Letters to the editor - The time issue

Another FJ prank! 

The article about the FJ and the footbridge brings to mind an earlier Prosh prank with an FJ. 

A few years before the footbridge incident, probably in 1964, there was a well-organised attempt to put an FJ body on top of Parliament House and to string a sign across the front, “Tom the Cheap” the name of a prominent discount store in Adelaide at the time. The Premier was then Tom Playford. 

Access was from the lane beside the railway station and then over the roof of the Old Parliament House. Watch keepers with walkie talkies were monitoring all police movements. These monitors were usually in male/female pairs pretending to cuddle so as not to attract attention. 

Regrettably the ladder to access the roof of Parliament House from the Old Parliament House was a few inches too short and the attempt had to be abandoned. Rather than do nothing, the organising party regrouped, and the FJ was put on top of the police station that was then alongside the River Torrens near to Jolleys boathouse. 

The Police Commissioner at the time, Brigadier McKenna, took this as a personal affront to the police force and pressured the government and the University to stop future Prosh Day activities. He was unsuccessful in that. 

However, his pressure led to the institution of Prosh Eve parties called ‘Prosh Prangs’. The first of these was held in the Thebarton Town Hall but it got a bit out of hand and the venue refused to have another one. The next one was held in the Waterside Workers Hall in Port Adelaide. This was a disaster. 

There were scantily clad dancers on stage including the memorable Big Pretzel. The crowd tried to storm the stage, and the organisers pulled out a fire hose and drove them back. One group used a trestle tabletop as a shield and advanced to the stage hurling ice at the young student holding the fire hose. He concentrated the fire hose on the tabletop, and they were swept away. 

Police were called but they refused to intervene saying they were under instructions to leave the students alone. The Waterside Workers’ Federation was understandably extremely upset and there were no more ‘Prosh Prangs’ after that. 

I believe this to be accurate, but I make this contribution to your discussion on the basis that it is not attributed to me.

Contributed by a senior South Australian legal figure

The year before the FJ

I would like to say that I was a participant in the pioneering, short-lived, 1970 car hanging and comment that at least we retrieved our car from the river the next morning. 

This made it safe for Popeye that day and made it possible for the second event in 1971.

Roger Inverarity, BE (Mech) (Hons) 1971

HamBurglars

Reading your story on the FJ and the footbridge in the recent Lumen magazine, I was reminded of a rumour of another Prosh prank. I don’t know much about it or if it was true, but in my first year (1994) of a four-year Bachelor of Agriculture degree, when based on the North Terrace campus, there was the story of Ronald McDonald. In the Myer Centre there was a life-size Ronald McDonald on a bench seat. Word was that some people from Uni went with wrenches and simply unbolted the seat and started carrying it back. The story goes that they never made it back with their haul - a security officer stopped them. 

Justin Wundke B Ag Sc 1998

A critic’s praise

Gloriously good issue of Lumen. Bravo!

Peter Goers OAM, noted arts critic, columnist, broadcaster, director

WINNER - A stitch in time 

When I was at the University of Adelaide, time wove itself through my degree like a thread. 

From the structured hours of lectures to the vibrant blur of club events, I learned that time wasn’t just counted in degrees earned, but in connections made. 

Time was the plane that flew me to Vietnam, not only to learn engineering but explore culture, food, and friendships, expanding my horizons. 

Time was the hours helping others at Ask Adelaide, allowing me to master leadership and empathy in both an office and a classroom. 

Time, in its passing, gifted me with friendships that still stand strong, years after my degree was framed. 

In the end, time at the University of Adelaide was not measured in the degree received, but in the seconds and minutes, hours and days, weeks and years, that stitched me into the fabric of something bigger. 

Naomi Smith, BE (Chem) (Hons) 2022, B Ma & Comp Sc 2022 

New skills 

The experience I gained during my graduate certificate study at the University of Adelaide was gratifying. It reinforced the school of thought that education is a lifelong process. It instils more confidence in my profession and a sense of fulfillment in learning new skills and breakthroughs. I highly recommend completing a study at the University of Adelaide, which ranks in the top 1% globally. 

Benjamin Nueva, Philippines, Grad Cert Marine Engineering 2020 

WINNER - Great memories 

I attended Adelaide University during an exciting time. I have a vivid memory of the FJ Holden hanging from the footbridge. Remember SCIIAES and the great events we held? I was treasurer of the AUFC and recall the controversy around the A1 team losing all their season points when we were one of the best teams in Amateurs. This gave rise to the Bob Neil phenomenon inspired by the great Fred Bloch. Professor ‘Hatchet’ Harcourt was another luminary of the football club. 

Both of my children are also graduates of Adelaide which brings me to the main reason for entering this competition. My daughter was the inaugural winner of the Edith Dornwell Medal and I would love to be able to present to her a portrait poster of Edith. It feels appropriate. 

Martin Byrt, B Tech (Electronic) 1973 

WINNER - My time at Adelaide University 

In the corridors of Adelaide's esteemed halls, Where time weaves tales within its walls From ’74 to ’85 I trod, A journey through the hands of God. Mathematical sciences, a field divine, Psychology's secrets, the human mind. Degrees and honours, achievements high, Each day a new challenge, reaching the sky.With scripts in hand, the stage my domain, The dramatic society, where memories reign. “Willee Comback" and "The Merchant of Venice” told, In characters' shoes, my stories unfold President of the tennis club I stood, The courts my kingdom, where friendships brewed. Though victory's embrace I never found, In laughter and camaraderie, joy did abound. So here's to the days at Adelaide's door, Where time was not wasted but cherished more. In the heart of the University's embrace, Lies the essence of time and grace. 

Dr Jack White, B. Math Sc. (Hons) 1977, PhD psychology 1985 

WINNER - Ode to the UofA (a digital rap) 

Back in the Summer of ’69First in family at Uni… so fine!To Data Processing - my die now was cast!Punched cards, Daddy Cool at Cloisters… what a blast!CDC6400 on FromeCame with SAIT lecturers who stood alone Fortran ’n COBOL; don’t drop those cards!Compile all those programs… ’twas the whole 9 Yards!’70 saw our moment of fame…The News centrefold - first faculty at the Lakes!New campus adjacent to Abbatoir (Eew!) and Airport (Wow!) An ICL to program now.Time flew by; computing expounded Results every year in ’Tiser Lane… we all joined the dash;’72 soon arrived - it seemed like a flash!Careers in a warp from online to AIGlobal villages connected in the blink of an eye!So surge into future discovery each dayWith my personal thanks to the great U of A!!!!

Ken Murrell, B App Sc 1972

A favourite book

As a child, my favourite book was The Little Black Princess by Aeneas Gunn, awarded to me for second place in Grade 3. I had always wanted to teach junior children, and I began teaching Italian children from the first market gardeners at Salisbury. 

I then taught Indigenous children in Alice Springs, my dream role. Many years and teaching positions followed. I enjoyed multicultural days, promoting English development, and teaching at special schools. 

I never spent more than five years at any school and was also an emergency teacher. My reward was meeting pupils and parents years later and them greeting me warmly, “You taught me!”, “You taught my daughter Jess in prep!”. My prize possession is a bronze medal for bravery for saving a pupil from drowning. 

Opening my first favourite book all those years ago began my amazing journey through teaching.

Anne Martin, Dip Arts and Ed 1961

WINNER - Together across time

I’m five years old, visiting my dad at work. He’s peeling an orange into amanila envelope. I see a wall of bookcases, a desk and a view down to the footbridge. 

Now I’m 17, it’s 40°c and I’ve been queuing for hours on the Barr Smith steps, waiting to enrol. Four years later, nights are spent in the projection room, showing films in the Union Cinema. 

For a while I’m away; a decade in cold, grey Europe. When I get back people say: “You can still see a film in the Union Cinema.” Then they say: “Come for a last beer in the UniBar.” I drift away again. 

But then someone says: “Join our club. We’re building a community for women like you.” And just like that, I’m back, having meetings in Napier, then ThincLab. 

And I realise that my story and this University are always running together, across time.

Helen Chandler, BSc (Hons) 1997

WINNER - A birthday poem

I began Uni life in ’89Choosing The UofA as my place to shine With the fabulous Footlights I spent my time Creating original theatre and friends sublime. These friends I have to this very dayAnd proudly I hold my degree - a BA*My Uni years were the best. Study and fun. Happy Birthday Alma MaterMay there be more to come!(*I did not receive high grades for first year poetry BTW!)

Emily Branford, BA 1992

Gaining confidence

A slow transformation from a shy school graduate to a young man with the confidence that comes from the experience of enthusiastic like-minded peers and the examples of teachers at the pinnacle of their field.

Dr Jules Begg, MBBS 1985

WINNER - Melting pot

My time at the University of Adelaide was a tapestry of lively conversations in the courtyards bathed in sunlight and late-night study sessions. The enthusiasm of inquisitive minds filled each lecture classroom, where concepts ignited like wildfire. I strolled through the city’s diverse cultural offerings, from local markets to art galleries, and I frequently found inspiration in the most unlikely locations. 

Working on projects with peers was like going on an exciting journey, with every obstacle serving as a springboard for development. My vision of the world was expanded by the diverse community, which was like a melting pot of viewpoints. My journey’s heartbeats were the times I spent laughing and dreaming together beneath the old trees’ shade. 

I had mixed feelings of nostalgia as graduation drew near for the relationships we had made and the late-night coffees that kept us motivated to pursue our goals.

Alicia Sexton, B Com 2020

WINNER - Change a constant

My time at Adelaide was at a time when the Uni was in a state of expansive change, similar to the present day, with the acquisitions of Waite Institute and Roseworthy Ag College. Fond memories as a country student studying at Roseworthy, North Terrace and Waite campuses meeting people from all walks of life; and a community focused on enjoying learning and life. 

An environment that promoted innovation above all, a playground for political and social debate as extra-curricular to our educational pathway. I hope that continues despite the social and political environment appearing to take a greater role in current education across all levels, as it generally stifles innovation... something University of Adelaide is recognised as a leader in worldwide. The current process is challenging for a lot of alumni, however innovation is linked to change... change is a result of history plus education reflected in the future.

Stewart McIntosh, B Ag Roseworthy 2002

WINNER - Lumen’s light 

In Adelaide’s light,Lumen minds spark, deep and bright,Words take gentle flight.

Thoughts in quiet bloom,Shared beneath the southern moon,Wisdom fills the room.

Eyes of wonder gleam,Threads of knowledge, like a stream,Flow in endless dream.

Each voice, soft yet strong,In the heart where words belong,Echoes linger long.

Adelaide, so warm,Cradles minds through every storm,Learning is our norm.

Weide Jin, MBA 2013

WINNER - Time’s journey

Time is just a concept, but the memories of Adelaide University will last a lifetime. From the first lecture halls to late-night study sessions, every moment contributed to shaping who I am today. The University wasn’t just a place of learning—it waswhere I discovered my passion for finance, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. The challenges I faced, both academically and personally, helped me grow and prepared me for the professional world. Beyond the theories and assignments, it was the friendships, the shared experiences, and the lessons learned that left a lasting impact. Adelaide will always be a part of my journey, long after the final exams and graduation celebrations.

Seb Cavlov, B Com 2023