Sport and Colonialism in 19th Century Australasia - LA84 Foundation

the Misses Tremblett, may be congratulated on the
delightful arrangements. The Form flags were hung
round the walls, and the tables, "banquet-laden
with a great banquet", were decorated with purple
and gold ribbons, and vases of golden daffodils
mingled daintily 31 with the royal purple hyacinth
and cornflower.
The physical environment, with its Rugby overtones and carefully
orchestrated programme, was seeded with the words and actions
likely to arouse sentiment, especially in boys. Toasts were
proposed to "The King", the "Football Champions", and these
were followed by songs, cheers and speeches laced with language
that heightened emotions: "pride, stronger men, great unselfishness,
team's determination, dogged spirit, noble heritage of
honour, gallant and manly fight". 32
Boarders' nights and break-up 'banquets' were additional
opportunities for the headmaster to put his vision into practical
expressions. He could sit, surrounded by boys and teachers,
and join in the topical verses set to "Vive La Compagnie",
Listen to comical sketches, music, and applaud as loudly as anyone
the recitation of Newbolt's "The Best School of All" and
"Gillespie's Ride". 33
Few can doubt the general run of popularity
and success that Adamson had at Wesley in the period leading
up to the Great War. His deliberate policy that intensified
the playing and interest of sport apparently drew no adverse
criticism from Wesley boys, their parents, or members of the
School Council. Rising enrolments, elevated status and greater
publicity for the school, coupled to Adamson's growing prestige
in the community for his efforts in the state's education system
and amateur sport, made any level of criticism difficult.
There was, however, only a slight chance of any concerted expression
of concern at developments in the school being aired.
Adamson's views on the potency of games and athletic competition
as a means of improving character and moral behaviour
struck the right chords in a community becoming increasingly
worried at standards of morality. Furthermore, sport was booming
in popularity throughout Australia as it involved more
participants and caught up greater spectator interest. Sport
was fashionable in Melbourne and the zealous business in sport
at Wesley could be considered as no more than an antipodean
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