of the Spirit, putting me in charge of the ship.

That day we sailed the longest leg of the journey, from Picton back to Wellington.

We came into Wellington Harbour with all

HONARY DOCTORATE

M

aori scholar Timoti Karetu (1952-56) has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Wellington’s Victoria University. The Executive Director of Te Kohanga Reo National Trust Board and former Maori Language Commissioner received his Doctor of Literature in December 2003 for his work to revive and promote Maori language and performing arts.

Professor Karetu pioneered Maori immersion teaching in universities and worked on a revival of Hawaiian language while on sabbatical leave there. the sails up, sailed up the harbour, and into Oriental Bay for a bit of a show-off, then back to anchor of Kaiwharawhara to spend our last night aboard.

It is impossible to see how “ten days on a pirate ship” can be exciting, but I assure you, if you were to do it for yourself, it could possibly be the most rewarding ten days of you life.

Timoti came from Waimaramato Maori School to Wellington College in 1952 as a Maori Scholarship Holder. He was a Boarder in Firth House and appointed in his last year as a Prefect in 1956. Timoti left school for a teaching career.

Finally, I would like to thank the Old Boy’s Association for their generous scholarship, which I owe a great journey to.

Tom Taylor 2004 Prefect Readers may be interested to know that in August, Tom was the sole New Zealand representative at an International Windsurfing Two- Week Live-In camp in the Canary Islands and won the Youth Event out of 20 or so competitors.

Tom is also a competitive yachtsman and has won numerous National and International age-grade events while at College.

Woolf Fisher Scholarship Awarded to Old Boy

A

lexis Kalderimis (1993-97), a Victoria University graduate with a first class honours degree in Classics, has been awarded one of three Woolf Fisher Scholarships to pursue further study at Oxford University in England in 2004.

The award is worth up to $100,000 a year and covers fees, airfares and an allowance while he is studying his PhD. Alexis studied New Zealand poet Ian Wedde and his relationship with the Latin poet Horace. Fluent in German and Italian, and with a major in Latin literature, Alexis is looking forward to studying at Oxford, a university with an excellent tradition of classical research. Alex’s brother Daniel (1989-93), also a graduate, is currently an Associate-in-law at the esteemed law faculty at Columbia University thanks to a 2002 Fulbright-Buddle Findlay Award.

Firth House Prefects, 1956 Back: RW Mitchell, JF Mills, DA Tyson Front: TS Karetu, DC Pitt, DT Baird Dear Editor With reference to the 2003 Lampstand (which is an excellent publication and contains very interesting content).

The unknown/unnamed person in the Friendly Cup photo is Jack Dobbs of Silverstream (as advised by Dan Kelly who is also in the photo.

Malcolm Perrett

Hockey Announcement Tim Gyles (1998-02) has just been named in the New Zealand Men’s Hockey Development side and the New Zealand Men’s Under 21 side for 2004/05.

Tim, who is currently studying at Victoria University, plays for the Harbour City Club’s Premier One Team and the Wellington Men’s Premier Team.

Alexis Kalderimis (left) and Daniel catch up in New York 25

When Tim was at Wellington College, he played in the 1st XI from 19992002 and was named as Wellington College’s Best Forward for 2002 as well as College Sports’ Wellington 2002 Hockey Player of the Year.

Congratulations Tim!

Stories of Interest

Taking a Walk Down Memory Lane

F

ormer WCOBA President, Barry Jobson

(1953-57), was invited as guest speaker to the Hawkes Bay Branch Annual Dinner and spoke of his memories of Wellington College in the 1950s.

Barry has kindly given us a copy of his speech so that other Old Boys can also take a trip down memory lane.

Only a few buildings remain from the 1950s; the original Firth House Dining Room (the building with the Clock in Roman numerals on it) is now the facade for Firth Hall with the Brierley Theatre built behind and adjoining. The Gifford Observatory, like the Old Boys’ Rugby Club Gym, became dilapidated. However the original telescope has been reinstalled and the building refurbished by volunteers in recent years under the guidance of Duncan Hall (1971-75). They have done a magnificent job and it was officially opened in 2002 by Sir William Pickering. The brick Cricket/Rugby pavilion also still remains.

My first form-master in 1953 was Eric Flaws. Sitting next to me was Bob Morrison. We went through together class-for-class for five years. I recall handing in my first assignment in Social Studies for Mr Flaws to mark. It came back with the comment “not up to the Jobson standard”.

I had two older brothers at College, Peter (1945-49) and the late Ken (1948-52), and if ever a comment jabbed me in the backside to spur me to greater heights that did it. Thank you Eric, you did me a great favour.

Eric was a stickler for discipline.

As form master at the end of the last period each day we had to sit in the form class in absolute silence for 30 seconds.

If we did this we could go home. Otherwise, amid much complaining we started quiet again until we achieved the objective.

In Form Three, we also had a strong-arm wrestling competition (with draw and eliminations).

Mr Flaws had us sort out our champion to challenge him. Sure enough we had our eliminations and Eric fought our best winning three-nil easily. The rumour was that Eric could bend 4-inch nails with his bare hands, and the Sydney Telephone Directory in half, although we never ever witnessed either event.

Nevertheless he was a strong man physically and mentally.

We loved him dearly. He was an absolute legend at the College

and I think that society could do with a lot more teachers like Eric Flaws today to instil some discipline and values into the youth of this modern era.

teenager. The most daring thing we got up to was to venture down to Adams Bruce, near Stewart Dawson’s corner, after school on a Friday for an icecream and ogle at the girls from the local girls’ schools who had a common interest in the place.

When you think of it, an 18 yearold can now leave school on a Friday, change into “civvies”, and head off to the nearest bar.

Drinking didn’t enter into the secondary school teenage dance scene in our days. We enjoyed the dances on weekends, often run by bible-classes.

I must also mention Robert Bradley (Horse as we called him). He taught me in Form Five and Six. Masters often wore their gowns when teaching.

Horse had his gown when he picked out a couple of boys who did something relatively minor and decided to give them the biffs. They had to lean as far as they could over the front desks of the class facing us as we sat petrified in our seats, eyes on stalks. Horse then produced this strap hidden under his gown in his hip pocket, and proceeded to give each boy 6-of-the-best.

Horse lay in to these boys and his gown flailed in the air each time he brought the strap down on the boys’ backsides. This was the first day of class and for the rest of the year you could have heard a pin drop in his class.

No-one dared play up. He was well ahead of our fragile minds in the psychology stakes.

Former Geography and English Master “Chook” Holmes once said to me his definitions of the five stages of secondary years for boys, were something like this: 1. As Third Formers we were the new boys, meek after leaving a primary school, were now the small fish in a much bigger pond.

2. The Fourth Formers were the smart ones. They had been there a year, felt comfortable and had no serious exam to sit at the end of the year. They tended to prey on Third Formers and looked fairly scruffy.

3. Fifth Formers began to become young men and start combing their hair to impress the females. Swot became more urgent as the year wore on with the onset of School Certificate exams.

4. Upper Fifth’s had a bit of the attitude “been there, done that” although yet to pass SC which should be a breeze at the second time of sitting.

5. Lower Sixth’s first realisations of becoming part of the senior school as a young man and hoping to be accredited.

6. Upper Sixth were the senior’ boys of the school. Possibly still a year to trust in accrediting UE and Scholarship for the brainy types, and getting more interested in the girls.

Robert worked at the College for 50 years, retiring as Bursar when I assumed this role from him in 1995. His wife Ellen also taught for some 20 years at the college.

Who could forget Cadets and Barracks week. Cadets’ week was held in Term One. I was one of those boys who keeled over standing to attention wearing our sand-paper suits, under the hot February sun. We used to pull bren-guns to bits and put them back together again.

I enjoyed the annual shooting at the College’s Rifle Range in the gully beside the hockey ground, below what we called the “gutbuster” clay track leading to the top of Mt Victoria. The gutbuster is still there but the rifle range has long since gone.

Who were the sporting heroes of the mid-1950s? Just before my time was John Beck, who scored 99 in his maiden cricket test match for New Zealand in South Africa.

We were issued with 303 rifles, from the old Armoury near Scab Alley. They were supposed to have had the firing pins filed-down. Deckster Dunlop disproved that. He was in Graeme Fogelberg’s Platoon, and brought a live round to school and shoved it into the breech. He fired it in the vicinity of the bamboos which grew next to the Tennis Courts beside the Middle Ground, which was our parade ground. Luckily no one was in the road of the bullet. The 303 wasn’t the only thing that got fired that day, as Dunlop was expelled for such a stupid act.

I recall Eddie Young in the boxing at College. Not much style but very effective. In 1954 we fought 3x2-minute rounds.

I happened to be runner-up in my weight in a split-decision to a boy Whyte, but I have never been so exhausted in all my life after just six minutes in the ring.

It was harder than the toughest rugby game I ever played.

Boxing as a sport at the college ceased many years ago.

Wellington was a very stable environment to live in as a

I also recall the Bringans’ twins as 26

locks in the 1st XV as being tall, strong and intelligent players; Bill Fleming, who was a sprinter and rugby Centre, became a Junior All Black; Murray Dunn, who was an excellent tabletennis player and went on to represent New Zealand; and Ian Kerr, hockey player, who went on to represent NZ at the Olympic Games.

Just behind my time were Richard Hawkes and John Souter who went on to play Davis Cup Tennis for NZ. In my own year was Brian Hastings, who went on to play cricket for New Zealand. Brian was also an excellent sprinter. I recall him in our first year 1953 when he rewrote the Athletics record book at Wellington College in the sprints. I also recall Eric Flaws, the Starter, telling him off for running in the heats with his college pullover on instead of the usual College black singlet and shorts.

In 1957, the McEvedy Shield Athletics were held at the Basin Reserve. Brian and I were fellow Prefects with Tubby Wright and Bill Boshier. We were walking back up the drive to College and Brian had just won the Senior Long Jump. I congratulated Brian on his win and asked him what he did to train for such a competitive event - having beaten the best of all other long jumpers in the Wellington and Hutt Valley Secondary School region. Brian said that he hadn’t bothered to train this year. Not only had he won but he had just jumped longer than the woman who won the Long Jump at the Melbourne Olympics the year before in 1956. This shows what a natural sporting talent Brian was. Sprinter, long-jumper, rugby player, cricketer - you name it he was good at it.

However the best athlete of my era was the late Lance Leikis.

Keith Scott was pretty good but Lance; with that great stride was an incredible 440 and 880 runner. At McEvedy in his final year he won the Inter-College 440 and 880, and anchored the winning College 4x110 yard relay.

Just behind me at College was Bob Slade who broke Bob Moffatt’s senior mile record that had stood for many years. Also a year or two behind my year was Ian Uttley, a gifted rugby player who also became an All Black.

In the early 1950s, were Ralph Caulton and the late Ken Gray, both unknown as rugby players as teenagers but who went on to

Stories of Interest become famous All Blacks.

In the academic and business world numerous Old Boys from the 1950s have made a name for themselves. One was Sir Ron Brierley, who has certainly made a name for himself. Ron must have had trading in his veins as he used to buy and sell stamps as a teenager as a keen member of the Stamp Club.

Ken or “Doon” Douglas as we knew him was a tough bloke from Titahi Bay (where he still lives). He was a notable Communist in the 60s and 70s.

He was awarded the Order of NZ in 2002 for his services to the trade union movement and is one of only 20 people in New Zealand to distinguish himself.

The late Bruno Lawrence went on to become quite famous as a pop-musician and actor.

I would like to mention the two Quadrangular Rugby Tournaments in my last two years at College. In 1956 it was held in Christchurch. I went down on the Lyttelton Ferry on the Friday night with Graeme Fogelberg (recently retired ViceChancellor of Otago University) and some other mates. We were nicely decked out in our School Blazers and scarves.

Stephen Phillips of Eastbourne (or Snifter as we knew him), who was, and still is quite a character, was told by Mr Heron that he was not allowed to go to the Tournament because of previous schoolboy misdemeanour. Steve being Steve, undeterred, decided to go anyway - incognito. Steve thought that by dressing up in his Muritai Yacht Club Blazer and collar and tie that he wouldn’t be recognised. On the ferry bound for Lyttelton, Steve also chose to wear a black bowler hat. There he was in full cry peering around parts of the ship, stalking passageways trying to see if Mr Heron was aboard. He couldn’t have been more conspicuous if he had tried.

He had us in fits of laughter.

Sure enough when we got back to Wellington he was summoned to Heron’s office and asked to select one of Fish’s selections of canes. He got six of the best and moreover was told that he would not be accredited, in this, his final year. This was to a boy who came through the Shell A classes, indicating his intellectual powers.

However Steve eventually sat UE and passed and later graduated BCom, ACA from Victoria University to prove that whilst he may have been insolent in disobeying the boss, he still had the ability to achieve his academic goals, qualifying in accountancy.

We didn’t win that 1956 Tournament at Christ’s. But the same weekend was the famous Rugby Test against the Springboks at Lancaster Park.

The ‘Best of Four’ Test series was one-all. The second test had been played at Athletic Park in a biting cold wet southerly and I can recall that day queuing in Rintoul Street with Wellington College mates

Graeme Fogelberg, Dave Paetz and David Young at 5.30am!

It was a miserable day and we lost, so now was the dramatic “must-win” match for both teams at Christchurch. I still rate this as the greatest test I have seen - because of the circumstances.

The All Blacks went on to win the series 3-1.

us sitting below the organ facing Rort who was on the podium conducting.

He was really throwing himself into it and we responded by singing in full voice!

He was conducting like fury with the baton and creasing up his face and extracting the ultimate from us all in terms of enthusiasm and encouragement. Rort was so wound up and gesticulating so wildly with the baton that he struck the podium and the baton snapped in half. Before we could even stop singing to laugh, he in a flash, dropped the shattered baton, shoved his hand into the little shelf under the podium, pulled out a spare baton and carried on conducting as if nothing had happened.

In 1957 the Tournament was held at Nelson and I was in the reserves. We were coached by Frank Crist, and Hugh Williams (now the Hon Justice Hugh Williams), was Captain. At the half-time Frank gave us the ‘father of all pep-talks’ when he told the team to forget about the fact we had not won the Tournament in the South Island for 60 years!!

Rugby was big at the College in the 1950s. In my last year you had to be at least 10 stone, which was 1st grade weight, to get a trial for the 1st XV. I had the brain-wave, as a 17-year-old, that a shotput attached to my body for the weigh-in could assist my cause, being a skinny Upper 6th former.

In the Prefects’ room, I taped a shot-put under a certain part of my anatomy. (The elastic on my jockstrap was rather saggy for the rest of the season). I waddled down the corridor and down the steps into the Gym for the weighin run by Mr Michael. Luckily there was a large group of boys clustered around the scales so I shuffled in and worked my way to the front to get weighed. I don’t know if Mr Michael ever suspected but I didn’t make the 1st XV. I still wasn’t heavy enough, however I had a great year in the 2nd XV, 1A playing with Kahu Patterson amongst others and coached

by Don Ramage, and was an occasional reserve for the 1sts.

The second half was dramatic because the referee’s watch stopped. Instead of a 30 minute spell, the game went on to an hour’s play in the second half (during which time Leikis & Hastings scored tries, and Nelson also scored), Frank ran on to the field and tapped the Referee on the shoulder, pointing to his watch.

Whereupon the Ref looked at the clock on a Nelson College building and blew his whistle for full-time, and we had won handsomely yes for the first time in 60 years in the South Island.

The boarders were always known for their various high-jinks. One activity was to flash mirrors in the sunlight to the girls at Wellington East up on the hill above - fairly mild I would say compared to the goings-on between opposite sexes in this day.

My late brother Ken said that in his day some of the farmers’ sons used to bring turnips back after holidays to make turnip wine at Firth House. Sam Meads, the Head Housemaster is reputed to have said one day of a basement area that “this room is beginning to smell like a winery”.

Other include:

incidental

memories

The stained glass window with St George is still intact and looks beautiful with the sun behind it in the morning.

One other incident with the boarders at the College related to music master Rort Radford. Rort owned an old small red-brown Austin Seven car. In those days there was a small school museum located upstairs in the corridor at the back of the Assembly Hall. There were just a few glass showcases with small exhibits.

At the end of the school year, they managed to lift Rort’s Austin up two flights of stairs and place it neatly amongst the exhibits in the College Museum. This was no mean feat. Mind you those Scabs were strong young men, and many of them farmers’ sons, and aching to flex their bulging muscles!

Our magnificent Memorial Hall, sadly demolished as an earthquake risk. Apparently it took an age to demolish this building with one of those large steel balls on a crane and it is very doubtful that it would have ever fallen over in a quake.

basis, one year group currently misses out each assembly. At enrolment each year, around 150200 boys miss out on getting into Wellington College.

In the 2001 Lampstand, the Headmaster Roger Moses made one very important point. In 2000, the Government put through legislation which prevents the sons of Old Boys having automatic right to enter Wellington College.

Under this legislation only schools such as private schools are able to foster family connections, but we are not because of strict zoning. Traditional state schools such as Wellington College are being clearly disadvantaged in preserving the links from father to son, to son, that has strengthened our College over its 137 year history. Unless the legislation is changed those links will be gone forever. If the opportunity exists to reverse that legislation we must give it our support as Old Boys.

Who could forget Room 9? “Room 9, boy” were the fatal words from a Master for a detention after school on a Friday; or Room 13 for the Prefects detention.

Playing Fives before school in the Quadrangle in a large group on an elimination basis. The Quadrangle was also used at lunchtimes for scrag (basketball/rugby mix).

Twelve of us had a 500 Card school in 1957. We played before school, at morning breaks, lunchtime, after school and even during the odd study period.

One study period, during a serious “500” game, the deputy-principal Mr McAloon came around the corner outside, beside the Assembly Hall. Someone spotted him so we all dived to the floor and gathered our books and crawled out the door below the level of the window so we wouldn’t be seen and scampered off to class very infra dig for prefects of the day!

We had a great spirit at Wellington College and in our advancing years can still say “Lumen Accipe Et Imperti” and proceed, as always, to carry the Wellington College light, and pass it on. barry.jobson@national.org.nz

Frank Crist controlled assemblies and Head Prefect Nev Kidd read bible lesson each morning. You may remember when we sang “O come all ye faithful” from our hymn books. The 3rd formers sang the first verse of the chorus, in the gallery with their weak vocals. I think the left side of the Assembly chimed in on the second chorus verse, and then the senior boys joined in for the third verse to drown out earlier pathetic efforts and show the younger boys how hairy-chested upper sixths could sing with such great heart.

Another incident concerning Rort was at a Concert at the Town Hall in 1955. I recall Bill Matson played “Trumpet Voluntary” as a brilliant solo (he went on to play for National Band of New Zealand later) and the massed choir from Wellington College sang “Let us now praise famous men” amongst other songs.

In the 1950s, the roll was about 1000. Nowadays the roll is over 1400 and the whole school can not attend a full assembly as there is not sufficient room. On a roster

There were several hundred of 27

(L-R): Barry Jobson and Graeme Fogelberg in Cathedral Square, Christchurch 1956 as part of the Quad Supporters Group

Stories of Interest SUPERSTAR ROLE A SIGN FROM ABOVE

O

ld Boy Matthew Pike (1985-89) managed to secure the role of Jesus in the recent rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar which played a season at Wellington’s Opera House without attending the auditions.

Matthew was settling into a year long sabbatical in Germany when he got a call telling him he had the part. He arrived back in Wellington a month before the show opened and began rehearsing non-stop to take his mind off the pain of missing his young family who were still in Germany. Being parted from his two children and German-born wife was hard, but turning down a role he’d always yearned for would have been harder.

Landing the role of Jesus has brought actor Matthew Pike full circle - he’d understudied for Jesus in a Superstar Tour a few years ago, and missed out on the role when he was at school [Matthew played Herod in the Wellington College Production].

The fact that the 32-year-old landed the job after missing the audition process made everything even more serendipitous. He’d heard on the grapevine that the auditions hadn’t produced a stand-out Jesus so the part was still up for grabs. So despite the fact he was on the other side of the world, he decided to try his luck and sent an audition video tape and the rest was history.

When the much anticipated call came, Matthew had to explain that he wasn’t planning on returning to Wellington till the end of the year. If they [the producers] wanted him, they would have to fly him back. The next call he got was saying “Get on the plane, you’re coming home”.

The former Wellington College student has never done any professional drama training; instead he’s learnt his craft on the job. Matthew had a lead role in Hamburg Production of Cats playing Munkustrad for four years in the 1990s, where he also met his wife who was makeup artist on the same production.

Having completed his dream role that evaded him for so long, Matthew returned to Germany and his family, ready for that next phone call.

Old Boy is a Hector Medal Winner

D

r Ken MacKenzie (1956-60), Associate Professor in the School of Chemical & Physical Sciences at Victoria University has been awarded the prestigious Royal Society of New Zealand Hector Medal for his contribution to inorganic and mineral chemistry. The Hector Memorial Fund was established in 1910 to support the award of the Hector Memorial Medal.

The medal is awarded biennially, in rotation, for mathematical and information sciences, chemical sciences and physical sciences to the investigator who, working within New Zealand, has undertaken work of great scientific or technological merit and has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the particular branch of science.

Ken is a graduate of Victoria with MSc PhD and DSc degrees. He is internationally recognised for his excellence in fundamental research in the chemistry of ceramics, minerals and inorganic materials and his substantial and very high quality contributions to these areas over the last 36 years. During this time he has published the findings of his research in 230 papers, had 4 approved patents and has also published an authoritative textbook.

Earlier this year Ken was also awarded the NZ Association of Scientists Shoreland Medal. In 1999, Professor MacKenzie was awarded a James Cook Fellowship enabling him to spend two years at Oxford, England, and give him the chance to go to Cook’s birthplace and visit some of his haunts. The Government established the fellowships in 1969 to allow selected scholars the chance to concentrate on their research work for two years.

Frodo, Figwit and Flight of the Conchords

A

Wellington duo have lost out on a top British comedy prize - but British television and film companies are interested in working with them.

Flight of the Conchords Bret McKenzie (1990-94) and Jemaine Clement were one of five acts nominated for the NZ$20,000 Perrier Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The winner, was American Demetri Martin, who recited a 222-word poem that read the same backwards as forwards.

The prize is traditionally a launching pad for comedians. Past winners have included Blackadder veterans Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. But nominees - including Eddie Izzard and Graham Norton - have also gone on to bigger things. “We have got lots of people asking us to do stuff here. . . Channel Four, BBC and Ealing Studios,” Clement said from Edinburgh.

“They are asking if we have ideas for TV programmes or if we want to do anything.

We are pretty keen. It’s so different to New Zealand where we have been doing this thing for ages and no New Zealand TV channel has done that” The two had already recorded a pilot show for Britain’s Radio 4 “and we may get to do a series”, Bret said. As part of their nomination, the spoof musical duo will return to Britain in October to perform a show at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London.

“It’s a 1400-seater, which is way bigger than any theatre we’ve played before.”

Bret has also secured a taste of international stardom - all it took was three seconds and a pout. It started when 28

a Tolkien fan settled down to watch Frodo battle evil in the first part of Lord of the Rings trilogy, only to find herself distracted by a pouting elf in the background. The female fan thought “Frodo is great,… who is that?” And from an anagram, Figwit was born. Before long a tongue-in-cheek website was born and fans world-wide began tracking Bret’s rising popularity on film which culminated in an hourlong magazine-style documentary which screened at the Wellington Film Festival.

Fans turned up to meet Bret when he was in Edinburgh to perform the Flight of the Conchords and he good-humouredly donned elf ears and re-enacted his pivotal scene for them. LOTR director Peter Jackson got behind the Figwit association to such an extent that Bret was brought back for the third film with a small speaking role - mainly as a nod to his fervent fans.

More recently, the television network behind hit comedies Friends and Seinfeld have signed the comedians to develop their own show for American audiences.

In what is believed to be a first for Kiwi comedians, Bret and Jemaine have been snapped up by NBC after an executive saw them as Flight of the Conchords at the Montreal Comedy Festival in July.

FOTC combines comedy with parodies of folk and pop songs. The NBC casting executive was impressed with the show, which the duo also performed in New York, featuring ‘hilarious songs accompanied by hilarious stage banter’.

All the best Bret for future success.

Stories of Interest

School Life turns into Poetry

O

ld Boy Mark Pirie (1987-91) has recently been given international recognition with the publication of his new and selected poems by prestigious UK publisher, Salt Publishing in Cambridge, England.

in fact learning. I kept quiet, lest a question was asked, and played dumb (mostly) to survive. The real rewards were on the fields of course where goals and tries were scored. Yet now, looking back, I often wonder

After leaving the College, Mark went to Victoria University where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in English. He then completed an MA in English at the University of Otago, on the New Zealand poet and editor, Louis Johnson, a member of the famous ‘Wellington Group’ of poets that included writers like James K. Baxter and Alistair Te Ariki Campbell. Mark now works for the Department of Internal Affairs in Wellington as a Gazette Officer for the New Zealand Gazette, the official newspaper of the New Zealand Government. Since the late 90s, Mark has made a major impact on the national literary scene as the co-editor of JAAM (Just Another Art Movement), a literary journal, the editor of the anthology of Gen-X’ writing, The NeXt Wave (University of Otago Press, 1998), and as the publisher for HeadworX, a small press publisher of poetry and literary fiction. He has also had published five collections of his own poetry and a book of short stories.

what would’ve happened if I’d taken more of an interest in Coleridge’s poem - read again (and with meaning) years later at varsity. But instead I followed my peers to the fields, playing the ball, an eye for the goal, an eye on the sun, while there lurking in the background Mr Haskell like an old Mariner toiled on, ghosting far out at sea.

THE SIXTH FORM By the Sixth Form, things were starting to change. Now, the poem was read, even understood. Mr Hunter took us that year, and introduced us to the poems of Baxter, the only New Zealand poet many of us had heard of besides the bardic Sam Hunt; Curnow and his

While at Wellington College, Mark enjoyed immensely his time playing soccer for the College’s 3rd XI (where he at one stage scored an injury time equaliser against Onslow College from a direct free-kick, the last kick of the game!). College teachers Wilf Haskell and Tom Hunter, both of whom feature in Mark’s poems on his Fifth and Sixth Form school years, first taught him English. Mark credits Mr Hunter particularly for introducing him to the work of James K. Baxter, who became an influence on Mark’s writing and later studies at Victoria University. Mark has kindly sent us his two poems for reproduction in Lampstand.

dog were not yet even in the picture. The image we gathered of Baxter then was of a hippie dude with long hair, a bit of a freak by all accounts, and certainly not the sort of bloke you’d expect to hear reciting formal English verse. I did well in Shakespeare that year too, I remember Mr Hunter calling me ‘a man’ with stunned delight when I scored a high mark in a test on Measure for Measure; but it was Baxter that caught my attention that year - his image, and his poem, ‘The Cave’ - to me it came like a revelation, as if I too had been

THE FIFTH FORM Poetry, I knew little of - was still chasing the ball at lunch times, racing past opponents, in search of the net.

walking in the fields, stumbled into darkness, and stepped ‘into dazzling daylight out’. Years later, the image stays with me even now, as I gather my thoughts and commit them to the page, as if each poem I write is also an attempt to escape, or at least climb away from that dank and darksome cave.

But often the poem would rear its head, afternoons on a Wednesday.

Opening my book I’d find words strange and bizarre, a music for sure, amidst the metaphor swimming in Coleridge’s dark seas. Mr Haskell was our teacher then, and usually he’d go round the class asking each boy to provide a simile from the text - to show we were

Schoolboy Wheeler-Dealer Graduates to the Big Time

W

ellington businessman Myles Gazley (1985-89) has been selling cars since he was in short pants. Now with three used car firms under his control, the 32-year-old has swapped school shorts for sharp suits and has emerged as one of the capital’s leading entrepreneurs.

He has even been nominated as one of the city’s most eligible bachelors - an honour that earned him a lot of ribbing from friend and family.

Yet despite overseeing millions of dollars in sales at Tory, Aro and Monty’s Motors, he still gets out in the yard “for the thrill of it” and retains that initial passion for the world of motor vehicles that has driven his success.

Old friends from Wellington College remember being green with envy as they watched a teenage Myles driving flash sports cars to school. The way he

would pull up in choice cars all the time… he was the man around school. It was really impressive to see him using all his spare time, including lunch breaks, to sell cars at a nearby yard.

After leaving school, Myles got a job in a small yard in Adelaide Road and was basically given the keys to run the place - selecting, buying and selling cars all at the tender age of 17.

Myles started out by cleaning cars and buying and selling ‘cheap heaps’ out of the paper before graduating to selling cars off the yard. “I used to take off my school tie and blazer and put on a car yard jacket and sell cars at lunchtime and after school”.

At the age of 24, Myles was ready to set up his own business and in 1996 established Aro Motors. He opened another yard in 1998 and was soon selling up to 50 cars a month. Monty’s 4WD dealership and Tory Motor Company soon followed and the Gazley name was established among the heavyweights of Wellington used car dealers.

Teachers realised that he had found his true vocation and never really bothered him - especially after he sold a car to the headmaster.

It also helped that his little brother Oliver (1989-93), who partners Myles and runs Aro Motors and Kiwi Loans, was a good talker and would spin yarns to teachers to cover for big brother who was often delayed dealing cars.

29

Since the above article appeared in The Dominion Post, Myles’ brother Oliver told us that Myles has added further dealerships to his name and was about to take part in the ‘Cannon Ball Run’ from London to Monte Carlo. We look forward to reporting on the result in next year’s Lampstand.

Stories of Interest

Former Head Boys Aim for London’s West End

F

ormer Head Boys Richard Boon (1982) and Tanemahuta Gray (1992) have teamed up to create a Maori cultural and aerial theatre production with their sights on London’s West End. Their new production company, Te Ao Marama Tapui Ltd, is creating Maui - The Legend, a production that combines Maori culture with breath-taking aerial displays to perform Maori legends as they have never been seen before.

Maui is being built for a world premiere on June 1st 2005 at Wellington’s Westpac St James Theatre. A second season will follow in Auckland before the show heads to London in 2006.

With a cast of 20 performers, including Kapa Haka exponents, circus aerialists, actors and dancers, Maui promises to showcase New Zealand’s Maori culture in a unique performance package. The show stages the legends of Maui using traditional Maori performing arts combined with Western theatre techniques to take the audience on an indigenous cultural journey. In addition, the aerial displays performed over the audience’s heads will create an unforgettable experience.

Guarda, and has worked on the idea for the last three-and-ahalf years.

The 40-minute pilot production of Maui was performed in Wellington in February 2003 (and was mentioned in the 2003 issue of The Lampstand). Among the performers was the only other Maori head boy in Wellington College’s history, Te Puoho Katene (1998-02), alongside other old boys Tama Kirikiri (1987-90) and Nick Creech (1992-95).

Executive Producer Richard Boon (1978-82) enjoys a successful career in the investment banking industry, working over the past decade in London and New York for Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch. Until recently, he was the Portfolio Manager of Merrill Lynch’s U.S. Large Cap Core Equity Program, responsible for over US$2 billion of assets under management.

Richard and Tanemahuta are currently raising capital to produce Maui and expect to be fully capitalized by early October. If you would be interested in receiving an offering memorandum, please email Richard Boon for more information: richard@teaomarama.com.

In contrast, for the past five years, Artistic Director Tanemahuta Gray (1988-92) has performed in five different continents with De La Guarda, one of the world’s leading aerial theatre companies.

Tanemahuta conceived the vision for Maui whilst touring with De La

Photo: Te Puoho Katene on stage

Where are you now - Class 6AL, 1944?

RE (Bob) Balchin (1943-45) has emailed the Association to ask if we could help with information on the following photo to help him complete the details. Bob has provided some notes but would appreciate any information you can give him. He notes that it is the 60th anniversary of the creation of this form 6AL 1944, and it would be of great delight if he could get in contact with members of this class.

Ross Gandar: Deceased. I believe joined his father in a surveying business in Wellington.

George Gay: I would think retired and living at Waihi Beach - he ended up practising as a solicitor in Waihi.

Ron Gray: A retired headmaster, I believe.

Ron Hayward: A Doctor, probably retired now as a GP in USA started out in Mayo Clinic.

Bruce Peville Baker Heywood: I believe he may live in Marton.

Frank Kwok: Doctor ENT specialist in Wellington. Lives in Karori.

Peter Malone: I believe he may live in Nelson.

Gwyn Nicholls: Deceased. Qualified as an Accountant was one time working for Hartford Insurance Co. I am wondering about the correctness of his death of which I noticed an earlier report that was subsequently countered in some way in successive issues of the Lampstand.

Bryan Phillips: No knowledge.

Bill Shirer: Lives in Karori. Retired vein and artery surgeon.

George Swafford: I believe retired in NZ from Govt. Tourist Bureau.

Doug Turney: Deceased . No knowledge.

Alexander Anthony Neale: No knowledge.

Clyde Smith: No knowledge.

Charles Steele: No knowledge.

Please write or email Bob with any information you may have.

7/27 Beachcomber Court, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220, Australia or rebalc@gc.quik.com.au. It would also be appreciated if you could email the same information to the WCOBA Secretary so that the details on the database can be updated. Please see page 2 for contact details.

Back Row: John de Voile, Ross Gandar, Ron Hayward, Graham Brookes, Doug Turney, Bob Balchin, Mr ANB McAloon Middle Row: Clive Smith, George Gay, either Neale or Steele, Bruce Heywood, George Swafford, Bill Shirer, Denis Danaher Front Row: Frank Kwok, Bryan Phillips, Ron Gray, Pup (C.S.) Collins, Ivan Cher, Gwyn Nicholls, Peter Malone.

PS: Bob has also sent a photo of 6A 1945 with the following details which he would also like to clarify:

Bob Balchin: (Author of this email - contact details below) Graham Brooks: I thought aimed to attend a Veterinary School either in Melbourne or Sydney - otherwise no knowledge.

Ivan Cher: Was an opthalmic surgeon in practice in Bondi Junction, Sydney now retired lives in North Caulfield, Victoria.

Charles Collins (Pup): No knowledge.

Denis Danaher: Qualified as a civil engineer at Canterbury University College in 1948 and lives in Auckland.

John de Voile: No knowledge.

Form Master J. S. Lomas; Form Captain Ron Hayward.

Gray, Cher, Collins, Phillipps, Swafford, Nicholls, Kwok, Grigg (Deceased), Montgomery (Law in Auckland), Windsor (missionary medico in Pacific Islands, now in Auckland - came from OBHS), Gay, Hayward, Gandar, Balchin, Shirer, Coleman (Professor of Psychology at Cambridge University , Deceased - came from Rongotai College).

30

Stories of Interest Stephen’s Sold on Success

A

top auctioneering title has been knocked down to a young Paraparaumu man.

Twenty-one-year-old Stephen Johnson (1996-01), who has been auctioning property for only 18 months, has won the “Auctioneer with the Most Potential” award at the national championships in Christchurch.

He competed against 14 other auctioneers, most of whom started well before he was born.

He has quickly proved it was not a fluke, by selling 37 sections at a Waikanae housing development for $5 million in one night.

Stephen decided on a Real Estate career when he was fresh out of Wellington College and landed his first job as a personal assistant to the Harvey’s Group two senior managers, where he learned the ropes by ‘doing a bit of everything’.

When he was exposed to the auction process he knew it was something he had to try. He was given the chance to cut his teeth on one of the most difficult auctions an agent could face – a mortgagee sale.

Stephen said they are not nice occasions and can be quite difficult, although that didn’t hold him back and his first property was sold under the hammer, and a further 150 auctions have followed.

Stephen now plans to take his hammer to overseas auction contests.

Links with the Basin Reserve

I

n the 2003 Lampstand, we wrote about the College’s links at the Basin Reserve; Robert A Vance (1938-42) and Arthur H Carman (1916-17).

Arthur, an historian is most remembered as author of The Rugby Almanac from 1935 and The Cricket Almanac of New Zealand from 1948 until 1982.

Since Arthur’s death in 1982, another Old Boy, Ian Smith, (1959-61), has co-edited the Cricket Almanac of New Zealand.

Ian began scoring for Wellington Cricket in 1964 and scored his first test match in 1967/68 and has only missed one test played at the Basin Reserve in that time. His immaculate handwriting has recorded in excess of 86,000 deliveries of test cricket.

Our connections with the Basin Reserve continues in the safe hands of Old Boy, Ian Smith, statistician and scorer.

Doom gives Old Boy actor a shot at Stardom

I

n the 2003 Lampstand, we included an article on Karl Urban (1986-90), who had appeared in a number of New Zealand film and television productions including Shortland Street, Shark in the Park, Once at Chunuk Bair, The Irrefutable Truth About Demons, The Price of Milk and White Fang as well as his well known roles in Xena playing Julius Caesar, Cupid and Mael. He also appeared as Eomer in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy The Two Towers and the Return of the King. Karl was noticed by leading Hollywood actors agency Creative Artists Agency and quickly signed to their books.

Recently, Karl landed his biggest role to date as the star of a Hollywood movie

C

adaptation of popular science fiction video game Doom.

Entertainment Magazine the Hollywood Reporter said Karl, who recently had supporting roles in The Bourne Supremacy, The Chronicles of Riddick and The Lord of the Rings, would star as John Grimm – leader of the team that fights aliens. Doom, in which players spend most of their time firing their guns at rampaging aliens, is one of the world’s most popular video games.

Production of the multimillion-dollar Universal Pictures movie begins in October with a release date planned for August, 2005.

Old Boys in Athens

ongratulations go to three Old Boys who were selected for the New Zealand Olympic Team to Athens and one at the Paralympics.

Although none of the Olympians returned with medals, to be selected at such an event is a remarkable effort on its own.

George Bridgewater (1996-01) represented New Zealand in rowing where he came fourth in the pair’s final in an extremely close fought race.

George began his rowing whilst at College and at the 2000 Maadi Cup Regatta at Lake Ruataniwha he was a member of the Novice Under 17 crew that won Wellington College’s first ever gold medal at national level. In 2001 he was one of two Wellington College boys selected for the New Zealand Under 21 crew who made the final of the eights in the World Junior Champs held at Duisberg in Germany. For the past couple of years George has been combining part time study with a demanding rowing schedule based at Rowing’s high performance academy at Lake Karapiro and has some New Zealand titles under his belt. Incidentally, at the 2004 Maadi Cup Regatta, our Under 17 Novice Four emulated the success of four years ago and also won the gold medal.

Putting in an appearance at his second Olympics was Umesh Parag (1985-89) playing in the NZ Men’s Hockey Team.

Umesh represented NZ in Barcelona in 1992 and in the Commonwealth Games in 2002, when NZ won the Silver Medal, playing in the team as a striker. Umesh returned for his second Olympics, where the team finished sixth, and is now at the end of a distinguished career being the most capped New Zealand player on record with more than 240 games for his country.

Last up was Craig Bradshaw (2001-01) who played in the Tall Blacks Basketball team that finished tenth out of twelve teams. Rookie Craig Bradshaw was 31

included in the squad after making his debut against Australia and impressing in the Tall Blacks third test defeat with his long-range shooting.

“Craig Bradshaw is a tough kid with a huge amount of talent,” said Tab Baldwin about the 20-year-old forward who plays at Winthorp University in America. “He picks things up quickly; as he gets more comfortable (in the squad) I think you’ll see him come to the fore”.

Well maybe not this time for these three, but they are still young and hopefully hungry enough to be in Beijing in 2008.

At the Paralympics, Tim Prendergast (1992-96) won gold in the T13 800m in 1.56.23secs, emphatically burying the ghosts of his 1500m performances with a decisive front-running display.

It was a race that fell into place perfectly for Prendergast, in stark contrast to the 1500m where he lost a shoe in qualifying second, then had to be taken from the arena on a stretcher having set up a world record pace before finishing fourth.

Tim, who drew the inside lane, went hard early to hold the lead as the outside runners crossed and was able to stay out of trouble as the runners backed off the pace over the second 200m.

“It really worked out perfectly as I was able to stay on the inside. Another runner was just in front of me and one lane wide, so when I wanted to kick going round the bottom bend I had no one in my way”. said Tim “I kicked again down the back straight because I wanted them to have to work to catch me. I thought it would be harder for them to run me down compared with staying in front. I knew I was in the best condition of my life, that was why I was confident to lead in that way.”

Stories of Interest

New Zealand Honours for three Old Boys

Graeme Fogelberg (1953-57)

Richard Campion (1937-41)

Michael Campion (1949-53)

ice-Chancellor Dr Graeme Fogelberg was honoured by inclusion on this year’s Queen’s Birthday List.

and the New Zealand Drama Quartet, which both toured the country. Richard also helped establish Downstage and Circa Theatres and was heavily involved with Maori theatre. He was a member of the board of directors of Royal New Zealand ballet for 30 years.

Michael was elected President of the Wellington Hebrew Congregation Board in 1985 and held that post for four years, plus one year as Immediate Past-President.

Michael now serves as a Trustee on the Board, being appointed in 2002.

V

Graeme was appointed as Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in recognition of his services to education and in July, retired from his post as ViceChancellor of the University of Otago after ten years of tenure.

Graeme attended Wellington College from 195357. He began his professional life as a chartered accountant. He took an MBA in Canada in the days when you couldn’t in New Zealand, and subsequently, as a Commonwealth scholar, a PhD in business there also. That led him to decide that he wished to pursue an academic career. He returned to New Zealand and was appointed Professor of Business Administration at Victoria University at the age of 29 years of age.

He ended up as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Victoria, touted as someone having the skills for a Vice-Chancellor appointment.

He had finished at Victoria and was teaching at Pennsylvania State University in the United States when the University of Otago position came up. He applied and was appointed.

Director and Thorndon resident Richard Campion (1937-41) has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre. Born in Mt Victoria, Richard started practising for his lifetime in the arts by entertaining his seven siblings and putting on concerts every night for his family.

His first career highlight was directing King Lear in a disused gym while studying at Victoria University. After graduating, Richard studied theatre at the Old Vic in London and toured with a theatrical company around Europe just after WWII. He returned to New Zealand to start groups such as the New Zealand Players

Richard enjoyed tennis and was a member of the 1st XV in 1941 as well as a School Prefect. It is also noted that he was Secretary of both the College Drama Club and Debating Society and a member of the editorial committee of the Wellingtonian and the Tihi. He was also the recipient of a number of academic prizes in his time at Wellington College.

Lastly to be recognised is Michael Clements (1949-53) who received the MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) award for services to the Jewish and the wider community.

Michael’s interest with the WJCC and the Wellington Hebrew Congregation began a few years’ after his return from England in 1964, where he had resided for five years. When the new Jewish Community Centre was opened in Webb Street in 1977 Michael was elected a committee member of the Wellington Hebrew Congregation. In the following years he set up the original operation of the Kosher Co-op shop. He continued to be the overseer for the kosher meat supplies for all of New Zealand through Wellington Abattoir (now sold), and attended each time to supervise the slaughter processing and the kashering of the meat under the current Rabbis’ overall control. Michael also organised kosher chicken supplies and arranged for volunteers to help with the process which involved plucking mainly by hand until new methods were arranged by him at an existing Otaki chicken plant. He also arranged challah supplies, ordered Pesach goods from overseas and supervised their sale.

32

In 1991 Michael was instrumental in arranging the WHC Board to gift the old Synagogue curtain (1893) which was used in the First Synagogue situated at 221 The Terrace, Wellington to Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. This is now on permanent public view.

He was also elected in 1993 to the Wellington Jewish Relief & Welfare Society and Hebrew Philanthropic Society Inc., and still serves on that committee.

He became the Convener of the WHC Hebrew School in 1978, which had large attendances at that time, before the formation of Moriah College.

Michael has always been interested in the community’s Jewish archives, and took over this portfolio from John Schnellenberg at his request in 1990.

The collection has now expanded from two filing cabinets to now fill up more than two rooms! Most archival costs have been borne by Michael, or by his fund-raising efforts. He conducts oral and video interviews with senior Jewish people, some for eventual lodging with the National Archives. He answers a substantial number of overseas and local enquiries, many by email, and spends as much time as he can helping people with archival information concerning their families, as well as keeping and up-dating records.

He enjoys his on-going role as one of the WJCC’s tour guides, taking school, church, Probus, and other interested groups around the Centre throughout the year, giving them an insight into Judaism, Wellington’s Jewish history, and a talk about the Synagogue service.

Sports News

J

An ‘A’ for Attitude

ames Franklin (199498), was a member of the College’s 1st XI Cricket Team in 1996 and 1997 before captaining the side after he had been a member if the New Zealand Youth Team that finished runners-up to England in the Under 19 World Cup played in South Africa in January and February 1998. On his return to Wellington later that year, he was named Wellington Sportsman of the Year and Wellington Under 20 Cricketer of the Year.

T

Barely out of his teens, James was rushed onto the One Day Team to play Zimbabwe in January 2001 as a raft of injuries decimated the pace bowlers throughout the country.

He weathered the international storm well and by taking three quality wickets against Sri Lanka in February, was chosen in March to play his first test against Pakistan at Eden Park.

In spite of capturing four wickets in the second innings of the Hamilton Test that season, he failed to hold his place in the test line-up when other bowlers return from injury.

After 24 One-Day Internationals, James lost his place in the team and some commentators began talking about the young player being out of his depth in international cricket.

Tall and athletically built, the left-arm fast medium bowler continued to bowl for Wellington and was determined to work equally hard on his batting, which had been most ineffective while playing for his country.

Confidence and self-belief, the key ingredient in any top sportsman’s makeup, saw 1,005 runs including one first class century and six half centuries, as well as 69 wickets added to his cricketing statistics over the last two seasons with Wellington The now confident James sought a professional contract with Rishton in the Lancashire League for the 2004 cricket season in England, to be in the right place at the right time, if any of the touring New Zealand team’s bowlers broke down.

It was a far-sighted and successful gamble as James was called in to play the third test at Trent Bridge and took four wickets in the first innings and two in the second.

He was the pick of the visiting bowlers.

Better was to come when he captured five wickets against England in one of the one-day internationals.

Within three weeks, the 23-year-old had

2004 NPC Season Beckons Old Boys

resurrected his international cricket career in a style that is loved by those who like to see hard work and determination rewarded.

The New Zealand selector’s must see if differently as they have omitted to include James in the Black Caps Team heading to England this month for the ICC Champions Trophy however James has been selected for the New Zealand A Team for their tour of South Africa in September.

Further to this story, we are pleased to add that James has been named in the New Zealand for the first tour of Bangladesh in October, taking the place of Daryl Tuffey who has been rested in a bid to sort out a bruising problem that is affecting his confidence.

James gets his chance as a result of Tuffey’s absence. New Zealand coach, John Bracewell said James had done well in England recently and deserved his chance. Intelligence New Zealand has acquired from England, who toured Bangladesh around the same time last year, has suggested that swing bowlers can expect to do reasonably well there.

New Zealand’s first match on the tour, a three-day game in Dhaka, begins on October 14, and the first Test at October 19, also at Dhaka and the second Test on October 26 at Chittagong. A separate team for three one-dayers will be named later.

Paddianne W Neely Wellington College Archivist On October 20, 2004, James Franklin became only the second New Zealand bowler to take a hat-trick for New Zealand in a test match. The test was against Bangladesh and James took 538. Congratulations James on this great achievement.

33

he rugby fields around the country this year will see a handful of past 1st XV members in their boots again but in some cases, playing opposite each other. The Wellington Lions team, has three Old Boys in its squad; Ross Kennedy (1998-01), Neemia Tialata (1999-00) and Kane Thompson (1995-99). Bay of Plenty has secured Ben Castle (1993-97).

David Palu (1995-99) is appearing in the Manawatu colours for Division 2 and in the Division 3 Horowhenua/Kapiti squad are Sam Green (1994-99) and Misipalanui Moananui (1991-95) and ironically, they are coached for former Wellington College 1st XV Coach from 1991-96 David King (and the only coach to have four successive Quadrangular Wins in a row). Turning out for Buller in Division 3 is Kieran Reid (2001-02) and lastly Poverty Bay has Steve McColl (1992-96) and Scott Leighton (199195). To top it off, current Assistant Head of PE, Chris Pollock has been seen refereeing and as touch judge in all three divisions of NPC. It would be interesting to see if any other College in the country can match this turnout from Wellington College for the 2004 season. Apologies if we have overlooked anyone else.

Scottish Call Up

R

obbie Kydd (1994-99) was a surprise selection as fullback in the Scotland team’s 2004 tour to Australia and NZ, (qualifying for selection through his Scottish-born father).

Scotland coach Matt Williams said [on Robbie’s selection] “Robbie is currently playing in the Zurich Premiership, and this tour is about development. His age puts him in the right bracket for Rugby World Cup in 2007 and he can play both fullback and standoff”.

Robbie left for Otago University in 1999 and played for the Otago and Highlanders development squads.

During his academic years he wore the silver fern, playing for NZ at Under 19 and 21’s and the NZ Universities side last season. He was also an exceptional cricketer in 1998 and 1999 for the College’s 1st XI and played as first-five and half-back for the College’s 1st XV in 1998 and 1999 (Vice Captain in 1999).

Robbie joined the Saracens Club in 2003 on an 18-month contract, making his debut against former his club Bath Rugby later that month. He marked his Bath Rugby debut with a try against Gloucester.

Robbie’s debut for Scotland was shortlived however, when in his and Scotland’s first match, against Queensland, he was stretchered off after a severe tackle resulting in a cheekbone fracture, putting him out for the rest of the tour.

However, we’re sure it won’t be that last time we see Robbie, as he prepares for the Six Nations later in the year.

School News

NEW LIBRARY FOR STUDENTS

T

he official opening of The Girvan Library on the evening of Tuesday 16 September 2003 marked the beginning of a new era for Wellington College. After more than a decade of planning, the College finally has a Library with space and reading resources appropriate to its expanding roll, and equipment and programmes capable of meeting the increasingly diverse needs for computerbased information. In addition, as total resources permit, The Girvan Library is well placed to expand its function as the core information centre for the wider College community, being fully integrated into the academic and cultural curricula, and supporting a wide range of sports and leisure interests.

the predominant blue of the late summer and autumn skies. Beyond the shell of the old Library site the Tower Block rose, a dominant feature, while equally unfamiliar bush views formed a green backdrop in the opposite direction. The new Library

Features of The Girvan Library The Girvan Library incorporates the space formerly occupied by the old Library, the courtyard, a classroom and an adjacent corridor. It is some four times larger than the space available in the old Library.

The new facility is not only more spacious than the old Library but also considerably brighter and more colourful.

Eyecatching vertical panels in rich pohutukawa line the back of the computer bay and provide a feature on the end wall. The striking deep blue textured curve of the issues desk creates another colour feature.

Complementary shades in silver, grey and varying blends of blue characterise other feature walls, panelling, shelving and carpet sections.

The decision to honour Mr Gary Girvan, former Deputy Headmaster, in the naming of the new Library recognised his contribution to the College over more than 30 years, which were characterised by a devotion to learning based on the written word, and a commitment to encouraging students to share his enthusiasm.

In addition to speeches from prominent staff and invited guests, the Library opening was actively supported by students.

Student ushers were on duty from 6.00 pm to guide guests from the front of the College to the Library entrance. Calvin Pfeffer, Year 13, renowned guitar virtuoso and member of the College Big Band, provided a musical accompaniment to the evening. Later, senior drama students James Eldridge and Elliott Travers (strikingly costumed as John Donne and Charles Dickens respectively) delivered carefully crafted monologues and quotations honouring the literary tradition.

Temporary Library The old Library ceased normal operations at the end of October 2002. The Temporary Library, set up in Room B1 of the Music Department, opened for service at the start of Term One in 2003 and closed a fortnight before the end of Term Two, when work started all over again on packing up the books, dismantling the shelving and removing the equipment in preparation for moving into the new Library as its fitting out was completed.

Construction of the New Library The erection of a new Library on the site of the old meant that this was not a ‘green fields’ project in a construction sense, but it did prove to be a ‘blue sky’’ project. The demolition of the old Library roof at the start of February 2003 opened the site to

variety of institutions committed their time and energies to stocking the new shelves while the College’s maintenance team and the College’s Information Technology Manager, devoted long hours to commissioning essential services and linking up computers.

The purpose-designed reading alcove, with its distinctive sloping walls and comfortable seating, provides a new, attractive and functional feature.

Student research facilities have been greatly extended by a well-equipped computer bay, supported by access to databases such as INNZ and Discover. Associated with the Library, the Audio-Visual Room and Year 13 Study Room further diversify the resources of the new complex.

The Girvan Library is rapidly becoming ‘the place’ to be. began to take shape in mid February when, on a sunny Saturday morning, a set of red-primed steel girders was lifted on to the site by helicopter to form the main load-bearing uprights and the beams supporting the broad span of the roof. As each new component was fixed in place, the early autumn sky became a lattice-work, mirrored in the shadows on the wide smooth concrete floor.

Work on the building was sufficiently advanced by the middle of July 2003 to allow books and equipment to be brought in. Yet another willing team of university and college students from a 34

Top Photo: The cleared and levelled courtyard ready for concreting, February 2003.

Centre Photo: Roger Moses, Headmaster and Gary Girvan, former Deputy Headmaster, joined by Harvey Rees-Thomas, former Headmaster.

Bottom Photo: A view of the Girvan Library in action, taken from the stairs to the audio-visual room.

School News

BACK-TO-BACKWINSFORWELLINGTONCOLLEGE

T

he true highlight of the 2003 rugby season was the hosting of the annual Quadrangular Tournament on our Number One field (turned around to run East/West) There is always a significant amount of pressure on the home team in the Quadrangular and so it was felt by coaches and players alike. We needn’t have worried as the team played its best and most exciting football of the season and was truly inspiring, in front of a huge number of Old Boys, parents and the whole school.

Wanganui Collegiate arrived with some good wins under their belt, including New Plymouth Boys’ High School and were our first game up. By the time the game was over, tries had been scored by five players. Captain and star centre Seminar Manu had also kicked four conversions, one penalty and a dropped goal. We won the game with a 39-24 score line to set up a final against Christ’s College who had narrowly beaten Nelson College in the early game.

If the first of our games was a show stopper, the final was even more exciting.

After a good start, the team went to sleep and were down to Christ’s College at half time. After the first ten minutes of the second half, the boys played some of the best rugby of the year and scored three tries to effectively seal a home win, once again in front of a superb crowd. Winning Tournament is a wonderful experience, but to win it at home is an outstanding one and it was fully deserved by the team.

Following wins in all four Traditionals in 2004, plus beating Napier Boys’ High School in Napier in April and Auckland

1st XV Coach 1986-01) were delighted with their team’s back-to-back wins and extremely proud of their team.

The return to Wellington and the pressure on the team did not let up with the College Sport Premier One final against Silverstream, which the College took out 30-12 to take them on to the National Top 16 Knockout Round (unfortunately the boys lost to Feilding AHS in an extremely tight match 17-16).

Grammar at home in July (this match was resurrected after a break of 19 years - the match was supposed to be the curtain-raiser to the Bledisloe Test, but atrocious weather conditions saw the match transferred back to Wellington College’s Number one), the team travelled south to Christ’s College for the 2004 Tournament.

On a particularly sunny winter’s day in Christchurch, the first match was played against Nelson College with a win to Wellington College 22-15, but not without a couple of serious injuries to players, which saw a call north for backup support.

In the losers match on the Wednesday, Nelson College beat Christ’s College soundly. In the final match, a fairly strong Wellington College team faced Wanganui Collegiate in an extremely tough encounter but Wellington College pulled out all stops in front of two groups of very vocal supporters and beat Wanganui 23 -16. Coaches Chris Wells (1971-75 and 1st XV 1975) and John Mills (Christ’s

35

The support given to the team by Old Boys has been much appreciated. A large contingent of Old Boys made the journey to Christchurch and met up with locals to support their Old School.

And at each round here in Wellington, Old Boys have been out in strength to support the boys as they played their way to win the Premier One Competition.

One in particular must be mentioned and thanked; Morrie Deterte (1941-45) together with his wife June have been seen on the sidelines at the College, at the Stadium, at other College grounds throughout Wellington as well at Christ’s this year. Morrie himself was in the 1st XV from 1943-45, captaining the side in 1945. His three sons have accumulated nine years in the 1st XV, with Rodney and Ian also captaining the sides.

The 1st XV wish to express their thanks to the WCOBA for donating a set of Traditional Jerseys, OBU Rugby Club for donating the 1st XV Caps and the Wellington Rugby Club for allowing the team to train on their grounds.

Stephanie Kane 1st XV Manager & WCOBA Secretary

Lives of Note

A STAR OF THE SPACE AGE

T

he space age has lost one of its seminal figures with the death of New Zealand born William Hayward Pickering (192327).

Internationally recognised for his huge contributions to space exploration, Dr Pickering was a former director of the world famous Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, from 1954 until he retired in 1976. Known in the US as “Mr JPL” or the original “Rocket Man”, William Pickering was born in Wellington in 1910 in Mt Victoria, Wellington, but his mother died when he was six, and he went to live with his grandparents at Havelock at the northern tip of South Island. His education began at the local primary school, which was proud to have been the first school of one of the greatest of all scientists, the physicist Ernest Rutherford.

William’s father was a pharmacist, who was working in the tropics, which he regarded as an unhealthy place for his son. So in 1923, young Pickering became a boarder at Wellington College, where he was inspired by his maths teacher, AC “Uncle Charlie” Gifford, who had founded the school’s observatory. It was here that Pickering first gazed at the stars through a telescope.

An early sign of Pickering’s genius for marrying practical and theoretical science emerged at Wellington, when he and a school friend built an early radio station,

and communicated using Morse code with other radio enthusiasts around the world.

Pickering began an engineering course at Canterbury University. After his first year, an uncle who divided his time between working in New Zealand and California encouraged him to apply for a place at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), then a new university that had established an early reputation as a centre of excellence in science and engineering.

roots. The William H Pickering Scholarship for New Zealand graduates to Caltech is an indication of his regard for the quality of New Zealand’s higher education system.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said Sir William was an inspiring figure for many in the scientific community both in here and overseas. “William Pickering was one of New Zealand’s most distinguished sons” Miss Clark said.

At the end of his life, he was mentally alert and physically active, and enjoyed driving his small, environmentally friendly Japanese car with its hybrid electric/gasoline propulsion system.

Pickering graduated in electrical engineering in 1932.

He went back to New Zealand hoping to work in engineering, but there were no suitable jobs.

So he returned to Caltech as a research student, receiving his PhD in physics in 1936.

He went on to teach electrical engineering at Caltech, and in 1946 was made professor of radio and electronics.

Dr Pickering engendered loyalty, dedication, and above all, the pursuit of excellence, in all who came within his sphere of influence. To those who knew him and worked for him, he was a hero.

A US citizen since 1941, Sir William kept close ties with New Zealand.

He kept a painting of Mt Cook in his office, retained the faint twinges of a Kiwi accent in his voice and was awarded an honorary knighthood from the Queen.

The knighthood citation sat beside American accolades in his office, including personal messages from five US Presidents. Dr Pickering was honoured with many awards and citations from around the world, including New Zealand’s highest honour, the Order of New Zealand in 2003.

Despite the fact he built his career and reputation in the US, Dr Pickering never’ lost touch with his New Zealand

Pickering was married to his first wife Muriel Bowler for 60 years till her death in 1992.

Their son William predeceased him by two days, but he is survived by their daughter Elizabeth and his second wife, Inez Chapman, whom he married in 1994.

William’s achievements in Science and Space can be found in recent Lampstands.

He officially opened the Gifford Observatory in 2002 and received the ONZ in 2003.

Just as he appeared on the cover of Time Magazine twice, the Lampstand also had the fortune to cover him twice.

Drove Through the Wellington Motorway

H

ugh Fullerton came to New Zealand from Scotland with his parents as a two-year-old in 1910. He was educated at Wellington College (1922-25) and Victoria and Canterbury Universities, graduating as a civil engineer in 1931. Hugh passed away in June, 2004.

He joined the workforce at the peak of the Depression and was an engineer with the Waimakariki River Trust from 1931-34, then with the design office of the Public Works Department till an appointment, toward the end of the war, as technical adviser to the New Zealand Supply Mission in Washington.

In 1947, he returned to New Zealand as an adviser to the Civil Aviation Branch of the Air Department.

When plans for the Wellington motorway to plough through the Bolton St Cemetery were unveiled in the 1960s, Hugh was in the powerful and unenviable position of both driving the massive project and explaining the desecration to the people who cared. He was the government front man and apologist, the person who needed to ensure amends were made. A more personable and articulate diplomat could not have been found to smooth the way through the hallowed ground.

The 1967 legislation allowing the motorway to go through, the cemetery took about 1.5 hectares and thousands of graves were affected. Conservation was less of an issue then, but a group was formed to save the cemetery and individuals vented their ire in newspaper letters pages.

Hugh did not please everyone but did win the confidence of the Historic Places Trust and also neutralised a lot of opposition.

By the time Hugh retired from the project, he became the chairman of the Friends of Bolton St Cemetery and therefore no longer had to juggle his loyalties to the incompatible concepts of construction and conservation.

Sir William Pickering and his wife Inez, with Headmaster Roger Moses outside the Wellington College Sports Centre during his visit to the College in March, 2002.

36

In 1968, when Hugh was about to retire form the Ministry, he was appointed Chairman of the Fourth Local Government Commission and favoured replacing a plethora of 1200 municipal and county authorities with a limited number of strong district and regional councils and many reforms he advocated eventuated.

Lives of Note Professor Theo Hills, Geographer

MANTHEL A MOVER IN THE CAR WORLD

N

oel Manthel (191718) did not quite make it to 100 (Lampstand 2003), but the businessman made a distinctive mark on the Wellington life in the near century his life spanned.

His death in August last year, aged 99, severed a link with the city’s past which Noel provided through his connections to various modes of transport.

The founder of Manthel Motors was also a keen boatie and held a private pilot’s licence. He was born in December 1903, the same month the Wright brothers first flew.

But if aircraft were a hobby, cars became a vocation which the self-made man passed on to his sons.

At its peak in the mid 1980s Manthel Motors employed up to 250 staff in seven retail dealerships from Palmerston North to Wellington.

Even then, well into his retirement years, Noel would pay a daily visit to the showroom office, chat to staff and check the latest sales figures.

From 1959 to 1965, Noel was a Wellington City Councillor and with the then mayor Frank Kitts ceremoniously drove the last tram to operate

M

cGill University, (Montreal, Canada) geographers, and geographers everywhere, will be saddened to hear that Theo Hills recently passed away in April, 2002. He had a profound influence on a large number of McGill students and on the developing world.

in the city. He was awarded the OBE in 1979.

Noel took great delight in being known as Wellington College’s oldest Old Boy, having left the school in 1918.

His time at the college ended when the school was closed by an influenza epidemic that struck at the end of WWI, before it had reopened, he had found work with Thompson Brothers produce company.

He was born in Wellington, New Zealand in 1925 and educated at Wellington College (1938-41). He completed a BA and MA degrees at Victoria University and the University of Canterbury before going to Macdonald College in 1950 to attend a conference on the Teaching of Geography for International Understanding. He never left McGill, remaining as a Teaching Assistant and then Professor in the Department of Geography. The title of that conference epitomises his lifetime achievements.

It was not too long before he joined the motor trade, using time working in sales with Nash Motor Company and General Motors before striking out on his own in 1933. One of his first businesses, selling Buicks and Chevrolets, was based at a car yard beside the then recently opened Embassy Theatre on Kent Terrace.

He was a cultural geographer, interested in many topics and a wide range of countries and their peoples. His initial interest was in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, conducting a doctoral thesis on settlement patterns in the area.

If starting a business like Manthel Motors at the height of the depression was a risky venture, Noel enjoyed its later rewards by travelling extensively throughout the world with his wife Florence.

In the mid-1950s, an interest in Latin America and the Caribbean led him to studies of small-scale tropical agriculture in Barbados and elsewhere in the Caribbean.

He also generated an interest in tropical grasslands, or savannas, developing a research station in Guyana and comparing these studies with grasslands in Africa and Southeast Asia. These studies of what was then known as the “Third World”, in turn, led to the creation of the Centre for Developing Area Studies at McGill, of which he was Associate Director and Director from 1967 to 1975. Teaching was one of his strengths, starting in 1956 and finishing in 1992. Many of his graduate students became important figures in academia and development projects.

Renowned for his zest for life, interest in people and warm sense of humour, Noel’s longevity baffled modern medicine - he was a regular cigar smoker till his death.

Dominion Post 25 August, 2003.

In the late 1970s, Theo’s interests extended into the land claims

of aboriginal peoples, both in Canada (appearing before the Berger Commission on the Mackenzie Valley) and Australia and New Zealand. He also came to the aid of small island states, helping found the International Small Island Studies Association, and was President from 1992 to 1998. He was Chairman of the Projects Advisory Committee, Oxfam Canada, from 1968 to 1978.

He remained an energetic and enthusiastic member of the Department of Geography and maintained an intense interest in what colleagues and students were doing and where they were doing it, providing mentoring to students and faculty alike.

Theo’s ability to listen to people made it possible for him to gather evidence of the value of interplanting various crops in a three-dimensional ‘food forest’. What he learned from conversations in door-yard gardens in Barbados, or a twoacre slope in St. Kitts, he explored in many other places: among the Kikuyu and the Maori, in Fiji and the Carolinas. He even tested the idea by growing maize and okra in his own garden in Saint-Lambert.

Practices of inter-planting, as Theo described them in a paper in the 1980s, are of central importance in maintaining or restoring sustainability in tropical agriculture. He referred to it as ‘ecological artistry’, and these practices are slowly but surely being acknowledged as keys to family nutrition, to women’s participation in marketing, and to alternative forms of pest control. He imparted to all of us the conviction that as scientists we need everywhere to seek out people who know time-tested, place-adapted ways of doing things, and always to listen to the men and women who possess first-hand experience.

The Department of Geography and the Faculty of Science lost a colleague who greatly enriched the life of the university.

Remembering a Woodwork Master

I

t is with regret that we record the death of former staff member Rex Walter Bruning who passed away in July this year.

Rex was a fine craftsman who also held academic qualifications. He established a second woodwork / metalwork room at Wellington College. He worked at Wellington College from 1955-70.

His interests included hunting, fishing, botany, winemaking, photography, reading.

Rex spent his retirement years in New Plymouth with his wife Noeline, Principal at NPGHS for many years.

37

Lives of Note ADDRESS AT THE FUNERAL OF ALAN PRESTON (1932-04) - Roger Moses, Headmaster, September 2004

I

t is a great honour for me to speak at the funeral of Alan Preston (1946-50), a wonderful gentleman whose values were shaped by his years at Wellington College and who subsequently personified the very qualities we seek to instil in our students. He was proud of the College and we were very proud of him.

Alan attended Wellington College in those memorable post-war years when so many of the legendary masters made their mark. Sam Meads, Bernie Paetz, Eric Flaws, Ray Michael, Robert Bradley and Don Ramage were all young teachers who had a huge impact on the lives of the post-war generation at Wellington College. So too, did Frank Crist, still revered today

by Old Boys in their 50s, 60s and 70s. Frank has become a close friend of mine as well, and was Alan’s coach in the 1st XI Cricket in which he enjoyed such spectacular success.

People have spoken already of Alan’s sporting prowess at school. How remarkable that he should captain the 1st XI Soccer team for three years and go on to be the first Wellington College soccer player to represent New Zealand. He had three years, too, in the 1st XI Cricket team, and his score of 161 not out against Wanganui Collegiate in 1950 remained the highest score by a Wellington College player in a traditional match for fifty one years.

A Doctor and a Gentleman

The Wellingtonian records Alan’s innings in this way: Our innings opened well and when the first wicket fell, that of McGuire, the score was 92, scored in less than an hour. Preston was joined by Macleod, and the pair

M

aurice Falloon’s (1938-38) death in July 2004 ended a life of determination and hard work, a life which also had many friendships and recreational interests.

Maurice was said to be always a gentleman, calm and courteous even under pressure.

A surgeon at Wanganui Hospital for 32 years, he was passionate about keeping services in the city and was instrumental in having wings and operating theatres added to the hospital. He was a foundation trustee of the Eye Care Trust. He maintained this interest until recently.

Maurice was born into a farming family near

who at that stage was making his way with much older and seasoned campaigners. Alan’s ethics and morality made an impact on the young Bruce Murray in the way they have impacted so many people here today.

proceeded to attack the bowling, especially Preston, who reached his century just before the close of play. His century was scored in 98 minutes.

Next morning in a howling northerly gale these two carried the score to 206 before Macleod fell, leg before. Our innings was closed shortly before lunch, 2 for 281. Preston scored a brilliant 161 not out – his score including 19 fours and 4 sixes.

In 2002, Allan’s longstanding record of the highest score in a traditional cricket match was finally broken when a young lad called Brad Jones scored 192 against Napier Boys’ High School. The score was 52 for 5 when Brad came to the wicket and he went berserk, flaying the bowlers in true Wellington College style, to all corners of the ground. We felt that it was appropriate to present him with a bat at assembly, and who better to do that than Alan Preston.

Alan gave a marvellous address to the boys as he recalled his 161 not out over fifty years before. In the true spirit of the man, he was delighted that his record had at last been broken, and the applause was sustained as in a poignant moment, Alan presented the bat to Brad. Our school motto says “Lumen Accipe et Imperti” – “Receive the light and pass it on”. In that moment, Alan was not just passing on a bat but a tradition; a tradition redolent of values that remain constant irrespective of time or place. Alan represented the values of his school in the life he led, a life full of grace, kindness and service to others.

I am proud to play a small part in honouring a great man.

Alan made his presence felt in other ways. In ‘Fives’, that highly popular sport of the time, Alan defeated Evan Thoms to win the Senior Singles in 1950.

In the Junior Singles that year, A J McMaster defeated Alan’s young brother Peter who was to die later at the College in tragic circumstances when he was hit by a cricket ball.

Alan was also a College Prefect and a highly popular leader amongst his peers.

Others have spoken of Alan’s life after Wellington College and the great impact he had on so many lives. I would like to share just two examples with you. The first pertains to my great friend and mentor, Bruce Murray, who is with us today. As a young man embarking on his cricketing career, BAGs had come from a severely disadvantaged background. By that, of course, I am referring to the misfortune he had to attend Hutt Valley High School rather than Wellington College. Despite this, what in many cases would have been a terminal setback, Bruce’s cricketing career flourished, and he tells me that he owes much to the care and concern Alan showed to him as a young man

Alan was also a notable Wellington bookseller; he founded and owned the landmark Unity Books store, more recently located in Willis Street (which has just celebrated

Masterton in 1921. At the age of 14 he suffered a burst appendix and nearly died.

He spent a month in hospital, which began his interest in medicine. His education took place at Wairarapa College, then Wellington College. He studied hard as well as playing cricket and rugby.

enjoyed trips within Europe.

After five years of medical study at Otago University, he went to Palmerston North to work as a house surgeon. There he met a nurse, Patricia Brooking, whom he married in 1949. The two shifted to Kaitaia, where Maurice was medical superintendent. But his wife recognised his ability and she encouraged him to specialise. They went to England so that he could study in London, and he worked their passage as a ship’s doctor. While in London, Mrs Falloon supported them by working as a dental nurse in a Harley St practice, and they both

Maurice worked as a surgeon at Wanganui Hospital from 1954-86, becoming head of the department in 1980. He spent a term chairing its medical advisory committee. At the same time he maintained a private practice, which carried on after he retired from the hospital. He was also a director of the private Belverdale Hospital from 1955 -86.

Maurice’s study under top surgeons was demanding, but he was successful. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1953. Their first child was also born that year, and the family soon returned to New Zealand to Wanganui.

Despite being busy he had strong interests and played golf, owned a small farm in Rapanui Rd, went to Race meetings and bred race horses.

38

its 37th year). Alan envisioned a bookstore where books would be the byword and where there would be no stationery counters, racks of greeting cards, giftwrap or knickknacks. He had a rare depth of knowledge about the international book industry, combined with a passion for philosophy, history, politics and cricket which meant that he was sought out by the most astonishing range of people for his opinion and prognosis.

Alan’s paramount concern was always the relevance of the shop and the positive contribution that both could make to modern culture.

May I conclude by reading from the first page of The Wellingtonian in 1948. It is a copy donated to Paddianne Neely, our archivist, and it has the name written on the cover ‘Crist’ – Frank, of course, became Headmaster of Hastings Boys’ High School, and personified what a good schoolmaster was all about.

“The important thing in sport is not winning but taking part.

The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”

It is an apt epitaph for our friend whose life we celebrate today.

Above: Alan with Brad Jones In 1993 Maurice established the Wairere Probus Club and became its first president.

He was a long-time member of Wanganui Jockey Club, and President from 1975-77.

And he was a life member of the Marton, Rangitikei and Waverley racing clubs.

He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship for 21 years of faithful membership of Wanganui Rotary and he lent a hand with the city’s Sommerville Centre, Cancer Society and hospice.

For the last six years he was the main caregiver for his wife, who had a stroke. He showed new depths of strength and determination in keeping the two of them together. He became frailer, and died when his heart failed. He was 83 and is survived by his wife, five children and 12 grandchildren.

Lives of Note

Newspaper pioneer helped News make headlines

A

ntony (Tony) Whitlock (1931-32) was one of Rupert Murdoch’s band of newspaper pioneers who helped create The Australian. Born in Hastings in 1981, Tony died in Melbourne in June this year, aged 84.

On hearing of Whitlock’s death, Murdoch (chairman of News Corporation, parent company of News Limited, which is the publisher of The Australian) said he “was a most valued colleague and friend who made a significant contribution to the early history of News Ltd”.

A fourth-generation Journalist, Tony had a talent for electronics. As a child he made crystal sets, the first wireless radios.

He went on to help build and install the computers that brought newspapers into a new age of technology.

In 1964, Whitlock helped to achieve Australia’s first truly national newspaper.

He was a key member of a “bold band of pioneers trying to achieve a publishing The ‘mission impossible’,” says Australian’s history writer Jonathan King.

Whitlock urged Murdoch to call it The Australian because that was the name of Australia’s first newspaper, published

by NSW political leader and explorer William Charles Wentworth in 1824. On July 15, 1964, the radical new paper hit the stands.

Whitlock’s grandfather William Charles had founded The Hawkes Bay Herald Tribune, and his father, William Arthur, became the newspaper’s managing editor. Whitlock’s great-grandmother Mary Alexander, a young widow with two children, founded The Bulla Post on the South Island during NZ’s gold rush. ‘

Breaking with Tradition

As a toddler, Whitlock was gripped by the magic of newspapers. As a child he treasured a metal slug with his name engraved on it, a gift from the linotype

operators who tapped out the paper’s stories in hot metal.

After being sacked from The New Zealand Herald, he did a stint on The Taranaki News before enlisting in the NZ Army in 1939 as signals sergeant of the 22nd Infantry Battalion for his electronics and knowledge of Morse Code.

During World War II, Tony fought in Greece, Palestine, Egypt, Libya and Italy.

He watched friends die and narrowly escaped death when a mine exploded permanently deafening him in one ear.

As a war correspondent, he covered two of the century’s biggest events. Whitlock and his notebook were on board the US battleship Missouri for the signing of the Japanese surrender and he flew over Hiroshima about 20 days after the US had dropped an atom bomb in August 1945.

In 1945, he married Sydney Morning Herald reporter Neil Bedford.

Their mutual passion for newspapers, history, Mozart, Puccini and each other lasted for 56 years.

Whitlock became chief of staff at the SMH, where he pioneered the use of the two-way radios for reporters and photographers, building the radios himself. The need arose when a reporter witnessed a gunfight between police and thieves at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. He had the scoop but didn’t have twopence for a public telephone box.

After three years In London, Whitlock joined Murdoch at Melbourne’s Southdown Press, publisher of New Idea and TV Week. As well as boosting circulation, Whitlock came up with the idea of a magazine for racetrack gamblers. If he had kept Best Bets for himself, he would have made millions.

In 1971, he and Melbourne Journalist, Pat

B

Tennison created the Melbourne Press Club. Gough Whitlam was speaker at the club’s lunch on November 10, 1975 - the day before the Dismissal.

After The Australian was launched, Whitlock joined independent publisher Peter Isaacson as general manager, producing magazines such as Travelweek and Fashionweek.

With Isaacson’s help, in 1969 Whitlock formed the Australian and New Zealand Web Offset Newspaper Association. This became the Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers Association.

Whitlock as executive director gathered members from all over the southern hemisphere and beyond to study and discuss new technologies. Today, PANPA is one of the world’s leading newspaper associations.

Tony retired in 1983. His life was extraordinarily productive and rich in experience. He was a fine example of the self-sacrificing generation that fought depression and war. He is survived by his wife Neil and three children.

Mrs Whitlock kindly sent us Tony’s Obituary, written by their daughter Fiona, who was a journalist on the Australian.

In 1952 she married Fred Reinheimer. They had one son, Frank, who survives her. Betty and Fred lived in Waitakere, Auckland. During her married life there she worked in the Post Office and taught in a number of Secondary Schools.

In 1966, after her mother’s death, she returned to Hataitai to help look after her elderly father. While there she taught for a time at her old school, WEGS. After returning to Waitakere she was involved with the local Residents’ Association and the CWI. She also travelled overseas a number of times.

etty Reinheimer (nee Turner) was a teacher at Wellington College from 1942-45. She was one of four women appointed to take the place of some of the male teachers who were on Active Service during WWII. Prior to her College appointment she was Dux of Hataitai School, and Wellington East Girls’ College (1933). In 1938 she graduated MA(Hons) in French and Latin from Victoria University. She also trained at Wellington Teachers’ College, gaining her Diploma of Teaching.

After her studies, she travelled to England in 1939 for what was to have been a six-week visit to relations in Somerset. She was touring on the Continent a few weeks before war broke out, which forced a change of plans. She stayed with relations in Somerset and taught at St Margaret’s School in Burnham-on-Sea. She was in England during the Battle of Britain and Dunkirk.

She returned to New Zealand in 1941, and then taught at Miramar South Primary School before her Wellington College appointment where she taught mainly French and Latin and coached junior hockey teams.

After leaving the College, she taught in Australia at Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Pymble, in Sydney. In 1948 she was a cataloguer in the Wellington Public Library. She was an officer in the Child Welfare Department in Auckland, Nelson, and Greymouth.

39

Music was a lifelong interest. She was an accomplished pianist, accompanist, and Pipe Organist, serving as assistant to H. Temple White at Wesley Church, Taranaki Street for ten years.

Sports interested her too. Earlier in life she played tennis, hockey, and badminton. She maintained a lively interest in cricket and rugby, having a noteworthy memory of the scores of important games.

She attended the Centennial and 125th Jubilee and was always interested in Wellington College activities. In her retirement in Auckland and on regular visits to Wellington she was always pleased to meet Old Boys. She died suddenly at her home in Waitakere just short of her 88th birthday.

Trev Turner (1945-49) Brother of Better Reinheimer

Lives of Note

Master of Linguists

F

requently it is not known what becomes of some of our Old Boys when they leave the College. It is not until an obituary appears in the newspaper that we are made aware of the outstanding careers of some of them.

One such Old Boy was Paul Stephen Falla, who became one of the most internationally recognised linguists of the 20th century.

Paul was born in Dunedin in 1913. He received the first part of his education at Wellesley College (c1923-25) and was awarded a Junior National Scholarship.

This young man amazed his classmates at Wellesley College by being able to speak eight languages by age eleven.

He attended Wellington College (192628) where he was awarded both Junior and Senior National Scholarships (1926) and his Matric (1927).

In 1928, Paul was first in French, English and Latin and won the Barnicoat Memorial Prize for Literature and the Walter Turnbull Scholarship. He became Dux of the College and was second in the NZ Junior University Scholarship at age fifteen.

He held the Senior Somes Scholarship and was Dux of Christ’s College at age sixteen in 1929.

His early brilliance saw him awarded a scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford, where in 1934 he graduated BA with Second Class Honours at about age twenty.

Paul entered the British Foreign Office in

1936 where he served with distinction, later representing the British delegation to the United Nations in New York and then becoming Deputy Director of Research.

His extraordinary knowledge of languages continued with his time in the Foreign Office. In his ‘retirement’ he became a full time translator and editor. He was a Fellow of the Institute of Translation and Interpretation; twice winner of the Scott Moncreiff Prize for best translation French to English; winner of the Schlegal Tieck for the best translator from German to English.

He also translated from Russian, Polish, and Dutch and published fifty books, including the Oxford English-Russian Dictionary 1984 which he edited. He was reputed to read 40 languages and translated from many, always at a serious and scholarly level, with the ability and the knowledge of other cultures and literature to produce first class English.

The end of Paul’s life was overshadowed by illness; he suffered Parkinson’s disease for many years but he was blessed with a happy family life with his wife Elizabeth, whom he married in 1958 and his daughter who lived nearby.

A scholar in the best sense of the word, he had a charming house full of books that reflected his intellectual interests - poetry and philosophy, history and of course language. He died in England, August 2003, aged 89.

Paddianne W Neely Wellington College Archivist

Paul Fella in British Foreign Office formal attire c 1937

Diplomat stood out as a Scholar

R

ex Cunninghame (1932-34) was a distinguished scholar and gentleman. He worked in the Foreign Affairs Ministry for 30 years, retiring in 1978 as assistant secretary in charge of information and other divisions.

In his diplomatic career, he established NZ’s Embassy in The Hague (1965) appointed as NZ’s first ambassador there, he became High Commissioner to India, and also represented NZ in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Rex lived in Palmerston North as a child and started his secondary schooling at PNBHS. In 1932, the family moved to Wellington and his excellence at Wellington College is enshrined on seven boards.

In 1935, Rex went to Victoria University, graduating with a BA in French and English in 1937, winning the senior scholarship in English, awarded to the best candidate in New Zealand. In 1938, Rex graduated with an MA with first class honours, and again, the highest marks in the country for English.

His external examiner for this was The Lord of the Rings author Professor J R R Tolkien of Merton College in Oxford, where he eventually studied.

Professor Tolkien rated Rex’s language papers among the best he had ever seen.

Following a post-graduate scholarship at Oxford University, Rex completed a translator’s course

in Japanese, then spent two years as a Japanese translator for the Navy, then translated in Japan for the supreme command of the allied powers. His wars service saw him ranked lieutenant and he went on to be head of the eastern division of the ministry from 1944-49. In 1949, Rex returned to London and resumed his ministry career and marrying his wife Angela. In 1955, he was appointed to Tokyo as first secretary and later counsellor.

From 1960, Rex served as head of the ministry’s European and Commonwealth division and in 1961, was posted to Ottawa as counsellor and deputy high commissioner.

As a diplomat, Rex was amiable and effective and more self-effacing than most. He worked hard and meticulously, making the same demands on himself as he did as a scholar.

Rex enjoyed good company and good conversation.

He smoked a pipe, which his family considered second only to his tie – worn even when gardening – as a sartorial trademark.

Rex’s knowledge of Japanese culture and literature was extensive. After his retirement from the Ministry, he taught Japanese at the Correspondence School. He was also an adviser to the Japanese Information and Cultural Centre in Wellington.

40

Letter of Notification

W

e received a letter from Philippa Boardman who wrote to tell us that her brother Peter George Grieve has passed away. Peter attended the College (1949-52) and passed away in March this year after two years of a rather debilitating illness from suffering a massive stroke.

Peter had a career in the Air Force from 1953-61, and until his retirement in 1999, was a Case Manger with Work and Income Invercargill. He was a keen, long serving officer of the Southland RSA and after his retirement was very involved producing the Life Education Trust’s newsletter in Invercargill as well as being a tutor of Senior Net. Philippa’s father George Francis Grieve also attended Wellington College from 1911-13.

Lives of Note ADDRESS AT THE FUNERAL OF LAURIE GARDINER (1923-2004) - Roger Moses, Headmaster, April, 2004

I

t is a great privilege and honour to say a few words at the service which celebrates the life of one of the legendary Deputy Headmasters of Wellington College, Mr Laurie Gardiner. Of course, I am speaking in my capacity as the current Headmaster of Wellington College, but I also do bring a strong personal perspective. My father-in-law, Mr Max Lane, taught with Laurie for eight years at Rongotai College and speaks with great warmth and even nostalgia of the superb staff that worked there in the 1980s under the inspired leadership of Alf Locke.

In particular, Max has spoken of Jim McGregor, Bob O’Brien, Denis McHalick and Laurie Gardiner. He speaks of Laurie’s brilliance in the classroom, his inspiration as a 1st XV Rugby coach and his wonderful creativity as a producer of plays. In short, he sees Laurie as a personification of the Renaissance Man, the kind of teacher that a Headmaster would dream of having in his school today but is almost a lost breed.

was likely to receive a couple across the tail for his sins. On one such occasion, a young man was waiting outside the classroom door. He received due justice with just a little more While protest than normal. recovering from his trauma, the door opened and the instruction came from the English teacher directing a play. “Right O Smith, you can now enter stage right” right”.

My own career took me for four years to Warkworth where I was Head of English at Mahurangi College.

One of the real pleasures of teaching in small towns is getting to know well the families of the students you are teaching. One such family that made a great impression on me was the Morrison family. I served on the Warkworth School Board of Trustees with Robyn, Laurie’s much-loved niece, became very good mates with Tom, her husband, and had the dubious pleasure of teaching both David and Bevan. Joanna and Paul, I think, were spared that fate. It is indeed, a real honour for me to stand at your dearly loved Uncle’s funeral fifteen years later and to say firstly how much I appreciated your friendship, and what a great servant of Wellington College was Laurie Gardiner.

As a person, Laurie’s presence was all-pervasive at Wellington College. Revered by staff and students alike, he left a great legacy. His insistence on high standards, ability to relate across the board to all people and love of the academic, sporting and cultural dimensions of human endeavour, personify the ideals for which we still strive at Wellington College.

After such a distinguished career at Rongotai and Wainuiomata Colleges, Laurie was appointed Deputy Headmaster at Wellington College in 1968. It was a time of social change and tremendous disruption at the College with the massive rebuilding programme which attacked the very fabric of the College as it did the wonderful old buildings, such as the Memorial Hall.

Seddon Hill was the Headmaster and on Monday, he passed on to family and friends his sincerest condolences at the passing of an old friend and colleague for whom he had the profoundest respect. Seddon is now in his late eighties, living in a retirement home in Taupo

Stories abound, both authentic and apocryphal, of the legendary Laurie Gardiner and his fifteen years at Wellington College. As a coach of the 1st XV, he was unequalled. I had the misfortune to be part of an Auckland Grammar 1st XV which suffered at the hands of Laurie’s team in 1972. He was President of the Secondary Schools’ Rugby Union, was elected to the Centurions Club in 1973, and was President from 1979-1981.

He was heavily involved in drama all his professional life, and directed 13 major productions at Rongotai College, as well as assisting with many productions at Wellington College.

and unable to travel. He was deeply moved when I rang him, and would have loved to join us today.

that year.”

Laurie was very soon hugely respected by all, staff and students alike. He had a great sense of humour but pupils knew that if they stepped out of line, “watch out”.

Laurie brooked no nonsense.

His predecessor, Norm McAloon, fine man though he was, was no disciplinarian and Seddon yearned for someone who could take a more proactive stance. Laurie was just the man!

The school history, written by Wyn Beasley, records that: On 13 September, 1968, the first issue of a broadsheet, named Free Press, appeared round the school. It was critical of the established order and owed much, I am told, to the influence of a coterie of Onslow students.

But, with the heady smell of revolt in the air, there was no shortage of local revolutionaries round Wellington College itself.

The Board minuted its support for the headmaster, his deputy and the staff in the face of some fairly (perhaps unfairly) savage criticism.

Bill Armour (1967-72) is with us here today. Bill is the grandson of a former Headmaster of the College, currently a member of the Board of Trustees, but also a former member of Laurie’s great 1st XV in 1972. On one memorable occasion, Bill had nipped up into the bushes for a relaxing smoke. There he was disturbed by the predatory Laurie Gardiner. “Well Armour”, said Laurie, “If you don’t play a blinder tomorrow, I will see you in my office first thing Monday morning.”

Robert Anderson (1969-73), a former student and colleague of Laurie and now Deputy himself at the College, also tells a great story which I am sure has at least some truth to it. Teachers at boys’ schools will be only too painfully aware of the growing malaise that can descend on Friday afternoon.

Laurie sometimes pre-empted this malaise by wandering the corridors, waddy in hand.

Any miscreant, evicted from a classroom for deviant behaviour,

Gardiner found his own way of dealing with Free Press.

It likened him to Hitler; he forthwith strode into assembly, clicked his heels together, gave a convincing Nazi salute - and enjoyed the respect of the school thereafter. Not for nothing did he win the best actor award at the British Drama League festival 41

It is appropriate to conclude my eulogy to Laurie Gardiner by sharing with you a brief passage from a great play called “A Man for All Seasons” by Robert Bolt.

It is a play about standing on principle and focuses on the life and ultimate execution of Sir Thomas Moore. In the play, Thomas Moore is speaking with an over-ambitious young man called Richard Rich. More says: MOORE: But, Richard, in office they offer you all sorts of things.

I was once offered a whole village, with a mill; and a manor house, and heaven knows what else - a coat of arms I shouldn’t be surprised. Why not be a teacher? You’d be a fine teacher. Perhaps, a great one.

RICH: And if I was who would know it?

MOORE: You, your pupils, your friends, God. Not a bad public, that.

Laurie Gardiner chose to be a teacher. As much as any teacher in the history of Rongotai and Wellington College, he received the light and passed it on.

Lives of Note ADDRESS AT THE FUNERAL OF BRENT MORESI (1996-00) - Roger Moses, Headmaster, June, 2004

I

am deeply honoured as Headmaster of Wellington College to speak on behalf of Brent Moresi (1996-00), but I do so with a heavy heart.

Nothing is more devastating for friends and family than to see a life of such promise cut off in its prime. My heart and the love of our College community go out to Lee, Lorraine, Rachel and Nigel. Words are inadequate to describe the grief shared by everyone here today.

The class of 1996 is a very special group of young men to me. You were new boys at Wellington College and so was I. Together, we learnt about the traditions and ways of Wellington College and very quickly became immersed in the life of this wonderful community.

My first McEvedy was your first McEvedy. I have two clear memories of that day out at Silverstream. One was winning the McEvedy Shield. The other was apprehending an innocentlooking young Maori boy who bravely tossed an apple or some equally threatening missile into the Silverstream supporters. You are forgiven, Hone Patrick!

We learned the hymns we sang together at assembly. We enjoyed our first annual against St Pat’s (Town), and learned of the importance of the rivalry between these two famous Wellington schools.

And we learned something of the tremendous bond that exists between mates at the College and the values that underpin all endeavour - values of loyalty and integrity expressed so well in the school prayer: “Grant to us, O Lord, this day to do whatever duty lies before us with cheerfulness and sincerity of heart. Help us in all things to do fearlessly what we know is right.

Remove from us all hypocrisy and pretence. Make us truthful and unselfish. Help us to meet adversity with courage and a deepened faith in you.”

No-one was involved in the life of the College more than young Brent Moresi. His brother, Nigel (1994-98), was chosen that year as half-back for the 1st XV and it was in rugby as well that Brent was to make such a huge impression.

Beginning with the Under 15s, Brent was a superb 1st five eighth. Chosen, like his brother, to represent the 1st XV as a fifth former, Brent and Nigel had one memorable year together in the XV where their friendship and uncanny combination was clear for all to see. I have vivid memories of the annual that year against St Pat’s. The opposition that year was captained by an intimidating forward by the name of Jerry Collins, but in the first half, led inspirationally by the Moresi

With Lee and Lorraine’s permission, I am going to conclude with just a few words of encouragement to Brent’s friends and, in particular, those for whom Wellington College has played a major part in your life.

We must grieve the passing of Brent and do so openly.

However, we must go on from here and learn how to face life’s difficulties when they arise.

There is help available and no problem is ever too hard to face when you have the support of others. Don’t be staunch and afraid to share your feelings with others. I have, on occasions, shed tears in my office with others, and I don’t believe it is a sign of weakness. When the storms of life buffet us, help is always close at hand.

One of the traditions of Wellington College is the Bible reading at assembly. Let me conclude by sharing with you one particular reading which has been a help to me and can be a help to you.

finally Bursary where he gained an excellent ‘A’ award. He was very popular, liked by staff and students alike, and a very worthy selection for the prestigious role of Deputy Head Prefect in his 7th Form year. It was a role he performed with distinction, and I used to meet regularly with Nick Buck, the Head Prefect, Brent and the other two deputies, Michael Rendall and Hayden Prosser.

brothers, we led 20-0 at halftime. Tries to Ray Nafatali and Junior Fatialofa were capped just before half-time by a brilliant run by Brent who scored between the posts. That game, which I have on video, is one of my treasured memories during the nine years I have been Headmaster at the College.

Brent, of course, went on to play another two seasons for the 1st XV in his glittering schoolboy career. He was selected as part of the New Zealand Under 16 side, Wellington Secondary Schools and the Hurricanes as well as playing for the Western Suburbs Rugby Club. In his final year, who can forget the six penalties he kicked against Nelson College to make the Top 4 when we won 18-15. Or, in his last game for Wellington College, the inspirational manner in which he led the fight-back against St Peter’s in the national secondary schools’ final after being down by 14 points after ten minutes.

Yes, we lost that game by 20-12, but Brent Moresi was chosen as man-of-the-match.

When Brent left Wellington College at the end of 2000, he had made a memorable contribution, the very personification of the kind of young man we attempt to produce.

Brent was a wonderful young fellow who had a great life in front of him. In a moment of desperation which is unfathomable, he has made a tragic mistake which affects us all here today. In particular, our hearts bleed for two loving parents, Lee and Lorraine, and his two best friends, Rachel and Nigel. Lee, I have clear memories of watching you and Brent out of my bedroom window when nobody else was around, practising passing and kicking. You and Lorraine have given your all as parents, and as I said the other evening at your house, no-one could have done more for a beloved son.

It would be narrow, however, to concentrate merely on Brent’s sporting prowess. He was a highly intelligent, hard-working young man who gained top grades in School Certificate, Sixth Form Certificate, and 42

The subject of the reading today is SEEKING HELP WHEN YOU ARE DOWN. The reading today comes from the book of Psalms, Chapter 34. It describes David’s cry for help when he was depressed, and his trust in God. “If you obey the Lord, he will watch over you and answer your prayers. When his people pray for help, he listens and rescues them from their troubles. The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope. The Lord’s people may suffer a lot but he will always bring them safely through. The Lord saves the lives of his servants. Run to him for protection.”

May King David’s prayer be ours today as we farewell Brent and seek to face life again.

Over 400 people filled the Pacific Island Church in Newtown for Brent’s funeral.

His brother Nigel said it was a testimony to Brent that so many people attended the service.

As the coffin was placed into the hearse, past and present pupils performed a haka led

by Brendan Watt, in Brent’s honour then formed a guard of honour as he was taken on the journey to his final resting place.

Photo Caption: Brent Moresi (left) with fellow head prefects (from left), Hayden Prosser, Nick Buck (Head) and Michael Rendall, November 2000

Lives of Note It is with regret that we mention the passing of the following Old Boys and staff, recorded since the 2003 Lampstand was issued. Some are recent, some we have only just been notified of. There will also be some names missing, of whom we have not been notified of. We wish to extend to each family, our deepest sympathy in their loss.

ANYON, Charles Peter (Dr) (b) 17/02/27 ARCHER, Peter, Maurice (b) NR BENNETT, Peter, Osborne (b) 02/09/24 BINNIE, David, Ingram (b) 22/01/24 BOND, Rodney, Berresford (b) 09/01/27 BOWIE, Sam (b) 05/05/77 BRANDON, Warwick de Bathe (b) 25/05/59 BRASCH, Donald, James (b) 22/05/31 BROWN, Colin, Garvin (b) 19/06/18 BRUNING, Rex, Walter (Staff) (b) NR BUCKLE, Chad, Alexander (b) 17/10/76 BURBUSH, Eric, Henry (b) 12/08/06 CATTANACH, William, Bruce (b) 11/09/19 COLEMAN, Robert (Bob), George, Gilbert (b) 02/10/29 CONNELL, Clifford Gerald (Mick) (Staff) (b) 1918 DALLY, Rex, Leonard (b) 27/02/29 DUNCANSON, Graeme (b) 02/01/25 ELLIS, Hubert Kitchner (Kit) (b) 27/07/17 ENSOR, Michael (b) 19/12/32 FALLA, Paul Stephen (Dux) (b) 25/10/13 FALLOON, Maurice, White (Dr) (b) 24/07/21 FRANKLAND, Alan Frederick (b) 05/11/30 FULLATRON, Hugh, Alexander (b) 25/07/08 GALLOWAY, Ian Thomas [CBE, OBE, ED] (b) 25/12/19 GARDINER, Lawrence, Freebury (Staff) (b) 21/08/23 GAY, George, Ernest (b) 25/12/28 GRIEVE, Peter George (b) 18/05/35 GRIFFEN, Wayne, Francis, Gerald (b) 09/07/38 HATCHWELL, Ross (b) 12/11/30 HAWKINS, Murray, Desmond (b) 12/08/30 HEARN, Derek (b) 05/02/30 HERBERT, Barry, Julian (b) 20/0/48 HILLS, Theodore, Lewis (b) 28/04/25 JOHNSTONE, Ian, Alexander (b) 11/04/26 LANE, Rex, Clinton (Staff) (b) 25/04/26 LEACH, James, Dominic Hardy (b) 29/07/74 LITTLE, John, Clince (b)11/02/27 LYNAM, Warren, Joseph (b) 01/08/33 MANTHEL, Maurice, Noel (b) 21/12/03 MILL, Alexander (Alec) (b) 26/03/05 MORESI, Brent, Rosia (b) 14/05/82 REINHEIMER, (nee Turner), Betty, Frances (St)(b) 15/09/18 ROLLS, Kenneth, Albert (b) 06/05/44 RUDT, Donald, Howard (b) 10/11/30 SANDO, Trevor, Gordon James (b) 23/11/45 SINCLAIR, Ross (b) 01/02/20 SVENSEN, Mervyn, Leonard (b) 24/07/27 URRY,Douglas, Newton (b) 23/03/32 VALLANCE, Richard, Keith (b) 27/10/23 WARNER, Greig, Robert (b) 24/01/80 WHITLOCK, Wialliam, Antony (Tony) (b) 14/04/18 WOODCOCK, John Cedric (b) 01/07/35

(d) 23/08/03 (d) 10/06/04 (d) 31/07/02 (d) 02/04/04 (d) 10/02 1941-45 (d) 07/04 1990-94 (d) 2003 (d) 04/09/03 (d) 24/03/03 (d)02/07/04 (d) 07/07/03 (d) 2003 (d) 2003 (d) 18/01/01 (d) 25/06/03 (d) 07/04/02 (d) 14/02/00 (d) 08/01/03 (d) 10/01/00 (d) 09/08/03 (d) 25/07/04 (d) 31/05/03 (d) 01/06/04 (d) 28/08/03 (d) 28/04/04 (d) 07/07/04 (d) 05/03/04 (d) 06/03 (d) 2000 (d) 27/11/02 (d) 26/07/03 (d 22/10/03 (d) 01/04/02 (d) 20/06/04 (d) 20/09/03 (d) 06/02/04 (d) (d) 2003 (d) 23/08/03 (d) 31/05/03 (d) 08/04/04 (d) 24/08/04 (d) 2003 (d) 2003 (d) 31/08/03 (d) 11/11/03 (d) 28/08/03 (d)23/02/03 (d) 2004 (d) 29/12/02 (d) 30/06/02 (d) 10/11/02

1939-43 1968-75 1940-42 1937-40 1973-75 1944-48 1931-35 1955-70 1990-94 1919-21 1933-37 1945-46 1953-59 1943-46 1939-41 1933-36 1947-48 1926-28 1938-38 1944-48 1922-25 1933-36 1968-83 1941-45 1949-52 1953-56 1944-46 1944-48 1943-46 1961-65 1938-41 1940-45 1956-73 1988-92 1941-44 1946-49 1917-18 1918-21 1996-00 1942-45 1958-60 1942-45 1959-63 1934-38 1841-45 1946-49 1937-40 1995-96 1931-33 1951-54

Rare Donation to the Archives

A

rare item of All Black history has been given to the Archives on permanent loan

by Tim Currie of Whangarei. It is a large silver brooch in the shape of a silver fern with the initials NZ along the spine. This brooch was worn by members of the All Blacks team on their jacket labels – before the days of team blazers with embroidered ferns.

On the back is engraved the name Frank Glasgow, “The Songbird”.

Frank Glasgow attended Wellington College 1895-1986. He represented four provinces and the North Island.

Selected as a member of the famous 1905 team, Frank also represented New Zealand in 1906 and 1908.

Frank played as a loose forward in six tests and 35 matches. His 43 points scored for New Zealand consisted of ten tries, five conversions and one penalty goal.

In later life Frank became a bank manager. He served on the NZRFU management committee, executive and as a Liaison Officer for the 1937 Springboks.

It is interesting to note that ER Dodd, HG Thomson and EL Leslie were all Old Boys of Wellington College and members of the 1905 New Zealand team along with Frank Glasgow, The Songbird.

Paddianne W Neely Wellington College Archivist

The sports fields at Wellington College were put to a different use in 1906, when the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Championships were held there. Twelve courts were laid down on the grounds, considered ‘good but somewhat grassy’. A record 359 entries were received for the various events. The College building, later known as the East School can be seen in the background. It used to occupy the land in front where Firth Hall now stands before the pohutukawa trees were planted. It was demolished in 1931 when the Memorial Hall and new classroom blocks were completed. Photo: Wellington College Archives.

43

Classifieds

40 Years On

Wellington Collegians Cricket Club ‘WCCC’ Pre-Season Training

We often get asked for the words to Forty Years On by nostalgic Old Boys, so for those who can’t quite remember the words, they follow below.

WCCC is a club of 150 years standing located at Anderson Park in the Botanic Gardens. It has long standing links with Wellington College and presents the 1st XI Cricket Caps to the school each year. The club enjoyed strong on-field success in 2003-04 winning both the Senior 3 Men’s and Senior Women’s trophies while placed second in the Hazlett Cup. We are looking to continue that success into the coming season. There are opportunities to play at every level based on merit, ability and interest. We invite Wellington College players of all abilities in the game to join our Club as they graduate from their school.

FORTY YEARS ON Forty years on when afar and asunder Parted are those who are singing today When you look back and forgetfully wonder What you were like in your work and your play.

Then it may be there will often come o’er you Glimpses of notes like catch of a song, Visions of boyhood shall float then before you, Echoes of dreamland shall bear them along.

Chorus Follow up! Follow up! Follow up! Follow up! Follow up!

Till the field rings again and again With the tramp of the thirty true men Follow up! Follow up!

Club International players include James Franklin (ex Wellington College) and Fiona Fraser. With its proximity to the Central City the clubrooms further provide the perfect way to celebrate the day’s play, unwind with friends and then head into town.

Routs and discomfitures, rushes and rallies, Bases attempted and rescued and won, Strife without anger, and art without malice How will it seem to you forty years on?

Then, you will say, not a feverish minute Strained the weak heart and wavering knee.

Never the battle raged hottest, but in it Neither the last nor the faintest were we.

Chorus Forty years on growing older and older Shorter in wind as in memory long, Feeble of foot, and rheumatic of shoulder, What will it help you that once you were strong?

God gives us bases to guard or beleaguer, Games to play out, whether earnest or fun; Fights for the fearless, and goals for the eager, Twenty, and thirty, and forty years on!

Chorus

Current and prospective cricket players are invited to Pre Season training. Please contact the Club Captain, Dilip Deva, for further information. His phone no. is 934 5661. • Website:www.collegians.org

Memorabilia The Wellington College Uniform Room now stocks a selection of College memorabilia: Wellington College Crest Badge: $3.50 Pens: $3.50 - $6.00 Umbrellas: Golf or Telescope $22.00 Beer Mugs: $7.00 School Scarf with Crest: $34.00 Orders and queries can be telephoned on (04) 801 5069.

MOVING? NEWS?

WCOBA ACCESSORIES: The WCOBA stock Old Boy Pins and Ties: Silver Lapel Pins: $3.00 WCOBA Tie: $20.00 2003 Wellingtonians $25.00 Orders can be placed on the accompanying feedback form.

Please keep us informed of your changes.

Any change in your details, or news you may have can be phoned, faxed or emailed to: Secretary, WCOBA, PO Box 16-073, Wellington.

Tel: (04) 802 2537 • Fax: (04) 802 2541 Email: oldboys@wellington-college.school.nz

Discounted Computers

PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE WCOBA DATABASE UP-TO-DATE AND ACCURATE.

As a valued Employee with one of Dell New Zealand’s top customers, it’s our pleasure to pass onto you some of the benefits that come with doing business with us. We’ve put together some special PC bundles, three laptops and three desktops, discounted them for you and they are available to order on your EPP website. These discounts cannot be offered over the telephone. Log on to the following website: www.dell.co.nz/epp2 Enter the below as they appear and click continue Login : 668792 Password: dellepp

Any changes of address or other details would be greatly appreciated.

Photos Wanted Good quality photographs of former Duxes and Head Prefects of Wellington College are required for recording in two special albums to be kept in the Archives.

You’re now into the site and you’ll see the Desktop and Laptop headings along with some accessories, if you click on either you will see the configurations that are available to your organisation.

Please could you help by sending a photo of yourself and/ or any Old Boy relatives who may have held either of these positions. We have numerous gaps over the 138 years.

From here on the process is self explanatory, just follow the prompts on the screen and you can’t go wrong. In New Zealand we accept VISA and MASTERCARD as methods of payment.

Please contact the College Archivist, Paddianne W Neely.

Ever wondered what happened to all those people you shared your school days with? Where are they now? Where are those kids you bullied or conversed with on the fields; the team mates from the rugby team? A few great sites on the Web can help you track down old schoolmates, and thanks to those sites, we found quite a few Wellington College Old Boys to add to our mailing list and database. You will need to register and its free for the basic package. The one we found most successful is www.oldfriends.co.nz 44