KEARSNEY COLLEGE CHRONICLE July, 1956
Kearsney College Chronicle Vol. 4, No. 3 July, 1956 ON SEEING VISIONS It Is the prophet Joel who reminds us that old men shall dream dreams and young men shall see visions. Your Editor Is not an old man—Heaven forbid—but sometimes he allows himselfto dream dreams, ofthe past; and, as a young man, he often saw visions. Visions which, unlike many others, have materialised. The materialisation of visions is a thrilling experience. There have been three red letter moments in the life of Kearsney. The first, obviously, was the day when It was founded, in mid1921, with a roll of 12 boys. We wonder what vision Sir Liege Hulett had that day. He housed the boys in his own home, a tiny school for the sons of local residents, of whom eight shared his own surname. He did not live long enough (for he died in 1928)to get more than the merest glimpseof what his littie experiment was likely to lead to. The second was the day when the decision was made to close down the old quarters and start courageously afresh at some new site—Botha's Hill, as it happened. From that moment there was no looking back. The third must be the present moment, when the new House brings our boarding enrolment to near the 300 mark. From 12 to 300! From dilapidated quarters to magnificent buildings, new and up-to-date! We have come a long way since 1921. Those were pleasant days at the old school. They were the foundation on which later progress has been built. There was a friendliness, an "atmosphere", an intimacy between young and old, created by our very smallness, our living under one roof, our remoteness from the outside world, such as can never be attained in a larger school. The lasting character of the school was created 86
In those early days. Conditions of life were crude. Classrooms were where we could make them, dark, leaking like a sieve; the lab. was a stable, with rats running along the rafters: staff quarters were tiny and distinctly Spartan; there were few comforts and amenities. But buildings alone do not make a school. And what lovely surroundings! Sir Liege had an eye for beauty. Spacious gardens, magnificent avenues, orange and mango groves, bananas, tea, sugar—it was a fairyland of beauty and romance. And always there were walks and picnics and glorious bathing pools in the most picturesque scenery imaginable. Unfortunately schools progress, not on romance, but on finance. Our numbers were not sufficient to pay our way. The time came, in the mid-thirties, when the School Council felt that we should close. Had that happened, Kearsney would have died, and been no more than a memory to those few who had known it. This was where the Vision began. The Staff resisted. They felt that some how—they could not yet see how—Kearsney would become a great school. To close it was to admit defeat. Great sacrifices were made, to keep it from foundering on the rocks of insolvency. The crisis passed and the Vision took more concrete form in the decision to abandon the old and much-loved quarters and start afresh else where. That meant courage as well. The move could so easily have failed. We needed a suitable site and we needed a lot of money. Both were forthcoming. We opened in Botha's Hill at the beginning of the War with 96 boys, quite our biggest enrolment to date, and at the beginning of 1940 we had 120 boys, with both houses full. There was a minimum of buildings,the barest nucleus:two houses,a dining hall, a classroom block. The hilltop was bleak and uninhabited; grounds were not laid out, nor even paths. It was cold and wet and exposed, and as different from the beauty and cosiness of the previous school as anything could be. How often we wished we were back! Since then there has been nothing but progress. Today, under the guidance and vision of Board and Headmasters, we have reached a peak unimaginable years ago. We repeat—from 12 to 300., From crude and isolated quarters to a school equipped in almost every respect. Through a dark period when only courage and hope kept us from closing, to a day when we can begin to make claims to greatness. We hardly dare look further. Vision can foresee only an assembly hall, a music block and an art block. Of one thing there can be no doubt. This has not been done without Divine Guidance—non sine consilio numinibusque deum. No-one in 1921 could have known what the tiny seed would blossom into. It was the will of God that dangers should be overcome. 87
The decision to move was nottaken withoutdeepthoughtand earnest prayer. That we have now reached a point where our name is established and our influence a vital one is living witness to the power of Faith, Courage, Vision, and the direction of the Hand of God. SCHOOL NOTES We welcome the following on to the staff: Mrs. Reece, who returns after some ten years' absence: Mrs Hough, whom we knew (as Miss Buss) on the staff of the Stanger School; Mr H. J. Viljoen, returning after a year's study absence; and Mr.T. Metcalf, Old Boy, coming to join his brother here. We wish them all much happiness in our midst. The following members of the Staff have gone on leave: Mr. V. Clegg (January to July), Mr. R. Quarmby (Easter to Michaelmas). Mr. Clegg has bought a cottage at Uvongo, near Margate, and has spent his leave there, putting house and grounds into order. We hear that he and Mrs. Clegg and family have been making the most of bathing and holiday facilities there, and are looking forward to returning to work as keenly as any average schoolboy. Mr.Quarmby is back In his native Yorkshire. We have no doubtthat he is spending his time equally between Celebrity Concerts, the Leeds cricket ground, and the nearest observatory, and we look forward to his impressions of England on his return. We congratulate the following on their new acquisitions: Mr. and Mrs. Burger, a daughter (Laura), and Mr. and Mrs. Storm, a daughter (Renee). The Methodists of the school all attended the Methodist centenary celebrations in Durban, and took part in the Procession of Witness on Sunday, April 22nd They led the column, 5,000 strong,from the Esplanade to the City Hall, to take part in a com memorative service there. We should like to express our most cordial thanks to those many Durban friends who not only sent their cars up and took the boys down, besides bringing them back, but who also entertained them all in their private homes for lunch. The John Wesley film was shown on June 10th. This proved to be a first-rate production,the sound track being one of the clearest ever heard here. As a film with a moral, a good deal of it was devoted to Wesley's attempt to find God. Having relied unsuccess fully on"good works", he at last discovered that the only solution lay In an Inward act of faith. From then onwards his ministry 88
flourished, and we were given many interesting glimpses of the vicissitudes he experienced as he covered England from end to end over a period of40 years. The Sixth Form Dance was its usual success, on June 23rd. The walls were decorated with large silhouettes of dancing couples— projected through the epidiascope on to large sheets and there traced and blacked in. The Band produced chords and discords, and the dining hall has never been so crowded with dancers. Dreamy looks over the week end were, we believe, only partly caused by late nights. Mr. H. Williams brought up a delightful concert-party on June 2nd and gave us a rare feast of vocal and instrumental items. Messrs. Eric Voysey(tenor)and Michael Griffin (bass)sang solo and together, as did Misses Mavis Hockin (soprano)and Gloria Hansen (contralto), offering both serious and light entertainment. Nor can we forget the absurd easewith which John Butt played violin solos which in the score looked frighteningly difficult. The hall was already decorated for the Sixth Form Dance,and the general festivity came as a welcome relief after ten days of exams! On 17th March, Mr. J. S. M. Simpson,the Editor of the"Daily News"gave a talk about his experiences in Australia and New Zealand. He attended an international press conference there as a South African representative. On 12th May, Mr. J. Bradshaw, a Kearsney Old Boy, gave an accountof his work as a memberofthe Antarctic Whaling Expedition. His talk was very much enjoyed by the boys, who subjected him to quite a barrage when it came to Question Time. On 26th May, Mr. Morris, the Public Relations Officer for the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, showed a number of most excellent films in the series"This is My Country". They included travel and big-game hunting films, and a most entertaining story designed to teach road safety to Africans. The old maroon school tie has now been abandoned in favour of a much more attractive blue one, with maroon and silver stripes. The Sixth Form have a distinctive tie with maroon and double silver stripes. At a concert given on behalf of the Methodist Church in the Kloof Public Hali on March 13th,the following items were presented by Kearsney boys:— Impromptu: Coleridge Taylor David Pike Pastorale from Sonata in D Minor: Scarlatti Peter Reece 89
Dante (Nut-Cracker Suite): Tchatkowsky Christopher Coggin Valse In D flat: Chopin Anthony Hoad A. Hoad was one of a number of divisional finalists in a nation wide talent-spotting competition, and his rendering of Chopin's "Minute Valse"was broadcast. He also represented the school as speaker In the Hofmeyr Memorial Speech Contest,and came second in his section, choosing as his topic: "Leisure may be a blessing or a curse." In the course of a little over a day, a bull-dozer (I)carved out a large gap in the bank near the Pavilion, where an underground storage room for sports equipment is to be built:(2) cleared away most of the bush below the classrooms, where a recreation field is to be laid out;(3) cleared a playground below Junior House: and (4) pushed up large quantities of soil from the edge of Chapel Road, to widen the cricket oval. If a hundred natives with a hundred barrows toiled for half a year, would they have done the same? One of the problems brought about by our increase in numbers this year (290 boarders) has been the dining-hall accommodation. Alterations made there have proved highly satisfactory. The tables are now laid lengthwise, joined two by two. Boys sit by Houses, and the heads of tables remain permanently in the same places. Accommodation is so finely adjusted that if we accepted one further boy, he would have to dine off the window-sill! The foundation members of Kearsney will hear with regret of the death, at the age of 81, of Mr. Pyne-Mercier, who was our first Headmaster. He was engaged by Sir Liege Hulett in 1921 to open Kearsney College, but resigned in favour of Mr. Matterson in 1922. All his later years have been spent in the O.F.S., and he died in Bloemfontein. We stiil have one foundation member of Kearsney with us— Moonsammy, the cook. Older Old Boys will remember the rattle ofthe oven doors as he began the day's baking at2a.m. Moonsammy has served the school most loyally these 35 years, but now heart trouble has meant his going into semi-retirement, from which he emergesfor just an houror two daily to do a little light kitchen work. The "backroom boys"(and girls) seldom achieve the limelight, and while the names of athletes, scholars and the like achieve the pubiicity of print, others—the real backbone—blush unseen. We therefore pay tribute to one"backroom girl ", Mrs. Goldman, who ceaselessly pursues her task of "feeding the brute". She holds the school's most responsible post, and we are glad here to thank her for all she does. Similar tribute should be paid to our Matrons, 90
who silently and efficiently look after the health, clothes,and comfort of the boys. We very much enjoyed a visit from Mr. Arthur Newton, South Africa's greatest long-distance runner in by-gone days. Mr. Newton only began running seriously after the age of 40 and at one time held ail the world records from 15 to 100 miles. Itwas difficult to imagine this frail old man grinding away the miles,and quite astound ing to learn that last year, at the age of 71, he ran the 3,000 miles required to make his grand total 100,000 miles! CHAPEL NOTES The annual service for the recognition of new members was held on Sunday morning. May 6th, and was conducted by the Presi dent of Conference,the Rev.S. B.Sudbury,whom we were honoured to have with us. Some two dozen boys made their affirmations, and a large number of parents and friends also attended the service. The spirit of fellowship was very evident. The Bishop of Natal paid us a welcome visit on the first Sunday evening of February and preached at the evening Service. The Infant daughters of Mr. and Mrs. G. Burger and Mr. and Mrs. J. W.Storm were baptised at the Sunday morning Service on May 13th. The Service was entirely In Afrikaans and was conducted by Dominie Odendaal who was Invited to come up from Pinetown for the purpose. The proud parents entertained the Staff and a large number of relatives and friends to tea afterwards in the Pavilion. A large number of boys went to Durban on Sunday afternoon, April 22nd, to join the celebration of ISO years of Methodism In South Africa. They took part in a procession to the City Hall, where an impressive service was held. The twelve additional pews ordered through the generosity of Mr. R.T. Polkinghorne have now arrived, and we again assure him of our most grateful thanks. The appearance of the Chapel Is greatly enhanced, and all boys who at various times have been called upon to carry chairs from the Hall for special occasions will be thankful that such duty is a thing of the past—except perhaps for Remembrance Sunday and Carol Service! 91
Organ Recitals; I9£/i February. Mr. G. M. Oram. Sonata in D major (Gulimant), Spring Song (Hollins), Two Trumpet Tunes and Air (Purcell). I8t/i March. Mr. G. M. Oram. Sonata In B flat (Mendelssohn) and FInlandIa (Sibelius). 27th May. Mr. G. M. Oram. Sonata No. 6, Chorale and Variations(Mendels sohn), Romance In D flat (Lemaire), March in A (Choveaux), Choral Song (Wesley). 17th June. Mr. Brian Goodwin, A.R.C.O. Introduction and Toccata (Walond). A Little Tune(Felton),Air and Gavotte(Wesley),ConcertVariations(Bonnet), Mrs. Charmlon Carter contributed four songs. EXAMINATION RESULTS,1955 Matriculation: First Class: V. H. Dawes(Maths). Second Class: K.L. Brazier, N.R.Cross,J. A.Cunningham,J.T.Giles,G.V.Green, U. G.Groom,D. G.Cox,S. B. A. Longhurst, V. C. Milne, J. C. Pettit, T. A. Polklnghorne, W.A. Whitward. Third Class: P. Court, C. J. Dukes, D. W.Francis, C. C. Groenewald, P. J. Ryan. School Leaving Certificate: Second Class: B. L. Cohen. Third Class: E. A. Fearnhead, R. G.C. Ford, D. C. I. Jenkins. Junior Certificate. First Class: ♦M. J. R. Castleden, *1. M. Chalmers, J. A. Cole, D. W. Cross, C. M. Downle, R. N. Grafton, *E. A. Hermanson, *D. B. Homer, A. Kinsey, J. A. H. Lowe, J. P. Rens, *R. j. Robblns, J. Shave, D. V. ThompsonD, . H. Thresher. Second Class: C. Coggin, N. M. de Jongh, N. P. Dunscombe, R. J. L. Edwards, R. N. Hagemann, N. G. Polklnghorne, G. D. Spargo, N. C. H. Stott, M. J. Wepener. Third Class: I. S. Alexander, W. J. Badsey, C. F. Bauer, L. R. Bawcombe, H L Bouman, M. D. Cohen, P. S. de Wet, M. N. W. Hulett, P. G. B. Hulett, A. C. Hutchison, P. H. Immelman, K. G. Lewis, J. A. Plenaar, N. Pike, M. T. Scott. D. J. Taylor. A. P. Stiebel, R. F. Williams. *These boys obtained Natal Provincial Bursaries. 92
APPOINTMENTS Head Prefect: T. A. Polkinghorne. School Prefects: T. A. Polkinghorne (Pembroke), H. K. Timm (Finningley), J. M. Nelems (Junior), C. C. Foxon (Gillingham). House Prefects: Finningley: H.K.Timm,B.G.P. Murray,W.S. Robb,J. R.Tedder, R. W.Voysey. Gillingham: C. C. Foxon, E. H. Besson, D. W. Benporath, D. Deenik, P. R. Russell. Pembroke: T. A. Polkinghorne, A. P. Dowdle, M. E. Manning, R. A. Parkes, C. R. Moses. Junior: J. M. Nelems, A. R. Schruer, A. J. McKeown. Captain of Rugby: H. K. Timm. Captain of Cricket: M. N. W. Hulett. Captain of Swimming: D. G. Spargo. Captain of Tennis: B. G. P. Murray. Bell: C. M. Downie. Gestetner: N. Polkinghorne. Projector: A. C. Gage. Drum Major: A. I. McKeown. Chapel Committee: T. A. Polkinghorne, H. K.Timm,C. C. Foxon, R. W.Voysey, M. E. Manning, A. Hoad. VALETE H. Alexander (53), C. F. Bauer (52), W.J. Badsey (52), K. L. Brazier (53), L. R. Bawcombe (54), P. Court (49), D. G. Cox (51), A. H. Chaplin (52) J. A. Cunningham (52), N. R. Cross(52), B. L. Cohen (52), P. Cosgrove (55, left Easter 56), C. J. Dukes (50), V. H. Dawes (52), N. P. Dunscombe (54), E. A. Fearnhead (51), D. W.Francis (SI), R. G.C. Ford (51), G. V. Green (SO), U. G.Groom (50), C. C. Groenewald (52), J. T. Giles (52), C. H. Garnett (54, left Easter 56), J. Q. Hopkins (51), G. H. Haworth (52), N. Hayward (52), G. C. Hayward (54), C.C. Hopkins (54), D.C. I. Jenkins (52), A. Kinsey (52), S. B. A. Longhurst(51), V. C. Milne (52), J. E. Miller (54), H. Ovenstone (52), J. C. Pettit (51), J. Pienaar (53, left Easter 56), P. J. Ryan, 53, left Easter 56), M. T. Scott (SO), S. Schreuder D. B.(53), Smith (55), D. J. Taylor (53), W.A. Whitward (55), J. W.Williams (52), I. C. Y. Young (50). SALVETE C. M. Anderson, M.S. Adams, D.S. Adams,G. S. Barker, L. H. Bauer, P. T. Bishop, D. L. Brown, J. G. A. Burness, C.S. Bryden, I. M. Burne, G. B. Bennett, D. B. Banks, A. N. Chalmers, A. Chalmers, G. R. Crowe, M. H. Coventry, J. M. Crickmay, D. M. Drysdale,D.G. N. Dale, A. E. Dawson,G. M. Edwards,G. J. A. East, I. J. S. Evans, B. L. Eastman, M. J. C. France (day), O. R. Faick, J. Gebbie, P. S. Gibson, G. A. Holden, C. J. Hewitt, D. F. T. Hathrill, B. C. Hathrill, F. R. Hagemann, J. R. W. Hulett, M. R. Horner, A. T. W. Haley, C. A. Home (day), A.J. Home(day), A.E. Hooper, R. G.Henley,C. E. Hingst,T. A. Hoskings,W.J. Hind, R.C.Haines,J. A.Johnstone,G.M.Jones,C.E. Knightsbridge,G.T. Koopal F. H. le Lievre, R. W.G. Lyne, V. R. C. Lund, W. N. Lederle, R. P. Law, A. E. Lockyer, C. L. Lockyer, A. P. Meyer, A. H. Munger, P. Mackinlay, I. S. Mackay, J. C. Mulraney, B. D. L. Meyer, B, Martens, M. J. Mayne, A. R. Mathison, D. 93
Maccullum, E. C. liassam, T. F. Osborn (day), N. J. Plen, J. A. L. Price, D. R. Proctor, W. L. Pfuhl, R. C. Rhodes, F. D. Ryman, B. S. Roberts, J. K. Rodda, P. J. H. Short, M. P. E. Scott, A. C. Cockburn-Smlth, I. F. Silson, H. E. Stent, J. F. Shire, R. J. Stranack,T. C.Stokoe, J. R. Somers-Vine, R. D.Staniland, J. M. Stacey, G.A.Turrell, C.W.Truscott, W.J. Travis, W.F. Taskes, K. van Eeden, F. E. van Eeden, B. G. van Rooyen, P. G. van Rooyen, P. B. Walsh, H. R. Wade, F. B. Walker, C. S. Walker, G. D. Wiseman, B. R. Williams, T. M. Webb, R. L. Whipp, K. J. Wooller, A. F. Zurcher. STATISTICS The following statistics may be of interest; Present boys come from the following Provinces: Natal (200), Transvaal (54), Cape(16), Northern Rhodesia(15),O.F. S.(8),Southern Rhodesia(5), Basutoland (4), Swaziland (I), South West Africa (I). They belong to the following denominations: Anglican (144), Methodist (105), Presbyterian (19), Jewish (9), Christian Science (8), Roman Catholic (5), Baptist (4), Dutch Reformed (4), Congregational (2), Full Gospel (2), Lutheran (I), French Protestant (I). PEMBROKE HOUSE Pembroke House was officially opened (after being in use for a term)on 28th March,the last day ofthe first term, by the President of the Conference of the Methodist Church of South Africa, Rev. S. B. Sudbury. It was a pleasantly sunny day, and a good crowd of parents and friends were present for the occasion. The following description of the House is taken from "The Natal Mercury "Young Tom Brown, the character from Thomas Hughes''Tom Brown's Schooldays,' would have blinked and rubbed his eyes with disbelief had he been present at the opening ceremony of Kearsney College's £50,000 Pembroke House at Botha's Hill yesterday morning. "For the 80 odd boys who will be accommodated in the building will be living in surroundings that Tom could not have imagined in his wildest daydreams. "Pembroke House is of modern design. It is built around an open courtyard for maximum sunlight and ventilation. The dormitories are upstairs and each has a different colour scheme. "As In the modern home of today, the walls and ceilings of each room are in pleasantly contrasting pastel shades. Each bed is equipped with the latest in rubber foam mattresses. "In the wash rooms, the showers are separated from the wash-hand basins by plastic, dove-coloured, corrugated partitions. "Also in the building are two large common-rooms and two reading rooms. There are quarters for a married housemaster and two single masters. Finally there is the sick bay and medical examination room." After the School Chaplain, Rev. J. V. Cantrell, M.A., had de livered a most apt opening Prayer of Dedication, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Philip Hind (K.C.25-30), presented the following address before formaily introducing the President of the Conference: 94
"Mr.and Mrs. Sudbury, Ladies, Gentlemen and Boys, "On behalf of the Board of Governors, the Principal and Staff, i take this opportunity of extending to you ail a very warm welcome. "Our guests of honour, Mr. and Mrs. Sudbury, have during their comparative short stay in Durban, endeared themselves to ail who have had the opportunity of getting to know them. Thus I believe that today's ceremony shouldbe a very happy occasion as both are well-known to so many of us. Mr.and Mrs. Sudbury, we are delighted that you are able to be with us and hope that you will feel the warmth and sincerity of our welcome and company. "It is also very gratifying to us that the opening of Pembroke House and the official handing over of this building to The Methodist Church,should fall during Mr. Sudbury's Presidential year. As a Board Member, Mr. Sudbury has con tributed much to the overall planning of this tremendous project which has cost over £50,000. Thus your presence here today, Mr. Sudbury. as the official representative ofthe Methodist Church of South Africa,seems a fitting tribute to the part you have played in this development. "The importance oftoday's ceremony cannot, however,be measured in pounds, shillings and pence but rather does it mark a new chapter in the history of our school, and here i like to think that the first chapter covers the life of the school whilst situated at Kearsney, the second chapter its life at Botha's Hill from 1939 to December, 1954, and now we see the start of a third chapter, which I believe is designed to play a very important part in this school's development. "i don't, however, intend to spend time this morning in perusing the life history of the College, but I do believe that we should pause for a few minutes to pay tribute to those who were responsible for the establishment of our school and for its development. "The first name that springs to mind is that of Sir Liege Huiett who conceived the idea that the Methodist Church should have its own boys' school situated in Natal, and who was prepared to back this ambition by lending his house at Kearsney tothe Methodist Church for this particular purpose. This dream of his is just another example of his far-sightedness, for if it had not been for his far-sightedness and generosity i very much doubt whether we would have had a Methodist boys' school in Natal. We should always remember his name with much gratitude as the founder of the College. "Coupled with Sir Liege's generosity, the school was fortunate in securing the services of Mr. R. H. Matterson, who occupied the principaiship of Kearsney almost from its inception until his retirement in 1946. Mr. Matterson certainly laid the foundation which has earned for his school a wonderful reputation. That foundation, ladies and gentlemen, was built on a moral code in which he tried to infuse into the boys of Kearsney, a desire to lead lives of service, i know that there are many old boys today who cherish the thoughts and ideals which he so often stressed at his Sunday evening talks. His guidance and advice to those boys who were about to leave school has helped many in planning their lives. Ail this, i believe, has had a very important bearing on our growth,forthe majority of boys leaving here are proud of their association with Kearsney and are grate ful for the opportunity of having attended the school, resulting in the fine prestige which Kearsney enjoys today in the eyes of the general public. "In talking to a man last week who was down from Johannesburg and who has had a tremendous amount to do with young fellows, he mentioned that he had never yet come across a Kearsney boy who had let down his school. High praise indeed for the ideals started by Mr. Matterson and which has been faithfully carried out by staff ever since. "My thoughts now turn to the old staff who believed that Kearsney had some thing different to offer in the way of education and who were prepared to back 95
this faith by agreeing to accept a reduction in salary in order that the school should continue. Thissacrifice was made during a critical financial period through which the school was passing, if it had not been for their generosity, i am afraid there would have been no Kearsney today. This wonderful gesture on behalf of the old staff, should not be forgotten. "Then i think of the courage and wisdom of the Board under the able chair manship of Mr.W.J. Williams, who decided Kearsney should be moved, believing that the only reason for Kearsney's lack of growth was its situation. What a wise decision that has been,for since this move the school has grown from strength to strength. "Each chapter possesses its own benefactor, in the first chapter we had Sir Liege; the start of the second was made possible by the generosity of Mr. John Crookes, who financed the building of the complete house. A magnificent gesture. Nor should we forget Mr. Clem Stott for the considerable help he gave by selling to the Board this property for a mere £1,000. Without this help the Board would have been unable to consider the move. "Then three years ago the Chairman ofthe Board, Mr.Clem Woods,advocated a progressive policy of expanding our school buildings, the result of which we witness today. "Behind the scenes I am reminded that if it were not for the co-operation of our Principal, Mr. Osier, and his entire staff, who might I say share the same enthusiasm and loyalty for Kearsney College as did their predecessors, we would not have had the numbers to warrant thisextension. Here i would like to express the Board's thanks to the stafffor their co-operation at the beginning of this term in getting Pembroke House ready—without that co-operation things would have been chaotic; Instead the boys returned on due date and entered the new House with a minimum of inconvenience. "We as a Board, appreciate to the full the sacrifices our staff and their wives are still prepared to make that the school may continue to grow. In Mr. Osier we have a head who possesses a wide vision of life and all that it means; thus the educational policy which he dictates is very much appreciated by parents, ample evidence of which is seen by the many letters received from them, expressing their gratitude for what Kearsney is doing in modelling their sons' characters. "But surely the greatest recognition of the value people ascribe to a school can best be measured in numbers. The first chapter started with 13 boys; when we opened the new school at Botha's Hill we had approximately 90 boys. This year we have 302 boys. Many applicants unfortunately could not be accepted with the result that we still have a waiting list. A real indication of the high esteem in which the public hold our school. "Still behind the scenes i would like to pay tribute to Mr. H. W.Haley who has acted as Secretary/Treasurer for the school for many, many years. He held this post prior to the school being moved to its present position, if it had not been for Mr. Haley's wise guidance, his conservative sanctioning of capital expen diture, our fi nances would never have been in such shape as to allow us to even contemplate such development. No one will ever know the true value of his services but may i say that if it had not been for his help, we as parents, would have been playing higher fees than we are today. "As in the first and second chapters, so in the third we had our benefactor. Here I refer to the late Mr. A. H.Smith for his generous response to our appeal. Mr. Smith, hearing of our plans, immediately sent a cheque for £5,000. Further sums followed at regular intervals and were largely responsible in enabling the Board to raise the necessary loan to finance the building of this new House. We should always remember with much gratitude,the many kindly acts and generous gifts which Mr. Smith bestowed on us. 96
"In paying tribute to Mr. Smith, I would also like to express our very sincere thanks to our many friends who have helped make possible the financing of this development. To mention you by name would be embarrassing, but to you all who have given, and here I Include parents of old boys, parents of present boys, Methodist friends thouthout the Connexion,old boys In their individual capacity, the Old Boys' Club—to you all we express our warmest thanks. But don't get me wrong here; we have still a long way to go before we are out of the woods, i.e. from the financial point of view. Nevertheless, I do believe that If we can continue to give the service we have done In the past, all will be well. "Then a personal word of thanks to Mr. W. N. Cornelius for his untiring efforts on my own behalf. Mr. Cornelius has visited the school each week during the erection of this building In order to be at hand to discuss and confer on all problems. I do appreciate this help very much Indeed and would like my thanks recorded for the invaluable assistance Mr. Cornelius has given me. "Last but by no means least In these tributes, I express a word of congratu lations to our architects, Messrs. Payn & Peyton, on an excellent plan. To our Builder, Mr. Sauer, go our congratulations on a tip-top job. Shortly, you will have an opportunity of inspecting this building and here I am sure that you will agree that It is a House which we can be justifiably proud to possess. "It now falls to my pleasant duty to ask Mr.Sudbury In his capacity as President of the Methodist Church of South Africa, to accept on behalf of the Board, this building. In asking him to accept the building, I would like Mr.Sudbury officially to open Pembroke House after which I would be glad If he would unveil the two plaques—one commemorating Mr. Smith's generosity, the other the gift of the Old Boys' Club, which amounted to £1,000. Replying, M. Sudbury said: "Mr. Chairman, members of the Board of Governors, staff and students, "There are three kinds of people In the world; the wills, the won'ts and the can'ts. When these new building were first contemplated there were no won'ts and no can'ts on the Board; with unanimity they said'We will'and it Is always the 'will's' who are the men and women of achievement. "As the official representative of the Methodist Church of South Africa I want to congratulate the college upon this further extension, this magnificent block which has made provision for another eighty boys to enter this school. Whatever may have been the cost In pounds, shillings and pence of this scheme (and In these days all new buildings are costly)there is no doubt In our minds that the dividends in balanced personality, trained minds and Christian citizenship will be of Incalculable worth. "You, Mr. Chairman, have reminded us of the debt we owe to the men and women of earlier years who planned wisely and who gave of time, talents and substance to make this college possible. We pay tribute to them today and rejoice that some of them are still with us, sharing In this celebration. I fancy that their reward and perhaps their monument would be In this glowing picture of youth,as fine a group of young people as can be seen anywhere In our country. But we owe not only a debt to the men of past days. I should like to have the privilege of expressing to you,s Ir, the appreciation of the college and the church for the great service you have rendered in carrying this scheme through to Its conclusion: to Mr. C. Woods who brought his drive and vision to the service of the college in the inception of this scheme,to Mr. Osier, whose enthusiasm and co-operation on the Board,and whose leadership In the school has meant so much to Kearsney In recent years, and tothe staff for their devotion. "This worthy and useful addition tothe college, Is surely proof. If proof were needed,that the day of the church school Is by no means over. While we rejoice 97
m m ■i — * fi5 » m ■r.> {■■£ m Ste-Tfmkva *w ■'^■tii *. r..' k C!EL..-^3I m. «&» i-r *■ «« !« m Looking east, old MainRoad.
rm f'm 13 //, r . .< f •». K Photo by courtesy of the Natal Mercury. Opening of Pembroke: Mr.P. Hind, chairman of the Board of Governors, welcoming the President of Conference.
in the high standard of the State schools of our country, I am fully convinced that the church school has a distinctive part to play and a special witness to bear In the educational system, "Contemporary conditions of life are making it Increasingly imperative that stress should be laid upon the moral and spiritual basis upon which our civilisation depends. The latest outburst of moral and social delinquency amongst adolescents and teen-agers, has come as a shock to our country. I do not believe that these outbursts are typical of youth, but they are a warning, and they bear eloquent testimony to the fact that if education and religion were divorced, the whole community is morally and spiritually impoverished. You cannot banish the spiritual values from life and expect to maintain a morally clean or mentally healthy society. Civilisation without religious values is like a car without petrol: it won't go, except downhill. The insipid deadening paganism, which, for too many, turns life into merely a round of staling incidents without motive or purpose, the lowered moral tone, and the almost nihilistic philosophy amongst some of the intelligentsia are symptoms of the loss of absolute values which comes from a religious faith. "I would not plead for any increase In merely sectarian teaching but I do plead that religion in its broadest sense should go hand in hand with education. As Arthur Bryant has said,'We need to put back into the classrooms of our countrtyhe great words of a living religion: Words like Faith, Love, Duty, Honour, Sacrifice, God; for these are the words which have made men and nations great.' "I am happy to know that this is the outlook and the practice here at Kearsney College and that within these walls sound learning and religious values go hand In hand. That Is the reason for this college, and as long as the imperishable things are acknowledged,so long will there go forth from this school young men who will adequately and effectively serve their day and generation. "To the boys I would say that I hope you will work out for yourselves the implications of the wills, wonts and the can'ts, and should it ever happen that you find yourselves getting amongst the wonts be warned, for they soon de generate into the can'ts. Nothing is ever achieved without effort, and education without tears is a myth. I doubt if there is anything worth having which does not cost something,so pay your tribute in hard work to the shrine of knowledge and she will never let you down. But remember too to pay tributeto that other shrine, the altar of God,for He is one who will never fail you. "With great pleasure and with a sense of privilege I declare these buildings open. May many happy and lasting friendships be formed within these wails, may good fellowship abound,and may the blessing of God rest upon all who dwell here." After his address. Rev. Sudbury unveiled a memorial plaque to the late Mr. A. H. Smith, O.B.E., whose continued generosity to the School has made so much development possible, and plaques commemorating the gift ofthe two reading rooms,at a cost of £1,000 from the Old Boys of the school. The speakers were suitably thanked by the Headmaster, and this was followed by a tour of inspection, and then tea on the lawns. 98
HOUSE TROPHIES It is unusual in the Public School system to have Houses averaging as many as 100 boys in each,and five houses of60 would afford better inter-house competition than three of 100. Obviously nothing can be done about this, but the addition of the third House now affords the opportunity for inter-house rivalry on a more interesting and methodical scale than before. While trophies and cups continue to be awarded for individual sports, it has now been decided to have two main Trophies, to be awarded at Prize-Giving, and to be suitably displayed against the names of the winning Houses. These will be a Sports Trophy and a Scholastic Trophy. The awarding will be based upon the details given below. Scholastic Trophy The total marks obtained in the school examinations, averaged out per boy. Result of June Exams.: 1. Gillingham 2. Pembroke 3. Finningiey 53.7% 52.2% 50.7% Finningiey Via Tedder, J. R 65 Schruer, A. R 60 Form Average 56 VIb Gage, A. C 48 Joubert, H 43 Form Average 38 Va Robblns, R 69 Downle, C 60 Form Average 54 Vb Spargo, D 51 Cohen, M 5i Form Average 41 iVa Reece, P 66 Kapp, A 60 Form Average 56 LEADING SCORERS Giiiingham Siiburn, M 65 Deenik, D 62 Form Average 54 Besson, E 53 Haines, L 48 Form Average 43 Homer, D 72 Grafton, R 59 Form Average 55 Wepener, M 51 Groom, G 47 Form Average 40 Williams. B 75 Pike, D 72 Form Average 62 99 Pembroke Perry 61 Moses, C 59 Form Average 53 Otter, G 48 Chambers, B 45 Form Average 40 Chalmers, 1 72 Cross, D 62 Form Average 56 v. Eeden, K 45 Brown, P 44 Form Average 41 Coleman, P 68 Allen, L 66 Form Average 59
Finningley IVb Roberts, B 58 Newlands, G. 57 Form Average 47 IVc Collingwood, G 43 Lawrence, A 36 Form Average 30 Ilia Woods, D 66 Form Average 56 ■lib Faick, 0 55 Form Average 44 lllc V. Rooyen, P 56 Form Average 44 Ila Cantreil, A 86 Bouman, R 8! Form Average 65 lib Mackay, M 71 Form Average 54 I Barker, G 73 Form Average 59 Gillingham Wade, D - 53 Nalson, S 52 Form Average 46 Pfuhl, W 47 Lowe, J 39 Form Average 37 Mulraney, S 66 Form Average „....57 Hulett, R 69 Form Average 50 none Watson, E 75 Form Average 63 Law, R 69 Form Average 57 Macklnlay 73 Form Average 60 Pembroke Forbes, B 55 Moon, M 54 Form Average 50 Massam, F .43 Home, A 41 Form Average 37 Chalmers, A 76 Form Average 58 Crickmay, J 56 Form Average 49 Home, C 66 Form Average 42 Wooller, K 74 Form Average 62 Stewart, M 64 Form Average 55 Meyer, A 82 Form Average 68 Sports Trophy 1. Each House to compete against the other two. 2. Two points for a win, one for a draw, in each match. The House gaining most points, to score as below. First Second Third RUGGER 1st XV ..... 12 6 0 2nd XV ..... 6 3 0 Under IS 6 3 0 CRICKET 1st XI ..... 10 5 0 2nd XI 5 3 0 Under 15 5 2 0 ATHLETICS .... .„ 20 10 0 SWIMMING 16 8 0 TENNIS Senior ..... 6 3 0 Junior 4 2 0 SHOOTING Senior 6 3 0 Junior 4 2 0 Total Possible 100 50 0 100
DRAMATIC SOCIETY NOTES The Kearsney College Dramatic Society undertook as Its major project for this year the production of a full-length Afrikaans play, "Die Wlldsboudjie This has been In rehearsal for some months now, and is due to be staged about the middle of August. On June 8th and 9th the Society produced Scenes from Shake speare. Forms III, IV, and VI chose scenes from their own set plays, "Macbeth", "Henry V", and "Richard II" respectively, which were acted by members of the forms concerned. The evening was a great success, very much enjoyed by a small but appreciative audience. Members of the Society have had two outings during the half year. On March 23rd about 60 boys travelled up to Hilton to see their excellent presentation of" Macbeth ",and on 27th June about the same number saw the Vth Form at Epworth acting "The Tem pest". We are delighted to see our sister school embarking on Shakespeare productions,and wish them every success. R. R-S. SCENES FROM SHAKESPEARE When the late decision was made not to stage "Charley's Aunt", too little time seemed available for a full play production. The decision,therefore,to presentscenesfrom three ofShakespeare's plays, by the forms who were studying them, was Interesting, and Incidentally very successful. The experiment was Interesting In that It Involved three separate producers, and no fewer that 54 characters, so permitting a distri bution oftime and toll, and a reduction In rehearsal hours. On the other hand It obviously Involved heavywork with costuming and make-up,and to those who so readily lent costumes and helped with the general preparation, great credit Is due. Staging was simplified by having the same setting for every scene. It was ambitious to place Macbeth In the hands of Standard VII boys, but so completely doesthe play stand or fall by the performance of Macbeth himself that Its success must depend almost entirely on one boy. We congratulate Bath on so admirable a performance: 101
for one inexperienced in acting, his control of the character was excellent,and the tenseness ofthe dagger scene was well transmitted to the audience. He did not once lose grip of himself by hurrying his words or his actions. The subordinate characters played their part by in no way intruding upon the scene through unnecessary movement or gesticulation. The scenes from Henry V were well contrasted. The meeting of the three rogues was made the more entertaining inasmuch as three less rogue-like characters could hardly have been chosen. We could deal with them in a dark street. The following session between an excitable Irishman and an equally excitable Welshman (both striving hard to reproduce the accent oftheir forbears),supported by a more phlegmatic Englishman and Scotsman, was hilarious though brief. By contrast, the other scene was all Henry. Again, for an inexperienced actor, here was a long and difficult speech to make, and Syminton did well. His delivery could not have been clearer and more convincing,though a little melancholy in its utterance. King Richard II was in the hands of well-established actors. Swinton and Parkes always inspire confidence. Parkes is happiest when he can flash his eyes and become angry, spitting fire. He will make a good politician. His savage abruptness contrasted well with Schruer's more cynical crawl. Russell and Henderson were also very sure of themselves. At one stage so many gages were being thrown about that the floor began to resemble the aftermath of a jumble sale. But the main honours were carried by Swinton, as the harassed, worn, and disillusioned Richard, ready to hand his throne over to Bolingbroke. It was a fine and sensitive piece of work, in which the agony of the man was so real that it had no appearance of mere acting: he spoke with the sincerity and feeling of one who is living his part, and he strongly stirred the emotions of the audience. The plays were presented largely for "home" consumption. Coinciding with a bitterly cold night, they did not attract a very large crowd, but all who braved the weather were delighted. Each year, as these plays are staged in mid-winter, one realises more and more the inadequacy of our dining-hall for this sort of production. It is a cold room, both in temperature and atmosphere, and the acoustics are bad. It is difficult in the extreme for actors andaudience to become properly in sympathy with one another. If public performances are to be staged in mid-winter, we most earnestlhyope that the day is near at hand when our assembly and concert hall is built, one that will provide some degree of intimacy, and, for Heaven's sake, some heating system. J. F. R. 102
MACBETH Dramatis Personae: Duncan, King of Scotland Malcolm \ .. Donalbain J Macbeth Lady Macbeth Banquo Fleance, his son Ross Lennox Angus Caithness Servant to Macbeth Murderer { A. N. Chalmers A. Chalmers L. G.van Heusden A. E. Bath A. H. Munger J. F. Shire H. E. Stent C. S. Keen T. K.G.Terblanche R. D. Stanlland M. G. Harvey S. W.Stott C. W.Truscott Act I, Scene 4 Duncan's Palace. The King crowns his son Prince of Cumber land, receives Macbeth and Banquo returning from the wars, and decides to visit Macbeth at his castle of Inverness. Act I, Scene 6 Before Macbeth's castle at Inverness. Duncan and his train arrive and are received by Lady Macbeth. Act II, Scene I Banquo and Fleance speak with Macbeth in the courtyard. Macbeth goes to murder Duncan and sees the ghostly dagger. Scene 1 Lady Macbeth waits for Macbeth's return. Act III, Scene 4 Macbeth, as King, receives his guests at a banquet in the Palace Banquo's ghost disturbs the Banquet. Produced by: Mr. R. RUTHERFORD-SMITH KING HENRY THE FIFTH Dramatis Personae: Bardolph "j Nym y Soldiers in King Henry's Army Pistol J Boy Fluellan "| Macmorris f Jamy j {B. B. Whittle W. M. Giles J. V. Crewe J. B. Dacam P. W. Mudie C. D. Bate D. L. Pike H. W.Thomas Act III, Scene 2: France, before Harfleur. Duke of Exeter, Uncle to the King Earl of Salisbury Earl of Westmoreland King Henry V A1ont;oy, a French Herald Duke of York, cousin to the King { D. M. Lees T. N.Dewis B. S. Roberts I. J. Evans P. M. Talmage-Rostron J. G. Syminton A. C. Kapp J. A. Kelly Act IV, Scene 3: The English Camp at Agincourt. Produced by: Mr. J.H. HOPKINS 103
KING RICHARD THE SECOND Dramatis Personae: King Richard the Second John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk Duke of Surrey Bagot, former Minister of King Richard Earl of Northumberland Henry Percy M. D. W. Swinton D. W. Benporath R. A. Parkes A. R. Schruer A. C. Gage J. B. Sheasby C. R. Moses B. S. Chambers A. J. McKeown A. Henderson J. R. Tedder P. R. Russell P. I. Baynash, D. G. Lamb, R. G. Tlmm, B. G. P. Murray, B. McDougall, T. D. Richards, R. C. Richardson, G. J. Otter, R. W. Voysey. F. S. Simpson, A. W. Lefson H. E. Middieton, W. S. Robb Windsor Castle. The quarrel between Bolingbroke and Mowbray. Westminster Hall. A number of Lords accuse Aumerle of being responsible for the Duke of Gloucester's death. Richard renounces the throne to Bolingbroke. Produced by: Mr. G. M. GRAM Stage Assistants: C. M. Blackburn, T. H. Moffett, C. B. Witherspoon, P. J. Reece,S. M. Nalson, N. M. McDonald, C.J. Molyneux,J. P. Frolich, D. A. Wade, J. M. Barnes, B. G.Williams, R. G.Brown,C.D.Gray,D.J. Cogen,J.J. Dowdle. Lighting Staff: N. Pike, J. P. Rens. Lord Fitzwater Bishop of Carlisle Duke of York Duke of Aumerle Lords temporal and spiritual Pages .... Soldiers Act I, Scene I Act IV, Scene FINNINGLEY PHANTASY 1956 opened with our losing to Pembroke House some of our former housemates. Our loss is Pembroke's gain. Though we suspect a nostalgic eye Is sometimes turned to us, we know that Pembroke is enjoying the individed loyalty of its membersfrom both Gillingham and us. We wish Pembroke a long and happy future rivalry with the parent Houses. Our prefects this year are H. Timm (Head Boy), Murray, Robb and Voysey. Nelems and Schruer are prefects in Junior House. We were pleased to welcome Ryan back for the first term. His keenness in work and play was an example to all. We congratulate him on passing in Mathematics in the supplementary examination in March, 104
The highlight in the first term was our success in the Swimming Gala. (All good Finningleyites know this word is pronounced "gayla".) We have thus the honour of winning the first of the triangular contests Finningley, Gillingham and Pembroke are to enjoy. The good team spirit prevailing under Spargo's leadership went a long way towards our reaching our goal. It was a big disappointment to us that, once again, the Athletic Sports had to be postponed to the third term. We trust that when they are held in September every member of the House will pull his weight. Ryan was chosen to represent Natal Schools in athletics at Easter for 100 yards, 220 yards and the relay. Robbins was chosen, too, as a long jumper in the Junior event. Millar played in the Coastal Schools Under 15 side. Finningley has its share of honours in School sport: Spargo is Captain of Swimming, Murray Captain of Tennis, and H. Timm Captain of Rugby. Hagemann, R. N., Murray and H. Timm played in the 1st XI and Craven, Gage, Immelman, Nelems, Newlands (Joe III), Tedder and H.Timm all played in the 1st XV. Hoad won second place in the Durban Schools Speech Com petition,and he has also been heard on the air in a pianoforte compe tition, the prize for which is a piano. Several of our House took part in the Scenes from Shakespeare presented this term. This was a most enjoyable evening, and we congratulate producers and players alike. Forms III put on scenes from"Macbeth ", Forms V some from '* Henry V", and Forms VI some from "Richard II Some remarkable talent was revealed. Swinton, of Pembroke, was magnificent as Richard II; we congratu late him. A new emphasis, we are pleased to note, is being laid upon achievement in academic work which will contribute to the position of Houses in the Inter-House Competition for "Cock House". We have started badly in this, being last on the June examination results. We hope we are slow starters, and that the Trials in September, and the End-of-Year Examination will tell a different story. Sport, sportsmanship and work can, and should,go hand-inhand. It is fallacious to suppose that to be a good sport is synony mous with being a loafer in work. "Up, Finningley, and at'em"in school as well as in games. We are pleased to welcome Mrs. Sambrook back, and trust she will enjoy many a year as Matron. Our good wishes go to Sister Anderson in her new sphere in Pembroke House. Mr. Quarmby has taken six months' leave to sharpen up his Yorkshire dialect. He confesses that when he arrived home he 105
was quite unable to make himself understood to the natives of his dales. "Eee lad, it'll be reet champion to welcoom thee baack." Finningley, and indeed the whole school, has enjoyed good health this last quarter. Bennett departed suddenly to have his appendix out and is back with us none the worse. We trust that Fisher, who had to leave us during examinations, will soon be fit again to sit out the long, happy hours in the desks. We welcome the following new members of our House:— Bennett, Burne, Burness, Coventry, Faick, Hagemann, F., Hooper, Hoskings, le Lievre, Mayne, hunger, Roberts, Stokoe, van Rooyen, B., van Rocyen, P., Walker, Williams,and Blackburn (i)as a boarder. The case-hardened Junior House contingent to come to us this year consists of Bouman (ii). Green, Hinch, Lacey, Mackay, McFarlane, Preston, Syminton (ii), Turvey, van Heusden, and Woods; we welcome them. In Memoriam—Deon van den Heever Deon van den Heever came to us in January, 1955. He was a most cheerful boy, and, sometimes, a mischievous one. He made many friends here. Towardsthe end ofthe third term he developed serious knee trouble. Little could be done to alleviate the pain which he bore most stoically and hopefully. His brave front, and his cheerfulness, endeared to all those who were able to visit him whilst he lay in hospital. He died in February. Our sympathy goes out to his sorrowing parents and sister. We remember him as our brave friend. KEARSNEY PARLIAMENT Office SPEAKER DEPUTY SPEAKER SECRETARY PRIME MINISTER LEADER OF OPPOSITION PUBLICITY OFFICER Name J. F. Reece T. A. Polkinghorne A. Lefson D. Deenik J. D. Winder I. M. Chalmers 106 Constituency Roodepoort Port Alfred Lydenberg Danlelsrust Wlllowvale Cato Manor
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