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FRASER, Hugh MBE (1864-1957)

FRASER, Hugh MBE (1864-1957)


Hugh Fraser, a notable mathematics teacher spent most of his teaching career in Tasmania.

Born on 22 December 1864, he was enrolled at Geelong College on 21 February 1883 by Hugh Fraser. His address at enrolment was recorded as 'She Oaks', Steiglitz. No departure date is listed for Hugh in the enrolment register but he appears in the Annual Report prize lists from 1883 to 1885.



Hugh was the son of Hugh Fraser (1831-1902) and Catherine nee McPherson (1834-1902). None of his other siblings were educated at Geelong College. He died in Tasmania on 14 March 1957, aged 92 years.

Pegasus reported Hugh's MBE award in 1948:
'Mr Hugh Fraser, senior mathematics master at the Launceston Church of England Grammar School, was awarded the MBE in the New Years Honors. He was born at 'Sheoaks, between Lethbridge amd Meredith and began teaching at Horsham Technical College and later became a master at Granville College, Ballarat. Hugh Fraser has been on the staff of Launceston Grammar School for 51 years ans was acting headmaster in 1928-29. He was coach of the school crew from 1897 to 1915, during which period the crew won the Head of the River (Tasmania) 12 times (sic). In 1936, Mr Fraser became first mater emeritus of the school to be appointed by the Board of Management.'

In 1959, Pegasus published the following obituary:

'Hugh Fraser, MBE., MA., BCE, Master Emeritus of Launceston Church Grammar School, passed away in his sleep on March 14, 1957. He had seen 57 years of mathematics and science teaching at Launceston and was affectionately called the school's 'Mr Chips'. As a young man he matriculated from the Geelong College in 1883 and went on to Ormond College, where he graduated with honours, as well as rowing for Ormond and the University.'


The Advocate newspaper of Burnie, Tasmania in 1936, under the heading 'Mr Fraser Retires. Master at Grammar School for Nearly 40 Years' , published the following:

'After being a master at the Launceston Church Grammar School for nearly 40 years, Mr. Hugh Fraser, one of the best known figures in education in Tasmania, has announced his retirement. The title of Master Emeritius will be bestowed on Mr. Fraser.

Educated at Geelong College, Melbourne, and later at Melbourne University, where he secured his Arts Degree and became a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Mr. Fraser went to the Grammar School at Easter, 1897, nearly 40 years ago. He has been senior mathematics master all the time, and also lecturer in mathematics in the north for the University of Tasmania. Mr. Fraser, in his younger days, was a keen oarsman, and after rowing in the Ormond College eight, was a member of the Northern Tasmanian eight. He coached crews at the Grammar School for 20 years, and met with outstanding success, as 11 (sic) of those under his charge won head-of-the-river races. He has been resident master at the Grammar School for 12 years, vice-principal for many years, and acting principal for eight months in 1928, after the resignation of Rev. J. W. Bethune.

Headmasters with whom he has been associated are Rev. C. Wilkinson, Mr. H. Gillett, Rev. J. W. Bethune, Messrs. F. R. Adams, and N. H. Roff. Mr. Fraser is a keen golfer, and intends to devote much of his spare time to that game.'


Sources: The Leader (Melbourne) 15 February 1902 p43; The Advocate (Burnie, Tasmania) 4 November 1936 p2; Pegasus June 1948 p46; Pegasus June 1959 p46.