Waitaki Boys High School Jubilee

Evening Star, Issue 21410, 13 May 1933, Page 10

Waitaki Boys High School Jubilee

100* |933'^

BATTLE OP THE SITE. It is perhaps permissible to recall the men who were ranged into opposite camps on tho question of the site—■ even to tho Very establishment of the school —half a century ago. With Mr Shrimski, a far-seeing member of the Jewish race, were ranged tho Hon. Henry John Miller, an Eton and Oxford man, and Mr John llcid, whose estate, Elderslic, was famous for its horse, cattle, and shcop-brecding, in support of the present location. Opposed to tho site was Dr MacGregor, father of Judge MacGregor, of the Supreme Court, a very picturesque figure as he stalked along with his Highland shawl thrown around him. Ho won his way up to a professorship at Edinburgh, and on occasion was included in delegations sent down by request of AV. E. Gladstone to confer with him on proposed legislation the G.O.M. was considering The erudite doctor not only opposed the site, but fulminated against the injustice to tho local District High School, which would ho disrated. The step would also, in the opinion of the doctor, load to higher

fees being charged at the new school, and deprive girls of the advantages of extra-mural education. All in vain. The die was cast, and the .school’s success or failure was in embryo in the womb of time. THE FIRST RECTOR. The building proceeded apace, and in view of its projected opening in 188 J the securing of a first class rector was exercising the minds of the board. A commission of distinguished educationists wa.s appointed at Home, through the Agent-General for New Zealand, to make the choice of a head for Waitaki High School. The names of the commission are eloquent testimony to the determination of the board to secure a master worthy of the school. They were Professor Jowett, of Ealliol College. Oxford ; Dr Pcrcival, head master of Rugby School; and Professor J. Stuart Blackic, of Edinburgh University. The outcome of their deliberations was the selection of Mr .John Harkness, M.A., sometime classical .scholar of Corpus Christ! College, Oxford, and assistant master at Manchester Grammar School. Mr Harkness had just emerged from the twenties; thus he brought to his new position, beside great scholastic attainments, all the energy of youth to the young and aspiring country of Ids adoption. On May 15, 188 J, nineteen hoys presented themselves before Mr Harkness ns the raw material be was to mould. The .names of the scholars wore Andrew H. Hcdlcy, Ernest E. Clowes, I l 'rank Clowes, A. Jeffrey Clowes, Walter Jones, G. 11. R,. Fenton, George H. Gilford, Charles Robinson, George Smnpter, Walter Sumpter, Stewart B. Reid, Thomas Maefarlanc, Fred Newton, Walter T. IT. Tlislop, George Sutherland, Arthur If. Sutherland, Fred Sutherland, Conrad Christie, George Pilkington. 'The school wa.s opened without a informal ceremony. The chairman of the Board of Governors (Mr Henry John Miller) and a few prominent citizens wore present. In Juno following Algernon Charles Gifford, of St. .John’s College, Cambridge, was selected as mathematical master. "Mr Harkness had brought out with him as his first assistant H. IV. Roll, 8.A., LL.M., scholar of Cavendish College, Cambridge University. ' But a slight digression might ho made here in the orderly sequence of narration to record an important incident. A day before the opening one small hoy mistakenly presented himself at the portals of Waitaki with a view to immediately taking up his studies. No doubt his i’ellowseholars regarded this eagerness to start a day ahead as unprecedented in schoolboy annals, and promptly knocked him down when opportunity occurred. Bo that as it may, that hoy grew up to he an auctioneer, ami has been knocking things down with his mallet in Oamaru ever since. Another original scholar also glories, after half a century, in the distinction he achieved on the opening day, Mr H. C. L. Robinson (Mastertou) was the delinquent who received lies! punishment at Waitaki High School, the memories of which arc still vivid unto this day. As the result of the establishment of .Waitaki the town District High School

was reduced in status—the first blow received by that institution. Forty years later the second blow gave it its quietus. When the Junior High School was established at Waitaki a decade ago tho decapitation of the higher standards of the three town schools made such serious inroads in their attendance that the closing of the Middle School (formerly tho District High) was brought about in 1924. Prom the inception of the school Mr Harkncss found his path a difficult one. He came from England with all the ingrained traditions of, and affection for, the grout public schools there. Ho found on arrival in Now Zealand that boys in their ’teens were woefully deficient in a knowledge of the higher branches of education with which their English prototypes wore familiar. The parents of the boys, lie also discovered, wore unresponsive to tho claims of classical education, but enthusiastic regarding a knowledge of practical subjects deemed essential in a young producing country like Now Zealand. Mr Harkncss had to submit to harsh criticism from those who would have him adapt the curriculum to the needs of the colony and disregard the educational methods of the Old Country. So strong was tho hostility to the rector’s system that the agitation for the closing of tho school persisted among a section of tho community. Despite discouragement, Mr Harkness pursued tho even tenor of his way unperturbed by popular clamour. But the school failed to grow in popularity, though its supporters could claim that it was ooing excellent work, and would eventually win through the barrage of prejudice. After fourteen years’ hard and conscientious work Mr Harkncss laid down the burden with tho knowledge that he had done his best. He had won the affection of tho hoys whom ho had taught, always being to them their guide, philosopher, and friend. Ho was not a man who sought or relished “ the loud applause and aves vehement ” of tho crowd, and it is remarkable that in a few years after his departure thirtysix years ago ho had vanished into tho void.

geology and honorary demonstrator in chemistry. Ho was associated with that aspiring youth, Joseph Mcllor, a boot clicker, who now ranks as prominent in th ■ world of chemistry, and upon whom honours have fallen thickly in England and America. Hr Mcllor, who studied under Hr Hon and Professor Black, wrote of the former thus; — “ The influence of my contact with Hr Hon has made a lasting impression on my life. 1 should never have thought of taking up scientific work had not Jus influence so stimulated mo that I could not help myself.” It is now over a quarter of a century since Hr Mcllor paid his glowing tribute to the late Hr Hon, in which lie stated that the doctor was the only teacher possessing such a gift as making plain his message to Ids hearers and of inspiring enthusiasm for knowledge. Hr Mellor in 1927 won the “ blue riband of science” (a fellowship of the Boyal Society in England). Last year the American Ceremic Society, the greatest of its kind in the world, elected him as honorary member, only fourteen others having a similar distinction conferred on them.

The year in which Dr Don assumed charge of Wail aid (1897) marked the beginning of a now epoch in its history. The boarding side of the institution could count, only five pupils in residence. Five years later the numbers had increased so greatly that the rector was obliged to turn applications down on the ground of lack of accommodation. In another couple of years the attendance of day hoys and hoarders had trebled. Dr Don strove to imbue his pupils with the quality he possessed himself—a respect for work, its necessity and dignity. Manly men were his ideal, and the slacker got short shrift. Another trait in him was his aversion to any manifestation of .snobbishness in Ids pupils. Nine years after his appointment and the last year of Ids service saw the aggregate roll numbers for the throe terms as follow;—First term: Aggregate roll 110, boarders 51. Second

Decent discoveries, however, regarding him seem like a chapter from the romantic. In 1929 the Cambridge University eleven was playing at Cheltenham, England. E. D, Blundell, of Wellington, an cx-Waitaki High School boy, was the “ star ” bowler of the team. Hearing this, an old gentleman living in retirement in Cheltenham, who retained his interest unabated in the national game, approached young Blundell and inquired if he knew the South Island of New Zealand, particularly Oamaru. The realisation that ho was talking to the first rector of Waitaki, of whom ho had heard much, surprised young Blundell. Mr Harkuoss’s astonishment at the circumstances that threw a boy of his old school in his way was not a whit less intense. Mr Milner, the present rector, was touring tho Old Country shortly afterwards. He mot his ex-pupil (Blundell), who informed him of his strange meeting at Cheltenham. Naturally Mr Milner lost little time in going to Cheltenham, though tho address of Mr Harkness was unknown to him or Blundell. He failed to locate him on tho first visit, but was more fortunate the second time. The result of an hour's interview revealed a wealth of reminiscences and historical information regarding tho early struggles of Waitaki. “ 1 was very much impressed by the charm and dignity of his manner,” wrote Mr Milner, “and by tho broad and mellow charity which characterised all his references to the troubles of those far-off days. There is not an iota of personal animosity or resentment in his being. He rejoices in the present prosperity of the school, and in the changed attitude of the town towards it. 1 could not help thinking of Lincoln’s words in the famous inaugural as I listened to tho fine old-world courtesy of the man, and the chivalrous expression of his charity towards all men.” The discovery that Mr Harkness was still alive soon re-established contact with old friends and scholars. A collection of his ex-pupils clubbed together and forwarded him a rug made at the Oamaru Woollen Factory, two scarves, one of the school colours, and a fine series of photographs of the school and Oamaru. This mark of affection was warmly appreciated by the ex-rector, whoso reply indicated an extraordinary memory. Ho could remember most of tho names of tho original boys and others, ami recall their characteristics. Ho is now over eighty, but information shows that ho was very virile for his age, as lie wrote in 1929: “I still fancy I can do a twenty-mile walk; 1 can certainly do twelve.” Dll DON’S PERIOD. When Mr Harkness resigned from tho rectorship in 1897 tho attendance had fallen away to an alarming extent. Apart from his attachment to tho ultraclassical standards, periodic depressions in trade and the rural industries created conditions that did not assist the school to increase its boarding pupils. When tho first rector resigned great care was taken in the selection of a successor. On tho appointment of Dr J. R. Don, of tho Otago University, hope ran high that an ora of prosperity was in store for Waitaki. Dr Don brought to the position a reputation as an able teacher, a great scientist, a ripe classical scholar, and an enthusiasm for bis work —a. fine combination in one person. Tie was vicepresident of Dunedin Training College, and recognised as one of tbe most successful tutors at Otago University, whore ho hold the post of lecturer iu

term; Aggregate roll 100, boarders 45. Third term : Aggregate roll 93, boarders 37. Tlio strain on Dr Don bad been severe, and bis intimation in 100 G to the Board of Governors that be desired to bo relieved of Ids duties was received with keen regret. Tins board's offer to grant him extended leave; (o recuperate was declined. Tin; fiat bad gone forth, and AV ailaki was in search of its third rector. Dr Don bad left behind him an institution ranking high among secondary schools in Now Zealand.,

MR FRANK MILNER. Into this heritage stepped the youthful now rector, Mr Frank Milner, expupil of that nursery of genius, Nelson College, where lie had as a colleague Lord Rutherford of Nelson. Mr Milner, who since his advent to Waitaki twentyseven years ago lias revealed himself as a man of high ideals and lofty ethical visions, an orator and a thinker, brought to Ids new position a reputation for scholarship of the highest. He held first-class honours in languages and literature (Latin and _ English), was some time junior university scholarfNew Zealand University), some time senior university scholar, and some time classical exhibitioner (Canterbury University College). Recognising the wisdom of Ids predecessor in broadening the curriculum to bring it more into consonance with the requirements of_ this country, Mr Milner pursued a similar policy, adding to it where deemed necessary and making vocational training a feature of the school.

With the assumption of Waitaki by Mr Milner the school saw the departure of the last of the masters who had

become part of the institution. Longevity among its early masters seems to bo characteristic of Waitaki. Professor A. C. Gifford had departed, and after a long and honourable career as mathematical master at Wellington College retired a few years ago. and now crowns his youth of labour with an ago of ease near Wellington. W. D. M. Burn, another early master, lives in Dunedin, and his interests are concerned with the welfare of India and the cult of Theosophy, while his poetry finds a wide circle of admirers. AY. G. Grave, who severed Ids connection with the school in 1908, after a decade as teacher following Ids term as a pupil at the school, created another hiatus. Ho adopted the lav.’ as a profession, and is still a partner—an active partner—in the firm of Lee, Grave, and Grave, Oamaru. H. AA 7 . Roll, who came out with Mi - Harknoss, after severing

his connection with Waitaki engaged in legal practice in Oamaru for some years, and subsequently for some years before his death was a judge in India. Ah- Milner introduced many innovations. lie fostered the creation of different clubs and associations among tbo pupils, all designed to interest them in their leisure moments and as aids to education. The 1 AA'aitakian ’ was launched on its career of usefulness. Its compilation is tbo work of the hoys, from, tho .weighty pronouncements p£

the editorials to the school’s Christian Union’s report on how George, the dusky Melanesian protege, comported himself till he succumbed to the attractions of the plantations and went “ bush.”

Some conception of Mr Milner's aims and ideals is contained in Ids first report to the Board of Governors over a quarter of a century ago:—“Special importance lias been assigned in the curriculum to English and science, and the value of English composition is particularly emphasised. . . . Under the interpretation of an imaginative teacher who feels the inspirational thrill of his subject English literature has untold possibilities in the curriculum, and a responsive student gains for his future years an imperishable intellectual interest of the highest type.” The correct use of English in the speaking voice was another feature Mr Milner endeavoured to instil into the minds of Ids pupils,- and his insistence on all boys taking part in debates was a means to that end. .Some subjects that receive too prominent a position in the curricula of secondary schools found little favour with Mr Milner then, as now. The producing of intellectual prodigies was not his aim. Well-stored and sound minds in healthy bodies are more important. Notwithstanding this many pupils have been directed up the ladder where fame’s proud altars shine from the halls of Waitaki High School. It is interesting to read the rector’s latest address (twenty-seven years after the one quoted above) at the distribution of prizes in December, 1932: “ Education was not to be valued if its object was to collect examination fetishes. . . . If ho wore to test

a school lie would want to know its ideals, and on the breadth and efficiency of their realisation ho would judge the school. . . . One of the first objects in education was to make the environment beautiful. He would also inquire as to tlio criteria and attitude of the school towards social, economic, international, and Imperial questions. Boys should bo inculcated with a love of their country, have a reasonable patriotism by a wide realisation of humanity, and should appreciate that present world conditions and facilities wore bringing nations into neighbourly contact whether they wished it or not.”

From tin’s presentation of Mr Milner’s ideals one may understand the bias of the admirable system of education imparted at Waitaki. There is another facet to the picture equally praiseworthy. In this essentially agricultural country AVaitaki nurtures in its youth the dignity of husbandry. The figures in the last report of the year’s operations indicate the importance attached to the study of tanning. The distribution of pupils among the courses offered is as follows: — Professional (two foreign languages), 80; commercial, 83; general (one foreign language), 93; agriculture, 73; trade and engineering, 18. “ At no other period in our experience has the agricultural side of the school education been so broad in conception and so practical in its work. The agricultural side has been _ thoroughly vitalised by the installation of

motor transport for tbo classes to outlying farms for observation work,” says tho latest report of tbo rector. Health-building is a feature of AVaitaki. Boarders have simple and hygienic open-air dormitories to sleep in, and every pupil spends at least two hours daily in open-air games and exercises Unless medically excused all hoys are obliged to take part in foolball and cricket and learn swimming and life saving. Swedish drill, breathing exercises, and morning run arc part:

of the daily life. So it is little wonder that the stamina -of the lads is good and that there is an absence of epidemics. „ ,

‘ ‘ Those splendid grey-shirted fellows ” was the term the late Lord Kitchener applied to Waitaki’a guard of honour when he visited the school on his tour before the blast of war sounded in the ears of those same lads, summoning them to uphold the principles they had learned to esteem at Waitaki. IN THE EMPIRE’S CAUSE.

Of the school’s war record much can bo said of how Waitakians rose to the occasion.

Of the CSO accepted for service, 120 made the supreme sacrifice. Some 200 were commissioned officers, 110 were non-commissioned officers, and over 100 were awarded military honours. A Y.C. was won by Sergeant Donald Forrester Brown, who was killed. Other awards were:—D.S.O., 5; D.C.M., 3; Military Cross, 40; Bar to Military Cross, 2; Distinguished Flying Cross, 2; Air Force Cross, 1; Military Medals, 17; foreign decorations, <1; mentioned in despatches, 29.

The school lias received high commendation for its distinguished war service from tho Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, Lord Halsey, Lord Jellicoe, Sir William Bird wood, and many others. Lord Halsey conceived a great affection for the school on his first visit before tho war, and a second visit with the Prince of Wales deepened that feeling. “ Your record is a splendid one, and such schools as yours are, to my mind, one of the very greatest assets New Zealand possesses. ... I look up on your school as second to none in the Empire,” he wrote. That the memory of those boys who answered the tocsin of war might be kept green in the minds of subsequent generations of Waitakiaus, a Hall of Memories (probably unique in New Zealand) was erected. The foundation stone was laid by Lord Jellicoo, and the completed building opened by His Royal Highness the Duke of York in 1927. Into this hall are gathered mementoes of tho stressful years of the Great War. Through the instrumentality of Lord Halsev and the ready acquiescence of the Lords of the Admiralty a quantity of teak from tho historic H.M.S. New' Zealand was secured for constructing platform fittings. Tho ship’s bell from H.M.S. Ajax hangs in the vestibule of the hall.

Another tribute was paid by _ [ the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty last year. Captain de Meric, of H.M.S. Dunedin, made the journey from Dunedin in November last to unveil tho Admiralty’s gift—a handsome oakmounted medallion from H.M.S. Tiger, which was associated with H.M.S. Now Zealand throughout the war. Tho Hall of Memories is designed in tho perpendicular Gothic or Tudor style. The great hall is 75ft by 34ft; tho entrance vestibule 34ft by 12ft. In the latter is placed a memorial brass bearing the inscription:— In memory of the old boys of the

school who served in the Great War (1914-1918). This hall is erected by their comrades and friends in the sure hope that their example will inspire future generations of Waitakians with the same loyalty to the Empire. The great passage from Pericles, which states that the whole earth is the sepulchre of famous men, follows. A striking feature of the hall is the Memorial Window, with an inscription to the memory of the boys, and bearing the beautiful passage from Milton’s ‘ Samson Agonistes 1 —“ Nothing is hero for tears, nothing to wail.” Five brass plates containing the names of ex-Waitakians who went on service flank the sides of the window. JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. An important move was made in Oamaru in 1924, when the town schools were, so to speak, decapitated. All standards above the IV. were moved out to Waitaki in order that the boys above the ago of cloven might enter on secondary work. Oamaru was selected as an experimental centre for the introduction of the Junior High_ School while Sir James Parr was Minister of Education and Mr John (Caughley

Director of Education, both of' whom had a great admiration for Mr Milner’s conduct of Waitaki. The course at Waitaki Junior High School is for three years, and under the system it is sought to discover a boy's capacities, special aptitudes, and natural inclinations against the time when he is launched on life’s tempestuous sea. The environment of the junior boys is very fine, six modern classrooms, a science laboratory, woodwork, and metal shops being part of the equipment. THE JUBILEE. With the advent of the school jubilee there has been a quickening of interest among ex-pupils. Old memories have been stirred and past companions remembered. In the cities and secondary towns of New Zealand, also in London, branches of the Waitaki Old Boys’ Association have been in existence for years, but during the last year or so fresh branches have been established. _ Reunions take place annually, which draw ex-Waitakians together, while London’s annual dinner is quite a distinguished affair, for many of tho old boys occupy responsible positions in the Old Country. A distinct compliment to the school’s place in public regard abroad may be gained, from the fact that tho Royal Empire Society last year offered to organise and father a collateral jubilee commemoration in London.

With the widespread fame of the school went that of its rector, Mr Frank Milner, C.M.G., M.A. Letters from distinguished men who had visited the school leave little doubt of their estimate of it and the work of its rector. These tributes come' from Royalty, representatives of the Army and Navy, scientific and literary personages, and notable statesmen from abroad, besides others distinguished in their special province. But to show that Mr Milner’s name hath honour a long way into a far country, it will not be amiss to quota from the quaint letters of one in a less exalted position, but none the less sincere in his tribute. It came from a West African native and was addressed to a student:—

KUMASI (Gold Coast), February 10, 1927. My Dear Friend, —Your letter dated 28 ult., received. . . . On the same day, to my surprise, your master who, haply, taught you • • - at Waitaki Boys’ High School,- Oamaru, sent me a letter with a hearty gift “ Souvenir.” Gray! Is it _ not wonderful and strange to receive such a thing from your well-qualified head master, proposing to remit me a copy of the school magazine. Dear! I determine heartily to send him a boon in turn, and I am afraid for such a big and high man is not to be presented by me. ... I suppose this man is witty, for his advice gave me a warm feeling that even it should be worth a pound of pure diamonds a word. . . . Dear Gray! Please kindly have a golden opportunity to write with your fountain pen to greet your old master at Waitaki Boys’ High School, for such a high and noble man taking his recreated hour to write me. ...

Mr Milner’s dusky admirer on the Gold Coast was in a quandary what to send as presents to “the big-and high man ” at Waitaki—ostrich feathers, monkey skin, or ground nuts. But a following letter explained how the best laid plans of mice and men aft gang aglay:— It is very much sorrowful for me to report that my beloved father had his last breath and stiffness on 15th October. Tears shared out like a heavy rain on the very day. Drinkables were used in. abundance. . _ . . Having lost, my father this time I have to paddle my own canoe, . . . Now my prospect is fruitless. THE PRESENT SCHOOL. Last year final term at Waitaki High School enrolments aggregated 492. The Senior School had_ 112 boarders and 226 day boys, making, a total of 448. The Junior School consisted of 10 boarders and 144 day boys. The full time staff of the school numbers _ twenty-one, including experts in agriculture, woodwork, metalwork, and art; while visiting tutors in boxing, wool-classing, music, military drill, and dancing also have their classes. Of the scholastic achievements of Waitakians it would take too much space to record more than a fraction. The Honours Board contains the registration of no fewer than 400 degrees won by ex-pupils at New Zealand and Home universities. Mention must be made, too, of the fact that at Waitaki High School three Rhodes scholars received a great part of the training in those qualities that won them distinction. In the field of athletics Waitaki ranks high. The Homeric struggles on the football' and cricket fields and in other branches of sport are matters of history to the cogniscenti in athletics. For years records established by boya at the school —some as far back as a quarter of a century—remain unaltered. However, during ■ last year determined efforts were made on these, and some were 'shattered. MR M. K. M'CULLOCH, M.A. ‘ No history of Waitaki would be complete without reference to the rectors popular first assistant, Mr M. K. M'Culloch. Educated at Otago Boys’ High School and a graduate of Otago University, Mr M'Culloch has played an important part in the progress of tho school. During Mr Milner’s year’s absence abroad Mr M'Culloch ably filled the position of rector. With the rank of major, he has been outstanding in the control and organisation of the efficient cadet corps, and past pupils will always retain fond memories of such a staunch master and friend. • PERSONAL. Reviewing the last fifty years, it is naturally impossible to mention all those who have helped to guide the destinies of the school, but reference must be made to the part played by, the Venerable Archdeacon J. D» Russell, a friend of the .whole school. For many years now the archdeacon has taken a keen interest in the welfare of Waitaki, and hundreds of old boys will remember him with affection. With the passing of the years it is inevitable that, in a celebration such as is taking place to-day, pleasant memories of the past will be intermingled with many regrets. From the oldest old boy to scholars of from two to three years ago memories of the charming old lady, Mrs M'Coombe, jiroprietress of the school tuck shop until her death two years ago, will bo awakened. “ Biddy,” as she was affectionately known by all, knew and fondly remembered most scholars that attended the school, and her interest in their activities in after life was only part of her charm.