Issuu

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOU MAGAZINE

ABERDEEN

prin.Md for lite Former Pupils' Ctub al-The University Press Price Volume LX, No. I

Four Shillings December 1956

BON - ACCORD TERRACE is the Aberdeen address of

THE LONDON ASSURANCE Ve-o-y Os(` gfte-erAet 4.vie4 The Resident Secretary, MR. J. F. JOHNSTON, will be glad to see you and to talk over any kind of insurance you may need.

Scottish Offices also at

GLASGOW, EDINBURGH & DUNDEE INCORPORATED A.D. 1720

Your Fireside Comfort is Assured at . . .

01aro APPOINTED PANEL

MEMBERS

OVER 100

FIREPLACES

FIREPLACES AUTHORISED

SOLID FUEL

DISPLAY

APPLIANCES SERVICE

ABERDEEN'S LARGEST SHOWROOMS

14 MID STOCKET ROAD Complete Stockists of

FIREPLACES, ALL NIGHT BURNING FIRES, WATER

and

COMBINATION

SPACE

HEATING

GRATES

and

STOVES, COOKERS

by all the Best Makers

QUALITY

COSTS

LESS

Telephone Aberdeen 24130

AT SELLARS Estd. 1898

FOR ALL SPORTS EQUIPMENT KEEP IN TOUCH WITH

THE SPORTS DEPT OF

he RiihheA

STREET

MASON, BRICK and

LOOK FOR THE NAME: IT'S YOUR GUARANTEE OF FINE FISHING TACKLE

in GEORGE

CONCRETE WORKS

-SCOTTIE'

THE " NET

CARPENTRY and JOINERY

CONSULT

RESULT " for either the beginner or the

veteran, depends on

fine tackle. They both find it at Sharpes'—plus helpful advice on all fishing problems

WILLIAM ). BROWN (ABDN.) LTD. 43 JUTE STREET ABERDEEN

J. S. SHARPE (FISHING TACKLE) LTD

35 BELMONT STREET ABERDEEN

Estimates Free

Phone 20163

THE

NORTHERN ASSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED 0

0 tl

`Northern' by name and `Northern' in origin, the Northern Assurance Company Limited was established in Aberdeen in 1836 and takes lasting pride in its Scottish ancestry For all classes of Insurance ACCIDENT • ENGINEERING • FIRE HOUSEHOLD • LIFE • LIVESTOCK MARINE • MOTOR • PENSIONS You will be on good terms with the ' Northern' Head Offices 1 UNION TERRACE, ABERDEEN 1

MOORGATE,

LONDON, E.C.2

Group Assets exceed £68,000,000

iii

Agents for H.M. Stationery Office

Agents for Ordnance Survey Maps

WYLLIES (BOOKSELLERS LTD.)

247 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN Telephone 25534

Established 1814

ESTABLISH THE HABIT OF READING GOOD BOOKS

JAMES BLAKE LTD. Joiners and Building Contractors

Enquiries courteously solicited

30-32 GT. WESTERN ROAD Telephone 24382 Telegrams " Blake Builders "

ALL CLASSES OF BUILDING WORK

Established over 100 years

WILLIAM CAY AND SONS (Funeral Directors) Limited Efficient Service Day and Night

Cremations Arranged

Private Chapel and Rest Room

209 GEORGE STREET 415 UNION STREET ABERDEEN ABERDEEN Tel. 20054 610-12 GT. NORTHERN ROAD Tel. 29302 Tel. 44532

FALCONERS OF ABERDEEN * * * BOYS' * * * GRAMMAR SCHOOL BLAZERS Sizes 0-15

Lined All Wool

PRICES FROM

64/11 TO £7-13-6

CAPS TO MATCH

7/6 also

I Eti • BELTS • SCARVES • PULLOVERS • HOSE

* * * MEN'S * * * " ARCADE " TUNIC SHIRTS with Double Front and 3 Trubenised (Regd.) Collars NECKBAND SIZES 131 to 171 In Striped Designs & Self Colours

•

354

We cordially invite you to visit our modernised MEN'S AND BOYS' DEPARTMENTS Direct Entrance by Adelphi

I FALCONERS, UNION ST., ABERDEEN • Phone 523411 ,

vie Rapper /kettle modern COCKTAIL lounge

THE EXILES (LEAVE BOOKS

. . . there's nothing quite like it in the North. It's an established 'Aberdeen custom—cocktails in the Kopper Kettle.

Consult these books in the Kopper Kettle and in the Buffet Lounge. They record the names of exiles home cm leave. i

uletionian

UNION TERRACE

•

a ABERDEEN

Resident Manager : R. C. TUCKER. F.H.C.1.

ROBERT MILNE AND SON

STRACHAN Commercial

Fellow Institute British Decorators

and

PAINTER

Portraiture

and

Photography

DECORATOR

* 257 HOLBURN STREET 13oi UNION STREET ABERDEEN

ABERDEEN Telephone No. 24556

Telephone 2085I

Estimates Free

Advice on an Important Occasion

" Father, where do I buy an engagement ring, who would you recommend?" "Well! I don't know really.

When

your mother and I became engaged I think [ asked your grandfather the same question. I remember he said he bought his from

A. & J. Smith who were in St. Nicholas Street in his day.

I bought your mother's

in their Union Street shop. Why not try them? They have done jobs for me over the past years pretty satisfactorily and any way they will be only too pleased to show you what they have."

WHY NOT TRY THEM? THEY WILL BE ONLY TOO PLEASED TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY THEY CAN

vii

ABERDEEN'S FOREMOST FASHION1SHOP

Hove Morning Coffee, Lunch or Afternoon Tea in—

THE RESTAURANT Good service is one of the salient features of our Restaurant on the Third Floor. We use our best endeavours to treat you with courtesy, to serve you with deftness, while the daintiness of the appointments appeals to men as much as to women—and, above all, it is noted for its good food personally supervised by our Chef de Cuisine THIRD FLOOR (Elevator Direct)

WHERE QUALITY COUNTS

221 UNION STREET

VIII

ABERDEEN

TUE PERSONAL TOUCH IS FAST DISAPPEARING FROM THE MODERN WAY OF BUSINESS. YOU CAN STILL FIND IT PERVADING THE FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE IN ROBERTS. WHY NOT CALL ON US NEXT TIME?

ROBERTS (ABERDEEN) Lip HOUSE FURNISHERS

419 UNION ST., ABERDEEN ESTABLISHED OVER 80 YEARS

3 INTERESTING POLICIES " Facts are chiels that winna ding" (1) If you are going abroad on holiday (including Winter Sports) it is

possible to take out a policy—at very moderate cost—that will pay any medical expenses that you may have incurred through having an accident. There's no National Health Insurance abroad. Better safe than sorry. (2) No doubt many of those who read this have an Accident Policy for themselves—you can now have one for your wife at a cost of only Li per year that will give a weekly benefit of £5 if your wife is laid up as a result of an accident. (What thoughts does this conjure up ?) (3) If you are filthy rich or even struggling along on £tooo a year, but, have no pension, you can provide one for yourself. If you fulfil the necessary conditions you need not pay income tax on the annual premium you pay for this pension—its " money for Jam." For particulars of these and other policies consult

J. LESLIE WILSON INSURANCE BROKER

34 BRIDGE STREET

•

'Phone 22207

ABERDEEN

Take a step in the right direction . . . . and by frequent visits to our Showrooms glean something of the trends in modern furniture and furnishing. And when you call why not enquire about our helpful out-of-income furnishing facilities.

•

BROAD STREET ABERDEEN . . . and always of course for stylish Business and Sports wear . . .

82 UNION STREET ABERDEEN

Tel. 20426

BUSINESS PRINTING

The Greyfriars Press 6-10 UPPER KIRKGATE, ABERDEEN Telephone 29124

Dressing Gowns We can show you serviceable wool mixture ones at 69/6 and our heavy wool gowns at £6 10/are very good value. There are others up to 13 Gns.

Pyjamas in all sizes from 38 to 48 chest. Prices range from 49/6 to 9 Gns.

ESSLEMONT & MACINTOSH (RETAILERS)

LT I) TAILORS AND OUTFITTERS

UNION STREET

ABERDEEN xi

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 73rdyear No. 179 (New Series 63rdyear No. 170)

DECEMBER 1956

Vol. LX

No. i

The Magazine is published under the auspices of The Former Pupils' Club twice during the year, in December and June.

The Magazine Committee Rector of the School General Editor

•

Sir James J. Robertson, O.B.E., M.A., B.D., F.R.S.E., F.E.I.S. . Campbell Connon, M.A., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen.

Editor of Notes, Obituary, Marriages, Ian G. Shinnie, 7 Burns Road, Aberdeen. . . . etc. . Editor of the School . T. M. Brown, M.A. Section . Chairman of the F.P. . Joseph R. Carry, M.B.E. Club Executive MacLachlan, zzo Union Street, Aberdeen.

Secretary of the F.P. Club J. Scott

Advertisements

Frank Connon, M.A., LL.B., I2 Golden Square, Aberdeen.

Printed for The Former Pupils' Club at The University Press Aberdeen

CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS . . Classical VI, 1936-37 . The Art Dept.—Composite Photograph

. .

A History of the Grammar School Notes about Old Boys . . University Notes . . . " Outward Bound " . . . History of the Magazine .

. . . . .

• • • •

•

• •

•

Along the Trail of the Klondike Marriages. . . • Obituary . . . .

. . .

. • .

Classical

VI,

1936

- 37

•

School Section— School Office-Bearers . . . • . . . School and Random Notes . School Staff—Arrivals and Departures Homo Sapiens . . . . . . . . . P.P.L. No. 47368 . . Edinburgh Festival, 1956 . . . . . . . . On Climbing . Lower School . . . . . . Music Notes. Principal School Societies . Literary and Debating Society . . . Film Society. Scripture Union. Arts Club Photographic Society. The Art Dept. Today . . . Dramatic Society . . The Aberdeen Schools Scientific Society . . Scout Notes . . . . . . . Combined Cadet Force . School Calendar January-June 1957 • • School Sporting Activities— • Rugby . • • Hockey . Swimming. Badminton • House notes . •

•

. . .

. Facing page 21 • ,, SD 4 8

Page

•

• • .

,, ,,

•

PP PP

. . . . . . . •

•

Former Pupils' Club Section— Club Office-Bearers . The Annual Dinner . • . Glasgow Centre Rugby Section . . Hockey Section Cricket Section . Golf Section . . . New Members

•

PP PP

3 8 13 17 20

2I 23 26 29

33 34 36 37 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 46 47 49 51 53 55 55 57 59 6z 64 65 66 67 67

Note: An Asterisk * after a name throughout the Magazine indicates that the F.P. is a member of the F.P. Club. The years appearing in brackets after the name indicate the years of attendance at School.

? — 1956 A History of the Grammar School (being some historical reflections by the late James Moir, Rector from (881 to 1893 and co-Rector with Dr. Morland Simpson from 1893 to 1899) [Although the long-held belief that our Grammar School was in fact founded " prior to 1:56 " has now been undermined by recent historical research, we feel that it would not be out-of-place in this issue to take some cognizance of the School's ancient lineage, especially when the F.P. Club has—notwithstanding the foresaid activities of "certain scholars who could read the dog-toothed Latin of the medieval scribes "—celebrated this year as the amms mirabilis of the twentieth century, so far as the School is concerned. We arc therefore reproducing a condensed version of an address delivered to the School Literary Society on 5 December 1884 by James Moir, Rector of the School from 1881 to 1893 and co-Rector with Dr. Morland Simpson from 1893 to 1899, all reference to the school'spre1418 " history" having been deleted. This address was first printed in the very first issue of the Magazine in 1885.—En.] If I can inspire the present pupils of the School with pride in the history of its past, the chief object of this Paper will be gained. It is a legitimate source of pride to be connected with an Institution which has produced so many famous men, which has done so much to fit Aberdonians to take an honourable and distinguished place in the world, and whose origin is so lost in the mists of antiquity, that it is impossible to say when it had its first beginnings. . . . EARLY RECTORS APPOINTED BY THE CHURCH

The School at first was under the fostering care of the Church, and doubtless chiefly existed for the education of priests. One would naturally look to the Records of the Town Council for references to the Grammar School ; but as only a few fragments of these exist before 1498, we cannot avail ourselves of them until after that date. In 1418 there was a vacancy in the Rectorship, occasioned by the death of Andrew de Syves, and the Chancellor of the Church presented John Homyll to the post for life; giving him at the same time, as a mark of office, a birreium or closefitting cap. In the case of John Homyll, the provost and community seem to have had the right of recommending, the Chancellor the right of collation or ratification. This is remarkable, considering the date, and shows how long the School has had a connection with the Town Council. In 1479, we find an entry to the effect that, at the instance of the King, my Lord of Aberdeen, and the Chancellor of Aberdeen, five pounds Scots was to be paid yearly to the then Rector, Thomas Strathachin, out of the common good of the town until " he be promovit til a service within the kirk of St. Nicholas ". Five pounds Scots seems a very poor salary, but we must remember that money was worth a great deal more then, and as we shall see, there were other perquisites which must have made up a sum on which one could live comfortably. As showing the value of money then, Hector Boice, his contemporary, the first Principal of King's College, had only forty marks of salary—a sum equal to 44 shillings sterling—yet as Dr. Johnson says, " it was probably equal not only to the needs but the rank of Boethius ". The value of money is further seen from the fact that the Town Council, in 1444, fixed the price of a sheep at two shillings and cightpence Scots money. It was about this time that we first see something like compulsory education. A statute of James IV. (1494) required all " barronnes and freeholders that ar of substance to put their eldest sonnes and aires to the Schules fra they be sex or nine years of age, and til romaine at the Grammar Schules quhil they be competentlie founded and have perfite Latine ". The next reference to the School in the Burgh Records is under the date 15 when John Marshall was appointed Rector by the " provost, baillies, counsel', and cornmunitie", as successor to William Strachan who appears to have succeeded Thomas Strachan 3

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The question whether the Chancellor or the Town were the patrons of the School came up in 1538, when the former presented to the vacant Rectorship a Mr. Hew Munro, and the latter a Mr. Robert Skeyne. The result of the contest was that the town's nominee was appointed, and this was the last occasion apparently when the Church put forward its claim to make the appointment. BOY BISHOPS

I now come to an interesting extract from the Burgh Records, which throws light on one source of income of the Rector. During this age a custom existed of the pupils electing one of their number as Boy Bishop, or episcopru puerorum. He had a mitre, crosier, and other insignia of office, and received the reverence of his fellows. Such elections are known to have been made in English and French Schools. The Rector, accompanied by the Boy Bishop, visited the freemen of the burgh in succession, and by the decree of the Town Council each freeman had to give at least 45. Scots, and might give as much as he liked. If he failed to pay the 45., he had to pay 8s. of a fine in addition to the original demand. The date of this decree is 1546. It may be mentioned that when the Reformation swept away this custom as popish, it still continued in another shape down to the end of last century [i.e. the 18th century—Ed.], for at Candlemass a King was appointed instead of a Bishop, who held office for six weeks, and money was claimed from parents according to their liberality, those parents who gave most liberally finding their reward in their boys being promoted in their classes. This could only lead to favouritism and snobbery, and accordingly the ToWn Council wisely abolished the custom. SCHOOLBOY INSURGENTS

The next event I notice shows the boys asserting their rights by petition to the Town Council. In January, 1569, an epistle in Latin was sent to that body, complaining of the Rector, John Henderson, that he was depriving them of thei r lawful holidays at Christmas. A letter was also received from the Rector in which he speaks of the " cnormitie of his saidis scollaris ". The Council decided that the pupils should have liberty to absent themselves from St. Thomas Even before Yule to the day after the Epiphany. Seven years after this, however, the Council, finding certain " inconvenientis followand ' from these holidays, abrogated them. In 158i the question came up again, and a compromise was arrived at whereby instead of the Yule play the boys were to get three days at beginning of " ilk rath or quarter. Peace, however, was not restored, but matters again became serious, for in 1604 we find that the pupils at the " superstitious tymc of Yuill " had taken the school and held it against their master with ` swordis, gunnis, pistollis, and utheris wappynnis, spulzeing, and tacking of puir folkis geir, sic as geiss, foullis, peittis, and uthens vivaris". The Council decreed that the master should receive no pupil to the school without some friend being caution or surety for his good behaviour to the extent of twenty pounds Scots. Eight years after, however, seven young men, sons of country gentlemen, seized the Song School and held it for three days with " hagbuttis, pistollis, swordis, and fang wappynnis ". Twenty students, all sons of gentlemen, were expelled from the schools of the burgh for this offence. Nor did the matter end here, for Gordon of Birsmoir, a near relative of two of the exiled youths, attacked the master of the Writing School with his sword on the street, giving him sundry " straikis ". He admitted his fault, and found surety not to molest the master in future. But the hot blood of the Birsmoirs could not be thus cooled. For a brother of his, along with the brother of the laird of Cowbardie, with " sum utheris, thair complices," a few months afterwards " cam to this burgh Of sett purpos and provisioun, and maist proudlie in contempt of law and justice, and moist crewallie and unmcrcifullie perseuit Gilbert Leslie, reidar, and moister of the Writing School of this burgh, of his lyiff, on the kingis hie streitt of this burgh, at the kirk styill, and hes gevin him many bluidie and best straik is with durkis and battounes in divers partis of his bodie, to the great effuseoune of his bloode and danger of his lyiff ". The two were arraigned along with Birsmoir, and only got off by the intercession of Gordon of Cluny. Birsmoir paid a fine of two hundred mcrks, and the three were ordered to " cum to the auld kirk of this burgh on ane preiching day, and thair immediately efter the ending of the sermone befoir the blessing, to ryis out

? — ryf6

S of thair seat in the ruid loft and compear befoir the pulpitt, and thair in all humilitie ilk ane severallie efter either, crave pardon," But we must not be too much surprised at the wild spirit then prevalent in the School when we find even the wife of the Principal of Marischal College, convicted of " dinging and stricking Janet Mackye, servant to James Bimy in Tarves, on thc face to the effusioun of bloode "I BELIEVERS' SEATS!

About this time, it appears the scholars had to attend the Church in a body on Sunday, but they seem to have been seated in a part of the Church where they could neither see nor hear the minister, the result being that a petition was presented to the Kirk Session by the Rector that they should get more suitable sittings. They were accommodated with seats partly in the loft, partly downstairs, and had to take notes of the sermon, and were afterwards examined by the masters. There are still certain seats in thc West Parish Church which are known as the ' Believers' Seats,' not because their occupants excel in Christian faith, but because they are so situated that they have to believe the minister is present, for they cannot see him, and hardly hear him. DAVID WEDDERBURN, RECTOR

About this time, that is, about. 16oo, the Rector had to assert his rights against certain rival teachers who had set up schools in town. The Town Council supported his claim, allowing, however, a certain Edward Diggins, an Englishman, to teach writing and arithmetic. The Rector at this time was a famous man, David Wedderbum. He was the friend of Arthur Johnston, thc poet ; of Dr. Patrick Dun, the munificent benefactor of the School ; of Scot of Scotstarvet, the Mzcenas of the time ; of the painter, George Jamesone, the first Scottish artist ; and of the pious Bishop Forbes. He himself was an elegant Latin poet, and his Verses arc preserved for us in the Delitia Poetarstm Scotto-ion, published in 1637. He received from the Town Council gifts of money for writing a Latin poem of welcome to James VI. when he revisited Scotland in 1617. And he had previously got a sum for writing a thanksgiving for the King's escape from the Gowrie Conspiracy. With all his scholarship, however, he seems to have roused the indignation of the parents against him by exacting higher fees from the pupils than they thought he was entitled to. . . . Wedderburn had an assistant for a time, Mr. Thomas Reid, who afterwards held the office of Latin Secretary to King James VI., and who was ancestor of the great Scottish philosopher of that name. ABERDEEN'S AUGUSTAN AGE.

The period we are now speaking of was an important one in Aberdeen. It might be called its Augustan age. There were now two Universities within a mile or so of each other, and England had no more. The population was probably about 80o0, and had nearly doubled in fifty years. Printing, which had been discovered some hundred and fifty years before, was first introduced into Aberdeen about 1623, the first printer being Edward Raban. We have mentioned some of Wedderbum's contemporaries in Aberdeen, such as Jameson, Johnston, Forbes, &c. The activity shown by Wedderbum is seen in the School being rebuilt : the interest in education by the gift of rooo merks to the School from Dr. Cargill, in 1614; another citizen save Soo mcrks, in 1625; the foundation of the Drum Bursaries, in 1629; thc gift of a bell and bell-house by Robert Ferguson, in 1627; and above all, by the munificent gift of Dr. Patrick Dun, Principal of Marischal College, in 1631. He left the lands of Ferryhill, at that time unfeued, and bringing in an annual rent of 6oo merks for the " maintenance and entertainment " of four masters, and ordained that the interest should accumulate until a sum WAS obtained which would produce an additional 6oo merks of annual interest. With this sum, other lands were to be purchased, so that the whole annual income from his gift might amount to rzoo mcrks. By this noble gift the teaching staff of the School was increased from one to four. A new era of the School may thus be said to have begun.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In the end of the seventeenth century archery seems to have been practised, the prize being a silver arrow belonging to the school. When a pupil won a prize, his father or his friends provided a silver medal, which bore the arms of his family on one side, and on the obverse an inscription, and in some cases a device, more or less elaborate. Fourteen of these medals are still in existence. These medals are interesting as specimens of Scottish art; they also show that the nobility and the landed gentry sent their sons to Scotch public schools two hundred years ago, whereas they now patronise the English schools and Universities. It may be doubted whether this is for their advantage. Did they mix with their poorer countrymen in the secondary schools of Scotland, the young nobles and gentry would find that they were more beloved than they are; and political agitators would find it more difficult to preach levelling doctrines. They would not come back despising Presbyterian worship, and erecting chapels for themselves and their households, their gamekeepers and their butlers, and thus making themselves members of a religious body which is not in sympathy with the great mass of the people. [It is to be remembered that this paper was written in 1884—Ed.] Besides Dr. Dun, the following have since his time left money for bursaries— George Robertson in 1646, moo merks; Catherine Roland in 16S9; Dr. Ross in 1656; George Cruickshank in 5747. The Paterson bursaries were founded in 1762, the Lorimer in 1764, and the Williamson in 1866. Of recent bequests two come into operation soon, 1st, the Arthur Johnstone gold medal, founded by a descendant in memory of the famous poet whose name it bears. He was next to Buchanan—the greatest Latin poet that Scotland has produced. The gold medal will be given in a year or two when the money left for it has accumulated sufficiently to pay the preliminary expenses of designing and casting the die. It will probably be given for excellence in Latin, especially Latin verse. The second gift was received from John Ramsay, late editor of the Aberdeen Journal. It will come into operation at the same time, and will be given for the best Latin translation of an English author. The gold medal and silver medals at present given annually are the gift of the Town Council, and are a pleasing souvenir of their long connection with the school. . . . THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS

The school was re-built on the old site in 5757. The ground on which it stood on the Schoolhill originally belonged to the Dominican friars. This School, which was demolished in the present year, 1884, was not a very striking building. It cost originally but 400, and its site is now occupied by the Art School. The doorway and old belfry, the latter dating from 1627, were removed to the new Grammar School, and built into the front of the club-house there. Yet, humble as this building was, it was the scene of the labours of eminent teachers, and the alma mater of many scholars who afterwards became eminent as useful citizens. In at that door went, as one of the masters, the poet James Beattie, from 1758 to 176o, when he was appointed Professor of Moral Philosophy in Marischal College. He was the friend of Dr. Johnston and of Sir Joshua Reynolds, who painted his portrait, now in Marischal College. In that old school sat the eminent historians, John Hill Burton and Joseph Robertson, Professors Bain, Donaldson, Spalding, Blackie, David Brown, Salmond, Campbell, Masson of Edinburgh, Dr. Neill Arnott, Dr. Matthews Duncan, Dr. Peter Bayne, Sir James M`Gregor, and who was head of the Army Medical Department under Wellington, the artist Dyce, the poet Byron, and many more, to mention whom time would fail me. Byron was a pupil from 1796 to 1798, and lived in a house in Broad Street, near Marischal College gate. It is said that when the master addressed him as Dominic, i.e. Lord, on the fact of his having succeeded to the title becoming known, he burst into tears. Probably he was afraid of the boys making fun of him, being a most sensitive child. . . . In 5863 the present school was built, chiefly by the efforts of Sir Alexander Anderson, then provost, whose arms and initials are carved above the main door, and of the Rector, Dr. Barrack. The architect was the present provost, Mr. Matthews, the builder, Mr. Adam Mitchell. The money was advanced by the leading citizens, and gradually repaid by the Town Council. The cost of the building, including additions in i881, has been little short of £zo,ooo. In 1872 the Education Act transferred the Grammar School from the management of the Town Council to that of the School Board. Some three years afterwards

? — r9J6

a preparatory school was added for children under the age at which pupils generally enter the school. In 188i a Kindergarten department was added for still younger children, and a modern side was formed. The attendance now averages boo, of whom over 4oo are in the Grammar School proper, i.e. over ten years of age. The income of the school from all sources is about £4000, the fees being lower than any school of the same standard in Scotland. The attendance in the higher classical classes far exceeds that of any other secondary school in Scotland. Glasgow High School, for instance, having had last year only three in its highest class, and some fifteen in its second highest. The school. .. has always had a reputation superior to any other Scotch school for accuracy in Latin scholarship and sound training. Let us hope that this may be maintained, and a higher culture in English, science, and modern languages added. When one casts the thoughts back over the centuries, one cannot but reflect that pupils of this ancient institution were afterwards the men who fought . . . at Flodden, and Pinkie, and at Culloden, last of our battles. The boys of the school took part in many a grand reception given to their Stuart kings, to the hapless Mary, to Montrose, and to the old Pretender. They saw in olden times miracle and other plays acted in the streets, later on witches burned, people banished the burgh for various offences, terrible visitations of the plague, quarrels and drawn swords in the streets. In short, the history of the school is the history of Aberdeen, and Aberdeen is no mean city. Hear what Cosmo Innes says, " Long before Edinburgh had acquired the precedency of a capital, or even the first place among the four burghs of Southern Scotland; while Glasgow was yet an insignificant dependent on its bishop, Aberdeen had taken its place as a great and independent Royal burgh." There is no existing institution so closely and continuously connected with the history of the burgh as its Town School. It shows no signs of decrepitude, but on the contrary seems to be renewing its age, or to be possessed of perennial youth.

Vivat, floreat, mica! Scbola Grammatka Aberdonensis.

Percy Stuart Boyd 4 (1927-40) who was in Aberdeen on vacation in the summer is now living in Denver, Colorado where he is Professor i/c Graduate Training in Clinical Psychology and Director of Clinical Services at Denver University. After graduating PH.D., at Aberdeen University in 195z, Stuart went to Denver, Colorado in November of that year as an Instructor in Medical Psychology at the University of Colorado. In 1953, he went into private practice with an eminent Psychologist, Dr. Franklin G. Ebaugh, M.D.; in 1954, he got his present Professor's appointment but he still continues as a part-time consultant in diagnostic and therapeutic psychology with Dr. Ebaugh. a, He has only seen two F.P.s during his stay in Denver—one Dr. Ian Sinclair, M.B., cH.B. (1938-40, of Montrose, who was in Denver for a year and who, in fact, was married in Stuart's home, and the other F.P. whom he saw was Arthur Gordon Reid (I93o-39) who did a trip from the East to the West Coast of America on holiday last year. Stuart has agreed to become F.P. Consul in Denver. David Michael Fraser Bright * (1946-52) who was awarded a university technical cadetship in the R.A.F. in 1952, studied for a year at the R.A.F. Technical College at Henlow before going to Peterhouse, Cambridge. He has now graduated B.A. obtaining Class III in the results of the Mechanical Sciences Tripos published in July this year. Ronald William Gower Bryant * (192o-3z), M.A., M.SC., A. Nt.T.P.I., until July this year was in the Planning Department of Lancashire County Council but is now Development Plan and Research Officer in the City Architect's Department of the Corporation of Coventry. In a letter to our Secretary he tells him of the great satisfaction there is in being in Coventry " where planning is planning and not just a restrictive pain in the neck to the man in the street ". Douglas Paterson Cochran * (1906-15), who is manager of the Dundee branch of the Royal Exchange Insurance has been appointed President of the Insurance Institute of Dundee for the year 1956-57. His brother, Duncan Scott Cochran* (1914-24), m. B., CH.B., R. A. M.C., has been posted to Germany as A.D.M.S. to 7th Armoured Division and promoted to the rank of Colonel. Kenneth Coutts * (1944-5o), was last June admitted to the Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and in July graduated n.sc., at the University of Edinburgh. Whilst in his final year at the Royal " Dick " Veterinary College he was secretary of the Veterinary School Committee and during his career twice obtained a university blue in athletics. He is now in general practice in Warwickshire. 8

Notes about Old Boys

9 Scholarhas won a Carnegie * z), Dalziel (1939-5 Francis Robert ship for post-graduate research at Aberdeen University in the field of psychology. Last year he shared the junior honours class prize in psychology and this year was awarded first-class honours in that subject. Alexander Davidson * (1928-39), left School in 1939 and after serving his apprenticeship with Hall Russell, joined the Blue Funnel Co., as a sea-going engineer and served in the Merchant Navy from 1945 until 1951, gaining his Chief Engineer's Certificate. In that year he went out to East Africa to see what was doing there and got a job with the Unilever Group in Nairobi. In 1954, however, he gave up that job and is now a Consulting Engineer at Kampala and Ginja both in Uganda. A short time ago he met Lvne Watt, i.e. Jimmy Watt of the Boarding House, at Messindi and about a year ago he met Mr. Paterson, former master of the School, and had dinner with him in Nairobi, where Mr. Paterson is on a prolonged holiday with his brother-in-law. James Alexander Dunbar * (1919-23 and 1928) is now Major Quartermaster, Royal Signals, at Headquarters, Go Army Signal Regiment, T.A., Crabtree Territorial Centre, Sheffield. Kenneth Mackenzie Duthie * (1943-56), who left the School in June this year has emigrated to Canada where he has joined the Hudson Bay Company as a clerk in the Fur Trading Division. He is at present stationed at a small settlement and Indian reservation at Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan. William Milne Ewen * (1932-44), B.COM., out of 730 candidates from all parts of the British Isles took first place and prize in the final examination of the Association of Certified and Corporate Accountants held in June. He is meantime on the staff of Messrs. Williamson & Dunn, c.A., Aberdeen. George Edward Fearby * (1937-45), is now in the Singapore office of McAlister & Co. Ltd., but is at present at home on leave, he expects to return to Malaya in January 1957. John Frederick Ferguson * (1904-09), K.S., C.D.E., Chief Constable, Kent County Constabulary, was in June awarded the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal after completing twenty-two years in the police service. William Alfred Beaumont Forbes * (1932-42), M.A., was in August this year retained along with Mr. MacKenna, Q.C., by the solicitors acting for the Colonial Office in connection with the East Nigerian Tribunal. His younger brother, Patrick Beaumont Forbes* (1937-42, at Aberdeen this year. 1949-50), graduated M.B., Alan Begg Gair * (1926-36), who was with the Factorial Section of the City Chamberlain's Department, Aberdeen prior to serving with the Royal Artillery from t939 till 1946, is now a Quantity Surveypr's Clerk in the City Architect's Department, Aberdeen. Michael Peter Gill * (1939-52), has been successful in gaining a diploma in art at Gray's School of Art. He has also been awarded a post-diploma scholarship value £70 to enable him to take a course of post-diploma study at the school during the 1956-57 session.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

John King Grant * (1914-16), M.B., CH.B., DIPL. PSYCH. (MIN.), who was physician superintendent of Renfrew Mental Hospital, Dykebar, Paisley, retired in March this year. He is now resident in Forfar. Douglas Scott Gough * (1948- 5 3), who became an apprentice plumber and heating engineer after leaving School has emigrated with his family to Canada and is now staying in North York, Ontario. Denys Hartley Henderson * (1938-50), M.A., LL.B., is meantime on National Service. In February this year he was Senior Under Officer of his intake at the R.A.S.C. Training Centre at Aldershot, and was awarded the Silver Stick. Commissioned as a and Lieutenant, he was posted to Borden thence to Germany but a week later he returned to this country to take up an appointment at the War Office, attached to the Directorate of Army Legal Service and serving on one of the prosecution teams. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in August. Simon Fraser Hutcheson * (1939-45), is now a Junior Designer with Messrs. J. & J. Crombie Ltd., Aberdeen. After completing his National Service he studies for five years at Gray's School of Art and after a short spell of teaching took up his present position. The Notes Editor (Ian G. Shinnie) will be grateful if F.P.s will send him, from time to time, information for this section of the Magazine. News of appointments, promotions, etc., and other items of interest which are not reported in the press, are particularly requested.

W. W. Hutcheson (1942-53), who is now in his final year of geography " honours " at Aberdeen University, was away in Nigeria for four months in the summer doing geological research work with a tin mining company. He flew both ways, and had a most interesting time —two months on laboratory work, and two months on field work. He played some rugby whilst out there and was astounded at the distance travelled by teams for a friendly match. Thomas Mundie Hutchison * (x 91o-3i), returned to this country in August from Canada where he held an appointment with Urwick, Orr and Partners who have been advising on the technique of management in the uranium and nickel mines of Ontario. In an interesting interview published in the Press and Journal he discussed the present financial position in Canada and gave some valuable advice to young men intending to settle in Canada. John Lowell Kilgour * (1936-41), M.B., cm.B., Lt.-Col., R.A.M.C., who commands z3 Parachute Field Ambulance has been taking part in the operations in the Suez area. Francis Henry King * 916-26) is meantime in this country on leave from Calcutta, and will be going to Hong Kong in March 1957. In the meantime he may be contacted at " cfo Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corpn., 9 Gracechurch St., London E.C." Michael John Longmore * (1934-39, 1945-46), C.A., has now moved from Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, to Cape Province where he is residing at Bergvliet. He has joined a financial institution at Cape Town—the Credit Corporation of South Africa Ltd. Ronald Duncan Macrae * (1916-23), M.B., CH.B., D.P.H., P.R.C.S., i.m.s.(arr.), is returning to this country from Assam this month for a

Notes about Old Boys short leave after which he is going to Toowoomba in Queensland. He is anxious to contact any F.P.s who live near there. Neil Hunter Macdonald * (1934-38), is leaving his present post of assistant materials handling engineer with Courtaulds Ltd., this month to become the Scottish and Irish representative of Messrs. Spencers (Melksham) Ltd. After working in their head office for some months he expects to take up residence in Edinburgh. Andrew Middleton McLaren * (1926-39) has now taken up an appointment as Assistant Works Director with The North British Locomotive Co. Ltd., Glasgow. Formerly he was manager at Alex. Wilson (Aberdeen) Ltd., Engineers. Robert Alexander Esslemont Mennie * (1924-36), who was our Club Consul in Zurich is now stationed in Hamburg where he is Liaison officer between the London office of British Petroleum Company and the Head Office of their associate company in Germany. He has been appointed Club Consul in Hamburg and hopes that many F.P.s will pay him a visit. Gavin Milne * (1930-42), M.A., LL.B., has been appointed to a key post on the headquarters staff of the National Farmers' Union in Edinburgh. Latterly he has been an assistant with Messrs. A. P. McBain & Co., Solicitors, Dunfermline. Ronald Douglas Milne (1935-48), B.sc.(ENG.), who has been Group Leader Aeroelastics at the Guided Missile Department of the English Electric Company's Works at Luton has now been appointed to a new lectureship in Aerolastics in the Aeronautical Erigineering Department of Queen Mary College, London University. Royston J. Milne * (1918-30), who was for several years a solicitor in Edinburgh, returned to Aberdeen in 1954 and is now a partner in the old-established legal firm of Messrs. C. & P. H. Chalmers, Advocates in Aberdeen. It is interesting to note that one of his partners is an F.P., viz. A. M. Davidson * (1 937-45)• [The General Editor would like to take this opportunity of acknowledging the considerable amount of valuable behind-the-scenes assistance which " R. J. M." has given with this and the two previous issues.] Alexander Lessel Stephen Mitchell * (1911-19), B.L., the wellknown theatrical producer has been appointed President of the Society of West End Theatre Managers. Ian Andrew Moir * (194o-S3) was in June chosen as the Boys' Brigade nominee from the whole country to go on a six-week tour of Southern Rhodesia under the Princess Elizabeth Birthday Fund. At the Coronation Service in 1953 he represented the Boys' Brigade having been awarded the King's Badge in 1952. Ian Farquhar Ogilvie * (1935-45) was in October appointed as an Engineering Assistant with the Borough Surveyor and Water Engineer at Darlington, County Durham. For the past three years he has held a similar post at Sutton and Cheam, Surrey. Albert John Home Paterson (1935-47), M.A., LL.B., has joined the Directorate of the Army Legal Service at the War Office with the rank of Captain. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Paul and

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Williamsons, Advocates, Aberdeen and returned to that firm after completing his National Service. James Ogilvie Rae (1912-21), sold his poultry farm in North Otago, New Zealand, in May this year and after a short holiday in that country sailed with his wife to Canada where he is now working in Victoria B.C. Eric Rogers * (1940-43) did civil engineering in Aberdeen, thereafter spent two years in London and two years at the Pitlochry Tummel/Garry scheme. In February 1955, however, he went to West Africa where he now has a job with the Lagos Ports Authority. He reported having met out there Freddy Arnaud, who had just retired from the post of Senior Engineer for the Lagos Ports Authority. Simon Douglas Ross * (1914-20), B.SC.(AGR.), has retired from the post of Chief Agricultural Executive of the Western Regional Production Development Board at Ibadan, Nigeria and is now residing at Kintore. Joseph Shirras (1953-55), after spending three years in the Air Training Corps whilst at School joined the R.A.F. for a nine year engagement and has now been promoted to the rank of Sergeant airsignaller. His brother Alexander Wilson Shirras (1951-52) is at present doing his National Service with the R.A.F. and is training as an air-frame fitter. Antarctic Party-Leader Robert Arthur Smart * (1919-31), m . B., CH.B., D.P.H., Col. R.A.M.C., has been chosen by the Royal Society as the leader of the main party of the Royal Society Geophysical Year Antarctic Expedition until January 1958. The main party left London Docks on .15 November in the Magga Dan which they are sharing with the Transantarctic Expedition and are due at Halley Bay, the Royal Society Base, at the end of December. The main party will instal scientific equipment and erect huts so that the station is fully operating at the start of the International Geophysical Year on i July 1957. Robin Smart, as he is better known to his many friends, is one of the most retiring of men and it was a surprise to many to learn that he had already taken part in two Arctic expeditions with War Office research teams, the first in 1948-49 and the second in 1950. After graduating in 1936 he was commissioned into the R.A.M.C. and during the war and afterwards served in many parts of the world and was three times mentioned in dispatches. At present he is Deputy Director of Army Health, Western Command, Chester. The best wishes of all present and former pupils of the School go with him to Antarctica and we hope to read in the July 1958 issue of the Magazine about his experiences with the expedition. Douglas Roy Spence * (1939-46), B.sc.(ENG.), has obtained an appointment with Joseph Lucas, Ltd., as an assistant research and development engineer at Birmingham and is at present working in the engine research laboratory of the firm. Arthur John Spreckly (1922-23) has been appointed Scottish Community Drama Association Adviser for North-East Scotland.

Notes about Old Boys

After leaving School he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and some time later founded the Chorlton Repertory Company in Manchester. Recently he has been stage director on tour for Jack Milroy and for the Logan family. Clyne Robert Bruce Stewart * (1931-41), M.B., cx.B., is now in partnership at Shifnal, Salop. Previously he was in general practice in Beauly and Eastwood, Notts. Oswald Hastings Ritchie Still * (1921-33), in October this year resigned from his position as Sales Manager with Messrs. C. F. Wilson & Co. (1932) Ltd., to take up an appointment as Internal Sales Manager with the Cleveland Twist Drill Co. (G.B.) Ltd., at their new factory at Peterhead. James Frater Taylor * (1886-88), is now living in semi-retirement in Vancouver B.C. He has had a long and varied business career mainly in Canada where he was President of the Algoma Steel Group of Companies, financial director of the Canadian Car & Foundry Co., and a director of the International Paper Co., of Newfoundland, etc. At various times his services have been retained by the Bank of England and the British Treasury for industrial purposes. Latterly he conducted the re-organisation of the large colliery, iron and steel firm of Pease & Partners, Ltd., of which he was the active head for a number of years. He is Commander of the Order of St. Olaf of Norway. Alfred Buyers Valentine * (1905-11), c.a., M.A., has now retired from the Civil Service. Since 1951 he has been Under Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. David Alexander West * (1 939-44), M.A., B.A., who has been a lecturer in Classics at Sheffield University since 1952 has now been appointed lecturer in the Department of Humanity at Edinburgh University. Alexander Young * (1925-36), who is our Club Consul in Iraq, was home on leave during last summer. He tells us that during the last two years which he spent in Kirkuk, Iraq, he was not called upon to perform any consular duties and would welcome a visit from any F.P.s who are in Iraq. * * *

University Notes Honorary Degrees DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF LAWS (LL.D)

Sir James Jackson Robertson,* O.B.E., M.A. (Glas.), B.D. (Lond.), F. R.S. (Edin.), F.E.I.S., J.P. Sir Arthur Landsborough Thomson * (1899-1908), C.B., O.B.E., M.A., D.SC. (Aberd.). Higher Degrees DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (M.D.) With Honours

Bernard Hooper Smith * (1932-3 5), M.B., CH.B. (Aberd.), M. R.C. P., D.P.M. (Lond.). Thesis—" The Clinical Aspect of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy ".

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Honours and Ordinary Degrees DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.SC.)

With Second (lass Honours (I944-5z), in Chemistry. * Bain Robert Keith R. M. Elder * (1944-52), in Chemistry. Ian Murdoch Stewart * (1940-41), in Geology. George Leslie Fraser * (1936-49), in Geography. Ordinary Degree Ian Slessor Smith* (1 94513). DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING (B.sc.(Eng.))

With Second Class Honours Kenneth Ian Gordon * (1947-52). DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY (M.B., CH.B.)

Edwyn Patrick Collins (1937-4o and 43-46). Iain Esslemont * (1939-54 Patrick Beaumont Forbes * (1937-42 and 49-50). Malcolm George Lyall * (193 5 -48), M.A. Stephen McPherson * (1944-54 Roger John Manson (1938-5o). Alistair Davidson Michie (1937-54 DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.)

With First Class Honours James Lindsay Wilkie (1946-5 a), in Classics. Ian Richard MacPherson (1945-51), in French and Spanish. Francis Robert Dalziel (1939-52), in Psychology. With Second Class Honours Richard George Paterson (1937-47), in French and German. James Martin Bisset (1949-51), in History. Robert Chalmers Primrose * (1944-5z), in History. Norman Hay * (194S-51), French and Spanish. Thomas Carmichael Graham (1939-52), in Geography. David Ballantine Haggard (1945-5z), in Psychology. R. 5 I„ 1 Economics-Politics. Angus Philip Howitt * (x 194_John Arthur Brand * (1939-52), Philosophy-Politics. Ordinary Degrees Ian Andrew Moir * (1 940-53). John George Walker Philip (1946-5x), B.L. DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF LAWS (LL.B.)

James Alexander Leith * (1939-5i), M.A. Alexander Edward Mclllwain * (1945-51), M.A. John George Walker Philip (1946-50, B.L. John Hood Simon (1937-49), M.A. Arthur Farquharson Tough * (1946-49), M.A.

University Notes

DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF LAW (13.L.) Robert Leslie May * (1938-44. Peter George Hugh Younie (1936-38). Medals and Prizes Black Prize in Latin—James Lindsay Wilkie (1946-5z). W. A. T. Caithness Prize in History—Robert Chalmers Primrose * (1946-5 a). Margaret Christie Prize in Church History and the George Adam Smith (D. M. Cowan) Prize—Ian Howard Marshall * (1946-51), M.A. Henry Prize in Mental Philosophy (Political Economy)—Angus Phillip Howit * (1948-5z). Primrose Prize in Church History and the Stuart Prize in Hebrew (and Prize)—Peter Mitchell Gordon * (1939-48), M.A. Silverg Prize in Physiology—William Robert Clyne Turner (1949-54). Society of Advocates Prize (Conveyancing)—Robert Leslie May * (1938-44). Society of Advocates Prize (Constitutional Law)—Gordon Strachan Cowie * (1937-5i), M.A. Town Council Prize in Political Economy—Malcolm Nicolson Montgomery (1949-55). Scholarships Scholarships for Higher Study and Research have been awarded to F.P.s as follows:— Fullerton, Moir and Gray Scholarship in Classics—James Lindsay Wilkie (1946-5 z). Fullerton Moir and Gray Scholarship in French-Spanish—Ian Richard MacPherson (1945-51). Kilgour Fellowship in Geology—Alexander Gordon Smith (19465o). Athletics Blues Awards The following F.P.s were awarded Blues in summer 1956:— Robert Dewar Murray MacLeod * (I945-54)—Full Blue for Athletics. Peter George Hugh Younie (1936-38)-Full Blue for Cricket. George Leslie Fraser * (1936-49)—Half Blue for Basketball. James Frederick Ronald Bowie (194o-53)—Half Blue for Fencing. David Rollo Grieve * (1939-5 z)—Half Blue for Ski-ing. S.R.C. Appointments The following F.P.s have been elected Office Bearers for the session 1956-57:— Alexander Edward McIllwain * (1945-51), M.A., LL.B., President. Archibald Stewart Hunter * (1946-54), Senior Vice-President. Neil Edward * (1948-55), Sub-Secretary.

Give your ambition wings

FLY AS AN OFFICER in

BRITAIN'S NEW NAVY Life in the Fleet Air Arm has all that a man can ask. You acquire the skills needed to master modern flight. As a

IN THE ROYAL NAVY TODAY the new

Battle Group tactics are centred on the aircraft carriers, and the Fleet Air Arm becomes its main striking force. To be a Pilot or Observer of the aircraft which are "the fists of the Fleet " is one of the finest ambitions a young man can have.

naval officer you play your part in the life of a ship at sea. And you see the far corners of the world—from a new angle. Pay and Prospects The recent pay increases have made the Fleet Air Arm one of the best paid jobs a young man can have. A married officer of 25 can earn up to £1,500 per annum as a Pilot or Observer, and receive £4,000 gratuity after 12 years' service.

Flying jets off Carriers presents some tricky problems but the Navy has found answers to them. The mirror sight and angled deck are among the most outstanding examples.

All you want to know about service in the Fleet Air Arm, including the opportunity to fly during National Service, is explained in an illustrated booklet "Aircrew Commissions in the Royal Navy", which you ought to read. If you are between 17 and 26 years of age you can make your first step towards joining the Fleet Air Arm by sending for this booklet today. Just write to : THE ADMIRALTY, D.N.R. (Officers), Dept. XAA/2 QUEEN ANNE'S MANSIONS, LONDON, S.W.I

" Outward Bound " " Tahiti. The Sailing Vessel Paroa (too tons) will sail to Tahiti and the South Seas on a 4-month voyage leaving England April 19S7. Able-bodied persons wishing to share in this venture should write to the vessel's agents...."

This advertisement which appeared in the Sunday Times on 4 November 1956, must have made many who read it, but who are now securely set in the tram-rails of settled life, long for the chance to kick off the traces (if the mixed metaphor be excused !) and sign on immediately ; but perhaps boys and their parents do not realise that a chance to take part in a modest version of such a ploy is available to young lads between 14 and 19—at the Outward Bound Moray Sea School at Burghead. tt . . . Life for youth today, particularly those living in the towns, offers few opportunities for real adventure and testing experience. It is too easy for boys to drift into channels where they appear content to remain physically unfit, mentally apathetic and spiritually unaware. In such conditions the better instincts decay—responsibility is avoided, effort for its own sake considered foolish and initiative frustrated "— so runs part of the booklet telling of the Outward Bound School and its course. Doubtless Grammar lads have much better opportunities for avoiding unfitness, and spiritual stagnation than many other young persons in the community, but whoever the lad, he surely could not but benefit from one of these twenty-six-day courses " based on adventure at sea and in the mountains "; and it is stressed that these courses are not specifically designed for those who are to make the sea their career, but rather to teach boys those lessons which sooner or later they must come to learn once they go out into the world; to give them the opportunity " to develop their ability to cope with difficulty, hardship and hazard, to increase initiative and to develop a respect for others in unusual and critical situations ". Another feature of great significance is that the seventy-eight boys on each course come from all walks of life, many sent by the industrial and commercial concerns who employ them, to fit them for promotion within their own companies, but others coming from schools such as The Grammar, in some cases with financial assistance from the local education authorities—for the course costs £;1 los. for the twenty-six days. At least one present Grammar pupil—Michael Watt—has already done a full course, and would go back on another tomorrow if he had the chance. Two other lads—Peter Walker and Geof. Reid—sailed back to Burghead aboard the Outward Bound School's three-masted i6o-ton schooner Prince Louis when the ship returned after a visit to Aberdeen in October of this year. The sea was " short " and choppy most of the way, but both bore up well, and at least one of them is determined to go on a full course in a year or two. It was a brave and inspiring sight to see the Prince Louis spread her sails after crossing the harbour bar, and it brought back memories of the Dilwara trips which many F.P.s did in the years before the war, 17

Aberdeen, Grammar School Magazine

going off for fourteen days to Madeira or Stockholm, sleeping in hammocks, and " living rough ". A committee has now been set up in Aberdeen with a view to bringing boys " in " on the Outward Bound courses ; and it is in the confident hope that henceforth The Grammar will come increasingly to be represented on Outward Bound courses that this article has been written. Any boys between twelve and eighty who have the smallest drop of salt water in their veins and who have not yet read Allan Villiers' The Set of the Sails or The Cruise of the Conrad are urged to put these books on their " must" list immediately ; for both are fine tales of sea-going adventure; and The Cruise of the Conrad particularly intriguing, since in it Villiers tells of taking two dozen boys on a two-year round-the-world-trip in his zoo-ton sailing ship The Conrad, the decision to set off on this trip having been fired by Villiers' conviction that " the deprivation in youth of the sense of achievement is amongst the most destructive influences in our civilisation ". Of course, the sailing ship aspect of the Outward Bound course is only part of the picture, the cruise for boys on the course being limited to one of four or five days; but here's a great chance for some away-from-the-everyday-rut adventure—how many Grammar boys in the coming years will be able to claim a " before the mast " trip in the Prince Louis? It will be interesting to see. At our invitation, Michael Watt, who was an a full Course at Browbeat/ fart July, has written the following account of it :

" To Serve, To Strive and not to Yield " The above title is the motto of the Outward Bound Schools and on it the whole foundation of training in the Schools is built. There are three Outward Bound Schools. A Sea School at Aberdovey in Wales, another at Burghead in Morayshire, and the third is a Mountaineering one in the Lake District. The Outward Bound Schools have been called schools for self-discovery. One of the objects of the Sea School is to give boys the opportunity of training through the sea as a means of discovering for themselves their own capacity to face the hazards of searching occasions. Why " Outward Bound " ? Because they are mainly schools for youths who are outward bound to life. Each course is designed to provide enterprise, adventure and action. The schools are placed in surroundings of mountain and sea where such things belong. Ships and boats are provided, mountain trips are organised and also all sorts of live activities like coastguard duty, fire watching and life-boat drill. What you get out of it is up to yourself. I was lucky enough to go on a Course to the Moray Sea School in July of this year. On that Course there were boys from as far afield as Italy, France, England, Wales and of course Scotland. Each Course is of four weeks duration and is for boys of between fourteen to nineteen years of age. All types of boys attend the schools. For example, boys still at school and youths who have started on their various careers. On arrival at the school boys are detailed to watches, twelve boys to each watch. The rules of the Course are simple. No smoking or drinking, the observance of proper training discipline, and self-discipline under one's own elected watchcaptain and watch vice-captain. All through the Course watches compete against one another for such things as the cleanest dormitory, and the watch with the most points for the day has the honour of its penant flying from the flagpole the next day. The day starts at 6.3o a.m. with either a cold shower or a dip in the sea.

Outward Bound

After breakfast, the Course parades round the flag pole and at 8 o'clock exactly the quartermaster sounds the bells and the Blue Ensign is hoisted along with the winning watch's penant ; this is followed by prayers with the School Padre. This routine is followed every morning, rain or shine, and on Sundays there is a parade to church. At meal times grace is said and table manners are strictly observed. The captain of each watch serves the food while the duty watch of the day supplies two of its members to serve the officers who act as instructors. This routine is also followed while at sea. Throughout the Course the aim is that each boy should strive to do his best in these activities: Seamanship, Cruise, Mountain Expedition and Athletics. Three standards are set for each—I-lot:ours Award (above average), Merit Award (average), Membership (below average), and a badge is awarded at the end of each Course. On the evening of the last day, badges are presented. The inner portion of the badge is either white, blue or red according to the standard gained in Seamanship, Cruise and Expedition. White is an Honours award, Blue is Merit and Red is Membership. The colour on the rim of the badge shows the standard gained in Athletics, again White for an I Ionours award, Blue for Merit and Red for Membership. SAILING

The Moray Sea School has several boats, the most well-known being the three masted schooner the Prince Louis in which boys go on their cruise. Then there is the motor boat " Alata ", one of the fastest in Scotland, which is also the Burghead life boat and is manned by boys from the School in time of need. Besides these two there are two cutters and a naval whaler. My sea cruise on the Prince Louis was a four-day trip to Kirkwall and back. The boys do all the seamanship and sailing under command of the Captain. This was real adventure. Most boys were sea-sick to start with hut happily I was not. Each boy took his turn on deck, at the wheel, as messenger and as look-out. We also had to get up in the middle of the night, when need be, to hoist or take down the sails. While at Kirkwall we were allowed to explore the town and paraded to St. Magnus Cathedral on the Sunday. The cruise was a great thrill and we were all very sorry to leave the Prince Louis when it ended. MOUNTAINEERING

There is also an obstacle course which is designed to strengthen boys physically for the Expedition. The Expedition I went on entailed a five day journey on foot over the mountains from Invergordon to Ullapool. Two officers accompanied us on the Expedition as observers. We were told beforehand that we would be judged on our bearing throughout the Expedition on such things as no complaining at blistered feet, no grouses or groans when things didn't suit us, and our attitude to our companions at the end of an exhausting day. We set off from Burghead in the Prince Louis which took us across the Moray Firth to Invcrgordon. Once there we disembarked, carrying all our stores in rucksacks, and set off on the first stage of our journey, under the guidance of either our watch-captain or our watch vicecaptain. The first day's journey was along roads and tracks to Kildermorie Bothy, situated at the foot of a range of mountains. The total distance covered that day was 24 miles. The second day was far more difficult and strenuous, as it entailed climbing the mountains with heavy packs on our backs and the unaccustomed weight of climbing boots on our feet. After the mountaineering part of this journey was over, we were confronted with a valley with our goal, Glenbeg bothy—at the far end of it; but between us and the bothy lay a river and a vast bog. It took us the best part of two hours to cover the last two miles, wading the river with all our gear and our boots still on and squelching through the mud of the bog. On arrival at the bothy we had to make our own tea; several were too exhausted even to eat. The total distance covered that day was 18 miles. After a good night's sleep, we set off next morning for Cadubh Bothy. 'Phis proved to be another trial of strength and perseverance. We had a stiff climb to the top of Glenbeg, followed by a less exhausting hike along a mountain track. By 6 o'clock that evening we found ourselves on top of a mountain which sloped steeply down to Cadubh Bothy about 7oo feet below; but that loo feet took us just over an hour to cover,

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

for it entailed scrambling down cliff-like faces and across thick heather. Once at the bottom we had to cross a rope bridge spanning a mountain stream. The bridge carried one person at a time and some boys thought it safer to wade across the water which was quite deep. Once across, a walk of 5o yards took us to the bothy where tea was made and a sound night's sleep enjoyed. The total distance covered that day was 18 miles. Our fourth day was one of complete rest at the bothy, most of us just ate and slept. The following day we rose at 4 a.m. and after leaving everything tidy we had a 4-mile hike into Ullapool where a bus met us and took us the long journey back to Burghead. At the end of each Course boys go to Gordonstoun for a farewell service in the Michael Kirk. At this service, prayers are said for all the boys who have attended previous Courses. On the last evening prize-giving is held. The Warden gives his final address and his wife presents the appropriate badges gained. Uniforms are handed in and another Course is " Outward Bound ". What had we learned? " To Serve, to Strive and Not to Yield." That was the thing! To serve the team— whatever team that might be—to do one's best, and never give in. •

MICHAEL Warr

(Upper IV-3)

A History of the Magazine 1885 1885-93 January 1894

First Issue. Nine issues published. " New Series " started. (Hence the reference to " New Series " under the heading on p. 1.) 24 September 1907 A Special General Meeting of the F.P. Club resolved inter alia that the Magazine be enlarged to contain a section entirely devoted to matters of interest to former pupils in all parts of the world; and that henceforth all members of the F.P. Club should receive a free copy of the Magazine. It was arranged, too, at that time that financial control of the Magazine should pass to the F.P. Club. October 1907 The first issue under the new arrangement was published. (The late Dr. Theodore Watt was appointed Editor-in-chief in October 1907, and retained this office until his death in 1946.) The Magazine has been published continuously since 1894. Back Numbers So far as is known to us there is in existence only one series of the Magazine complete since the first issue in 1885. We would therefore, for record purposes, be very interested to learn of any other complete or near-complete sets. We would also still like to acquire pre-192o back numbers (our previous requests for these having so far yielded no results).

Classical VI, 1936-37

Back Row—M. H. A. Mackintosh, R. G. C. Smith, J R. Fiddes, XX'. B. McGowan, H. H. Thomson, C. B. C. Sangster, R. J. Anderson, W. Adam, P. Dawson. Middle Row—N. Mackie, I. S. Flett, G. C. Hadden, A. 11. Campbell, J. M. Davidson, L. S. Rusack, D. D. Pennie, A. B. Ewen, K. D. Petrie. Front Row—A. C. R. Watt, Mr. W. P. Stuart, Mr. 1. M. Park, Mr. A. Milne, Mr. H. Paterson, Mr. A. A. Gray, Mr. G. W. J. Farquharson, N. I. W. Meldrum.

A "young" Old Class Group—Classical VI, 1936-37 [In previous issues of the Magazine photographs have been published from time to time of class groups of former years—usually of groups who were pupils fifty or more years ago. This time we publish a photograph of a class who left School only twenty years ago. We are indebted to Alan C. R. Watt for the photograph and for the notes.—ED.] Of the twenty members of the class three have their names inscribed on the School's Roll of Honour: James Mearns Davidson (1927-37), B.sc.(ENG.). Flying-Officer, R.A.F.V.R. Died on active service in Middle East, June 1943. Malcolm Hugh Alexander Mackintosh (1936-37). Private, The Gordon Highlanders. Presumed to have died in action in France, 1940. Kenneth Dunbar Petrie (1925-37). Leading Seaman, R.N.V.R. Killed in action, 3 March 1945. The following are brief notes on the other members of the class: William Adam (1925-37), M.A., B.SC.(AGRI.). Farmer, Banchory, Kincardineshire. Robert John Anderson (1931-37), M.B., CH.B. Medical Practitioner, Fortrose, Ross-shire. Alastair Hyde Campbell (1928-37). (No up-to-date information.) Philip Dawson (1925-37), M.A., LL.B. Advocate in Aberdeen. Alan Burners Ewen (1926-38). Librarian, County Branch Library, Stone, Staffordshire. James Baran Fiddes (1924-37), B.A., LL.B. Advocate, Edinburgh. Ian Stark Flett (1925-37), M.A., ED.B. Deputy to Chief Education Officer, Preston County Borough. George Campbell Hadden (x925-37), M.B., CH.B. Medical Practitioner, Blackheath, Birmingham. William Barber McGowan (1916-37), M.B., cx.s. District Medical Officer, Southern Rhodesia. Ninian Mackie (1927-37), M.A. Solicitor, London. Neil Ian Wilson Meldrum (1925-37), M.A., LL.B. Advocate in Aberdeen. 2I

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Donald Durance Pennie (1928-37), M.B., CH.B. Medical Practitioner, Forfar. Louis Seton Rusack (1926-37), M.B., CH.B. Medical Practitioner, Haddington. George Brown Cameron Sangster (1928-37), D.S.C., M.A., B.D. Minister of Queen's Cross Church, Aberdeen. Ronald Gordon Christie Smith (1927-37), a.sc.(AGar.). Advisory Officer in Animal Husbandry, North of Scotland College of Agriculture, Aberdeen. Hugh Haldane Thomson (1928-37), M.B.E., M.A. Commonwealth and Overseas Service, Northern Rhodesia. •

Alan Crombie Robertson Watt (1925-37), M.A., LL.B. Advocate in Aberdeen. Town Clerk of Ballater. Of the six members of the Staff who appear in the photograph only one is still at the School—Ian M. Park, B.sc., who has been on the Staff since 1927. George W. J. Farquharson (Staff, 1924-37), M.A., ED.B., died in 1945; Alexander H. Gray (Staff, 1919-55), M.A., B.SC., and Andrew Mike (Staff, 1926-55), M.A., both retired last year; Henry Paterson (Staff, 1919-5I), M.A., retired in i 95 i ; and William P. Stewart (Staff, 1926-47), M.A., died in 1947.

ALONG THE TRAIL OF THE KLONDIKE If you are interested, come with me to certain areas of British Columbia, Alaska and the Yukon territory where many a gold-hunter's reward was measured in terms of shattered health or even a lonely grave. Our tour will commence and end at the city of Vancouver in British Columbia. But let us first pay tribute to two writers and a poet whose impressions of life in these regions were handed down to posterity in prose and poetry of an entertaining and literary quality; I refer, of course, to Jack London, Rex Beach and Robert Service. In his Gold Hunters of the Nortb Jack London told how Baranov the first Russian governor of Alaska had known of the existence of gold there as far back as 1804, but he and subsequent governors suppressed the news, Russia being afraid of a wild stampede of Anglo-Saxons and even of a possible conquest of the vast territory. Accordingly, says London, "when the United States bought Alaska in 1867 she bought tt for its furs and fisheries without a thought of its treasures underground ". But to our tale. Upon my arrival in Vancouver, the Canadian border authorities were courteous to the last degree. The immigration official asked me if prospecting was my purpose while in Canada. On account of my very mature years I thanked him cordially for the compliment; and yet I believe that in the great Klondike era many greybeards chalked up an endurance record not always matched by their comrades of a more tender age. But I was not fondling an unkempt beard while being interviewed, nor did I have a pick slung over my shoulder and a goldpan strapped to my belt. Victoria on Vancouver Island as you will know is the capital of British Columbia. Vancouver Island is nearly 300 miles long but apparently fat from developed. Main roads are found only on the eastern shore. . The itinerary from Vancouver to Prince Rupert in British Columbia followed the co-called " inside passage route". Among other places, we stopped at Kitimat and Kemano which I have mentioned especially because the Aluminium Company of Canada is entitled to much credit for the creation of an extensive aluminium plant in the former place, the power for the operation of this plant being obtained from the 450,000 kilowatt hydro station at Kemano. I understand, however, that most of the bauxite used in the production of the aluminium comes from Jamaica in the West Indies. From Prince Rupert itself I did a two-day excursion to two very isolated spots on the Queen Charlotte Islands. The passage across the Hecate Strait was smooth with hardly a ripple, and included the open sea crossing to and from the islands mentioned. After a stay in Prince Rupert I was ready for the short trip by amphibian to Ketchikan thence to Juneau the capital of Alaska; and here we are about to enter American territory. Of course, if America controlled the whole coast-line from the State of Washington up to the present south-eastern boundary of Alaska (which also belongs to America), then Canada would have no Pacific seaport at all. How satisfactory that the two countries exist side by side in a state of peace and co-operation I But how different would be the situation today, if Russia had declined to enter into negotiations for the sale of Alaska in 1867? The rain was falling steadily in Ketchikan when we arrived, and in Juneau except for a short period in the morning it never ceased. I understand that rain falls nearly every day of the year in Juneau! We were not deterred, however, from a visit to view the great Mendenhall Glacier. The following morning we were supposed to fly on by amphibian to Skagway; there to connect with a narrow-gauge railway to Whitehorse in the Yukon territory, but owing to weather conditions we were unable to leave Juneau till later that day. This gave us a night in Skagway which we would otherwise have missed. Skagway has no paved streets or sidewalks and is truly typical of a ghost town —after the pattern of Goldfield or Virginia City in Nevada. In the late ' nineties " when it was founded, it was the scene of great activity, being a natural gateway to the Klondike region. Many nevertheless avoided this route with its many hazards by effecting passage at the mouth of the Yukon River. 23

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

On the day of our arrival from Juneau a Canadian Pacific steamer arrived in Skagway from Vancouver, and with so many tourists on hand it was the occasion for an evening's entertainment in the town auditorium. The whole affair was reminiscent of gold rush days. You danced with your hat on if you pleased. One scene well acted portrayed several men around a card table with tense faces. One man got shot—presumably for cheating. The lights were extinguished for a moment, then with the lights on again, two of the staff, retained for such tragic emergencies, stepped forward to take the necessary measurements of the body! The master of ceremonies at this entertainment was a coloutful old sourdough with a long beard and battered hat. My " arrest " that evening was, along with many others, an essential part of the show. A study of the text of the document below will enlighten you as to the nature of my offence and the conditions surrounding my reIrsm- from custody: UNOFFICIAL RECEIPT SKAGIVAY KANGAROO COURT OF INJUSTICE SKAGTOWN, ALASKA

To Whom It's No Concern: This receipt shall be prima facie evidence that there is still one born every minute Ipso Facto, and WHEItE4s: John Young has had the privilege thrust upon him of appearing before the Dishonorable Judge of the Skagway Kangaroo Court of Injustice where Justice is not only blind, but also dumb, and WHERE.AS, the defendant was given no choice as to plea and therefore pleaded guilty to the following charge: that the defendant is a direct descendant of Soapy Smith upon whose dubious glory Skagway has been living for 58 years and he is therefore an accessory after the fact and as such, he is further contributing to the delinquency of this community by the payment of $I.oo with NO SENSE to this court. Therefore let it now be ordained that he has ten years to get out of town or further action will be taken. WITNESSED this 6th day of Aug., 1956, by my hand and seal, the Disreputable Judge Harold Pubbernou. (SEAL) " Yukon Sue." Bea O'Daniel. Pauline Prebbemou, Clerk. Actually at this function any man, however aged, who declined to dance, whether physically able or not, was led up to the rostrum by the sourdough, provided his police powers had been invoked by a rejected potential dance partner. Sounds to me like a good way to raise money for a charity affair! From Skagway I moved on to Whitehorse and the trip by rail was spectacular indeed. Actually the stampede to the Klondike began in 1897 by using the Chilkoot Pass to Lake Bennett; but later on White Pass was discovered and then commenced the construction of the White Pass & Yukon Railway in 1898. As you progress slowly along this mountainous track the trail used by the prospectors is plain to sec. At White Pass Summit we were back in British Columbia once more, but the border formalities were not observed until we reached the town of Bennett at the bead of the lake about 4o miles from Skagway. Actually before the construction of the railroad north from Bennett to Whitehorse, the hopeful prospectors built crude boats and by a devious lake route proceeded to connect with the Yukon River proper. Near Whitehorse, however, dangerous rapids presented a serious problem; and many of those who risked passage through these rapids lost their fives. I regret I did not while in Whitehorse take in a trip to Dawson City, the old capital and the end of the road for many rugged individuals in their quest for the elusive yellow dust. Those proceeding North from Skagway in June particularly must have had difficulty in adjusting themselves to the long hours of daylight. The Yukon River is frozen over completely from November until April, but it is navigable for small craft for the rest of the year, at least between Whitehorse and Dawson City. Passenger service on the river from Skagway to Dawson City, a

•

Along the Trail of the Klondike

distance of 46o miles, is a thing of the past. Road transport has now replaced freight transportation by water, making boat-passenger service alone unprofitable. The old stern-wheelers are now, sad to say, disintegrating museum pieces. While in Whitehorse I acquired a tract of land by formal legal deed but of which I could not assume complete physical possession! If this sounds odd, let me tell you that I hold good title to such land near Dawson City—the measurement thereof being one square inch! The printed circular enclosed with the deed to this sylvan retreat informed me that my land lay in a rugged wilderness without roads or trails and that temperatures in winter could reach — 800! Without hope of reward I hereby convey my right, title and interest in said property to the Dominion of Canada for use as a national park to have and to hold, etc. From Whitehorse I flew on to Prince George in British Columbia with stops at Watson Lake, Fort Nelson and Dawson Creek, each " carving its future out of a veritable wilderness " to quote the travel folder. At Watson Lake two mounties in summer uniform entered the plane with a prisoner and all the way to Prince George one of the mounties entertained me with his description of life in the service. The trip to Prince George was without incident. The beautiful country seemed to be developing only slowly, and farm sites were not much in evidence; but what a panorama of mountains, forests and streams. When I think of many over-populated areas in this old world of ours and see the vast acreage awaiting settlement in the great North American continent, well, I do a lot of thinking! Prince George is an attractive town. The lumber yards stacked with cut spruce provided an interesting sight. Wherever I journeyed in the far West spruce and hemlock trees were much in evidence, with the stately Douglas fir. The next stage of my trip was perhaps the most fascinating of all, the overnight rail journey from Prince George to Squamish. An open observation car was provided by the rail company and I never experienced this thrill before. A repetition of that scenic trip along great stretches of the mighty Fraser River would be welcome indeed. The steamer trip from Squamish to Vancouver proved a fitting climax to a wonderful outing. Shortly after arrival in Vancouver I was able to step aboard a plane for Seattle and fortunate also to secure a seat on another plane back to New York the same evening. At the beginning I mentioned Robert Service. It is interesting to note that his amusing ballad " The Cremation of Sam McGee " was in fact inspired by the actual cremation of a frozen body in the fire-box of the " Olive May" which had become ice-bound on Lake Le Barge. Dr. Sugden, a friend of Robert Service, did the actual cremation and carried the ashes back to the police at Tagish. Old man Socrates is credited with the statement: " See one promontory, one mountain, one sea, one river and see all." Well I have no particular recollection of a promontory, but the rest was supplied in a generous measure for the eye to behold. It is wonderful to travel. I still wish to visit Dawson City with its atrophied atmosphere of a past decade. Living in the past is the prerogative of the aged. I am enjoying my share. John Young • (1889-94)

It would be appreciated if ALL material submitted for incorporation in the MagaTine—articles, section reports, etc.—could be written (typed, if at all possible) in double spacing on one side only of the sheets of paper used. This facilitates checking and amending, where necessary.—En.

Marriages Brown (1944-49).—At Aberdeen on II July 1956, ALEXANDER BROWN, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Brown, 644 Holbum Street, Aberdeen, to Sheila Joan, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Kidd, " El-Teb", 4o Momingside Avenue, Aberdeen. Brown (193o-42).—At London on 9 June 1956, JOHN GARRICK CRAIG BROWN,* elder son of Mr. and Mrs. T. C. 'Brown, " Kildare ", 681 King Street, Aberdeen, to Miriam Howard, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Austin, Bank House, Thrapston, Northamptonshire. Bruce (1938-46).—At Aberdeen on II August 1956, JOHN ALISTAIR BRUCE, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bruce, to Westholnie Avenue, Aberdeen, to Shirley Margaret, only daughter of the late Mr. D. M. C. Donald and of Mrs. Helen Donald, 33 Westholme Avenue, Aberdeen. Buchanan (1946-48).-At Birmingham O21 15 September 1956, JOHN ANDREW FERGUSON BUCHANAN,* elder son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Buchanan, Aberdeen, to Nina Roberta, youngest daughter of the late Rev. ('iron Jones and of Mrs. Ceiron Jones, St. John's-on-the-Hill, Chepstow.

Campion (I937-4o).—At Brechin on 13 June 1956, GEORGE DONALD CAMPION, only son of Capt. and the late Mrs. Campion, Brechin, to Margaret, twin daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Leggat, Balbeuchley, Auchterhouse. Christie (1946-48).—At Woodside, Aberdeen on 13 October 1956, ROBERT HORACE CHRISTIE, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Christie, 15 Summer Place, Dyce, to Audrey, daughter of Mrs. M. Morris, 13 Union Row, Dyce. Cox (194o-5o).---At Aberdeen on 3 October 1956, HERBERT ALEXANDER WILSON COX, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Cox, 9 Balmoral Place, Aberdeen, to Winifred

Jean, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Barclay, Braeside, Rothmaise, Wattle.

Craig (1933-46).—At Aberdeen on 13 September 1956, ALAN GORDON CRAIG, M.B., CH.B., elder son of Dr. and Mrs. Jas. W. Craig, 47 Powis Terrace, Aberdeen,

to Hazel Mary, eldest daughter of the late Mr. G. D. Robertson and of Mrs. Robertson, 65 Urquhart Road, Aberdeen. Crawford (1939-44).—At Montreal on at July 1956, ANDREW MAY CRAWFORD, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Crawford, 15 Ellon Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, to Eleanor, daughter of Mr. J. Vibert and the late Mrs. Vibert, Ottawa. Cruickshank (1938-4% 1945-49)At Aberdeen on 15 September 1956, LESLIE DUFFUS CRUICKSHANK, M.B.,CH.B., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Cruickshank, Ardgathen, Bieldside, to Jean Watt, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Leslie, z Watson Street, Aberdeen. Davidson (1944-47).—At Aberdeen on 2 July 1956, JAMES ALEXANDER DAVIDSON, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Davidson, 4o Clarence Street, Aberdeen, to Margaret Isobel Heather Ross, niece of Mr. and Mrs. J. Ross, 34 Portland Street, Aberdeen. Donald (1938-49).----At Aberdeen on z7 October 1956, WILLIAM SAINSBURY DONALD,* son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Donald, 64 Forest Road, Aberdeen, to Bertha Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Coutts, 18 Argyll Place, Aberdeen. Garden (I924-37).—At Forfar on 14 June 1956, JAMES WADDELL GARDEN, son of Mr. Jas. Garden and the late Mrs. Garden, Perth Road, Dundee, to Phyllis Margaret, daughter of Mr. J. P. Strachan and the late Mrs. Strachan, 7 Peffer's Place, Forfar. Gregor (1946-52).--At Aberdeen on 9 July 1956, EWEN WILLIAM GREGOR,* B.sc., only son of Mr. and Mrs. Gregor, zo Hollybank Place, Aberdeen, to Marjory, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Macdonald, Moy, Inverness-shire. z6

Marriages

Henderson (1937-46).—At Dundee on 7 July 1956, GEORGE MArrnEw HENDERSON, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. S. Henderson, 45 Angusfield Avenue,

Aberdeen, to Alison Doreen M'Kenzie, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Hogg, 25 Jancfleld Place, Dundee. Innes (1935-49)At Aberdeen on 15 September 1956, PATRICK GORDON INNES ,* youngcr son of Dr. J. A. and Dr. Elizabeth Innes, Aberdeen, to Florence, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Hendry, Schoolhouse,, Oyne. James (1949-5o).—At Aberdeen on 3 July 1956, ALEXANDER SOUTER JAMES,* only son of Mr. and Mrs. James, Crowhai Dyke, Forres, to Margaret Constance, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Anderson, 13 Cecily Place, Fortes. Johnstone (193o-42).—At Cults on 18 July 1956, ALEXANDER FORDYCE jonNsroNE, M.B., Ch.B., D.P.M., youngest son of the late Mr. Alex. Johnstone and of Mrs. C. M. Johnstone, 45 Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen, to Moyra Esme, only daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. A. Rae Grant, West Manse, Cults. Laing (1937-40, 1942-43, 1945-49)At Elgin on 8 August 1956, LESLIE GORDON LAING, M.B., cn.a., son of Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Laing, 1 2 Queen Street, Woodside, Aberdeen, to Winifred Ilelen Louise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Anderson, 7 Grant Street, Elgin. Lawrence (194o-46).—At Chester on 18 July 1956, ALBERT ALEXANDER LAWRENCE,* M.B., CH.B., youngest son of the Rev. P. D. Lawrence and the late Mrs. Lawrence, 45 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen, to Helen Alicia, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Lloyd, 8 Grove Avenue, Chester. Mackay (1945-48).--At Aberdeen on 18 August 1956, WILLIAM MACKAY, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mackay, 41 Caledonian Place, Aberdeen, to Lorna, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Strachan, 261 Mid Stocket Road, Aberdeen. Mackenzie (1947-5o).—At Aberdeen on Ix August 1956, DONALD MACKENZIE, younger son of Mr. D. and the late Mrs. Mackenzie, 53 Manor Avenue, Aberdeen, to Margaret, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Smollet, 35 Manor Avenue, Aberdeen. M'Lean (1930-43).—At Lesmahagow on 16 June 1956, IAN COOK M'LEAN,* M.B., CH.B., son of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. M'Lcan, Negri Sembilan, Malaya, to Alison Jane, S.H.N., second daughter of Dr. and Mrs. T. G. H. Martin, Abbotshall, Lesmahagow. M'Leod (1935).—At Aberdeen on 21 July 1956, HAMISH ALEXANDER M'LEOD, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex. M'Leod, 99 Hilton Road, Aberdeen, to Frances Mary, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Milne, 148 Hilton Drive, Aberdeen. M'Leod (1937-46).—At Aberdeen on 3 August I96, 'OHN BRYCE M'LEOD,* son of Mr. and Mrs. J. M'Leod, 29o Queen's Road, A berdeen, to Eunice Martin, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Third, 1 Kingshill Road, Aberdeen. Morren (1940-41, x942-5o).—At Aberdeen on 27 June 1956, GEOFFREY GRASSIE MORREN,* eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Morren, 29 Ashgrove Road West, Aberdeen, to Doreen, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David White, 17 Beechwood Avenue, Aberdeen. Murray (1 943-49).--At Aberdeen on 8 August 1956, CAMPBELL MURRAY,* M.B., CH.B., second son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Murray, 23 Wallfield Place, Aberdeen, to Flora Gow, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Barron, 47 Watson Street, Aberdeen. Nicolson (1 938-47).—At Aberdeen on 14 July 1956, GORDON BRUCE NICOLSON,* Seafleld Road, Aberdeen, G.A., younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Nicolson, S7 to Enid Alison, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Esson, 88 Walker Road, Aberdeen. Ogilvie (1924-33).—At Edinburgh on 14 July 1956, IAN OGILYLE, younger son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Ogilvie, Aberdeen, to Laura Martha, younger daughter of the late Mr. Wm. Watt, and of Mrs. Watt, 18 Rosalyn Crescent, Edinburgh.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Renton 0947-50.—At Aberdeen on 6 August 1956, Ross LANGLANDS RENTON, son of the late Mr. D. R. Renton and of Mrs. M. C. Renton, 68 Burns Road, Aberdeen, to Kathleen, daughter of Mrs. A. Ironside, 383 Holburn Street, Aberdeen. Ritchie (1943-46).--At Aberdeen on 8 September 1956, DENNIS ALEXANDER RrrcHIE,* son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Ritchie, 33 Hilton Drive, Aberdeen, to Anne Elizabeth, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Worling, 39 Richmondhill Road, Aberdeen. Robbie (1935-48).--At Aberdeen on 2 July 1956, DOUGLAS STEWART ROBBIE,* M.B., CH.M., R.A.M.C., younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Robbie, 52 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen, to Terry Lockhart, only daughter of Mr. Jas L. Milne and the late Mrs. Milne, 44 Carlton Place, Aberdeen. Robertson (i939-4z).—At Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, on 6 October 1956, DERRY MENZIES ROBERTSON, A.R.I.B.A., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Robertson, 4 Oakdale Terrace, Aberdeen, to Marilyn Doreen, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Martin, Dartmouth. Shand 0943-4O—At Ottawa on 30 June 1956, FREDERICK JOHN MICHAEL SHAND,* B.SC., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Shand, 498 Union Street, Aberdeen, to Cynthia, younger daughter of Mr. Louis Delevante, of Ottawa and Jamaica. Sheriffs (1943-49).—At Aberdeen on z June 1956, IAN FORBES SHERIFFS, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Sheriffs, 3z North Deeside Road, Aberdeen, to Heather, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Forbes, 27 Gilbert Road, Bucksburn. Sinclair (1934-38).—At Ashford, Kent, on 17 November 1956, WILLIAM DAWSON SINCLAIR,* M.B., CH.B., D.P.H., elder son of the late Dr. Sinclair, Ellon and of Mrs. Sinclair, 31 King's Gate, Aberdeen, to Lucy Johanna, daughter of Herr and Frau Moryson, Wesel-am-Rhein, Germany. Slater (1936-40, I945-48).-- At Aberdeen on 4 August 1956, ALASTAIR GEORGE WALTER SLATER,* only son of the late Mr. A. Slater and of Mrs. D. A. Slater, 42 Prospect Terrace, Aberdeen, to Muriel, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Dunn, 38 Hilton Terrace, Aberdeen. Spence (1939-44—At Birmingham on 21 July 1956, DOUGLAS Roy SPENCE,* B.S.C(ENG.), elder son of Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Spence, 26 Seafield Avenue, Aberdeen, to Ann Susan, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Glover, Hall Green, Birmingham. Stephen (I934-47).—At Aberdeen on 2 June 1956, VINCENT GEORGE ROHDE STEPHEN,* of Negri Sembilan, Malaya, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Stephen, 6z Gairn Terrace, Aberdeen, to Sheila M., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Stephen, a Marine Villa, Bruce Street, Macduff. Stewart (1940-51).—At Aberdeen on 14 June 1956, IAN MURDOCH STEWART,* younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stewart, 5ia Stanley Street, Aberdeen, to Shirley May, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Kelman, 41 Forest Road, Aberdeen. Summers (I939-47).—At Aberdeen on 27 June 1956, DAVID JOHN SUMMERS,* son of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Summers, 12 Hayfield Place, Aberdeen, to Jean Fraser, daughter of the late Mr. A. M. Morrice, M.B.E., and of Mrs. J. Morrice, 27 King's Gate, Aberdeen. Tough (I946-49).—At Aberdeen on 21 July 1956, ARTHUR FARQUHARSON TouGH,* younger son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Tough, z Douglas Place, Old Aberdeen, to Edith Julienne, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alex. Cattanach, 15 Ashgrove Road, Aberdeen. Turner (1936-46).—At Minehead on z6 May 1956, ALISTAIR GLASS TURNER,* M.B., CH.B., D.R.C.O.G., son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. TURNER, z6 Edgehill Road,

Aberdeen, to Audrey Beryl, eldest daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. T. S. Court, Minehead. Webster (194z-44).—At Aberdeen on 19 September 1956, MARTIN WOOD WEBSTER, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Webster, Bank Cottage, Inverbervie, to Maureen, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Burns, 188 Victoria Road, Aberdeen.

Obituary

Williams (1935-4; 1942-46).—At Harrow-on-the-Hill on 3o June 1956, ROBIN VAWER Wn.x.rAms,* son of the late Sidney A. Williams and of Mrs. Williams, Bieldside, to Sylvia Hole of Sudbury, Middlesex. Wilson (1938-43).—At Aberdeen on 23 June 1956, ROBERT CAMPBELL WILSON, younger son of the late Mr. C. C. Wilson and of Mrs. J. Wilson, 28 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen, to Margaret MacArthur, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. T. C. M'Whirter, 64 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Wynne-Edwards (1946-51).—At Aberdeen on 21 September 1956, HUGH ROBERT WYNNE-EDWARDS,* son of Professor and Mrs. V. C. Wynne-Edwards, 7o High Street, Old Aberdeen, to Stella Julia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Scott, 15 Gray Street, Aberdeen.

Obituary George Argo (1881-82), who was for many years well-known in farming circles in Aberdeenshire as a breeder of cattle, died in Elgin on 3 June 1956, aged ninety-one. Alexander Aitken Davidson * (i9oo-o7), one of Aberdeen's prominent business mcn died at his home at Cults on 13 September 1956, aged sixty-five. After completing his education at Mill Hill School, London, he entered his father's business in Aberdeen which had wide interests in the fishing industry. In 1914 he joined The Gordon Highlanders as a private but was quickly commissioned and served with them until 1917 when he was demobilized on account of ill-health. He rejoined the family business of which he became managing director, a position he held until his death. He was a man of many business interests and was chairman of directors of no less than seven different companies and a director of many others. Amongst his other activities he was an underwriting member of Lloyds and he took a great interest in the work of the Aberdeen Steam Fishing Vessel Owners' Association. He is survived by his son THOMAS WILLIAM NICOL DAVIDSON * (1929-41) and three daughters. Sidney Henry Chinn (1891), whose death is reported at Maryborough, Queensland, Australia, on 13 May 1956, was the last survivor of four brothers who attended the School. He served his apprenticeship in the locomotive works of the Great North of Scotland Railway at Inverurie and then emigrated to Australia. Distinguished U.N. Doctor Louis Findlay * (1924-30), M.B., CH.B. The School has lost one of her younger distinguished sons by the death of Louis Findlay in London on z6 October 1956. After graduating in 1936 be specialised in children's illnesses at hospitals in New York, and this country. During the last war he was firstly a physician in the Emergency Medical Service at Bishops Stortford, but in November 1941 he joined a medical unit of the Red Cross War Organisation and went to Abyssinia for some time before being commissioned in the R.A.M.C. He served in the Middle East where he was medical officer in charge of the Yugo-Slav Refugee Camp at Suez and became Director of the Health Division of U.N.R.R.A. in the Middle East in 1945. In May 1946 he was released from the R.A.M.C. but carried on his work as a civilian. For four years he was Chief Medical Officer and later Chief of Operations for the International Refugee Organisation in the U.S. Zone of Germany and in 1951 he was appointed to the U.N. Korean Reconstruction Agency and served in Korea, Geneva and New York, in that capacity. Since 1953 he was Chief of the Health Division of the U.N. Relief and Work Agency for Arab refugees in Beirut. In 1954 he was made an Honorary Professor of the American University of Beirut and was at the time of his death President of the Middle East Section of the B.M.A. William Cowan Glegg * (1898-99), A.)4.1.c.E., who took a prominent part in the reconstruction of harbours throughout the world died in Aberdeen on x i November 1956, aged sixty-six. He served his apprenticeship as a civil engineer in the Harbour Engineer's Office, Aberdeen and studied at Glasgow University. At the outbreak of the First World War being a Territorial he was mobilised in the Gordon Highlanders, but was commissioned almost immediately into the Royal Engineers

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

wars he held in which he served until he was demobilised in 1919. Between the to this country

various appointments in Nigeria and Malaya and in 1932 returned to become a partner in the firm of Messrs. Rogers, Ltd., Willenhall. During the last war he held an appointment with the Admiralty in Bath and latterly he was engaged on a large engineering scheme for Derby Corporation. He retired about two years ago on account of illhealth and was resident in Staffordshire.

Harry Henderson Gow (1909-17), M.B., CH.B., who died on 8 August 1956 at the age of fifty -six, was one of the donors of the Shanghai Clock which was installed in the tower at the School. He served with the Royal Navy as a surgeon and was for a time stationed in the Far East. George William Greig * (1882-87, 1893-96), who was born at Badulla, Ceylon. in 1877, died at his home in Aberdeen on t3 September 1956. After serving his apprenticeship as an engineer at Brighton and Worthing he went to Ceylon and took up a position on his father's tea estate but after a few years malaria undermined his health and he returned to this country and established the firm of G. W. Greig & Co., in Aberdeen. Owing to continued ill health he retired from business in 5930. He is survived by his widow and son GEORGE MORRISON GREIG (1924-28), who is a lubricant supervisor with Scottish Oils & Shell-Mex Ltd. His brother JAMES RENNIE GREIG * (1882-87), A.M.I.C.E., resides in London. David Albert Hutcheson * (1882-94), M.D., D.P.H., who was one of the first members of our club, died in Bournemouth on 23 September 1956, aged seventy-nine. After graduating at Aberdeen University he was in practice in London and then took up an appointment as a resident medical officer at the Royal National Sanatorium, Bournemouth. During the First World War he served in the R.A.M.C. in Gallipoli and in France. He retired a few years ago. Robert Cecil Jackson (1905-1i, 1914-15), died at Port of Spain, Trinidad, on i6 November 1956. On leaving the School he entered the service of Thomas Ogilvie & Sons, Woollen Merchants, Aberdeen, and remained with them until 1918 when he became a cadet in the R.A.F. and served in France during the last year of the First World War attaining the rank of sergeant observer. After the war he went to Trinidad to join the staff of Gordon, Grant & Co., Ltd. George Lawrence* (19o1-o3), who retired in 1948 after 45 years' service with the North of Scotland Bank, died in Glasgow on 21 August 1956, at the age of sixty-eight. He served his apprenticeship at the Bank's Fraserburgh office where his father, GEORGE LAWRENCE (1863-66), was agent. After four years there he was transferred to the head office in Aberdeen and thereafter was accountant at Aboyne, Buckie and Peterhead. When the Lossiemouth branch was opened in 1920 he was chosen as Agent but two years later moved to Buckie thence to Commercial Road Branch in Aberdeen in 193o. One year later he was appointed Assistant Local Manager at Glasgow and in 1938 became Manager of the Bank's chief office there, a position he held until his retirement. Alexander McCurrach * (1897-1901), who served with the Sun Insurance Office for fifty years died in Glasgow on 15 October 5956 at the age of seventy-one. He entered the Aberdeen branch of the company in 1901 and was transferred to Edinburgh in 19o7 but returned to Aberdeen as a district inspector in i 91 lc, becoming district secretary in 1920. Shortly afterwards he went to Glasgow as branch manager, a position which he held until he retired about five years ago. cu.a., who had been in poor Donald Graham McRobbie * (1921-33), health for some little time, died at his home in Turriff on zo November 1956. After leaving the School he studied medicine at Aberdeen University and graduated in 1938. In x939 he was appointed Junior Assistant Physician at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow, and remained there until 1940 when he received a commission in the R.A.M.C. He served in Libya and Suez, and in 1942 became R.M.O. to the 5th Battalion The Black Watch with which he served for three years. After D-Day he saw service in Western Europe until he was demobilized, when he returned to Aberdeen to become an assistant house surgeon at The Royal Infirmary. In 1946 be went to Turriff as assistant to Dr. Roche and in the following year went into partnership with Dr. Lang and eventually took over the practice in 1954. He was only forty-one years old at the time of his death,

Obitmary

Dr. A. A. Cormack writes:— "His passing at an early age follows hard upon that of his contemporary distinguished confreres—Sandy Slessor and Louis Findlay—outstanding in their chosen section of medicine, and all three my former pupils of " One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield." Grandson of a former pupil, William McRobbie (186o-65), M.A., minister of the U.F. Church, Prenmay, son of a former pupil, William M. A. McRobbie * (1893-97), Crown Valuer, Inland Revenue, Aberdeen, well known as the Commanding Officer of the Boys' Brigade, Aberdeen, Donald McRobbie graduated in medicine in 1938. He was specializing in Paediatrics, a service in keeping with his kindly disposition, when World War II called him to a Field Ambulance in the Middle East. At the Battle of Alamein, he was M.O. of the 5th Black Watch. He crossed to Normandy on the second day of the Invasion, and when in Normandy he found time to write to me, his former teacher, how grateful he was for the French driven into him at School—a note that was much appreciated. Before his passing I was deeply impressed by the anxiety expressed about him by some good folks in Turriff. Obviously he was the beloved physician. Donald was a refined product of the School; quiet, conscientious, intelligent, inherently a cultured citizen, with a love of music, and some ability as a pianist and water-colour artist. Our country can ill bear the loss today of Former Pupils of such calibre. He is survived by his wife and one child." Alexander William Michie (191O-22), M.B., CH.B., whose death is reported from Great Yarmouth on 15 July 1956 had been in practice there for a number of years. James Bruce Millar (1876-80), M.C., died at his home in Aberdeen on 3o May 1956. He was a member of the well-known Aberdeen family who owned Sandilands Chemical Works, and after leaving the School he joined the family firm and ultimately became a partner. During the First World War he was a Captain in the Royal Engineers and served in France and this country being mentioned in dispatches in 1917 and awarded the Military Cross in 1918. In 1928 his firm, John Miller & Co., was taken over by Scottish Agricultural Industries, Ltd., but he remained with them as a local director until 2947 when he retired. James Manson Munro * (188o-84), the head of the well-known Aberdeen firm of Milne & Munro, shoemakers, died at his home in Aberdeen on 27 August 1956 at the age of eighty-five. After leaving the School he trained in the leather trade in Edinburgh and Aberdeen before joining his father in the family business of which he took control in 1919. During the First World War he served in the R.A.M.C. as a lieutenant-quartermaster with the and Highland Field Ambulance. Sport and the welfare of young men were his main interests; in sport he was wellknown in his younger days as a keen angler and hill-climber, and for many years he was an enthusiastic member of the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. Many years ago he ran a boys' club in the Gallowgate, and after the Lads' Club was formed he became one of its most successful presidents; he was also at one time a vice-president of the Aberdeen Battalion of the Boys' Brigade. He was one of the original members of the Rotary Club of Aberdeen and had been one of the youngest men to hold the position of Deacon of the Aberdeen Shoemakers' Incorporation. He is survived by his wife and three sons, all F.P.s, HAMISH ANDREW MUNRO * (19O8-2i), IAN BARCLAY MUNRO * (1911-22), and ERIC MCDONALD MUNRO * (1912-23). William Alexander Ogg * (1897-190o), died in America on 3 July 1955 at the age of seventy one. On leaving the School he served his apprenticeship in Aberdeen and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1906 and the following year he went to the U.S.A. His first appointments were as auditor, then controller of a number of companies with large interests in coal mines, transportation facilities, zinc and lead mines, etc., in various States, and in 1917 became President of American Zinc, Lead and Smelting Co. In the early 1930's he became Vice-President of Appalachian Coals, Inc., Cincinnati and assistM in the re-organisation of that regional coal marketing agency. In 19i7 he joined Island Creek Coal Co., as manager of research,

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 32 a position he held until his retirement in 5939. He held several patents in the processing of zinc and the treatment of coal and from his retirement until his death he acted as consultant on various technical matters. His brother JotiN SrmPsom Ooo (19o4-o7) is a Chartered Accountant in New York. John Reith * (1913-33), a director of John Reith (Kennerty Farm Dairies) Ltd. died at his home at Kennerty, Peterculter on tz November 1956 at the age of thirtyeight. On leaving the School he joined the family business and being a member of the Territorial Army was called up at the start of the last war and served for its duration as an officer in the Royal Field Artillery. He had been in poor health for the last two years. James George Dawson Scott (1884-88), M.A., F.S.A. died at his home in Kintore on 9 August 1956 at the age of eighty-four years. After graduating in 289z he studied theology and his first call was to Foveran United Free Church. From there he went successively to Cowdenbeath, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee but his final charge was at Logiealmond Church in Perthshire where he celebrated his jubilee as a minister in February 5947. He retired to his birthplace in Kintore in 1948. He was the author of a lively book, written in the Aberdeenshire dorie, called " The Story of Kintore ", which contains an abundance of information on Kintore and district, its history and its people. Noted Ophthalmic Surgeon and Ornithologist Harold Edgar Smith * (1889-97), M.A., U.S., CH.B., the noted Aberdeen ophthalmic surgeon died on rz June 1956 aged seventy-five years. On leaving the School he entered the University and graduated M.A. in 1901, becoming private secretary to the Marquis of Tullibardine in 1903. Later he resumed his studies at the University and graduated U.S., errs., in 5950. During the First World War he served with the R.A.M.C., in this country and in Salonika from 1914 till 5919, and was awarded the Hellenic Medal for Military Merit Class III by the Greeks and was demobilised with the rank of acting major. He was widely recognised as an outstanding ornithologist and along with his wife, who died some six years ago, he created one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the country at his house at Culterty, Newburgh, to which he devoted his whole time after his retirement from practice (about six years ago) until a few months before his death, when ill-health caused him to give up. Alexander Taylor * (1890-93), whose death occurred in Cape Town on 3o July 1956, was a member of the legal profession in Aberdeen for a number of years before going to Canada to enter the business world there. On leaving the School he started his legal career with Messrs. Cochran & Macpherson, Advocates, Aberdeen but about thirty-five years ago he went to Canada to become associated with his brother JAMES FRATER TAYLOR * (1886-88) in a number of companies there. He was finally a director and secretary of the Lake Superior Corporation and Algoma Steel Corporation Group of companies, a position from which he retired about five years ago. During the last few years he did a certain amount of world travelling, but latterly made his home in South Africa. Frederick Roberts Watt (1903-16), who was well-known as a rugby player and had played in trials for Scotland died suddenly at Aberfoyle on 7 September 1956, aged fifty-six years. On leaving the School he went to Merchiston Castle School and then took a course of study at the North of Scotland College of Agriculture and did some practical farming at Fyvie. For a period he owned and fanned the Lands of Balnastraid at Dinnct. In the spring of 1939 he joined the 5/7 Bn. The Gordon Highlanders, and after service in Orkney he transferred to the Home Guard and was posted to Deeside as Captain-Quartermaster which post he held until the end of the war. William Welch* (1914-17), died very suddenly at Shanghai in July 1256 whilst Chief Engineer of the motor vessel Ivingbot Beason. He served his apprenticeship at Inverurie locomotive works, then went to India, where he spent five years on a tea plantation before going to sea with the British Tanker Co. He served aboard tankers for twenty-five years before transferring to general cargo vessels four years ago.

School Section School Office-Bearers, 1956-57 Prefects J. MARTIN JEFFREY (Senior Prefect) ALAN B. WRIGHT (Deputy Senior Prefect) W. BARTON BROWN QUENTIN M. CRAMS JOHN P. DRUMMOND NEIL A. DUNCAN DAVID B. GALLOWAY DOUGLAS R. HARPER THOMAS HOUGHTON

Byron W. BARTON BROWN

ALEXANDER F. C. HUNTER ANDREW P. LANE JOHN G. LAWRIE PHILIP N. LOVE ALASTAIR M. MATHIESON JOHN C. A. MICRIE JOHN G. ML'NRO MALCOLM S. WEBSTER

LESLIE M. NICOL DUNCAN S. O'DELL JOHN S. RA.IIT RONALD R. Ross WALTER S. ROBB DAVID H. N. SOMERVILLE ROBERT S. TAYLOR

House Captains Keith Dun RONALD R. ROBB ALAN B. WRIGHT

Melvin WALTER S. ROBB

Rugby Football

Captain

Join( G. LAWRIE

Captain

MALCOLM S. WEBSTER

Captain

THOMAS HOUGHTON

Captain

ALASTAIR M. MATHIESON

President

RONALD R. ROBB

President

RONALD R. ROBB

President

ALASTAIR IbiATHIESON

Vice-Captain

ALAN B. WRIGHT

Vice-Captain

DENNIS HAY

Vice-Captain

ANDREW P. LANE

Vice-Captain

IAN B. KENNAWAY

Hockey

Swimming

Badminton

Literary and Debating Society

Secretary

LESLIE M. NICOL

Dramatic Society

Vice-President LESLIE M. NICOL Arts Club

Secretary

MALCOLM WEBSTER

Secretary

MALCOLM S. WEBSTER

Film Society

President J. MARTIN JEFFREY Cadet Force C.S.Af.

A. F. C. HUNTER

JAMES M. JEFFREY Scripture Union

Secretary

J. GORD0N BIRSS

School Editors DAVID S. REID

ALEXANDER F. C. HUNTER

RONALD R. Ross

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School and Random Notes In the days of our halcyon youth, we wondered at the abyss that separated our puny intellects from the superhuman minds that could compose such soaring wit in such elegant language. Now six years gone by, required ourselves to show some glimmerings of that spirit which was manifest in our illustrious predecessors, we leave it to the Muse. " You have asked us for something original But we don't know how to begin. . . ." * * * Having little inspiration we fall back on the age old and time honoured procedure of making regretful mention of two recent departures. Great is the School's loss now that Mr. Gordon and Mr. Robertson have left. The Cadets have their stentorian Captain no longer and the many rooms through which Mr. Gordon floated are now bereft of that veritable fountain of knowledge. Mr. Gordon, too, was a keen participant in many extra-curricular activities and these will not be so lively without one of their leading spirits. We wish them both the best of luck in their new posts. We are delighted to record the promotion of ex-and Lieut. Nisbet to the dizzy heights of full Lieutenantship. It is surely right that a man of such martial bearing should make his mark in military circles. He has stepped somewhat painfully into Mr. Robertson's shoes and we notice that already under the new regime changes have taken place. Senior N.C.O.s have affected their national dress and it is reported that Albyn Place has cataclysmic heart tremors each Thursday morning as C.S.M. Jeffrey pal Res on the corner resplendent in kilt: Chacun son goat. * * * In the field of military conflict the epic struggle between latecomers and vigilant prefects has not yet been resolved. Pursuits of unprecedented ferocity usually result in the capture of the hapless latecomer. One unfortunate incident, however, is remembered with horror, in which a lanky red-headed lad, protesting that he was the senior prefect, proved that this was so. Scenes of violence followed. * * * It has been suggested that the seating in the School Hall has been rearranged to facilitate entrance and exit at morning assembly. Here, however, for the first time, we can reveal that this is not so. It is merely to effect a new system of suppression and ejection. Despite the impotence of cinema officials throughout the country, we of the A.G.S. prefecture are confident that no " groovy Alligator " will escape our vigilance at our monthly sessions with Mr. Norris and his Music. * * * Recently, the rugby-playing element of the School was treated to a stimulating address from Mr. Maxwell Simmers, President of the Scottish Rugby Union. He was introduced by that much respected F.P., Dr. J. R. S. Ines, and, in his talk, advocated a return to the old tactics of attack and a near abandoning of defence. This, he claimed, would lend much to the excitement of the game. Well, Firsts? * * * We are delighted to observe that at least two of our Glorious First XV are willing to display their powers of physical endurance off the field of play as well as on it. We refer, of course, to our motor-cycling wing three-quarters. One has long revelled in the glory of a white helmet and a sleek, urbane machine. The other, however, has recently acquired a machine of which, he modestly assures us, the efficiency is inversely proportional to its external beauty. We hope so, but we are pleased to see in these invincible giants some slight concession to human frailty when, on Saturdays, the primitive transport of week-days is exchanged for the luxury of their paternal limousines. * * * It has been our custom, in the past, to recognise the successes of members of staff in their various spheres of activity. In this edition, we must congratulate Miss Mathieson on her achievement in joining the ranks of mechanically propelled road users. We mourn the passing of her well-known vintage bicycle, but we are happy to welcome her new means of locomotion.

School Section

35 This year, the School is at the mercy of yet another band of ruthless prefects and here we are proud to present them under their renowned commanding officer, James M. Jeffrey, and his adjutant, Alan B. Wright. They are William B. Brown Andrew P. Lane Duncan S. O'Dell Quentin M. Cramb John G. Lawrie John S. Raitt John B. Drummond Philip N. Love Ronald R. Robb Neil A. Duncan Alastair M. Mathieson Walter S. Robb David B. Galloway John C. A. Michie David H. N. Somerville Douglas R. Harper John G. Munro Robert S. Taylor Thomas Houghton I, slie M. Nicol Malcolm S. Webster Alexander F. C. Hunter * * * It seems fitting that we should insert here an impression of the Howff which will, no doubt, evoke nostalgia in all those who have experienced its cracked walls, broken chairs and shattered windows. \

F-

-__•

•

.zz

•

g.40

_- -

r /

4 n CZI ES

' • //

Malcolm S. Webster

On this morbid note we leave you, hoping that you will enjoy a merrier festive season than we shall, in an age in which a diabolical administration causes the reintroduction of petrol-rationing to coincide with the School dance.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School Staff—Arrivals and Departures We must again notice a number of changes of staff: but the Grammar School continues to be fortunate in managing, in very difficult times, to replace the masters whose devoted services it loses with others who promise service as great. of Mr. Alexander Robertson left in September to become Principal Teacher University Classics at Dumfries Academy. From Perth Academy to Edinburgh his classical (with an interlude in the Royal Armoured Corps), Mr. Robertson pursued School, he studies with great distinction. After some teaching at Falkirk HighDepartment, came to the Grammar in August 1951 as an assistant in the Classics disciplines. where he ably upheld the linguistic side of the ancient Grammar School and on the too, With discipline of the parade-ground variety he was concerned command of the departure of Major Armand in 1954 there devolved on him the coped with the he Cadea Force, which continued to flourish under his aegis while staffroom endless flow of correspondence On Her Majesty's Service which deluges the routines and table, and with parades, shooting practices, training schedules, camp Unit Commander's orders. To this burden be brought the same meticulousness School boy's and equanimity that must be required in the marking of a Grammar and a Latin prose. These qualities, and the endearing characteristics ofhismodesty in sense of humour, will make him as valued by his pupils and in colleagues Dumfries as he was here, and we wish him success and happiness his new post among the Gild Nyebburris. up a post Mr. Harold Gordon left at the same time as Mr. Robertson, to take Brought up of special responsibility in the Science Department of Epsom College. Mr. in a nearby educational establishment a mere two hundred years odd old,post Gordon he was an arts and science graduate of Aberdeen University. In his first and here, many a distinguished himself by his extreme energy, both in School and out,a teacher, will boy who was not brought in contact with his forthright personality as and Mounlong remember the impetus he gave to the expeditions of the Climbing sallies of taineering Club around the Cairngorms, as well as to those more distant in the School parties to Switzerland and Austria. He will miss his beloved hills the South. tame undulations of Surrey, but we wish him well in his work and life inSeptember, Mr. Alexander Scott was appointed to the English Department in and to augment it to cope with the needs of a still-growing School. A Gordonian University, an Honours graduate in English Language and Literature of Aberdeenand we offer he comes to us with a warm recommendation from his old school, career. him a warm welcome and out best wishes in embarking on an arduousarrive. Also Mr. Ian C. R. Galloway, who replaces Mr. Robertson, was next to coming a Gordonian, he has had experience of Classics in Aberdeenshire before to us. We hope he will find life and work in the Grammar congenial and we wish him success. Mr. William G. Williams, who was educated at Keith High School and Aberof our new deen University, takes over Mr. Gordon's time-table. The latest recruits to arrive, he has behind him the experience of teaching in the Ross High School, Tranent. We offer him a hearty welcome. of Between the departure of Messrs Robertson and Gordon, and the arrival McRae their successors a considerable lapse of time ensued, happily bridged by Mrs. and Mr. Lawrence, to whom we offer our warmest thanks. In this connection helped to we must also welcome Mrs. Mary W. McDonald, whose services glad to see fill the gap caused by Mr. Paterson's absence through injury. We are Mr. Paterson restored to his usual fitness. in Each year the Grammar School, and its Modern Languages Departmentsyear particular, benefits from the assistance of French and Spanish students. This Granada. we welcome M. Robert Espy, from Toulouse and Sr. Luis Pic6 fromlong time, a We might mention that Sr. Pic6 has been teaching English in Spain forno his that he has several times been on courses at Oxford and that this is by means first visit to Scotland. We hope they will enjoy their stay in Scotland, and, in particular, in the Grammar School.

( i

School Section

Homo Sapiens High falutin' Vergil fuses With the famous Grecian Muses, Intonation, perfect stresses, Fill the air in long addresses. French he teaches, apropos Horace, In navigation finds some solace, Boldly mentions to your face Authors like James Hadley Chase. Youthful scholars stand forlorn, Abash'd before his with'ring scorn, But tho' his roars give one the needle, His sense of humour's far from feeble! And in our eyes his star is bright, While he blows his horn on Saturday night.

paanns

P.P.L. No. 47368 A Grammar pupil tells of achieving his " Private Pilot's Licence ". Last term, I was fortunate enough to obtain, through the Combined Cadet Force, a flying scholarship which entitled me to some thirty hours' flying, both dual and solo, culminating in the award of a Private Pilot's Licence. Thus, in August, I reported to the Scottish Aero Club at Scone, Perthshire, where my instructor was S./L. T. S. Blyth, D.F.C., A.F.C. Over the next month, I came to respect the ever-cheerful S./L. Blyth, not only as a very fine flying instructor but also for his amiable disposition. When my flying training began, I was subjected to a full sequence of instruction including ground preparations and checks, with the accompanying maze of mnemonics and, also, to a flying syllabus which led, after experience in turns of all kinds and stalling, to the initially nauseating sensation of spinning. From this point I commenced a period of " Circuits and Bumps ", in which I was coaxed by a continual flow of picturesque language from the back scat of the Magistcr to forget my gliding habits (for, already, I;.Mobtained some experience in that sphere of aviation), and to endeavour to avoid my habits of landing several feet above the earth—habits which had uncomfortable moments for both S./L. Blyth and myself. Eventually, after six hours and twenty minutes of dual instruction, I was allowed to go off alone, for one solo circuit. To be perfectly frank, this flight disappointed me, for it seemed little different to any routine dual trip, despite the absence of vocal encouragement from the back seat. Later, as my experience grew, the full joys of solo flying were appreciated; my log-book records, in the eighteen hours' solo flying which I completed, such entries as practice forced landings, map-reading, spinning, compass course flying, steep turns and, finally, what was, in my opinion, the most rewarding and enjoyable exercise of all, cross-country flying, in which, accurate pre-flight planning combined with precise flying to give, at the end of the trip, a log sheet differing only in trifles from the proposed flight-plan. A satisfying pass m the ground and flying tests at the end of the course were sufficient to let me become, at the price of five shillings, the holder of Private Pilot's Licence, No. 47368. This licence bears witness to two things; to my own good luck in being awarded the scholarship and, more especially, to the perseverance, enccoouurraaggeement and ability of S./L. Blyth in teaching me the fundamental skills of airmana '13 and navigation. ALEXANDER F. C. Huwrza, Upper VI.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Edinburgh Festival Visit, 1956 Having decided that no real culture is to be obtained in Aberdeen, a party of seven Sixth Formers, with Mr. King, and two boys from the Fifth, went to Edinburgh at the end of the first week of the Festival, in search of that commodity. Like our predecessors, we were lodged in the Edinburgh University Students Hostel, Cowan House. We hustled out again the same evening to the King's Theatre, which we found with some difficulty. The performance of Mozart's " Die Zauberflate " (The Magic Flute) by the Hamburg State Opera convinced us all that first-class opera (even when sung in German) was, on its own, sufficient justification for the trip. The piece we saw was, however, described to me by a musician as " difficult ", so perhaps few of us were able to appreciate its true value. Nevertheless, we did enjoy the performance, and marvelled at the fine voices, the rich depth of Kurt Marschner being singled out for praise. Saturday morning being free, we split up and made our various ways round the exhibitions. Those at which we lingered longest were the highly controversial exhibition of the work of Braque, whose abstract and imaginative style became the cause later of many heated arguments, the portraits of Raeburn, and " Design Today". In the afternoon we saw what was generally agreed to be the most enjoyable show of the week-end, in the Empire Theatre where the Sadler's Wells Ballet were producing " Coppelia ". Even those who entered highly sceptical of such " cissy" entertainments changed their minds before Rowena Jackson and Desmond Doyle had been on the stage more than a few minutes. None of the party had seen "Coppelia" before, so the artistry and skill evident in the show came as a pleasant surprise to us all. Two shows were arranged for the evening. The Edinburgh Gateway Company, in spite of the magnificent efforts of Tom Fleming just failed to convince us that a very good amateur company was able to compete (as it was being forced to) against the world's best in other forms of entertainment. They were playing " The Anatomist" written specially for Edinburgh by James Bridie. The Military Tattoo, which followed, struck one or two of us as, also, being out of its class. Many of the party, however, were absolutely enthralled by the splendour of the spectacle. The outstanding features of the show were, undoubtedly, the Jeep Assembly Display, drill by the Royal Marines, and a dramatic reconstruction of an episode outside Edinburgh Castle during the '45. There being no shows or exhibitions open on Sunday morning, and few of us being inclined for Church, the time was spent wandering round the town or sleeping in Princes Street Gardens. In the afternoon some of us went to a piano recital by Dame Myra Hess, while the rest visited the film festival in the Caley Cinema. After a pleasant, but for the most part, meaningless Japanese cartoon, the main film " Every Minute Counts " was shown. The English sub-titles to this French film explained a fascinating and dramatic plot woven round a Citroen car. This provided the second main controversy of our visit to the festival with steering gear mechanism coming in for criticism from the more practical of us. In the evening we attended a concert by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the Usher Hall. From our excellent vantage point on the back of the stage we were able to study the techniques of all the players and in particular the conductor Charles Munch. This added interest made an excellent programme as enjoyable as could be wished. The magnificent renderings of all the pieces from " Symphony No. IO2 " in B flat major by Haydn, to " Symphony No. 6 " a contemporary work by an American Walter Piston receiving its first performance in Europe, made a very deep impression on us. Later that night discussions began on everything cultural but concentrating on the Braque Exhibition. Some of us, consequently, did not get to bed till the next morning but we all managed to rise before breakfast. As we were allowed half a day longer than any previous school party, there was still time for the uninitiated to study Braque and for the others to wander round some of the many museums and galleries open. After an uneventual morning and a train journey rendered comparatively peaceful by the valiant efforts of one of our number who " nearly " kept the discussion clear of the controversial issues of the night before, we arrived home pleased with having missed our day's school and " tired but happy ". LESLIE M. NICOL.

I I

School Section

On Climbing Hill-walking is best enjoyed alone but for obvious reasons its superior offshoot, rock-climbing, is usually pursued in company. For many people rock-climbing means either stupidity or foolhardiness. It is neither. Surely it is neither stupid nor foolhardy to take a calculated risk? However, many people contend that the dangers in rock-climbing cannot be controlled. They declare that however highly skilled a climber may be, and however good his equipment is, he will still be, to a very large extent, in the hands of Dame Fortune. This is not quite true. There is, it must be admitted, the negligible risk common to all sports. But it must be stressed that the risks in climbing are not much greater than those in rugby and certainly much less than the perils of car and motor-cycle racing. I want to make that quite clear because many boys are forbidden to go off to the hills at week-ends and holidays. The prejudice against hill-climbing, in general, and cliff-climbing in particular, is very strong and any young aspiring mountaineer is immediately discouraged. While I deplore the exaggeration of the dangers attached to climbing, the hazards that remain serve as a stimulus to our physical and mental resources. Qualities perhaps not apparent in a hum-drum city life come to light when two or three " share a rope " on some difficult climb. The unknown qualities are sometimes one's own and not a few juvenile delinquents have been helped back to respectability by getting to know themselves during rock-climbing. While they are thus increasing their faith in themselves—and others—they get a weekend occupation which will do them nothing but good. The camaraderie of a mountain bothy and the singing round a camp-fire make a welcome change from the milk bar and the recordplayer. Coming off a hill, perhaps pleasantly tired with another enjoyable rock-climb for the memory album, one recalls the last few lines of a popular climber's song— " While ane an' a' agreed tae this, While perfect rock is perfect bliss, An' ringin' axe is music sweet, The simpler joys are hard tae beat." J. BOTHWELL (Upper V 2)

" It is an astonishing experience to take the measure of oneself and survive. This is not to argue danger for danger's sake. But we need to remember that dignity comes from daring, and growth from roaming beyond the arbitrary landmarks of the soul "—Michael Drury. .

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Lower School As I look down during morning interval from my staff-room eyrie upon the tumultuous cross-section of young Aberdonians beneath, I cannot but reflect that there is no evident change in Lower School boys over the years—they remain vigorous, uninhibited, carefree—indeed a happy breed. And with Transfer Tests well behind them and Christmas just round the corner I suppose there is just cause for gay abandon in the playground. The new term started with no staffing changes imminent, but Miss Andrew's engagement to a former pupil of the School, Mr. Nigel Anderson, with a wedding arranged for next Easter, soon altered this. They say that the Lower School Master complete with wings, bow and quiver acted the part of Cupid in this affair! Monitors for this session are John W. Hadden, Ian D. NcNay and Samuel W. Pope of P VII A, Robin A. Craig, Nicholas I. Gallic and Kenneth J. Thomson of P VII B, Douglas G. Fowlic and Gordon D. Mitchell of P VIA and David G. Browne and Douglas J. Stewart of P VI B. Robin A. Craig is head monitor. As ever they have been pursuing their tasks with exemplary efficiency. The Lower School Choir this year has been practising assiduously under the leadership of Mr. Hawksworth and we look forward to hearing the results of their efforts at Christmas and then again towards the end of February when the operetta " Papageno" an adaption from Mozart's " Magic Flute" is to be presented in the School Hall. Realizing how great a strain was being imposed on the nerves of Lower School inhabitants, the Music Department has now gained part-possession of the Lower School book store as a practice room for individual instrumentalists and now dismal discords are being satisfactorily muffiled by the piles of jotters and text books which line the walls. Initiation stages past and blessed with so much fine weather this term, Rugby for P VII boys is now in full swing and by all appearances we have a goodly number of promising young players in the making. Regular Saturday morning practices have started and will continue as long as weather conditions are favourable. No matches have been played yet. Soccer is still played strenuously by boys from P III to P VI and the Lower School Soccer XI have already one win to their credit on their fixture list. In the Beginners' Swimming Class good progress is being made, 75 per cent. of the members having mastered the fundamentals of swimming strokes. Many Lower School boys are members of the Swimming Club which meets weekly at the Bon-Accord Baths. At the Club the members arc prepared for the School Junior Swimming Certificate in syndicates, each under the leadership of a senior boy. To date two boys have passed their certificates, namely, Robin A. Craig P VII B and Donald Macleod P VII B, while four others who tried have still a little work to put in before reaching the required standard. All this activity bodes well for the annual Swimming Gala on Friday i5 February 1957. J. D. M.

"We hear a great deal about the agricultural problem of soil erosion—hillsides denuded of fertile topsoil by the actions of streams, or great regions of rich wheatlands scoured off by dust storms. Surely not less serious is the matter of mind erosion: the dust storms of daily excitement and of continual triviality can easily blow away the sensitive topsoil of the spirit "—Christopher Morley.

School Section

Music Notes As always at this time the musical organisations are busy re-forming and closing the gaps left by those who have passed on to University, the services, and elsewhere. The Senior Choir has grown to proportions where Room 6 proves hardly adequate to contain the bodies, let alone the sound. The balance once again shows a deficiency in the senior ranks, though our tenor section is probably the best for some years. The Orchestra has lost its tympanist, Melville Watson, but has found an unusually young and promising one in the first year in Ian Wright. We still have a fairly complete wood-wind section, and the brass is that of a full symphony orchestra. The obvious difficulty is one of balance: we need more strings. While we have good Viola and Double Bass sections, 'cellists continue to fall by the wayside, and now number only four. The Lower School Choir, now under the guidance of Mr. Hawksworth, is busy preparing carols, and hopes to put on an operetta based on Mozart's " Magic Flute ", in February. This is a new venture which we hope will have the support of parents a friends. The Lower School Recorder Group continues to flourish and will shortly be heard in-carols, while several boys are trying their hands at the violin, and two at the 'cello. This term, for the first time, the orchestra is making occasional appearances to play the hymn at assembly and to provide a few minutes of music afterwards. There are several practical difficulties, but it is hoped to do this about once a month. The school maintains its link with the National Youth Orchestra through Leroy Cowie and Patrick Milne, and perhaps others may soon make the grade. As competition is very keen, the standard is high, and aspirants will need to work hard. Those who heard the broadcast of the N.Y.O. from the Edinburgh Festival must have found great pleasure in Martin Gatt's splendid solo playing on the bassoon, and a justifiable pride in the success of one so recently a pupil in the school. The School Concert in June provided a varied programme and a sample of the musical activities in and out of school hours. The flute playing of David Leeper, now returned to his home in America, and the vigorous singing of the Upper School Choral Group, will be remembered with particular pleasure. The next concert, in June 1957, is to be held in the Music Hall so that more boys can take part. It is five years since we last had a large-scale concert and it is hoped that parents and friends will give their usual support. Those who found last June's programme over long may rest assured that the next one will not last more than two hours. W. N.

Principal School Societies Society Dramatic Society

Time of Meeting Monday: 4.10 and by special arrangement Tuesday: 4.10 Tuesday: 4.10 Thursday: 4.05

Badminton Club Scripture Union Combined Cadet Force Literary and Debating Friday: 4.50 Society Swimming Club Friday: 4.3o Arts Club Friday: 6.30 Photographic Society Friday: 6.30 Film Society Friday: 6.45 (by arrangement) Aberdeen Schools' Friday: 7.3o Scientific Society (6 meetings p.a.)

Secretary Quentin M. Cramb Alastair M. Mathieson James G. Birss C.S.M. James M. Jeffrey W.O. A. F. C. Hunter Leslie M. Nicol Andrew P. Lane Alastair M. Mathieson Ian W. Logan Malcolm S. Webster Leslie M. Nicol

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Literary and Debating Society At the Annual General Meeting in June, after the presentation of the Secretary's report, the following officials were elected for Session 1956-57 : President, Ronald R. Robb; Vice-President, William Doverty; Secretary, Leslie M. Nicol. The Society this term, though small in membership, shows signs of having a very successful year. The enthusiasm (especially amongst IVth and Vth Years) has enabled us to hold an Essay Competition for the first time for three years. We hope that the accompanying improvement in the standard of debate will be carried forward to the future, and give later officials problems, not of how to coax more boys into membership, but of how to find room in the library for all who wish to attend. We have not followed up last year's innovation in putting a greater emphasis on talks, mainly because so many members of staff were approached last session that we feel there would be great difficulty in obtaining speakers. Also, the officials arc of the opinion that the more opportunities given to the boys to speak themselves, the better for the Society. The " Literary " side of our activities will, instead, be reinforced by organised visits to places of interest in the city for members of the Society. As usual the first meeting (on z8 September) took the form of a Hat Night. In contrast to last year, we had a large number of speeches followed by short, but, on the whole, relevant discussions. Highlights of the meeting were comments on School rules, School uniform, and the " Debater" officials, by Messrs Scorgie, Galloway and Harper, respectively. They were well backed up by Mr. Wyllie and Mr. Smith. Our first debate was perhaps the best so far. Mr. Doverty and Mr. Harper, ably defeated Mr. Matheson's and Mr. Nicol's contention " That the British spend too much time, energy and money on sport ". Ironically, the best arguments were put forward by the two main speakers who are not officials of the Society, but Mr. I-Iarper reigned triumphant and, undoubtedly, was mainly responsible for his side's victory. The main arguments concerned the attitudes of different classes or groups of people to sport and the open debate was spent in criticising Mr. Nicol. The following week we entertained Robert Gordon's College Debating Society to discuss the motion " That war can be justifiable ". The School speakers were Mr. Gall (seconding Mr. Aikman of Gordon's) for the Affirmative, and Mr. Smith (seconded by Mr. Cooper) for the Negative. Some time was spent discussing the Causes of the Second World War, the religious aspect of war and the effect of war on men's characters. On this latter subject one speech by Mr. Nicol provoked about a dozen retaliations from both Schools. The motion was carried by 4z votes to 20.

Little more need be said about the Essay Competition than to thank all those who submitted entries, and to list the prize-winners. The best essay was by Mr. G. P. Graham (IV 1), " On what is to be done with the prize money ". Other prizes were given to Mr. Nicol (Upper VI) and Mr. Main (III A) for the next best Upper and Middle-School entries. The half-holiday at the Mid-Term week-end took the officials by surprise so the debate with Aberdeen Academy has had to be postponed. Fortunately it has been found possible, after many complications and set-backs to arrange an alternative date. On Wednesday, 7 November, a Middle-School debate was held, which none of the officials was able to attend. It was reported to be a very lively meeting with a comparatively large number of boys speaking in the Open Debate. The speakers for the Negative (Mr. Main and Mr. Gallic) were triumphant by a large majority over Mr. Lyon and Mr. Wylie. We became all serious and intellectual the following Friday to debate the motion " That the House of Lords is redundant". There was some dispute about " facts ", but Mr. Duncan and Mr. Galloway, drawing mainly on the history and past records of the House, defeated the motion of Mr. Nicol and Mr. Scorgie, after a recount, by 16 votes to 15. As was to be expected on a subject about which few boys knew much, the points raised in Open Debate were, for the most part, details, and did not add much to either case. What has now become an annual feature of the Society, the radio parlour-game " One Minute Please ", was held the following week. Two teams of Prefects

School Section

opposed two teams of non-Prefects, the latter being victorious by 17 points to 7. The highest scorers were Mr. Bothwell and Mr. Matheson with 8 points each. The meeting served to emphasise once again how popular a feature this has become. On the whole, the officials have good grounds for optimism for the remainder of the session, which is due in no small degree to the hard work put in by Mr. Brown, our Honorary President and the other members of staff who have helped us this term. Lastly a word of thanks must be given to Malcolm S. Webster for providing us with such appropriate posters throughout the term. LESLIE M. NICOL, Secretary.

Film Society This season, the Society's 5th, began with the election of the following officials:

President, J. M. Jeffrey; Secretary, M. S. Webster; and Treasurer, W. B. Brown.

Members of Committee were representatives drawn from all classes of Upper and Middle School. The present membership is very satisfactory, around zoo, and to cater for all tastes the programme of five meetings was chosen to be as varied as possible. Each showing is especially built up in order to provide a definite aspect of the appreciation and technicalities of films. At the first meeting of the Society in October, a particularly interesting selection was shown, " Guernica ", the dramatic film of Picasso's startling work of the same name, painted in 1937, was introduced to us by Mr. Hemrningway on slides, which he took of the picture on exhibition in Amsterdam last summer. This was followed by two shorts, being records of the development of the moving film by the LumiIre brothers, and historical headlines of the last century, those " gay nineties ". These provided a bridge between the harsh realism of the opening film and the hilarious gusto of the last—Buster Keaton's " The General ". Yes, the slapstick comedy of this film was greatly appreciated by boys and staff. This was originally a silent film, but Mr. Norris kindly provided a " soundtrack" by playing appropriate records. The ensuing discussion brought forth varied, yet sensible comments on the evening's films. Our future programmes promise no less enjoyment for they include the vivid Italian film, " Bicycle Thieves ", and the film interpretation of that classic " Great Expectations ". Thanks again to the members of the Art Department and to Mr. Baxter, the projectionist, who spend so much of their time outside school hours making the shows of first-class quality. MALCOLM S. WEBSTER, Secretary.

Scripture Union Although we have had three good speakers invited to our school this past term, attendances have not been encouraging. This, no doubt, is due to " S.U. Night " having to be changed from Monday to Tuesday, which makes it impossible for some to be present. This difficulty was particularly felt at the beginning of term, in that our first two speakers, each showing beautiful coloured slides, did not have an encouraging audience. These speakers were Mr. James H. E. Wilson of the Belgian Congo and Mr. H. Gordon Voysey of the Scottish Caravan Mission. When our third speaker, Rev. Peter MacLeod of Torry United Free Church came, we decided to use the Music Room so that hymns and choruses could be sung. Previous attendances were nearly doubled and we heard a most enlightening address. We therefore look forward to a marked improvement in the number of those present, and with that, more enjoyable meetings. J. GORDON Brass, Secretary.

Arts Club The first meeting of the term proved to be one of the largest of its kind for many years. Over fifty boys were present, including an encouragingly high percentage from the Middle School. The number has fallen slightly, but a session of almost uninterrupted Friday evenings has retained interest for a persistently large number.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Although no major projects have been undertaken this term, the club has been far from idle. Our excellently equipped craft room necessarily holds great attraction. The printing press with its type setting and lino printing is in constant use, innumerable pots have been thrown on the wheels; clay modelling has been done and a few of the senior boys have graduated to " trying their hand " at wood carving. Painting itself has not been forgotten nor has drawing, which has been encouraged amongst the members of the photography section to stimulate an idea of composition and subject for their photographs. This is the latest addition to Arts Club, about which more is said elsewhere. Our thanks to the Art staff who give their invaluable services to make the functioning of the Club possible. A. M. M.

Photographic Society The latest development in the activities of the Arts Club is the formation of a Photographic Society which already has an enthusiastic and flourishing membership of some twenty boys. Included in the excellent facilities and equipment at the disposal of the members are two precision cameras and a very well equipped dark room with a universal enlarger. The Society meets on Friday evenings from 6.3o p.m. to 9 p.m. for portraiture, developing, printing and enlarging of work which has sometimes been done in the course of the week, but more often on a Saturday when members engage in outside projects. The members are much indebted to Mr. Will, who has made the Photographic Society his special concern, and has given most freely of his expert knowledge and his leisure time to make the Society so interesting and so profitable. It is hoped that examples of the work done by members will be on exhibition in due course at some of the School functions.

The Art Department Today All those connected with the School arc well aware that our Art Department has improved beyond all knowledge during the last few years; indeed, anyone who has been out of touch with the School and the Art Department in particular, would find much to admire and wonder at, were they to stroll through the Department today. The masters concerned strive always for improvement and innovation and are constantly hatching further plans for this. The boys have much to be grateful for to Mr. Hemingway, our enthusiastic Head of Department, who believes that the department should set an example in Modernity of Design. It now occupies the entire third floor of the main building of the School, while the corridor which runs through this entire floor has been converted into a most attractive Art Gallery, in an attempt to foster a live interest in good pictures among the boys of the School. There are some very fine reproductions in this corridor, and many lads who might never enter the city's Art Gallery have an opportunity of studying these fine pictures at their leisure, and with a fresh infusion of interest because these pictures belong to the School. The latest addition to the Department is the new Craft Room which used to be a mathematics room [where in former days Mr. Gray used to indulge in " tuggings of the hair and knockings on the schoolboy scalp "1—Ed.] It is high-roofed, spacious, and admits the maximum of light thrown through the large high roof windows. Much thought for contemporary design was given to the planning of this room, which also boasts the latest equipment. Along the length of the facing wall on entering the Craft Room from the picturegallery corridor there is situated a large sink, and three commodious, copper-lined clay storage bins—these are all incorporated in one handsome wooden unit and stained the natural colour of the wood. Running along the full length of the left wall is a line of well-designed, compact cupboards, with swing doors—the panels of which have been painted in many different colours. The object of this multicoloured scheme is to promote an awareness of colour in the occupants of the room, who, if they find the effect too brash, may turn away to rest they eyes on the cooler, much less glaring grey and white of the rest of the room. •

School Section

Now a few words on the equipment. There is an electric kiln, enclosed by a high safety fence—these have been painted light blue. In the middle of the floor stands an electric potter's wheel. There is also a foot-operated wheel. There is also a new printing press upon which type-setting and printing is practised. The benches in the room are of well-designed, table-shaped construction, solid enough to endure the roughest of boyish handling. These benches are equipped with strong vices. All in all the Craft Room is an impressive place, but at the moment the only activities possible therein are pottery, clay-modelling, and type-setting. It is hoped in the future, however, to include book-binding, and fabric printing in our programme, and also to have some place in which to exhibit the finished products. At this point, I should mention that we now have two additional members of staff to the Art Department in Mr. James Will, a photography expert, and Miss Janet Simpson, who teaches ceramics. Recently the lower Tower Room, adjoining room 24, has been converted into a dark room, necessary for photographic work. Here under the expert tuition of Mr. Will the boys learn all aspects of this most interesting subject. What was formerly the old Museum corridor, is now the Projection Room. A number of technical difficulties had to be overcome to enable the Projection Room to become a reality, chief of these concerning the sound effects. The British Broadcasting Corporation was consulted on this problem, and the desired effect was at last obtained by hanging curtains along the length of the roof at intervals to trap the sound. Mr. Atkinson designed and executed several " tin-sculpture " face masks of world-famous film personalities and these inside the frames make most unusual and attractive decoration. The walls of the Projection Room are grey, and the arched roof is cream. The screen is deep-set in the wall, with a blue surround. The Projection box is equipped with a movie projector, sound apparatus and facilities for tape-recording. There is another " stills" projector standing mid-way down the room, amongst the seats—which are of foam rubber with leather, and extremely comfortable. The capacity of the room is 7o persons, and three classes of average size can be accommodated. How very fortunate the boys of the Grammar School are to have a room such as this for their instruction and entertainment. While on the subject of films and projection rooms, I may mention, that the Art Department, under the direction of Mr. Hemmingway, has itself made several films in recent years. Two of these have been in colour and all of them have been much admired and enjoyed—we have, you will appreciate, an Art Department which excels in many directions. How much interest Mr. Hemingway and the other members of the Art Department have aroused in the pupils may be gauged from the fact that an Arts Club was formed many years ago—held each Friday evening in the Art Rooms—and flourishes under their guidance to this day. The scope, of course, is greatly widened with the latest innovations, already mentioned, and many keen and interested lads make their Arts Club evening a must on their calendar. No attempt of mine could do justice to the activities (and to the scene of the activities) of the Art Department; suffice it to say that I am privileged to be a pupil studying under such excellent conditions. JAMES FORBES FOOTE, Lower VI.

Dramatic Society At an election held last term the following were appointed office-bearers for session 5956-57: President, Ronald Robb; Vice-President, Leslie Nicol. The resounding success of the recent productions of the Society made it inevitable that Shakespeare should be attempted this year. With a ready-made Falstaff to hand, the obvious choice was Henry IV, part 1. We have proved that we can stage comedies satisfactorily, but Henry IV will make greater demands on our acting ability. It is a difficult play in many ways, but we are confident that it is not beyond us. Casting is almost complete and the play is in its first stages of rehearsal. The large number of minor roles will provide opportunities for our many junior members, and we will have our usual quota of attractive " young ladies ". In attempting an ambitious production of this nature the Society is very fortunate to have the advice and guidance of Mr. King for another year. We would like to extenda welcome to Mr. Brown, whose individual performances of Shakespeare have always enthralled his classes. QUElgTEI CRAMS, Secretary

Aberdeen Grammar School Mageqine

The Aberdeen Schools Scientific Society This, the youngest of the major School societies is certainly one of the most flourishing. Although only Science pupils in Years IV, V, and VI arc eligible to join, the supply of membership cards does not nearly equal the demand. The aim of the Society is to promote an interest in Scientific study beyond the somewhat narrow confines of the Scottish Leaving Certificate syllabus. This year, for the first time since its inception, the Society is being organised entirely by School pupils. We have already heard two lectures this session, delivered by members of the University Staff. Mr. Moser (Chemistry) spoke on " The Corrosion of Metals " and Mr. Fraser (Geology) on " The Testimony of the Rocks ". Both were highly successful and well attended. Further lectures by a Geographer, a Biologist and a Physicist have been arranged, and the committee confidently hope for a first-rate session. LESLIE M. NICOL

Scouts x st Troop Since our last report in the June Magazine we have lost the services of our A.S.M. Hunter Cairns who is at present doing his National Service in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders stationed at Stirling Castle. Michael Bessau and Stuart Wilson are still running the troop very successfully. We have had good attendances and have a lot of keen scouts in the troop most of them appear to have developed a great interest in badge work. The boys had a good summer camp at Dufftown although the weather was not very favourable they nevertheless all enjoyed themselves. We had a parents' meeting in September. Our chairman, Mr. Kilgour, tendered his resignation; Mr. Young who was treasurer also resigned. We take this opportunity to thank both these gentlemen on behalf of the Group for valuable services rendered. Mr. Smith, an ex member of the 17th, is now chairman. Mr. Mitchell, father of Hamish Mitchell, who is a P.L. in the troop. has now taken over the position of treasurer. We trust both these gentlemen will enjoy working with us. Dr. Peter Mitchell, who is a brother of Ilamish, has been giving his help at several meetings with valuable instruction in First Aid. These have been very much appreciated by the troop. We miss Miss Edmonds who had to give up the Cubs owing to the fact that she is now employed on a Saturday morning. We would like to express our thanks for all the good work she has done on behalf of the Cubs. Ian Wolkoff, our troop leader, and some of the boys who have taken over the Cubs are doing very well. The coming year will require a combined effort by the troop and parents if we are to make a success of our Cafe Chantant in the Music Hall in November. I believe the Ladies' Parent Committee have now fixed a date for their first Whist Drive which is very encouraging indeed. A. W. BLAIR, G.S.M.

9th Troop The troop continues to flourish under the able leadership of Harry McPhillip, Lamb and and now has a total strength of 46. The Cubs are still being run by Miss Miss Diack, and have a roll of z7. The troop now has 2 Queen's Scouts—P.L.s D. Galloway and D. Harper, and some of the other P.L.s hope to win this coveted award before they leave the troop. The cubs, during the year, gained 3 Leaping Wolves (the equivalent of the Queen's Scout Badge), these going to Sixers—Robin Craig, Tom Dixon and Peter Stewart.

School Section 47 Summer Camp was held very successfully at Loch Achilty—about 8 miles from Dingwall. The weather was not nearly so good as last year at Plockton, but everyone enjoyed themselves—especially the scouters who, it is creditably reported, covered about 6oo miles going to " local" dances. After all Plockton was only about too miles distant . . . and Plockton dances arc not easily forgotten! Although the summer camp site itself was inland this year, two representatives of the troop have maintained the troop's association with the sea and sailing, P.L. Peter Walker and and Gcof. Reid having during this term done the Aberdeen/Burghead sea trip aboard the Outward Bound School's schooner the Prince Louis. Both enjoyed it immensely, despite the rough passage. The following troop promotions were made during the year: to A.S.M., P.L. I. McLean ; to P.L.s, Peter Walker (Kestrels) and J. Hyland (Rams); to ands, J. Wilson (Kestrels) and A. Wilson (Otters). C. MACKENZIE, A.S.M. x 7th Troop An extremely strenuous but highly successful twelve months have just been completed by the Group. Our parents and friends have held Coffee Mornings, Whist Drives, Jumble Sales and numerous other money-raising efforts the year ending with our Cafe on 3 November with a total of k5oo—athroughout sum far in excess of anything the Group has ever had before. When one considers that all our parents were also engaged in the F.P.s Sale it will be realised just how much of their free time has been devoted for the boys of the School. The boys of the troop and pack feel that they cannot adequately express in words their true appreciation of the work done by their parents and friends, but they do offer their humble but very sincere " Thank you " to all who helped. During the month of July the troop held a highly successful summer camp at Portnock ie. Rain I Did someone mention rain? Our visitor's day was lashed with a very severe thunderstorm to add to the discomfort, but despite the fact that tents had to be moved and that bedding and clothing was either damp or wet, the refused to leave camp, though alternative accommodation was available, and boys they remained for the rest of the week. Well done lads, good scouting. We would like to thank A.R.S.L. Alastair Smith for stepping into the breach of Scouter i/c camp at the last minute and running a successful and enjoyable camp under adverse conditions. It was with regret that we said good-bye to two more of our senior and extremely useful members of the troop. A.S.Ms Ian Michie and Kenneth Duthie arc now in the wilds of Canada with the Hudson Bay Co. T. L. Douglas Simpson who left to join the Civil Service in London is now on his national service. To them all we extend our very best wishes for every success in their new adventure. A September week-end camp was held at Midmar and was attended by eighteen scouts. The following promotions have been made: Second E. Strachan to P.L.; Scouts I. McPherson and D. Marshall to Seconds. The Pack continues to grow from strength to strength with a total now thirty-nine cubs. A successful Pack outing was held at Templar's Park and of number of senior Cubs spent a day climbing and playing on Brimmond Hill. Thea continued enthusiasm and regular attendance of the Cubs is ample tribute to the good work being done by the Cubmaster and her assistants. JOHN K. BLAIR, SCOlliMaJler.

Combined Cadet Force The Contingent starts this session with mixed feelings of regret and hope. Our regret is at the departure of Capt. Robertson who has taken up a senior post at Dumfries Academy. Before he left, Capt. Robertson was presented with a book token from the Cadets of the Contingent which he has faithfully and efficiently commanded for three years. All ranks join in wishing him the best of health, happiness and success in his new post.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Our hope lies in the record strength of the Contingent for this session. The Army and Basic Sections total 97 and the R.A.F. Section total 41. With this increase in numbers we are now in a position to promote a greater number of Cadets to N.C.O. rank, thereby achieving the real aim of the Combined Cadet Force, that being character training and leadership. The senior N.C.O.s of Army and R.A.F. respectively are C.S.M. M. Jeffrey and W.U. A. F. C. Hunter, while C./Sgt. Dow is acting as C.Q.M.S. At our Annual Inspection in June, the Inspecting Officer, Brigadier B. E. Fergusson, D.S.O., o.B.E., of Chindit ame, gave us a very good report, mentioning in particular the outstanding performance of our Cadet N.C.O. instructors.

Army and Basic Sections The results of last session's Cert. " A " exams were extremely gratifying, with 39 out of 44 passing in Part I, and zo out of zz being successful in Part II, the latter being especially pleasing as a much higher standard of performance is now required as a result of the re-organisation of the syllabus last year. Both results are a tribute to the high standard of instruction both among the Regular N.C.O.s and our own Cadet N.C.O.s who undertook a considerable amount of instruction. Annual Camp was held at Cultybraggan near Comrie, Perthshire in the first week of July. A large and varied programme of outdoor training was achieved and included a day on the open range, and a map-reading exercise which proved very popular despite the amount of walking it involved. The Contingent was also fortunate enough to witness an excellent demonstration of platoon tactics and fire power which was given by a crack squad of Officer Cadets from Eton Hall. Next summer's camp will be held at Stobbs, Hawick. During the summer two cadets attended an artillery course at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh. A wide variety of courses has also been arranged for Easter and several Cadets from the Contingent will attend. Training for Cert. " A " is progressing well, and this year we have been fortunate enough to secure the assistance of Sgt. Kynoch and Sgt. Miller of 4/7 Gordons for instructional purposes. We take this opportunity to convey our grateful thanks to Major Hay, 4/7 Gordon Highlanders, and his two able Instructors for all the assistance they are giving us. Members of the Post Cert. ' A " Cadre attended a short course on Motor Transport at the beginning of the session. However, this has been terminated and members of the Cadre are now undergoing a First Aid Course of 3o Lectures in preparation for the First Aid Certificate of the St. Andrew's Ambulance Corps for Scotland. We are fortunate in obtaining the services of Dr. Stalker of Aberdeen University in organising this course. The Army Section has been at the .303 Range at Blackdog on two occasions this session, but the shooting has not been of a particularly high standard. However, Sgt. Birnie and Cadet Johnstone gained the Marksman's Badge. The Basic Section is meanwhile engaged on a .zz Musketry course which is being shot off at the Woolmanhill and Robert Gordon's College Ranges, but so far results are not too promising. The training of the Army and Basic Sections is under the charge of Lt. Nisbet, and a highly suet-p.=4W year of activities is looked forward to. MARTIN JEFFREY, C.S.M.

R.A.F. Section As a result of the departure of Capt. Robertson for Dumfries, Fl./Lt. Watt has now assumed command of the Contingent, and F./O. Brown that of the R.A.F. Section. We have been fortunate in gaining the services of F.O. Paterson, an experienced pilot and A.T.C. officer. The Section is now stronger than ever before. Twenty-three Cadets joined us from the Basic and Army Sections, bringing our total strength to 41. Summer Camp was held at R.A.F. Hawarden, and a considerable amount of flying was done. The section, though one of the smallest represented, gave a good account of itself in the inter-school competition organised by the Camp Commandant, who, with his staff, spared no effort to ensure that all were kept gainfully employed. We have already in the course of the present session made use of the glider at Rubislaw, and hope to do so more intensively in the summer term.

(See " The Art Department Today " p. 44.)

School Section

Flying Scholarships were awarded to W.O.s W. G. Glennie and A. F. C. Hunter, and both completed their course of training with conspicuous success. " B" Gliding Certificates were gained by W.O. Hunter, Sgt. Middleton, Cpls. Fowlie, Rae, Martin, Marren and Cadet Home. In the July examinations, too per cent. passes were obtained at advanced level. W.O. Hunter passed with distinction, and Sgt. Middleton, Sgt. Nicol and CpL Mackie with credit. Nine passes were gained at proficiency level, credits being awarded to Cpl. Forbes and Cadet Ironside. In the course of a day's firing at Blackdog Range, Cpl. Forbes qualified for the marksman's badge. The increased size of the Section has made it possible to have three flights, and an inter-flight competition is being held to cover the various aspects of the year's work. It is intended to award an Efficiency Shield to be held for a year by the winning flight. Advantage was taken of a new scheme of " Star " Camps, under which specially selected C.C.F. Cadets are given an intensive course in flying, administration and technical subjects. Cadets selected are accommodated in the Officers' Mess. The Section was represented by Sgt. Nicol who went to R.A.F. Little Rissington, and by W.O. Glennie, Sgt. Bradford and Sgt. Munro at R.A.F. Dyce, with the Aberdeen University Air Squadron. In conclusion, we should like to express our gratitude to the Commanding Officer and Members of the University Air Squadron for their kindness in allowing members of the Section to fly with them on Saturday mornings. It is a privilege which we thoroughly appreciate. R. B.

Pipes and Drums Drumming classes started later than usual this term, but under our new instructor, Mr. E. McRohb, we have now settled down and are making good progress with more interest being shown than in recent years. The piping section is in a difficult position this year owing to the loss of all last year's members, except for John Munro, who has now taken over the pipe major's duties. The beginners, fortunately, are making satisfactory progress. ALAN S. M. PORTER, Drum Major

School Calendar—January June 1957 Monday 8 January Friday is February Wednesday 27 February Monday/Wednesday 1/3 April Monday 8 April; Monday 22 April Friday and Saturday 7 and 8 June Tuesday so June Wednesday 19 June Thursday 27 June Friday 28 June Friday 28 June

Session commences Swimming Gala Lower School Concert (School Hall) School Play Easter Vacation (includes Spring Holiday on 22 April) School Sports School Concert in the Music Hall Kindergarten Sports Lower School Prize Giving Middle and Upper School Prize Giving Session ends

EVERYTHING for

SPORTS EQUIPMENT at

impsons' SPORTS

EMPORIUM

PRI1Di3 6 ST

ABETICif EN

(Palace Cinema Corner)

Tennis, Badminton and Squash repairs and restringing a speciality-24 hour service also Expert Golf and Cricket repairs * 'Phone 21094 Open on Saturdays until 6.30 p.m.

School Section

School Sporting Activities Rugby At a meeting early in the term John Lawrie was appointed Captain and Alan Wright Vial-Captain. So far this season results at all levels have been entirely satisfactory. The 1st XV have played seven matches and have won six and lost one, and that, against Glasgow Academy by the narrow margin of 6-3. The team may be lacking in outstanding personalities but it must be a long time since a 1st XV played so well as a unit. The forwards in particular are to be congratulated on some fine performances, and that against Glasgow Academy, when our only reverse was suffered, must have been their finest. The half-backs have proved a satisfactory link and the threequarters, as individuals, have more than held their own with the opposition so far encountered. Ronald McKay at full-back has made up for a lack of speed by a sound positional sense. The znd XV have also played seven matches, have won 5 and lost a and are sound in all positions. The same may be said of the 3rd XV, but a lack of determination has been evident in some of their matches. Middle School rugby is not as good as in some other years but the teams are attempting to play sound, constructive rugby and should improve. We offer our most sincere thanks to all the masters who give so freely of their time and energy in refereeing and travelling with teams each Saturday. Our thanks must also go to Mr. Tyson for the excellent condition of the pitches this season. Games Played:22 September. v. Dundee High School at Rubislaw. Team: R. McKay, A. Mathieson, J. Lawrie, W. Robb, B. Brown, W. Rac, K. Thomson, A. Stout, J. Munro, I. Kennaway, W. Balfour, P. Love, J. Raitt, A Wright, J. Kelly. hool immediately gained the initiative, but owing to the wet greasy conditions the " threes" found difficulty in handling the ball and it was not until the pack went over for a try that School opened its account. P. Love converted the kick. Play continued mainly in Dundee's half and sustained pressure resulted in the score at half-time being 15-o. In the earlier part of the second half, play was very scrappy, mainly owing to the forwards failing to play together as a pack. After a kick for touch had been charged down by a Dundee forward, one of the opposing centres took the opportunity and scored Dundee High School's only try. This seemed to settle School and further tries were added by Brown, Robb, and Mathieson. On the whole, this was not a good game, School being unable to deal competently with the wet conditions. Result: School, 29 pts.; Dundee High School, 5 pts. 19 September. v. Glasgow Academy at Anniesland. There was one change in the team which defeated Dundee High School; John Munro was ill and M. Walker came into second row in place of W. Balfour who took over Munro's place as " hooker ". Underfoot conditions were again bad but although the ball was very wet it was handled better than in the first match with Dundee High. In the first half, against a blustering wind, School were mainly on the defensive. The forwards showed a marked improvement in their play and combined well together. Academy, rather luckily, got a try in the corner which they were unable to convert and thus led 3-o at the interval. Immediately after half-time School attacked and were seldom out of their opponents' half, with the forwards excelling in some crisp inter-passing movements. The ' threes " got a good share of the ball and had some good penetrating runs, but the Academy defence was very strong and held out. After a long spell of pressure B. Brown rather luckily ran over to make the score 3-3. School again attacked and were rather unlucky not to add to their score on several occasions. Eventually, wholly against the run of play, Glasgow Academy scored and immediately afterwards, the whistle blew for time. School were very unlucky to lose and deserved a better reward, with the School forwards excelling in a grand game. Result: School, 3 pta.; Glasgow Academy, 6 pts.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine

6 October. v. Gordonstoun at Gordonstoun. School opened very sluggishly and the forwards were very shaky against their far heavier opponents. Gordonstoun, however, failed to take advantage of this and allowed School to settle down to a more constructive game and considerable pressure was put on the Gordonstoun line. A vigorous attack by the forwards resulted in J. Raitt scoring between the posts, but the try was disallowed because of an infringement. However, School were duly rewarded with a try by W. Robb, which was unconverted. School forwards, in the second half, pushed the Gordonstoun pack back and only fine tackling by the home full-back and mistimed passes by the School " threes " prevented further tries from being scored. In the loose scrums, the forwards were playing well, but were somewhat subdued by petty infringements which resulted in many penalties against School. This was not a great game but nevertheless, one which showed the potentialities of the School forwards, even when up against a heavier pack than themselves. Result: School, 3 pts; Gordonstoun, nil. 13 October. v. Dollar Academy at Dollar. The team was unchanged from the previous Saturday. A quick attack by School caught the Dollar defence on the wrong foot, and after K. Thomson had made a break down the centre of the field, the forwards finished off the move by A. Stout going over the line. The try was not converted but this score gave School confidence. W. Robb fastened on to a kick ahead but just as he was about to touch down, he was pushed from behind and a penalty was awarded. W. Rae kicked the goal. At this stage the School " threes " were playing well and looked dangerous when in possession. An individual break by W. Rae was well backed-up by the " threes' and J. Lawrie scored in the corner. P. Love failed to convert. In the second half, owing to the forwards losing the initiative in the loose, School were mainly on the defensive. Nevertheless, School always looked dangerous when they had the ball. Dollar attacked frequently in this half but the School cover-defence was excellent and held out. Dollar's only consolation was a penalty. This was a game which School fully deserved to win. Result: School, n pts.; Dollar Academy, 3 pts. 3 November. v. Robert Gordon's College at Rubislaw. Team: R. McKay, B. Brown, W. Robb, J. Lawrie, A. Mathieson, W. Rae, K. Thomsdn, A. Stout, J. Munro, I. Kennaway, I'. Love, W. Balfour, J. Raitt, A. Wright, J. Kelly. Spirited play by the School forwards confied the College to their own half of the field in the early part of the game, but the " threes " were unable to penetrate a sound defence. Finally, W. Robb evaded his opposite number and sped through to score a good try. The try was not converted. The School forwards continued to do well in the loose but less well in the set scrums but, following sustained forward pressure, Alan Wright got over for a try. Again it was not converted. The game was more even in the second half and the College centres made several determined runs, but the School defence remained sound. Late in the game, following many attacks, the School pack got a good " clean heel " and W. Rae, at stand-off half, dropped a very good goal. School have played better but thoroughly deserved their victory because of superior team play. Result: School, 9 pts.; Robert Gordon's College, nil. to November. v. Abbey School at Fort Augustus. Two changes were necessary for this game. M. Walker played in the pack in place of J. 1s.lunro who was injured, and 13. Harper in the backs for J. Lawrie, the captain, who was ill. School were slow to settle down on the very heavy ground and much of the play was scrappy. The forwards failed to combine in their usual proficient way and courageous tackling and falling on the ball by the Abbey School prevented any scoring in the first half. In the second half the School pack took command and furnished the backs with an ample share of the ball and B. Brown ran well to score behind the posts. J. Rait converted this try. A. Stout and A. Wright, both forwards, then scored in quick succession and R. McKay converted both. B. Brown again ran well to score another unconverted. School, on a very workmanlike second half, deserved to win this game. Result: School, 18 pts.; Abbey School, nil.

School Section f3 17 November. v. Perth Academy at Rubislaw. W. Balfour was unable to play in this game because of an injury and his place in the second row was taken by M. Walker. Otherwise the team was on its usual lines. The School opened very strongly, and B. Brown scored a try on the left flank, which was not converted. School continued to attack and were rarely far from their opponents' line. Further tries were scored by W. Robb, A. Wright and A. Stout and goals were kicked by J. Raiff and R. McKay. In the second half Perth played more determined rugby and School had to fight much harder for their share of the ball. Nevertheless, B. Brown scored in the corner once more. Also, W. Robb, the most prominent School back, ran strongly from his own " 25 " and gave a well-timed pass to A. Mathicson who scored a spectacular try between the posts. School were much the better team and only careless passing prevented a much higher score. Result: School, zz pts.; Perth Academy, nil. J. G. LAWRIE

Hockey xst XI This year our first eleven has proven to be a surprise packet for many of the senior teams in Aberdeen. The outstanding feature has been the excellent teamwork especially in the forward line where Hay and Lyall have formed one of the best right wings the School has had fur many years. The team is led very well indeed by Malcolm Webster, who is a stalwart at centre half. The defence has, from time to time, lost goals in rather easy fashion and the backs must learn to cover one another instead of lying square! The wing half positions arc a source of great strength with Drummond (happily fully recovered from last year's injury) and Morricc as right half and left half respectively. In goal Buxton has turned in some outstanding performances while Robertson has been prolific as a chance-taker and has scored many goals. It is a source of satisfaction that Buxton, Robertson and Hay have all been selected for the senior North District trial, a compliment indeed to the standard of hockey in the School. The Regular team is Buxton, Walker, Gordon, Drummond, Webster, Morricc, Lyall, Hay, McIntosh, Robertson and Dow. and XI The second eleven have a full fixture list and, although the standard of hockey is not very good, there is enthusiastic effort to make up for the lack of skill. They have returned some good results and two games with the other place resulted in a 4-o win and a o-o draw. The team is captained by Donald Bruce, who has blossomed forth as a scoring centre forward. There is a serious lack of stickwork among the second string players and it bodes ill for our first eleven of the future. The young players in this team, with thoughts of ever making the grade, will need to spend time in practice and more practice at reverse stickwork and stopping. Further down the School, in the I Vth year, there arc signs that some of them will become more than average players. Players with possibilities are, Smith (goal), Lorimer (an outstanding prospect), Young (half-back), Lyon and Hampton (forwards). The Colts arc a most disappointing bunch and probably the most disheartening feature is the lack of enthusiasm. What do boys find to occupy themselves healthily nowadays? Here we have shout sixty third year boys in the hockey section and, it is only with a great struggle that eleven players can be found, who want to play on Saturday mornings. I remember, in my younger days, it was a calamity if we hadn't a game on a Saturday; nowadays it is a calamity if there is a game! The result is that our colts offer little prospect for the future. Exceptions to this gloomy picture arc Sim and Scott (half-backs) and Will and Flett (forwards), who show glimmerings of being players of the future. A beginning has been made with the House Competition and a close tussle is going to take place for the honours this year. The games have shown great enthusiasm but have been completely lacking in combined play. This latter aspect should improve as the players get used to playing together.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In order to keep hockey moving in the School we arc indebted to many members of staff. Firsly to Mr. Park, who carries out, so cheerfully, the preparation of the balls for all our games; our grateful thanks for always providing a white playable ball at the right time! Thanks are due also to Mr. Grant, who has proven his worth at Mannofield where his expert knowledge of the game is proving most beneficial to playing standards, and not forgetting Messrs. Flett, Henderson, Paterson and Barron who keep the game alive at Rubislaw. Finally, to Mr. S. B. Hunter and Mr. Macaulay for secretarial duties and umpiring on Saturday afternoons. R. McNKr. Games Played:— 8 September. r. Ruthrieston Ramblers: Score z-7. This first game of the season was against an extremely strong Ramblers XI and a 7-z defeat was no disgrace. The team showed promise but a weakness at half back was fatal against a team with six players of University blue or North Select calibre. McIntosh was tried with some success at centre and he scored a neat goal. The other goal came from a penalty bully scored by Bruce. Good performances were turned in by Robertson and Dow; while in defence only Drummond was sound. 15 September. v. Fulmar: Score 3-7. Superior weight and speed outplayed the School defence and changes will need to be made in this department. The forwards played hard and the goals were scored by Robertson 2 and Hay I. 22 September. v. Ruthrieston: Score 3-2. Changes in the defence gave the team a new confidence and as fine a victory as the School has ever had was the result. The score was no fluke and sporting Ruthrieston, who were last year's senior league champions, gave full credit to the boys. The defence took the honours and Gordon played very soundly in his first game. The goals were scored by Hay, Robertson and Milne. 29 September. v. Aberdeen: Score /-z. School did not maintain their giant-killing form but, after scoring first through Lyall, they were a little unlucky to lose in the last few minutes. Drummond and Hay were outstanding for School. 6 October. v. Richmond: Score 2-2. This was a game which School, on chances, should have won well. Brilliant forward play in the early stages built up a two goal lead. The goals were scored by Lyall and Robertson. Richmond reduced the deficit when a defence lapse gave them a soft goal and at interval it was 2-1. For a long spell, in the second half, School penned Richmond in their own half but they failed to press home their advantage. In a break away, Richmond equalised with a well taken goal. The School defence was shaky under pressure and the forwards failed to take the scoring opportunities. The most consistent players were Hay and Drummond. 13 October. v. R.A.F. Buchan: Score 4-0. This league match proved to be rather a scrappy affair but did provide the School with a welcome two points. Lyall and Hay tormed a brilliant right wing and Robertson impressed the goal scoring statisticians by scoring all 4 goals. 2o October. v. Gordon's College: Score r-r. This was a hard and exciting match and in the end 1-T was a fair result. School playing downhill in the first half failed to push home territorial advantage. In their fewer raids College were much more dangerous. In the second half good defensive play saved School and it was against the run of play that School opened the scoring from a penalty bully (Webster). School were denied victory, however, when College scored a deserved equalizer four minutes from the end. All School's stalwarts were in defence—especially good being Buxton, Drummond and Webster. In the forward line only Hay played to form and it was forward failings that cost School a long awaited win over College, who are unbeaten in this match since 5 95 2. 27 October. v. Aberdeen: Score 2-4. In the first half School put up an excellent performance and were unlucky to be behind at the interval s-2, after having taken the lead in the early stages with a goal scored by Bruce. Aberdeen were the stronger team and, although School equalised with a Bruce goal, Aberdeen scored two further goals to secure a deserved victory. The school gave a good all round display against very strong opposition and there were no failures.

School Section

Swimming Notes At the annual meeting the following officials were appointed: Captain, Thomas Houghton; Vice-Captain, John Kelly; Secretary, Andrew Lane. The number of members in the Club has fallen slightly this year, there being 93 juniors and 29 seniors at the moment. Again, enthusiasm in the Senior School is not as evident as it ought to be. Three classes cater for 90 beginners at the Beach and Bon-Accord Baths and a high percentage of passes can be expected in the forthcoming 5o yards Breast Stroke test. As usual, 111r. Allardice is efficiently preparing a class of 33 Middle School and senior boys for the R.L.S.S. awards. At a special meeting Mr. Hunter proposed that all members from the Lower School 1st and znd years be organised into syndicates, 8 or 9 strong, and a senior, a proficient swimmer, be appointed as leader, so that instruction in a crowded pond could be decentralised. The scheme has so far worked admirably and the Club is indebted to the syndicate leaders and assures them that their efforts are much appreciated. The Swimming Club wishes to express its thanks to Mr. Hunter, Mr. Allardice and Mr. Paterson for devoting so much of their time to the interests of the Club. The Swimming Gala is to be held on Friday, 15 February 1957.

Badminton Club This year's club is undoubtedly the largest and most enthusiastically supported that there has been. The fact that the court in the gymnasium has an unsuitably low roof with even lower beams, has not prevented a large proportion of our limited number of members from turning out each Tuesday for the practice from 4 to 5 p.m. Challenge matches have been arranged against Gordon's College and the Academy for later in the term, and our strong team ought to give a good account of itself. A. M. M.

House Notes [The General Editor regrets that owing to a mistake on his part (which was discovered too late to be rectified) he left insufficient space for the incorporation of the full House Notes submitted; accordingly the Notes are published in an abbreviated form sufficient to show only the officials for each House for 1956-37 —Ed. . . . dam't there's aye something . . . "—Hamewith]

Byron At the beginning of term the following officials were elected: House Captain, Barton Brown; Vice-Captain, John S. Rsutt; Rugby Captain, Ian B. Kennaway; Vice-Captain, Barton Brown ; Swimming Captain, Tom Houghton; Vice Captain, Alan Stephen; Hockey Captain, Ian Stephen; Vice-Captain, John Drummond.

Dun At the beginning of the session the following house officials were elected: House Captain, Alan B. Wright; Vice-Captain, Philip N. Love; Rugby Captain, A. B. Wright; Vice-Captain, R. S. McKay; Swimming Captain, J. B. Kelly; Hockey Captain, J. D. Dow; Junior Rugby Captain, D. Leslie.

Keith At the meeting held earlier in the term, the following appointments were made: HOMO Captain, Ronald Robb; Vice-Captain, Martin Jeffrey; Rugby Captain, John Lawrie; Vice-Captain, Kenneth Thomson; Hockey Captain, Donald Bruce; ViceCaptain, Graham Morrice; Swimming Captain, John Lawrie; Vice Captain, William Stevenson; Junior Rugby Captain, Ian Keith.

Melvin The Officials for the year are: House Captain, Walter S. Robb; Vice-Captain, Malcolm S. Webster; Rugby Captain, William Balfour; Vice-Captain, Andrew Stout; Hockey Captain, Malcolm S. Webster; Vice-Captain, Neil Buxton; Swimming Captain, Donald Bain; Vice-Captain, Gordon Birss.

NEW

THE

F.P.

GRAMMAR COLOURS *

PURE SILK TIES

21 16 6

RAYON WORSTED TIES

RAYON/WORSTED SCARVES 9" x 54"

25/6

14" x 54"

37/6

SILK SQUARES

59 6

The NEW BLAZER with BADGE

10 gns.

ESSLEMONT & MACINTOSH LTD.

(RETAILERS) TAILORS AND OUTFITTERS

UNION STREET

ABERDEEN •

Former Pupils' Club Section (Club Founded 11 September 1893)

Club Office-Bearers, 1956-57 Honorary President : Sir JAMS! J. ROBERTSON, O.B.E., M.A., H.D., F.R.S.E., F.E.I.S.

(Rector since 1942) Honorary Vice-Presidents : HENRY JACKSON BUTCHART (1890-99), D.S.O., O.B.E., T.D., B.L., LL.D., D.L. Sir ANDREW GOURLAY CLOW (1896-98), K,C.S.I., C.I.E. Sir PATRICK ASHLEY COOPER (1896-1901), B.A., LL.B. CHARLES DAVIDSON (1882.-86), M.A. JAMES CATTO DUFFUS (1897-1904), O.D.E., M.C., M.A., LL.B. COIOnel ARCHER IRVINE-FORTESCUE (1892-97), U.S.O., M.H., CH.B. Sir WILSON JAMESON (1892-1902), G.B.E., K.C.B., M.D., LL.D., SC.D., P.R.C.P. JAMES GRAY KYD (1891-98), C.B.E., P.F.A., P.R.S.E. JOHN ADAM LILLIE (1893-1903), M.A., LL.B., Q.C. Sir ARTHUR LOTHIAN (1892-94 and 1898-1904), K.C.1.E., C.S.I., LL.D.

The Right Hon. Lord MEs-row (1901-oz). Sir WILLIAM PETERS (1900-06), C.M.G., M.A. WILLIAM DOUGLAS SIMPSON (1901-13), O.H.E., M.A., F.S.A.(SCOT.), P.S.A. ALEXANDER GEORGE NICOL SMITH (1880-88), D.S.O. WILLIAM CLARK SOUTER (1893-98), M.D., D.O. Sir WILLIAM ROBERT TENNANT (1904-I0), C.I.E., M.A., LL.D. Sir JOHN MACKAY THOMSON, C.H., M.A., P.R.S.E. (Rector, I920-2I.) Sir LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON (1899-1908), C.E., O.D.E., M.A., D.SC., F.R.S.E. •

President t ERIC R. R. LINKLATL'R (1913-16), C.D.E., M.A., LL.D., T.D.

Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive : JOSEPH ROBERT CARRY (1918-30), M.B.E.

Secretary and Treasurer : JOHN SCOTT MACLACHLAN (1922-32), M.A., LL.B.,

220 Union Street, Aberdeen.

General Editor of Magazine 1 CAMPBELL. CONNON (1926- 38), M.A., LL.B.,

58 Dee Street, Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Secretaries of Centres : Bengal and Assam—R. H. Ductnn (1918-23), C.A., cio Duncan Brothers & Co. Ltd., 31 Netaji Subhas Road, Calcutta. Central Africa—GEoRGE M. GROAT (1927-40), P.O. Box, 394, Salisbury. Edinburgh—A. C. FRAZER (1925-30), M.A., w.s., to Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh 3. Glasgow—J. G. M. BIRSS (1926-38), m.c., M.A., A.C.W.A., 99 Essex Drive, Scotstoun, Glasgow, W.4. London—N. Kamm (1927-37), M.A., 9 Old Burlington Street, London, W.I. Malaya—F. K. SELLAR (1933-4O, B.L., Nunes Building, Malacca Street, Singapore. Yorkshire—W. F. DUNNETT (1919-22), B.A., C.A., Grey Gables, Old Park Road, Leeds 8. Secretaries of Sections : Boarding House—P. M. GORDON (1939-48), M.A., Revoan, Station Road, Ellon. Cricket—A. M. DAVIDSON (1937-45), B.L., 18 Golden Square, Aberdeen. Golf-W. S. GILCHRIST (1929-36), B.L., 69 Barclay Street, Stonehaven. Hockey—WALTER DICK (1944-48), I Bon-Accord Square, Aberdeen. Rugby—C. C. ALLAN (1936-45), c.A., 6 Golden Square, Aberdeen. Tennis—J. W. HOWISON (1937-5 0), B.SC., i6 Carnegie Crescent, Aberdeen. Executive Committee : The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman. JAMES S. G. MUNRO (1922-28), B.L., Vice-Chairman. The Secretary and Treasurer, and General Editor of Magazine, ex officiis. The Rector of the School, ex officio. GEORGE E. C. BARTON (1923-26), M.A. WILLIAM L. CONNON (1930-40), B.L. MAURICE CRAMB (1916-29), M.A., LL.B. ROBERT L. CROMAR (1944-49). DOUGLAS G. DEMPSTER (1924-33), B.SC., B.SC.(AGR.). GILBERT F. HAMILTON (1921-30), B.SC., M.B., CH.B.

JOHN MORTIMER (1923-27). J. McP. MUTCH (1932-45), C.A. DOUGLAS G. PATTERSON (1929-36), B.L. ALAN J. PETERS (1920-30), C.A. W. WALLACE PORTER (1915-23). IAN G. SHINNIE (1918-28). IAN LEWIS SMITH (1918-30). HAROLD M. R. WATT (1926-38), M.A.

Section Representatives Boarding House—A. J. M. EDWARDS (1908-21) M.A., B.COM. Cricket—K. G. PETERS (1929-41), N1.A. Go(f—Wm. M. MILLER (1918-24). Hockey—A. CROMAR (1944-50). Rugby—D. N. GEORGESON (1929-39). Tennis—C. C. ALLAN (1936-45), C.A. Hon. Auditors : Messrs. BOWER and SMITH, C.A.

Former Pupils' Club

The Annual Dinner Held in the Caledonian Hotel, and attended by 95 F.P.s and 52 guests, the Dinner, with Eric Linklater in the Chair, proved a highly entertaining and satisfying one, particularly since it was a two-fold celebration—of the School's antiquity, and of the Rector's knighthood. "

THE SCHQOL AND THE CLUB

This toast was proposed by Dr. David Dickson, H.M. Chief Inspector of Schools for North East Scotland. Assuring us that the Scottish Education Department has a heart, even if it must harden it temporarily, e.g. in the matter of schools wanting swimming pools, Dr. Dickson preferred to reverse the order of the toast and take " The Club " first, since he felt that " The School " was the more important—as long as the School was healthy the Club would be so, but the reverse did not follow necessarily. He realised, he said, that F.P. annual dinners are a good thing if only because they assist you to maintain a valuable link, and give you an opportunity to see how most of your class mates now look a good deal older than you feel I He believed that an F.P. Club existed to help the School, and told of an interesting annual symbolical ceremony carried out at a school at which he was formerly a master. There, in the school hall, there is a War Memorial door which is opened only once a year—on the occasion when pupils are leaving school to go out into the world. On that, their last day, the departing pupils pass through this doorway to be greeted with a handshake by the President of the school's F.P. club. [It is understood that the school to which Dr. Dickson was referring was the Royal High School of Edinburgh.—En.] As regards the School, Dr. Dickson first paid warm tribute to the Rector in the following words: " There is no man in the whole educational world for whom I have a higher respect, deeper regard or warmer affection ". Dr. Dickson then went on to tell how his present work takes him into touch with new schools which have no traditions hut where much humbug is occasioned by people trying to bring them in. This he thought a mistake; but where there was a real tradition, this could be an excellent thing if used properly, and could help much to assist adaptability in the awful muddle in which educationalists are finding themselves these days. " The Grammar" had long been a leader in Scottish Education, and he claimed that it is so still. MR. LINKLATER'S "

DOUBLE

SPEECH

[Mr. Linklater first replied to the toast, and then himself proposed the toast of " Sir James J. Robertson ".] Replying to the toast, Eric Linklater stated that there was no need to labour the obvious—his pride and pleasure in occupying the Presidential Chair in such a year as this. The Committee appointed to devise the appropriate form of celebration of The School's Seven Hundredth anniversary deserved respect and gratitude " for deciding, in the first place, to examine the evidence for a belief that was generally accepted and deeply cherished. As if it were the prudent, would-be purchaser of a horse, it demanded to see the animal's teeth: not, however, with the horseman's purpose of establishing a gelding's youth, but of proving the old mare's antiquity." The findings of the historians who were consulted disappointed the Committee, but it " swallowed its disappointment, and we swallowed ours; and the Club Executive decided—wisely, I think—to retain the boastful claim that The School was in existence in 1256 ". Professor Sayles could find no evidence nor even any historical probability that the Cathedral school known to have existed in the zoos became assimilated by the town school known in the fifteenth century, " but to us, who watch the world, not with the doubtful, narrow scrutiny of professional discipline, but in wide-eyed wonder at the vagaries of the human mind— to us it may seem that the probability is overwhelming ". Turning next to the manner in which the municipal authorities a few years ago " invaded the ancient privilege and freedom of the School ", Eric Linklater observed that if the School had been under a weak-willed or unintelligent Rector, its traditional character might have begun to crumble away, and its stubborn individuality might have lost itself " in the egalitarian quicksand on which, at that time, the municipal authority was so determined to build ". But history repeats itself, and the Town has always taken a lively interest in the School; for example " in the Seventeenth Century the Town was especially kind and attentive in taking care of the various

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

properties bequeathed to the School by some of its well-wishers ". Dr. Patrick Dun had bequeathed the Lands of Ferryhill to the School for endowment, " and the town, well aware that no mere schoolmaster could profitably manage so valuable an estate, most charitably assumed control of it, since when the School has been quite untroubled by the disposal of what should have become a very large revenue "I Mr. Linklater considered, after having pondered the matter, that the Executive was justified in maintaining its assertion that the School was founded before 1256, and was inclined to believe " that the disappearance of the records which would prove it—as well as the disappearance of our endowments—is entirely due to the persistently healthy appetite, and powers of digestion, of the contiguous municipality ". In the by-going, Eric Linklater then gave the toast of " the Seven Hundredth Anniversary—and more, perhaps—of the School's foundation ". "

SIR

JAMES J.

ROBERTSON "

Proceeding next to this toast, Mr. Linklater first complimented the Executive, ' not only on the quite remarkable success of the Grammarian Fair that so enlivened a wet summer, but on its true wisdom in realising that some such effort was necessary to give the Club a small measure, if not of control, at least of influence in the workaday affairs of the School". It was a prudent step to put some money in the Rectorial purse, for in such an institution as The Grammar, charged with the enormous responsibility of teaching hundreds of boys, " the freedom of your chosen governor, his maximum freedom, is essential ". This freedom and independence was essential to educational development especially at a time when " the greatest danger to education lies in uniformity, and the terrifying uniformity of our present system is made tolerable only by . . . the blessed presence, in schools of all sorts, of masters whose strong and stubborn individuality breaks the dead level of the system; or, at least, produces in it some interesting contours and excrescences. A uniform system, applied with a rigid, undeviating uniformity, could create a sixth form bleached and lifeless, hanging like Monday's washing from a party line." However, although themselves the safeguards against the dangers of a uniform system,

schoolmasters today are robbed of two great allies which they formerly had—the minister of a stern church, on the one hand, and, on the other, the stern Victorian parent " always ready to give a son who had been thrashed at school another thrashing at home for being thrashed." The authority of the church had withered under higher criticism, and " the parent felt his authority grow soft and lax when he first began to read Freud". Parental authority had, moreover, melted like butter in the sun when the parent discovered that his children were reading Freud too! Nowadays the schoolmaster stands alone, and in his moral loneliness he hears the great voices of the scientists denouncing the humanities and demanding a new curriculum. Yet Mr. Linklater considered it possible " that an education based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics might be less durable than one built on Cicero and English grammar ". He would, however, never advocate a return to " the frightful curriculum " of Byron's time, which accounted perhaps for the fact that Byron left Aberdeen when he was ten—and never returned ! But come what may, there will ever remain two primary objectives in education—the faculty of clear thinking, and the allied faculty of clear communication. As Palinurus brought Aeneas safe to land when he was nearly wrecked on his voyage to Italy, so when " our situation was uncomfortable, and many of us were greatly perturbed, it was our pilot, the Rector, who remained calm and constant and steered us through the storm ". The Rector had written of Mr. Andrew Milne that " it is to his credit that he has united to a quite unusual degree attachment to the old and open-mindedness to the new ". So also, declared Mr. Linklater, could one write of Sir James himself; and although we regard him as our private property, he is yet more truly a public figure—for it was a new thing indeed for a Rector of the Grammar School to be carrying his great gifts in service to the Gold Coast one year, and to Montevideo the next. It was for us a source of great delight that our headmaster should be the first ruling headmaster in Scotland to be honoured with a knighthood. We recognised how truly he deserved it, and indeed felt that it was almost by our own will that his knighthood had been bestowed for " we wanted it, and Her Majesty most graciously condescended to recognise our wish ; or so we thought ". Mr. Linklater recalled some of the immortals—the lessons they taught long forgotten, but they themselves ever remembered; and assured Sir James " that his place in this imposing procession

Former Pupils' Club

of great, burly ghosts is already safe ". For him he wished longevity, " to give the inevitable legend he will create a yet longer and larger foundation, and to Ict us continue in the pleasure of his wisdom and friendship ". A warm reception was given to the speech, and a warm response to the toast " the health, long life and glorious legend of Sir James the Rector ". SIR JAMES'

Replying to the Toast, the Rector said he was much touched by the very generous words of Dr. Dickson and the President, and by the manifestations of the Club's goodwill. Nevertheless, to become a Toast was in itself a chastening experience since to such as " tend the homely, slighted Shepherd's trade " recognition comes, if it comes at all, only with the westering sun. After speaking in lighter vein of the trio—the parvenu, Sir James, the short-lived Dr. Robertson, and that plain " Mr.", with whom " he had contrived to keep on fair terms for upwards of six decades "—the Rector went on: " It would be the very peak of humbug to pretend that one has no personal gratification in success and recognition; and yet the years so intertwine our lives with other lives that our feelings about the good and ill that befall us do indeed come to reflect in the main the pleasure or concern they give to those for whom we greatly care. " So has it been with the two honours conferred on me this summer. I value them much for my profession's sake. No need to labour the theme; enough to say that for a profession, too long fed on the praises that cost nothing but sadly overlooked in the bestowal of honours, it is good to know that there can come to a schoolmaster the kind and degree of recognition commonly accorded to service or leadership in other fields of endeavour. " But a profession is after all too loose an association and too large to be the focus of our warmer sentiments, and I confess that my pleasure and satisfaction are in great measure centred in Aberdeen itself. First, and most of all, in the Grammar School, our common pride and bond. Venerable as she is, rich in the varied achievements of her sons, and lifted very high by the sacrifice of those hundreds whose names are written in gold—to her surely any honours bestowed on her servant and debtor are a salute and a meed of praise. She has given mc, as she gave you all, happy years and lessons to learn, and if I have been able to make some small return, I am unfeignedly glad. " How too could our ancient University fail to have a place within the circle of my happy thoughts? Sons of hers have touched my life for good at many points, and I became her admirer long ago. She did well by my own children, just as she has been a kindly mother to my larger family. It is not strange, therefore, that I should be greatly moved by the gracious bestowal of her Doctorate on one not her own, and if the public honour that followed so soon has given her a measure of satisfaction in her adopted son, he values the public honour the more for that. " And lastly, I am glad for the City itself, which has come to mean much to mc, having taken on the cosiness of home without losing its singular power to surprise and charm the incomer by its austere comeliness and the robust quality of its folk. You and I may have been at times not wholly uncritical of its rulers, but I must very gratefully acknowledge how enlightened and free from all parochialism the Education Authority has been in allowing mc, over so long a term of years, to take a part in the reshaping of our own Scottish schooling and in the exciting developments of education in the territories overseas. " lf, then, the first dubbing of a Scots dominie adds even one little sentence to the long story of education in our land, what name could that sentence more fittingly embody than the dear and honoured name of this northern town, where, if anywhere in all Scotland, learning has been sought, hard wotk accepted, and tcgard shown for the things of the mind? " In conclusion the Rector referred briefly to the debt of the Grammar School to Gordonian teachers; to the passing of the Boarding House; and especially to the immense success and significance of the Grammarian Fair. He ended, " As I bowed to the Queen and passed from the place of Investiture a stranger came forward quietly and said, ' I'm an old Grammar boy and have for many years had a post in the Palace. I wanted to be the very first, after Her Majesty, to shake hands with you'." Vivat atque floreat Sthola Grammatica Aberdonensis.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine OUR GUESTS

Royston J. Milne dealt neatly with " Our Guests ". The Rector, he said, is a great headmaster by the ultimate test--namely, that with one amiable glance he can induce in us the feeling that we have enjoyed just one glass of sherry too many—even when we have had no sherry at all! R. J. M.'s classic achievement was, however, to spin his toast around a letter which, he asserted, he had received that morning from Scott Maclachlan in which Scott expressed misgiving as to R. J. M.'s ability to do justice to " Our Guests " and afforded him some kindly guidance thereon. The reply to this toast was given, on the same level of seriousness, by George M. Lawrence (Gordonians)—who mirabile didu had, it appeared, received a similar letter from Scott Maclachlan—and whose reference to " . . . ever since Sir Compton Mackenzie and Eric Linklater became the Voice of Speyside Whisky . . ." raised perhaps the loudest laugh of the evening. Grave doubts were entertained by the company as to whether these letters had ever issued from the hand of the Club Secretary (whose unfailing good humour nevertheless remained unimpaired); but Eric Linklater later declared that if only they could be printed and handed to all prospective after-dinner speakers they would raise the standard of such speaking in Western Europe to a high level. ." THE CHAIRMAN

The toast of " The Chairman" was proposed by Joseph R. Carry in a short speech whose well-turned appropriateness brought a memorable evening to a befitting close. The following members of the Club were present at the Dinner, the list being arranged in order of seniority based on date of entry to the School: J. R. McMillan (1876-79 and 1881-84). A. G. Nicol Smith (1880-88). F. W. Michie (1885,

1890.91). H. J. )3utcbart (189o-99). It. J. Anderson (1895-99). D. G. Robertson (1900-09). J. E. Lawie (1902-12), G. A. Mitchell (1902-13). H. J. Edwa:ds (1905-17). R. B. Williamson (19o6-ili), J. P. Jeffrey (1r6-O3), D. G. Sangster (1906-23), D. P. Cochran (1906-z5). J. L. Riddell (1907-16), G. 12. Fraser (1907.08). A. J. M. Edwards (1908-21), 14. Duffus (1908-14). Gray E. J. Galloway (1908-18). T. K. Macdonald (t9o9-19). L. R. Harper (1910-17), A. N. B. (1910-22), E. G. Robertson (1910-19). R. J. Maitland (1922-18), J. G. Sellar (19t2-/8), A. P. Macdcnald (2913-24), J. L. Retmett (19,3.26), J. B. Sellar (1922-22). J. I. Scott (1913-21), _ Stroud Maclennan (1914-19), J. H utcheon (1914-23), R. E. W. Esslemont (1913-24). W. G. G. P. (1914-20), H. Esslemont (1914-18), N. S. Williamson (1914-19). J. M. Yule (1914-24). Fyfe (1914-24). R. L. Milne (1915-27), W. W. Porter (1915-23). David Hanna (1916-22), (1917-30), G. A. C. Walker A. M. Campbell (1916.27), Maurice Cratnb (1916.29). F. F. Scott (29,7-23). J. R. Catty (1918-30), I. G. Shinnie (1918-28), I. L. Smith (19,8-30), E. W. M. Watt (1918-31), W. H. Stephen (1918-29), R. J. Milne (1918-30). A. D. Troup (2919-22), R. F. Skene (r919-27), N. S. Clark (1919-29), L. Middletcn (1919-32). W. H. Stephen (2920-29). G. H. Henderson (1921.34). E. H. H. Stott (1921-24). J. G. W. Davidson (19A2-28), J. S. G. Munro (2922-28). G. E. C. Barton (1923-26), John Mortimer (2923-27), J. G. W. Davidson (1923-28). 24-27). A. C. R. Watt (1925-37), G. C. Massie 1925-38), A. G. Scott (1925-29). A. M. Irvine H. M. R. Watt 1 1926-38), Campbell Comma ( 2,26-38), R. G. C. Smith (1926-37). Ninian Mackie _ (1927-37). E. Buthlay (1928-4o). T. W. N. Davidson (1929-41). D. G. Paterson (1929-36), K. J. Peters (1929-41). W. L. Connon (1930.4o). R. L. MacKinnon (1932-45). P- L. Hill (1937-454 (2934-38), Maxwell A. A. Innes (1134-464 E. M. Philip (1937.43), A. M. Davidson J. F. Donald (1938.44 ). J. A. 1Leith 09.39-514 R. L. Cromar (1944.49), Alexander Cromar (t944-50)[The above list is not a complete record of ALL F.P.s who were present; however, the list can be compiled only from the " chits " handed in by members present. Unfortunately some of these " chits" were found to be indecipherable or lacking in information essential for identification.E D.)

Glasgow Centre The Annual General Meeting of the Cenrte was held in the Grosvenor Restaurant on 24 October 1956. Reference was made to the loss sustained by the

Centre through the deaths of Launcelot H. Ross, one of those mainly responsible for the formation of the Centre in 193o, Alexander M'Currach, another founder member, and George Lawrence, who had been a member of the Centre almost since its inception. Office-bearers were elected as follows : President, G. N. Pennie ; Vice-president, B. D. D. Emslie ; Committee ; M. A. Aggett, W. O. Fiddes, W. G. Gow, A. C. Thomson, C. F. Thomson ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, J. G. M. Birss. R. L. Richards was appointed Hon. Auditor. In conjunction with the Glasgow Branch of the Aberdeen High School F.P. Club and the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch of the Gordonian Association a second successful Social Evening was held on 3 October 1936 in Burlington House.

Former Pupils' Club

The Annual Dinner of the Centre took place on 23 November 1956 in the Grosvenor Restaurant. The principal guest was Mr. Douglas Young, Lecturer in Classics at Queen's College, Dundee. Sir James J. Robertson, Rector, and Eric Linklater, President of the Club, were present, and other officialests were Mr. G. B. Esslemont, Glasgow and West of Scotland Gordonians, Mr. J. gu E. Little, Glasgow High School Club, W. Ferrier Mayor, Edinburgh Centre, and J. R. Carry, Vicepresident of the Club. G. N. Pennie, President of the Glasgow Centre was in the chair, and there was an attendance of forty-two members and guests. "THE SCHOOL AND THE CLUB"

Mr. Douglas Young proposed the toast of " The School and the Club " in a most entertaining speech which blended humour delightfully with more serious topics. He said that during the time he had been on the staff of Aberdeen University he had noted how well-rooted in Aberdeen were the School and its scholars, and that he had found that Aberdonians, with their well-rooted respect for one another, formed a well balanced community with " plenty between the lugs ". He referred to the dispute about the age of the School and said that even if it were not seven hundred years old it at least went back to a golden era in Scottish history. In coupling the name of the Rector with the toast Mr. Young referred to the very well-deserved double honour conferred upon Sir James Robertson this year ; twofold honour which he believed to be unique for a Scottish headmaster. THE RECTOR'S REPLY

In replying on behalf of the School Sir James Robertson thanked Mr. Young and the Chairman for their kind remarks regarding himself. The honours conferred upon him this summer had brought him much pleasure, particularly as they gave satisfaction to the Grammar School and to this old City which had long been a home of honest schooling and hard won learning. Speaking of the School itself Sir James said that at long last a swimming pond was to be provided. It would not in the first instance be as large as had been hoped, but to have let this chance slip might well have been to say goodbye for ever to the hope of a pond of our own. Sir James went on to speak of the continued uncertainty about the future of the Primary Department. The great advantage of such Departments was that boys who had known only one school from first to last usually felt for it a particularly strong and lasting affection. Moreover, a Primary Department allowed a school the benefits of being big without its becoming unmanageable, for as much as half of its secondary intake might consist of boys who already knew the school and were known to it. Unfortunately, however, a Primary Department these days meant selection, and where there were four, five, or six applicants for each available place, selection, to be fair, involved that undesirable thing, the testing of very young children. Again, since such early testing was fallible, not every child selected at five would at twelve reach the agreed standerd for entry on academic secondary education. However, the objection to admitting a limited number from Lower School on somewhat privileged terms was not decisive, so long as the Grammar School could claim that no fully qualified applicant from outside had ever been refused. Such broadly was the case for and against a Primary Department, but the circumstances of the Grammar School were exceptional in that its academic strength came so predominantly from the recruitment at five and only in a very minor degree from the entrants at twelve. That explained our extreme anxiety and our conviction that, under present conditions, the abolition of the Primary Department would be a disaster to the School. The Rector then referred to the triumphant success of the Grammarian Fair, The proceeds would provide a most welcome income, and the success of the Fair should act as a shot in the arm to the School and the Club. In concluding a speech which fully maintained the very high standard which he had set himself in previous years Sir James said that the present condition of the School called for vigilance and discretion, for forthrightness that was not provocative. We must be watchful and hope that we should move into a cooler climate of thought, where it would be realised that to be old was not to be outmoded, and that for schools to be a little different from one another was eminently desirable, provided they remained serviceable and good.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY

Mr. Linklater congratulated the previous speakers on the excellence of their speeches and proceeded to entertain the company with another equally fine. He said that for the Club and for the School the historians had spoiled a pleasure which he maintained was a justifiable pleasure. The break in the history of the School was alleged to have occured between the abandonment of the cathedral school and the founding of the municipal school. He was satisfied that the schools were one and that the history of the Grammar School did indeed go back to i256. We had, however, more to be proud of than quantity of years. Mr. Linklater went on to say that in this country, the fame of Lord Byron was not as great as it should be, and that we did not make enough of the fact that he was fot four years a pupil of the School. Mr. Linklater suggested that the centre should hold a dinner on 22 January, the poet's birthday, and call it a " Byron Night ".

The toast of " Our Guests " was proposed by B. D. D. Emslie and Mr. J. E. Little, Secretary of the Rugby Section of the Glasgow High School Club, replied. A vote of thanks to the Chairman was proposed by D. M. Semple. The following members of the Club were present at the dinner, the list being arranged in order of seniority based on date of entry to the School : C. S. Buyers (1895-98). D. M. Semple (1901-06). W. G. Fiddes (1904-15). A. A. R. Smith (1909-16). J. Stirrat (1911-21). I. A. Anderson (1912-24), K. R. T. Matthew (1912-24), C. F. Thomson (1912-14). Eric Linklater (1913-16). A. W. Carle (1914-20). P. R. J. Callan (1915-25). J. R. Carry (1918-30), W. G. Gow (1918-19 and 1925-28). A. Christie (1919-29). I. F. Stratton (1921-23). R. L. Richards (1922-34). W. F. Mayor (1923-30), G. N. Pennie (1923-26). J. G. M. Birss (1926-38). B. D. D. Emslie (1929-35). M. A. Aggett (r930-42), A. C. Thomson (1930-41). Hon. Member : Sir James J. Robertson, Rector.

F.P. Rugby Section The F.P. Rugby Section is once again enjoying a reasonably successful season. The records of all teams are good under the circumstances and, in addition, the continued spell of dry weather has meant that to date no match of any sort has been cancelled owing to ground conditions. The Section lost a number of their 1st XV players of last season, and these departures are having their effect on the results to date. With the departure of Dr. Eric H. Cruickshank, the section lost a very enthusiastic player both on and off the field. The 1st XV started off the season in excellent style with a win over Gordonians and a draw with Heriots' F.P.s. The draw with Heriots is the best result with them at Rubislaw since the war and many spectators thought F.P.s unlucky not to win. Although successful in their opening fixtures, the back division, who were potentially very strong, were not functioning as a line and this can be pinpointed to the lack of a link between forwards and backs. This defect has now been remedied and the team has won its last four matches. With a larger-than-usual number of injuries, players unable to travel and the calls of representative matches, the section has been extended to field three complete teams every week. Notwithstanding this the 2nd XV are having one of their best seasons, only losing one match when they were considerably understrength. Their defeat of Moray is a most creditable performance when you consider that Moray play other local clubs 1st XV's. The 3rd XV has not been too successful as yet but the players are young and very enthusiastic. They have been hit by the calls of their senior teams and have not fielded the same players for two consecutive weeks. The players chosen for representative games to date have been as follows: C. Ritchie; H. Thomas; C. D. Mowat. North v. Midlands: C. Ritchie; H. Thomas; C. D. Mowat. North and Midlands v. South: North and Midlands v. Edinburgh: C. Ritchie; H. Thomas; C. D. Mowat. The fixture list this season is as stiff as last season and there are sufficient fixtures with senior south clubs to qualify for the Scottish unofficial championship, where it

Former Pupils' Club

stands in the lower half. There are still a number of very attractive home fixtures to be played, including a new fixture with Kelso at Aberdeen on a April 1957. The management hope that these will be well supported by members of the club. 1st XV Results v. Gordonians at Scofield . • . v. Geo. Heriot's F.P.s at Rubislaw . . v. Perthshire Academicals at Rubislaw . v. Selkirk at Selkirk • • • • P. Allan Glen's F.P.s at Bishopbriggs . v. Edinburgh Academicals at Raebum Place v. Aberdeen Academicals at Rubislaw . v. Aberdeen Wanderers at Hazlehead . v. Aberdeen University at Rubislaw . . v. Jordanhill College School F.P.s at Rubislaw

. . . . . . . . . .

59-8 . 3-3 . t t-14 . 3-to . 3-13 . 0-28 . 49-o . t 1-3 . 12-0 . 6-o

Won. Drew. Lost. Lost Lost Lost Won Won Won. Won.

and XV Results /.. Aberdeen Wanderers and XV at Hazlehead v. Aberdeenshire and XV at Chanonry . v. R.N.A.S. Lossiemouth ist XV at Rubislaw v. Allan Glen's F.P.s and XV at Bishopbriggs v. Perthshire Academicals and XV at Rubislaw v. R.N.A.S. Arbroath 1st XV at Arbroath 27 v. Gordonians and XV at Rubislaw . . Nov. 3. v. Panmure and XV at Rubislaw . . 7, 10. v. Moray ast XV at Elgin . . .

. . • . . . . . .

. • . .

Won. Won. Won. Lost. Won. Won. Won. Won. Won.

Sept. 8. „ 15. , az. 29. Oct. 6. „ 13. • zo. 27. Nov. 3. „ to. Sept. x5. „ zz. 29. Oct. 6. „ 13. „ zo.

40-3 48-6 zo-3 3-2 t 17-3 . 1 t-to . t 9-o • 19-3 . 19-6

3rd XV Results Sept. az. v. Perthshire Academicals 3rd XV at Rubislaw . . 31-3 Won. Oct. 6, v. Aberdeenshire and XV at Rubislaw . , . o-o Drew. v. Gordonians 3rd XV at Rubislaw . . f, . 13. . zz-5 Won. „ 20. v. R.N.A.S. Arbroath and XV at Arbroath . • 0- r a Lost. U. Aberdeen Wanderers and XV at Rubislaw . $1 27. . 3- a x Lost. Nov. 3. v. Aberdeen University 3rd XV at King's College . 8-zo Lost. to. v. Moray and XV at Elgin . . . . . 10-14 Lost. COLIN C. ALLAN, Hon. Secretary. F.P. Hockey Section The Section started the Season quite successfully; of the 7 games played by the 1st XI only 1 has been lost, and the and XI have only lost 3. Individually, F.P.s have been doing well in the Trial Games. W. Dick, J. Donald and J. Wright have done particularly well in being selected to play for a Young Scots XI. The same three with A. Cromar arc in the North of the Tay XI to play a corresponding team from the south. The Section were glad to welcome several young members from School at the beginning of the season, but there is still room for any enthusiast who would like to take up the game. The Section were indebted once more to Mr. Tyson for his attention to the pitch which is still one of the best in the north. sat XI Sept. az. v. Centralians 2- I Won. 2 v. Morgan Acad. 0-0 Drawn. Oct. t. v. Fulmar 3-1 Won. „ 13. v. Centralians 7-I Won. „ zo. v. Gordonians 1-s Drawn. 3-o Won. 27. v. Grove Acad. Nov. 10. v. Ruthrieston 3-5 Lost.

and XI v. University 5-3 Lost. v. Morgan Acad. 3-3 Drawn v. Grammar School 'A' t 1-5 Won. v. Ruthrieston z-5 Lost. v. Gordonians 'A' o-z Lost. v. Grove Acad. 5-o Won. v. Richmond 4-2 Won. S. C. BANKS, Captain.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

F.P. Cricket Section At the spring meeting of the Section, the following officials were appointed: Honorary President, C. H. Webster; Captain Strathmore Eleven, D. J. Stephen; ViceCaptain, L. E. Tyson; Captain Grade Eleven, C. L. C. Souter; Treasurer and Secretary, A. M. Davidson; Match Secretary, W. Ewen. The fortunes of the Strathmore Eleven were very satisfactory. They completed the Season in fifth place in the Union Tables. The weather has not been so kind as in the previous year, although the first 15 fixtures were played on excellent Wickets. From the middle of July, however, only one of the remaining 7 games was completed. E. H. CRUICKSHANK'S BATTING The past season's success has been largely due to the exceptional batting of E. H. Cruickshank. As will be seen from the Averages below, he was almost unbeatable with the bat. He was the winner of the Strathmore Batting Cup and his average of 66.77 has created a new amateur record for the Union. Incidentally, none of the professionals playing for the Union Teams exceeded this average! He has now taken a permanent appointment in the south although it is hoped he may " turn out " for the Section whenever he is in Aberdeen. He will be a great loss to north-cast Cricket but we wish him every success in his new appointment. The record of the Grade Eleven this year has not been so encouraging. At one time during the season there was every prospect of their relegation to Grade III, and only by recording wins in the last two fixtures did they secure their place in Grade II. The greatest contributory factor to this state of affairs was the lack of support from players. On several occasions the Side took the field, one and at times, two players short. Although we have a sufficient membership to field two XI's it is becoming increasingly difficult to get members to turn out regularly every Saturday. Although the Grade XI have not fared too well in the League they succeeded in reaching the final of the Bon-Accord Cup, but lost to C.D. & S. who were the eventual Grade Champions. K. Watt proved an aggressive batsman for the Side and his most successful innings was lot" not out" against Alford in the Cup competition. The School and the Section have been honoured this season by the inclusion of Neil Kemsley in several of the Scottish Sides. He has also joined the select group of players who have made a century on their first appearance at Lords. We offer him our heartiest congratulations on his success. Again our appreciation must be recorded to Mr. L. E. Tyson for the beautiful pitches which he prepared throughout the season and for all the other tasks which he so willingly undertakes on behalf of the Section. No words of mine can express the debt which we owe to him. " The Square " at Rubislaw is known throughout Cricketing Circles in Scotland. It is noted with interest, and in certain sections with alarm, that the area has again increased by several yards! We are also indebted to the numerous people who have helped throughout the season and especially to the ladies who have so willingly attended to the teas. I sincerely trust that next season, the Section will have an encouraging support from F.P.s and I shall be pleased to supply full particulars of our season's programme. Practices arc held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Rubislaw throughout the season. Batting : Innings Not out Highest Score RIMS Average 12 601 E. H. Cruickshank 66.77 3 o 68 251 15 16.73 D. Black 13 0 209 16.07 D. J. Stephen 47 16 201 I. Thomson 1 5.47 47 3 Bowling: Over, Maidens Wickets Runs Average 15 E. McLeod 1I.6 88 34 1 74 132- 5 29 J. R. Y. Mutch 34 333 11'48 8rz 28 17 217 12.76 A. Fletcher 217.6 29 18 311 17.27 I. Thomson * indicates "not out". A. M. DAVIDSON, Hon. Secretory.

Former Pupils' Club

F.P. Golf Section Our second outing of the season was at Edzell instead of Aboyne. Several members were playing Edzell for the first time, and most agreed that it was a pleasant departure from Deeside, despite the length of the course and some fairly high scoring. Main prizewinners at the outings were as follows: BALLATER, 5 AUGUST 1956

EDZELL, 10 JUNE 1956

Scratch J. L. RinoaLL Handicap I -II J. G. 1Cmcoua G. A. C. WALKER Handicap 52+ R. ToLLY (Guest)

77 83— 7 = 761 86 — To 76

Scratch M. G. GIBE Handicap I - II J. L. RIDDELL

75 -

Handicap 12 G. F. CLARK

93 — 20 = 73

ABOYNE, 2 SEPTEMBER 1956 JOINT OUTING

91 - 24 = 67

BALLATER, 30 SEPTEMBER 1956

Scratch E. BUTHLAY Handicap I-II G. A. C. WALKER Handicap 12+ L. DURNIN

Scratch 67 E. Brrrin..A.7r Handicap I-II A. S. SHARPE (Guest) 77 — I 1 = 66 Handicap 12+ 8o — 18 = 6z O. H. S. STILL

The annual prizewinners were as follows: Riasell-Henderson Cup (3 best scratch scores) . . Walker Cup (3 best net scores) . Jeffrey Mreg (3 best scores over is handicap) . J. L. Riddell Trophy 4 •

•

8o — 10 = 70 95 — 20 = 75

•

• E. BUTHLAT

•

H. G. STEPHEN

•

O. H. S. STILL

W. S. MILNE

The Annual Dinner and Prizegiving was held in the Northern Hotel, Aberdeen, on Friday, 23 November 1956, when thirty-five members and guests attended. We were pleased to welcome, as official guests, A. H. Sharpe and T. S. Aikman, Secretary of the Gordonian Golf Club. Our Captain, I. Lewis Smith, presided, and the speeches in the usual light-hearted vein accompanied by the traditional heckling, were given by A. H. Sharpe (the Golf Section) replied to by I. Lewis Smith; H. G. Stephen (The Guests) replied to by J. C. Renfrew and H. J. Stewart (The Captain). W. Scorn GILCHRIST, Hon. Secretary.

New Members of the Club 15 May 1956-15 November 1956 ORDINARY MEMBERS

Barron, Philip Thomson (1950-56), 170 Hilton Avenue, Aberdeen. Bell, John Gray (1945-56), " Milden ", Cults, Aberdeenshire. Bradford, Cyril Norman (1947-56), 78 Hayfield Place, Rosehill, Aberdeen. Bremner, Douglas (5950-56), 53 Braemar Place, Aberdeen. Brown, Charles Ross (7943-47), 1 Carden Terrace, Aberdeen. Bryce, Graeme Findlay (7942-56), 42 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen. Cairns, Andrew Hunter (1943-_56), Bank House, Cults, Aberdeenshire. Collier, Gordon John (1949-56), 129 Desswood Place, Aberdeen. Cook, Martin Robert (1948-56), 8 Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine

Davidson, Mitchell Stuart (1952-56), 642 Ho'bum Street, Aberdeen. Deans, Walter (1948-52), 7 Corthan Crescent, Aberdeen. Deans, William Fraser Mackie (1946-48), 9 Breadalbane Crescent, Wick, Caithness. Durnin, Kenneth James McDonald (1955-56), 55 Irvine Place, Aberdeen. Duthie, Kenneth McK. (1943-56), c/o Hudson's Bay, Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan, Canada. Dutton, Tom Gilbert (1950-56), 94 Union Grove, Aberdeen. Forbes, Harry Alastair (1943-56), 129 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Forbes, Sinclair Thomson (1947-56), 5 Desswood Place, Aberdeen. Forsyth, David Leslie (1946-56), to SmithyttaughRoad, Aberdeen. Fullerton, Graham Alastair (1943-56), x8 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. Gair, Alan Begg (2926-36), 118 Hilton Road, Aberdeen. Glashan, John Irvine (1953-56), Lary Cottage, Invercauld Road, Ballater. Glennie, William Gordon (1946-56), 3 Admiralty Terrace, Invergordon, Ross-shire. Hamilton, H. Allan S. (2943-56), 33 Hazledene Road, Aberdeen. Home, Norman John (1950-56), x66 Crown Street, Aberdeen. Ireland, Alexander Fraser (2942-47), 8 Belvidere Crescent, Aberdeen. Johnston, Alexander Durward (1942-54), 20 Hilton Place, Aberdeen. Kinnear, David Thomas (1950-56), tz Rosehill Place, Aberdeen. Knight, Alexander Fraser (2946-55), 1 Brebner Terrace, Northfield, Aberdeen. Kynoch, Douglas Robert (1948-56), 49 Esslemont Avenue, Aberdeen. Lamont, William Edwin, Jr. (1948-55), 40 Balgownic Crescent, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. Leeper, David Russell (1955-56), 276o Agate Street, Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A. Legg, Henry Alexander (1949-56), 43 Victoria Road, Torry, Aberdeen. Leisk, Robert Duncan (1954-56), 103 Middlefield Place, Aberdeen. Lenman, Bruce Philips (1945-56), 141 Midstocket Road, Aberdeen. Lovie, Andrew Francis (1950-55), 87 Willowbank Road, Aberdeen. Malcolm, Ronald Imes (1943-56), zz Harcourt Road, Aberdeen. Mathieson, Miller Charles Alexander (i943-56), Ito King's Gate, Aberdeen. Michie, Ian Charles Stewart (1947-56), 4 Braemar Place, Aberdeen. Miller, Alistair James Mitchell (,942-55), 180 King's Gate, Aberdeen. Milne, Douglas George (2904-08), " Suhart ", Pitfodels, Cults, Aberdeenshire. Milne, James (1935-47), 4 Woodhill Place, Aberdeen. Milne, Royston John (1928-30), 46 Viewficld Road, Aberdeen. Montgomery, Ronald (1950-56), tit Comhill Terrace, Aberdeen. Morgan, Alan Robertson (1952-56), 16 Chestnut Row, Aberdeen. Munro, Neil M. (1942-56), Deva, to Oakhill Road, Aberdeen. MacLeod, Kenneth James (1950-56), Balnabeen, Conon-Bridge, Ross-shire. McIntosh, James (1946-56), 52 Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen. McKessack, Ian (1952-56), 54 Femhill Road, Aberdeen. McPherson, Frank (1947-56), to Rowan Road, Rosehill, Aberdeen. McRobert, George Forbes (1949-56), 191 Clifton Road, Aberdeen. Ness, David George (195/-56), 28 Stanley Street, Aberdeen. Nicol, Donald Ross (1943-56), 5o Whitehall Road, Aberdeen. Pacitti, John (1947-54), University Road, Aberdeen. 9 University Road, Aberdeen. 2 Pacitti, Stephen Anton (1947-56), Philip, Alistair E. (1943-5 6), 15 Richmond Terrace, Aberdeen. Pixie, Alexander Norman (1942-56), 1i Friarsfield Road, Cults, Aberdeenshire. Rae, Dr. William Jack Watson (1929-41), 124 Comhill Road, Aberdeen. Reynard, James Napier (1943-46), 4 Forest Road, Aberdeen. Rose, James Hendry (295o-56), 68 Cummings Park Circle, Aberdeen. Smart, James Simpson Maxwell (1942-56), 2 Cairn Road, Bieldside, Aberdeenshire. Thomas, Hugh William Lawrie (1947-56), 84 West North Street, Aberdeen. Vicca, Mario Luigi (1952-56), 375 Holbunt Street, Aberdeen. Walker, William S. M. (1951-14), 5 Balnagask Road, Torry, Aberdeen. Watts, George Keith (1936-47), 133 Balnagask Road, Aberdeen. Watt, James Fergus (1922-25), 54 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen. Watson, Melville Forsyth (1943-56), 5o Momingfield Road, Aberdeen. Wilson Fergus Connon (1929-34), 53 Curling Vale, Onslow Village, Guildford, Surrey.

Advertisements Without the support of Advertisers it would be a financial impossibility to produce the Magazine.

May we

suggest that in return you patronize them.

Enquiries regarding advertising in the Magazine should be addressed to :

FRANK C. CONNON, ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, 12 GOLDEN SQUARE, ABERDEEN I

xiii

PRESTCOLD FARMOOR

gives you BIG display and storage space for frozen food . . .

It holds 350 lb. packaged frozen food

The exclusive Super Presmatic motor compressor is guaranteed for 5 years with FREE SERVICE FOR I YEAR No drain is required and defrosting is automatic. For fuller details. consult your Presccold Distributor:

SPARK

BERDEE NT RLETEDT.

'SA ABERDEEN

for speedy

EST•tiL isH10 ISIS

QUALITY

APPOI NTE D

HER

Mat ISTY

VEYORS AND

THE QUEEN

POULTERE RS

J. WI LLIAMSON & SON Meat Purveyors, Poulterers and Game Dealers I, 2, & 3 MARKET BUILDINGS

The Cleaners

ABERDEEN

471 UNION STREET

Phone 28470

21998

and at their new branch 27 ROSEMOUNT VIA. ABERDEEN

ME•T PUR-

DRY CLEANING • Claremont ABERDEEN

Tel. 27366

BRANCHES 35 FOUNTAINHALL ROAD

THE SQUARE. CULTS

Nome 21724

PHONE 47822

&so AT CHURCH SQUARE. BALLATER

26153

PHONE

xiv

The Art' of _Learning . . . For over 100 years we have been learning the `Art' of Service and now—through our acquisition by that other old family firm of Wylie & Lochhead Ltd., Glasgow—we are able to offer more extensive service in the following spheres :— •

•

Furnishing for the Home, Halls, Hospitals, Hotels, Exhibitions and Institutions. Decorating and Appointing Schools, Ships, Restaurants, Reception Rooms, Banks and Boardrooms. Beautifying and restoring Chapels, Churches and Cathedrals.

•

Cabinetmaking, Joinery•, Upholstery and Bedding Manufacturer.

•

Removing, Storing, Cleaning and Shipping of all Household effects.

•

Execution of Auction Sales, Inventories, Valuations.

•

Complete Undertaking Service.

We hope to learn that we can be at your service too

J. & A. OGILVIE UNION

STREET

•

ABERDEEN

Branch of Wylie & Lochhead Ltd., Buchanan Street, Glasgow

For Accuracy A ROLEX Oyster Perpetual, waterproof in its Oyster case, automatically wound by the Perpetual self-winding " rotor " is the perfect servant for those who value accuracy. Let us show you this remarkable watch, or please send for free catalogue. All our watches are issued with a written guarantee and are

tested electronically before handing out

JAMIESON & CARRY UNION

ABERDEEN

BRIDGE

Specialists in Engagement Rings and Reliable Watches XV

GOOD RADIOGRAM

AN INVESTMENT It yields rich dividends in the way of entertainment, year in, year out. A good radiogram is a superb instrument, giving a fidelity in tone rendering undreamed of a few years back. Come in and look around our spacious Radiogram Showroom and see the newest models for yourself

C. BRUCE MILLER re web 51-53

GEORGE

STREET, ABERDEEN

Phone 20278

s% ill

The Art' of Learning

For over 100 years we have been learning the `Art' of Service and now—through our acquisition by that other old family firm of Wylie & Lochhead Ltd., Glasgow—we are able to offer more extensive service in the following spheres :— • • •

•

Cabinetmaking, Joinery, Upholstery and Bedding Manufacturer.

•

Removing, Storing, Cleaning and Shipping of all Household effects.

•

Execution of Auction Sales, Inventories, Valuations.

•

Complete Undertaking Service.

We hope to learn that we can be at your service too

J. & A. OGILVIE UNION

STREET

•

ABERDEEN

Branch of Wylie & Lochhead Ltd., Buchanan Street, Glasgow

For Accuracy A ROLEX Oyster Perpetual, waterproof in its Oyster case, automatically wound by the Perpetual self-winding "rotor" is the perfect servant for those who value accuracy. Let us show you this remarkable watch, or please send for free catalogue. All our watches are issued with a written guarantee and are tested electronically before handing out

JAMIESON & CARRY UNION

ABERDEEN

BRIDGE

Specialists in Engagement Rings and Reliable Watches XV

YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT ONE OF SCOTLAND'S FINEST AND MOST MODERN BOOKSHOPS Where you will see books of every description— Fiction, Travel, Biography, Sport, Children's Books, etc. Our Stationery and Fancy Goods Department offers you a comprehensive range of Fountain Pens, Writing Cases, Leather Goods, and, of course, all the popular brands of writing paper. We also have a first-class lending library with the latest books at moderate charges

JOHN MENZIES & CO. LTD. BOOKSHOP 408-412 UNION STREET

•

ABERDEEN

I Telephone 29191

ARCHIBALD McKELLAR Family Grocer, Wine Merchant and Tobacconist We specialise in

Medicinal Wines

PROVISIONS TEAS COFFEES WINES, etc.

VIBRONA HALL'S WINCARNIS PHOSFERINE

45o-456 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN 4, XVI

DAIRY : ABERDEEN

FARM: COLTER

Tel. 20375

Tel. 3106

For . . QUALITY and SERVICE

JOHN REITH (Kennerty Farm Dairies) LIMITED

46-48

ROSE

STREET,

ABERDEEN

At your service for quality

FISH • GAME BUTCHER MEAT Whether you shop in person or by telephone your requirements in either or both of our Departments will be looked after with care. Our delivery system too exists for your convenience.

A. & W. ALEXANDER Butchers

•

Fishmongers

492 UNION STREET

•

Game Dealers

ABERDEEN

Telephone Aberdeen 25236

xvii

GOOD

RADIOGRAM

INVESTMENT

It yields rich dividends in the way of entertainment, year in, year out. A good radiogram is a superb instrument, giving a fidelity in tone rendering undreamed of a few years back. Come in and look around our spacious Radiogram Showroom and see the newest models for yourself

MM.

C. BRUCE MILLER co: ,t;,„11:77. .

SI-53

GEORGE

, ' a \qtaaia

STREET, ABERDEEN

Phone 20278

xviii

BUSY MEN ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT

telom4

AFTERNOON I LA HIGH TEA

MORNING COFFEE LUNCHEON

468 UNION STREET 48 UNION STREET

Restaurant and Snack Bar: Tea Room:

BOOKBINDING OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS

WILLIAM

JACKSON

(ABERDEEN)

LIMITED

Offices:

6-10 UPPER KIRKGATE Factory :

FARMER'S HALL LANE Telephone 22591

six

Established 1855

Bound for the Northern— Bound for success r—

inner-

Saturday Evening Dress D m odern ballroom Ce in the the Hotel Dan

the m usic of Band Broadcasting —

(The NORTHERN HOTEL KITTYBREWSTER

Telephone 43342

ABERDEEN

Manager: R. C. MILBURN, M.H.C.I

BOYS "''BI-BOYS! and clothes won't stay ... clean for ever. But they will last longer and stay bright and fresh if you send them t,•• [ periodically to

THE

Gordon Cleaning Co., Ltd., Huntly 505 George Street . also at 434 Union Street • DUNDEE 28 Whitehall Crescent •

ABERDEEN

For three quarters of a century the House of Collie has so upheld the highest traditions of private enterprise that in Aberdeen and the North it enjoys the widest public esteem for the excellence of its varied services I ; 0 - :1

-0 7 '

BY APPOINTMENT

To HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN GROCERS

269 UNION STREET • ABERDEEN • TELEPHONE 27244 Also

CULTS

•

BALLATER

xxi

BRAEMAR

Shoes correctly ftted by X-RAY pedoscope

JOHN A. DUNN LTD. FAMILY BOOT AND SHOE MAKERS

46 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN also at PETERHEAD, ELGIN, FORFAR, TURRIFF

Phone 20158

COMPLETE POSTER SERVICES IN NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND

The

BILLPOSTING GENERAL Company Limited

60 UNION ROW

•

ABERDEEN and at

3 CHURCH STREET INVERNESS

TELEPHONE

28194

xxii

Carrying your secretary ? If possible, yes. What is handier, easier and quicker than having an Imperial ' Good Companion' portable at hand? Letters, reports and memoranda are a pleasure. There's a booklet to help you learn to type quickly. Two models £26 and £29. 10 complete with carrying case. H.P. Terms available.

Imperial `Good Companion' Portable Typewriters C. H. WEBSTER LTD. 489 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN Tel. 26381

TELEPHONE

ABERDEEN 23950 • TELEGRAMS

'GALLOWSES' ABERDEEN

Men's Outfitter I Established 1904

W. J. MILNE, LTD ABERDEEN xxiii

J. GEDDES IRVINE EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS AND TUTORS Individual and Private Tuition in all subjects for all School, University, Professional and Civil Service Examinations

9 ALBYN TERRACE, ABERDEEN Telephone No. Aberdeen 29863

xxiv

" 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

Hay and Straw

Pot and Pearl Barley

Poultry and Bird Food

Barley Meal Coal

Moss Litter

and Firewood

Manures

WILLIAM SCORGIE GRAIN AND POTATO MERCHANT

13 ROSE STREET

Phone 23731

ABERDEEN

The first

of interest

in the Ordinary Department of the Bank is

Free of Income Tax GS BANK

ABERDEE -

OFFICIAL RETAILERS of

AUSTIN MORRIS-FORD CARS REPAIRS • SERVICING - GARAGING • PETROL AUTODIESEL • OILS GUARANTEED USED CARS • SELF DRIVE CARS

GEORGE CHEYNE (MOTORS) LTD. WESTERN GARAGE

60 GREAT WESTERN ROAD ABERDEEN Phones 25264/5

Established 1911

'Grams ' Westgar '