Mr Bruce Clyde Lumsden, Headmaster: “The school, like many others in both State and Independent systems at the time, was conducted under rigid discipline based upon corporal punishment. Every teacher carried a retributory weapon of some sort, usually a strap. The boys themselves were a match for this treatment. They expected it, and responded accordingly. The master who did not apply corporal punishment was a freak or a weakling, to be condemned on either count. Young Mr Lumsden, coming from his environment of gentleness and love, consideration for others and justice, was deeply troubled in being asked to treat boys in this way. He was faced with a dilemma: he could not bring himself to beat boys, but in self-preservation he had to.”