The 1938 School Magazine

With the unsettled condition of the world to-day and the intensive preparations of the militarist leaders of the greater powers, it would appear that the clouds of menace which darkened the skies last in the autumn of 1914 are again gathering over the horizon in more threatening proportions than before. Although few realise it here in Australia, the present European situation is probably more precarious than in those troublous days before the 4th of August, 1914. Several national outrages have occurred which might have precipitated matters — how war was averted after the assassination of King Alexander and Foreign Minister Louis Barthou will no doubt be described in the history books of posterity. The future, however, is still shrouded in obscurity, but already war and civil war are being waged — waged with all the savagery of that inherent animal ferocity of human nature that war brings forth. And it is leaving in its wake, as ever before, a trail of violence, rapine and misery.

Nor are the other nations content to allow the combatants to continue without intervention, but secretly send munitions and men to aid one side or the other, and then use the enemy's cities and civilians as a testing ground for their latest explosives. It is in actions such as these that the fuse to the European powder-barrel lies — if intervention is allowed to reach such heights, then ignition of the fuse is only a question of time. In which direction the force of the subsequent explosion will be directed, whether in Europe itself or elsewhere, none can say. Thus are fear and suspicion being yet more firmly implanted in the minds of the people, thus are the nations arming in frenzied haste.

So it is obvious that to entertain notions of the possibility of preserving peace by not being armed and ready for war is suicidal to the nation which holds such ideas. The briefest study of history shows that wars are inevitable. Since the days of Tubal Cain, the Devil's Forges of the world have shaped and moulded weapons of destruction, and will always do so as long as the passions of fear, envy, hate, and suspicion exist.

There is, however, one way to live in freedom, one way to retain the rights of the individual as man and as nation — the way of unity and strength. Let the British Empire be united, more formidably armed than any other Power, let her citizens be trained in the defence of their countries, and the invader will think twice before he attacks. But disregard this necessity, depend on Great Britain alone to defend national integrity, then surely we shall be eventually overwhelmed.

In general, it has been the practice of the democratic countries of the Empire to depend for their defence on the voluntary training system. This system, though high in its ideals, falls short under the present requirements. Voluntary forces are seldom of great numbers, and it is manifest that, in the event of actual attack, there would be more able-bodied men entirely untrained than there are men in the service itself. These, at most, could become only undisciplined irregulars under such conditions. Regular military training entails a certain amount of sacrifice on the part of the trainee, but it is the only means of providing that security which we all desire.

For this reason, the Government of Australia is striving to increase and improve our means of defence and to encourage military training in the militia and cadets. But many experienced soldiers consider that voluntary enlistment does not provide adequate numbers, and that compulsory training should be insisted upon for every able-bodied man. We have no desire to threaten others, but we should be prepared to defend ourselves.

The School has, in the past, done its share in the defence of the Empire, for more than a thousand Old Boys took part in the Great War. We hope that every boy in attendance will understand the necessity for military training, and make use of the opportunities offered by the School to gain that knowledge and practice of military matters which are now offered and which he may be one day called upon to exercise in the defence of his country.

The 40th Annual General Meeting (November 1938) was chaired by the President, Mr. George Carson-Cooling, supported by Vice-President Mr. G. Seaman, Hon. Secretary Mr. J. G. Nowlan and Assistant Hon. Secretary Mr. F. R. C. Smith. Business reported on included the Distinguished Service Honour Board and the Appointments Board. Mr. Carson-Cooling was continued as President for 1938–39.

(The November issue also records a tribute to Reginald Heber Roe, M.A. (Oxon.) — Head Master 1876–1909, one of the founders of the Old Boys' Association, its first Secretary and later its President — presented by the President of the OBA with the Chairman of Trustees, Dr. J. Lockhart Gibson.)