History

Our area, now known as Lavington, was called Bungambrawatha, or “Homeland” by the Wiradjuri people. There is a long history of habitation prior to 1824, when the explorers Hume and Hovell were the first non-Indigenous people to pass through the area.

This region was a source of comfort and security for Wiradjuri people and provided the majority of their necessities, including tools, food, medicine, shelter, fibres, water, and items for trade.

On 16 October 1865 the Black Range School, with 27 pupils, opened at the north-west corner of Prune and Murphy streets.  The school was a bark hut, measuring 26 feet by 14 feet.

The school was moved to its present site, at the intersection of Jindera (Urana) Road and Bungambrawatha Creek, in 1882, and was later renamed Lavington Public School.

Early Beginnings 1865 - 1897

On 5th September 1865, a formal application was made for the establishment of a national school at Lavington, then known as Black Range or Black Range Diggings.  The Board of National Education decided that a school was required at Black Range and appointed Mr William Swindlehurst as teacher on September 11.  Mr Swindlehurst was 22 years of age and had only had a month's training at the Albury Model School.   However, the Board was confident that he could adequately perform his duties and the school opened on 16th October, 1865.   By November the enrolment comprised 27 pupils, with an average attendance of 25.  In 1866 William Swindlehurst requsted to be transferred to another school, and in 1868 he successfully applied for a position as a teacher at the Church of England Denominational School in Corowa.  In his reasons for leaving Black Range School, he outlined that the Black Range diggings had begun to fail, and nearly all the population had "removed to other districts".  The daily horseback journeys to Black Range by William Swindlehurst for three years through all weathers and road conditions brought educational opportunities to scores of children who would have otherwise received no formal education.

In 1874 the school reopened as the Union Church with Mr John Gregson as teacher, and later Mr Peter Rennie in 1876 after undertaking one weeks training to pass an examination for classification at the Albury Model School.

Official attitudes towards the building of a new school apparently changed in subsequent years and in May 1882, plans and specifications had been completed for a schoolhouse of weatherboard and iron on a rubble foundation, estimated to cost £150.  The school was to lie approximately east to west, facing the main road.  Tenders for the work were invited in the Albury newspapers, and Mr J Adam's tender was accepted.  Earlier in 1882 the location of the school site had been subject to further discussion, for the Black Range Alluvial Gold Mining Company had in ignorance sunk a shaft on the area about 3 chains square of the land reserved for a school paddock.  When the error was discovered the company sought to have the land title changed to accommodate their operations, and Mr District Inspector Hocks was asked to report on the possibility of a change of site, which he did on 24th April, 1882.

Mr Inspector Hookins recommended that a residence should be erected at the school to overcome vandalism.  Plans and specifications for the teacher's residence were prepared and tenders invited in Albury papers in September, 1883.   Mr W H Byrne's tender for the construction was accepted, the cost of the building being in the vicinity of £400.  The residence consisted of 3 rooms and a kitchen and was constructed "of the same material and in harmony with the schoolroom already designed."  The building was ready for occupation by November, 1884.  In November 1886, Mr I Manns was transferred from Mulwala to Black Range School and was in charge of the school for some ten years until the beginning of 1897 when he was transferred to Gerogery.

Mr Henry Hague

In 1897 Mr Henry Hague was appointed to Black Range, and would remain as headmaster for an uprecendented thirty years.  Promotion and transfer were offered to Mr Hague many times, but in each case he declined the offer.  He retired from teaching in 1921 but remained very active in public life of the village of Lavington.  He was treasurer of the show society, the Albury bowling club and the UAP branch and an elder at the St. David’s Presbyterian Church.

He was so well regarded by the community for his work in the advancement of the district and during his life, they honoured him with the naming of the street where Lavington school is situated and also made requests to have a public reserve also named in his honour. Henry was buried at the Albury Pioneer Cemetery.

In September 1942, almost a year after the death of Mr Hague, previous pupils and citizens gathered at the school to pay tribute to his memory and perpetuate it in the form of a pair of study ornamental gates giving access to the school grounds.  In accepting the gates on behalf of the Education Department of NSW, Inspector F Cowburn aptly expressed the feeling and thoughts of the community in the following words:

“…….that Henry Hague lived up to the highest ideals of his profession is amply indicated here today.  You, the men and women he made, whose characters he moulded, are here to pay tribute to the work he did upon you”.

Headmaster Henry Hague 1898

Border Mail, Monday 14 September, 1942

Lavington Honors Henry Hague

For as long as Lavington Public School exists, the memory of a man of noble character (who left the impress of his teaching talents upon hundreds of Australians in all walks of life) will be perpetuated by a pair of sturdy ornamental gates giving access to the school property.

The gates represent Lavington's tribute to the late Mr. Henry Hague, who, for 30 years, was the local schoolmaster. On Saturday afternoon, the community, which loved and admired one whom they regarded as a big Australian, assembled in force to see them unveiled, dedicated, and handed over to the Education Department.

Spokesman for the Hague family, Mr. Douglas Hague, a well-known Albury solicitor, said at the conclusion of his speech: "Thank you for everything you have said about my father, and God bless you all."

President of the Memorial Committee, Mr. Frank Heathwood, told the gathering that the effort which brought the gates into existence was voluntary and spontaneous. The brickwork was contributed by Mr. Thomas Gulson, and the carpentry by Mr. L. Schneider, but everyone associated with their erection had given splendid service.

Speeches were delivered by Cr. J. E. Jelbart, President of Hume Shire Council; Mr. Alex Mair, MLA; Mr. L. Schneider, representing old pupils; Mr. Hilder, on behalf of the present teachers and children; Mr. Harold Johnson (Albury Bowling Club); Dr. R. A. Robertson; Cr. Severin; and District School Inspector F. Cowburn.

"Anyone who was acquainted with the late Henry Hague should regard it a privilege to be present at this ceremony in honour of a very fine gentleman," said Cr. Jelbart. "I was associated with him for 30 years and had the pleasure of going to his school 29 years ago when I commenced one of the finest friendships that I have experienced during a fairly long life. As a schoolmaster, he was firm and with an affectionate regard for all his pupils; he was successful in impressing them with this fact, and the result of his efforts in this respect has left an indelible imprint for good on most of those who were fortunate enough to come under his influence."

"As a friend, the firm grip of his handshake provided a symbol of his sincerity and the confidence he imposed in all those who merited the continuance of his friendship. As a firm believer in Christianity and a devoted adherent of the Presbyterian Church, he possessed and practiced those attributes which supported the good advice he freely gave."

"In the field of sport and as a cricketer, he displayed enthusiasm, vigour, and ability, which was characteristic of his life. To the public life of the community, Mr. Hague rendered valuable service in Albury district during the last 47 years. As a committee member, his advice was always sought, and as secretary and treasurer of various institutions and organisations, his work was thorough and accurate to the minutest detail."

"He was hospitable, kind, considerate, and tolerant, and it may truly be said of him, in the poet's words:—
He lived for those that he loved best,
For those he knew were true,
For the God that was above him,
And the good that he could do."

Mr. Mair said it was a privilege to be there to join in paying tribute to the late Mr. Hague. For 12 years, he had been connected with their late friend in parliamentary work. He first made contact with him at the Presbyterian Church, where Mr. Hague worshipped with great fervour, and carried the spiritual attributes of the church into his private life. He was tolerant and kind, and many of Lavington boys now fighting for freedom carried the impress of their old teacher. He was one of the old type and a great friend to the modern boy and girl. His dour manner was the result of his Presbyterian upbringing in the Old Country, yet he was patient and moved with the times. He was not only a great teacher but a great friend, and in these days, they cherished deep friendships. At the same time, he was a great father and brought up a great family of whom he was proud and who were proud of him. When he passed on, the community missed his great influence and leadership. Lavington boys and girls missed the dear old gentleman whom they loved.

"To Mr. Douglas Hague and family and his brothers, this is a wonderful tribute for a country centre, for their father taught all the characteristics that would win the war," concluded Mr. Mair.

Mr. Hilder said that the Teachers' Federation had asked him to thank the Hague Memorial Committee. As the present headmaster, he appreciated the all-time memorial to such a fine teacher. Mr. Hague was never satisfied unless he was watching the results of his character building.

"Harry Hague was a real sportsman and gentleman," said Mr. H. Johnson. "It was a real pleasure to be his friend. Shortly before he died, I saw him, and his last words to me were, 'I have had a very happy life.'"

Dr. Robertson said that Mr. Hague was not content with severing his educational association with Lavington Public School. He joined up and helped to make Albury High School what it was. Twelve years ago, he assisted in making Mr. Mair member for Albury and, later, Premier of the State. He was one of the finest and kindest men he had ever met.

Cr. Severin recalled pleasant memories of Mr. Hague at Geogery before he moved to Lavington. He was a most efficient teacher, and he was proud to have been his student.

"On behalf of the family, I hereby unveil this tablet and dedicate these gates to the memory of our father and hand them over to Inspector Cowburn for the Education Department," said Mr. Douglas Hague at the official ceremony. Continuing, Mr. Hague said his emotions would not permit him to make a long speech. He apologised for the absence of his sister and two brothers, and he expressed the appreciation of the family for the honour the Lavington people had done them. They were all proud of their father's memory.

The public knew him as a teacher and as a citizen. As a teacher, his father regarded it as his greatest endeavour to raise the educational standard and well-being not only of the children but of the parents. The older members of Lavington would remember conditions 30 years ago, and the present were like a dream compared with them. There had been a great elevation in the educational standard since then. His father's greatest reward was to receive the thanks of his old pupils who had grown to manhood. He liked them to call upon him and thank him by saying that what they had accomplished, they owed to him.

In congratulating the Memorial Committee, Mr. Hague said that the gates were the work of beautiful craftsmanship and many generations would pass through them. The memorial was a happy thought. Just years ago, they had gathered to bid his father farewell and to make him a presentation. At one stage of that function, his father could scarcely control himself—when the juniors made him a personal presentation. He had a great affection for children, and although he endured great physical suffering before he died, few knew of it. Messages from all over the Commonwealth reached the family after his death.

In accepting the gates on behalf of the Education Department, Inspector F. Cowburn said:—

"As the official representative of the Education Department of NSW, I deem it a very great privilege and honour to be present at this function and to join in the expressions of esteem for one who was a faithful and valued servant in the field of education. The whole department delights in being associated with this public expression of respect for the headmaster who labored so long and faithfully amongst you."

"To me, it appears that no wiser choice could have been made for a memorial than these gates, through which will pass during the coming years many hundreds of school children, even to the third and fourth generation of those who knew Henry Hague as headmaster here."

"On behalf of my department, I accept these memorial gates with the deepest gratitude, firstly, because of one of our teachers; secondly, because they are a tangible indication of your interest in our school here; and last, but not least, because of their dignity and addition to the very beautiful surroundings of this building. Not many schools are more prettily situated than this one, and these gates definitely add distinction."

"That Henry Hague lived up to the highest ideals of his profession is amply indicated here today. You, the men and women he made, whose characters he moulded, are here to pay tribute to the work that he did upon you."

"It is often alleged as a great weakness of our present departmental system that we move our teachers too frequently. This is not without its advantages, but it is yet true that when an outstanding man takes over a school, he can only do his best work if he is given enough time to work out his policies and put into practice his ideals."

"I do not know if Henry Hague's 30 years' term as headmaster at the one school is a departmental record or not. If not, it must come very close to it. He was not a product of our system but an importation, and whilst he adapted himself to Australian conditions, we may depend upon it that he also introduced what he considered best from the system under which he was trained. His record with the NSW Department of Education is an honourable one, and when he retired in 1927, it was with a sense of satisfaction of something attempted, something done."

"The qualities of the successful headmaster are as follows: He must be a man who inspires respect. He must be a first-rate disciplinarian without appearing to be the least authoritarian. He must understand the art of teaching; be a sound financier; sympathetic, kind-hearted, humorous, and imaginative. He must be able to deal with small boys, with the business men and artisans who begot them, and with anxious and devoted mothers. He must be, in other words, a superman."

"Your successful headmaster does not envy your engineer who builds bridges and railways; nor your manufacturer who makes goods by mass production. His work is more important yet, for he makes men."

Mr. Cowburn then quoted Henry Newbolt's "The Best School of All":

It's good to see the school we knew, the land of youth and dream.
To greet again the rule we knew before we took the stream.
Though long we've lost the sight of her, our hearts may not forget.
We've lost the old delight of her, we'll keep her honour yet.
We'll honour yet the school we knew, the best school of all.
We'll honour yet the rule we know, till the last bell call.
For working days or holidays, for glad or melancholy days,
They were the best great school days of all, and jolly days, not the days
That tanned the hide of us, our daily foes and friends.
They shall not lose their pride of us, howe'er the journey ends.
Their voice to us who sing of it, no more its message bears.
But the round world shall ring of it, and all we are be theirs.
To speak of fame a venture is; them's little here can bide.
But we can face the centuries and dare the deepening tide.
For though the dust that's part of us, to dust again be gone.
Yet here shall beat the heart of the SCHOOL WE HANDED ON.

"This," he concluded, "is the school which Henry Hague handed on. His spirit will continue to permeate it through its traditions formed and consolidated during his long reign. You parents were his products, and through you, are being handed down Hague traditions."

"I wish to thank all who have contributed in any way towards the completion of this project and to express the heartfelt wish that the school children who are to use these gates day by day for many generations will cherish the memory of Mr. Hague."

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