The troubled state of affairs in Europe, where the earth seems to tremble beneath the tread of marching feet, leaves little doubt that war is in the air. For that reason the best defence of Australia, or any country, is in preparedness. Trade treaties and peace pacts have apparently little value to any Government.
It is evident that the world, having shaken off the effects of the last war — the war to end war — is once again rising to belligerency. The race for arms has far outstripped the race for food. The last of the famous grain ships are converted into training ships for the Navy or into arms carriers.
Can there be any wonder, then, that Australia is in the throes of a recruiting drive; that conscription has come to Britain, where many additional million pounds have been allocated to military expenditure; that America is launching ships as fast as she is able; that engineering factories all over the world are turning out aeroplane engines instead of motor cars?
With all this militaristic display men's minds automatically turn to war, so that in Australia we must be prepared, if the tension in Europe is as high as it is said to be. If war is so imminent, we should make some effort to defend ourselves, since if Britain were defeated, Australia would be the first tribute demanded.
And with this idea in mind a great effort has been made, surely a sign of the awakening of Australia. Here, at the School, we have a cadet corps, formerly associated with the artillery but now an independent unit, so that at least we are doing our share.
But such a share is not enough among the men. The eagerness of the fair sex in forming women's auxiliaries, receiving instruction in nursing, even volunteering to drive motor vehicles, should be a great stimulus to the men and boys to enlist for national defence. Every physically fit Australian boy and man must be prepared to serve his country in case of aggression. Australia, awake! All must be prepared against the time when it may be possible to say: "Thank God, I have done my duty!"
The 41st Annual General Meeting (November 1939) was chaired by the retiring President, Mr. G. Carson-Cooling, who spoke of the Distinguished Service Honour Board, unveiled during the year. The Vice-President, Mr. George Seaman, moved warm appreciation of the retiring President's work. A rule change reduced the Council from twelve to six members.
The meeting elected Mr. George Seaman as President for 1939–40 (proposed by Mr. G. Carson-Cooling); Carson-Cooling continued, under Rule 5, as a Vice-President, and Dr. E. S. Meyers was elected the new Vice-President. Mr. J. G. Nowlan was re-elected Hon. Secretary.
Old Boys' Association (Founded 1898).
Reginald Heber Roe Memorial Bursary — Founded by the O.B.A. in memory of R. H. Roe, M.A., Headmaster of the School 1876–1909; tenable for three years.
1939 Roe Bursary: J. R. S. Meyers ("Roe Bursary, awarded Foundation Day 1939 — J. R. S. Meyers"); he took up Applied Science at the University.
Both 1939 issues carry Old Boys' registers; not reproduced here.
Source: The Brisbane Grammar School Magazine, June 1939 and November 1939 (two termly issues, combined). Notation: Bracketed "(year)" = year of ENTRY. School Captain 1939: P. T. Crouch (first-named School Prefect). 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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