Hands across the sea
THEY came from far and wide for the Maritzburg College 150th anniversary celebrations at the weekend; from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, you name it. About 1 200 people sat down to dinner in the Alan Paton hall and the traditional Latin grace was said by the chairman of the New Zealand old boys' association, said to be one of the largest and strongest in the world. You got a strong sense of diaspora.
But then the new headmaster, Chris Luman, is himself from New Zealand (though with origins in South Africa) so perhaps we can say optimistically that there's an internationalisation of schooling of this type; and of the careers that flow from it.
The Kiwi influence was especially strong. At a ceremony in the Victoria Hall, descendants of Errol Lammond – a legendary College master of yesteryear – were there from New Zealand to witness the unveiling of a plaque to him by his surviving daughter, Professor Nelida Lammond (who herself still lives in Maritzburg).
Lammond was educated at Maritzburg College then became one of the first graduates of the University of Natal, which in those days was on the College premises.
Then he became a teacher at the school and served there for the rest of his career, ending up deputy headmaster. He and headmaster Septimus Pape used to converse in Latin.
Then, after he retired, Lammond would still ride his bicycle to school virtually every day, pottering about the place and chatting to people. He would stop a boy, ask his name and then – if he turned out to be second generation College – reel off all kinds of information about his father's career. He had an amazing memory and never forgot a pupil.
Prof Lammond became emotional as she described how her father was distracted as he pedalled home one day by a jibe against Maritzburg College from somebody on the pavement. He was delivering a riposte when he was struck by a car.
So that's how it happened. I myself happened to be driving up Durban Road that day in 1970. I saw a crowd gathered, a mangled bicycle and an ambulance. Only next day did I read that Lammond had died. So sad.
Long march
WHO SHOULD I meet up with but my old bête noir, Wally Downs, head boy when I was a new boy - a terrifying figure. But he's since mellowed.
He recalled the occasion when, as OC of the school cadet detachment, he was drilling a squad on Barnes field who had been given extra parade. As they marched toward the edge of the field, he gave the command: "About turn!"
But they carried on marching, down a steep bank and on to Papes field below. Still marching, they crossed Papes and went down another steep bank on to Goldstones. Then another steep bank and across Snows field. Then they marched across the road and were stopped only by the Umsinduzi River.
When he asked what they meant by this insubordination, he was told: "You gave the command on the wrong foot".
Them were the days.
Helidrone
PROCEEDINGS were monitored throughout by a tiny remote control helicopter, apparently fitted with a camera. It came and went as it pleased.
The fellows decided it must be a heligupta.
Knickerbocker glory
GOLDSTONES was the scene of a re-enactment of the first rugby match ever played in the then colony of Natal – between Maritzburg College and Hermansburg. The sides were togged out in period knickerbockers and the colours of the day. The ref had a cap and striped blazer.
Scintillating stuff, a continuing rolling maul, all 30 players in the scrum. College won – totally unrehearsed.
Humdinger
THEN the pulsating finale - one of the most thrilling rugby matches I've ever watched. College played threequarters of the game with 14 men. Glenwood were just ahead. Then College scored what seemed like the clinching try. But there was still a minute on the clock. Glenwood snatched it. So close. But such are the fortunes of war.
All credit to Glenwood – but what an effort by College, one man short. Grit and guts. It makes you believe in the brotherhood.
Tailpiece
She: "One more word and I'm going straight back to mother."
He: "Taxi!"
Last word
No matter what side of the argument you are on, you always find people on your side that you wish were on the other.
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