School News

HBHS is extremely proud to have inducted three new members to its Hall of Fame. These Old Boys have enjoyed significant achievements and made important contributions on both the local and international stages.

Graham Searle

HHS 1949 - 1953

Graduating from Hamilton High School in 1953, with University Entrance and a Higher School Certificate with a Distinction in Accountancy, Graham worked as an Audit and Accountancy Clerk for Beattie Smart and Co in Hamilton, whilst taking evening classes at the Technical College. His obvious business aptitude meant that he was quickly recognised, and promoted to Audit Senior managing large audits. Graham’s career has taken him all over the world, to London and Malaysia, managing corporate giants such as the Rothman’s operation in Malaysia and Singapore, and the Dunhill Holdings PLC in the UK. He has restructured organisations such as Monsoon PLC and Laura Ashley PLC, turning them into profitable market leaders. Graham’s trademark, is creative business vision and his ability to inject a new dynamic into large corporate organisations, always leaving them in a far better fiscal and structural condition than when he started.

A formal assembly was held at HBHS yesterday to recognise the achievements of Mr Donald T Riley, Mr Frederick P Jones, Mr (Carrick) John Clough and Mr David Braithwaite OBE, JP, FACA. Each man is an HBHS Old Boy who has attained pre-eminence in his field of business endeavour. The school was delighted to host Mr Riley in person, and to have the opportunity to hear him speak about his career highlights, and advice for aspiring scholars and entrepreneurs in the audience.

HBHS is proud to have added Mr J.C. (Dufty) Wilson, Mr Leon Narbey and Mr Warren Gatland to its’ Hall of Fame.  Mr Wilson’s public service, Mr Narbey’s stellar career in the Arts, and Mr Gatland’s sporting achievements were acknowledged and celebrated during a formal assembly in the hall yesterday.

 J.C (Dufty) Wilson (HHS 1934 – 1938, Staff 1951 – 1959, pictured right) was born on 12^th March 1921 and came to Hamilton High School on 2^nd February 1934 from Taupiri Primary.  Often watching Auckland rugby as a small boy, Jack copied the crowd chanting “Give it to Dufty”, and eventually his family gave him the nickname which has stuck with him.

 Dufty was successful at school despite hardly ever making it in time for assemblies.  Catching the train to Frankton Station every day, he then walked slowly, arriving when the last hymn was over.  The 1935 Hamiltonian records Dufty’s second place in the long jump that year, and his placing as runner-up in the Junior Athletic Championships, while as Captain of the Country Rugby Team, he led them to second place in the Town and Country match.  A role model he was, Section Commander in Number 2 Platoon of the Hamilton Boys’ High Cadet Corps, and School Prefect in 1938.  Dufty also played in the First XV in 1936, 1937 and 1938, and was recipient of two trophies at the 1938 School Prizegiving.

1^st XV Captain, Nick Ross (lock), Fraser Armstrong (prop), and Adam Burn (No 8) have been selected to play between now and the end of the year for the National secondary schools team. Coaches and selectors evaluated the boys over a number of games and announced their decision after the cliff-hanger National final in Rotorua. All three have performed extremely well this year, creating a virtuous circle. They were a big part of the forward pack’s success, which in turn allowed the boys to excel in their individual roles for the selectors.

The HBHS/New Plymouth Boys' High School annual sports exchange was held over the last two days.  The results are as follows:

Cricket, 1st XI, HBHS lost by 21 runs, 1st Innings: NPBHS 85, HBHS 125, 2nd Innings: NPHBS 253, HBHS 192

Cricket, 2nd XI, HBHS won by 8 wickets, outright win, 1st Innings: NPBHS 163, HBHS 184, 2nd Innings: NPBHS 97, HBHS 77 - 2

Cricket, Colts, HBHS lost Twenty/20 game by 27 runs, won 1 day, 40 over game by 6 wickets, also second 1 day 40 over game by 40 runs

Senior Touch, HBHS won both days, Day 1: 16 - 0, Day 2: 13 - 1

Tennis, HBHS won both days, Day 1: Juniors 7 - 2, Day 2: Seniors 6 - 3

Surfing, HBHS lost, 11 - 15

Volleyball, HBHS won Game One 3 -2, lost Game Two 2 - 3 and won Game 3 - 0

Final result: HBHS won the exchange 5 - 2