Memories

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A Hellein's Letter to the Boys

Dear Members of the Staff and Boys,

It gives me great pleasure as an “Old Boy” of your School from 1909–1914 to contribute this article for the school magazine.

It would be needless to say how thrilled I was to see my old school in those lovely I snaps so kindly sent me by the boys, and also to note from the Prospectus, the great strides made in the advancement of the school. I refer now to the excellent results obtained in the Public Examinations. The extension of the building and the provision of the swimming pool and tennis courts, which did not exist during my time, have undoubtedly contributed to the welfare of the boys.

The Crest on the School Prospectus also brought back pleasant memories, particularly the star, so familiar in the years gone by. I wonder how many of the younger boys would know that the star stands for “Mars Hill,” that being the name of the Hill on which the School is built. The name, by the way, was coined from the first letters of Mount Abu Railway School — later referred to as the Mount Abu High School.

Assuming there has been no change in the School Colours, perhaps some of you may not know that the colour scheme of green and orange on the school tie and blazer, was taken from the foliage and flowers of those beautiful trees that stand like sentinels in front of the school verandah, while the blue represents the sky above.

In my reminiscence of the somewhat dim past, I can almost visualise the hike to the annual picnic held at the renowned “Dilwara” Temples during the Easter holidays, followed by the keen but friendly rivalry that existed in sport between the Lawrence School, the Military and our school on the grounds of the Rajputana Club. The thrilling “races” down the 17½ miles to Abu Road Railway Station for the annual vacation in tongas, now outmoded, and drawn by a team of spirited horses, changed at four or five intermediate points, are events not easily forgotten, despite the lapse of time. Yes, those were the days when motoring had not yet been introduced on the hills.

Most of all, I may say, it is good to see that the old school motto “Promite Vires” or “Put forth your strength” has been retained. I do trust that the full significance of those words and the challenge it offers is appreciated, for it is the extent of your efforts, whether it in the school room or on the playgrounds, that will determine the measure of your success or failure in life. May I suggest therefore that “Promite Vires” be your “watch-word” for 1960 and for the years that lie ahead.

In conclusion, I take this opportunity of wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Bright and Prosperous Year.

Yours Sincerely

A. Hellein
42 Beryl Street, Burwood, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA. Nov 11th 1959