Reminiscences: Anonymous (Pupil, 1884- )

I intend to relate a few of my joys and sorrows that took place in the old school building in Castlereagh St, and which is about to be converted into a "doss house" for unfortunate returned soldiers.

I can well remember the day - now 38 years ago - when I presented myself for the admission examination, and the fear which seized me as I wended my way up the old stone steps to the big class room and peeped in first, and then after a long pause, summoned courage to face the music, which I don't mind admitting at that time, I had not acquired a taste for. However, to come to the point quickly, I passed, and was duly enrolled as a student.

Our Headmaster was the late Mr Joseph Coates (affectionately known as "Joey"), a great disciplinarian, but a just and upright man. He was assisted by the late Mr "Jim" McManamey, who gave his life for King and Country on the rugged shores of Gallipoli, then came Mr Piddington (called "Pidd." for shortness), Mr Trebeck (popularly called "Tommy"), and others.

As I cast my mind back there is no doubt we were a happy crowd, we had to work hard, were kept under strict discipline, only having one sports day a month. What oh! You boys now, think of that, with your sports day weekly, and how we did enjoy our football and cricket matches on the greens of old Moore Park, against Newington, Kings and Sydney Grammar, etc. How we used to line out to play or barrack and didn't we do it with might and main. And then our annual sport and prize distributions, didn't we think they were "bonzer", especially as the girl students, who by the way, had the adjoining portion of the school favoured us with their presence and smiles.

I can see now the telegraphic glances that took place between us, also the detecting glances of the masters and what oh! the consequences next day. Still it was worth risking.

As our windows opened on to the Girls' playground, but were frosted over, a great game was to scratch sufficient of this off to form a peep hole, or else to raise the window about an inch, but woe betide if "Joey" caught you "de flagrante delecto." I have vivid recollections of one of the senior boys being caned before the whole school - this was reckoned a treat for us - for transgressing in this direction.

Our playground was the worst feature of the school, owing to its restricted area and the number of boys using it, consequently wrestling bouts and other forms of "sport" used to be indulged in to the damage of our clothes and hides.

Our "tuck shop" in those days was Holmes, the baker, in King St , where the best of pies, etc, were retailed at very low prices, and to see the procession to and fro at about 12.20 pm was indicative of the quality of the edibles.

In those days the punishment was made to fit the crime. It was the daily habit of "Joey" to meander round various class rooms - which were separated by big drop baize blinds - and round up the boys like brumbies who were frequently adorning the floor instead of their class, and drive them into "his room," there to be well trounced.

The worst punishment of all that we boys dreaded was the return to the school on Saturday morning at 9.15 am and to be detained until 11 am, which not only broke our morning but fairly broke our hearts. Needless to say one dose of this was equivalent to a term of "solitary" to a refractory prisoner.

Anyway we used to reckon it was all in the game, and through all this, as I now calmly look back over the stretch of years, the majority of us emerged better boys.

Well in conclusion I feel proud I attended such a school, and when I think of the number of my fellow students who have made good in the race of life, I feel prouder still.

My hope is that similar feelings of pride will always abide with you boys when you say farewell to this school, and so terminate the happiest days of your life.

The Record, June, 1922, pp 52-53.