Item 04: Memoirs of a Colonial Boy by Robert Joseph Stewart, ca. 1971 - Page 135
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[Page 135]
67
Council usually had something to say about the finances and building plans. Then everyone crowded out for tea and cakes in the Dining Hall, or in fine weather, on the lawns; several of the older pupils having been detailed to assist the waitresses.
The Pipers Band, in Highland costume, piped out the personages, and then marched around the grounds followed sometimes by the cadet Guard of Honour, furnished always for Vice-Royalty or high-ranking Naval or Military officers. Before sunset the premises were almost deserted, and only Jack and a few helpers remained to sweep up the litter and lock up the buildings.
On my last Speech Day I received the Fifth Form prize, and also the College Blazer for football and athletics. Earlier in the year I achieved the honour of becoming senior prefect, and also Dux of the School, as the honour boards in the Assembly Hall testify to this day.
I always went home to Parkes for the longer holiday periods at Christmas and Midwinter; the first time for one beginning at the end of 1909. Our new home "Rosedernate" was being built at the six acres on the Orange Road to the plans of Herbert Pulver, our only properly qualified local architect, who was Engineer and Surveyor to the Municipal Council, and supplemented the salary he received for this position, with fees for occasional architectural commissions. Incidentally, there were no Council Building Regulations, the Local Government Act of 1908, not yet being in force, in this respect.
I walked over the hill several mornings to watch the carpenters, bricklayers, and other tradesmen, bustling about the half-finished building. But Dad still found useful employment for most of my holiday time in the old chores, more particularly in cutting and trimming the big thick hedge that surrounded the Estate.
When I returned home for my next long vacation, in the Winter of 1910, my family had only recently moved into the new house. It had been specially furnished by Bebarfields of George St, Sydney, under the supervision of one of their specialists, and we were all very proud of it.