THE ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM THE FIRTHS AND THE FOREST AND BIRD SOCIETY

Many will be aware that the NZ Forest and Bird Society are celebrating their one hundredth year this year. We have reported previously, both in the Lampstand and the Wellingtonian, the founding of the society in 1923 by Old Boy, Ernest Valentine (Val) Sanderson who attended Wellington College from 1874 to 1884

Joseph Firth, Headmaster from 1892 to 1920, was instrumental in transforming the College’s playing fields from what were originally areas of scrub and swamp to respectable playing fields for Cricket and Rugby. Sanderson spent many hours assisting Firth in improving the fields and advising on their top dressing. When Sanderson returned from the Boer war, Firth hosted a welcome home function.

Both Mr and Mrs Firth were strong supporters of the Forest and Bird Society, and Sanderson, with Firth attending the initial public meeting in 1923 and giving an address, How our mountains, lakes and birds represent New Zealand in all its scenic beauty and glory and how every New Zealander should cultivate a regard and respect for those things which made our native land what it was and is

Firth also took an active part in the saving of Kapiti Island sanctuary which had earlier fallen into a deplorable state due to mismanagement. Later, Firth edited the Society’s magazine with many congratulatory references to the high tone of matter in the publication. Firth died in 1931 and when Mrs Firth died in 1939 she left a bequest of £100 in her will to the Forest and Bird Society.

Val Sanderson remained President of the Society up until his death in 1945.

Our History Across The Decades Ending In 3

1853 Deed of Endowment of Wellington College given by Governor, Sir George Grey on 17 October [aka Foundation Day].

1883

▶ First mention of Annual Swimming Sports at Te Aro Baths.

▶ First Rugby Match against Christ's College.

1903 The staff consisted of JP Firth and twelve assistant masters.

1913 Master, Charles Gifford was responsible for establishing Wellington College's observatory, which housed a fine 5½-inch equatorially mounted Zeiss refractor, used by many students over the years for serious astronomical observation.

1923 ▶ Foundation Stone of new school buildings laid by Governor General Lord Jellicoe. Additional buildings. Dormitory block, Kitchen block, Observatory and the Headmaster's House.

▶ School Choir formed.

1933 Inaugural Travel Club Meeting

1943 ▶ E N Hogben appointed as Headmaster.

▶ Visit by General Freyberg who duly awarded the school a full holiday

1953 Revival of the Debating Society.

1963 ▶ Construction of the Old Boys' Gymnasium begins.

▶ Ken Gray and Ralph Caulton (both Class of 1954), both prominent members of the 1963 All Blacks overseas tour visited the College prior to their departure.

▶ Death of Old Boy, Lord Freyberg

1973

▶ Large fire above the swimming pool destroys hundreds of newly planted trees.

▶ First assembly in the new Hall and the official opening of the new buildings by Governor General and Old Boy, Sir Denis Blundell.

1983 ▶ Lake Taupo Swim and Cook Strait Relay completed by students.

▶ Concert Band inaugurated.

▶ Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Robert Muldoon turns the first sod to inaugurate the building project of Sports and Arts Centre.

1993

2003

▶ 7th Form Common Room has its official opening.

▶ College Mothers' Uniform Shop becomes a business.

▶ The opening of the Girvan Library, a great tribute to Gary Girvan, our much revered former Deputy Headmaster.

▶ Level 2 of NCEA is introduced.

▶ New ceiling to floor glass Atrium opens adjacent to the Hall.

2013 Opening of the Frank Crist Sports Centre