Book prize awarded to David Wilson (1885) for excellence in conduct and general proficiency. Book donated back to school after purchase in a junk shop. Handwritten inscription reveals details of family tree. Significant to the school social history because it was awarded by F J Thomas who led the school for a brief period during 1874 - 1875 and left under undignified circumstances (see Mein's history p. 19). Small calf bound novel with gold detailing on covers and spine; college crest embossed on front cover; marbled endpapers; colour frontispiece with interleave; book plate on front cover verso.Book plate inside front cover: College crest / Prize / for / Good conduct and general proficiency / awarded to / D Wilson / Second class / Chrostmas 1874 / F J Thomas BA, Principal. Handwritten inscription on back of title page: To Alexander (Lal) Wilson (my Godson) from your Uncle Alex Wilson as a keepsake from your father David Wilson, who pressed me to take a book from the first collection of books acquired from your grandfather David Wilson of the (?) Hall Hotel, Armstrong St Ballarat. But as (?) knew he had attended this school and that it was his own merited book received as a prize. I took it in preference to any other of the (?) books he offered me. This gift (/) just previous to his passing away and it was the last time I was priveledged (sic) to see him alive. It might interest you and yours to know that he died as a Christian Gentleman. I have that on the word of the Rev Frank (Menzies?), presbyterian Minister. Being sent by favour of Stewart Wilson. f-j-thomas, ballarat-college. book-prize, 1874, david-wilson