Page 22 - Southwell_The Chronicle_December2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES
BOARDER’S WEEK IN THE MID 1930S
HUGH MONCKTON - OLD BOY, 1934-37
We all had it worked out as to when we were due for the privilege of going into town on Saturday morning, so when we lined up to receive our sixpence pocket money from
Mr Henry Sergel in the No 1 classroom, we were all on our best behaviour.
In order to obtain permission we had to pass a quick inspection; combed hair, clean face, hands, finger nails, elbows and knees as well as polished shoes – however, some boys didn’t pass and they would return to make amends, then on reappearing, I can hear Mr Sergel saying, “that’s much better, dear boy, you’re clothed and in your right mind, (Luke 8 verse 35) you may go to town.”
On these high days we walked to town, over the old railway bridge, visiting perhaps the “Dolly Varden” (in Victoria Street near the Wesley Chambers) where we would live it up, blowing three weeks savings, nine pence, on tea with toast and spaghetti. (Part of the school trainings was to save part of our pocket money for the Sunday collection so we seldom had more than three pence to spend per week unless we indulged in a withdrawal from our bank account).
On hotter days we frequented Adams Bruce, where the ice cream was always double size, i.e. two ice creams for three pence, and this was followed by a browse through Woolworths, where a penny’s worth of boiled sweets was the best purchase (they lasted longer).
Walking back to school, eating sweets, chatting and thinking of the afternoon’s sport, made this long and sometimes hot and dusty walk quite pleasant.
Photo - Hugh Monckton, top left, 1937 Cricket XI
WEDDINGS & FUNCTIONS AT
SOU TH WELL
At Southwell we have a wide range of event spaces for weddings, corporate events, exhibitions and shows.
Our Auditorium, Great Hall, Dining Room and outdoor garden venues are all available to hire.
Our Old Boys and Girls also have the option to use our beautiful All Hallows Chapel.
Please contact office@southwell.school.nz for more information.