Rosewood History. Qld.

Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld.), Thursday 1 June 1939, page 12 

Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld.), Monday 12 June 1939, page 6

DIAMOND JUBILEE– TALLEGALLA SCHOOL
60 Years of Progress.

From the commanding position occupied by the Tallegalla State School, on the crest of one of the district’s highest hills, present pupils are constantly reminded of the efforts of their forebears by a panorama of rich fertile lands and pastures. On Saturday fitting tribute was paid those pioneers on the occasion of the school’s Diamond Jubilee-60 years marked by progress and expansion. Twelve of the 52 original scholars responded to the roll-call, while several former head teachers also answered “Present.” 

The original building was opened on June 10, 1879, and served its purpose well until about seven years ago when progress demanded the erection of a more modern schoolhouse and residence, a move which was in keeping with the enterprise of those early settlers who first realised the educational needs of their district. That was in the days when the surrounding scrubs were the haunts of the “Tallegalla” (aboriginal for scrub turkey) from which the township derived its name. Old scholars and teachers-who were present on Saturday exchanged many tales of earlier days at the old school. 

FIRST HEAD TEACHERS.
The first Head Teacher was Mr. Henry Edward Vivian Dunbar, who was stationed at the school from June 10 until December 31, 1879. He was succeeded by Mr. John Marquis (1880-1881), Mr. Thomas Ernest Phillips (1881-1882), Miss Jemima Phillips (1882-1884), Mr. Arthur Lambert Spencer (1885-1889), Mr. John William Watkins (1889-1900), Mr. Charles George Franklin (temporary (April 10 -December 11, 1900), Mr. John William Watkins (1901-1904), Mr. Frank Julius William Eichstadt (1904-1911), Mr. Daniel Courtney (1911-1926), Mr. Albert William Lambert Russell (1926-1927), Mr. Hugh Edmund Giblett Grayson (1927-1929), Mr. Henry Bennett Treloar (1930-19313), Mr. ReubenVictor Callinan (temporary, May 6-August 8, 1938), and the present Head Teacher, Mr. Alfred Ernest Bunny Horne, who commenced duty there on August 8, 1938. 

Mr. Horne called the head teachers’ roll which was answered by Mr. Watkins. Mr. Eichstadt, and Mr. Grayson, Mrs. Platell represented the late Mr. Phillips. Mr. Horne said that his duty was a pleasant one, yet at the same time a sad one: for there were many faces missing at the Diamond Jubilee. “The final test in teaching is not included in an inspector’s report or a departmental opinion, but in the lives of the people which you have helped to mould in their early days. That is the final test.” said Mr. Horne. The past head teachers had done their work well as shown now in the lives of the people of Tallegalla. “They are a living advertisement of the work of the early teachers,” he added. As a mark of respect to those who had passed away, a minute’s silence was observed, and the band later played, “Abide with Me.”

Past teachers of Tallegalla School at the Diamond Jubilee
Back L-R: Major Watkins, Mr. Grayson, Mr. Eichstadt, Mr. Horne
Seated L-R: Mrs Horne, Mrs Grayson, Mrs Eichstadt, Mrs Platell

SCHOLARS ANSWER PRESENT.
William Arndt, John Berlin, Aquilla Austin, Amelia Muller, William Ruhl, Mary Ruhl, Moses Freeman, James Freeman, Charles Arndt, Annie Zabel, Michael Goos and Anne Goos, all original scholars, answered the roll called by Master Des. Freeman, a present pupil of the school. He paid a tribute to the wonderful work done by the pioneers of the district, and said that-the present pupils were thankful they had been given better conditions as the result of the hard work done by those former scholars. 

The oldest pupils at the Tallegalla School Diamond Jubilee in 1939.
L- R: Mr. Arndt,  ? , ? , Michael Goos, Jim Freeman, ? , ?, John Berlin.
Seated: Miss Amelia Muller.

In a brief response, Mr. Watkins, on behalf of the past head teachers, said that he thought he was the oldest living Head Teacher of the Tallegalla school. Remarking on the condition of roads from Rosewood to Tallegalla in the early days Mr. Watkins laughingly said: “They are no better now than they were years and years ago.” The speaker had many pleasant recollections of the district. “Head teachers could not wish for more congeniality than was offered them at Tallegalla.” He paid tribute to the hospitality extended to visitors by country folk generally. He hoped that the present scholars and parents would continue to co-operate with the teacher. 

Mr. H. Grayson hoped that the district would continue to prosper as it obviously was doing at present. Messrs. John Berlin and Moses Freeman briefly responded on behalf of the old scholars. 

At the conclusion of the roll-calls, Mr. Horne explained that no sports programme had been arranged, but the afternoon was left free to enable an exchange of greetings and reminiscences. 

Rosettes were presented to the teachers and scholars by Valerie and Lowis Freeman, and Doreen Embrey. 

DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO PIONEERS.
At the official luncheon, Mr. L. H. Bachmann presided, and the principal speaker was Mr. E. B. Maher (Leader of the State Opposition), who recalled the enjoyable time he had spent at the Golden Jubilee, 10 years ago. “Those scholars who attended the school when it was first opened 40 years ago must have many happy memories of the past,” he said. “They have seen our State of Queensland grow from scrubland into a prosperous State, with beautiful harbours, large buildings, extensive railway systems, aeroplanes, motor cars, and all the other modern conveniences.” The last 50 or 60 years had been one of the most romantic periods in the history of the State. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our pioneers,” added Mr. Maher. ‘”They have done some thing substantial for their country.” 

He referred to the friendly atmosphere which prevailed in the district, where there were no racial problems. At Tallegalla were English, Irish, Scottish, French, Scandinavian, German, and other families living amiably side by side. “What an example for other places.” “What an example for other countries of the world! If some European countries could only take an example from us, there would be none of these world crises,” said Mr. Maher. The speaker urged the people to make the most of the conditions under which they were living and to be thankful that they enjoyed such freedom. He extended to old scholars and teachers best wishes for the future.

Visitors at the luncheon were Mr. and Mrs. H. Grayson, of Brookfield; Mr. and Mrs. F. W. J. Eichstadt, of Rosewood; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Watkins, of Manly, and Mr. and Mrs. A. E. B. Horne. 

The school colours (blue and white), dominated the decorations. Mr. Grayson was given the honour of lighting the 60 candles on the two-tiered Jubilee cake made by Miss Doris Rachmann. The cake was cut by Miss Amelia Muller, an old scholar. 

The committee responsible for the celebration arrangements was: Chairman. Mr. L. H. Bachmann: Secretary, Mr. L.. W. Leschke; Treasurer, Mr. H. Embrey sen.; committee, Messrs. H. Embrey jun., H. Freeman, F. Wass, and W. Bassett.

The Minden Band, under the conductorship of Mr. H. J. Harper (Ipswich Model Band), played musical .selections. Silver badges bearing the design of a scrub turkey were on sale.

© Jane Schy 2026