July 1955 School Magazine

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MAGAZINE of the

BRISBANE GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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Reqiatered at the G.P.O., Brisbane, for transmission by post as a Periodical

Published by Miss L. W. Crooks, Brisbane Girls' Grammar S"chool and printed by Allan William Cramb, Fuller Street, Windsor, for The Read Press Pty. Ltd. , 610-616 Ann Street, Valley, Brisbane.

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ALLAN & STARK Grammar School Wear is in a class by itself.

After School,Days

. . Join STOTT'S

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S E C R E T A R I A L TRAINING q u a l if i e s students f o r e x - c 1u s i v e office appointments

If you a re on a quest for a regula tion Grammar School Un iform, then come to Allan & Stark w he re you can ou tf it your child from head to toe . Illust rated : Regul ation Uniform of Navy Tobralco Skirt (sizes 24 to 30) and White Popli n Bl ouse (sizes 32 t o 36).

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PROSPECTUS ON APPLICATION

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Stott's Business College Pty. Ltd. 290 ADELAIDE STREET, BRISBANE

ALLAN and STARK At the Smarter End of Queen Street. .......................................................... ~

K. H. S. Kerr, F.A.S.A.

Phone : FA 1627

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Principal

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NUNN & TRIVETT'S COMMERCIAL COLLEGE

All coaching under the expert and personal attent ion of the Principal, Miss S. R. Halstead. Personal interviews invited - day and even- ing classes. Shorthand, Typing, Commercial English, Commercial Arithmetic and Book- keeping .

ANNE HATHAWAY BUILDINGS-125 GEORGE STREET (opp. Executive Buildi·ng) Phone B 9529

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FOR HEALTHY HAIR-use the

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Banking . . . An Attractive Career /or Girls

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If you are looking for an interesting and well-paid position, why not consider what the Commonwealth Bank of Australia can give you? The Bank offers girls a variety of positions in the fields of stenography, accounting machining, typing and clerical work with real opportunities for advancement. No previous experience is necessary. Conditions of service include good pay with annual salary increments, superannuation, three weeks' annual leave, long-service leave, Health Society benefits and excellent amenities. ·

Apply in person at the Staff Department, 3rd Floor, Commonwealth Bank, cnr. Martin Place and Pitt Street, Sydney, or to the Manager of any Branch of the Bank. COMMONWEALTH BANK:

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SpoPting C' /\1en and Women Appreciate the honest value they obtain at the Bl;S.D. They realise too, that the GOODS they buy cannot be bettered ANYWHERE WE CATER FOR EVERY GAME (Indoor and Outdoor) And our Stocks of TENNIS, GOLF, 'CRICKET, HOCKEY. CROQUET, BOWLS or BOXING MATERIALS. Etc.. Etc. Are the Finest in Australia MAIL ORDERS ARE SPECIALLY PROVIDED FOR CALL OR WRITE FOR FREE LISTS WE HAVE AN UNRIVALLED SERVICE FOR REPAIRS Expert Workmanship-Prompt Service-Best Materials Brisbane Sports Depot "For Everything Good in Sporting Goods" 342 QUEEN STREET. BRISBANE Telephone : B 0654 Telegrams: "HUISGOOD," BRISBANE

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Editorial

JN April of this year, a grand old m~~· Sir Win~ton Churchill, retired from the pos1hon of Pnme Minister of Great Britain. Here is a man who has devoted his life to the service of his fellow-men, both at home and abroad, and who, at the culmination of his career on his eightieth birthday last year, received the acclamation of the world. Churchill's greatness lies in the fact that he sought not to exalt himself, but to promote world peace; and when that failed, to help his country against aggressive nations by serving in the forces in his earlier years, and by his superb leadership of Britain in the Second World War. Through all his life, he gave his "blood, toil, tears and sweat" for Britain and the world. Let us, as far as we can, follow the example of this great man. Most of us, doubtless, will never achieve such g.reatness as his; but we can serve-as our horizon widens-our School, our city, our country, the world. We of the younger generation are the future citizens of Australia and of the world; on each one of us rests the responsibility of the peace and prosperity of mankind. Are we going to pursue our own interests, or devote our lives to the service of God and His people of all nations ?

A. Sparkes Pty. Limited MEAT SUPPLIERS

Oldest Established Business in Brisbane

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Branches: Wickham Street, Valley (Phone L 1889) Leichhardt Street (Phone B 4417)

Only Choicest of Meats Stocked

THE CHOICEST MEAT YOU CAN EAT

- L. Denmead.

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July. 1955

Brisbane Girls' Gramm.ar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

CURRENT EVENTS. We came back to School this year to find a number o1 pleasing innovations. Many classrooms were painted and all had been provided with electric clocks. It was thus that we welcomed to the School Mrs. Stenders, Miss Munro, and Miss Marks, the last an old girl of the School. Unfortunately we had to say "Good-bye" to Miss Lilley, Miss Glover, Miss Anderson, and at the end of first term to Mrs. Kronfeld, in whose place we should like to welcome Miss Douglas. The Tuck-shop now provides ice-cream and drinks on Wednesday, as well as on Monday and Friday, when more substantial lunches are also wld. We are very grateful to the Boys' Grammar School for the invitation to their Swimming Carnival on the 25th of February. Sixth Form girls were also grateful for the invitation extended tc them by Mrs. Hirschfeld to serve afternoon tea at the Man- nequin Parade which she organized a t the Boys' School and at -which b eautiful costumes were shown to an admiring a udience. A film of the Davis Cup shown at School on the ll th of March was enjoyed by a ll tennis enthusiasts. The inter-form Swimming Carnival was held on the 15th cf March. Sixth was the winning form, with IIIE and IIIC fol- lowing very closely. On the 26th of March, the In,ter-School Swimming Carnival was held in the Valley Baths. Our con- gratulations go to Clayfield College and Somerville House, and to our own team which carried us to third position. At the Inter-School Life Saving Competition for the McWhirter Cup we came fourth . We are now practising diligently for the Inter-Form Ath- letics Competition, which will be held on the first of July, and for the Inter-School Sports on the 16th of July. This year the present girls were hoste2ses on Old Girls ' Day. We must congratulate the Old Girls on winning the "A" tennis match and the "B" and "C" basketball matches. The Science, Debating, and Dramatic Clubs continue to increase in membership, and again this year they a re provid- ing instructive entertainment for many girls. The Senior School attended, on the 12th of May, an enjoy- able performance of Shaw's witty play "Pygmalion" by the Independent Theatre of Sydney. In June many girls saw "King Lear" produced by Twelfth Night Theatre. The School Concert, presented on the 15th and 16th of June, was a great success owing to the untiring e fforts of those concerned. 10

Essay for the Betty Woolcock Challenge Cup, 1954.

"NOT ONCE OR TWICE IN OUR ROUGH-ISLAND STORY THE PATH OF DUTY WAS THE WAY TO GLORY."

To win immortal glory and to leave, When life is past, a living memory, To mark the W:Jrld with impress of one's thought And action; more than fame or reputation This, through all ages has crowned man's endeavour. Duty, not blind allegiance is !he path A moral obliga tion which may not Be laid aside, but lives as conscience lives Within the soul of man; and when it calls The challenge it extends is that a man, Before all else, be true unto himself. Then, true to self, he must be true to those Whose way of life runs side by side with his, A duty to the State and Commonwealth And more than these, a duty to the world Whose citizen, by right of birth, he is. The path of duty is a narrow road. The way is steep and heavy fall the feel That tread it yet, monotonous s tep by s tep. But ever, in the distance, shines the gleam That lures man on, although the way be hard, To triumph in completion of the task, And satisfaction cheers the weary heart As, each step won, the next is easie r made . "Net once or twice in our rough island-s tcry"- The Chronicles of England cry the names Of gallant men , the noblest of their race, Who sought not power for self or worldly might But :Jnly sought the strength to do their duty, The fortitude and courage to endure . That signal of Trafalgar was not new To Nelson's flee t, nor were his men the last To rally to its challenging demands. From the Armada to Dunkirk its words resound And still it is the watchword of their breed. "We shall not flag or fail," this confidence Sprang not from vanity or empty pride But from the certain knowledge that their strength Lay in the loyal service of their people . For those who walked the path the way was long, The end unkn:Jwn; but when, at last, the read Was travelled and they dared to raise their heads Bent, as they walked, in deep humility, They saw, behind, the long road they had come Aglow with radiance of self-sacrifice 11

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

A CHINESE NEW YEAR. In Australia, the celebration for a new year lasts only for cne day, but in China, the celebrations for such an occasion last from three days for as much as seven days. On New Year's Eve, there is a gathering of merchants in one centre of the town , where they sell a ll kinds of things, the goods being displayed in little groups. Few decorations are used, because the gathering closes at midnight. Hundreds of people with their children go there. The selling of flowers and firecrackers is most popula r. One can hear the noise cf fire crackers early on New Year's morning. As a rule, the children go to congratulate their parents , and say things such as " I hope you will be happy, hea lthy and rich." In return, they get two "lee see," a little red envelope containing some money; these are given only by married people to their juniors. Simila r envelopes are a lso given to servants by their masters and mistresses. After breakfast (a meal which contains no meat), the whole family, dressed in brightly coloured clothes, start their routine of visiting. Usually, young people go to their elder's home. They bring with them a servant or two, carrying big baskets containing home-made cakes a nd sweets, of which they pre- sent a portion to every family they visit. As they reach their destination , they sha ke hands with or bow to their fri ends, and after giving out the "lee see," they sit and talk while the children join together to play fire crackers . Their guests are presented with water me lon seeds, which are dyed in red; only the inner portions are edible. Sweetened coconuts, melons and lily seeds are other savouries for New Year's Day. The lunch is made up of different kinds of home-made cakes and Chinese tea. The New Year's supper consists of many courses, of which some are roast duck, roast pig, chicken, sweet and sour fish. and fried rice. Noodles is always the last course. Naturally, the supper will not be perfect without some sort of wine. The rest of that day will be spent in worshipping the· Chinese god by old-fashioned people , while the others will go to a picture or have some other sort of entertainment. The noises of crackers die down gradually as the days. advance. But they revive on the seventh day, which is called 13

Whilst round them shone a new and brilliant light. They who had sought no glory of their own Con tented that they served a glorious land These noble spirits who had yet deemed not The lowly task too mean, the great beyond Their power, these, in that hour of triumph, soared To immortality on glorious wings . The glory of the world and God's "Well Done!" Shall bless their labours who would follow them, And they shall find again as England found "The path of duty was the way to glory." Middle and Lower School Lyric Prize 1954. THE CHANGING PULSE. The world w as drab a nd shadowed c;Tey for me, And all at once there came a miracle To lift me into pulsing, lifting life, And laughing in the fervour of my youth I open flung the doors that bound my heart To feel the sunshine flooding, gushing in; And laughed again, to know its warm content . For now I clasp thee close, 0 dream of mine, Lest, elfin-like , you fleet to nothingness Or linger a s the scent of morning dew Or falling roses, in the Autumn dusk. Yet somehow faded is that first delight Inspired rapture. tinged w ith bitter-sweet, Ins tead there is a softness, glowing, warm, A lapping tide that soothes my consciousness. And a ll that I have done a nd seen and known, Are memories I could not, would not y ield; Their beauty lives undying, like a flame, That lights the darkness I have left behind ! I caught my breath in sheer-fe lt happiness, Incredulous that I could share such joy.

-Helen Enchelmaier.

-Anne Wright.

-MARGARET SCOTT, Ifi D.

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July. 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July. 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

The following- morning- we baqqed her. In this process baqs are thrown around the horse, while she is tied securely by a halter to a rail. Amidst dust and confusion she was terrified at first but she became used to the baqs and stood warily as I threw them from my position on the top rail. The following- afternoon I was to ride her in the yard. That afternoon instead of a halter, Dad used a bridle. The taste of a bit was entirely new to Flicka, who resented the piece of cold steel in her mouth very much and showed us so l::y continually tryinq to force it out from behind her teeth. 'Next morning- the test came. She had been so quiet with all these stranqe thinqs, that Dad was somewhat afraid that she would make it very difficult for me. After brinqinq forth the saddle, Dad walked towards her with it over his left arm. She snorted, as he expected, but was much more indiqnant when she found that it was to qo on her back and that the crupper was to be firmly placed under her tail. It was finally secured and Dad handed her over to me. Feeling- rather scared, as she was now rooting-, I placed the reins over her head, my foot in the stirrup and swunq myself Gp. Before there was time to put my other foot in the stirrup, she had her head dawn and was doinq her first piece of out- right bucking. Once on her I felt better but it took a great deal of strength to sit her through her first protest. It was just as Dad had expected and half feared. She had gently gone through the other ordeals but this was her last and most furious attempt to regain her freedom from the domina- tion of man. When she had finished her first round, I steadily dis- mounted and, feeling quite shaky and stiff, stumbled towards the rails, Flicka following me. Dad quite firmly said I had done as much as I was going to for the first day and I thankfully but slowly climbed the hill to tell mother of the conquest. ~Janette Westaway, IV E.

"people's day." This day is usually spent with the family at a picnic or something- like that, but they will not be able to qo swimming-, as the weather is freezing- cold durinq that time in China. After that, the men start work- aqain, while children are still on their holidays, but they will never forqet the haPBY hours of those New Year days. To the Chinese people, New Year's day is as important as Christmas Day to Europeans. ~Julie Wonq, IV F. BREAKING IN A HORSE. One of my most vivid memories is of the occasion when my father and I broke in my filly . Dad had waited until the Christmas holidays began so that l could ride her myself, his weight b e ing far too much for my thirteen-hand pony. The filly, Flicka, was a pretty little thing, a bay with a wh ite blaze down ,her forehead. On the first day, we introduced Flicka to some of the more common noises to which she would have to become accus- tomed, such as the jangling of a bit, the noise made by rails being lifted into position, the crack of a whip, the yells heard in the yards and the bark of a dog. The latter noise was hard to make as our old cattle dog needed a great deal of encourage- ment. Soon we had Flicka standing rather stiffly, but trembling all over, as we went through the procedure of noise making. After watering her we left her to spend the night in a small. paddock near the yards. Next day,. we began to wander about in the yard with her. At first she would race to the opposite side of the yard but soon became used to us . In the afternoon we decided that it was time to halter her. The new rope halter had been thrown over the rail of the round yard which, mainly for decoration and shade, has· a mass of green vine at the top, forming a roof. Slowly Dad walked towards the filly and bringing his hand up to her mane caught her firmly with the rope. When the rope tightened we suddenly found her pulling away. However, she could not go very far as the halter was not very long. Finally, after some .struggling she gave in and walked quietly up to Dad.

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July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

BY SANDY REACHES. As the day its ebony curtain draws, Ashadowing silent and tranquil shores, Where swoops and lifts the graceful gull, Falls this mystic, enchanted spell.

MOUNTAINS. Some live on the rolling plainlands; Others love a life at sea; Thousands dwell in teeming cities; The mountains hold a spell for me .

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From the silver lining of moonlit sand, Where glimmer the lights of a fairyland, From the wild-strewn tangle washed from the foam, Wafts the strain of a sighing sea. To the ears of the earth are rendered mute The secret tunes of the sea-shell's lute, And only in fantasy, 'midst the gleam, Do the melodies waken the air. But now through the thickening haze of mist, There comes a note that the wild do list, And the gull soars low on restless wing, And ceased are the whisperings from the shore. A slow w ind is rising up from the north, The swelling wave comes stirring forth, And the air is charg8d with an element; The spirit that goad's the sea's temperament. That leaps from out the murky depths, Mocking the margins of troubled sands. Biting the air with a sharpened tang; Bursting in fi ts of a stinging pang; Choking fragrance that lifts from the land; Whirls the waves' accomplice-the wind ! Exempt from the will and law of the land, Shouting its freedom from sand to sand, The sea, leaping high-unkempt, uncouth, Domineers ihe haunts of its domain. It is whipping the cliffs with its play; It is wearing the rock as if clay; And swelling, heaving, surging, smashing, Ever defying the will of the man. Lashing the stubborn yet yielding crag, And seeing the steadfast turrets sag Rushes in-conquers-and wild with glee, Plunders on-screaming with wicked cry . But it tires of its wild, tempestuous play, And the gloating wind sweeps on its way, Darkness devours the fleeting moon, And the demon of the deep awakes .

Among the peaks that crowd together, A hut of logs in a wattle bower Nestles, safe against all weather Though dark and fierce the storm' clouds lower. Those summits that have seen the changes Brought about by passing years, Guard their secrets. in the ranges, Brooding on the world's dark fears. Mirrored where a tropic sea laps On a stretch of golden sand, Or bound by snow and glist'ning icecaps, Mountains tower in every land.

Moon and s tarlight softly outline- Raging black clouds build a dome- Brilliant sunset bathes with sunshine These; the mountains are my home.

- Rhonda Vickers, Form III D.

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Leaving alone to the cowering gull, The peace and solitude of the crag.

The east is adorned with a crimson glow, And the wisps of blushing mist hang low Above the silent and tranquil shores, Where the whispers are borne on the air.

MOONLIT SHORES.

-Wendy Pope, Form IV E.

-MARGARET PACEY, IV F.

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July, 1955·

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

:Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

A VISIT TO BERCHTESGADEN. Nestling among the Bavarian Alps in the south of Germany is the small town of Berchtesgaden, which is now known all .over the world because it was chosen by Hitler as his moun- tain retreat. We approached it from the little town of St. Johann-in-Tyro! ii!l Austria, where the officials at the German frontier allowed us five hours to go and come. The scenery among the moun- tains was beautiful and the roads were perfect. When we stopped in Berchtesgaden to enquire the way up the moun- tain, we were intrigued by the gay costumes worn by the people, and the brightly painted carts, which were drawn by horses wearing coloured hats to protect them from the sun. The road up the mountain being very steep, we stopped to get water for the car at a large building which was built to house Hitler's staff and is now used as an hotel. Our next stop was at the main building where Hitler held 1Jis conferences. Now, owing to the severe bombing it ex- perienced, only a shell remains, but we were able to see a good deal of it and visualize what it must have been like. It is a large stone building with a courtyard in the centre where part of a statue and a fountain still remain. Hitler had furnished this building with beautiful tapestries and furniture. The view from the very large window-now only a gaping hole-in the main room is magnificent, as it looks out over the Alps and the little town is just discernable :Celow. We were fortunate in meeting a small German boy who was very keen to practise his English; he told us what all the different houses situated nearby were, and which ones be- longed to Goering, Goebbels, Eva Braun and others. Hitler's lookout, or Eagle's Nest, is on a mountain peak immediately above the main building and is approached by a lift, still in working order, which goes up inside the mountain. About a mile away is his shooting lodge, now used as a cafe, and below the main building were the garages and barracks, now only a heap of rubble. It has been decided to remove all that remains of the buildings there, so we feel we were very fortunate in seeing v.rhat we did of this world renowned place. -Wendy Hamon, VI A. 18

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-WENDY POPE, IV E.

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July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

THE LUMP-BREAKERS. There they stood-the oddest collection of men I have ever seen. Black, half-undressed, weary and bleary-eyed, they were a miserable sight. Wide smiles that showed up broken, nicotine-stained teeth and the friendliness of their hearts ; flashed out as they hollered "g'day." Singlets, torn and mended, threadbare, black with coal dust and wringing wet with perspiration, clung to their bodies, following the muscles that rippled underneath and exposing the power of their shoulders. Filthy shorts, dirty socks and dust covered boots, thick and heavy, the pick standing by- these were the badges of the tired lump-breakers, with faces seamed, black and unshaven. They were tall and short, broad and wiry, old and young; they smoked and gambled, cursed and raved- the government \Vasn't any good; the beer was sour; the pay was short; the union wasn't doing all it should; the weather was hot; the missus was in a bad mood; the kids screamed; they lost on the races; it was going to rain-a casket ticket it wouldn't. The truck drivers were slow; they made too much noise; it was too hot; -Gam ! Let's have smoko ! So they sat down and smoked, with a cigarette drooping out of one corner of the mouth, and talked, and ate, and swallowed boiling hot tea, black as the coal itself, and washed down the coal dust with a taste of cheese to help it along. Then back to work. Up! Down! Up! Down! Crash ! Crumble ! The heavy picks came down, smashing the coal into smaller lumps and pushing them through the gaps into the trucks beneath. Standing precariously on the iron bars, they smashed and swung, smashed and swung, smashed their strength and swung their lives away. Eeryl Currie, VI A. PORTRAIT OF A TEACHER. A teacher is generally found peering at, looking over, frightening, encouraging, reprimanding, glaring at, explaining to, answering the questions of, hearing excuses from, and be- coming impatient with or tired of-her pupils. She is expected to know anything that is asked of her, and she expects her pupils to know anything that is asked of them. If they have not learned their work, she must punish them, heedless of the dark thoughts which may be lurking in their guilty minds. As 20

well as being a teacher, she is a sympathizer, critic, adviser, examiner, psychologist, helper, organizer, silence-keeper, and fond homework-setter. She must become accustomed to limited spaces, and learn to divide her time between sitting, standing, and walking a long endless rows of endless pupils the same age, and dressed in the same clothes. Moreover, she must contend with the assorted expressions she faces all day- bored, interested, intelligent, dull-and do her best to keep scores of eyes focused on her or the blackboard, and not on the gardener, cleaner, and pup out the window, or clock .on the wall. Some think her a tyrant, others a heroine, but out of school you will find she is just an ordinary, every-day human being, encountering the same joys, p leasures, and misfor tunes as you are encountering yourself. - Barbara Ward, IV E. THE POPULAR STORY AS THEY LIKE IT. "Put them up !" The dark-haired young man started at the order, his bronz- ed face paling as he saw he was caught, and caught without the slightest chance of escape. Silently he raised his hands above his head. · "Higher please-hold them straight up !" With a groan he stretched his arms still farther upwards. He raised his eyes in mute appeal but he saw no mercy in the steadied gaze which met his glance. His captor was a woman, and was apparently used to handling men of his type. He shook from h is head to his feet as he watched her capable hands, the hands of a woman from whom he could expect no mercy. Here was a woman with an iron will. If only he had stayed at home! If only-but it was too late now for deep regret. He was trapped, trapped by a woman who sat there eyeing him with no trace of compassion in her glance. He saw it a ll now; she had been prepared for him from the start, had waited her chance to trick him into- this. A drop of perspiration trickled down his face. Why wouldn't she end this suspense, this agony of waiting? He breathed heavily, while his legs felt weak and trembling under him. Wauld she never speak, never do anything to end this intolerable silence ? At last she spoke. "That will do, thank you !" was all she said. With a sigh of relief, he let his weary arms fall to his sides, inwardly vow- ing tha t never again would he be tricked into acting as wool- holder for his grandmother ! -Merrell Williams, V B. 21

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July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

AN HISTORIC CHURCH. In the heart of Canberra stands a picturesque little stone church surrounded by tall pines, beneath which are mellow old tombstones. On most days, k:rscinated tourists are seen strolling quietly through the peaceful grounds, reading inscrip- tions on the old graves and admiring the church itself. This church, St. John's Church of England, abounds in history and beauty. When it was built, Canberra did not exist, and it was the centre around which grew the small and scattered village of Canberry, destined to become the Capital City of Australia. St. John's was built in 1841 by Robert Campbell, of Dun- troon. The materials of the building were almost entirely local. The bluestone and sandstone of which it mainly con- sists came from the hills nearby. The interior fittings are cedar and the roof is shingled. Set inside the church doorway is a stone from a church in Warwickshire, England, which dates from 1215. A stone from Wesminster Abbey has also been promised to St. John's. The grounds are entered by either the East or West Lych- gate. An avenue of pines leads from the West Lychgate to the front of the church. Nearby stands a sundial which was erected in 1804 and which originally stood in the garden of Robert Campbell's former home in Camden. One of the oldest graves is the Webb grave, which dates from 1845. This grave has earned renown because of its "Prophetic Tombstone" on which is inscribed :- "Here we have no continuing city but seek one to come." Inside the church are many reminders of its historic back- ground. In addition to the many memorials to prominent mem- bers of pioneering families there are many other objects of historical interest. ·These include a tapestry picture two hun- dred years old, the Altar rail from the church where Lord Nelson's father was vicar, a crucifix belonging to a Belgian girl killed in the 1914-18 war and prayer desks which are a thank-offering from Sir William and Lady McKell. The win- dows in the vestry are made from pieces of old stained glass collected on the Somme battle-fields by the Rector of St. John's. In the tower is a pew on which is carved, "A Knox LLB." This was the work of a boy of fifteen, who later became Sir Adrian Knox, Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. At the back of the church is a gallery which originally was used to seat convicts, who were not permitted to sit . with the other members of ·the congregation. A steep stone staircase leads up to this gallery from the porch. From the gallery, the interior of the church may be viewed. Although dimly lit, the ~~:

-ALEXA TABKE, VI..

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July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

EL ZARDAN. His white~blazed head held high, he stands to see That all is well within his worldly Ephere; El Zardan trots then, actions lithe and free, Vlith tapering ears p ricked, each sound to hear. With flaxen mane and tail aflying light, His flanks and curved neck glinting chestnut fires, And fearless eye, fine head, two socks of white, He has the Arab beauty of h is sires. His master calls, he eagerly responds, No bridle guidance to his hocfs now sends, His fearless spirit only knows the bonds Of faithfulness and love he bears his friends. He is a classic stallion of his kind, A true and fabled drinke r of the wind .

church contains many rich colours, provided by carpets, stained glass windows and flowers. The East Window, which is a memorial to Robert Campbell, is one of the earliest stained- glass windows to be made in Australia. To-day, St. John's life a nd work continues. Although the church is a tourist attraction, it is ' still the parish church of Canberra, and as such will stand, serene and be:xutiful , for many years to come, a memorial of the spiritual faith of its founders, the p ioneers. - Barbara Watson, Form IV D. LIFE AT ADELAIDE RIVER-NORTHERN TERRITORY. Life at Adelaide River, Northern Territory, is not as stream- lined as that of nearby Rum Jungle, and one feels more of the pioneer spirit there. Adela ide River , where the wild donkeys come up to the doors of the small homes, nestles among hills and is delight- fully cool compared with the heat of Darwin. The houses, in- cidentally, are built on huge concrete slabs, relics of the American army. The cost of living is very h igh, except for beef, which costs con siderably less than in Brisbane; excessive rates of pay which the men receive is ample to cover everything. Adelaide River residents work for the uranium companies. The men work practically around the clock during the dry winter months, as, when the wet season sets in, work is con- siderably curta iled. The job of keeping the roads trafficable for the rhuge trucks, which cart the ore to Rum Jungle mines, is a big and important one. The rains during the "wet" sea- son, automatically begin around five P.M. each day. Whilsf it is raining, the grass is growing fee t high. Then it is time for "Knock-em-down" winds. These winds, which fla tten the grass, are a sure sign that the wet season is drawing to a close. After the winds the fire s start a nd everyone guards their possessions by burning huge breaks. Nature has a lso provided the Adelaide River dweller with interesting wild life. Fish and edible birds are there in abun- dance whilst kangaroos are easy to shoot. Kangaroo steak is quite good, and roast parrot or pheasant is a pleasant dish (for those who like it). Life is not without its thrills; one night a nine foot taipan found its way to my brother's house. My brother promptly shot it, not knowning at the time it was such a deadly enemy. The Robyn Falls in the vicinity are really beautiful and tourists from Darwin spend hours inspecting and admiring their bea uty. -R. Volker, IV A.

Daphne Biggs, VI.

THE STAGE COACH.

- NANE'ITE BUCHANAN, IV A.

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July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

NIGHT BEAUTY. The wind swept over the sand-hills to the sh ore hiding the foot-prints of man, as if trying to restore pristine beauty to the scene. The wind was strong and sent a challenge to any who dared to defy her and by their presence mar her sanctum. The sea was black but the moon cut through the blackness to draw a path of silver on the water and caress the tossing, foaming heads of the waves. Had I swum in this sea-this pool of mystery? How did I dare? An island, blacker even than the sea, hid all but its out- line in a cloak of mystery-a cloak of night. So exciting was this that I feared that even breathing would break the spell. Had I seen boats there ? Had men touched that sacred shore ? The clouds were silver-edged and drew a gossamer veil over the moon. I gazed, bewitched, to her silver bower as, drawn to me as I was to her, she sailed forth to reveal her full beauty. From her fullness I knew that she approached the end of her heavenly reign but in my memory she will remain for ever queen of that beautiful night-and me. --JUDITH CLAPPISON, VI B. A WISH. I'd love to walk a busy London street,

A NEW AUSTRALIAN'S IMPRESSIONS OF .AUSTRALIA "A new Australian?" Yes, I am, but I hope to be referred to as an Australian one day. When I first set foot on Aus- tralian soil, I remembered Germany, my birthplace. How dif- ferent it was from Australia! Germany's war ruined towns and villages, and hunger stricken millions lay vividly imprinted in my memory as I viewed Australia's warm sunshine, beauti- ful cities and happy contented people. Travell ing through the country, I saw the incomparable beauty of the Australian country-side. It is a quiet and serene beauty. Its wide, meandering rivers, its majestic mountains, its sunlit beaches washed by the blue sea, its wheat fields at harvest time which lie like carpets of golden grain in the valleys-I have seen them all. I loved Germany, but I am going to love Australia a lso. My loyalty will be to Australia. Sometimes I will think of Germany, for it was my first home, where I was born and brought up. Australia is now my home. - Mancel Ellis, IIIA

And feel the cold of winter's wind and sleet, And hear the chimes of Big Ben ringing clear, Above the traffic boom of London air. I'd love to walk an English country lane, Caressed by softly falling April rain, With violets and primrose growing there, 'Neath hedgerows white with hawthorn blossom fair. CONTENT. The man upon this happy earth that moans At dull monotony of days and years, Has never in his Holy time grown up Or seen the beauty round him through his tears. He might have seen the peaceful harmony Of summe r moons, perh aps the silver sea Beneath a sunset glorious and wide, A jewel of a mountain lake; or heard The soft remonstrances of sleepy birds Or tinkling cowbells on the dusky lea- Has he no wish to feel, to stop his pace, Just step aside a moment' s breathing space And gather in God's glories scattered free· Out of the flurry of this busy world ' To use his eyes, be blind no more, to see ? If not-with all my heart I pity him. God grant my eyes a nd soul may ne'er grow dim.

- Sonia Trist, IV F..

ROAD TO DJUAN.

-LINDA FALANGA, IV D.

-Nanette Buchanan, IV A..

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July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

Distance was covered at an even greater speed than be- fore as the express sped on at approximately 95 miles per hour. A little more than two hundred miles from Kalgoorlie, a dark line of timber could be seen on the horizon, marking the western fringe of the limestone plain. This was the tallest timber which was encountered within a thousand miles, and which continued to within sight of the goldfields city. . i We said farewe ll to the Nullarbor, and to a unique and fascinating train journey, as we neared Kalgoorlie, the western terminus of the Trans-Continental Railway. -Janet Lettice, IIIB ON THE M.V. MANUNDA. After the May vacation, I accompanied my mother back to Brisbane on the coastal tourist vessel the Manunda, leavmg the Cairns whar£ just after 5 o'clock on Friday afternoon. We pulled out from the wharf to the strains of the "Maori's Far~­ well " and as our many and colourful :::!reamers broke, 1t see~ed as though our personal contact with land, had, for the moment been broken. As we were sailing out of Trinity Bay, Cairns looked a lovely sight bidding us farewell. The following day we stopped at Townsville, arriving there in the morning at 7 o'clock, and leaving in the evening. As the tug assisted us out of the harbour, we left our last port of call until we berthed at Brisbane the following Tuesday morn- ing. It being night, the twinkling lights of the city bade us fare- well and remained in the background for what seemed to be several hours. The lonely lights from several light-houses winked at us as we moved down the coast. We sailed through Whitsunday Passage early the follow- ing morning and most of the passengers were on deck to see the Paswge. It presented a very colourful sight, and our binoculars were in constant use. Deck games and competitions soon passed the days, as well as an inspection of the bridge, which proved to be very interesting, and life-boat drill. Entertainment at night included a meeting of the Manunda Racing Club and a Fancy Dress Parade. Fair weather and good companionship made the voyage a very pleasant one indeed. We were able to follow our passage down the coast by consulting the charts which defined our course and stated the 29

BY TRAIN ACROSS THE NULLARBOR This Trans-Australian journey was the most fascinating journey I have ever experienced. From Port Pirie, the Trans-Continental Express sped north- ward between Spencer Gulf and the slopes of Flinders Range. A few miles from Port Augusta we skirted the head of the Gulf and turned westward, travelling alongside strange, flat-topped hills. As these hills faded into the distance, the express entered the "Lake" country. After crossing Lake Windabout and Island Lagoon, we came to Tarcoola. This is the largest settlement between Port Augusta and Kalgoorlie. Leaving Tarcoola, another change occurred in the land- scape, as the train sped on to the unique Nullarbor, one of the large:::! plains in the world. It was quite evident why this plain had been called the "Nulla rbor," as it was completely devoid of trees. The only signs of vegetation were the endless clumps of salt bush. A big surprise for me was the reddish colour of the soil. I had expected it to be white or light grey. Soon it was in our eyes, hair, clothes, and food, and it seeped through every- where as we sped across the plain. Something that disappointed me very much was not see- ing any aborigines. I had heard so much about the Nullarbor blacks that I was looking forward to seeing them with their boomerangs. What I did see, however , that I did not expect, was a mirage. This was very extraordinary, as I saw in the distance what looked like a lake of clear, blue water, bordered by cool green trees a nd bushes-but none of these things really existed. The temperature while we were crossing the plain was 108 degrees. Looking in the direction in which the train was travelling, I saw a straight line of telegraph poles alongside the railway tracks, and looking back in the direction from whence we came, I could see a continuation of this straight line. We were travelling along what was known as the "Straight Stretch," a distance of more than three hundred miles without a bend in the line. Occasionally, on glancing through the window, I could see kangaroos hopping away from the tracks. 28

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Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1955

July, 1955

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

times when we would be passing various islands. These maps were very interesting, to distinguish many islands we passed. Kanimbla amid much whistle-blowing.

la ndmarks and and enabled us We passed the

SPORTS ASSOCIATION. President : Miss Crooks. Vice-President : Mrs . Rorke. Secretary : C. Morrison. Treasurer : H. Miller.

Commit tee : Miss Marks, M. Clayton, W. Hamon, E. Isaacs, W. Stokes, M. Balfour, D. Biggs, C . Bridges, ). Clappison, M. Green, ). Hawes , M. joh nston, A. Pickburn, H. Woolcock, ). Histed, ). Robins, ) . Fielding, P . Crawford, A. Tate, ). Tunstall, N. Clarke, M. Hughes, ). Beak, S. Heath , M. Sands, P. Whittington, B. Bell. BEANLAND MEMORIAL LIBRARY COMMITTEE. President : Miss Crooks. Vice-Presidents : Miss Macmi llan, Mrs. Jackson , Miss Thomas, Miss Paterson. Secretary : Y. Harris. Treasurer : D. Biggs. Committee : L. Denmead, H. Woolcock, ) . Clappison, M. Le tt ice, F . de Vail, H. Samios, R. Scot t, W. Cooper, M. Anthony, L. Phillips , ). Baker, W . Pope, H. Boileau, A. Hutton, S. Williamson, M. Shaile r , T. Gall, ). Whelan. MAGAZINE COMMITTEE. L. Denmead (Editor), B. Currie, A. Tabke (Sub-Editors), K. Wetherell, F . Young, M. Hendry, M. McBain, M. Young, ). Marks, B. Ward, ). Lewis, M. Golliker, ). Trueman, P. Marriott, R. Vickers, A . Craig . PREFECTS. M. Balfour, D. Biggs, C. Bridges, ). Clappison, M. Green, ) . Hawes, E. Isaacs, M. Johnston (Head Boarder), C. Morrison, A. Pickburn, W. Stokes, H. Woolcock.

Upon our arrival in Brisbane, ' on Tuesday morning, our capital city did not present an altogether cheerful view, but when we had finally berthed at Newstead Wharf, no-one seem- ed to notice the weather, as people were hurrying to and fro from the ship. I soon found myself walking down the gangway, and as took one last look at the Manunda before we drove off, I wondered when next I would be boarding an interstate or overseas vessel, and thought of the day when my dreams of travelling over-seas may be realized. - H.Y. VI. After four days of pouring rain the ground was soaked. All streams of surplus water found their way to the swelling river-rushing down the hillsides, pushing rocks before them and leaving flattened grass and torn up bushes in their wake. Empty or stagnant pools were refilled as the fast flowing water rushed down its course. Logs went swirling by in the strong current. Animals heard the roar of the fl ood, and, fright- ened, hurried to safety. An old bridge was washed away as the flood rose higher and higher. Birds flapped their wings and disappeared into the sheltering reeds. The river broke its banks and the flats were gradually covered . . . . The flood receded and the river poured its heavy burden into the sea. The fl a ts were uncovered and mud was left on the creek banks. Now the plains are covered in lush green grass and the river is once more a placid stream, until the next flood rains when it will again become a raging torrent. A FLOOD

FORM CAPTAINS.

JII.A.-). Kay JII.B.-D. Miguel JII.C .-M. Sands JII.D.- H. Ling JII.E.- L. Campbell

IV. B.-B. lrusman IV.C.- M. Boucher IV.D.-). Cornish IV.E.-P. Rogers IV.F.-). Finlayson

VJ.-E. Isaacs W. Stokes V.A.- D. jessup V.B. - P. Rohde IV.A.-H . Brake

TENNIS TEAM.

). Hawes (captain), M Stubbs-Brown (vice-captain), M. Turner, M. Finlayson.

BASKETBALL TEAM.

A. Pickburn (captain), P. Rogers, ). Wetherell, ). Beak, A. Thomas, K. Valle, L. Kipps.

SWIMMING TEAM. M. Clayton (captain), ). Baxter, B. Bell, N. Clark, E. Deaville, ). Histed, E. Howe, M. Hughes, B. Huxham, E. jessup, ) . Johnston, M. Sands, D. Tail, ). Walters, B. Watford.

LIFE-SAVING TEAM.

-Be th Lee, IVA

W . Hamon (captain), M. Colledge, ). Cornish, E. Deaville. 31

30

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