HOME AWAY FROM HOME, 1945
Early in 1945 the home of a former premier became a school hostel. Still known as Werndee today, the New Town home of the late Sir Elliott and Lady Lewis was sold to the Old Hobartian Association (OHA) in 1941, subdivided and leased out until it was converted into a hostel for country boys attending Hobart High School. In 1945, 40 boys were in the care of manager Mr S.C. Morris, matron Mrs Bower, submatron Mrs Cotton, and two assistants. Their day started at 6.45am with a shower, breakfast, and inspection by a prefect (top left), before setting off for school at 8.20 (top right). After school there was homework to be done, dinner was served, and the evening hours might feature a singalong with matron (above), or board games (right), before a spot of reading in bed and then lights out at 10pm. OHA sold the property to the State Government in 1946, 20 extra beds were added, and the hostel operated until 1975. Three-time premier and inaugural Federal Cabinet member Lewis was also a Hobart High School old boy. — DAMIAN BESTER
BLAST FROM THE PAST