For many people, the past few years have been a period of extreme financial depression and of the greatest anxiety. Moreover, this has not been limited to any particular class or country; but the whole world appears to have suffered. The long struggle between capital and labour has continued with incessant bitterness right up to modern times; so that to-day, the very peace of the world is in a state of flux — this peace which seems to be controlled by the antipathies of a few violent and headstrong nations.
Despite this, it is gratifying to observe that the general outlook is fairly optimistic, though still the tide of pessimism continues to take its toll. The present upheaval is possibly of a temporary nature only, but it must not be neglected, or serious consequences are sure to follow. The most urgent call of the world to-day is for capable and far-seeing leaders — men who are courageous and broad-minded enough to sink all party differences and work in the interests of the community as a whole.
The majority of older people, no less than those who are still at school, are apt to be puzzled by this extraordinary state of affairs whereof so little explanation is forthcoming. Nevertheless, if history be conscientiously studied, it will be agreed that, ere long, a change for the better will appear — for History repeats itself. Doubtless, no such change can possibly occur in a day or even a year. Most probably, its process will be traceable through a long succession of weary years.
Though the advent of prosperity is certain, yet the condition itself is as unstable as ever. Throughout the ages, prosperity has always been followed by marked adversity. This is not harmful, but decidedly necessary to maintain the vitality of the human race. However, the sun must shine even after the blackest night; so that the time may not be far distant when the establishment of world peace and prosperity will be effected amidst universal happiness and goodwill.
The 35th Annual General Meeting (November 1933). The retiring President, Mr. W. H. Austin, "who has proved such an energetic and enthusiastic chairman," continued for a further year as Vice-President. Mr. G. S. Crouch was elected President for 1933–34, regarding his election "as the culmination of his career as an old boy" and pledging to enlist Old Boys' help in giving young boys "a fair start in life." Mr. R. C. Hancock was elected the new Vice-President, and Mr. J. G. Nowlan again Hon. Secretary & Treasurer ("no other nominees … will be so long as Mr. Nowlan is prepared to fill the position").
Old Boys' Association (Founded 1898).
Reginald Heber Roe Memorial Bursary — newly founded by the O.B.A. in memory of R. H. Roe, M.A., Head Master 1876–1909; tenable three years.
1933 Roe Bursary (the first-ever award): T. J. N. Foley — entered the School in 1930; passed the Senior Public Examination in 1931 (Trustees' Scholarship); in 1932 won the Lilley Gold Medal and the Reginald Heber Roe Bursary, again passing the Senior (gaining a University Entrance Scholarship); Prefect 1932; then read Law at the University of Queensland.
Both 1933 issues carry Old Boys' registers; not reproduced here.
Source: The Brisbane Grammar School Magazine, June 1933 and November 1933 (two termly issues, combined). Notation: Bracketed "(year)" = year of ENTRY. School Captain 1933: the magazine prints no distinct "Captain of the School"; the Captain of Boats was D. J. Barbour. Head Master: Stuart Stephenson, 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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