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Students playing near the Water Pump, circa 1908.
A Two inch ‘Douglas’ Pump was originally installed to provide water to the School and continued in use into the 1920s. It was originally located near the South-West corner of what is now the courtyard between the Staff Common Room and the South Wing and was probably installed in about 1871 when the School was first occupied. Part of the courtyard subsequently became the location of the first George Morrison Library. The pump played a notable part in School life and features in anecdotes about schoolyard disciplining rites. It was also a popular source of cool drinking water in summer.
Austin Gray referred to the schoolyard practice of
'Pumping' – ‘having one’s head forcibly held under the pump was carried out for minor offences. As an extra punishment, sometimes a few handfuls of dirt were rubbed into the scalp for good measure.’ The few images of the pump usually depict students skylarking around it.
Sources: Pegasus June 1961 p 20;. Austin Gray Reminiscences - Pegasus June 1952 p 35; Image - Sloane Family Archives