Kearsney College Chronicle Vol. 4, No. 5 July, 1957 EDITORtAL We have nov/ had eighteeynears at Botha's Hill. We also had eighteen years at the "old school ". This is therefore a unique moment in the school's life. Although in that brief time our numbers have increased from 12 to 320(thanks to the progressiveness of Headmaster and Board) let there never be any disparagement of the years spent up the North Coast. They v^ere precious years, where a solid foundation was laid for the later edifice. We had so sound a start that we have been able to do a good deal of coasting since. As one who lived through those days, I can see in retrospect some of the characteristics which gave the school, small though it was, the right to be called Great. Let us consider them,for they are the essence of any good school. First of all, there was dignity. Although we lived in isolation and enjoyed a"happy family"life, the family never led to familiarity. Staff maintained a dignity which kept them just sufficiently above the boys—for no boy wants a master to come to his level. Prefects cherished the dignity of their position, and by their behaviour and approach to their responsibilities, automatically secured respect from the rest of the school. Seniors likewise demanded, and got, obedience and regard from juniors. There was harmony. Friction In so small a place would have been fatal. The family lived in unity and concord, and I cannot think back on any incident which caused pain or irritation. Life was relaxed. There was discipline. Rules were imposed for the well-being of the society. Staff and boys respected them. Rules which are kept by some and can be disregarded by others are no longer rules. To allow this, destroys unity in a school. So one and all, old and young, respected the rules which were made, and never thought to do otherwise. 210
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