AGS Magazine December 1946

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHODL MAGAZINE

. t ABERDEEN

print241 for-The Former Pupils' Club at The University Press • PRICE ONE SHILLING.

Volume L, No. I.

December 1946.

EDUCATIONAL BOOKS LEGAL • THEOLOGICAL MEDICAL • CLASSICAL New and Second-hand

CLASS STUDENTS NOTEBOOKS

-

BOOKS •

SCHOOL EXERCISE BOOKS

James G. Bisset Bookseller & Stationer 85 BROAD STREET

::

ABERDEEN

Opposite Morischal College

•

PHONE 753 •

GOOD HEALTH demands

GOOD BREAD For the children especially is It necessary to ensure their stamina and energy with good, wholesome, nourishing bread. In Hutchison's bread you'll find all these requirements are fully met. Phone or give instructions to have it supplied daily.

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BRANCHES THROUGHOUT THE CITY

OLD GOLD AND SILVER Urgently I Wanted also

FINE JEWELS and ANTIQUE SILVER Out-of-Date WATCHES JEWELLERY COINS CHAINS and Odds and Ends of every description realize

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92 GREAT WESTERN ROAD, ABERDEEN Telephone-1658

Established over 50 years

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JAMES LORIMER & SON (BOOTMAKERS), LTD.

CIVIL and MILITARY BOOTMAKERS

8 CHAPEL ST.

ABERDEEN

(Late of 162 Union Street) Estd. A.n. 1844

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ABERDEEN C.) When on a visit to Aberdeen—Gateway to Royal Deeside—rest and dine at our

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Telephone No. 1891.

ARCHIBALD McKELLAR Family Grocer, Wine Merchant and Tobacconist,

450-456 Union Street, Aberdeen. . . We Specialise in . .

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Medicinal Wines—Vibrona,

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THE VALUE OF RECOMMENDATION "We have been recommended to you by -

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JAMES FYFE & SON PAINTERS AND GLAZIERS. •

•

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OFFICE AND SHOWROOMS-

II DEE STREET, ABERDEEN. Telephone 304.

Telegrams—"Fyfe. Painters."

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FARM 0

WILLIAM REITH Sole Proprietor : JOHN REITH 0

46-48

ROSE STREET, ABERDEEN

CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS Facing page • 47

Facing Page

.

Theodore Watt, M.A., LL.D. . 3 Sixty Years On .

J. Scott MacLachlan, M.A., LL.B. 8 Captain A. D. Mackintosh Licut.(A.) L. D. Dumo Presentation of Lectern from . 9 Driver Thomas Lauder Bengal Centre . .

Professor John Laird, M.A., LL.D., . . 46 . .

F.B.A. . . . . . .

The Future of the School . . . . .

Death of Dr. Theodore Watt . . . .

New Secretary and Treasurer of F.P. Club . . . .

Editor of the Magazine . . . . . .

Presentation of a Lectern from the Bengal Centre . . . . . . .

The Toll of the War .

Notes on Old Boys . . . . .

Four Old Boys Return ro School .

Marriages . . . . .

Obituary . . . . . , , , . . . .

Pro Patria Mortui • . .

Life in Occupied Norway. By L. G. S. Simonsen From a Malayan Diary : Anniversary. By W. Ferrier Mayor . . .

Vienna To-day. By Donald E. R. Watt . . . .

The New Benevolence. By Eric Linklatcr .

School's Greatest Rebel Since Byron? By J. S. S. . .

The Aberdeen-Rennes Fellowship. By A. A. Cormack The Opening of Rubislaw Field. By A. T. Cruickshank . . . . . . .

Miss Brown. By " F.P." School Section— . . . . .

School and Random Notes . . . . . .

Lower School Notes . . . . .

New Members of the Staff . . . . . .

Dr. Alex. T. Miller . . . . . . .

Rhine Gold . . . . . . . . .

Star of Love . . . . . .

The Swifts. A Short Story . . . . . . . .

Desertion . . . .

Winter. Girdleness Lighthouse . . . . . .

A Fine Old Gentleman . . . . . . .

In at the Kill .

School Games Activities— . . . . . . .

Rugby . . . . . . . . .

Swimming . . . . . .

Hockey . . . . . . . . . .

S.S.C. Notes . . . . . . .

House Notes .

The Dramatic Society . . .

The Literary and Debating Society . . . . . . .

Scout Notes . . . .

Army Cadet Force : The School Company . . . . . . .

The Former Pupils' Club . . . . . .

• Club Executive Notes Club Membership. Jubilee Dinner and Jubilee Ball . . . . .

The F.P. Club Boarding House . . . . . . .

Club Consuls . , . . . .

News from Our Consuls . , • . . . .

Reports from Centres . . .

Reports from Sports Sections .

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SCHOOL OUTFITS ARE A PROBLEM Especially for growing boys with a none too plentiful coupon allowance !

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Well cut, made from hard wearing material by one of our leading pre-war makers, we can recommend this suit as being good value to-day.

The price for a 10 year old size is

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UNION STREET, ABERDEEN

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" I need good food" —and this is where you can get it !

We always have a fresh stock of all well-known dog foods including Spratt's, Spillers, etc.

Main Stockists for :—

Pot and Pearl Barley Barley Meal Hay and Straw Coal and Firewood Poultry and Bird Food Moss Litter Manures

WILLIAM SCORGIE GRAIN AND POTATO MERCHANT

13 ROSE STREET

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Phone 4014

ABERDEEN

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GETTING BETTER

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Telephone Nos. 92 and 54.

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Telegrams : ' Blake Builders '

Telegrams—" City. Aberdeen. —

JIAV/4\11US IUIL AskIlcIL IILT IID,. and

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ABERDEEN

Enquiries courteously solicited

Agents for

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Ordnance Survey Maps

Circulating Library

WYLLIES Booksellers, Stationers

247 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN Telephone 402

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Inspect our display of gift and presentation pieces in Solid Silver.

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ABERDEEN

TO OUR CUSTOMERS We regret that the present restrictions on both men and materials make it impossible for us to maintain the usual high standard of service which we have carried on for over a century. We can assure you that we are doing our utmost to please you and trust that you will be patient with us.

J. & A. OGILVIE 369 UNION STREET ABERDEEN Telephone No. 433

Telegrams : " Interiors "

The choice of your

FIREPLACE ARRANGEMENTS may be a little restricted these days, but we have been able to maintain our stocks at a good level, and have on display a pleasing range of modern and period designs for your selection.

James Scott & Son (Aberdeen) Ltd. 483-485 UNION STREET ABERDEEN Phone 1881-2-3

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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE has a nasty habit of producing questions whose answers are just on the nib of your pen yet refuse to be cajoled on to paper.

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Branches and Agencies throughout the World

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 63rd year : No. Y59 (New Series, 54th year, No. 150)

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Vol L

DECEMBER 1946

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No. I

The " Grammar School Magazine " is issued under the auspices of The Former Pupils' Club, twice a year at present—in December and June.

All communications with regard to the Magazine " should be addressed to the Editor, ALAN C. R. WATT, M.A., clo The University Press, 6 Upper Rirkgate, Aberdeen.

[Nom : Art asterisk after a name indicates that the F. P. is a member of the F.P. Club.'

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The Future of the School.

At a meeting held on z i October 1946 the Town Council of Aberdeen decided by a majority of 19 to 15 that fee-paying at the Grammar School and the High School for Girls would be abolished " at the earliest possible date ", and not later than by the beginning of the 1947-48 session.

This step was taken in virtue of Section 11 (i) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1945, which reads as follows :— in public " Primary, secondary and compulsory further education provided shall be without

schools . . . under the management of an education authority payment of fees, provided that, if the authority think it expedient, they may charge fees in some or all of the classes in a limited number of primary and secondary schools, provided further that the power to charge fees may be exercised only where it can be exercised without prejudice to the adequate provision of free primary and secondary education in public schools in which no fees are charged, or in other schools the managers of which agree, in respect of such payment by the education authority as may he agreed, to admit and educate pupils free of charge on the nomination of the education authority."

On 29 October 1946 a special meeting of the Executive Committee of the F.P. Club was held to consider the resultant effect of the Town Council's decision regarding the abolition of fees on the standing and future of the School.

As a result the following letter was sent by the Executive to members of the F.P. Club resident in Aberdeen :— days, the Town As you will no doubt have read in the Press during the past fewpayment of fees

Council of our City have passed a Motion to the effect that the for attendance at the Grammar School and the High School for Girls be abolished.

These two Schools are the only ones in Aberdeen under the control of the Town Council where fees are still paid by some of the pupils.

If the latest Town Council Motion becomes law, as it will do, unless forces arc brought into play to rescind it, the Grammar School may cease to have an Infant or Primary Department (that is for boys of to and under), and will be used entirely in connection with Secondary Education.

Other Primary Schools will be established, to which pupils will be directed according to the districts in which they live.

There will be no choice in this matter, and if a family moves from one district to to another, however short the distance, the children will automatically move Town a new school. In addition to this, with the powers which the presentSchools Council have, it is possible that they may even zone the three Secondary

z

...Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

in Aberdeen, namely, the Grammar School, the High School and the Central School, and again, parents will have no jurisdiction as to which of these schools their sons and daughters may go.

There is the further possibility that the Grammar School may even become a Secondary School for both boys and girls.

These changes would, in our opinion, utterly destroy the special character and tradition of the School which has so long been the inspiration of its pupils, so well exemplified in the tics that bind the Former Pupils in the four corners of the globe.

Tradition plays a great part in our lives, and for the good of mankind, let us look to it that the grand tradition of our School is not trampled underfoot, and lost for ever.

There is also the question of the future of our F.P. Boarding House, should the above possibilities come into force.

It is needless to stress what the feelings of our Former Pupils would be, both at home and abroad, should it be found that the Boarding House was no longer required.

If it was only a question of fees that was involved, although that will, of course, increase the rates by almost 3d. in the J, then the Executive would not have the same objection to the proposal, because they are agreed, as all fair-thinking people arc agreed, that every child in the City should have an equal opportunity for education, irrespective of the parents' financial position, but we are convinced that the matter goes much deeper.

From time immemorial, it has been the privilege of parents to enter their sons for the Grammar School, or for any other school that they wished. It must also be pointed out that not one single child in Aberdeen, who is fitted to benefit from Secondary Education and is desirous of doing so, has been denied the chance of receiving it. It is felt that the Motion, and all that it involves, has been taken without due consideration, especially as it would appear that the final Report has not yet been received from the Director of Education.

F.P.s of both schools are taking concerted action on behalf of Former Pupils all over the world, but individual action is also required, and the Executive of the Grammar School Former Pupils' Club, at a Special Meeting last night, decided to issue this letter urging you as an individual to use your influence with your friends and your Town Council representative to put a stop to this most unnecessary, expensive and retrograde step in the management of educational matters in our City.

If you approve of our feelings in this matter, will you please sign the enclosed form and post it to the Secretary, by return.

The above circular was sent to some Boo Members of the Club resident in Aberdeen and over 530 signed and returned the letter indicating support for the Executive in any action they might take for the benefit of the School. A sub-committee has this matter in hand and is keeping in close contact with the committee representing parents of pupils at the Grammar School and the High School for Girls. This committee has written to the Town Council requesting at an early date an indication as to when alterations may be made in the conduct of these schools and an outline of the policy to be pursued by the Town Council in making any such changes.

The Executive has also in mind the fact that there are not only sentimental but material issues at stake. Former Pupils have been instrumental in adding enormously to the assets of the School— the Boarding House, the Pavilion, contributions to the cost of Rubislaw Field are some of the major items—and it would be unfortunate, to say the least, if any of these were put to uses alien to the spirit which animated the donors.

The Executive has the situation under constant review and will take whatever action will contribute towards the well-being of the School we hold so dear.

J. LENNOX RIDDELL, Vice-President and Chairman of the Executive.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

3

Death of Dr. Theodore Watt.

Theodore Watt* (1889-1901), M.A., LL.D., J.P., who was appointed President of the F.P. Club on 12 June 1946, died suddenly at his residence, 18 Rubislaw Den North, Aberdeen, on 5 July 1946, in his 63rd year. He had been Editor of the Magazine since 1907, and was Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Club from 1919 until June of this year. In his capacity as President of the Club, he had handed over the Former Pupils' All-Round Trophy and John No Dawson Prize at the School Prize-giving on 28 June 1946, and he was engaged in his manifold activities up to the day before his death.

The unique position which Dr. Watt held in the annals of the Grammar School is well known to readers of the Magazine. Described as long ago as 1923 by the late Dr. J. M. Bulloch as " the most enthusiastic of all our Grammarians ", he was throughout his life intimately connected with the School and particularly with the F.P. Club. The third and youngest son of an F.P., the late WILLIAM WATT (1858-59), Joint Editor and Proprietor of the Aberdeen Free Press, he had two brothers and seven uncles who were at the School ; he himself was a pupil there from 1889 to 1901 and in later years his own four sons and one nephew passed through all its stages.

After leaving the School, where he was a School Editor of the Magazine from 1900 to 1901, he spent three years at the University, and graduated M.A. in 1904. The same year he entered the service of the Rosemount Press, Aberdeen, becoming Manager ten years later, Sole Partner in 1923, and Governing Director in 1927. When the Rosemount Press amalgamated with the University Press in 1932, he was appointed Joint Managing Director of the new Company, The Aberdeen University Press, Ltd. From 1930 to 1932 he was President of the Scottish Alliance of Master Printers, and in 1937 he was elected President of the British Federation of Master Printers, in which capacity he led the British delegation to the International Printing Congress at Budapest in August 1938.

Dr. Watt's intimate connection with the F.P. Club started in the year he left School, when he was elected a member of the Executive, and in 1907 he was appointed Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine when its control was vested in the Club, and a joint editorial committee, composed of F.P.s and pupils, was set up. From that date he edited the Magazine continuously until his death—a period of 37 years, during which III issues were published. Tributes to the high standard and technical excellence of the Magazine under his editorship have come from all parts of the World, and by many it was considered the finest School magazine in the country. In particular, the " Notes on Old Boys ", which he produced year after year with meticulous care and unflagging zeal, forged a link between F.P.s at home and abroad that was probably unique. It was particularly appreciated during the two World Wars when, for many hundreds of F.P.s serving abroad, the Magazine was one of the very few links •

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 4 with home. In 1932 the Club made Dr. Watt a presentation to mark his completion of 25 years as Editor, and it was reported then that subscriptions for the presentation had come in large numbers from every country in Europe and every continent in the World. In March 1941 a centenary number of the Magazine, the hundredth issue under Dr. Watt's editorship, was published, and in that number he contributed a review of his 34 years in the editorial chair.

In 1923 he published, as part of the School's Memorial for the War of 1914-18, his " Aberdeen Grammar School Roll of Pupils, 1795-1919, annotated from 1863 "—a monumental work which was started in 1908 with the card-indexing of all the School admission registers since 1863, and took 15 years to complete. After 1919 almost complete revision was necessary so that the war service of 1,686 F.P.s might be included. The Roll contained the names of 13,318 pupils who passed through the School between 1795 and 1919, and notes were included about each ose of the 6,377 who were pupils after 1863.

Throughout his life all schemes for the safeguarding of the interests of the School or for the promotion of its welfare were dear to the heart of Theodore Watt and were assured of his enthusiastic support. For over thirty years he was intimately associated with every important event concerning the School and the Club, and behind many of them he was the driving force. The Club Consul system, started in 1921, owed much to him and he delighted in " gazetting " more and more Consuls who would assist F.P.s in foreign countries.

He gave every assistance in the establishment of Club Centres at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Shanghai and Calcutta and the schemes that led to the installation of the Shanghai and Malayan clocks owed much to his infectious enthusiasm.

He was Joint Secretary of a Committee in charge of the erection and unveiling of the Byron Statue, and a member of the Education Authority's Sub-Committee which arranged for the 1914-18 War Memorial in the School Hall. In 1928 " Grammar School House " was opened, and he was from the first a Director of the Boarding House Company.

The smooth running of a Club of over 2,Ioo members was no easy task for one immersed in business and other activities, but to him the job was a hobby, and the gratitude of countless Grammarians was ample reward. With painstaking thoroughness he attended to all the routine work behind the running of the Club, and with goodhumoured pertinacity he never failed to chase those erring members whose subscriptions were overdue. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to welcome the large number of F.P.s who visited him when at home from overseas or other parts of the country.

His devotion to the University was no less remarkable. He was Editor of Alma Mater from 1904 to 1906, when he produced the special Quatercentenary number, and he was elected to the Committee of Management of the Aberdeen University Review in 1913, being Secretary from 1924 to 1938. Thereafter, when the Review was taken over by the newly formed Alumnus Association, he was appointed •

Aberdeen G•aanntar School Magazine

5 Vice-President of the Association and Vice-Convener of the Editorial Committee. In 1935 he produced the "Roll of Graduates, 1901-25, with Supplement, 1860-1900 "—a nine years' work described as " a monument of patience and accuracy, which forms an invaluable contribution to the history of our University ". For thirty years Dr. Watt was a member of the Business Committee of the General Council of the University, and from 1942 until his death he was an Assessor of the Council on the University Court.

In recognition of his services to the University he was in 1938 granted the honorary degree of LL.D., an honour which he deeply appreciated. Following the announcement that the honour was to be conferred, Dr. Watt received hundreds of messages of congratulation, and on 16 March 1938 at a gathering of F.P.s in the Palace Hotel, he was presented with his LL.D. cap and gown by Sir Patrick Ashley Cooper, then President of the F.P. Club, on behalf of all its members.

Most of Dr. Watt's other public activities were also concerned with the educational life of the City. In 1923 he was elected a member of the Aberdeen Education Authority, and later of the Education Committee of the Town Council, being for several years Convener of the Staffing Sub-Committee. From 1925 to 1932 he was a Governor of Robert Gordon's College and he was a member of the Aberdeen Provincial Committee for the Training of Teachers.

For thirty years he was a member of the Committee of the Aberdeen Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor, being latterly a Director, and from 1944 he was also on the Board of Directors of the Aberdeen Royal Mental I-lospital. For 35 years he was an ardent member of St. Paul Street (later Albion and St. Paul's) Congregational Church, being Treasurer, Offerings Steward and a member of the Choir.

Dr. Watt is survived by Mrs. Watt, three sons, and one daughter.

The eldest surviving son, ALAN CROMBIE ROBERTSON WATT* (1925-37), a Major in the Royal Signals in India for five and a half years during the War, is now serving his Law apprenticeship in Aberdeen with Messrs. Gray and Kellas, Solicitors ; HAROLD MURRAY ROBERTSON WATT* (1926-38), a Flight-Lieutenant during the War, is attending a course of training at the London School of Printing, and DONALD ELMSLIE ROBERTSON WATT* (1931-43), a Corporal in a Vocational Aid Section of the R.A.F., is at present serving in Italy. Dr. Watt's eldest son, GEORGE THEODORE ROBERTSON \X'Arr (1918-30), was killed in April 1941 during the evacuation of Greece, while serving as a Surgeon-Lieutenant in H.M.S. Wryneck.

His eldest brother, EDWARD WILLIAM WATT* (1883-94), D.L., M.A., LL.D., was Lord Provost of Aberdeen from 1935 to 1938 and has been a director of the Rosemount Press and the Aberdeen University Press since 1924. He has now succeeded Dr. Watt as Managing Director of the latter firm. The third brother of the family, the late GEORGE ROBERTSON WATT (1885-95 and 1897), was Dux of the School in 1897, and was appointed Professor of English and •

•

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Philosophy at Presidency College, Calcutta, in 1908. He died at Darjeeling in the same year.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the F.P. Club on 7 August 1946, tribute to the memory of Dr. Theodore Watt was paid by the Vice-President of the Club and Chairman of the Executive, Mr. J. Lennox Riddell. It was unanimously decided that, as a mark of respect to the late Dr. Watt, the office of President, to which he had so recently been elected, should be left vacant until the next Annual General Meeting of the Club.

6

•

Tributes from Two Past Presidents.

The following tributes to Dr. Theodore Watt were contained in messages received by the Vice-President of the Club from The Rt. Hon. Lord Alness, P.C., G.B.E., LL.D. (President of the F.P. Club 1928-29), and Sir Patrick Ashley Cooper, B.A., LL.B. (President of the F.P. Club 1937-38).

I was shocked and grieved to hear of the death of Dr. Theodore Watt. I suppose that he had many successes in life. But I am merely expounding the obvious if I affirm that he will be remembered, chiefly and unforgettably, for his unceasing labours in connection with the Grammar School Magazine.

How he found time in a busy life to expend the meticulous care and the whole-hearted devotion to this enterprise has always been a mystery to me. Through the Magazine his name has become a household and an honoured word to old Grammar School boys in every part of the habitable globe.

To Dr. Watt this was a labour of love, pursued with characteristic modesty and characteristic competency. I rejoice to hear that his son is prepared to carry on the family tradition. His father has left for him and for all of us a fine example, and has bequeathed to us an evergreen and fragrant memory.. Ave atque vale !

ALNEss. *

*

*

WINNIPEG, 4 November.

The death of Theodore Watt comes as a sad blow to all of us, old and young.

He recorded the doings and achievements of Former Pupils in a manner probably never equalled in a School Magazine. Throughout this Western Country and indeed in all parts of the World he created the keenest interest in the doings of Old Grammarians.

His contribution to the unity of the Former Pupils' Club and to the pride in our old School cannot be exaggerated.

We revere his memory and count ourselves fortunate that his eldest son will carry on the great tradition.

P. A. COOPER. • 100

'

•

S1rat ktl.

THEODORE WATT, M . A., LL.D.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

5 Vice-President of the Association and Vice-Convener of the Editorial Committee. In 1935 he produced the " Roll of Graduates, 1901-25, with Supplement, 1860-1900 "—a nine years' work described as " a monument of patience and accuracy, which forms an invaluable contribution to the history of our University ". For thirty years Dr. Watt was a member of the Business Committee of the General Council of the University, and from 1942 until his death he was an Assessor of the Council on the University Court.

In recognition of his services to the University he was in 1938 granted the honorary degree of LL.D., an honour which he deeply appreciated. Following the announcement that the honour was to be conferred, Dr. Watt received hundreds of messages of congratulation, and on 16 March 1938 at a gathering of F.P.s in the Palace Hotel, he was presented with his LL.D. cap and gown by Sir Patrick Ashley Cooper, then President of the F.P. Club, on behalf of all its members.

Most of Dr. Watt's other public activities were also concerned with the educational life of the City. In 1923 he was elected a member of the Aberdeen Education Authority, and later of the Education Committee of the Town Council, being for several years Convener of the Staffing Sub-Committee. From 1925 to 1932 he was a Governor of Robert Gordon's College and he was a member of the Aberdeen Provincial Committee for the Training of Teachers.

For thirty years he was a member of the Committee of the Aberdeen Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor, being latterly a Director, and from 1944 he was also on the Board of Directors of the Aberdeen Royal Mental Hospital. For 35 years he was an ardent member of St. Paul Street (later Albion and St. Paul's) Congregational Church, being Treasurer, Offerings Steward and a member of the Choir.

Dr. Watt is survived by Mrs. Watt, three sons, and one daughter.

The eldest surviving son, ALAN CROMBIE ROBERTSON WATT* (1925-37), a Major in the Royal Signals in India for five and a half years during the War, is now serving his Law apprenticeship in Aberdeen with Messrs. Gray and Kellas, Solicitors ; HAROLD MURRAY ROBERTSON WArr* (1926-38), a Flight-Lieutenant during the War, is attending a course of training at the London School of Printing, and DONALD ELMSLIE ROBERTSON WATT* (1931-43), a Corporal in a Vocational Aid Section of the R.A.F., is at present serving in Italy. Dr. Watt's eldest son, GEORGE THEODORE ROBERTSON WATT (1918-30), was killed in April 1941 during the evacuation of Greece, while serving as a Surgeon-Lieutenant in H.M.S. Wryneck.

His eldest brother, EDWARD WILLIAM WArr* (1883-94), D.L., M.A., LL.D., was Lord Provost of Aberdeen from 1935 to 1938 and has been a director of the Rosemount Press and the Aberdeen University Press since 1924. He has now succeeded Dr. Watt as Managing Director of the latter firm. The third brother of the family, the late GEORGE ROBERTSON WATT (1885-95 and 1897), was Dux of the School in 1897, and was appointed Professor of English and • •

•

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Philosophy at Presidency College, Calcutta, in 19°8. He died at Darjeeling in the same year.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the F.P. Club on 7 August 1946, tribute to the memory of Dr. Theodore Watt was paid by the Vice-President of the Club and Chairman of the Executive, Mr. J. Lennox Riddell. It was unanimously decided that, as a mark of respect to the late Dr. Watt, the office of President, to which he had so recently been elected, should be left vacant until the next Annual General Meeting of the Club.

6

•

Tributes from Two Past Presidents.

The following tributes to Dr. Theodore Watt were contained in messages received by the Vice-President of the Club from The Rt. Hon. Lord Alness, P.C., G.B.E., LL.D. (President of the F.P. Club 1928-29), and Sir Patrick Ashley Cooper, B.A., LL.B. (President of the F.P. Club 1937-38).

I was shocked and grieved to hear of the death of Dr. Theodore Watt. I suppose that he had many successes in life. But I am merely expounding the obvious if I affirm that he will be remembered, chiefly and unforgettably, for his unceasing labours in connection with the Grammar School Magazine.

How he found time in a busy life to expend the meticulous care and the whole-hearted devotion to this enterprise has always been a mystery to me. Through the Magazine his name has become a household and an honoured word to old Grammar School boys in every part of the habitable globe.

To Dr. Watt this was a labour of love, pursued with characteristic modesty and characteristic competency. I rejoice to hear that his son is prepared to carry on the family tradition. His father has left for him and for all of us a fine example, and has bequeathed to us an evergreen and fragrant memory. Ave atque vale !

ALNESS. * * WINNIPEG, 4 November.

The death of Theodore Watt comes as a sad blow to all of us, old and young.

He recorded the doings and achievements of Former Pupils in a manner probably never equalled in a School Magazine. Throughout this Western Country and indeed in all parts of the World he created the keenest interest in the doings of Old Grammarians.

His contribution to the unity of the Former Pupils' Club and to the pride in our old School cannot be exaggerated.

We revere his memory and count ourselves fortunate that his eldest son will carry on the great tradition.

P. A. COOPER.

•

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

7

Tribute from the Rector.

In any generation the feeling a great school inspires in its sons comes to perfect focus and full intensity in just one or two men.

Such a one was Dr. Theodore Watt, and few would contest the claim that over the last quarter of a century he, more than any other, stood for the Grammar School.

His affection for it was not of the sentimental kind that finds expression in facile or extravagant utterance : indeed he seldom departed from a true North-country reserve. But year after year his actions told how strong was his attachment to the School, how great his concern for its well-being and his willingness to serve it.

He sent his sons here—I doubt if it ever occurred to him that they might go anywhere else—and that revived his direct association with the School over a long term of years, an association further strengthened by his good work on the education authority.

Of his unnumbered services to the Grammar School two stand out in retrospect as meriting very special acknowledgment.

His Roll of Pupils from 1795 to 1919 represents the admirable execution of a most laborious task which must have eaten deeply into the leisure of many years. Invaluable in the official running of the School and very rich in interest for this generation of Grammarians, it will provide material of immense importance, when a formal history of the School comes to be written.

But, by common consent, Dr. Watt's greatest achievement is the Magazine, a record term by term and year after year so colourful, varied, and well-documented as to be at once the envy of other schools and the greatest single factor in keeping alive and strong the feeling for our own. Many have praised it—and praise could not easily outrun its merits—but I suspect that only the few have ever fully realized how much it cost Dr. Watt in time and thought. I came to know something of what its production meant, and it is my conviction that nothing but the rarest affection for the School would have made any man submit to such a burden for so long.

I have not assumed the right to speak of Dr. Watt in the terms of old and intimate friendship, but I should be lacking if I did not put on record his great kindness to myself. The warmth of his first welcoming letter was but an earnest of the sustained goodwill he was to show me in the years that followed.

I turned to him often during the difficult days of war, and there was vast comfort in the thought that I had at call one in whom unique knowledge of the School was united with unique devotion •to its interests.

So long as high integrity, simplicity of life and a strong undemonstrative attachment to the learning and culture of the North are still esteemed, this City and its Grammar School must number Theodore Watt among the best of their sons.

J. J. It.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The New Secretary and Treasurer of the F.P. Club.

As announced in the last issue of the Magazine, Join' Scorr MACLACHLAN* (1922-3 2), M.A., LL.B., was appointed Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the F.P. Club at the Annual General Meeting held on 12 June 1946.

At School Mr. MacLachlan played a prominent part in many activities, being a Prefect in 193o-31, Senior Prefect in 1931-32, the holder of a Rugby " Cap " and Cricket " Colours ", President of the Literary and Debating Society, President of the Dramatic Society, Secretary of the Tennis Club, Sports Editor of the Magazine, and winner of the F.P. Club All-Round Trophy.

He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen University in 1935, and LL.B. in 1937, having served his Law apprenticeship with Messrs. Carle, Duthie and Ferries, Advocates, Aberdeen. While at University, he was President of the Students' Representative Council for the year 1936-37, and Chairman of the 1937 Charities' Campaign. In January 1937, as President of the Scottish National Union of Students, he attended the Annual Meeting of the Council of the International Federation of Students at Vienna.

After graduating, he became Assistant Secretary of the NorthEast Regional Committee of the National Fitness Council of Scotland, a post which he held until the outbreak of war. A Territorial Officer in the 51st (Highland) Divisional Signals, he served in France in 1939-40, was an Instructor at the Royal Signals O.C.T.U. at Catterick Camp, Yorkshire, and after D-Day, returned to France as a Major.

Ile was wounded during the crossing of the Rhine in March 1945, and was demobilized in November 1945.

In November 1945 he was admitted a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen, and he is now practising with Messrs. G. H. Bower and Gibb, Advocates, zzo Union Street, Aberdeen. He is Secretary of the Aberdeen Sub Area Road Haulage Association, and Secretary of the Murcar Golf Club.

Ever since leaving School, Mr.' MacLachlan has been an active member of the F.P. Club. He was a member of the Rugby Section 1st XV for several years, Secretary of the Rugby Section from 1937 to 1939, and Secretary of the Cricket Section from 1934 to 1937.

Since 1934 he has been a member of the Club Executive.

Editorship of the " Magazine."

At a meeting of the Club Executive Committee held on 7 August 1946, ALAN CROMBIE ROBERTSON WATT* (19z 5 -37), M.A., was appointed Editor of the Alagazine in succession to his father, the late Dr. THEODORE WA-r-r. At Mr. Watt's request, the appointment was made for one year in the first instance, so that at the end of that period the position might be reviewed by the Executive and himself.

By courtesy of " Press and Journal."

JOHN SCOTT MACLACHLAN, M.A., LL.B., Secretary and Treasurer of the F.P. Club.

By courtesy 0.1 " Boo :Accord."

PRESENTATION OF LECTERN FROM BENGAL CENTRE OF F.P. CLUB. THE SENIOR PREFECT READS THE LES9DN.

Lift to Right—Messrs. J. S. G. Munro, A. C R. Watt, J. A. McGregor (Members of Executive), Mr. Frank Scorgie, Councillor J. D Munro, Mr. J. Lennox Riddell (Chairman), Mr. R. H. Duguid, Rev. P. D. Lawrence, and

Gordon B. Niculson.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine

9

Presentation of a Lectern from the Bengal Centre.

At a ceremony held in the School Hall on Friday, 4 October 1946, at It. 1[5 a.m., the School was presented with a lectern by Mr. Robert H. Duguid, on behalf of the Bengal Centre of the F.P. Club. The Vice-President of the Club and Chairman of the Executive, Mr. J. Lennox Riddell, presided, and was accompanied on the platform

by Councillor J. D. Munro, Chairman of the Education Committee of the Aberdeen Town Council, Mr. Frank Scorgie, Director of Education, Mr. J. J. Robertson, Rector of the School, the Rev. P. D. Lawrence, School Chaplain, Mr. J. Scott MacLachlan, Secretary and Treasurer of the F.P. Club, members of the F.P. Club Executive, and the Senior Prefect of the School. The staff and pupils of the Middle and Upper Schools were assembled in the Hall.

In his opening remarks the Chairman referred to the presentation to the School of the Shanghai Clock in 1927 and the Malayan Clock in 1939, and heartily welcomed the presentation of the lectern from the Bengal Centre as evidence of the continued loyalty of F.P.s far distant from Aberdeen to their Old School. Modern educationalists, he said, in their desire for equal educational opportunities for all, were inclined to take a course of action which tended to abolish tradition and a spirit of affection for one's school. He hoped that the tradition which lay behind the Grammar School and the affection of its F.P.s in all parts of the.world would not be allowed to disappear.

In introducing Mr. Duguid, he explained that he was then on leave from Bengal and that the presentation ceremony had been specially arranged so that a member of the Bengal Centre might be present to hand over the gift.

Mr. Duguid's Speech.

Mr. Duguid, who was greeted with hearty applause, said— Ladies and Gentlemen and Boys of the Grammar School, it falls to me as the only member of the Bengal Centre of the Former Pupils' Club now in this country to present this lectern as a gift to the School.

There arc not more than zo of us in this Centre in Bengal, which was formed less than to years ago. We found ourselves recently with some surplus funds, and decided that the best way to deal with them would be to give the School something after the manner of those donations from F.P.s in Shanghai and Malaya, but of necessity something more modest than those handsome clocks, which, I'm sure, have helped through the years to keep you in the ways of righteousness, and have prompted many a thought for the donors languishing in the refined cruelty of Japanese prison camps.

We therefore appealed to the Rector who put forward the admirable suggestion of a lectern, and here it is to provide a suitable stance for the prefect who reads the words of wisdom in your morning lesson.

I thought you might like to know something of those F.P.s in Bengal, and the land they live in. Some as planters help to get your morning cup of tea, others are engaged in the jute industry which converts the fibres of that plant into sacks which carry all the wheat in the world, and arc more familiar to you in the shape of the bags which bring your coal ration. Other F.P.s again are employed in the great British banks and insurance companies which bring their strength and security to all parts of the globe.

This province where we work is somewhat greater in area than the British Isles, and for the most part is as flat as a pancake. I, for instance, have to travel

lo

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

zoo miles if I want to see the nearest hill. It contains the whole of the Ganges Delta and is cut up by great rivers all flowing southwards to the Bay of Bengal.

To the north, rising sheer out of the plains like a great wall, are the Himalayan Mountains, the highest in the world, where you or I with a stout pair of legs could climb in certain seasons to 15,ooo feet without undue strain. It was there that Kellas,* a famous former pupil of this school, alone with his native porters, pioneered high altirudc climbing and paved the way for the well-organized expeditions which followed in more recent years to attack the heights of Nanga Parbar, Kanchenjunga and the great Everest itself.

After describing some of the characteristics of the people of Bengal, Mr. Duguid went on : Their political development may be compared with that of our own country about aoo years ago when Protestants and Roman Catholics were at each others' throats, and religion was politics. In Calcutta last month thousands of Hindus and Mohammedans slaughtered each other in the greatest outburst of religious hatred we have seen for many a day. Such a people have a long and difficult road to travel to achieve sound self-government, for they lack that sense of public duty and service to their country which built the Empire which the British made.

GREATNESS OF THE EMPIRE.

-

As a matter of interest, have you ever considered the immensity of the Empire ?

It was something I never seemed to appreciate at school ; then it seemed little more than so many red patches on the map of the world. We arc apt to take it too much for granted, with the result that Canadians and Australians whom I've met have told me that they feel they " don't belong " and think we are " snooty," driving them away into isolation. Our forebears didn't neglect the Empire—they built it, under the jealous eyes of their neighbours.

In my goings and comings to and from India, I have never ceased to wonder at our greatness. The Rock of Gibraltar is something more than a great buttress of limestone jutting into the sea. Malta has withstood another siege. The Suez Canal has a marvel in every one of its hundred miles. And so on to India where zoo years ago British troops (Scots among them) won that Brightest Jewel in the British Crown in great hardship and personal discomfort, which are all too easily forgotten. No tropical battle-dress or modern amenities for them. They fought in the thick red coats and heavy shakos designed for the European service of their time, and in the hottest of the hot weather pushed over Suraj-ud-Dowlah and his enormous army at the Battle of Plassey in Bengal, and so laid the foundation of the Indian Empire.

Now it seems that all the rewards of their blood and sweat are to be given away over a series of conference tables, but, whatever the future may bring, I can assure you there will always be a place for the white man and his qualities in India, and if any of you are ever inclined to go there, do not be deterred, but seek out Former Pupils through the Club Consuls, and we in Bengal, particularly, will be only too glad to help you.

And now, Mr. Munro, may I ask you to receive on behalf of the Education Committee of the Town Council this lectern, presented as a mark of the regard of F.P.s in Bengal for the School which nurtured us and the masters who taught us.

Councillor J. D. Munro said he was very happy to accept the gift on behalf of the Education Committee, and hoped that the religious significance of the lectern would remain uppermost in the minds of pupils assembled in the Hall when the lectern was being used. He hoped the School would last long to enjoy it, despite the troubled and unsettling conditions at present prevailing.

On behalf of the School, the Rector thanked the F.P.s in Bengal for their gift, saying the School was especially grateful at this time of * The late Alexander M. Kellas (1881-84), D.Sc., who died at Kampa Dzong, Tibet, on 5 June 192r, while a member of an expedition to Mount Everest.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

11

trouble and distraction in India, when F.P.s there would have been forgiven for forgetting all about those " within these grey walls ".

He said that the lectern was a most useful acquisition, and, with its fine workmanship, an adornment to the Hall. It would be of great assistance at morning assembly, and would be of value to the religious side of School life. A school, he said, should be a happy place, and one to which F.P.s looked back with gratitude and affection. That this was true of the Grammar School was proved by this presentation and the lectern would be a permanent reminder to pupils of the devotedness of F.P.s to their Old School.

The School Chaplain then offered a prayer of dedication, and the Senior Prefect, Gordon B. Nicolson, read a passage of scripture from the Bible on the lectern. The proceedings closed with the National Anthem and " Three Grammar School cheers" for Mr. Duguid and the F.P.s of the Bengal Centre. The cheers were accorded with the greatest enthusiasm. *

*

The Donors of the Lectern.

The following is a list of the members of the Bengal Centre of the F.P. Club who donated the lectern to the School :— Ian Campbell Barclay (1921-23).

Harry George Coutts (1908-13).

Francis Fairhead Crichton (1916-19).

Patrick John Diack (1912-23).

David Inglis Duff (1915-16).

Robert Hutton Duguid (1918-23).

William George Macmillan (1916-22), B.Sc., Ph.D. Alan Theodore Lewis Mackenzie (192729).

John Irvine Miller (1918-25).

Archibald McKenzie (1922-31).

William Milne (1905-13).

James Ogilvy Rae (1912-21).

Herbert Brebner Scott (1905-08).

Alexander Lancelot Simpson (1916-25).

Charles Ferguson Thomson (1912-14).

William Garnett Smith (1922-30).

George Clark Whyte (1908-14).

Stanley George Williamson (1922-25).

The Toll of the War. To the list of 184 names published in the July 1946 issue of the Magazine there fall to be added the following :— Durno, Leslie Duncan (1931-38), Lieutenant (A.), R.N.V.R., Sumatra, 29 January 1945, aged 24.

Lauder, Thomas (1923-29), Driver, R.A.S.C., France, 12 June 1940, aged z6.

(Obituary notices appear on Page 51).

The following amendments require to be made to the original list : Mackenzie, Alistair Campbell. After " The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders " add " and No. 4 Commando ". (This additional information could not be published at the time of Licut. Mackenzie's death as the formation of Commandos was still secret.)

Stewart, John Maxwell. For " (1925-35) " read " (1925-36) ".

Stewart, Robert Andrew. For " (1932-34) " read " (1922-34)".

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Aberdeen Grammar School Afagazine

* The Editor is glad at all times to receive from any quarter items of information for this section of the " Magazine."

The dates given in parentheses after names indicate the sessions of attendance at the School.

Further War Honours.

In the July 1946 issue of the Magazine a consolidated list was published of honours accorded to F.P.s during the War. Since then, further honours and awards have been announced and in certain cases awards not previously recorded in the Magazine have been brought to our attention. The Editor will be pleased to be informed of any further awards so that our records may be complete.

Bar to Military Cross (M.C.).

Chevalier of French Legion of Honour.

William Fraser (1922-29), M.C., Major, Gordon Highlanders, who won the M.C. in December 1941 when he led a successful patrol of four men on an enemy aerodrome east of Jedabya in Libya, was at the end of 1945 awarded a bar to his Military Cross for his work with the Maquis behind the enemy lines in France. This year the French Government created him a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour and decorated him with the Croix de Guerre with palms.

The citation conferring the former distinction describes him as " a brilliant leader with exemplary courage who took a great part in the battle for the liberation of France ". It recalls how, as a young and valiant officer of a parachute commando regiment, he took part in operations and dangerous destruction work in Libya and Cyrenaica and then how shortly after D-Day, he parachuted with his squadron into France and for more than three months carried out, in the region of Morvan, very audacious and persistent attacks against the enemy, greatly superior in numbers. Major Fraser is at present serving in Egypt.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.).

Cornelius Mearns* (1912-17), Colonel, was commissioned in the Indian Army in 19zo, and served for i8 years with the zoth Lancers, before being transferred to the R.I.A.S.C. when the former Regiment ceased to be an active unit. He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1941, and served with the 34th Indian Division in Ceylon from 1941

13 Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine to 1943 as C.R.I.A.S.C., and as A.A. and Q.M.G. Thereafter he was appointed Deputy Inspector, R.I.A.S.C. at G.H.Q., New Delhi, and in June 1944 he was appointed to the command of the British Advance Base at Ledo and promoted Colonel. In 1945 he was Colonel " Q " at 14th Army Headquarters, and later at i 2th Army Headquarters in Burma. Since December 1945 he has been Colonel (S.T.) (India) at the War Office.

John Hugh Gunn Ross* (1924-p), M.A. (Oxon.), M.A., B.D. (Aberd.), served with Church of Scotland Huts in the Middle East and Italy from 1940 to 1945. In North Africa he was with the " Desert Rats " and in 1943 he was with the first of our mobile canteens to land on the European mainland since 1940. In 1945 he was appointed Secretary to the Church of Scotland Committee on Huts and Canteen Work for H.M. Forces. He is now deputy Minister in St. Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.).

Frederick Alastair Forbes* (1921-34), M.B., Ch.B., was awarded the M.B.E. for his gallant work while a Prisoner of War in Japanese hands on Hiroco, an island between Java and New Guinea. He was then a Flight Lieutenant in the R.A.F.V.R., and as Medical Officer he constantly ran great risks and suffered physical violence at the hands of the Japs for his refusal to pass sick men for duty.

A short account of his achievements appeared in the Magazine of January 1946.

In 1941, while a Resident Physician at a hospital in Sunderland, he was specially commended by the King for " brave conduct in connection with Civil Defence ".

Dr. Forbes is now assistant to Dr. C. B. Grieve in Aberdeen.

William Gordon Mitchell Wyness (1908-14) is Master of S.S. Aberdonian belonging to the Aberdeen Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. During the War Captain Wyness served in S.S. Lochnagar, another of the Company's ships, and he was with the vessel at Mold during the evacuation of Norway, and when she was operating a trooping service in the Iceland area.

Mentioned in Dispatches.

William Lewis Henderson* (1919-31), B.Sc.(Agr.), Major, The Gordon Highlanders (T.A.), commanded an Anti-Tank Battery, R.A. with the 4th Indian Division from El Alamein to Tunis. Later he joined a Special Service Unit, Raiding Support Regiment, which operated in the Dalmatian Islands and in Yugoslavia in support of Tito's Partisans. He was subsequently Mentioned in Dispatches for gallant and distinguished services in the Mediterranean theatre.

Robert Alexander Inns * (1928-34), Major, R.A., went to India in 1942 and with his Unit joined the 19th Indian Division which took part in the Burma Campaign of 1944-45 and led the final assault on Mandalay. He has now resumed his studies in Forestry.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Hugh Andrew Willox* (1925-35), son of ANDREW A. Wu...Lox* (1893-1900), after serving with the Royal Engineers in France in 1940 and coming through Dunkirk, joined the Indian Army, and was for three years in Burma as a Captain with the 4/8th Gurkha Rifles.

Before the War he was with Messrs. William Collins, Sons & Co., Ltd., Printers and Publishers, Glasgow. He is now Manager of the Waverley Press, Aberdeen.

American Bronze Star of Merit.

William Mitchell* (1919-3z), Lieutenant-Colonel, R.A.O.C., was in September 1946 presented with the Bronze Star of Merit by Major-General Clayton Bissell, Military Attach6 to the American Embassy in London. Commissioned as a znd Lieutenant in the R.A.O.C. in November 1940, Colonel Mitchell served with that Corps throughout the War. In 1942 he was Chief Ordnance Officer in charge of a depot in England, and in 1945 he was appointed Liaison Officer to the American Army (Chemical Warfare) Depots. It was for meritorious service in this connection that he gained the award and the citation referred to his " initiative and outstanding devotion over and above the call of duty, reflecting great credit upon him and the Allied Armed Forces ".

Colonel Mitchell was demobilized in April 1946 and is associated with his father in the firm of Messrs. Chivas Brothers, Ltd , Italian Warehousemen, Aberdeen. He has recently been appointed VicePresident of the newly-formed Aberdeen Branch of the R.A.O.C. • Association.

14

Robert Aitken * (1928-37) was in February 1946 granted a transfer by the War Office to the Colonial Service and has been appointed an Inspector in the Eritrean Police Force. During the War he served in the Royal Artillery in Kenya, and was for a time attached to the Uganda Field Artillery.

Alexander George Anderson* (1933-42), B.Sc.(Eng.), was in November 1946 appointed Vice-President of the Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society, which has as its aim the furthering of the amateur radio movement in Aberdeen and district. It will be concerned mainly with the transmitting side.

Alexander Smith Anderson* (1905-09), O.B.E., LieutenantColonel, has recently been appointed President of the British Legion in Aberdeen in succession to the late Colonel David Rorie. He has been an Honorary President of the Branch for a number of years, and a National Vice-President.

Charles Michael Maelntyre Begg (1933-36), M.A., B.Sc., Ph.D., who graduated at Aberdeen University as B.Sc. in 1942, with First Class Honours in Zoology and who was appointed a Carnegie Teaching Fellow in October 1945, resigned his Fellowship in the summer of 1946 in order to join an expedition to the Antarctic sponsored by the Committee of " Discovery " Investigations. The prime purpose of the expedition is to examine the whaling position

15 Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine in that area for the Falkland Island Dependencies, and to investigate the possibilities of using whale meat as human food. It is hoped to bring back liver oil, meat extract and dried meat, and it is thought that thousands of tons of frozen meat will be produced.

He left Southampton in October in the new factory-ship Balaena, a vessel of 15,00o tons displacement recently completed by Harland and Wolff of Belfast at a cost of £r,ooo,ooo, and equipped with laboratory facilities, radar, aircraft for whale-spotting, and electricallyrun factory machinery. She will act as a mother ship for a fleet of about so whale-catchers.

Begg is biologist to the expedition, and in a letter he writes : " Each year, if possible, the ' Discovery' Committee appoints a biologist to one or more of the whaling factories going south to the Antarctic. This year it has been possible only to appoint one. My function will be to make observations on the age and condition of whales, with the object of ascertaining the composition of the whale population in general. In addition, I hope to obtain data on the blood grouping of whales. If this turns out well, it may be possible to say definitely whether, for example, blue whales occurring in different localities (for example the North and South Atlantic) belong to the same or different races—a question of considerable zoological and economic interest. I hope it will also be possible to bring back several samples of endocrine organs in a suitable state for physiological examination, and to tackle some other physiological problems. In general, we are out to grab as much information of biological interest as possible from these waters."

The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has also sent representatives on the expedition to investigate the nature and storage conditions of whale meat destined for home consumption.

At the end of the season, April 1947, the Balaena may go to South America after sperm whales, but Begg expects to be back in this country some time in May. Alexander Campbell Brands* (1925-27), M.A., LL.B., was in November admitted to the Aberdeen Society of Advocates. He is at present a Legal Assistant with Mr. James M. Clapperton, advocate, Aberdeen.

John Alexander Brockie* (1921-31), who was well known while at School for his prowess at cricket, was recently appointed Production Manager with Messrs. Serck Tubes Limited of Birmingham, and finds the work most interesting. For the last five and a half years he has been in an engineering post in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Incidentally, he now has an imposing array of initials after his name, viz., A.M.I.Mech.E., A.M.I.P.E., A.M.I.I.A., M.R.S.G.B. Robert Bruce* (1886-89), C.B., D.L., D.S.O., T.D., M.A., M.D., Honorary Colonel, Gordon Highlanders, has retired from medical practice in Cults after a period of 48 years in that district. He has also retired from the chairmanship of the Aberdeenshire T.A. Association which he has held since 1934.

Ronald William Gower Bryant* (1920-3 z), M.A., is with the Ministry of Town and Country Planning at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

In a letter he says that he is helping to get that region organized so that there will not be another huge slump when the rush in shipbuilding stops. Before the War he was at the London School of

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Economics for two years. While in the Army he had a variety of jobs, being for a time in Intelligence in the Middle East, and later in Ceylon and Java. While in the Middle East, he was Mentioned in Dispatches.

16

CHAIRMEN OF T.A. ASSOCIATIONS.

Henry Jackson Butchart* (189o-99), D.S.O., B.L., Lieut.Colonel, Secretary to the University of Aberdeen, was in October 1946 appointed Chairman of the City of Aberdeen T.A. and Air Force Associations. The new Chairman of the County of Aberdeen T.A. Association, in succession to Colonel Robert Bruce (q.v.), is also an F.P.—Godfrey Power Geddes* (1903-11), D.S.O., T.D., M.A., Colonel, The Gordon Highlanders. A son of Colonel Bruce, Major George William Bruce (1915-24), has been appointed ViceChairman of the County of Kincardine T.A. Association.

Charles Cumming Calder (1921-33), M.A., LL.B., has returned from the Navy, and is now with Messrs. W. J. C. Reed and Sons, Solicitors, Laurencekirk.

David Ian Calder* (1926-38), whose marriage is reported on another page, is an Assistant Structural Engineer in the office of the Aberdeen Harbour Engineer.

ABERDEENSHIRE CRICKETERS.

Alexander Stewart Catto* (1900-03) was Captain of the Aberdeenshire Cricket XI which won the Scottish Counties Cricket Championship for 1946. He has been Captain of the team since 1941. Other members of the winning team were John Mortimer* (1923-27), who has on several occasions been selected to play cricket for Scotland, and THOMAS H. MCCREA, a teacher in the English Department of the School stall. The team's official scorer was Richard William Wainwright* (1929-37).

The President of the Aberdeenshire Cricket Club is Alan McBain* (2903-r4), M.A., C.A., and Alfred John Meldrum Edwards* (1908-21), M.A., B.Com., was Secretary of the Aberdeenshire Cricket Club until November 1946, wben he was succeeded by another F.P., Richard Cameron Gelman (1926-27), M.A., C.A. Andrew Clark* (1895-1901), M.A., who went to South Africa in 1907, is now in East London, where he is employed in Government work. His elder brother, Alexander Clark* (1885-89), M.A., also lives in East London, and the two brothers were recently very pleased to welcome another F.P. to South Africa. This was Oswald Hastings Ritchie Still* (1922-33), who, as reported in the last Magazine, is with Messrs. Dyer & Dyer, Ltd., Merchants, East London.

Robert Selbie Clark* (18 94-1 90 1), M.A., D.Sc., Scientific Superintendent, Scottish Home Department (Marine Laboratory), Aberdeen, went in August 1946 in his official capacity as a Scottish expert to attend the meetings in Stockholm of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. This organization, which has its headquarters in Copenhagen, sponsors fishery research in the North East Atlantic, and all European maritime nations are or have been affiliated to it. Since 1933 he has acted as Chairman of the

17 Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine Area Committee which deals largely with Scottish interests, but at the recent meeting of the International Council he was appointed Chairman of the Consultative Committee which synchronises the scientific work of all the Area Committees and advises the Council accordingly.

John Kenneth Colley* (1926-35) passed his final C.A. examination in May 1946, after serving his apprenticeship with Messrs.

Flockhart & Grant, Aberdeen. He was admitted to the Society of Chartered Accountants in Aberdeen in August, along with another F.P., Alexander John Davidson* (1928-40). Colley has now left Aberdeen to take up an appointment with Messrs Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., Chartered Accountants, Darlington.

George Francis Collie* (1916-26), M.B.E., B.L., advocate, is one of the two North East representatives on the Regional Committee for Scotland appointed by the Minister of Labour, under the Business Training Scheme, for training ex-service men and women to enter business at an executive level. Mr. Collie is also Chairman of the South Aberdeen Unionist Association.

Bramwell William Harold Cook* (1936-39), was, while serving in Italy, engaged by the American Red Cross to tour as a pianist, . and, along with the Italian director of the Instrumental Branch of Music in the Conservatory of Naples, he performed works on two pianos. In addition, he gave organ recitals, including one at the Church of St. John Lateran in Rome. His younger brother, Kenneth John Cook (1938-40), recently had his first brass band composition performed in St. James's Park by the band of Messrs. Brighouse and Rastrick.

BRITISH CHESS CHAMPION.

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Robert Forbes Combe* (1923-30), B.L., won the British Chess Championship held in August 1946 at Nottingham. He has played a prominent part in chess tournaments in Scotland for many years, and was one of four representatives chosen to play for Scotland in an International Chess Tournament as long ago as 1933. In April 1946 he was runner-up in the Scottish Championship. This was his first appearance, however, in the British Tournament, and his victory was well deserved. According to The Times, " he is a player of the solid positional type, well versed in the theory of the game, and not much given to blunders. His play, like that of many others in this Tournament, shows that British Chess is clearly improving."

Subsequently Mr. Combe was invited to play in the International Chess Tournament at Prague in October, being the only British representative to be invited, and he was also asked to take part in the Spanish chess championship at Barcelona but, for business reasons, he had to decline the invitations. He is a partner in the firm of Messrs. Wink & Mackenzie, Solicitors, Elgin, and was recently appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland to be Clerk of the Peace for the County of Moray as from 1 October. When he graduated B.L. at Aberdeen University in 1936, he was the most distinguished student of his year.

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Aberdeen Grammar School ltlagaine

Mr. Combe is the son of the late GEORGE ALEXANDER COMBE (1889-95), C.B.E., M.A., formerly one of His Majesty's ConsulsGeneral in China, and a nephew of the late ROBERT GRIERSON COMBE (1894-97), who was awarded the V.C. posthumously in 1917, after he had been killed in action in France while serving in the Manitoba Regiment of the Canadian Infantry.

Maurice Cramb* (1916-29), M.A., LL.B., was in October 1946 appointed Part-time Lecturer in Roman Law at Aberdeen University. He was Modern Dux of the School in 1929 and, while a Law student at the University, he won the Edmond Prize in 1934, and the Cruickshank Law Prize in 1936. Since 1934 he has been a Legal Assistant with Messrs. Carle, Duthie & Ferries, Advocates, Aberdeen.

Ian Milne Cay Crawford* (1 935-44) was selected to play for the North in the North v. Highlands Hockey Trial at Inverness on 7 December 1946, and has now been chosen for the North and Highland XI. to play the Midlands on 25 January 1947. He plays for the Aberdeen University Hockey Club.

James Ian Cormack Crombie* (1908-z1), M.A., was in Augus 1946 appointed Third Under-Secretary to the Treasury. Classical Dux of the School in 1921, he first entered the Home Civil Service in 1926, and has had wide experience in several Government depart-. ments, including the War Office, the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Food. While an Assistant Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign Office, he was concerned with the reform of the newly-designated Foreign Service, and earlier he was Private Secretary to Mr. HoreBelisha when the latter was Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Alan Hamilton Cruickshank (192o-31), M.B., Ch.B., M.D., was in July 1946 awarded a Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Pathology for study at the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. He left Aberdeen in the autumn and will be in America for a year. These Fellowships are offered by the Commonwealth Fund of New York to British graduates for tenure in American Universities, and only one Aberdeen graduate had previously gained such a Fellowship. He was Dr. Eric Linklater, M.A., who was awarded a Fellowship in Literature.

Dr. Cruickshank graduated M.B., Ch.B. at Aberdeen in 1936, with Honours, and won the Lyon Prize and the Murray Gold Medal and Scholarship for the most distinguished graduate of the year in Medicine. He also won the Shepherd Memorial Gold Medal. In 1938 he was appointed by the Medical Research Council to a Research Scholarship in Clinical Science and, after being on the staff of a London hospital for some time, he studied at Oxford under Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin. Since 1939 he has been an assistant, and later a lecturer, in the Pathology Department of Aberdeen University. In 1942 he graduated M.D. with highest honours for his thesis on " Investigations into the Physiology of the Lymphocyte ". At the same time he won the Thursfield Award (for the best thesis for the degree of M.D. which has attained the standard of highest honours of the year 1941-42).

His brother, Eric Kennedy Cruickshank* (192o-32) M.B., Ch.B., is a Lecturer in Medicine at Aberdeen University.

19 Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine William Cheyne Cruickshank* (1922-34) is now Managing Director of the Royal Hotel (Aberdeen) Ltd., Bath Street, Aberdeen.

James Gordon Danielson* (1896-1901) is with the Control Commission in Germany. Since 1908 he has been in the service of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in various parts of the world, including New York, Yokohama, and Hamburg.

The Most Rev. Ernest Denny Logie Danson* (1892-94), M.A., D.D., has been obliged, through ill-health, to resign from the Bishopric of the Scottish Episcopal Diocese of Edinburgh. Earlier in the year he resigned from the office of Primus for the same reason. In a notice about his resignation The Scotsman said : " Since coming to Edinburgh in 5938 (when he was appointed Assistant Bishop and Provost of St. Mary's Cathedral), Dr. Damson has, in addition to devoting himself to Church activities, and especially the encouragement of the choral side of the Cathedral services, identified himself with various social and welfare interests, and, as a member of the Edinburgh Rotary Club, has attended their meetings as regularly as his health permitted. His long period of service in the East had its effect upon his constitution, but Dr. Danson has endeavoured to carry on his work, in spite of his grave illness two years ago, until unable to do so any longer."

Dr. Danson was President of the F.P. Club in 1932-33, and is now an Honorary Vice-President.

[As this issue of the Magazine goes to press, the death of Dr. Danson on 9 December 1946 is reported. An obituary notice will appear in the next issue.]

Thomas Davidson* (1893-97) has recently retired from the position of Joint Managing Director of Messrs. C. Davidson & Sons, Ltd., paper and board makers, Mugiemoss, Bucksburn, after spending 45 years with the Company. He is retaining his seat on the Board of the Company and its subsidiaries.

James Gordon Dawson* (1921-34), B.Sc.(Eng.), who has been working in the Aero Experimental Laboratory of the Rolls Royce Co., Derby, since 1938, is now Assistant Director of Research, Thornton Aero Engine Laboratory, Shell Refining and Marketing Co., Chester. He is in charge of engineering research work—aero engine testing on lubricating oils and fuels and allied problems. He has recently returned from a business trip to Holland in connection with his new post.

His younger brother, Philip Dawson* (1925-37), M.A., is a Law Apprentice with Messrs. George Alexander & Gillan, Solicitors, Aberdeen, and is a part-time gliding instructor to the University Air Squadron.

James John Donald* (1921-26), B.L., who is sole partner in the firm of Messrs. D. M. C. Donald & Co., Solicitors, Aberdeen, was in October 1946 admitted to the Aberdeen Society of Advocates.

Edward Dunn (1919-24), B.Sc., was in October 1946 appointed Entymologist to the Department of Agriculture in the Channel Islands.

His main concern there is the prevalence of the Colorado beetle which has been menacing the potato crop of the Islands, thus causing an immediate stoppage of supplies to the United Kingdom. During the War Mr. Dunn was employed in a Hygiene Section of the Army.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Arthur Hugh Dunnett (19z7-35), M.B., Ch.B., was in August 1946 appointed to the Colonial Service as a Medical Officer in West Africa. During the War he served as a Major in the R.A.M.C. in the Gold Coast. Latterly he was a House Surgeon at Great Yarmouth General Hospital.

David Edwards* (1903-09), M.A., LL.B., who was appointed a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Palestine in 1941, acted as Chief Justice of Palestine for three months in 1945 and again for two months in 1946, during the absence in England of the Chief Justice, Sir William Fitzgerald. He has presided over the trials of some of the Jewish Terrorists, and, considering the state of Palestine at present, his position must be a particularly trying one.

Alfred George Emslie* (1912-24), M.D., has resumed medical practice in Eastbourne, where he first went in 1936. During the late War he served for a time as a Hygiene Specialist, O.C., Hygiene Section, and later as a Medical Specialist and Officer-in-Charge of a Medical Division, with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, R.A.M.C. Basil Duncan Dean Emslie* (1929-35) was demobilized from the Army in August 1946, with the rank of Major, and rejoined his old Company, Scottish Oils and Shell Mex, Ltd. He is at present employed by the Petroleum Board at their regional office, 53 Bothwell Street, Glasgow. His marriage is reported on another page.

Harold Duffus Ewen (1934-40) qualified as a chemist and druggist in August 1946, after sitting the examinations of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

John Frederick Ferguson* (1904-09) was in August 1946 appointed Chief Constable of the ten Police Forces in Kent, which were amalgamated under the recent Police Act. After 25 years in the Army, Major Ferguson joined the Metropolitan Police as a Chief Constable in 1933, and from 1938 to 1940 he was Commandant of the Metropolitan Police College at Hendon. Thereafter he was a Deputy Assistant Commissioner at Scotland Yard until 1943, when he was appointed by the Home Secretary to take over the six amalgamated Police Forces of Sussex. He held that appointment for two years, and a very busy period it was, thanks to D-Day and the fact that over 1,000 " doodlebugs " came down or were shot down in that county. In 1945 he was re-transferred to the Metropolitan Police as Assistant Commissioner in charge of the whole of the uniform branch of that Force. In this capacity he was responsible for all the police arrangements required for the Victory Parade on 8 June 1946 and, with the Commissioner, he actually led the Parade, mounted on a grey horse. _ Adam Fyfe Findlay* (1879-85), M.A., D.D., LL.D., Professor of Christian Ethics and Classical Theology in the University of Aberdeen, and Master of Christ's College, Aberdeen, attained his ministerial jubilee in the summer of 1946. Professor Findlay continues to take a prominent part in many Church and University activities.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

21

Arthur Alexander Fox* (1923-29), who, before the War, was with Barclays Bank in Southern Rhodesia, met with a flying accident at the end of 1944 while serving with the R.A.F., and he has been in hospital ever since. Happily, however, his rehabilitation is almost complete, and he expects soon to be a perfectly fit man again and to be finished with hospitals. His twin brother, John Angus Fox* (1923-29), A.M.Inst.C.E., who was a Major in the Royal Engineers during the War, has returned to work with the County Engineer, Ross-shire, and is staying at Strathpeffer.

James William Garden* (1886-95), M.A., B.L., advocate, was in November elected President of the Aberdeen Society of Advocates.

He was Treasurer from 1937 to 1939. Once again, after a lapse of four years, all the office-bearers of the Society are F.P.s : George Haddon Bower* (1877-87), C.B., M.A., is Treasurer ; Norman John Jamieson Walker* (t893-19oz), M.A., LL.B., is Secretary, Factor and Librarian ; and Charles Williamson* (1883-85), M.A., C.A., is Auditor.

William Wares Georgeson* (1911-23), M.A., I.C.S., who is District and Sessions Judge in Madras Presidency, is at present at home on leave, his first since 1935. After graduating with First Class Honours in Classics in 1927, he was a Classical Scholar at Pembroke College, Oxford, for two years, and joined the Indian Civil Service in 1929.

Alan George Gibb* (1926-36), M.B., Ch.B., Captain, R.A.M.C., has since September 1945 been an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist in the West Africa Command.

Maxwell Grant Gibb* (1913-22), M.B., Ch.B., has been appointed Senior Honorary Anaesthetist to the Royal Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children, having held the Assistant Anaesthetist's post for the past fifteen years.

George Marr Giles* (1895-190o), M.A., has recently re-joined the F.P. Club. In a letter to the Secretary he explains that, due to his having been bombed out of his house in London in 1944, and to his still being in the process of effecting repairs, he has rather lost touch with matters concerning the Old School, and is very grateful for the Secretary's invitation to re-join the Club.

After graduating M.A. at Aberdeen University in 1902, Mr. Giles was a sub-editor for two years on the Aberdeen Free Press and the Evening Gazette. Thereafter he went to London and assisted the London Editor of The Pioneer (Allahabad), and The Civil and Military Gazette (Lahore), Kipling's old paper. After eleven years he went to Reuters, first as Indian Editor, and latterly as a member of the Overseas staff. I-Ie retired from Reuters on reaching the lower age limit of sixty in the autumn of 1942, but, as the War was still on, he carried on for four years more as a sub-editor with Britanova, a small but growing news agency which specialises in providing news services for the Near East and India. Now, he says, he is content to get the news from the B.B.C., and seldom re-visits Fleet Street.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine In recalling his days at the School he asks whether the cave near Girdleness lighthouse, where he and his schoolboy friends used to play cards and consume sandwiches by candlelight, still exists.

He is now living in New Malden, Surrey, where another Grammarian, William Taylor (1900-04), M.B., Ch.B., is in practice.

Patrick Lindsay Gordon (1878-80), M.A., B.D., minister of the parish of Glenbervie, Kincardineshire, since 1894, took part in a service held on 21 July 1946 in Glenbervie Churchyard, to mark the 15oth anniversary of the death of Robert Burns. The assembly of zoo people gathered round the tombstones of the poet's forebears, and listened to an address by the Rev. James Anderson of Brechin Cathedral. Mr. Gordon has spent all his ministerial life in Glenbervie, and his family connection with the parish dates back to 1628. He retired from active ministry in 1935.

Hamish Brown Grant* (1918-30), M.A., LL.B., was in August 1946 appointed full-time Town Clerk of Forfar. After graduating at Aberdeen University in 1935, he held a commercial appointment in India for two years, and on returning to this country joined the staff of the Aberdeen County Council as a Legal Assistant. During the War he was an officer of the R.N.V.R. John Alexander Gray* (1926-30 and 1932-35) has been for the last six years with the B.B.C., chiefly with the European Service, though for one year he was attached to the B.B.C. in Scotland. At present he is on the News Staff in London. _ _ 5 -1901), C.M.G., M.B., Ch.B., Theodore Grant Gray* ( RR Director-General of the New Zealand Mental Services, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Psychologists, and has also received a Diploma as a Corresponding Member of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association of Great Britain, which is a high honour in this branch of his profession. He visited this country in 1945 to select officers for the New Zealand Mental Services, and contributed an article on his journey home from New Zealand by air in the Magazine of January 1946.

John Greenlaw* (1884-93), T.D., minister of North Church, Buckie, since 1908, was presented with a radio set by the Province on relinquishing the office of Provincial Grand Master of Banffshire after twenty years' service. He held continuous office for 35 years, serving as Chaplain, 1911-21, and Depute Master, 1921-26, before being appointed Provincial Grand Master in 1926.

James Robertson Guy* (1924-36), one of several F.P.s who were officers of the 51st (Highland) Divisional Signals (T.A.) and Prisoners of War in Germany from 1940 to 1945, is now employed with Whitmores Timber Co. (1918) Ltd., Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.

Gilbert Frewin Hamilton (1921-30), B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., who has been a Lecturer in Anatomy at the University of Aberdeen since 1939, was in September 1946 appointed to the Senior Lectureship in the Anatomy Department. He was Town Council Gold Medallist and Dux of the School on the Modern side in 1930. In 1935, while 21

23 Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine a student in Medicine, he was awarded the Chanock Gold Medal in Anatomy and the Lizars Gold Medal in Anatomy.

William Aitken Brown Hamilton (r921-27), M.A., who in 1931 gained first place in the open competition for the administrative class of the Home Civil Service, has for many years been with the Ministry of Education. Until recently he was Assistant Secretary in the Buildings and Priority Branch, and he is now Director of Establishments. He has been promoted to Under-Secretary, and has charge of the Teachers' Pensions and Teachers' Salaries Branches.

David Sinclair Hay (1907-1I) stood unsuccessfully as a Socialist Candidate for Ruthrieston Ward in the Aberdeen Town Council Election in November 1946. Another unsuccessful F.P. Candidate was John Herbert Taylor* (5909-12), who stood as a Progressive Candidate in Gilcomston Ward. He is a well-known business man in Aberdeen, and carries on the firm of costumiers and furriers established by his father.

James Hay (1893-95), M.B.E., advocate, Secretary of the Walker Steam Trawl Fishing Co., Ltd., Aberdeen, and a leading figure in the fishing industry for many years, resigned from the Aberdeen Town Council in November 1946. He had been Socialist member for the Torry Ward since 1937. During the War he was a member of the Aberdeen Harbour Emergency Committee.

Gordon Matthews Hector (1924-25), son of GEORGE PITTEN-• DRIGH HECTOR* (1889-97), M.A., D.Sc., has received an appointment as an Administrative Officer with the Colonial Service in Kenya.

Graham Henderson* (1906-1z), M.C., who is F.P. Club Consul in Malaya (Negri Sembilan), and who was a Prisoner of War in Japanese hands during the War, has recently returned to Malaya, after being in this country for eleven months. He is taking up his duties as Consul again, and will be glad to see or hear from any F.P.s there. To the Secretary of the F.P. Club he gave much helpful information about F.P.s resident in Malaya.

John Maddison Hendry* (1920-31) is now Manager of the Hull Branch of The National Fishcuring Co., Ltd. Kenneth Williams Hutchison (1927-39) won the Craw's Nest Tassie at Carnoustie in September 1946. His victory caused something of a sensation in golfing circles since his handicap at the Royal Aberdeen Club is nine, and he was up against scratch players.

Throughout the tournament, it was reported, he played scratch golf and tumbled down many more fancied competitors. He further distinguished himself by holing two chip shots in the semi-final and one in the final. Aged 23, Hutchison is a partner in his family's bakery business, Messrs. A. B. Hutchison, Ltd., Aberdeen.

Sir (William) Wilson Jameson* (1892-1902), K.C.B., M.D., LL.D., Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, is the author of the report " On the State of Public Health during Six Years of War ", issued in September. Its pages, in the words of Sir Wilson, " tell of the state of the public health and of the medical work of the

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Ministry of Health during the trials, the mercies, the efforts, and the final triumphs of six years of the grimmest struggle Britain has endured since the Conquest."

The report has been widely recognized not only as a most interesting account of the nation's health in wartime, but also as a valuable record of the notable developments in public health organization, and of the achievements in this field that will be of permanent benefit.

The report shows how the wartime diet, thanks to the attention given to nutrition, led to no deterioration in the standard of health, and children's nutritional state is said, in fact, to have been somewhat better at the end of the War than it was at the beginning. Statistics are given to show how great, and in several cases how slight, was the incidence of various types of disease ; there is an account of the remarkably successful organization built up to deal with air raid casualties and battle casualties ; and a description is given of the permanent public health laboratory service now established, and of the country-wide blood transfusion service.

According to a London newspaper, the thoroughness and the interest of the report is in very large measure due to Sir Wilson's own efforts. He started his notes for it when he was first appointed to the Ministry in 1940, and he has kept them going ever since. He supervised every section of the report, collated the facts submitted by his experts, and, as he does not dictate, wrote out in longhand many of the 28o closely-printed pages.

A correspondent also reported how on once going to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, " I once found two men in shirt sleeves working in a padded room with one of

those pneumatic drills that create such a roar in the streets. They were trying to find a way of reducing the terrible vibration without impairing the efficiency of the machine. One of them was Sir Wilson".

John Henry Alexander Jamieson* (1930-35) has returned to the office of The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd., Aberdeen.

Peter Jamieson (1911-18), who has been engaged in farming in Alberta, Canada, for 25 years, reports that his health will no longer stand the severe Canadian winter, and he plans to move to Australia, where he hopes to contact some F.P.s.

James Patrick Jeffrey* (1906-18), B.Sc.(Eng.), C.A., T.D., as Chairman of the recently formed Aberdeen Progressive Association, took a very prominent part in the various campaigns preceding the November Elections for the Aberdeen Town Council. He is also President of the Aberdeen Rotary Club and a very keen member of the F.P. Club Executive Committee. From 1936 to 1939 he was Vice-President of the Club and Chairman of the Executive.

William Cruickshank Kemp* (1924-26) has recently returned to Malaya where he has taken up his pre-War job on a rubber estate.

James Gray Kyd* (1891-98), C.B.E., Registrar-General for Scotland since 1937, proposed in November 1944 that a Third Statistical Account of Scotland should be prepared. This is now

25 Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine to be done under the auspices of the Scottish Council of Social Science, with the financial backing of the Nuffield Foundation.

The main task, says a pamphlet issued by the Council, will be to describe, not merely the physical facts, the public and social services, and the industries of the area, but to show how, in that environment and with those material conditions, the people live. The Chairman of the Statistical Account Committee has further described the Account as " an inquiry into the state of the country for the purpose of ascertaining the quantum of happiness and joy of its inhabitants, and the means of its future improvement ".

As was the case when the First and Second Statistical. Accounts were prepared in 1791-98 and 1834-43 respectively, ministers are again to be asked to collect information, " a deserved tribute ", says The Scotsman, " to a body of men whose local knowledge and antiquarian learning are proverbial ". This time the help of doctors, teachers, tradesmen, and others likely to be able to contribute interesting facts, is also to be sought. Enthusiastic promise of support has come from the four Scottish Universities, each of which will produce one of the initial surveys in its own area.

The Registrar-General is a man of wide interests, not all of them concerned with facts and figures. As a Director of the Scottish Rights of Way Society, he was present at a Press Conference in Edinburgh in August, after the Society had been reconstituted. Mr. Kyd expressed the hope that the Society would be able to encourage visitors from England and the Continent by preparing short walking itineraries so that they could go through Scotland without doing more than cross roads. At the same time it was stated that the Society existed largely for the dissemination of information to people who wanted to " get off the tarmac and to feel the heather under their feet ".

Older F.P.s will remember that Mr. Kyd used to be an enthusiastic member of the Cairngorm Club and Editor of its Journal.

David Proudfoot Levack* (1906-09), C.B.E., M.B., Ch.B., Colonel, R.A.M.C., was in September 1946 appointed President of the newly-formed Aberdeen and District Branch of the R.A.M.C. Association.

Eric R. R. Linklater* (1913-16), M.A., received the honorary degree of LL.D. from the University of Aberdeen at a Special Graduation Ceremony on 26 October 1946. He was described by Professor T. M. Taylor in his laureation address as " one of the University's most distinguished living graduates" and he is also one of the University's youngest honorary graduates. (He is 47.) After the graduation he delivered his noteworthy Rectorial Address on " The Art of Adventure " and an excerpt from this is reprinted on another page.

In September he was presented at the Scottish Libraries Association Conference held at Hawick with the Carnegie Gold Medal for the best book published in 1944. Recounting how he came to write " The Wind on the Moon ", the author said that when he was ordered by his wife to take his two young girls out for a walk on a

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cold rainy day, the children had cried so much that he made up the story and told it to them in a loud voice to drown their crying. He was so grateful for the effect that he decided to write the story down.

The play which Dr. Linklater wrote for the Aberdeen University Charities Campaign Theatre Show of 1946, " To Meet the Macgregors " was reproduced in October at the Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow, where it had a most enthusiastic reception. According to one critic : " Mr. Linklater produces situations W. S. Gilbert never thought of. At moments the fun makes pantomime a sane and sober entertainment, and altogether he has provided the richest bundle of nonsense laid on Glasgow's theatrical lap for some time".

Alexander Macdonald* (1921-27), M.A., M.D., is now on the staff of the Public Health Laboratory Service, Isolation Hospital, Bowthorpe Road, Norwich.

James Morton Macdonald (1924-26), Captain, R.A.M.C., has since 1944 been serving in India, Malaya, and Sumatra. While in India, he became a graded Anaesthetist and, being now a Specialist, he does not expect to be demobilized until 1947.

William Maclver* (1923-26) completed fourteen years' service with the Merchant Navy in May 1946, and is contemplating taking a Science degree at Aberdeen University. For several years he was a Wireless Operator with the Union Castle Line, and in 1936 he received an appointment with Messrs. Siemens Brothers & Co., Ltd., Woolwich, in their marine wireless section. During the War he was employed as a Radio Officer, being appointed in 1940 Senior Radio Officer in charge, Royal Naval Transports.

Kenneth Pirie Mackenzie* (1901-07), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., Colonel, who has retired from the R.A.M.C., is now living at Broomhill, Inverness. An account of his experiences as a prisoner in Japanese hands in Burma for over three years was given in the Magazine of January 1946.

Patrick Alexander Bruce McKerron* (1904-10), C.M.G., who, as reported in the last Magazine, administered the Government of the new Colony of Singapore for a few days when Civil Government was resumed on x April 1946, has resumed duty in his substantive post of Colonial Secretary. In May he relinquished his commission and was granted the honorary rank of Brigadier. He returned to this country on leave (his first since 1939) at the beginning of September, and expects to return to Singapore in January 1947.

Douglas Nelson Mackinnon* (1925-34), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., was in August 1946 promoted Major, R.A.M.C. He is working in a Resettlement Unit for repatriated Prisoners of War, and has been with similar units for over a year.

Andrew James McLuckie* (1931-36), who served in the Indian Army Ordnance Corps during the War as a Staff Sergeant, has returned to his civilian job as a marine engineer with Messrs. Alfred Holt & Co., Liverpool. His ship is the T.S.S. Menelaus, and he expects in future to be a frequent visitor to the regions of Hong Kong and Singapore.

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James Stewart McPherson* (1928-33), M.A., who was appointed an Assistant Classical Master at the School in 1939, has been appointed by the Argyll Education Committee to be Principal Teacher of Classics at Campbeltown. He was Classical Dux of the School in 1933. During the War he was a Prisoner of War in Germany.

Eric Henderson Manthei* (1921-24) has assumed the surname of Stott by Deed Declaration dated zo September 1946. Since he left School, he has been with Messrs. Galloway & Sykes, Ltd., house furnishers, Aberdeen.

James William Slesser Marr* (1913-19), M.A., B.Sc., Lieutenant Commander, R.N.V.R., is reported to be proceeding on yet another expedition to the Antarctic, this time in search of large deposits of uranium. Reports of Commander Marr's exploits have appeared at frequent intervals in the pages of the Magazine since 1921, when, as " Scout Marr " of the 1st Troop, he was selected to join Shackleton on the latter's last expedition to the Antarctic in the Quest. Subsequently he made many voyages between 1925 and 5939 in the Royal Research Ships, Discovery II and William Scoresby. During the War he was seconded from the Navy to lead a party of scientists and administrative officials who established bases in dependencies of the Falkland Islands, including one near Hope Bay, Grahamland, the nearest land mass to the South Pole. On that occasion ill-health compelled him to relinquish his command.

John Angus Colin Marr* (1936-43), while serving in H.M.S. Grenville, was a member of the Naval Occupation Force in Japan after the cessation of hostilities in 1945. He returned to the U.K. in April 1946, and was demobilized.

John (Ian) William Martin* (1924-34), who served with the Royal Signals during the war in Southern Arabia and Egypt, is now managing his father's dairy farms, South Ythsie, Tarves, and Mains of Schivas, Ythanbank, Elton, Aberdeenshire.

George Edward Mayor* (1928-36), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., Surgeon Lieutenant, R.N.V.R., joined the Fleet Air Arm in May 1946, and has recently visited Hong Kong. He is now in H.M.S. Nabcatcher, a shore base.

William John Mearns* (1916-20), has recently returned to Malaya as Manager of the Sungei Choh Rubber Estate, Selangor, a post held before the War by his elder brother, James Godsman Mearns (1913-2o), B.Sc.(Agr.). Both brothers were interned by the Japanese during the War. James has celebrated his return to this country by becoming a Life Member of the F.P. Club. Both brothers were recently married.

Robert Alexander Esslemont Menthe* (1924-36), M.A., has since October 1943 been in the London office of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.

Lewis Middleton* (1919-32), B.Sc.(Eng.), who was well-known in pre-War years for his golfing prowess, has again been taking a prominent part in various Scottish golf tournaments. In July he won the Peterhead Open Golf Amateur Tournament, which he had

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine won in 1933, and in the Fraserburgh Tournament he was runner-up.

In the Scottish Amateur Championship at Carnoustie he qualified for the match play stage, but was beaten in the second round. In August he entered for the Aberdeen Quaich Tournament, which he won twice before the War, but on this occasion he was beaten in the first round of the match play by his brother, Allan Adrian Middleton (1924-34), who went on to win the Tournament, beating in the final Hugh Andrew Willox* (1925-35).

Lewis Middleton was Captain of the Rugby Section 1st XV in 1945-46, and is again a leading member of the team this season. He was picked for the North XV which played the Midlands on a November 1946 and was chosen to lead the forwards. He is employed as a civil engineer with Messrs. S. B. Russell & Sons, builders and public works contractors, Aberdeen. Allan Middleton is a Works Manager with Messrs. Barclay, Ross & Hutchison. The third surviving member of the Middleton family is James Fletcher Middleton* (1924-34), who is now an auctioneer at the Central Mart, Kittybrewster. The eldest member of the family, STUART AULDJO MIDDLETON (1918-29), D.F.C., C.A., was killed in France in September 1941 while a Squadron Leader with the R.A.F. Alistair MacDonnell Milne* (5924-3a), who was with the Northern Assurance Co. Ltd. before the War, is now Acting Resident Secretary of the Scottish Insurance Corporation Ltd. in Aberdeen.

During the latter part of the War he commanded the too (Gordon Highlanders) A/Tk. Regt., R.A. in S.E.A.C., with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel.

James Mathewson Milne* (5895-1902), M.A., Docteur es Lettres (Rennes), Rector of Nairn Academy since 1920, was the defendant in an action raised in June 1946 by a parent of three pupils at his school for £1,OOO damages for alleged slander, and £75o damages for alleged wrongful expulsion. The case was heard in the Sheriff Court at Nairn, and in his judgment the Sheriff found for Dr. Milne, with expenses. He held that the Rector did not slander the complainer and that in his actings throughout he had acted reasonably, fairly, and in good faith, and was justified in the action he took finally to maintain the proper discipline of the school and the proper respect of the pupils.

Leonard Shepherd Milne* (1916-2o), who first went to a tea estate in Assam in 1927, has recently spent a four months' leave at home. Before his return to Assam in September, he became a Life Member of the Club.

Royston John Milne* (1918-3o), M.A., LL.B., was in October 1946 admitted to the Aberdeen Society of Advocates, and has resumed the practice of Law with Mr. G. D. Kellas, solicitor, Inverurie. During the War he served in the Navy as Lieutenant, R.N.V.R., and he was latterly in H.M.S. Manxman (a fast mine-layer), with the British Pacific Fleet. Early this year he had the pleasure of accompanying Lieutenant Commander Leslie George Boyd* (1918-29), R.N.V.R., from Shanghai to Hong Kong.

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William Proctor Milne* (1897-99), M.A., D.Sc., LL.D.(Aberd.), M.A. (Cantab.), who was awarded the Honorary Degree of LLD. at the July Graduation on his retiral from the post of Professor of Mathematics in the University of Leeds, was in September appointed President of the revived Buchan Club. Founded sixty years ago, this Club has done a great deal of work in the realm of local history in tracing the careers of notable sons of Buchan, in the investigation of flora and fauna, and in the study of folk lore. Plans have now been made for further researches to be made in these directions.

The first outing of the Club is to be held in August 1947.

Alexander Lessel Stephen Mitchell (1911-19), B.L., who is Managing Director of Stephen Mitchell (Theatrical Productions) Ltd., London, has resumed his successful career as a theatre manager.

He has presented "Clutterbuck ", a comedy by Benn W. Levy, which is at present running at Wyndham's Theatre, London, and " Ever Since Paradise ", by J. B. Priestley, which toured the chief provincial towns in the autumn of 1946, prior to opening in London.

Before the War, he presented " Judgment Day" by Elmer Rice, " The Corn is Green " by Emlyn Williams (also a great success in New York), and " Little Ladyship " by Ian Hay. During the War he presented two plays by Emlyn Williams in association with H. M. Tennent, Ltd.—" The Light of Heart " and " Morning Star ".

Early in 1947 he hopes to present " The Captain's Lamp ", a first play by the well-known novelist, Norman Collins, and another play

by J. B. Priestley, " Jenny Villiers ".

Frederick Peter Morton* (1882-94) still pursues the calling of an art worker and architectural craftsman in his studio at St. Peter's Square, London. At present he is engaged on the restoration of two famous rooms in the hall of the Worshipful Company of Skinners, whose building was terribly damaged by flying bombs in 1944. In a letter he says : " My ' war work ' was accomplished at St. Paul's Cathedral. I was a member of St. Paul's Watch from April 1940 until the end. The Watch was composed for the most part of artists, architects and such like, who rallied to the defence of a building they loved, and by their efforts saved it from destruction in the City conflagrations. My personal experiences of the first order were few. The principal one, and it was a weird rather than an exciting one, was when a large unexploded bomb lay under the steps at the west end in September 1940. Eight of us kept watch in a pitch black Cathedral. After my period of duty on the roof, I descended, wondering if it would be possible to sleep with an unexploded bomb just round the corner—and it was !"

For a time another F.P., James Alexander Cardno* (1929-3z), M.A., was also a member of the St. Paul's Watch.

Donald Hunter Munro* (1916-17) is having a very busy time as Television Productions Director with the B.B.C. at Alexandra Palace. He was recently on a busman's holiday in Aberdeen, and in November he flew to America to re-establish contacts with the Columbia Broadcasting System whose television service he helped to organize in 1939. When in Aberdeen, he stated that at the moment the London service, designed for a thirty mile radius, was being picked up as far away as Birmingham and Torquay. It should be possible,

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he thought, to cover the whole country within a few years.

Mr. Munro completes 2t years' service with the B.B.C. in March 1947, having started his career as Assistant Station Director in Aberdeen in 1926. He is one of a small band of television pioneers who have been associated with that service since it was started at Alexandra Palace in 1936.

Thomas Henderson Murdoch* (1921-27), M.A., recently passed an examination for the Diploma of a Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the highest award in Britain in these subjects. He passed by a greater margin than any other examinee in Britain, and was awarded a gold medal. Before the War, Mr. Murdoch was in business with Messrs. Unilever, and with the County Perfumery Co. From 194o to 1945 he was an Inspector with Rolls Royce Ltd., at Hillington, and since February 1945 he has been Manager of Glen Cinemas, Aberdeen, the proprietor of which is another F.P., Arnold Marischal Burns* (19zo-15), M.A. Messrs.

Burns and Murdoch are also co-directors of Messrs. Glen Hardinge, Ltd., manufacturers and agents.

Before passing the L.G.S.M. examination in Speech and Drama, Murdoch also took honours in both the A.L.C.M. and Gold Medal L.A.M. Diploma Examinations in the same subjects.

David Donald Murison (1922-29), M.A. (Aberd.), B.A. (Cantab.), was in September last appointed to the editorship of the Scottish National Dictionary, in succession to Dr. William Grant. This mammoth publication, on which work was commenced in 1907, will comprise ten volumes, of which two have been completed.

Mr. Murison's task will be to edit the remaining eight volumes.

He comes to this onerous post after a distinguished career in Classics at Aberdeen University, where he graduated M.A., with First Class Honours in 1933, and at Cambridge University, where he was placed in Class I of both Parts of the Classical Tripos.

While a scholar at Christ's College, Cambridge, he did research work in Philology. In 1939 he was appointed Senior Assistant in Greek at Aberdeen University, and was recently appointed to the staff of the Aberdeen Training College. He was Classical Dux of the School in 1929.

Ian Gordon Murison* (1923-3o), B.Sc., has returned to his old firm, the Mechanical Printers' Association, Ltd., of Manchester.

During the War he served with the South Lancashire Regiment.

Hugh Alexander Murray* (1919-25), M.A. (Aberd.), B.A. (Cantab.), Professor of Classics at Victoria College, Wellington, New Zealand, arrived in New Zealand to take up his professorial appointment in the earlier part of this year. In an issue dated July 1946, The New Zealand Freelance—the National Pictorial Weekly —published some interesting comments by Professor Murray on his new students and his new surroundings.

I find (he said) that in some ways they are more serious than English students,

though there is not any striking difference in the standard for ordinary B.A. classes. At present B.A. classes at Victoria are large, but those for advanced classes are very small and enable one to get close contacts and make friends with

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine

31

one's students. In History, Art, and Literature, the majority of students are women, but they are in the minority in Latin, and only one or two are studying Greek.

Personally I like the type of syllabus set, because it is so similar to the Scottish one.

The textbook difficulty out here is very similar to that at home, though I have been fortunate enough to fmd one or two rarer books which were unprocurable in English bookshops.

Thomas James Trail Nicol* (593o-35), M.C., M.A., minister of St. Luke's Church, Broughty Ferry, had the honour to preach the sermon at Crathie Church on 3o September 1946 when Their Majesties, the King and Queen, and the two Princesses were members of the congregation. Like other visiting preachers at Crathie, Mr. Nicol was a guest at Balmoral Castle over the week-end.

John Riddell Knight Pirie* (1915-26), B.Sc., B.L., whose marriage is reported on another page, is now acting as Librarian on the staff of Aberdeen Journals Ltd., Aberdeen.

David A. Pope* (1885-88) has now retired after 32 years' farming at Hayter, Alberta. During that time his farm grew from the pioneer 160 acres to 1,300 acres, and he specialized in the growing of registered seed grain and the rearing of Aberdeen-Angus cattle. His farm has now passed into the hands of a second generation Aberdeenshire man, whose father hailed from the Huntly district. Mr. Pope hopes to return to Aberdeen in the near future.

Edward Birnie Reid* (1902-13), O.B.E., C.A., Brevet Colonel, is Chairman of the Aberdeen branch of the Royal Signals Association, the majority of whose members served in the 51st (Highland) Division and were captured at St. Valery. Before the War Colonel Reid commanded the 5Ist (Highland) Divisional Signals for four years and in 1939 he was appointed D.C.S.O., Scottish Command. The Vice-Chairman of the branch is Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Patrick Edward Murray* (1907-18), O.B.E., M.A., LL.B., advocate, who commanded the 5i st (Highland) Divisional Signals in France until the • fateful i zth of June 5940.

Douglas Reith* (59 24- 3 5 ), M.A., LL.B., was in July 1946 admitted to the Faculty of Advocates. He is now well launched on his legal career and appeared recently for the defence in a case before the High Court at Glasgow.

James Leslie Rennet* (1913-26), B.L., advocate, son of the late JAMES BARCLAY RENNET (1878-83), M.A., C.A., has been appointed Secretary and Treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen, a post which his father held for 46 years.

Alister Rose* (5900-53) retired in April 1946 from Burma where he was manager of Messrs. T. D. Findlay & Sons Ltd., Teak Lessees and Sawmillers. He was commissioned in the Burma Army in April 1942 and served as a Major in the Burma Intelligence Corps with the i7th and 23rd Indian Divisions until September 1944. He was Mentioned in Despatches.

Ramsay Roger Russell* (1923-35), Squadron Leader, was in August 1946 appointed to command the re-formed No. 612 (County of Aberdeen) Squadron of the Auxiliary Air Force. He joined the

Aberdeen Grammar Scbool Magaine 3a Squadron as a Pilot Officer in 1937, when it was first formed, and was one of the first band of pilots to be trained at Dyce Aerodrome. The Squadron which Squadron Leader Russell is to command is to be integrated along with other famous units which played a notable part in the Battle of Britain in the general reserve scheme being prepared by the Air Ministry, and it is expected to be equipped with the Spitfire XXIV, and, ultimately, with jet aircraft.

Squadron Leader Russell is one of five brothers all of whom are F.P.s. James Knox Russell* (1917-28) recently returned to the Argentine to resume his post as an accountant with the South American Railways. Douglas Thomas Henderson Russell* (192132) returned in August to South Africa, where he is in business on his own account as a builder at Umtata, Transkie, Cape. The remaining two brothers, Samuel Boyd Russell* (1919-28) and Thomas Henderson Russell* (1926-37) are, along with RAMSAY ROGER RUSSELL, in the family business, Messrs. S. B. Russell & Sons, Ltd., builders and public works contractors, Aberdeen.

Charles Edward Saunders* (1902-14) M.B., Ch.B., is now resident at Beeston, near Tarporley, Cheshire. Since 5939 he has been Medical Officer to Manchester Collieries Ltd. Cecil Arthur Grant Savidge* (1913.24), M.B.E., M.A., I.C.S., is now Director-General of Revenue, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Deccan, India. He returned to India in October 1946, after having been at home for four months, and he has agreed to act as Club Consul for Hyderabad.

James Douglas Scott* (19o4-1;) was in May 5946 appointed London Manager to the firms of Reynolds Tube Co., Ltd., andReynolds Rolling Mills, Ltd. During the War his services were lent to the Ministry of Aircraft Production, Light Metals Controls (Sheet and ' Strip) as Accountant and Mill Controller.

David John George Sherman* (1922-26), B.Sc.(Eng.), was demobilized in August 1946. For the last nine months of his service he was O.C. of a R.E. Company engaged on clearing obstructions from the River Rhine and the Kuslen Canal in North West Germany.

Before that he was with the R.E.s at Arromanches engaged, along with Canadian sappers, on the construction of " Mulberry " port, the reconstruction of Boulogne, Calais, and Antwerp docks, and the bridging of Dutch rivers.

Charles William Sleigh* (1874-79), C.B.E., M.A., LL.D., Strichen, who is now in his 84th year, was in September 1946 reelected Chairman of the National Committee for the Training of Teachers and of the Central Executive Committee. At a meeting held in Edinburgh Dr. Sleigh intimated that over 9000 applications had been received for admission to training under the emergency scheme of recruitment and training of teachers. Practically all the available places for teachers of general subjects in primary schools and for most of the categories of specialist teachers in subjects like art, music, and commercial subjects had now been filled, but further applications were required from persons desiring to train as specialist

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 33 teachers of academic subjects in secondary schools and as women teachers of physical education.

A SERBIAN F.P. TO THE RESCUE.

Bernard Hooper Smith* (1932-35), M.B., Ch.B., Lieut.-Col., R.A.M.C., served with much distinction as a Nutrition expert in India during the recent War. After being demobilized he was attached to U.N.R.R.A. for six months, also as a Nutrition expert.

He travelled over a large part of Europe visiting Rome, Pompeii, Vienna and other cities. On his first night in Belgrade he was arrested and imprisoned by the Secret Police for carrying a camera. They thought he had been photographing military objectives but found on developing the film that the negatives showed only the ruins of Pompeii. He was then discharged. The most interesting part of his experience, however, was that he was bailed out of prison by a Serb who proved to be another F.P. of the School—Aleksander Todorovitch (1916-18). The latter said that he had very grateful memories of Aberdeen which had looked after him while he was a refugee during the 1914-18 War. One of his proudest possessions is a pocket book bearing the initials " C.D.", a gift to him from Charles Davidson* (188z-86), who was a Master at the School during Todorovitch's two years there.

Douglas William Cumming Smith* (1930-41), was selected to be a member of the Scottish Universities Athletic Team which competed against the English Universities in London in July 1946.

He won the discus event with a throw of 130 feet 6 inches, and was second in putting the weight, his distance being 38 feet 7i inches.

Another member of the team was Robert Arthur Spark (1926-35), who was second in the javelin event. Smith, who was " capped" for Scotland last season, was selected to play for the North XV in the International Rugby Trial at Rubislaw on i6 November 1946.

Ian Lewis Smith* (1918-30), B.Sc.(Eng.), A.M.I.C.E., having served with the 51st (Highland) Division in France (194o), North Africa, and Sicily, was transferred to the 5oth (Northumbrian) Division just prior to the invasion of Europe. He took part in the assault and remained with the " 5oth " until March 1945. He was demobilized in November 1945 with the rank of Major R.E. He then joined the firm of Messrs. Spark's Ltd., of Aberdeen, and is now manager of their Refrigeration Department, Rose Street, Aberdeen.

Ronald Gordon Christie Smith* (1927-37), B.Sc.(Agr.), who graduated in October 1946, is now on the staff of the North of Scotland College of Agriculture, Craibstone, Aberdeen.

William Elder Drummond Smith* (1904-09), was due to return in November to Shanghai, where he is with Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. Ltd. He was one of the members of the Shanghai Centre of the F.P. Club who donated the Shanghai Clock to the School.

George Stephen* (1936-42), Sub-Lieut. (A.), R.N.V.R., who was a House Captain at Grammar School House, is on board the Aircraft Carrier Venerable in the Far East. His keenness for rugby and cricket

Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine 34 while at School has proved most useful to him in the Navy. While in Ceylon, as sports officer for the Station, he captained a rugby team and travelled with them from Trincomalee for 178 miles to the highest town in Ceylon at 65oo feet. The rugby pitch there was the finest he had seen outside Scotland, drained and planted with Australian blue grass. The members of the team were entertained by the planters for the week-end. Cricket, too, was played in Ceylon with enthusiasm and, as Captain of the Station cricket team, he played in a number of matches. He has become a Life Member of the F.P. Club.

Ranald Fyfe Findlay Steven* (1933-43) is this year's Captain of the Aberdeen University Rugby 1st XV. The Captain of the Aberdeen Wanderers' 1st XV is also a F.P.—William Scott Gibb* (1925-36).

John Stewart* (1896-1905), M.A., D.D., who has been a Church of Scotland Missionary in Manchuria since 1914 and who was interned by the Japanese for a time in 1942, has recently returned from Manchuria and Ichang. He went there as a member of a Commission appointed by the Foreign Missions Committee of the Church of Scotland, to renew acquaintance with the daughter Churches in those regions.

The Commission's report has been published under the title of " Our Commission in China ", and at a Press Conference held in Edinburgh after its publication, Dr. Stewart said that China, politically and economically, was in a very bad way. The present Government had got stale and corrupt, and very few Chinese had any faith in it at all. Again and again one found that the Church was the only organization in China which people trusted and respected. It was no longer looked upon as a foreign organization, but as an essential part of Chinese life. The attitude of both the National Government and the Communists towards missions was that they wanted them.

Dr. Stewart spoke in terms of high praise of the welcome he received both in Manchuria and Ichang, and of the manner in which the Chinese Church had carried on its activities during the Japanese occupation.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, The Right Rev. John Mackenzie, C.I.E., D.D., says of the Commission's report : " I commend the study of this remarkable report to the people of Scotland, in the assurance that it will lead to a deeper and more prayerful interest in, and support for, the work of the Church in China."

William Charles Storrie* (1921-26), has left Sheffield, where he was with the Police Service, and is at present a Public Safety Officer in the Summary Court at Brunswick, working under the Control Commission.

Charles Strachan* (1919-25), M.A. (Aberd.), Ph.D. (Camb.), was in July 1946 appointed Lecturer in Mathematical Physics at the University of Aberdeen. Since 1939 he had been Lecturer in Applied Mathematics in the University of Liverpool, and before that he was a Carnegie Teaching Fellow in the Natural Philosophy Department at Aberdeen for four years, and in a similar appointment at

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 35 the was first in 1925 he In year.

Edinburgh University for one Aberdeen University Arts Bursary Competition, and in 1929 he graduated M.A., with First Class Honours in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. In 2931 he graduated B.A. at Cambridge, being placed among the Wranglers in the Mathematical Tripos, Part II. Henry James Strachan* (1917-24), M.A., was demobilized from the R.A.F. in May 1946 and is now Classics Master at the King Edward VI Grammar School, Camp Hill, Birmingham. Before the War he held similar posts at Galashiels, Portree and Spilsby, Lincs.

In 1934 he was " capped " for Scotland at hockey.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SETTLEMENT IN KENYA.

Graeme George Sutherland* (2903-09), who has been in Kenya since 1935, has recently been appointed Accountant to the Land and Agricultural Bank at Kenya, and is resident in Nairobi. In a letter to the Editor of the Magazine, after expressing appreciation of the last issue, he says : " The pleasure on this occasion is saddened by the lamentable loss of valuable young lives, as recorded in the toll of War casualties, but on the other hand, one is proud of the long roll of War Honours. The alphabetical record of F.P.s is a section of the Magazine that is of particular interest, and it is a feature of our Scottish stock that so many find their way abroad. A propos of this, it may be of interest to any who are seeking new pastures to know that the Kenya Government have launched a scheme for European Settlement in Kenya with the approbation of the British Government. The scheme takes the form of (a) a Tenant Farming Scheme whereby the ex-service man is assisted to the tenancy of a small farm-holding with security of tenure and option to purchase ; (b) an Assisted-Ownership Scheme in which case the settler himself finds the whole purchase price of a farm and the European Settlement Board lends—on settlement terms (interest 4i per cent., payment of interest deferred 4 years, amortization over maximum of 43f years)—the development and working capital required to a maximum of sro per cent. of the Board's valuation of the farm.

Prospective settlers have access to the Edgerton School of Agriculture where x5 months' training in mixed farming is part of the advantages to be gained by the scheme.

Full particulars can be obtained on application to the Settlement Secretary, P.O. Box 825, Nairobi, Kenya."

Bertram William Tawse* (2923-16), civil engineer, of Messrs.

Wm. Tawse, Ltd., Aberdeen, was in July 2946 appointed the first Chairman of a Scottish Committee of the Federation of Coated Macadam Industries. At the inaugural meeting it was stated that an increase in the grants made by the Government towards the construction and maintenance of classified roads, together with an increase in the mileage of trunk roads, would transfer a larger part of the cost of the upkeep of the classified road system from Local Government to the State. This should result in a continuous and even larger demand for coated macadam. The Federation, it was reported, has devoted much time and thought to the evolution of proposals for a guarantee of quality of coated macadam, and it would continue to devote its technical energies to making and laying opentextured coated macadam which would satisfy the demand for a uniform and non-slippery surface with a reasonable life.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Alexander Robertson Taylor* (1927-34), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., was in October 1946 admitted a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is now attached to the Department of Surgical Neurology in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. During the War he was a Surgeon-Lieut., R.N.V.R. Frank Salmond Taylor* (1923-28) has been appointed full-time general secretary of the Institute of Bankers in Scotland and is to take up his new appointment on z January 1947. He will also assume the offices of editor, general treasurer, librarian and director of studies.

After serving his banking apprenticeship with the Bank of Scotland in Stonehaven and Aberdeen, he was for three years with the Westend branch of the Bank in Aberdeen before being transferred to the Head Office in Edinburgh in 1935. There he was in the Inspectors' Department. He qualified as a Member of the Institute with Honours in 1935. During the War he held a commission in the Royal Artillery and finished up as a Major and D.A.A. & Q.M.G. He was " Mentioned " in May 1945.

Robert Jamieson Thom* (1923-29), M.A., who is Lecturer in Education at Manchester University, continues to take a great interest in the development of educational films. At a conference of H.M. Inspectors of Schools and Training College Lecturers at Glasgow in July, he referred to the lead that was being given by the North East of Scotland in the use of films and other visual aids in schools.

He •believed the film had a larger part to play in rural areas than in urban areas, and could overcome the sense of isolation still common to the child educated in the country. In a recent article on the same subject, Mr. Thom suggested that local Education Committees, W.E.A. Branches, and all similar bodies should think seriously of instituting a course on film appreciation in their own areas, as a surprisingly wide range of illustrative film " classics " is now available for use in such classes. A background of knowledge, he said, of how the producer, director, script writer, cameraman, art director, sound recordist, musical director, film editor, and the others, carry out their work, allows an easy transition from technical considerations to an appreciation of the film as a whole. He thought that this approach would appeal particularly to younger people.

George Irvine Thomson (1899-1900), D.F.C., has retired from active flying. He trained as a civil engineer in the Harbour Engineer's Office at Aberdeen and later helped to build the Rosyth Dockyard.

During the 1914-18 War he served with the R.F.C. and won the D.F.C. in 1919. In 1928 he joined Imperial Airways and was loaned for transport work to a gold mining concern in New Guinea. In 193o he crashed on a mountain in New Guinea during a tropical storm and had the distinction of having the mountain named after him.

In 1933 he became Operations Manager and Chief Pilot of the Rhodesian and Nyasaland Airways and in 1940 he was appointed B.O.A.C. inspector of aircraft safety.

James Booth Thomson* (1918-31) was in July 1946 appointed Youth Service Organiser for the joint counties of Moray and Nairn.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

37 Since 1932 he had been working in the Town Council Lands Valuation and Registration of Voters Department, but for the last seventeen years he has taken an active part in youth work in the City. He was founder and president of the Queen's Cross Church Young People's Association, a Leader in the Y.M.C.A., founder and first supervisor of Broomhill Youth Centre and Recreation Club, Leader of Rosemount Youth Service—Senior Club (Aberdeen Education Committee), and a member of the Executive Committee of the Aberdeen Sunday School Union. From 1940 to 1946 Mr. Thomson served in the R.A.F., and, while stationed in Cornwall in 1945, became Leader of the Ruan Minor Mixed Youth Club.

Ralph Spence Walker* (1910-22), M.A., Lecturer in English Literature at Aberdeen University, is the Editor of " James Beattie's London Diary, 1773 ", recently published as No. I zz of the Aberdeen University Studies. The book has been compiled from the collection of Beattie papers which belongs to the University of Aberdeen and is kept in the Library at King's College. Mr. Walker has been Editor of the Aberdeen University Review since 1941.

William Clarke Wallace* (1933-38), Captain, Royal Indian Engineers, was home from Burma on two months' leave in the summer of this year. He intends to apply for a permanent commission in the Army.

James .Barclay Watt* (1912-2I), M.A., C.A., who is on the Executive Committee of the F.P. Club, was in August 1946 appointed a representative of the Aberdeen Society of Chartered Accountants on the General Examining Board of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

John Park Weir* (1918-24), M.B., Ch.B., Lieut.-Colonel, R. A .M.C., who was commissioned in the Regular Army in 1935, was last summer appointed to command the 53rd General Hospital (British Troops) in Athens.

George Alexander Wilson, Junr.* (1920-23), M.B., Ch.B., son of GEORGE ALEXANDER WILSON* (1882-83), who is in retirement in South Africa, was recently home on his first leave from East Africa since 1936. He has been in the Colonial Medical Service in Tanganyika since 1931, and is now M.O.H. at Dar-es-Salaam. He returned to East Africa in September, and, having agreed to become F.P. Club Consul at Tanganyika, will be very glad to meet any F.P. visiting that part of the world. His son, Euan A. L. Wilson, has now entered the School, and is a boarder at Grammar School House.

Howard Bruce Wilson* (1921-25), M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H., D.A., is the owner of an Auster aircraft which is often to be seen taking off and landing at Dyce Aerodrome. Dr. Wilson was a Squadron Leader (Medical) in the R.A.F.V.R. during the War, and got his " Wings " while serving with the Desert Air Force.

Herbert Horace Eugene Wiseman* (1896-1903), M.A., Musical Director of the B.B.C. in Scotland, recently recounted a story to illustrate the degree of musical learning in Scotland. Not long ago

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 38 the B.B.C. Scottish Orchestra broadcast the Second Symphony of Brahms. Three days before the broadcast, the second oboe player took ill, and a substitute had to be obtained from Manchester. Two hours before the broadcast, the first oboe player had a heart attack, and in the emergency, they obtained a Hammond organ upon which a B.B.C. accompanist, using the nearest approximation to the tone, played the first oboe part. In the following week, Mr. Wiseman got letters every day from listeners asking what had been wrong with the first oboe. One writer actually said it sounded like a Hammond organ!

Norman Richard Wylie* (1927-3o), M.A., LL.B., has "signed on" with the Control Commission, Germany, until June 1947, and is at present with a Legal Division at Herford, Westphalia. He was recently home on leave and became a Life Member of the Club.

William Coutts Youngson* (1920-31), A.R.I.B.A., was in November 1946 appointed a studio instructor in architectural design at Robert Gordon's Technical College, Aberdeen. The appointment was subject to the approval of the Scottish Education Department.

UNIVERSITY CLASS RE-UNIONS.

The King's College Class of 1880-84 held a Class re-union in the Caledonian Hotel, Aberdeen, in October 1946. Those present included the Rev. JAMES LUMSDEN (1879-80), M.A., D.D., who was Minister of Ratho, Midlothian, from 1917 to 1941, and CHARLES WILLIAM SLEIGH* (1874-79), C.B.E., M.A., LL.D., Strichen, who has completed 48 years of public service in the North-East, and still plays an active part in educational and other activities. ALLAN FRASER MACDONALD* (1 879-80), M.A., Elgin, was prevented at the last minute from attending and apologies for absence were received from GEORGE MICHIE (1876-80), M.A., M.D., Kineton, Warwickshire, GEORGE DAVIDSON (1879-80), M.A., M.D., Torphins, and the Rev. ALEXANDER LESLIE Sx.E.NE (1877-78), M.A., Edinburgh. * * * The 1890-94 University Arts Class held a re-union in the Northern Hotel, Aberdeen, on 3o August 1946. Among those present were WILLIAM GEORGE ROBERTSON* (1884-90), M.A., D.D., who resigned from the ministry of Old Church, Cullen, in 1936, and FRANCIS W ILLIAM MICHIE* (1885-90 and 1891), M.A., who was one of H.M. Chief Inspectors of Schools in Scotland until 1938. Mr. Michie has been acting as Secretary of the 1890-94 Class.

ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY DEGREES AND PRIZES.

At the Summer Graduation at Aberdeen University on 4 July 1946 degrees were conferred on the following :— Degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) :— James Hay* (1883-87), D.L., M.A., B.L. William Proctor Milne* (1897-99), M.A., D.Sc. (Aberd.), M.A. (Camb.).

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

43 Mearns (1916-2o).—At Aberdeen, on 19 April 1946, WILLIAM JOHN MEARNS,* younger son of the late James G. Meatus (1864-65), and Mrs. Meatus, 186 Mid Stocket Road, Aberdeen, to Kathleen Margaret Lee, younger daughter of Mr. Edwin J. Lee and the late Mrs. Lee, of Bicknolle, Somerset.

Mercer (1929-38).—At St. Mary's Chapel, Aberdeen, on 4 September 1946, NEIL SHILLINGLAW MERCER,* only son of Mr. and Mrs. Mercer, 139 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen, to Margaret Hunter, only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. M. Thomson, 48 Murray Terrace, Aberdeen.

Mitchell (19z4-3z).—At Grcyfriars Church, Aberdeen, on z9 June 1946, Lieut.

RONALD DUNCAN MITCHELL,* son of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Mitchell, 26o Westburn Road, Aberdeen, to Moira, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Corrigan, 8 Ashley Park North, Aberdeen.

Pixie (1915-z6).—At the West Church of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, on 19 June 1946, JOHN RIDDELL KNIGHT PIRIE,* son of the late Dr. and Mrs. W. R. Pink, 20 Bon-Accord Square, Aberdeen, to Alice Helen Mary Williams Robson, elder daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Robson and of Mrs. Robson, 3zo Broomhill Road, Aberdeen.

Reid (1929-41).—At St. Moluag's Church, Tarland, on 17 July 1946, F./O. HERBERT WILLIAM MOGGACH REID,* R.A.F., son of Herbert H. Reid, M.B.E., and Mrs. Reid, of Colombo, Ceylon, to Helen Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Pittendreigh, Bridgend, Tarland.

Soutar (1933-40).—At St. Edward's Church, Sutton Park, Woking, on 27 July 1946, WALTER HENRY SOUTAR,* elder son of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Soutar, tot Forest Avenue, Aberdeen, to Bernice Margaret, elder daughter of Mr. A. Haydon and the late Mrs. Haydon, a Grove Road, Surbiton, Surrey.

Stephen (I935-4o).—At St. John's in the Wilderness Church, Naini Tal, India, on ao July 1946, ERNEST JOHN STEPHEN,* Lieut., R.E., son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Stephen, 5o Cairnfield Place, Aberdeen, to Betty M. Thomas, Q.A.I.M.N.S./R., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Thomas, Porth, Glamorgan, Wales.

Stirrat (19t1-zo).—At St. Peter's Church, Harborne, Birmingham, on 27 July 1946, ALEXANDER YOUNG STIRRAT,* younger son of the late Mr. A. Y. Stirrat and of Mrs. Stirrat, Aberdeen, to Dr. Jeannie Eleaner Roulston, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Hackett, West Bromwich, Staffordshire.

Strachan (1920-30).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 23 August 1946, WILLIAM STRACHAN, D.S.O., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Strachan, " Westmount", 19 Edgehill Terrace, Aberdeen, to Muriel Mackenzie, second daughter of the late Mr. John Alexander Gunn, and of Mrs. Joan Gunn, Aultsigh House, Invermoriston, Inverness-shire.

Third (1916-z8).—At St. Mary Abbots, Kensington, on zo June 1946, Dr. JAMES Ross SINCLAIR THIRD,* Newhall, Burton-on-Trent, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Third, 78 Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen, to Kathleen, widow of Major J. F. Bainbridge, M.C., Kingsfield, Laceby.

Trenerry (1923-32).—At St. Mary's Church, Hayling Island, Hants, on 2B July 1946, CHARLES RAWSON TRENERRY*, son of Mr. and Mrs. Trenerry of Southsea, to Millicent, elder daughter of the late Arthur Bourdeaux of Havant and Mrs. Bourdeaux of Hayling Island.

Wishart (19.25-35).—At the Parish Church, Pinner, Middlesex, on 4 October A.M.I.Struct.E., younger son of Mr. and Mrs. 1946, JOHN STRATH WISHART,* J. Strath Wishart, 6 Royfold Crescent, Aberdeen, to Evelyn Louisa, eldest daughter of Rev. and Mrs. A. C. Champion, The Vicarage, Hambledon, Hants.

Wood (1922-28).—At Westminster Chapel, Buckingham Gate, London, in November 1946, ALEXANDER LAWSON WOOD,* to Mary Walford Wilson of Bromley, Kent.

Youngson (1922-34).—At St. Andrew's Church, Athens, in May 1946, JOHN ALFRED YomynsoN, Sgt., R.E.M.E., son of Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Youngson, i it Desswood Place, Aberdeen, to Rita, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Milonopoulon, Haimanda, 19 Amaroussion, Athens, Greece.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Obituary.

Horatio George Anderson (1881-83), died at Fraserburgh on 26 November 1946. He was a retired Accountant and Sheriff Clerk Depute. He went to South Africa in 1889 to join the Cape of Good Hope Bank, Cape Town, and two years later he was appointed to a post in the accountant's department of the Natal Government Railways.

From 1895-96 he was with the Zambesi Exploration Company, Bulawayo, and from 1899 to 1904, when he returned to this country, he was with the South African Constabulary. He served through the Matabele Rebellion with the Bulawayo Field Force in 1896 and in the South African War, 1899-1902. He became Sheriff Clerk Depute of Fraserburgh in 1904 and was appointed branch manager of the Employment Exchange there in 1912.

George Duncan Collie* (1869-72 and 1873-75) died at Aberdeen on 5 July 1946 in his 89th year. He was the fourth and last surviving son of the late JAMES COLLIE (I827-32) and was predeceased by three younger brothers who attended the School, Sir JOHN COLLIE (1873-76), who died in 1935, JAMES YOUNGER COLLIE (1869-72 and 1873-75), who died in x939, and Dr. FRANK L. COLLIE (1877-80), who died in 1941.

After leaving the School, he attended classes at Marischal College, and entered upon Law apprenticeship in his father's firm, Messrs.

James and George Collie, Advocates, Aberdeen. He became a partner in 1885 and for over sixty years was in active business, until bad health compelled him to retire. Admitted to the Aberdeen Society of Advocates in 1882, he was the second oldest member of that profession in Aberdeen, the oldest being LACHLAN MACKINNON, Sen. (1865-70), who was admitted in 1878. For many years Mr. Collie was a Director of the Royal Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children and of the Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.

His two sons are also F.P.s, GEORGE FRANCIS COLLIE* (1916-26), M.B.E., B.L., a partner in Messrs. James and George Collie, Advocates, Aberdeen, and JAMES MICHAEL VERNON COLLIE* (1918-29), who has returned to Argentina after serving in the Intelligence Corps of the Army during the late War. GEORGE ALSTON BUYERS* (1906-08) is a son-in-law.

Lindsay Douglas Cox* (1898-1903) died in Johannesburg, South Africa, on zo May 1946, aged 61. While at School he was a member of the 1st XI and a cricket representative on the Games and Sports Committee. In 1904 he emigrated to South Africa, and joined the staff of the East Rand Proprietary Mines Co., Johannesburg. From 1913 to 1919 he was engaged as a trader and cattle farmer in Northern Transvaal, and thereafter his career was identified with the motor industry. In 1919 he became a partner in the firm of Messrs. Watney, Cox & Co., Ltd. (Motor accessories and equipment), Cape Town, and later he was appointed Managing Director of the firm. Some years later he rose to the same position in Goldies Motor Supplies, Johannesburg. Since 1940 he has been living in retirement in that city. He left estate valued at L399,491.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

45

Mr. Cox had three brothers, all of them ministers. GEORGE FREDERICK COX* (1899-1906) has been minister at Harray, Orkney, since 1922, and his other two brothers are the Rev. Dr. J. T. Cox, Aberdeen, former Principal Clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, arid the Rev. W. P. Cox, who is living in retirement in Montrose.

John Cromar* (1876-83), L.D.S. (Edin.), died at Aberdeen on 26 September 1946. After leaving School, he went to Edinburgh University and Dental Hospital, where he gained his L.D.S. with distinction in 1890. He succeeded his father as a dentist in Belmont Street, Aberdeen, and later carried on for many years an extensive practice at 16 Bon-Accord Square, Aberdeen. He held an honorary post at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for a number of years, and at one time held a commission in the R.A.M.C. In the 1914-18 War he was Secretary of the Red Cross Depots serving Aberdeen and the North East. His SOD, COLIN DOUGLAS LESLIE CROMAR* (1922-26), M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.S.E., lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Abercrombie Gordon Donald (I896) died suddenly in Edinburgh on 7 September 1946. A native of Peterculter, he graduated M.A. at Aberdeen University in 1901, and held teaching appointments at Cowdenbeath and Kemnay, before becoming headmaster of Ardrishaig Public School, Argyllshire, in 1908. In 1913 he was appointed headmaster of Condorrat Public School, Glasgow, and in 1928 he obtained a similar post in Jamestown Public School, Dumbartonshire.

Latterly he lived in retirement in Edinburgh. In the 1914-18 War he served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

Thomas Wardrop Griffith (1871-76), C.M.G., LL.D., D.Sc., M.D., Emeritus Professor of the University of Leeds, died at 7 Stainbeck Lane, Leeds, on 21 October 1946, in his 86th year. He was the eighth son and last surviving child of the late Charles Fox Griffith, J.P., of Aberdeen. After graduating M.B., C.M. at Aberdeen University in 1882, he remained there as Demonstrator in Anatomy for a year, and in 1887 he was appointed Professor of Anatomy in Yorkshire College, Leeds. In 191o he was appointed Professor of Medicine in the same University, a post which he held until 1925.

During that period he was also Physician to the General Infirmary and to the Leeds Public Dispensary. Professor Griffith sat on the General Medical Council as representative of the University of Leeds from 1918 to 1927, and acted as an examiner for the Universities of Cambridge and Manchester. He graduated M.D. at Aberdeen in 1888, became a F.R.C.P. (London) in 1908, and was granted the Honorary Degrees of LL.D. (Aberdeen) in 1922 and D.Sc. (Leeds) in 1929. During the 1914-18 War he was on the staff of the Second Northern General Hospital, Northern Command, from 1914 to 1918, and in charge of the Cardiac Centre of Northern Command until November 1919. He was " mentioned " in 1917 and 1918, and was awarded the C.M.G. in the latter year. One of his elder brothers was ALEXANDER HILL GRIFFITH* (1869-74), M.D., F.R.C.S. (Edin.), who died in 1937.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In the Magazine of November 1927 Dr. Griffith contributed an interesting article on " School Memories of the 'Seventies ".

James Francis Jamieson* (1 898-?) died at Bodmin, Cornwall, on 7 July 1946, aged 69. After serving in the 1914-18 War as a Dresser in the hospital ship Liberty and with the British Red Cross in France and in England, he studied at University College, London, and later went into medical practice in London. At the beginning of the late War his health broke down, and he removed first to Plymouth, and in 1943 to Bodmin.

George Ross Laing* (1877-80), M.A., J.P., died in a nursing home at Aberdeen on r September 1946, aged 79. He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen University in 1888, and thereafter entered the family business of retail butchers in Aberdeen. He closed the business down in 1940, and lived latterly at West Cults.

John Laird* (19or-o3), M.A., LL.D., F.B.A., Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Aberdeen, died on 5 August 1946, aged 59. He was one of the most distinguished scholars ever produced by the School and had an international reputation of the highest standing as a philosopher and critic.

He was the eldest son of the late Rev. D. M. W. Laird, for twenty years United Free Church minister of Durris, Kincardineshire. After leaving the School in 1903, he graduated M.A. at Edinburgh University in 1908 with First Class Honours in Philosophy, sharing the Vans Dunlop Scholarship of £loo in Moral Philosophy, and winning the Shaw Philosophical Fellowship, the " Blue Riband " of the Scottish Universities in that department. He continued his studies at Heidelberg, and at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated as B.A. in 1911 with First Class Honours in both Parts of the Moral Sciences Tripos.

In 1920 he graduated there as M.A. During his University career, it was reported, he carried off scholarships of a total value of £1,Soo. At the age of 24 he was appointed Lecturer in Ethics at St. Andrews University. A year later, in 1912, he was appointed Professor of Philosophy in Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and in 1913 he became Professor of Logic and Metaphysics at Queen's University, Belfast. In 1923 he was Mills Lecturer in the University of California, and the next year, at the age of 37, he was appointed to the Regius Chair of Moral Philosophy at Aberdeen, a position he held until his death. In 1937 he was appointed Visiting Professor to Columbia University, New York, and obtained leave of absence from Aberdeen for the Spring and Summer Terms of 1938.

During his career Professor Laird published a long series of books which aroused widespread• interest and won high praise. His " Problems of the Self ", published in 1917 and based on his Shaw Lectures of 1914, was described as " absolutely a marvellous performance for a man of six and twenty ". Thereafter, year after year, he produced Studies which have been described as " the fruits of wide philosophical learning, distinguished by their originality and acumen ".

One of his most remarkable books was " Recent Philosophy ", published in the Home University Library in 1936, in which, in the words

Elboil & Fry Ltd.

Professor JOHN LAIRD, M.A., LL.D., F.B.A.

Morgan.

SIXTY YEARS U•..

A COPY uF IIIE PHOWGRAPH PRESENTED TO THE SCHOOL ON 22 OCTOBER 1946.

Left to Right—A. T. Cruickshank, O.B.E., M.A., James Hay, M.A., B.L., LL.D., Mr. Hugh F. Campbell, M.A., B.L., G. H. Bower, C.B., M.A., J. Everard Rae, M.A. See P. 40.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine 47 of a reviewer, he succeeded in dealing faithfully and trenchantly with the cross currents of " recent " philosophy in the short space of 150 pages. In 1939-40 and 1940-4t he delivered the Gifford Lectures in the University of Glasgow, and these were subsequently published under the title of " Theism and Cosmology " and " Mind and Deity ".

In 1944 he delivered the Herbert Spencer Lecture at Oxford, taking as his subject " Political Liberty and Human Well-being ", and in 1945 " The Device of Government : An Essay in Civil Polity " was published, the substance of the book having been delivered as lectures to soldiers on general political theory. His last book, " Philosophical Incursions into English Literature ", was delivered to his publishers, the Cambridge University Press, before his death.

In 1933 Professor Laird received the signal honour of being elected a Fellow of the British Academy, and in 1935 the honorary degree of LL.D. was conferred on him by Edinburgh University.

John Lendrum 0879-84), M.A., D.D., died suddenly in Aberdeen on 22 August 1946, aged 79. He was Latin Dux of the School in 1884 and second President of the Debating Society which was founded in 1881. At Aberdeen University he was Hutton Prizeman in Philosophy and Classics, and graduated as M.A. in 1888. He started his career as a missionary of the Free Church of Scotland, and was Professor of Philosophy and English Literature in the Hislop College, Nagpur, C.P., India, from 189z to 1899. He then returned to this country for health reasons, and in 1900 he was appointed minister of the South U.F. Church, Elgin, a charge he held for 37 years. Since his retirement in 19i7, he lived in Aberdeen, celebrating his ministerial jubilee in 1942.

While in Elgin, he played a prominent part in educational affairs.

Between 1911 and 1919 he was a member of three Elgin School Boards, and in 1919, on the election of the first Moray Education Authority, he was appointed Vice-Chairman. Two years later he became Chairman, and held the post for seven years.

In recognition of his services to the Church and to education he was granted the honorary degree of D.D. by Aberdeen University in 192.9, an honour which had in 1920 been bestowed on his elder brother, the late ROBERT ALEXANDER LENDRUM (1873-78), who died in 1932.

Dr. Lendrum was the author of " Scottish Life and Humour of Yesterday ", a collection of humorous anecdotes relating chiefly to ministers f Moray and Banffshire and their encounters with parishioners. He is survived by Mrs. Lendrum, two sons, and two daughters. His eldest son was killed in the 1914-18 War. John William Lindsay (1888-91), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., died at his home in Ealing on 9 November 1946, aged 71. After graduating at Aberdeen University in Arts and Medicine, he joined the South American Missionary Society in 1900 and began pioneer medical work in the Paraguayan Gran Chaco. After some geographical exploration in that area, however, he decided that the sparsity of the population did not justify his continuing as a paid member of the Mission, and in 1902 he set up in private practice at Belen in Eastern

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 48 Paraguay, where, except for service as a Captain on the Western Front in the First World War—where he was gassed—he worked until his retirement to England in 1934.

His life in Paraguay was that of a practitioner of the covered-wagon days in the cattle lands of South America, where he was known as the poor man's friend. It was not uncommon for patients to travel for six weeks by bullock cart to see him and he himself often made journeys of 8o to Too miles on horse-back to attend serious cases.

A deeply religious man with strong evangelical tendencies, he built a mission hall at his home and there he regularly held services and conducted a Sunday School. Throughout his life he retained his connection with the South American Missionary Society, in Paraguay as honorary surgeon and later in London as a member of the Board.

He had considerable knowledge of many languages and was early attracted to Guarani, which remains to-day the lingua franca of the rural parts of South America. In this language—which had not been reduced to writing—he became the recognized authority and in 1913 he published a translation of the New Testament which he made from the original Greek. He was a governor of the British and Foreign Bible Society and a member of a number of scientific bodies. His publications covered a wide range of subjects. During the Gran Chaco War of 1932-34, he equipped and managed a military hospital for Paraguayan troops.

In the early years of his retirement he spent much of his time in broadcasting and lecturing on various topics, also on tours throughout England on behalf of the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association.

In the recent War he worked with the Ministry of Economic Warfare as Spanish Expert until his health broke down.

John McBain* (1877-79), C.A., died at his home, 12 Rubislaw Den North, Aberdeen, on z9 October 1946, aged 81. He was one of the original partners of the firm of Messrs. G. & J. McBain, C.A., Aberdeen, which was founded in 1888, and he was for many years a prominent member of the Aberdeen Chartered Accountants Society, being at one time President.

His elder son, the late JoHN Moicrimmit McBAnq (1903-13), who was Dux and Gold Medalist at the School in 1913, died of wounds in July 1916 while serving with the Royal Field Artillery, and in his memory Mr. McBain presented to the School a gold medal for mathematics. In the first instance the gift was for five years but in 1925 Mr. McBain intimated to the Aberdeen Education Authority that he wished to make the John Mortimer McBain Gold Medal a permanent prize at the Grammar School and he enclosed a cheque for L175 to be invested, the revenue to be used to pay for the Medal annually.

In his letter Mr. McBain went on to say, " I am particularly pleased to be able to make this prize a permanent one before Dr. Macleod * retires, as I commenced giving the Medal not only as a Memorial but * Dr. Charles Macleod, Senior Mathematical and Science Master at the School, retired in June 1925 after more than 34 years on the School Staff.

49 Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine also as a token of my appreciation of the tuition my sons received at the Grammar School, particularly the inspiring tuition of Dr. Macleod, whose services to the School have been of the greatest value."

His surviving son, ALAN MCBAIN* (1903-14), M.A., C.A., is a partner in the firm of Messrs. G. & J. McBain, and well-known as President of the Aberdeenshire Cricket Club and President of the Scottish Counties' Cricket Board for 1946-47. He was Vice-President of the F.P. Club in 1930-3 2.

KILLED IN JERUSALEM OUTRAGE.

Alexander David Mackintosh (1913-23), Captain, Royal Signals, died on 24 July 1946 of injuries received in the bomb outrage in Jerusalem on z2 July 1946, when part of the King David Hotel was wrecked by Jewish terrorists.

It has been reported how on that day a lorry drove into the hotel approach and took the descent leading to the kitchens under the hotel's main entrance. Here, several men dressed as Bedouins began to unload milk churns, and one brought in a sack. Five went further into the kitchens of the cabaret restaurant called La Regence, situated next to the hotel kitchens. Here, according to the story of the Arab servants, the men held up the kitchen staff of the restaurant, and apparently set to work to lay the bombs.

The gallant part which Captain Mackintosh played in attempting to foil the plot of the terrorists has been described by witnesses.

He surprised the terrorists stacking explosives in the milk churns and, according to the correspondent of The Scotsman, he was seen to grapple with one of the terrorists and to carry the man half-way upstairs from the basement of the hotel. The leader of the terrorists, who was holding the servants in the kitchen at the point of a tommy gun, rushed out and dragged Captain Mackintosh's legs from under him, then shot him twice through the stomach while he was lying on the ground.

When at School, Captain Mackintosh played for both the Rugby ist XV and the Cricket ist XI, and in 1925 and 1926 he played for the F.P. Club Cricket Section's ist XI. After four years' training with his father in the Bank of Scotland, Aberdeen, he joined the Imperial Bank of Persia, London, in 1927 and, after eighteen months there, went out to Teheran. When his mother died, he returned to Aberdeen, and was with the Aberdeen branch of the Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada until shortly before the War. He joined the ranks of the Lancashire Fusiliers in 1939, was granted a commission in 1940, and later transferred to the Royal Signals. He saw active service in East Africa and Burma, and went on a military mission to Moscow. In September 1945 he went to Palestine.

John Munro* (1879-80), J.P., died at Ellon on a October 1946.

After leaving School he joined the North of Scotland Bank in whose service he was for over forty years. After being at Lumsden, Aberdeen, and Ellon, he was appointed Accountant at Inverness (1893), Agent at Lumphanan (1902), Lochee (5903), Bridge Street, Wick (t 9i I) and The Square, Ellon (19'7). He retired in 1930 but continued

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

to reside in Ellon until his death. In his youth he was a keen Volunteer and served at Ellon with the Gordons, and at Inverness with the Camerons. He was a keen shot and attended the Wapinshaw at Aberdeen and also went to the meetings at Bisley. For many years he was a Manager and Treasurer of St. Mary's-on-the-Rock Episcopal Church, Ellon, and he was a Justice of the Peace. His recreations were bowling and curling, and in the former sport he at one time or another held the championship of each of the local Clubs.

Robert Buchanan Morton* (1881-91 and 1892-?) died at St. Paul, Minnesota, on 23 July 1946, in his loth year. After leaving School he studied music at the Royal Conservatorium, Dresden, and the Royal Academy of Music, London. He qualified as L.R.A.M. in 19oz and as A.R.C.M. in 1913. Prior to going to U.S.A. in 1914, he was a Professor of Music in Aberdeen, organist of St. Ninian's Parish Church, and teacher of pianoforte music at the School. In 1918 he was appointed Organist and Director of Music at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, a post he held until he was forced by ill-health to retire in the spring of 1946. He was Dean of the Minnesota Chapter, American Guild of Organists, and President of the Minnesota Music Teachers' Association. A note about his younger brother, FREDERICK PETER MORTON* (1882-94) appears on another page.

John Runciman Nisbet (1908-09) died suddenly in his ship the s.s. Kweiyang at Hong Kong on 13 September 1946, aged 5 z.

Described in the Hong Kong Telegraph as " an old China hand, who was extremely popular among his many friends on the China Coast ", Captain Nisbet was in the service of the China Navigation Co., Shanghai from 1922, when he joined as a Chief Officer, until his death.

During the late War he left Hong Kong early in 1941 in the Sinkiang, and from then until 1945 served in that ship and in the Shantung and the Kweiyang, all of them operating in the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf, and to and from East Africa. He returned to Hong Kong in the Kweiyang, which was the first China Navigation ship to return from India after the War. During the 1914-18 War Captain Nisbet was engaged in minesweeping from 1914 to 1916 and thereafter, as a Lieutenant, R.N.R., had command of twelve to eighteen motor boats at Constantinople. He gained his certificate as a Master Mariner in 1918. For many years he was associated with the flourishing Centre of the F.P. Club in Shanghai, and was one of the twenty F.P. donors of the Shanghai Clock, presented to the School in 1927.

Captain Nisbet's funeral took place at the Colonial Cemetery, Hong Kong, and was attended by a large number of shipping men.

Alan Graeme Robertson* (1907-18), C.A., died suddenly in Edinburgh on II October 1946, aged 44. After qualifying as a chartered accountant, he went to Malaya in 1926, and became a partner in the firm of Messrs. Neill & Bell, C.A., Kuala Lumpur, Selangor.

When war broke out he became R.S.M. in an Ambulance Unit of the F.M.S. V.F., and along with his brother, DOUGLAS GRAEME ROBERTSON* (1904-I5), he was made a Prisoner of War and worked for a time

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL FORMER PUPILS' CLUB. 220 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN, 23rd December, 1946.

DEAR SIR,

It has been decided to hold two special functions to commemorate the Fiftieth Jubilee of the Club, which occurred in 1943, but which it was not possible to celebrate at the time owing to the War. The functions will be :—

(x) JUBILEE DINNER, FRIDAY, 24th January, 1947.

This Dinner will be held in the Caledonian Hotel, Union Terrace, Aberdeen, on the above date, at 7.15 for 7.3o p.m., the Vice-President of the Club, Mr, J. Lennox Riddell, being in the Chair. Dr. Eric R. R. Linklater, Rector of the University of Aberdeen, will be the principal speaker of the evening.

The price of the Dinner Ticket is 12/6, payable at the Hotel before the commencement of the Dinner. Members intending to be present are requested to complete and send the annexed form to Mr. J. S. G. Munro, whose address appears on the form, without delay, and in any case not later than Monday, 20th January, 1947.

Each member of the Club may nominate a guest, but the number of guests invited will depend upon the accommodation available, and in accordance with the Constitution of the Club, a Former Pupil who is not a member of the Club cannot be invited as a guest. Formal invitations will be sent to guests only.

Tables for parties of four, six or eight may be reserved provided application is made to Mr. Munro by 2oth January.

Dress—Dinner. Jacket or Uniform.

(2) JUBILEE BALL, FRIDAY, 14th February, 1947.

This Ball will be held in the Concert Hall of the Music Hall Buildings, Aberdeen, on the above date, from 8.3o p.m. to I.3o a.m.

Tickets (exclusive of Wines) will be priced at 17/6 each. running Buffet will be provided.

Dress—Evening Dress or Uniform.

A

If you intend to be present kindly complete and send the annexed form, together with remittance, to Mr. J. S. G. Munro, whose address appears on the form, without delay, and not later than Monday, 10th February, 1947. A formal card of Invitation and Admission will then be sent to yourself and guest(s), if any.

A member may nominate more than one guest (lady or gentleman) but in accordance with the Constitution of the Club a Former Pupil who is not a member of the Club cannot be invited as a guest.

Yours faithfully, J. SCOTT MAcLACHLAN, Hon. Secretary.

Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils' Club RUGBY FOOTBALL SECTION Presentation to Mr. Duncan MacGregor

The Rugby Section of the F.P. Club intends to make a presentation to Mr. Duncan MacGregor in recognition of his services to the School during the twenty years he held the position of Games Master.

I gladly take the opportunity of appealing to all former members of the Rugby Section to support the present members in this cause. This season even the most biased Edinburgh and Glasgow critics are beginning to realise that rugby teams in the North, and the Grammar F.P.s in particular, are a force to be reckoned with in any company. This improved state of affairs is due in very large measure to the enthusiasm of Mr. MacGregor in the years between the Wars, when he not only raised the standard of rugby at the School to a very marked extent but also did much to break down the barriers which shut out Aberdeen Rugby from the first class game in the South.

While this appeal is directed mainly to former members of the Rugby Section, I am sure that many non-rugby-playing F.P.s will also wish to contribute.

As was the case in previous appeals of this nature, no receipts will be sent unless specially asked for but a list of subscribers will, of course, be kept.

Contributors should complete the annexed subscription form and send it with their remittances to me.

N. I. W. MELDRUM, Hon. Sec., A.G.S.F.P. Club, Rugby Section. ✓ W/W/Vw'~ WV ✓\u' .

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Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils' Club RUGBY FOOTBALL SECTION Presentation to Mr. Duncan MacGregor

1 enclose a subscription of

and do not wish

a receipt to be sent to me.

Name... .

Address

To N. I. W. MELDRUM, IO CARDEN PLACE, ABERDEEN.

. ......

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A.G.S.F.P. Club-JUBILEE BALL, 14th February, 1947.

To Mr. J. S. G. MuNRo, Advocate, Canada House, 201 Union Street, Aberdeen.

(A ddress)..

(Date)

Dear Sir, I intend to be present at the F.P. Club Jubilee Ball, in the Music Hall Buildings, on 14th February, 1947, along with

as my guests.* I enclose

.

•

• •

in payment, receipt of which

please acknowledge, Yours faithfully, (Member's Signature). * If this space is not sufficient please add names on reverse hereof.

A.G.S.F.P. Club-JUBILEE DINNER, 24th January, 1947.

To Mr. J. S. G. MUN RO, Advocate, Canada House, 201 Union Street, Aberdeen.

(Address)

(Date)

Dear Sir, I intend to be present at the F.P. Club Jubilee Dinner in the Caledonian Hotel on 24th January, 1947, along with

as my guest, to whom please send a formal invitation. I wish to in number, the names of whom reserve a table for a party of appear on the reverse hereof.

Yours faithfully, (Member's Signature)

ALEXANDER DAVID MACKINTOSH

Captain, Royal Signals See P. 49.

THOMAS LAUDER

LESLIE DUNCAN DURNO

Driver, R.A.S.C.

Lieutenant (A), R.N.V.R. See p. 5 : .

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

55 countries. Norway was the last occupied country where the Germans had not given up. Would they continue the fight here ? If so, we were in for a bad time. We waited for and expected an invasion at any time. If that had happened, it would have been a great calamity for all concerned—friend and foe alike. However, we were spared the horrors of an invasion and in a miraculous way peace came to this land too.

WIRELESS SETS AGAIN.

The first thing we got back was our wireless sets. I was fortunate in not having to wait in the queue more than half-an hour for mine.

That day everyone was out ; flags flying, hand-shaking, thanksgiving services in the churches and the sun shining brightly, lighting up the beauty of the trees in their spring garb on that lovely May day. Loud speakers in the streets gave the latest news, declarations, orders, etc., in between entertaining the crowds with gramophone records, such as " Tipperary ", " Land of Hope and Glory " and many other typical British patriotic songs. I don't know where they got the records from, but they had them, which was the main thing. After getting my wireless I made tracks for home. One thing we had to hear was Mr. Churchill's declaration. I did not know in what condition my set was after its years of " internment ". I had also the aerial to fix up. However, I got everything in order five minutes before the speech commenced. It was with great joy and thankfulness that we listened to Mr. Churchill.

The first thing the Home Front did after taking over was to arrest all the Nazis and Quislings. This was done very quickly as they had, of course, lists of names all ready. The cases against these traitors are still going on.

It will be noticed I have not mentioned the food situation. Food became very scarce as the War proceeded. When the Germans came first, they bought up everything in the shops—food, sweets and chocolates. They used to sit in the restaurants enjoying chocolates on which they had spread margarine. Sardines in olive oil was also a great delicacy with them. In fact, anything containing fat. This craving for fat can be understood after the years before the War when the German nation had to sacrifice their fat ration in order to procure war materials. Things are getting slowly better, but sugar is very scarce, also milk. Butcher meat has been unobtainable all summer, but we are beginning to get some now.

This is a rough outline of how things were round about here during the War. In other parts of Norway, especially in the North, things were far worse with great privations and suffering for the people.

What now remains is to rebuild what has been shattered by a brutal foe and try to make conditions for the stricken people of North Norway as good as possible. In this work King Haakon is keenly interested, having visited in person the devastated areas and given words of hope and encouragement to his people.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

From a Malayan Diary: Anniversary.

[During the first week of September I945—that first glorious week after our liberation from Changi Prison Camp—I made several trips into Singapore, acting as Male and Japanese interpreter to Capt. Taylor of the Paratroopers.

To-day is the anniversary of that first day I saw Singapore again ; and these are the impressions I jotted down at the time. W.F.M.] It was a Friday morning at the beginning of September 1945.

With two paratroop officers I drove through the streets of Singapore, and the car in which we rode had belonged, only a week before, to one of the Japanese generals, Saito, our prison-camp commander.

The car itself was a luxurious Ford Mercury. Its tyres hummed on the tarmac as we ran in towards the town. For me the sky perhaps had never been bluer, nor the trees greener. A gay new sunlight spilled across the countryside. Derelict palms tossed silver plumes, and the' pond at the fourteenth mile shone like some great jewel as we passed, then fell behind us darkly. A wind blew freshly from the sea.

We left the long grey wall of the gaol and travelled westwards.

A Union Jack fluttered from the car's bonnet. The sight of its first stirring as we geared up sent the blood tingling in my veins.

Only someone who has suffered the domination of a flag other than his own, known the fear and utter hopelessness that it brings, the anxiety that it breeds, the terror that it instils, can experience this.

Saito's square of yellow silk that had flown so proudly for years— long years—from this same bonnet now rested safely in Captain Taylor's pocket, and the Jap general, confined to his bungalow on the Changi coast, had time to contemplate hara-kiri across a corpulent waistline. For men were free again.

SIGNS OF WAR.

East coast road was much the same as I remembered it, four years previously—or at least to look at—but to anyone who knew, there were signs, tell-tale signs, that fear and death had been about this place. Bomb-blast had truncated palms, and made rubble oC a concrete gateway. Eurasian villas stood empty by the shore, lallang grass and weed grown rank in their gardens, paint still peeled from broken timber-work. And in one bare compound three Japs were burning books and paper. They stopped to salute the car, yellow faces sullen under their peaked caps. All Siglap came out to cheer us, crowding the sidewalks so that we had to gear down. Children rushed the car, scrambling to gain the running boards, each yelling at the top of his voice. Flags waved from the crowd behind.

Everywhere I recognized the colours of China, red with a manypointed white star in one corner.

Kallang airport opened up on our left. Jap twin-engined bombers were drawn up in two lines across the field, sun on their silver bellies.

A fighter circled the blue sky overhead. The hangar-roofs were gone, first of Japan's loot ; only the bones of the building had been left. Two Japanese sentries stood on guard at the gates. They

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 57 looked up as the car approached, staring at us from flat angry faces, neither of them acknowledging the flag at our bonnet. Beside me Taylor cursed their insolence and almost stopped the car. Yet I wondered if some of them were not still stunned by the news of the atom bomb that had smashed so much of their homeland. Some were bitter, for I had talked with them, bitter at such wholesale surrender to the Allies. With many the spirit of bushido still lived.

We ran through the streets. Few cars were on the road ; but we met one packed with Chinese guerrillas, their tunics of junglegreen bright in the sun. They were young men, tough, seasoned fighters, who had roamed the land—jungle recess and river—these four years, blowing a bridge, derailing a train, shooting up staff cars ; for they were men who believed in a cause. Now they waved to us as we passed, their sun-worn faces alight.

We stopped and looked at Raffles. The face of the old hotel had changed—and, I was tempted to think, for the better. During the period of occupation it had been a club-and-brothel for Japanese officers. A broad new entrance had been built, with a short circular drive, much more in keeping with the size and appearance of the place. A low flight of steps gave way to a spacious, high-ceilinged foyer, an attractive improvement on the old pokey hallway. The dinner lawn was smaller, but just as trim and well-kept. Perhaps the palms in the courtyard were shabbier. Gazing at the old place I could not help wondering what had happened over the years to Atteus, the maitre d'hotel. Was he still alive—or had he, like so many thousands, Eurasian and others, migrated north to Endau or Bahau on the mainland, there to die of slow starvation in a Japanese " farm " settlement ? Or had he been interned with other European civilians on the Island ?

The Padang was deserted, its grass scarred by a line of slit trenches.

The bowling green had grown to a tangle of weeds. All this was of no moment to the two young paratroopers in the car beside me.

For them a leap from the sky into new territory was just another " op.", a routine job in the day's work. The two of them were amused at my obvious excitement. For me this drive through the town was another milestone in my life, an experience that stirred the senses rather than something undergone physically. And I saw Singapore this sun-drenched morning, not only with my eyes, but with my heart. From the avenue of trees I looked across at the derelict field. For years past this same ground had seen King's Birthday parades and Governor's reviews, the whole panorama of British and Colonial pageantry. Yes, and here, too, crowds had massed to listen to Hideki Tojo in 1943 promising prosperity and " independence" in a new and greater Order of East Asia ; here Subhas Chandra Bose had reviewed his own National Army, inflaming Indian partisans with his watchword and command, " On to Delhi". And now, fifty yards from where I stood, lay a heap of rubble and brick and stone—the Indian National monument, all that remained of it—and the end of Bose's march before it had scarcely begun. A Chinese beggar, horribly emaciated, sat among the broken stones.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In the harbour sunken Dutch poops stuck out above the water, and a single-masted junk stood beached against the river-front. We crossed Anderson Bridge and reached the quayside. Japanese police launches lifted on the tide at their moorings, sampans clung to the long wharves like bees to their hive. A knife-edge of wire barred our way at the Pier ; two Nip guards dragged it aside and, as we passed through, we got a slovenly salute from each of them. No animation showed on their dull-blunted faces. Their green khaki was patched and ill-fitting, their puttees loose about their legs. It could be a matter only of a few hours now before our own bluejackets landed from the sea and took over. Beyond the pier the shipping roads were empty, except for the rusted hull of a bombed freighter.

The sun and the arc of blue sky only accentuated the sea's emptiness.

VISITS TO CAMPS.

We spent that day visiting prison camps on the Island, fourteen in all. Japanese troops still guarded many of the gateways and barriers. And more than once we overtook staff cars, red or blue flag flying, Jap officers at their ease on cushions. It seemed a strange anomaly, this freedom accorded to the Jap in a liberated Singapore —at least to me who had been cooped up for so long. We—and our Chinese friends—had hoped to look on skies black with falling paratroops, not on a handful of gallant men stepping out of a single Liberator, and streets tight with tanks and British troops, where now a Dogra with his tommy-gun stood lonely guard at a crossways.

Perhaps I wanted too much, but I wanted it as much for others as for myself ; for the native population, most of all for the Chinese, who had suffered most.

We had little trouble with the camp-guards. An ingratiating politeness, a cringing courtesy blossomed suddenly on their lips and in their manner. Each sergeant of the guard hastened to curry favour as soon as we arrived. But civility came ill from cruel tight lips. At Urquhart Road two hundred Indian troops gave the car a rousing welcome. As we drove under the wooden archway into the camp they pressed forward and cheered. An officer came hurrying down the steps of one hut. He was a captain in the Service Corps, an Indian like the men themselves. He saluted us as the car stopped ; and the next moment Taylor was out, pumping his hand. Emotion flooded the young Indian's voice so that no one heard his first words.

Then he spoke : " Will you say something to the men, Captain ? " Taylor nodded. " Certainly."

The two of them walked across the bare compound. Men came running from the huts, from the kitchen and the store-room, dark lean-visaged men, eager to listen. This, after all, was the moment they had waited for so patiently. And Taylor made it their moment. He spoke in Urdu, praising their strength and their endurance, and each man's eyes lit up with pride at his words. As he finished, the young paratrooper stepped among the men, shaking hands with the first few. Shyly they touched his arm ; and from the others renewed cheering broke out. Standing beside Taylor and watching

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

39

all this, being even a part of it, I felt the weariness of those four years

fall from me like a garment easily discarded ; moments such as these, perhaps, made that incarceration, that loneliness, all worthwhile.

We turned back towards the hut and came face to face with the Jap sergeant. He was typical of his breed, coolie turned militarist. He looked at us from a face devoid of expression, a squat heavy-moving figure. His arms hung loose and low at his sides. I was reminded of the inevitable comparison. A cheap cotton singlet did little to hide his great depth of chest ; he wore breeches—a dirty green, cloth pair —and had thrust his feet into rubber shoes.

It was towards evening when we reached our last camp. As we came in from Bukit Timah village and reached Holland Park the sun dipped in our eyes. In the west the sky flamed ; behind us it was still pink—the pink of mother-of-pearl—and faintly blue, both colours spilling into each other as in an artist's wash. The air held the first coolness of night and the day's breeze died. It was the moment when night stood off.

We turned into River Valley road. Houses stood back from the thoroughfare, each in its own compound of trees. High walls hid Chinese gardens ; the rich warm scent of their temple flowers hung heavy on the air. Tapioca root flourished in what had once been a tawkay's tennis-court. We passed a bullock-cart of freshly smelling dung, a scrawny hump-backed beast labouring in the shafts. Flies swarmed at its narrow flanks. Captain Taylor leaned forward from his scat and touched the driver on one shoulder. " Slow down here—the camp is along on the right, about fifty yards—and I want to give them a chance."

He turned to me : " You'll see in a moment what I mean."

THE GURKHA TRADITION. But I knew about Johnny Gurkha, about his glorious fighting at Jitra and up country, his magnificent but stunned bravery when the end came. At Saigon and Singapore Gurkha officers had suffered solitary confinement and "treatment" from the Jap Gestapo for refusing to hand their troops over to the Indian National Army ; the men themselves had stubbornly declined any truck with such a renegade organization, and for this the Japs had starved them. I had seen for myself their indomitable courage during the occupation.

It was the Australian driver who first noticed the flag. " Look—" he spoke over his shoulder, " they've got the Jack up." We could see it just inside the entrance to the camp, fluttering in the last of the breeze. The flagstaff itself was a long casuarina branch, lopped slim and straight. At its base a Gurkha stood ready as the sun set. This was the beginning of something I can never forget. All day we had been visiting camps, showing the flag for the first time after four long weary years. At all we had been tumultuously welcomed, but at none had we seen anything like this, the Jack flying. Not even at our own camp—Changi—had the colours yet been run up. But the Gurkhas had produced one from somewhere, long hidden over the years, now in its fit and proper place among British soldiery.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Our car drove in, entering the camp. The Gurkha on guard saluted as if the British had never been off the Island, yet it must have been a great moment for him, as it was for us. More Gurkhas snapped to attention as the car threaded through them. A handball game in progress stopped suddenly, the ball bouncing away across the bare ground. No one moved. I heard an order rapped out somewhere ; a runner went off at the double. All around us men froze, and relaxed once more as we passed. The ball was retrieved and the game resumed. Men hurried from dark dilapidated doorways to greet the car. Captain Srinagar met us, shaking hands first with Taylor as he climbed from his seat. " How delighted I am to see you 1 " His accent was impeccable. I learned later that he had been educated at Marlborough and Oxford, that from the University he had gone to the Indian cavalry. I looked at this man who had known torture and Japanese third-degree—there is none worse—and who for six months had been " confined " by the Gestapo for his nonco-operative methods after the capitulation of Singapore. No trace of this was left in his robust spirit, only perhaps in his eyes when they shadowed sometimes as he talked.

We went into the wooden shed together, Taylor, Srinagar, and myself. Others followed, lining the bare walls. The orderly-room was only a table, a bench, and two chairs made from an old packing case. The atop roofing had long since rotted ; and when a rat scuttled by on the timbers, scraps of thatch showered on the table below.

We sat down and the paratrooper leaned forward from his chair. " Tell me," he said to Srinagar, " what you want, what you want right now. Mind you—" he hastened to add, smiling as the other's eyes twinkled, " I can't promise you much yet ; we're only beginning to drop supplies—be some days still. But there must be something ; what do the men want most—sugar, coffee, salt ? Tell me." " Yes, I'll tell you—could we have some soap ; we've had none now for more than three years! " We all laughed—to think that they should seek soap rather than food after all these years! But for the moment I had forgotten that these Gurkhas were better men than most.

Outside the sunset had died and the sky was dark. The men, drawn up in a half-circle, stood round the doorway to watch us go, and as the car began to move they cheered, not once, but many times. At the guardhouse, dimly lit by one oil lamp, six Gurkhas sprang to their feet. Taylor returned their salute, then waved ; and we were gone, the sound of cheering still loud in our ears. It had been a day to remember.

W. FERRIER MAYOR \ 1 923-30).

6o

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

61

Vienna To-day.

We have long been accustomed to reading in books published between the Wars that Vienna is not what it was. The glamour of the Imperial city with all its great figures was gone, poverty had overtaken the inhabitants of a city too large for its country and, in the end, its people had submitted to the rule of its greater neighbour.

Thus, when I visited Vienna for a few days in September, I was prepared to be disappointed and to find a city that had lost its soul.

I came away with several impressions (for that is all that one can obtain on a short visit), which may conflict with each other, but which seem to reflect the life of the city to-day.

Outwardly everything points to disaster. Vienna was hard hit by the war. What was not bombed or shelled by the Allies was blown up by the Germans. Scarcely one of the great public buildings on the Ringstrasse survives without damage to a greater or less extent. Vienna was a city built on principles of balance and symmetry. When one sees the crazy gaping holes in the heart of Imperial splendour, one realizes that these are no more. The shopping streets are in ruins and the desolation is more marked by the fact that some streets are still blocked with rubble that is being slowly carted away.

Such shops as are open have nothing to sell, save a few expensive articles draped around their walls.

All this may be true of any great city that the War has passed over.

Damage, desolation and often despair. But there is no despair in Vienna. There may be little food and nothing to buy in the shops, but that does not damp the activity of the people. They crowd the streets and trams, intent on their business. They may have suffered disaster and be burdened with a huge army of occupation, but the impression one gets from them is that they are trying hard all the time to surmount their troubles and make life a little easier.

By day they bustle about their business ; by night they relax at theatre, opera-house or concert-hall. This was the greatest link with the Old Vienna that I could find. Their art and music still form a really vital part of their lives. The great Opera House and Burgtheatre may be in ruins, but elsewhere the companies carry on, playing to crowded houses of keenly critical people. This activity in the higher arts is something that has survived the devastation.

The lighter gaiety of the Old Vienna is also to be found in the Vienna Woods on a Sunday. Whole families put on their national costume and spend the day picnicking in the woods. In the open-air cafés the orchestras are playing Strauss waltzes, and in these idyllic surroundings there is much of the spirit that I connect with the Vienna of days gone by.

Then there are the Occupation forces to be considered. They are obviously not a link with the past, but they play a very important part in the present. Each of the four occupying nations has a zone of its own on the outskirts and they all mingle in the centre of the city. The pavements are crowded by all sorts and colours of uniforms

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine and international police patrols are maintained by soldiers of each nation sitting together primly in Jeeps. There is not much sign of the French, and the Americans and British are much the same as anywhere else. But the Russians are the main source of interest.

There is something mystical about the Russians. We know so little about them that we swallow up credulously every petty and often frightful detail about their activities. We regard them with an awe that is almost superstitious. Thus while the Russians did quite a lot of staring at us, we were guilty of just the same thing— due to a fascination aroused by tales about them, rather than to any particular interest aroused by any Russian we saw in the flesh. They were nearly all very young, as the veterans have returned to Russia.

Occasionally we saw a row of medals which clanked slightly. Apparently they believe in going the whole hog—no mere ribbons for them. Their summer uniforms arc rather shapeless and ill-fitting ; but there is nothing remarkable in that, since British summer uniform is just as bad. They always had beautiful knee-boots, polished and supple. Knee-boots always give me the impression of strength and authority, despite the youth of the wearer.

There is no doubt that the Russians are anxious to impress the Austrians as to the superiority of their system. Outside the Russian Headquarters in the centre of the city are two vast portraits of Lenin and Stalin. There are also many attractive-looking display cases with pictures and suitable captions showing the benefits conferred by the Russian system. The most impressive piece of Russian showmanship is the great War Memorial which they have raised to their comrades in what used to be part of Schwarzenberg Platz and is now Stalinplatz. It is an imposing erection on an imposing site. One gathers that it is meant principally for Russian contemplation as the inscriptions are written in one language only. I sat nearby one morning watching groups of Russians come up and walk round the monument, a central point of attraction for them. My attention was gradually attracted to some singing which was getting louder.

There were men's voices, tenor and bass. They got louder and louder until suddenly a company of Russians swung round the corner.

They were somewhat ragged in their turn-out, but every man was singing at full throat. It was the kind of singing that filled the air of the Platz with a truly thrilling noise. My heart was stirred— this may be an old-fashioned phrase, but it expresses exactly what I mean—and as they receded I felt glad that in a Vienna, struggling to maintain the best in her traditions, here were the Russians showing evidence of the best in theirs. It was the mystical spell of Old Russia that seemed to fill that Platz for a few minutes, and then vanish into the grim reality of a city struggling on the road to recovery.

DONALD E. R. WATT (1931-43)•

6z

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The New Benevolence.

Eric Lin'dater* (1913-16), M.A.,LL.D., Rector of the University of Aberdeen, 194548, delivered his Rectorial Address on "The Art of Adventurv" in Maristhal College, Aberdeen, on z6 October 1946.

His address was presented with a pungency, wit and originality such as might have been expectedfrom this distinguished author, and it makes excellent reading as it did good listening. In the passage re-published below he describes what he termed the " New Benevolence".

In the present state of the world you cannot deny that adventure may be forced upon you, whether you like it or not. Out of Man's irrepressibly fertile mind there have lately come a new weapon and a new ideal of government ; and in both there is some flavour of peril.

I do not share the extreme alarm of those who see in nuclear fission the probability of a catastrophe like Noah's flood, but no one can deny its danger or take refuge from it in mere indifference ; for that is a shelter with no roof at all. At the farthest remove from this new peril, moreover, there is a new benevolence in the world that also inspires some misgiving.

Modern conscience can spring a surprise as well as modern science, and our conscience, aware at last of the grosser inequalities of life and very properly shocked by them, has evolved a new philosophy of government. No one can deprecate its broadest aim, for no one whose heart is not a stone nor his mind mere greed will deny that abject poverty is a public wound and should be healed ; that we ourselves are poor if our neighbours are ill-fed, ill-clad, and meanly housed. But intention depends on method, and what appears to be the promised method may be regarded with some anxiety when it seems that our children, brought into the world by the State's own • obstetricians and nursed on certified milk from cows approved by Government inspectors, must be educated by State subsidy in State schools until directed by the State into essential industry under the protection of Government insurance against periods of unemployment and the infection of disease ; of which, on application through the proper channels, they will be cured by an officer of the State Medical Service.

There, in mere outline, is the beginning of life under the New Benevolence, and with a little imagination it is easy to suggest some detail and the probable sequel.

The patient, happily recovered and having signed his name on a great number of forms, will proceed on a publicly owned railway for a paid holiday in a communal camp in a national park, and there, after listening one evening to a stimulating lecture on the statistical analysis of State production, he will be introduced by a properly trained Welfare Officer to a thoroughly vaccinated and otherwise attractive young woman in the junior ranks of the Civil Service ; and love will have its way. They will decide to exchange an authorised number of bread-units for a wedding-cake confected to a recipe issued by the Ministry of Food, and having applied in triplicate for the necessary dockets with which to buy utilitarian furniture for a house to be built under Government contract on a municipal estate, will settle down to live happily ever after with the bride's mother.

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School's Greatest Rebel since Byron ?

Minister becomes Strike Leader. " In Pursuit of Justice "* might have been an entrancing biography of the Rev. Hugh Lister t who was probably the School's greatest rebel since Lord Byron, but it is not a biography. It is a history of his championing of Trade Unionism in Hackney Wick when industrial conditions were so bad that his conscience forced him to resign his ministerial charge to become a Strike Leader. Though not a biography, this book suggests that there is more than sufficient material to inspire some F.P. to write an outstanding life of this fascinating character who was no mere idealist but a powerful personality bringing Christian principle into industrial disputes and succeeding. The introduction by Eric Fenn of B.B.C. fame puts a hall-mark on the book.

F.P.s will be interested to note that Lister, who attended School in the 'teens of this century, was a great nephew of the famous surgeon Lord Lister, a grandson of a former Chicf Clerk to the House of Commons and great nephew of Frances Palgrave, whose " Golden Treasury" sits well inked and underlined on many a bookshelf.

At School he was bright but not brilliant. He was full of activity and enthusiasm over hobbies. Even before he left the A.G.S. in 1956 at the age of 15, he showed traces of the idealist who would not halt until his idealism had found expression in practice.

A.G.S. — Cambridge — Railway Engineering — Divinity Hall — Trade Union Leader—this background reflects itself in the restless yet dynamic spirit which made Lister the forceful personality necessary for the task of negotiating between employers and employees. He was beloved by his friends—feared and respected by his opponents.

At 34 he was appointed Church of England priest to the Eton College Mission at Hackney Wick where he was confronted by industrial conditions which appalled him. It was a vital challenge to his Christianity and he had the courage to accept it. He resigned his full charge, though not his preaching; he lived rough, used his house as Trade Union H.Q., and opened the ground floor as a Wet Canteen. Strike Leader, Preacher, Pastor, and friend, he built up a real community on a sound Christian basis, relating religion to the whole of life as he found it in Hackney Wick.

War came. He enlisted as a combatant, ever ready to go into action in pursuit of justice—for his country, for his men, for those in need, for his God. At 43 he took part in D-Day but 3 months later he was killed. This book is a sincere memorial by his devoted friends in Trade Unionism to perpetuate his work and methods of negotiation. Thus as it proceeds, it is of diminishing interest to the general reader and of increasing value to Trade Unionists.

Hugh Lister's bold actions as a Church of England priest are *" In Pursuit of Justice. The story of Hugh Lister and his friends in Hackney Wick." By Alice Cameron. (Student Christian Movement Press. 8s. 6d.) t Rev. Hugh Evelyn Lister (1910-56), Major, The Wclsh Guards. Killed in action in N.W. Europe, September 1944, aged 43.

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worth further attention but that is not the purpose of " In Pursuit of Justice ". It would, no doubt, have delighted this lovable rebel to find die-hard Tories reading his methods of Trade Union negotiation through interest in his career!

J. S. S.

The Aberdeen-Rennes Fellowship.

Following upon the landing in Normandy in June 1944, various towns in Scotland hastened to adopt towns in France that suffered extensively in the heavy fighting of that summer. The primary purpose was to send material aid to homeless children. Edinburgh adopted Caen, Glasgow adopted Brest, Dundee adopted Orleans and quite naturally, in view of the long connection between their Grammar Schools, Aberdeen adopted Rennes. In all, eleven such FrancoScottish Fellowships are now established with the new purpose of developing wide cultural relationships. Professor Armand Rebillon, historian, Rennes University, came to lecture in Aberdeen in October 1945, while in August 1946 Lord Provost Sir Thomas Mitchell and Professor F. C. Roe, Professor of French at Aberdeen University, paid a courtesy visit to the Town Council and University of Rennes.

At Easter 1947 Professor Milon, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Mayor of Rennes, hero of the Maquis, and Professor J. B. Fort (English) are expected in Aberdeen.

Through these Fellowships it is hoped to arrange inter-school correspondence, exchange of pupils, exchange of students, organised trips for adults at special rates, etc. On 23 November when M. Rene Massigli, Ambassador of France to the Court of St. James, visited Edinburgh to open the new Institut Francais at 13 Randolph Crescent, a meeting of delegates from the eleven Scottish Fellowships was called by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh to form a Central Scottish Fellowship Committee to pool experiences and share ideas of development.

Might it be possible for some Former Pupils who made the School trip between 192.4 and 1932 to slip over for ten days, say at Easter 1948, to revisit the old haunts, to see the graves of some Grammarians and view the destruction of World War 2 ? They will find that what the R.A.F. and the A.A.F. left of St. Malo was completely burned out by the Germans prior to their surrender. In Rennes all the bridges over the Vilaine, all the quays, and a large part of the Lycee were blown up by the Germans. In June 1940 trains laden with ammunition were touched off by the German Air Force in Rennes Station, killing 4,000 civilians.

Up till now, no direct steamer from Southampton to St. Malo is available, and 177 Scottish teachers and students who attended classes at St. Servan in July-August 1946, had to travel via Dieppe and Paris or Calais and Paris. But the Southern Railway hopes to have the old direct service restored by July 1947, as steamers released by the Government are reconditioned.

M. Charles Fouye, rector emeritus of Rennes Grammar School, and Professor Joussaume of Angers are both alive and well.

ALEXANDER A. CORMACK.

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The Opening of Rubislaw Field.

BY A. T. CRUICKSHANK (1882-87), O.B.E., M.A. Several years ago, during a period of convalescence when I was recovering from an illness, I occupied the idle time in putting together some facts of personal interest without any idea of their ever becoming public in any form or shape.

Some time ago I met Mr. W. P. Stewart of the School staff, and as the result of our conversation I formed the impression that a narrative of the circumstances under which the School Field was acquired might be of general interest. I am accordingly sending to the Editor of the Magazine the accompanying notes which arc just as they were written years ago. They are not intended as a documented history, for which as affecting the School generally there is much need, and which I rather think Dr. Douglas Simpson has in mind to prepare. The notes now sent rather take the form of chatty information about a matter which might be of general interest to all readers of the Magazine. Here they are :— I became a member of the Aberdeen School Board in April 1909, and in accordance with the usual practice I was asked to name the Committees on which I wished to serve. I said that there was only one which interested me, and that was the High Schools Committee which had charge of the Grammar School, and it was as Convener of that Committee, which post I held up to the time I left the Board, that I found the work which interested me most. It was as Convener that I was privileged to take a part in guiding the steps which led to the acquisition of the new Playing Field for the School in Anderson Drive. I do not know that the inner history of that movement has ever been revealed, and it may be of interest if I recall some of the incidents before they pass out of memory.

The scheme for the provision of a field owes its origin to the Former Pupils' Club which had accumulated a considerable fund for this purpose. By itself, however, the Club was unable to accomplish its object. The assistance of the School Board was needed, and the utmost tact had to be exercised in bringing forward the proposal.

At the outset the support of the Board for the scheme was none too certain.

The President of the Former Pupils' Club was in 1913 the late James Esslemont,* and it is to him more than to anyone else that the School owes its Field. My earliest recollection of the plotting and the planning and the scheming is of various meetings at Mr. Esslemont's house, Langley, Forest Road, and of drives into the country where we had little walks, for his health was then giving way. We had a strong supporter in Mr. John Keir, the Chairman of the Board, and the three of us arranged the method of launching the scheme. It was decided that at the ensuing F.P. Dinner at which 114 James Esslemont (I875-8o), President of F.P. Club 1913-14. Died at Aberdeen in September 1914.

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James Esslemont would preside, he should make an appeal to Mr. Keir, the Chairman, and to myself, the Convener of the High Schools Committee, as representing the Board, and we arranged that Mr. Keir and I would take up the challenge.

Poor James Esslemont was too ill to preside at the dinner and his place was taken by the late Charles J. Davidson,* advocate, who became one of the strongest supporters of the scheme, and one of the most generous contributors towards the Field and the Pavilion. The chief guest of the evening was Mr. Robert Munro recently raised to the high dignity of Lord Advocate, now known as Lord Alness t and one of the School's most distinguished pupils.

The Chairman read James Esslemont's challenge and it was accepted by Mr. Keir and myself. I remember taking advantage of something which a day or two before I had heard Bishop Anthony Mitchell say to his son who was a pupil at the School. At the dinner, addressing the Lord Advocate, I said that although he had recently been raised to the office of Lord Advocate, he could have little sense of the dignity which was attached to the office of Convener of the High Schools Committee of the Aberdeen School Board. I mentioned that the Bishop had told his son that the Rector was the one who could " wheep" the boys but the Convener of the High Schools Committee was the only man who could " wheep " the Rector. I do not know whether Dr. Morland Simpson tried to visualise the process but he was immensely amused.

That dinner took place on zo December 1913 and I think it is from that date that the real progress towards the acquisition of the Field may be traced.

It took a long time, however, to pilot the scheme through the School Board. Several members were not too enthusiastic, and in addition there was a School Board election falling due in April 1914.

In those days the School Board conducted its business in the first place in Committee, to be followed by a full meeting for the transaction of the business in public. At the meeting of the new Board in Committee on zz May, five members held themselves uncommitted to the proposal, but at the meeting of the Board in public there was no opposition and the scheme received the Board's approval. Before the negotiations had been completed with the Former Pupils' Club for their contribution, and before a proper Games Committee had been established, the War broke out, and the scheme seemed destined to further delay. Matters, however, soon settled down and the layout of the Field proceeded. I remember that we requested the Royal Engineers, then in training, to help us in the uprooting of trees and that work they did nobly under the command of Robert Mitchell whom I had known in Wilsone & Duffus's office, of which firm he subsequently became a partner. * Charles James Davidson (1886-91), M.A., B.L., Vice-President of F.P. Club 1912-14 Died at Aberdeen in February 1941.

-I- The Right Hon. Lord Alness (1884-85), P.C., G.B.E., M.A., LL.D., President of F.P. Club 1928-29 and now a Honorary Vice-President.

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The death of James Esslemont, which took place in September 1914, was a severe blow to the progress of the scheme, and I am glad to find that formal acknowledgment of this is recorded in the Minute of the School Board, where reference is made to the loss through death of Mr. James Esslemont, President of the Former Pupils' Club, whose inspiring influence had meant more than anything else for the cause of the Playfield movement, and thanks to which the Club had now fully in hand their first instalment of £I,ooo towards the capital cost of the scheme.

The Field was formally opened on 16 September 1916 with great ceremony. We had a little procession to the centre of the Field where a silken ribbon was cut by my wife. She and Mrs. James Esslemont were each presented with a memento of the occasion.

We had a film taken of the proceedings, and for all I know that film is still in the archives of the School.

And so the Field stands there now in Anderson Drive, a noble School possession. I hope that some day a School historian may fittingly recount all these great doings, and I hope that the parts played by those I have mentioned will not be altogether forgotten. * * * AGREEMENT WITH THE EDUCATION AUTHORITY. Editor's Note: It will be of interest to add to the foregoing account of the events leading up to the opening of Rubislaw Field some excerpts from the Minute of Agreement between the F.P. Club and the Education Authority of the Burgh of Aberdeen dated 14 December 1923. " CONSIDERING that . . . the said School Board acquired at the cost of f,4,5oo the ground now known as the Rubislaw Field, Aberdeen, for use as a playheld for the pupils and former pupils of the Aberdeen Grammar School in all time coming : FURTHER CONSIDERLNG that contributions amounting in lob to over £1,000 Sterling were made by the Former Pupils' Club towards the said purchase price of the said Plavfield, in return for which certain rights and interests in the said Field were conferred upon the Former Pupils' Club . . . : FURTHER CONSIDERING that the Former Pupils' Club have raised a fund for a Memorial to the Former Pupils of the Grammar School who were killed in the Great War, and that it has been decided that the Memorial should include a Pavilion to be erected in the Rubislaw Field at a cost of £5,000 or thereby and that the said Pavilion has been offered through the Grounds Committee of the Ruhislaw Field to the Education Authority on certain terms and conditions and that the Education Authority have accepted said Pavilion on said terms and conditions . .

THEREFORE the parties hereto are agreed and do hereby agree as follows :— First—(Cancels previous Minute of Agreement.)

Second—The Grounds and the Pavilion shall be under the management of a Grounds Committee, to be known as the Rubislaw Field Committee, which shall consist of three members to be elected by the Education Authority (one of whom shall be the Convener for the time being of the Secondary Schools Management Committee of the Education Authority, or any Committee substituted therefor and having the management, under the Authority, of the Grammar School), for the period of office of each Authority, of three members to be elected by the Former Pupils' Club, and of two members of the staff of the Grammar School, one of whom shall be the Rector of the School for the time being, and the other shall be elected annually by the members of the School Staff. The Convener for the time being of the

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Secondary Schools Management Committee of the Education Authority or other substituted Committee as aforesaid shall be the Chairman of the said Rubislaw Field Committee.

Third—In consideration of the contributions made by the Former Pupils' Club towards the purchase price of the said Playfield, the members of the Former Pupils' Club shall have the exclusive use of one football pitch and one hockey pitch on Saturdays during the season, and facilities for cricket and tennis during the summer, with such additional facilities as the Rubislaw Field Committee may from time to time determine, and also in consideration of the contribution made by said Club of the Pavilion, such use of the said Pavilion, the dressing rooms thereof and the lockers therein as shall from time to time be laid down by the said Rubislaw Field Committee.

Fourth—(Concerns appointment of Groundsman.)

Fifth—The Rubislaw Field shall be employed for use as a playfield for the pupils and former pupils of the Aberdeen Grammar School in all time coming.

The Pavilion to be erected as aforesaid shall be maintained by the Education Authority in all time coming and no alterations, structural or otherwise, shall be made on the building derogatory to its memorial character. . . ."

Miss Brown.

By Miss Brown's resignation the School has lost a unique personality. For zz years she has been Rector's Secretary but to no one can that designation have seemed in the least adequate, for there were few branches of School life with which Miss Brown was not associated. To the two Rectors under whom she served, she must have seemed indispensable, to every member of the Staff her encyclopedic knowledge was of inestimable value, and to pupils, past and present, her efficiency was almost incredible.

Miss Brown's knowledge of the School, its Staff and all its pupils over almost a quarter of a century was to most of us almost uncanny.

One had only to mention a pupil's name and she would know his address, his class, his record—and, in fact, all about him. It is little wonder that " Ask It Brown" became an established slogan in School life. Her office—the nerve-centre of the School—was a hive of activity and a mine of information. It was there that returning F.P.s went to discover what had been happening during their absence, and to find out who was who and what was what. To them, as to everyone, Miss Brown was the very personification of cheerfulness and welcome and to her nothing was too much trouble if she could be of assistance.

Members of the Staff inevitably become well-known and—in most cases at any rate—endeared to those pupils who pass through their classes. But Miss Brown was different, for she was known, admired and depended on by all. One could not be .in the School for any length of time without realizing how vital was her part in its smooth running.

Miss Brown has now decided to take up teaching and there can be no doubt that she will make as great a success of her new work as she assuredly did of her old. Her departure is widely regretted by all connected with the School but she takes with her to her new sphere the best wishes of all those hundreds of Grammarians to whom she has been for so long an invaluable adviser and friend.

F. P.

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SCHOOL SECTION. School and Random Notes.

At last it is possible to claim that there is something unique which distinguishes this collection of odd jottings from any of its predecessors.

We are proud to announce that this term's number contains a (two 1) genuine howlers, both, strangely, emanating from the same source— that centre of learning and laughter at the eastern end of the School.

Nothing could be further from our purpose than to insinuate that all we do there is to howl, but it is an undeniable fact that that blessed room is more prolific in humour than most of the other fountains of wisdom, etc., in our ancient Grammar School. (Loud cheers.) * * * This term has seen the coming of several new members of staff, who have already found a place in the hearts of our ruthlessly discriminating Grammarians. Mr. A. B. Russell (English), Mr. James W. Coulthard (Modern Languages), Mr. Albert J. Johnstone (Mathematics), Mr. Edwin Hunter (Gymnastics), Mr. John S. Lawson (Commercial Subjects), Mr. Keith Atkinson (Art) and Mr. John Weir (Technical Department) have joined the permanent staff, and Mr. Kenneth Paterson (English and History) and Miss Helen Watt (English) are new temporary members. Miss Betty Gibb has taken Miss Brown's place as Rector's Secretary. We also welcome back to the Classical Department Miss Ethel Morrison, who has given to the School such loyal and conscientious service in the past. * * * works of Ovid, one of the students of the research recent During a of Upper VI came across the following line " tempora purpureis velare tiaris " which he translated " to hide his Times with a purple wig ".

It is believed that this discovery will completely alter the accepted views on the position of the Asia Minor press in 65o B.c. * * * We congratulate G. B. Nicolson on his promotion to Senior Prefect, also the following on their appointment to the prefecture G. H. Bell, A. I. Cheyne, J. M. Craig, E. G. Cran, I. Cuthbertson, J. M. Eddison, I. R. Fraser, J. W. Jones, R. D. Milne, A. J. H. Paterson, V. G. R. Stephen, W. A. Stewart, J. S. Sutherland, and H. Taylor. * * * On the zoth of September the School assembled in Hall to present Miss Brown with a parting gift, and to show its appreciation for her long period of service as School Secretary. Miss Brown was Secretary for twenty-two years, and during that time she acquired a knowledge of the School's management which was appreciated by the many people who came to her for advice. The multiplicity of burdens which fell on Miss Brown's shoulders was only fully realised on the

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 71 the smooth these times absent.

At was rare occasions when she running of the School was very noticeably crippled.

Miss Brown, who is a graduate of Aberdeen University, has left us to follow the noble profession of teaching ; and although it is with a real sense of loss that we have seen her go, we hope that perhaps some day the Grammar may welcome her back in her new capacity.

We wish Miss Brown every success for the future. * * * The urge to throw stones is, we are told; almost instinctive in the human brain, but we fear that this is hardly an acceptable excuse in the eyes of the law. It is related that early this term a well-known and highly esteemed member of Upper VI was standing in the School grounds when there passed along the street outside two officers in blue. At that moment our hero had the sudden urge to precipitate a small boulder towards a lamp-post. It is not known whether the pillars of the law had to duck, but, in any case, the stone missed its target and smashed a harmless and quite inoffensive window.

It is believed that a sentence of ten years' penal servitude was reduced, on appeal, to a course at Aberdeen University, where it is hoped that D-v-d's aim will be very much improved. * * * This term there have been two striking demonstrations of the interest and affection felt by Former Pupils for their Old School.

On 4 October, Mr. Duguid, on behalf of the Bengal Centre of the F.P. Club, presented a beautifully-carved lectern to the School for use in the morning service in Hall ; and, on the zznd of the same month, Colonel George Bower, Mr. A. T. Cruickshank, Mr. J. Everard Rae, and Dr. James Hay, all well-known members of the Aberdeen Society of Advocates, and all well over threescore years and ten, presented a handsome photograph of themselves with their former English Master, Mr. Hugh F. Campbell, who is now almost ninety years of age. * * * Various mysterious notices have been appearing on the School walls of late. On inspection it was found that all were in the same vein, and consisted of the ubiquitous " Chad " and the appended cryptic legend : " Wot—no fees ' ? The significance of this strange message is, as yet, unknown. * * * On z z October the School was honoured by a visit from Dr. Bakele Oyediran, of the Methodist College at Lagos, Nigeria. Dr. Oyediran spoke to Classes V and VI about the progress of education in Nigeria and in West Africa generally, and gave us an interesting insight into the people and country of Nigeria and the life there. He spoke of the work of the Christian Church in Nigeria, and its great contribution to civilisation in our West African colonies—a contribution, he said, out of all proportion to the number of its members.

The talk was greatly appreciated by those who heard it, and brought vividly before them the progress now being made in our Colonial Empire.

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While the geniuses (or genii ?) of Upper VI were deciphering a passage of the .Enid in Room 15, that most happy classroom, this term's top howler was duly committed. Someone, in translating " nivea vitta ", dredged the depths of his watery brain and produced the answer, " white fillet "1 Our suspicions of something fishy were confirmed when " animae " was (quite legitimately) translated " soles ", for which some, however, would read "souls ". Altogether a miraculous draught of fishes. * * * Various incidents this term have shown up a long-felt deficiency in our School life. The need for a School Calendar is at present felt very much throughout the School, and its publication would be a boon to organisers and provide the School with a memorandum of all its activities. At present there is available in card form a list of our important School rugby fixtures; and the Debating Society issues a similar syllabus. But these are only two aspects of School life. What is required is a comprehensive Calendar, dealing with the various society meetings, fixtures, examinations, holidays, etc., which affect the School. This would increase interest in School activities (at present disappointingly poor), and would prevent the clashing of different functions. * * * On 25 October that annual fixture, the Grammar versus High hockey match, took place at Rubislaw. Restrained, perhaps, by a sense of gallantry, our team was skilfully out-manoeuvred in the first half, and our fair cousins succeeded in accumulating goals at an alarming rate. In the second half, however, incitcd by a sense of shame, the Grammarians rallied, and succeeded in defeating their visitors. Both teams then retired to the pavilion, where an orgy of feasting is reported to have taken place. * _* * A few weeks ago the hopes cherished for so long by the ardent swimmers of the School concerning the large concrete water-tank which occupies the front lawn, were dashed to the ground. A gang of workmen, after energetically pulling down the surrounding stakefence, began to demolish the tank itself, and the tranquillity of the Muses' Temple was rudely shattered by the sound of automatic drills and mechanical hammers. However, this activity lasted but a few days, and after making a gaping hole on one side of the tank, the workmen decamped with all their engines of war.

Has there been a strike ? Or did they begin work without a permit ?

The School tensely awaits news of the reason for the stoppage. We, ourselves, not being of aquatic disposition, can quite cheerfully say :— " Once more into the breach, dear friends.

Once more . . .". * * * At the moment of writing a furious election campaign is in progress for the Debating Society's General Election. In the absence of a candidate to defend the policy of the present Government, the contest

73 Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine is between the Conservatives (represented by Mr. Alan Hall, the doughtiest of our true-blue Tories), the Liberals (represented by Mr. David Craig, a life-long supporter of his party), and the Communists (represented by Mr. John Kirk, that pillar of our national Church). More important for the Society's funds, each of these parties has provided a deposit of Is. Visitors to the School may have been surprised to see a large photograph of Stalin adorning the main passage ; while numerous notices have appeared attacking the "atheistic Communists " and the " reactionary capitalists" alike. This growth of political consciousness in the youth of Scotland will no doubt interest all the political parties, although strangely enough no Socialist has taken the field.

Stop Press : Conservative returned by majority of so. * * * It is usual at this stage for the harassed editors to lament the paucity of ready material; we cannot claim exception. But, our task completed, we sit back with a fervent prayer that our efforts may have found some favour, and that they form an acceptable chronicle of the past term.

We have noted that here former editors have in desperation turned to the classics ; in this respect we would form a precedent and suggest that a more apt and pawky epitaph can be culled from our native Scots.

There's naught to instruct and there's naught to instil, There's nae muckle good and there's nae muckle

Lower School Notes.

The session to date has been a comparatively uneventful one as far as the Lower School is concerned. Work and games go on apace but there have been few incidents of note since we returned in September.

The " Joint Examination " in connection with the Transfer of Pupils to Post-Primary Courses, successor to the old "Control", has come and gone, much to the relief of Lower 5 Classes as a whole ; yet it was by no means so awesome as its predecessor, and there were actually those who professed to have enjoyed the new-type tests. At the time of writing " Mental Surveys " are in the offing for our 7 and 9 year old pupils.

Rubislaw Field is still the scene of a seething mass of activity on Monday, Tuesday and Friday afternoons, and there has been much satisfaction that only twice, so far, have Lower School games had to be cancelled owing to bad weather. On both occasions talks on games and very popular " quizzes " on rules and tactics took the place of actual play.

The Swimming Gala at the huge Municipal Pond made a big appeal to Lower School boys, to spectators and competitors alike. It was generally voted a huge success. That the House spirit remains strong was proved by the tremendous enthusiasm shown throughout the Lower School team race.

A. J. M. E.

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New Members of the Staff.

No fewer than ten new Masters have joined the School Staff since the last issue of the Magazine. These include the new Heads of the English and Commercial Subjects Departments, the new Games Master, and Assistant Masters in the Art, Classics, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Physical Education and Technical Departments.

In addition Mr. Annand has joined Mr. Edwards in the Lower School, and Miss Gibb has been appointed Rector's Secretary.

Head of the English Department.

Mr. Alexander B. Russell has been appointed by the Education Committee to be Principal English Master in succession to Mr. Charles A. Forbes, now one of His Majesty's Inspectors of Schools.

Mr. Russell was educated at Hutchesons' Grammar School and the University of Glasgow, where he graduated Master of Arts in 1933, with First Class Honours in English Language and Literature.

After successful experience as English Lecturer in the Glasgow and West of Scotland Commercial College and on the staff of Hamilton Academy, he joined the Army Educational Corps, in which he rose to the rank of Major, and was for over two years in charge of education in the 51st (Highland) Division.

He landed with the Division in June 1944 and served throughout the entire operations in North-West Europe. Col. White, V.C., has testified to the admirable work he did, especially in the editing and production with mobile equipment of a daily newspaper for the troops ; and General Cassels speaks with equal appreciation of his valuable assistance during the difficult later period when demobilization was getting under way.

The organizing ability, initiative and resource shown by Mr. Russell under widely varying conditions augur well for his success in the Grammar School.

New Games Master.

Mr. James C. Hunter has succeeded Lieut.-Colonel Duncan MacGregor, M.B.E., Games Master since 1919. He was educated at Montrose Academy and went in 1935 to Jordanhill Training College, Glasgow. His first teaching appointment was at the Sir John Maxwell School, Glasgow, in 1938, and a fortnight before he joined the Army in October 1939 he was appointed to Allan Glen's School, Glasgow.

With the Cameronians he served in Iceland and the Faroe Islands, reaching the rank of Captain. Last November, when he was demobilized after over six years' service, he returned to Allan Glen's School.

An all-round sportsman and athlete, Mr. Hunter was a member of a gymnastic team which toured Norway and Sweden in 1939.

Before the war he played football with one of the reserve teams at Hampdcn.

In the Army he played for the East of Scotland against the West in rugby trials, and before coming to Aberdeen he turned out regularly for Allan Glen's 1st XV. Mr. Duncan M. Armand, M.B.E., M.A., who has joined the staff of the Lower School, is a graduate of Aberdeen University, where he was awarded a full-blue for Athletics, and was Inter-Varsity mile champion in 1936. He commenced teaching in 1938, and served in various schools in Aberdeen County and City. He entered upon full-time military service in April 1939 as Adjutant, 7th Gordons (T.A.), and after various spells of similar duty elsewhere he graduated from the Staff College, Camberley, in 1943. From then till release as Lieutenant-Colonel in January 1946, he held staff appointments with H.Q. Fifth (U.S.) Army in N. Africa, Italy and Austria. I-Ic was Mentioned in Despatches in 1943, and awarded the M.B.E. and the Bronze Star Medal (a L.S. dccoratic n) in 1s,44.

Mr. Keith Atkinson, D.A. (Edinburgh), now assistant in the Art Department of the Upper School, took his diploma at the Edinburgh College of Art in 1937.

He undertook extensive post-graduate study in Scandinavia, Germany, and Paris before the War, having gained a travelling scholarship for that purpose. After

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being posted to the Royal Corps of Signals, he served for zi years in the Western Desert with the tz4th Field Regiment of the 5oth Division and for two years from D-Day he was with the sist (Highland) Division on the Continent. Mr. Atkinson is keenly interested in Music.

Mr. James W. Coulthard, M.A. Hons. (Edinburgh), who has been appointed to the Modem Languages Department, had just completed his teacher-training in 1939 at the outbreak of War. He was on active service from September 1939 till demobilization in August 1946, having served in the K.O.S.B. and the ist Airborne Division during the campaigns in North-West Europe. Mr. Coulthard takes a keen interest in the Scout side of school activities, in Swimming and in 'Tennis.

Mr. Edwin Hunter, Dip. P.E. (Glasgow), has joined his brother, Mr. James Hunter, as an assistant in the Physical Education and Sports side of School life.

Educated at Montrose Academy, he took his diploma at Jordanhill, from which he joined the Army in 194z. After serving in N. Africa and Italy, he received his commission in the Cameronians (S.R.) in January 1945 and served in India till his demobilization in April 1946. Mr. Hunter is expert in all games. Whilst in the Services he played in many Select sides at Rugby, and is now a most useful addition to the strength of the F.P. Rugby 1st XV. Mr. Albert J. Johnstone, M.A. Hons. (Aberdeen), has joined the Mathematics side of the Upper School. He was educated at the Academy, Inveruric, and Aberdeen University, where he graduated in 1936 with Honours in Mathematics and Physics. After training, he held various temporary posts till he was appointed to the Mathematics Department of his old school in 1938. In April 1941 he joined the Royal Air Force, and saw service abroad in Africa. Shortly after his demobilization in June 1946 he was appointed to the Grammar School. Mr. Johnstone has played soccer and is also keenly interested in choral music.

Mr. John S. Lawson, M.A., B.Com. (Aberdeen), has succeeded Mr. David Macara, B.Com., as head of the Commercial Department in the School. Educated at Peterhead Academy and Aberdeen University, he taught in Stranraer prior to his war service of five years with the Royal Air Force, mainly in the Middle East.

Mr. Ronald McLeod, M.A., Hons. (Aberdeen), who has taken up duty in the Classics Department at the Grammar, received his education at the " Other Place " before going to the University, where he graduated with Honours in 1939.

From the Training Centre he joined the Royal Air Force in 1940 and volunteered for Air Crew as Navigator/Bomb-Aimer, serving for five years mostly with Coastal Command. He is a keen sportsman at Rugby, Soccer, Cricket and Golf, and takes a great interest in Music. Youth Organizations and Welfare Work have also claimed his attention.

Mr. John D. McC. Weir, Diploma in Educational Handwork, is a Canadian by birth, hailing from Winnipeg. He received his secondary education at Kilmarnock Academy. In 1940 he volunteered for the Royal Air Force, and served for 3} years in the R.A.F. Regiment. After training in radiolocation, he was posted to the Channel Coast in Radar Defence. Previous to joining the staff of our Technical Department as assistant to Mr. Davie, he taught at various schools in Ayrshire.

Miss Betty Gibb has succeeded Miss B. R. Brown, M.A., as the presiding genius of the School Office. She was educated at the Girls' High School, and after secretarial training received a thorough insight into office routine with the legal firm of Messrs. Bower and Gibb, of which her father was sometime partner. Four years of service in the W.R.N.S. have given her a still wider experience, which has already been tested in her multifarious duties as Rector's Secretary. She has not been long in proving herself an acceptable colleague to the Staff, and a helpful adviser to parents and boys.

Grammar School Church Service.

On 15 September 1946 a Grammar School Service was held in Rubislaw Church, Aberdeen, attended by present and former pupils, parents, and members of the staff. The service was conducted by the School Chaplain, the Rev. P. D. Lawrence* (1909-16), and the lessons were read by the Rector and the Senior Prefect.

It is hoped that in future this service will be held annually.

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Dr. Alex. T. Miller.

By the early death of Dr. Alex. Miller many a fair hope is frustrate and Scottish education loses one of the few in whom the teaching gift came near to genius.

His accomplishments were many. Head Boy of George Heriot's School, scholar and athlete, a gifted musician, adept with pencil and brush, traveller and lover of the out of doors—he was by all accepted standards a singularly able and versatile man.

Yet the secret of his rare effectiveness alike in the teaching of history and in the service of youth is to be sought less in the number of his talents than in the sureness of his insight and the very personal quality of the influence he exercised.

For him the service of youth meant nothing less than self-giving.

Organization, large resources, paid helpers might be well enough, but it was his faith that the best kind of reward comes only from the close, unhurried association of maturity and youth within the intimate fellowship of the small group or club ; and this very costly form of service he gave without stint over all the years of his adult life.

So, too, in the teaching of history, his unique success resulted from a highly individual approach. Whatever the topic, the material was first given the stamp of his own mind and experience and then presented with a vital force that evoked from the pupil no mere docile assent but an answering effort after understanding and right judgment.

To send Edinburgh University its best history student five years out of seven, and to leave a provincial school of modest size like Bathgatc Academy without a rival in the output of young historians, was to reveal himself as the foremost teacher of his subject in Scotland.

Of all that Alex. Miller had it in him to do for the Grammar School and for youth in this City we saw but the first bright beginnings, for he had hardly settled in here when the shadow of mortal sickness fell across his life. But to us who were close to him in these last two years he has left a precious thing, the memory and the inspiration of suffering most nobly borne. With an acceptance that forbade self-pity and silenced complaint, he went about his work as long as strength availed, and the poor leisure of these distressful days was given to the completion of his thesis, not for a doctorate's sake but because there was a job to finish, if the light should last.

In education, as in all else, the ancient judgment stands : " Many are the wand-bearers, but the worshippers are few."

Alex. Miller was a true initiate. Much had been given him, and he gave it again in a splendid prodigality of service that will long keep his memory green in the hearts of a great company who knew and loved him as teacher, guide and friend.

J. J. R.

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Rhine Gold.

A story of the historic Rhine crossing of Friday, 23 March 1945.

The sky hung heavy with stars, and the moon glowered sulkily from behind a dark cloud which slowly pulled over the heavens.

The river Rhine glistened as it wound past its picturesque mediaeval castles and towns which had once been brightly lit and gay, but were now dark and pestilence-stricken by the merciless war.

It was at nine o'clock in the Rees area when a battalion of the Gordon Highlanders began to cross the river in Buffaloes under cover of a dense smoke screen, which even the bright glare of enemy flares failed to penetrate. Above the noise of engines, guns and mortars, could be heard the spirited skirl of pipes and the cheers of the Highlanders as they grounded on the East bank of the river.

Among a group of men awaiting transport stood a certain Colonel Strachan of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was about forty-five years of age, and his hair had long since begun to turn grey, although his face still retained its vigorous and almost youthful features which were made the more prominent by a determined and almost beak-like nose. He was a native of Edinburgh and before the War had been a lawyer, and now as he stood gazing out over the glistening waters of the Rhine and watched the smoke forming into weird grotesque shapes, he thought of his home town, of the shops, the busy streets, and above all, of his peaceful suburban home, which seemed so far removed from this chaotic maelstrom of human suffering and misery. He sighed.

Yes, one was apt to become rather cynical out here, where death was so common and suffering so universal. But then, Colonel Strachan had always been rather a cynic, and, what's more, he had always been ready to argue. He could remember now, when he was at Oxford, they had said there that he was stubborn, always standing up for the other fellow. Perhaps that was why he had taken up Law. But all this seemed so far away. Here he was, standing on the bank of a river that he had read so much about, and which he was seeing for the first time. It all seemed so senseless. Supposing he were hit. Supposing he did not return home. What would his wife think, and his friends—would they remember him? Again he sighed. No use thinking like that. In the Army you must not think, you must obey orders ; and his orders had been to accompany this platoon over the river.

The high-pitched throb of a returning Buffalo deadened the more distant and confused sounds of battle. The group of men moved quickly down to the river's edge, and out of the dense smoke emerged the grey shape of the craft. There was a noise of heavy studded boots on the metal floor, a murmur of voices, and then every other sound was drowned by the roar of the overstrained engine as the amphibious carrier wrenched itself free of the muddy river bank.

Colonel Strachan strained his eyes ahead to penetrate the smoke

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine screen which covered the whole river. The relentless scream of shells came nearer. The dull boom of mortars exploding on the water became more distinct, the clouds of dense vapour seemed to press round the carrier. A crash nearer than any of its fellows was followed by a curious surge which seemed to lift the vessel from the water and drop it with a sickening jerk. The colonel heard a confused clamour ; a subconscious voice hammered in his brain. " We have been hit ; we have been hit—hit." The noise suddenly died away, the sound of gunfire faded from his ears. It was as if the whole world and all that it contained had been turned to stone.

The colonel sat dazed at his position in the Buffalo. There was an unearthly silence over the river ; his head seemed to be held in a vice-like grip. He felt powerless to move ; he could only stare at the wisps of vapour which hung like wreaths round the craft. But his eyes must be deceiving him ; surely, surely this could not be possible ; the wisps of smoke gradually drew together and took the shape of a strange being who seemed to hover over the waters of the river. This creature, if one could so call her, began to speak in a gentle voice, " I am she whom you earth people call the Lorelei of the Rhine ; stay and I will reveal to you the history of this great river, which has made and broken nations, which has served Man and which has yet sought to destroy him."

The soldier felt himself growing weary and heavy-eyed, but suddenly he gave a start ; the mists had parted like the curtains of a stage, and before him stretched the open waters of the river. He could see the East bank, and it indeed seemed as if in some strange fashion the clock had been put back two thousand years, for by the river's edge stood rank upon rank of Roman soldiers while the water itself was dotted with rafts which were being poled swiftly to the opposite bank. The mists closed in once more and the picture faded away.

Again the curtains of time drew back and the soldier could see a fierce battle raging on the river's bank. He saw the armies of Charles the Great charge down on the heathen Saxons ; he saw the hordes of peasants break and flee before the onslaught.

The picture changes. A boat, decked with gay cloth and shining brass, sails proudly down the river. Under a canopy sits Frederick the Great, who is going to visit his hunting lodge in the Black Forest.

The boat passes, and a kettle-drum sounds in the distance. The soldier sees the mighty armies of Napoleon crossing the river in barges ; he sees the " little corporal " himself standing proudly at the prow of one of the craft ; the crash of cannon and the sulphurous smoke of battle fill the air. The sounds become more distant and the armies vanish into the past.

The voice of the Lorelei steals through the mists. " You have yet to see the picture which has the greatest lesson to teach, and which was disregarded by your countrymen twenty years ago."

Colonel Strachan saw a group of khaki-clad men standing near a sandbag emplacement on the banks of the river. They seemed to be leaving, for they stood with kitbags and equipment. A lorry 78

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 79 drew up, they climbed aboard and disappeared down the road in a cloud of dust.

The voice of the Lorelei continued : " These were men from your army of occupation of the first Great War. If they had been kept guarding the Rhine, all the suffering of to-day might have been averted. You see, the future of the human race does not rest in the hands of the gods but in the hands of mankind."

The voice of the Lorelei became fainter and less distinct, the sandbag emplacement slowly faded away and Colonel Strachan heard a familiar voice. " Yes, he's quite all right now ; he was struck on the head by a shell splinter during the crossing, but he'll pull through. The fellows brought him in about an hour ago."

A. J. H. PATERSON (Upper VI).

Star of Love.

(Translation from Alfred de Musset.)

Pale star of evening, messenger afar, Whose brow shines brilliant from the western veils, From azure palaces in heaven's heart, What see you in the plain ?

The storm retreats, the blasts of wind subside.

The woods which groaned stand weeping on the heath.

The golden moth, while flitting lightly by, Crosses the scented fields.

What are you seeking on the sleeping Earth ?

Already o'er the hills I see you set ; You flee yet smiling, melancholy friend, Your trembling face is all but hid from sight.

Star still descending o'er the high green hill, Sad tear of silver on the cloak of night, You that regard from far the shepherd's way, While step by step his long flock follows him-O Star, where go you in the deeps of night ?

Seek you a bed along the reedy bank ?

Or are you going, so lovely in the quiet, To fall, a pearl, in the bosom of the waves ?

If you must die, blest star, and if your head Must plunge its glistening hair deep in the sea, Before you leave us, stay an instant there— O Star of Love, descend not from the skies!

J. MORLAND CRAiG (Upper VI).

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The Swifts.

A Short Story.

Every year the swifts came to nest in the quiet market town of Littleby, and, every year, even as far back as old Silas Whitby could remember, the birds had arrived from the far-off mountains of the Ruwenzori, punctually in the second week of May. The swifts made their nests under the eaves of the handsome old grey Town House. They were in no wise disturbed as the great clock pealed out its sonorous chimes at every hour of the day. Day in, day out, the swifts cavorted and swooped in and out of the twisty cobbled streets, skimming the quaint tiled and thatched roofs of the houses. The birds raced each other, screaming as they went, through the limitless blue heavens, the dark arcs of their wings silhouetted against the golden beams of the spring sun. As they soared on outstretched wings one would have thought that they were trying to hurl themselves right away from the earth. Then with a flicker of their wings they would turn, and fling themselves, like winged bullets, towards the housetops, so very far below.

Before drawing their curtains as they retired to bed at night, the townspeople might gaze, entranced, at the fantastic antics of the birds, as they dived and swooped and wheeled in the light of the setting sun, which daubed the twilight sky with streaks of vivid colour.

Early in the morning, as the people of Littleby pulled back the curtains after a night of slumber, they would be greeted by the swifts as they swooped, screaming, past the windows.

Then, in one fatal year, the swifts did not arrive until nearly the beginning of June. The villagers spent many anxious nights gazing up into the summer sky for their friends that would not come. But for three long weeks the swifts delayed their coming. Seth Gibbins shook his head gloomily as he stared moodily into the fire in the low-beamed parlour of the "Golden Hind ". It was a pleasant little inn, and one of the most attractive features of the High Street. " Aye ", he grunted at last, " it bids fair to be a bad year—what wi' they swifts no arriving an' all ", and he stumped out of the inn, shaking his head wisely.

And Seth's melancholy prophecy was fulfilled. Dry rot attacked the Town House's council chamber, of which all the people were so proud, the crop of corn was the worst for many a long year, and a fire gutted a quarter of the town. On top of all this, the mayor died of a very serious illness.

Old Seth muttered as he went about his work at his mill. " We'll be lucky if we're still alive, come Michaelmas ". And once again his prediction proved true, for, in that year, the Great Plague ravaged the land, and the swifts wheeled above the well-nigh deserted town, to the terrible cry of " Bring out your deadl Bring out your dead I " DAVID M. CRAIG (Middle lIIA).

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Desertion.

John Smith was a shrewd business man with a widespread reputation for efficiency. Towards the end of last winter, however, his placid life was violently disturbed.

On the seventeenth of January a thaw had come, bringing with it the usual dull, depressing weather. John had been working hard all day and was now sitting close by his fire. Occasionally a shower of sleet rattled on the window-panes, breaking the silence of the house.

John was thinking. How could he appease her ? Would she carry out her threat ? Was she really leaving him ? The silence began to get on his nerves, and he paced the length of the room with short, decisive steps, all sound being muffled by the thick carpet.

Suddenly he stopped. Feet pattered down the stairs and across the hall. The door-knob rattled —a moment's silence—and then the door slammed. John threw his cigarette into the fire and listened.

All he could hear was a faint scrunch of gravel, followed by the noise of quickly receding footsteps on the pavement. She had done it ; there could be no turning back.

Bitterness filled his soul as he slumped back into his chair. The wind howled and blew the sleet against the windows. John did not hear it for long as he fell asleep, alone in the house.

He dreamt about her. In a wild, tossing sea he was being buffeted by the waves and could barely keep his head above water. She appeared, laughing at him, yes, laughing. She seemed to float on top of the waves. John called, but she shook her head and then he found himself going down, down, down, until everything burst with a red flash.

John stirred and looked about him ; there was the bookcase, and there his desk. The fire was low, one of the glowing logs had fallen.

He supposed that that had wakened him. Memory of the evening's events stirred him to action. He looked at his watch : ten o'clock ; maybe there was still time. But wait a minute ; had she come back ? " Joyce! Joyce! " he cried, and went out into the hall. Her hat and coat were still gone.

This last hope dispelled, he returned to his desk and picked up the telephone directory. Feverishly he dialled his first number . . . no reply I His second attempt was more successful and in ten minutes he had finished. No man could do more.

John sat thinking out his plan of action methodically, true to his business reputation. News might come to-morrow—no, that was really too early, too optimistic. The best thing to do was to sleep on the matter. Sleep, the great soother, would calm his mind, but he would still have to face the next day.

Now for the first time he realised how indispensable she was, what an integral part of his daily life she had become. These troubling thoughts kept him awake long after he had gone to bed. At last, at about one-thirty, he fell asleep.

Next morning he overslept and had to dash to the station only

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two minutes before the train left. He had breakfasted, after a fashion, but he did miss his usual, well-cooked meal.

A lad on the platform was selling newspapers, and John was able to get one before jumping, breathless, into a carriage. As the train steamed out of the station, he hurriedly scanned the columns. Births —no. Marriages—no. Ah 1 here it was, as he had expected, the result of his frantic telephone call. The answer, he hoped, to his worry :— WANTED urgently, a first class cook and housekeeper for bachelor. Good salary. Apply John Smith, 16 Lime Tree Avenue.

J. F. KIRK (Upper VI).

Winter.

The swathes of snow lay roundly in the wood, The fetter'd fields rang sharp beneath the tread Of Winter's haughty pride and clasping greed.

The forest depths yawned blackly to the sight, And trees were skeletons against the sky : Still palely gleam'd the glow of passing day— The chaste and chilling sky still wanly smiled, With one last, ling'ring lance of banished sun.

The tarnished bracken hung in sombre shame ; The stark, still stubble 'neath the anguished sky Gave back an echo of the vanished corn, Which cloth'd in golden liv'ry all the land.

DAVID M. CRAIG (Middle III A).

Girdleness Lighthouse.

Grim and grey, Above Nigg Bay, The towering lighthouse stands ; Her circling light Pierces the night O'er sea, and rocks and sands.

The fierce waves flash, Resound and crash, With fury and with stress, But she stands firm Amid the storm On the point of Girdleness.

The waves still beat About her feet With bitter fury keen, While she guides home The ships that come To the harbour of Aberdeen.

JOHN BRAND (Middle I M).

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A Fine Old Gentleman.

He stood in the wide gravelled drive and gazed towards the house.

I-Ie had a military appearance which even merciless time had not touched, save for a slight stoop and the grey of his hair which now waved in the gentle warm breeze of the summer afternoon.

He had stood there for a long time ; ever since the last furniture van and the last dealer had gone, leaving him in the solitude of his old home, which stood now, a huge deserted shell, empty and silent.

What was he thinking of as he stood there alone ? What of that tear which rolled down his weather-beaten cheek, as he gazed for the last time at the place which held so many memories for him ?

High above his head the rooks called hoarsely among the trees, and higher still a plane passed over—a plane—that made him think of his son. Funny how short a time it seemed since his son had played on that flat green lawn, or had run, eager and happy, through the grounds.

What had they said in The Times ?—ah, yes—" It is with the deepest regret that we announce the death of Frederick James Crandale, who was reported missing over Germany four weeks ago. The only son of Colonel James Crandale of Glomerstone House, Kent, he showed great promise in the diplomatic service before he joined the Royal Air Force in 1939."

What did they call it again ?—" The Price of Empire "-19 years of love, pride, and care, killed in one second by a German bullet.

Was it worth the cost ?

The colonel's mind crept back to the days just before the War —Munich—" Peace in our time "—Mr. Chamberlain—an ageing and tired man clutching his umbrella (his symbol of endurance)—then, War—the Maginot—those early days of light-heartedness.

And then that day when a telegram boy cycled up the drive, whistling ; and the telegram—his son's death.

His wife had been in London and he remembered the courage it had required to tell her—far more courage than he had needed in 1914 to go over the top.

Then she had died—died of grief and of a broken heart.

He only was left—left to live and to die, a lonely and forgotten old man. Then came the sale—the breaking up of all his memories.

Such impersonal ruthless things, sales. Amid the bustle and noise his possessions had gone, one by one, for ever.

There was nothing left now but for him to leave ; to leave those bare uncurtained windows and those bleak empty rooms. " The Price of Empire "—was it worth the cost ?

Yes it was ! As long as he lived he would say that ; try to kill some of the apathy and despair that hung over the country. Show them that decency and good, and all the thousands of little blessings of our civilization had not completely gone—that Right would triumph. He would show them 1 The colonel wiped his eyes—blew his nose violently—struck

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the path resolutely with his stick ; and with one long last look at his home, turned and walked steadily down the avenue.

A. J. H. PATERSON (Upper VI.).

In at the Kill.

The capercailzies seemed to rise almost perpendicularly to a height of fifty feet and then they came planing down and over me. Strange behaviour for capers in this season, as these wary birds seldom venture across open ground. Almost before the first couple were out of sight, four more came gliding down in feverish haste. This certainly was odd, but now all around me there were birds Righting in all directions.

There was no doubt now that something had alarmed them, and the reason for their discomfort became apparent a moment later. A golden eagle swung over my head, barely ten feet above the tree tops, huge pinioned wings outstretched in token of the bird's might. The eagle has not been hailed as " King of the Birds " without reason, and at that moment I fully appreciated all that had been said in favour of this much persecuted bird.

Its mate now appeared, and from my vantage point in the heather I watched their antics as they stooped at each other. The larger bird, undoubtedly the female, commenced swooping at imaginary prey while her mate circled above. It was while she was coming up in a half roll after one of her practice swoops that I saw the sudden movement of the male.

A moment before he had been planing on outstretched wings, seemingly quite indifferent to his surroundings, but now with his wings half closed he dived away from me towards the edge of the wood.

He descended like a bullet from the blue into the heather. Almost at once a cloud of feathers marked his point of descent, and an instant later a distinct thud was audible as claws met flesh and bone. One of the capers, trusting to its plumage for camouflage, had remained behind and paid the penalty.

I have lived in close proximity to these great birds and their eyrie, but never before have I witnessed the killing scene. The birds seemed quite unperturbed by my presence, and with the aid of my X to binoculars I had a fair view of the proceedings at fifty yards.

Owing to the depth of the heather at the edge of the wood I was unable to see his majesty at lunch, but on my approaching, he immediately rose rather heavily with what was obviously a hen caper in his claws.

When eagles are seen thus, they seem rather ungainly, and many authors have likened them to vultures. After clearing the trees the eagle disappeared from my view, accompanied by the female. Later that day I recognized my two friends, now mere specks silhouetted against the autumn sky, heading towards their cliff eyrie.

P. FouIN (Upper VI.).

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School Games Activities.

Rugby.

It was with gloomy thoughts that the present rugby season was faced and many of the School's most ardent supporters were of the opinion that this would not be an outstanding year. However, the difficult task of team-building was tackled whole-heartedly by a most enthusiastic crowd of last year's znd and 3rd XV members.

Only three of last year's " Colours " had returned to School ; of the remainder three other boys had had occasional games with the 1st XV, and two had been awarded znd XV Colours.

Fortunately, the choice of Captain and Vice-Captain was a happy one and by dint of good leadership, a small but well-balanced team was producing a brand of rugby far above expectations and had successfully accounted for some Senior znd XVs in the district, before School opposition was tackled. Apart from a rather unfotunate defeat from our neighbourly rivals, Robert Gordon's College, School have won all their inter-school matches to date and the standard of play has shown an almost weekly improvement. The future, when we meet the more prominent schools from the South and West, is faced with great determination and zeal.

Unfortunately injuries have deprived the team of the services of two of its most promising members and, consequently, of a quality of steadiness and initiative in the mid-field attack and of speed, coupled with weight, in its striking force on the wing.

The stature in both the pack and back division is much less than in previous years but this is compensated in the former by sound, energetic team-work and in the latter, both in attack and defence, by speedy, effective handling and kicking. Lack of experience is at times evident, especially in the forwards, but is usually nullified by a greater expenditure of effort and sound " backing-up ".

The znd XV started the season strongly against Senior opposition but have fallen on harder times and have suffered defeats from two School 1st XVs and from their opposite numbers at Gordon's. Weight and height are not lacking in the pack but lack of penetrative ability in the backs is the principal weakness.

The 3rd XV, on the other hand, although very much smaller and lighter in all departments, started with a narrow defeat from a School ist XV and have gone from strength to strength, having finished victors in the last six games played.

In a double sequence of matches with Gordon's College the Colts', Junior and Minor XVs have more than held their own and are at present enjoying a slight lead in matches won. They are quite confident that by Christmas they will have definitely established this supremacy and brightened the outlook of School Rugby for future years.

J. C. H.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

First XV—Inter-School Matches.

5 October 19.16.—r. Morgan Academy at Forfar Road, Dundee. Team: J. S. Sutherland ; W. Murray, J. Dunn, J. M. Eddison, W. D. Michie ; G. B. Nicolson, V. G. R. Stephen (Capt.) ; W. Clark, H. McRae, W. A. Stewart ; I. V. Anderson, H. Connochie ; R. D. Smart, E. J. McCrae, A. I. Cheyne.

The game started with School having the advantage of the wind and slope but in all departments play was ragged and they failed to settle down and press home this advantage. After eighteen minutes' play School were awarded a penalty for an " off-side " infringement and V. G. R. Stephen, the School Captain, confidently converted. Morgan rallied after this set-back and only good marking and tackling by the defence prevented them from crossing the School line ; during this phase J. S. Sutherland, at full-back, played particularly well. Towards halftime, following a line-out near the School line, Morgan broke through to score an unconverted try. Half-time score—Morgan Academy, 3 pts. ; School, 3 pts.

After the restart School showed an all-round improvement and although they confined play to Morgan's half for long periods their only reward was an unconverted try by R. Smart, who took advantage of a defensive slip by the opposing " stand-off " and touched down far out. The School pack, under the leadership of I. Anderson, was playing extremely well, wing forwards R. Smart and A. Stewart being outstanding, and it came as a surprise when Morgan, against the run of play, broke through to score an unconverted try. School redoubled their efforts and following a set scrum in the Morgan " 25 ", G. B. Nicolson provided the highlight of the game by dropping a perfect goal. Just before the final whistle Morgan scored from a penalty in front of the posts, leaving School with a narrow, but well deserved victory. Final score—Morgan Academy, 9 pts.; Grammar School, to pts.

19 October t946.—r. Dundee High School at Rubislaw. Team : J. S. Sutherland ; W. Murray, R. Smart, J. M. Eddison, W. D. Michie ; G. B. Nicolson, V. G. R. Stephen ; W. Clark, H. McRae, I. Murray ; I. V. Anderson, H. Connochie ; A. I. Cheyne, E. J. McCrae, W. A. Stewart.

From the start School forwards were prominent with loose rushes, but were inclined to overdo this and starve their " backs", who were left almost entirely to figure in a defensive role. From one of these rushes I. V. Anderson, the School vice-captain and pack leader, barged over to score an unconverted try. Half-time score—School, 3 pts. ; Dundee High, Nil. After the interval, following a spell of stronly contested mid-field play, R. Smart, playing in an unfamiliar role at " centre ' , broke through and ran on to score a good try which was not converted. Following this set-back Dundee attacked vigorously and only brilliant tackling by the School defence prevented them from scoring ; J. S. Sutherland at full-back and V. G. R. Stephen at scrumhalf were outstanding during this period. Towards the end of the game J. Hall of High School, from a position in front of the posts, reduced the leeway by dropping a penalty goal. Final score—Grammar School, 6 pts. ; Dundee High School, 3 pts.

2 November 194.6.—r. Robert Gordon's College at Rubislaw. Team : J. S. Sutherland ; W. Murray, R. Smart, J. M. Eddison, \V. D. Michie ; G. B. Nicolson, V. G. R. Stephen ; J. McNab, H. McRae, W. Clark ; H. Connochie, I. V. Anderson ; W. A. Stewart, I. Murray, A. I. Chcync.

School forwards started off strongly with good combined forward rushes and quick, clean heeling from the set scrums, but the strong Gordon's defence prevented any early scoring. School, somewhat luckily, took the lead when Gordon's were penalized for an " off-side" infringement well out and G. B. Nicolson, with a finely judged kick, claimed the points. Gordon's rallied after this and with good constructive " back" play confined the School to their own half and only dogged defence prevented them from scoring ; J. S. Sutherland, W. Murray and V. G. R. Stephen played heroic parts during this phase. Before the interval, however, Gordon's speedy right winger crossed the line for an unconverted try. Half-time score—School, 3 pts. ; Gordon's College, 3 pts.

After the restart Gordon's attacked strongly, gradually taking the upper hand and only a concentrated defensive effort by the School prevented them from

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converting this supremacy into a points lead. Against this onslaught School defended bravely, the only reliefs being from spasmodic forward rushes, and it was not surprising that they had to admit defeat in the last ten minutes when Gordon's, by speedy, clever handling, scored three unconverted tries. School, although under constant pressure throughout, fought pluckily, but were beaten by a tram superior in power in their " back" division. Final score—Grammar School, 3 pts. ; Gordon's College, tz pts.

9 November 1946.—P. Abbey School at Fort Augustus. Team: J. S. Sutherland ; W. Murray, R. Smart, J. M. Eddison, W. D. Michie ; G. B. Nicolson, V. G. R. Stephen ; J. McNab, H. McRae, W. Clark ; W. G. H. Bell, H. Connochie ; W. A. Stewart, I. Murray, A. I. Cheyne.

From the start it was obvious that the long journey by road was having a detrimental effect on School's play and Abbey School's forwards completely dominated the game, claiming the ball in all set scrums. I. V. Anderson, the " pack" leader, was sadly missed and the forwards played a hapless game. V. G. R. Stephen, behind the scrum, strove bravely to rally the School but it came as no surprise when Abbey School broke through and scored. This was followed by another unconverted try due to bad marking on the part of the " backs". A. Stewart proved to be the School saviour and scored two tries in quick succession, one of which was converted by G. B. Nicolson ; this helped greatly to rally School and, following a dribbling movement, A. Cheyne put them further ahead by scoring another unconverted try. Half-time score—Abbey School, 6 pts. ; School, I I pts.

The standard of play in this half was much higher, both teams coming near to scoring in the early stages, and play moved quickly from end to end. The School " backs " showed a better sense of balance, and stronger running on the " wings" would have brought scores. Disaster overtook School towards the end when an individual Abbey School forward dribbled half the length of the field and scored near the post, for full points to be claimed and the game made even.

School redoubled their efforts and with only two minutes to go, R. Smart rounded off one of the few co-ordinated " back " movements by scoring far out. Final score—Abbey School, it pts. ; Grammar School, 54 pts.

Swimming.

With the lapse of the annual gala in the last two years, it might have been assumed that swimming had fallen on evil days. This impression was effectively disposed of by the performances at this year's gala held in November.

The number of competitors was much above expectations, the standard good, and the enthusiasm great. It was the first occasion on which it was ventured to engage the municipal pond ; and the crowded auditorium spoke well for the interest of friends of the School and of the general public. The credit for the admirable organization went to Mr. James C. Ilunte..

While all classes of competitors were to be congratulated for their performances, Ronald W. Strachan deserved special commendation for winning the Rector's Cup for the third year in succession. In the Upper School, Pat Collins was marked out by speed and purity of style. In the eyes of authorities, Errol Anderson of Lower School gave promise of being an outstanding swimmer. The F.P.s' contribution of graceful diving set a standard for enthusiasts in this art.

There are fewer swimmers of first quality in Upper School than in the last few years, when it was possible to compete with Gordon's College on fair terms.

We may assume, however, from the evidence provided at the gala of more widespread interest and skill, that this may soon right itself.

Mr. Edwards' special interest accounts for the particular keenness in the Lower School. In the Middle School, Mr. Wilson has undertaken, as in former years, the teaching of the beginners' class, and is assisted this year by Mr. Coulthard.

House competitions will be arranged as formerly and possibly competitions with Gordon's College and other schools.

Results of Inter-House Championship : First—Byron House, 48 points ; Second —Dun House, 33 points ; Third—Melvin House, 22 points ; Fourth—Keith 'louse, it points.

R. W.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Hockey.

The season was started in excellent fashion, the worries of teambuilding being nullified by the return to School of no less than eight of last year's 1st XI. A strong reserve of players made competition for the three remaining positions particularly keen.

With the experience gained from last season's victories, combined with great enthusiasm, the team quickly developed a high standard of play, and " started the ball rolling " with a decisive victory over our rivals at Gordon's College. Two set-backs followed, but thereafter the XI claimed four of the next five matches, the fifth being declared a goal-less draw. At present the defence is probably the stronger part of the team, with Peter Mitchell, at centre-half, being particularly outstanding ; the forwards combine well but display a certain hesitancy in front of goal, a failing which deprives them of much of the fruits of their good outfield play.

To date the results compare favourably with last year's, and it should be remembered that, with the return of many players from the Services, the opposition has been much heavier and more experienced.

Any hockey review would be incomplete without a tribute to Mr. I. M. Park, who, besides having given of his time and energy to coaching and refereeing, has done much " behind the scenes " to further the cause of hockey in the School.

Goals For. Against.

Oct. 5. v. Gordon's College • • • • o 5 v. Gordonians .

• • • • • 1 PP 3 v. Ruthricston F.P.s 8 .

• • • • z Pt 59. „ 26. v. A.G.S. F.P.s . .

O .

7 30. v. University znd XI . .

• 6 4 Nov. z. v. Aberdeen Lads' Club . .

5 3 „ 6. v. Gordon's College .

6 O • • • • „ x6. v. Richmond . .

O O • • • • • Total played, 8 ; Won, 5 ; Lost, 2 ; Drawn, t ; Goals—for, 32 ; against, 18.

Resukr—

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S.S.C. Notes.

After a rather slow start—the result of the continued and regretted lack of Dr. Miller's leadership—the Club suddenly came to vigorous life again in a Reunion in the Small Gymnasium on Friday, z8 September. Cause ? The " fons ct origo " of it all, " Stanley " in person, evergreen and contagious in enthusiasm as ever.

We were also glad to welcome as guests Jack Frame and a party of clubfcllows from Central School (a liaison quite unprecedented in the Parish annals I) Our visitors rather misinterpreted our social habits by turning up in lounge-suits.

The very idea I But matters were easily adjusted and a " free-for-all " ensued without respect for persons but with a most remarkable discrimination for windowpanes. Then tea (pace Chem-Labs Ltd.), a " Stanley " act, drama " as she is played ", more " Stanley " . . . Goal !—and so quietly to bed.

We have since had weekly meetings, games alternating with our own wayward exchanges of views. F.P.s have been good enough to look in occasionally and lend a hand. All interested will be welcome on Mondays at four o'clock.

Looking ahead, we hope for another Club night at Christmas. A rugby match has also been proposed, the Club v. " The Rest ". Odds are very heavily against the Philistines.

T. H. M.

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House Notes.

Byron House.

At the annual House meeting held at the beginning of term, the following officials were elected : House Captain, A. J. H. Paterson '. Rugby Captain, J. M. Eddison ; Rugby Vice-Captain, I. H. L. Murray ; Hockey Captain, H. Taylor ; Swimming Captain, R. Strachan.

So far this year no Senior Rugby House games have been played, but recent trials have shown that Byron's standard of play has not fallen off this term.

Although the House did not show up quite so well as might have been hoped in the Junior matches, its team will improve with practice.

As was expected, the House acquitted itself admirably at the Swimming Gala this year, leading with a total of 48 points. R. Strachan can claim much of the credit for our success, he himself gaining is points and again winning the Rector's Cup. The keen spirit shown by our younger swimmers bodes well for our future success in the Gala.

Our Hockey Team has a good record this term, as is in no way surprising, since the House provides five members for the School Hockey ist XI, including its Captain and Vice-Captain. In the inter-House Hockey matches the Byron team defeated Dun by 9 goals to 4, and Keith by 9 goals to 1.

During the last few years there has been an unfortunate falling-off in Byron's usually high standard of athletic achievement. I must stress that it is only through a keen and spirited attitude in all our activities that we can hope to regain our position as premier House of the School. In conclusion I may say that with the enthusiasm of its younger members Byron House has a very fine chance of attaining that position.

ALBERT PATERSON, House Captain.

Dun House.

At a House meeting held early in the session the following boys were elected to act as officials for the session 1946-47 : House Captain, G. B. Nicolson ; Rugby Captain, G. B. Nicolson ; Vice-Captain, R. D. L. Smart ; Swimming Captain, H. Connochk ; Hockey Captain, D. Ross.

During the winter term, the only inter-House Competition has been the struggle for the Swimming Championship. Dun swimmers gave a very good display but were beaten for the championship by Byron, led by that excellent swimmer, Ronald Strachan. On behalf of the House I take this opportunity of congratulating him on winning the Rector's Cup for the third successive year. But by winning both the Middle and Upper School relays, Dun showed the best team spirit and co-operation.

Owing to regular 1st XV practices, no inter-House Rugby matches have been played up to the time of writing, but although the I louse team may not equal the one of last year by winning the Cup, I am sure the boys will do their best to maintain the high standards that the House has attained in this sphere. The Junior XV, ably captained by D. Henderson, have shown by their play so far that the championship is well within their grasp. They have already beaten Byron I louse by a large margin, but were very unlucky to lose to Melvin by 8 points to 6 in an evenly matched game.

In the Hockey field, however, the House prospects arc not so bright. Our team has already lost its match with Byron by 9 goals to 4, but atoned for this by an easy victory over Melvin.

In closing, I would urge each member of the House to strive to the best of his ability so that Dun may do as well in other sporting activities as it has done in Swimming.

G. B. NicoLsoN, Howe Captain.

Keith House.

At the I louse meeting held in September, the following officials were appointed : I-louse Captain, J. S. Sutherland ; Rugby Captain, I. V. Anderson ; Rugby Vice-

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Captain, I. R. Fraser ; Hockey Captain, P. E. G. Mitchell ; Swimming Captain, R. Geatcr.

This year, so far, there have been no Senior Rugby inter-House games, owing to adverse weather conditions. However, the House should acquit itself well, since no fewer than ten members of the 1st and and XV's are in the House team. The Juniors have done quite well so far, having defeated Byron but lost unluckily to Melvin. There is some good material in the ist and and years and it is hoped that they will improve as the season goes on.

At the Swimming Gala, the senior swimmers did not distinguish themselves.

Encouragement may be taken from the fact that the Lower School team was second in the inter-House relay race and their enthusiasm should help greatly in the future in putting Keith swimming where it belongs, at the top.

The House Hockey team has met with varied success, having been defeated by a very strong Byron team and having defeated Melvin by a comfortable margin.

Two members of the House play in the 1st XI and by their example, the House team should do well in the future.

Four Keith boys are prefects this year : A. I. Cheyne, E. G. Cran, I. R. Fraser and J. S. Sutherland. We extend our heartiest congratulations to them all and wish them luck for the session.

It is with great regret that we learn of the death of Dr. Miller. He took great interest in all House activities and his untimely death will be sadly felt in the House.

This year Keith has a good chance to be the topmost House again, but it is only by strenuous efforts in work and play that we shall achieve this aim.

Finally, I appeal to all members to maintain the high standards and tradition of the House.

J. S. SUTHERLAND, House Captain.

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Melvin House.

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At a meeting held at the beginning of the term, the following office-bearers were elected for the session 1946-47 : House Captain, V. G. R. Stephen ; Rugby Captain, V. G. R. Stephen ; Rugby Vice-Captain, W. A. Stewart ; Swimming Captain, A. Petrie ; Hockey Captain, G. Palit.

So far no Senior inter-House matches have taken place, but our Junior XV did very well to beat Keith by 15 points to nil and Dun by 8 points to 6. The House 1st XV looks like being the strongest we have had for many years and includes six stalwart members of the School XV. In the Swimming Gala held recently we succeeded in gaining third place, and we congratulate the team on its stout effort against stronger opponents.

The Hockey XI have not fared so well and have lost both their games against Keith and Dun. Three Melvin boys have been elected Prefects : V. G. R. Stephen ; W. A. Stewart and J. Jones.

In conclusion, I should like to say that the prospects of the House are extremely favourable, and with the full support of its members, there is no reason why it should not be the leading House this session.

V. G. R. STEPHEN, House Captain.

The Dramatic Society.

The officials for this session arc as follows: President—John Jones ; VicePresident, J. Morland Craig ; Secretary, Peter M. Gordon.

A meeting was held at the beginning of September and the numbers were so small that the Rector spoke to the School about the Society. About forty boys assembled at a second meeting.

Four plays were decided on, and these are being presented in the Hall on 18 December, to the general public and the School. The Seniors arc doing " Campbell of Kilmour" and " The Rehearsal" ; the Second Year " The Discovery" and the First Year " The Sheriff's Kitchen ". All the members are looking forward to production, and rehearsals have been held weekly.

P. M. GORDON, Secretary.

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The Literary and Debating Society.

Once again the officials of the Society have succeeded in compiling a syllabus and having it printed in reasonably good time for the start of its activities.

Our first meeting of the session was a Business Meeting on 13 September at which the President, A. J. H. Paterson, gave an outline of the year's activities.

So far this term we have had only two straight debates. The first was on 27 September and was " That the present type of trial by jury be abolished".

The motion was supported and alternatives supplied by A. J. H. Paterson and J. M. Craig. 'The second, on 18 October, was " That the British Constitution be reformed", when heated arguments developed over the House of Lords and the Referendum.

There have been two most interesting discussions in the course of the term.

The first was entitled " Palestine". J. M. Craig gave an enlightening account of the problems of Palestine, whilst one blood-thirsty member suggested that the Arabs and Jews should he left to fight it out, since there was nothing like a " good old war" to settle differences.

The second discussion followed a week later on it October. The subject was " Reform of the School Curriculum ". Games, classics and free school dinners figured prominently in the argument.

Two Inter-School Debates have been held. The first was on 13 October with Gordon's College. " That we should eat, drink and he merry, for to-morrow we die " provided, one would have thought, an admirable subject for debate, but the after-speaking moved very slowly from beginning to end.

The second Inter-School Debate, which was with the Central School, took the form of a Balloon Debate. The professions or occupations represented in the Balloon were those of School Teacher, Dentist, Cook, Clown, Idle Rich Man and Income-Tax Collector. Of these, the Cook, the Idle Rich Man and the IncomeTax Collector were admirably supported by J. F. Kirk, A. J. H. Paterson and Andrew Milne respectively. At both these debates, the Grammar School Society was poorly represented, on the first occasion because it was a Tuesday afternoon, and on the second, which was an evening meeting, because the School's annual Swimming Gala was held on the same evening.

On 1 November we were treated to a feast of wit, colour, examples of masterful photography and unsurpassed scenery, for which we are deeply indebted to Mr. Hugh Welsh, President of the Cairngorm Club. His collection of slides is magnificent, and an unusually large attendance of boys appreciated his quietly humorous delivery. Mr. Welsh took us on a tour of the Cairngorms and the Cuillins of Skye and completely transported us from our surroundings for a brief period of two hours.

For a week before Is November, a Parliamentary Election campaign raged.

It reached its climax on the Friday morning when we arrived at school to find the main corridor like an exhibition hall, plastered with hastily-painted posters. By Tuesday, which was Nomination day, three nominations had been received by the Secretary, who acted as Returning Officer, viz.: D. M. Craig—Liberal ; Alan S. Hall—Conservative ; and J. F. Kirk—Communist. A deposit of rs. was paid by each candidate. This deposit was returned to the successful candidate, On Friday morning, the Communist candidate arrived in school wearing a pure-red tie against the background of a navy-blue shirt. The air was full of slogans. At the meeting in the afternoon, which had to be held in Ball owing to the overwhelming numbers present, each candidate put forward his party's policy and his own qualifications to act as a Member of Parliament. After the Returning Officer explained the voting procedure, Proportional Representation was employed and each elector had to state his first and second choice. (Ballot papers had been printed.) Then the Returning Officer, who was holding the ballot papers, was all but overwhelmed by a mass of humanity, all wishing to record votes, and he had to retreat to a classroom in order to count the votes. The Conservative candidate won by an absolute majority.

Hearty thanks arc due to Miss Gihb, the School Secretary, for devoting part of her valuable time to printing the ballot papers for the General Election, and also to George Henderson of IV for the numerous delightful posters executed by him for our meetings.

J. W. JONES, Secretary.

9z

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Scout Notes. ist Troop.

During the summer the ist Troop took a very successful part in local Scout Activities. On the sporting side the Troop did remarkably well, winning the Athletic Shield and also the Junior Five-a-Side Football Trophy. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Troop has been first in Athletics.

On the more Scouty side the Troop gained fifth place in the County Flag competition, being only to points behind the winners. The examiners were impressed with the high standard of Scouting and Camping shown by the Aberdeen Troops. One of our Patrol Leaders spent a week-end at the International Camp at Blair Athol! and more recently some of the Scouts took part in an end-of-season rally at Templars' Park.

Our own Summer Camp was held at Strathdon, where thirty-three of the lads spent the first week of July under canvas and twenty-seven the second week. The weather was good and the success of the Camp was due, in no small way, to our A.S.M., G. K. Townshend who, as Quarter-Master, performed that most arduous of tasks so ably. Amongst the highlights of the camp was a very successful, though at first rather frightening, night game.

On the resumption of meetings after the Summer Vacation our numbers, although quite high, increased remarkably, mainly due to the coming up of ten Cubs from the Pack, and this necessitated some radical changes. It was at first thought desirable to split the Troop up into Senior and Junior Sections as this has been approved by Imperial Headquarters. Scottish Headquarters, however, have made it clear that there arc to be no such things as Senior Scout Sections in Scotland, so we then decided to meet in two parts, three Patrols in the Hut and three Patrols in the small Gymnasium at the School. Each week, however, two Patrols change their places of meeting so that we arc still one Troop. The system has been working now for a number of weeks and it seems quite successful. For the Christmas Feed, Camps and other activities, we shall meet as a Unit.

Scout work is progressing favourably as is shown by the fact that six Scouts have been put forward for the 1st Class Badge.

Promotions : to Troop Leader, I. W. Thomson ; to P.L.s, A. Watt and A. Michic ; to Seconds, W. Brooker and B. Gray.

The Pack continues to meet in the Scout Hut on Saturday mornings at 9.3o.

There have been 13 new recruits this session, bringing the number to 39. Our Cub Mistress is Miss Isobel J. R. Mackintosh.

They have been fortunate in having the assistance of Miss Lesley Brown, whose services arc undoubtedly of great benefit. Our gratitude is also due to some of the Senior Scouts who regularly attend the meetings and help with Cub work.

The annual " Fccd " is arranged for 14 December, when, despite rationing, they hope to enjoy themselves in the usual manner. Douglas Tait has been promoted to JAMES A. MCGREGOR, Acting Scoutmaster.

Senior Sixer.

9th Troop.

Our memories of the summer camp at Loch Morlich are of fiery sun and lashing rain, mist over the mountains, sunsets over the loch, and of attempts, with varying success, to climb the Lairig Ghru, Caimgorm and Ben MacDhui ; altogether a varied and happy fortnight.

At the beginning of the summer term we held an Open Night, at which the idea of a cafe chantant was first put forward. This idea has since been taken up enthusiastically by parents. At the time of going to press we are busy employing all the time-honoured means of raising money for this venture.

I wish to welcome to the Troop George Allan, an old scout and F.P., who is taking over as temporary Scoutmaster. Pressure of other work unfortunately prevents my carrying on as Scoutaster, and I have regretfully to bid farewell to the Troop.

The Troop is full at present and we have a waiting list of boys wishing to join.

The Pack continues to flourish with Miss Lyon taking the place of Miss Smith, who has resigned after giving much valuable service. A new feature in the work

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of the Pack has been the training of several cubs for their tenderfoot test, while they await a vacancy in the Troop.

G. LAING, Scoutmaster.

i7th Troop.

A very successful summer camp, ably run by A.S.M. G. Mathicson, was held during July on the estate of Lord Forbes. We were fortunate in having the best week othc year for weather. Photographs of the camp will be on sale early in the New Year.

Several Patrols arc below strength and recruits will he welcomed at our Friday evening meetings in the Scout Hut, Salisbury Lane.

The Troop suffers from lack of Scouters and the absence of such an able Scouter as R. Hepburn, at present serving in FI.M. Forces, is felt at our meetings. However, the Troop is on the upgrade, as can be seen from our good showing in the " County Flag " and Athletic Sports.

We were very sorry to lose John Hall, whose cheery personality did so much for the scouting spirit in the Troop. We wish him every success in his career as Merchant Navy engineer.

We are compensated for such losses by the return from service in the Forces of such faithful f7th Scouters as Fordyce Paterson and Charles Courts. Although pressure of work prevents them attending all our meetings, their return augurs well for the future of the Troop.

We congratulate C. R. Cruickshank (one of our most popular Scouters) on his election as Captain of the F.P. Rugby 1st XV, and wish him every success.

Promotions.—S. Monro to Second of Woodpigeons ; F. Gorton to Second of Peewits ; A. Cheyne to P.L. of Woodpigeons ; G. Macdonald to P.L. of Peewits ; J. Sutherland to A.S.M. ; T. L. Murray to A.S.M. A. STUART, Assistant Scoutmaster.

Army Cadet Force : The School Company.

After a most successful and enjoyable summer camp at Findhorn in July, it was not surprising that a record number of recruits was forthcoming when we began activities in the autumn.

Our present strength is approximately 8o cadets, and the principal promotions for the session have been made as follows :— Company Sergeant-Major: V. G. R. Stephen. Company Quarter-Master Sergeant : H. Taylor. Platoon Sergeants : T. H. Buchan, R. D. L. Smart, C. N. 'shams.

Quite a number of our seniors of last session have left us and arc greatly missed, especially those who have joined the Forces. Charlie Knowles, Bob Watson, Willie Scott, Gordon Williams, Graham Anderson, and Malcolm C' Skinny ") Paterson, among others, have gone to the Army, while Eric Craig and Sandy Monro arc training in the R.A.F. In a recent letter Eric says : " I am glad to hear the Cadets are carrying on and that the numbers are satisfactory. How I enjoyed the Cadets I The first camp at Findhorn and the first trek with Podge's immense rucksack. The parades were insignificant then, but now I realize how good these days really were. Happy Memories." The Company is also deeply indebted to Eric's father who generously sent fish to supplement our rations in Camp. Sandy Monro also writes with enthusiasm : " Arc the Cadets started again?" he asks. " I sincerely hope so, for I spent some of the most enjoyable times of my life there, and wouldn't like the younger chaps to miss what I thoroughly enjoyed." Sandy is in Cheshire and is looking forward to his first leave home at the beginning of December. George Macnab will also be remembered by former cadets. He is training as a sapper in Hampshire where the pine trees and the heather moorlands remind him of the happy road to Derry Lodge.

It is good to record that the School Cadets continue to go from strength to strength. We have a very promising batch of recruits and the training, especially the .22 shooting, is being taken up with enthusiasm. The senior cadets continue to do the bulk of the training and so we are again happily placed with keen, efficient instructors. Beginners in piping and drumming are not lacking, so the Pipe Band continues to renew itself with enthusiastic young members.

W. P. S.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The Former Pupils' Club.

Founded t893.

President : Vice-President and Chairman of Executive : JOHN LENNOX RIDDELL. Secretary and Treasurer : JOHN SCOTT MACLACHLAN, M.A., LL.B., Advocate, zzo Union Street, Aberdeen.

Secretaries of Centres : Bengal Centre—H. B. SCOTT, z6 Dalhousie Square, Calcutta.

[The Centre comprises all Members of the Club resident in Bengal and Assam.]

Edinburgh Centre—ALLAN C. FRAZER, M.A., LL.B., i i Alva St., Edinburgh, 3.

[The Centre comprises, without additional subscription, all Members of the Club resident in Scotland south of the Tay and east of a line drawn from Perth to Stirling, and from Stirling to Carlisle.]

Glasgow Centre—H. G. EDWARDS, 43 Marlborough Avenue, Glasgow, W. I. [The Centre comprises, without additional subscription, all Members of the Club resident in the South-Western Counties of Scotland—west of a line drawn from Stirling to Carlisle.]

London Centre— [The Centre comprises, without additional subscription, all Members of the Club resident in London, and within a radius of 5o miles.]

Malaya Centre— Secretaries of Sections : Cricket Section—A. H. INNEs, 74 Burns Road, Aberdeen.

Hockey Section—A. H. IrmiEs, 74 Burns Road, Aberdeen.

Rugby Section—N. I. W. MELDRUM, M.A., io Carden Place, Aberdeen.

Rates of Subscription for Membership : . £S o 0 . . .

• LIFE MEMBERSHIP Or Five Consecutive Annual Payments of £1 each.

ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP— For those of zi years of age and upwards at como 5 o . mencement of Club year (1st January) .

For those under zi years of age at the commence. o z 6 . ment of Club year (1st January) . but for those under z 1 a single payment of £i is. will secure membership for SEVEN YEARS.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

95

Club Executive Notes.

Since the last issue of the Magazine there have been two events of major importance affecting the Club.

You will have read elsewhere in the Magazine of the untimely passing of Theodore Watt. No words of mine can add anything to the tributes paid to his memory, but I feel that as one who has, especially during the last 7 or 8 years, come into very close contact with him in the working of the Club, I cannot allow the occasion to pass without comment. We shall probably never arrive at a just estimate of what Theodore Watt has meant to the Club and what the Club meant to Theodore Watt. This applies even more strongly to the Magazine which was essentially his. As you know, he had resigned the Secretaryship of the Club but had intended to carry on the editorship of the Magazine for at least a year or two. On his death the Executive was faced with a major problem in appointing a successor but we think an admirable solution was arrived at when his eldest surviving son, Alan C. R. Watt, agreed to tackle the task.

I think the present number of the " Mag." is testimony to the enthusiasm and success with which he has done so.

The Executive also had to consider the appointment of a successor to Dr. Watt as Club President but it was felt that we could best honour his memory by leaving the office vacant until the next Annual Meeting. * * * The other major event to which I wish to refer is the passing by the Town Council of a motion to abolish fees in the School. This matter is commented on on pages i and a. 1 might here take the opportunity of apologising to Aberdeen members who did not receive a copy of the circular. The whole affair was hurriedly put through having regard to prevailing conditions, and postage errors were bound to creep in. * * * • is given elsewhere of the presentation by the Bengal A full report Centre to the School of a Lectern for the School Hall. One cannot help but feel that the possible changes in the School outlined elsewhere would make such presentations much less likely in the future. * * * The Executive has considered it wise to appoint a Finance SubCommittee and the first task here is to review the whole position regarding Club subscriptions. The heavy rate of taxation has an adverse effect on Revenue from investments and all costs, including the major one, the publishing of the Magazine, are greater.

A Memorial Sub-Committee has also been appointed to consider the question of a Memorial to those F.P.s who fell in the War and also one to Dr. Watt. * * * The Rugby Section are sponsoring an appeal for subscriptions to a Fund for a testimonial to Mr. Duncan MacGregor, Games Master at the School for so many years. While " Mac's " heart was mainly in " Rugger " (one recollects many a thrilling try scored by him in

96

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

the early 19zo's when he played for F.P.s), he made many friends among non-Rugby playing F.P.s and the Executive would heartily commend this appeal to all. * * * A notice appears elsewhere about the Ball and the Dinner. The Jubilee of the Club occurred in 1943 and a Jubilee number of the Magazine was published in January 1944, but it was not then possible to mark the occasion. The Executive has decided to link this year's social functions with the Jubilee and hopes that F.P.s will rally round and make the Jubilee Ball and the Jubilee Dinner resounding successes.

Dr. Eric Linklater and the Rector, Mr. J. J. Robertson, are to be among the speakers at the Dinner.

J. LENNOX RIDDELL, Chairman.

Club Membership.

The Secretary takes the opportunity of reminding members who are forgetful about remitting subscriptions promptly that a considerable amount of extra work is involved thereby. Normally the .Magazine is withheld from members who are in arrears with subscriptions after being reminded.

During the War years some 15o members fell in arrears with subscriptions. This is quite understandable under the circumstances, and a letter has been sent to each one urging him now to take up membership again. Quite a number have already replied and it is hoped that the remainder will now rejoin.

The following new members have joined since the last issue of the Magazine :— 23 Life Members . .

•

•

•

•

Life Members—on payment of final instalment . . . .

Ordinary Members.

Ordinary Members rejoined . . . .

•

•

. . .

. . .

6 28 i3

Jubilee Dinner and Jubilee Ball.

In pre-War years the Club's two chief social functions were the Annual Dinner and the Annual Ball. Both events arc to be revived in the early part of 1947 and this year they are to mark the Jubilee of the Club. (It will be remembered that the Jubilee fell to be celebrated in 1943 but that no celebration could then be held on account of the War.) Both functions will be in the nature of reunions after the War years and it is hoped that both will be patronized by as many Members as possible.

The Jubilee Dinner is to be held in the Caledonian Hotel on Fiiday, 24 January 1947. Tickets are price 1 zs. 6d. each.

The Jubilee Ball will be held in the Music Hall buildings on Friday, 14 February 1947. Tickets are price 17s. 6d. each.

Further particulars of these functions are being sent to members of the Club resident in Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire. Any other member wishing tickets should apply to the Secretary of the Club, Mr. J. Scott MacLachlan, zzo Union Street, Aberdeen.

In accordance with the Constitution of the Club, no F.P. who is not a member of the Club may attend either function.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

97

The F.P. Club Boarding House.

Boys who entered the House in September 1946.

Anthony A. Chalmers and John C. Chalmers, ss. of Alan Chalmers (1915-x9), c/o I longkong and Shanghai Bank, Kuala Lumpur, Malayan Union.

William Gordon Glennie, s. of William Robert Daniel Glennie (1911-r7), R.N. Mine Depot, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire.

John G. Munro, s. of Wing Commander John Gray Munro (1920-31), c/o Messrs. Stephen & Smith, Aberdeen.

Douglas F. Ross, s. of Simon Douglas Ross (191.1-19), Dept. of Agriculture, Nigeria.

John L. Stephen, s. of James Stephen, East Mothers, St. Cyrus.

Michael B. Tosh, s. of Alfred McLaren Tosh (1929-31), Inchture, Perthshire.

Euan A. L. Wilson, s. of Dr. Geo. Alexander Wilson (1920-23), Medical Dept., Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika Territory.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARDING HOUSE COMPANY. The Eighteenth Annual General Meeting of the Aberdeen Grammar School F.P. Club Boarding House Co. Ltd., was held in the registered office of the Company, 7 Golden Square, Aberdeen, on zi October 1946, Dr. Edward W. Watt, the Chairman of the Company, presiding.

The Report of the Directors to the meeting stated that the average number of boys during the year in the Senior House was 45 and in the Junior House 17.

This showed a drop of two in the Senior House, the result of deliberate policy to ensure that there should be places available in the Senior House for boys moving up from the Junior House. This has naturally resulted in a drop in the gross income compared to the previous year.

The chief feature of the financial results of the year, however, was a very sharp increase in expenses. Even if the ordinary running costs remain at the same level, expenses arc likely to increase over the next period as considerable repairs and renewals have to be undertaken as and when permission can be obtained.

After meeting all outgoings and expenses, including an increased amount for repairs, and after providing £269 for taxation on the current year's results, the net profit for the year amounted to . . . . . . . £518 2 I Brought forward from last year . . . . . .

263 17 2 £781 19 3 The Directors recommended the following allocations :— . r. Writing off Furniture Account . . . z. Provision for repairs and renewals . . .

3. Directors' fees • • • . . . . . .

4. Dividend of 5 per cent., less Tax 5. Carrying forward to next year . . . .

. . . . .

. . .

• -

£58 to zoo o 35 0 zo6 5 282 4

o 0 0 o 3

£781 19 3

At the end of the School year in June Mrs. Macfie, who had been Matron of the Senior House for the past two years retired. Miss J. M. S. Bain was appointed Matron in her place.

The Directors recorded with regret the death of Dr. Theodore Watt who was one of the Former Pupils' Club representatives on the Board since the formation of the Company. His position as Secretary• of the Club and his great interest in everything pertaining to the School and the Boarding House made his advice and assistance invaluable to the Company. Mr. J. Scott MacLachlan, the new Secretary of the Former Pupils' Club, had been nominated by the Club and was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Dr. Watt's death.

On the motion of the Chairman, the Report was unanimously adopted. Mr. A. G. Nicol Smith, the retiring Director, was re-elected, and Mr. Alan AlcBain, C.A., was re-appointed Auditor.

98

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Club Consuls.

The last list of Consuls was published in the Magazine of November 1940. Changes have been inevitable since that date and a new list is being compiled. The list given below shows where Club Consuls are definitely in action. Replies arc expected shortly from several other Consuls confirming that they are still prepared to act. It is hoped to publish a full detail in the Magazine of June 1947.

Members of the Club are reminded of the value of the Club Consular system. The Consul is always ready to welcome a newcomer to a foreign land and give him information and advice regarding the country. Members going abroad are urged to communicate with the Club Secretary, who will furnish him with the names and addresses of the appropriate Consuls.

One point stands out and is stressed by all the Consuls who have been in touch with the Secretary—the very keen desire of every Consul to meet all F.P.s going to their area. To those Consuls who have now retired, the Club owes a debt of gratitude for a task undertaken willingly and cheerfully on behalf of the Club and the School.

- List of Consuls.

AUSTRALIA (Western Australia) :—IAN THOM (1912-z5), Wydga Station, Mount Magnet, Perth, Western Australia.

CANADA (Ontario) :—ROBERT FLEMING (1891-98), C.E., Messrs. Wood, Fleming & Co., 7oo Royal Bank Buildings, Toronto, 2.

CANADA (Manitoba) :—JOHN DUGUID CRUICKSHANK (1899-1904), Personal Loan Department, The Canadian Bank of Commerce, Winnipeg.

CANADA (British Columbia) :—WILLIAM ERNEST MILNE (1881-90), c/o Milne, Middleton, Ltd., 347 Water Street, Vancouver.

CEYLON :—CHARLES JAMES STRACHAN (1917-21), Anglo-Ceylon General Estates CO., P.O. Box 13, Colombo.

EAST AFRICA (Tanganyika) :—Dr. GEORGE ALEXANDER WILSON (191o-23), c"o Health Office, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika Territory.

EGYPT :—ALEXANDER GEORGE WALKER (1906-20), clo Northern Assurance Co. Ltd., St. Mark's Buildings, P.O. Box 1695, Alexandria.

INDIA (Assam and Bengal) :—HERBERT BREBNER SCOTT (1905-08), Royal Insurance Co. Ltd., 26 Dalhousie Square, Calcutta.

INDIA (Bihar) :—ALEXANDER WHINCUP CARLE (1914-2o), B.Sc., District Local Superintendent, O. & T. Railway, Mokanehghat, Bihar, India.

INDIA (Hyderabad) :—CECIL ARTHUR GRANT SAVIDGE (1913-24), M.B.E., Director-General of Revenue, Bcgumpet, Hyderabad, Deccan.

INDIA (Madras) :—IAN CUMMING (1907-14), c/o Messrs. Vernon & 6 Second Line Beach, Madras.

INDIA (Rajputana) :—GEORGE TAYLOR SIMPSON (1910-20), Jodhpur State Railway, Jodhpur.

KENYA :—GRAEME GEORGE SUTHERLAND (1903-09), Land Bank, P.O. Box 1002, Nairobi.

MALAYAN UNION (Negri Sembilan) :—GRAHAM HENDERSON (190612), Sua Betong, Estate, Port Dickson.

MALAYAN UNION (Pahang) :—WILLIAM FERRIER NIAVOR (1923-3o), Senior Customs Officer, West Pahang, Raub.

NIGERIA (Northern Province) :—Captain CAMPBELL GRANT McKENZIE (1910-12), co The Secretary, N.P., Kaduna.

NORWAY :—L. GEORGE STEPHEN SIMONSEN (1910-14), Ferjeveien 5, Framncs, Sandcfjord.

RHODESIA (Southern) :—JAMES WYNESS MACGREGOR (z9to-23), P.O. Box 91, Umtali, Southern Rhodesia.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Afagazine

99

SOUTH AFRICA (Cape Province) :—Professor WILLIAM SOUTAR MACKIE (1895-1901), M.A., Drumoak, Greenfield Road, Kenilworth, Cape Town.

SOUTH AMERICA (Brazil):—JOHN BLAKE LYON (190o-04), c/o The Slo Paulo Gas Co., Ltd., Caixa, Postal 19B, Sao Paulo.

MEXICO :—PATRICK J. M. WALKER (1914-so), C.A., Apartado 12 Bis, Mexico, D.F.

News from Our Consuls.

As intimated on page 98 the Secretary of the Club is revising the list of Club Consuls and has recently written to all of them, enquiring whether they are able to continue in office. (Due to the War, many changes will be necessary and several have returned home on retirement from overseas.) From replies received, the following notes have been compiled.

John Duguid Cruickshank (1899-1904), Consul for Canada (Manitoba), had hoped to see some young F.P.s among those training in R.A.F. Schools during the War but he met none. He looks forward to the Magazine for news of the School and hopes soon to have up-to-date news from personal visits of F.P.s.

John Rhys Danson (1897-1903), M.B.E., Consul for Malaya (Penang), retired in 1941. As Penang is one of the main arrival ports of Malaya, he suggests the Club should have a Consul there since he could do much to help a newcomer. " During my experience very few ever looked me up. If the Consulate service could be kept better to the front and rather forced before the eyes of people going abroad, I think it could then be very useful to newcomers."

Douglas J. Davidson (1891-1902), former Consul for Ceylon, has retired and is now resident in Stonehaven: William Maurice Grant Dawson (1905-07), former Consul for India (United Provinces) has retired and is now resident in London. He was Chief Engineer, Irrigation Branch, P.W.D., Lucknow.

Robert Fleming (1891-98), Club Consul for Canada (Ontario) " complains " that he does not sec enough F.P.s. A real enthusiast, he is particularly anxious to meet all F.P.s who arc in his arca.

James Wyness MacGregor (1910-23), Consul for Southern Rhodesia, was demobilized in November 1945 after serving as a Major, R.E., with the Middle East Forces. Ile has now taken up again his appointment as Town Engineer at Umtali, Southern Rhodesia. He has one complaint—that he has not enough to do as Club Consul.

Campbell Grant McKenzie (1910-12), Consul for Nigeria (Northern Provinces) writes : " Stress in .Magazine the valuable assistance the Club Consul ' service ' can render if F.P.s, particularly those proceeding abroad for the first time, would contact the Consul in the country they intend to visit." lie suggests they should also communicate in advance with the Club Secretary who would advise the Consul.

William Ernest Milne (1881-90), Club Consul for British Columbia, has now retired from the firm of Milne, Middleton Ltd. but continues as Consul. He hopes to make fresh contacts as conditions gradually return to normal.

John Hall Ritchie (1903-o9), M.A., B.Sc., former Consul for India (Bombay), has retired. Ile writes to say that very few Grammarians or Britishers generally are likely to reside in Bombay in future, unless it be in the business and mercantile world.

William Philip Selbie (1901-06), M.C., M.B.E., M.A., Lt.-Col., Commandant of King George's Royal Indian Military College, Ajmer, and Club Consul for India (Punjab), is retiring at the end of the year. Ile is returning to the United Kingdom and regretfully has to relinquish his Consulship.

L. George Stephen Simonsen (1910-14), Consul for Norway, is now happily free again. He has had no contact with the School or the F.P. Club since before the late War. Ile wishes very much to rejoin the Club, although " I. never really looked on myself as not being a member ". Before the War he had several visits from F.P.s and Dr. JOHN HERBERT STEPHEN (1899-190O) once spent a fortnight at his home. He hopes to return to the U.K. in the spring of 1947. An article by Mr. Simonsen appears in this issue.

loo

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

George Taylor Simpson (1910-2o), Club Consul for India (Rajputana) is Deputy General Manager of the Jodhpur State Railway. He has during the year officiated as General Manager.

James Lorimer Souper (1898-1909), former Consul for the Sudan, has retired.

He suggests that Consuls should, if possible, be appointed at Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said and Port Sudan. " Most Far East Liners call at Port Sudan, its climate in summer is very trying and the place itself has little attraction for anyone spending a day ashore. I can imagine few places where a Consul would be more welcome for a F.P. either on arrival in the Sudan or spending a day ashore on his way farther East."

Graeme George Sutherland (1903-09), Club Consul for Kenya, expresses his keenness to assist any F.P. going there. He regrets that, owing to long residence of 24 years abroad without home leave, he has been unable to maintain home contacts and will welcome an opportunity to meet F.P.s all the more on that account. (Sec also note on page 35.)

Alexander George Walker (19o6-zo), Consul for Egypt (Alexandria), has returned from Army service and resumed his employment with the Northern Assurance Co. in Alexandria. He reports that on one occasion a schoolboy seeking stamps, addressed him as " Consul " and caused some confusion in the British Consulate-General!

William Clark Warrack (1898-1909), former Consul for Malaya (Kedah), is now living in Aberdeen and is not returning to Malaya. It is with regret that he gives up his Consular post.

Archibald Young (1885-93), former Consul for West Indies (Trinidad), retired in 1945 and has therefore had to resign his Consulship. He thinks the Club My own interpretation of the duties Consul system is excellent just as it is. attaching to the position was the bringing of the newcomer to my own home, with perhaps a drive in my car, a meal and so on, and a warm welcome—these things I know were appreciated."

Bengal Centre.

The Annual General Meeting of the Centre was held at the residence of the Honorary Secretary, 26 Dalhousie Square, Calcutta, on 5 June 1946, when the following were present : Messrs. I. C. Barclay, F. F. Crichton, D. I. Duff, W. G. Macmillan, II. B. Scott, A. L. Simpson, W. G. Smith, C. F. Thomson and S. G. Williamson.

The first item on the agenda was consideration of the Accounts, and following upon the Treasurer's report and submission of the statement, they were adopted.

It was resolved that subscriptions for residents of Calcutta should remain at Rupees to, and members arc requested to send their remittance to the Honorary Treasurer, c/o Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, Calcutta.

The Secretary reported on developments regarding the lectern to be presented to the School, and mentioned that the design had been approved by him, after consultation with the Rector. The subject of a crest was one of difficulty, as the crest for the province of Bengal is simply the Royal Coat of Arms. With the assistance of the Superintendent of the Government Press, however, a crest was evolved which is considered representative of Bengal.

The election of Office-bearers for the ensuing year was the next item on the agenda, Mr. D. Inglis Duff being elected President, Mr. S. G. Williamson, Hon. Treasurer, Mr. H. B. Scott, Hon. Secretary, and Mr. R. H. Duguid, Hon. Auditor.

New Members.—We were pleased to welcome Messrs. S. G. Williamson and W. G. Smith.

Re-joining Menthers.—On demobilization from the Services, Messrs. C. F. Thomson, A. McKenzie, and J. O. Rae have re-joined the Centre.

Removals.—Messrs. Alan Reid and F. C. B. Black have been transferred to Hong Kong and Hankow respectively.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

tot

The Edinburgh Centre.

The first function of the revived Centre will be an informal afternoon tea meeting to be held on Friday, 7 January 1947, at 4.30 p.m.

The Hon. Secretary of the Centre, Allan C. Frazer, M.A., LL.B., is Alva Street, Edinburgh 2 (Tel. No. 25768) will be glad to put F.P.s in touch with other F.P.s in Edinburgh, if they care to pay him a visit or contact him by telephone.

The Glasgow Centre.

A well-attended meeting of members on 22 November 1946 decided unanimously to revive the Glasgow Centre, the activities of which have been suspended since 1939. Office-bearers were elected as follows :— President, Douglas M. Wright ; Vice-President, James Stirrac, B.Sc. ; lion.

Secretary and Treaturer, h enry G. Edwards ; Committee, The Rev. Peter Diack, Basil D. D. Emslie, James R. Fiddes, Jun., Hugh M. Morgan, Douglas C. Sangster.

It was decided that the first social function of the re-constituted Centre should be an Annual Dinner, to be held on Friday, 31 January 1947.

Members of the Club coming to reside in the Glasgow area are invited to get into touch with the Hon. Secretary of the Centre, Henry G. Edwards, 43 Marlborough Avenue, W. 1 (Telephone Western 1516), or 193 St. Vincent Street, C. 2, (Telephone Central 5452).

The London Centre.

This Centre has not yet been re-formed hut it is hoped that its pre-War activities will soon be resumed.

Malayan Centre.

WILLIAM FERRIER MAVOR (1923-30), Club Consul at Pahang, Raub, has under-

taken to call a meeting of all F.P.s in Malaya with a view to reviving the Malayan Centre. This Centre was in pre-War days extremely active under the capable Secretaryship of the late Raymond Graham \\ilsnn (1906-t 2 and 1915-17) who, as previously intimated, died in Japanese hands in April 1944. A present reminder of the Centre's thoughts for the School is the beautiful Malayan clock in the School Hall,

F.P. Hockey Section.

At the Annual General Meeting held at Rubislaw at the beginning of the season, there was a large attendance of past and present members, a fact which augured well for the Section's prospects during the present season. At this meeting the following officials were elected : Captain—A. W. A. Main ; Vicc-Captain—R. P. Wishart ; Secretary—A. H. Inns (G. B. Rickart was appointed and held office for a few weeks but had to resign owing to pressure of business) ; Treasurer— T. M. Knox.

This year the Section is running two teams, the ist XI and an " A" team.

The Section has been glad to welcome back from the Services R. P. Wishart, A. Peters, T. M. Knox, W. Malcolm, G. B. Rickart and O. L. P. Fraser. R. E. Wetherly and H. Reid, also back from the Services, arc newcomers to the game, but they have taken to it naturally and have already gained secure positions in the 1st XI. We have been unfortunate to lose the valuable services of G. S. Williams, who played so well in the opening games, as he has been posted to North Wales.

Former Pupils returning from the Services, and wishing a game, should get in touch with any of the above-mentioned officials. The Section makes a special appeal to players leaving School to support the Club. At Rubislaw, we have one of the finest hockey pitches in Aberdeen—due to the grand work of the groundsman, L. E. Tyson, and members will be assured of enjoying their game.

Up to date, the 1st XI have played 5 games, won 3 and lost a. Results :— . 3-1 Won. . . .

Against Richmond at Links . . 6-2 „ . „ Gordonians " A " at Ruhislaw . . . .

• 5-a 35 „ Brechin at Rubislaw . . . . „ Centralians at 1-larlaw . 2-4 Lost. . . . „ Aberdeen at Links .

• 2-3 2,

102

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The " A — team, however, have not been so fortunate, and have lost all 6 games, due to the fact that they are, as yet, inexperienced, but they make up for this with their keenness to improve their hockey.

At a recent meeting of the " A " team, G. B. Rickart was appointed Captain, and W. J. Coulson, Vice-Captain.

Three F.P.s, D. W. Johnston, A. Peters, and A. H. Innes (reserve) were chosen for the district trial game on 23 November at the Links.

D. W. Johnston played for the North against the Highlands at Inverness on 7 December 1946, and has been chosen for the North and Highlands team to play the Midlands on 25 January 1947.

A. H. INNLS, Hon. Secretary.

F.P. Cricket Section.

At the Annual General Meeting of the Strathmore Cricket Union held at Brechin on 18 October 1946, the Aberdeen Grammar School F.P. Cricket Club was admitted to membership. Thus, next season, the 1st XI of the Cricket Section will be competing in a higher class of cricket than it has been accustomed to in the past. In order that a satisfactory showing may be made in our first season in the Strathmore Union, all Former Pupil cricketers are asked to join the Section.

Players may only play for one club in the Strathmore Union during any one season, and the Committee hope that Former Pupils who play cricket will offer their services to the Section.

A second XI, which will compete in the first grade of the Aberdeenshire League, will he run, so there will be an opportunity fur all players to have a regular game.

In season 1946, Grammar F.P.s finished third in the 1st grade of the Aberdeenshire League.

Special nets at Rubislaw Field will be allocated on certain nights to the Section in order that the maximum amount of practice can be obtained.

The playing pitch, thanks to L. F. Tyson, is undoubtedly the finest in Aberdeen, and must rank high among the cricket pitches in Scotland.

F.P.s will see, therefore, that there is every incentive to join the Section next season.

Averages for last Season.

Batting. i. J. S. Manley 2. L. E. Tyson 3. I. Smart .

4. P. K. Booker

. . . .

Bowling. i. L. E. Tyson 2. A. H. Innes .

3. G. P. Marr .

4- A. C. Edmond

. . .

Total No. Times Highest Average.

Score. of runs. not out.

2 5o* 229 13-5 o 201 13.4 55 z3* 1°6 1 3.3 3 I 112 12.4 37* *Not out.

No. of No. of No. of No. of wickets. Average. runs. ov erS. maidens. . 176 74 4.6 339 42 8.0 29 234 . IGO 20 z8 . 108 z61 23 9.3 13 . 87 20 189 14.5 A. II. INN Es, Hon. Secretary.

No. of Innings. . 19 . 15 . it . to

Proposed Golf Section.

It has been suggested that a Golf Section be formed on similar lines to the existing Athletic Sections (Cricket, Hockey and Rugby). If there is evidence of sufficient members likely to take an active interest in such a Section, the intention is to arrange a programme of outings throughout the year.

Names of those interested have already been received from members of the three Aberdeen Clubs, Royal Aberdeen, Deeside and Murcar. Any member of the Club interested in this proposed Section who has not already given his name to the Secretary is asked to do so now.

A meeting of those interested will be convened in early March 5947 to consider the formation of a Golf Section, appointment of office bearers, and details of outings.

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Emporium Sports Outfitters and Golf Club Makers 28

BRIDGE

STREET,

ABERDEEN

(Corner of Bath Street)

we

eNl U w' N.N

U N U m U

no di N EN •E N n o.

■ ••• • •

Business Hours until further notice : Wednesday, I p.m.

8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

% % No 'Phone 1094.

•s •••••••••••••••••••Ia•smos• ••• • es a a a sus ow• • mi in a NE w•••••

n o will

LOU ., SU I TS Although there is no scarcity of raw wool

in the

country, bottlenecks

in

production, especially spinning of yarn and scarcity of skilled labour, are still restricting the supply of Men's Clothing.

As a consequence we cannot hold out immediate hope of supplies sufficient to meet the large unsatisfied demand.

The day will come again, however, when we can offer you our range of 55 fittings in Suits.

0

ESSLEMONT & MACINTOSH (RETAILERS)

LTD.

TAILORS AND OUTFITTERS UNION

STREET

ABERDEEN

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

103

F.P. Rugby Section.

The first post-War season finds the Rugby Section in a very flourishing condition. The playing membership is rapidly approaching 6o and none of the difficulties which one assumed would have arisen from the reorganization of the Section to a full peace-time basis has as yet materialized.

The most noticeable feature of the Club is the average age of the playing members.

It would appear that a lengthy period of war service does not age men so rapidly as a similar period of civilian life. Be that as it may, there is a considerable number of players who would under normal circumstances have hung up their boots, but who arc still playing and playing well. There are, of course, various difficulties such as the continual arrival of new players on demobilization and the loss of others who, after a few months' residence in Aberdeen, take jobs elsewhere.

So far the ist XV has had a most successful season. It started off with a visit to the Borders at the Aberdeen September holiday week-end (the first occasion, I think, on which an F.P. side has visited that Rugby stronghold). A " Seven " was entered at the Selkirk sports and a match against Kelso was also played.

Unfortunately the F.P. " Seven " had the misfortune to meet Melrose, the ultimate winners, in the first round and were beaten, though putting up a good fight. On the Monday, Kelso won by virtue of a successful goal kick after a very close game —not at all a bad result after a week-end of the hospitality of Galashiels.

Since then only one match has been lost, that against St. Andrews University on the day of the North v. Midlands Trial, in which eight of the F.P. team were playing. The very weak team which turned out on that occasion was further weakened by losing two players through injury and it had for most of the second half to play with only thirteen men.

The best result of the other matches was the victory in Glasgow over Allan Glen's School F.P.s when the South Press was moved to the greatest praise of the play, and in fact, but for weak finishing, three or four more tries would have been scored. The back division is very strong and, when at full strength and playing well, can play beautiful rugby, but there has been a certain amount of bad handling and loose passing which has spoiled the excellence of the out-field work.

The forwards, well led by L. Middleton who, despite the fact that he left School in 1932 before some of the younger members of the club had entered the School, shows little sign in his play of the passage of years, have suffered from continual changes and although they have never really been beaten, they do not play as a pack in the way one expects an F.P. pack to play. Up to date, however, they have always risen to the occasion and some of the had scrummaging and line-out work may have been due to the weakness of the opposition.

The and XV has not been so successful. It started off well but a series of injuries to various key players in the hack division has necessitated continual changes and it has never got together as a team. The forwards also arc badly lacking in weight and they have nobody experienced enough to act as an efficient leader.

The following were chosen to play in Representative Games :— North V. Midlands Trial at Dunfermline on 2 November 1946: C. R. Cruickshank, F. R. Paterson (unable to play), J. R. S. Innes, R. F. Buthlay, N. S. Mercer, W. D. Allardice, J. II. Warrack and L. Middleton.

North v. South Trial at Rubislaw on 16 November 1946 : F. R. Paterson, J. R. S. Innes, W. D. Allardice.

Scotland v. The Rest at Galashiels on 21 December 1946: J. R. S. Innes (at full back for The Rest).

After many years of struggling in the wilderness, Aberdeen Rugby is at last beginning to be accepted at its true value by the senior clubs in the South ; in fact F.P.s this season have no less than eleven fixtures with sides which took part in the pre-War Unofficial Championship. Up to date, of five matches played against such clubs, four have been won.

This is a most satisfactory state of affairs but to maintain contact with the clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow entails considerable expense. The attendances to date at home matches have been quite encouraging, but the management of the Section would welcome greater support from the numerous F.P.s resident in Aberdeen.

It can safely be said, I think, that the Rugby Section is the most active branch of the Club and this year it has gained a very good reputation. It is hoped that

Aberdeen Grammar School MagaTjne

104

at future home games many more Club members resident in Aberdeen will give the Section the support which it deserves.

Since writing the above, the 1st XV has added further to its laurels by soundly defeating Gordonians. The game was played in pouring rain on a sodden pitch and the pack especially rose to the occasion and held the much heavier Gordonian forwards, some of their loose rushes being really magnificent.

The present happy position of the Section is due in large measure to the work of Mr. Duncan MacGregor during the time he was Games Master at the School.

The management of the Section consider that, in view of the interest which Mr. MacGregor took in the Section and the services he rendered to it in the years prior to 1939, they should present him with some small token of appreciation, now he has left the School. Doubtless many old players would like to identify themselves with this object and all who so desire are requested to communicate with the Secretary, N. I. W. Meldrum, to Carden Place, Aberdeen.

The following players have played for the tst XV :— Full Back—C. R. Cruickshank (1925-39), Captain.

Three-quarters—F. R. Paterson (1927-40), Teams Secretary, R. F. Buthlay (1925-38), J. R. S. Innes (1923-35), J. A. McGregor (1935-44), E. Hunter (School Staff).

Stand-off Half-N. S. Mercer (1929-38), Vice Captain.

Scrum Hakes—J. C. Lightbody (1925-37), D. L. Paul (1933-4o), W. D. Allardice (1934-39).

Forwards—A. J. M. Simpson (1933-38), I. G. K. Phillips (1936-43), J. S. G. Munro (1922-28), A. G. Cameron (1923-34), L. Middleton (1919-32), W. J. G. Meldrum (1925-35), L. W. Milne (1939-43), I. M. Duguid (1938-43), J. H. Warrack (1937-42), R. J. Bain (1929-41), G. A. Robertson (1922-34)-

xst XV Results. . . . . . . v. Kelso at Kelso .

• • v. Dundee H.S.F.P. at Rubislaw . . . .

V. Hillhead H.S.F.P. at Rubislaw . . . v. Allan Glen's F.P. at Glasgow . . . . . v. No. 59 P.T.C. at Rubislaw .

• . .

19. v. Aberdeenshire at Rubislaw . . . z6. v. Hutchesons' G.S.F.P. at Rubislaw Nov. 2. " A " XV v. St. Andrews University at St. Andrews . . „ 9. v. Morgan Academy F.P. at Rubislaw . . . . . ,, 23. v. Gordonians at Rubislaw . .

• . .

30. v. Wanderers at Rubislaw . .

• • • 7. v. Watsonians at Rubislaw Dec. . .

14. v. Aberdeen University at King's College „

Sept. 23. „ 28. ,, 30.

Oct. 5. >2

I 2.

3,

21

• . .

• .

•

6- 8 Lost.

28- 9 Won. to- 8 „ 28- 3 „ 79- 3 ., 54- 3 ,, 14- 8 ,.

0-15 Lost. . . 30- 8 Won. . to- o Won. . 13- 3 Won. 3-16 Lost. . . 13- 8 Won. .

2nd XV Results.

Sept. is. „ 21. „ z8.

Oct. 5.

1z. ,, 19. ,, z6.

Nov. 2.

9. „ 30.

. . . . v. Gordonians znd at Rubislaw .

• . . . v. School 1st XV at Rubislaw . . . . v. No. S9 P.T.C. at Bridge of Don . . . . v. University " A " XV at Rubislaw . . v. Harris Academy F.P. 1st XV at Dundee . . . . v. Gordonians and at Seafield . . v. Harris Academy F.P. znd XV at Rubislaw . " B " XV v. St. Andrews University znd XV at St. Andrews . . . v. Gordon's College ist XV at Seafield . . . v. University znd XV at King's College

Sept. z8.

Oct. 5.

• 1z. ,, 19.

• 26.

Nov. 9.

. . . 11-12 Lost. . . t'. School znd XV at Rubislaw .

6- 6 Draw .

• v. Wanderers znd XV at Hazlehead . 22- o Won. • v. Central School 1st XV at Hazlehead 6- 3 ,, . .

• v. Aberdeenshire and XV at Rubislaw .

• 8- 8 Draw • . v. Gordonians 3rd XV at Seafield • 9-12 Lost. .

• • v. Gordon's College znd XV at Rubislaw N. I. W. MELDRUM, Hon. Secretary.

1.,

7- 6 Won. t2- 8 „ to- o 5- 6 Lost.

8-12 „ 6-16 „ 24- o Won. 0-24 Lost.

8-16 „ 25- o Won.

3rd XV Results.

Admittedly the best place to Lunch in Aberdeen

Watt & Grant's

RESTAURANT As in all the other sections of the store, Quality is the predominating Despite the difficulties of

feature.

Rationing, every effort has been made to

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You will find the Restaurant an ideal place

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Watt & Grant Ltd., Union St., Aberdeen

WE SPECIALISE IN

GALLOWSES • W. J. MILNE, LTD. Hatters

ABERDEEN Phone 1293 Telegrams: "Gallowses"

Opposite Royal Northern Club

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H. LEITH & SON LTD. 26 and 28 NETHERKIRKGATE Phone 259

ABERDEEN

W. M. McPHERSON Baker and Confectioner

15 FOUNTAINHALL ROAD IND

8

ST.

SWITHIN STREET ABERDEEN

TELEPHONE ISIS

Jackson's Bindery 18 Back Wynd Aberdeen

• fV

TELEPH ONE

O

ESTABLISHED 1855

BOOKBINDING OF EVERY DESCRIPTION

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Leather Goods Lettered with Initials or Inscription Maps or Plans Mounted

0

TRADE MARK

Loose Leaf Specialists

STAY AT THE

Calcdon ian Hotel ABERDEEN A.A.••••

R.S.A.C.

R.A.C.

Telephone

Telegrams

2916 (3 lines)

" Repose, Aberdeen"

Overlooking Union Terrace Gardens.

Three minutes from Station.

Quiet.

80 Bedrooms, all with H. and C. Running Water.

ELECTRIC LIGHT.

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Grill Room open until 11.45 p.m.

0

En Pension Weekly from

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O

Managing Director, JAMES MERCER

CORPORATION

OF

ABERDEEN-EDUCATION

ABERDEEN

GRAMMAR

COMMITTEE.

SCHOOL

(FOUNDED BEFORE 1256.)

Rector

-

JAMES J. ROBERTSON, M.A., B.D., F.R.S.E.

HE GRAMMAR SCHOOL provides a complete course c.f Primary Tand Secondary Education for Boys.

The School is organised as follows :—Nursery Class (4-5.}, Kindergarten (5-7), Lower School (7-12), Middle School (12-15), Upper School (15-18).

The School, which occupies an extensive site in the West End of the City, has, in addition to ample classroom accommodation, an Assembly Hall with Stage, a spacious Library and Reading Room, five well-equipped Laboratories, three Art Rooms, two Music Rooms, three Workshops, two Gymnasia, a Dining Hall, a Museum, and a Botanical Garden.

While the School has a Classical tradition, it offers considerable variety of courses, the subjects of the Secondary Department being (in addition to Rcligous Education, Music, Physical Exercises and Games), English, History, Geography, Latin, Greek, French, German, Spanish, :Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Art and Crafts, Technical Subjects, and Commercial Subjects.

Boys arc prepared for the Universities, the Coil Service, the Professions, Commerce and Industry. The Examinations normally taken arc the Senior Leaving Certificate of the Scottish Education Department and the Bursaries Competitions of the Scottish Universities.

The School has spacious Playing Fields at Rubislaw, the games played being Rugby Football, Cricket, Hockey, and Tennis.

There are two Boarding Houses run in conjunction with the G am ar School.

ABERDEEN

HIGH SCHOOL

FOR GIRLS.

(ALBYN PLACE.) Head Mistress - Miss B. M. ROSE. M.A. [Oxon.).

HIGH SCHOOL provides a liberal education for Girls from THE 5 to 18 years of age. It is organised in three Departments—Infants,

Primary, and Secondary. The Classes in the Infants and Primary divisions are graded in accordance with the requirements of the Scottish Code. Pupils in the Secondary Department are prepared for the Leaving Certificate of the Scottish Education Department and University entrance and Bursary Competition examinations.

Pupils, whose parents desire it, can be taught Theory and Practice of Music (Pianoforte, Violin, Singing, etc.) and can be entered, if desired, for the examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music.

The School buildings occupy an excellent and spacious site in the 'West end of the city. A Playing Field of eleven acres, situated at Hazlehead and provided with a suitable pavilion, is used for organised games.

Information as to Fees, Scholarships, Courses of Study, etc., at the Grammar School and High School for Girls is given in the School Prospectus, which may be had free on application to the Director of Education, Education Offices, or to the Rector or Head Mistress respectively. _ .

n

•

•

Xafer

It was somewhat cold comfort to see the above notice attached to the most attractive goods displayed at the " Britain Can Make It " Exhibition. When applied to deposits in the Aberdeen Savings Bank, however, the words have a much pleasanter significance, because you know the money will be available later to purchase the goods when they are on the market ; and meantime if you do happen to see a bargain your money is, of course, also available now.

SHOE FITTING BY X-RAY

JOHN A. DUNN Family Boot and Shoe Maker

46 UNION STREET ABERDEEN Phone 158

Repairs Executed

SPECIALISTS IN YOUNG-PEOPLES FOOTWEAR PitINTRI) AT TIIE AI1EVI/PEN 1 NV. I •S', ,

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