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Memories of Michaelhouse The First 100 Years < //e/?i(>r(C'S sf Â« /Jfe/iae//o(('S'e The First One Hundred Years 1896-1996 Introduction / remember, I remember the house where I was born, the little window w here the sun came peeping in at morn. Thomas Hood. As we grow older our memories become more precious to us, and most vivi dly we recall the turbulent years of our adolescence, our hopes and fea rs, our loves and hates, our triumphs and our failures. Memories of school days at Michaelhouse are unique for each individual, b ut the photographs and stories in this book, reflecting each decade of th e school's hundred years, will, we hope, evoke for every old boy a pleasa nt feeling of nostalgia. Each reader can people the familiar places with his own contemporaries and the staff of his day. Yesterday evening, Sunday 14th May, 1995, I was roaming around the estat e. Autumn leaves carpeted the ground and the setting sun bathed the vall ey in a romantic rosy glow. I felt nostalgic. As I passed by the chapel I thought of Charles Hannah making his annual visit and hopefully 'final ' farewell sermon. None of us cared to hear for the umpteenth time the o ld man's reminiscences, including how he had walked round the Oval with Canon Todd deciding where each tree was to be planted. Passing through t he passage way, where the staff nowadays collect their post from their p igeonholes, I remember it as the entrance hall of the Rectory, and I rec all dinner parties in these rooms which are now offices, Fred and Margar et Snell our gracious hosts. Their ghosts are there to-day for me. I walk through Usher quadrangle past the Science Department, where Ken and Ruth's rondavels used to be, past the new Mackenzie House on the si te of the old Sanatorium. Next I stand on the stage of the old open-air amphitheatre. Here Seath Stranack was Shylock. Here Peter Dauncy as 'O rlando' tumbled the mighty 'Oliver', Jack Crutchley. Here we wept for J oan D'Arc (Nicholas Palmer) as she was led off to the stake. "Light you r fire!''. Here Sydney Simkin offered his kingdom for a horse. On to the cemetery, but the light is fading now. It is just possible to discern the name of Charles Brooker who dived to his death over Howick Falls in 1940 and around are the graves of many former colleagues and former friends, Paul Hett, Tommy Norwood, Robbie Robinson, Bobby Woods, John Wilson.... But, like Hannah, I must be becoming an ancient mariner myself. Just on e more memory: It was 1947. On the wall of the house occupied by Robbie and Anne Robinson there was a lovely photograph, taken and enlarged by Robbie himself, of a little girl, their first daughter Sue. She is the compiler of this book. Her son Gavin, who was at Michaelhouse from 198 6-1990, (a keen photographer like his grandfather) and Sue's original i dea was to print a collection of their photographs, of her home, Michae lhouse. The project has been expanded since then, and here it is - a book about Michaelhouse. Ronald Brooks. Acknowledgements: To Ronald Brooks, for his encouragement and assistance, Elaine Dobson's enthusiasm, (she let me loose in the Archives,) and the support of the Centenary Committee, in particular Richard Lister. I am most grateful. Most of the black and white photographs are my Father, Robbie Robinson 's, the coloured ones, my son, Gavin Steiner's. Thanks to Kevin Rudham. one of the photographers for the book, "Historic Schools of South Afri ca", for your photograph "The Library 1993" (p96), and the Johannesburg Photographic Society, with Herman Potgieter, for the photo (pl52-153) "The front of the School". Last but not least, all the Michaelhousians who told me their stories, and lent us their photographs, please accept our grateful thanks. Sue Pollock December 1995 Lithographed by Teeanem Printers (Pty) Ltd. 208 Victoria Road, Pieterma ritzburg, 3201. Contents Pages: Titles I. The Founder of Michaelhouse: We feared him, but we also regarded him with great affection. 3. The first journey that James Todd made to Africa was in 1886. 5. some people dream of worthy accomplishments: while others stay aw ake and do them. 6. A name: MICHAELHOUSE. II. Quit you like men 12. My dear father...1 like this school much better than the other... 15. MICHAELHOUSE BALGOWAN 18. His Dream Materializes: Natal Diocesan College Balgowan. 19. Gaunt, bare veld, scarred by builders rubble met their eyes... 26. "The Great Conflict is over.....the awful price paid in full." A Memorial is to be built. 32. An antiquated uniform - "For the sake of neatness we do not care to r isk sun-stroke or heat apoplexy." 36. Drills, Parades, Rats and Royalty. 41. Show boyhood how it can serve and the response will seldom fail, pres ent it with ideals and THE IDEALS OF TODAY BECOME THE TRADITIONS OF TOMORROW. " 44. "The person who is a good sport has to lose to prove it." 49. Dear Sir.....I allude to the habit of putting the bottom of their cricket fl annnels into their socks. 58. "Since there is no opportunity at Michaelhouse to become a bullfighter or gladiator, he opted for Hockey goalie." 60. "I MUST GO DOWN TO THE TRACK AGAIN..." 64. "We HAVE ELECTED TO PLAY THE GAME 'RUGBY' ...... THE G AME HAS BEEN GROUND INTO EVERY BOY." 71. "We HEARTILY CONGRATULATE OUR RIVALS (HiLTONIANS) O N WINNING...LETS HOPE THAT SOME DAY THEY MAY GET A BETT ER AND LESS DUSTY GROUND." 79. "The Producer richly deserved the bouquet of carrots and onions wh ich she was presented WITH AT THE FINALE." 80. "any dream will do------" Joseph. 83. "It gratted stubbings turning out a spy bocorse he was a deasant genia l chap in plus fors." 84. "Portia------is dead." 86. "That sometimes here of me it might be said: 'To him at least his scho ol was ever dear.'" 87. "MEANWHILE WE ARE, THE BOTH OF US, IN FOR A HELL OF A T IME!" 89. "how extraordinary that the moth only attacks the seat of your trouser s." 93. Knowledge and timber should not be used until they are well seasone d 100. I HAVE NOT FAILED 10,000 TIMES. I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY F OUND 10,000 WAYS THAT WILL NOT WORK. 103. It IS WHAT YOU LEARN AFTER YOU KNOW IT ALL THAT COUNT S. 104. THE QUIET DIGNITY OF MICHAELHOUSE BELIES ITS CONSTA NT NEED FOR FUNDS. 109. A TEACHER INFLUENCES ETERNITY: HE/SHE CAN NEVER TE LL WHERE THAT INFLUENCE STOPS. 110. From the Constitution III. Speechday 1897: Held "in honour of our great archangel, St. micha el." Canon James Todd. 113. Outstanding people have one thing in commo n: an absolute sense of mission. 116. on show, having delusions of grandeur, backslapping, Schmaltzy o r bonhomie? 118. 'Stars of the Morning so gloriously bright.. ' 120. "Some sort of spiritual relationship is important. Michaelhouse offers superb facilities to expand this aspect of education." (a boy) 128. "If you get Bossanyi you'll get the best piece of glass in the continen t of Africa." The dean of York. 129. Above the Rose window is a gable window in intense blues whic h raises the eyes to the DARKNESS OF THE ROOF. 131. A RECOLLECTION OF THOSE FEW YEARS WHEN WE WERE P ART OF MICHAELHOUSE 132. An Architectural Icon of Todd's dream 142. "Like our fathers we are willing to cultivate learning on a little oatmeal .' 150. A new generation of schoolboys will take Michaelhouse to its heart. IV Preface "A boy s connection with his school is not severed when he leaves, but las ts throughout life. I mean that his whole tone, moral and spiritual, as we ll as intellectual, is largely determined for life by his school; and to h is dying day he will be different from what he would have been if he had b een at any other school." The Founder of Michaelhouse, Canon James Cameron Todd, 1896- 1903 . In the Chronicle celebrating the Jubilee Year 1946, the Editor, Jim Chutte r reprinted an article by Canon Todd that he had written in one of the ver y first issues of the S. Michael's Chronicle. He wrote: "The purpose of the Chronicle is to preserve for them (our successors) a record of our thoughts and doings so that five hundred years hence the boys may learn something of their predecessors from the pages of the S. Michael's Chronicle. It forms a link between the Old Boys and their scho ol." There was only one Old Boy at that time! Such was his determination to s ucceed in his venture and establish a Diocesan school in South Africa. I ndeed these Chronicles of History and the anecdotes pertaining to the ac tivities of the generations of students who have passed through Michaelh ouse, their Rectors and teachers, the buildings, the playing fields and classrooms were an invaluable resource in the preparation of the text fo r this book. My Father, Robbie Robinson's meticulously catalogued black-and-white pho tographs, my son Gavin's coloured pictures, together with the works of a mateurs, a few professionals, mainly friends and members of the Michaelh ouse community were the inspiration for the illustrations. The photograp hs we have chosen portray people, places and events that relate to Micha elhouse. They show the school at its ordinary and daily occupations, its conception and development spanning a hundred years, from 1896 - 1996. The quality of some of the very old photographs, in particular, is poor, none the less they are all very precious. I hope that they will appeal to Michaelhousians past and present, and that in the future they will am use and intrigue our descendants! The first hundred years have passed. The boys who have studied, played, fought food-fights and worshipped at this institution have each left a s mall part of themselves and their memories, so contributing to the tradi tions of Michaelhouse. From the innumerable photographs, stories told, e vents recalled, and individuals mentioned we have chosen a few. All are equally worthy and significant but, unfortunately, because of limited sp ace, inevitably far more has been left out than has been included. And so, in words and pictures, we offer you a reflection of the patterns o f life and traditions during the hundred years of this remarkable school, Michaelhouse. Sue Pollock & Gavin Steiner. 1925: Outside the prefect's room, in the Quad. The chronicle is out! V The Founder of Michaelhouse: "We feared him but we regarded him with affection." James Cameron Todd, the only son of Scottish parents, James Cameron Tod d and his wife Jean, was born at Rangoon, British Burma, on the 13th Oc tober 1863. The Todd's returned to Glasgow, Scotland, in the early 1870 's with their four young children, probably so that James and his three sisters could be educated "at home." James was an outstanding scholar. He completed his tertiary education with academic distinctions in Scie nce and Mathematics, from Glasgow University. Then followed a year of t eaching at "Loretto," a Scottish Public School. Although very brief the experience influenced him in the planning of his school, Michaelhouse, particularly in matters of discipline, dress and "Free Bounds", but mo re of that later. Todd felt his destiny lay in the Church, and not in the classroom, and so , after his Ordination in 1893, he accepted an invitation from Bishop Bay nes of Natal to come to Africa. He served in the Anglican Cathedral "St P eter's" in Pietermaritzburg. Much of his 'spare' time was spent in tutori ng his Parishioners' children, in particular the farmers children, who ha d little chance of Secondary Education as the High Schools were too far a way, in the City. Todd saw the need for a Diocesan Secondary School with boarding facilities and so, a hundred years ago, on the 5th of August, 18 96, he returned to teaching, opened the doors, and 15 boys entered the ne w school, "Michaelhouse," in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg. One of the Cathedral Parishioners Mrs G. Robinson wrote to tell her siste r about the popular Priest: tyRieLuMaue^ 1897 atXOAX uacxI to pytexicR at tRct' atR^xl/xaR ruxAv1 and tfven. t cEe-vle /^ Ac/imunA fdU tL, 05 u/ic L X, Rad a jîne de vLe/Lij 'l-icjADSKlAUl., RÂ«/ CvEvixUja axl id,' ad Instead aj? "@ad". tRid, 1&. Â§calii^R it v\lcu>. tRe. an&j Scatd. vIqaA' 3 qAqsv Rea-ad/, Re, dpxJle. ad, an C^ntj Ltd Rman. tRe e anan \0xid in 0Ha/uX^ (ui xcj Rio moiRea- ccun*, fiuun, C^caiEand la, slidi/t Run/. c)Re, id cl Randdame, vlasncui and Rxid jnxxde a \le/u j cj/teat ina|>yxeddlan an tRe, Rad ted a^ tR^ (?a.tR^d/ta-E, and ca/m.p ,Â£eteÂ£u cRantjed tRe,i/t ntacU jxxdJvtand. 3C* a. pyiA-t apîeaaan. ca \\lad. in .01 ti/tcR - vie/ aEÂ£ RneA\t viRa/ dive/ wW, cw, tJLCc anan Rinio c^j7 R/imujiti R-e/t in and/ ^.Ra/vO/ed R e/X to/ a- .seaX. o, viaA/ 'hzAsy i/tij Rid % d/ted-d^d- and via/te- a pAclnxe Ra/t. Â«J^CoaO e'ie-xtjane taliced! R^/X ap.-pyea/Xanc e dÂ«Â£ujJvted ltd-, în na/ time- at aÂ£Â£ cpane v3ai/xe- a RE tR/C/ m-axted aj/ d/xeAdv. 3"! vc. Lontjactjatiaii Kao ta. (xmJL anunW and, ijoiwwp'u - Who was this man that countless boys have thanked at the end of each term? from the School prayer: "WE GIVE THEE HUMBLE AND HEARTY THANKS FOR OUR FOUNDER JAMES CAMERON TODD Canon James Cameron Todd: Founder and Rector, 1986-1903. "No! he was not, as he appears to be in this portrait that hangs in the Senior Hall, hard, unbending and wanting in sympathy. To know him was to see behind that mask and realise a great humanity, deep sympathy and la rge-hearted charity in the man," commented Dobree, the first teacher to be appointed to Michaelhouse. One of the founder pupils, J.Sisson, remem bers Todd differently, but with no less respect. "Discipline for Todd wa s instinctive and he was inexorably just, but make him angry and his sar casm was terrible. We feared him, but regarded him with affection. He ap preciated natural talent and had infinite patience with the true blockhe ad. Most of all, he never preached a dull sermon!" Undoubtedly Todd had a dominant personality in the duties of a Headmaste r and a stern determination to make a school as he wished it to be: 'the beau ideal of an English public school offering liberal education combi ned with definite Church teaching.' 1 Five years after its founding, Todd moved his school to Balgowan, a plac e in the country "away from the influences of the city." For seven years he toiled and worked and, in spite of the tremendous difficulties and w orries, he saw the school, which started in such humble surroundings in Maritzburg, grow out of all recognition from a 'Private Academy,' which he funded himself for four and a half years, into a funded Diocesan Publ ic School. A 'Deed of Trust' was registered in June 1901 and the Rector named as such. Todd was to receive a salary, at his request, "only in 6 months time," of Â£300 p.a. However, Todd was not very "business-like" a nd he often upset the Governors - once he even suggested that they accep t oxen in lieu of school fees! The school ran into financial difficultie s and the Bishop and Governors contemplated closing it down. Before they had to take that drastic step, Todd left. "Providence has caused me to resign," he said and he did so in 1903. He felt he had done his duty. He 'd been the pioneer, and now it was time for others to consolidate and d evelop his work. The Editor of the Chronicle, on Todd's resignation, August 1903: "Michaelhouse was born in the Rector Todd's brain, and today it stands a s an embodiment of what we know to be sound and abiding educational prin ciples. That Michaelhouse may live, grow and still more flourish, a cred it to its Founder and its Governors and a name throughout South Africa, is our fervent expectation, and constant wish. Above all, may this Schoo l maintain inviolate, the high ideals of its past." It was Dobree who, having retired to England, wrote to J.Sisson, now C hairman of the Old Boys, announcing Canon Todd's death in 1915. Hilary Champion, Canon Todd's grandson, took this photograph of the fam ily grave stone, shortly after Todd's youngest daughter, Jean Howard di ed, in 1990. Hilary Champion, Canon Todd's grandson, Mrs Jean Howard, his youngest daughter, and Anson Lloyd visit Todd's Grave at Ruislip. 2 The first journey that James Todd made to Africa was in 1886. Why he came we do not know? His daughters suggest it was for health rea sons, but I can't imagine that he would embark on such a long journey i f he were ill. He was dissatisfied with teaching, had a pioneering spir it and an enquiring mind and. because he was first and foremost a theol ogian, perhaps he had thoughts of becoming a missionary? At this same time the pioneer, Cecil John Rhodes, was establishing a di amond mining venture in Bechuanaland (Northern Cape). A small farming c ommunity settled outside Kimberley, the Mining Town, and it was here th at Todd's first brief venture 1991, St Stephen's, Vryburg. into Africa led him. The majority of the families in this rural community belonged to the Anglican Church and, in no time at all, James became inv olved in the establishment of their Parish, "The Parish of Vryburg.' From their Centenary Brochure, "Anglican Parish of St Stephen's, Vryburg, 189 1-1991," we read: "The next clergyman to minister to the Vryburg congregation was the Revd J.C.Todd. He was sufficiently enterprising to arrange entertainment to raise money to buy a second hand harmonium. The original purchase was fo und to be out of order and so it was proposed that the useless article b e raffled. It was. however, sold and a new organ purchased. It is intere sting to note that at his next Synod the Bishop forbade raffles, in fact any form of gambling to raise money for Church Funds! The Revd. Todd later founded the Diocesan school Michaelhouse." Todd returned to England knowing now that his 'Calling' was to the Churc h. He went to Cambridge to further his religious studies and, after his Ordination in London, in 1892, he sailed to South Africa for the second time. Accompanying him to Natal was another young priest, Fredric Baines . Fredric later became Bishop of Natal, and served 25 years as Chairman of the Governing body of the school he helped Todd establish. Church Street, Pietermaritzburg in the 1890's. 3 So it was that in 1893 the young clergyman. Canon Todd, came to minister and tutor in the Capital City, Pietermaritzburg, in Natal. Pietermaritz burg, a garrison town, was a thriving community of merchants, bankers, l awyers, doctors and farmers from the surrounding rural areas. This Victo rian colony had its own responsible government and Civil service who, wi th the families of the Regimental Corps and the Traders, made up a large upper middle class. They required education, in particular, secondary s chools. There were only two Government High Schools in the 1 890's in Natal; Pie termaritzburg College, founded in 1863 and Durban College, 1871. "Bishop s College," founded in 1870 provided a Secondary "Church School" for the Settlers' children, but it closed after nine years. Later, it became th e first home of the girls Private school, 'St. Annes,' Michaelhouse's "s ister" school. Canon H.Moore was the Head-Master of 'Bishop's College.' S.Barnes, B.A . and Revd F.Greene, M.A. teachers. Among others were the Tatham boys; Frederic and Charles. Also Moore, Crompton, Osborn, Turnbull. Wilkins on, Flack, Binns, Campbell, Birch, Moodie, Straffer, Morton and Nichol son. Despite the fact that they were 19, and some even 20, years old, several of these boys moved to Michaelhouse when it opened, seven year s later, to complete their secondary education. ^ h~ Ifebfs (i ollecre, P I E TE R M AIR I T Z B U R G . PMlot: Tin? Rigltfc Bcv, tilts IjQBB Bistro!* on Uxtttascm. tomtit: The Very iter, the Dsax ami the Bev. tlse QpuirrB. StaDtn; The fitar. C. â‚¬, Pkotumj, M, A. fki# Selmkr mA Hnlnaiaji Exhibitioner of Brrnmmm CoHrg^ * fx&srd; Secuud Class in Ckaw%l tWÂ§; rnidOmluati* in Hoaotirs iu FinÂ«il OaMiool i Mam: T. JL TaTIou, Cbr^t** CoCamSt'tiTge. Th â– < Iii'titauuu aim* at giving to Uk- mw* of CdUmkte a thorough Mo dorn Ettucackm by mvm* of â€¢ high~%}am Public Saliwl. Tho emxrm of study rompriftus EnjfUah, Maik2miUh>% I md Grmk, f wmc k and (h*rmna. Inhere *rv TWhrt* Wmskft', HoHdjtjt in thÂ« Xmr. Tfat* irnyabk in every is admits, mrÂ® m Mows j- Tuition for all PtapHs, Â£10 per annnm. for Ikwl, &C., 4 S3U per mmxim. Skch Boarder mast briÂ«fÂ» MJteetst* Bfiuikets, and Pillowcase, boarder* take tlxfiir iitdaU with the Warden and Tatef*. FarticuUr uAteiitiouJa paid to Imckwwd bojs, Hoaxers em, if their parent# wish, gray m Oolkgs* duriag th# longer liolkkys, irnder the can:; of the Matron. JSach boy who aim daring th# Chriaim&s or Wittier holiday* wi be MS, This advertisement for "Bishops College" appeared in "Doris's Almanac."

Some people dream of worthy accomplishments, while others stay awak e and do them (Thames) Lack of money and a split in the Church had led to Bishops' closure. A perfect opportunity, Todd thought, to combine his talents as an educato r and a clergyman and to prove to the Bishop that a Secondary School wa s a viable proposition. Realising that he could not rely on the Diocese for financial help James Cameron Todd's decision to "go it alone" and establish his own school, became a personal venture inspired by a man d etermined to succeed. He had a DREAM. Close to the Bishop's residence in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg, were t wo houses which, with his own money, Todd rented. Six months later he fo und another house to rent. At the back of this property was a large area of 'veld' which was ideal for Sports and Cadets. Now he had accommodati on, class rooms and playing-fields to offer. Besides having the practica l advantage, that of suitable premises. Canon Todd was well liked and re spected in Natal. An added credential to his portfolio was the private tutoring he offered to farmers' children, in particular, filling the gap in their Education that of a "Secondary School." 'Lower House', Loop Street, 1896 -1900. "School House" in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg. The Cadet Band 5 A name: MICHAELHOUSE. The name "MICHAELHOUSE" was chosen by Canon Todd for a number of reaso ns or, 1 like to think, coincidences. In the fifteenth century "Michae lhouse", with St Michael's Church, existed as a Hall of the University of Cambridge, England. Henry VI11 suppressed this and other foundatio ns and, with the resultant revenues, he founded the Cambridge "College of Trinity." Thus, the name, arms and motto used by the Cambridge Mic haelhouse students became obsolete and Canon Todd decided to adopt the m for his school, some 7000 miles away in Africa. ST MICHAEL'S CHURCH PAST AND PRESENT This church is unique in England both designed as a College Chapel and a Parish Church. Originally built before 1200, it was redesigned in 132 6 by Hervey de Stanton, Chancellor to Edward 11, to provide a place of worship for Michaelhouse, the College which he founded. This accounts f or the large nave, the prototype of Chapels. At one time members of Gon ville Hall also worshipped here and Trinity College became Patron when, in 1546, Michaelhouse was dissolved. In 1557 St. Michael's was put und er an interdict because it contained the remains of the reformer Paul F agius; and the church was reconsecrated. In the 19th Century it was res tored after the roof had caught fire. The parish was later united with Great St Mary's. In 1966 the church was transformed. The nave has become St. Michael's Hall. pIs?CÊdLS CHURCH IpSSSSHHS' MlChaelJlOUSC the collcgc uhidi he founded. This accounts lor rhr larpm uvr. the prototype of college chapels. Arone time members ofCmiBe Hall also uwshippai Jim: and Trinity College became pa iron when in 15 46 Mu hadhousc was dissolved In 1557 Sr MlckuHs WHS pur wider an imcrdtcr bec ause ir conrumd tfir rnnmns of the reformer Paul FuijuiS: and the churc h mis rcconsecmcd. In flu- iimmvntli ccncuni ir was itsaM after rhr nrf tad coujlir for. Tlic pansl.Â«Â« tarmroi wirh Great Sainr MuryS { IM66 rhr diurrii was mmsformnl. to ST MICHAELS CHAPEL This notice is on a plaque on the wall of St. Michael's Church in Trinity College, Cambridge. The foundations on which Todd believed a school should be founded were Religion (represented by the Saint "Michael") and Education, or 'school ' (symbolic with the word "House"). Todd explained that one of the reas ons he chose "St Michael vanquishing the Dragon" as the Patron Saint of Michaelhouse was that "he represented the eternal War of Good and Evil ," coincidentally symbolised in the School Crest as the "Scales of Just ice." St Michael, the stained glass window in the chapel On Saint Michael's day, two weeks before 'D Day' in 1944, Rector Snell reminded everyone of the significance of the Patron Saint of Michaelhou se: "St. Michael stands as a symbol of Warfare. There is to be for us no rest, n o armistice. No son of this place will be worthy of his nurture unless he fi ght tirelessly for right against wrong, for justice against injustice, for t ruth against falsehood. It is for us to equip our boys for that fight, and t o urge them, by every means in our power, and particularly by our example, t o engage in it. When the peace bells are ringing the need will not be less, but greater than it is now in time of war." 6 J2ais at Q)eus On Michaelmas Day 1897, the first Speech Day, and the commencement of t his annual festival, was held, "in honour of our great Archangel." (Thi s was the Rector's favourite peroration phrase). The celebrations start ed with a Service held at the Cathedral in Pietermaritzburg. The magnif icent sermon preached by Canon Todd was on the meaning of the Archangel 's name 'Michael.' In Hebrew the literal translation of Mi-Cha-El is 'W Iio-like-God'. Mi-Who Cha-like El-God, in its Latin form, Todd explained, becomes "Qui s ut Deus."- Who (is) as God - an appropriate motto for his school so n amed "Michael-'house. QUIS UT DEUS . i ot oc/re uwiter ///'/Is anc/not t/e /iaAt c/Aat /ances summer sAue&;not s o/i /'ea/y/o/o-Of/ric/i ana//'oof/oA/e/'ej/om/y men striae* to Anoio-cKA/at c & ana/is. not, /oAat /w'o//y, //tAat rupAt. . I ot //'///ant cAa/>eAÂass t/at /tarns into t/e niaA/t . i ot in AaAoratorie& u t/tere. so/ic/sj/oto-; . 1 ot art or Zite/xitu/'e o/yo/y or /ooe: , \ot Aisto/y/iJ>'encA, /io/>yy w mat As insiyAt ///none of tAese is /i/e to f/oc A, t/en /oAo if/s /i/te Aim/? WAio- is, toA/ere is, /oA/at is AeP . 1 o tAiny is /i/e to /toe/, /nit /isten, see, ffle maa/e a/zc/ is i/z a//(>fit - in Mae-OfsAty anc/yo//of/i//. 5?S s in t/e oe/y/ aeef: mac/e anc/is toit/in. 7 The school uniform worn in all the English Public Schools was the Eton s uit. Only the tie distinguished the different schools. Todd chose the re d and white for Michaelhouse and it has never changed. Several other tie s have been introduced. House ties, Seniors, Prefects, Awards ties etc. not forgetting the Old Boys Tie. "to be worn on Wednesdays!" Meyrick Hudson-Bennett (31-35) reckons "it's the finest Club-Tie in the w orld. You can recognise it from 50 metres, even before you establish who is wearing it." W.B.Kramer describes his Old Boys tie as the most 'distinctive' in the w orld and bases his statement on the three ties he has. One he was given was found to be the 'Keble Priests' College, Oxford,' tie, the other he searched for in New York and found in Bloomingdales. Although the stripe s run the wrong way he had to have it, as it had been designed by THE Yv es St. Laurent. His third "Old Boys Tie" is one which caught his eye while he was shoppin g in New York. In the window of a tiny boutique he saw the familiar, navy and red striped, tie. The sign above the entrance to the boutique read: "Countess Mara, designer of the World's most exclusive ties." Walter boug ht the tie and, on inspection, discovered sewn into the lining, "Countess Mara." her own unique stamp! "Exclusive it is not, but the Old Boys Tie is definitely 'distinctive,'''concludes Kramer. In the early 1940's Walter Strachan and his contemporaries' lives Change d. War was declared in Europe and the wearing of the 'Sunday' black suit , waistcoat, stiff collar and tie. was deemed impractical! "Collar and t ie" was still the order of the day in the classroom in 1968. However, "b lazers could be discarded when working." Seven years later the Rector. R ex Pennington, announced that; Salvete: A cack on New hoys day, 1987. Gavin Steiner is wearing the Fo rmal Uniform and his Founders House tie. "On grounds of economy and practicality, the wearing of Khaki open-neck s hirts on working days will be permitted and white shirts, collar and tie phased out." Even some of the Staff started wearing safari suits, althoug h the more conservative "wouldn't risk being seen in such out-landish gea r!" "A Natty Necktie," is the description of the tie Basil Hersov, Chairman of the Centenary Foundation, sends to each contributor to the Fund. "Dis creet enough for formal occasions, it has a dark blue background and is dotted with tiny red Michaelhouse crests. This is the latest elegant tie sported by members of the Michaelhouse community." Now there is another! The very latest tie is the Centenary Committee's tie that Bill Lambert has had designed, to commemorate the Centenary ye ar. Valete: Their last day at Michaelhouse, 1990. Standing outside Founder s are Harry Newton, Gavin Steiner (wearing the formal school uniform, 'number ones') and Gordon Johnston. 8 Todd appointed two teachers from England. Mr Spencer Tryon and Mr H.C.D obree. Mr Spencer Tryon, (Shleggy) from London University was appointed as Senior Master. His sons are wearing the standard school uniform, an "Eton" suit, jacket with tails, long trousers, stiff collar, and a red and white tie. Mr and Mrs Spencer Tryon and their family. 1901. A group of prefects: Wearing their Eton suits. (Standing:) R. Gib son C.Forder. J.Sisson, G.H.Moor, G.Tatham A few days before the School opened, Rev. Dobree disembarked at the Cap etown Docks. He'd sailed for six weeks, from England, to take up his te aching-post at Michaelhouse. Despite not knowing where the school was, nor what he was to teach (which turned out to be most subjects includin g singing, sports and cadets!) he remained at Michaelhouse for 20 years . This is what Dobree wrote, in the Chronicle, of his arrival in South Africa to take up his appointment at the "new" school: "I reached Johannesburg from Capetown by train, after two and a half day s, where an old friend met me. He tried to persuade me that in the Golde n City, money-grubbing and fortune-seeking Were in far greater favour th an the teaching profession. I was not particularly fascinated by what I saw of the surroundings of the 'Gold Mine' and, leaving dreams of avarice behind me, embarked on the "Natal Mail." The following mor ning, somewhere between Newcastle and Ladysmith, I came across a copy of the 'Natal Witness' and discovered, for the first time, the Micha elhouse address. The advertisement read: 'Michaelhouse, Pietermaritzb urg. School for the Sons of Gentlemen. Rector: James Cameron Todd M.A . Term opens August 5.' This discovery did not really help me for it took the Jehu I'd engaged at the station a full half hour to find the School house. I began to think I was at World's End and that Michaelhouse was no better than a myth. Gro ping round poorly lit-street corners we at last found someone who was abl e to tell us the way and, in pitch darkness, we stopped outside a garden gate in Loop street. My journey of 7000 miles was at an end". 9 With only verbal support from the Bishop and assistance with business ar rangements from his friends, Gerard Bailey and F.S. Tatham, Todd started canvassing for pupils to attend his Public School 'Michaelhouse,' in la te April of 1896. He must have been very apprehensive when, after four months, he only h ad one name on his books, that of Charles Frederik Moor. Cynics enquir ed whether the three masters should take the boy individually, or whet her they would all teach him at once!? It wasn't an issue. When the sc hool opened on Wednesday, the 5th of August. 1896. there were fifteen boys, (ten boarders and five day scholars), and four members of Staff, the Headmaster Canon Todd, the senior master Spencer Tryon, Mr H.C.Do bree, and Mrs Jackson, the Matron. "Every Sunday," commented one of the parishioners, "the Rector and Dea n Green would march up to the Cathedral 1 la.m. Service behind a slend er double file of well-groomed boys in Eton suits and straw hats." Smart they may well have been but to work in, and wear on Freebounds, t hese suits must have been very uncomfortable. Todd relented and adopted the same attitude as the Headmaster at "Lorreto" by allowing the senio r boys to wear striped grey or black slacks instead of the formal Eton Suits in the classroom. "One inducement to move into the upper classes, " said J.Price-Moor (1903). In 1927 -Rector Bushell's Time- The clothes list sent to the Boarders read like this- Articles required:- 3 Suits (including Sunday suit-plain dark blue-). 6 Shirts (without collars). 3 Vests 3 Suits of pyjamas. 8 pairs of stockings or socks. 12 Collars. 12 Handkerchiefs. 1 Soft hat. I School tie. 1 Overcoat or Mackintosh. 2 Pairs boots or shoes. I Pair Cricket or Football boots. 3 Towels. 4 sheets. 4 Pillow slips. Toilet requisites. I Bible and Prayer Book. List of clothes obtainable at the school Jerseys (for Football).. .. 6s School Ties.. .. 8d., Is. 4d., 2s., 3s.6d. Blazers for daily use (all wool).. .. from 20s. - 30s. Belts.. .. 2s. Shoes with rubber soles.. ..5s. 6d. (Hood -Clyde). Shoes etc...... (Hood -India) School cap .. .. 4s. 6d. Flannel Trousers .. .. 25s. approx. 1899------Pupils and Staff of "Michaelhouse" Loop Street, Pietermaritzbur g. 10 Quit you like men "Even if a boy were destined to become a carpenter or blacksmith, woul d he be any the worse mechanic for having been well educated? A man ca n never be educated above his position. Our aim is not to make account ants, not clerks, not clergymen but MEN -MEN of understanding, thought and culture." Canon Todd's first speech: Speech Day 1897. Above the double doors leading into the Senior Hall is engraved an inscri ption: "Quit you like Men." Dudley Forde (1953-1956) described his feelings as "confused" every tim e he looked up at these words on his way into the dining hall. The mott o fascinated him because it is the only one he knew of which could be r ead backwards, and mean exactly the opposite when read forwards. A very real option to all who walk through these doors! The boys under Dudley 's Headmastership at Maritzburg College aren't confused at all - they d elight in abusing the Michaelhouse Rugby teams, in particular, with yel ls of "Men like you Quit!" General Smuts commented on the adage when he addressed the School o n the occasion of his having been received "Ad Portas." Newman Robi nson was there that day in August 1930. "I vividly recall how he (Smuts) went on, his rich Malmesbury accent r ising in urgency: 'The words above the door to this Hall are not good enough for Michaelhouse. They should say: Quit you like GENTLEMEN! Tha t is the command they should convey to you ... You need to be no negrophilist; your only duty is to be a gentleman....' We teenagers couldn't have foreseen it then" says Newman, "but with hin dsight it was in moments like these that what we now call 'the New Sout h Africa' was conceived." In this formal photograph of the Governors and Senior masters taken in 1930, seated at General Smuts' right hand can be seen the portly figu re of old Archdeacon Pennington. "He was a naughty boy in those Ladysm ith days," commented Jan Smuts, who at the time of the siege was outsi de Ladysmith with his forces and the Archdeacon inside! "But it is a great thing for this country that we can fight and thereafter be great friends... We fight in such a way that we can make peace." 1930: (back row) T.Strickland, Dr. Allanson, Mr. Hunt-Holley, Charles Above the double doors leading into the Tatham, Ken Pennington, (seate d) Archdeacon Pennington, General Jan Senior Hall Smuts, Rector Currey. 11 My dear Father... I like this school much better than Merchiston House. We GET NICE FOOD AND HAVE NICE BEDS. Ken Gordon (1950-1953) told me that his Great Aunt, Helen Herne, rememb ers her parents discussing and planning schooling for her brothers in 1 895. Maritzburg was quite a way from East Griqualand where they lived b ut, when the school opened in 1896, they decided to send them to Michae lhouse. Aunt Helen helped prepare her brothers' wardrobes, packed their trunks, sent them off on the "scotch-cart," and the boys followed on t heir ponies. One of Helen's brothers, Dick, married quite late in life, to a young girl May. May Gordon who is 91 (1995) lives in Maritzburg and has the honour o f being the last surviving contact with those pioneering days. A week afte r their arrival at the school Dick's brother Ken wrote to his father Gilbe rt Gordon. r'Jllicliacffiouae ')]{<, (-(! u/uj (lujuitntJl, 1896. : L* r 9)1 3 atlU 4 li lop.c IjO.ll i C ft 0 1/ a/LC/ cjui i 0 â€¢ 01 Ic -aJ.1 "Tfie Â«Vnt cl i -i Itp y toy 6,0.0/ 9llc 0,i\Ux 0 i Su 1 rbubi) tu/wtau. t n us ci f 1"10. aoJ . GA-ao-an . < > I w a^> [ OAIA / QsOsGSl/ - C-OXT 1 xxvorvuvct/ n-ea-e/ * todaij. "Tf>e 1x1x5 t picM, (i (!li lic/ic. a lion i Stiff (Â°a plain (ie uêd 1 O/ CJ O' toy i K'iflon . SO/ lie- cat i ptcut tfvc/ cja me s Oeffi StiEyti tuvd tlie fixd I cja Re pi aijecl (i lAAi/, 6.0; (ve li i a ^ n ol (? een ai? fe to, pÂ£a tj dUVC/Qy., Ld,ci i Lfvlnl \U Jilt (U alL to pia-ij wide 1.3'M: XJU i| (; i â€¢ pf?XÂ« c, eb fot Lil' I I l ll (LAs Uvtoy 1.0/ | i â€¢15 appo^ e (mjp ut .'lit? \vi-U \L* >cL r1,l v0,,cn rAl$,of 10 of voliicli a | c'l ijo-n/iA. â€¢) h exi ae/ (jo.o/Xcle/iA. z/ a/LC- tL \.ih * MlUcIl () c lt esv llratt 9)Ieac (i 16 I o n 5 Co,ud e/. t(\. rt nice- f uui, Us buy n've-Qy (vQsclds CVIVt:l f) hJU u L AU Jx, D.tJC-lirG/T/. ({Â« O e I a- pixi ij fivatj l (j ij 3 UcmAUi a v AxA. Â«'lu > 1 (l (IX. vl& (xlc (L t I Os x nol/IftitK mu.cK Ôyslc/ toy aÂ£iL ,Cia cu 111, 170/ n x CqaIuic j o n, - Ken. About the food! - Ken claims to be the first Michaelhouse boy to get a h iding. May told me the story about her brother-in-law: "At table one mor ning someone asked for the butter to be passed down to him. No-one heard , so Ken shouted out, "Pass the cart-grease down here." After the meal h e was called into the Office and Todd asked him what he had done wrong. Ken was totally confused, he'd no idea what the Rector was talking about . Todd explained that in referring to Mrs Jackson's butter as 'cart-grea se' he, Ken, had offended her and he was to go and apologise to her, aft er which he was to report back to the Office. While Ken went off to sear ch for the Matron, who incidentally, wasn't the least bit fussed, Todd q uickly sent someone out to purchase a cane. On his return, Ken was given six-of-the-best, a handshake and finally dismissed." The Scotch-cart the Gordons used to transport the boys' luggage to schoo l. â– fhuAuL(-/-rtAjz{. i? L Uuuu's I /Jf /& hiij d( ii Xcdfui ' lit fit u aA* yutx uhII. f\ i ivKu.t' t S-Ct Vvvc-tl.**. kt-H S Cxt<.0v.(ilw4 . V)-t c-lvA :Â»VlAX QCrttJt*,, '''W ^ Ok. frcrvj Ioa-V- U. j* J u>e (l j? tiX-( ^ t j Vo f\ 'Vwcrt* .|k_^Cw j-> ( L.. if r h (Ln inK!,.t;,,? A copy of part of the original letter Ken wrote to his father, Gilbert. Still, who is mentioned in the letter, was the first Prefect. "An iron disc iplinarian, but a poor hand at methods of red tape. On a sheet of paper hea ded: "MICHAELHOUSE DORMITORY RULES." (he wrote these mystic words:) NO BOY SHALL...... He probably did not know what to put and thought he would wait and see what offenders did, and then regulate accordingly. 12 The fifteen new boys were an interesting lot. Charles Fredrick Moor was t he first name to be entered on the School list. He was also the first Hea d Prefect and an outstanding games player. He died at the age of 90 in 19 73, and had the distinction of being the "Oldest Old Boy". In this photograph taken in June, 1902, Charles' brother, G.H. Moor, is standing in the doorway and seated in front of him is R.W.B. Gibson. D r. Bob, as he was known, worked for many years in Johannesburg. His Mem orial Service was held in the Chapel on Old Boys Day, and it set a prec edent. It was decided that the Chapel service, held on Old Boys Day, wo uld be a 'Memorial' service, for all those O.M's. who had died that year. Bertie Still was the first Prefect, White was 3rd and Fairless Nicholson 4th on the list. He was the first Librarian. Shepstone was 5th and France s Gerald (Jumbo) Barnes 6th. He played cricket for Wanderers. His record was 34 in one over ( 6 balls of course) from Maurice Heine in an innings of 92 in 30 minutes, not to mention the '6' on the Maritzburg Oval that l anded on the Suspension bridge over the 'Dusi River in the Park. Marsie B ennett, 7th on the list, had learnt Rugby football at Hilton. Louis Sulli van (ex member of the Maritzburg College XI) was the hero of the first cr icket match against Maritzburg College. College declared 105 for 4 wicket s, M.H.S. won, 106 (to Sullivan!) for 9 wickets. Bob Gibson, never received this postcard from his family. The advertise ment in the Southeby's Catalogue of a Stamp Sale, explains why. 1900 'Stopped by Censor' Card being top half reply-paid O.F.S. l/2d p.s . card- ex Harrismith "FE 11 00" to Maritzburg via Bloemfontein and Del agoa Bay, card had to take the circuitous route due to hostilities and was censored in Bloemfontein with application Postmaster General oval s tamp, arrival Durban 'FE 24 1900' where 'Stopped by Censor' and returne d to sender- (From the Southeby's Advertisement:) G.Tatham G. Moor R. Gibson G. Ross J.Sisson rsff hj*. '' .-X*: */37-Vc C Vwr-Vwamwtm - (Vmm V: BliJK Flv AATi (OAJKf* fMfj \(y ...... JL.-y h x^f - T j /(C ^ Â£r\ J J l A *4 -^1 Â°0 h/ % 13 Arthur Wallbridge 1899-1902: "On arrival at Michaelhouse fur the first term of 1899 I was taken in h and by Mrs Jackson and allotted a dormitory in a house some distance do wn Loop Street. Freddy Roach (infamous for being the first boy to get a hiding from Woodcock, who disliked him anyway and called him ''cheese maggot," we called him "Cocky"!) showed me around and we became close f riends. We took part in the first Rampart Run (when the school moved up to Balgowan) coming 4th and 5th respectively. Unfortunately we were ca ught 'jumping' the spruit, which we reckoned was too deep and swollen t o run through and for this we were repeatedly ducked. Cocky went on to become Dux in 1906 and in all his years of playing for the Firsts they never lost a Rugger match. In 1902 The comet (Hayley's) visited and its appearance and subsequent very informative lectures by the Rector Todd started a lot of us off as amateur Astronomers." (Note the hats with t he white bands.) In the early days a good fight was deemed the best way to settle a disag reement. Arthur witnessed several of these encounters which took place " behind the Pavilion". "Being a new school there was a certain amount of jealousy from the older schools, Hilton and Maritzburg College and the l ocal Government Schools, in the town. Michaelhousians were considered 'u pstarts' and nicknamed 'White Rats,' originating from their white hatban ds. In retaliation the 'enemy' were called 'Mudrats' (I believe the boys at Merchiston Junior School still are in 1995!) Feuds developed and sev eral incidents took place. When Ross ii and a friend 'defeated' a couple of Mudrats the elder 'Mudrat' brother came to the school after cricket and a properly conducted 'scrap' was organised by big brother, Ross i, t o take place behind the Pavilion. The young Ross ii won." Once, a pitched battle with the "Mudrats" boiled up and on our way "hom e" to the annexe after prep we, the 'White Rats,' were waylaid. A runni ng fight with sticks and stones, across the gardens ensued. The Mudrats were routed and we reached our house without casualties. A classic fight originated during the absence of Mr Hannah from class on e day when Armstrong - or was it Johnson (Jundu I)- hit the other with a fly-sling. They were caught and caned but after school everyone congreg ated behind the pavilion to settle the score our way! Jundu was sorely d efeated." These 'Mudrats' from 'Maritzburg College are, 1 imagine, acting out a sce ne from a play. Their 'costumes' are, with the exception of the bow tie, the Eton style school uniform, and the straw bashers which are still worn today. A familiar sight at their rugby matches is of a thousand (there are that many boys!) bashers being tossed into the air w hen a point is scored. 14 MICHAELHOUSE BALGOWAN Michaelhouse was barely three years old when it started running into tr ouble. The leases on the Maritzburg buildings were due to expire and th e school of 50 pupils was overfull. Todd needed enough capital and a pe rmanent Trust deed to ensure its stability. Undaunted he approached the Bishop with a proposal to transform Michaelhouse into a Public school supported by the Anglican community. The Bishop said he would support h im where he could but could not make a financial commitment on behalf o f the Church. Todd decided to go ahead anyway and search for more suitabl e premises. The only large enough building he could find was the Camper down Hotel but there was no water. By January 1899 a perfect site was f ound, farm land in Balgowan, part of the Jaffray's farm, 'Annandale.' T here was plenty of water, the railway running close by, only a few tree s though but plenty of wide open spaces. What's more it was in the coun try away from the 'distractions' (the Theatre and Circus!) of the Town. The J affrays are on an outing; Dorothy, (facing the camera) taught musi c at Michaelhouse and is Walter Strachan's mother. The pool below the fa lls was 'bath and swimming pool' to quite a few generations of Michaelho use boys. I cant imagine what the gentleman is doing in the middle of th e river, with an umbrella over his head? Perhaps he was just adding a hu morous touch to this exquisite photograph, taken at the turn of the cent ury. 15 It didn't take long for Walter Jaffray and his wife Elizabeth to persuade Todd to site his School on this "portion of the farm Wilde als Spruit no w called Balgowan." They donated 20 acres of their land and sold him the balance of 50 acres for 100 pounds, a gesture Walter was to pay dearly fo r! His Father in true Calvanistic, Scottish tradition disinherited him fo r giving away land which had been given him, his son, to farm. However, a lmost 100 years later their grandson, Walter Strachan, on being acclaimed a 'Fellow Associate' of Michaelhouse, humbly acknowledged that this hono ur belonged not only to him "but to my grandfather Walter, and his family , who have had to make great sacrifices in their lives because of his for esight and generosity." Walter Strachan (1939-1942) The 'DECLARATION FOR SELLER' signed by Walter Macfarlane Jaffray.

The land was sold to The Reverend James Todd, John Freeman, Henrique S hepstone, "gentlemen all of Pietermaritzburg in their capacity as trus tees for The Natal Diocesan College Balgown, for religious, educationa l and benevolent purposes." % DECLARATION FOR SELLER...... , / /h a? ft-H t do uLmxly ami stMtrdtj thtbirt, that lAe auj miirt S?urcAa*> Jklity for wiich .f r.i/l /oi-C*- " >>v t -li-oc&wA-t b>cj yji ft.vcbi* S-h.t'Vi.q U J3,U ZU, jf*. ------y,1 'â€¢ 'N-clXt. ixi<"Â£jL'>Ci%Jr >T *-1 O Ctt /Ut}-1 ty, * ft" cAU- ffr 'v tvi ./ (& Jtchro lint -f ft. "/ /Â»4VU, J its - //* lift ./ ant >w( to Wffl /ii *Â»? â– Â»Â«Â«â€ ¢ > eantrihdw* therttf, if I liu laUmn tiarfam/ion . U/k* iy n* It: the taul day fitrt.it!- tlechrrf Itai lit snuCrtriU u/uima'i* iUw â– ton tin <"!y/( Aim, -ru-t mvÂ»,-n- /r,-nÂ»V.n m& -ry Â»Â«, *>;â€¢ > â€¢t/onfaul property, Xuty w f>aua/-t6; uwl J ni'ti-- Htthw.l lefurr, m*, tlm a m A fund to buy a further 50 acres was set up and contributed to by F.S.T atham, G.F.Tatham, E.M.Greene, John Freeman, Henrique Shepstone and Todd himself. Frederic S. Tatham used to say that the fact that Michaelhouse continue d NOT to go insolvent had convinced him of the existence of God! But by the same token Michaelhouse would not exist were it not for his genero sity and faith in the venture. At Judge Tatham's Memorial service Recto r Currey paid him tribute: "The Foundation stones on which Michaelhouse have been built are -James Cameron Todd- the vision far in advance of his day - the faith and wis dom of Bishop Frederik Baines and - the ardent, generous spirit of Fred eric Tatham." /4i one of the Foundation Governors (1899) Judge Tatham helped Canon T odd expand his vision. Each crisis stage his 'clear eyed' courage save d things- policy, finance, garden planting and domestic economy. He se rved the School." (Standing) G.H.Moor, Walter Jaffray, J.J.L.Sisson (Seated) Bob Gibson, Vic Matterson, George Tatham. (Jaffray and Tatham are sons of the Ben efactors, Walter Jaffray and G.F. Tatham.) 16 Todd now had an ideal site for his school but another crisis arose when it was found that there wasn't enough money to pay for the buildings. Th e Bishop found the money as this report which appeared in the Natal "Dai ly News" explains: "South of the Tugela on a bright day in January 1900, a Heliograph winke d. Had the watchers deciphered the flashes that went back and forth they would have been puzzled to find the significance of them. They appeared to have nothing to do with things military. The subject matter was the very antithesis of war. Bishop Hamilton Baynes was watching the operatio ns around Spion and as no official messages were going through, took adv antage of the helio. To the little dorp of Ladysmith, beleaguered there in the valley below, he mentioned to Capt Tatham that 'they' were very b adly off in a building operation for want of Â£1000." This report clearl y relates to the building of Michaelhouse! The Bishop's request was to Col E.M.Greene, Capt F.S.Tatham and Capt G.F.Tatham. who were besieged in Ladysmith, and a reminder to them th at, as Governors of the school, they were each responsible for Â£500. "He, Capt F.S.Tatham, forgot the sufferings of the Siege and his own an xieties. He pondered over the cryptic message and winked his approval b ack to the Bishop. So was begun, in the midst of War, the construction of Michaelhouse as it stands today at Balgowan." The appointed Architect and Builder. Messrs Kent and Price, started des igning and digging the foundations at Balgowan. Despite the outbreak of the Boer War and the delays which that caused, the building was comple ted in 1901. When it was time to move the school from Loop street to Balgowan the qu estion of transport was of major concern. Durban was the central depot for the army and the railways were used to carry military equipment inl and leaving no carriages for civilian goods. Todd decided to move anywa y and as wagons were the only alternative method of transport, he found some, and the school "migrated." gOUTH of the Tu^ir on a bright day in December, 1899, a heliograph -winked. If there were watche rs they saw replying flashes from the little dorp of Ladysmith, beleaguere d there in the valley below, with the river writhing^ a silver ribbon, bes ide it. # Had the watchcrs deciphered the flashes that went back and forth they would have been Captain Tatham wa3 to win distinction in two Yields. He became the Hon . Mr. Justice Tatham, and fought during the Great War wi'h the rank of colonel. Ha died ini 1934. He forgot the sufferings of the siege and his anxieties. He pondered; ov er the scheme and winked hijfe approval back to the Bishop. fiS' was begun, in the midst rÂ«f war, the construction of 'Michr.* 1-house as it stands to-day. puzzled to find the significance | of them.. They appeared to ' have nothing to do with things \ 'military. I In truth, the subject matter of f the message was the very antithesis of war. For iihe man south of the Tugela was Bishop Hamilton Baynes, and he was t elite g Captain F. S. Tatham of plansf>to build a s. school in the N atal reild-lands in', a valley much lowlier J-HtiL. thafj whfchj.a& betwee n -them. First Home of Great School â€¢yy HILE the Bishop was busy with the heliograph 40 or so small boys w ere at school in three low-built cottages in upper;Loop Street, Maritzbu rg. Thepe buildings stand there to-day. It was a school founded by-Canon Jame3 Cameron Todd ir. 1S96, and It w as this school that was to be moved from the growing capital and set d own at Bal-: gowan on land acquired from MrJ Jaffray, a Scottish farme r, whosi nostalgia had moved him to name his farm Balgowan after the c asUp near his home In Scotland. A copy of the report in the 'Daily News'. It was January of 1901 when this "Migration" group of 77 boys, the "Rec tor", staff and matron, Mrs Jackson, moved up to Balgowan in their four ox wagons piled high with old furniture, school equipment and two boys with mumps! 17 His Dream Materializes: Natal Diocesan College Balgowan. At the first Speechday celebrated at Balgowan the Cadets formed a guard of honour for the Bishop, volleys were fired from the Tower and the Rect or Todd opened his address with these words: "This year, 1901, will prob ably be regarded by future historians of the School as the most importan t in its history." (Without a doubt! - Ed.) "We have undergone two vital changes, change of place and change of constitution. We met in Pietermaritzburg last year and the scho ol was then my private venture. We now meet in our permanent home, at Bal gowan, and under a Board of Governors. What is well begun, is half done, and I hope that this 'Migration,' as I call it, will mean that this schoo l of the Great Archangel, Michaelhouse, will take root and flourish in it s new surroundings." From the Jaffray collection. The front of the school. Natal Diocesan College. The Deed of Trust . C0Â«S1WÂ®I0: .rabie are drafted ^ " notes are of 1910 a crisis aroee. 1902, record ,stoae, . at *â€¢ si8Â°ers'Â»â– s- tvÂ«7,re'"uJ- ' *? V . or*>Â« Â®'6 0rfOlS * of " ** Sl8lM ancial depressiom. Â°ied/'e vÂ°yaeÂ® back to England. 1 had fallen and there were only about s that Bishop Baines and F. S. Tatham met one JohQ the night. The Bishop wanted to South Africa,, itere

METRE HIGH MET THEIR EYES. When the first term opened at Balgowan in 1901, Mr Dobree, writing in th e Chronicle, commented on the new buildings: "They will look most imposi ng but at the present they have a strange appearance. The tower, which i n the design gives most character to the edifice, is at present the port ion least far advanced. However the situation is perfect and the climate glorious!" Canon Todd's idea was to build a quadrangle. The Buildings w ould cater for the accommodation, education and religious needs of his M ichaelhouse family, and the centre courtyard could be used for Cadet Dri lls, and large gatherings on special occasions. The first buildings to be seen at the end of a dusty road from the stat ion were - the arched entrance above which was the Chapel, flanked by t he matron and house keeper's rooms, and the magnificent dining hall, no w the Library. To the left, the Staff and Rector's accommodation, a cla ssroom and Bursar's office. The East Wing (Founders) housed three class rooms and a dormitory downstairs, the other two dormitories being upsta irs. There were no 'Houses' as such but the boys were put into these th ree Dormitories, named 'Spear, Shield and Helm,' an equal number of boy s in each, sorted according to their date of entry. Three small store r ooms completed the first phase of the Quad. On the first night of opening 77, instead of 70 boys, arrived at Balgow an, the extras being accommodated at the Jaffray's. On the first mornin g two boys woke up with mumps and had to be isolated so they took over Mrs Jackson's bedroom. This stalwart lady kept the kitchens running, ba ked bread daily, and when the meat delivery was delayed had to slaughte r a Hamel, from the 40 odd flock, kept for such an emergency. She tende d the vegetable gardens and nursed the sick. Life was pretty miserable for that migration group. There were no tree s to stop the wind howling round and through the old block buildings, wood-and-iron kitchen and playrooms. Chaplin recalls the extreme disco mfort they experienced on wet, drizzly days: "We had one huge wood-and -iron playroom with many broken windows and a big double wooden door t hat always stood open and through which the mist would swirl with just nowhere to go." The first meals were eaten seated on the floor. Mr Hannah describes how he found Todd teaching Maths. "He was seated on the only chair in the pl ayroom drawing circles with a stick in the dust on the floor." A Group in the quad 191)1 In 1937 there must have been an improvement in the food situation. There was a 'weigh-in' and it was discovered that in 10 months there was a to tal weight increase of 2,604V2 lbs and a height increase of 306 inches - taken from 211 boys averaging 12% lbs, 1% inches - usually IOlbs & IV2 inches. The grocery list for one day in 1965: (408 boys; 1,224 meals/day +156 staff). Meat, 160-200 lbs, Bread 200 loaves, Jam 48 lbs. Butter 32 lbs. Milk 100 gallons. Potatoes 8 pockets, Porridge 70 lbs, Sugar 120 l bs, tea 3 lbs. The pipes for the new dam, had not arrived from England so rain-water, u sed for drinking and cooking, had to be collected in tanks which were pl aced under the gutter down-pipes that had had to be sawn off. Four days a week the whole school went to the 'bathing pool' across the veld to ba th. The Waterfall and pool where the hoys had to go to hath. After Cadets they often had to go to the pool for a welcome 'cooling off' only to get hot again running some distance hack to school. Many of the boys who went through the early years of this Century speak o f the discomforts and the lack of amenities, the bullying and dreadful fo od! "It was lousy!" complained T.Robey Carter (1911-1914): "For breakfast w e used to get porridge plus bread and jam or marmalade. The evening mea l, 5 nights a week, was either stew or curry and rice. Every Friday we got fish, underdone, in fact almost raw. We were always hungry." "We were half starved" recalls G.F.Beaumont (22-25) -It seems to be a common complaint!- "and had to resort to collecting green peaches co untrywide and some of the Masters' lettuce. / went to Ken Pennington for extra lessons because we always got tea and biscuits afterwards. I also managed to arrange for Bok Hannah to teach me book-keeping in the Masters Common Room and so enjoyed a good supply of cheese and br ead." The Rondavels: Ken and Ruth Pennington's Home 20 There was no electricity until 1930, instead a Gas-plant was used to ge nerate power. In 1909 an advertisement for a Gasoline Machine appeared:

We are the agents for the famous Gasoline machine; 50% of the cost price down, the other 50% to be paid after six months satisfactory working. / I plant in good working order is at Michaelhouse. It has been working fo r over a year. (We hear that only 50% has been paid!) On an occasion in 1914 Captain McQueen came to lecture on Central Africa . He was one of the first Europeans to penetrate the Belgian Congo (Zair e) jungle. The Lectern Lantern (a slide projector) failed; but, fortunat ely, Mr Adair managed to harness it to the Gas-plant. The school were ab le to see, and hear, about the curious Cannibal tribes and how Sleeping Sickness was spread, from these debased tribes out of Central Africa, by explorer Stanley's carriers. Two candles per dormitory was the only lighting, and for Prep, in the Ha ll, oil lamps were used. One night a candle fell over and set the Boot r oom alight. W.L.D.Elliot (18-23) recalls: "There was a bootroom at the b ottom of the stairs where our boots and shoes had to be left before goin g up to the dormitories. Against the wall stood a wooden vaulting horse on which we sat to remove our boots. One particular night the candle we used to light up the Bootroom fell over, setting the old wooden horse, s tuffed with straw, alight. The bootroom and most of the boots in that ro om, and there were hundreds, were burnt. Mr. Bishop who was in charge of the House woke up the boys in the first dormitory and we were evacuated through the burning bootroom, closely followed by the other two dormito ries. The Junior school boys, I was one of those small ones, made a line to the new house 'plunge,' filled paraffin tins with water and sent the m down the line to the senior boys who threw the water on the fire. Even tually it was extinguished. Later on the Insurance Company came up with an enormous lot of shoes and boots from which we could take our pick." 35 years after that migration to Balgowan V.G.Sparks looks back as if i t were but yesterday. He and his brother Walter boarded the train from Durban bound for the unknown, 'Balgowan.' Other boys travelling to the same destination were: Clive Smith, Hugh Brown, George Harvey, Walley S tranack, Ken Letchford, Fred and Harry Brunskill, Graham and Beno Milla r, Dan Taylor, Jack Rethman, Bert and Roy Pearce of Illovo, and Athol A rmstrong of Inanda. Along the route several other boys sporting the red and white school tie joined them. "On arrival at the Balgowan Station we were met by Mr.Durand (dear old "Dogface") and with our luggage piled onto the handcart were marched single file up to the front of the school. Here we were presented to t he Rector Todd, Messrs Tryon, Hannah, Woodcock and Evans, Mrs Jackson the kindly Matron and her assistant, Mrs Senior." Arriving at the Balgowan Station 1903 Leaving for the Christmas, December, Holidays For the boys who had to travel from the towns the train was used but from the country districts it was a different story. Cyril Chaplin, who lived in East Griqualand and J.C.Bennett from the farm "Summerfield", 8 miles from Franklin, tell of how long it took them to travel to Balgowan. A thr ee hour journey by car today, in 1903 it took them two and a half days, 1 00 miles by postcart, or in Cyril's case three days on horseback and 70 m iles by train. On one occasion five of the Chaplin's six horses drowned c rossing the unbridged Umzimvubu river. Invariably their trunks and clothe s would be soaked by the time they arrived at school. Sometimes Cyril's f ather sent a native with a couple of horses to meet him at Elands Kop, at the end of term, and he would ride the hundred odd miles home - only for the Long holidays, mind you, the rest had to be spent at School. 21 Undaunted, Canon Todd, his staff and boys survived the hardships of that first quarter at Balgowan and although not one boy passed Matric that y ear they went on to serve their country, some at war, others at home. Th ey were the pioneers of that great tradition which is Michaelhouse. To compensate for these 'physical' miseries there must have been the odd (sic!) teacher whose peculiarities amused the boys. You all have your o wn memories of those characters whose paths you crossed but I would like to share with you some of Sir Ian Lloyd's stories of an eccentric Scien ce teacher, Willoughby de Salter - "who left a lasting impression, but n ot on our Science!"- memorable indeed! He was only at Michaelhouse for s ix months! Sir Ian Lloyd's recollections:- "Alas, poor Willoughby" - A Memoir. "Nothing so fascinates a group of boys, by nature mischievous and undis ciplined, as the arrival of a new and somewhat unorthodox Master. Willo ughby arrived from Cambridge to instruct the Philistines of Balgowan in Science, utterly unprepared for the minor jungle of public school life . Tall, gangly and hirsute, generous to a fault, warm- hearted and tole rant, he was quickly perceived to be more than fair game by those whose joy in life was to sail as dose to the wind of authority as possible. The rot set in at one of those Sunday afternoon teas to which he invite d five or six boys. When we discovered that he dished out chocolate bis cuits, peppermint crisps and whatever was the equivalent of a 'Mars bar ', the word spread fast. His room was soon overcrowded with uninvited g uests and bedlam reigned. Weekend after weekend his cupboard was stripp ed of its contents. Worse was to come in the classroom. In the old Foun ders classroom Willoughby, denied access by fate or timetable to the Ph ysics lab., assembled a miniature gas works on his desk. Each of severa l attempts to produce the requisite gas was thwarted by some mischievou s individual in the group crowding round his desk who quietly disconnec ted some critical part of the apparatus. After several attempts, enduri ng "helpful" comments from a few who, I think, included Roy Gathorne, C opper Le May, Mike Rosholt, Brian Berry and John Drysdale, he handed hi m a large double-pointed board compass and in a commanding voice, said quite distinctly "Drysdale, when the next person touches any part of th is apparatus you know what to do.'' The mob dispersed back to their des ks. Drysdale, who was probably the largest boy in the class, positioned himself strategically behind Willoughby, who, after explaining the che mical reaction in the retort, stood up and touched the condenser. The o pportunity of a lifetime was not to be missed and, as Willoughby's hand touched the glass Drysdale plunged the three inch compass into a most sensitive part of his anatomy. The roar which ensued reached right across the quad and was hea rd, I expect in "Jehovah's" (Ronald Currey) study. I will never forget t he look on Willoughby's face. "Why did you do that?" he asked, in front of the class that was stunned into disbelief by the act which they had j ust witnessed. "Sir," he replied, "you told me to use it on the NEXT per son who touched the apparatus." With that alibi, witnessed by the whole class, who promptly mounted a chorus of"You did sir, we heard you say it ," and innumerable similar remarks which would probably have caused expu lsion from the school had they been uttered anywhere else, poor old Will oughby sat down and wondered, / expect, what on the earth had made him c ome out and teach savages at Michaelhouse. Whether it was on that occasi on or on another when Le May, Gathorne, and a few others began to play t rains with their desks, that Jehovah came in and read the riot act, I do not remember. But what I do remember is that subsequently, in a fit of total despair, Willoughby actually produced a large Colt revolver, laid it on his desk, glared at us all and dared us to misbehave. Of course we all knew that it was not loaded and that the only threat which it posed was to the remnant of his authority. The last straw I imagine, was when he marched into hall for lunch with three test tubes, belching forth co loured smoke attached to the back of his jacket. Within weeks he was gon e, leaving many memories, including that of his hirsute frame smoking a large pipe in his bath, which he insisted on taking in a Tatham's bathro om, under an umbrella sheltering him from nearby showers which were bein g misdirected in an endeavour to extinguish his pipe." The staff of 1906: (l-r standing) J.L.Sisson (Head Boy)- J.H.Ferrar -(sitting) Adair, Hugh-Jo nes (Rector,) E. Pascoe. 22 Todd enjoyed physical activities -Rugb> Football and cricket and in part icular Cross-countrv running. Often the boys would tind a notice pinned to the board inviting, those who wished to. to join him on his next run. He had hiked with the boys at Loretto High School in Scotland, where he had tausht. and appreciated the value of allowing the bovs to experienc e something of the outdoors. Todd decided to introduce 'Freebounds' at M ichaelhouse. On Sundays starting at midday after Matins at 1 lam. following 1 hour of Divinity the boys were allowed to leave the Estate for the rest of the da y. At first thev were seen wandering around in their school uniform, the Eton Suit, and then Todd introduced a more relaxed dress code, influenced again bv Loretto's headmaster who had allowed his pupils to wear open ne ck, red shirts, even in the class room. An anonymous verse from the 1937 Chronicle: Beside the wandering stream he lay, A stompie in his hand; His shirt was off, his naked frame Lay bare on Jaffray's land. J.C. Bennett from East Griqualand (1903) and his "gang" went for miles on Freebounds pursuing their various interests: fishing for eels and scalie s. buying steaks at the local Butchery and roasting them in the "Night Bu sh" or walking "just down the road' for a swim in Hutchinson's pool. Ken Pennington said of these outings. "A day in the veld teas so welcom e remembering, of course, that we had no such luxuries as Sunday Leaves ." He loved the outdoors and nature and I expect developed his interest in butterflies on these outings. A select gang calling themselves "The Bush Rangers" formed a sort of Picn ic Society.' Their headquarters was in the natural bush on the far side o f the Eastern side of Michael's Mount. It was quite a distance from the s chool so they would have to tear over the mountain at top speed, eat thei r picnic and race back for roll-call at 5pm. Chaplin was part of that gan g and he reckoned that they were the best rugby team because of all the t raining they got.. "Yours truely - Hugh Lawton Hardy." (29-32) 1930 R.Ltach. G.Houghton. T.Catchpole D.Shamall Mud huts were built in the bush behind Michael's Mount, fires made to coo k the pigeons or. if the\ were luckv enough, a chicken from the station \ ard that had been stunned b\ a catapult, and lead pellets made from tea p ackets.! Ir was Sunday morning at Michaelhouse. This me ant Pineapple for breakf ast and brown packets, containing a cheese sandwich, for lunch on Free Bounds. Ted announced that wc should gather up as many pineapple rinds as we could as he knew how to make a wonderful fruit punch. Sugar was t o be emptied into our ration packets' and a cack dispatched to the kitc hen to find as many empty bottles as he could. An hour later found us b eside a stream with sticks and stones and hands, digging holes in the r iver bank. Ted. John and I put the pineapple skins into the bottles wit h the sugar and filled them with water. Corks were inserted and the bot tles placed in the River bank. Mud was smeared over the holes and the b ottles were left for the Christmas holidays to mature into the wonderfu l fruit punch.! In January we returned for our Matric year and were very keen to sample o ur Punch. IVV went out fairly late and headed for the river. An amazing s ight lay bef ore us. Chunks of pineapple and pieces of glass lay strewn a ll around us. The river bank looked as though a grenade had hit a section of it. Ted airily announced that the pineapple must have been off' and p romptly investigated the rest of the Bank. He triumphantly withdrew two f ull bottles. It appeared to me as though the liquid was revolving in the bottle. The cork was eased out and as it left the bottle I expected to se e it again in the vicinity of Howick. I was offered a sip. I am now 54 ye ars of age but the memory of that drink remains with me. The overwhelming feeling of revulsion as I swallowed is indescribable. Ted tore the bottl e from my hands, took a large slug and declared the concoction to be fant astic. Happily he wanted most of ir and we got back a few hours later rel atively unscathed-or at least so ire thought!! Halfway through the Sermon at evensong, Ted started singing a most unsuitable song associated with the Rugby Teams on the school truck. The guilty were swiftly rounded up a nd punished-but only Ted seemed to think it had all been worth it!! Tony Clucas. 23 Jack and Johnny: 1921. Gone are the days of Freebounds. As the roads and transport became eas ier and all of the farmland was becoming 'Private' and the boys were g iven Sundays and weekends out, the tradition of Freebounds and the att endant outdoor activities became less attractive or even necessary. Not so long ago I heard of a group of boys who enjoyed many outings and not always on a Sunday! An old car stood outside Farfield, in fact it wa s parked there for a year. Everyone presumed that it belonged to the gro up of labourers who were often seen driving off in it politely waving to any-one they passed on their way round the Estate and out of the Main E ntrance. One day the car disappeared, not that any-one realised, it was only on O ld Boys day some years later that the boys involved admitted that they w ere 'the labourers' and the car had belonged to one of them! Outside Farfield, the car and hail - Sezela the Head Waiter is on his way t o the Junior Hall. Today there are so many activities for the boys to become involved in it must be difficult to choose what to do. At the beginning of the century besides Cadets, Sports and Freebounds the only other Extra Mural Activi ties the boys could participate in were Carpentry, Music and Art. Mentio n 'carpentry' and the name Byrne comes to mind. 'Plab' Byrne, carpentry instructor for 37 years, (incidently he never missed a single lesson in all that time), his son Ray followed in his footsteps, and now his grand son, Russel, has worked (in a private capacity) building on the estate. "The Jews are wise," said Mr James Ross, "they teach every child some tr ade - the man who can put his hands to good use is welcome in every land -so we urge the young boys to acquire a good working knowledge of carpen try and there will be no dread of an idle afternoon." The Carpentry Shop: Mr Ross 24 It was soon realised that the school buildings were inadequate to cope wi th the rising number of boys and their educational needs. Funds were unavailable at the time (1914) but there was a real need for a sanatorium and so the senior master, A.H. Adair, offered to do the d esign and the Bursar would supervise the building. It was completed and equipped just in time to deal with a measles epidemic a few weeks afte r it had been used as an hostelry for Old Boys Day. The visitors paid h alf a crown for bath and bed and the monies went towards equipping the San. THE SANATORIUM. (1914-1993) Everyone who visited the San from 1946-1976 will remember the tall, la nky Mr MBeki Mthembu (Long One) who gave 30 years service to the patie nts in the San. PbuWHERtV o~ a;#*' as../, The Southern side of the Quad being built. (Tathams) A priority, on the building list, was the completion of the Founder's Qua d but for various reasons the progress was very slow. The Eastern wing wa s built and outside it a bathroom including a new Bath, 19x9x2% ft. which added to "the comfort of life!" (Future generations I doubt would agree with these sentiments.) Known as the 'Plunge' the bath in the centre of this huge room was a circ ular iron tank a metre deep which could hold 24 bathers at once. It was s unk below the level of the wooden floor, 30cm above a concrete base, so t hat the water could overflow and run outside to be used as irrigation for the vegetable gardens! A perforated iron pipe with sufficient pressure a fforded a species of 'shower-bath.' Finally in October of 1914, a Memorial-stone inscribed, ", fflieAae/Aause, '/9/b. ^t/rj utdeus ''was laid, dedicated to the new buildings which comp leted the South side of the Quad, Two telegrams, one from two Governors, and another from "Majority Old Bo ys. Durban, with the Forces," were read out: "Envious minority, prevente d from being with you today send greetings with loyalty and affection un abated, and are with you in spirit at the dear old place! Tell the Gover nors the first annual subscriptions of sixteen Old Boys amount to over Â £60." The Rector said that this ceremony was a sign that the Transition period was drawing to a close and the buildings were worthy of the Found er's aspirations. This, however, is only part of the story. The numbers were rising rapidly and the Governors decided "a future use fulness for Church and country lay before the School' and it could only be met by building additional classrooms and dormitories. Plans were d rawn up and then snags arose. The Architect, Fleming was summoned by hi s chief, Herbert Baker, to go to India to draw up plans for the Governm ent Buildings at Delhi. 25 The great conflict is over .. and the awful price paid in full A Memorial Hall is to be built. By the time the Rector was able to vet the new plans, to complete the Qua d, the costs had exceeded the budget and then the unthinkable happened- t he War broke out. To alleviate the financial problems the Governors and t he Rector made themselves responsible for the payment of the interest, it being a "privilege for them to give of their wealth, or poverty, to the carrying on of the work of 'their' School." As the 1914 War drew to a close those who returned were feted and honou red. It was at the presentation of the "Tatham Memorial," (a sculpture bearing the School crest. Saint Michael and the Dragon, a Naval Crown a nd Springbok Head, in loving memory of 'William and Errol Tatham') that the school first heard of the Rector Pascoe's plan to erect a Michaelh ouse War Memorial. The Dining Hall was too small to accommodate the number of boys at Sch ool (125) and so Rector Pascoe suggested that a New Hall should be bui lt, as "a visible and lasting expression of our reverence for the fallen and our gratit ude for the survival of the living." At the end of the war the Editor of the Chronicle, 1918, wrote: "We go to press, perhaps, in the most exciting hour of the long drawn-out conflict in Europe. Before these lines appear it may well be that the great confl ict is over - and the awful price paid in full. Week to week our Roll of honour grows longer. To commemorate those who have fallen and those who h ave been spared, a Memorial Hall is to be built." It was some six years before the Governors felt they were ready to start with the building of the Memorial Hall. The Rhodes Trustees gave Â£1,00 0, donations amounted to Â£7,000 but the tender was almost Â£5,000 highe r than the original estimate and so in order not to sacrifice size or th e beauty of detail a compromise was made. The adornments would be left t o a later date but the original size of the Hall would remain the same. On St. Andrews day 1922 The Lord Bishop of Natal, the Rector Pascoe, and assistants Rev.F.Greenwood and Rev.Heywood-Harris attended the Ce remony of the laying of the foundation Stone by the Hon.Justice Tatha m. The Senior Prefect, John Mackenzie, handed the Judge a silver trow el to do so. "Those we commemorate today have indeed proved worthy. A little band o f great souls headed by their Rector Anthony Brown, have quitted thems elves like men, men of honour, men of courage, men of faith. " In 1923 the great change came. The shanties were swept away and the Memo rial Hall and Kitchen block finally built, hopefully improving the poor quality and badly prepared food! A year later, March 1924, the Dedicatio n of the Memorial Hall took place. The photograph shows Acting Sub-Lietenant W.l. Tatham who was in the submarine Service of the Royal Navy. His submarine struck a stray mine while patrolling on 15th July 1916. At the time, hi s brother E.V. Tatham was already in action at Delville Wood, as Acting Adjutant of the Second South African Regiment. He was killed on 18 July. The two lamps at the entrance to the School commemorate the deaths in action o f the Tatham brothers. A letter from Ruth Pennington's mother, Mrs Frampton to her daughter P egs. 911 OXcR/ 2 2 net \ 9 2}t ...... fPxoilail&j Ctndxce Rxia v\lxltten/ to/ teEE uon aJLcMt tRe. edxcatuxn {Jxe 0TlccRcui.ERo.uAe 9lle.mo.xiaE 3'CaEE Rxxt ijoxi/ maij lilc e to/ Recxx vsVfval vie/ dtd.. .<3 Re- |xitn,tÂ£ii nxo-taxed to/ i^xet/vlE et/ uv tfte poxi/ixncj xa.ua and tKe fo -Â£Bav2xncp cl a ij vie continued. . jyiam an/ta -9H3CS. tKc xaad,w4! - J.UA t/ t/uxc.(cA/ acxoAAy jxi/uiiA- vie 6.lcxdded j/xoxix arte- A tele/ c| tRe/ xaad. to/ tR.e- q ii xe/x <. i CoAs' e.sLe/x vie aoX to/ tRe/ AcRo-d/E ui tuixe ta RxuaJx it|3y and. ficx'ie a. cup/ o| tea. Re|/a/te p/co ceecl uxcja (Lecjxxn. 1,600 ux\lx/tatLO/nA Rad/ R-een .i-ent oavt, (Lut cm/ accox uxt o| tRe- xaxn onEij aE.oxii 500 p.eapyÂ£e tu/uxed u p.. /xm<> and EaoJc edy 3.0/ nxcc. ^ i/iA-t tRe < i t aEÂ£ viaA Sweated. 3L. - m alted aixct tR e (Luc^/Ee/iAy 6.0yU.nd-ed' tR e J^O&t SU.'SI xen tR e, j^Eacj. vOaA Rcua text, and tRe/ Eua.Ee/iAy Aaanded tR,e ^ReXletÂ£Ee . "vDe tRen nxa/ied an to/ cle.dxca.te tRe y oxu id. / put toy From the Chronicle, Feb 4th 1901, "It is not so important that he (Todd) founded a school - that is not particularly rem arkable- but that he pioneered not a school dependant on him alone but a school others must consolidate and develop. The Quad is but a physical outline of the work he pioneered." When Bill B.Burnett was entered at Michaelhouse the Rector asked him what his first initial 'B' stood for. In reply Bill answered, "Bill, Sir." "N ot William? / hope for your sake you never become a Bishop," replied Rect or Currey. Indeed he did, "The Most Rev. Bishop Bill Bendyshe Burnett," o f Bloemfontein what's more!' The Statue of the "Boy with a fish" was purchased with the profits from the tuck-shop. The late Archbishop Bill Burnett, Old Boy and Chaplain, c hats to some boys in the Quad. This aerial photograph of the school was taken in 1932, by Duncan Abrah am, four years after the tree planting ceremony. 31 An antiquated uniform....For the sake of neatness, we do not care to risk SUNSTROKE AND HEAT- APOPLEXY 'Cadets' was a very important part of the School's curriculum. It was consi dered the first of the "disciplines", followed by Cricket and then Football . Instruction in the 'elements of a soldier's duty' was thoroughly drilled into the cadets and they played a very important role in attendance at all formal functions, disciplined and uniformed. The whole school appears in this photograph, dressed for an afternoon of Drill, (about 1914) This, the earliest photograph I could find of the Cadets, shows just how antiquated their uniform was. The head gear, forage-caps and kepies rem ind one of the pictures of the Indian Mutiny. They gave little sun prote ction to the face, only the back of the head, and required frequent wash ing. "For the sake of neatness we do not care to risk sunstroke and heat apoplexy," pleaded the Natal Cadet Corps "we'd rather adopt the slouch hat, larger brimmed and looped up at the side with the school badge." The Cadets uniforms were obviously copied from the British Army issue a nd were totally unsuitable for the South African climate. Their complai nts must have been considered, however, for as you can see, in the photographs, as each year went by there was a gradual ch ange and practical improvement to at least some part of the new recruit' s uniform. These Officers, 1958, are wearing the standard uniform that was final ly adopted, (hack row) P.Jonckheer R.Stubbs W.Vaughan-Jones R.Arcliih ald (Front row) A.Ardington 1'.Hamilton D.Lewis. D.Woods R.Fiddian-Gr een 32 Competition between the various Cadet Corps in Natal was intense. Enc ampments and parades took place either at the Maritzburg Show Grounds or in Durban. The first year that Michaelhouse took part was in 1902 . Arthur Wallbridge, one of the young cadets, describes how a scrap d eveloped between the Hilton and Michaelhouse boys: "Someone let down the other's tents on the occupants and as they struggled to crawl o ut proceeded to clout their backsides. With kitbags loaded with books, b rushes, boots in fact anything that could be used as a lethal weapon, a Battle ensued! Finally we were separated and sent to opposite sides of t he Show Ground.'' This Cadet group are at the Mountain Rise Camp near Pietermaritzburg: 1912. E. Pennington, 1). Andrews, E. Goodwin, R. Wilson, C. Plowes, W. Lister, E. Kimber, Hilditch. In 1915 the Corps found they were, due to the War, without arms, ammuni tion, equipment, instructors or officers. Undeterred they decided to st art over again and formed a new company. At their first encampment, whi ch was held in Durban, a general parade service was held. As the School Corps marched past one of the 'Grand' Ladies, gazing on the Michaelhou se School Arms, 'St Michael's mailed hand holding the scales,' remarked , sententiously, "Commercial, I presume! J.C.Bennett (1903) dreaded Tuesday and Thursday afternoon Drills. He wa s the smallest member of what was referred to as the 'awkward squad.' T his unfortunate group were taken behind the cricket pavilion where the Sergeant put them through their painful paces armed with a long, quite thick stick to force them to keep "properly dressed when wheeling and m arching. It became a veritable nightmare for the kids who knew nothing about drill anyway." 33 SCHOOL CADETS We march and march upon the dusty field-Our feet are heavy and the sun is hot; We force our tired frames more strength to yield: Is it a wonder that we like it not? Instructors come from places far away To teach us "Battle Drill" and thin gs like that Which make us feel considerably less gay, Exhaust our brains, and leave us feeling flat The grim instructor cries: "Eh Aai! Eh Aai!" We wheel and turn, then wheel and turn again While letting forth a sad and weary sigh "Oh when shall we be released from our pain?" Until at last, dog-tired, our minds unhealed, We hear "Dismiss!" and hurry from the field. STRATAPHOBE. 1945 In 1918 the Cadets were to witness an amazing sight, t he arrival of Major Millar in an aeroplane! He arrived on May 15th. Fort unately the boys were already in uniform waiting for the afternoon of 'D rill' to commence. With only quarter of an hour's notice to assemble whe n the "Fall in "was sounded they had to hurry to the Jaffray's paddock a cross the railway line to gather for this unique occasion. At 12.20 the plane was sighted over the top of the â€¢hill, flying at great height, 11 thousand feet above sea- level! Major Millar had left Park Rynie, just South of Durban at 11.10 am. "Aft er circling round he made a beautiful landing, stopping alongside the Re ctor. We were allowed to make a thorough examination of the machine whil e the Major had tea and then, decorated with red and white Michaelhouse ribbons, the aeroplane took off. He circled round to gain height and wit h a wave of the hand Major Millar's aeroplane disappeared over the wattl e trees in the direction ofHowick." For Brian Archibald it was an extraordinary occasion. He could claim to be the first person in South Africa to receive an 'airmail' letter. Major Mi llar handed him a letter he had brought with him, from Brian's parents in Park Rynie. Drill 1907 Talking of Planes - One 'Field Day' in the '60's the O.C. that indomitab le Scotsman and teacher, P.Goldie- Scot, organized some aircraft to drop flour bombs on the unwary rookies. Another 'strange' aeroplane! It won the Kremer prize for the first man-pow ered plane to fly in a figure of eight over a specific course. For decades aeronautical engineers' attempts to fly the course had failed. The signature on this photograph is that of an Old Boy, Peter Lissamen (1945-1948), one of the chief designers of the 'Gossamer Condor' which won the prize. Their second Gossamer, 'The Albatross' was the first man -powered aircraft to cross the English Channel. Major Millar lands his aeroplane at Michaelhouse. J.E. Ward is the Cadet with the Bugle. The Gossamer Condor A very popular discipline of Cadets was Shooting. The first miniature rifl e range was built where the old amphitheatre stood. After a bullet penetra ted the front door of the Chaplain's residence, which was behind the 'clos e range,' it was moved to the back of the hill, Michael's Mount. The 'close', miniature rifle range, 1904 After the First World War girls took up shooting, successfully it seems! The Chronicle, October 1923, -Shooting:- St Anne's Diocesan College v. Michaelhouse School Cadets. A 'miniature rifle' shooting match was held recently between the above t wo schools. They are both Diocesan schools and the scoring capability wa s thus expected to be very even! The match did result in a tie, in favou r of St.Anne's as far as the highest individual score was concerned, but favouring Michaelhouse in the lowest score counted out. The Average sco re of 65-3 out of a possible 70 was very creditable. The individual scores were: ST. ANNE'S MICHAELHOUSE Miss H. Hill 69 Fynney 68 Miss D. Melville 67 Morphew 67 Miss G. Stewart 66 Beningfield 66 Miss B. Moultrie 65 Wilson 64 Miss B. Woollatt 63 Pryde 64 Miss M. Shaw 62 North 63 Total 392 Total 392 Counted out: St. Anne's: Miss R. Webb, 60; Miss M. Mackenzie, 51. Michaelhouse: Rafte, 61; Mackenzie, 59. In 1906 the Shooting team won the Natal Senior Challenge Shield and four years later they won it again. 1910: (Back L-R) N.Tatham, A.Campbell, G.Moor, J.Ferrar, A. Wilson K. Winter, Sir Duncan Mackenzie, Lt Col Molyneux, B. Douherty. R. Vaugh n, E. Greene The Cadets Corps are observing a demonstration by the 'Natal Mounted Ri fles' under the watchful eye of Col. Butler Porter (N.M.RJ, assisted by Piet Barnard the Afrikaans Teacher. Hopefully they were very attentive for it is 1938 and the Second World Wa r is about to break out. Some of the older boys in this group would doubt less be caught up in it when they left school. At least these Cadets would be familiar with the rifles the Officers wer e using, unlike the boys Roy Gathorne remembers teaching some years afte rwards. He had told them about the 'Martini-Henry rifle' which was used by the British fighting in the 'Zulu Wars' in Natal. Roy was very amused , when marking their History exam, to read about; "The Battle of Rourke's Drift, at which the British valiantly fended off the attacking Zulus with the concentrated fire of double Martinis!'' 35 Drills and Parades, Rats and Royalty. At the end of the War the Cadets concentrated their skills on Drills an d Parades, Field days and Communication systems. From their station on the high ground behind 'Annandale farm' the signal lers, now proud owners of Buzzer sets, heliographs and a field wireless set were conducting successful Field Days. By 1945 the squad under Lt J. Pridmore were contacting Pietermaritzburg. 'Soon they hoped to have a ru nning commentary on the Hilton - M.H.S. sporting clashes for those who c ouldn't cadge lifts to either school!' In 1906 the first of many important visitors to be welcomed by the scho ol was the Duke of Connaught. The Cadets were on parade to furnish a Gu ard of Honour for the Duke. "The Sergeant Major gave the command "Royal Salute" and they trumpeted lustily. His Royal Highness was impressed with the size of the cadets , more especially the towering stature of Sergeant Bennett, and the Du chess wished to know whether the climate was responsible for the good physique of the boys!" The Governor General- The Earl of Clarendon visited the school in 1932:

Gordon-Watson with the Governor General inspecting the guard One of the Field Day operations that took place in 1948 was of a different nature of 'war-fare'. The School farm where Mr Holley and Lance Knight had organised the plan ting of 30,000 "Lyndoch" trees on 230 acres, was being overrun by rats nibbling at the young saplings. (From the Chronicle 1948). Sept.3rd was 'D' day for Operation Rodent. The Cadet Detachment were ordered up to the school farm to proceed agains t the foe, said to be numbered in their thousands. Accoutered in the most modish of military chic that the Armoury could provide, the hosts of St. Michael sallied forth to the field of battle. Along the Highway, ignorin g the traffic in both directions, they made their perspiring way, democra tically led by the Commanding officer. Major Traill, followed by the band under the baton of Purcocks. Their nonchalant tunefulness provided sligh t relief from the inelegant, hot and heavy footwear provided by the S.A. Defence Dept. Zero hour! An imperious whistle was sounded from a peak overlooking the battle field and platoon after platoon armed with hockey sticks and mi scellaneous tools as weapons, scoured the field. As evening approached so the battlefield was covered and not an enemy in sight. Malcolm Badham ('46-'49) "As 1 recall, the sole casualty on this hilario us occasion was a mouse killed by the deft throw of a drum stick by a me mber of the band which led the weary motley crowd back along the main ro ad to school. Rats beware! 36 During Paddy Dobson's first year at Michaelhouse, 1934, Prince George, Duke of Kent, toured South Africa. "Special arrangements were made for the Royal Train to stop at Balgowan . The Station was spruced up and the entire school and staff assembled on the station platform. The train drew up to a halt and the Duke aligh ted. He was welcomed by the Rector, Mr R.Currey and senior staff, toget her with a few local residents. When all the formalities had been concl uded, the Head-Boy called for six cheers for the Duke. However a spirit of well-being prevailed and the Duke was cheered seven times! As he was walking back to the train a young, smartly dressed lady pushe d her way through the crowd and addressed Prince George. They shook han ds, the Duke boarded the train and it moved off and we went back to sch ool. Divinity was to have been the subject of our first lesson the foll owing day, but instead Rector Currey used the lesson to tell us exactly what 'gate- crashing' meant. His thoughts about yesterday's incident a nd the Old Boy who had driven the lady by car from Durban were abundant ly clear!" Royal. Train.,. 20 th March, 1934. Dear Mr. Mayor, I am desired by The Prince George to convey to you, and through you to al l your officials concerned with the arrangements for His Royal Highness's visit to your town, His Royal Highness's most sincere and appreciative t hanks for the excellent arrangements made for his visit, and for the kind hospitality that he was offered. I can assure you that the Prince's one regret was that time did not permit him to make a longer stay with you, and see more of your various activiti es. Yours truly, H.R.H. The Prince George. His Worship the Mayor, This letter of thanks was forwarded to the Rector from the Mayor ofEstcou rt During my last year (1938) Sir Patrick and Lady Duncan visited the schoo l. This time the Head-boy (Dobson himself!) counted the six cheers corre ctly-Mr Currey had stationed another prefect at his side just as a preca ution. Rector Currey welcoming Sir Patrick and Lady Duncan, to Michaelhouse, June 1938. The Duke of Kent: Inspecting the Guard â– with Gordon Cumming and R ector Currey. 37 The Band played an important role in the Cadet Corps. bugle strings, fou r side drum slings and various side In 1921 the Contingency Grant enabled them to bring drum parts which meant they could now organize the the strength of the Band up to twelve Bugles, eighteen Band as a 'Troop' a nd take part in the Drills. The Bag Pipe band 1963. (back I - r ) A. Jackson, R. McDavid, A. Hammill, I Mitchell-Innes, D.Hagg ie. (front) M. Cross, P. Gallo, P. Black, C. Potter, G. Webb. The Cadet Corps band 1958: (standing: from back row - to seated at front) Carter, Bromley, Hauff, Armstrong, Thaning, Banwell, Henderson Stevenson, Murray, Simons, Lud wig, Bromwich, Glen, Banwell Enthoven, Hewitt, Smithers, Tucker, Sulli van Campbell, Hargraves, Kirkpatrick, (Mr. Riley) Thomson, Simons, Sma rt. 38 The general reviewing the Guard of Honour, August 22nd, 1930. General Jan Smuts visited Michaelhouse in 1930. Seventeen years later he was received at Michaelhouse again but this time the reception was far more relaxed. It was two years after World War II had ended and he was host to Roya lty who were visiting South Africa. Monday. March 17, 1947, the Schoo l's Cadet Band went up to Estcourt to welcome King George. Queen Eliz abeth. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret and General Jan Smuts. "A fine looking lot of men. Must be the bracing weather, all that Scottis h mist!" remarked the King, who was promptly and loudly cheered. The boys must have learnt how to cheer because at the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, and Lord Kitchener, 46 years earlier in 1901 . the Cadets were reprimanded for their "feeblest of cheers -cadets oug ht to be taught how to cheer properly!" (a comment from the Editor of t he Chronicle.) Their excuse was that the "British awe of a 'Royal pusso nage' was too much for them on this occasion! "The sun was very hot and we had to spend hours standing about. Most members of the corps fully endorse the comments in the last Chronicle about our ridiculous head-ge ar which gives us no relief from the fierce sun." His Majesty King George VI and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth talking to D .Clark, Martin Chance and Sid Hart Davis, bred Snell, (the Rector,) the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret with General Jan Smuts in the backgr ound on the extreme right. 39 In 1929 a 29 year old Irishman came to teach at Michaelhouse. What he ta ught, the 88 year old Dr T.Warner can't quite recall. One thing he does remember though is being asked by the Estate Manager, Mr Aitken, to call at the Bank for the Native Wages seeing as he was going to Maritzburg. He had to collect the bag before the bank closed at 3 o'clock and cart i t about till the 6 o'clock train he would catch back to school, left. Th e bag weighed a ton as the wages were paid in gold pieces! Dr. Warner taught for a few years and then, eager to join the R.A.F., he d ecided to return to England. He was a crack revolver shot and before he le ft Michaelhouse he sold his gun to one of his admirers, the proviso being that he, Clayton Major, get permission from the Rector and his father in w riting "and then you can have it for what I paid for it." A deal! "Years later in 1945, when a Stirling Bomber dropped in at our aerodrome i n Belgium for petrol I learnt that it was bringing back P.O.W's. 1 thought / would look in at the poor lads. A tall, thin, emaciated chap shouted, ' Hello Sir! It's good to see you after so many years.' / replied, 'I'm terribly sorry but 1 think you must be mistaking me for my b rother.' 'No Sir! You once sold me a revolver.' It was Clayton Major!!'' An address delivered "ad Portas" to The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu D. D., Archbishop of Cape Town, took place on the 25th August, 1994. Onl y twelve people before him have been given this, Michaelhouse's highe st award. "A most impressive ceremony in which we were all drawn up on parade in the Quad while elaborate speeches were made in Latin was the reception "ad portas" of Lord Harlech (I think it was) - (David Williams 1940-194 3). At the end of the war, May 7th, 1945, the South African Broadcasting Co rporation announced that Germany had surrendered to the three Great Pow ers. The report in the Chronicle described the wonderful event: "Great celebrations took place at Michaelhouse. The reaction was spontaneous. Flags appeared, coloured pap er streamers draped from windows, the bell tolled intermittently and the quad (even the cherished lawn) became the scene of pitched battle. Fire hoses were heavy artillery and extinguishers substituted for small arms , so everyone, particularly the Prefects was saturated. The green Chev, used to pull the mowers round the fields, was driven, flat tyres, waterl ess battery, complete with passengers, a jammed accelerator and no brake s, at terrific speed all round the estate. The following day May 8th, V. E.Day, Sports was held later in the day so we could listen to Churchill' s broadcast on the B.B.C. and in the evening a huge bonfire was lit. Som e dressed up in the Dramatic Society gowns and everyone sang and whirled round the fire-even the S.A.Railways entered in the spirit- the engine driver sounding the "V" sign on his hooter." Another impressive ceremony:-Judge Feetham, is received "adportas". The waiters proudly welcome The Archbishop to Mi chaelhouse 40 Show boyhood how it can serve, and the response will seldom fail. Present it with IDEALS AND THE IDEALS OF TODAY BECOME THE TRADITIONS O F TOMORROW." (RECTOR PASCOE) When 'compulsory' National Service was introduced in South Africa it wa s decided to suspend Cadets at Michaelhouse. "Instead of the tiresome F riday to Friday training, one Quarter's earnest application to parade g round efficiency will be enough. Now a wide range of Service Projects w ill use that time. So much is done for the boys that now they must do s omething themselves." They did do something: 40 Service ties were awarded in the first year tha t the Service clubs were introduced. I would love to know what became of the boy who said,"My most enjoyable service project was digging a compost pit behind the Clinic!" Another, but more thoughtful, comment from one of the young boys who vis ited Sunfield Home: "It has been a situation I have 'used' to satisfy my conscience. I have learned a lot about how lucky I am and how selfish. I haven't changed much but at least I can see my faults." The two boys who undoubtedly deserved their Service ties are the late Ri chard Haddon and Neil Wallis. They were part of the two small groups, 9 in each, who went to 'Sunfield Home' for the mentally handicapped, in Ho wick, and 'New Horizon' for the Blind. 'Their enthusiasm, aptitude, dedi cation and imagination was astonishing for their average age was only fi fteen and a half.' Richard and Neil's lives ended tragically. They were struck by lightnin g as they were waiting to board the school bus to go down to Howick to help the folk they had come to care for. The Games Room at Sunfield Hom e was dedicated to these two young boys and at school a fountain was er ected in their memory at the spot under the tree were they'd stood. One of the first 'services' provided by the boys was the building of a sc hool for the African Employees children. After he had left school I.S.Bar nes (1936-1938, West) a lecturer at the Teacher's Training College, organ ised some of his College students to plan the extensions to the Farm Scho ol after which it would be built by the boys. The Late Alan Paton speaking at Speechday-1955: "The efforts of Michaelhouse to give adequate housing and schooling to the ir African Staff is very important. It is too easily accepted that the Afr icans rather liked to leave their homes and families: after all they sang and laughed and did not pine away." Mr. Paton was referring to the 50th year celebration, 'Jabula Day' when M ichaelhousians turned up to support Jim Chutter's (the Chaplain) day of f un. Rector Snell insisted that the School should accept social responsibi lities and this fete was organized with the intention of raising half the necessary funds needed for the materials to extend the Farm School build ings. Â£1,100 10/9d was raised from a Bridge drive, Jumble Sale and a Memor able Cricket match! A Ladies XI vs The Boys U14. Two YOUNG LADIES BOWLED SO WELL THAT THE BOYS HAD GREA T DIFFICULTY SCORING OFF THEM. THEY HAD NO CHANCE TO U SE THE MIDDLE OF THEIR BATS WITHOUT PUTTING THEM FLAT AGAINST THE GROUND! The LADIES BOWLING FIGURES WERE LO OKING VERY IMPRESSIVE THEN DISASTER STRUCK! THE BOWLER S' WIGS FELL off! THE IMPOSTERS WERE REVEALED! The New Amphitheatre, a project for the Classes of the 1970's. 41 The Festival had been great fun and a financial success. No-one was more grateful than Mr. Maloi, the Headmaster of the African Farm School. He had taught his 99 pupils in one room for three years! Mr Maloi had, inci dently, taught with Alan Paton at his school, 'Diepkloof,' for 12 years prior to his appointment to the Balgowan Farm School. In 1950 Mr Lance Knight, the Estate Manager, organized the building of houses for the African Staff, on the School Farm property. He built a l arge 'room' to be used as a classroom during the week and a Church on S undays. Mr Terry Carter (Staff) ran the "Bantu Studies" programme, star ted by Douglas Pennington, and together with the Vlth Formers they init iated the Farm School project. A gift of Â£5, an easel and black board came from Michaelhouse and 30 to 40 children and their school mistress moved in. Mr David Lewis, Old Boy and Teacher, has been involved with the Farm School since he was a schoolboy. My father asked him if he would spen d some time coaching the students in athletics, which he did, and whe n he returned to teach at Michaelhouse, David became Manager of the S chool Farm. With the help of the Community Service Club, the School continues to gro w, serving a large community of underprivileged children. Today 46 years later the school is still an integral part of the Michaelh ouse community. There are more than 850 pupils, and 75 pre-primary childr en at the 'Asi-Thuthuke (Let us Progress) Intermediate School,' as it is now called. In 1993, a certificate of Merit was presented to the school f or its achievement in improving its Matric passes from 20% in 1992 to 72% in 1993. Pupils at the Award ceremony. Speechday, 1987, and Alan Paton was invited to address the school again. It was a time of great change in South Africa. "An evolutionary period which is always difficult and often painful," he said. For an hour or mo re this remarkable man, 84 years old, stood at the lectern and spoke to an enthralled audience. I was at that gathering and what impressed me mo st about Alan Paton that day was his remarkable memory. After the ceremo ny I had the opportunity of speaking to him and asked him if he remember ed his previous visit to Michaelhouse - "Of course I do, I even remember the speech I gave," he told me, abruptly. "I spoke about the commitment of Michaelhousians to education and the underprivileged and I am well a ware of the progress of the "Farm School" we spoke about. They made a co mmitment and carried it out. I hope that the boys I spoke to today will make a commitment and stay in this country, when others are fleeing for fear of the future, and like the boys I spoke to 32 years ago, some of t hem their fathers, will use their lives in service to our society and co untry!'' Speech Day 1987, Mr W. Strachan, Mrs Paton, P. Armitage the Head Boy , Dr. Paton, The Rector John Pluke. VI th Formers working at the Farm School, 1989. 42 Another building project which the boys undertook was the building of a new Gym. Several generations of boys will remember the wood-and-iron g ym that was built by "Plab" Byrne (the Carpenter) and stood behind East House in what is now 'Pennington quad.' The gymnastics on the Horse an d the Parallel Bars, ropes and the wall-bars to climb on and hang off, boxing bags to pummel, floor exercises and boxing matches all took plac e in this sturdy little building. In 1961 it was decided that, with the boys' help, a new Gym should be bui lt. It was to be sited near the swimming pool. Gary Ralfe. Headboy that y ear, referring to extra curricular activities in his Speechday report, me ntioned the Gym: "A new gym was to be built and it was our project to clear the site. Th e trees were cut down and then the stumps had to be removed. They prove d too obstinate for manual labour so we used our picks and axes to figh t duels, which was much more to our liking. That project was quickly ab andoned and our energies were diverted to demolishing the old wood-and- iron gym. 'Destruction' was far more appealing to our basic instincts." The new and much larger gym has facilities for other sports, Fencing and Basketball for instance. The interior of the new gym The first Basketball Tournament, held at Michaelhouse, was in 1980. Que ensburgh High from the South Coast won. Playing for the M.H.S. first te am, in the finals were: Klinzman, Fox, Davies, Fleischer, Cowles, Water man and Vallet. Gary Ralfe, Senior Prefects and Lord Montgomery, 2nd Feb. 1962. (L-R) W. Smith, R. Smither, G. Ralfe, J. Inglis, Viscount Montgomery, A. Rose, G.S. Mitchell-Innes, F.Crookes, A. McDonaldï»¿The person who is a good sport has to lose to prove it. Up until 1936 there were only a few 'Physical activities' for the boys to participate in. According to a census taken in 1936 the majority of boys enjoyed Rugby, and Tennis was more popular than Cricket in the Sum mer. Squash. Hockey (the only school where the game was played) Athleti cs, Gymnastics, Swimming and Boxing were the only other sports to choos e from. Today there is a choice of more than 15 Sports. The Editor of the Chronicle, Mr Dobree, encouraged Boxing at Michaelho use when he wrote, in 1903: "The noble art of self defence ought to be taken up with enthusiasm by ev ery boy, so that he may be able to use his fists in a just quarrel! Besid es, there are few pastimes which combine sport and exercise, and teach on e how to control his temper, better than boxing." Two cups for Boxing were donated by W.Kimber, to be competed for in th e Heavy-weight classes. It was hoped that the "punching fever would sp read and before the year (1914) was up the gloves would be handled wit h some effect." Noel Sacke and Tucker boxing in the Out- door ring, 1938. Speech Day 1968. The Band and Gym Parade. The first Gym Club opened in 1936. The exercises the boys learned were a combination of Swedish, Mills an d Bucke, British Army and the Board of Education's system. Massed P.T. displays were the order of the day particularly on Prize Givi ng Days. On one such occasion Sir Patrick Duncan came to present the prizes. T he programme included 'horse work' performed by a few seniors, a Mass ed Drill and March Past to the accompaniment of Gramophone music, whi ch was relayed through eight Loud-Speakers, and a P.T. display under the baton of the British Army Sergeant, Bultitude. The proceedings en ded in a mass of bodies forming the name 'DUNCAN'. Work on the Horse and a massed P. T. Display on Speechday 1937. 1968 - The gymnastics team. 44 "We look forward to the time when we shall have a swimming bath of our o wn, in the stream immediately below the school premises, from which high er up, we get our water supply." Meanwhile "through the kindness of a ne ighbouring landowner we have the use of a natural swimming bath in 'Hutc hinson's pool.' It lies on the Lions River half a mile below the school. There is a natural shower from the Falls and we also have the opportuni ty of adding the humble but succulent eel to our breakfast or tea. We be lieve that trout have been placed in the stream, but have migrated lower down, possibly in a fright at the arrival of a crowd of ardent Michaelh ouse sportsmen. The small fry -we don't mean of fish but of boys- those who can swim 'a little,' are allowed to disport themselves in a shallowe r pool below. Rector Currey felt that it was time to expand but as the 30's went on th eir way "it became clear that the World, South Africa and Michaelhouse w ere in for an economic crisis which was to make men tremble." However gold mining kept South Africa going and in turn the boys from the Rand helped Michaelhouse survive. A modest start was made to improve the conditions, a Swimming pool and Change rooms, grassed fields and a 'wood and iron' Gym (built by 'Pla b' Byrne the carpenter, for Â£220 pounds. Its successor cost R34.000!) Mr Brown, the Oldest Old Boy and Club President at that time, donated Â£500 to the Swimming pool fund and from the Tuck Shop the profit from the bull's-eyes, toffees, jujubes and lemonades sold, yielded Â£200 a nd the Old Boys gave Â£350. Swimming was considered to be largely recreational. Rector Snell (1939 -1952) banned bathing costumes and allowed the hedge round the pool to grow higher. He hoped to encourage a healthier matter-of-factness abo ut the human body, and a reduction in the loss of costumes! This is the original swimming poo! (sans diving-board) 1994, 'KBC," John Sinclair, Tim Atkins It was in May. 1933, that the first Annual House swimming sports took pl ace. East won with 90 points, West 79, North 45 and Farfield 27. North w on the team plunge: 39m, and the best individual plunge was Chalkley's 1 3,64m. Pillow fights on the bar were part of the fun on these occasions. Tathams - Interhouse gala 1989. 45 "Great Schools in Sport," was the title of an article by E.W.Swanton, tha t appeared in the 'London Illustrated' magazine, February 12, 1937, "Michaelhouse has all the amenities which are expected in an English pub lic school." J. Pool, who, in 1984, had the fastest time in South Africa as a 14 yea r old for crawl, 100m, Grant Larsen and John Harker (who swam for South Africa while still at school) are joined by another successful competi tor, Nicholas Folker. While still at school (1994) he swam as a member of the Natal Junior team at the South African Championships. They broke the 4 x 50 relay, Junior record, and Nick's personal achievements were a silver, and a bronze, medal. More recently he was chosen as a member of the Natal Men's swimming team, competing in the South African Champ ionships. 1933, 'A spectacular dive at the annual swimming spurts. One of the final projects of the Centenary Foundation was to upgrade t he Swimming pool. This was done in 1994. Water-polo will be all the more popular now that there is a larger pool to p lay in. Note the costumes and the hats (no longer part of the uniform) This is the 1983 Water-Polo team. (Standing) R. Robinson, A. Hurlbatt, F. Conlon, A. Hall, J. de Knoop, I). B riggs. (Seated) J. Maree, M. Riley, I). Telford, R. Firth, S. Camerer. A very popular outing is the Natal school's annual Interschool Gala held in Pietermaritzburg. The same school always won, until 1944 that is. 19 44 was an 'annus misirabilis' for Michaelhouse's swimmers; they took the championship from Maritzburg College who had held it for 12 years. Nick -training. 1990 - the Inter-house school gala. 46 As early as 1901 it was decided to build two Tennis courts, one for the staff and one for the boys. The surfaces were laid with Ant-heap sand. T he neighbour's donkey thought this was marvellous stuff and it had to be persuaded to desist from sleeping and rolling on the sandy surface befo re the courts could be used. These courts served the school for 27 years and then Mr Van Eyssen. and funds from the Tuckshop, provided the finances for another two courts.

All the courts were top-dressed with 'Sydenham grit' and finally in 1957 the surfaces were made "All-weather." The most important decision the Tennis players have to make about their ou tfits today are, not the shirt and pants, for that a 'Tee-shirt and shorts are pretty much standard gear, but it is the foot-wear that is all import ant - "Which make of "Takkie" to wear!?" The First Team, and UI5's, of 1989, had a very successful year, possibly because they chose the correct shoes. However more important to them th is time were not their shoes but their tee shirts, the ones Matts signed ! Matts Wilander, and his wife Sonja, payed a visit to her nephew, a pup il at Michaelhouse. In the afternoon Matts played a few sets of tennis w ith some of the boys. Most of them got a point or two off him, much to t he delight of the First Team members, and the spectators who rushed down to see the champ. All-weather courts in the 1960's. The tennis pavilion is the thatched roof ' hut' with the old squash court building behind. Matts Wilander - The United States, French and Australian, 'Open' Champ ion of 1989, autographing tennis shirts. The tennis outfits have certainly changed in a hundred years. In 1906 this is the outfit that the players wore. The long sleeved shirt a nd "brogue" type pants must have been very restricting. Michaelhouse 1st Tennis Team 1936 Top Row: Paul Henwood, Strachan ii, Des Henwood Bottom Row: Ossie Dawson, Jeff Morphew, Ernest H udson-Bennett In October 1936 the St Anne's girls were invited to play against this te am. Morphew teamed up with Strachan ii. Dawson with Henwood i and Bennet t with Henwood ii to win the 9 sets, 8 - 1. 47 Squash was played at Michaelhouse in 1929. There were two courts to star t with and then the Rector Bushell, who was a keen player himself, donat ed two more courts. They had wooden floors and a roof but were not total ly enclosed. The front wall was low enough to see over, if one climbed u p the wooden stile, and stood on the slatted platform which ran along th e front wall. On these same courts 40 years after they were first built, Jonah Barrington, the 1969 world champion squash player, conducted a sq uash clinic for Michaelhouse and Hilton. "Those who could squeeze into t he 'gallery' enjoyed his skill as a player and his amusing talk." Fifty five years later, (which is probably why someone asked me what on earth Bushell had to do with squash and was it really played that long ago?) on the 2nd September 1983, 'The Warin Bushell Squash Complex,' w as officially opened. Each new squash court is individually named, after prominent Old Boy, squash players: Ingledew, Devonport, Woods, Ken and Rex Pennington, and Mike Rosholt. The year the new courts were opened Graeme Dykes achieved No 4, in So uth Africa, playing Under 14. In 1988 G. Plumstead played No 2, Under 16, and Bruce Carter No 12, for S outh African Schools. This team toured England with the Rector Rex Pennington, with conside rable success. P.Williams, B.Hankinson, R.Grant, R. Waller, R.Devonpo rt, Rex Pennington (manager) N.Ingledew. In 1974 The strongest school-boy team in South Africa was the Michae lhouse squash team, led by Norman Ingledew and Rob Devonport. Sept. 1983, the opening of the "Warin Bushell Squash Complex". R.Colli ns, R.Devonport, Mike Rosholt, J.Devonport, J.Todd. 48 Dear Sir,...I allude to that habit of putting the bottom of the flannel TROUSERS INSIDE THE SOCKS WHEN PLAYING CRICKET. The 'Migration' boys who moved to Balgowan must have been delighted wi th the "space" they now had, and in particular a cricket pitch "The Ov al." This was planned and executed by the legendary 'Bok,' Charles Han nah. Hannah came to Michaelhouse in 1898 at the age of 20. He met Canon Todd one evening at dinner with their mutual friend Bi shop Baines, and was persuaded to join the staff at Loop Street. So beg an his long and enthusiastic association with Michaelhouse which lasted for 32 years. When he left Michaelhouse, Bok pursued another passion o f his, farming, and was appointed the first Headmaster of the Agricultu ral College 'Cedara' at Hilton Road near Pietermaritzburg. Hannah taught anything and everything but most of all he inspired the boy s with his infectious passion for cricket. He organised tours up and down the country taking the boys and their cricket bags with him in his remar kable T-Ford "Eliza". As soon as the school moved to Balgowan he set about taming the veldt an d establishing a cricket pitch. "Wiry, patchy and tussocky the veldt grass defies roller and mowing mach ine, only after years of experimenting we found grasses to plant." In order to level the Oval Bok persuaded the school to purchase a heavy roller. The pitch was laid down with 'Antheap' (clay which termites have built into their nests) two oxen were inspanned and the pitch levelled. There were no trees on the estate and Hannah, who had already decided w here The Oval should be, rectified this matter and introduced the tradit ion of awarding 'Trees' to those boys who made more than 50 runs in a ma tch. The first to qualify and plant their trees were the Moor brothers, Tatham ma. and E.Smith. From the Chronicle 1903: The new Cricket Ground being ready for use at the beginning of the cric ket season, the need of a new pavilion became urgent. The unsolicited o ffer of a donation from one of our visitors encouraged us to think that the required amount to build a pavilion might be raised. - Messrs Hann ah and Adair drew up the plans; a brick building 30ftxl0ft with a veran dah the same size. The contract price was Â£150. The first portion was soon built, a further portion in February and then Â£30 to complete the job was required. Messrs Shippy and Co presented a new telegraph board with numbers and from Mr Kane came four garden seats. The new cricket pavilion Surveying their handiwork are Charles Hannah, his brother Ian and Mr W oodcock. They have just completed a box for cricket implements, behind the Pavilion. This snap shot shows four boys admiring the New Pavilion: Owen, Osbor n, G.Kerne, Robinson. 49 Mr 'Bok' Hannah: "Some interesting notes I made- I can see Herbie (Mince y) Taylor as a small new boy with a bat almost longer than himself, disp laying that same wonderful footwork that, for so many years, put him in the class by himself, as a South African batsman. - I can see Alan Melvi lle that most polished stroke player. These, the two greatest cricketers Michaelhouse produced, came at the beginning and end of my time there. They both captained South Africa, Melville being the second player in cr icket history to score four consecutive test centuries. In 1947 he, Alan , L. Payn, N.B.F. Mann and O.Dawson were in the South African team that toured England.- No Englishman can imagine the impossibility of making p laying fields out of our stubborn veldt.- But even on those bad rough ol d grounds -we managed to turn out a fine series of players- This convinc es me that it is the spirit and enthusiasm with which games are played t hat counts, rather than perfection of grounds and implements.- - The gre atest difference I see between the early days and the present ones is th is: in those days of struggle the boys had to work to make the grounds p layable; to-day a ground staff keeps them nearly perfect. Both plans are good but I cannot say which leads to happier games or better players.- R.L.Harvey, (Bob) whom Hannah mentions, is the son of George, the first of four generations of sucessful cricketers. "Harvey you are not payin g attention! Bring that picture here," said Hannah. "She's a pretty gir l George. When you marry her I want to be your son's godfather," And he did. Bob (Robert L. Harvey) became Hannah's godson. Bob's daughter, Su san is also Hannah's god-child. Susan's son. Janies Carmichael, (1994- ), the youngest Harvey, continues the family tradition and is Captain of the U16 1 st X1. Miles Harvey (60-63, Natal U20). Miles' son Oliver, spent a year, 1991, at M.H.S. and played for the 1st X1. Oliver played Rugby for Natal Schools, as did his father, for U20, at fly- half - the position all the Harvey boys play. One must deal with the remainder of Michaelhouse's distinctions:- J.J.B isset, T.Campbell, R.L.Harvey and D Taylor (Herbie's brother) who all p layed for South Africa and those who have played for Natal- A.F.Borland , L.T.H.Trotter, M.E.Pennington and A. P. Woods." (Today we can add, Kim Elgie, Dereck Varnals, Kelly Seymour, Henry Fo theringham and Chris Burger.) From the London Illustrated, 1937: Alan Melville, who won his Blue as a Freshman, captained Oxford in 1932. He is one of the greatest players produced by Michaelhouse; he is a mos t graceful stylist. H. W. Taylor, the greatest of all South African batsmen. From 1912 to hi s retirement in 1933 he was an example to all South African cricketers a nd among the three or four finest batsmen in the world. Alan. Herbie. George Harvey (00-02, one of the 'Migraton' boys) A.M. Harvey (Mac, 35-36) Killed in the War. R.L.Harvey (Bob, 1926- 1930,-Springbok

T 1 Robert D. Harvey Robert L. (85-89) played for the School 1st X1. (62-66). Played for the 1stX1 50 The first term of 1901 was rendered famous by one significant and memor able event, Michaelhouse's First cricket match - which happened to end in an extraordinary win by one run. Michaelhouse could barely put 11 players on the field. Their ages varied from Mr.Tryon, well over 40, who had not held a bat for about ten years , to youngsters of 9 and 10 who had never held a bat. Maritzburg College , their opponents had a strong team as they had over 100 pupils to choos e from. Louis Sullivan, M.H.S., was the hero of the match. He managed to hit all t he runs, the other players staying with him to the last wicket. The final scores were: College, 105 for 4 (declared). M.H.S., 106 for 9 wickets. (Su llivan-106 runs). From the Chronicle: Once more we have to finish with a growl at the fielding. "Good fielding makes bad bowling strong while bad fielding makes good bowling powerless. " If only boys would practice fielding and be as keen to excel therein as in batting. This, the First XI team, were on tour in 1901. They certainly didn't dres s very well. Standing in the centre at the back is Bok Hannah, George Tat ham sits in front of him and to his left J.P.Moor, no cap and a tie round his waist, to hold up his trousers. Next to him is M.H.Forder, considere d by Hannah to be the best bowler Michaelhouse ever had in his, Bok's, ti me. He took 136 wickets for the season and Moor obtained over 1000 runs. The Illustrated London News article titled "Great Schools in Sport" in th eir issue, May 12, 1937, featured Michaelhouse. The "Oval" was completed in 1904; the first pitches laid down being comp osed of "antheap" clay. 1904 was a year of present achievement and high future promise. - A little boy H. W. Taylor began to play for the first eleven. The series with Hilton College likewise dates from 1904. - Michaelhouse did creditably - and might reasonably be held to have won a moral victor y, in that Hilton having been put in, took three-and-a-half hours to sco re a hundred runs, while Michaelhouse, in the remaining hour scored 67 f or three. The white flannels that the Players are wearing are for Colour s awards. In 1904 the First Game 'Oval' was ready and the Pavilion completed. Flowe r beds had been laid out in front of the building and a belt of trees planted behind. From the Chronicle: On Dec 13th, 1904, Hilton arrived to play on the new Oval. D. Taylor won the toss and put his opponents in to bat, a mistake a s it seems to us, as it lost us the game. The result was a draw, but on m oral grounds M.H.S. should have won. This sending in of opponents to bat first appears to be a superstition which does not die until 1917, The First XI Team who went on tour to Northern Natal. They are all wearing the new uniform, striped Blazers but no caps. Mr Rethman, J. Greig, J. Hart Davis, D. Koe, A. Berend, W. Evans, Mr. Hal, Mr. F.Bishop,?, M.Pennington, Hannah, Mr Hay, A. Walters, A.Borland, R.Dyer a boy has left school. 20 Overs bowled, 10 were maidens, the score - 14 to Hilton then Harvey, M, replaced Taylor to bowl, and Jenkinson replace d Smythe. Harvey bowled 5 maiden-overs, Jenkinson only gave 4 runs in 5 overs. After a heavy thunder shower, during lunch, Hilton returned to ba t taking 3l/2 hrs to score 100, declared. M.H.S. were left with only 1 h our of day-light to score 100 runs. They managed to score 67 runs in 65 minutes for the loss of 3 wickets. In 1917 Hannah arranged a cricket tour to Northern Natal. "In order to reach our first stop, Newcastle, by 8am on Friday, we had t o leave Michaelhouse at midnight on Thursday. We left by train and on ou r arrival at the station were driven a further two miles to the Osborn's farm. Here we were given breakfast and then we returned to the village to start play at 12 noon. On Sunday we spent the day riding donkeys and left the next morning at 5am. At 8am we arrived in Dundee and started pl ay at 10 am. It was a very enjoyable tour but the scores were not good a nd for that we can blame the amount of rail-travel." "Don't be discouraged when you are soundly beaten. There is often much more to be learned from losing a match than winning one, and we fear th ere is too much an inclination to despond on receiving a severe defeat. " (Hannah). 52 1918, there were a few more teams and pitches, but as far as Third Gam e was concerned not a great improvement in their game! "It is difficult to write anything complimentary of Third Game. Their interes t in the "railway" so entirely consumed them that their zest for cricket suffered total eclipse. T hey should note that cricket is not necessarily played in shorts and socks, nor is a jersey, tied skirtwise round the waist, an indispensable article of attire!" This team have smartened up considerably, or perhaps the photographer wa s more particular and got them to pose properly! The very formal 'Portra it' of the 1926 team, taken against an exquisite backdrop, heralds the s tart of a tour to the distant Cape. 1926, The 1st XI: The Cranes: (Hannah's family crest was the crane) (1st row) Sobantu, L.T.Trotter, C.M.Melville, R.Harris. R.S.Armstrong, J .W.Mckenzie, C.Palmer, (2nd row) D.B.Koe, C.D.Robinson, C.W.Hannah, M.E.Pennington, A.P.W oods, (3rd row) N.G.R.Crowe, H.E.Boyes, G.A.Shaw. In 1942 the more practical and economical 'Blue Blazers' replaced the whi te Colours Blazers. Gordon Draper, a member of this 1942 team, returned t o his old school in 1967. He presented a unique 'stump' to the school. It was one of the stumps used in the Fourth Test match played in Johannesbu rg in the 60's. Gordon had umpired the first three Test matches of the fi ve in the series, Australia vs. South Africa. The Captain, Peter van der Merwe, presented the stump to Draper. It is split and hinged, signed by a ll the players, the two umpires, details of the five test matches and a d escription of the presentation is inscribed on the stump. The 1st XI, 1942. D.W.Taylor, J.G.Draper, J.W.Chaplin, P. Mck. Brown, S .N. Roberts, C.M. Bobbert, l.G. Gersigny, M.B. Price-Moor, C.K. Harsant , (front) J.M. Pennington, B.J. McBride Transport in the '50's - The school truck. Denoon, Fraser, - Pon, Lewis, Ki rkpatrick, - Porter, Riemer. 53 1930 was the most important year in the annals of Michaelhouse cricket. The cricket pitches had become very eroded and a donation of 144 sq. yard s of turf-sods for the practice pitches, and the grass, grown in a nurser y in the vlei, now ready to be transplanted was used to rectify the probl em.. Thus in 1930 they were able to grass the Oval, and 'turf the wicket, making Michaelhouse the first school in South Africa to play on a turf w icket. (From the London Illustrated, 1937.) CRICKET: An historic match on the "Oval" April 5th 1930. For the first ti me a turf wicket replaced the grit and matting which can be seen by micl- on. Mr Lawrence Trotter brought up the 'Berea C.C.' side to play the combine d Staff and Boys XI. Charles Hannah faced the first ball. The umpires were R.A.Moore and J.P ridmore, and in this photo of the 2nd innings, Colin Melville and Bobby Woods are batting and Ross Armstrong can be seen in the covers. Another first for school-boy cricket in South Africa, was an invitation to the Michaelhouse cricket team, to participate in the Sir Garfield Sobers International School's Cricket Tournament in Barbados. A very significant break-through in terms of the World wide boycotts against South Africa. The teams: 1930, April 5th. Back row: R.A.Moore (umpire), H.A.Swales, D.Mumford, D.Borland, Baring Koe, Dick Crockett, Alastair Stevenson, Malcolm Smy the, Ross Armstrong, John Pridmore (umpire) Middle row: Pax Theron, lan Dallas, Ken Pennington, Lawrence Trotter, C. Hannah, Jack Siedle, Bobby Woods, Colin Melville. Front row: Arthur Scruby, Neville v.d. Riet, Bob Harvey, Aex Doull, Ramsay Collins, H. Foster, David Turner. The 1992 cricket team chosen to play in Barbados, (back left): Scott Ham ilton, Robin Smither, David von Onselen, Christopher Hewitt. (middle row): Craig Sugden, Francois Bruyns, Tim Edwards, Mark Hewitt , Simon Nicholson, Garth Johnstone, (front): Greg George, Lloyd Ferreira, Andrew Cook (coach), Dale Benkens tein, (captain), Chris Purchase (manager) and Oliver Marshall. 54 Roy Gathorne has many memories of his cricketing days at Michaelhouse b oth as a pupil and master when, for over thirty years, he played for th e local Caversham Cricket Club with, amongst others, Benji from the Boo k-room. 'The Caversham team often found themselves short of players and invited outsiders to join them. On one occasion the South African cricketer, Wil liam Patrick, was asked to play. He obliged just as long as he remained incognito for fear that the papers would report the match and his boss w ould get to hear. William opened the batting and then a violent storm pu t an end to the match. It was reported that "Leon Trotsky's" score stood at 55 not out!" Benji 1988. 'Hannah's' pavilion was restored to house the cricket memorabilia. Roy G athorne past pupil, teacher and keen cricketer, opened the building. This Bench was presented by the Old Boys Club, to the school, in memory of Bok Hannah. It is a fitting monument appropriately positioned overl ooking his field, 'Hannah's,' and the school and playing fields he devo ted more time and energy to than any other Michaelhousian. It was Baboo's favourite seat. I remember seeing him, and his wife, sitti ng there every afternoon, after his retirement, watching the games, and l ooking out over the grounds his son Ram, like Hannah, spent a life-time t ending. Overlooking the Oval is a new Cricket pavilion, and down near the railway l ine, under the trees is the original, Pavilion. The 'new' Cricket Pavilion, was subscribed to by the Old Boys. The Dri nking Fountain was donated by Nigel and Rob Matthews. 55 The first match in which the new pavilion was used was an Old Boys' mat ch. The team of Old Boys was made up of 10 former Captains, (the 1 1th, Le s Payn, had to withdraw). The team: Roberts. Trotter, De Gersigny, Burger, Price Moor, Harvey, D oming A., Gilson R., Gathorne, Pennington M. (They won by 159 runs, 30 7/148). 1994, A match against the Old Hoys. Hilton fixtures started in 1931. Michaelhouse narrowly won the first matc h with seven minutes to spare. 1935 Hilton declared leaving MHS 95 to win and got them all out for 71. 1937 MIIS won with only 5 minutes to spare. 1938 Hilton lost by 9 wickets despite the fact that they made two score s over 200, 229 and 233. F.Lee of MHS made a record score of 259 and th ey declared with 445 for 7 wickets. 1941 MHS won in the second last over. 1942 MHS won by 22 runs, Hilton in their second innings at one stage onl y required 5 4 runs with 7 wickets in hand. 1943 The heaviest defeat suffered by Hilton ever. They lost by an innings . 1946 won by 126 runs. Hart's first three shots were fours and he took 5 wk ts for 9 runs. 1948 Lost by an innings and 107 runs. M.H.S's heaviest defeat in the se ries. McLean and Waite made the highest scorers for Hilton. In I 1 matc hes played MHS won 8, Hilton 1 and 2 were drawn. 1949 M.H.S. won I 16 (Elgie 47) Hilton 102. 1950 won by 6 wickets. Hilton were unaccustomed to the wild deliveries G reene hurled at their heads!. 1952 The second match was a draw - Nankervis 3 for 55, Bouverie 3 for 65 and then at 100 for 5 the Hilton batters Crookes and Throssell took the score to 212 in 80 minutes. Biggs, Melville and Burger, for M.H.S. were lost for 30 and then Varnals saved the day, 49 not out, he batted for 1 51 minutes. Chris Burger earned his South African schools cap, the only boy from Natal. 1953 A Draw-Both sides were victims of too great a sense of importance of the occasion by only scoring 271 runs in a full day's cricket. 1954 A Draw - Hilton led the first Innings. Seymour took 10 wickets. 1955 Lost by an Innings and 31 runs. A crushing defeat due largely to Hi lton's Crookes -222 in 180 minutes and 4 M.H.S. wickets in each innings.

1956 Lost byl()2 runs. The New Pavilion was opened. 1957 A Two day match ended in a draw. Hilton, First Innings - 53 agains t the bowling of D.Evans and M.Felling and then 219 for 9, declared. M. H.S. 154 first innings - then 104 when stumps were drawn. 1958 A two day match -Drawn - Evans bowled 5 for 30 and then 5 for 40.

1959 Lost by 174 runs 1960 Drawn-the two day Match- lost the next match by 6 wickets 1961 Lost by 8 wickets. McLaren of Hilton took 7. 1962 Drawn. Ravenor Nicholson bowled McLaren two runs short of the M.H .S. total. C. Nicholson took 5 wickets in the second innings. Ravenor broke Alan Melville's record o f 1928 by scoring 142 runs against Glenwood on the Oval. 1963 A draw. Smithyman and Nicholson bowled well between the rain show ers, and D. Dyer acheived a fine innings of 40 in the 'dark'. Smithyma n and Harvey each scored two centuries this year and Dyer one. The nex t year David scored 1,000 runs. 1964 A Draw- Whittaker scored his first century and Macleod proudly dis missed the dreaded Procter for 37. 1976 This was a 7 wicket win over Hilton - 120 for 4 (Townsend scored 6 1) and Hilton scored 79 all out. 1985 On the 2nd Day of this match Hilt on scored 267 for 7 (Gilson 103) and M.H.S. only managed 22 for 2 56 Nov: Lost by 4 wkts. Dyer and Lewis Whittaker, who scored a century, 126 , survived hostile overs from Procter to reach 200/2 at the end of the d ay. Harvey and Knight batted well to close at 328/8. Hilton scored 378/8. 1966 1967 season Ronald Collins scored 1,061 runs in 18 Innings. 1969 70 MHS won by 69 runs. Fotheringham, made 103 not out. Helped by Williamson 31, and Holley 37, they declared at 230/9. Fotheringham w as chosen as 12th man for S.A. Schools XI in 1970. Gordon Draper presented the school with a wicket given him by Ali Bacher at the end of the Durban Test match, inscribed with the Test details of the series. Chris Burger also presented the school with a wicket, one f rom the 1957 1958 Australian tour. 1971 Of 4 matches played 2 were easily won by Hilton and then 2 by MH S. 1975 A Draw the only good batting of the season. Hilton 163/7, MHS 169 /5 dec. (Bester 33, Wickham 57, Kennedy 38.) The 2nd game, lost by 102 runs. 1977 A 7 wkt. win Hilton 79, and MHS 120/4. (Townsend 61, Hickman 25. ) 1978 The first match was won by 63 runs. MHS 190/2 dec. (Mansell 71, Fe rguson 63, Townsend 37) Hilton 127 all out. (Perrott 3/15, Ellis Brown 3/18). 1980 The school lost by 8 wkts. 66 all out! Hilton 128/8. The 2nd match a draw MHS 248/4 dec. Hilton 163/4 (Du Plessis 139, O'Brien 61, Clarke Whitehouse 2/31). 1981 Nov. Murray Stewart, the captain scored 147 no K.O'Brien 29 the tot al being 238/5 for MHS to draw with Hilton, 184/7. 1982 Hilton 176/9 (R.Pluke 3/40, G.Hurlbatt 3/44). MHS 169/7 (Thompson 51, C. Copeland 5/51, G.Elgie and M. Quin took the side to within 7 run s of victory. The tense match ended in a draw. 1983 A game lost by 7 wkts. At 72/7 a partnership for the eighth wicket b etween A.Poole 35 and J. Brotherton 39, led to a declaration, 159/9. In 3 6 overs Hilton acheived 161/3. 1984 Another drawn match. M.H.S. 165/5 ( Anderson 32, Brotherton 45 n. o., Thompson 33 n.o.) Hilton 111/5 (Firth 4/48) 1985 On the 2nd Day of this match Hilton made 169/9 dec. and Michaelhouse scored 267 for 7 and then 22/2 (Murray Gilson 103, 3/46, Olivier scored 53 runs). In two seasons Murray scored nearly 15 00 runs, including 6 centuries, and took 61 wickets. There is still too mu ch individualism, using'I','me',- +y'3 -'my', instead of'we','us', or'the team', commented Mr Buckley. Surely we have the best cricketing faciliti es of any school. A 'Jugs Bowling Machine' has been acquired and what a fine coaching aid it has proved to be. Our fine cricketing traditions must continue." In 1986 Extremely poor weather this year proved-frustrating. A Day night game M.H.S. 168/7 (Olivier 20, Collins 41, Hulett 27). Hilton 164 all o ut (Enthoven 5/30). MHS won by 4 runs. 1987 An'aggressive' team led by B. Ridgway.The first match a draw Hil ton 147/5 dec. (B.Ridgeway 2/40 ) and 117/7 dec (Furmidge 3/28, Pithe y 2/37) MHS 113/9 (Furmidge 27, B.Ridgway 28) 1988 MHS 153/9 dec. (Yorke Smith 40, Jones 30 no and 127/9 dec (Edwar ds 41, Armstrong 32 no) Hilton 133 (Furmidge 5/39) and 83/2. A draw, stopped by rain with 13 overs remaining. 1989 MHS 173/7 (G.Armstrong 58 n.o.) to draw with Hilton, 156/8 ( Suther land 3/7, Lees 4/71). 2nd Innings Hilton 118/9 (Sutherland 7/15). 1990 The First XI, led by Patrick Lees and Anthony Hewitt, "emerged as th e best team side in Natal Schools cricket in 1990." The highlight of the season was the first win in a decade against Maritzburg College. Another thrill was the match against Westville. The winning run came off the bat of our number 11, off the last ball of the last over, no wickets remaining. The only matches this team lost were the first one of the season (agains t D.H.S.) and the first of the three matches against Hilton. The match s tarted well. M.H.S. declared, 132/8 (Benkenstein 78) and Hilton were 95/ 6 (B. George 3/28). In the second innings "devastation struck in the for m of injury to George and Marshall Smith and Michaelhouse were all out f or 66 and Hilton won by 8 wickets, 112/2. An end of an era, Ram the groundsman who had tended the cricket pitches and fields for 50 years, died. The Chotko family came to MHS in 1902 a nd his late father, Babooram, worked in the dormitories for over 66 yea rs. 1991 Over night match. MHS won by 6 wkts. Hilton 158/9, MHS 159/4 (Fer reira 5/28 Dale Benkenstein 3/37, Ferreira 71, George 43). Dale captai ned the S.A. U19 Development XI, to the West Indies and the U23 S.A. t eam in 1995. 1992 Lloyd Ferreira scored an undefeated century, (against Howick) and took 6 wickets for 9 runs, including a hattrick, all this in one day. 1 4 March, MHS won by 121 runs. MHS 94, Hilton 115 (Ferreira 3/25, Smithe r 3/24) MHS 176/6 (Sugden 87, George 35) Hilton 34, George 5 wickets fo r 7 runs! Bruyns 3/4 1993 MHS 2wkt win 128/8 (Macnaughton 47 no) Hilton 127 (D Van Onsel en 3/23, S.Smithyman 4/29. 1994 Hilton 87/3 to MHS's 167 all out (N.Koza 42, C. Manqele 28) was ra ined off. Draw. 57 "Since there is no opportunity at Michaelhouse to become a bullfighter or

GLADIATOR, HE OPTED FOR HOCKEY GOALIE." Not only did Charles Hannah establish Cricket at Michaelhouse but he a lso introduced Hockey, in 1928. House Matches provided most of the gam es as none of the other schools played Hockey in the 30's. The only co mpetition for the schoolboys came from playing against Clubs and Unive rsities. In 1938 only one match was won by the boys, captained, incidentally by a future Springbok, P.A.Dobson. The very first Hockey XI team made up of: R.Harvey, Hill, Fenwick, Higgin s, A.Melville, Parry, Oscroft, L.Turner, Frudd, Scruby and Gowans, went d own to Pietermaritzburg to play in their first hockey match. They played against the 'Banks,' losing 6-5. /9.?2 the first schoolboy llockey team. Hack: I).Roberts, Acutt, J.Sinclair, K.Challinor. C.West, II. Clarke, Wilso n, Anderson, I.. Thomas. Front: /'. Matkins liaker, R.Howden. There were no other school teams up until 1954 when Hilton made up a t eam of hockey players. Injury time! The coach Colin Melville's only criticism was that: "The 'scoop,' an extrao rdinary effective pass, has scarcely yet begun to be used at all." When the 'scoop' was mastered they won the return match! Alan Melville shot most of the goals and Harvey's 'coolness and good judgement save d many a goal.' 1928: "The matches were marked by keeness rather than science. The secr et of good hockey is combination and passing, rather than hard hitting. " "Since there is no opportunity at Michaelhouse to become a bullfighter o r gladiator, he opted for Hockey goalie. (He being- Jonathan Lurie- 1992 , quotes P. Dennyson his Hockey team '5th XI' coach) The goalie! Most of the Springboks from Michaelhouse have been the Hockey player s. From 1948 to 1951, Bob Howden and Paddy Dobson. 1958, Norman Smit h and John Kumbleben. 1963, Tony Roberts. 1963-64, John Roberts (Cap tain 1964). 1970, Colin Archibald. 1979, Leith Stewart (also Indoor and Captain). 1981, Nick Grice (Indoor). 1985-1993, Giles Bonnet (Ca ptain). 1993, Greg Ferrans, Charles Teversham, Roger Hickman. J.Roberts, L Stewart and G.Bonnet (1985-1993) have captained South Af rican Teams. Giles is the son of Mike Bonnett, (51-55), who was capta in of Rugby, Boxing and Hockey. 1971, Mike Braum represented Rhodesia. 1972, Tim Woods, an Oxford Bl ue. R.G.Kirkaldie represented Scotland and was Captain of his team. 58 Hockey 1st XI, 1981. (back l-r) G.Elgie, J.Morgan, J.Cheshire, I.Pennington, R. Napier, D.Win ter, R.Hickman. (front l-r) E.Kumleben, C. Whitehouse, G.Bonnet, Mr. D. Wynne, G.Mitto n, G.Verhoef 1993 Hockey Team 1st XI Back: Neil Pattrick, Oliver Marshall, Scott Hu dson, John Black, Gary Scott (captain), David Staniforth, Andrew Winck worth, Michael Cook, Bryan Tarr (coach) Front: Gavin MacNaughton, Chri s Hewitt, Glen Christie, Steven Smithyman, Richard Newton. 3 O.M's in the South African Hockey side return from the Intercontinent al Cup where South Africa qualified for the World Cup in Sydney (Nov\De c 1994). Gary Scott, Captain of this team, played for Natal Schools 1990-1992, an d South African Schools team, in 1992, as did his brother, Brian, before him. in 1990\91. (left-right) Giles Bonnet, Roger Hickman, Charles Teversham. A short corner - Brian Scott. In the year 1929 expenditure on Hockey was Â£2.2.9, on Rugby Â£32.11. 7, and on Cricket Â£182.18.10. 59 "I MUST GO DOWN TO THE TRACK AGAIN -" Athletics and football were the first 'official' sports to be played at Michae lhouse. In 1904 'School Athletics Sports Day' was inaugurated and from that day it became a Social occasion to which parents and friends were invited. In sp ite of its popularity, only in 1963, 59 years later, did Athletics get an equal footing with Rugby and Cricket, in the form of a White Blazer for Co lours. There were Tug-o-Wars and throwing the Cricket ball to entertain the cro wds who came to support their sons. John Price-Moor, 1903-1906, the youn ger brother of the first boy Charles, threw the cricket ball 118yds (108 m - the length of a rugby field) a record which has never been broken al though Johnson tried desperately to get the Â£1 he was offered if he cou ld break it. On the "Crane" Cricket tour to the Cape John threw the ball even further, 136 yds (124m). In 1922 the spectators witnessed the record breaking run of Cottrell, "t he Mile" which he ran in 4 min 55,6 sec and on the same day Campbell's r ecord 54,6sec for the 440 yds. Cross-country running was called 'Ramparts', by Rector Bushell, who encou raged the whole school to participate 'for their House'. In describing th is event the London Illustrated, 1937, mentioned that "certain boys ran i n bare feet-a practice properly stigmatised as foolish since several boys were scarcely able to walk for the succeeding days in consequence. It is to be hoped that after the recent experience this practice, (so customar y with the natives) will be dropped." Sept 28th 1929 was a memorable day in the history of Michaelhouse Athletic s for it witnessed their first victory in the Inter-Schools competition. Nick Strachan running ramparts. Baines Senior Tug O' War, 1985 The Relay team 1929. Left: J.Babaya, C. Anderson, W.Hulett, R.Firth, R. Dunlop, D. Frodd, A. Melville, D. North.. W.Hardie, S.Stringer, K.Paet zold, R.Baher, F.Brand. Running -1920. 60 When Ken Pennington arrived at Michaelhouse in 1911 he recalls that the Athletics field was just veld. The cricket Oval was also under long gras s and there were only six sheep to keep it short! The antheap pitches we re inaccurate and covered with matting, and there was no squash, hockey or tennis. With nothing much else to do most afternoons were spent digging up the thousands of clods of intrud ing grass on the track. Sheep were used to keep the grass short and 'fertilize' the playing fields! A letter from Ken's Brother-in-Law Rex Frampton. V')lii cii a v fitauAC Sunday (aiatd 19 li) Oltollie-t, - Old f$ool.> u i c'clto^n It ti. a pexfenl tiumuL j'o.T a 111 ti cûij.n; no! lltttl |)tn 11 c it (ii.t I'tj o(j|t;cl lo ttHtlitttj (Item in aclit}.o.Â£ ImiI tt'litin U come* lo tlottuj (Item ottl oj icltoof______. )('<: at|-Mtc impo xlant-c oj' HviO.t-T.' WiÂ£E malce a qood juUjttcl. iJ ft(jecanie t^tttle an adept at sliaimniiitj tticlt. C.^G^leTtlat| declxtxed M (tad it e it ta L'tj la (tailed .'pcdintj at'co iditnj It), vt'a.t iKy okl â– 'â€¢J llio.,t|lil if.CJ Itutl a t,..iÂ«l (U do.^nfJ v\laaÂ£cl/j?eeÂ£ Rettex/I <)Re olltci Recjija x* Rad lo, maJoe. cxic lcet pilclvcA, p.uÂ£E xoiêxo, caT/u| fJ\.ittj (uj px)jbu> and inaxlc out li ve co in* e jxj/x xa,ceo v\!JvieJv la. Ice paxt p.tace ne-x-t sêelc, mean v .1 R-i-le O v>la lRxo,\0i.nij tRe. cxielcel (Lx(^. RiaJvjumps, & 100 ijax da. tiiL' xace io o.\lex in 15 d^candA (about 10 secs if you are Paul Nash! Ed.) voRexeao llie mite, Rat^, & 220 3.eamt la Re. w'aa.Red an m.Â£------ta Re. eatvtlnaed

&ne*. 9ll/i fFCannaR i-> txijtmj to. tjel ex.tc.lcel maleRea a/i/iaruêd. jx>/t liic fioÂ£ulayd. On anb tapiaa in $xejj So^n. -Ci dan.1 tfitnlc Re J'Jl ijet man.) ua U ia ao. oat oAlex cj-et doA\>n lo.^llmlco^naa^. 9ltaef, fJLc. Sfa//' time-keeping on sports day, / 96^. left-right: Miles, Kemp, Lowe, Hennessy, Clarke. Ron Pennington-standing. 61 In 1937 the Athletics track was opened, and for the first time sprints we re run on a grass track, a 440yd circumference laid out on the hockey fie ld. The star of the day was Farfield's Ernest Hudson Bennett, who won 5 events, and came second and third in two others, and with Skelt on's contribution of 3 firsts, Farfield had an easy win. Sports Day 1937 Several visitors have driven to lialgowan (note the American cars!) to at tend 'Sports Day. ' Susskind (West) is the High Jumper and to the left of the picture is Douglas Pennington recording the Jump. He is assisted by Tony Kerr (Farfield). I).Lee, head boy, 1938, putting the shot. In later years on Jar superior Tracks, and with 'thoroughly trained' boys more records were broken. V.Mbutuma -out in front- at a triangular meeti ng. Senior Victor Laudorum: David Malcomson, receiving The John Odams Tr ophy from Kutli Goodenough (formerly Odams). Paul Nash, seated, Neil Jardine applauding. 62 1957 The athletics field. TRACK FEVER I must go down to the track again, where I seem to spend my life At the ti resome task of making lines while rain is running rife And all I ask is a smoking pipe and a rest on a patch of clover, And a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when Sports Day is over. (After John Masefield and dedicated to Jon Morgan and Ram the ground sman) 30 years after the first track was laid down, Paul Nash, (Wits Blitz - 1 960-1964) burst onto the scene, quite literally! Paul won all the Sprint events he ever took part in. In 1961 he broke four school records and i n an u\ 17 event equalled the South African record of 100yds in 9.9 secs . After he left school Paul distinguished himself in the 100m and 200m s prints. He set a World Record of 10,00 secs for the 100 m. in 1968. He b ecame a South African, and British Open Champion, in both the Junior and Senior 100, and 200, metre sprints. He was the first athlete in History to run a record 100m followed by a record 200m sprint, both run on the same day, in Germany. Paul competed all over the world and although he o ften experienced controversies and protests, in the name of Apartheid, h e ran whenever, and wherever, he could. In true sporting fashion, displa ying no rancour, Paul admitted that, "One banning which did disappoint m e, was when I was unable to compete in the 1968 Olympics, because I was a South African." A 'disappointment' indeed! 1 would call it a "tragedy," for Paul, Michaelhouse and South Africa. "All sportsmen, and women, have a 'professional coach', who was yours?' ' 1 asked Paul. "Well I didn't really have one. Someone did coach me af ter I left school but I suppose one couldn't call him a professional be cause he didn't ask me to pay him! John Odams, my P.T.Instructor and At hletics coach, coached me at school and then when the polio, which had confined him to a wheel-chair, worsened he retired, and Fred Brooker to ok over as our Instructor." In 1964 five of John Odams' boys made the Natal Team; P.Nash, A.Mac donald, D.Downes, S.Norwood and J.Price. Paul Nash. 63 WE HAVE ELECTED TO PLAY RUGBY IN NATAL - THE GAME HAS BEEN GROUND INTO EVERY BOY At the time of Todd's resignation the editor of the Chronicle paid tribute t o the Rector: "James Cameron Todd, a dignified Canon of the Cathedral, gave all that h e had to Michaelhouse as he wished it to be and so what he was in the pu lpit and in the classroom, so was he also on the playing fields." Not only was Canon Todd scholastic but his interests were far wider. He par ticipated in cricket, shooting, athletics and in fact all branches of the s chool's recreational programmes. He insisted that all the boys likewise sho uld participate in at least one sporting or extra-mural activity. So Sport was made compulsory but for many years was rather disorganized. There weren't enough Staff members, besides w hich most of them played in one team or another, so they hadn't the ti me to coach the boys. The senior boys sometimes coached the juniors ot herwise they were left very much to their own devices. Association Foo tball, not Rugby, was played in the Natal schools (although Hilton Col lege and some of the Regiments had played a few games) so Todd, who wa s a keen Rugby player himself, determined that the boys should play th e game too and made Rugby-Football compulsory. "Old Hoys" Football team: 1902 With the support of A.Langley, an ardent Rugbian, who arrived at Maritz burg College in 1897 and Rigby, a member of Todd's staff, they introduc ed the game of "Rugby" to the Natal Schools. From the Chronicle 1897: "We have elected to play 'Rugby' and Mr Rigby, ... ought to teach us the game thoroughly... To him the school owes a great debt for the energy h e displayed in captaining the First XV. He was always a guarantee that t he game should be 'hard' and fought out to the finish! 1st XV, 1897. In the Centre, left to right, the staff: The Rector, (Rev J.C.Todd,) Mr J. C.A.Rigby and Mr H.C. Dobree. 64 At the end of the first Rugby season the Editor of the Chronicle reported on this new sport: "The game has been 'ground' into every Michaelhouse boy." I gather from the tone of this statement that some of the boys were not at all happy a bout having to play Rugby. That Rugby should be compulsory at Senior school level has always been a debatable issue. Everyone had something to say about the merits and dem erits of this contact sport when it was first introduced to the schools and the same topics are still discussed today, a few decades later. After a few trial games Michaelhouse challenged Maritzburg College. The MHS team varied in weight from Mr Rigby, a Cambridge Blue, to boys har dly 6 stone. The College team were all a "hefty" lot. "The field was as hard as 'tarmac' and by the second half the Michaelhou se team, all novices, were absolutely dead beat trying to hold up such h eavyweights in the boiling heat and on a terrible ground. The College te am picked up the rudiments of the game very quickly and they won 11-3.'' Dobree (the first Science teacher at Michaelhouse) saw merit in the game and his reasoning is illuminating: "Cricket, 'Rugby' or any other form of manly athletics develop students ph ysically, morally and intellectually. Morally in-as-much as, apart from go od comradeship and friendships formed thereby, no little self-denial in th e matter of living and unselfishness on the field of play are essential. "Intellectually', in-as-much as very considerable brain power has to be ex ercised in order to compete successfully in any branch of modern athletici sm now that Science exerts so great an influence. It is the daily practice that keeps a boy's brain fit' and clear to do his work. In a climate like ours here in Natal, the blood must freely be set in motion and the whole system continually braced to enable the brain work necessary in schools to be properly done...... Games are a ''sine qua non' for getting the maximum of work out of anybody and the minimum out of not a few." 1898 or 1899, The 1st XV. There are no teachers in this team, those with moustaches are boys. 9ILaA 3 I it. -1905 C>i/i, (i ela talce t!iNew Zealand, The C ape Colony and Canada. Members of the team, 1906 Roach ma. (Captain and colours for four years), Johnson (Vice Captain) , C.W.Janion ma., J.P.Moor (star of 15 games), G.M.Brawn, J.A.Otto, A.W.Armstrong, R.P.Norton, L.B.Jenkinson, Hutchinson, H.W.Taylor, T.H . Worthington, I.Bennett, Eccles, Simons, Mackey and R.Gibson. (Dr Bobby Gibson, Head boy for one and a half years, colours for Rugby an d Cricket. He was expected to be Natal's first Rhodes Scholar but as his father lived outside the Colony, in Harrismith in the Free-State, he did not qualify). In another side of the school life, in 1906, the Head Prefect, G. Roach , was selected as Natal's Rhodes Scholar. He was Captain of the undefea ted Rugby XV. Mr Childe and J.P.Moor (Full Back) were selected for the Natal team. These boys found the 'tame' life at school, especially on Sundays when n o sport was allowed, very boring. Once, for some excitement, they jumped the train at the Balgowan Station to join the Regiment fighting in the 'Bambata Rebellion' close to Greytown. Before they could get involved in any action they were found out and returned!' There is no record of the ir punishment and there would have been no discussion about expulsion in those days. Nov. 1906: the team who won the Palm award. This First XV Rugby Team scored 132 points to their opponents' 11. 67 "The Penningtons, "Hugh Thomson (30-34 )wrote in 1991. "Sadly most hav e gone now but their past must be remembered as a remarkable brotherho od, which did not seek great emoluments, which set standards of educat ion that led their ex-pupils into university capability and excellence." Suncluif. 1912 3W9KotRÂ« li a J U<3 t j'i tl u' LlA, do Lntj in tj ciwtij (iajs vOxXti-ncp to/ ^Rjxiix ^ tnij Re,t .stAXex-) . ic ôxm xem/ Reaa- a- p.ex ,0/n xu/m/pXa-ny, O/X vOJietR eO/ &Jve/ tRxnic, Re i,y dead. < S Re Reu-tRen Rxl, naX,enX me a/ no te y et. <3 Ru.n Rijoxx (U tft<> m-UA l c------5i Râ-d- un a/W|uÂ£ exp.ext/enee fxusX nccjlvt. o/ Woice- upy at aR-Oyut 1 2 Q/ cla ci and Rea/id tRe nxo^X wêi-xd a O/Und. (XRR tRe g.oap (20) W/e/i/C/,n ayXi/nt| u t cMvee, & ecueR/ Ln a di/jyj?eaent Rey. <3ommtj,iym/py(xj a /Rtay and tlve aXRex, Ra,,e, etc------3R exe c,y aR-AoixiteRij' noy new1, . $ anx .5 U t tntj ui a cpaeex/ pxixS iXixm. u t pyxe,ent. vii/RE oxi/ u fc^t o.|y pe/i, o-nuxj e5 xo/Und me. Â«JReAe axe tRexx nieicnume, â€¢â€¢% &a,?a*4 Xwli |M^ StJLcvv, 3) xu/Re/, 3{yiXeR/en fi3oy, % Lnc| SUM und u j/ev^/ Qyt/RyeX/,y. f? Lc|/ LsSy ^/flyO/vi-IV tt/,y S fU/L/ReX Qy tR/C/X/v2'iy,ye (XcQ/X-ny ed/LeX/ QytyR/eX/W/L/Jye,/R/QyXyt Rea. QytyR/ eX/V^/iy,ye, O/Rj/ - pyenny oya/Tyi/(LRe, QytR/exvO/iyê am-p&iviae acj/...... TO e \\>enX apy tRe/ RcRE today/ und Kaa Cl/ XU/t - RutiX. pJxuj trv tRe/ 3/-V (xne iyn xutji?xj. ^t/AuXt,y me/ ReaX a, 5l Ruy\le not enO/UtjR wWuX jxjyx jxi/wiu/id and/ cvm rVQyt RyL/^y enO/U Cj R/ j/0/0/ RyueRy. ^tl) e p/Ratj ed lR/e TOamlexexA/ aucj iuj a-tv Â§ atuaduxj. <)Rey cjoX 1 7 p-ax-nt. xmee a, tReu a/ie aUy men ,RR, toy aux n a ami' RxiÂ£ee tR/uutaiv oxi/l j?Q/X/\\>.a/id/ and/ 3/-V (xne,------

Ru-sle Re{jxm toy,Jc/t/py m^ Sxi-tRe, . 5i dxmt/ vûTtt toy cxaeRy mxj,Jcu/RE lu tRe- caÂ£d s\,a-tex------fJ curv 2,/ - m deRty. ^ cari/t Ec*ie oti 6d a W IJ O/U/ (^Qy toy tile tueR -,ivOypy aome Rx3^/, tand y OyUy a ea,Xaxd and- caxtxAe y OyU tnu, t,txuxd Rxm, OyfnetRxnx| Rue Â£ So/U mexwx, tRyut e\lexy tiyfne \^ oav tj|Oy to tRe tueR -, R O/p tjoxv,-p/end aRxxuX 6 d. to e ax/e d oy(yn nq Rl, R eAyfiyO/lJ/Ay o n cRi/Rdiioxjyd, nxenxoyx^/, atvd atJvexy texx.i^yÂ£e tRXn^y. 5i nxuA/t en -dy nxW/ a, Roy^/e eoyfne toy tê end 4 tetHc-O, fiLx. (MS.). First XV1913: (Back row, standing l-r) L.Nunn, E. Winter, H.Johnston, O.Nel, Mr van deHorst E.F.Pennington, L. Young (Middle row) P.Norton, B.Pearce (Vcap t) F.Higgins (Capt) J. Walker K.Stainbank (Front row) J.R.Frampton, LT aylor, J.Lamb, K.M.Penningon Rex Frampton, the author of this letter, died in the 1914 War. His siste r Ruth, whom he refers to in the letter, married Ken Pennington and they moved to Michaelhouse in 1925. Ruth, was the only 'wife' on the estate for eight years and not much older than the older boys when she first ar rived. For the first few months she was very unhappy and when she fell p regnant her life was even more miserable. She had to stay "out of sight" and could only leave the house, to go for a walk, after dark, when the boys were in bed! Very soon, however, she took on the role of hostess to the visitors and mother to the boys. There was always something to eat, and some-one to confide in, at the Pennington's "Rondavels". In retrosp ect Ruth said she only remembers those 34 years at Michaelhouse as the h appiest days of her life. Ruth, my mother (Anne Robinson) and Doris Campbell were honoured with the title "Old boys" by the Old Boys' Committee in 1990. When I asked my mother if she wouldn't prefer to be called an "Old Girl" her immedi ate reply was "No, I'm proud to be an Old Boy, but I would give Ruth the title of "GRAN D-mother", for that was what she was to all of us at Michaelhouse." Ruth died peacefully in her 97th year, in 1995. So many of the anecdotes , stories, old letters and photographs I've used for this book come from Ruth and Ken's collection of memoirs. Sadly she won't be with us at the 1996 "Centenary Celebrations" for I know the "Grand-Old Boy" would have celebrated the 100th year of Michaelhouse with nostalgia and pride. 68 Ken Pennington's memories of the "Good Old Days" tell us a lot about th e school because from the time he was a Pupil, a teacher, a father and Grandfather, his association with Michaelhouse had spanned almost 60 ye ars. Transport, and the roads was a problem in the early part of the century: ''There was no 'Main road' to get to 'away' matches so the teams travelle d either by Ox-wagon or train. An odd farmer might lend a horse or two. T hey would pile into the Guard's van, the coach on the end of a train, fre quently arriving back around midnight and have to lug their tog up from t he station to the school unless of course, as they often did, they fell a sleep and found themselves in Estcourt the next morning and another long train ride back! If they went by ox-wagon it would be a slower very dusty trip, sand 15cm deep all the way to Hilton for instance, which was not v ery conducive to playing good rugby." In 1923 there was a growing concern that Games were being played in the wrong spirit. "Players are ready to accept all the privileges and advant ages that being in teams confer and yet "grouse" when practice and train ing is required. Leagues and Trophies have done, and are doing, much to ruin true sport. Long may we keep them out of School Games! Eleven or fi fteen boys can and should be seen, subordinating all personal ambitions, and striving their utmost to win for the honour of the school." (from the Chronicle' 1927) One of the endearing rugby coaches and a ref eree was Mr F.S.Bishop, the Maths Master, known as 'Nunkey'. He had a h abit of going to the 'Pub' after a Saturday's Rugby Match. 4 miles down the road was the Lidgetton Pub and he'd ride down there on his old hor se. Getting home presented no difficulty as the horse knew the way back . Nunkey just clung to the saddle and hoped that one of the servants wo uld be at school to hoist him off and into his bed. On Tour To Grahamstown. A beautifully posed portrait of a very well dr essed Rugby Team! V.Shaw, B. Campbell, J.Ardington, V.Humphries. E.Egeland, N.McKenzie, G.Mousley, G.Hart-Davis, J.Crowe, J.Beningfield, E.Philipps, Mr C.Hannah R.Armstrong, Mr Elliot, J.Mckenzie, Mrs Elliot, W.Elliot, Mr Neil McKenzie, E.Fynney J.Robertson, G.Pennington, TStrickland, K.Trotter, R.Tyzack 69 Today, of course, transport is not a problem, just the to travel to Hong Ko ng and Australia, the first South expense thereof. The 1993 First XV were privileged African Schoolboy te am to play there. The First XV who went on tour. Several of the players are sons of Old boy s, and others are related to past and present Staff members of Michaelhouse. From L-R Back Row: S.Porter; W.Green; R. T hompson; N.Rogers (Adrian-staff); S.Small; G. Homer. 3rd Row: S.Koza; A.McGhee; B.Knight (Grandfather, Lance, staff); S. T hompson; D.Durante; V.Mbutuma 2nd Row: E.Frey; M.Witherspoon; J.Band; M.Bluett; C.Pitts; S.Macquet; C. Wilson. Front: W.Davidson; W.Smith; Mr Garth Giles; S.Collins (Captain. Grand father, Rev Malcolm Sargent, Chaplain); Mr Andrew Vincent; S.Bold (Fa ther-Edgar, staff, and Grandfather-Tommy Norwood, Rector). Closer to home and fun for everyone to participate in, one way or anoth er, are the inter-house matches. The first Inter-House Matches took pla ce in 1918. The "Houses" were four groups of 28 boys each, organized ac cording to the date of each boy's entry to Michaelhouse, and named simp ly, A,B,C,D. In 1989 this team of Pascoe boys won the House rugby competition. The last Pascoe team to win the cup was the 1964 team, 25 years before. Doug Campbell was a member of that winning team and his son Stuart is a member of this team. Other members of this 1989 team, whose fathers were in Pascoe, are t hose whose names are marked with a Founders -the house team which won the inter-house Senior Rugby compe tition - 1994. Back row: (l-r) G.Christie; W.Goldby; O.Rose Middle row: V.Collins; A.Nol in; R.Wood-Collier; A. Williams Front row: W.Lister James; M. Roberts; B. Knight; W.Smith; P.Chennels. Back row: Graham Braum*; C.Pascoe; Bruce Sutherland*; R.Sykes; A.M essenger. Front row: Miles Hulett*; B.Lawrence; Ryan Short*; S.Pattrick; Stuart Camp bell*; Justin Earle*. 70 WE HEARTILY CONGRATULATE OUR RIVALS ON WINNING THE FIR ST MATCH - LET US HOPE THAT SOME DAY THEY MAY GET BETT ER AND LESS DUSTY GROUND. Rector Todd and the Headmaster of Hilton College, Mr Ellis agreed to dis agree and so the first time that the Colleges played Rugby-football comp etitively was after Todd had left Michaelhouse in 1904. The first match was played in the Maritzburg old Town Square, a veritable 'dust-bowl'. Michaelhouse lost 11-0! "We heartily congratulate our rival s on winning the first match------," commented the Chronicle (1904) and "let us hope that some day they may get a better an d less dusty ground." Since that time there has been a healthy rivalry between the two Private schools. After this their first game against Hilton, the team were remind ed of Todd's philosophy as regards rugby: "Rugby is a game not played by instinct but is an art to be learnt by ob edience to instruction, and a complete disregard of self. However it doe s provide an opportunity for showing special speed of strength when the right time comes for any individual to show them; but it is a game for f ifteen men to play TOGETHER, and not for each of the fifteen in turn, wh ile the rest are merely watching. MOTTO for next season, 1905-06, Still more SCIENCE and combination." For the following three years Michaelhouse won all their matches against Hilton. In 1939 Colin Melville wrote this poem in protest against the behaviour of the spectators at the Schoolboy rugby matches. HYMN OF HATE Of tunc ttUxe Â»ku, .OfU, >0e, at SlliXuJUuie, Coat'd Ii o a,' t oj*|\eedotn j\am tile Outjjai aoitml liootimj cau lie,'ule tlic Mvatjijci-ijioamf. jRat Cfc.tc.nl. Laoity naiae did not One J,'ii uiu|t tlien: l> a t naW, a la.', â– MioJC Ru|)|)J| dajp aiedone, a nd- vies a/ie. iuuiic S)oâ€¢jd.tv to- live- xa .rt.lc/ af\ ((ojj.oy ancl (LoJlun.ll',- 0a., pÂ»c.: i.i 3 liattexed l>ij 1 lit.' oundiui| 1 fi ma q inat ion. l> oa tj (e.i, icai on inc t / n t/uj in'a ppfc, uus.e-, (>.Â« ea.xd.xum - 3 pXcli ina * fi Hope lln,3C xea.e/iAled. âsv tfvem la TflltK (Utiiin^ HLxo,u> nes^x to C.M.M. Little could Colin have realised that his complaint about "rowdy" behavi our would be endorsed 50 years later. In 1991 the fate of the "Hilton - Michaelhouse rugby match," a popular social occasion, was in real jeopar dy. The President of the Old Boys Club was very concerned about the disg raceful behaviour at matches. The vandalism and intolerable behaviour of the spectators, due in particular to the consumption of alcohol, result ed in a flood of adverse Press comments about these two "elite" schools. At one of the very early Hilton vs. Michaelhouse Matches - a few people came by car! For 92 years the Hilton-Michaelhouse 'clashes' have taken place. In 1993, 85 years since the first Hilton-Michaelhouse game the bi-annual matches were described by "Style" Magazine as "assuming the proportions o f a minor 'Rothmans July,'" (incidentally this horse race run in Durban, also celebrates it's centenary in 1996). "The build up to the match is in credible with five thousand and more turning up to support their son's sc hool on these social occasions." July 1995 Hilton v. Michaelhouse 71 1906 1907 1908 For most of the spectators at these matches there has been fun. There ha s been exhilaration and disappointment, unbearable tension just before t hat last whistle and many memorable moments. All I can offer you are the final scores, a few recollections and some statistics. 1st XV Gaines: Michaelhouse versus Hilton College. M.H.S. Hilton â– 1904 0 -11 The 'i naugurationaf match. An unbeaten side except for this match! 1905 16 - 03 The first recording of snow at Michaelhouse which was why only one match was played. The Fall was so heavy the boys were still helping the farmers dig sheep out of the dri fts while on Freebounds a few weeks afterwards. 18-00 and 22 - 03 This team was undefeated. Captained by Roach and th ree masters in the team. 06 - 03 06 - 00 00-21 Hilton won 21-0 (3 goals and 2 tries) "Hardly surprising" wrote one of t he players, "considering the 'exercise' it took us to travel the 50 odd kilometres to get there. We travelled to Cedara by the 9.45 train and bo arded a buck-wagon fastened to 14 unfortunate donkeys. The day was cold and drizzly, and we were glad of hot tea and bread and butter on our arr ival, some on foot, ahead of the donkeys. After the game and a hearty di nner at 3.30 most of the team walked to the Hilton Station from where th ey caught the Goods-train back to school. The rest of us spent nearly tw o hours belabouring the 14 minute donkeys on the return journey, 5km to the Cedara station from where we could join the train back to school." (7 Old Boys were chosen to play for Natal - E.Baylis, F. Brunskill, C.W.J anion, J.C.Otto, T.Worthington, A.H. Winter, H.W.Taylor.) 1909 No matches were played as several schools had measles epidemics and Hilton had some cases of Scarlet Fever. 1910 51-0 The highest score this century! (5 Old boys chosen to play for Natal. G.L.Baylis, E.L.Baylis, T. Worthing ton, and the Taylor brothers D. (Capt) and Herbie, one of South Africa's greatest batsmen.) 1911 No games played due to several epidemics at the schools. M.H.S. Hilton M.H.S. Hil 1912 05 - 00 06 - 00 1913 00 - 08 06 - 03 1914 14 - 00 1915 15 - 00 00 - 05 1916 08 - 17 1917 No score 0 - 0 1910: (Back): D.van Eyssen, N.Tatham, C.Gibson, A. Wilson B. Vaughan (M): J.Burke, Mr L.van Eyssen, B.Goodwin, S.Hig gins (F): B.Dougherty, E.Greene, G.Moor, R.Vaughan, A.Stainbank, S.R oach, L.Case. M.H.S. Hilton M.H.S. Hilton 1918 00 - 03 05 - 06 11 - 00 An extra game - To celebrate the end of W.W.l perhaps?- Steibel scored two tries, one was converted. Ralfe as the last defence touched down, or tackled the Hilton men in possession, successfully preventing them from scoring and Abbot's try clinched the game. 15 - 00 1919 1921 1922 28 - 00 - reversed by losing to Hilton in 1973, 28 - 00. 7 boys chosen to play for Natal. 2nd game - 48 - 00 The 1921 team won the Public Schools Tournament 105-5. 08 - 08 Draw, and 23 - 03 An unbeaten side except for this draw "To be a member of the 1st XV was to be numbered among the demi-gods, to who m due respect must be shown, particularly by watching first-game pract ices." 1923 22 - 10 06 - 13 1924 08 - 09 00 - 09 1925 12 - 03 29 - 03 1926 09 - 11 00 - 03 1927 00 - 14 00 - 11 1928 00 - 08 03 - 06 M.H.S. pioneered the 3-4-1 formation 1929 11 - 00 First win since 1925 00 - 03 Five Old boys played for Natal C.J.Crowe C.Hallowes, W.Elliot, N.McKenzie. R.G. Armstrong 1930 04 - 14 1931 00 - 03 72 1932 1933 1934 05 00 03 08 06 03 - 09 13 03 An unbeaten side in all its matches with 7 Natal Schools players chosen. An outstanding record -yet to be repeated. M.H.S. Hilton M.H.S. Hilton 1935 13 - 06 1936 29 - 05 20 - 03 Undefeated-one draw-in every game they played. This is the last team to achieve this status. 1937 11 - 15 06 - 19 1938 06 - 06 03 - 11 1939 03 - 23 00 - 17 1940 18 - 00 1941 08 - 03 1942 03 - 15 03 - 06 1943 12 - 24 06 - 16 1944 09 - 08 08 - 07 1945 19 - 00 06 - 00 1946 13 - 12 03 - 04 1947 18 - 07 06 - 09 1948 21 - 09 10 - 08 1949 09 - 15 The worst team we've had for seven years - 'especially as we were without Greene's captaincy most times. He and Shaw were playing for Natal.' 14 - 06 The only inspired match! 1950 03 - 00 1954 03 - 14 08- 03 00 - 18 1951 08 - 12 1955 19 - 03 1952 00 - 18 11 - 03 1953 11 - 06 1956 06 -â€¢ 14 1953 03 - 03 08 - 11 In 1 953 Chris Burger, R.Wells and C.Perry were selected for Natal schools and in 1955/56 r. S Yonnp pained his Natal School Colours twice. M.H.S Hilton M.H.S. Hilton 1957 03 - 08 11 - 03 The result of this team's match against Hilton "was not clearly understoo d by those who watched," writes the Editor of the Chronicle, "we were qui te the better side by a fair margin!...Dougherty got a clean heel from Craven and gave Donaldson-Selby a pass on the run. He cracked on t he pace and beat the whole Hilton team to score a try." Their only poin ts! Hilton won 8- 3. In the second Match of the season Craven kicked ac curately and Purcocks, "playing his best game ever," ensured a win for M.H.S. 11-3. M.H.S. Hilton 1958 08 - 03 1959 06- 06 17 -00 I960 06- 05 05-03 The First XV1957 Back: M.Riddell, D.McIntosh, S.Dougherty, D. Mitchell, P.Jonckheer, P.Beggs, A.Doull. Middle: N.Armstrong, B.Smith, J.Craven, G. Donaldson-Selby, D.Purcocks, D.Hatfield, J. Wilson. Front: G. Strachan K.Drysdale In this letter to his parents and brother, Graham McIntosh describes th e Rugby clash he watched when he was in Matric in 1960. Iâinri, McUU>., !Ur,a,, VaJ. Ujly^x. X-e-^-w stLz. ibA. y\ajUaUxs AaaA- fX: 'C&XrfL Crty-ô-^. U letL suM, U?QA/.,t*urj>JxA JSLtjg. .LrtL L^C.LxA, dr/ Â£&<.^ho ^ -cU. Lr^c Lcjf OX jM/U, /USiM -VLO /u^rrt, (_ XLrov^L aJL^jc ^ Q ...He was tackled and dropped the ball whereupon it was grabbed by James who dived over to score...Hilton had a 5-3 lead., their Fullback collecte d a ball inside their try line and kicked, Tomlinson trapped the ball wit h his foot as it came down, picked it up, stopped on the twenty five, aim ed at the posts and drop kicked. Everyone froze, the ball soared up hit t he left hand post, bounced and fell over the crossbar on the dead ball li ne side... The supporters went wild. Two minutes after the drop the whist le went-we won 6-5." 73 M.H.S. Hilton M.H.S. Hilton 1961 06 - 03 08 - 06 1962 03 - 08 03 - 14 1963 11 - 08 00 - 12 Richard Lyon goaled two penalties and converted Norwood's try in the firs t match. In total he kicked 92 points for the season. One of Richard's ki cks, playing against Maritzburg College, was from 67 paces down the field . Peter Quested played full-back for Natal '63-'66. 1964 03-11 03 - 14 1965 03 - 20 14 - 13 A holiday was declared after this match! Not for the defeat but because it snowed. Arthur Cotton's Team claim it was for theirs, the first win again st College for many years, 11-6. 1966 06 - 16 08 - 21 1966 The First XV are wearing the new Colours blazers. They won all but the Hilton and St Andrews match. R. Collins (Centre) and S. Francis (Wing) were chosen to play for Natal S chools. (back) W.Robinson, D.Inglis, S.Francis, A.McLuckie (middle) J.Burchell, C. Whittaker, A.Chennels, R.Firth M.Rose, J.Nash (front) R.Collins, T. S eymour, D.Oscroft, R.Harvey, B. Stewart, K. Mackay. Warming up 1988 1967 24 - 00 21 - 03 First good score since 1936: 29-05 1968 11 - 03 06 - 05 1969 08 - 16 12 - 12 1970 18 - 15 20 - 16 1971 11 - 09 09 - 06 The Natal Schools Trial team comprised 9 Hiltonians only 2 from M.H.S., M.Pond and M.Bauristhene, so their win was thrilling. 1972 03 - 16 11-09 1973 00 - 28 Lost (Highest ever) No wonder! 11 Hiltonians in the Natal schools side Zone 4 to 2 M.H.S. Youngleson and R.Hankinson, the hooker, who between '81 & '88 played 110 games for Natal. Rob was 'Natal player of the year,' 1984, and represented S.A. Schools and S.A. U\ 19 09 - 12 1974 04 - 21 10 - 13 1975 16 - 06 06 - 13 1976 10 - 12 10 - 10 1977 14 - 08 14 - 12 1978 06 - 03 09 - 09 1979 15 - 08 15 - 13 1980 14 - 06 22 - 09 1981 19 - 17 06 - 06 One of the most exciting matches ever, Michaelhouse led all the way unt il the dying moments when Hilton scored a goal to lead 17-16. From the restart Michaelhouse were awarded a centre penalty. Several Hilton supp orters were opening the Bubbly when they heard a roar; Martin du Plessi s kicked a "once in a lifetime kick!" to win the game for Michaelhouse. 1982 13 - 10 22 - 07 1983 12 - 13 07 - 19 1984 00 - 03 1985 13 - 07 06 - 12 1986 09 - 07 19 - 17 Five Natal Team players chosen 1987 07 - 07 09 - 09 1988 10 - 15 10 - 26 Tour to Switzerland Italy and England: won 5 games - Lost 1. Scored 57 tr ies, 6 against. 1989 06 - 16 13 - 6 1990 16 - 04 06 - 25 1991 07 - 12 5 Natal School players chosen. Also in 1991 the first Black boy to capt ain M.H.S. L.Chabana and N. Zungu the first to Captain a Natal Schools Team. 1992 07 - 06 35 - 03 The Highest Score against Hilton since 1910 1993 07 - 22 00 -18 1994 05 - 23 10 - 16 74 Crowds at the last match of the series August 1995 The final matches preceeding the centenary year 1995 12 - 20 Lost (June) After this defeat the Captain's only comment to the Rector was that he hoped he, John Pluke, would be wearing his rugby jersey to the next enc ounter as it might bring them better luck. His reference was of course to the State President, Mr. Mandela, who wore The Springbok Captain's r ugby jersey to the World Cup. The 24th of June 1995, the day this Hilton, Michaelhouse match was playe d, was an historic day for Rugby in South Africa. It was the day the Spr ingbok Rugby Team played in the World Cup Finals on South African soil a t Ellis Park. (From The Sunday Times) "In an atmosphere of excruciating tension South Africa won the Rugby World Cup for 1995 after the match had been forced into extra time with the teams dead- locked at 9-9 at the end of 80 minu tes." Their opponents the New Zealand "All Blacks" were beaten in the la st moments by a drop goal from the boot of Joel Stransky the score - 12 - 09 - to the Springboks. It was a first for South Africa in so many way s. The new flag flew, the country's first Black President Mr Nelson Mand ela, dressed in the Captain Francois Pienaar's No 6 Rugby jersey, watche d the game. For the first time in a Rugby Cup final 20 minutes extra tim e was played.. Not quite a first but the hero of the South African team - the man who kicked all the points in the Test, 3 penalties and 2 drop goals - Joel Stransky's winning drop goal took his personal career total in Tests to 132 points, second to the most prolific scorer in South Afr ican Rugby, Naas Botha. 1995 Final game, at Hilton. Hilton won 22 - 20. A tally of the games played up to the Centenary year: Michaelhouse versu s Hilton: The end results of the total number of games won, lost and dra wn are interesting! Matches won 1904-1995 (incl.) Michaelhouse: 75 Hilton 75 Drawn 11 Points Michaelhouse: 1538 Hilton: 1501 Michaelhouse leads by 37 points. The 1995 M.H.S. First XV. 75 Hilton College is of course not the only school Michaelhouse plays rugby against. In 1916 they played against Durban High School for the first t ime. Jonson who played left wing was particularly frustrated this game. He was overhauled by Sid Atkinson every time he ran down the wing which was, he discovered later, hardly surprising as Sid was the holder of the World record for Hurdles for two years. The annual Matches against Mari tzburg College are very "intense" particularly as College has always had the reputation of having the best school-boy rugby teams in Natal and t o beat them is a real challenge. In 1950 H.R.Currey (The Rector Currey's son) captained this team and th ey became the first Michaelhouse First XV to beat Maritzburg College in two years. 12-6 was the score "but disappointing to achieve this disti nction by 'the boot' only," commented the Chronicler. It was Kim Elgie' s boot that supplied the goals and eventually took him to play for Scot land. Kim, and Chick Henderson before him, became the only Michaelhouse Old Boys to achieve International status in Rugby. Kim was also a Spri ngbok cricketer, the first being Tom Campbell who played in 1910. No Michaelhouse boy has played rugby for the Springboks but several ha ve played for their province, or University, as did Tim Seymour who ca ptained the Oxford Team. Robin Standing was Natal's captain in 1951 (h e represented South Africa at yachting in the 1960 Olympics). Walter B utcher, a Springbok trialist in 1956, played for Natal and Rob Ferguso n played for Natal against the Lions in 1974, and the French in 1975. Simon Norwood and Laurie Stewart played for the Transvaal, and Bruce R obertson toured South America in 1975 with the S.A. Oribis. Richard To mlinson, Simon Francis, Ian Lambie and Brett Lambert represented Natal . Nic Cooke, Brett Davidson (vice-Capt.), Oliver Harvey, Cade Russell and Ngcebo Zungu (captain) all played for Natal Schools. Ngcebo Zungu, Natal Schools' rugby side Captain, and Brett Davidson, V ice-captain Canon Todd had very definite ideas about how he thought the game should be played but just as important were the characters of the players and how important the Captains were. In the Chronicle, 1899, he wrote: "Captains / would divide into three classes. First we have the apathetic man, who wanders about from scrum to scrum, occasionally shouting "play u p" or "mark your man This is the extent of the advice he gives. Again we have the opposite extreme - the noisy hair-tearing individual who is cont inually screeching out congratulations and objections so that after about ten minutes his side hardly knows whether they are playing football or a ssisting in a betting ring. What the right man is we must try to find out . On arriving at the field a good captain should have a look around the g round, he must see if there be a wind and a hill, and note the space at t he back of the goal between the goal line and the dead ball line. The manner in which men are sometimes ruthlessly kicked when on the groun d is absolutely disgraceful, and against the true spirit of the game. A C aptain should do all in his power to prevent anything of this sort going on." L.Chabana, Captain of the First XV, gets advice from the 'ex Lion' and Cap tain, Mr. Willie McBride on his visit to the school in 1991. Every School has its own particular War Cry, "naturally," one would say but it wasn't until 1963 that it was reluctantly decided to allow the boys to "chant." In June of 1963 Rector Tommy Norwood announced that th e boys could have a War Cry. The reason it had been refused for so many years was that the authorities imagined 'circles of boys screaming and stomping and Cheer- leaders exhorting their choirs to chant. A short c oncerted 'shout' was acceptable and, the Rector conceded, "probably goo d for morale!" Dec. 1963, "We now have a War cry for use during the Rugby season. Author ities didn't want an artificial one led by cheer-leaders. The result is a short and simple one." In Zulu: Sieza B'thula. 76 Could Todd ever have imagined how popular a game for the players, and spectators, Rugby was to become, almost a century after he introduced it to the Natal Schools? A MEDLEY OF RUGBY PHOTOS. 77 Some other sports - Cycling, Yachting and canoeing. In 1960 Mr Nicol all owed the boys to use his farm dam for Yachting. Mr Heslop presented a Ca det Kit to the club and Mr Reynolds, a flagstaff. Sailing now features i n the Sports section of the Chronicle and there are regular Saturday Int er-School races at the Midmar Dam at Howick. BESIDE NICOL'S DAM On rrvtj Ui, Uf ruJLd, dUL 3 fee, Ctncl d xaxxfc tlxe fxea(uuj cjtxoxlnc dAins, O tja-ed, Ixa - bAL&Xnxu cl( tlxe/ cÂ£cuxAÂ£c&6s tJLxv, (X xejivi - can& c lqaia &txLjxa/x Ii ad (xetjun. cv jy(xj paxacl m tj qav iruj cIi m I; fJ caxaa ed and Jap pexi and liil inuso J^ uvaIxuxcI, Ctnd ie ttêd doA^rv, (Lut (xjaI tixe 3 xe,t/ c)oy, (ra^ - aviaJoe/, xai., ed rruj la îj (vead O tu/uxed ct toy tRe sOxx/ texy, tixexe to 3.ee-ft ApÂ£aAJx o| s0ii4yteixe,A> AaXfefx^. \0x-tfx tfae ^- xeeê-, 01XaJeAitc, tjxxLcejxiE, ij^t; and-.yudden-fej ^ OyW1 tm\l (Lea-uiu ux t(a^, tx.entj tR cuxd eaae lUfeced tl ie clcamunj fa Icy ap.axl, Ctncl (u^ [ |'o.-L actum vOeffetl up in m ij fieaat. Richard Lyon 1960 Yachting on Nicol's Dam, 1965. Clive Walker is the skipper on the Dabclii ck. Clive, who yachted with us on 'Nicol's Dam', returned, 20years later, to present the 'Natural History Society' with the painting Mr. Goulding is holding, after receiving a donation from the boys who had organized a 'Sponsored Ride'. 1994 - J. Hibbs. 78 J.Hibbs, D.MacDuff and Matthew MacDuff. "The producer richly deserved the bouquet of carrots and onions which s he WAS PRESENTED WITH AT THE FINALE." The Dramatic Society was called, oddly enough, "Ikona Mali," Zulu for, "I have no money". Their first venture into a musical was a tale of the East, "The Grace of Allah." (From the Chronicle: May 1922) - The crit had nothing but praise for the ir brave attempt: "The plethora of hidden talent unfolded in a feast of splendour and music that was truly astonishing." This black and white ph oto does no justice to "the bewitching spectacle of riotous colour the s cenery and costumes offer" but it does show the young slave 'girls' one of whom is Chaplin ii. (Following in his uncle, Charlie Chaplin's footst eps perhaps?). All he. 'she,' had to do however was look pretty, and sin g sweetly. Gerald Pennington was the "charming, pretty Mahubdah. daughte r of Kasim Baba," (played by his brother Douglas). When I asked Gerald i f he remembered the occasion he immediately burst into song, "Here be Oysters stewed in honey------". It was the opening song and 80 years on he still remembers the words! Mrs Bynoe, a very talented and popular Music teacher, is seen here with her orchestra made up of Staff and boys. They provided the music for 'Th e Grace of Allah.' Kumbleben? Miss Bynoe, - - Miss Runciman, (seated in front) D.Steere, Mi ss Bushell, behind her is H.Yserbrand, on the right Mitchell-Innes. The following year lighter entertainment was organized, a concert and a farce, "Box and Cox," for which Mrs Bouncer, the Producer, "richly des erved the handsome bouquet of carrots and onions which she was presente d with at the finale!" The Dramatic Society soon became a popular one to join and it played, and o f course still does play, an extremely important role in the life of the Sc hool, its pupils, staff, parents and friends. Hidden talents are discovered. Heroes and Heroines worshipped. Teachers laughed at, Shakespeare understood, discipline, communication learnt, th ings shared, poetry, literature, music appreciated, girls met, love, hat e, emotions experienced, hard work and fun had by all. Stars are born, a nd of course the producers who direct these boys, and today we include g irls, are not forgotten. Chaplin ii, one of these dancing girls, not only shared his famous Uncl e's name Charlie, but also his looks- to no advantage either. He lived in Canada and every time he returned home across the Canadian Border he would have to undergo a gruelling from the Officials who thought he wa s Charlie snr., a Communist banned from Canada! r Charles Walter I Cyril 03-09 Buddy 39-43 Terry 72-75 Gavin 66-70 Spencer 53-56 Angus 75-79 1 Harry 19-24 Geoffrey 22-25 Wally 23-26 Eric 34-35 Charles 38-39 Sydney 53-56 Jonathan 86-89 Paul 57-60 Mark Jeremy Anthony Spencer 60-63 71-75 72-76 71-73 (Grandson) Crispian Olver 73-76 The Chaplin Family Tree. The men who went to Michaelhouse. 79 "ANY dream WILL DO " Joseph. Musicals play a very important role in the interaction between the boys, staff and girls as there are so many more "players" than in a Drama, for instance. In 1988, The 'King and I' was presented. Directed by B.Naidu assisted by his wife Angie, and the Musical Director. Derek Taske r, it involved over 140 people. "Gilbert and Sullivan" musicals were produced every two years and provi ded light entertainment as an alternative to the Shakespearian and othe r Dramas. "The Pirates of Penzance" will not only be remembered for all the beauti ful 'daughters and their elder sisters, Mabel (Roger Oxley-Oxland whose "delightful appearance and amazing soprano voice deserved the thunderous and raptured applause), Edith, Kate and Isobel, (Peter Beggs, Anthony C lucas and Peter Siddons, respectively) and the hero, 'Frederic' (Nichola s Palmer) but for "the Fairyland of Victorian escapism". This 'Fairyland ' was produced, totally, inadvertently, by the use of hundreds of candle s that lit up the stage. Because of "the Electrical Supply Commission's real first class display of darkness, a black-out from 4pm till 11pm! th e school were left without electricity. Fortunately the accompaniment to these Musicals wasn't reliant on electrical musical equipment. For this production Mr. Keates the Music Master, accompanied the chorus and solo ists on the piano. Anne Thompson and Frikkie Human, both Members of Staf f, were the talented and very hard working pianists for "The Mikado," pr oduced by Dick Hennessy's wife, June (Staff) in 1970. The boys of the 70's and 80's will remember the Staff and boy's "Stuff ' n Nonsense" Variety Concerts which, besides being great entertainment, r aised funds for the "John Wilson Balgowan Clinic." Ballet: sort of! In 1992, Andrew Daniels, the new Director of the Schlesinger Theater, dir ected the musical 'Joseph,' "for tactical reasons," he said. It was his s econd production, the first, "Rolling Stock" was 'unfamiliar' and in orde r to establish 'a base, and rapport with the pupils' he realised he shoul d have chosen something well known, what he called "a regular chestnut!" His choice was popular, 'Joseph' was a great success. Joseph: Alan Croasdale, centre stage, with some of the soloists. \ V\ .* * In the early days the school band and sometimes the boys own groups pr ovided the music for dinner and dance functions. This is a hand drawn Invitation, and menu, to the Prefects Dinner of 1931 , Dec. 9th. It is signed by F.Brown, C.Gray, G.Berry, K.Strachan, W.van der Riet, W .Crockett, B.Hindson and another Hindson, F.Spiller and J.Holley. 80 Today the music for the shows is often provided by the school's own pe rformers, members of the Wind Band, Jazz Band and individual musicians . The Senior Wind Band of 1988, played for Speech Day, the Public Speakin g competition, the annual school concert, the opening of the 'Marshall Campbell Music School.' the 'Stuff 'n Nonsense' show, and four members played for "The King and I". Back: B.Ryan, M.Britton, M.Cotton, M.Clucas, C.Barendsen. Middle: P.Lees, M.Salmon, D. Tasker, P.Schofield. Front: I.Findlay, B.S cott, S.Wimbush, P.Duffy, L. Chabana, A.Acker. The Marshall Campbell Music School was opened on the 11th of May, 1988. Neil Jardine, past rector, officiated, and the Bishop of Natal, the Righ t Reverend Michael Nuttall dedicated the building. Behind the Bishop, (l-r) John Pluke, Neil Jardine, Walter Strachan, and F ather Fred Pitout, the Chaplain. From the 'King and /' - the King - Peter Hanbury. "H.M.S. Pinafore" was produced in 1985. Looking over Jonathan Thompson's shoulder, on the left, is Reiner Schneider-Waterberg, who played Ralf Rac kstraw. Did this little sailor realise that this was the start of a singi ng career extraordinaire? I doubt it. A pure academic, Natal's top Matric Student, and a graduate. Master of Philosophy, in International Relationships, Reiner 'changed course' when he was "discovered" singing in the choir at Cambr idge where he was studying. Many successful "tours" later, in 1994. he auditioned for, and was accepted by the prestgious 'Mozarteum' in Salzb urg. 81 "Shakespeare returns to Michaelhouse (in 1988,) 41 years after my first production in the open-air theatre," comments Ronald Brooks, "and 6 year s after the last Shakespeare, Rector, Neil Jardine's 'Julius Caesar.'" The Shakespeare play was "A Midsummer Night's Dream." A Musical, it was Richard Aitchison's directing debut and as successful, as it was differe nt, from the earlier Shakespeares. Girls from 'Collegiate School,' Staff members, parents and the Michaelhouse community all played a part in cr eating "an exuberant, joyful production full of colour, of movement and dance, of laughter, of music, of beauty- an absolute dream!" The Composer for the Musical "A Midsummer Night's Dream," was a the v ery talented young musician and pupil, Richard Dyson. ''The 16 year old 'prodigy' enthralled the audiences with his composition s for the entire Musical production, performed by himself on the piano an d nine talented fellow musicians." The programme. The lovers: Lysander and Hermia in rehearsal. (Richard Anderson and A manda Steiner.) This enthusiastic group of dancers, 'The Rustics,' are being taught their s teps. 82 IT GRATTED STUBBINGS TURNING OUT A SPY BOCORSE HE WAS A DEASENT GEENIAL CHAP IN PLUS FORS. Music and Musicals in particular, are not the only forms of entertainme nt enjoyed at Michaelhouse. There are Staff plays, House plays, Comedie s, Dramas and the Open-Air Theatre. Many years ago, in 1943, on the night of Old Boys Day, the War barely begun, a D.P. (Douglas Pennington) Production, "COTTAGE TO LET,' was put on by the Dramatic Society: "Skilfully rendered batteries of aeroplanes, depth charges and revving mo tor vans, gave a realistic background to this very enjoyable performance about a Cockney evacuee," wrote the Crit. Even more enjoyable is the othe r 'crit' that appeared in the Chronicle, left untouched 'not wishing to o ffend the youthful contributor!' COTTIDGE TO LEYT This play was super. It was soothing to hear Ferguson shout so lowd and smoak so many ciggerets - lucky chap! Also he kept saying bluddy just ho w I like to. Murray looked rather a cinch sort of Dame & I thort those b lank cartridges they fiered were real. I did think Campling was good the cleaver way he found things out. It grafted Stubbings turning out a spy bocorse he was a deasent geenial chap in plus fors. That butteler was f unny the way he walked. I wuold of liked to be Webster he looked so tuog h or Youngleson." by D.2. To ease the situation of limited space for big functions it was decided t o build an Open Air Amphitheatre, on a spot below the "Rookery" where the Miniature rifle range stood. Good acoustics in the hollow, tiered seats, a grassed stage and trees as a backdrop provided an excellent site. The boys built it themselves and the first time the Amphitheatre was used, in 1944, Mr J.de Wet addressed the whole school on 'Agriculture,' pointing out how necessary it was for all the city kids to experience farm work! The first plays that were performed in the Open Air were Shakespeare's a nd from 1947 the Shakespearian tradition at Michaelhouse was firmly esta blished, "for which we are in no small way largely indebted to Ronald Br ooks,'' wrote the crit after a particularly successful, "As You Like It" . A record number of School Girls, more than 600, were brought from Piet ermaritzburg by special train to attend the performances. The 'Juke Box' at the back of the Amphitheatre. The open-air amphitheatre. Romeo and Juliet. Montague-W. Smith, Benvolio-C. Lyall Watson, Lady Montague- J. Pearc e. "Portia is DEAD." "Directing plays in the old open-air theatre from 1946 until 1956 gave me much delightreflects Ronald. "Of course there were frustrating times, if t he weather was bad, or the trains rattled by and drowned the actor's words , or the corpses refused to remain dead, or if a pet dog trotted on to the stage. In 1950 the play was 'Julius Caesar'. One touching moment in that play comes when Brutus passes on the news of his beloved Portia's death to h is friend, Cassius. During the fined rehearsals a schoolboy was being tried out as the Promp ter. Brutus (Hugh Corder) had been trained to hesitate after uttering the wor d, "Portia', as if temporarily overcome by emotion, before blurting out, "is dead". Imagine my horror when the prompter failed to recognize the dramatic pause and shouted out, "IS DEAD!" From that time I took over the job of prompter myself" There were quite a few young children on the Estate in the early '50s. The Norwoods, Ibbotsons, Coetzees, Brooks, Knights, Burnetts, Lowes, Robinsons, Woods, and Chapmans, enough to fill a schoolroom. Our first classroom was in the Rector's house and then when we outgrew that we moved to his garage. Here Miss Currey taught us, all six grades under one roof. One of our favourite playgrounds was the Amphitheatre. After school we would 'play' there while Ronald coached, and created, his characters and scenes. We learnt to appreciate Shakespeare from a very early age. It can't have been easy for the directors what with trains passing by every quarter of an hour, power to the 'Juke Box,' or Music Control Tower, forever failing, and a bunch of three and four year olds playing up and down the theatre steps . Ronald never chased us away though and, in retrospect, I am so gratefu l for that. Those evenings spent huddled up on the steps watching 'Calib an' (Jeremy Wilkinson) as he crawled and cursed at us from his cave and 'Ariel,' (Peter Dauncey) trying to look 'airy' in rugby shorts and takki es, suddenly transformed into a green spirit and Sydney Simkin as Richar d III, creeping around the stage like 'an obscene Beetle,' were indeed, indelible, memorable moments. Bernard Shaw's "St Joan" was produced in the 'Open Air Theatre' and I re member it as though it were yesterday yet I could only have been three y ears old! I'd heard Peter Friedman's lines repeated hundreds of times, s een him being tied to the cross, for what seemed like hours, so as to ge t used to the uncomfortable position. I'd sat with my Father timing the trains passing by to make sure that the dying words of 'Joan' would be h eard, and the flames of the huge bonfire would engulf'her' at precisely the right moment. I cried every time the executioner Brian O'Shaughnessy led 'her' to the stake, forgetting it was only Peter, who could usually be found kicking a rugby ball down on Meadows! Julius Caesar' 1950 John Hamilton, Jeremy Wilkinson, Teddy Quin, Ian Stewart, Dick Ridgway, Charles Fiddian-Green, T.A.Tatz, G.L.Woollat. 84 In 1961 Peter Allen directed, H. Stevenson as Romeo, and the 'beautiful' St . J. Field as Juliet. "Out of the top drawer" said a professional Actor. "Romeo was super," a 13yr old schoolgirl. "Romeo's the best. He killed two people," commented my seven year old brother. Honest Crits, they tell the whole story, eve ryone had had a good time. J.Smithers helps 'Tybalt' ( R.Lyon) with his make-up. "Shylock" - J.C. Stranack 'Romeo and Juliet', June 8th, 1961. Act 1, scene I. "Many a morning hath he there been seen..." Another means of communication or entertainment, I would call it, is Deb ating. I found the reports, in the Chronicles, of some of those early De bates more amusing than informative! In 1916 the question was asked, "Has anybody here seen the Debating Soci ety?" The reason for its disappearance was that the boys had been ridicu led for trying to discuss subjects which, it was said, they knew nothing about! Fortunately they persevered and realising the value of discussin g, arguing and debating, established a healthy platform from which to ha ve their say. A favourite topic, "The Importance of Sport is over- rated," was proposed by W.Baker; "Schools were judged too much by Sport for in after-life wor k counted more" he said. Alluding to the expense of 'Polo' he added. "If England fell it would be through Sport, just as Rome fell through Drink!" He did not make it quite clear why! Mr Burchell said that "everyone should exercise- and team spirit cultivated at school is of value in the national life." The motion was carried 30-8. "Whether the profession of 'the doctor, soldier or lawyer most benefits humanity?' was debated. The majority of votes were in favour of the medi cal profession. The objectors raised the point that "modern" doctors (19 01!) did not deserve well of mankind in-as-much as the Sciences led to t he perpetuation of the physically, mentally weak and incapable, who were of no use to the State. The Vote: 44 Doctors; 18 Soldiers; only 6 for Lawyers. In 1971 Business men might have taken the vote; there were 140 sons of businessmen at sc hool and no 'soldier' fathers. Arguably the 'best' debate of the season was a proposal by Mr Berend th at "Art and Literature had done more for the world than Science." He ar gued that a photo of a Film star made life endurable in times of stress . In reply to Mr Knubley, who wondered what good a picture would do him if he had pneumonia, a symptom only Science could cure, Berend said he would want to get better to see her himself! Apropos of nothing Mr Cumming said he had no time for film stars and so meone else maintained that war was a good thing as it killed off people and relieved 85 "That sometimes here of me it might be said: 'To him at least his schoo l was EVER DEAR.'" THOUGHTS ON LEAVING MICHAELHOUSE. CL c it 1\esLH and I liinlc joIt/1 a lioxt ijeuxi [iaci;, Si Wandâed RoaO a te/un seem cl (ontj and a ('oaO; aaÂ£u noAs1, vifven/ it ia turuz- ta/ a o-, a- $ tlvc/ t/uttli; curd aEÂ£ io (?ixtc!c 4 txutd to do- in t| pxtxt and .> ttclc (?tj xta lit, at tfvexe. vv'e/te- tlm-ea sOiic.n fJ cauixt no t decide--isOxx-t xccjivt and N O-xancj, and tRen 5i * o-tujiil a t| nixie, 0 v viervt ta- (Led and (xtu aw1 alee aEÂ£ n ixjii-t. (2nd naAv^ ss'ltat Etc uv tRoAe da/dc ijea-x? alvead? ^ eep.- daviiv v2-itJvcn- me EuaJLs a tjÂ£o.attntj jêa/u .et Aa-me xem emS-ex me, whiten fJ am dead, , tt/ad; and cj xant to mÂ«. a ^-ta-ia-n- cEeox, <3 (va t Aomettnvea, R-exe- mÂ«. i t m-au He .vaid: <)a film, at [ea.> I ii ic C'cfiaaji vOaj evli'-c. World War I." Some initiations went on for at least six months in the early 1900's. "On the first Saturday night of term the ceremony started with the 'persecut ed' having to balance on the top of a rickety pile of Tuck boxes, within hand grasp of the rafters, and made to sing. If not good enough, and the singing never was, the boxes would be kicked away and the victim left han ging from the rafters to be pelted with books until he fell. The next Sat urday was three rounds of Boxing in the Hall. The largest senior boys wer e to knock the "new Poop" into subsen'ience. Each drill afternoon, twice a week, two large louts would sailor- pitch each new boy into Founder's c ircular bath. An even larger Senior was there to duck him till he could h ardly crawl out. " "The last item in the initiation programme and least alarming" said Maur ice Pennington," took place at night after chapel On the way to the dorm itory the cack was grabbed a sack thrown over his head and he would be t aken out to a near-by hill thrown down and told to roll to the bottom." Did these barbaric customs toughen one? "No" said Maurice, "they had the opposite effect," and his story illustrates: Punishment for breaking a Dormitory rule was to be put 'on baths.' Each night the 'plunge' had to be filled to be ready for the 6am dip. Maurice had the job for a week. T wice he put the plug in and twice the bath was found empty. The dormitor y Master saved him from being lynched by the furious Seniors and he aske d a prefect to accompany him as witness. Again the bath was found empty. Then the prefects were posted to do hourly duty in the plunge room. At 4am the school was wakened by a yell of "I've got him. I've got him." Th ere was a stampede to the plunge and there we found the head prefect - a burley heavy- weight - grasping a puny wrist holding the plug-string, t he rest of his body outside the tin wall. This cack was so terrified at the duckings he was prepared to risk a hiding, or even expulsion, and so had pulled the plug every night to empty the plunge. This led to an off icial enquiry and the duckings were forbidden. Initiations do still take place, some more harmless than others. A tradit ion in Founders was to lock one of the cacks in his trunk and send him sl iding down the wooden staircase. A prefect, stationed on the landing, wou ld help the trunk on its way. He'd spin it round and bounce it down the s econd flight of stairs. The Rector, whose office is close to Founders, wa s accustomed to trunks hurtling out into the quad at the end of term but not, as happened on one occassion, to hear knocking, and calling, coming from a trunk that landed at his feet as he walked past! In 1951, 100 New Boys entered the School and 90 of them answered ques tions about their Christian background. These are the facts: 22 did n ot know where Christ was born. 29 did not know where Christ was broug ht up. 35 did not know where Christ died. 35 did not know what the Ch urch remembers on Good Friday. 50 (Almost 50%!) did not know what the Church remembers on Easter Day. 54 could not name even 3 Apostles. 4 6 did not know how many Gospels there were. 37 went to no service at all during the holiday; and 58 to none on Christmas Day. QUAYLE- THE BARBER "The quarterly visit of the school Barber, was an event which generation s of boys viewed with varying emotions. He was a real character - rough and ready but with an earthy sense of humour. Quayle would "set up shop" in the West or Farfield box-room, and in a mere three or four days demo lish, or enhance (depending on one's perspective), the hairstyles of eve ry boy in the school. Those coiffured quiffs which the Northern Suburb's mums so carefully nur tured, or the unsophisticated fringes which we Natal boys displayed, all suffered the same fate - short back and sides was the uniform treatment . Six or seven minutes was the average time spent in the chair - a terri fying experience for some of the younger boys who were not used to the m ix of constant chatter from Quayle as the flashing and circling scissors and clipper came perilously close to ears and neck. With today's fashio n of crew-cuts, Quayle would have been a highly sought after barber. In our day, we enjoyed the visit only because of the tales we heard." Richa rd Lister (1956-1961) A. Andersson being shorn by B.Simpson. APROPOS OF NOTHING! On or about the 24th Sept. 1932 the first Yo-Yo was to be seen in the sc hool, without any pleasure whatever. Now there is a regular plague of th em! 88 "how extraordinary that the moth only attacks the seat of your trousers." NEW BOY AT MICHAELHOUSE cnitimj in eax, \0aitincj to/ a/i/UAle .5 Eaw1 Eu axioe, â€¢ Mieij Qxoas1 (?xi tRe ininate and nesiex AuiL> ide <^ ax in I(ie distan ce, $ Aee tfie acRoax-E cJ in jxtelintj lio-inwiclc mij mind. ^ a E-Eaelc p aoÂ£. 0 Co ns1 tRe Aeene, it/ aJxiaÊu cjxoas'a, A. ooJc at mu mot Rex, fi can Aee^Re (ciioaOa. C'fRead, ^ tntA texEij, Et c tR e cjated. 'Jo Aaij cjo.o di:r, nn| julliei (iutea. '")R<| paaen-ta in dea pa i 7., clutcli And lie name rneans...... liame meano... slexu nuicjt Paul Mrkusic. New boys day 1989. A Cack comes to Michaelhouse and his immediate reaction to the new envir onment is to look for a sense of identity and constructive participation in traditions such as, controlled fagging and the gruelling walk to 'Nh lazane,' which are part of the settling-in process. Warwick Smith (Head Boy 1994) - "My cack year brought me to believe in Michaelhouse - I felt proud when my Prefect took time out for me and showed an interest in me . It gave me confidence and the opportunity to be myself - Let's be ours elves and be the best we can. by all means we can, in all the places we can, at all the times we can, as long as ever we can." Rector Neil Jardine-Motto for Prefects: 'Blessed is he who has learned to admire, Not to envy, To follow but not imitate. To praise but not flatter, And to lead but not manipulate. Nathan, his Son and his Grandson, a new boy entering Farfield. Warwick Smith raises the new South African flag on the day of the Presid ent's inauguration. 89 Ghosts? There are two as far as I know, "Lionet," who plays the organ an d "Mango" who haunts the Tower above the screens. Mr Mango Lyon was the Classics Master and the first Housemaster of Pascoe House which at its s tart was spread all over the school, one dormitory being at the top of t he Tower (hence the tradition of scaling the Tower's perimeter!) and ano ther down at Farfield (hence the cack's story!) Mango Lyon had an extrao rdinary way with figures and I believe wrote a book titled, "Maths in Pe rspective." He could add up a bridge score or balance your finances in s econds it is said. He died while at Michaelhouse in the thirties but he was still around in 1955! Ronald Brooks tells the story. "Beyond the swi mming pool and across Meadows was an avenue of poplar trees leading down to Far-a-field and some staff houses. One very dark night in 1955, or ' 56, as I was walking down the Avenue of Poplars from the school to our h ouse (Langlea) / met a tiny cack, all on his own, and asked him why he w as out so late. 'Oh, Sir,' he replied, 'My prefect sleeps down at the co ttage and he is afraid of meeting Mango's ghost in the dark. So I have t o walk down with him!"' In a tribute to Alan Graham Rose (1958-1962) his friend, Roy Smither tol d this story: "As new boys a solemn duty for a week was to ensure that t he early rising bell went off at 6 am. not a minute before or a minute l ater. Whilst waiting to perform our duty we sat and gazed at the fish po nd and decided it would be fun to try and catch the largest Gold fish. N ext morning at five, with bent pin, cotton and bread we tried to catch " Jehosophat," as the fish was known. We were so engrossed in this task th at the time was completely forgotten. Just before 6 am our fun was inter rupted by the booming voice of the Rector demanding, in no uncertain ter ms, to know what on earth we were up to! We rang the bell on time and re ceived four cuts each. / 'Itchae .UlOLIAL foatqcftijoru j}iar fir Vu*r- A/w umxTo J Jwmv untrumtA/ smanq/ rOfr&nqe/ xxm-boCisn&o /fyy&trTir/ /mxA' . s&jn-vOCiMIO ------'frLÂ£/J ax) 3 stAajy ur~ Ms JyacA^ '66' ^ sÂ£rzi*âriasti/c^' AaO /coriourrijÂ£Â£&' sin/ 1/ vm/ ^ '&2Z' sT&Zifi. rfZlt .Alkad' 4Jyirwd at/umly', Mango is still around! The Rector received this letter from him as recentl y as 1992. A letter from Mango. The 'tradition' - that on their last night at Michaelhouse the sixth former s scale the roof of the Quad and run round the perimeter obviously disturbe d him and 'Mango' decided to bring it to the attention of the Rector. The Fountain in the Founder's quad, where Jehosophat swam. Fooling in Founders â– Ryan Joffe disciplines a cack! 90 The response to my requests for stories, anecdotes, memories and experi ences of their school-days, past and present, more often than not elici ted the reply, "Let me think about it, so many things come to mind but most of them are unprintable. I would not want my son, (Father or the R ector, whatever the case!) to know what we got up to!" For the rest Ric hard Lister recalls; "Once a week at least, the cadets would spend a wh ole afternoon heating up tins of polish to shine the toe-caps of the Of ficers' boots, polish their boots, belts, sambrownes etc.-docoa from th e kitchens during prep on a cold winter's night-Philemon, the very larg e Head-waiter of the Junior Dining Flail who kept a beady eye on us, an d his waiters." The same Philemon whose gum-boot, chanting and stomping waiters, I remember entertained us as we sat and braaied round the fir es and watched the fireworks down on Bailey's on Coronation Day June 2n d, 1952. Remember Shrove Tuesday, and the pancake races? Now there is a new "race", which may well become a tradition, an Interhouse 'Go-Kart' race. The first event took place on Election Day, 1994. The fastest ka rt, one designed and built by Roger Raw, was pushed round the course, a nd down Warriors Avenue, to win the race for Founders. Richard also recalls the "wet Summer afternoons when cricket was cancell ed and the boys would have to run, cross-country, up Michael's Mount, th e hill behind the School, or much further the other way to the 'Beacon.' Sometimes too exhausted, or lazy, they'd take a chance (if caught the p unishment was severe!) and stop off to hide in the bush and wait to join up with the boys on their return run. Much more fun, when it rained, wa s to go duck-diving down on Meadows. Down on Meadows. 91 Another weather phenomenon that some boys may remember with pleasure, as they were usually given a day's holiday, was a snow-fall. The first rec ording of a snow fall, snowballs and making snowmen, was on May 31st, 19 05. I doubt that any of the boys who experienced this snow-storm enjoyed it though. The school buildings were still pretty primitive and facilit ies for keeping warm, non existent. 'Icicles hung from the verandas, the water pipes froze and it was miserably cold. The snow drifts were so de ep that, for two weeks after the fall, the boys out on Free Bounds were still helping farmers liberate their sheep that had been buried. The next fall 19 years later, 1924, coincided with the arrival of fifteen small boys who had come to sit for the 'George Leuchars Scholarship' won , incidentally, by George Cecil St. John Oxley Oxland. "In 1959 it happened white we slept and the result was a whole holiday, o ne of the Rector's most popular decisions." In 1964 the heaviest fall of snow ever. Passing motorists entered the gates to play on the snow covere d fields. 'Wise members of Staff avoided the Quad at times like this, and even mor e so when it hailed which happens quite frequently.' 1924 1948, Anne Robinson, Sue, (Ed) and Michael Snell, (the Rector's son) join ed in the fun. The 'event of the Decade: two days of snow and the 'Snow Holiday" decla red on Sept. 22nd, 1948 was apparently more important even than Sir Law rence Olivier's production of "Hamlet". It was on in Pietermaritzburg a nd the school were taken by special train to watch it. 1948 - Sue and Michael Snell Hail! Outside Farfield, 1963 92 Knowledge and timber should not be used until they are well seasoned Todd's Educational principles did not include purely 'practical' subject s such as shorthand, typewriting, book-keeping, and commercial correspon dence, "Beyond neatness and accuracy, their educational value is nil!" h e said. "The elements of discipline and instruction is needed to form our boys' m inds. Latin for instance may be purely disciplinary for a farmer but prac tical for a lawyer; Geometry is disciplinary for a clergyman but practica l for a surveyor and until you choose a Trade you cannot say what your 'p ractical' subjects should be. Not that we despise practical subjects they are generally useful to a large number of boys but they do not form our boys' minds. Our aim is to make, not accountants, not clerks, not doctors , not clergymen but 'MEN1, men of understanding, thought and culture. We are convinced that this cannot be done at all by shorthand and typewritin g, but that there is at least a chance of its being done by the study of Classics and Mathematics." Relevant innovations and constant adaptations to the Educational princip les takes place all the time but Todd's intrinsic ethos has always been respected by Michaelhousians. Todd's formal constitution stipulated that: "The backbone of Education s hould be Classics and Mathematics. Athletic Sports should be compulsory and under supervision and lastly, a training in 'the manners of a gentle man' should be a matter of the utmost priority." The wording of "Michaelhouse's Key Objectives," in this its last decade of the Century, as decided upon by the present Rector John Pluke, the st aff and Board of Governors confirms this ethos: Michaelhouse shall "provide an Education which develops every pupil's sp iritual, social, moral, academic, cultural and physical abilities and wh ich acknowledges and seeks to meet his individual needs so that, with ev ery opportunity, encouragement and disciplined Christian guidance, he ma y emerge a socially responsible person with a balanced outlook on life." Peter Armitage (Head boy 1987): ''We will thank Michaelhouse for teaching us Not what to think- but HOW to think Not what to believe- but HOW to decide Not HOW to make friends- but HOW to judge Friendship Not Who to help- but HOW to help and Not who we are- but HOW to find ourselves. New Staff: 1979. (hack row): D. Finlayson, C.Heymans, J.Pluke, C. Hulley, F. Skae, J. Hall ,./. Morgan, C van Straaten (front row) N. Jardine, A. Butler, -, H.Thomp son, S. Winckworth. 93ï»¿Some of the boys who came to the school in Pietermaritzburg, from t he rural areas, were more proficient in the Native languages than in Eng lish. When Mr Dobree (1897) asked who was talking in class the reply he got sou nded like this: "I hoi my mouf (mouth). / let it goo, it make a noise, 1 do not noo?" admitted Roach! He went on to become the first Rhodes Schola r from Michaelhouse. Either he learnt very quickly or his peculiar Englis h didn't matter, as apparently it still doesn't! 89 years after this inci dent, and quite a number of English teachers since Mr Dobree, the English Department received a report from 'The National Curriculum Council' in E ngland in which they informed the world that: "There is nothing wrong wit h nonstandard forms of English." Lower 5th, 1932. Whitehouse, Mai Stubbs, Houghton Sherratt, Klutch, Mo rphew, Sharratt So, "As it's unrealistic to force standard English on to the pupils, I, t he Head of the Department of English at M.H.S., won't have a bash at stuf fing it down their throats in the Mag either, I mean, it's a waste of tim e, ain't it? We was very happy, us English teachers, this year. Chris Fie ld did us proud in the old Olympiad and the Hofmeyr. He spoke beautiful i n the latter comp-I won't mention no names, but some other schools wer sc ratched before the final acceptors-know what I mean? Chris had a lovely w eek in Garahamstown-there are such nice people there- I mean they must be , 'cos so many teachers go there eventually. And David Schaefer made the top 100 too! Like brother, like brother, or something like that. In 1989 the Olympiad's all about peotry- so we reckon we're going to kill it 'cos we've really worked out how to write peotry and that sort of stuff . / mean we sent off stacks of goodies- poems essays and things like that- to a mag called "English Alive" and not only did they publish lots of our work but sent us a big prize- really larny books- pity we had to share to p spot with girls- mind St. Annes aren't such a weird mob really. Hurray N atal rules the waves-while the rest of the country waives the rules, eh? M ind you we dont just write well - we speak real proper and we win things. Lloyd Ferreira, a little chap, good speaker, nice chap, but still little - and what do you think, he wins, the biggest trophy you've ever seen- big v oice, big prize. 1 don 7 really like to mention names-but surely Richard D yson deserves a word or two? Nice chap-writes well and pretty musical too- Readers that are sort of literate their selves can grab an eyeful of his verse in this mag." (P.E.Dennyson) Form 4, 1906. From an old album: 1931. Photo and caption by Price. Rex Crosoer, Les Payn, Hub Malherbe, and Thomas Robert. 'The Four Famous Liteirary (sp! ) men studying for Matric.' Lloyd Ferreira-a little chap, good speaker- big voice, big prize. 94 A year after Todd's resignation in 1903 the school was inspected by the Natal Education Department: (A copy of a page from the official report) PIETERM ARITZBURC. September 20, 190 4. Hy lord Bishop, I am directed by the Superintendent of Education to forward to you the r eport made to him on the recent inspection of Xiohaelhouse by officers o f this Department. No portion of the report will be made Jmblic by this Department; and, if it is published at all, it shy-'ld be published in its entirety. I am to say that the criticisms and suggestions contained therein are to b e treated as i criticisms and suÂ«,/sattoiro oul.yv TJioie may be' reasons , unknown to the Inspectors, which may justify, on consideration, the main tenance of v;reso.it practices; and the remarks of Inspectors are not mean t to be magisterial and final. If in any subsequent academical year the Directors desire that the school should be inspected, I am to ask that their, request may be forwarded to this office!,i, earl;/ in the year as possible. The school will be regarded by this Department, as ...an "inspected school" for three years after" the date of inspection. i I have the honour to be, Your Lordship's obedient servar.t "The best possible is done for the Rector and master's housing but they ar e very badly off." The first Staff house built at Michaelhouse, by J.Ferrar. When it was no longer needed the 'wood and iron' building was transport ed down to Isipingo Prep School. "Fair provision is made for the boys. The classrooms are reasonably good but too few." : Right Reverend, The Lord Bishc of ITatal. Secretary, Education Department. Under GENERAL the Inspector summed up, very accurately I believe, the situation at Michaelhouse. "The school strikes one as a well managed English Public School. The sim ple services in the little improvised chapel conduce greatly to decency and gravity of school tone." The boys struck the Inspector "as a very healthy, well behaved, neat chee rful body, handled without fuss and without relaxation of vigilance." "The dormitories are not over crowded and arrangements in this connexio n are healthy." A. Scrubby, T. Hill, and B. Oscroft. 1923. The first dormitory, in Founders, in the old Chapel above the present vest ry 1927, Edmondson in the Dormitory 95 "The Dining Hall adds in many ways to the comfort and dignity of the co mmon life. The discipline associated with it has a demonstrable effect on the bearing and manners of the boys."- commented the Inspector. "The Reading room is very poor-A good Library is of real importance." Shortly after the Inspector's visit the Rector reacting to the Inspector's comment about the Library seized this opportunity to persuade the Governo rs that a new Hall would alleviate the situation, and the Library could th en be housed in the Old Dining Hall. They agreed and as soon as the Memorial Hall was built, the Science Lab moved out of the Old Hall to make way for the Library. The Dining hall 1907. (the present library) "For him that stealeth a book from this library LET IT CHANGE INTO A SERPENT IN HIS HAND AND READ HIM. LET HIM BE STRUCK BY PALSY AND ALL HIS MEMBERS BLASTED, LET HIM LANGUISH IN PAIN, CRYING ALOUD FOR MERCY AND LET THERE BE NO SURCEES FOR HIS AGONY - UNTIL HE SINK TO DE SOLUTION. LET BOOKWORMS GNAW HIS ENTRAILS IN TOKEN OF THE WORM THAT DIETH NOT AND WHEN AT LAST HE GOETH TO HIS FINAL PUNISHMENT LET THE FLAMES OF HELL CONSUME HIM FOR EVER AND AYE." From the Monastry of San Pedro, Barcelona. B.C. (1 found this warning pinned to the Library door.) 1940: The Library in the Tower room, the original Chapel. The Library 1993. 96 Having dealt with the amenities at the school the Inspectors reported o n the Curriculum at Michaelhouse and how the subjects were being taught . Some of the comments are as applicable today as they were then, in 19 06, for instance:- English. A little careful practice in reading aloud is necessary throughout the who le school- it is quite possible to teach boys to read and speak distinctly ; and no woolly or imperfect speech should be tolerated. Natal boys are no t noted for neatness in written work! Josh Roper. How could Josh Roper, sitting in his French class, in 1928, his lesson w ritten up on the chalk-board behind him, ever conceive that he could lea rn a language through equipment wired to his head!? So too these boys st udying in a "Language Laboratory" in the 60's could not have imagined th at at the turn of the Century their children would be taught to become ' Computer' literate. French was taught as a second language and then it was decided to intro duce Dutch. The announcement was made in May 1908: "The only hope of a prosperous future in South Africa lies in the drawing together of Dutch and English. The break down of the barriers must start with languages and so Dutch will be taught instead of French." A / â– (x a il t'T t /IlMcbaelbouse fcittiz Cable. C 1 02 c. i/ d. *~f . / s. p f'/f, J?,ryt TV . 1 P. I

WEDNESDAY. S <} * A uhoXM I jnoclli Â£ JLusJit?/j I 'QriJ-JL -L; {tltUJ, A i ('â€¢ r t Preparation. -J'-"/ til 'CMSsrn~, cl- L. W'allbridge's Timetable 1913. Dutch has replaced French. One other subj ect offered, but not in this timetable, is Greek. 97 Dutch was later replaced with Afrikaans. Cecil Till's Afrikaans teacher made a vivid impression on his class. "He had visited Germany in 1936 where he said he'd met Adolf Hitter and Robey Leibbrandt (represent ing S.A. as a boxer). He idolized them so much so that every day we ente red his classroom he would be standing at attention, (in a Nazi uniform, given him by Hitler, he said) and only with his Nazi salute were we all owed to enter." An Afrikaans lesson, 1926. Piet Barnard One thing that never changes, or will go away as some pupils would wish , is the 'Teacher.' They have influenced the lives of thousands of youn g men and are the backbone of Michaelhouse. That a teacher doesn't alwa ys manage to 'educate' his pupils is obvious when one reads these answe rs to a General Knowledge Paper written in 1944, but then again the mat erial they have to deal with is sometimes questionable! "The Niagara Falls are on the...... Mrs Sippy. Emblems on the Russian Flag are the....Scuttle and Chopper. "Kiss me Hardy!" was said by.. Laurel (18 were sure of this!) The mineral Turkey has been supplying to Germany is.... Aspirin.. "Elementary, my dear Watson!" was said by ...... Molitof...Queen Mary!... Mrs Watson. "Take away that bauble!" was said by. Julius Caeser. Some more Howlers from "Dupe", Mr Du Plessis. Write five lines on: 1. The Huguenots...... "The Huguenots came to the Cape in 1688 after the devasting wars of rel igion in France and other parts of Europe. They joined the Dutch Settle rs and intermarried into them. And they produced Grape Vines...." 2. The Black Hole of Calcutta..... This story is about the war between the British and the Indian Troops. "Ab out 1857, British troops were at war against India in India. After one str enuous battle, 146 British soldiers were taken prisoner and were herded in to a tiny prison cell with a very small widow------" Then there was the boy who wrote: "Joan of Arc was Noah's cousin." Anoth er said, "During the Political Revolution in Paris, Napoleon dispersed t he Mob' with concentrated volleys of Grape-Fruit." A brief account in Geography of the International-Date Line: "It is a line t o phone your girl-friend overseas." More from Geography: "Tea Planting in China." "To plant and grow tea in Ch ina, terraces have to be levelled, top soil is required and for irrigation ...they use women..." "Where is Timbucktoo?" asked the teacher. "It is between Timbuckone an d Timbuckthree!" wrote the pupil. A 'C' blocker writing to thank his hosts for the enjoyable holiday he'd s pent with them described his journey back and ended off by saying: "Dit w as'n aangename treinrit en ek het 'vleiskas en klank' tuis gekom." ('Safe and Sound!') The Past Tense of: He gives her a present. He gave her a past, and finally- "Martin Luther was exterminated by a Pap al Bull!" 'Even English Bovs Howl.' From the School magazine 'The Beacon' 1959. O Level 'There is plenty of reward for Ferdinand in the shape of Miranda.' 'His dagger was sharpened like the point of a sphere.' 'Lady MacDuff's son was called Sirrah.' ("Sirrah your father's dead.") 'Vulcan was Hamlet's horse.' A: Level- Other Texts: 'Wordsworth was a bit of an agriculturalist and sowed wild oats in France. ' "It gravitates me to the spare-room," means that it knows a notable obses sion for promiscuity. 98 The only "Extra Mural" activity in the early 1900's was carpentry. The Carpentry Shop was built in 1904. "The Jews are wise," he said "they teach every child some trade - the m an who can put his hands to good use is welcome in every land - so we u rge the voung boys to acquire a good working knowledge of carpentry and there will be no dread of an idle afternoon.' Several useful projects were undertaken by the carpenters, pews for the C hapel and crutches for the 'War effort' for instance. The basic subjects of the Curriculum were Languages and Mathematics. Dr . Lister Jameson, the Inspector, approved of the division of students i nto 'sets' and went on to say, "They have been taught well and understa nd 'Euclid." These boys too, 'understand' mathematics, they were the fi nalists in the Maths Olympiad, 1978. 1907, Mr James Ross is teaching the hoys Woodwork. These changes, moves, adaptations, and new buildings were the start of the process of development which one has come to associate with Michael house. It is a costly process but A.W. Schaefer, (Head Boy 1989) had th is to say about it, in his Speechday address to the school. "The most noticeable fact about Michaelhouse is the cost of the Education especially for our parents who make the sacrifice to send us here. Howev er such a valuable investment is made in their son's future at such a sch ool it is well to recall Benjamin Franklin's response to the question of expense involved with education, "If a man empties his purse into his hea d no one can take it away.'' In 1930 the Chemistry iMhoratory was moved to the Dining Room, now th e Library. l-r: David Wilson, Francis Maytham (of the Old Mutual), David Thompson, Clive Sperryn. Science was not taught in the Schools in the early days. It was not con sidered to be important enough. Thanks to Mr A. Adair, an Irishman, who came to Balgowan in 1903 as a Science master, the first Science Lab. w as designed and erected. The Government Inspector was very impressed! " The experimental Science Lab. is a model of economy coupled with effici ency. The total cost was, / understand, not more than Â£300. Other scho ols before launching out into expense would do well to see the plans of this building." 99 I HAVE NOT FAILED 10,000 TIMES. I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY FOUND 10,000 WAYS THAT WILL NOT WORK. (EDISON- AFTER TRYING AN EXPERIMENT 1 0,000 TIMES) At the opening of the 'Robbie Robinson' Science Block Mr Ronald Butcher invoked nostalgic memories of that tiny, ramshackle, wood-and-iron bui lding perched precariously on high timber foundations (it could even be swung round on its supports!) where he had 'played' with chemicals. He urged the boys to make better use of their opportunities than he had. w li. ifcls. mAKSISBU Tff pgtmj .jgf jJilli K vnHHIHKr Mr. Adair, who built that wood-and-iron lab was on the Staff for a record number of years, 22 years in fact, before he retired in 1925. It is an i nteresting anomaly that my father, J.L.Robinson, "Ponk", also "built" a S cience block. (Initiated by Bill Wilson of Anglo-American. His appeal to their Educational Trust resulted in the donation of funds from the Indust rial Fund to build this Science Block). Similarly when Dad retired, his 4 0 years were the longest term served. His record was broken by one of his junior colleagues Johnny Lowe, "Bright-Lights," who served a commendable 41 years from 1949-1990. He must have taught at least 4,100 boys in that time. Nathan is known to a host of 'scientists', having worked in the La boratory for 52 years. Johnny Lowe ('Bright Lights'- who could forget his M.G.?!) with Mike Tho mpson (Science Staff'56 -'87) Science Exhibitions are always popular. The first Exhibition took place in 1939. The fact that by pressing a button various pieces of apparatus could be w orked, a frog's heart could be seen beating and a Brewery, (a popular exp eriment) was easy to set up, stimulated a lot of interest. Things we take for granted today: a burglar alarm system modelled on the ingenious syst em of interrupting a light ray, a 'gas works' model where products were a ctually made from the distillation of coal-tar in the Chem. Lab., and an arrangement for measuring the frequency of the A.C. supply, (the principl e on which this calculation was based "proved too difficult for many peop le"!!), were exhibited. Experimenting.. Several decades later at the annual PINSSA Conference, on the 'scientifi c' side this exhibition included aerodynamics, energy conversions and as sorted bangs and colours. The 'mathematics' side was represented by Simo n Woodland and his intriguing lecture - titled "Number Numbness". This i s an apt description of how you will feel when you consider Simon's dedu ctions, for example: To count to a million will take 11.5 minutes and to a billion, at the same rate, 32,000 years! On the 'natural science' sid e. Biology featured. Rupert Barber was awarded first prize for his slide -tape presentation on the lifecycle of the Mopani Worm. 100 It wasn't long after the introduction of the Sciences that it was realise d how valid a part of Education the Science Subjects are including, chemi stry, physics, the natural science, biology, and mathematics. These are n ot the only science topics apparently. An episode that took place in the 80's sums up precisely how broad a spectrum of life Science illuminates. The boys of the 80's will remember their science master, in particular for his incredible energy and enthusiasm, the young man, Kevin King. Tr agically he was killed in a car accident, on his way home after attendi ng the Science Expo in Durban. Kevin (H.O.D. Science) at a meeting wrot e, in the middle of a sheet of paper on which the Science department gr oup were recording the relationship of the several facets of Science, t he word "GOD?" The Rector Neil Jardine happened to walk past the Lab. a nd see the script, "God a physicist? I thought he was a Poet!" Before K evin could answer Johnny Lowe summed it all up, "God IS a poet and Phys ics is his most magnificent poem." Another Subject 'first' at Michaelhouse was 'Art' or 'Drawing,' as it was ca lled. It was taught in the early 40's long before it was introduced to other Natal High Schools. An 'Art School,' initiated by Mr J.J. van Schaik, offer ed all sorts of 'cultural activities'. Besides painting there was printing, pottery, architectural drawing, and carving. From this small thatched roofed building to the new Art Block in the Pen nington Quad Paul Lavender has, over a period of more than 30 years, gui ded the boys in their various 'art and cultural' pursuits. He can be jus tifiably proud of the art students who in the capable hands of Barbara P ickstone have sculptured some intriguing art forms. In 1994 the Senior S uperintendent of Education wrote: "It is clearly evident that the best s culpture among schools entering the Art Exams is presently being produce d at Michaelhouse." The Art School 1945 One of the works of art sculptured by Ivan Mrkusic. This figure lias been placed in the Currey quad. Another subject of the sciences is Biology. A class in progress. 101 Girls at Michaelhouse!!! In 1994 a Seminar, chaired by Mr Peter Snyder ( Senior Master) on Co-Education, was held. There were many views for and against the introduction of Girls to Boys Schools. In support of single- sex schools, academic success was one of the issues. The Head Mistress o f North London Collegiate suggests why: "Girls are actually cleverer tha n boys. So if you have a school full of Girls, you will do better!" (Fin ancial Times 1993). Academic success is only one issue but as the report goes on to mention there are 'at this stage no plans for co-education at Michaelhouse. Ho wever every effort must be made to help our boys develop a healthy atti tude towards women.' This question of 'Girls' has gone on for years. In 1909 the Editor of the ch ronicle received this letter from a very indignant male: â– io iRc C^dcloa cat cUa, it txue llial I vOo ladies, .vOij and Canaan, KuOe lieen admitted [o Ollieliue ( lioUA e?,MiolUjli [lie(| liuOe (' "lo I Ii y I fi<., ijet 1 Ii a I la no- excuAe. jxj/i. f ftam lliete '-youâ„¢ a, ea4 cHt., TOe liaOe jVmlul out tliut e liaOe (jeen deceived. C^ulj no mo/ie aConl i[. ( t\> ({a^e 3cnl tliem (laelc ta* St. (June J eo flvqe. ttulij, , Hie &ditoyi The Business Times reported in June 1995; "Open Rebellion occurs among boys at a top English public school 'Rugby ' when the headmaster appoints a girl head of school, though girls have been admitted since 1976." 'Discipline' at any school goes hand in hand with Education and more par ticularly at a Boarding School where the influence and guidance of the R ector over his Staff and pupils must surely be his greatest task. One of the Headmasters of the famous British School 'Eton', sums it up. "We ar e dealing with a daunting breed of young men. However there are two view s on every subject; mine which is right and theirs which is wrong!" A Rector's Report from the very early days: "Discipline in any school must be better when it was rather further rem oved from the parents of the boys. Mothers, generally faultless in othe r respects, had sometimes two faults when their boys were in question. One was that they thought they could manage the school as well as the H ead-master, and the other was that their own boys were not capable of d oing anything wrong." A form of punishment at almost all schools in the early I900's were 'Imposit ions' or 'Lines.' From the Chronicles: Lines are a brutal form of punishment and the infliction of them on the bo y brings his appreciation of "Horace" and "Virgil" to an even lower level than before. It was agreed that "until the perfect schoolboy is evolved Im positions are a necessary evil, and will two thousand years or so from now , we fear, remain so." 1909: When told to write an essay on the advantages of Impositions a smal l boy wrote, in capital letters, "NONE." First he received a caning and t hen full marks. Some boys kept stock lines to dole out to importune Masters while others got their 'fags' to do their lines and produced them as their own. Toda y it is not much different except that the more daring cacks demand paym ent nowadays and the 'Lines' are more 'sophisticated'; called 'Bi-Colour s' each alternate letter in the words has to be a different colour and t hey are usually the School Prayer or a Hymn, even Homework, which have t o be learnt anyway. The very first response that I received to my request for Memoirs for t his book came from as far as Canada and discipline was the memory upper most in Old Boy. David Williams' (1940-1943) mind: "The entire school was gathered in the dining Hall, hushed and tense, a s two boys were brought on stage for formal expulsion. They had secretl y collected some necessary supplies and one night stolen a master's car and driven off. They ran out of gas so abandoned the car and continued on foot but were apprehended after a few days and brought back to scho ol. This incident was headlined in the Natal Mercury, 'Two Boys Escape from Michaelhouse,' the implication of which was not lost on some of us ," said David who felt that "in retrospect discipline was somewhat exce ssive, and they were not the happiest days of my life." Much later there were other expulsions and this time they were reported in the 'Sunday Times,' August 1960, by the late Joel Mervis, Editor of t he "Passing Show," in relation to the school he always called "Skollypot ." Twelve of Graham McIntosh's (1957-1960) contemporaries, thereafter kn own as the "12 Apostles," were expelled for misbehaviour on the train tr avelling from Balgowan to Johannesburg. There was no corporal punishment in the early days. Shortly after the Wa r in 1918 a couple of boys went down to the station and on seeing a crow d of German officers in the dining car started pelting the train with st ones and earth-clods. Their punishment was to stand facing a wall for ha lf an hour. A more drastic measure was meted out by Mr Desai who ran the local Indian Store. He shot one of a group of boys who had resorted to stoning his roof after he had remonstrated with them for stealing cigare ttes. 102 It IS WHAT YOU LEARN AFTER YOU KNOW IT ALL THAT COUNTS. 1959 Vlth form (or Post Matric) (back) R.M. Bennet C.J. Mcbride O. Thaning (middle) D.Osborn J.MacDo nald B.Moultrie M.A.O'Flaherty P.McNauglit-Davis R.Higgins P.Smart R Hong (front) G.Henderson H.Savage H.Fraser (B.Imw, Rector Morgan, J .L.Robinson) J.lMwrance B.Baines N.Carter An important addition to the Education programme, Vlth Form or 'Post Mat ric,' took place as long ago as 1931. (St Andrews' in the Cape, Vlth form started in 1919). The school wa s interested in further Education for its pupils, in particular for those who Matriculated too young to be "fitted in mind, body and character to pass on to university or else out into the world." "To assume that one is a schoolboy until that fatal moment in January when the Matric results a re published and then instantaneously ceases to be one seems rather more grotesque than to suggest that a boy's school days should come to an end when he first uses a razor or cuts a wisdom tooth. There is no stigma att ached to those boys who are not built for Matric and leave school before they have to write it. It is a folly to give one boy more than his capaci ty warrants, but it is worse than folly to deprive the boy who is capable of a higher standard of anything short of the maximum he can acquire." Although he had no connection with the school. Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, recognising this valuable axiom, offered to contribute Â£4000, then rai sed the sum to Â£7,600, to enable the school to build a Vlth Form Block to provid e tertiary education as a stepping stone to University degrees. Brian Law has happy memories of his Vlth Form years lecturing to his 'Fi rst Class Economists!' Alan Hammill, David Lawrence, Ivor Orchard and th at "great disappointment' Russell Gould of the A.Shaw, P. Kumbelen, N. G rice, D Durham, M. Japhet, R. Luther and James Meyer group. "As able as any he, Russell, was declared to be an OU (sic), (O level pass, unclassi fied at S level). I commiserated with Gould," said Brian, but he was unp erturbed. 'It's a load of rubbish, the Poms often cock things up.' Indeed they had! Brian's complaint to the examining board elicited this re ply 'Despite all the checks that are made, I regret to tell you that the C omputer was fed the wrong information. Will you please amend the result to AI!!" 103 The quiet dignity of Michaelhouse belies its constant need for funds. "It must be obvious to anyone that the development and consolidation of t he School on the material side, in the years ahead will involve the expen diture of very large sums of money. Provided that those who believe in th e value of this school and who have good reason to owe gratitude to it an d give it their full interest and support this can be obtained. (F. Snell , Rector 1939 -1952. Silver Jubilee 1946, 50 years) Sixty years of development brought Michaelhouse to a decisive stage in its History. In order to ensure the highest standard of Education, the independence and progress of the Private School the Governors decided t o create the "Michaelhouse Trust." It would be an Endowment Fund 'estab lished for the benefit of Michaelhouse.' The first Appeal was the 'Diamond Jubilee Fund.' When it was launched an a rticle appeared in the Newspaper 'The Natal Mercury' supporting the Appeal : Michaelhouse is more than a place of letters. Its true purpose is to ext end to its pupils a lasting understanding and appreciation of the moral an d spiritual values of life and to send forth into a complex, multiracial s ociety, citizens of tolerance, vision and an inflexible integrity. In 1969 the "Trust Fund" Appeal was planned by George Boyes and his co mmittee for "Michaelhouse in the Seventies'. The Appeal was successful and at the Dedication of the new Buildings, in 1976, Mr Mike Rosholt reiterated one of the Board's Objectives as manifest in the 'Developme nt Foundation': "A Private school must produce young men of Christian character with a d emonstrably broad education to equip them for the new South Africa. The very fine and imposing buildings are but a byproduct of these decisions to provide the School with better and broader educational facilities." Now we come to the Nineties and another appeal is made: "The Centenary Educational Foundation Fund" - to provide for the renewal, developmen t and expansion of the facilities at Michaelhouse to be completed in c elebration of the Centenary year, 1996. 1989: "A GREAT CAMPAIGN IS LAUNCHED" Mr John Pluke Rector "This is the most exciting year in the History of Michaelhouse since 1 896 when James Cameron Todd founded the School." Mr Walter Strachan Chairman of the board of Governors "Meeting the challenge of tomorrow requires funds." Mr Basil Hersov National Chairman "Centres of excellence such as Michaelhouse must be maintained." 104 The Dedication of the Sanatorium, in 1991, was the first 'physical evide nce' of the Centenary Appeal. "Each Chairman of the Board, the Bishops, Governors, Rectors and indeed our predecessors have," Tony Ardington rem inded us, "by their vision, their commitment and their generosity, creat ed the environment in which we live today. A commitment from all of us i s also required." The San is demolished. Those who have committed their 'all' are the Rectors and their staff, t he men and women who have taught, and laboured, and made Michaelhouse w hat it is today. John Pluke, in his first Speech Day report in 1987, re flected on his predecessors, the Rectors who served the school, before him: (I have added to his comments.) I have told you everything I know about the Founder, Canon James Cameron Todd. His pioneer work at Michaelhouse, was 'entirely a labour of love' . For two years after he gave the school, as a gift, to the Anglican Dio cese of Natal, and continued to serve as Rector, without a salary, until his resignation in 1903. The Board, 'as an afterthought, expressed thei r appreciation for the work he had done,' but the school, with genuine r egret at his leaving, presented him with two photographs of the silver t ray, tea and coffee service, which awaited him in England. On his return Todd opened a prep school. On his staff was a young girl, Aileen Gallah er, whom he fell deeply in love with. Possibly because Aileen was only 2 2 and he 41, or she, Roman Catholic and he, Church of England, and bound to the vows of celibacy he had taken, (which would be sinful to break,) her Aunt, and guardian, disapproved of the love affair and sent Aileen to Canada. They were not to write, or see each other, for three years. T odd's life was miserable. His school suffered financially and he physica lly. James had eight operations for blood poisoning, in 1909, and troubl esome appendicitis for a year. After two years he broke his silence, pro posed to Aileen and went to Canada where they were married. They returne d to London and started the school 'Kelvin House', in Ruislip, where the y lived with their two daughters. Todd died in 1915 and Aileen ran the s chool for another 20 years, retiring in 1935. The second Rector, Canon Edward Bertram Hugh-Jones took over from Todd in 1903 and resigned in 1910, due to ill health. He died at sea on his way home to England. He arrived in time to see M.H.S. play rugby agains t Maritzburg College and win by 23 - 03. If an example of high moral wo rth, intending to turn out the ideal man, had been set before Michaelho use boys, it could not have surpassed the lofty ideals of Canon Hugh-Jo nes." Mr Antony William Scudamore Brown: 1910 - 1916. He was only 29 when he became Rector to over 70 pupils. "In 1915 he devoted a much needed ho liday of twelve months to active service in Europe and was killed by a sniper while constructing a trench in France.' Mr Eldred Pascoe: 1917 - 1926 (described by one of his pupils as looking like a "beard-less Christ."). At the end of 1926 he resigned due to ill health. He died shortly thereafter and was buried at Michaelhouse. "He was a man who never asked more than he was ready to give himself." Mr Warin Foster Bushell: 1927 - 1929. The fifth Rector. He was at the s chool for less than three years and with vigour and determination Bushe ll established some of the conditions needed for healthy growth. There was hardly a field of Michaelhouse's activities which were not turned o ver and sown with new ideas. (Barrett's 'M.H.S. 1896-1968'). He created - The 'House system;' Staffing with more South Africans - Barnard, K. Pennington, C. Melville, G. Hatting.- 13 teachers in all and 212 boys; Post Matric; a uniform,- blue blazer and grey flannels for weekdays; th e recruitment of boys from further afield - the Transvaal and Rhodesia; Entrance Scholarships - the first to A.Bayne, A. Lloyd and A. Albers; Squash courts; A Junior Library and free borrowing; The 'ad portas' cer emony and finally the completion of Todd's plans and design for Michael house namely, a quadrangle. Despite the depression in South Africa the school managed to survive. Boys from the Rand made up the numbers and a proposal made by Bushell to raise the fees from Â£110 to Â£120 a year ensured the progress of development that the Board saw was necessary to cater for the rising numbers. 105 The sixth Rector, and the first South African, was Ronald Fairbridge Curr ey; 1930 - 1938. He came from the Cape. His father was Private Secretary to Rhodes, his mother's family, the Fairbridge pioneers of Rhodesia (Zimb abwe). Quite a different background to his predecessors who were British and non-political. This did not mean he involved the school in politics ( he was critical of the policies of the 30's) but Currey "demonstrated ver y clearly that the traditions and values he brought to this school, model led as it was, on 'a peculiarly English institution' would, combined with his broader view of Education in the country, be a source of strength fo r Michaelhouse. He wrote - Every headmaster has to deal from time to time with the parents who would have him make a silk purse out of material, w hich may be excellent for other purposes, but is undoutedly not silk! He was a sincere and effective Christian and, as described by the boys, his most prominent characteristic was an authoritative, calm dignity. They al so remember Currey for eating his breakfast backwards! He only ate the po rridge if, after the toast and marmalade, and bacon and eggs, he still fe lt hungry. In Ronald Currey's time there was a period of expansion on all sides. A "General Development' memorandum was presented to the Board and accept ed, as an essential part of a school's programme for progress and survi val: New buildings designed by the Architect Fleming: the 'Currey quad' was enclosed by the 'west wing' (the cost Â£7,355 -1935) creating thre e new houses West, Tatham and Farfield. The five houses could now accom modate all but three of the 332 boys, the three extra slept at Annandal e. Trees were planted, the front terraces and gardens laid out, and the front of the school altered to look more 'architecturally aesthetic.' The number of staff rose to 14 and for the next 15 years, and more, the y remained the core of the Michaelhouse staff. Salaries were Â£300 (Â£2 50 for newcomers) which rose to Â£450 a year. Assistant masters were no t allowed to marry without the Rector's permission, and even then they had to have been at Michaelhouse at least 7 years. The reason for this was, that the Governors were cautious about the Â£100 marriage allowanc e they would need, and the lack of accommodation. Currey saw this as a problem in retaining young staff, he welcomed wives on the estate. Some times he 'juggled' buildings here and there to accommodate them. What w ould Michaelhouse do without the wives and women today, 1995? There are 44 women on the Part-time (1 Full-time) and the Administrative Staff a lone. The longest serving Rector was Frederick Rowlandson Snell. With his wife Margaret, and their three children, they arrived at Michaelhouse from E ngland in 1939 and lived there for 14 years. Fred Snell left Michaelhous e in 1952 to start a private school, 'Peterhouse' in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) . The philosophy of this deeply committed Christian was that "the most imp ortant function a school has to perform is to give its sons knowledge an d faith; knowledge such as may fit them to seek and recognize in life th e good and true and beautiful, as well as enable them to earn their livi ng, and a faith which will be to them at once a compass, and an anchor, in these times of swiftly moving change.- Our boys must be prepared for a new world. They must never be taught to look back to the 'good old day s,' which were never so good when they were Present that men did not loo k either back, or forward. The Future grows from the Present, we must te ach them to have faith in the Future. Before the end of his first year in office the Second World War began an d Snell had to contend with a very different scenario at Michaelhouse fr om that of former Rectors: the staffing problems during and after the Wa r, a total ban on buildings, rising prices, and the effect the War had o n the Old Boys. A newspaper report remarked on the situation: 'Yesterday I heard of a school with a proud war record. It was Michaelhouse.' 128 of its Old Boys were killed in action. More than half the total of all t he Old boys from 1896-1945, 1,200 served full time and many more, indire ctly, in the war. They won 77 decorations from a Major General (R.W.D.Le slie, R.A.M.C. of Todd's generation) the highest accolade, to those whos e service awards included 6 D.S.O.s, 13 M.C.s, 21 D.F.C.s, and a C.M.G. a silver and a bronze star (U.S.A.). 1 wish there was space to recall the incredible stories of survival, br avery and yes even the fun, but there isn't. Tony Barrett's book 'Micha elhouse 1896 - 1968' is where you can read of; E.J.Morris and "the grea t fun floating down" after a collision with a German bomber; the Hilton /Michaelhouse baseball match in Camp 47 organized from amongst the 91 p risoners of War captured after Tobruk; R.May's miraculous escape from S ingapore by river, lorry, train and warship which sank; 17 hours at sea ; rescued and tortured by the Japanese and finally, they experienced th e rise in temperature, at the coal-mine where they had been sent, 20 mi les from Nagasaki, when the Atom bomb was dropped. Snell's final functi on, in 1952, was appropriately the dedication of the School Chapel, a m emorial to those who fought and died in the Second World War. 106 In 1953 Mr Clem Morgan was appointed Rector. He came out from England w ith his wife Sheila and their four children. Clem strove for excellence and his concern he said was for the Intellectual life of the school to develop the power of critical thinking. To serve the need for excellen ce he set about establishing "The Michaelhouse Trust". He dreamt of rai sing Â£40,000 to set up the fund to cover costs separate from those cov ered by the fees, for Bursaries, scholarships, pensions (the greatest n eed) and an annual provision for the school's development. Clem felt hi s figure was unrealistic and dropped it to Â£10,000. The Board Chairman , Ronald Butcher, who also foresaw the need for an expansion programme, established a committee who set a figure of Â£250,000. to be raised in various campaigns. "The first campaign," suggested W.D.Wilson (Old Boy and on the Board) "is to be the 'Diamond Jubilee Appeal" The Trust was formally established in 1957. Jim Chutter directed the campaign and th e Rector toured and spoke at the various dinners. While on a 'Trust Tou r' in Johannesburg in 1960 Clem Morgan died. The Chapel Crypt was redec orated in memory of this gentleman. Rector Robert Thomas Stanley Norwood ("Boz"- 1960-1968) his wife Sybil, and their four children, were at Michaelhouse, Tommy as Senior Master, w hen he was approached to take over the reins. On the 16th September 1960 he became the eighth Rector of Michaelhouse. His aim for the school was the same as the Founder Todd's - to produce boys who were robust physic ally, mentally, morally and spiritually. His leadership was described as 'robust', and in quite literal terms it was! - for instance - he led a party of boys, and masters, up the highest mountain in Africa, Kilamanja ro. He placed a "high value on vigour, intellectual and physical" and al so recognized the need for individuality - the new house 'Baines' was de signed to incorporate Toyes which allowed for private study for the seni or boys. Rector Norwood resigned in 1968 A friendly spirited community h ad been established at Michaelhouse, and 'a sense of security as reflect ed in the stability of the staff of 45, ten of whom had been on the staf f at least ten years and seven who were Old Boys.' The first Old Boy to be appointed Rector, Mr Rex Frampton Pennington, h is wife Sarah, and their five children came to Michaelhouse from 'Bisho ps' in the Cape, in 1969. Rex "a committed Christian with a very real c oncern for every member of the community will be remembered" said the H eadboy, in his speech on the Rectors final Speech Day, "for his humilit y, integrity and compassion." He saw the completion of the Trust Appeal 's 'Development programme for the 70's' which provided facilities for t he boys. It allowed them to become more independent and thus self-disci plined, rather than regimented by school rules and corporal punishment. Rex resigned in 1977 and moved to the Transvaal where he continued wor king in the field of Education. The eleventh Rector Neil Jardine and June breezed into Michaelhouse on th e 1st of January 1978. As Rector, Neil Jardine's concern for the school w as the Curriculum- "Everything must be organized for the educational bene fit of the pupils. The five main aspects of education are the academic, t he physical, the spiritual, the social and the cultural. We need to provi de an 'individually' balanced programme for each boy." Musician, writer, actor, producer, sportsman and orator there is no doubt Neil's expertise in so many varied fields led the school into a decade of enthusiasm, vigo ur and the education of the 'Whole man.' Neil's staff were often reminded that "they should never feel too comfortable, for in comfort there is ro om for complacency." Perhaps that is why as dramatically as he arrived Ne il Jardine left. Numbed by Neil and June's sudden departure in 1986 the s chool were eased into the final rectorship of the Century, that of John P luke. Also from Zimbabwe, John and Babs Pluke arrived at the same time as the Jardines and have been on the staff since 1978. John succeeded Neil Ja rdine, as Rector, on January 1st, 1987. John, like the Rectors before h im, saw change as synonymous with education and inexorably linked with Capital developement, and the holistic, educational ideals which are Mi chaelhouse. Just as the Centenary Development Programme comes to a succ essful conclusion and completion of all its intended committments so to o, at the end of 1996, John intends retiring, and the twelfth Rector wi ll be appointed to carry on with that tradition which is Michaelhouse. 107 The Founder, Rector Canon James Cameron Todd, 1896-1902. Rev Edward Hugh-Jones, 1903-1910 Mr Antony Brown, 1910-/916. Mr Eldred Pascoe, 1917-1926. T. Strickland, Fred Snell and Sister King 1939-1952. Rex and Sarah Pennington, 1969-1977. Mr Warin Bushell. 1927-1929. Mr. Koe, J.H. Hofmeyr and Ronald Currey, 1930-1938. Bishop Inman, Jim Chutter and Clem Morgan, 1953-1960 Tommy and Sybil Norwood, 1960-1968. Neil and June Jardine, 1978-1986 108 John and Bahs Pluke 1987- A TEACHER INFLUENCES ETERNITY! HE\SHE CAN NEVER TELL W HERE THAT INFLUENCE STOPS. As Ronald Brooks said, in his introduction, we can "people the familiar pl aces with our own contemporaries and Staff of the day." It was difficult t o chose a photograph of the staff, and impossible to print them all, so I decided to print this one of 1968, as being the one mos t 'familiar'. Almost all the Staff taught for 5 years, most for 10, others f or 20, 30, and 40 or more years. (Back Row) A. Robinson, L. Cele, R. Hall, G. Crossley, F.van Heijst, R . Horrocks, G. Kemp, A. Rogers, F. Human, Lavender, H. Leggatt, N. Bell, K. Mullen, P. Crossley. (2nd Row) W.Rogers, M.van Heijst, D. Ward, G. Hesom, J. Brunskill, M.We llbeloved, I). Campbell, L. Rusk, F.Cotton, P. Knight, B. Miles. (3rd Row) R.Standing, W. van de Walt, G. Lange, J.du Plessis, R. Gilles pie,./. Coetzee, G. Henderson, R. Pennington, A. Cotton, R. Rusk, H.Stanton, V.Kirsten. (Front Row) M. Thompson, P. Goldie Scot, R. Hennessy, R. Ibbotson, R. Gathorne, R. Norwood (Rector), J.Robinson, J. Lowe, B. Law, L.Knight, H.Clark, N. Bloy. HEAD BOYS OF 1896 W.F.D. STILL 1897 A. FINDLAY 1898 M.W. BENNETT H. FINDLAY 1899 H. A. FINDLAY 1900 L. PRINCE C.MOOR 1901 C.MOOR 1902 R.W.B. GIBSON 1903 R.W.B. GIBSON W. OSBORN 1904 A. H. WINTER 1905 C.G.ROACH 1906 C.G.ROACH 1907 G.M.BROWN L.B. JENKINSON 1908 L.W.G.ECCLES 1909 L.W.G.ECCLES 1910 C.J. CHAPLIN 1911 A. R. STAINBANK E.J. GREENE 1912 HD. MILLAR 1913 J.H. WALKER 1914 B.E.D. PEARCE 1915 J.B.FARRER 1916 M.E. PENNINGTON 1917 HE. PENNINGTON 1918 J.V. HART MVIS 1919 J.V. HART-DAVIS 1920 J. S. MARTENS A. H. BEREND 1921 R.L.HMHHS 1922 R.L. HARRIS MICHAELHOUSE 1922 H. J. D. ELLIOT 1923 J. W. McKENZiE 1924 J. W. McKENZiE 1925 W. GRIMWOOD 1926 V.SHAW 1927 J.R. EVANS 1928 J. A.HOTCHIN R.E.RAWUNSON 1929 A. MELVILLE 1930 A. F. SCRUBY D.W. TURNER 1931 E.E.W.M.HINDSON 1932 R.A.MUDD 1933 W. D. WILSON T.N. PATON 1934 G.W.CUMMING 1935 N.M. PHILLIPS 1936 M. C. HUDSON BEXREn J. MORPHEW 1937 E.H. BENNETT EM. PARR 1938 P. A. DOBSON 1939 A. R. S. DORNING P. K. WRIGHT 1940 D.R. LEE 1941 R.F. PENNINGTON 1942 E.D. BOWER P.M. BROWN H.W. MILLER 1943 J.W.R.CHAPLIN J. M. PENNINGTON 1944 H.G. WALLACE 1945 M.E.KUMLEBEN HEAD BOYS OF 1946 J. R.D. TAYLOR T, S. BARRY 1947 C.C.C.CUNL1FFE 1948 J.D.C. MACLEOD 1949 G.TREBBLE 1950 H.R.M. CURREY 1951 J. M.KUMLEBEN 1952 R.W.MOSSE 1953 P.M.F.DAUNCEY 1954 M.E.SNELL R.J. P. LEWIS 1955 J. R. MONTGOMERY M.J. BONNET 1956 A.J.P, FELLOWES 1957 R.H.W. HALL J. A. CRAVEN 1958 J. A. CRAVEN D.M.R. LEWIS 1959 H.W. FRASER I960 A. R. EVANS 1961 H.C.P.COPPEN 1962 G.M. RALFE â€¢ 1963/41. N. MATTHEWS 1964 L.H.WHITTAKER 1965 C.B. DAVIES P. J. OSCROFT 1966 S. J. FRANCIS 1967 D.F. OSCROFT 1968 R.N.8.BENGER 1969 D. J. MORPHEW 1970 P. J.H. CARTWRIGHT 1971 M.E. POND 1972 P. E.KUMLEBEN MICHAELHOUSE 1973 M.B.AONAMS 1974 L. S, KRANIDIOTIS 1975 H.H.GEACH 1976 B.W. WALLACE 1977 S. D.TATZ 1978 A.J.K.PEIN 1979 C. W. SPERRYN 1980 P. J. K.ARNOTT 1981 J.W.MOSSE 1982 G.R.HERBERT 1983 M.N. O'CONNELL 1984 R.D. HICKMAN 1985 W.M. WITHERSPOON 1986 J. WILSON 1987 P.G. ARMITA6E 1988 A.W.SCHAEFER 1989 R.M.ANDREWS 1990 P.LINDOP Â©91 D.MARSH ALL SMITH 1992 D. BENKENSTEIN 1993 S. BOLD 1994 W.G.W. SMITH 1995 C. PURCHASE "Of ones contemporaries â– one must just remember, I can only remind y ou of the Head Boys of your particular years: 109 From the Constitution / / THE CONSTITUTION The present Constitution was drafted by the Honourable fiichard Feetha m and a copy can be obtained. These notes are based on the Deed of Trust dated 13th June, 1902, and the copy attache d 60 them was made after 1930 and contained all the amendments (jfp to that date. The first Constitution of which I have a record is that dated 7th June, 1901, which was signed by H. C. Shepstone, John Freeman, E. M. Greene and G. F. Tatham. F. S. Tatham was at that time on active service. 7*'J-J~ IsXtds by The original Deed of Trust is registered in the Deeds Office under miscel laneous 7/1901. paragraph lh provides that "the Kector shall be a Clergym an in Priest's Orders of not lower degree than Master of Arts in the Univ ersities of either Oxford or Cambridge and holding his license from the B ishop of Natal for the time being.1' This deed wae superseded by a deed registered under No. 16/1902. Clause lit of the new deed read, "the Rector shall be a Clergyman in Priest's O rders of not lower degree than Master of Arts in any university in the U nited Kingdom and holding his license .'ran the B shop of Natal for the time being.^ Possibly the least 'familiar' people at Michaelhouse, are the Board of G overnors. Whereas a Rector, (or Headmaster), staff and pupils are all th e 'ingredients,' one would presume, necessary to constitute a 'place of learning', Michaelhouse has, for a hundred years, had an additional ingr edient, a Board of Governors and their Chairman, responsible for the run ning of the institution, and the Rector in turn, responsible to them. Tr aditionally, the Bishops of Natal were the Chairmen (only three in 73 ye ars!) but after Bishop Inman's term of office ended, in 1974, the Consti tution was altered. It was agreed that a Layman could be Chairman, and t he Bishop would be a 'Visitor' to the school. The Chairmen of the Board were firstly Bishop Baines, 1901-1928, 27 years. Bishop Fisher, 1928-195 1, 23 years. Bishop Inman, 1951-1974, 23 years and then Mr George Boyes, 1974-1975, a year. Dr Anson Lloyd, 1975-1984, 9 years. Mr Walter Strach an, 1985-1990, 5 years and the present Chairman, Mr Tony Ardington. 110 Speechday 1897: Held "in honour of our great archangel, St. michael." Canon James Todd. Once a year Michaelhousians gather to 'witness' that Tradition which is ' Speech Day.' "Old Michaelhousians visiting the school often say, regrettably, that trad itions have changed. I can tell them of one that has not changed - As Seni or Prefect I am entitled to grow a beard, be married, live in one of the Estate hous es, have four oxen and a wagon, and apply for workman's compensation. I a m often tempted to avail myself of this particular privilege and keep thu s another tradition alive." Graham Herbert. Head Boy, Speech Day 1983 Michaelmas, 1897, saw the first Speech Day and the commencement of thi s annual festival "in honour of our great archangel,'' as Canon Todd w as heard to say at the opening of every such occasion. 1929. The Governor General making his Speech, probably in Latin, before handing out the prizes. Second from the left is General Jan Smuts. Archbishop Clayton and Rector Ronald Currey on Prize giving day, 1931.

The School has been visited by hundreds of great men and women who ar e invited to share their experiences, ideas, and philosophies, with t he younger generation. Each Rector, Bishop, and Guest speaker, has gi ven the boys (if they've listened!) worldly advice, encouragement to face the challenges of the future and examples of how "TO QUIT THEMSE LVES LIKE MEN." In the old Amphitheatre, 1961. Presenting the prizes is Dr. R. F. Currey (past rector). F.van Heijst, J.L.Robinson (standing), Rector Norwood, Bis hop V.Inman. J.P.Allen, D. Le Page, - Piet Joubert. The boys digging in the new amphitheatre Michaelhousians assemble for Speech Day in the 'new' open air Amphitheat re. It was built as a service project by the boys, in the early seventie s, on the south side of the school, behind the Schlesinger Theatre. They gather to applaud the Prize winners, listen to the Rector's annual repo rt, meet old friends and make new ones, bid the Leavers farewell and mar vel at the wisdom and maturity of the Head Prefect who. only a few years before, was a cack. 111 Speech Day 1987: The Governors, Bishop Michael and the Staff singing "D ie Stem" after which Walter Strachan, at the Podium, will introduce the guest Speaker, Dr. Alan Paton. The 99th Speech Day, August 1995. The guest speaker, Dr. Ali Bacher and Rector, John Pluke. Chick Henderson and Adrian Rogers enjoying a drink before lunch on S peech Day Speechday: 1993: Simon Bold (Senior Prefect), Bishop Michael, Mr Anth ony Ardington, (Chairman of the Board of Governors), Mrs Helen Suzman , (Guest Speaker, veteran anti-apartheid campaigner) and the Rector, John Pluke. Simon opened his Speech Day address with this quote: "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice." 'Destiny', one would presume, would dictate that he go to Michaelhouse; "My grandfather was Rector Norwood, my mother had a wonderful childhoo d here, my father taught here, my parents tied the knot in the Chapel a nd my uncle played eighth man for the Firsts." Knowing little of this, his background, and less of Michaelhouse he however made it his choice to be educated at Michaelhouse and ended his Speech: "For all the much needed help along the way from those who taught me t o love Michaelhouse, and more importantly, to live Michaelhouse, thank you." On Speech Day there are many mixed emotions, particularly amongst the le avers. Their Headboy reflects on their years together, is grateful for t he education that has equipped them for the future, yet anxious about wh at lies ahead of them. Simon's contemporaries will be familiar with his sentiments, and recall too, the "familiar knock of the gave! for grace a t meals, being thrown in the fountain on my birthday, (a privilege reser ved for the Headboy!), the diffused images of boys playing touch rugby i n the mist on Meadows, and the stirring sound of voices raised in unison on those cold Friday evenings when "stars of the Morning" echoed and re echoed through the quad.' These memories will fade, for some probably as soon as the 'Leavers' Din ner' is over and they pass through the School gates for the last time! T hey will be moving on, and must. Perhaps in five or even ten years' time they may pick up this book and be reminded of those few years of their lives. 112 Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mis sion. Many great Families have aided the progress of Michaelhouse, linking th emselves generation after generation to the affairs of the school and c ontributing skills, imagination, time and money. The hundreds of Old Bo ys whose achievements in every sphere of life are too numerous to enume rate here are considered, by some, to be 'privileged.' They argue, howe ver that their "Fathers before them upheld the ideals they were taught at Michaelhouse and were thus able to provide their sons with the backg round Education and means to achieve the same and better, by believing in their Alma Mater and sending their boys to Michaelhouse." The first meeting of Old Boys took place at the School in 1905. They dec ided to form a Club, the conditions of Membership being:- (a) Two full years of residence at Michaelhouse. (b) No subsequent entry at any other school (c) No Membership of any other Old Boys Club. (d) The proposed member must have attained the age of sixteen years on the date of election. The main function of 'Old Boys Day' is to gather the Old Boys together a t Michaelhouse, on Ascension Day each year, to reminisce, play or watch some sport, have a few drinks and generally get reacquainted. In 1925 th e Old Boys' 'Club' decided to do more than just socialise. A proposal to raise money for the school was adopted. During W. Hudson Bennet's term of office, as President, the Club raised money for 'buildings'- a swimmi ng pool and a squash court for instance. When the Trust Appeal was launched the Old Boys decided to confine their appeals to Memorials, scholarships for sons of Old Boys, and special ho noraria, for retiring staff. 84 years after it was drawn up, the Constitution was amended. Three Old Boys were elected honorary members, although they did not qualify in ter ms of section 'B'! The President of the Old Boys' Club, David Lewis, opened the A.G.M. of 1989, with these words: "Ladies and Gentlemen-1 have just made History- never before has the P resident addressed this gathering as 'Ladies and Gentlemen' and 1 hope you are all as proud as 1 am, to welcome Doris Campbell, (Rector's Se cretary for 27 years), Anne Robinson (Resident 33 years, Wife of J.L.R .. Maths Teacher, and my Mother), and Ruth Pennington (Resident, 34 ye ars-Wife of K.M.P and Grand-Mother to generations of Boys). Anyone who does not fulfil these conditions, or who has been rejected by the committee, shall have the right to come before a general meeting fo r the Election, if proposed and seconded by members of the club. At such a meeting voting shall be by ballot, one in three to exclude, and at le ast ten members to vote. 1902-1907 The first group of Old Boys to gather at Balgowan. Hack row: Pearce, Flash, Barend, Harvey. Middle: J.Bissett, MclMren, G ordon, Lepper, White, Gordon, Casper, Walters, Acutt, G.Ross, Lister. Front: Dobree, Button, Canon Todd, J.Sisson. The "Old Boy's" 1989. Anne Robinson, Doris Campbell and Rntli Penning ton 113 In 1969, 29 Old Boys' sons were admitted to Michaelhouse and in 1970, 38 Old Boys sons. In 1971, there was a total of 184 sons of Old Boys a t School. 52 were new hoys. The 75th Anniversary Edition of the Chronicle recorded the fathers of t he boys present and where they came from: Fathers' occupations: Numbers of boys from various places: 140 Businessmen 69 Farmers 42 Engineers 32 Doctors& Dentists 20 Lawy ers/Attorneys etc. 19 C.A. and Accountants 9 Churchmen 8 in Mines 8 I loteliers 8 Teachers/University Lecturers 6 Architects 4 Land Surveyors 3 Civil S ervants 3 Vets 3 Chemists 2 Air Pilots 2 Quantity Surveyors I Artisi I Hunter I Journalist 381 + 44 Brothers = 425 pupils. There are so many interesting associations of Old Boys with a school that i s 100 years old. I wish I could (ell you (hem all, but that would have to b e another book and subject on ils own! I will just slip in one or two 'uniq ue' statistics which are after all relative to the title "Memories of Micha elhouse." Woodrow Cross (1916-1919) who lives in Hilton, Natal is the oldest Micha elhouse Old Boy, 91 years old on the 9th April, 1995. In 1935, at the annual Old Boys' 'Ascension Day' gathering, a Memorial s ervice was held in the Chapel and a tablet dedicated to an Old Boy, Dr. Bob Gibson. Bob had "given great service to his community'' (in his case , to medicine) and it was decided, hereafter, to hold a service, to comm emorate all the Old Boys at the annual Old Boys' gathering. In the '40's Ken Pennington organised 'branch' Clubs and 'communicated a nd campaigned' so vigorously for the Old Boys that by the time Lance Kni ght took over the reins the club had become a full time job and it was f ar too much work to expect a member of the staff to cope with. A 'Perman ent Secretary,' Ronald Brooks was appointed to liaise with the Old Boys. Ronald, and his wife Nan, returned to Michaelhouse, on their retirement from Cordwalles, and when he retires at the end of this year, 1995, Adr ian and Wendy Rogers will take office. From the Natal Mercury: Michaelhouse Record Yesterday i heard of a school with a proud war record. It was Michael-house. During the last war 127 of its old boys were killed In action; 65 won dccoratlona and another 63 were mentioned In dispatches. About 1,250 of th* 1,460 registered members of the Old Boys' Club served with the forces. Talking of Michaelhouse the Old Boy* are indeed forltinate to have such energetic secretary n.s Mr. K, M. Pennington, who has filled that position for long er than he would probably care to remember. The first son of an Old Boy to enter Michaelhouse was J.B.Mackenzie, of Randfontein. When he arrived at School, to honour the occasion the Recto r gave the School a holiday. Everyone took the opportunity of going to P ietermaritzburg where the Natalians were playing football against a visi ting British Team! Walter Hudson Bennett (1902-1906) was the first Cld Boy to have a son and grandson through school, his son Meryick and his grandson Roland ( 55-59). Walter's son Ernest (32-37), his grandsons, Charles (64-68) an d John (66-70) were at Michaelhouse. His great-grandsons David and Mar k will enter Michaelhouse in 1996, thus continuing the Hudson Bennett' s association with the school. Four generations will have spanned 92 y ears by the Centenary year, 1996. Natal 194 Transvaal I 16 Zululand 18 Kenya 10 PEA & PWA 2 Cape 5 Eas tG. 12 Botswana I U.S.A. I U.K. 2 Rhodesia 4 Hong Kong I Zambia 7 Ta nzania 2 O.F.S. 4 Swaziland I Lesotho I 114 When Geoffrey Le Sueur died, hi s daughter, Margaret Garland wrote to the Editor of the Chronicle giving him these interesting facts. Geoffrey wasn't an Old Boy himself but "Dad was the father, father-in-l aw, uncle and grandfather of TEN old boys. He was father of Michael Le Sueur, uncle of Peter Siddons, father-in- law of Mike Garland and Grand father of Pierre, Robert and Christopher Le Sueur and Duncan, Stephen, Bruce and Andrew Garland." In 1897 amongst the new-comers to Michaelhouse were E.J.Smith (the Dixo n-Smith brothers, William and Duncan's father) and John Bisset's father , John Jardine (Jock) Bisset. There have only been three generations of Smiths and Bissets at Michaelhouse but their associations are unique f or their Grandfathers were pupils in Loop Street. Pietermaritzburg 99 y ears ago. E. Smith came to Michaelhouse from a Government School straight into S td 8. (They say he got in because his mother was Scottish!) He married late in life and his grandch ildren, the sons of Bill Dixon-Smith and Duncan Dixon-Smith will be at sc hool in 1997, 100 years since their Grandfather first entered. He attende d the first Gaudy. 1955: M. Forder. Rector C. Morgan, E.J. Smith General Sir John Jarvis Bisset (an 1820 Settler at the age of two) sent his son, John Jardine (Jock) Bisset to Michaelhouse a year after it open ed, in 1897. Jock married late in life and his son John (1949- 1952) was born when he was 54. This explains why Jock's grandsons, John Jarvis (1979 -1982), Craig William (1981-1984) and Mar k Jardine (1985-1988) share with the Smith Grandchildren memories of a lmost a 100 years of Michaelhouse over a span of only three generation s. John Jardine (Jock) Bisset's son John, with his sons John, Craig and Mar k. 115 ON SHOW, HAVING DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR, BACKSLAPPING, SCHMALTZY OR BONHOMIE? One of the most popular gatherings of Old Boys is their Gaudy, started by Rector Clem Morgan in 1955. I had to look up the definition of 'Gaudy' a s I wasn't sure what it meant, in this context. The Thesaurus gives so ma ny definitions I'll leave the choice to you, as the one most appropriate to your Gaudy------On Show, Display, Parade, Discordant, Shrieking, Loud, Schmaltzy, Having De lusions of Grandeur, Backslapping, Brought Face to Face, Bonhomie.- (I h ave since learnt that the word comes from the Latin verb 'Gaudeo' - to r ejoice.) The first gathering was to be a 'Black Tie' affair until it was discovered that several gentlemen (from Todd's era in particular) could not attend because their suits were either moth-eaten, too shapely or l ong discarded. A telegram to rescind the dress code was sent out and 12 Old Boys, nine staff and the Rector Clem Morgan, attended the gathering. The first Gaudy, 1955. The Gaudy 1987 116 Robin Folker addressed the Gaudy for those who had left School between 1951 and 1956. He drew their attention to the fact that their years mus t rate as the most constructive and interesting periods of all time at Michaelhouse. The new Chapel, Pascoe, the Vlth Form Block, the Rectory, the Staff Common Room, the Tuck Shop and the Junior hall were built. " Ideas and plans conceived before, and during, the War came into being. There can be little doubt, whatsoever, that we are on the eve of another such monumentally historical development here at Mic haelhouse," said Robin. He was of course referring to the "Michaelhouse Centenary Educational Appeal Foundation Fund," which presented the gre atest challenge yet, to 'Quit You Like Men.' A Gaudy of Senior Old Boys, and an honorary Old Girl, at a luncheon on t he 24th April, 1993 Ronald Brooks, Erik Schram, Gordon Chapman, Nill Robarts, John Sulin , Roland Steere, Antony Doming, Rex Lewis Geof Chater, Frank Storm, Quinton Stubbings, Sidney Harris, Alan Hankinson, Roy Gathorne, Deni s Moore, Winston Ladlau Derek Lee, Jeffry Horton, Ralph Poynton, Bob Crass, John Okell, Gordon Baber, John Byron, Donal Blackhurst, Paul Jackson, Peter Wacher Paddy Dobson, Jack Goldsmith, Neil Forsyth, Jack Steele, Roly Strachan, Vaughn Winter, Keir Hall, Gerald Meikleread, Pitch Christopher, Robert Cunliffe, Peter Moxley Saville Robinson, Bill Hunt er, Tony Clucas, Ruth Pennington, John Pluke, Ken Mackenzie 117 "STARS OF THE MORNING - SO GLORIOUSLY BRIGHT -" Above the arched entrance (The Screens) to the School is a small room w hich was used for the first few years as a Chapel. Being a Diocesan Sch ool it was a priority to have a Chapel large enough to accommodate the whole school and to be the "centre of the life and work of the College. Besides which it would satisfy the Educational Department's recommenda tion that we have a Library and Reading room. They could be housed in t he present Chapel which is now far too small anyway," the Rector, Hugh- Jones, told the gathering at Prize-Giving on Michaelmas Eve 1904. He wa nted "someone to come forward and enable 'us' to buihl a Chapel. Not ju st anything! Something worthy of the object it is intended for. It will require at least Â£2000 to Â£3000." Donations to the Chapel Fund were not coming in. "Perhaps it illustrates w hat may be regarded as almost a constitutional inability on the part of So uth Africans to answer a letter." suggests the Editor of the Chronicle! The benefactor John Freeman donated Â£500 and F.Tatham and E.Greene su ggested that the bond holders release the land and transfer it to the Diocesan Trustees. The Bishop intervened and they gave their consent t o transfer an acre of land to the Trustees to be secured as Church Pro perty. Legally the land belongs to them today. Thus being free from Mo rtgage two Christian Societies made enough money available to build a Chapel. During the construction of the ChapeI one of the Italian stone-cutters w orking there carved this image of St. Michael on the centre stone above the archway to the Screens. //C; l je 7 The Chapel 1907. Extracts from the Bishop's letter 118 The renowned Architect, Sir Herbert Baker, was approached to design the new chapel. "The Governors expect me to build it for a mere 4/6', " he complained but, although he was very busy, designing the Union Buildin gs in Pretoria, he obliged. With the assistance of Mr Massey they desig ned a Chapel capable of seating 120 people allowing, in the design, for future expansion, an antichapel to seat an additional one hundred people. The foundation stone was laid on a very wet and windy Michaelmas Day in 1908. A trowel of beaten iron was presented to the Vicar General by th e Architect and Builder. Inscribed on it were the words: "Used at the l aying of the Foundation stone of the School Chapel, Michaelhouse, Septe mber 29, 1908. Six months later the building was complete and the Dedication Ceremony took place on the 20th Feb 1909. It was another wet, but memorable, occasion for the Rector Hugh-J ones, the Bishop and over 150 guests. Pews made in the Carpentry Shop r eplaced the wooden seats and the Altar of teak, carved by the art stude nts, was presented by the Bishop. The Pulpit was given in memory of Joh n Freeman, a foundation benefactor of the school. Mr Byrne, 'Plab', car ved the Pulpit and two kneeling chairs from the oak and chestnut timber s that came from the belfry of Bentworth Parish Church, Hampshire previ ously there for 200 years. The School's Medical Officer, Dr F.Austin Robinson donated the plain w ooden Cross. He had made it himself out of a fragment of a beam which had been removed from the roof of the clerestory in Westminster Abbey, where it had done duty for 500 years. The chairs have been replaced with pews, made in the 1909 the first sch ool Chapel. Carpentry classes. 1924 The seats are wooden chairs. 119 "Some sort of spiritual relationship is important. Michaelhouse offers sup erb FACILITIES TO EXPAND THIS ASPECT OF EDUCATION." (A BOY) The Chapel built in 1909, a structure of red brick and local stone, high windows of freestone and lofty beams of oregon pine, remained the centre of School life until it was demolished in 1950. It was enlarged several t imes, in 1925 up to Founders dormitories, and in 1934 a gallery was added above the present vestry, but the Chapel was still too small. Services o ften had to be held out of doors, on the top terrace, to accommodate the large numbers of visitors and boys. It was obvious that the Chapel had to be enlarged or a new one built. Rector Currey announced that a fund was to be opened to build the larg er Chapel. The cost, Â£32,000 was financed by the War Memorial Fund an d donations. Bishop Fisher laid the Foundation stone of this, the final extension to th e Chapel, as we know it today. He was assisted by the Rector Currey in thi s, Currey's final function, before retiring from Michaelhouse. The stain-glass windows in the Apse were given "In Memoriam" by, The Tatham family; for Ronald Selley; John Methley; Norman Hosking (a fou ndation member of Michaelhouse); The Haggie family, for David; 'In me mory of Robert and Ross,' sons of R.G. Tomlinson, and the sixth windo w was presented by Hilton College. The day was wet and windy, as usual on such an occasion it seems! The platform on which Rev. Jim Chutter, the School Chaplain, is standing a nd conducting, almost gave way. 1925 - Founders dormitory is demolished to accommodate a gallery The laying of the foundation stone of the chapel of "S. Michael and all A ngels," Nov. 23rd 1938. 120 The first part of the Chapel to be built was the Crypt. Five boys were em ployed, in their Art classes, in carving the panels for a new Altar, chai r and two Hymn boards, one of which hangs in the Chapel. War broke out, and from 1939 all building permits were cancelled. The pla ns for the Chapel were laid aside indefinitely. At the end of the Second World War, Rector Fred Snell, made an annou ncement: "One hundred and twenty-eight Old Boys have lost their lives in the War, one percent of the total Union casualties. It is intended that a visible Memorial should be erected worthy of their sacrifice. A new Chapel balanc ing in the scheme of the buildings with the Hall which was erected as a M emorial to those who fell in the First World War, is to be built. Both th e Chapel and the Memorial Hall are used daily by every boy, which is as i t should be with a Memorial of this kind." Some Old Boys objected, I do not know why, unless it was that their Clu b had proposed erecting a Cricket Pavilion as a War Memorial, neverthel ess it was decided to continue with the building programme (a permit wa s granted in 1949) and the Architect was approached. This was the last work of F.Fleming. Architect and partner of Sir Herbet Baker, who had designed t he original Chapel for Michaelhouse. In July 1950 the contractor, F.H. Radford Ltd., started the destruction of all but the Apse of the old Chapel. The gaping hole that was left gav e passersby the impression of severe bomb damage. 1938. The Crypt was built first. 1940. The Chapel Foundations are built above the crypt. 1950 DEMOLITION! 121 The Chapel nearing completion in 1952. Two years later on Ascension Eve, 21st May 1952, Mr Currey attended t he Dedication ceremony of the Chapel he had dreamed of, along with 82 0 people who somehow managed to squash in. Bishop Fisher then blessed the building: "May this Chapel built to the Glory of God, and in memory of sacrifices, be in Michaelhouse the sign of faith, worship, and zealous service of G od and Man. Amen." 122 Just before the builders went off site the Architect approached Doris Ca mpbell, the Rector's Secretary, and asked her for an empty tin. All she had was an 'Express' cigarette box which she gave him. Her curiosity got the better of her and she followed Mr.Fleming. At the Chapel steps he t hen asked her for a pen and paper. On it he wrote, the Rector's name: Fr ed Snell, the Secretary's: Doris Campbell, the Architect: F. Fleming and the Builder's name, F. Radford and dated it 1952. The paper was put in the cigarette box which was then carefully cemented in behind the last s tep leading up to the Chapel doors. It was on Old Boys' day in 1993 that Mike Payne told me this story and when he'd finished, someone, standing close by, told me that there was another 'treasure' buried somewhere in the quad where we were standing. While erecting the Tent for the "Jubilee Ball" one of the workers dug up a paving stone to knock in a peg. He found an old newspaper wrapped in plastic, sealed and buried underneath it. Without even opening the packe t he carefully put it back in the hole, replaced the paving stone and du g up another paver. Somewhere in the quad the treasure still lies buried! The Hammond Organ, hand-pumped and rather 'brassy' was installed in th e new chapel and then the magnificent Organ, from the Library at 'Verg elegen' farm in the Cape, was installed. Punch Barlow donated it to th e school. The Organ was made in the 1938. The Pipe Organ. 1920's by Sir Lionel Phillips. Legend has it that when Sir Lionel died, pe ople staying in the old Manor house (built by Willem van der Stel in 1701) reported seeing lights on in the Library, and hearing organ music, but fo und no- one there. Doris Campbell, secretary to four Rectors in her 27 years of service at Michaelhouse, was reminded of the ghost: "One night when I was practisin g on the organ a boy cautiously opened the Chapel door and peered in, 'W hat a relief it's someone I know,' he said 7 was afraid it was Sir Lione l's Ghost playing.'" One of the "live" organists, Mr. Morgan, could be heard playing but, fort unately for him, not seen! Once he'd crept in behind the tall sides of th e organ box he was hidden from the congregation. Mr Morgan found it very difficult to get up in time for Morning chapel and more often than not pl ayed for the service dressed in his pyjamas! Lessons for Evensong are read by the Staff. Piet Barnard, the Afrikaans Master had had a good day on the Golf Course and rushed in late for Chap el to find it was his turn to read the Lesson, unseen as it were. The Te xt was from The first Book of "Chronicles". He started reading from the first word, "Adam", and as the verses continued "..the son of..., son of ...," he realized he had embarked on a complete genealogy of 'Israel.' T he ancient Biblical family names became more and more confusing so that by the time he'd read 'Balthazer' several times and pronounced it in jus t as many different ways, he gave up! "Ag nee God, dis genoeg!!. Hier eindig die Les." He reverently closed the Bible, returned to his pew and the service conti nued. The Hammond Organ. Hand pumped. 123 Regular outings are organized for the members of the School choir who ha ve to spend long hours of their 'free' time practising. The most popular outing was the annual Choir Picnic. On several occasions the Choir went to the 'Lions River Falls,' a 5.6km drive that took them almost two hours in 1905. "An ox-wagon was engaged to take our overcoats and lunch. The 'young rector' and Miss Saunders le ft with the wagon and the rest of us followed on foot. As soon as we arr ived some of us went off to see the Falls and a few set about making a f ire to boil the kettle. Snapshots were taken of the Falls and a game of Football was indulged in. Mr Lawrence and Mr Adair joined in having ridd en straight here after school. A hearty lunch was provided after which a game of Rounders and finally Races were held, "to decide who would have the privilege of distributing the sweets the Rector's mother, Mrs Hugh-Jones had thoughtfully provided.'' Tea followed and the n the oxen were inspanned and we left for home at 5pm. On one occasion w e lost our rugby ball. It fell under the wheels and burst causing a grea t explosion. We arrived just as the fellows went into Hall having had a most successful day." Way above the heads of the boys, busy at hymn practice, is the Stained Glass Rose Window which was installed in 1951. 124 The interior of the chapel. The first visiting choir to sing in the new Chapel was none other than t he famous Vienna Boys' Choir from Austria. I remember their visit not pa rticularly for their singing, I was too young to appreciate that, but fo r aiding and abetting the little 'Angels' in what seemed to my sister an d me a perfectly hospitable gesture on behalf of our guests. The boys we re housed with various Staff families who were given strict instructions as to their eating, drinking and sleeping requirements. Unbeknown to us swimming was BANNED! But it was hot and their wish was our command. As we lived in the house 'Penshurst' furthest from the swimming pool it was n't long before the whole mob knew where we were going and they slunk ou t of their hosts homes to join us. No-one had costumes but who cared? I' m sure they'd never had such fun!! If they had caught the dreaded cold o r sore throat I'm sure they wouldn't have admitted it. The visitors to t he chapel that night were not aware of anything other than very angelic singing. 125 Banners designed and executed by Anne Pitout, the chaplain, Fred's wife , hang above the choir stalls where she has coaxed and cajoled several years of Choir boys and girls to sing. Another feminine touch in the chapel, embroidered by hundreds of Michaelhouse staff and friends, are the kneelers that hang a t every pew. The interior of the Chapel Father Fred Pitout, Chaplain, attended Michae lhouse as a pupil from 1962 to 1965. m: an SHs- Ml! IMS I -ISH d SBSMf mm The Choir. 1981. 126 Lite at Michaelhouse centres around the Chapel. A Christian Foundation and part of the Anglican Diocese of Natal, the boys attend Eucharist. M orning and Evensong and worship together with their Parents, the Old Bo ys, Staff, and Friends. A Family tradition. Three generations of the Robinson family were married in the Chapel. Their children and grandchildren were christened, their sons W illiam and Richard Confirmed and Robbie's Memorial service held, in the Michaelhouse Chapel. In the original Chapel - Anne And Robbie Robinson's wedding, 1943 In the present Chapel their daughter, Sue's wedding (to Rod Steiner) in 1 966. A third generation - the Robinson's three granddaughters, Faye Robinson and Claire Steiner, at her sister Karyn's wedding which was celebrated in the chapel in 1990, and incidentally conducted by the Chaplain Rev Malcolm Sargent who had baptised Karyn here 20years before and officiat ed at her mother, Sue's wedding. 127 "If you get Bossanyi you'll get the best PIECE OF GLASS IN THE CONTI NENT OF Africa." The dean of York. Fred Snell's rectorship spanned 14 years from 1939 - 1952. the longest h eld by any Rector, and during this time the Chapel was built and the bea utiful Rose window on which he had set his heart was installed. The Rose Window, and stained glass windows in the Sanctuary were designe d by Erwin Bossanyi, the Hungarian born artist. Dr Brookes describes the se Chapel windows as being "among the greatest art treasures of South Af rica." He confirmed the Dean of York's comment, "As an artist he is firs t rate - a genius. If you get Bossanyi you will get the best piece of gl ass in the continent of Africa." In the words of John Hodgson, the organist: "Some may experience shock at first sight for this is no ordinary window (The Rose-window). It is a work of art and passion rich with meaning. The Birds representing the beauty o f all nature are glorious blit the frame of a greater glory, and the desti nies of all are in the hands of God." For his theme Bossanyi chose "Birds of South Africa, for their brilliant c olours," he said. "In the first instance I did justice to the character of stained glass and only in the second instance to Natural History, but I h ope that the artistic values which I have tried to serve will sufficiently compensate for the deviations from reality. I confess that the two doves in the lowest panels are almost purely of my imagination!" The only part w here double glass was used was for the face and hands of Christ, 'to give them a warm glow,' said Bosssanyi. A replica of the central panel of the R ose Window is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. A series of coincidences led to Muriel Blackett coming out to Michaelho use from Cornwall, England and her chat with Ronald Brooks about her fi rst encounter and association with Erwin Bossanyi. Muriel had taken her daughter and her French Exchange student friend dow n to see Canterbury Cathedral. The 'modern' style windows so intrigued h er that she went to the local book-shop to enquire as to who had done th em. "An Hungarian refugee called Bossanyi," she was told. Three years la ter a friend invited her to a studio close to where she lived, 'The stud io of Bossanyi.' She couldn't believe it. They went to tea and this is w hat, she told Ronald, transpired: "I love photographing stained glass wi ndows," Muriel said to Erwin, and told him she had seen and admired his stained glass windows in Canterbury Cathedral. "You photograph?" He asked. "Well, yes. I love photographing." "You will photograph my paintings? I would like you to photograph my painti ngs for catalogue purposes." So I said, "Well, I'll try." "No- no, we'll try together." We 'tried' together for eight years. That same afternoon I asked him where he had other windows. "In South Africa at a school called Michaelhouse. You know?" I couldn't believe it, "Oh yes! great friends of mine are friends of the Rect or Fred Snell and his wife." "Ah," he said, "they have sat in that chair you are sitting in!" Bossanyi had actually been asked to go back to chair the faculty of stai ned glass at Budapest University but (fortunately for us) refused. "He s aid another thing," Muriel told Ronald, "but he didn 't tell me not to t ell! In 1933 he was one of the leading artists in Northern Germany and h e was asked to do a memorial for the Berlin Underground. He refused. His patrons were the Rothschilds and he knew the time had come for him to g o to England where they found him work -doing up the windows for the Lon don University Guildhall." The glass Bossanyi used for the windows was specially made for him by the original mediaeval processes. He made all the windows himself, firing ea ch piece of glass in the tiny kiln he'd built in his back yard, in Englan d. The six stained glass windows in the Sanctuary represent, from left to right,: The Angel of the Annunciation, The Archangel Michael, Christ as the Second Adam (The Redeemed One), The Archangel Raphael (Bossanyi signed his name on the staff), The Angel of Ressurection and the Ange l of the Passion. Building the Rose Window. 1951. 128 Above the Rose window is a gable window in intense blues which raises the EYES TO THE DARKNESS OF THE ROOF. 129 A RECOLLECTION OF THOSE FEW YEARS WHEN WE WERE PART OF MICHAELHOUSE This book of "Michaelhouse Memoirs" was my son's idea. "The day I began my schooling at Michaelhouse in 1987, my Grandfather, R obbie 'Ponk' Robinson ushered me up the creaking wooden staircase to his old haunt, the Founders House Master's Office, There were quite a few o f us (cacks) lined up to be introduced to our House master, Robin Cox, s o we had to wait, some on the stairs and others in the dormitories. Gran ddad recognized several of the 'new' fathers as having been in Founders when he was House Master. It wasn't long before the ragging and regaling began, perhaps they thought they were making it easier for us on this o ur first day at Boarding School'! But we were too anxious to care. That is until someone said, 'You guys have had it easy, back in my year we... .' and then followed one incredible story after the other. Our initiatio n had begun and that is what this book is all about. It is not intended to be a summary of Historical facts, for that Tony Barrett's book'Michae lhouse 1896-1968" is an invaluable resource, but it is a collection of p hotographs, and accompanying anecdotes, letters and stones, intended to spark off those memories of times gone by; a recollection of those few y ears when we were part of Michaelhouse." 3 cun AicÂ£E ftav1 uuj cl/u?xuno at n((|li[ aRaul 9lltcfiaePRan3 c. fJ d/team ajy p/LieÂ £ap.e tRe,cRoxlÂ£ on a sOintex, nia it. CL ij on R no ss1 ma %,|,cj conÂ£d,.ag ant| tR mcj toy tile aAêm fJ d,xuj t R t,: Â«Â£tsle^ eê/Xi| daij, cRaaÂ£ îice It a Ljxmx (xt, t, Recait, e t|? jjon dan t IjOll pxL,, 911 icRacl^Roxi, e \0il (i -aut ii U' c v> C v1 \ i tuj i (nuuj i c . and tRat (i j't| |> c a N lia I1U>. fJ didn t c l ull I' in Raminex and t o t\cjand naÂ«' it i too Calc------Caxpx? ij)ieiiv------ieige tlic dai|! â€¢ Excerpt from a letter to the Rector from a young Old Boy. 131 An Architectural Icon of Todd's dream A model of Michaelhouse, as it was imagined to be in the Centenary Yea r 1996. The Appeal for millions of Rand has been met and the proposed projects fo r the Centenary year, 1996, completed. A truly remarkable achievement by the Michaelhouse community and in particular the Old Boys all over the wo rld. From his Presidential report on Old Boys' Day, 1990, Robin Folker- " I thank you in anticipation, (for your support) in the full knowledge tha t you, tike the rest of us presently involved, and all those already comm itted, will walk round this school on Centenary Day, with a chest swollen with pride, knowing it was worth it." 132 The entrance to Michaelhouse used to be over the railway tracks and thr ough the Hugh-Brown Memorial Gates. This was a hazardous crossing, so w hen the S.A.R.& H upgraded the Balgowan Station they built a bridge ove r the tracks and a new, safer approach to the school was opened. This n ew crossing came after a five-year battle with the Railways and was onl y finally acceded to after a fatal accident, when a friend of the schoo l's Matron stalled her car, on the crossing and was dragged almost the length of the rugby fields by the train. The old entrance - The 'Hugh-Brown' Memorial gates The new entrance overlooking 'Tarpeys' and Warriors' Walk 133 TARPKYS Leaves freckle the Rugby fields in the weak sun. And flitter down from th e brown trees Or rustle end over end on the impulse Of the clear wind fro m the hills behind. The blue dome over-head sky fades To haze white at the edges where it is Pierced by the double-upstand of the posts And crossbar framing the gru mble Of a leaf red, dead-slow freight train Along the flash of the track s. Sun from above squints eyes Pure silver on a scrum machine, ugly from c loser. First bird- sound in a rush of wind. Like the last time echo of a far back crowd Reminds of the duality men c reate Hemmed in by line by post or tracks, This ground still lives and turns, Brushed by the air And showered by the sun and rain alike. It will go on, Long after we, and all our games, are gone. A.Clark Vlth Form. Through the gate and across the narrow bridge over the 'Bog stream' is the entrance to this avenue of gracious, tall Pin-Oaks. Cypress trees f irst lined this avenue. After the First World War, on Armistice Day Nov ember 11th, 1926, at the service to commemorate the old members of the school who had perished in the War, the Rector, Pascoe addressed the Sc hool. He chose these words of Abraham Lincoln (spoken at the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield). 134 "And here we highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain , that this nation, under God, shall have A new birth OF freedom." The School Prefects, Senior boys and a little three year old, then planted an avenue of 43 cypresses to commemorate each of those Michaelhousians who had lost their lives fighting in the First World War. The child who 'helped' to plant one of the original cypresses, in memory of his Uncl e Rex Frampton, Ruth Pennington's brother, was (Rector) Rex Pennington. During the Second World War Rector Snell decided to replace the cypres ses as they were diseased and dying. He chose to plant the Pin-Oaks whi ch we see today lining the splendid avenue, "Warriors' Walk." 135 At the end of the avenue one passes the first of the school buildings, and one of the oldest, the original "Art and Printing-Press" building and "Mu sic school," now the "Old Boys' Club." The Rector's house built for Rector Clem and Sheila Morgan in 1955. Sh ading the garden, on the swimming pool side, are the oldest trees on t he Estate, the Oak trees. They were grown from acorns which were plant ed in 1931. Past the Bushell squash courts and the Tennis Courts. Further up the road is the Hockey field 'Knights'. 136 An avenue of very old Cypress trees leads past the original Main Gates u p to the front of the school. Some of the cypresses have died but the ve ry first one which was planted, close to the Memorial Hall, still serves as a Christmas tree and is strung with lights each year end. Many of th e trees have had to be removed and we can now catch a glimpse of the Cha pel partially obscured by the magnificent golden, Liquid-Amber tree. Unf ortunately it was struck by lightning and the 62 year old tree had to be cut down. 1932, John Aitken the Estate Manager, and the Rector, 1994 - The Liquid -Amber Tree just before it was struck by Ronald Currey, look on while T he Earl of Clarendon lightning 'plants ' the Liquid-Amber Tree. 137 The two magnificent palms, on either side of the Memorial Hall Plaque, were planted from seeds brought by Lance Knight, the Estate Manager, (later Bursar and then Old Boy's Secretary) from Zoo Lake, Johannesbur g, in 1948. The Founder. Canon Todd's 'true aims and objects' were for a "liberal edu cation combined with a careful instruction in the Christian Faith." It is very appropriate therefore that the first building you see as you approa ch the front of 'his' School is. the Chapel. Michael Cassidy: "The aim of this school's Chapel Life generally, is to produce men of God, of Faith and Devotion. Men of Honesty, Integrity and Purity. Tommy Norwood, former Rector, once said to me: 'The greatest thing a school can do is to give people the right values and a strength of character to uphold them"'. 138 Dr. T. E. Warner (1929): "Curiously enough about all I can remember of t he Chapel was, "Hills of the North rejoice," sung on going-home day and "Shout while ye journey home," and did we shout!! They were good days an d I owe a debt of gratitude to Michaelhouse for all that it has taught m e and for being so tolerant of my immaturity, and for making an invaluab le contribution to my life-experience." Mr Warner wrote this in his 87th year, in 1993. , i Vaises M . j % J Some boys' remarks on spiritual matters: "Coming to Michaelhouse has led me to have a deeper look at religion; but I find that my current agnostic situation is best for me personally." "I have never enjoyed the way faith is emphasised at boarding school but this school has made me think about it seriously now and then. I just hav e a negative attitude." 139 From the Chapel Tower can be seen the whole Estate. The countryside wh ere the boys can wander on Freebounds, the playing fields and the buil dings wherein they live and learn. Rick Andrews' (Head Boy 1989) housemaster reported to his parents that " he dearly found it difficult to adapt at the early stages as he was deci dedly overawed by everything he experienced at Michaelhouse." His friend shared the same feelings and wrote home: "This place is huge. There is a Church, a gymnasium, houses everywhere and even an hospital. Mom this isn't a School, this is a city!" When 1 asked my son how he would descri be the School his reply was, "Just like an elite country club. It's just a pity they have to have Classrooms!" 140 Through the archway leading from the main quad is the Pennington Quad which was built where the 'wood and iron' gym once stood. The gracious water feature with buck, was dedicated to Ken Pennington in 1976. Flanking the arch to the South of the Founder's Quad is East House (infa mous for its cold plunge!) and Tathams on the right of the arch, that le ads to Pennington Quad. "The Bath house with cold plunge attached was 'most excellent.' (Goodnes s knows who said that? I don't think many boys share that sentiment!). L ater on six porcelain baths were installed and "plenty of hot water to a llow each boy one hot bath a week." David Williams was in East House and on the last morning of the 1942 sch ool year, he and his friends started a great pillow fight in the East do rmitories. "It gradually spread through the other houses, some beds were overturned and a few minor hurts sustained in the high jinks. The Pillo w fights ended with the pyjama'd school standing in the quad watching a wrestling match on the grass between two seniors. Suddenly we realised t hat the Rector, Fred Snell had joined us- with great tact and commonsens e he quietly suggested that it was time to get dressed. The excitement e vaporated and we dispersed. Looking down from the Chapel Tower to the East can be seen the original c orrugated-iron roof of the first dormitories, now Founders House. 141 "Like our fathers we are willing to cultivate learning on a little oatmeal.' ( Prof. Grant 1877) Currey Quad where once beautiful Cherry Trees blossomed is enclosed by Tatham, West opposite the Staff Room and Farfield on the right. The walkway past the Kitchens below the Staff Room leads to the Junior H all. "For four solid years I was hungry," said Roby Carter. "On wet afte rnoons we often went for a run with Billy Adair, the lanky Irishman and Science teacher. He was a good teacher, let us fool about in the lab mak ing smoke and explosions. He came from Ulster and thought that the pries ts in the South were a menace to mankind and ought to be hanged and cruc ified on the nearest tree! But of the runs. If we went past a farmer's O rchard, he'd turn a blind eye on the way while we pinched the fruit, pro vided of course, he got his share. The most joyful part of going home fo r the holidays was to get decent food ser\'ed decently!" I heard the sam e story whenever my son came home from school and this is a long time si nce the days of porridge morning and night! "Mum why can't I go to Hilto n? It will be much easier for you, it's closer to home? You know they ge t 12 choices of cereals and can have bacon, eggs, sausage, in fact anyth ing they want for breakfast." That was in 1990. So what has changed? Not hing, I hope. If it had been the worst days of their lives what is it th at has motivated so many hundreds of Old Boys to support Michaelhouse as they do, and have done for a century? ' - - 142 This photo of Nathan and me standing in front of the Science Block, looki ng out over 'Usher Quad', where all that is left of Ken Pennington's gard en, the fish pond and the butterfly hut is his bird bath. It seemed quite natural that Nathan should be in the Laboratory that day, when I came to take some photographs for this book, after all he had always been there, working with my father. But this is 50 years later, 1994, a Sunday, and he had retired in 1985 after 52 years of service, so just what was he doi ng? "Just fixing something," he said. "In my 30 years of working with him he must have repaired enough app aratus to equip a dozen school labs," commented Mike Thompson. Perhaps Roy Archibald (1964) would have been more successful in his expe riment had he called on Nathan. He and Webb made a rocket using Zinc and Potassium and tried to let it off in the quad. They were very disappoin ted to see it just give a feeble spurt and fizzle out. Mike Thompson, wa tching what was going on, decided he ought to interfere before anyone go t hurt and offered to help them set it up again, which they duly did. Mi ke decided that what the rocket really needed to launch it successfully was some extra force. He gave it a hefty blow only to see the rocket fal l over and plough into the ground. By now the whole school had heard abo ut the 'failed' experiments and had gathered to jeer at the 'Scientists. ' Sure that it would work the third time the rocket was taken to the bac k of the school up Michael's Mount from where it was discharged. Again i t flopped and dived straight down the hillside. Obviously the momentum w as there but the launching pad was causing the embarrassing take-off and angle of flight. The solution, they hoped, was to weld the rocket to a pole firmly buried in the ground. The waiting school were rewarded. The rocket was ignited and soared up out of the hole never to be seen, or found again! 'Usher Quad', named after the benefactor Lady Usher, reminds me of anoth er gift Sir. George and Lady Usher presented to the School, a pair of cr anes. "Most graceful they look, when viewed from a distance!" They terro rised us. Every time the Rector Morgan left his office he had to check f irst to see if they were at the Screens, or out the front, and make his exit accordingly. On the rugby field they would dash down the wing, teas e the touch-judges and issue horrid, hoarse squawks. No-one was happier than little Miss 'Duggy,' who was given a jab on a suitable part of her anatomy, when the cranes left. Apparently marbles have a fatal attractio n for a crane and as these cranes didn 't appreciate the difference betw een a marble and a human eye they were given 'flying orders.' 143ï»¿When Ken Mackenzie left school in 1939 he and some of his friends , Peter, Tony Lange and Geoffrey Geerdts (killed in action) 'Joined Up. ' After the War Ken presented an exquisite little bronze statuette of t he archangel 'Michael' to Michaelhouse. "In memory of Geoffrey and Pete r, not forgetting all the Old Boys who had died in the Second World War ," explained Ken. It took Ken several years after the war to find an appropriate Memorial g ift. Finally in the small town Lierre, in Belgium, his search came to an end. An old gentleman had a collection of spoils which he'd found in a ce llar where they must have been hidden to avoid confiscation by the German s. Amongst these treasures Ken found what he was looking for, a figurine of St Michael. The old man was reluctant to part with the statuette but w hen he heard Ken's story he agreed to sell it to him. The statuette was t hen offered to the Rector Fred Snell, and after some deliberation as to i ts worthiness he agreed to display it in the Chapel where it stands today , in the Apse. Almost half a century later Ken offered another gift and h is support to the Centenary fund. The Board gratefully accepted it on the behalf of the School, namely the new House "Mackenzie". 'Mackenzie' is the eighth House. Completed in 1993, it is another exampl e of the vision, and commitment, of an Old Boy to his Alma Mater. "Mackenzie house," where the San once stood. St Michael, the statuette in the Apse. 144 One of the oldest houses, Farfield, forms one side of the new quad, with Pascoe house, and the new house Mackenzie, built on the site of the San . A new Vlth Form Block is being built which will complete St. Michael's Quad. Above: 1940, The Memorial Hal! (senior dining-room), Farfield, and the San on the right. Middle: 1992, Pascoe: Earth-works, clearing the site for the new house, Mackenzie. Below: 1994, St. Michael's Quad 145 Opposite 'Farfield' is the road that leads past the old Amphitheatre, the Staff houses and the Oval at the end of the Estate. Lining the road are Pl ane trees, Liquid-Ambers, English Beech. Pin-oaks and behind Baines a Weeping Pla ne tree, home to the weaver birds in Spring. These Deciduous trees pro vide the magnificent Autumn tints for which the School is well known. An amusing anecdote about the Weeping Plane - Dr. Koornhof, the guest speaker at the Annual Prize-Giving in 1977, whi le being shown around the school by the Rector, was impressed by the cl amouring chatter of the weavers as he passed this tree and commented, " Rector, this must be a good school - even the blerrie vinks are happy!" Baines House In front of Baines House, an avenue, that of Plane Trees which leads past 'Gathornes' up to the Oval. 146 The Oval The road that runs round the Estate turns back past the Oval, the Indian village, the Cemetery and staff houses scattered over Michael's Mount. From here one can look down on the roofs of the buildings, the back of t he Science and Natural Sciences Block, the Laundry and the Schlesinger t heatre. "Dirty laundry will not be accepted...... " A STRANGE NOTICE TO FIND ON A LAUNDRY WALL!! Many boys, from the time of Rector Currey, will remember Mr "Freddie" M arimuthoo. He washed their clothes, by hand, for 41 years!! It would be interesting to know how many socks etc. he washed in that time - Betty Khumalo died in June 1990. She ran the laundry for 16 years and always had a smile and a witty remark for 'her boys.' She was held in great r espect, and awe I should think, for she knew the name and laundry numbe r of every boy whose washing went through her hands and she remembered them after they'd left school!! The Rector Neil Jardine had a way with names too. He promised a coke to anyone whose name he did not know, after the first fortnight on his ar riving at the school. He gave away one coke only! The boy in question, Sandy Davidson was standing with a 'mother', not his though! - Neil eve n knew to whom the boys belonged, except on this occasion! 147 The last buildings we pass are appropriately, the 'first' and the 'last. ' The San, the first building of the Centenary Project to be completed, the Work shops, the new Marshall Campbell Music School, under the ancien t oak trees, the Chapel, and finally the Gym and the new Swimming pool. 148 Walking down the road between Meadows and the Athletic fields must brin g back memories to everyone who has had anything to do with Michaelhous e. Sport, played by all, hated and endured by some, enjoyed by others a nd watched by many. Sports Day - record breaking runs and jumps, the fu rthest throw of a cricket ball, the climax of the Inter-House competiti ons, the relay races, and, under the trees, the imposing figure of Seze la in his starched, white uniform, making sure that everyone was served with a hot cup of tea, and that the boys didn't sneak the cream-scones and cakes, before the visitors arrived. 'Meadows' playing field, and the entrance from where we started this jou rney. The venue of many memorable moments when pupils, past and present, their families, friends and the Staff gather to watch, or play, hockey, cricket or rugby, golf, soccer, and duck-dive in the rain. They meet on Old Boys Day, at House Matches, Inter-school matches and by their thous ands, turn up to cheer for their School on Hilton-Michaelhouse Day. The row of Willow trees beyond Meadows, along the bog stream have gone now. Part of the assault course, they were swung from, slid off and cli mbed over, but the shade they offered after a run, or a game of rugby, or hockey was not forgotten by one of the Old Boys. When he heard that the Willow trees were dying he presented the School with saplings, prop agated from slips of the original cuttings which had been taken from va rious places in England. 149 A NEW GENERATION OF SCHOOLBOYS WILL TAKE MICHAELHOUSE TO ITS HEART. As impossible as it is for us to picture the School as it was a hundred years ago, an incongruous huddle of buildings perched on a barren and bleak veld, WHAT, I wonder, would the Founder Todd and his Pioneers say if they could see Michaelhouse today? Some things never change; the imposing brick and ivy covered walls, the S creens, the Quadrangles, the Chapel, the playing fields, and the vistas. They've survived the evolution of the Estate; protected by the unshakeabl e affection of the students. Progress is fickle - with each permutation, traditions shift and memories fade but fortunately nostalgia possess vigo ur and with each addition, and alteration, a new generation of school-boy s will take Michaelhouse to its heart. 150 152 153

Memories of Michaelhouse the First 100 Years &lt; //E/?I(&gt;R(C's Sf Â« /Jfe

Memories of Michaelhouse the First 100 Years < //E/?I(>R(C's Sf Â« /Jfe