Robert Darlow Pring

Robert was one of the students who spent their entire senior schooling under the Headmastership of George Fairfowl Macarthur, firstly at Macquarie Fields and then at The King’s School. He was School Captain from August 1868 until he left in 1870 as well as Captain of School House. A distinguished all rounder, Robert was Dux for the years 1869-1870 and a member of the 1st XI from 1868-1870. He was also a member of the School’s first 1st XV in 1870 and a Colour Sergeant in the Cadet Corps.

Attending Sydney University to study law Robert graduated with a BA in 1873 and an MA in 1875. He was called to the Bar in December 1874 at the age of 21. Robert became an expert in New South Wales land laws as well as developing a reputation for criminal law. After a brief term as an Acting Justice, Robert was appointed to the Supreme Court Bench in 1902. In 1916 he was the judge when twelve members of the Industrial Workers of the World were prosecuted for conspiracy and his comments asking for “strong and drastic steps” to be taken against the IWW led to the passing of the Crimes Prevention Act in 1916. As Acting Chief Justice in 1918-1918, Robert declined the extra salary remarking that it was his contribution to wartime strictures. Because he had no particular political allegiances, Robert was chosen to conduct several royal commissions into various political scandals during the years 1914-1919.

Robert’s support for community ventures included a term as President of The King’s School Old Boys’ Union from 1906-1921 as well as a Governor of The King’s School Council from 1915-1922. In both these capacities, he demonstrated a profound dedication to the welfare of the School. Robert supported the Queen Victoria Homes for Consumptives and the Bush Brotherhood of the Good Shepherd and was a Churchwarden of the Anglican parish of Summer Hill for twenty three years. Retiring in June 1922 he died of cancer less than two months later.

His wife, Mary Jane, a great granddaughter of Governor King, donated the Five Mile Cross Country Championship Cup which has been competed for at The King’s School since 1918.