Looking through folders of the early days at the college is a reminder that the college has changed so much over the decades, as has everything else in our society and in our world.

NZ society in the ‘60s was not as prosperous as the present day. However, jobs were available and families could live happily off ‘one income’. Family life was bonded and healthy but incomes were quite moderate.

Our photo reminds us of the summer uniform style, and the regular mode of transport in the 60s and 70s. Bicycles were a normal means of transport, for many adults as well. Some machines had a 3-phase gear system, but most lads used the ‘direct drive’ – pedal to rear wheel.

The college catchment was much smaller than today and distance from home to school was moderate. People didn’t complain if they had to bike from Hoon Hay, Addington, Cashmere, Hillmorton, Hornby, Russley, Burnside, Riccarton. Sumner boys had to change bus at the Square. Suburban transport wasn’t able to cover the suburbs for this Sockburn location. Only on special occasions was a student driven to school, although there were a few who came by car every day. A government bus travelled from Burnham camp and transported children to school in Christchurch. Many boys cycled to their sporting encounter on Saturday mornings, with their gear attached to the frame. In the late 70s each of the three Morrison lads were conspicuous on their motorbikes.

As time has passed fewer bicycles are in use. However, the quality of the bicycles improved with well-treaded tyres and a multiple gear range. Now in the 20s very few bicycles are ridden to school. The cost of bicycles, the improved bus service and the problem of theft have all contributed to the decline in bicycle transport. The catchment area for our students is more widespread and for some the distance is too great.

During the same period of social change the City Council has been promoting and constructing a widespread network of defined cycleways. There is plenty of publicity about personal health, general fitness and encouragement to ride bicycles and maintain good health. Climate change debates favour the use of bicycles which would help to reduce the impact of fossil fuels. Nevertheless the Laudato Si ideal hasn’t captured the interest of STC lads; some even drive themselves to school discharging fumes into the atmosphere.

Free buses might be an answer to moving children across the City.