here - Wairarapa College

Wairarapa College
College Catch-up
Wairarapa College Old Students
Association
Magazine
November 2010
Issue 2
“Committed to Excellence”
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Contents
Page 2 Please support our advertisers many are past students
Page 3 Contents
Page 4 Officers of WCOSA & WCT, Meeting dates
Page 5 W.C Trust & W.C.O.S. Association Reports
Page 6
College House Head Boy & Head Girl. Student BoT Representative
Pages 7 Sharman May & Elaine Beck , Allan Family
Page 8
Davis—Goff—First New Zealander to rise from Boy First Class to Commodore
Page 9
Fergus Fauvel, Conan Cassidy, Paddy Turner, Greg Haslett
Page 10 Bob Charles, Vera Walker, Arthur Prior, Ben Campbell & Maguire Brothers
Page 11 Foundation Stones, Dr Gary Hanley , Pipe Band Championships
Page 12 Obituaries
Page 13 Oscar Wilson, Robin McKenzie, Commercial Class of 1963
Page 14 David Bussau, Len Francis & Student Research
Page 15 Silvia Aston-Warner, Kurt Adam, A A E Gyde, Bob & Linda Alsop
Page 16 Grand Piano, Reunion News , Sally Summers
Page 17 Mezzanine Seat Form, Piano Key Form
Page 18 Subscription form
Page 19
Photographs about the college
Page 20
Please support our advertisers, many who are past students.
Are you interested in advertising in this publication & supporting the Old Students and Wairarapa College
the same time? Please contact Karen Barbour by email at j.k.barbour@xtra.co.nz Or : Wairarapa College,
P.O. Box 463, Masterton. 5840, NZ. Tel (06) 37000400, Fax (06) 3700401.
Wairarapa College, P.O. Box 463, Masterton. 5840, NZ.
Tel (06) 37000400, Fax (06) 3700401
Email: office@waicol.co.nz OR http://www.waicol.co.nz/
3
Wairarapa College Old Students’ Association
Officers for 2010
President - Ralph Fauvel (replacing N Moffit)
Vice Presidents D Leitch, B Geary, E Williams, W Sewell, J Ellis and L Ross
Secretary – Sue Southey (replacing G Bain) Treasurer – Maxine Bird (replacing A Peterson)
Delegate to WCT – R Southey Auditor - auditing will be done in conjunction with the
schools annual audit
Your new President - Ralph Richard Fauvel:
Attended Wairarapa College in 1963, 1964 and 1965. My wife, Viv, and I are currently farming in the Gladstone district, sheep and beef, where we have lived for the past 20 years. Our three grown up children all attended Wairarapa College and I was elected to the position of president of the Old Students Association in
August. With a very enthusiastic committee we hope to carry on and build on the work which has gone before.
WAIRARAPA COLLEGE TRUST
Officers for 2010
Chairman – Nigel Hawke
Deputy Chairman – Ash Peterson
Treasurer – Bill Sewell
Secretary – Sue Southey (replacing Isobel Oliver)
Trustees - Bill Sewell, Ash Peterson, Neil Moffit, Ralph Fauvel, Nigel Hawke and Les Ross
WCOSA Rep – Ron Southey
Principal – Mike Schwass
PTA Rep – TBA
Representative for the Board of Trustees – Toni O’Hagan
Wairarapa College Old Students Association & Wairarapa College Trust
Meeting dates for 2011
All dates are a Thursday and to be held in the Wairarapa College Board Meeting Room at 5.30
17th Feb 2011, 12th May 2011 ( this will be the AGM of both groups), 11th August 2011 and
10th October 2011.
Meetings are not limited to Committee members all Past Students & College supporters welcome.
Thanks Isobel
1928 First day at Wairarapa High School for
Isobel Oliver nee ( Chatterton ) Attended
Nancy & Gwen Allan
W.C 1984– 85 as an Adult Student studying
6th form subjects (3 of them she renewed,)
topping the class in typing.
Isobel joined the school staff in 1986 as the
tea lady, she was offered a job in Duplication in Feb of that year and is still there to
this day! Isobel resigned as the secretary for
the Wairarapa College Trust this year due
to family commitments after doing the job
for “yonks” Serving for about 14 years on
the PTA as well as secretary & catering.
We thank her for all her work & hope she
will continue to be involved as we move towards our 90th Reunion in 2013.
4
Wairarapa College Trust (WCT) an Overview
This was set up in 1969 with the purpose of administering monies entrusted to it from various
businesses. It would then invest these funds and use the interest earned to assist the college
in the purchase of specialist equipment not provided by the Department of Education e.g., curtains, projector, oboe, sewing machine, ovens.
This role has progressively been taken over by an active Parent Teacher Association which
has raised money through working bees and school galas.
In 1975 the trust made the decision to grow the funds to $500,000.00 to lift the interest
earned and provide higher future assistance. This meant that the trust no longer contributed to the day by day activities of the college but instead concentrated on investments after three successful reunions in 1971, 1983 and 1999 the funds grew rapidly even after the
stock market crash in the late 1980’s the trust emerged relatively unscathed so that the
fund now stands at $250,000.00 which is far short of the target set by the earlier trustees.
Recent bequeaths have boosted the fund but the new assembly hall has absorbed all interest
earned over the past two years. However the trust now hopes that as the new hall is completed, we can concentrate on building the fund, by adding interest bequeaths and business
contributions, and with the help of the old students we are convinced that we can reach the
$500,000 target and the interest earned, will allow the Trust to assist the students for
years to come.
LOOKING FORWARD TO LOOKING BACK
WCOSA recollections by George Bain after 38 years involvement.
“I’ll make no bones about it”, exclaimed President of the WCOSA David Leitch in 1974. “George, there is a need for a
skeleton crew to keep the Association alive during periods of relative inactivity.” David’s words were addressed to me as a former student of the 1950’s who had hitherto shown no interest in the Association. From its days of greatest impact in the 1960’s,
appeal of the Association had dwindled somewhat despite the 1969 Purnell 25th Jubilee and the 1971 College House reunion.
Having joined the College staff in 1962, I was well placed for liaison with the school and its various interest groups. “Save
our heritage”, was the cry in 1975 that resonated with old students who felt that the front of the College was a brick structure
which, whether you admired or criticized it , was an iconic building worthy of preservation. Allen Hair and others generated
enough support to persuade the Ministry of Education to abandon plans for demolition and instead to embark on a major upgrade that made the front of the college superior to the original in both appearance and function. It was a lesson to me of the
power of people at the local level over the heavy hand of central government.
Years melt away when old friends meet and the 20 years I spent as secretary of the WCOSA were rewarding in the
contacts made and the liaisons organised for others. Of course, the major reunion events were memorable: the 1983 Diamond
Jubilee, the 1988 65th Reunion and the 1999 big 75th Reunion where over 1400 people joined for a weekend of reliving the past
and refreshing friendships.
Naturally, reunions of small groups have the advantage of flexible organisation and ease of operation. I found that it
takes just one enthusiast to promote a rewarding meeting of former classmates. Class group reunions need an instigator such as
the late Ivor Perrin, Barbara Robinson, Barbara Hopkins or the living Ashley Peterson, Diana Stidolph, Stephen Brown and
Christine Connor, all of whom assiduously sought out contacts with former class members. The advent of computer power is
such a boon for finding and tracking former students who have crossed seas and continents to follow their stars and seek futures
outside New Zealand. The compilation of an ex-student computer database is a daunting task that is currently being tackled by
Angela Snowsill who works part time at the College.
Throughout my 38 years on the WCOSA committee I was continually impressed by the goodwill and positive response
of former students towards their old school. Unfortunately this does not translate into a vibrant WCOSA because there is no
tradition of ongoing commitment to the Association. Hope lies in a reinvigorated committee that was elected in 2010 and which
includes Karen Barbour, an ex-chairman of the BOT and one who was so instrumental in seeking the successful sponsorship of
the new Performing Arts Centre that has replaced the old assembly hall. Perhaps what was once a skeleton crew can now be
fleshed out !
Most parents want their children to attain independence and individuality and the attitude of the College to its students
echoes this reality. Also, parents love to retain the respect, friendship and contact with their offspring and so it is with the College which desires its sons and daughters to be ever ready to rejoice in the years of their youth at College and to be willing to
honour the memories with meaningful action.
Financial Report – Wairarapa College Trust.
This Trust was established in 1969 thanks to the foresight of several old students and the vision of the late George Sutherland.
In recent times the Trust has proved its value to the college with contributions of over $67,000 to the Board of Trustees. Apart
from $19,000 that was donated to the hall the remainder has been incurred in establishing the time consuming Data Base of old
students and underwriting the net cost of this magazine.
Despite this financial assistance to the college the capital fund of the Trust is still in excess of $250,000 with the hope that this
base can be increased to $500,000 to provide a worthwhile annual income stream in the future.
W.C Sewell, Treasurer, Wairarapa College Trust.
5
2011 Term Dates
Term 1 1st Feb—15th April.
Term 2 2nd May—15th July
Term 3 1August —7th October.
Term 4 25th October—7th December
Tim Groves
Head Boy College House
I was born in Masterton in 1992. I have
one older brother, Johnny and my parents, John and Caroline. The first place
I can remember living is Eketahuna, then
Featherston for 2 years where we
Charlotte Mossman
milked cows. We moved to Tinui for a year where I atHead Girl College House
tended school for a short time before moving back to
I have grown up in the Wairarapa
Featherston where we bought a dairy farm. When I was 8
attending Mauriceville primary
we moved to a sheep and beef farm in Wainuioru. I went
school.
to school there for 4 and a half years, then off to WairaAs a student at Wairarapa College I
rapa College and the Hostel where I am presently, and
am involved in and have been inloving it. During my time here I have been involved in difvolved in various school activities such as mentoring
ferent activities such as, hockey, rugby, tennis, small bore
(2007 & 2009) Young leaders Day, Peer Support (2010) rifle shooting and clay bird shooting. I have been in variStage Challenge, Ball Committee and I am also a
ous rep teams for hockey and have done quite well in clay
school Prefect and House Captain for Puketoi.
shooting winning a few different events, and at the last
Secondary School Champs came 6th in NZ. The friends I
I really enjoy the sporting aspects of the college and
have made at school I’m sure will be lifelong friends. Last
take part in all athletics and swimming days. I have
year I was a Prefect at the Hostel and this year I am Head
been involved in both netball and tennis since Year 9
Boy and a Prefect at school. 6 months ago we moved to
and this year I played for Masterton regional 1 for ten- Napier on a 1000 acre farm where we are close to our 55
nis and Senior A netball. I have taken part in various
foot boat and where I’m going to do a Chefs course for 2
sports exchanges. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time years. One thing I have noticed about your time at school
at Wai-Col and would like to encourage everyone to
is that it seems to go slow when you’re young but as you
give everything a go!
get older it seems to go by much quicker.
George Littlejohn Student Representative to the
Board of Trustees Extraordinaire
George Littlejohn has just been elected by the Wairarapa College students to represent them at Board level
for the 4th consecutive year.
Each year, all students have an opportunity to nominate a fellow student to represent the student
needs, views and ideas on the
Board of Trustees. Previous to
George, this position was routinely
filled by a senior student. George
first put his name forward and was
voted in, as a year 9 (or 3rd form
level) student; he has continued to
represent the student body on the
Board of Trustees now for his entire time at college,
despite many other very capable students standing
against him every year.
I believe that this record could well be unmatched in
any school in New Zealand.
In 2009 George received the Mika Family Trophy for
the greatest contribution to school life for years 9 and
10 ( 3rd & 4th form in old money) and has represented
the school in a number of sports including Cricket,
Rugby and Hockey.
In the 2009 prize giving he also was placed first in Music for his year, participating in the School Orchestra
and Cantate Choir he is a talented musician playing the
guitar and trumpet. George has also taken an active
part in the school major productions and is a hardworking member of the Student Council. A very talented and
versatile student that is a real credit to the college.
6
Subject Choices
These days college is very different in many
ways, the range and diversity of subjects a student can select is bewilderingly long.
Some subjects are limited to either the Junior or
Senior year groups. Listed below are some of the
subjects offered to today's students at Wai Col.
English, Maths, Science, Biology, Textiles & Design, Graphics, Agriculture, Drama, Art, French,
Te Reo Maori, Food & nutrition, Workshop Technology in wood and metal, Computer studies,
Music, Japanese, Economics, Classical Studies,
Sports Studies, Media Studies, Tourism, History,
Visual Art, Physical Education, Home economics,
Information Management, Geography, Accounting, Outdoor Education, Chemistry, Hospitality,
Photography, and Pathways to Building & Engineering (these are courses that prepare students
to go on to a career and apprenticeship in Building or engineering.)
Phew and that does not count all the Extra Curricular Activities and Sports that are offered to
the students. Wai Coll continues to have one of
the highest participation rates in sports for secondary schools in New Zealand.
Sharman May and Elaine Beck
Our ladies in the front office both celebrated 30 years at the college this year. For any of you who attended the college or had
children or grandchildren at the college in this time, these faces will be very familiar. George Sutherland was the Principal at
the time. Sharman was employed as the school secretary and Elaine as the very first teacher aide, at that time there were seven
support staff (in 2010, they number in the thirties). Her job was to assist the Math and English departments with administration
type tasks, such as keeping track of textbooks. When Barbara Hercock left a few years later, Sharman was promoted to the role
of Principal’s secretary and Elaine was taken on in the role of School secretary, and they have remained in these roles ever
since. Sharman has been the PA for four Principals, George Sutherland, John Carlyon, Alwyn Williams and currently Mike
Schwass. She recalls that one of the difficulties of her job was finding out whether the Principal was free to see people. George
had a light system which he operated from a button at his desk. When the red light was on above his door, he was unavailable.
Alwyn took some convincing, but finally agreed to a peephole in his door, only to cover it up with paper later on!
Sharman recalls the queues on enrolment day at 7am in the morning under the “first-in” system, and the introduction of zoning
and enrolment schemes. They started off using manual typewriters, receipt books, gestetners, carbon paper and typex. The rolls
and timetables were all typed by hand. Elaine was quoted saying when they got electric typewriters, how unnecessary they
were. She said the same of computers when they were introduced. They are now both very proficient on computers, but admit
that their secretarial roles have changed a lot over the years, as management tend to do a lot of this work themselves. That doesn’t mean they have been able to sit back and relax, as they now find themselves taking on other roles, including financial, cashier, website maintenance and enrolment, as the roles have evolved over the 30 years.
The front office is the hub of all knowledge (some might say gossip). Elaine particularly remembers her early days at the
school, as being quite a scary time, and so now takes it upon herself to make all new staff feel welcome. Any new staff will
attest to this.
The girls have always been involved in the school life, Elaine, in particular, attending just about
every school function, show or production. She follows the students
progress and has an uncanny knack of knowing most of the students
by name, and often knows who their parents or grandparents are.
Elaine recently made our six new house banners, that now adorn the
new hall. These replaced the old school banners, which she had also
made. They are a fantastic legacy of her devotion to the school.
Elaine and Sharman are fantastic assets to the school, and we hope we
can celebrate many more years service.
.
Elaine Beck
Sharman May
Allan Family
The Old Students Association was recently sent a number of articles and photos from a Mr Bryan Wilson; his past wife was related to the Allan family. As a well known Masterton family with strong connections with Wairarapa College, I have taken the
liberty of summarising some of the information to accompany the photographs we were sent.
Mr James Allan a native of the Orkney Islands, moved firstly with his parents to Australia and then on to Masterton in1904. On
his arrival in Masterton he joined the staff of Messrs John Graham and Co, but two years later left that firm and built up a business on his own account. The Allan name became a synonym for integrity and a name to be respected. The entire family was
encouraged in sport, horticulture and a real concern for the local community. Mr James Allan was involved in a large and various numbers of organisations and no worthy cause was denied him. Mr Allan was keenly active in the Masterton Beautifying
Society, Masterton Horticultural Society, Park Tennis Club and Wairarapa Lawn Tennis Association. Other organisations he was
connected with include the Masterton Chamber of Commerce, Wairarapa Caledonian Society, Masterton Golf Club, Masterton
A & P Association, Optimist Club, Oddfellows’ Lodge and on the Lansdowne School Committee.
Mr Allen’s died in 1933 when he was 53 and was predeceased by his wife Mrs E Allan by 2 years. They had one son Mr Robert
Allan who worked for the Wairarapa Electric Power Board and four daughters. Thelma Jean Gibbs (née Allan) the eldest
daughter was an assistant in Allan’s store before marrying pharmacist L. W. Gibbs. Dulcie Esme Allan worked for the Crippled
Children and as a secretary. Nancy Moreen Allan (Wai Coll 1926) attended teachers college and went on to teach at Solway
and Lansdowne schools as well as being a hospital teacher. The Wairarapa High School Tennis Team photo taken in 1926 is an
amazing achievement as she was struck down with Polio at age 3 and was imprisoned in plaster from the neck down. Gwendoline Allan (Wai Coll 1928) the youngest daughter worked for the Department of Agriculture in Masterton.
Left - The Allan Memorial Bridge. This is situated in Masterton inbetween Queen and
Chapel Streets.
Right The 1926 Wairarapa High School Tennis
Team : middle front row
seated Dulcie Allan
7
Davis-Goff, George Raymond Wai Col 1917—1919
Sailor, military leader 1905 - 1987
George Raymond Davis-Goff was born on 24 September 1905 in Marlborough. By 1915 the family had moved to
Masterton and George went to Lansdowne School, later attending Masterton District High School from 1917 to 1919.
He worked for a printer, before joining the New Zealand Naval Forces on 9 August 1921 as a seaman boy.
After initial training on the Philomel, Davis-Goff joined the cruiser Chatham on 5 May 1922 as boy first class. A year
later, by then an able seaman, he travelled to the United Kingdom where he underwent training on the Vernon qualifying in torpedoes. To advance in the navy he needed formal educational qualifications, which he attained despite the
difficulties of having to study out of work-time in crowded and noisy conditions aboard ship. In 1925 he joined the Diomede, on its first New Zealand commission. Promoted to acting leading seaman in 1927, he was involved in operations ashore against the Mau in Samoa in 1928.
That same year he returned to England for further specialist courses, on completion of which he rejoined the Diomede, there for a refit. He became a petty officer in 1931 and returned to the United Kingdom in 1932 to undergo the
specialist courses for promotion to warrant officer. Following this he was promoted to torpedo gunner, the first New
Zealand entry to achieve warrant rank.
Successive appointments followed to the Diomede and Achilles ; the former involved taking part in operations with
the Royal Navy during the Abyssinian crisis in 1935–36. However, Davis-Goff was unhappy and tried to resign from
the navy, but this was not permitted by the New Zealand Naval Board. He felt the board had treated him unfairly on
several issues, and he had, at this time, the responsibility of providing for his mother and one of his sisters.
When the Second World War broke out in 1939, Davis-Goff was serving in Achilles and was on its upper deck in
charge of the torpedo tubes during the battle of the River Plate. One of his tasks was to make the depth charges safe,
a hazardous role with danger not only from enemy fire, but also from the blast of the ship’s own six-inch guns. For this
he subsequently received a mention in dispatches.
In 1941 Davis-Goff underwent further courses for promotion and was promoted to acting lieutenant in May, being
confirmed in the rank eight months later. As with his earlier warrant, he was the first New Zealander to reach a commissioned rank from the lower deck. After service with the Royal Navy, during which he escorted a convoy to Russia, Lieutenant Davis-Goff joined the Leander in June 1942. He was present when it was badly damaged during the
battle of Kolombangara in the Solomon Islands. He stayed with Leander for much of the ship’s refit in the United
States, being promoted to lieutenant commander in August 1944. In February 1945 Davis-Goff joined the Gambia,
which was operating as a unit of the Fourth Cruiser Squadron of the British Pacific fleet. The Gambia was off Japan at
the cessation of hostilities, and he was in command of its landing party, which took the surrender of the Japanese naval base at Yokosuka. For his actions in the latter part of the war he was awarded the DSC.
After the war George Davis-Goff was promoted to the rank of acting commander in 1946 and served ashore in Auckland. Confirmed in that rank in 1947, he was posted to England for staff courses and a period of exchange service in
1950–51. On his return to New Zealand he was appointed executive officer of the Bellona for slightly over a year. He
then became senior officer of the New Zealand frigates in Korea and in command of the Hawea. The ship’s two deployments to the Korean War were notable for the frequent provision of naval gunfire support to forces ashore. DavisGoff was promoted to the rank of captain and awarded a bar to his DSC.
After Hawea ’s return to New Zealand, Davis-Goff was appointed head of the New Zealand Joint Services Liaison
Staff in Melbourne in November 1953, a post he held for nearly three years. He was then appointed naval officer in
charge, Auckland, and received the rank of commodore in 1957. In recognition of his work Davis-Goff was made a
CBE in 1958.
On 13 November that year, having served in the New Zealand navy for over 37 years, Commodore Davis-Goff successfully applied to be placed on the retired list, and he retired on 13 May 1959. Davis-Goff’s career was remarkable
in many ways, but most significant was his progress, by his own efforts, from the lowest rank in the navy to commodore, one of the highest ranks in the service.
George Davis-Goff married Mabel Catherine Slaweski (née Kenny), a divorcee from Melbourne with a young daughter, in Auckland on 1 June 1939. With the outbreak of war shortly afterwards, the couple spent most of the next five
years apart, with Mabel living mainly in Melbourne. She fell seriously ill in October 1947, but had improved by the end
of the year. George went to London in February 1948 and Mabel returned to Melbourne to be with her daughter, who
was now a medical student at the University of Melbourne. In July 1948 Mabel died in Melbourne. Davis-Goff’s second
marriage was to Ailsa Ellen Blair (née O’Donnell) in Auckland, on 4 May 1951. She also had a daughter from a previous marriage.
In retirement the Davis-Goffs’ lived in Melbourne and later Onehunga, Auckland. On the evening of 30 May 1987
George suffered an accident at home and died in Green Lane Hospital. His wife, Ailsa, survived him.
What an inspiration to all current students at Wairarapa College
Do you know of any other inspirational past students we can write about and celebrate? Please contact Karen
Barbour j.k.barbour@xtra.co.nz or write to us at Wairarapa College, P.O. Box 463,
8
Adamson's Service Stations
Established 1927
Ph 06 3089760
Open 7 Days
Conan Cassidy
A real credit to the college
Conan Cassidy was a Masterton resident and a
student of Masterton Intermediate and then went
on to attend Wairarapa College from 2004 – 2008,
he was awarded the Proxime Accessit and winner of
the Outstanding Bursary Scholar in his final year.
Proud
Supporters
of
Wairarapa College
Conan has won a four year scholarship (beginning
this year) to attend Columbia University in New
York City, a member of the prestigious Ivy League
and one of the most selective universities worldwide. From 26,178 applicants he was one of 2,397
admitted (a 9 % admission rate), he has been selected as a John Jay Scholar from a pool of over 22
000 applicants. and the only New Zealander selected. “by virtue of being named a Scholar you are
considered to be one of the most talented students
32 Fitzherbert St Featherston
amongst the class of 2014” as quoted from his acceptance letter.
Conan will be studying Financial Economics and
wishes to pursue employment at the Reserve Bank
of NZ once he has completed his studies.
Fergus Fauvel - 2000 — 2004
Subjects selected include Literature Humanities,
A former Carterton man who earned a reputation as a sportsMasterpieces of Western Literature, Principals of
man at Wairarapa College of being honest, hardworking and
Economics, Calculus and Spanish. The course also
“a thoroughly nice guy” is winging his way to Hungary to represent New Zealand at the world university rowing champion- includes Philosophy and University Writing as core
ship. Fergus Fauvel, son of Ralph and Viv Fauvel, is a student classes. In the space of one 3 week period he was
at the University of Otago and will be competing in the men’s required to read The Iliad, Homeric Hymns, The
Epic of Gilgamesh and the Odyssey just for the litsingles starting on August 13. He is one of two from the unierature class!
versity to be selected for the championships, the other being
Elyse Fraser, and their selection follows the pair achieving the Conan has also run and been elected onto the Columbia Student Council for his year group and was
fastest times in their races at the New Zealand University
nominated by his peers as President. The position
Rowing Championships as Lake Waihola in April.
of President of your year group is the top position
“I am really pleased for him to have made the rowing
someone can attain while at university in the US.
champs.” said teacher Mr Paul Pottinger ; Ferg Fauvel was
This will lead to many more exciting opportunities.
remembered by his classmates and teachers as having really
One condition of Conan’s scholarship is that he is
nice character. “He got on well with everyone and was very
loyal.” Fauvel starting rowing three years ago. He will be one prohibited from working during the period of study
at Columbia. The Wairarapa College Trust at the
of six New Zealanders competing in Hungary and has been
recent annual meeting agreed to support Conan
training five hours a day for the past two months. He has set
with a sponsorship through the Principal and
his sights on going as far as he can in rowing and would ideBoard, at the same time the Wairarapa College
ally like to represent New Zealand at an Olympic Games.
Board of Trustees also supported him in a limited
Sept 2010.
way, from its discretionary fund.
Wairarapa
College has nominated Conan for a MasPaddy Turner, from Masterton, won a Government bursary to
terton
District
Council Young Achiever Award for
study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She has ap2010.
peared in a number of BBC plays, on commercial television,
and in the French film, Journey to Biarritz.
Cricket Grant
Wairarapa College is the proud recipient of a $5000 National Bank Cricket Club Grant. This was presented to Oliver Burt, member of the Wairarapa College first XI, at the school assembly on June 22nd by Mr Rountree, Manager of the National Bank, Masterton. The grant is to be spent on the upgrading of the school cricket practice nets. Thank you to all who voted on line for
Wairarapa Colleges Application.
Scholarship award to Old Student
Greg Haslett who was dux of the college in 2004 has been awarded a scholarship to attend Cambridge
University in England to complete his doctoral studies.
“These are fantastic achievements and are a clear illustration of the value of setting challenging goals and
then having the determination and passion to achieve them. I wish each of them every success in their studies.” Mike Schwass Principal
9
Carnoustie host Sir Bob’s swansong
Vera Walker (née Reader, Birdie)
Wai Col 1947—1951
After shooting an opening round nine-over par 80 in the British Seniors Open at
Carnoustie, Wairarapa golfing great Sir Bob Charles was unlikely to write a fairy
tale ending to a long and distinguished career. Charles, 74, who won the event in
1989 and 1993, was invited to complete in Scotland in a quality field. “This is my
final event on the international stage.” He said after his round. “Other than playing
in the Legends of Golf for the next few years, this will be it as far as playing in the
international arena.” It was a sentimental return to Carnoustie for Charles, Who
first played the course in the 1968 British Open when he finished joint runner-up
with Jack Nicklaus and two strokes behind South African Gary Player. Charles has
captured 65 Tournaments in his career, starting with the 1954 New Zealand Open
as an 18 year old amateur playing out of the Masterton Golf Club and capping it
with his 1963 British Open triumph at Royal Lytham and St Annes the first major
championship win by a left hander. Charles, last international success was in 1996,
which he won the Maui Kaanapali Classic in Hawaii on the US Champion Tour. In
2007 he became the oldest golfer to make a cut on the European Tour at the New
Zealand Open at Queenstown. Charles shot a 68 in the second round, beating his
age by three strokes and went on to finish in a tie for 23rd place. Charles indicated
that after competing at Carnoustie he will return home to his Canterbury farm.
“The farm back in Oxford keeps me pretty busy and there is always something to
do, plus there is always work to be done on the golf course at Clearwater as I
would like to see it better and better.”
Apology
We wish to apologise for an error in our first
publication regarding the Maguire family. It
would appear that information we received
was a combination of achievements for two
of the Maguire brothers and not solely attributable to Phillip and should more correctly
read. Philip Maguire – 1960 - 1964
Philip spent time in the military having been
selected from Wairarapa College to attend
the RMA Sandhurst in the UK in 1964. He
subsequently retired as a Colonel in 1991
and went into civilian life. Phil then spent 14
years as a principal with Earnest & Young,
then a Director in his own Management business before becoming a General Manager
with Oceania Group, currently based in Auckland. Philip does however retain his military
links and is currently also the Hon Colonel of
the 1st Battalion Royal NZ Infantry Regiment
based out of Linton Camp. Rick Maguire
Younger brother Rick has had a wonderful
career in Education and is now the Principal
at Burnside High School (the P.M’s old
school) in Christchurch.
Allergist. Wai Col 1955– 1956
Dr Walker was born at Blenheim, New
Zealand, on 21 July 1901 and attended
Masterton District High School before she
undertook a science course at Victoria University College, where she gained a master's degree. In London she studied for a D.
Phil, in chemistry and, at Oxford, she
gained a B.Sc. In addition she holds
M.R.C.S. and L.R.C.P. Dr Walker has been
especially interested in the study of allergies and was founder-member and first
president of the British Association of Allergists. She has also been a member of the
executive council of the International Association of Allergology. At present she is
consultant physician in Oxford and Bournemouth and is specialist in allergic diseases
to United Oxford Hospitals and Reading
Regional Hospital Board.
We need articles for the next edition of the
College Catch Up magazine.
Do you have any ideas or thoughts? Something
or someone you remember and wish to share.
Are you interested to help us with publishing or
perhaps in have some local Old Student News.
We could have an Auckland Page or a Aussie
Connection. If you are interested please contact
us.
Arthur Norman Prior
Professor of philosophy, University of Manchester.
Arthur Norman Prior was born at Masterton, New Zealand, on 4 December
1914 and educated at Wairarapa College. He then continued his studies at
the University of Otago and graduated master of arts. In 1937 he became an
assistant lecturer in philosophy at the University of Otago. He served with
the RNZAF, 1942-45.
From 1946 to 1958 he was on the staff of the philosophy department at Canterbury University College as lecturer, senior lecturer, and, for the final five
years, as professor. During this time he was John Locke lecturer in the University of Oxford for 1956 and visiting professor of philosophy in the University of Chicago for 1952.
Since 1959 he has held the chair of philosophy at the University of Manchester. He published Logic and the Basis of Ethics in 1949, Formal Logic in
1955, and Time and Modality in 1957. As well as contributing articles to
philosophic journals, he has been an editor of the Journal of Symbolic Logic
since 1960.
Ben Campbell The Southern Hemisphere’s leading amateur golfer Ben Campbell 18 was honoured by the Wairarapa Sports Education Trust (WSET) before setting off to the United States to take up a four-year golfing scholarship
at the Texas A and M University. WSET chairman Bob Francis said Campbell was a “great advertisement” for
Wairarapa ( and Wairarapa College) conducting himself with aplomb both on and off the golf course. Competitively
he has been an absolute standout in the amateur game and he has been a wonderful ambassador for the whole region.
While in England, Campbell was a recipient of the 2010 Michael Campbell Foundation Scholarship, and received
mentoring at London’s Stoke Country Club from Michael Campbell and his coach Jonathan Yarwood. Now ranked
the No 1 amateur player in the Southern Hemisphere and 14th in the world. Ben Campbell has produced some excellent results this year, including a stunning five-stroke win against the professionals at the Carrus Tauranga Open.
Campbell is the first New Zealander in the world’s top 20 rankings since Danny Lee finished his amateur career as
the world No 1. He was also runner up in the Australian match play championship and seventh in the Scottish amateur stroke play championships while finishing in the top 20 in the St Andrews Links trophy and qualifying for the British amateur championships.
10
ARTICLES FROM THE ARCHIVES
Original Hall Foundation Stone
In the first edition we showed a photograph of the two foundation stones that now adorn either side of the
new Performing Arts Centre. The one on the left being the original marble stone laid in 1937. We have researched the names and this is what we have come up with.
L J Taylor - Lionel John Taylor, manager of the U.F.S Dispensary, in what is now Trocadero Cafe. He
died in Lower Hutt in 1967. A Donald, We think, was Albert Donald, a tailor He died here in 1955.
A T Jackson was probably Arthur Thomas Jackson, a mail contractor who died in Masterton in 1960.
Mrs. C C Jackson was Henrietta Mabel Jackson of Kopuaranga. She died in 1961. H M Boddington
was Houston Mayo Boddington, who died in Masterton in 1952. W H Jackson ex-mayor William Henry
Jackson, after whom Jackson Street is named. He died in 1945. W R Nicol was William Redford Nicol, a
tailor, who died in 1961. P M Smith was the blacksmith Patrick Michael Smith, who died in 1947. (We
think) E J Wright seems to have been Evelyn John Wright, who died in 1971. W A Clarke was William
Arthur Clarke who died 6 Dec 1978. Kelly, Bertie Fleming 1888—1962 Architect of Wellington, and a
partner of Kelly and Mair. His rooms were in National Bank Chambers, Courtenay Place. He held the Australian architectural qualification, AAIA (Associate of the Australian Institute of Architects). At the time of
his death, he had become Brother Albert Kelly of the Futuna Retreat House in Wellington, possibly after
the death of his wife Mary. McMillan Brothers were a Palmerston North based building firm.
New Foundation Stone
Sir Brian Lochore – Past student, Patron and ardent supporter of Wairarapa College. R.J. Dawson –
Ray Dawson - Bailiff of Masterton G.M.Copps – Geoff Copps - Manager Mrs. CL Bates- Catherine
Bates— Senior Customer Service J. A. van Vliet – Jan van Vliet – Dairy farmer P.K.McFadzean –
Percy McFadzean- Property Developer G.A.K Littlejohn – George Littlejohn student representative on
the Board of Trustees, Mrs. W .J. Hemi – Wendy Hemi – Kindergarten Teacher, G.W. McEwen Teacher—Staff Representative to Board of Trustees, Mrs. M. K. Bird – Maxine Bird - School Executive
Officer, Mrs. K. L. Barbour – Karen Barbour – Special Projects Manager, D. J. Silverwood – Darryl
Silverwood – Architect, Holmes Construction – Builders – Owner and past student Will Holmes
Dr. Garry Hanley was recently contacted through the
research of our past students data base, he was delighted to be
written to and have a chance to up dated us of his endeavours.
A summary of his missive follows.
At 89 years of age he began reflecting on what had happened
to Wairarapa College since he had attended, during the High
School & College years between 1935 and 1937, he left when
he passed his Matric. It was suggested by his father that he
now get a job which he did with the Agriculture Department
as a cadet. After a year he decided that he would prefer a career in teaching but found he needed School Certificate, so he
returned to Wairarapa College to prepare for entry to Training
College in Wellington. He subsequently gained entry and
passed one subject of a B.A.
New Zealand went to war in his second year at training college
and compulsory entry into the armed forces put a stop to his
training, but he was offered a third year in Physical Education
after the war was over. Dr Hanley completed this training in
Dunedin and went on to gain a B.A. After a years training at
Intermediate School he went to Rongotai College teaching
Geography & P.E leaving there to join Atlantic Oil. This led to
a job with Standard Vacuum Oil Company and a move to Singapore for 4 years. At the end of this time he began an MA
completing all but the thesis. Attendance at University Business School saw him complete his MA writing investigations
to satisfy the requirements gaining a second level pass which
enabled him to secure a PHD with a satisfactory essay, writing
up the work he had done at NZ Steel where he was employed
as a Personnel Manager.
Dr Garry Hanley is married to Wynette and living in Auckland, they have four children, 2 Boys and 2 Girls all of whom
are in good health.
11
Masterton Plumbing
Services Ltd
For all plumbing and drainage
requirements
Wairarapa wide - Emergency Work
For your free quote : Ph: (06) 3770111
Fax : (06) 3770117
David Leigh 0274 453 387
www.mastertonplumbing.co.nz
5 Rogers Lane .P.O.Box 359, Masterton
NZ Pipe Band Championships
In 2010 NZ Pipe Band Championships where held in Masterton.
One keen observer noted that in 1940 the Wairarapa College Pipe Band won the Grade 2 Division.
The first College band ever to do so!
Wairarapa College hasn’t had a pipe band for
nigh on 31 years at least but we do currently
have William Rogerson is a very competent lone
piper .
Obituaries
COLEMAN, Edna Frances Attended W. C.
1938 DOD 9/03/2000 Aged 85
CLARK, Ellen Mary Blyth W.C. 1938-1941.
DOD 5/010/2000 Aged 77
COMPTON, Laurie. W C.1938 DOD
1999/2000, Australia
DONNELLY, Vincent Edward Michael
W .C 1935-1938. DOD 2000 Aged 80
BAKER-CLEMAS, Cadric Adrian
W. C 1938. DOD 25/08/2001 Aged 80
CLARKE, Conrad George
W.C.1939. DOD 2001 Aged 78,
DAVIES, Erwin Walter W.C. 1937-1938
DOD 27/12/2001, Aged 78
CROSS, Eila Naomi
W.C. 1939-1942 DOD 2002 Aged 76
WILTON, Leonard Guy W.C.1937-1939.
DOD14/06/2002, Aged 79
CORLETT, Allan Jack
W.C. 1938. DOD 13/06/2003, Aged 79,
QUENTIN, Ernest Desmond
W.C.1938. DOD 11/09/2003, Aged 80
DAVIE, Alison Maxwell
W.C. 1933-1938. DOD 2003, Aged 82
COOK, Nola Clara
W.C. 1938 DOD 13/5/2006, Aged 83
COOMBER, Beryl Florence W.C. 1938.
DOD 28/07/2006, Aged 85,
WILLS, Bernard William.
DOD 27/08/2006, Aged 93
CUNNINGHAM, Mollie
W.C. 1938. DOD 19/02/2006, Aged 89
CROSBIE, John MacClure. W.C. 19371938. DOD 15/01/2007, Aged 84,
DAYSH, Hugh Alexander, W.C. 1936-1939.
DOD 2007, Aged 84, Auckland.
GORDON, Brian Dean, W.C. 1939
DOD 12/05/2007, Aged 81
DULEY, Vernon James. W.C. 1939-1940.
DOD 2003. Manakau. Aged 78
FARRELL, Kathleen Gertrude
W.C. 1939. DOD 2004. Aged 87
DUCKETT, John Herbert W.C. 1938. DOD
26/08/2005. Aged 88
FAULKNOR, Robert Leonard
W.C. 1938. DOD21/10/2006. Aged 88
FALLOON, Basil Frank W.C. 1935-1938.
DOD 7/2/2007. Aged 85
FAIRBROTHER, Alan Douglas
W.C.1939-40 DOD 28/07/2007. Aged 82
RODERICK, John Elliott
W.C 1938-1940. DOD 2009. Aged 89
DURWARD, Elizabeth Isabella
W.C 1937-41 DOD 2009. Aged 85
CREEKS, Robert James
W.C.1939.DOD 2005
THOMPSON, Sybil Lorraine (Nee Gray)
W.C.1938.DOD 2006
GOLDER, John (aka Jack) Richard
W.C.1939-40.DOD 21/10/2008
PEARSON (SCOTT), Irene May (Nee
Johns ) W.C.1938-39.DOD 14/06/2000
JAQUES, Peter Roland
W.C.1939.DOD 2009.
GRAHAM, Marjorie. W.C.1937-38.
DOD 2005
BRETT, Frederick John
W.C.1938-39.DOD 2000
12
COUPER, June W.C. 1938-1942, DOD
2007, Aged 83,
WICKENS, Russell Mortimer DOD
2/10/2007, W.W.II Reg No 425664 W.O.
R.N.Z.A.F.
CROSKIE, Eleanor Mary
W.C. 1938. DOD 2007,Aged 83
CLARKE, Margaret Helen
W.C. 1939. DOD 15/02/2008, Aged 83
CLARKE, Alma Dulcie
W.C. 1939. DOD 13/04/2008, Aged 85
DEVERY, Eileen
W.C. 1939 DOD 2009, Aged 93
DIXON, Eunice Jessie
W.C.1938. DOD 2009, Aged 84
COLEY, Leo Melvyn
W.C. 1939-1941. DOD 2004, Aged 79
COTTLE, May Violet
W.C. 1938. DOD 2004. Aged 80
COLE, John William Stewart W.C. 19391940. DOD 9/12/2005. Aged 80
DAVIES, Valmae Gladys
W.C. 1935-1938. DOD 2005. Aged 84
FENEMOR, Robert (Bob) Henry. W.C.
1938-39. DOD 21/03/2000 Aged 75
FENTON, Phyllis Jean W.C. 1938-1939.
DOD 20/07/2001. Aged 80
GILL, Raymond Gregory
W.C. 1938-40. DOD 2001. Aged 78
GALPIN, Errol Sutherland
W.C. 1939. DOD 2002. Aged 84
WILTON, Leonard Guy W.C. 1937-39.
DOD 14/06/2002. Aged 79
FERGUSSON, Colin (AKA Chic)
W.C. 1938-39.DOD 1/04/2002. Aged 83
FALLOON, Geoffrey Robert
W.C. 1936-37. DOD 2002. Aged 83
FAIRBROTHER, Russell Douglas
W.C1938-1939. DOD 2003. Aged 80
GARVIE, Ian Gordon
W.C. 1937-1938. DOD 2003. Aged 79
FITZGERALD, Valerie Joan
W C 1937-38, DOD 2006. Aged 83
DYSON, David John
W.C. 1938-39 DOD 2006. Aged 84
EASTHOPE, Rodney
W.C. 1939 DOD 2007,Aged 86
FOSTER, Yvonne. W.C 1938-40. DOD July
2008. Aged 84
GRAHAM, Maurice Lewis James
W.C.1938.DOD 2000.
MCKAY, Olga (Nee Gorringe)
W.C.1938.DOD 9/05/2000
RAMSAY, Eileen Leta (Nee Gordon)
W.C.1939.DOD 2003
GONINON, Arthur Albert
W.C.1938.DOD 2004
GRAY, Kenneth John W.C.1939.
DOD 2/09/2005
PEDERSEN, Gladys Elizabeth (Nee Bubbers) W.C.1934-39.DOD 2009.
BALDWIN, Gloria Marcheta (Nee Bond)
W.C.1939.DOD 2009
HORE, Audrey May
W.C.1939-40.DOD 2009
BULL, George Henry
W.C.1939-40.DOD 2000
BURLING, Ronald William
W.C.1938.DOD 2000
JASPERS, George Frederick
W.C.1938-40.DOD 19/5/2000
BILLINGTON, Patricia Dawn (Nee Carstens) W.C.1938.DOD 4/12/2009
JORGENSEN, Daphne Irene (Nee Larsen)
W.C.1938.DOD 2008
AIKMAN, Elizabeth May (Nee Howard)
W.C.1935-38.DOD 2008
HOAR, Robert John W.C.1937-38.
DOD 2008
CLARKE, Beryl Enid (Nee Braggins)
W.C.1938-39.DOD 2008
BRUNTON, Charles Thomas
W.C.1939-8-39.DOD 2008
PATON, Ruth (Nee Hindley) W.C.193738.DOD 2008
JONES, Neville Owen W.C.1934-39.
DOD 2008
JONES, Donald Watkins W.C.1938.
DOD 2008
ISLES, Philip Ronald W.C.1938.
DOD 2008
KILLINGTON, Roy Harcourt
W.C.1938-39.DOD 8/9/2007
GRAHAM, Judith Hazel (Nee Gordon Laing)
W.C.1939-40.DOD 2006
BURTON, Max Vivian W.C.1936-38.
DOD 2006
BOND, Harvey Ian W.C.1939-41.
DOD 2005
EAGLE, Margaret Rose (Nee Brett)
W.C.1938-39.DOD 2005
HOAR, Thomas Alan W.C.1939-41.
DOD 2005
MALCOLM, Josephine (Nee Gordon Laing)
W.C.1938-39.DOD 2005
SEYMOUR, Enid Mary (Nee Bliss)
W.C.1938.DOD 2004
MACKAY, Shirley Ada (Nee Johnson)
W.C.1936-38.DOD 2004
BROUGHTON, Russell Harris
W.C.1939.DOD 2002
BROWN, Douglas Gifford W.C.1939-0.
DOD 2002
PALLESEN, Noeline Zola (Nee Bradley)
W.C.1939-41.DOD 18/5/2002
HORNEMAN, Harold Harding
W.C.1937-38.DOD 2001
KINGSFORD, Doreen (Brett)
W.C.1938-39.DOD 2001
BRAGGINS, Edward Lincoln
W.C.1938-1939.DOD 2001
CARDNO, Ian Robin
W.C.1939-40.DOD 2001
JORGENSEN, James Jense
W.C.1938.DOD 2001
DUNCAN, Sheila (Nee Kennedy)
W.C.1938.DOD 2001
KINGSFORD, Graham Arthur
W.C.1938.DOD 2001
MORRISS, Eileen Christina (Nee Larsen)
W.C.1939-40.DOD 2001
KNOWLES, Bernard Keith
W.C.1937-39.DOD 2000
DANIELL, Rex W.C. 1934– 1939
DOD 16/10/10 Aged 89 Australia
These deaths have been researched by
the local genealogy society and Angela
our Data Administrator, we have restricted notices to dates of death after
2000. If you wish to help us with this research please contact us.
Oscar Wilson 2002—2006
Former Wairarapa Student Oscar Wilson was instrumental in helping his Sydney based dance troupe set the stage
alight in the Big Apple. The 15-member hip hop group Psyde Project danced up a storm to take the People’s Choice
award in the New York leg of the World of Dance Tour on May 29. He emailed from the United States about the
amazing time he was having. “The whole experience has been incredible, very surreal, I don’t think it’s hit me yet that
I’m even over here and I’ve been here nearly 20 days. Winning the competition has just made this whole trip perfect, I
couldn’t really ask for more.” Soon after the performance in New York he was so jetlagged he headed back to his accommodation for a nap. He was woken by his fellow dancers thrusting a trophy in his face telling him that they had
won. Wilson is a fulltime dancer in Sydney and has been involved in several big gigs, including Australia’s So You
Think You Can Dance. He says the American experience was something special.
While in the US Wilson also spent nine days in Los Angeles, where he got some expert tuition from the some of the
best in the business. A session with one of his idols, hip hop dance guru Marty Kudelka, was a highlight. The Psyde
Project crew features several Kiwis and they are serious about their dance. Wilson was one of the members responsible for creating the winning routine. “The task of choreographing was shared among about five of us, myself included,
although everybody had input. “Being fulltime dancer, learning long routines isn’t difficult at all.” The World of Dance
Tour is the largest urban dance competition with a focus on uniting fashion and independent street wear with the art of
freestyle dance and urban choreography.
Robin McKenzie—Wai Coll 1945-1949
Past Student Robin McKenzie is a world renowned spinal expert and is recognized internationally as an authority on the diagnosis and treatment of lower back pain and neck pain. He was voted one of the most influential people in orthopaedic physical therapy in the USA.
Robin is the founder of the McKenzie Institute International. This not-for-profit organisation with headquarters in New Zealand, has 27
branches throughout the world which promote and oversee the education of the McKenzie Method to physiotherapists.
In 1982 Mr McKenzie was made an Honorary Life Member of the American Physical Therapy Association, "in recognition of distinguished and
meritorious service to the art and science of physical therapy and to the welfare of mankind." In 1983 he was elected to membership of the
international Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine.
In 1984 he was made a Fellow of the American Back Society, and in 1985 he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists. In 1987 he was made an Honorary Life Member of the New Zealand Manipulative Therapists Association and in 1990
an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists in the United Kingdom.
In the 1990 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Also in 1990 he was made
an Honorary Doctorate of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Russia.
In 1998 he was made an Honorary Life Member of the New Zealand College of Physiotherapy, and in the year 2000 New Year's Honours was
made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to physiotherapy.
In 2004, a random sampling of physical therapists in the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA, named him the number one most influential and
distinguished physical therapist in the field of orthopaedic physical therapy
The Commercial Class of 1963 and the corresponding signatures of the class. Details & photo supplied by Lesley Lett
13
David Bussau
A man who was abandoned as a boy and brought up in Sedgley Boys
Home in Masterton had been named Senior Australian of the Year.
Hugely-successful entrepreneur and extremely wealthy businessman
David Bussau was honoured at the Australian of the Year Awards in
Canberra, receiving his trophy from the then Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd. Mr Bussau, 67, lived in Sydney for 43 years and amassed a
fortune as the owner of construction companies and restorative building firms. “All I was doing was accumulating money and possessions
and owning more and more things I didn’t really need and that didn’t
contribute to the lives of others at all.” After a “rethink” he set up a
non profit family foundation known as the Maranatha Trust with the
aim of helping the poor, endowed with funds and the revenue from its
investments, seeded the funding of 15 international organisations
working to beat poverty
One, known as Opportunity International, has mushroomed to the
stage it now employs 9000 people spread over 29 countries and has
assets of over $500 million. It specialises in making mini-loans to people in developing countries who want to improve themselves has been
responsible for creating millions of jobs.
Mr Bussau started life as David Williams, having been born in Lower
Hutt, the son of Marjorie Williams and an unknown father, one of a
large family of largely uncared for children in an atmosphere described
by Mr Bussau as one of “abuse and neglect”.
When he was 8 his mother called at the home and tried to get him to
leave with her, but he dug his toes in and refused. She walked away
and he never saw her again. Soon after David and brother Bruce were
moved to Masterton to live at Sedgley Home. David Bussau was then
aged 10 and he was to remain at Sedgley, attending Wairarapa College,
until he was about 16. He said at the time it was a hard and demanding life, involving working on Sedgley’ 10ha farm, milking cows by
hand, feeding chickens and other animals and having to help wash and
iron clothes for up to 40 boys. “In retrospect I can look back and think
differently. Maybe I needed those times to help me became what I am
today.” Young David Bussau’s first foray into business was at 15 when
he rented a stand and sold hot dogs outside Memorial Park.
“Sedgley was probably an appropriate place for my destiny.” He was
to link up with the Bussau family who took him under their wing, and
he later moved with family to Timaru. He met and married his wife
Carol, who was from Sandringham, Auckland, and it was when the
couple settled in Australia in 1965 that he was able to truly say he was
in his lucky county. By 1973 he was running a string of businesses and
the Bussau Empire that was to end up benefiting thousands of people
worldwide was full steam ahead. Now he and Carol live in Sydney
close to their two married daughters and five grandchildren. He has
previously been awarded the title of Australian Entrepreneur of the
Year and International Social Entrepreneur of the Year.
Len “Ted” Frances, QSM. 1938—1941
Researching Past Students
The Annual meeting of the Wairarapa College Trust
agreed that $2,000 be donated to the local Wairarapa Branch of the Genealogical Society to assist
with researching of past students. A group of 4 local
ladies from the genealogical society and our own
data administrator Angela Snowsill have started this
huge task. The students we have listed that were
enrolled in the 1930’s is our starting group. (All students registered in the 1920’s have previously been
located) This group of intrepid researchers work
tirelessly trying to locate those on our data base that
we have no details for. Past student Marlys Blithe
(nee Leighton) has been enlisted to help on a volunteer basis alongside Angela and we are hoping that
eventually we will be able to get a core group of volunteers to learn the researching skills and meet on a
regular basis so that we can continue to locate our
past pupils. With over 20,000 names on our data
base and less than 2,000 verified we have a long
way to go! We have listed some names we have
been unable to locate. If you know any of these
names and can give us further information it would
be very much appreciated. Also if you have friends
or relations that we may not know about (dead or
alive) we are very keen to hear from you. The data
base is a living document that will require regular
updating but we are dependant on outside support
to keep this current. If you have an interest with
this work and are will to commit some time to this,
either occasionally or on a regular basis, or just have
some information for us, please contact either Angela at or Karen Barbour, We would appreciate
any details for the following past students- Phyllis
Marie Jeffrey Married Noel Reuben Norman Harrison
1945 W.C.1938-1939. Harold Stuart Jackson Married Dawn Maud Ageut W.C.37-1938 Dorothy Jean
(Jan) Gordon Laing Married Robert Ambrose Patrick
1947 W.C.1935-1939. Jack Rongona Gordon Laing
W.C.1938-1939. Ruby June Elizabeth Lumley
W.C.1939. Isabella Jones W.C.1938. Lloyd Jones
W.C.1938. Constance Thelma Jeffrey Married Pat
Wynton Brewer 1945 W.C.1938. Patricia May Keen
Married Leslie John Wallace 1952 W.C.1938
Isabel Jean Liddington Married Joseph Charles Brush
W.C.1938-1939. Ian Keltie W.C. ?
Service to community with sport, schools and local politics
Len “Ted” Frances QSM- known as the Wairarapa face of the Heart Foundation. He lived a lifetime of dedication to community
involvement, often completed alongside his wife of 68 years, Jean (nee Summers), with whom he had four children.
Mr Frances was born in Masterton, the youngest of four children to Italian immigrant Louis Frances and wife Nellie. Schooled
at Masterton Central and Masterton Tech before starting work as an office boy aged 14 with the then newly established Hansells
food essence company. At the age of 12 he became involved with amateur athletics that continued with running of his first
marathons when he was in his 50s. Mr Frances’ tenure with Hansells lasted 25years, during which time he completed a night
school accountancy course and met and married Jean, the love of his life. In 1941 he started territorial military training and was
selected for officer training at Trentham and continued training at Wadestown, McKay’s Crossing and Moonshine camp with the
8th Reinforcement. He left in 1943 with a contingent of 6000 men as part of the 10th Reinforcement , and fought in Italy with the
6th Field Regiment. Mr Frances enjoyed Army life and sports although not losing sight of “civvy” street ,sitting his final accountancy exams in 1945 while his division was being gradually transported home. He was again offered a commission while
the Pacific War was still being fought, but declined this ,instead returning home . In 1946, Mr Frances resumed work at
Hansells and built a new home in Kuripuni, where he and Jean established gardens and an orchard. His involvement resumed in
athletics as both a runner and administrator and he became heavily involved in Jaycees and was part of the community effort to
build a war memorial stadium and pool. About the same time he involved himself in local politics, serving as a borough councillor for three years from 1953.
14
Sylvia Ashton-Warner (1908–84)
A novelist, autobiographer and educational pioneer. Born in Stratford, Taranaki, one of 10 children, reared by a father crippled with rheumatoid arthritis, and an indomitable mother who educated her until she was 11.
Silvia attended Wairarapa High School and went on to graduate as a teacher from Auckland Teachers College.
She married another teacher Keith Henderson and with him and their 3 children spent many years as an Infant Mistress teaching in far-flung Maori schools. Despite her resistance to teaching, Ashton-Warner stayed in the profession
from 1938 to 1955, working with her husband in Maori schools in Horoera (East Cape), Pipiriki (Wanganui River)
and Fernhill (Hawkes Bay). During those years she formulated her revolutionary method of ‘organic teaching’
which she expounded in her famous work Teacher. Her recognition that each person has a ‘key vocabulary’, a set of
words with a special meaning relating to their emotional life, enabled her to develop a reading scheme for children
who were otherwise failing at school. Though she despaired of being recognised in New Zealand for her contribution
to education, she enjoyed a warm response overseas. First published in 1963, this work made her one of the most
celebrated and influential educators of the century. Ashton-Warner’s fear that teaching would render her incapable
of making a mark elsewhere was not borne out. Her teaching enriched her fiction, and the creativity from which the
fiction came underlay her innovations in education. She broke new ground in New Zealand fiction, opening the
world of imagination and emotion as a legitimate subject. Sylvia wrote an number of novels including Spinster
(1958), Incense to Idols (1960), Bell Call (1964), Greenstone (1966), Three (1970). She also published another educational work, Spearpoint (1972), a diary of her life from 1941 – 1945, Myself (1967) and her autobiography, I passed
this way (1979). After the death of her husband in 1969, Sylvia spent 10 years in ‘exile’ living and teaching in India,
Israel, England, the USA and Canada, returning finally to her beloved New Zealand where she died in 1984.
Kurt Adam—
A former Wairarapa College student has scaled new heights both culinary and geological to take out the top chief 2010 award at
Australia's Mt Hotham alpine resort area. Keen snowboarder Kurt Adam, 30, did his apprenticeship at Masterson's Cobb & Co
before moving on for a stint at Wellington's celebrated Logan Brown, before ending up at the Jack Frost Restaurant and Bar in
the Victorian ski resort, 357km northeast of Melbourne.
He won the honour at Mt Hotham’s recent Mountain Fresh Festival with a meal organisers described as a “delicious dish of
prosciutto wrapped red stag venison, Milawa blue, local thyme polenta and red wine jus”. “It’s blooding amazing for Kurt”, said
Graham Adam, his Masterton grandfather especially considering he remembers his fussy young grandson as “one of the hardest
buggers in the world to feed”. Kurt Adam plans to continue his alpine foray and, according to his mother Leslie Ann, will head
to Hakuba a ski resort in the northern Japanese alps to work at the Double Black restaurant.
Former Wairarapa College pupil catches his man !
Alfred Arthur Edward Gyde, 1931-2009 -Pioneer police dog handler
Former policeman Alf Gyde- one of the legends of the Waikato Police Dog Section.
As submitted by David Crompton, Alf's good friend and former Wairarapa College friend.
During my years as a boarder at the College (1945-48), I became very friendly with Alf Gyde (1946-49).
We both lived in College house, and played together in 2nd XV rugby, Alf got into Ist XV later on.
After leaving College I returned to my home town and began farming, and Alf joined the Police Force,
later transferring to Hamilton. On days off we often met at my parents home, and it was here that Alf met
Barbara, who was later to become his wife. We continued our friendship throughout our married lives and
remained in regular contact, with our children also becoming good friends. The story below is a part of New Zealand criminal
history with a song written about George Wilder and his bid for freedom and the part Alf, and his dog Bruce played in his capture . Below is an excerpt from David who describes Alf's adventure in helping the notorious escaper George Wilder
Alf and Bruce had many notable wins, like the arrest of notorious car converter, burglar and escaper George Wilder in the National Park area in the late 1950’s. George had became something of a folk hero, eluding the police time after time, breaking into
holiday homes for a bath and a meal, and usually leaving a note thanking his “hosts” for their charity. On this occasion the police had a hot lead and Bruce was on George’s trail. He found George in bush, hiding under a log. Faced with a triumphant German shepherd and a large policeman George surrendered without resistance. A photograph of the time shows George handcuffed
to Alf. George was clean and tidy having recently freshened up at a “host’s” holiday bach. Alf was as rough as guts – he’d been
bush for days hunting the fugitive. Over several years Alf and George developed a curious relationship, pursuer and pursued, as
George continued his flights from custody. Alf died at son Gregory’s farm in Tainui Road, near Morrinsville, on Thursday July
23rd he was 77. More than 400 farewelled him at the Hamilton Gardens pavilion. Among them were those who wondered
whether George Wilder (reportedly living quietly in north Wairarapa) was one of them. Alf is survived by Barbara, two daughters, one son, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Bruce, of course, is long gone. He joined the New Zealand Police Dog Unit in 1956 and was teamed with Alf. Bruce had eight years on the job, was retired in 1964, and became the Gyde
family pet. His hard-running life took toll on his hips, arthritis set in, life lost its joy, and he was kindly put to sleep. It broke
Alf’s heart. Their action-packed years building a legend are studded with stories, this is just one of them.
Bob & Linda Alsop– Past Matron and Supervisor at College House for many years, Bob was
also the Executive Officer in the Board Office and had an earlier stint as a teacher at Wairarapa College. They have recently returned to the area to live at Riversdale Beach and from
Nov 1st they have taken over the lease of the Riversdale Store. So if you are out at the beach
over the summer call in and have a coffee and chat.
15
GRAND PIANO
Following our appeal for financial support in the first Old Students Magazine
the school has been astounded by an anonymous donor.
The past student offered to donate the entire $95,000 required to purchase a
top of the line Grand Piano.
This put the fundraising team and Music department into a bit of a spin, but
after much consideration, the school has purchased (from Piano House in
Wellington ) a 8’ 3” Schimmel K256 Concert Grand Piano.
The school and wider Wairarapa community will be benefitting from this gift.
We believe that with this piano in the district we will be in a position to host a
number of acclaimed pianists for the pleasure of all.
The school music department was taken aback and caught some what unaware
by the swift response of the entire amount requested, it was initially assumed
this would take us a number of years to achieve the amount required. We had already received a number of donations as individual Piano Key Sponsors in support of the fundraising drive. At the anonymous donors request we
contacted all previous donors and all agreed that the money they gifted towards the purchase of a grand piano
could be put towards the purchase of a new classroom piano to replace the existing one. These donors will be acknowledged by a sponsors board (designed like a piano keyboard) that will be displayed within the new College hall
and performing Arts Centre. The school continues to accept donations for a new classroom piano, and the form is on
page 17 if you are interested in contributing.
Reunions— Coming up and Reunions held.
Purnell Hostel Reunion At the end of September 2009, the Purnell Hostel old girls of Wairarapa College from 195055 had a reunion at College. It was such fun meeting up with everyone. We had an informal dinner on the Friday evening, a tour
of the school Saturday morning and a visit to Purnell ( the house which was moved into the country about 14 years ago I then
realised how privileged we were as 12/13 year olds to live in such a beautiful two-storied house with its gorgeous grounds (even
a tiny island!), We, of course, couldn't wait for the following year when we could move across to the second etc year dormitories
away from the matron's eagle eye! Saturday night we had the formal dinner and on Sunday after breakfast we had a little church
service taken by the Minister who had began his church work taking us students for bible class.
Contributed by Joan Wooller, ex pupil of Wairarapa College and former Purnell resident.
Class of 1951 5th Form Reunion 2011
Merv Brown has suggested a reunion of the 1951 5th Form as next year it will be 60 years since this 5th form class attended
Wairarapa College, currently the data base is being searched with a view to track down former class mates, If anyone knows of
class mates local and out of town, please contact Merv Brown at admin@mbbrown.co.nz or call MB Brown (06) 3773445or the
database administrator Angela Snowsill angela@waicol.co.nz or through the Wairarapa College office, telephone 06 370400.
Matagi Tokelau o Wairarapa—reunion for Tokelau students
As advertised in the first magazine this reunion was held on Labour weekend just gone. I understand that it
was well supported and we hope to have plenty of pictures and comments for he next edition.
Wairarapa College 90th Reunion - 2013
This is fast creeping up on us, if you have any good ideas about special events you would like to see and or
be involved in, let us know.
Sally Summers nee Simpson
Sally Simpson left Wairarapa College intent on becoming a nurse. But her dad Thomas vetoed it because she had shaken off
diphtheria as a youngster and he thought nursing would prove too arduous. He must have known something because that led her
to respond to a newspaper advertisement placed by Saunders, who was seeking a shoe salesman, and she got the job.
That was in 1950 and the young woman's first assignment was a trip to Auckland for a week of intensive training. “I had to start
that the tannery to see how leather was made and go right through to the finished product,” Mrs. Summers said. During her long
tenure at Saunders, she has worked for only three owners. She started with Trevor Wright who had brought the business from its
founder Wally Saunders then worked for Gary Sims and, for the past two years, or Tracy Donald. Mrs. Summers, 79, has been
with Saunders Shoes all that time and can claim to be the longest serving retailer in Masterton. She says woman she served when
they were little more than children are still buying from her more than 50 years later.
Mrs. Summers has also managed to get married and raise a family. She has been married to Alan for 57 years and has three
daughters Susan, Diane and Christine.
N.B If you want to see the new school hall and Performing Arts Centre be watching the final of
Young Farmer of the Year in 2011 as Wairarapa College will be hosting it with full T.V Coverage.
16
Piano Key Sale
Make a lasting contribution to music at Wairarapa
College by purchasing a piano key.
All 88 keys are to be sold. Your name may be added
next to the note of your choice on a wall keyboard
that will be on display in the new Performing Arts Centre as a lasting tribute to your generosity.
This promotion began as a fundraiser for the new Grand Piano but will now go towards the purchase of a
quality replacement for the school classroom piano. Be quick a number of keys have already been sold.
Name ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————Phone ___________________________________________________
Value of Donation
$
Minimum $100 per key.
I wish to have the following engraved on the wall Keyboard (remember a maximum of 20 characters)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Method of payment (please circle)
Cash
Cheque
Direct Credit
Bank account details: 010682 0200279 46
Particulars: Name Code: Piano Key
If paying by Direct Credit you must also send in this form separately to ensure we have your details for the
WAIRARAPA COLLEGE
Performing Arts Centre
Mezzanine Seats
Have you thought of buying a mezzanine
seat?
Keen for some immortality?
If you are a past student and had other family members attend Wairarapa College, get together and buy
a family seat “Thomson Team 1963 – 1973”
Were you part of the famous 1975 winning
First XI Hockey Team? get your mates together and name
the seat “ First 11 Winners Wood Cup 1984”
Promote your favorite subject. “Math’s maketh the man”
Celebrate your children’s achievements “Sue Taylor Head
girl 2oo3”
Name
___________________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________________
Value of Donation
$
I wish to have the following engraved on the plaque
(remember a maximum of 25 characters)
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Method of payment (please circle)
Cash
Cheque
Direct Credit
Pick a seat number special to you e.g. seat B2 and put on the
Bank account details: 010682 0200279 46
plaque “2B or not 2B”
Particulars: Name Code: Hall Donation
All donations of $400 or over will be recognised by
the naming of a seat.
(This donation will attracts a 33% Tax rebate)
17
If paying by Direct Credit you must also send in this form separately to ensure we have your details for the plaque.
Wairarapa College Old Students Association
2011 Financial Year Subscription Notice
1 January 2011 – 31 December 2011
PLEASE NOTE SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Life Membership
This is a one off opportunity to become a Life Member
$200.00
Special discount for Old Student couple life membership
$250.00
TOTAL DUE
OR
Annual Membership
Yearly subscription
TOTAL DUE
$25.00
I wish to make a donation to Wairarapa College Trust
$...............
Directly to the college for a specific area ( please indicate)
Arts Sport
Academia College House Other
$..............
I wish to make a regular pledge of
$.................... Each..................
I wish to receive a copy of the Wairarapa College Annual Magazine
$20.00
Currently the OSA College Catch up magazine is free to all registered Past Students
Method of Payment
Cash
Cheque
Direct Bank Credit
Bank account details 010 682 0200279 46
Please make Cheque payable to Wairarapa College and return to P.O.Box 463, Masterton. 5840
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------———————————————————
Please up date full contact details
Full Name…………………………………………………………………………….…………………………..……………….
Years at Wairarapa College ...............................................................................................................
Email address………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………...
Address……………………………………………………………………………………..…………………...…………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………
Phone No (H) …………………… (W)………………………...(Mob)…………………..…………………….………….
18
Rear View of the Performing Arts Centre
This was stage 1 and has classrooms and a small theatre
Front View of the new school hall and performing Arts Centre taken from the
rugby field during the winter
Recent shade additions and upgrade of the school canteen, the financing of this was supported by the PTA
Left Exam time inside the new
school hall.
Right Ian Hodge performing at the
Gala Opening night.
Below Balloons taking off from the
sports field at the College Gala.
Bottom of page Trad 7 performing at the Gala Opening night.
19
Supplier of the new Schimmel
Grand Piano
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