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the
Irrigation Commission. He arrived in Adelaide early in July 1927 and took up his duties shortly afterward. He announced the early implementation of annual farmers' schools, which were a feature of Victorian agricultural colleges, and very popular: attracting as many as 150 adult students, and bringing in additional instructors.
71:; was promoted to the rank of Captain, which he relinquished in 1920 and proceeded to America for further experience in plant breeding. On his return to Australia he resumed work with the New South Wales government South Wales Department of Agriculture, and in February 1922 was appointed principal of the
116:
Accusations of loutish behavior: At a social dance evening Birks expelled a couple (Crisp and his female companion) who approached the supper table before the invited guests. Birks showed favoritism towards one Alfred Benzie, who was ostracised by other students for his gentlemanly conduct. He gave a
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Marking: The marks master, Alfred John Adams, gave one student, R. B. Postle, 112 marks for
Agriculture, which Birks reassessed as 146, giving the student a first-class diploma rather than second-class. This was seen by some as exhibiting favoritism for Postle, although it is certain that Adams, who
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Initiations: In 1930 Birks banned such ceremonies, prompting one student to assert that they would continue without official sanction. When that occurred, Birks vowed to make life difficult for the five he believed responsible. He wrote to the parents of one student a letter which Kelly, presiding
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He was a member of the
Roseworthy Old Scholars' Association, and present at their 1926 reunion, A. C. Pritchard presiding due to the principal, W. J. Colebatch being interstate. In May 1927 he was appointed Principal of Roseworthy Agricultural College, succeeding Colebatch, who had been seconded to
90:
On 4 January 1932 the students of
Roseworthy Agricultural College went "on strike", citing "intolerable treatment" by the headmaster, W. R. Birks, their general claim being that college discipline is too severe for young men aged 16 to 20.
55:
of the diploma course in 1908, then worked at
Roseworthy as a demonstrator in the science laboratory, and studied the use of superphosphate in the germination of small seeds, completing his Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) degree in 1910.
66:
in July 1915 and was wounded in action in France in 1917, promoted several times in the field, with 4th Field
Artillery Brigade in 1916, transferred as instructor to England in 1918; while on leave in 1919 studied plant breeding at
216:
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An inquiry, held at the
Industrial Court from 2 February to 1 March 1932, was held into the Roseworthy strike, with 42 witnesses being called. Counsel for the students included as contributory causes:
117:
stern lecture to the students over a series of New Years' pranks, which included throwing stones on the Guide hall roof, upsetting the lavatory bucket, and smearing treacle on the stairway banisters.
51:. He entered Adelaide University in 1905 and completed the requirements to enter a Bachelor of Science course. He went to Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1907 where was
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It would appear Birks was trying to assert the type of discipline he remembered from his prep school days, quite different from that of previous managements.
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Intolerance of loafers: Birks castigated a group of students who he felt were deliberately falling behind in their studies in order to quit the course.
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from 1927 to 1932. His resignation followed an extensive inquiry into students' complaints, which culminated in their strike action.
102:) for "ragging" younger students, presumably the "initiations" mentioned elsewhere, but they held Birks responsible.
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He married Bessie
Threadgill (c. 1871 – 18 August 1954) in 1931. They had one daughter, Jennet Frances Birks.
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He found employment with the New South Wales government South Wales
Department of Agriculture.
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officer of the enquiry, considered improper. The initiations included some degree of flogging.
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had a deep-seated antipathy for Birks, did not double-check marks received verbally.
43:, to Walter Richard Birks and Jemima Scott Birks (married 1873). He was educated at
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247:. Vol. LXXXIII, no. 7, 039. South Australia. 16 October 1926. p. 60
387:. Vol. XVIII, no. 2, 684. South Australia. 24 February 1932. p. 1
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and after matriculating spent three years working in the wholesale business of
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331:. Vol. XVIII, no. 2, 640. South Australia. 4 January 1932. p. 1
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471:. Vol. XVIII, no. 2, 709. South Australia. 24 March 1932. p. 1
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303:. Vol. 97, no. 29, 906. South Australia. 20 August 1954. p. 24
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527:. Vol. XVIII, no. 2, 690. South Australia. 2 March 1932. p. 5
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197:. Vol. VIII, no. 1, 198. South Australia. 18 May 1927. p. 1
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Expulsions: In 1930 four students were expelled by the
Minister (
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555:. No. 4, 315. South Australia. 12 February 1932. p. 9
499:. No. 4, 315. South Australia. 12 February 1932. p. 9
359:. No. 4, 232. South Australia. 11 April 1930. p. 6
27:, was an agricultural scientist, remembered as principal of
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139:, headmaster of Roseworthy College 1887–1894, sacked
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443:. South Australia. 27 February 1932. p. 16
415:. South Australia. 16 February 1932. p. 10
133:, founder of Roseworthy College, sacked 1887
275:. South Australia. 13 July 1927. p. 12
563:– via National Library of Australia.
535:– via National Library of Australia.
507:– via National Library of Australia.
479:– via National Library of Australia.
451:– via National Library of Australia.
423:– via National Library of Australia.
395:– via National Library of Australia.
367:– via National Library of Australia.
339:– via National Library of Australia.
311:– via National Library of Australia.
283:– via National Library of Australia.
255:– via National Library of Australia.
205:– via National Library of Australia.
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23:, a member of South Australia's prominent
19:(11 March 1886 – 17 January 1960), often
323:"Students Strike at Roseworthy College"
217:"Australian Army records: Birks, W. R."
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351:"Four College Students Expelled"
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463:"President Kelly's Full Report"
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219:National Archives of Australia
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435:""Strike Organised by Group""
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547:"Roseworthy College Enquiry"
491:"Roseworthy College Enquiry"
41:Hectorville, South Australia
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73:Dookie Agricultural College
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440:The Advertiser (Adelaide)
412:The Advertiser (Adelaide)
300:The Advertiser (Adelaide)
272:The Advertiser (Adelaide)
407:"Ordered to Alter Marks"
160:. University of Adelaide
379:""Silly Marks Mistake""
244:The Observer (Adelaide)
596:Australian agronomists
591:Australian headmasters
158:"Walter Richard Birks"
519:"'Mr Birks is Human'"
45:Prince Alfred College
267:"Roseworthy College"
239:"Roseworthy College"
189:"Roseworthy College"
69:Cambridge University
17:Walter Richard Birks
524:The News (Adelaide)
468:The News (Adelaide)
384:The News (Adelaide)
328:The News (Adelaide)
194:The News (Adelaide)
62:He enlisted in the
39:Birks was born in
29:Roseworthy College
49:G. & R. Wills
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25:Birks family
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586:1960 deaths
581:1886 births
559:13 February
531:13 February
503:13 February
475:13 February
447:13 February
419:13 February
391:13 February
363:13 February
335:13 February
307:13 February
279:12 February
251:12 February
223:10 February
201:12 February
164:10 February
575:Categories
552:The Bunyip
496:The Bunyip
356:The Bunyip
144:References
125:See also
64:1st AIF
35:History
100:Cowan
561:2024
533:2024
505:2024
477:2024
449:2024
421:2024
393:2024
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53:dux
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