te KEARSNEY I'K'f -■ \f. . Mi CHRONICLE 4f .t*!
M r-VJl-KV V iTV* Jt IT *1 m 'f*.' - * rtf R.H. Matterson S.G. Osier r iw 8 P \ Sr^ J.H. Hopkins E.C.W. Siicock Kearsney's Headmasters: R.H. Matterson 1923-1946; S.C. Osier 1947-1964; J.H. Hopkins 1%5-1975; E.C.W.Siicock 1976
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Cover pictures: J. Clarke and M.S. Mossom All official group photographs by Photo Hein Speech Day photographs by Bird and Leeney Other photographs are by: C. Albertyn, P. Blumberg, J. Clarke, K. Dowse, R. Lamplough, M. Mossom, Polyphoto, C. Sacks and other members of the College Line drawings in the body of the magazine are by G. Bax, P. Matley, B. Tucker and members of the Art Department LaV'OUt, design and printing by North Coast Sales Promotion (Pty.) Ltd. Editor: R. Lamplough Old Boys' Section: D. Beatty
cs KEARSNEY CHRONICLE 1975 KEARSNEY COLLEGE,BOTHA'S HILL NATAL,SOUTH AFRICA MARCH,1976
'JEESf fliaSiSiS Su •Miii mf' "km 5ff- w s-s ss «« •* m m-9 .s LCS! (Ef / .:, ■ mr iyPREFECTS 1975 Back Row: R. Henry, M. Belfort, R. Pett, L. Broodryk. Centre Row; R. Goldman, T. Stranack, M. Lillelund, A. Chaplin, M. Tucker, B. Ergenmann, R. Hift. front Row; R. Hudson, L. Rowley (Head BoyI, Mr ). Hopkins (Headmaster), C. Wells, D. Griffin. 1 STAFF 1975 Bar*: Row: A. Bromley-Gans, A. Friend, C. Broster, M. Nicholson, L. Kassier, C. Diedericks, R. Irons, j. Jackson,T. Allen, B. Tucker, M. Mossom. Centre Row:F. Cocks,M.Myhill, Mrs Y. Dibb, Mrs R. Mac Callum, R.Lamplough,L. Zaayman,M.Thiselton, M.De Beer,R. Townshend, J. Harper, Mrs H. Gibson, Mrs B. Storm, P. Tennant, B. Williams. Front Row: K. Balcomb, K. Fish, C-E. Jeannot,]. Hall,j.W.Storm,J.H. Hopkins,P.E. Metcalf,R. Blarney,D.Lewis-Williams,D. Alletson, Rev M. Martin.
IS cotu.c<;e d 43 With the retirement of Mr J.H. Hopkins in December 1975, Kearsney College reached the close of an era. On the 31st of that month there ended an official association which stretched back half a century to the day in February 1926 when young James Hopkins, a great-grandson of Sir Liege Hulett, entered the First Form at Old Kearsney, barely five years after the College had been founded,and began a career which was to lead him eventually to the headmastership of the new Kearsney at Botha's Hill. By the time this issue of the Chronicle appears,the name of j.H. Hopkins will have join ed those of R.H. Matterson and S.G. Osier on the honourable list of Kearsney's past head masters and his successor, Mr E.C.W. Silcock, will be in control of the College. Inevitably there will be change.The new headmaster is a man from a different country,with a different background and, doubtless, with a philosophy derived from different experiences. In dubitably there will be change: and while some changes may be welcomed,such is the force of tradition in men's lives that there is little question but that other changes will not. Boys, masters, parents and old boys alike will find it necessary to adjust and to adapt to new ideas and to new requirements. Kearsney College, however,will not be alone in adapting to changed conditions in 1976. To some degree, the school will have become the microcosm of the country in which it is situated. The whole of South Africa is learning to adapt to change.Since the coup in Portugal in 1974,events in the southern part of this continent have marched with bewildering rapidi ty. Customs, traditions and practices entrenched for three centuries have disappeared in a night. Public men in high office have said things and done things which even five years ago would have been unthinkable. Many white South Africans are finding that values held dear since their youth have been suddenly overturned. The ugly situation developing at present in Angola appears to portend change of the most unwelcome sort. Kearsney in 1976 finds itself in a country, in a continent of change. But matters do not end there. If the Bible is to be trusted in its portrayal of the future (and there is ample evidence that it is so to be trusted) the world itself stands on the threshold of change so stupendous, so fundamental and so far-reaching in its effects that mortal minds are unable to comprehend it. As it is written,"Eye hath not seen,nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man,the things which God hath prepared for them that love him": and again,"They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." and yet again:"For out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." In the face of changes such as these,change at Kearsney or in South Africa at large seems a small thing. And above and behind every change that may come,stands the One who has declared,"I am the Lord, I change not. Return unto me and I will return unto you." If we could hearken to this advice, we should never be moved. EDITORIAL A Time ofChange KEARSNEY CHRONfCLE 5
SCHOOL NOTES Mr J.H. Hopkins retired at the end of the year, having served Kearsney"man and boy", as the saying was,for fifty years, the last eleven of them as Headmaster. Proper tributes will appear elsewhere in this issue, but we thank Mr and Mrs Hopkins for all their past services and wish them a happy and useful retirement. It was altogether fitting that during Mr Hopkins' last year as Headmaster a start should have been made on the new Resources Cen tre, which was his particular dream,and that on the last day of the fourth term it should have been announced that the Development Fund had reached its target in pledges of R500 000. The retirement of Mr Hopkins severed the last direct link with the founder of the College, Sir Liege Hulett. Together with the retirement of Mr O.K.R. Balcomb from the staff, it severed also one of the few remaining links with the old North Coast days,a fact sadly un derlined by the death of Mr G.M.Oram,a former Vice-Principal, shortly before the end of the school year. To Mrs Oram we extend our sincere sympathy. This year we welcomed Mr J. Jackson to the teaching staff, Mrs M.Haughey as assistantcaterer and Mrs G.Condon and Mrs M.Burrows as house matrons. We congratulate Mr P.E. Metcalf on his appointment as Second Vice-Principal; Mr C-E.jeannot, who was appointed housemaster of Pembroke; Mr j.W. Storm on his election as president of the South African Schools Swimming Federation; Mr F. Cocks on his marriage and Mr C. Broster on his engagement. Congratulations also to the parents of Paul Myhill, Catherine Tucker and Joanna Bromley-Gans, all born during the year. Congratulations to Mr B. Williams on his success in the B.Ed, examinations. Mrs Y. Dibb was awarded her University Education Diploma earlier in the year and immediately began work for a B.Ed. We look forward to reporting in a future issue that she and the other members of staff at present studying for degrees have been successful in their examinations. Mr M.A. Thiselton retained the Natal Veterans Squash Championship(which he first won in 1974) by beating Ian Vermaak in August, and found time for a B.Sc(Hons) as well. Many boys have won distinction for themselves in the course of the year and their successes are recorded elsewhere in this issue. Notable among them, however, have been: Martin Rich,the Sportsman of the Year,who became the first boy in Kearsney's history to be selected for the South African Schools XV and went on to play for the South African under-19 side; Richard Hift, Dux of the School,who won a silver medal in the Mathematics Olympiad; and Lawrence Rowley,the Head Boy,who,having represented Natal at Lifesaving for several successive years was selected for the province's under-19 water-polo side and also won a Rotary Exchange Scholarship which will take him to the United States next year. A first of some sort was established when a musical of the'pop opera' variety,"Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo" was successfully presented in the Henderson Hall. It was sad, nonetheless,to hear of an event which is shown in the New Testament to have such sobering relevance to our age treated lightly. A similarly disturbing sign of our times occurred on Speech Day, when a speaker, having commended the Bible to his audience as a source of strength,then demolished the force of his recommendation by referring to large parts of the Book as folk tales. During the year Mr J. Faber took up a post at the Thomas More School and Mrs F. Jef freys returned to England after ten years as matron of Gillingham. In December we learned of the resignations of Mr Jackson and Mrs Condon. We thank these ladies and gentlemen, with Mr and Mrs Balcomb in their retirement,for all they have done and extend to them our good wishes for the future. Once again we are grateful to Mrs Storm for helping out in the Afrikaans Department during the year. One is often asked how a school like Kearsney differs from other schools. It is not an easy question to answer. In an age when the State equips its own institutions on a far more lavish scale than most private organisations can possibly do, one cannot point to physical amenities. Any answer must of necessity concern itself with intangibles. But two pieces of information recently received help to provide at least part of an answer. The first is that a survey conducted during 1975 revealed the average length of service on the teaching staff to be no less than ten years, something which many other schools might envy. The second arises out of Sports Day. A little while after Andrew Chaplin broke the high-jump record which stood since 1942, he received a letter of congratulation from the Old Boy who had established that record, a Mr P.R. Davidson of the South Coast. These two items do something to illustrate the strength of Kearsney. May our traditions of continuity and fellow ship long continue. 6 KEARSNEY CHRONICLE
SPEECH DAY REPORT 1975 PART I NUMBERS I am pleased to report that the school opened with a full com plement of both boarders and day boys, i.e. 443 and 95 respective ly, making a total enrolment of 538. The pressure for day places has never been as great and indications are that as the Hillcrest/Botha's Hill/Kloof area grows, there will be an even greater demand for such places in the future. It is a matter of regret that I shall not be able to accept a large number of the day boy applicants next year. SECOND VICE PRINCIPAL We congratulate Mr P.P. Metcalf most sincerely on his recent appointment as Second Vice Principal which is worthy recognition of his many years of loyal and devoted service. We extend to him our best wishes for his continued success, health and happiness. staff We were sorry to lose Mr E.G.I. Beresford and Mr G.Giles at the end of 1974 and we would like to thank them for their services and to wish the former a happy retirement and the latter every success in the future. We welcome back Mr Lewis-Williams after a period of nine months leave, most of which he spent at Cambridge University. We are grateful to Mr Lamplough for acting as Housemaster of Gillingham during this period — a task that he carried out with quiet efficiency and understanding. We welcome two members of Staff; Mr A.J. Friend, who came from Kingsway High School to join the English department and Mr J.L. Jackson who replaced Mr Giles in the Mathematics depart ment after spending a period of student teaching with us last year. We congratulate: Mr Cocks on his marriage during the July holidays and we wish him and his wife every happiness in the future and a long association with Kearsney: Mr Broster on his engagement, also during the July holidays, and we extend to him and his fiancee our very best wishes for the future. We congratulate Mrs Y. Dibb on gaining her Teaching Diploma, Mr M-A. Thiselton on achieving his B.Sc. Honours degree and Mr B. Will iams on his B.Ed, degree. Mr Jeannot with his family moved into the Housemaster's flat in Pembroke during July and assumed duty as Housemaster at the beginning of the Third term. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF We were sorry to lose Mrs S. Allen at the end of 1974. We thank her for her services as Bursar's Secretary and wish her every hap piness in the future. We welcome Mrs M.Alborough who was ap pointed Bursar's Secretary at the beginning of 1975. DOMESTIC STAFF Unfortunately Mrs Higham had to resign as Matron of Pem broke for health reasons at the end of 1974 and we are grateful to Mrs Metcalf for her help during Mrs Higham's illness..Mrs G.Con don, a former Matron at Kingswood, assumed duty on 1st February, 1975. At the end of the First term Sister F. Jeffreys resigned as Matron of Gillingham after a period of ten years. In thanking her for her service to the College, we wish her many years of health and hap piness in the future. Mrs M.C. Burrows,a former Matron at Stowe School, England, was appointed Matron of Gillingham in April. 1 am pleased to say that Mrs Wynn recovered sufficiently bom her heart attack to resume her duties as Matron of Haley House at the beginning of the Third term. We welcome her back with the f'ope that she will continue to enjoy good health, CATERING STAFF Mrs D. MacAndrew left at the end of November 1974 and was replaced as Assistant Housekeeper by Mrs M. Haughey whose former appointment was caterer to the S.A, Broadcasting Cor poration. She is an immigrant from Scotland. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ft is very gratifying to report that good progress has been made on the plans and the bills of quantity so that the Architects were able to call for tenders on 28tf^ July. These closed on 13th August and the Architects are confident tfiat building should commence within two weeks of the acceptance of a tender. If this programme is maintained, the main structure should be well advanced by the end of the year. In the meantime we have received most welcome news from the Natal Education Department to the effect that the Executive Committee has approved a capital grant of R80,000 towards out Project. CHAPEL A Chapel Advisory Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Chaplain and consisting of representatives of Staff and each Form, was instituted during the Third Quarter, 1974. I have been im pressed by the responsible approach of the boys to Chapel matters and the number of constructive suggestions on how to make the services, especially in the evening, more meaningful for all. A suggestion emanating from many senior and junior representatives is for greater participation by the boys themselves. -yj» If.- f - * ■Y a This suggestion has also been made in regard to Morning Chapel during the week. Several of the boys' suggestions have already been implemented. We were honoured to have with us our Chairman, the Rev. Professor V.J. Bredenkamp for the Service for the Reception of New Members, when 35 boys were received on Sunday, October 20th. We were pleased to have Professor Bredenkamp with us not only in his official capacity but also as an old friend in the person of a former College Chaplain. The Aglican Confirmation Service was conducted by Suffragan Bishop Hallowes in the same week, namely October 23rd. 1974, when 17 boys were confirmed. REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE The annual Remembrance Day Service was held on 10th November at 9,00 a.m. and was well attended by members of the Board, Parents, Friends and Old Boys. The service was conducted by Commander A.F.I. Attwell, who gave an outstanding address. CAROL SERVICES TJie Carol Services held on Friday, 29th November and on Sun day, 1st December were appreciated by the many parents and friends who attended. PEMBROKE HOUSE At the end of the Second quarter of 1975 Mr P. Metcalf retired as Housemaster of Pembroke after twelve years of distinguished service. We are most grateful to Mr and Mrs Metcalf for the keen personal interest they have at all times shown in the boys who have passed through their hands. They have in this way made a significant contribution to the life of the school over a long period and they will be remembered with gratitude and affection by a large number of Kearsney boys and their parents. EXAMINATION RESULTS The results of the 1974 Natal Senior Certificate examinations generally may be considered most satisfactory. Although we did not have anyone with the ability of Etienne Nel this year, four boys, G. Dibb, H. Green, P. Matley and F. Smyth gained 'A' aggregates with 5 'A's, 4 'A's, 4 'A's and 3 'A's respectively. Seven boys, L. Chaplin, P. Crossley, G. Muller, E. Schneeberger, P. Ward and A. Webster all gained 'B' aggregates of 70% and over, In all there were 19 Merit passes among 57 Matriculation Ex emption passes. Of the 27 subject distinctions eleven were in Mathematics, four in Biology, three each in Physical Science and History and two each in English, Additional Mathematics and Geography. Of the 88 candidates on the Advanced Grade, unfortunately three failed, and one of the eleven entered on the Ordinary grade. PREFECTS' INDUCTION At the usual impressive ceremony in the Chapel on Friday, 24th January, the following Prefects were inducted: L.J, Rowley (Head Boy}; G.V. Wells (Deputy); M.A. Belfort; L. Broodryk; A. Chaplin; B.C. Eigenmann; R.W.G. Goldman; D.j. Griffin; R.A. Henry; R.J. Hift; R.D. Hudson; M.E. Lil lelund; R.M. Pett and M.C. Tucker. HALEY HOUSE The ceremony to mark the naming of the former Junior House as Haley House was held on 28th February at 9,30 a.m., preceding the Annual Swimming Gala. Despite the adverse weather a large number of parents and friends, including the Haley family, were present when the Chairman of the Board, Professor V. Bredenkamp, paid tribute to Mr Haley for his services to Kearsney SPEECH DAY Headmaster's Report KEARSNEY CHRONICLE 7
over a period of 30 years,first as Secretary and later as Chairman of the Board. The commemorative plaque was unveiled by Mrs Haley. BROADCAST SERVICE The Annual Broadcast Service was transmitted on F.M. programme on Sunday, 9th March, with the recording being made at our Chapel Service on Sunday, 23rd February, BUS SERVICE Since the increase in rail fares and the unexpected withdrawal of scholar concessions last November, we have been negotiating with Messrs Collins Bus Service, Botha's Hill, with a view to in stituting a regular service from Botha's Hill to Johannesburg and return at the beginning and end of each term and for the mid term weekends. The first service which was inaugurated at the beginning of the first term proved an outstanding success, thirty-one boys being transported from Johannesburg to Botha's Hill in less than 12 hours, which included a generous stop of 2\ hours for lunch. We hope to continue the service on a regular basis in the future, thus effecting a considerable saving for our parents and avoiding the overnight journey by train. A member of Staff wilTaccompany the bus on each trip. FIELDS AND GROUNDS When they brought their boys to school for the beginning of the year new and present parents were most impressed with the state of the fields and grounds which are looking particularly colourful and well cared for. We extend our appreciation to the Ladies Committee on the one hand and to Mr Milbank and his staff on the other for their care and attention in this regard,a task that was not easy in view of the extensive rains. T.A.K.TURTON SCHOLARSHIP FOR LEADERSHIP We are most grateful to Mr T.A.K. Turton for once again mak ing available a scholarship for a boy who shows particular promise as a future leader. Wecongratulate Clive Jollands on being singled out for this particular honour and wish him every success in the future. JOINT VENTURE Thirty-five of our Standard 6 boys had the opportunity of atten ding a Joint Venture course at the Karkloof Nature Reserve from 29th April until 2nd May. Not only are these courses very valuable in bringing the boys face to face with the need for coservation but they also provide an enjoyable break from the classroom at mosphere. A similar course last year proved most interesting and instructive. The second group of Std 6 boys left for their Joiht Venture course on Tuesday, 29th July. I am sure the boys benefit con siderably from the experience gained on these courses. Socials A most successful Social with Epworth Standard IX girls and the Kearsney Sixth Form was held in October at Kearsney. The boys and girls seem to have enjoyed themselves thoroughly and a pleasing feature of the social was not only the happy atmosphere but the excellence of the behaviour generally. In April 1975 a similar Social was arranged with the St. Mary's D.S.C. Sixth Form and this proved to be equally successful and enjoyable. Easter Rugby Tour to Cape Twenty players and two Staff went on tour to Cape Town during the last week of the Easter holidays. They played three games with the following results: vs S.A.C.S.— lost 3-4, vs Rondebosch — won 13-12, vs Wynberg, lost 6-9. CrIcketAennIs Tour to Swaziland At the invitation of the Rev. Athol Jennings, Headmaster of Waterford School in Mbabane, a party of 19 boys and two Staff toured Swaziland from 10th to 14th April.The Kearsney mixed-age Tennis team lost 5 matches, won two and one was undecided, while the u.14 Cricket team won their match against the Waterford Colts IX by 12 runs. The tour proved to be both enjoyable and instructive. CREDITS We congratulate the following: In the 1975 International Youth Science examination R.J. Hift and G.V. Wells were placed in the 1st 100 and J.H. Dienst, a Fifth Form pupil, was placed in the 2nd ICQ. 2 300 scholars wrote the qualifying examination. S. du Toit, whose horse "Air Marshall" won first prize in the Show lumping Section of the Rothman's Derby in October. Crenfell Povall, who was the first schoolboy home in the Durban/Maritzburg Canoe Marathon. L. Rowley who was selected to represent Natal u.19 Water Polo Mark Wing who swam for Natal in the Currie Cup in Johannesburg Jeremy Nathan who was selected to play Natal Schools Cricket C. Jollands and K. Palmer who were placed first and second in the Natal Triathlon Championship and C. Jollands who won the Gold Medal for his age group in the Biathlon event in the S.A. Championships in Pretoria. K. Palmer and R. van Loo who were selected for the Natal Schools Fencing team against Transvaal Schools in August, 1975. R.J. Hift on being awarded a First Prize in the Regional Finals of the National Road Safety Council competition. B.I. Lind and M.J. Corfe on being selected for Natal Schools Team to play in the Schools Interprovincial in Salisbury at the end of August. B. Lind has also been selected to play for the Durban Colts (u.23) team against the British Junior Squash team. APPRECIATION I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my sincere appreciation to all members of my staff. Academic, Ad ministrative, Domestic and Maintenance,for their loyal and will ing support, without which my task would be impossible. ROTARY LEADERSHIP CAMPS I am pleased to record that three of our boys will be attending camps during the Michaelmas holidays — G.H. Lurie and M. Cheze in Port Shepstone and F. Sievers in Durban. OPEN DAY This proved a most interesting and well patronised occasion, a pleasing feature of which was the extensive participation by the boys themselves. The large number of visitors, mainly parents, were most appreciative of the demonstrations and displays which covered a wide variety of topics and school activity. The Staff and boys are to be congratulated on a fine combined operation,as are the catering staff, who, in the absence of the Chef, managed to cater most successfully for nearly 450 guests. OPERETTA Mr Harper and all concerned with the production are to be congratulated on "DOUBLE BILL", two short operettas presented on 20th and 21st June. It was quite apparent that both the cast and the audience enjoyed the evenings thoroughly. I wish to express our appreciation to Mrs Scourfield, Head mistress of St. Mary's, for allowing her girls to take part. TAALBOND EXAMINATIONS 1974 The results of this examination were as follows; Voorbereidende Hoer Graad met Lof 2 Passed Hoer Graad 10 Gewone Graad .... 37 49 Laer: Passed; Hoer Graad 2 Gewone Graad .... 37 39 Hoer: Passed; Hoer Graad 2 Gewone Graad .... 31 33 ACTIVITIES Forum: A group of Sixth Form boys on their own initiative have organised a Sixth Form Forum. Then object of the Forum is to in vite speakers on various topics in order to stimulate discussion on matters of current importance. Parti! (presented by the Headmaster) Mr Chairman, The world is full of hatred. One has only to pick up the newspaper any day of the week to read of more atrocities and further bloodshed in so many parts of the globe. Human life has become thecheapest and most in significant commodity in international politics. The irony is that most of these atrocities are committed in the name of freedom or liberation, but freedom or power in the hands of those who cannot understand or control it, can be the deadliest weapon of selfdestruction. Violence begets violence and can never be the basis for any peaceful society. A system that has its foundation in force will inevitably be overturned by the very elements it endeavours to suppress. It is not unnatural then that the effect of man's inhumanity to his fellow men in the political sphere is being felt on the personal plane. We are becoming careless in our attitude to our neighbours. One of the ways in which this is becoming evident Is the blatant disregard for the safety and welfare of others that is displayed by so many drivers on the roads. Then again, one hears so often these days of young and able-bodied men stan ding by as idle spectators while an elderly person is being attacked and having her bag snatched. These are only two indications of the changing attitude in human relationships — an attitude of almost casual indifference to the welfare of others. I go further than that and say that, apart from our immediate circle of friends, we tend to regard the majority of people with suspicion and even hostility — unless they conform to our particular patterns of behaviour or share the same views as ourselves. How often from a first im pression we hasten to form resentments and dislikes, and I am afraid this prejudice is usually born of envy or selfishness. The following story bears out my point: Charles Lamb,the English essayist, was walking with a friend when he stopped and pointed to a passerby across the street. "I don't like that man," he said. His companion replied,"Why,I didn't know you were ac quainted with him." Lamb answered, "I'm not acquainted with him — that's why I don't like him." I want to suggest to you today that you take a little trouble in trying to understand your neighbour,whether he be white or black,show a little in terest in him and above all get to know him.You will probably find that he Is not such a bad chap after all and one who will respond to the hand of friendship. What you may have Interpreted as resentment on his part is probably a natural reserve or shyness, which will disappear as you know 8 KEARSNEY CHRONICLE
him better. As you go out into the world, leaving the comparatively sheltered en vironment that has been yours for the last four or five years, you will face many challenges and you will be called upon to exercise great courage — and here I mean moral courage just as much as physical courage. Most of you will soon have to undergo your military training during which you may well encounter uncertainty and loneliness. Asone who hasshared this experience ! can give you the assurance that the best source for the courage you will need is Faith — faith in Cod and His son Jesus Christ. You will find in Him a friend who will share life's way with you, who will be there when you need Him in the hour of doubt or fear. Only He can give you the constant sense of strength, hope and courage that will sustain you when the hours seem long and unending and, believe me,these times do come in the life of every person. When they do come you need never despair for, with His help you can build up a tremendousfund of hope and inner peace. He will never let you down. Your most treasured possession in life will be your own individual character and personality. It is yours and yours alone to be guarded and defended at all costs. In the world outside you will have many choices in the ordering of your lives, some easier and more attractive than others. Moreover, you will not be short of advocates, eager to persuade you to follow one way of life or another.The glitter and the glamour of the gay life will have great attraction, but you would be wise to exercise caution in whatever choice you make. You all come from good homes and have had the privilege of spending several years at a fine school. Do not be tempted to follow a course that will bring your home and your character into dis repute. By all means enjoy your pleasures but make sure that these are healthy pleasures. The essence of a well-balanced and happy life is moderation, restraint and self-control. Always cherish the things that are good, wholesome and right and above all be loyal to the principles you know to be honest and just. Remember then that your character is your most precious possession, for what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? At the risk of appearing to preach a sermon, I wish to sum up my final message in some well-known words which should befamiliar to you all and which I feel appropriate to this occasion. "Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage, hold fast to that which is good, render to no man evil for evil, strengthen the faint hearted; support the weak, help the afflicted, honour all men, love and serve the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit." And the blessing of God Almighty remain with you for ever. Speech Day 1975 was a notable occasion. It was attended by representatives of the University of Natal and the Natal Education Department, by headmasters of a number of Durban and district schools and by several former members of the Kearsney staff, as well as by an unusually large crowd of parents and friends of the College. In a wide-ranging speech,the guest-speaker, Mr Chris Saunders,Chairman of Hulett's, spoke of the importance of school years as a preparation for life. He emphasised particularly the power of language and stressed the need for potential leaders to learn the art of express ing themselves clearly and simply. He warned also of the dangers of over-confidence stem ming from technological advances and commended to his hearers the Bible as a developer of humility and as the source of ultimate inspiration. Speaking in conclusion of the value of good schools, Mr Saunders urged the leavers to be cautious of too readily lauding what is often termed progress and stressed the importance of the individual in an increasingly impersonal world. Mr Saunders then presented the prizes. m GUEST SPEAKER SPEECH DAY,1975 MR.CHRIS SAUNDERS Mr Chris Saunders, guest speaker, congratulates Dux of the School, Richard Hift. KEARSNEY CHRONICLE 9
i It m Examination Results 1975 Sports Awards Annual Prize-Giving Final Prize-Giving (Subjects in which a distinction(80%^)was awarded appear in brackets. If the distinction was awarded on the Standard ievel, the letter 'S' is appended.) NATAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE WITH MATRICULATION EXEMPTION R.R.C. Barrow, M.A. Beifort (Eng and Agg), S.R. Bevis, R.D. Bissett, W.H. Blackboard, S.C.R. Brown, T.C. Brown, S.H. Browne, D. Hurt, A. Chaplin, M.S. Chapman, C.C. Dixon, G.R. Dunlop, B.C. Eigenmann, D.W. Franckling-Smith, C.C. Coble (Maths), R.C. Golding, R.W.G. Goldman, M.M. Goodall, D.J. Griffin, E.S. Hawkins, R.A. Henry(Maths, Phys Sc), R.J. Hift(Eng, Afriks, Maths, Bio, Lat, Phys Sc and Agg), A.D.C. Hopkins(Maths and Agg), G.W. Hudson (Maths), R.D. Hudson,A.R. Irons, 5.N. Irwin, B.W. Jolliffe, G.M, Kode (Maths), S.C. Liebetrau, M.E.N. Lillelund, T.J. Morgan, (t Indicates reaward) (Recipients of honours have previously been awarded colours) SWIMMING: Colours: L. Rowley, M.Lillelund, M.Wing,M.Bclfort(life-saving), R.Hud son (diving), M. Barbour (diving). Honours: L. Rowley (water-polo), M. Lillelund, M. Wing. CRICKFT: Colours: D. Pearse, R. Nathan, B. Eigenmann, G. Dixon, B. Hagemann, I. Howarth. Honours: D. Pearse, R. Nathan. RUGBY: Colours: B. Eigenmann,M. Richt, M.Briscoe, N. Veldman,W.Richardson, A. Irons, M. Beifort. Honours: B. Eigenmann, M. Rich, M. Briscoe, N. Veldman. SQUASH: Colours: B. Lindt, M. Corfe. (26th September, 1975) SIXTH FORM Hindson Memorial Prize for English Literature: G.V. Wells. History Prize: A.D.C. Hopkins. Music Prize: E.S. Hawkins. Sutler Gore Trophy (Public Speaking): A.C. Ross. S.B. Theunissen Memorial Prize for Perseverance; P.G. De Volpi,C.C.Co ble. Headmaster's Prize for Special Service: L.J. Rowley. George McLeod Memorial Essay Prize: R.J. Hift. William and Susan Jones Prize for English: R.J. Hift. Dr Richter Prize for Afrikaans: R.J. Hift. Alletson-Smlth Award for Mathematics: R.J. Hift. (4th September, 1975) SPORTS AWARDS; Cross-Country: Senior House: Finningley (Christian Cup). Junior Inler-House: Finningley (Calder Cup). Junior individual(M.W.A. Fourie Cup): B. Craig. Shooting: Inter-House: Pembroke (Derek Robbins Cup). Senior Championships(Ken Trotter Shield): S. Pett. Highest average during the year (Ivan Bjorkman Cup): R. Pett and M.C. Stead. Junior Championships (Ernest Ashby Memorial Cup): M.C. Stead. Squash: Most improved Player (Carrington Cup): G.R. Garlick. Junior Championships(Negus Trophy): N.A.K. Kraus. Senior Championships(Old Boys' Trophy): M.J. Corfe. T. Ouwehand,A.M. Quinton, W.Richardson, A.C. Ross, L.J. Rowley, A.G. Small, S.V. Stanley, N. Steyn, T.A.M. Stranack, R.J.H. Taylor (Maths, Phys Sc), W.M.Taylor (Phys Sc), M.C.Tucker, P.J. van der Pol, M.L. Wayne,G.V. Wells (Eng, Maths, Phys Sc and Agg), D.V.K. Woodhouse(Maths [S]), A.J. Young (Maths and Agg). NATAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE M.H.A. Barbour, W. Bentley, T.M.D. Berge, L. Broodryk, W.A.R. Burns, R. Cawood, R.C. Chappie,G.C. Clarke,M.J. Coad,L.J. Crossley,P.G.de Volpi, D.L. Fletcher, E.j. Fouche, D.C. Gillespie, W.A. Gillespie, A.M. Hill, C.C. Homer, J.A. Howieson, W. Hultzer, M.K. Liddy, N.K. Liddy, C.A. Logan, D.E. Mason, T.R. Passmore, B.J. Paxman, R.M. Pett, M.C. Rich, P.N. Rouillard, D.W. Russon, K.J. Spratt, B.M. Theunissen (Geog (S], Hist [S]), N F Veldman, A M Wilks, D Batchelor, L du Bernard Honours: B. Lindt. SHOOTING: Colours: R. Pettf, P- van der Pol. HOCKEY: Colours: M. Saunderst, 5. Liebetrau. TENNIS: Colours: W. Bentley. ATHLETICS: Colours: A. Chaplint, M. Richt, L. Broodrykt, M. Briscoet, W. Huiti-^r, K. Guy, E. Hohls, D. Griffin, G. Clarke. Honours: A. Chaplin, M. Richt. CROSS-COUNTRY: Colours: R. Golding. Latin Prize: R.J. Hift. Ben Milner Prize for Biology; R.J. Hift. Patrick Moore Memorial Shield and Prize for Physical Science: R.J. Hift. Hanle Trophy (Cultural Activities): R.J. Hift. Dux of the School: R.J. Hift. Academic Honours: R.J. Hift, G.V. Wells. Cultural Honours: G.V. Wells, R.J. Hift. Sports Honours: Squash: B.I. Lind, M.J. Corfe. Athletics: A. Chaplin, M.G. Rich. Rugby: M.G. Rich, B.C. Eigenmann, N.F. Veldman, M.A. Briscoe. Academic Colours: M.A. Beifort, R.A. Henry,A.D.C. Hopkins, L.J. Rowley. Cultural Colours: E.S. Hawkins, D.J. Griffin, A.C. Ross, G.V. Wells. Recognition of Service Award: S.R. Bevis. Rodda Trophy (Kearsney vs Old Boys): Kearsney. Cricket: Most improved and promising player (Foss Bat): I. Howarth. House with the greatest number of boys in cricket teams (Jack Hulett Salver): Finningley. Inter-House Championships: Pembroke. Athletics: Jubilee Trophy for the best runner-up on Sports Day: R.J. Hudson. Tennis: Junior Singles(George Hulett Trophy): N. Engelbrecht. Senior Singles (Polkinghorne Cup): P. Clemence. Sportsman of the Year: M.G. Rich. Edwin Henwood Trophy (Leadership): R.J. Hift. Parkes Inter-House Scholastic Trophy: Pembroke. 10 KEARSNEY CHRONICLE
E.C. SMITH CHIEF INSPECTOR OF EDUCATION NATAL In responding very readily to the request that 1 write a few lines in appreciation of Mr. Hopkins' long service to Kearsney, I consider that I am happily placed to do this from two points of view; firstly,on a purely personal note,in that our association goes back many years to the days when we were small boys at Kearsney; we went through school together, he a year ahead of me; we went through university together, he a year ahead of me. We taught on the staff of Kearsney together, I briefly only. I treasure the recollections of all those days. Writing as an officer of the Natal Education Department, it is for me a great privilege to pay tribute to his service, not only to Kearsney, but through that service also to the cause of education in this province. As Headmaster, it was his avowed policy to work in close collaboration with the Department in the academic field, maintaining always his in dependence of action. He has been a highly valued representative at, and has contributed much to, the deliberations of various bodies in the educational field. This has indeed been appreciated. His personal and professional integrity have shone through his every word and action. I am therefore proud to have been associated with him personally and professionally. I can ac cord him no greater tribute than to say "He is indeed a very fine schoolmaster". VICTOR BREDENKAMP,CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS In paying this tribute to Jimmy Hopkins,as requested by the editor, I do so very willingly and with great pleasure,and I speak not only as Chairman of the Board of Governors but as one who,from 1957-1960, served with him as a member of Staff (in my capacity as Chaplain of Kearsney) and later, as a member of the Board,had the privilege of sharing the confirmation of his appointment as Headmaster of the College twelve years ago. Having personally known all three of Kearsney's Headmasters to date I have not the slightest hesitation in saying thatjimmy Hopkins,in his dedication to the duties of a principal — in the meticulous care he has given to the administration of the multifarious College matters,in his public relations, in his genuine concern for every boy in the school, in the personal interest he has taken in every old boy, in his desire to strive for the welfare of every aspect of the Kearsney family — in all these matters,our present Head has not only emulated his illustrious predecessors R.H. Matterson and Stanley Osier, but has deservedly taken his place as their peer in the gallery of distinction. Jimmy Hopkins' stature in the field of secondary and tertiary education is widely acknowledged.Throughout his present tenure of office he has been the sole representative of the High Schools of Natal on the Council of the University of Natal. Not only so. When the previous Vice-Chairman of the Council (Mr. B.A. Armitage) was elected Chancellor of the University, Mr. Hopkins was appointed his successor and was recently re-elected to serve another term in this capacity regardless of his impending retirement. At his farewell Speech Day ceremony (held on September 26th, 1975) our Headmaster was accorded the unusual honour of having both the Deputy Directors,the Chief Inspector and the Under Secretary of Education attend the prize-giving, in addition to the District Inspector. Also present were four other Headmasters. It is often said one is 'born' a good teacher. I cannot agree. Like most other achievements becoming a good teacher is something that requires working at very hard. And herein lies the secret of Jimmy's success. His lessons were always well prepared. Consequently he im parted a love of the English language to numerous boys that passed through his hands. In all things, great and small, Jimmy has practised a conscientiousness that through sheer hard work has brought rich rewards. One of Kearsney's enviable records has been the relatively low Staff turnover. There was a time when Mr. Matterson could count on his fingers the people who had served on the staff over a period of several decades. The fact that there are now over 500 boys in the school has necessitated a large increase in Staff. Yet a significant number have been at the College for more than twenty years, and who still have many years of useful service to give to Kearsney. Such commendable stability and continuity is its own silent tribute to the Headmaster. If I were to single out one,among the many,laudable attributes of Jimmy Hopkins as Head master, it would be the ceaseless concern he has shown for the less gifted boy. At Board meetings he has constantly pleaded for an educational policy that will cater for all levels of intellect. He has persistently opposed any suggestion of Kearsney becoming a school for the IN HONOREM J.H.H. Tribute to Mr J.H. Hopkins on his retirement KEARSNEY CHRONICLE 11
intellectual elite. The newly instituted Differential Educational Policy of the education authorities is entirely in keeping with the educational philosophy of our esteemed Head master. Believing that Kearsney has a great deal to offer every boy desirous of being enroll ed,Jimmy has devised a policy that seeks to cater for the native ability of every scholar. Such a stand is not a comfortable one to take —far easier to try to skim off the cream and to teach those gifted with approved academic ability, it is this essential humility and this love of his fellow human beings, especially the youth, that distinguishes Jimmy Hopkins. Having no il lusions about himself, he is averse to any affectation and cannot tolerate false pride. His own transparent sincerity has endeared him to generations of schoolboys and Kearsney Old Boys. One in whom there is no guile, he is held in the highest esteem wherever Kearsney boys, past or present, get together. I have tried to avoid the impression that Jimmy Hopkins is the ideal or perfect headmaster. In any case,such exists only in the realm of ideas. This man is all too human,and it is his essen tial humanity that has earned for him the epithet of a'great' headmaster. And such will be his title in the annals of Kearsney. It was a fortunate day for the College when young James Hulett Hopkins, great-grandson of Sir Liege Hulett, founder of Kearsney, enrolled at the school, and an even more fortunate one when the Board,showing rare wisdom,called him to the position of headmaster. Having been taught various academic subjects by 'Mattie' Matterson, Jimmy obviously imbibed a great deal more than book-learning from his erstwhile mentor. In conclusion I wish to express our boundless admiration,and our willing recognition,of the magnificent contribution to Jimmy's headmastership made by his loyal and lovely wife, Val. He would be the first to acknowledge that without her few of his achievements would have been possible. Her constant encouragement, her ready smile, her imperturbable demeanour,and her ability to 'get on' with everyone, has been of inestimable worth in the signal contribution Jimmy Hopkins has made to the life of our Alma Mater. We can but thank both Jimmy and Val from the depth of our hearts,and with equal sincerity wish them a long and happy retirement. May it be as blessed as it has been well deserved. God bless you both. Pax Vobiscum. GRAEME SHUKER, CHAIRMAN,KEARSNEY EXECUTIVE AND PARENT It has been a unique and wonderful experience for me to have been associated with Jimmy Hopkins for 30 years, starting as a young boy at Kearsney, when he returned to teach after World War II, then as a fellow Old Boy,and latterly as a parent and Governor of the School. It is therefore a great pleasure and privilege to have been asked,as a parent,to pay tribute to those qualities and attributes which have made him such a worthy successor to the late Mr. R.H. Matterson and Mr. Stanley Osier. Although, in his own right, he is well known and held in high esteem in educational and other spheres throughout Natal and South Africa, for many of us, the name of'Hopkins' is essentially 'Kearsney'. After a brilliant school, university and army career,Jimmy elected to return to his old school when many other opportunities must have been available to him.This fact alone has shown his complete dedication to, and love for Kearsney. He has always been extremely approachable. His vital interest in people and the sympathetic manner in which he has always received any approach from a parent or boy has earned him, and the school, high esteem and immense popularity. His courtesy and friendliness, which are so self-evident, are reflected in the school, and I know that the courtesy and good manners of the boys, which are so favourably commented upon, are due to his own fine example. His leadership and foresight in creating an environment and the opportunity to allow every boy,regardless of his inherent ability, to develop his own talents in all spheres of college life, can be seen throughout the school. This can in part be exemplified by the establishment of the Resources Centre at a time, just prior to retirement, when he could have been nostalgically reflecting on past years rather than looking forward to Kearsney's future needs. One,of course,could go on and on, but I would be failing in my duty if I did not mention his 12 KEARS.NBY CHRONICLE
charming wife, Val. I am sure Jimmy would be the first to acknowledge the unstinting and unfailing support she has given him during their time at Kearsney together. What has endeared her to us all has been the wonderful hospitality and friendship so generously extended to everyone, the charm with which she has graced our social events, her cheerfulness and quiet sense of humour. The interest and help she has given to the school, behind the scenes without seeking recognition,can be seen in so many things— the gardens, the flower arrangements in the chapel and hall. She has certainly left her mark on Kearsney. Inevitable as it is, it is not easy to accept that an era is over, that Kearsney will be wfthout Jimmy and Val Hopkins.We can, however,be grateful that Kearsney and our sons have been so well served and we acknowledge our indebtedness to them and thank them most sincerely. This is also accompanied by our earnest wishes that their retirement, so richly deserved, will be filled with happiness. J.W. STORM, 1st VICE-PRINCIPAL. Kearsney has been fortunate to have had only three Headmasters since it was established,on the North Coast more than 50 years ago. We have been more than fortunate to have had three men the calibre of Bob Matterson,Stanley Osier and Jimmy Hopkins.And now that we come to the end of the Hopkins era it is my privilege, as a colleague, to pay tribute to this man and great headmaster. As a great-grandson of our founder, and Old Boy of North Coast Vintage, a teacher, VicePrincipal and Headmaster, he certainly shared in all the traditions of the College. After a very successful career at Natal University he started teaching at Kearsney in 1939, and then went on war service. Here he distinguished himself as an officer in the Sappers. After the war he came back to teach at Kearsney. I met him when I joined the Staff in 1947. I was new from Stellenbosch and this was my first impression of an "English" Private School. Jimmy was to me the perfect "English" gentleman! His manners were always impeccable, and he always seems to do the right thing. After 29 years as a colleague, I still regard him as the perfect gentleman. He was teaching English then, but perhaps he was better known as the Sportsmaster of Kearsney College. He took over from Cyril Medworth and was in charge of rugby, cricket, and athletics — three sports in which he excelled himself. When Mr.Osier decided to have a Sports Committee to run all sports,Jimmy became chairman — a post he held until his retire ment. He also loved his cadets and became O.C.Detachment 497 when Major Gram retired. He was soon promoted to Commandant, and awarded the De Wet Decoration for out standing service as an officer. He was Housemaster of Finningley when he was appointed Vice-Principal. When Stanley Osier left, the extra responsibilities fell on his capable shoulders. Kearsney was now a recognised strength in education in South Africa, and our new Headmaster had to work harder than ever before. Here he was assisted by Val who stood by him and assisted him in many ways. As Headmaster he was very proud of his school, and nothing would stir up the old Irish temper quicker than a derogatory remark about his school, or his boys. The boys were always reminded of their manners, and encouraged to become young gentlemen. He was recognised by the Natal Education Department, the University of Natal and the Conference of Private Schools as a leader and as such served on many of their committees. But to us he was Kearsney,and he has served Kearsney well. He was a great Headmaster,and we will all miss him. Jimmy ana vai spent ineir wnoie marriea lire at Kearsney College; all three sons were born here, and all three are Old Boys. We would like to wish Jimmy and Val, Sean, Liege and Robin happiness in their new home near Old Kearsney. God bless you. KEARSNEY CHRONICLE 13
LJ. ROWLEY, Over the years Kearsney has developed into one ot the leading schools in the country with a HEAD BOY reputation in sporting, academic, and cultural spheres. Under the guidance of Mr. Hopkins,the school has continued to be regarded as among the best,for Kearsney has kept pace with the ever increasing high standard of facilities, and amenities expected today. It has been said that a school is a reflection of its Headmaster. Thus as we look at Kearsney we can not only see a school which is held in high esteem, but can also start to realize the character of the man who has organized and led Kearsney over the past twelve years, and who, in fact, has devoted most of his life to the benefit of the College. Most of us who have passed through this school under Mr. Hopkins, have noticed how he has devoted his whole life to serving others. Not only is he prepared to put himself out, if asked, but he has always put the interests of the school, and of those around him before himself. To quote one example would be absurd,for this can be seen in his everyday life. To us boys, Mr. Hopkins has shattered the age-old image of Headmasters, and with his un derstanding, and thoughtful nature, has developed for himself a deep and sincere respect from the schoolboys, a respect which has not had its origin in fear, but rather in an in evitable affection for a man who not only clearly knew how to lead a school, but who had the personality to put his theories into practice. To understand human relationships is difficult, and to master them is a gift few have. Mr. Hopkins, however, has realized that a personal interest in all individuals is both a necessity and a stimulus for them,and as a result it is a common sight to see him walking around the school,and sports fields in his cheerful manner,greeting and chatting to the boys. In placing himself alongside the boys in this manner, to occasionally be one of them and to joke together, instead of remaining aloof, he has not only earned for himself a deep respect, but has helped to keep the spirit of the school high. He has not, however,forgotten the necessity of discipline, and although strict at times he also shows understanding and sympathy towards the boys' point of view.One thing he could not tolerate, however, was ungentlemanly behaviour, which was accordingly very severely dealt with. Generally Mr. Hopkins has entreated his prefects to enforce routine discipline which was based on the belief that the boys are responsible enough to behave correctly without being constantly punished. It is very difficult for the boys to be able to express this appreciation as much as they feel it, to Mr. Hopkins,for through his efforts, Kearsney has become a second home to us,to which we are proud to belong. As a result, on behalf of all the boys of the College, I would like to thank Mr. Hopkins very much indeed,for the important part he has played in the develop ment, and the history of Kearsney College, as a teacher, housemaster and Headmaster. caLj.e.ee m/i 14 KEARSNEY CHRONICLE
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