We live to-day in a world of continuous advancement. We have only to look around for this to become evident. No matter what aspect of life we choose to investigate we find evidence of relentless progress. This state of the world is the result of many years of applied study and research.
One of the chief factors contributing to progress has been the intelligent direction by man of his natural curiosity. Man has developed this portion of his mind so that the intelligent person, encountering a statement of apparent fact, instantly asks himself, "Why should this be so?" If he establishes his hypothesis satisfactorily, he then demands, "What follows on from this?" Thus theories become laws and further deductions from these laws give birth to new theories. With the application of these newly formed laws, progress results — a direct result of the self-addressed question, "Why?"
If this manner of enquiry is proving itself so beneficial to civilization as a whole, surely we can advantageously apply it to our own everyday lives. We most definitely can with respect to our studies. Here, employment of a scheme of constant self-examination of our work would ensure that we understood the subject, and were not merely committing it to memory. In other fields of everyday life, too, a less credulous outlook could be adopted with advantage. We could, for example, be more sceptical of the statements we find in the daily newspapers or hear on the radio. This does not mean, of course, that we should become intolerant dissenters. But we should strive to become individuals, thinking and planning logically for ourselves, not depending overmuch on the direct assistance of others, and yet carefully considering advice given to us by people of more experience. In this way, we can become sensibly independent, and acquire that vital property for advancement — initiative.
Consequently, development of intelligent curiosity within ourselves could assist us in attaining such desirable qualities as initiative and reliability. We would become better individuals, and thus more capable of combining to form a harmonious group either as a school or as a community.
D. Broadfoot
The Brisbane Grammar School is a fine school with an illustrious history. Its teaching facilities and amenities for students are excellent but there can always be improvements.
The major objective of the Old Boys' Association is to establish a link with the School for all of us who have passed through its portals. As opportunity permits, the Association assists financially in improving conditions for the boys who attend the School. The extent to which we can make donations depends on the moneys we accumulate, and we cannot accumulate funds unless Old Boys help. The Association has always been a sound one but not as good as it could be if we had more financial members.
It costs money to prepare and post circulars and accounts to members. Usually a percentage of the envelopes are returned, marked "address unknown". Postage is a dead loss when subscriptions fall in arrears and finally are not paid. Too often Old Boys join the Association for a year or two, then drift away. This is disheartening to those who give much time to furthering the interests of the Association and helping the School.
Let me remind you that office bearers like the General Secretary, the Treasurer, the Membership Secretary and the Magazine Secretary, voluntarily and cheerfully accept a heavy burden. Read the Old Boys' Section of this Magazine, for example, and you will realise the amount of work done by voluntary workers for the Association.
If you believe in education, if you believe that the Brisbane Grammar School gives a first class training in good sportsmanship and good citizenship, if you believe this School makes a notable contribution to the progress of our community, then surely it is worthwhile retaining a permanent link with the School.
You have enjoyed amenities which Old Boys helped to provide. By being a financial member of the Old Boys' Association you can assist to obtain further amenities for the countless boys who will yet cross the threshold of this great School. The aggregation of many small efforts can be a powerful force.
We would like to have more members at the Association's functions. Our 1961 Annual General Meeting was poorly attended, although this time we had hoped for better results. Our advertised intention was to combine the Annual Meeting with a reunion, in deference to the wishes of a number of Old Boys who had expressed disappointment with Council's decision to cease holding annual reunions for the time being, because of dwindling attendances. However, we did not achieve the success we desired.
To those who value education and who are proud to claim the distinction of being a "Grammar" Old Boy, I make the appeal that you join the Old Boys' Association and remain a financial member.
Subscription — Annual: £1, due in advance on 1st July. Boys who join immediately on leaving school, 10/- to the 30th June. Life Membership: £20. Badge: 5/- (Large); 4/- (Small).
William James Stuart Sloan, born at Atherton, N.Q., was at the B.G.S. from 1925 to 1929, having won a Scholarship from Mareeba State School in the days when few sat for this Exam. on the Cairns hinterland. During his years at the B.G.S. he attained the office of Prefect, represented the School in athletics and won colours in cricket, football and tennis.
In 1930, having gained an Open Scholarship, he went up to the University of Queensland as a student in the Faculty of Agriculture and in 1934 graduated B.Sc.Agr., with First Class Honours. In 1943 he received the higher degree of M.Sc.Agr. At the University he maintained his active interest in cricket and tennis; in the latter he was awarded a "blue". In cricket he was a member of the First XI.
In 1934 he began his professional career with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Stock, first as entomologist, then as agronomist in the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations and subsequently as Director of Agriculture, in which office he was succeeded by our Immediate Past President. Since 1959 Mr. Sloan has served as Director of the Division of Plant Industry.
In addition to his work in the Department he found time to visit the Territory of Papua and New Guinea in 1952 to investigate coarse plant fibre. In 1955 he visited the Philippines as the agricultural representative on the Australian Delegation to an International Seminar held jointly by the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation. In 1957 he was the first Australian agricultural scientist to receive from the Rockefeller Foundation an award which enabled him to make a six months' study tour of agricultural centres in the U.S.A.
Nowadays he relaxes with bowls and gardening and in taking an active interest in helping his Old School, where this year he has a son in the Sixth Form. Another son is due to start at the B.G.S. in 1963.
Foundation Day was celebrated on Saturday, 25th February, by means of the time-honoured sporting contests between Old Boys' and Present Boys' teams, the presentation of bursaries in the Great Hall during the afternoon, and the Old Boys' Reunion in the Gymnasium at night. While the day was most enjoyable to those who participated, the afternoon was marred by rain which greatly reduced attendances and washed out the latter portion of the sporting programme. In the contests which were concluded (shooting and rowing), the Present Boys showed a clear superiority; they were also leading in the swimming at the end of the morning session. The cricket started off in good style but was washed out before either side could claim an advantage, while the tennis hardly got under way at all.
A novel feature of the day was a science display arranged by a number of the boys in the new Science Building. The afternoon ceremony in the Great Hall was for the first time brightened by a musical introduction and finale provided by Mr. J. H. Broughton on the School Organ. Guests of Honour included the Headmaster and Mrs. Newell; the retiring Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. J. E. England, and Mrs. England; three representatives of the Parents and Friends' Association, Mesdames M. Clarke, A. F. Trueman and G. E. McDowell; also the wives of the speakers. Invited but unable to come on account of the weather were Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Crouch. Mr. Crouch (84) is a distinguished Old Boy, a Past President of the Association (1916), and the donor of a cricket bat to the School annually since 1907.
At the evening reunion the Gymnasium was well filled with Old Boys and their guests. Your President was pleased to congratulate in person Dr. F. K. S. Hirschfeld (18) on his recent election as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Judge George Seaman (18) on his appointment as District Judge and his election as Vice-Chairman of the Board. The evening Guest of Honour was a very well-known Old Boy who had recently been honoured by the Queen — Sir Leon Trout (19). His toast was proposed by Vice-President Stuart Sloan (25) and, in his reply, Sir Leon indulged in some interesting reminiscences of his years at School. The toast to the School was very ably proposed by one of the youngest Old Boys present, David Little, who had been School Captain only the previous year. The toast to Kindred Associations was given by Mr. W. Kidston (22) and responded to by Mr. David Jones of the Ipswich Grammar School O.B.A. Two special surprise toasts were also honoured — one to our Secretary, Mr. Ron Dore, on the eve of his departure on the "Strait Banka" with the Australian Trade Mission to the Far East; and the other to that Grand Old Man of B.G.S., Mr. J. E. England, on the occasion of his retirement from the Trust after 24 years of service.
The annual Thanksgiving Church Service was held this year at St. John's Cathedral on Sunday, 26th February at 11 a.m., the day following Foundation Day. The service was conducted by the Dean of Brisbane, the Very Rev. W. P. Baddeley, and a most inspiring sermon was delivered by the Rev. Vernon Cornish. The lessons were read by Mr. W. J. S. Sloan (Vice-President, B.G.S.O.B.A.) and David Carter (School Captain). We were also delighted to have with us Mrs. McDonald, Headmistress of the Girls' School, and a contingent of boarders from that School.
The Club, whose primary aim is to help those who wish to improve themselves in the art and practice of Public Speaking, also provides a pleasant social atmosphere. Except for a break over the Christmas–New Year period, meetings are held every Tuesday at 1.5 p.m. at McDonald's Cafe in Edward Street, next to Barker's Book Store. The Secretary is D. N. Praeger (Telephone 6 5854). Next year's meetings will begin on Tuesday, February 6th.
We do not know of many Old Boys who have had their portraits painted, but this year we have noticed that one Old Boy has had two portraits painted, each by a different artist. He is J. D. Story, who entered the B.G.S. in 1883. When he retired from a career in the Queensland Public Service, in which he was finally Commissioner, he devoted himself to serving the University of Queensland, with whose foundation he was associated in 1910 as a member of the original Senate. Fifty-one years later he is still a member of the Senate.
On June 14th, Mr. Story was honoured by the Students' Union at a function held in the new Refectory for the official hanging of a portrait commissioned by the Union and painted by Graham Inson, of Sydney. This portrait hangs now in the Council Chamber of the Union Building. The other portrait has since been hung in the Darnell Art Gallery in the Main Building at St. Lucia: for this the Senate commissioned the well-known Australian artist, William Dargie.
From 1938 to 1960 Mr. Story was Vice-Chancellor of the University and at his own request he acted in an honorary capacity. His son, J. D. C. Story, a Brisbane solicitor, entered the School in 1924, and his grandson, J. D. Story, in 1960. He is still a member of the University's Administrative and Finance Committee. Since the passing last year of A. B. Carvosso, who entered the School in 1876, perhaps J. D. Story is our oldest Old Boy. He was 92 on August 7th.
During the month of June last, in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, 1961, published in the Queensland Government Gazette, we read: "TO BE KNIGHT BACHELOR — Thomas Reginald Groom, Esq., B.A., B.Com." We rejoiced that the Queen has thus recognised the outstanding service rendered by Sir Reginald in the field of civic administration and philanthropy. Of the 12 years during which he served in the Brisbane City Council he was Lord Mayor for 6, i.e. from 1955 to 1961.
During his term of office as Lord Mayor he was host to the Queen Mother in 1958 and to Princess Alexandra in 1959. In the same year he was in charge of the Centenary Celebrations in Brisbane during the Queensland Centenary Celebrations. In private life Sir Reginald, a chartered accountant, is Senior Partner of the firm of Groom, Sanderson & Co. (The "Sanderson" is B. J. W. Sanderson, who entered the B.G.S. in 1928). He is also a director of some prominent companies, and this year was appointed to the Board of the Australian National Airlines Commission, which is responsible for the functioning of the Commonwealth Government Airline, "T.A.A."
During his period at the B.G.S. (1920 to 1924) Sir Reginald was a member of the Gymnastic Team and of the First Crew, and in 1924 was Captain of the Boats. At the University he gained his "Blue" for Rowing and in 1929 was President of the Queensland University Union. His two brothers were also at B.G.S., Alan Douglas having entered in 1927, and John Louis in 1929. During the 2nd World War the former won the D.S.O. when serving in the R.A.A.F.; at the time of his death in an air-crash in Wales in 1957 he held the rank of Group Captain.
From the Queensland Government Gazette: "Department of Justice, Brisbane. 19th January 1961. His Excellency the Governor, acting by and with the advice of the Executive Council, and in pursuance of the provisions of 'The District Courts Acts, 1958 to 1960' has been pleased to appoint GEORGE SEAMAN, Esquire, B.A., Barrister-at-Law, by Commission in Her Majesty's Name, to be a Judge of District Courts of the State of Queensland on and from the Twenty-sixth day of January 1961. — A. W. Munro." As a boy Judge Seaman was at the B.G.S. from 1918 to 1923.
James Malcolm Newman, who was at the B.G.S. from 1893 to 1897, qualified in 1901 for the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Mining and Metallurgy at Sydney University, at the same time winning a University Medal. Sixty years later, we read that he has received another Medal, the 1960 Medal of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr. Newman received the Medal on June 29th in Melbourne from the President of the Institute. The citation was as follows: "In recognition of his long service to the mineral industries, in particular gold-mining and copper-mining in Queensland, Western Australia and New Zealand and tin-mining in Malaya and Australia, and for his national services in many fields of primary industry."
In 1957 the Queen recognised Mr. Newman's outstanding services when he was awarded the C.B.E. For many years he has been actively associated with Mount Morgan Mines Ltd. Among primary producers he is well-known for his work with beef-cattle, particularly Aberdeen-Angus. Over the years he has maintained his interest in the B.G.S., and has shown his interest in a practical way by sending his sons to the school and by helping from time to time with substantial gifts.
J. G. Nowlan Bursary — Founded by the O.B.A., to be awarded to the boy entering the School with the highest pass in the State Scholarship Examination and who does not receive any other assistance than the State Scholarship subsidy; tenable for two years. This year the Bursary was awarded to P. E. Robbins, son of E. B. Robbins (29), and A. E. Knott, who were ranked as of equal merit.
Reginald Heber Roe Scholarship — Founded by the O.B.A. in memory of R. H. Roe, M.A., Headmaster of the School 1876–1909, to be awarded annually to the boy proceeding from the School to the University most distinguished for scholastic attainments, force of character, and proficiency in the outdoor sports of the School. The winner for 1961 is R. J. Marks.
B.G.S. Prize List (O.B.A. Prizes presented at the 1960 Speech Night): Essay — Senior, H. H. Messer; Junior, R. M. O'Donnell. Challenge Cup (Inter-Platoon Competition) — No. 2 Platoon (Under-Officer P. J. Clutterbuck, Commander). Cup for Champion Athlete — R. J. Marks. Cup for Champion Swimmer — R. L. Beaver.
P. K. Bernays, of this year's Form III, is a great-grandson of L. F. Bernays, one of the original pupils of the B.G.S. when it opened in 1869, and who won the Lilley Medal in 1873. J. S. Clark, of this year's Form V, is a son of A. W. Clark (1928) and a grandson of J. C. Clark (1904) and R. M. Stodart (1894); he is a great-grandson of former Trustee, Jas. Stodart, M.L.A. J. Fox, of Form III, is a son of A. W. Fox (1935) and a grandson of E. B. Fox (1904); three of his great-grandfathers attended the School: C. B. Fox (1875), J. Wedd (1874) and C. W. Zillman (1869), one of the originals. K. Fox, also of Form III, is the son of G. B. Fox (1939), grandson of E. B. Fox (1904), and great-grandson of C. B. Fox (1875) and C. W. Zillman (1869). R. L. Galley, also of Form III, is the son of W. R. Galley (1922) and grandson of E. G. Oxley (1889); his great-grandfather, Henry J. Oxley, was a Trustee and for some years Treasurer. C. M. Lilley, of Form IV, son of I. M. Lilley (1933), is a grandson of E. M. Lilley (1901) and a great-grandson of E. M. Lilley (1869), another of the originals; the last-mentioned served as a Trustee, as did his great-great-grandfather, Sir Charles Lilley. A. P. Weedon, also of Form IV, is a son of C. C. DeV. Weedon (1926) and a grandson of C. J. Weedon (1897) and F. E. Connah (1887).
(From Peter Whatmore)
The fourth Annual Dinner was held in Sydney at the Australasian Pioneers' Club on 3rd March, 1961. The Guest of Honour was the Headmaster, Mr. H. F. Newell. Members present included: A. T. Auld (1919), K. C. Auld (1920), W. T. Austin (1914), J. W. Blaiklock (1924), F. C. Bennett (1915), N. R. M. Craigie (1914), A. D. Crawford (1942), H. L. S. Dyason (1896), F. E. Daw (1929), M. H. Ellis (1904), T. D. Hadley (1904), R. C. Hamilton (1897), A. M. Hertzberg (1938), M. Hertzberg (1900), A. Long (1924), D. S. Mathewson (1942), W. D. F. MacDonald (1930), Dr. R. I. Meyers (1935), A. E. McLucas (former Headmaster), R. C. McKie (1926), A. F. Miflin (1943), C. S. Miflin (1930), J. S. Oxnam (1920), R. H. Pocock (1906), Dr. L. T. Shea (1926), E. C. Stumm (1909), E. W. Trivett (1896), P. W. Whatmore (1947).
During the formal business members approved the change of name from "Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys' Association, Sydney Sub-Branch" to "Brisbane Grammar School Old Boys' New South Wales Group". Office-Bearers elected for the year ending 31st December, 1961: President, F. C. Bennett; Vice-Presidents, A. E. McLucas and M. H. Ellis; Committee, K. C. Auld and J. S. Oxnam; Treasurer, E. C. Stumm; Secretary, P. W. Whatmore. On 8th September, 1961, the President and Committee arranged an informal gathering of members and their wives at the Wentworth Hotel. Old Boys who live in New South Wales and are not members of the Group are requested to get in touch with the Secretary: Mr. Peter Whatmore, 9 Boronga Avenue, West Pymble, N.S.W.
The Lodge meets on the fourth Thursday of each month, except in January and December. W. H. G. Crellin is the tenth Master. The Secretary is H. C. Harris, of 58 Park Street, Coorparoo (Telephone 97 1778).
Sir Alexander Murphy is a member of the National Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Heart Foundation, and in Queensland is Chairman of the State Committee. In an article in the Courier-Mail of April 26th, he discussed the physical and mental rehabilitation of patients with heart defects. One of the few medical practitioners holding the degree of M.D., Sir Alexander, a past president of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, was the first Professor of Medicine at the University of Queensland, and was associated with the founding in 1953 of the Cardiac Clinic at the Brisbane Hospital.
In the newly constituted Brisbane City Council B.G.S. has two Old Boys: G. B. Furness (38), chosen for Kurilpa, and M. S. Duus (20), who continues to represent Wavell. R. C. Hancock (1890) maintains his active interest in Rotary, whose Brisbane Club he joined in 1924 — the only Australian Rotarian to be a District Governor three years running. J. W. Peden (13), of Peden, Lavis & Co., Chartered Accountants, has just completed a term on the Rotary International Finance Committee. This year W. E. McKenna (09), Chief Stipendiary Magistrate, retired from the Queensland Public Service, 49 years after joining; another retiree from the Justice Department is J. L. Gasteen (09), Chief Conveyancer in the Crown Law Office. T. Hein (12) became Surveyor-General on July 1st. R. A. Leach (08) retired as Inspecting Engineer from the Queensland Railways after 50 years. P. F. Wright (19) is now President of the Queensland Land Court in succession to Sir William Payne. J. L. Kelly (33), B.A., LL.B., Barrister-at-Law, is Chairman of the Licensing Commission. M. B. Hoare (23), Barrister-at-Law, has been appointed a Queen's Counsel — the first Q.C. appointed in Queensland who began law practice as a solicitor.
Admitted as Members of the Queensland Bar during the year: J. H. L. Hair (27), J. Hollingworth, B.A., LL.B., B.Com. (35), and J. M. Morris, M.B., B.S. (42). Admitted as Solicitors: K. Atthow (42) and J. C. Walker (1952). The Rev. G. A. Lupton (29) has moved from Maryborough to Thursday Island. A. M. Fox (32), formerly a solicitor in Nambour, was ordained Priest in St. John's Cathedral on June 11th. F. B. Daly (23), Editor of the "Sun News-Pictorial", Melbourne, attended the Commonwealth Press Union Conference in Karachi. Among the Walkley National Awards for Journalism winners was K. G. Willey (45), of Darwin. A Commonwealth Post-Graduate Scholarship was awarded to B. J. Feenaghty (52). J. D. Herbert (38), M.L.A. for Sherwood, attended the general conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in London. The Gympie Apex Club made a presentation to the Mayor, R. N. Witham (16), for 20 years' unbroken service as Mayor. N. S. Pixley (12), a manufacturers' agent, has for 13 years been Consul for the Netherlands and holds the rank of Commander in the R.A.N.
Old Boys who have received Degrees from the University of Queensland since the last issue:
Note on the School Captain: The 1961 magazine has no separate "School Captain's report". The School Captain for 1961 was D. Carter (David Carter); the magazine Editorial was written by the Vice-Captain and magazine editor, D. Broadfoot. The Editorial is reproduced below as the senior-boy equivalent.
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.
Draft site for committee review. Spot an error or hold a missing piece? Tell the OBA