The Collegiate School of St. Peter, 1847-1947 : being an illustrated record of the first hundred years

"For some years the Council of Governors has had in mind the publication of a centenary history together with a register of past and present masters and boys. In 1937 they appointed the then headmaster and a committee of old collegians to undertake this work, but the collection of historical material and of names for the register was interrupted by the war. When peace came, the governors commissioned Mr. A.J. Brooks to make extracts from the council minutes, and Mr. Brooks completed this work from 1847 to 1907, but was then appointed acting headmaster of Pulteney Grammar School. Finally, in 1946, the governors asked Dr. Grenfell Price to write a brief history, and Mr. R.E. Cameron to select suitable illustrations from the great number available. Mr. L.A.R. Evans, the School Secretary, also contributed much valuable information, and thanks are due to a number of old scholars and others who read the text or provided illustrations. Dr. Price's text is based on Mr. Brooks' extracts and other Council data; on early newspaper accounts; and on the school magazines (1884-1886 and 1890-1946). These contain amongst much important material historical accounts by G.W. Hawkes (published 1886-1890), and by R.B. Fraser (published 1921-25) together with important reminiscences of Archdeacon Farr and other founders or pioneers. The writer has had neither space nor time to pursue historical problems or controversies. He has simply tried to outline the development of St. Peter's from the seven boys in Trinity Schoolroom in July, 1847, to the 740 boys in their present splendid surroundings." -- introduction, page vii.