It seems incredible that after only two short years of peace, we seem destined to be hurled into the chaos and tumult of yet another world conflict. We are told by world authorities that lack of co-operation is the prime factor in causing this seemingly war-like outlook, but surely the real reason is far deeper than this.
Every nation is faced with the apparently-insurmountable task of the rehabilitation of its people to peace. But are we, as members of a civilization, able to meet our responsibilities in this direction? Are we not compelled to prepare our defences against the next global war, instead of preparing for a new and prosperous era of lasting peace? As I see it, we are! We see that the American Congress has voted over half of America's huge budget towards defence, at the expense of the Marshall Plan. Preparation for war cannot take place but at the expense of preparation for peace.
But where do we, as a School, fit into this state of affairs? What are we, as the youth of the nations, to do? We are the future leaders of the country, and it is not too much to say that in our future is Australia's. Because of this, we must not live in the past, but must look to the future, ever pressing onward.
We are in training not only for the conflict of war, but for the realization of the ideals of all great men, a world at peace. And this training must be conscientious and deliberate, whole-hearted and complete, in the class-room as well as on the sporting field; towards this end we must learn the vital lessons of co-operation, comradeship and, above all, toleration.
(The "Events and Achievements" notes that follow welcome "our new Head Master, Mr. H. R. Pigott, B.A., B.Sc., from St. Peter's College, Adelaide" — an ex-international footballer who coached the 1st XV. War-service tally recorded this year: 2,290 Old Boys served, 248 killed, 60 Mentioned in Despatches.)
The 1947–48 President was Mr. H. V. Byth, M.A., who chaired the November 1948 Annual General Meeting (in the absence, through illness, of the President-elect). The meeting marked the J. G. Nowlan Testimonial Fund: organiser Mr. H. D. Daniels reported on the appeal, and the President presented a cheque for £388 to Mr. Nowlan; Mr. Byth then moved that a honorarium be given to Mr. Nowlan as funds allowed (seconded by Commander Pixley).
The meeting elected Dr. Konrad Hirschfeld as President for 1948–49 (unanimously acclaimed; absent with influenza, so Mr. Byth remained in the Chair). Mr. Nowlan, re-elected Hon. Secretary, noted it was the fortieth time he had accepted office.
Old Boys' Association (Founded 1898).
(The meeting resolved that the incoming Council give favourable consideration to an increase in the annual subscription.)
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.
1948 Roe Bursary: D. P. Thomas — also winner of a University Open Scholarship and a State Social Service Fellowship in Medicine, and Dux of Form VIA / Lilley Gold Medallist.
(The June 1948 issue also lists the award presented at Foundation Day 1947: Reginald Heber Roe Memorial Bursary — D. K. Sault; A. J. Mason Scholarship — I. R. Ferguson.)
Both 1948 issues carry Old Boys' Births / Marriages / Deaths and memorial sections; not reproduced here.
Source: The Brisbane Grammar School Magazine, June 1948 and November 1948 (two termly issues, combined). Notation: Bracketed "(year)" = year of ENTRY. (No J. G. Nowlan Bursary before 1950 — only the R. H. Roe Scholarship.) School Captain 1948: F. M. Psaltis. Headmaster: H. R. Pigott.
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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