The issue of the present number has been much delayed from various causes; however, here it is at last, and, as we hope, "better late than never." Our thanks are due to H. F. Jensen for his most interesting account of his life on Mt. Kosciusko. Another old boy, who signs himself V.V.V., has very kindly sent us an article, entitled "In Quest of Gold," but this has been reserved for future numbers.
(The issue records the 1898 Sydney Senior results — L. Salkeld winning medals for Greek, German and the History of Europe, the 3rd Exhibition and the Ormond College Scholarship — and the year's sporting elections: Cricket Captain R. W. Mowbray, Football Captain M. M. Callan.)
The first annual reunion of the Old Boys' Association, in the form of a dinner, took place at the Café Eschenhagen and "proved a great success," with about 40 members and guests. Dr. Carvosso proposed "The Brisbane Grammar School," alluding to the great moral effects produced by the School under Mr. Roe; Mr. Woolcock, as one of the trustees, responded. Mr. Roe, greeted with loud applause, dwelt upon the successes obtained by the School during the last twenty-three years. The toast of "The Old Boys' Association" was proposed by Mr. J. Oxenham, who considered "the formation of the association on its present lines was a happy thought on the part of Mr. Roe," and responded to by Mr. G. W. Power; Mr. Bousfield proposed "Our Guests." The toast of "Our President" was proposed by Dr. Francis, and Mr. Roe, in responding, "protested that too much credit was given to him, to the exclusion of his predecessor, Mr. Harlin, and of his own colleagues." Songs were contributed by Messrs. J. M. Paul, H. M. Rutledge, P. J. O'Shea, T. P. Power, T. E. Jones and Dr. Carvosso.
The Head Master's Prize Day report called the foundation of the Old Boys' Association "probably the greatest achievement of the year," quoting its object as stated in its rules:
"to effect a useful bond of union between the past pupils of the Brisbane Grammar School on lines which will promote a spirit of comradeship and true manliness, and a high moral and intellectual standard amongst the Members of the Association, and will further the welfare of the School in the community."
The foundation President was Mr. R. H. Roe (1898–99); Mr. John Laskey Woolcock, B.A. was President for 1899–1900.
Old Boys' Association (Founded 1 June 1898).
No award. The Reginald Heber Roe Memorial Bursary had not yet been founded (first award 1933).
The 1899 issues carry early Old Boys' notes and registers; not reproduced here.
Source: The Brisbane Grammar School Magazine, May and August 1899 (two issues, combined). Volume I — the Magazine's second year, and the Old Boys' Association's first full year (the Association was founded 1 June 1898). Notation: Bracketed "(year)" = year of ENTRY. (No R. H. Roe Bursary before 1933.) School Captain 1899: no distinct "Captain of the School" was printed (cricket captain R. W. Mowbray; football captain M. M. Callan). Head Master: R. H. Roe, M.A.
In this era, an Old Boy's year designation was the year he entered Grammar; the convention today is the year he finished. A boy who started in 1993 and finished in 1997 was (93) but is now '97.
Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys' Association · Old Boys History. Part of the OBA Knowledge Project.
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