The photo of Rosewood State School above was taken during the Jubilee celebration in 1925.
(Rosewood Scrub Historical Society)

Rosewood History Qld.

Rosewood State School Jubilee 1925
A day of golden memories.

© Jane Schy 2025
Published 1st February 2025

This year the Rosewood State School celebrates its 150th anniversary. 100 years ago the community was celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary. The following is an account of the school’s beginnings and that Jubilee celebration.

“When the jubilee of today comes, I hope all the children here will be able to look back with, on the whole, a feeling of content with the way they have filled the years that will have passed by all too quickly. This is the same thing as to wish them lives as happy as wisdom and goodness can make them.” 

Those words were spoken the by Governor Sir Matthew Nathan at the Rosewood State School Jubilee celebrations on Saturday 7th February 1925. The Rosewood Gate Mixed Primary School was opened on 1st February 1875 and 50 years had passed.

Where it began

In the years leading up to the opening of the State school in 1875, agitation for the establishment of a primary school at Rosewood Gate had been persistent, and was primarily led by John William Vance. There was a public meeting held at Rosewood Gate on Saturday 17th September 1870, to make arrangements for establishing a primary school there. Mr. John Vance occupied the Chair.

The following resolutions were proposed and carried unanimously:-

• Proposed by William Mathew and seconded by Richard Mason – “That John Vance take the chair.”
• Proposed by James Moran, and seconded by Domenico Pedrazzini – “That it is desirable to establish a school at Rosewood in connection with the Board of Education.”
• Proposed by John Williams Nicol, and seconded by John Farrell -“That the following be a committee to initiate proceedings and collect subscriptions to build a school and teacher’s house at Rosewood, viz: – William Mathew, John Vance, Martin Beavis, Richard Mason, John Farrell, James Moran, Walter Bunney, Thomas Smith, Thomas Green and Domenico Pedrazzini.

In the meantime on 17th October 1870, a small provisional school was opened by a Board appointed teacher, Walter Hore, and it was conducted in the dining room of the old Rising Sun Hotel. There were 16 boys and 14 girls on the roll. The building was the property of Cribb and Foote, major merchants in Ipswich. They had acquired the inn and a large amount of land from Michael O’Brien when he wasn’t able to repay the debt he owed them. This truly patriotic and enterprising firm spent a considerable amount of money in fencing the whole area of land (about 700 acres), and in repairing the house. It was metamorphosed into a very serviceable school and teacher’s residence, which they offered rent free. It stood very near to where the McGeary residence now stands.

Provisional or temporary schools were provided by the Board of Education before they were replaced by state schools. They could be opened with as few as 12 children and were a means of providing education in areas where the expense of a full state school was unjustified, or where the local people were unable to raise the necessary contributions towards a state school.

The provisional school closed in October 1872, after which John Vance started another provisional school in his own home with 52 children on the roll. It opened on 9th September 1873 when Vance took over as unofficial teacher, charging each pupil 6d per week. There was a school at Alfred McKeon’s place at what is now known as Calvert,  but it was over 7 miles (12 km) away from the Gate. John Vance visited the school to acquaint himself with the routine of a primary school. He notified the Board of Education, who appointed him as teacher with a salary of £50 pound per year.

It was announced in the Government Gazette of July 1874 that 1 acre 1 rood 17 perches had been reserved at Rosewood Gate for the purpose of a school. Tenders for the erection of the school and teacher’s residence closed on 13th July.

Alfred Murray, William Perrem, William Scanlan, William Mathew and James Moran were appointed to continue collecting subscriptions from the residents of the district to raise enough money to meet the government’s requirement of one fifth towards the cost of building a school and teacher’s residence. Eventually, the necessary contribution was raised. Mr John Byers from Ipswich won the contract to build the school (cost £303) and started work on 4th August 1874. Mr Dave Bourke’s bullocks pulled the stumps for the building.

When the construction of a new 30ft x16ft school building began, John Vance resigned, effective as of the 30th September 1874, and his school closed. The timber was on the ground, the frame was completed, and the men were busy putting on the shingles. It was left to the parents to maintain the grounds.

Rosewood Gate Mixed Primary School (No 131) opened on 1st February 1875 and was situated on around 10 acres of land on the other side of the old Toowoomba road, opposite the old Inn. The new school was opened under the charge of Dan Desbois.

Six desks each 11’6, 12 forms each 5’6, one blackboard and one book cupboard were purchased at a cost of £18. Six cedar chairs and one cedar table 40/-, an iron bedstead 65/-, pine washstand 12/- and a pine table for 17/6.

These were the days of “spare the rod, spoil the child.” Nonetheless Dan Desbois seemed to be a popular teacher and he appeared to like children and enjoy his job.

The first names written on the roll on the 1st February 1875 were: Dan Desbois, Gerald Desbois, James Mulholland, John Matthews, Albert Boughen, Arthur Boughen, James Matthews, Frederick Hannant, Richard Mason, Michael Farrell, John Vance, William Vance, Thomas Walker, George Walker, Samuel Hammill, John Hammill, Richard Scanlan, Francis Pedrazzini, Daniel Dale, Lawrence Ryan, Patrick Ryan, Robert Hallam, Julia Ann Moran, Alice Desbois, Helen Smith, Margaret Black, Rebecca Mulholland, Catherine Farrell, Mary Ann Farrell, Margaret Matthew, Margaret Ellison, Sarah Jane Hammill, Elizabeth Dale and Bridget Ryan.

Additional pupils on the register who were included in the first quarter’s attendance were: Michael Doyle, Martin Doyle, Mary Pedrazzini, Henry Smallbone, Arthur Bensley, Charles Hallam, George Dutney, James Madden, Ivy Smallbone, Lawrence Smallbone, Thomas Madden, Francis O’Donnell, Frederick Perrem, Hezekiah Perrem, James Dale, Martha Bamberry, Victoria Vance, Margaret Haley, Mary Jane Ellison, Elizabeth Waight, Henry Walker, Alexander Walker, Michael McCarthy, Harriet Perrem, Selina Perrem, Richard Eaton, Samuel Eaton, Joseph Vance, Joseph Wiles, James Perrem, William Madden, Thomas Haley, Edward McCarthy, Sarah Hawkins, Caroline Dutney, Louisa Dutney, Ellen O’Donnell, Catherine Loveday, Anne Wiles, Elizabeth Wiles, John Mason.

During the first year, 143 pupils from the surrounding district ranging from half-a-mile to five miles away were enrolled at the school.

The teacher’s residence was a 24ft square, four roomed cottage, with 6ft front and back verandahs The floors were made of house pine and the verandahs hardwood. Walls were hardwood weatherboard and there were hardwood shingles on the roof. Water had to be carried from the river for his household until two ship tanks plus taps and stands were installed at the school in April 1875 at a cost of £96.19. “Closets” were also installed.

The attendance during the last quarter of 1875 averaged nearly 90.

Separation Day on 10th December was celebrated with a public holiday and a feast at the school. It was a “red letter” day in the eyes of the youngsters who passed the day with plenty of good food, good sport, good humour and good drink. Looking at the school’s population it was apparent that more room was needed to accomodate the pupils.

On 25th January 1876, the first pupil teacher, a 16 year old young man named Richard Scanlan, was appointed to the school. He received a salary of £30 per annum, the same amount the teacher’s wife was paid to teach sewing.

A project is on foot to fence in the school ground, which has long been needed. The teacher told me he thought, as his sheep were not paddocked, that he had better train a handy civil dog to round up the young of his flock who increase fast on his hands. He tells me I must not allude to him again, or he will acquire the soubriquet (nickname) of Mrs. Harris. [1]

The school here has been inspected by Mr. Platt. There were nearly eighty present- wet as it was underfoot; but then our youngsters do not complain of wet feet. They mostly go bare-foot, which saves them many a cold. [2]

A new school committee was appointed in August 1876:- Mark Bensley, William Mathew, Joseph Hudson, James Moran and Richard Mason. (Govt. Gazette, August)

Our school house is in process of enlargement. By the addition of a double roof at the back, and ends boarded in, there will he decent accommodation for 100 children, and it is all needed. The Education Department has behaved very handsomely to this district. Fully £450 have been spent, of which sum the local contribution has not exceeded £40. [3]

A 7ft wide verandah and a 14ft wide verandah were built along the front and back sides of the school at the request of Dan Desbois. They were added to the school building to accomodate the  increased attendance.

The additions and alterations to the school are now completed, and a vast, improvement they are. It could not have been pleasant to any concerned when some ninety children were crammed into a building 30 x 16 with the glass at  90 degs. to 100 degs. Indeed the schoolmaster tells me he could not sing his favourite hymn, “Vials full of odours sweet”, without a bitter feeling of the irony implied. Now all is changed, and he and his tread merrily their gradus ad parnassum. [4]

Dan Desbois’ wife Mary Ann suffered from epilepsy. She became ill in 1877 and could no longer assist him at the school. At the end of the year Dan was transferred to East Warwick. His replacement was Francis William Johns, who came to Rosewood Gate from Moggill School.

Francis, aged 26, immigrated to Queensland from Upton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, England on the Winefred in 1874.  A son was born on the voyage and named Harry Winefred Johns after the ship. Francis had many outside interests and was the second secretary of the Rosewood Farmers’ Club. He was a keen cricket player and organist at the Congregational church. He was remembered as being a robust fellow with a happy disposition who usually wore a suit coat with dark pinstripe trousers.

Head Teacher – Francis William Johns at right 

In June 1880 a separate 24ft x12ft building, which housed a slab kitchen was also added by local carpenter Thomas Charles Waller, as the result of a former request made by Dan Desbois, and the back verandah was enclosed using with strong curtains to act as wind breaks. In March 1881 he put up a play shed.

Joseph Robert Loney from Calvert joined the Education Department on March 7th, 1881 as a pupil teacher at Rosewood State School. After spending six years at the school he continued on to have a life long career in education, his last posting being as Head Master of Windsor State School.

In early 1882 the Government granted an extension of the school grounds which now comprised an area of upwards of nine acres.

In January 1884, Miss Margaret Elizabeth Blackmore became a teacher (class three) at the school. She was 13 years old and taught at the Rosewood school for 24½ years. (pictured at right)

Francis Johns and his wife Hannah (pictured at left) stayed until the end of 1887 when Francis was promoted and transferred to Goodna. He was given a farewell banquet at Sloane’s Rising Sun Hotel. Speeches referred to the gratitude felt by residents for his past endeavours and his splendid discipline. Mr John Baptist Louis Isambert M.L.A. said no higher compliment could be paid a teacher than to be able to state that he had good order in his school without harshness or severity. He was regarded as a being fair man. He was presented with an illuminated address.  See the address. (Artwork added by Jane)

During the year 1889 the names of the State Schools, formerly known as Blantyre, Frederick, Ipswich Reserve, Rosewood Gate, and Seven Mile Creek, were changed to Milbong, Marburg, Harrisville, Rosewood, and Ebenezer. In August the tender of Robert Hodge (£74) for the erection of a servant’s room at the teacher’s residence at the Rosewood State school was accepted.

In 1890 Margaret Blackmore passed her final examination as pupil teacher with great credit. James Clement Stubbin and Edward Starkey were pupil teachers (second class).

On 22nd June 1897, the children attending the State School, under the charge of Joseph Tuffley, were presented with a silver medallion in honour of Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. They mustered in the school grounds about 9.30 a.m., and, after they had been presented with their medals, which were pinned to their coats or dresses with a small piece of royal blue ribbon, they marched to the grounds of the Rosewood Farmers’ Club. As they came up the streets with their silver medals flashing in the sunlight and singing their school songs, they made quite an imposing appearance. They were accompanied by their teachers-Mr. Tuffley and Misses Blackmore and Evans-and followed by a number of the general public. On reaching the grounds they lined up, and were addressed by Mr. W. Blackmore. He explained to the children that the demonstration that day was due to the fact of Her Majesty the Queen having reigned for sixty years, and that the medals with which they had been presented were in honour of that event. He hoped that they would keep and cherish them in remembrance of the Queen, who reigned over an enormous territory on which the sun never set, and he thought they ought to feel proud of being ruled by such a Queen, and of belonging to such a vast Empire. He then asked them to sing a verse of the National Anthem, after which they gave three hearty cheers for the Queen and also for the ladies who pinned on their medals, namely, Mrs. Tuffley and Misses Blackmore (2), Albion, and Evans. They were then dismissed, and very soon were engaged in various games before having lunch under one of the sheds.

New School

The old school building served for nearly 30 years. In 1905 it was superseded by a new building and some of the material was used to make additions to the teacher’s residence. The enrolment was 210 pupils with an average daily attendance of 171.

The new school was built at the instigation of the appointed committee and the Member for the district, Mr. Robert Samuel Hodge. While he was in Parliament he successfully extracted a promise from the authorities that when the community raised one-fifth of the estimated cost, tenders would be called for the erection of a new building. The committee members were told it would take about three years to raise the funds, but they set to work and in only 10 months they reached their goal. The contractor chosen was Charles Ridsdale whose tender for £688 was accepted. It was also decided to try to have a verandah added to the school residence.

The building measured 66ft x 25 ft with a 9ft verandah on either side. It had lofty ceilings and was well lit and ventilated. The floor was 7ft from the ground. At either end of the verandahs were lobbies for the use of the 210 scholars who were enrolled. (There was seating accomodation for 213) On the eastern side was a teacher’s room measuring 16ft x 12ft. The whole of the ground space beneath the school was asphalted and could be used as a play area. In the summer months it could accommodate classes. Besides the ordinary ventilator in the roof, an additional means of ventilation was installed. The bottom boards of the eastern and western walls were set on hinges and could  be hooked up. In hot weather they could be opened and air free circulated through the building. The sub-contractors were:- plumbing, Messrs.Frederick Hanby and Thomas Dangerfield; painting, Messrs. John Wallis and Robert Minnett; and asphalting, Mr. Robert Samuel Hodge.

The school officially opened by the Hon. Andrew Henry Barlow, Minister for Public Instruction, on 27th July 1905. The children were given a treat that day. There were no lessons and they were allowed to enjoy themselves in activities organised by the teachers, past pupils and parents. The ladies’ committee prepared lunch for the adults as well as for the younger folk. This committee comprised Mesdames G. H. Dutney, J. W. Watkins, P. H. Adams, M. O’Sullivan, J. F. Collett, M. Bourke, and T. Smith.

If you were to look out over the grounds at midday that day, you would have seen a scene full of life and excitement. In the midst of the crowd a large group of people, including Mr. Watkins the head teacher, walked to the railway station to meet the official party on their arrival. The visitors were led to the front entrance of the school where 28 students, each carrying a dummy rifle, formed a guard of honour. The officials inspected the building before returning outside to the grounds for lunch, which was set up underneath the school for the adults. Speeches were made with interludes of songs performed by some of the children.

At the opening ceremony Mr. Barlow spoke – “Ladies and gentlemen, dear children, there is one thing I have to say… that is…you are going to have a holiday tomorrow.” (Loud cheers followed this announcement.) “I am told that the teachers at Mount Walker, Yerkville and Calvert schools have taken a holiday – that is a very serious matter.” (Laughter.) “Well, we are going to give them a holiday tomorrow (cheers) those three schools.” (Cheers.) More speeches followed.

Later the adults moved out to the grounds to see a Maypole dance by a number of the older girls who were dressed in white dresses and wearing caps of red, white and blue. They were trained by Miss Eva Elvyn Dunlop (assistant teacher) and the music was supplied by the Rosewood Band led by the conductor, Mr. T. J. Humphries. The pupils who took part in the dance were Misses Cissie Sloane, Rose Smith, Maggie Madden, Lizzie Madden, Aggie Hodge, Cissie Farrell, Nellie Keene, Eva Keene, May Bourke, Lissie Kleive, Nellie Thompson, Flossie Quirk, Ethel Hodge, Marion Bourke, and Daisy Collett.

A squad of boys, under the direction of Mr. Watkins, gave an exhibition of physical drill and a demonstration in gun drill. Later a display of club-swinging was given by a number of the boys and girls with Miss Jessie Burns leading the squad. A football match was played between teams representing the school and the Rosewood Juniors. The former won by 12 points to nil.

The Minister, his wife, and the Member for Rosewood Mr. Denis Thomas Keogh, departed from Rosewood by the 4:15p.m.train. From the grounds to the railway station they were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Watkins, Mr. George H. Dutney, and others. As the train steamed out from the platform Mr. Dutney called for three cheers for Mr. Barlow.

Here are some interesting events that happened at the school between 1905 and 1925.

• Mr. Denis Keogh M.L.A. arranged for the schools in the Rosewood area to have a public holiday on Monday, 26th November 1906. The children went on an excursion to Moreton Bay and boarded the steamer Lucinda. Eleven train carriages of excursionists travelled from Grandchester and Rosewood that morning. On board the Lucinda the Rosewood Brass Band played (conductor J. Tunstall) and a piano was also utilised. Mr. Keogh made sure that a more than an adequate supply of buns, cakes and Webster soft drinks were available throughout the day.
• In May 1908 the tender of E. A. Bowser, £20, was accepted by the Public Works Department, for asphalting at the Rosewood Star School.
• In December 1909, at the invitation of the headmaster Major John Watkins, the Under Secretary for Education Mr. John Douglas Story visited the school to present medals won by the cadets during the year. Rosewood had entered 14 cadets in the competitions and carried off 13 prizes. Read about it here.
  
• Master Harry Dutney, son of Mr. G. H. Dutney (chairman of the Rosewood State School Committee) was appointed pupil teacher at the Rosewood State School in July 1910 in place of Mr. M. Watkins, who was transferred to Manly.
• Miss Baker (assistant teacher) went to the school cupboard for some chalk one morning in February 1911 and she heard a rustling noise. On investigating, she discovered a brown whip snake. The head teacher and other assistants came quickly and the reptile was promptly despatched with the aid of a cadet’s military shovel.
• Miss Madden, assistant teacher at Rosewood State School, was transferred to Bundaberg, and commenced duties there on 25th January 1916. Miss Kerby from Texas took her place. An extra teacher was also appointed to Rosewood; Mr. C. Coley from the Blenheim school.
• Miss Mary O’Reilly , who had been assistant teacher at the school for three years, was transferred to Brigalow, in June 1921. She was gifted a suede travelling cushion from the teachers and children of the school.
• When John Richard Mark was head teacher and Mr. Selwyn Ogg was secretary of the school committee, the sum of £15 6s 7d was sent to the Belgian Relief Fund in December 1914. That was the amount collected for the annual breaking up picnic. Mr. Mark said the children unanimously agreed to forego their picnic in order that the money be sent. The journalist who reported this stated – From children, that amounts to a patriotism that ought to be written in big letters in the school’s history.
• On the afternoon of Sunday, 28th November 1915 , the senior cadets under Lieuts. Viertel and McCarthy and Sergt. Dutney, along with the junior cadets, and the senior girls from the school under the charge of the head teacher Mr. Mark, and Mr. Moffat (assistant), marched towards Lanefield to meet the “Dungarees.” Then they marched with them back to Rosewood.
• At a meeting held in the State School on 10th March 1917, it was decided to erect an honour board in the school for old boys who had enlisted for service.
• At the annual school break up day on 7th December 1918, an honour board containing 70 names all of whom had attended the school and served, was placed on a platform just outside of the school. Mrs. O’Sullivan and Mrs. Coby unveiled the board. Mrs O’Sullivan’s son was one of the first to land on Gallipoli and to fall.
• The Rosewood school, which had been closed due to an outbreak of influenza, was opened on Monday, 21st July 1919, and in the afternoon the children were presented with souvenir peace medals. They were issued by the Defence Department to school children throughout Australia to commemorate the signing of the Versailles Peace Treaty. Mr. Barney Sloane (chairman of the committee) distributed the medals amongst the students after which they sang the National Anthem and other patriotic songs like Pack Up Your Travels In Your Old Kit Bag and It’s A Long Way To Tipperary.
• Master Jack Pedrazzinni, of the Rosewood State School, passed his examination for school teachers (Physical Training Instructor) in August 1920.
• Thanks to the generosity of the townspeople, the pupils of the Rosewood State School were provided with full equipment for tennis, football, cricket, basketball, badminton and volley ball in October 1922.
• A new room for infant classes and extensions to the school were carried out in February 1924, after a year of complaints about the inadequate facilities for teaching at the school, and the consequent illness amongst the students. Owing to the number of children attending (240), it was not possible to do all the teaching in a room 66ft. by 25ft. The under portion of the school had to be used and Mr. William August Zerner (headmaster) said it was a real “death-trap.” It was condemned by the Council’s health officer and Mr Zerner viewed the position as intolerable. “I cannot stand calmly by and note how these poor children sit and shiver day by day during the teaching lessons,” he said.

The largest enrolment at the school was about 280. This was prior to the establishment of St. Brigid’s Convent school in 1922. Since that time, up to 1925, the enrolment ranged from 230 to 250.

Teachers 1875-1925
The various head teachers in charge of the school had been Messrs. Dan Desbois, 1875 to 1877; Francis William Johns, from 1878 to 1887; George William Swan, from 1888 to 1894; George Walker, from January 1, 1895 to December 31, 1895; Joseph Tuffley, from 1896 to 1903; John William Watkins, from 1904 to 1910; John Richard Mark, from 1910 to 1922; and William August Zerner had been in charge since August 21, 1922. 

Jubilee Day 1925

In the lead up to the jubilee celebrations much work was done. The school had the advantage of having an energetic citizen’s committee. The members were Messrs. Robert Sellars (President), Henry Mark Alexander Grant (secretary), Jules Armand Paroz (treasurer), John Bowles, Harry Harding, George Hughes, and James Edward Evers.

School Committee (L-R) J. Bowles, H. Harding, R. Sellars, Sir Matthew Nathan (Gov), W. Zerner, J.A. Paroz, G. Hughes, H. Grant

A very pleasing instance of the committee’s activities is to be seen in the school gardens. These occupy white-railed enclosures on each side of the path leading to the school entrance, and are laid out with the bordered gravel paths in a most attractive manner, a substantial flag pole and weather vane being provided. The well-grassed grounds are kept in good order, whilst ornamental trees, suitably located, provide ample shade. A football ground, tennis court, basket ball square and a cricket pitch have been provided, whilst the younger set may enjoy themselves during recess on a substantially constructed see-saw and swings, and altogether the committee have done, and are still doing, all they can to make scholastic associations at Rosewood as pleasant as possible for the scholars. [5]

It was decided that the occasion would be celebrated by having a reunion of the “old boys and girls” including a luncheon, and an open garden fete in the school grounds.

Invitation to Rosewood State School Jubilee celebrations, Rosewood, 1925. Picture Ipswich 

On Saturday night, 24th January 1925, a dance in aid of the Jubilee celebrations was held in the Farmers’ Hall. Admission was 2/- for Gents and 1/6- for Ladies.

Four days later the ladies’ committee met to finalise the arrangements for the luncheon and stalls for the fete. Mrs. Robert Sellars (President) was in the chair, and those present were the following ladies:-  Mesdames John Jacobs, Henry Jacobs, William Scott Harding, George Alexander Hughes, Joseph Evans, Frederick Bade, Alfred Chalk, Thomas William Snow, Thomas Harding, Nelson Howard Finch, Harry Harding, George Freeman, Herbert Dutney, Jules Armand Paroz, and the Secretary (Mrs. Charles Wass). Messrs. Robert Sellars (Chairman) and Henry Mark Grant (secretary of the school committee) and the head master (Mr. William August Zerner) were also present.

On the morning of the jubilee, Sir Matthew Nathan and his private secretary Mr. Herbert Mellor Saunders, arrived at the Walloon railway station at 10.30a.m. and travelled by car to Marburg where Dr. and Mrs. Sirois showed him around the Marburg Private Hospital. The Governor remarked that it was the finest country private hospital that he had had the pleasure of seeing. 

The vice-regal party, which included Mesdames Glynn Connolly and Arthur Clark, also arrived at Walloon by rail motor. Mr. William Cooper, M.L.A. met them and escorted them to Marburg. Doctor and Mrs. Sirois hosted them all for morning tea at the hospital. Before leaving the Governor was presented with an attractive silky oak box full of sweets, both the work of the pupils of the rural school. The offical party then drove to Rosewood, arriving shortly after noon, in plenty of time for the lunch at 1p.m.

Waiting for inspection by the Governor were the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and the school children, who lined each side of the entrance walk to the school. Mr. Nathan was met and welcomed by Messrs. Robert Sellars (chairman of the school committee) and William August Zerner, headmaster. Three rousing cheers were given for Mr Nathan.

Sir Matthew Nathan inspecting the Scouts.  (Photo retouched by Jane Schy)

Sir Matthew Nathan inspecting the Girl Guides. (Photo courtesy of Spencer Yarrow)

Centre Front: Leader: Miss Trix Dolling      Front Row L-R: Connie Harding, Jean Loveday,  ?  , Connie Lancaster      Back Row L-R: Almost hidden face of Chrissie Paroz, Jessie Fleming

In declaring the fete open, the Governor said, “I never quite know, at the opening of a school fete got up by the committee and officials of the school for some good purpose connected with it, whether I am expected to address the school children or the parents, who, for the most part, constitute the adult public present. Like most old people, I realise the greater importance to the future of the young ones, and so am naturally disposed to speak to them. On this occasion, at any rate, I shall follow in this direction my inclination, and address the girls and boys.”

Read his speech here if you wish.

After his speech, posies were presented to Sir Matthew and Messrs. Cooper. M.L.A, Saunders and Major John Watkins (a former headmaster of the school). A bouquet was given to each of the ladies of the vice-regal party by five dainty little girls – Mona Zerner, Joyce Dutney, Joyce Bowles, Alma Roberts, and Kerran Harding. 

Then the old scholars “fell in” on the parade grounds and answered the old roll call. Those who answered were:- Messrs. Arthur Boughen (Thagoona); James Mathews (The Caves, Rockhampton); Richard Emanuel Mason (North Ipswich); Michael Farrell (Rosewood); Patrick Ryan (Woodbine via Gatton); Frederick George Perrem (Boonah); James Perrem (Purga); George Herbert Dutney (Yeronga); Henry Smallbones (Crow’s Nest); Mesdames George Loveday (Catherine Gleeson-Cameron), Rosewood; Mrs. J. H. Jacobs (Caroline Dutney), Rosewood; Mrs. D. R. Elder (Louisa Anne Dutney), Brisbane; Mrs. Armstrong (Sarah Jane Hamill), Esk; Mrs. E. Rosensted (Elizabeth Dale), Gladstone; Mrs. P. R. Griffiths (Margaret Matthews), Coorparoo; Mrs. W. H. Collett (Harriet Caroline Perrem), Rosewood; Mrs. M. Drew (Julia Ann Moran), Ipswich; Mrs. J. Hucker (Victoria Vance), Cleveland; Mrs. B. J. Sloane (Catherine Farrell), Rosewood; Mrs. G. F. Keys (Ellen Dale), Townsville; Miss Celina Sarah Perrem, Rosewood.

It was noted that out of the parents of the first pupils enrolled at the school, only one was present, Mrs. Sarah Jane Dale (aged 88), the mother of Mrs. Elizabeth Rosenstet, who was the first white child born in Rosewood. Her other daughter, Mrs Ellen Keys, was also present.

An adjournment was then made to the main class room where the luncheon, in charge of Mrs. Lily Snow and a number of efficient lady helpers, was held. The room was tastefully decorated with coloured paper streamers. Amongst those seated at the head table with the Governor’s party were: Mr. Robert Sellars, Mr. William Cooper, M.L.A. and Mrs. Cooper, Cr. and Mrs. Herbert Dutney, and Major and Mrs John William Watkins (Manly).

The Toasts [5]

• Mr. Sellars proposed the health of the Governor. Sir Matthew responded. He said while looking at a photo of the old school and comparing it with the present school, one could not help being struck with the great changes for the better that had been effected. He favoured the raising of the school leaving age from 14 to 16 years. He said that methods of teaching had changed and they would go on changing. A big factor in educational instruction, he held, was the moving picture, and he believed such a method of instruction might be introduced with profit in the schools. (Applause.) 
• Sir Matthew then proposed the toast of the “Old Scholars,” expressing the opinion that the appearance of so many of them there that day was a credit to the district that they should remain in it and look so well. He was sure they had all lived good, wholesome, and industrious lives. 
• Mr. Richard Mason said it had been a most enjoyable day for him, as he had met old schoolmates, whom to meet was always a pleasure. He referred in humorous terms to the early days of the old Rosewood Gate school when the boys “were barefooted and wore moleskin pants, and the girls were clad in wincey dresses”. “The girls, however,” said Mr. Mason, “were then well covered by their clothes not like many of them today, ninon over none on.” (Laughter.) He paid a tribute to the memory of their early headmasters, and spoke of a brief experience he had at the provisional school conducted by a Mr Hore, prior to the Rosewood Gate school. He trusted that the next 50 years would find the Rosewood school still progressing. 
• Mr. George H. Dutney said he had first attended the early school at Rosewood, then at Calvert, and back again to Rosewood. He had known Rosewood when the main street was only a bridle track, when his people lived at Brandy Gully, which took its name from an incident in which a carrier (John Yates) lost a quantity of brandy from his load when the bridge across a creek collapsed as he had attempted to drive his loaded team on it. About 27 years ago he became chairman of the Rosewood school committee, and was one of a deputation to wait on the responsible Minister of that time for assistance to erect a better class school building. They had been successful. He had held the committee chairmanship for nine years, and it was indeed very pleasing to him to see the progress that had since been made.
• Mr. James Matthews said he had looked forward to the jubilee visit more than he had ever done to attending the old school 50 years ago. Sir Matthew had said that the old scholars were a credit to the district; he should have seen them 50 years ago-they were all good looking then. (Laughter.) It was fine to be there that day, and to hear old school mates say, “Jim, isn’t it good to be back again?” And it was. 
• Mr. Arthur Boughen (manager of the Caledonian Colliery) spoke of the pleasure it gave him to meet boyhood friends again, some of whom he had not seen for 35 years. 
• Mrs. Victoria Hucker (née Vance) spoke on behalf of the “old girls.” She said it was splendid of the committee to provide for such a lovely day’s reunion, and it was lovely to be back again amongst the dear friends of her childhood. It was indeed, she said, a day of golden memories for the old scholars. 
• The toast of “Parliament” was proposed by Mr. Harry Harding. Mr. Cooper responded. 
• The toast, “Past and Present Head Teachers,” was proposed by Mr. John Bowles.
  Major J. W. Watkins responded and said he was teaching at the Tallegalla State School from 1889 till 1903, when he came to the Rosewood school, remaining in charge till 1919. Six of his children had been born in the district, and he was proud to know that the names of three of them were on the Rosewood school War Honour Board. He was the oldest living headmaster of the school, and he was pleased indeed to have been associated with it. In concluding, he said the school was fortunate in having such a capable headmaster as Mr. Zerner. 
• Mr. Zerner responder and asked that a tribute to the memory of those other headmasters of the Rosewood school who had crossed the Great Divide be paid by the company standing in silence for a few seconds. This having been observed, Mr. Zerner went on to speak of the origin of many of the early district place names, and concluded by wishing that those of the old scholars present, would be long spared to enjoy a useful and healthy life. 
• The toast of “The Ladies,” proposed by Cr. H. Dutney, and responded to by Mr. Mason, 
• “The Press,” was proposed by Mr. Zerner.
• “The Chairman,” was proposed by Sir Matthew Nathan, concluding the toast list.

After lunch everyone went out onto the school grounds, where the “old boys and girls” were photographed and the Governor visited the fete stalls.

His Excellency the Governor, with a group of “old boys.”
Back row: Mr. S. Waight, Mr. J. Perrem, Sir Matthew Nathan, Mr. R. Mason, Mr. M. Farrell, Mr. P. Ryan.
Front row: Messrs. F. P. Perrem, A. Boughen, G. H. Dutney, J. Mathews, H. Smallbone.  (Photo S. R. Harding, Rosewood.)

A group of “old girls.” From left to right: Mesdames M. Drew, Griffiths, W. H. Collett, J. Jacobs, D. Elder, B. Sloane,
J. Dale, sen., E. Rosenstet (Gladstone), G. Loveday, W. Armstrong (Esk), J. Hucker. (Photo S. R. Harding, Rosewood.)

All around the grounds could be seen many happy reunions. There were puzzled faces at attempts to recall old school mate’s faces and joyful expressions when old pals met. Broad smiles in abundance accompanied happy recollections. Hearty hand-clasps and sincere greetings were exchanged by many of whom had not met since their old school days. Memories were excitedly discussed, and school day pranks were recalled.

Several of the “old girls” brought with them old school day photographs, which, when produced from handbags, were followed by an eager passing round, met a little excited chatter, the recounting of pleasant reminiscences, an occasional solemn head shaking, and, at times, tear-dimmed eyes. Ah, those dear old happy days! The linking up of the long meantime incidents; the romping, care free youngsters of 50 long years gone; the staid, age wise “old girls and boys” who foregathered on Saturday on the site of the old school and those dear old pals of youth who had gone their various ways into the world in search of fame and fortune, or who have crossed the Great Divide to eternal rest!  [5]

Mrs. W. H. Collett, senr. (Harriet Caroline née Perrem), an “old girl”, proudly remarked that not only had she received her early tuition at the old school, but that her seven children and six of her grandchildren were once, and were still, pupils of the Rosewood school.

It would long remain a pleasant memory for those who were privileged to be present.

Out in the fine but cloudy weather, the children played various games or took part in the sports programme. The school grounds and the various stalls were attractively decorated and the stallholders were very busy.

Those in charge of the stalls were as follows:—
Plain and Fancy; Mrs. H. Harding, assisted by Mesdames N. H. Finch,  W. A. Zerner, W. S. Harding, and Millard, and Miss Zerner.
Sweets: Mrs. A. Chalk, assisted by Mrs. D. Morgan and Misses M. Gibson and P. Harding.
Competitions: Mrs. Chas. Wass, assisted by Mrs. H. Jacobs.
Flower Garden and Dip: Fifth form girls.
Refreshments: Mrs. T. Harding, assisted by Mesdames A. Bade, S. Chalk, A. Paroz and E. Harding.
Ice Cream Fruit and Drink: Mrs. R. Sellars, assisted by Mrs. H. Dutney and Misses T. Sellars and M. and G. Millard.
Produce: School committee.
Luncheon: Mrs. T. W. Snow, assisted by Mesdames Baills, Freeman, G. Hughes, Miller, Grubb, E. Hughes and Misses Downing, Smith, Fleming, Harding, Paroz and D. Stoker. 

A sports programme, supervised by Mr. Walter Edwin Thomas, assisted by Messrs. Thomas Herbert Carroll and David Morgan, resulted as follows: –
Boys I. (1): E. Manttan 1, L. Morgan 2. Girls I. (1): R. Batzloff 1, J. Claydon 2. Boys I. (3): N. Berlin 1, A. Freeman 2. Girls I. (3): A. Roberts 1, G. Evans 2. Boys II. (1): M. Kerslake 1, A. Baills 2. Girls II. (1): D. Brooks 1, J. Batzloff 2, Boys II. (3): J. Evans 1, C. Dutney 2. Girls II. (3): M. Wass 1, J. Dutney and R. Bassard (dead heat) 2. Boys III (2): E. Berlin 1, F. Baills 2. Girls III. (2): D. Blackmore 1, M. Steele 2. Boys IV.: R. McEachern 1. R. Sellars 2. Girls IV.: L. Steele 1, J. Harding 2. Boys V.: G. Chalk 1. L. Hughes 2. Girls V.: M. Batzloff 1, D. Loveday 2. Old Scholars’ race: W. Hughes 1, G. McGeary 2. Siamese race (boys): R. McEacharn and E. Berlin 1, A. Evers and R. Sellars 2, Siamese race (girls): H. Bassard and D. Loveday 1, M. Batzloff and D. Gunthorpe 2. Sack race (boys): E. Berlin 1, A. Evers 2. Sack race (girls): M. Batzloff 1, Manttan 2.

The Vice-regal party left to the return to Brisbane about mid-afternoon. Before departing at 3.30 p.m., the Governor presented the old pupils of the school with specially marked badges as souvenirs. A dance, held in the Farmers’ Hall in the evening, concluded another “red letter day” in the annals of Rosewood. 

In 1925, the school had tennis, cricket, basket ball and football clubs as well as a strong swimming association. Dr. Robert Wallace was a very keen swimming enthusiast and life-saving was taught. That year, for the first time in the school’s history, 17 certificates in life-saving were awarded. Other keen assistants were Mr. Patrick James Sloane and Sergeant Thomas John Regan. A number of the pupils were Scouts, and there was also a good squad of Girl Guides. Reforestation was a monthly feature at the school. Health matters were receiving attention and agricultural work and cream and milk testing experiments were being done as far as time would permit. The school, however, was unfortunate in regards to secondary education, owing to the lack of a suitable train service or places to board, and pupils were compelled to travel to and from Gatton College over 50 miles (80.46 km) every day.

The staff at the school in 1925 comprised Messrs.William August Zerner (head teacher), David Morgan, Misses Margaret Gibson and Pearl Harding, and Messrs.Thomas Herbert Carroll and Dudley Sperry Zerner.

As a matter of interest, and to gain an insight into the character of William Zerner, I have included a link to a paper he presented to the Teachers’ Union Conference on Speech Training in December 1926. Read it if you wish.

The celebration to mark the 150th Anniversary of Rosewood State School will be held on Saturday, 13th September 2025. Just as those who organised the Jubilee did in 1925, much hard work will be done by a small band of hard workers. Those who attend the celebration this year will be walking, talking and laughing on the same ground as the first students did in 1875 and although much has changed since 1925, much of what will be experienced on fete day will be the same. It will be a day of golden memories.

References
[1 ] Week, Brisbane, Qld., Saturday, 19 February 1876, page 16
[2]  Week, Brisbane, Qld., Saturday, 15 July 1876, page 12
[3] Telegraph, Brisbane, Qld., Saturday, 21 October 1876, page 6
[4] Week, Brisbane, Qld., Saturday, 11 November 1876, page 13
[5] Queensland Times, (Ipswich, Qld) Monday 9 February 1925 – Page 6