The 1946 School Magazine

This year marks the first year of world peace for seven years, and to many of us "pre-war" days are but a pleasant shadow of the past. It has been pleasing to see the return to Australia of the prisoners of war from Japan, whose return eighteen months ago was doubted by even the most optimistic among us. To these men may the nation give every assistance to eradicate from their war-torn minds the atrocities they endured during the war days.

During the past six months we have seen thousands of servicemen return to civilian life again, and it is pleasing to see the Government taking an active interest in these men's welfare. Rehabilitation schemes, including University courses, will help to signify to these men that the nation has not forgotten what they did for us — when they gambled their all that we might not suffer at the hands of a foreign foe.

It is pleasing to notice the attitude the Commonwealth is adopting to these men. The Government of to-day tries to reinstate the men where they belong. Thus we see those whose education was interrupted have been assisted to continue their studies.

This tendency to help men to attain better education has been extended since the outbreak of the war. War, with its suffering and painful bereavements, has one outstanding benefit: By necessity, scientific research is forwarded with the greatest possible zeal. We find through the ages that when there is an increase in scientific thought, there is also an interest in other branches of thought. However, the old question still remains, Will the probing of scientists into the powers of nature be used for the good of man, or will it lead to the ultimate destruction of mankind?

The problem of winning the peace is one to which the United Nations should give the greatest care. The struggle between Capitalism and Communism is one that must be settled peacefully, and until this is done the world cannot be said to be at rest.

To the Old Boys of this School who are gradually coming out of the Services we wish the best of luck in their new trend of life. We are eagerly awaiting the day in the near future when the various improvements established as War Memorials in our sporting grounds will for ever show the School's appreciation of what these men did for the community.

(Also recorded in 1946: the Head Master, Mr. G. Carson-Cooling, on six months' health leave with Mr. H. V. Byth as Acting Head Master; and the farewell of the Governor and School Visitor, Sir Leslie Wilson and Lady Wilson, the School Captain McDougall presenting a painting of the School.)

The 48th Annual General Meeting was held at the School House on Wednesday, 28th August 1946. The retiring President, Mr. A. E. Webb, took the chair, supported by Vice-Presidents Dr. C. M. Lilley and Col. H. C. Harris, the Acting Head Master Mr. H. V. Byth, and the Hon. Secretary Mr. J. G. Nowlan. The Acting Head Master addressed the meeting, expressing regret at the absence of Mr. Carson-Cooling (granted six months' leave for health reasons) and hoping the Great War Honour Board would be erected and unveiled by the next Foundation Day.

The meeting elected Colonel Hubert C. Harris as President for 1946–47 (his interest in the Association and his earlier experience as President of the Townsville Branch making him well fitted for "the chief office").