Reminiscences: Henry F Halloran (Pupil, 1883-1885)

I remember one day when Bill Langton (afterwards Dr W D Langton, of Redfern, who died not long ago), who lived up the Western Line, brought a basket of pigeons to school, and during the French lesson, which was in the classroom at the north-west corner of the old building , Os. Bell and I let them out. At once there was pandemonium, and Dr Thibault (who was a good sort, but had no control) nearly went mad. After matters quietened a little, I heard his usual command on French days: "Mr Alleron, you will leave de room." at which I went out in the playground and enjoyed myself till play time, and that was all that ever happened. I often used to see that same French gentleman after school days, and we were very good friends.

On another occasion the Head, good old Joey , caught Os. Bell and I (we two were always up to some devilment or other) throwing pens into the ceiling, a favourite pass time, and we were called out together. Joey approached us with that set look of his and his teeth together and bared, and quick as a flash Os. got one from that swift left hand on the right ear. I was successful in dodging mine, but, as I turned, the foot scored where the hand had failed, and I received a beauty in the rear. Joseph Coates was a great Head, a strict disciplinarian in school, but not a spark of ill will in his whole body, and very just and fair. A great friend of the boys, and well beloved by all of them. He used to give me a rough time, but I know he liked me as I did him. Those were the days, and how we used to appreciate three-pennorth of mixed boiled lollies from Prince's in Market Street , when we were rich enough to have them!

The Record, October, 1933.