Reflections
The Reflections collection brings together personal memories and recollections of school life at The Scots School Albury across many generations. These stories offer a deeply human perspective on the school’s history, capturing the everyday moments, friendships, challenges, and experiences that shaped student life.
Shared in their own words, these reflections reveal the lasting impact of school days long past — moments of learning, growth, laughter and connection that remain vivid in memory. Together, they form a rich tapestry of voices, reminding us that the story of the school is not only found in buildings and dates, but in the lives and experiences of those who have been part of it.
John Melhuish
64 Waekers Way
Toombul
Brisbane
2.10.65
Dear Mr Simpson,
I was thrilled to receive ‘Centenary Clarion’ of the ‘Albury Grammar School’ which was readdressed to me by Commonwealth Bank, Brisbane.
Due to war service I have retired for some years. During my service at school thee teachers were:- ‘Sir’ Mr (Wally) Wilson and Lieut/Col JWA Simpson, for whom I had great respect, although things didn’t seem the same after the last mentioned name no longer existed.
I still have in my possession a card sent to me by Wally, dated 2.1.1918 which I am enclosing and trust you will return to me in due course.
A young boy was named ‘Diddy Simpson’ and was liked by all pupils 1912 – 1916 (and of course from then on).
It is regretted that I cannot make the trip to be at the reunion.
I hope to be in Albury in the new Year and shall be glad to meet you personally.
Yours faithfully,
JOHN MELHUISH
Ernest. A. Hunter
Killara
5 Manning Rd
24 Jan ‘65
Mr D.W. Hague
Kiewa St
Albury
Dear Sir,
You will no doubt be somewhat surprised to receive this letter after so many years since I left the Albury district but a recent visit from our son George when he gave me the booklet on the Albury Grammar School has brought back old memories of my association with that, now prominent of church schools.
I attendee there in the late 1880ies when it was taken over by Messrs Smith & Wilson and later carried on by Sir when taken over by the church. I was on the School Council together with your Father Henry Hague as treasurer & H.G. Young as secretary together with several others I think 1929.
The depression of that period was just starting and we had a very long time to keep going but the people in the country still kept their boys on the roll & by slow degrees the school continued to advance.
A am writing this sitting in the sun at the age of 90 years & six months so you will excuse any mistakes and faults in writing.
Our two sons attended under Sir & were successful in passing the intermediate. On enrolling Rupert at Wesley College he had to sit again for the exam & passed in the first year. He then went to the University sitting for Architecture? But the depression caused his withdrawal. But his son Richard gained his Bachelor degree at Sydney University in agriculture & now holds a good position in that department at Canberra.
It was a great day for me yesterday. My daughter took us to see the great Know College and we were extremely pleased to meet Dr Ross McKenzie the same man we appointed as principal to the Albury Grammar School in 1929. He expressed great pleasure in meeting us after so many years & we both expressed our pleasure at seeing you as the President of A.G. School Council.
Letter writing is my great pleasure now as my health is not very good & I have to go very quietly.
I can recall some of the boys at the school in my time the Griffith and Norman boys, Cully’s of Urana & Ashcroft’s of the Rock, and N.Flood Nagle & brother.
This is much longer than I intended & I hope you will gain a little pleasure in my recounting some news and other events in connection with the school of my youth.
With Kind regards
From yours sincerely
Ernest. A. Hunter