"FUSEE" OF ETON.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 305, 26 December 1930, Page 9

"FUSEE" OF ETON.

A NOTABLE CHARACTER.

Etonians the world over will learn with regret that Mr. William Hall, better- known- as "Fusee," the Eton College •messenger, who- retired a year ago after 45 • years' ■ service, • died recently at his home- at Slough at the age of 73. He was- appointed to his position at Eton by - the late Dr. Warre in September, 1884, and he served under three headmasters. He was nicknamed "Fusee" owing to his sandy hair and ruddy complexion, and he has been mentioned several-times in plays and books. Not'only was-Mr: Hall a messenger, but he had the important duty of holding- down- the victims who were birched at the block. He had held down mora distinguished .personages than any other ma'n^and! many, a. statesman and famous soldier. has, f been, held in the grip of "Fusee." As •a- -youth Mr. Hall joined the 3rd Battalion of the 60th Rifles, and took part in the Zulu War of 1879, the Boer War of 1881 (in which he was present at Majuba Hill), and the Egyptian campaigns of 1882, when he was present at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir.

"Fusee" possessed a wonderful memory for faces, and by masters and boys alike lie was greatly respected.