AGS Magazine December 1957

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHCOL MAGAZINE

A B ER DEEN printed for lhe fol'me.r-Pupils ' Club at-lhe University P ress Price Volume LXI, No. l

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 74th ytar No. 181 (New Seriu 64th year No. 172)

Vol. LXI

DECE~ER

No.

19 57

1

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

Sir Jam es J. Robertson , O.B.E., M.A., B.O., F.E.. I .S.

LL.D.,

F.R.S.E.,

General Editor

Campbell Connon, M.A ., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen.

Editor of Notes, Obituar y, Marriages

Ian G. Shinnie, 7 Burns Road, Aberdeen.

Editor of the Section

Alexander Nisbet, M.A.

School

Chairman of the F.P. Club Executive

]. S. G. Munro, B.L., J.P.

Secretary of the F.P. Club

J.

Scott

MacLachlan, M. A., Union Street, Aberdt:en.

LL.B.,

Advertisements

220

Frank C. Connon, M.A., LL.13., 1 2 Golden Square, Aberdeen.

Printed for The Former Pupils' Club at The University Press Aberde en

CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS " Rab" and" Janny Kennedy ". Photograph School Scaff in 1923. Photograph

General SectionA " Primary " II.fatter .

"Rab" and" Janny Kennedy " - R. J. l\f.

Report on " The Amenities Fund '' . . " Iumewith" A. \\\arren Prospecting in Greenland-1957.

The Paton Bequest . .

School SectionSchool Office-Bearers School and Random Notes . . .

Edinbur11h Intcrnattonal Festival, 19n The Lower School. Death of l{onald l\latthew Staff Changes . . . . .

Aberdeen Schoo ls Scientific Society. Music . . .

Playing in the National Youth Orchestra Film Society. Dramatic Society. Scripture Union .

L iterary and Debating Society . Combined Cadet Force Scout Notes Hou se Notes . .

School Sporting ActivitiesRugby . . .

H ockey Swimming Former Pupils' Club SectionClub Office-Bearers .

The Annual Dinner London Centre Glasgow Centre Edinburgh Centre Sports SectionsRugb y. Hockey Cricket .

Golf. Tennis .

Notes about Old Boys Boarding House Section Obituary.

Marriages University Notes New Members . . . . . ' Back Numbers. Succeeding Generations at The Grammar

Facing page 4

sz

Page

3 4

s 5 7 8

9

10 IZ

r3 14 16 17 r8 19 11 23 1) 27 18 29

3r p 33 3S 37 38 39 40 4S 46

so S1

S4 H

A " Primary " Matter On 2.2. November 19n the Education Committee (see footnote 1) of the Town Council decided : " That subject to any necessary approva l by the Secretary of State for Scotland the Committee approve the closW'e of the Primary Department s of the Aberdeen Grammar School and Aberdeen High School for Girls and instruct the Director of Education to make the necessary arrangements for effecting such closure by the nonadmission of pupils to the said Departments as from the date of the commencement of session 19 59-60 on the understanding that pupils attending these Departments prior to that date will be permitted to complete their courses of primary education therein."

This decision to close the Primary Departments was taken by the casting vote of the Chairman who, having voted for the closure, then exercised his casting vote to make the decision (see footnote 2). [The Convener of the Education Committee is Col in Maclver * (1902-03) who taught at the School from 1927 to 1939.]

A Publi c Inqu iry ?

This decision is subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Scotland, and our Secretary has already written on behalf of the Executive and Members of the Club to the Scottish Education Department intimating preliminary objections to the decision. The Executive are considering the matter very fully at the present time, and formal representations will shortly be submitted to the Secretary of State giving the Club's detailed objections to the decision. Other organisations and interests are equally opposed to the decision, including Parents of Pupils at both Schools immediately concerned, and the Former Pupils' Club of the High School for Girls, and a Publi c Protest Meeting is being held on Thursday, 19 December. [Unfortunately the Magazine will have gone to print before this meeting takes place.]

The Executive have already decided to oppose the decision in every possible way; and it is hoped that the representations made will force the Secretary of State to direct that a Public Inquiry be held, so that the views of all those opposed to the decision may be f11l!J available to him when he comes to consider whether to grant or withhold his approval.

1 le is of interest to note the composition of che Education Committee, which consists of 17 members: 12 Socialist Town Counci llors.

5 ProgrcssiYe Town Councillors.

10 External :\[embers (appointed for their knowledge of Educational matters).

• The analysis of the vote is of interest: For closure--there ,·otcd 10 Socialists, and 2 External Members.

For retention - there voted 1 Socialist, 5 Progressives and 6 External 11embcrs.

One Socialist Councillor spoke in support of retention but abstained from voting.

Two External Members of the C.Ommillee were unable to be present.

The Two Musketeers !

All who were Grammar boys in the decades before the Second \''far will recognise with pleasure the two faces which greet them from the photographs accompanying this note-chose of William Kennedy, "The Janny" from 1901 to 1930, and Robert \YI. Linton(" Rab "), whose path from lab. boy to School Gardener spanned the years from 1913 to 1939. Both were so much part of the fabric of the Schoo l chat in the memories of those who knew them they stand heraldical ly one on either side of the embattled pile they served so long and so well. \X illiam Kennedy was part of the Buchan in which he was reared -sturdy, forthright and purposeful, with an ironic good humour which very happily lights up the photograph reproduced here. As a young farm-servant he had driven the first horse-drawn mechanical reaper used in the north-east of Scotland and the best qualities of his own generation of countrymen lingered m his tones and individual1ty.

Well remembered are his bunch of keys; his goodnight wave as a lantern lecture skailed from the Hall; his swift gesture to the tardy before he closed the Hall door for morning prayers; the" tuppenny cads" and " Genovies" which he dispensed; and his characteristic postun.-, seated m his box with one capable hand extended on the counter before him, surrounded by his" exies ", pencils, boxes of chalk and bells. \'fith boxes of sawdust or window poles he tended our material needs, and if an unquiet spirit required admonition, then this was not withheld. Comradeship thus cemented over the years evoked from F.P.s all round the world an appropriate parting gift when "The Janny" retired in 1930, and their very genuine regret when he died in 1936.

Robert W/. Linton, that other kenspeckle figure, was a man of equally strong, if more taciturn, individuality, and as "Rab the Gardener " he stalks through the .recollection of generations of Grammar ians in Wordsworthian isolation and with an Anglo-Irish tongue. Erect and Kiplingesque, with a penetrating, unillusioned glance (when it happened to light on one), he cultivated his gardens and greenhouses in a variety of expressive hats and with the greatest skill and devotion. Four , ines he grew in his time, each named after one of the rectors with whom he had served, and by 1939, when "Rab" retired, the six-inch vine which he bad planted in 1924 when the late Mr. D. M. Andrew became Rector was bearing fifty to sixty clusters of grapes each year. \X'hen not busy in his gardens or protecting his greenhouses from the Philistines, " Rab " would be coping with as many as fourteen tons of school coal in one day (not wholly in silence), or helping to round-up illicit-doughnut buyers at the forenoon interval, or decorating the Hall with great beauty for Prize Day. Shakespeare, Byron, Burns, Campbell and others enriched his mind and flavoured his speech, and his devotion to Fitzgerald's poems of Omar gave rise, through a linguistic misunderstanding, to the belief, firmly held by generat10ns of Grammar boys, that Rab could recite the whole of Homer in the original Greek!

It is good and befitting that these old friends should receive a salute, and for many F.P.s their photographs will revive pleasant memories not only of" The Janny" and "Rab" but of chose others who trod the corridors in their day.

R. J. \,f.

4

H

R .\D,, (~Le \rude on facing page)

Report on " The Amenities Fund '' The Fund Committee met in October to consider the first disbursements. The Rector had obtained from the various Heads of Departments suggestions for provisions to be made. These were fully considered by the Committee and it was finally agreed that the following items should be provided out of the Fund: the latest edition of Chambers E11rydopaedia (to be suitably inscribed to record its being the first provision from the Fund); replacement of Drums for the School Cadet Force; a Printing Press and Type for the Technical Department and general use for School Clubs and Societies; Film Strips for the Lower School; Records for the Kindergarten Department; Crockery and Cutlery for School Club use; and a Set of Shakespearean Gramophone Records.

It was agreed that, in future, disbursements may be made from income during each School session from September to June and that the Committee shall meet three times a year in October, January and April to consider recommendations submitted.

]. S. M.

Charles Murray (" Hamewith ") " He cut a sappy sucker from the muckle rodden tree " " It wisna his wyte he was beddit sae late " "There was a couthy packman ... " There are no better-known poems in the orth-East of Scotland than Charles ]Murray's "The Whistle", "It wisna his wyte ", and "The Packman ", whose opening lines are quoted above; and to all who are still interested in the life and lore of" Aiberdeen an' twal' mile roon' ", it is a great joy to bear these verses well delivered, and an even greater pleasure to hear them well " put over " to a country audience- for " Hamewith " with warm sincerity, racy humanity, and at times the gentlest of satire, painted wonderful word-pictures of country life in the north-east during the first decades of this century.

Time may well show " Hamewith " to have been the last of the truly vernacular poets in these parts.

The speech and vocabulary of our forefathers were very different from those of today; but we would like to think that for many generations to come " the Doric" will remain a living thing amongst us, and will not become just a strange and unintelligible dialect heard in Aberdeen on Fridays when farmers foregather. So long as interest in the vernacular survives, so long will the poems of " Hamewith " be part of our inheritance.

6

Aberdem Grammar S,hool Magazine

What fun to follow " The Packman " as he travels round the countryside " to clachan, craft an' ha' " and gradually but determinedly 1mproves his position until he's a laird himsel' I \Vhat pleasure, too, to share the joy of the wee herd with his home-made whistle as " he whecpled on't at mormn' and he twcetlcd on't at niche ". and how genuine our sorrow when "the maistcr brunt the whistle that the wee herd made", and brought his artless ploy co a sad end I How human all the various excuses for delaying his going to school found by the young Ja<l in " It wisna his wyte "; and what a homely touch once " he got roadit at last" when " The fite-fuskercd cat wi' her tail in the air Convoyed him as far as the barn "I How effective the whimsical fusion of bleak realism with honest feeling as the grave digger " weary, weary houkin' in the cauld wcct clorty cla1 " delves a lair for the laird, muses on the outcome of the laird's passing, and on earlier lauds and other folk whom he has happit, and voices his own impatience with the transient world and its works, and his feeling that " yet here I'm weary waitin' till the Master gies the nod".

But those who know their " J lamewith " have little need to be reminded of individual poems; and those who arc not already acquaint with " Hamewith " as an entertaining friend will find a great store of pleasure and enjoyment in any edition of his poems.

The Charles Murray Memoria l Fu nd Charles Murray (" Hamcwith ") died in 1941 and as a result of a successful public appeal for subscriptions this Memorial Fund has now been created from which the Fund Trustees arc to provide inter alia a prize (to be awarded triennia lly) for the best original poem in the north-east Doric on some aspect of Scottish Life and Character. The language must be north-cast Doric and" not synthetic Scots", but there is no stipulauon as to type or length of poem. l,nfortunatdy, since the entries for the first competition must be in by 31st December 19H, it will not be possible for any one first learning about it from this note co enter for it. It 1s to be hoped, however, that some schoolboys from Grammar, and some F.P.s will enter for the next competition, which will be intimated in the Magazine in due course. " Hamcwith " himself spent long years in Africa, where many of his poems were written, and exile may have intensified his love of the north-east, and given him a broader and sharper vision. \'\'hat a chance here for some of you F.P.s in far Malaya or Timbuctoo to while away some of your tropic nigh ts in trying a hand at a poem for the next competition I \Vhat a ploy!

Prospectin g in Greenland - 1957 I considered myself very fortunate indeed when, last May, I was offered by the Dani sh mining company ordisk l\-Iineslskab a job as " field assistant" in a prospecting expedition to East Central Greenland.

Denmark has few geologists, and for the most part foreign workers with British and Canadian consultants are used in prospecting her large conce ssions.

On 5 Jul y 1957 we were flown up via Reykjavik to the company's airfield at Mesters Vig-over 72.° Korth. For the last part of our flight we were flying directly into the midnight sun, and, in fact, for the next month and a half the sky never darkened. Even in early Jul y (as it then was) it was still only spring in these northern latitudes; patches of snow still lingered on the hills round the mining town of Blyklippen, and the fjord being still covered in ice, the short shipping season had not started-not until late July.

East Central Greenland has a reputation for bright, sunny, and dry summers, attributable to the barrier of ice floes off rhe coast some tens of miles wide, but we struck a bad year. For over half the time we did enjoy the clear bright weather which we were led to expect, but we also had many days of low cloud and fog, and some high winds.

One particularly sudden and Yiolent gale flattened several tents and brought snow . On the other hand, however, late August did bring hot weather with clouds of mosquitoes l Arrived at the mine town, we were held up there for a week by bad weather until on the fust day when the weather was fine at both departure and arrival points we were rewarded with a flight through the mountains and over seYeral glaciers in a small De Havilland Rapid e (which was our regular mode of transport) to Schuchertdal, and from the main camp there, 1,5 00 feet above the valle, floor, we had a most spectacular view of 6,000 feet mountains and great glaciers.

The Company mines lead at Blyklippcn, not only because there are fairly large deposits there, but also because at that latitude it is one of the few metals economically miocable. North Schuchertdal had already been prospected and found to be a hopeful area for lead, and our main job was to make traverses along the slopes taking samples of the soil at every 50 metres, which would be analysed for lead in the lab. at the main camp . \X' e were also to prove geochemically the extent of a body already discovered near the camp, which later in the 1 season was also tested by drilling. early half of our time was spent out of the main camp, mainly at Schuchert West where there was another possibility of lead, and also at Schuchert orth, and up on the glacier at the molybdenum deposit on the Erzberg. In fact if this proves large enough and rich enough there may actually be a mine town established on the glacier itself! As it is, this is probably the second largest molybdenum deposit in the world.

For the greater part most of us operated within 1 2. miles radius of this main camp, but we were frequently out of touch with it for four or five days at a time-when our " walkie-talkie " sets would operate only one way.

7

8

Aberdem Gram1J1ar School Magaz_ine

Flo wers and Fauna It surprised me to find such variety in what appeared to be such barren country; several hundred varieties of flowers are found in this part of Greenland, and the fauna include musk-ox, leming, fox, hare, geese, rooks, :uctic tern, snow bunting, and other birds. The muskox were our main interest; related to the sheep, they stand 4t to 5 feet high, their long hair reaching right to the ground. The hares were quite tame, and one constantly hopped around our camp. The onJy economic ani mal is the fox, which is trapped by a few Norweg ian trappers.

Glacier s To a geography student like myself, the most interesting feature was probab ly the glaciers. We examined several of the tributary glaciers at close quarters-and in fact named two hitherto unnamed ones-but the one to which we devoted most attention was the Main Schuchert GlaCJer, for we actuall} camped on it aboYe 700 feet of ice at Erzberg Camp, 9 kilometres from the snout . We were interested to note all the textbook phenomena, and in fact glacial and periglacial features affected our work to a great extent, for slimy mud patches resulted from the solifluction , and the higher slopes were mantled in thick scree, which moved at the touch, so that apparently-unprovoked avalanches arc common in these parts. The large deposi ts of stony angular morraioe dumped by the glaciers in irregular hills made for very tiring walking.

On the human level, the trip was not without interest. The Esquimoes (encountered only by the southern party) seemed fairly well educated, although proverbially dirty. They live mainly by fishing. Besides them there were the geological survey party, mainly Swiss, the l\orwegian trappers, and the Air Force base staff, also the crew of the ice-strengthened ships, including the ".\faggadan, " which take the ore concentrate from the mine.

All too soon the nights darkened, the mosquitoes d1sappc...-are<l,and the days cooled; the stumpy "trees" turned to autumn coloursand the six-weeks-long summer had ended; and before we left the first snow had already fallen, and the ice floes were already appearing in increasing numbers in the Fjord. As we flew back to Renfrew on 5 September we realised how immense ly we had enjoyed ourselves.

ANDREW wARRE..",* (1949-j 6)

*

*

*

A further generou s legacy for the Schoo l The Paton Beque st H erbert Will iam James Paton>f (1896-99), founder of the 1\berdeen travel agency which bears that, name <lied in London last J uly (as reported in the Obituaries). In his Will he has directed that, subject to ccrtarn liferent interests, the residue of his estate is to be divided and one eighth part is to go to the F.P. Club for scholar:.,hips and/or prizes for the School for the promotion and encouragement of the study of the E nglish language, Mathematics and Science. .'\s his ci.tate was valued at over £30 ,000 tlus bequest is a valuable one, which is very much appreciated.

School Section Schoo l O ffice-Bearers, 1957- 58 Prefect s

N. LovE (Senior Prtftct)

PHll.lP Jons

M. Qul.'.NTI"I CRA\lu Jom, P. ORU~IMO>m

C. A. l\hCHIE (Deputy Smior Pr,fut) A. HOWARD

DAVID

T. Nll. llOLAS DUCAT

DUNCAN J. \lACl'ARL!\"11·

\YI. Fn,"NIH DAVID B. GAI.LOWAY

\X'1LLIAM

DouCJ AS R. H.\RPLR

Douc, u

BRI.u.

D.e...,N1,

ALAN

II.

c. SMITII

'ORMAN So~IERVIU.B STEVL'ISOS

\'qn.LUM

McC . R,w

IA" STEWART

IA" .\I. REID

II \Y

J.

AJ.AISTAIR

TIIO~IAS HOUGHTON ST\.'IL£Y

ROBl!.RT S. TAYLOR

F. Ross

.\lICHAEL

J. SANGSTl:.11.

\'v'ooo

IAN M. YP.ATS

H ouse Captains

Dun P1111.1r :N. Lovt.

.Byron THO\IAS IlOUGll10"

Keith

Melvin

\(. QuE.'-"TIN CR\'18

RoetRT S. TAYLOR

Rugby Football WtLLUM

Captam

OESNIS JlAY

Cap1,,;,,

Tuo~u, HovcHros

Caplai11

Jou:-;

Pruid111I

DAVID 13. GALLOWAY

Pruidml

:\L Quw.nN CRA~IB

Pruidmt

P11n.1r

C. ,'Sgt.

ST.1s1.u A. How.uo

P111UP N. LOVE

Virt-Cap1ai11

\lcC. R"

Captain

Hockey

Vir,-Caplam

EIL Bi;xTON

Swimming

Vkt-Caplam

Jo11NB. KF.Lu

Badminton P. ORUlJlJOS'D Literary and Debating Societ)

S"rtlary

DovGLAS

R. Ill\RPER

P1m.1P

. LovE

Dramatic Society

Vi(t•Prtiidmt Film Society

JOHN C. A . .i\CJCHIJI

St(rttary

N. Lov.e

Cadet For ce

Sur,lary

Flt./Sgl.

W1LUAM

.\lcC. RAB

Scripture Union DOUGLAS R. I-iAJU>ER

Stmlar.J of tht Choir 1·"rtlary of th, Or(btJlra

DouGLAS

R. HAuEll

\'q1LLJAM STEVENSON

School Editors DAVID

Roeu.T FALCO:SPlt

9

B GALI.OWAY

10

Aberdetn Grammar School Magazine

School and Random Notes By way of introduction to this year's School sectmn, the editors thought (for which we were duly acclaimed) that we should begin with an official note of apology, and not the usual waffie about pens running dry, lack of paper, etc., etc. To commenceBon Record Buildings, Byron Statue, c/o" The Gravclry ", City.

Dear Readers, It is the unfortunate but inevitable task of this >·ear's School editors to write "stop-gap scuff" (quote and unquote) with which to boost School morale-or should we say morals? But enough of chat! Our duties weigh us down and our onerous tasks include writing, surprisingly enough (poor 1\ 1r. Nisbet, will he never understand?) . It was our intention to start off in a brilliantly ,,,itty vein, but when it cam,: to writing, our miscellaneous thoughts gave vmt but to old and rather unsuitable jokes. Thus, readers, our pens may perchance strike an evanescent ~ophisticacion, but, for the most part, do bear with us and comfort us in our abiect miseries l And so-read on!

T he prefects this }car- what a miserable bunch! - arc led by a certain Philip The editors think this rather good, and consequently decide on more rash cxpt:nditur1.~ ink again (viz. K.D.II., room 2 at ½d. a time). John C. A. '\lichic, as deputy senior prefect, is followed by a veritable host of car<l-sharpers in \1. Quentin Cramb, John P. Drummond, David ll. Galloway, Douidas R. Harper, Thomas Houghton, David H. Norman Sorncr\'llle, Robert S. Taylor. New sixth year prefects are Dennis Hay, Stanley A. Howard, William \fcC. Rae, and Douglas F. Ross. However, the How/fire juveniles (or fifth year prefects to the uneducated) appear to be a more sober and staid bunch, and arc said to include: T. Nicholas Ducat, Brian W. Finnie, Duncan J. \£acfarlane, Tan :\f. Reid, Alan J. San~ster, Alistair J.C. Smith, William Stevenson, [an Stewart, \lichael \'\"ood, and Ian \1. Years.

r-... Lo\'e (though what he loves is uncertain!).

•

Durmg rhc recent 'flu epidcnuc, in which many boys dutifully absented themselves, the only flash of colour left in school was to be seen darting in and out of the l:xx,kshcln:s, playing hide-and-seek with errant schoolboys, and, indeed, disturbing all serious-minded ynunii; men by that startling red coat l \\. c feel sure rhar, if put ro the test, it would giYe off a lurid _L!:low similar co that of the rocket of Sputnik I. Well, \liss Doyd ... ?

Room I r, the haven and harbour of all smell, -:\fr. Cook's sole delight -has ar last been coloured afresh. The old, flaking paintw ork has been removed and a glossy new uuerior now ,1trcets the eager student's eye. Due that science fiend, making up for lost time, has recently been producing the most nauseating and penetrating effiuvia, which, to the uninitiated first-year boys, are but ghoulish reminders of the "sea -beach scents", And so, on behalf of the pupils, we would beg of the science staff at least one hour's warning in which to effect our escape, and don ~mog-masks, clothes-pegs, ccc.

Iris with the utm ost del ight that we proclaim the di~CO\'eryof a swimming-pool in the School grounds. I Tow we could have had the effrontery to demand an artificial pond with this bath of lunpid waters in our midst, all these years, is beyond our comprehension . The new pool, unco..-cred by the intrepid ad,·enturers of Upper VI Botany, is, we hear, of roughly circular shape, and in depth about six feet.

It is even now, as we write, being cleared of residual mud brought d own by the " sparkling '' waters of the Den bum, and will, of course, be used by prefects only.

However, as the edit ors, in pursuit of justice aod fair plav, ob1ected, a ducking-stool is being erected for the use of the plebs.

School Section

JI

The scheme mooted in the summer to transform the front lawn (oh, hallowed verdure I) into a bowling green, lawn-tennis court, and " skittle-alley " will not, we regret, come to fruition in the near future.

1.,pper VI is of alannmg proportions this session, and classes are not the select, hard-working groups of yesteryear. \v'e are informed that the intelligentsia of the chemistry class are worth their gram-equivalent (see l:.n9dofJ'dio Brilonnko) in silver nitrate and would constitute a Hry creditable menagerie.

* As is customary, the cream of our English scholars visited the Edinburgh International Festival this Year (yes, the editors were there), under the stem, restraining influence of l\lr. Henderson. The productions seen by the party were, in general, of extremely high quality, although perhaps the Swedish Royal Ballet was rather disappointing. An enquiry is being held to discover which of the multiplicity of accounts Mr. Henderson gave of his doings on the last night, is actually true. 'Nuff said.

..

..

..

"0 lemporo, 0 moru!"

It has been brought to our horrified notice chat ccnain delinquents who shall be nameless (because we don't know who they arc) have been A.\V.O.L. at interva l in order to attend a seminar of the S. U. (S. = Scripture) . The" Pie Duty'' prefect now has a double scn-ice to perform, and we hear that the dcruzens of Grosvenor Terrace can now sec through their windows, owing to the conS<quent creation of a smokeless zone.

Due to the redecoration of the Art Rooms (what, agam ?), the upper east-west comdor has been \'erboten to masters and pupils alike. This state of affairs, in which not e"cn some of the hardened old brigade (eh, Henry ?) dare to trespass, is thought to be thoroughly deplorable. The less studious of those in the library, we hear, arc entertained not only by the fluting tones of Middle School music classes, but also by pure and unbiased criticism of the artistic genius of the more unfortunate brush-wielders.

. ..

We have been compelled to say farewell to three of our most well-known masters. Our loss is their gain, however , and we rejoice for them.

Mr. Wilfr ed orris has left us for Jordanhi ll Training College, Glasgow, after man~• happy years, we hope, in which he has laboured unceasingly. The fruits of his cndca,·ours are plainly visible in the increased enthusiasm of the boys, and the enhanced standards of musical attainment in the School Orchestra.

Mr. Thom as Brown has also gained a post in a training centre, this time at .Moray House, m Edinburgh . He, too, bas been a tireless worker both inside and outside the classroom, and his extra-curricular activities in the Debatin g and Dramatic Societies have resulted in many interesting discussions and finer productions.

Another member of the English staff, Mr. Alexander Nisbet, is leaving his schoolmaster's scat 10 take up an appointment in the hierarchy of school go,·emment -an Inspector! \\e wish him wcll in his new post and hope that he can twist his literary talents, together with his services to the C.C.F. and the Dramatic Society, to good effect in the big, bad world.

To all these, we convey our heartiest congratulations and thanks, and we wish them well in their new positions.

To Mr. Tait , as new head of the English department, and Mr. Nicolson we extend a hearty welcome-long may they prosper and wax eloquent amongst the uneducated of our society.

Every day in every way we arc becoming fitter and fitter. Post -mortems of Saturday's g:uncs and training sessions in the gym (" timed circuit training" is the official cognomen) seem to point to stringent new fimcss measures-largely at the instigation of :\fr. Ste,·enson. \\'lhat the outcome will be we could not commit our:clvcs to sa>·, but notable successes on the field have been observed this term. \X'e draw a veil over the contest against the old enemi ....

12.

Aberdeen Gran11N,1r School Magazine

The Schoo l seems rapidly to be rising 111 numbers, for, judging by the multitudes seen frequen ting the various mobi le "pa tisscries ", it is becoming increasingly difficult for the prefects to have a finger in every pie. Thus those of that esteemed lxxly feel that a small "shoppie ", comparable to that currently operating at the Jnnny's box, would indeed prove remunerative.

Sumc say" a voix bassc" (" l 've got my IJighcr French", <1uoce Room 31) that D. 1lawksworth, Esq., a member of the Music staff, has been seen loitering with intent to sing near the doorway of a certain room- Ccll 6 to be exact. Furthermore, at a recent investigation of these said activities by the membcn. of the Literary and Debating Society, he was unanimous ly found guilty, and sentence pronounced. (" Ba.1., baa black sheep, have you any wool? " -and on top of a chair at that!)

That's just rumour of course, but ...

..

..

What drivel the Random Notes arc this term I How vastlv different from the scimillating humour and devastating wit of former years I \Veil, dear Reader, there have been no assassinations, no petty larceny, no savage or brutal attacks, and no miscellaneous crimes so far (altogether, a qu ict term) . \\"hat else can you write about except the staff, and thc<IC notes are edited anyway. Achl it's a bad business .

Edinburgh International Festival, 1957 At u.4 0 p.m. on Friday, 23 August, a party of\ I-year C,r.unmar 5chool pupils left Aberdeen Joint Station for Edinburgh. After dmner at Cowan I louse , the F.dinburgh University Residence Hall, we went to the Lyceum Theatre to see " 1'.'ekrassov ", played by the Eng;lish Stage Company. The play, a farce by Jean Paul Sartre was very amusing, telling how Geo rges de Valera, a confidence crook, impersonated Nekrassov , a Russian governmental official visiting Prance. Robert 1lclpmann took the part of Georges de Valera.

After a Saturday morning spent on our own pursuits, we saw a fine performance by the Royal Swedish Ballet at the I mpirc Theatre . The works performed were "Cupid Out of His Humour", Grands P.t~ Classique Hongro is ", "Sisyphus" and ' Miss Julie". Although this was the first experience of ballet for many of the party, the performance was enjoyed very much. The 5cottish arionaJ Orchestra accompanied the dancers.

After dinner we went to sec a gripping production uf" The Hidden Kmg ", by Jonathan Griffin, a play which has been the subject of much controversy in the Press. This play was presented on an apron stage at the Assembly Hall, and told the S!01)' of a man who claimed to be the King of sixteenth-century Portugal, wbo h.1d vanished while leading a crusade, sever:i.l years before. .\lcanwhile the country had been overrun by the K.inp: of Spain. The plot reveals the brutality of the Inquisition and the pig-headedness of the clergy. 1bis was followed by a quick da5h to the Castle Esplanade to sec the Tattoo .

Sunday evening saw us at the Gsher llall for a wonderful perfom1ance by the B.warian Radio Spnphony Orchestra, conducted by Otto Klempcrer. The programme was Bach s Suite No. 3 in D, Stravinsky's Suite" Pulcinella" and Brahms' Symphony !':o. 4 in E l\linor. 1bey received a great ovation for a wonderful performance which really touched the heights for fine playmg.

J\s we had obtained permission co spend .\londay in Edinburgh, in the mornmg we saw the Children's Exhibiti on sponsored by Dr. Barnardo's l lomcs in Adam f louse. An interesting exhibit was a letter from a master to a parent, complaining that his son had played with a Salmon Hook right through the lesson I On J\londay afternoon we went to the C'lmeo Cinema to sec the Film Fcsti\'al.

The main film on the programme was "No Room for Wild Animals", a film in colour bewailing the fact that , despite and because of modem civilisation, the lot of the wild animal is bard.

At 6. 30 we boarded tbe train to come back to Aberdeen after a profitable weck~nd. Our sincere thanks must go to Aberdeen Town Council for G rantS and to Mr. Henderson of the English staff, who took charge of the trip. v.DWARD STRACHAN (Upper VI).

u

School Section

J3

Lower School An urscm tlcmand for Lower School Notes from the btl1tor of the School Section brings the realisation home to me that Christmas must be just round the corner and this long and uneventful winter term almost at an end.

Scarcely a year passes without staffing changes and this one is no exception. i\liss Raffan's sudtlen decision to desert us in favour of the blissful married state, while regrettable for rhe School, will bring in its train, we feel sure, many full years of true joy for her. To :\l rs. Dorothy Reid, who already, we can sec, makes a worthy anti ralcntctl successor to \I 1ss Raffan, we wish every satisfaction and happiness in her work with us here. \'fe are pleased also to welcome to the Lower School ;\fr. Henry F. Lawson, albeit be was nurtured in another seat of learning in the city of Aberdeen!

Daily routine of Lower School life has returned to normal now that the decorators have comp leted the ir cask. Classrooms and corridors previously dingy, are resplendent in their glossy paints of different hues and it may well be that we owe our low incidence of illness during the 'Au epidemjc to the purifying if nauseous fumes of paint.

With no Primary VIIC class this year our ro!J is just over 300 and n boys from our two senior classes sat the Transfer Tcsrs.

The Mo nitors this session arc; Douglas G. Fowlie (Head), Gort.Ion D. i\lttchell and John \f. Palmer, of P. \'IIA; Douglas J. Stewart, David G. Browne anti John D. G. Be!J, ofP. \'IJB; \ltchacl P. Gray and David K. Yule of P. YJA; and Donald Lamont and Richard C. Sh1rrcffs of P. VIB. As ever, they take their duties seriously and have proved themse lves to be a happy choice.

Our Lower School Choir under the guiding hand of Mr. Hawksworth contin ues to meet weekly and during the spring term will be presenting " The Peasant Cantata" bv Bach. The choir boys have already demonstrated to us thib term the worth-while results of their labours by singing an anthem and several songs at morning assembly. The number of boys receiving individual instrumental tuition is on the increase and ..\lr. \\ iseman is u·clding together ,·cl')· successfulJy a Lower School String Group.

Physical education in all its forn1s-rugby, soccer, gym and swimming continues to play the important part it bas alu·ays played in the lives of Lower School boys and there is no u-'lllling of enthusiasm in this field of endeavour. The sometimes spring-like weather of recent months bas given plenty scope for training at Rubislaw but as yet it has not been possible to arrange any fixtures m rugby or soccer.

J. D. M.

*

*

*

D eath of a Gram mar Boy

It w as with deep regret that the School heard of the death on z October 19n of Ronald Matth ew of Midd le LG. We extend our deepest sympa thy to his father and mother M r. and Mrs. Robert Matth ew of 73 Regent \Valk, Aber deen on their bereavement.

14

Aberdeen Grammar School !lfagaz.ine

Changes in the School Staff DE PARTU RES It is unusual to find a man whose work is also bis hobby; but rhis is undeniably orri s, B.A., s.,ms., r .R.<..o.,who, after seven packed years as true of Mr . Wilfred Senio r ;\fosie i\laster, has recently been translated to the post of Senior Lccrurer in .\Iusic at J ordan hill Training College, Glasgow. His work in the School has been only one aspect, if the most important, of his outstanding contribution to the musical life of Aberdeen. Under his dynamic directton, the .\1usic department has gone from strength to strength. Leaving Certificate work has been successfully developed, with a constantly increasing number of candidates. There has been considerable activity on the instrum enta l tuition front, which has been reflected in the surprising number of Grammar School boys, who, in recent years, ha,·c gained the honour of places in the National Youth Orchestra. And the School Orchestra itself, and rhe choirs, ha,•e ach1e,•ed unusually high standards of performance.

Perhaps the School's outstanding memories of \fr. Norris will be connected with these mammoth undertakings, the .\lusic Hall concerts. Even the bard work of composing the overture " Bon Record" can har<ll>• have been as exhausting as driving, coaxing, wheedling and bullying four hundred boys into producing just precisely the sound that existed in the conductor's mind. To achieve this laudable ob1ective, many means were employed, including a voice that ranged incredibly from treble to basso profundo, and some pene trating Yorkshire objurgation. There 1s no denying it, however; the result was worth it.

It would be natural to imagine, perhaps, that such activities would fill the life of any normally constituted man; but, by some mysterious dispensation, Mr. '-:orris's zeal and energy enabled him to put the pronrhial quart mto the pint pot.

The organ kerboard at Queen's Cross Church resounded under his lingers. llis baton directed the musical endcaYours of the Aberdeen Orchestral Society and the Lyric Opera Company. Add to that the fact that he v,as PCL-sidentof the Scotttsh Orchestra Association, and 1t will be clear that time would hartlly hang heavy on his hands.

Nevertheless, by an enterprising collection of pulls and dri,cs, .\fr. Norris contrived co make large numbers of most un,Yorkshirc runs in the annual cricket match; and he found much enjoyment on (and off) the fairways of Ballater. The School hopes, not unjustifiab ly, tha t 11r. Norris will find as much to enjoy in Glasgow, as well as similar scope for his great talents and boundless energy.

A man's contribution to the life of a school is not to he measured only in terms of the number of years he serves it. As Mr. Thom as M . Brown, "·"·• Senior r..nglish Master, follows the example of his recent predecessors (after four short years), and suffers a sea-change into something nch and strangc:--to wit, Senior English Lecrurer at Moray House Training Collep:c--the impact of his pcrsonalily on the life of the School is certainly worthy of cons ideration. Not only has he been a teacher with a stubborn determination to express, in language chat the schoo lbo y can understand, his own enduring interests in the written word; he has also, in the astonishing scope of his priYate reading, and 111 the insight be brought to it, maintained the high academic standards inherent 111 his position. And as head of department, unob trusive in the business of his multifarious duties, he has been shrewd and unassuming in his sensible, casual guidance of the young teachers under him.

To all his participauon 111 the School's extra-curricular activities, moreover, he has hrought his own intellectual streng th and regard for high standards of achievement. The School Orchestra will regret the departure of a precise, melodious oboeist. The Library has lost a mentor who maint:iined its high repute, and added to its stocks wirh a discriminauon not unmixed with gusto. The Literary and Debating Society, mindful of his tolerance of frivolity, if it sparkled, and his encouragement of the challenge of spontaneous argument, has much to thank him for. In the last year, too, the Dramatic Society has been favoured with a coproduccr, who not only emerged from long spells of contemplation to express ideas of a truly devastating originality, but who also, it is alleged, comprehended the labyrinthine innards of tape-recorders.

School Sulton

l j

The man, however, 1s more than his manifold functions. Mr. Brown could casugate Upper Sixth in terms facetious, metaphorical and imprecise; he could expose, with untypically feroc ious g rin, any scholastic o r literary absurdity; or, after aggrega ting the results of his labours on Ballater Kolf course, he could restore has sou l by un\\ ·ordsworthian reflccticm on a distant prospect of Lochna!!ar. But the main 1mpress1ons that he leaves behind are of kindness and tune co spare. l le has always been friend ly and unhurried in his contacts with srnff and pupi ls alike, and there c,m be no doub t that these qualities will win hnn respect, admiration and affection 1n \lordy House, as they have here. The 5chuol unites in wishing ,\Jr. Brown success and happiness in his new life in bdinburgh. i\. N. !·cw bo)S who have passed through the Lower School in the past twemr-si,c years will fail 10 remember with affection Miss Catherin e W. R a ffan, D.A., and her Arc Room in the Lower Schoo l. Here was a classroom which conveyed to the onlooker an atmosphere of uninhibited pleasure presided over bv a sm1lin •, gentle, unruflled, though im ariably busy pcrsonali~. At the end of Lm tern1 we knew that :'\liss RalTan was going co Southern Rhodesia to v1s1t rclanves during the vacation and were , CC)' happv indeed, though not surprised, to learn that a dis cern in(? friend of ve<tef)·ear had persuaded her to become his wife. Peelinh'l> of regret at losing such a trusty and v,ell-beloved colleague and friend were summarih · b;Jnished by the realisation that she would be finding perfect joy and happiness in a home of her own. To \lr. and l\lrs. \\,. H. Ledlie go our salutations and best wishes for a lnng and happv married life.

J. D. \I, Unwillingly we must bid farewell to Mr. Alexand er isbet, M.A., -who leaves us after six years' service in the English department, to rake up an app<>intmcnt in l·dinburgh as one of H.;\I. Inspectors of Schools.

In his comparatively short time wuh us, he has proved himself a hnc scholar and teacher of English, both as an Ass1Stant English .\!aster, and as a prudent and capable acting head of department . 1'ot only in tcacbin~ has he shown an untiring cncrl(y, but also, accompanied bv a keen critic.al and dramatic sense, in his pauent work with the 01am21ic Soc1etv, in both producuon and Stat.?cdm:ction.

The Cader Poree, too, has claimed his time, on first recruitment as 2nd lieu• tenant, and, after rapid prom0tion, as captain; and now his honourable certilicate of discharge from the army, and tcachinl!, cannot fail to record his exemplary conduct in each, and, as a result, the yeoman service he has given co A.G.S. In wishing i\l r. Nisbet success and happiness even greater than that which he has enjoyed hctc, we would also extend to him an open invitation to revisit us, preferab ly, of course, in an unofficial capacity, and as an ex-Lnglish ;\1aMer wuh whom the School re,11retted having to part so soon.

1-,.. D. I I. . . . a nd ARRIVALS Mr. Alex ander Tait, \I.A., who has recently het:n appmntcd Scnic r l .ngli,h Master, 1s a true son of the orth-East, bom and brought up in the Broch, educated at the local Academy, and a graduate of Aberdeen Universitv wah first-clil.SShonours in Lnglish Language and Literature.

As well as bringing to the 5ch,,ol high academic d1sunction, .\lr. Tait will also contribute the fruits of an extensive and varied teaching career. A long spell in Aberdeen Academy was interrupted by five years' service in the navy; and, thereafter, \1r. Tait returned as Senior Enclish :'\Jaster to 1-"rascrburi.th Academy, co teach in the En11lish classroom where he himself had been a pupil. \X bile hoping that a return t<> Aberdeen and the uking-up of a new position will nor interfere with \[r. Tait's interests in Scottish life and letters, the Schoo l welcomes him and wishes him happiness and satisfaction in his new work.

Mr. Norman Nicholson, M . A., who joined the \l aths. department at the begmninJ.: of the session, is a graduate of Glasgow Umvermv, who will be a welcome addition to the ebulienr south-west conrinj?cnt of the staff. I le is also an experienced teacher, and, for the last eight years, he has been teaching in l\.inp;'s Park Senior Secondary School in Glasgow . He is interested in photography, when be CUl find a dark-room; golf, when be can find his clubs; and, at present, interior dccontion, when he can find the t ime. The School trusts that, as well as pursuinj? these interests, Mr. Nicholson will find bappiness a,nd the fulfilment arising out of satisfactory work, in his new lif~ in Aberdeen. 1

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Aberdeen Schools Scientific Society Although formed only three years ago, the Society is now well established and is one of the most popular inter-School activities. This year, as previously, the School is well represented, having a membership of jO out of 210 for the six schools parttcipating . The interests of the School arc represented in the committee by Alasdair \fatheson and Clement Stewart, under the fatherly eye of .\fr. Banks. The first meeting was held on j October on the subject of" High Voltage Electricity", and proved both enlightening and entertaining; and with an explorer, a chemist and a fisheries' research worker includt.-din the speakers arranged for future lectures, it seems, even at this early juncture, that the present session is to be a considerable success.

ALASDAIR :\IATIIES0!-1, School&prumlalli-t.

Music Mr . Nord s's D eparture The Music Depanment paned most unwillingly with l\ir. \X'ilfrcd Norris in September .

His tremendous energy and unflagging enthusiasm will long be remembered , and we are glad to think that in his last term he had a memorab le reward in the success of the School concert in the Music Hall.

In the last issue of the Magaz.111t, when listing the items being prepared for this concert, .Mr. Norris omitted any mention of a quite notable event, the performance of his own overture" Bon Record", written for the occasion, and played ~1ficcntly by the orchestra, the virtues of whose every department had been exploited most happily.

Rumour has it that on one day in September, behind the closed doors of the School Hall, .\fr . .Norris's talent as a composer appeared in a novel guise.

The Orchestra, Senior Choir, and Lower School Choir are all bard at practice as before, and in the last few weeks there bas been added a Lower Schoo l String Group, which has made a promising start with some sixteen players under the leadership of Mr. Graham \\ iscman.

D.M. Senior Ch oir At the School Concert last June, held 10 the \lustc Hall, the Senior Choir attained a very high standard-the best for many p:ars. Due to the fact that many of the trebles who sung then arc now in the alto section, we have rather weaker trebles, but a very strong alto section this session. This term, under the joinc direction of Mr. Murray and Mr. I lawksworth, the choir i5 working hard at some of the choruses from the Christmas Music in I Iandcl's ".Messiah".

It is hoped that they will be performed at the end of term, accompanied by the string section of the orchestra .

DouGLAS R. IlARPJlR, Surtlar;·.

Schoo l O rchestra The School Orchestra, leader Bryan Dargie, continues to meet every ;\londay.

At the beginning of the session :\fr . .\furray took over as conductor from \lr. \YI. :-;orris who had left for Glasgow. The orchestra, now thirty-two strong, was fortunate in losing very few members last session, while the influx of First and Second Year boys is very promising. \Vorks by Handel, Beethoven and Gustav Holst arc being given the orchestra's own unique treatment. A performance with the school choir of some parts of the " Messiah " has been arranged for the end of this term. It is hoped to carry on the informal after-assembly concerts this session.

We should like to thank our conductor, :\lr. Murray, for the work which be puts in, and ;\[r. Atkinson, who ably assists with the violin sections. The attendance, as befits the School's premier intellecrual activity, is excellent and we look forward m most enjoyable o;cssion'swork.

W. STEVJ!NSON, Sur,lar_,.

School Section

17

Playing in the National Youth Orchestra The National Youth Orchestra has been in existence for ten years now, and was formed to further the musical education of talented young people in Great Britain. It meets three times a year in the school holidays, usually for nine or ten days. It is in that space of time that we rehearse a programme and give one or more concerts at the end of the course.

About a week before the cour~e begins we are sent travel vouchers, which allow us to buy our train tickets cheaper than usual. \V/e live and eat in a school or college and rehearse in the main hall.

1 found my way into the double-bass department due to the natural scarcity of players there. I have been there for three years now and 1 will tell you a little about the routine of these courses.

On the first evening we assemble in the rehearsal hall where tvliss Railton, the director, makes sure that we have all arrived, and talks generally about the plans and aims of the orchestra for about an hour.

Then it is part of the discipline of the orchestra to go to be<l at about 10 p.m. \'v'e rise at 7·4S a.m. Breakfast is always at 8.1 s and we start work at 9.1s.

Practice can be one of two things: full or sectional rehearsal-and for me that means that I join another nine or so double-basses in a room and practise the music under the direction and advice of a professor, who, in my case, is Eugene Cruft. He is a very outstanding player, although he rarely performs to the section except to illustrate his ideas.

A feature of the orchestra is that it is not the leaders of each section who are responsible for the style, correct bowing and general intonation of their section, but the professors who are in charge of each. \Xle have to spend a long time over meals owing to the natural difficulties of feeding us. This is a good thing, since it helps members to get to know each other better, and feel more at home with the people they have to work with. After lunch, we are expected to rest -and occasionallr do-and at 2..4s we have another sectional rehearsal.

After tea, we have the first full rehearsal and this is usually a very confused business, since players may nor have had an opportunity to practise their parts before coming, or have not played in the orchestra before. But, as this is the first day of a long course, all is forgiven.

After supper we usually listen to recitals given br orchestra members or the professors. Most days in the orchestra are like this, although towards the end we have fewer "sections", and more full rehearsals. \V/hat I am most grateful to the orchestra for is that I have become really well acquainted with a group of orchestral works, in addition to receiving a great deal of good advice about playing.

LEROY Cowrn, Upper VI.

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" Genius 1s an infinite capacity for taking Life by the scruff of the neck."

18

Aberdeen Grafll111ar S,hoo/ li1agozi11e Film Society

The officials, as elected at the beginning of this session, are: Prttidm1, P. .

Love; Trta111m·, D. J. ;\lacfarlane; Surtlary, J. C. A. Michie. The Committee is again formed by reprcsentati,·es from ;\[iddle and U'fper School classes.

This, the sixth session's programme consists o widely different films chosen both for the enjoyment and enlightenment of members, for the Society's ,um is to encourage a desire for and an appreciation of good film. If numbers arc an} indication of popularity, the Film Society must be the most popular of the School societies and 1s encouraged by a very large group of the staff.

The fir.;t mcenng will take place in the School I lall on 8th November, when" The Sound Barrier" will he shown. This British film shou ld appeal to boys of all ages and we hope that pupils from the Primary Department of the School will be there.

Other exhibitions of films will be held on 6th December, toth January, 7th rebruary and 28th \{arch, about which we hope to write in a future issue of the .\!agaz.int.

After each programme the merits (and demerits) of the evening's films will be debated.

J. C. A. \hciur, Stcrtlary.

Dramatic Society At the Annual General \le ering of the Dramatic Society in June, the followiny were elected as officials for session 1957-5 ~: Pruidml, T. 1\I. Cramb; Vict-Pruidml, P. . Lmc ; Stcrtlary, D. B. Galloway. As in past years, it was thought expedient and wise to make a member of the Stage staff so vitally Jmportant in any dramatic production \' ice-President.

Rehearsals for this year's play, The Taming of the Shre w, have been going smoothly, and although an eagerly-awa11ed Christmas presentation will not be possible, yet the fruits of our endeavours will no doubt be reaped in \larch, 1958.

Some critics may query our choice of play, but It was generally felt among the members of the Society that an attempt at Shakespearean comedy of this calibre would not only give us ample scope for movement and stage technique, but would also provide a sufficiency of parts to accommodate most members (now a total of almost sixty).

We are, indeed, extremely sorry that ;\1r. Alexander Nisbet, our very able and competent co-producer and stage-manager is to leave our ranks in the near future, and we are much indebted for his valuable advice and constructive criticisms. Mr. Tom Brown, last year's co-producer, has also resii;rned his post in the Society, and the loss of these two stalwarts leavcs a big ~ap to he filled. \\ e wish both well in their new appointments.

It has been observed that our producer, \Jr. Norman Kin~. fumigating the stage in clouds of blue smoke, oft succumbs to the" vile weed '' in times of tension; but, nevenhelcss, dcspit,.; the initial worries of" casting" , our hopes for the future are high "ni l dcsperandum "I D\HD B. Gu10W\Y, fttrtlary.

Scripture Union The total strength of the Branch this session is over fifty, but we would still like to see an even bigger branch. Attendances at weekly meetings have been fairly encouraging, about a dozen new recruits having been added to the membership in September. The meetings this session arc to be held in the \fusic Room, where a formal o rder of service, including hymns, can be en1oycd. Once every month, however, the meeting h.'lS been held in the Projection Room, where filmstrips have been shown, the most recent being on Albert Schweitzer and his work in Africa. .'.\!r. Birss was our September speaker, who e subjec t, " The Roll of I !onour ", greatly interested the Branch, as did the talk by J\lr. Alan Cairnic of the Rowett Institute, who spoke to us the following month. At the time of writing we arc looking forward to Rev. John Birkbeck and to our Christmas speaker, as well as to the 'cw Year, during which, we are sure, the Branch will continue to flounsh.

Dot;CLAS R. HAR.PER, ftcrtlar)'.

School Section Literary and Debating Society At the Annual General Meeting last June , the following appoinunencs for session 1957-jS were made: Hon. PrtJident, l\fr. T. Brown, M.A.; l'rtsidmt, David S. Galloway; Vict-l'ruidml, Leonard Scorgie; Stcrtlary, Douglas R. Harper . The membership this year is nearly one hundred boys, and the attendances have been very encouraging indeed. The first meeting was held on 13 September and was, as usual, a Hat ighr, the best speaking coming from Messrs. Bothwell, Wyllie, Main and Vaughan. Owing to the Aberdeen holiday, the Debate, " Docs the Encl justify the J\leans?" had to be cancelled. The debate the following week on "Vivisection for the Progress of Science" brought a very large audience, Messrs.

Finlar and Stewart speaking for the affirmative, and Messrs. Donerty and l\lain speaking for the negative. This week the motion was defeated by a very narrow margin. On 4 October a Balloon Debate was held for the first time in many years, the contenders being Messrs. Bothwell, Smith, Love and Marjoribanks, citing the case of stevedore, electrician, lawyer and insurance agent respectively. The lawyer, Mr. Love, was deemed by the Society, in the end, to be of most value to the community.

Due to the 'flu epidemic, the Inter-School debate with the Academy the following week had to be cancelled, but we did manage to debate on the original motion at the School, which was " That Heredity has a greater influence on character than Environment" . .\fessrs. Hill and Yates defeated the motion, which was supported

by Messrs. Scorgie and Michie. This debate produced some interesting floor speeches from Messrs. Smith, Gallic, Harper and Marjoribanks. The eighccemh of October brought an interesting debate on rhe motion," ls Romans xii. 19-11 feasible?" where Messrs. Harper and Gray upheld the motion against Messrs. Rennie and Smith.

So far the floor speaking can be said to be improving each week, there being much greater support this year from the Upper School. We have been much indebted to our Ilonorarv President Mr. Brown, whose valuable advice we shall miss very much. \Thile wishinp; him success an his new post, we must also thank Mr. Nisbet for very ably succeeding \fr. Brown.

DocGLAS R. HARPFR, Strrttar;·.

Combined Cadet Force Army and Basic Sections At the Annual Inspection in June, we had the honour of being inspected by Lord Provost Stephen, who was very impressed with the high standard of instruction by the Contingent N.C.O.s.

Annual Camp was held at St0bs near Ilawick in the first week of July. A large and varied programme of outdoor training was achie"ed, including a day on the range. During the last rwo days, six N.C.O.s of the Contingent were fortunate enough ta attend a Signals Course arranged by a group from the Royal Corps of Signals. The ?-..C.O.s passed the exam. and gained their Signals Classification.

Due t0 the abolition of 'ational Service and the introduction of an annual subscription of 1os. for Contingent funds, the Contingent strength has fallen quite alarmingly, but the remaining cadets arc extremely enthusiastic and excepti onally good rcsulcs are expected in the near future.

Unfort unately, the Cert. "A" cxamtnations bad to be held in October, because higher authority would nor supp ly an examination board in June. The results were not quite up to the standard of former years, but 4 cadets passed the Part II and 10 cadets passed the Part I out of 14 candidates in all.

Training for next )'ear's Cert. "A" exams is in progress, and this year we have been fortunate to secure the able assistance of Staff Sgt. Kynocb and Sgt. Summers from the 4 7 Cordons for instructional purposes. We would also like to thank R.S.M. Adams from the University 0.T.C. for his very able instruc tion. Scottish Command have granted the Authority for the Contingent to form a Si$11als Section, which is expected co come into being in the near future. The Contingent would like to thank Major Freeland for his very interesting film and demonstration on the Royal Signals and their equipment.

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Aberdeen Grav1111ar Schoof Magazmt

The Contingent would like to express the1r sincere thanks to FI.-Lt. Brown our Concingent Commander, who has given up a great deal of his valuable time on work for the Army and Daste secrjon. \'i e wish to express our congratulations to Captain Nisbet on his appointment as one of Iler \lajcsty's Inspectors of Schools. Captain Nisbet has been in charge of the Army and Basic sections' training since 1954, and bas fulfilled his duties in a devoted and conscientious manner, although he bas had many other School activities . The Contingent would like co wish him success and happiness in his new appointment.

STA?sLLY A. HowARO, Coluur Srrgeant.

R.A.F. Section The membership of the Section has decreased considerablr, due to the small number joining from the Basic Section. The rota! strength is now .23 cadets.

The Section was well represented at Summer Camp, which was held at R.A.F. Shawbury, and gave a commendable display in the inter -unit competition. The very comprehensive training programme was much appreciated, and enjoyed by all.

Flying Scholarships were awarded to fl. 1Sgt. w·. McC. Rae, Sgts. A. F. Forbes and A. F. S. IIomc. All three successfully completed the training for their Private Pilot's Licence. " D" Gliding Certilicatcs were gained by Sgt. A. F. Forbes, Cpls.

Sangster, Watt and Cadet Remcdjos.

The annual examinations for the Proficiency, and Advanced Proficiency Certificates were held in June. Thirteen Cadets passed the Proficiency, and Se\·en the Advanced Proficiency, Cpl. Martin gaming a credit. \'CO. A. F. C. Hunter and S~. A. F. Forbes attended Star Camps and W.O. Hunter u·as selected for a course with Edinburgh University Nr Squadron at R.A.F. Turnhou5c. Sgt. A. Forbes also attended a flyin~ course at R.A.F. Little Rissington.

On Friday eventn8$ throughout the summer term the Primary Glider was extensivdy used at Rubisl.aw Fidd. A heavier than normal landing unfortunately necessitated its being returned to the works to undergo major repairs. A good number of cadets nevertheless gained experience on this type of machine and reached the sta~e of happing it.

Semor N.C.O. thls session is F.,Sgt. W. McC. Rac. Cadets Sangster, \X'att and Wood have been promo ted Corporals.

F. R. PAnRsoN, F.,o.

Pipes and Drums The drummin~ section was desperate for new members this year, since practically all last year s drummers have now left School. There was, however, a large response to the appeal for new recruits, and the drum-section is now in a healthy position once more.

Prncticc has now ~tarted m earnest and moi.t of the recruits are making good progress. All of the boys arc keen, and with luck we shou ld have a good rumour in the future.

The band is ur~ently in need of new equipment. A srnrt has been made this year by replacing the old side-drums, and thus, by pans, the band should be reequipped very shortly. Also, our own costumes arc desirable, but that will take much longer.

1Iowcver, I sec no reason why the Aberdeen Grammar Schoo l Band should not reach a high standard of perfection by the end of this year.

ERIK A. S. PoRn.R, Drum-Major.

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Resolution " Of all the resources at our command the most powerful is the quality of our resolution."

LORD H ALIFAX

School Sectio11

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Scout s 1st Troop Since our last report the Group have had a very busy time in preparation for the forthcoming cafe in the Music Hall on 16 November which is to be opened by 1\lr. Maitland :\1ackie.

The Troop held a concert in the School Hall in October which was very successful. The Parents Committee have had a succession of whist drives, morning coffees, etc., to supplement the Funds. The Group extends sincere thanks to all who have taken part for their valuable assistance.

The Hoys were in camp at Kingussie and they appeared to have thoroughly cnioycd themselves although the weather could have been kinder to them. Seven Scouts attended the World Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield. The reports that came back with them were very satisfactory.

The Group are progressing well. Scouts are 40 strong. Cubs arc also on the 40 mark. Since tbc beginning of the year 103 Proficiency Badges have been gained and also 4 Scout Cords. We arc now proud to report that Peter Jaffrey is now a Queen's Scout.

We would like to offer him our heartiest congratulations.

A. \YI. IlLAIR, G .S.M.

9th Troop The first week of summer camp was held at tbc Keig Jamborette---a gathering of troops from Aberdccashire, Aberdeen Cicy and Kmcardine to celebrate tbe fiftieth birthday of the Scout .\lovcment. It was a great success, a surprising highlight being the show put on by the Huntly Scout~-most professional . For the second week of our summer camp the troop moved to the banks of tbe Cowie Rher. At this camp we were joined by tbe 15th Troop who,IC Scoutmaster Dick Jctfcrics took charge of the joint camp, and very grateful we were to him for taking us under his wing. Unfortunately this week was a " wash out" and we were glad to sec the end of it-in fact we had to return home prematurely.

In September we had a visit one evening from a Canadian scout• Ian :\lcOougall, whom some of us had met at the Jamboree at Sutton Coldfield. We were all greatly intrigued by the talk he gave us on "Winter CampinR in Canada". Are we to try it? Well!!! (It wouldn't be the first time the Ntnth had camped in Sn<>w. It used to be a feature of the Loch of Skene Easter camps before tbe w,irl-Eo.] The troop bad a most successful Open Night in October; in fact tbe Hut was packed. .!\fost encouraging, indeed. 1be musical entertainment devised and produced by Doug. Harper was a great success. After the meeting had finished, the conveners were appointed for our Cafe in the :\lusic Hall on 18 October. nc,ct year.

There have been many promotions during the term, too many in fact to enumerate. Unfortunately P.L.s D. Harper and D. Galloway have been oblige d to retire temporarily, but we look forward to their rejoining us as Scouters, once tbe shadow of " the highers " has passed.

With 12 First Class Scouts, 2 Scout Cords, 2 Queen's Scouts and a hirge number of badges, we are 9uitc pleased with the present position; and we consider tbe future prospects bright - in fact brighter when the new fluorescent lighting has D. H. G. and I. S. been installed.

[• This lad is actually a son ol tan A. McDou~all (1915••6 1 who wa., hinuel! in the 9th in hi, schoolday,,, who went to Canada shortly after leaving School and who I~ now Manager of the United Grain Growers Corpn. 1n Saskatoon.-1::d.

17th Troop It was with regret that we missed the last issue of the Magaz.i111and we offer our sincere apologies to all who look forward to the issues for news of the troop.

An Easter camp was held at ,\fi<lmar whcrc older members did a :\fidnight climb of a nearby hill.

22.

Aberdem Gra1JJ111ar School .\Iagazi11e A " Covere d Wagon " Camp

To coincide with the Juhdcc Celebrations the Tn}()p decided to camp further al:eld this year and a site was chosen near Selkirk. Sc\Cntccn members attended and with good weather an extremely successful camp '"'as held and a numhcr of :::.couts gamed their s,cond class. Like all good camps this one also met with its snap:s, the main onc bcmg that the dcpanure for can1p coincided with the start of the bus strike! After finding altemati,e transport the Troop tranllcd the 200 odd miles each way by co, crcd lorry which, though not as comfortable as a bus, was undertaken in the true scout spirit. \\e were delighted to ha,c ti,e boys at the Jubilee Jamboree. Though this reduced the number attending our c,wn camp we were honoured to have so many boys chosen to represent us.

The standard of scouung in the Troop has improved by leaps and bounds and we would like to congratulate md Wm. Kemp on gaining his Queen 's Scout Badge.

A very line achievement. \X'c now have 12 First Class Scouts, and 3 Scou t Cords. w·e would hke to congratulate Frank J ohnstone on gaining his scout cords although he is still only 131 years. Wel l done, Frank.

The following pwmotions haYe been made during the year: to A.S.1\1.s Charles Lawson and Stcwan Leslie; to P .. L.s, Alan Burke, Jan ;\1cPherson and Seaton l\lcKenzie; to 2nd, John Fraser, I-rank Johnstone,\\ m. Kemp and ;\lorrison Brown.

Due to the large numbcr of recruits, 19 in all, bnnging the total strength to H, we ha\'e reformed the Pecwit Patrol, now gi,·ing us fi,e patrols.

A September week-end camp was held at Kingswclls in ad,erse conditions, hut this did not deter us from rousing the 1st Troop, in camp at Clinterty, at 11 p.m., after which both troops climbed Brimmond Hill am\'ing at the top at mi<lniF?ht.

Kmwuhstanding its having lost a large number of cubs to the troop, the Pack is now c<'ming back mto its own, having already recruited 7 new members. The Pack is in an extremely IKalthy condition and the standard very high. Once again our many thanks to l\liss 11crson and her assistants. ]011~

K. BLAIR, Scculm11.1ftr.

World Scout Jubilee Jamboree, 1957 Although the Jam\,orce extended from 1st to 12th August 19n, we, the l;.K. Contingents, arrived at Suttt>n Park at about 8.;o p.m. on Monday, 29th Jui), so 1hat we could help in the preparation of sites. On ;oth and 31st July , the other dghty three countries arri,·cd and were helped by British scouts to tmnsport and erect thei r camping equipment, and this initial act of friendliness helped our foreign brother scouts to get o,·er their shyness.

T his Jamboree will for C\·er remain one of the great memories in the lives of alJ those who were fortunate enouF?h to attend it. lt was a great achievement of planning and orj?anisation, from the time of the arrival of the scouts to their departure, a period of about twenty-two days. It was a ma.1.!nificientsuccess.

1 he outstanding features (lf the Jamboree arc man,, but those which will remain in my memory for as long as I live arc the Opening Ceremony performed hr I !.R.H. 1 he Duke of Glnuccstcr, the Royal \'is1t of Her :\lajesty Queen Elizalxth and H.R.II. Prince Ph1l1p, Duke of Edinburgh, the Gang Show at the Ilippodrome, H1rm10gham, the Arena Shows, in which some of us took part in Scottish Country dances, and the Closing Ceremony by Olave, Lady Baden-Powell, \X orld ( hicf Guide. There were of course, many other ,·cry 1ntcrc,ting features, but these were the highli!(hts for me. Yet some mention should be made of some of the minor e\'ents-the theatre shows, camp fires, United sen·iccs in the arena (Scouts' Own, where we were handed small booklets of the order of sen·icc, printed in English, French and German), Sea Scout and Air Scout displays, tea-part1.s ; transpo1t, fire-scn-ice, mail, fir~t aid and hospital, telephone systems, industrial exhibitl( •ns ; lest-property system, daily "Jubilee Journal" (the Jamboree newspaper), swimming facilities, she>pping centre, food and its <listribution, rest tents containing television sets showing B.B.C. and cc,mmercial television, electricity system, excursions, laundry, menu, radio station, water and fucl supplies, and rlfu,c disposal, Everything had been thought of.

School Section Although e,·eryone thinks of only the Jrout Jamboree when Sutton Park is mentioned, the Jubilee year was also celebrated by W'orld Srouttn and Ro1u1.

Thus, the occasion was known as " J.1..\L"-Jamboree, Indaba and ~foot, the lndaba being the World lndaba of Scourers, and the Moot the World .\loot for Rovers. The lndaba was called Niagara on the Lake (after a former Indaba in Canada), the J\loot called Bad Isch! (a former J\loot in Austria, 1931); but the Jamboree was s<J brgc, that it had to be divided into five sub-camps, called after former Scout Jamborces-Vogclenzanp: (Holland, 1937), .\Ioisson (rrance, 1947), Godollo (I lun.,,ary, 1933), Arrowc Park (England, 1929), and Copenhagen (Denmark, 1924). The Scouts, 5couters and Rovers met only at the Opening Ceremony, at Arena displays, United Services and at the Closing Ceremony.

By far the greater spectacle was the Closing Ceremony. The Conungents filed into the Arena, in any order, on the 12th of August for a 9.00 p.m. start. Speeches were given by Lord Rowallan, the Chief Scout of the British Commonwealth, and Lady iladcn-Powell, World Chief Guide.

After the applause had died down following upon Lady Baden-Powell's speech, two members from each country attending the Jamboree approached the stand, from where the speeches were being given, and while one of tbc two scouts bearing his country's flag passed the stand, the other climbed the steps and received a trophy from Lady HadenPowell as a momento of the Jamboree, lndaba and _\foot. After the presentations were over, the assembled company witnessed a huge scout emblem light up with fireworks, a sight I shall never forget. Immediately after Lord Rowallan, LaJy Baden-Powell and the other V.l.P.s had left the Arena to the cheers of thousands of Scouts, Scouters and Rovers, their stand wa~ besieged. The microphones, chairs were grabbed and mishandled in the strugl'le of hundreds of scouts attempting to reach the platform. .\ly friend and I were pushed by the sway right up to the stand, where a cru~h ensued, in which we saw one or two faint about us. \Xie reached safety in the large stand behind the platform, from which we witnessed an amazing speetacle. At least half the scouts had formed a hu~e circle in the Arena, interlocking arms and singing" Auld Lang Sync". Despite ,ill efforts by of the Jamboree police, and a constant threatening over the microphone by one of the V.I.P.s, that singing crowd could not be moved, and that Closing Ceremony was the event that remains my best memory of" J.T.\ l."-ALANWrLSON (UpperlV).

House Notes Byron The following officials were elected at this year's beginning of session meeting: Ho1111 Cap/0111, Thomas Houghton; Firt-Captai11, John P. Drummond; R11glry Captain, Da\id L. Allan, RN_g{!, Via-Captain, Arthur C. Dickie; H0tky Captui11, John P. Drummond; l ·,a-Captain, Peter A. Walker; S11immit1g Captain, Thomas Houghton; 1 "ire-Captam, Alan r. Stephen.

The inrcr-Ilouse matches have yet to be played, but I am assured by Captain David Allan that we hne a promising XV which will not let the House down. The Junior XV under Neil F..\lcKcnzie and David B. R. Milne are hoping to have .i successful season.

The hockey XI are very strong in defence and after two of the six house games are leading the league on goal a,·erage.

The House is confident of success in the Swimming Gala, and adequate backing from the 11iddle and Lower School should secure the cup.

T11O\IAS

HOUGHT0'1,

JloUie Captain.

Du n At a meeting held earlier this term, the following were elected officials for the session 1957-JS: l/n11Jt Captain, Philip r-... Lm·e; Viet-Captain, John B. Kell\'; &,g.lry Captain, Philip !:'-,. Love; Virt-Captam, John B. Kelly; H0&k.eJ· Caplain, Stuart F. RobertS<>n; l 'irt Captam, George .\1. .\lilne; S11·inm1ingCaptain, John B. Kelly; Via-Captain, bric Porter.

After rather disappointing performances last year in the Swimming Gala, the House Rugby Tournament, and the Annual Sports, I am confident that we can

Abtrdem Crav1111ar School .\Jaguz.i,:e this year look forwanl to a more successful period in sporting activities. In the I louse rugby matches which arc soon 10 take place, it is my opinion that the Senior XV will prove a most difficult and redoubtable obstacle to the other Houses. \\'ith quick •m(l\'ing, experienced three-quarters and a robust mobile pack, our chances of winning . the House Rugby Trophy arc extremely good.

111c prospects of the Junior ru~by team under the ahle captalIIC)' of Peter Mul"q' do not seem so promising, but the voung<:r lads do not lack enthusiasm • and may disprove my pessimistic outlook, l n the I lou.sc Hockey Competit ion, the team's record so far is, played two-~·on against Keith, but lost I<> \kh·in. In the match~ ith .\lcktn !louse, the team was rather unlucky to lo-,c by the odd '-'' ,al tn three, but, under the experienced captaincy of Stuart F. Robertson, the Sch••>l's free-scoring ccmre forv,ard, I am sure tha t, in the remaining game with Byron House, the team will register its second win.

The next important c~·ent on the Sporting Cak-ndar is the Swimming Gala, and I hope that there will be a large rcprcsL-ntation of swimr 1crs to ensure a higb placing for Dun I louse in the tmal result.

Pllll.lP I\.. Lon:, Ilo11J1 Captain.

Keith At a m<:ctin~ held early this term the following were elected otlice-bcarers: llowt Caplazn, Quentin .\I. C:ramh; l/ict-Capta,n, GL-orge F . .\lasson; lvigl?J C.aptuin,\\ illiam .\!cC. Rae; Vitt -Captain, George I'. .\tasson; l locJq Cap1,,,n,Irving P. C,, ,,Jon; Via-Captain, Gavin Wilson; Sa i111111ing Captain, \\ illiam Stevenson; Viet-Captain, Colin Prcshaw. ;\s holder of the inter-House Rugby Cup and Athletics Championship, the House has a reputation to keep up. \X'e al!llUl have a strong rugby team led hy the 1st X \ captain\\ illi:un Z\kC. Rae and arc confident of succcs.,. The same can Ix• said of our Junior XV. Hockey and swimming prmpccts, how<!'·cr, arc not so bright but we have matt} promising 1 oung..:r hoys and "c look for a marked improvement in the next few VL'llrs.

Thanks again are due co our unflaggin~ House .\la.tcrs, ~lr. Stephen and .\lr. \\ 1lson. The House wishes c\!r. Wilson a speedy rcco,·cry from his present illnc:ss.

Qn:.-..,1~ \1. CRAMB, Howt Caplarn.

Melvin At the I louse :'.\ketim.: hdd at the beginning- of 1em1 the following ,,flici.Js were appointed: Hot<JtCapla:n, Robert S. Taylor; f i"-Captain, Da, id II. :-,.;, Somcrrillc, Rugby Captai11, \X'ilham Balfour; Viet-Captain, Robert S. Taylor; llrxkey Captain, :>:c1l K. Buxton; V,.-e-Captam, Dennis llay; Jai111111mg Captain, Ldmund D. 8.

Bain; Vttt-Cuplain, Aliswr \\'. Duncan. r-:o inter-House rugby matches have lxcn played yet, but we are looking forw:1rJ hwly to them, although, our prospects arc not so good as the}" have hecn m former years.

Our hockey XI, huwe,er, have got off to a flying start this y<-ar, defeating Dun and dr2"·ing with a strong Byron XI. Jo swimmin~ I hope that the House v,ill repeat last year 's success and carry off the House Trophy at tbe forthrnming Gala.

RoBri<T S. TAYLOR, Ilomt Cap1d11.

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Ski-ing Aspirations !

Oh wad some poo't:r the giftic gie us To ski oorscl's as ither skiers, 1 laud up oor heids, haud in oor rt:ars, An' gang wi grace. " The I Iumble Praver of a Novice ~krc: ,

E~rc ORR

School Section

School Sporting Activities Rugby A more or Jess new 1st XV had to be found this season as onl\" four of last year's highly successful team returned to School. During September, 111 addition to the usual practices, an cnthusisatic group of thirtv boys turned out for practice on Tuesday e,enings after school. There has been keen competition for places in the 1st XV-----a very healthy sign .

So far the best performance ha-s been against Dollar Academy, where the forwards played with fire and determination, and the backs made ample use of the oppc>rtunitics they were given. It is hoped that this standard of pla)' will continue throughout the sc.'Lson.

Captai11 of RJ{g~, W'. Rae; Virt-Caplai11,P. Love.

Games Played: 2.Sth 5':ptember. "· Dundee High School, at Dundee.

Team: II. Cameron, \1. \'l'.'ood, G. \lasson, D. Ross, Q. Cmmb, \v. Rae, J. Bochwdl, A. Home, A. Dickie, P. Shirrcffs, P. Lo,·e, D. Allan, J. Kelly, W'. ilalfour, S. Leslie.

Within two minutes of the start of the game School lost JI. Cameron. Leslie 1110,cd co full back. Shortly after Dundee were awarded a penalty under the pusts, from which they scored. A period of slack play fnllowed, hut before the interval, School took the lead with two unconverted tries.

On the rc,;umption School dictated play and at first Dundee held out but the quick ,lCcuratc passing of the School " threes" ably backed up b) the forwards brought a further three J,l;Oals and two mes.

Scorers: G. Masson (4 tries); Q. Cramb, J. Bothwell, D. Ross, W. Rae (3 conversions).

Result: School, 27 points; Dundee High School, 3 [><>1nts. jth October. v. Glasgow Academy, at Rubislaw.

Team: D. Bain, N. Ducat, G. \iasson, D. Ross, Q. Cramb, W. Rae, J. Bothwell, A. Home, P. Shirrelfs, L. Gray, P. Love, A. Duncan, J. Kelly, \\. Sre,enson, G. Graham .

As the School was affecred by the 'flu epidemic there were no fewer than five changes from the previous team. ·I'he game began with some scrappy play by both teams but gr-.tdually School improved and midway through the first h:1lf \\".

Rae sent D. Ross over for a try near the posts, which P. Love convened . Almost 1mmediatclv, after a good passing movement by the hacks, G . .\lasson scored while J. Bothwell rounded off the first half by scoring. 1'.cither try was convened.

The second half began with Gl:lsgow pressing but the School pack held out and drove the attack off. However, a b reak by the Academy wing thrccquacter resulted m a try which was not converted. School were now getting the Lion's share of the ball from scrum and line-out, and, in this latter, P. Love's jumping "l',IS outstandm~.

Ross made a break and L. Gray was up to take the scoring pass.

P. Love converted.

Result: School, 16 points; Glasgow Academy, 3 points.

19th October. 1 . Dullar Academy, at Ruhislaw.

Team: D. Bain, N. Ducat, G. Masson, D. Ross, Q. Cramb, W. Rae, J. Bothwell, :\. Home, W. Balfour, L. Gray, P. Love, D. Allan, J. Kelly, W. Stevenson, S. Leslie.

School lost the toss and playt.-<l uphill first half. Both teams seemed well matched though Dollar had the heavier pack. School, howe,-er, 1IU1de up for this deficient)" by getting to the ball more quickly. After some smart handling between forwards and backs D. Ross broke through for an unconverted try.

In the second half School gave a good display of open rugby. The forwards ablr led by P. Love played with fire and enthusiasm and, in addition to taking the bal on, they gave their backs an ample supply. A score seemed certain and after a melce on the Dollar line \V. Balfour touched down for an uncom·crted try. The backs had some good runs and an accurate kick to the comer b~, D. Ross resulted in (,. \fasson going over for an uncon,crted try. In the last minute \\ . Balfour a"'ain scored. ln this game \'{'. Rae showed up well as a " master of tactics ".

Result. School, 1 2. points; Doll.1r Academy, nil.

CRICKET We stock all the best makes in Bats and Cricket Equipment.

Special Terms for Club Orders.

GOLF A magnificent selection of Clubs, Bags, Caddy Cars, and all the Golfer needs, from which to choose.

Hire Purchase Terms arranged.

A R CHE R Y This season we stock the latest in the sport.

REPAIRS DEPT.

J?SOns·

SPOR T S EMPO RIU M

expert Badminton, Tennis and Squash Rep airs.

Also r.:-stringing - 24 hour service.

(JOHN SIM P SON & SON (S.S. T.) LTD)

28 Bridge Street, Aberd een (Palace Cinema Corner)

Open on Saturday until 6.30 p.m.

26

School Section

)

9th November. ,,. Robert Gordon's College, at Scaficld.

There were two changes from the previous week, A. Duncan and P. Shirre!Ts replacing D. Allan and L. Gray. Gordon's went into the attack immediately and only good cackling prevented a score. A break br School led to a penalty which P. Lo,c com·crtcd. N. Ducat was stopped on the line after a good break by D. Ross.

In the second half, the School forwards failed to combine in the loose and Gordon"s pack supplied the ball with monotonous regularity to their "threes".

After a deft:nsive lapse, Gordon's scored when J. Brown couched down for an unconverted trv. Brown completed the scoring with a long range penalty and a well-taken drop•gnal.

Result: School, 3 points; Robert Gor<lon's College, 9 points.

16th November. ,,. Abbey School, at Rubislaw.

R. Taylor came into the centre as D. Ross was injured.

The School forwards won much of the ball from both the loose and the set scrums, but the excellent tackling of Abbey wa.~ so cAi.:cti,·e that there was little open rugby. On one of the few occasions that Abbey got possession of the ball, a break by a centre resulted in an unconverted try .

Early in the second half a cross-kick by a School centre was collected by J. Kelly who scored near the posts. P. Love converted. Abbey went ahead again with a penalty. School pressed hard but determined tad<ling prevented scoring.

I ive minutes from the end, P. Love converted a penalty.

Rc,ult. School, 8 points; Abbey School, 6 p<llnts.

Hockey 1st XI The hockey season has opened in ,·ery promising fashion with the team playin~ e~ccllcnt combined hockey. The most outstanding feature has been the goalsco ring fea ts of Stuart Robertso n . lie has scored 27 goals out of 32 and that includes an m<livi<lual record of 10 goals in the game against Harris Acadcmv.

This latter performance is the hig hes t individual t ota l everobt.tined by a player m the north dis trict. The team have slumped badly at times and that wi ll only he avoided if every member of the team makes it his business to keep fit. The training class on Tuc-.day evenings, mstiruted by :\Ir. Stevenson, should pro\'e ,·cry beneficial to all players. The team is splcndidlr kd by Denis Ilay, whose excellent stick work should be copied by all the young players aspiring co become members of the hockcr Xls. There arc weaknesses in the team, especially on the wings, and these wil need to be remedied before we cross swords with the" auld enemy".

Buxton is as good as ever in goal, while Parkinson is settling down to a steady and effective game at centre-half.

Rtg11/ar Ttam: Buxton, \X'alkcr, Gordon, Drummond, Parkinson , Thomson, Ferguson, J la)', Robertson , Barry and Stewart.

2nd XI The second X l are gradually improving and, with more competiti,•e pla}', shoul d sharpen up in their actions. \Y/e have to thank Dr. Innes for his help with this team, and his a<lYice has done much co improve the defensive play. Parucularly promising are Lorimer (centre-half), M. Robertson (right half) and Leiper (inside forward). Tbe regular team is W'ilson, Lyon, Stewart, Ross, Lorimer, Hampton, \lilne, Robenson, Kitson, Leiper and Leslie . .\Lr. Gmnt has performed miracles with the IVth year and has, through sheer hard work, turned a " motley crew " into quite reasonable hockey players. Particularly outstanding are Ross (right half) , Henderson (left half) and Mackie (left wmg). The Third year arc a much more promising bunch than last year and players of promise are Alistair \lcKcnzie, Alan Draper and Andrew Milne who have pro\"ided a strong nucleus for the forward line. Fred Lawson bas also proved himself to he a most versatile and promising player.

28

Aberdeen Grammar 'ichool ,\lagaz/11e

House Hockey This tournament has been started and, if enthusiasm counts for anythmg, it is going to be a hard fought and very close contest. It would be most <lilficult to forecast the winner and that is as it should be.

Again we are indebted to many masters behind the scenes and to them all we give thanks for services rendered, particularly to :\fr. Park who ~o conscientiously prm·idcs a white ball for all matches. Our congraruL:mons to :\fr. L. Grant oo his selection as outside right in the north team versus ..\1i<llands. It is no surprise to those who have played alongside him and we hope it is a prelude to further honours on the hockey field.

R. MCNAY. l\lat,ber 7 September. v. Ruthrieston Ramblers: Score 2-2; Scorer, Robertson 2.

This was a hard opcnmg game against strong opposition. The School came from behind to equalise a two goal deficit. Buxton, Walker and Drummond played steadily throughout.

14 September. v. Harris Academy: Score 12-0; Scorers, Robenso n 10, Leslie and Ila y.

This wa.s as one-sided as the score su~gests and was no contest.

21 September. v. F.P.s "A": Score 5-3; Scorers, Roberrson 4, Leslie.

An exhilarating display by School gave them an early lead which they never lost. The half-back line Drummond, Parkinson and Thompson, were outstanding and the forwards were forceful and cle,er in their work.

28 September. v. •\hcrdeen : Score 1-5; Scorer, Robenson.

A disappointing display with wcaknes5eS in all departments of the team , 5 October. t'. Univcr5ity: Score 4-5; Scorer, Robenson 4, School lost an early two goal lead but agamst very strong opposition the performance was good. \\alker and Drummond were the most consistent players for School. u October. v. Academy F.P.s "A"; Score 0-1.

This was the School 's poorest perfomunce of the season and shuv.c:d up a serious weakness on the wm~. Robenson was badly missed from the forward line.

19 October. i·. Aberdeen: Score 2-2; Scorer, Barry 2.

This was a big improvement on the last mccnng with this club. Barry proved a capable dcput)' for Robertson. School again lo•t a two goal lc:ad and showed the necessity for constant effort from beginning to end of a game. Ila)', Young and Buxton were best 111 a sounJ team.

26 October. 11. Academy P.P.s " A": Score 6- 1; Scorers, Robertson 5, I !a)'• School were clcarlv the better team and ,cored a decisive victory, '!be rerum of Robertson brought ' punch to the forwards and Hay, Drumm ond and Thompson all played very well.

2 :--ovcmber. v. Ruthrieston. Score 2 - 2; Scorers, Robertson and Ilay. \\,'e had our usual spomng encounter with Ruthrk•ton and School were a shade fortunate to draw. I lay, Buxton and Parkinson were oucstandmg in a good all round team. It was nice to sec C. B. Bisset, a good friend co School hockey, playing so capably in goal for Ruthrieston.

R. \[cNAY.

Swimming This year the Swinunin$ Club consists of 128 members, and has al.(ain been divided into srndicates. It 1s hoped that the coachmg done in the syndicates will maimain and improve the general standard of swimming in the School To cater for the non -swimmcn;, there arc three beginners' classes -two at the Bon-Accord Baths and t•nc at the Beach Baths-held each week.

In Life Sa~ ing there arc at pre~enr 39 boys preparin g for the various awards of the Royal Life Saving Society.

The Annual Swirnmtnll Gala will be held at the: Bon-Accord Baths on Priday, 14 Februal'} 1958 at 7.30 p.m.

Former Pupils' Club Section (Club Founded

II September

Club Office-Bearers,

1893)

1957-58

Honorary President : Sir JAMI!> J. RoBBllTSO"',

o.B.I!.,

M.A., B.0. , LL.D.,

F.R.S.I!.,

P.l!.J.S.

(Rector since 1942)

Vice-Presidents :

Honorary HENRY JACKSON BUTCHART Sir ANDREW GoURLAY Sir PATRICK

(18<)(r99),

Asm.:EY CooPI!R

CHA1U.ES DAVIDSON

K.c.s.1.,

(1896-1901),

(1882-86),

B.A., LL.11.

(1892-1902),

(1892-97),

JAMESON

Au;xA..;PER

:\kKENzrn JOHNSTON (1898-19 0 , ) .

C.B.l!.,

JOHN AoAld LJLLIII ( 18 93-1903), ERIC

R. R. LL'IKLATl!R

G.B.e.,

o.s.o.,

Sir WILSON

Kro ( 1891-98),

D.L.

O.B.I! ., •t.C., M.A., LL.B.

ARCHER lRVIN l!-FORTBSCUB

JAMES GRAY

T.D., B.L., LL.0.,

c.1.E.

M.A.

JAMBS CATTO OUPPUS (1897-1904), Colonel

0.S.O., O.B.I!.,

CLOw ( 1896-98),

P.P.A.,

M.B. , CH,ll,

M.o.,

LL.o.,

sc.o.,

F.R.C.P.

P.R,S.I!.

Id.A., LL.B.,

( 1913-16 ), C.B.E.,

Sir ARTH UR LoTmAN (1892-94

K.c.s.,

Q.C .

M.A., LL.D., T.0.

and 1898 -1 904), K.c.1.e.,

c.s. 1., LL.u.

The Right H o n. Lord M BSTON (1901-02).

GEORGI! GORDON NICOL (1894-1903).

Sir Wn.LIAM Wn.UAi.t

Pl!Tl!RS

DOUGLAS

(19()0-06),

C.M.G., M.A. O.B.I!.,

•1.A.,

GOORGB NICOL SMITII

(1880-88),

D.S.O .

WILL IAM UARK 5oUTER (1893-98),

•1 .0., D.O.

A.x.exANDBR Sir \VJLLIAM

SwPSON

(1901-13),

ROBERT TENNANT (1904-10),

C,l.P..,

0.LITT. , F.S.A. (SCOT.), P.S.A.

M.A., LL.D.

Sir JOHN MACKAY THOMSON,

C.B., M.A ., F.R.S.I! .

Sir LA NDSBOROUGII

THOMSON

(1899-1908),

(Rector,

DoUGLAS

PATERSON CocttRA., ( 1906-q)

C.B., O.D.I'.,

1920-21.)

•t.A., D.SC., P.R.S.I! .

President:

Vice-President JAMES

of Club

and Chairman of Executive :

Scorr GRAY .\hiNRO (1922 - 28), D.L., J.P.

Secretary and Treasurer : JOHN SCOTT MACLACHLAN 220

(1922-32),

\I.A.,

LL.D.,

Union Su-cct, Aberdeen.

General Editor of Magazine : C.~MPBFLL

CONNON (1926-38),

M.A., LL.B.,

,s Dec Street, Aberdeen 29

.Aberdem Gra111111ar School iUagazi11e Secretaries of Centres : Ben gal a nd Assam-DR. \',::'1LLIA~ G10RGF \IA~l.ILLAN (1916-22) , Santosh Road, Al1porc, Calcutta.

Central Africa E dinburgh

2

Raja

GEORGE Mm: .. IILLL GROAT (1927-40), P.O. Box , 394, Salisbury.

ALLAN CAMERO" FRAZER ( 1925-30), M.A., w.s., 10 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh 3.

G las go w-Jo11s GoRoo:--1 \lrn11E Bm,s (1926-38), M.c., M.A., A.G.W.A., 99 Essex Drive, Scotstoun, Glasgow,\\ .4.

L o ndo n

:\1Nl!L'1.\hcKrn (1927- 37), ~I.A., 9 Old Burlinb>ton Strccr, London , \\,. t.

Malaya

l·oRJJ~ KEITH St:LLAJ\ (1933-45), 0.1 .. , Nunes Building, \ lalacca Street, Singapore .

Y o rkshir e-\\ ILLIAM [•, Dn,,._m

(1919-22), B.A., C.A., Grey Gables, Old Park Road, Leeds, 8.

Secre taries of Sect io ns : B oardfo g H o use- GORl)0'-1 INNF.S GRA11A,1 (1936-47), 5 \\ cstlicld Terrace, Aberdeen, Cric k et - A11 XAKDER .\h.::-Ro D.wmso-.; (1937-.15), B.L., 18 Golden Square, Aberdeen.

Golf

\\ 1L11AM Scon GILCHRl>T(1929-36), B.L., 69 Barclay Street, Stonehavcn.

H ock ey

\\ ILLIAM GATT (1945-48), 82 Powis Place, Aberdeen.

Rugb y- COi IN CAMl'RO"-' Au u, (1936-45), C.A., 6 Golden Square, ,\bcrdeen.

Tenni s K1 N"-'I·.TIIBREIJ'-ILR\\ 1u IAMS ( 1938-46), 137 Desswo,,<l Place, Aberdeen.

Execut ive Committ e e: The \ 1cc-Pn-sidcnt of the Cluh, 0Jatrm(JII.

G, ORn hDWARD C.01.LfDGI' BARTO"-' (1923-26), M ..\,, F,a-Chairman.

The Secretary and Treasurer, and General c<.htor of .\lagazinc, ts oj/iriiJ. The Rector of the School, tx ojj,m. \'(1LuA~1 L£w1, Co:-.~o, (1930-40), e.L. MAURICI! (RA\IB (1916-29), ~I.A., LL,B. ROBERT LEYS CROlJAR (1944-49).

DouGLAS GEORGE DDIP>TER (1924-33), B.SC., B.SC,(AGR.).

DR. GILIII:RTFREWIN llAMII.TOK(192130), B.SC., \l.B,, CH.B. GORDON J:,;rcoL IIE.,ouso-.i (1911-34), AI.A., LL.B.

..\lcP1lERSON .\[UTCII (1931 ..45), C.A, ALA"-' ]AMES PETERS (1920-30), C,A, J\:1,._,l.lll j.\lJI.F.SOS Pt.TLRS (1929-.p) , ]011"-'

M.A.

IAN GRAY SH[N:,.;IJ (1918-28).

!AN LFwrs Smn1 (1918-30).

Al.AN (RO\IBTE RODI RT>0'1\\' ATT (1921• 37), \!,.\,, LL.B,

)OHN .MORTIMER (1923-27).

Sulifm Reprumlaln-e.r

BoardrngllOJIJt--Ar.FRED JOJJ.N Ml I.ORUM EoWARDS (1908-21), '1,A. , JI.COM. Critk-41 \\,n.r.IA,r Ewa.; (1932-44).

Go/f-GroRGF. EDWARD COLLEDGE B,tRTO"-' (1923-26), M.A. Ho~/t!Jy- At.FXANDFR CRO\tAR (1944-50).

RJ,gby-]OIIN :\f.AXWELL:\[11.,'l! (1934-46), M.A. Ttnni.r - Kii..~r:-nr BREBNIR \X'tLLIA\1S(1938-46).

H o n. Auditor s : Messrs. Bowr.R and SM1T11, c.A.

Former P11pils' C/11b

The Annual Dinner lleld in the Caledonian Hotel, on 25 October 1957, this event was attended by 53 f.P.s and 37 guests. There have been many outstanding F.P. dinners, but this was not une which might be placed m that category. The numbers were down considerably this year, and although Doug. Cochran made a vigorous chairman (and his appointment as President for 1957-58 was obviously a very popular one) yet there was-co be truthful-a something lacking. Perhaps it is too much to expect speakers at these functions always to be able year after year to produce something new-and perhaps because of that this one tended in a way to be a marrer <•f" caul' kail hot "-although the meal icsclf was superb . u Tllli SCltOOL

AND TllF. CLUB u

This toast was proposed by .\lr. D. E. Collier, I lcadmaster of "the other place " who cautioned those in charge of Scottish Education against being panicked into abandoning our bro,1dly-base<lsenior school curriculum and 01u wide Arts course at the University. It was all ,·cry well for industry co be shouting for intensively-trained technologists and specialists, but Industry was already beginning to complain that some of these saentists were almost illiterate; and a rt·ecnt headmasters' conference deplored as being too great the time spent in sixth form in spcciali~ed srudies. Perhaps the scientist should know a little more about the humaniti<.s and social studies, and perhaps the Arrs m:in sfo«ld understand better the language of his technical colleagues, but it was essential that a sense of proportion be maintained in examining the need for such a compromise. .'.\Jr. Collier said that Gordons would welcome an opportunity of swimming with us on more equal term,-once the plans for the school swimmin~ p<M>l had reached fruition! .\fr. Collier had a tilt at present masters' dress, when compared with the accepted hi~h standard of the days of old; and remarked that in some cases now masters reach " the J:ioal degradation of• cords and a cloth cap '! " He paid tribute to the contribution which The School has made to Scouting in Aberdeen, and particularly F.P.s' help on the exccuti\'C side; and he also paid tribute to the grand job which Jan Shinnie does in keeping the f.P. records up-to-dace, these covering even F.P.s who are not in fact members of the 1 .P. Club.

Repli es Replying to \fr. Collier, the Rector remarked, "It is very a.~rceable to hear the Grammar toasted so handsomely by one who should know a good school and a good club when he sees it", and commenting on .'.\Jr. Collier's remarks about how Sir James and he had taken some of the bitterness out of the rivalry as It existed in the past, he disclosed that there are no fewer than thirteen Gordonian F.P.s on the staff of Grammar at the moment, and acknowledged the debt which we owe to the loyal service of Gordoman masters like Messrs. Park and Bruce and \'v'ilson, to mention only the most senior. Sir James went on to suggest that nothing had happened to make us feel apologetic about the traditional loyalties to family, place, or school. These smaller loyalties were not everything and might carry their own dangers, but the grave and characteristic menace of our time lay in a sorr of cold, fanatical surrender to abstraction and bloodless categories.

Replving for the Oub \1r. Cochran received a great O\'ation, and having acknowledged the honour which the Club have done him, he immediately took up the matter of the rivalry between Cordons and Grammar (which both \1r. Collier and Sir James had been speaking about), and he recalled vividly a robust snow battle in which some friends and he routed a number of the enemy, the Grammarians' numbers not being m1«b greater than those of the opposition! His speech was largely remini=t taking in Dr . .'.\[orland Simpson," C. D."," Picker" Davidson, etc., and he finished of with the following pawky story: (Censored II

Not in thiJ .Magazinc.-Eo1TOR.)

"The Guests" was proposed by Campbell Connon, and replied to by Ian f.

Thomson (Gordonians).

"The Chairman" was put over extraordinarily well

by J. S. G . .'.\funro by a restrained use of that buffoonery for which he is now renowned-or notorious I

32

Abtrdetn Graft1111ar School J[tlgaz_me

The following members c,f the Club were present at the Dinner, the list being arranged in order of scniomy based on date of entry to the School: R. J. }\nder,;on (1895-99). Jas. \·. ~bcltintosh (1901-06). G. \ngu, llitchell (1902-u).

Andrew R. Aberttomt.r (1905,13).

H.J. l.dwords ( 1905-17).

J. Leith (1905-17). D. P. uxhr-.n (190tr15).

J. P. Jefirey (1906-18). I<, IJ. \\ilbamson (1906-1ij), G•rnet R. Fra.cr (1907•o!I).

J. Lennox l<iddell (1907-1L). A. J.M. l•dwards (19()8-:r). J. l,. Kilgour (1909-16). Louli I<.

Harper (1910-17), W. G. Ibow (1911-i,).

R. J. ~laltland (1911-1~). J. G. Sellar (191>•18).

A. L. !>. )htchell (19u-19). :S. 11. S<·llar (1912,21). J. S. \\'alker (1913-17), ~I. G. Gibb (1911•,i).

C. G. \\'alke r (1914-22). Norman S. lldhumson (1914-16). A. C. \larkinto&h (r914-1~).

I rec.l.

IJ. Cartwright (1915-22).

Geo. P. Fyfe \\', G. llutrheon (1916-23).

G. A. C. \\ .1lkor (1917-23).

W. R. \\'i,ely (1918-241, W, M. Miller (1918-24).

I. i.e"is Smith (1918•30).

I.. lJ. M. l\att 1191'•3'), Ed. H. Still (1919-33). G. 1-1. Hen,lenon (1920-34). E. H. ll. !>tott (19ZI-24).

A e.r. R. Smith (1922-16). J. S. G. Munro (1922-18). J. S. Maclachlan (19u-3,).

G. h. l . llarton (1923-16). John llortimer (1913-27). R. R. Russell (1923-35). \\. L l orbes (1914-38).

Jame-, Reid (1921-34).

Alt talr M. llilne ( 1914•Jl!, A. C. R. \\'att (19H•J7), Campt>ell Conn<>n (1916-38), f. \\, :--.. Uavidson (19:9-41j, 1-., J. l'ettr,; (19z9-41j.

V. IJ.

Cay 1!93\•46).

R. J. Bew1 (1,,_1&-4~). I .. M. Philip (1937-43). ,\. E. C. Abernethy (1940•4b).

John L. llurpcr (1940•54). \\, ,\I. Hroomfitld (1945-H), Hon . •11,,.~n-Sir Jas. J. Robtrtson. t •-~taf! ~/<Mbtr-Htnry Patenon.

London Centre The Annual J oint D an ce (with F.P.s of the IIith School, Gordonians, ,\lackie Academ) and St . ;\ lawarcc 's) was held in the Pa, it urs Arms on J riday, 22 .'\larch lase, anJ was che great succ~ss which 1t usually is.

The An nual Ge neral Mectj ng v.as held on 17 October when Sir James Crombie demiued otficc as Pn:s1d~·nc,after having held this office for four years, and George T. S1rnpson(1910-20) was clccced in his plaa: .

The Annual Ojnn er was held on 5 December 1957 ; despite the thick fog which blankcccd the home counties on that day the President "made it" by car from Dundee I The Rector was una,oidably absent. The main toast of the e\"entn$ " The School and the Club " by Lord Twec<lsmuir was racily and amusingly gn en ; the President replied ; and" a good ume was had by all" (according to the scrivener who sent us this rcporc on the occasion I) The following members of the Club were present, the list being arranged in order of seniority based on date ul entry to the School : 1882.

1884.

Henry Laird (1882-8j).

Rubert lnkster ( 18H4-~ ).

1889.

Sir Landsboruugh Thompsc,n (1889-1908).

1905. Dr. Ian G. lnm·s (1905-0~). 11. G. Edwards (1905-14), Dr. F. C. Kelly (1905-14,.

1900. Sir John Taylor (1900-11), Dr. D.S. Ste,x-art (19o6-18).

190-, I. Cumming (1907-14).

1908. Sir James Crombie (1908-21).

1909. !·. S. Anderson (1909-12).

1910. G. T. Simpsom (,910-20), E. S. \'fillox (1910- 17).

1912. J. \\.. Benzie (r912-r9), 1 913· Dr. P. C. B. Shirrcffs (19q-16), G. A . G. San~e (1913-24), R. D. Bruce (1913-22), \. K Dean (1913-20).

1914. J. .\I. Sleigh (1914-16), D.S . Cochran (1914 24).

1915. Dr. J,. D. Rohcrtson (19q-16), Dr. \V. Ru~$CII Scott (r915-26).

1916. Dr.\\. Graham (1916-24).

1917. Dr.,\. Chalmers (1917-26), J. L. Bruce (1917-19, 1922-26).

1918. ,-\. D. S. Anderson (191s-21) 1919. _I. JI. L. Innes (1919•2~). r920. \\. P. Smith (1920-25), Dr. _I. L. S. Thompson (1920-27).

1921. G. J. Anderson (1921-28).

1924. R. A. E. :-.fcnnie (1924-36).

1927. 1'.. \lackie (1927-37).

192!1. .\. J. Daddson (1928-40).

19H· Dr. "-· K. Ronson (1933-r:>) 1935. J. I. Q_gilvic (19-5-45).

1939. .\. ~oble (19;?•l2), lion. \!cmh,:r Principal P. S. :--:obk.

Forvur Pupils' Club

33

[This sp.ice was left to all<JW full coverase of what was understood to be the London centre's Jubilee Di nner. lnt1mat1on that the Jub1lcc Umner will not be till next >tar was not rccetnd till 10 Dcc~mbcr (with the abO\ e report) by which time the .\11g,r._mehad already•· gone to bed" in the printers· hands! E<.I.]

Glasgow Centre The Annual General Meetin g of the Centre was held in the Grosvenor Restaurant on 23 October 19n, Office-bearer:, for 19n •58 arc: J'rwdmt, Rev. G. N. Pennie; I ice-Prrsident, ll. D. D. Emslie; Co111milltt: W'. 0. Fiddes, \X'. G. Gow, C. F. Thomson; Hon. Suretar., and Treasurer, J. G. ~I. Birss.

On 10 October 1957 a very successful joint function was held with the G lasgow Section of the Aberdeen High School LP. Club and the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch of the Gor<lonian Association. The functton this year took the form of an informal reception and dinner in the Locamo Club, followed by dancing for the more energetic members of the company of about sixty.

34

.1btrdr111 Gra111111or School Jiagazi11e

The Ann ual Dinner was held in the Grosvenor Restaurant on 29 November 1957. G. N. Pennie, President of the Centre, was in the chair, and there was an attendance of thirty-seven members and guests. The Rev. Dr. John A. Fraser, Moderator-Designate of the General Assemb ly of the Church of Scotland, w;Ls the principal guest, and other oflicial guests were Sir James J . Robenson, Rector, Douglas P. Cochran, President of the Club, .\1r. G. D. Esslemont , Vice-President of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch of the Gordonian Association, Mr. N. S. ,\facfarlanc , Glasgow High Schoo l Club, A. B. Donald, President of the Edinburgh Centre, and J. Scott _\lacLachlan, Secretary of the Club . " THB SCHOOL A~O TIIB CLUB "

Proposing the toast of" The Sch<X>I and the Club" the Rev. Dr. John l\. Fraser said that he was rather surprised to find himself doing so as he must admit alkgiance to another educational establishment c,f which some of his audience might ha, e heard. 1be main contrast between Grammar and Gordons in bis day bad been that they had been made to work much harder at Gordons, where no master e,·er mentioned recreation or relaxat ion. They had envied Grammar boys who had been happier and less dour than themselves. JJc did not doubt but that there had by now been an "evening: up," but at that time many Gonlonians went up to the University with such a profound feeling of relief that it often turned to reaction with the unfortunate result that they did not make the best use of their opportunit ics.

In a reference to the aboliti on of prin~ary d epart ments Dr. Fraser said that he had witnessed in Hami lton the restrictive and hampering effects of such actiun.

No good whatever had been done, and he had always believed that it was utterly wrong co abolish a good thing umil you were certain that you were putting a better thing in its place.

TIIE RECTOR'S

REPLY

Replying on behalf of the Schoo l Sir James Robertson remarked upon the fact that at the Aberdeen dinner of the Club the main toast had been proposed by" the beak from the ocher place", ;Lnd that now he found himself replying to a Gordonian in process of transformation to ·l'.lcxlcrator. It wa.s clear that, springing: from l nvemess as he did, Dr. Fraser had posscss\'d sufficient resistance to come through the dark chapter of his youth spent at " the other p lace" unscathed. l le paid tribute to all the services Dr. Fraser had rendered and to all the honours he had received, and said that it v.-as a great prh ilcgc to have him present.

Sir James rcc;Lllcd that a year ago he had ~[><.>ken of the value of primary departmenrs to secondary schools. It would be improper and unprofitable for him to comment at any length at this moment on the decision of the Education Committtc.

It was fitting that Dr. 1-ra..scr should have spoken on the subject and that he should register his agreement with what had been said. It was well known how deeply he deplored the pr,-scnt position which was indeed r.ravc. The last word had nm been spoken, howe\Cr, and it wa.s not yet time to take out the crape arm bands.

Sir James referred to the prc..-senec of thirteen Gordonians on the staff of the Grammar School. "If Grammarians all made for the lush meadows of law, medicine, accountancy, and other such professions, somebody had to crop the thinner pastures of pedagogy I" The quality of the service rendered to the School by these Gordonians was, howe,·er, uncommonly creditable to them and highly beneficial to the Scl,n,,I. Rcferrin~ to the I,, s sustained by the School through the departure c.f four of its ,·oungcr but cumpar.lll\ cly senior masters, Sir James said that the paucm in tbe furore would tend tn Ix that of movement for promotion rather than lifrlong service m one school. \luch less frequently would masters remain 1<,ng enough to become legends but this need not impair the quality of scholastic sen 1cc to the School.

Jn conclusion Sir James spoke of the place of technology in educatic,n and said that the most crucial problem facing all secondary schools at present was how to deal wisely with the new demands for technology . Studies need not be illihcr.11 because they dealt with the material world. 1be real test was the spirit in which they were approached and what ends they were made to serve. There wa~ no juscifieation for opposing the reasonable schemes of technologists in our changed world, but any attempt of a materialistic civilisation in its decline to make the schools and colleges simp ly an instrument towards ensuring strategic secumy, or

Forn,er Pupils' C/11b the endless production of gadgets for gadgets' sake must be resisted. Whatever be the content of the new educat ion it must be insisted that the who le p rocess be directed with vision and the utmost liberality towards the full development of our human nature.

THE PRESIDl.'.NT'S

RF.Pl.Y

Mr. Cochra n said that he had the greatest admiration for the way in which the Rector succeeded in varying the topics of h is reply fro m dinner to dinner and from year to year, and warned those of his listeners who might be at more than one F.P. dinner this year that they might find that he was not so skilled in this art.

He made reference to the sound guidance given to the Glasgow Centre for many years by his old friend Harry Edwards. Complimenting those who were nobly trying to fill the shoes of the late Theodore \\"att he suggested that they must encourage somebody to continue the compilation of the Roll from the point to which he had taken it.

The toast of" Our Guests" was proposed by Ian F. Stratton, and Mr. G. B. Esslemont replied . J. Stirrat proposed a ·vote of thanks to the Chairman.

The following members of the Club were present, the list being arranged in order of scnioriry based on date of entry to the School:C. S. Buyers (1895-98). D . .\1. Semple (1901-o6). P. Dia.ck (1904-<>9). \V. O. Fiddes (1904-15). D. P. Cochran (1906-15). A. A. R. Smith (1909-16). J. Stirrat (1911-21). I. A. Anderson (1912-24). C. f'. Thomson (1912-14). A. Christie (1919-29). I. F. Stratton (192t-2J)- A. B. Donald (1922-28). J. S. MacLachlan (1922-32). R. L. Richards (1922-34). G. N. Pennie (1923-26).

J. G . M. Birss (1926-38). A. L. Speirs (1926--38). B. D. D. Emslie (1929-35).

G . Tough (---). G. \Y/. Blyth (1939-51). H on . .\lcmber: Sir James J. Robertson.

Edinburgh Centre The Ann u al Dinner will be held in the Roxburghe Hotel on Friday, 10 Janu ar y 1958. This is the night before the French Rug by Internatio nal at Edin burgh, and F.P.s travelling to Edinburgh for the International will be welcome at the dinner, but they should contact Allan Fraze r (\Y.S., 10 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh) beforehand, and let him know of their intention to join the Edinburgh F.P.s on the Friday evening .

Edinburgh v. Glasgow Golf Match The fourth golf match between the Edinburgh and Glasgow Centres took place in June at Camwath .

A most enjoyable outing resulted in a com·incing win for Edinburgh by 71 matches to it matches (singles 4t to it and foursomes ~ too).

The following took part: E.dinburgb: A. B. Donald, II. D. Jamieson, D. K. Cameron, \X'. 0. Pattullo, D.R. B. Cay and D. Reith. G/a.Jf.t]W: \VI. F. Mavor, \V. G. Gow, A. A. R. Smith, J. G. ~I. Birss, .\1. A. A!?gctt, and \V. 0. riddes .

*

*

*

Nursery Rime brought down to date I Old King Cole was a merry old soul, But a cunning old sou l was he; \'X'hen faced with the facts of his income tax lie called for his fiddlers three.

RODI;X,,

Coals of Quality in Quality Coatings We can show you a good selection of Overcoats in Rodex and other well known makes at prices from £16 5s. Od. to £28 Os. Od.

ESSLEMONT & MACINTOSH LTD.

(RETAILERS) TAILORS AND O UTFITTER S

UN I ON STREE T

A BE R DEEN

Fonner P11pils' Ch,b

37

F.P. Rugby Section The F.P. Rugby Section is once again in full swing, although results to date have been somewhat disappointing. The weather has again been kind and only on one Saturday have che players had ro contend with a wet slippery baU. The Section has been badly hit with injuries and influenza-one week there being over 20 players unavailable!

The 1st XV started off the season with two wins over local rivals and faced a week-end in Edinburgh with some confidence. Unfortunately with several key players unavailable, the team suffered two very heavy defeats, which indicates the rather pitiful and weak state of other local clubs' abilities. After three closer contested games the 1st XV defeated Edinburgh Academicals, who were unbeaten so far, in a rousing and thrilling game. This result was a much needed tonic to the players and supporters . Although beaten 21-3 by Glasgow H .S.F.P. , F.P.s fought this game much closer for long periods of play than the score suggests.

The 2nd XV has been reasonably successful to date but has been badly disjointed due to players being promoted and influenza claiming its victims. Two excellent wins were recorded against 2nd Gordonians and R.N.A.S. Arbroath 1st XV, who had beaten 1st Aberdeen \'Vanderers some two weeks previously .

The 3rd XV has been so badly affected by injuries, etc., that only three games have been played. But 1 am happy tO say that sufficient players arc now available to enable a full 3rd XV to play every week.

The players chosen for representative games ro date have been as follows: North v. Midlands: J. L. Brebner (capt.), E. Suchcrland, R. R. Comber, C. Ritchie, D. R. Grieve, T. G. Smith, C. D. Mowat, H . W. L. Thomas .

North and Midlands v. Souch: E. Sutherland, H. W. L. Thomas, C. D. Mowat.

Results 1st XV

~pt. 14 11. Abd'o Wand '..< R'law 17-5 \\\\: ., t 7 "· Gordoolans, :scaneld 8-o 21 "· Geo. Heriots fo' .P,, G'acre ! 0-.42 L 0 ., 23 v. Stewarts Coll. F.P., loverleilh ! 0-33 L 28 c. Perlh•hlre Ac., Perth 8-g L o;,•1. 5 v. ~lk.irk, Rubblaw 3·8 L ,.

12 v. Allan Glen's F.P., R'law 9·9 D ,. 19 v. Edin. Acad., R'law 0-3 W ,, 20 v. Ab<!rdeeo Acad., Chao'y 15·J W Nov. 2 u. Gl'w H.S. F.P., R'law 3• 2 1 L

:Ind X V ~pt. 14 v. Abdo Wand. 20d. H'head 52-6 21 v. Ab'deeoshue2od, R'law u-3 o;,•t. S 11. Ab'deenshire 20d, Chan':, 5•9 12 •· A. Glen's F.P. 20d, R'law 3-u ., 19 v. R.N.A.S. Arb'tb ut, Aib. 3-0 " 26 v. Gordooians 2nd, R'law 17-13 Nov. 2 v. Panmure 2nd, Linlathe.n 8-14

W W L L W \V L

3rd XV Sept. 28 v. Perthshire Ac. 3rd, Perth 6-9 Oct. 26 v. Abdn Acad. 2nd, Cbao'y 12•3 1"ov. 2 •· Abdo Wand. 2nd, H'bead 30-0

L W W

CouN

C. At.LAN, Hon. Surttary

F.P. Hockey Section For the first time since 1949 the Section has been able to field three elevens each week. However, the supply of reserves when three teams arc playing is negligible, and any one interested 111 taking up hockey would be made very welcome and assured of regular games.

(Contact Match Sm·etary, W. Gate, 82 Powis Place-Phone 29487.)

From the point of view of results it is too early in the season co judge whether or not F.P.s are going to be as successful as in recent years. It is safe to say, however, that there has been a marked improvement in the standard of play, and that the teamwork of all three elevens is improving with every match.

In the recent Local Trial no less than 10 of the 22 players were from the club, and of those 4 were later selected to represent North.

1st Xl mdX I 3rd XI

Played 6 7 4

Results IIVon 4 3 2

Dra,.-n

2

[.,OJ/

2

2 A. CROMAR, Captain.

;8

Aberdeen Gra111fl/ar School Magazine

F.P. Cricket Section At the Annual General Meeting of the Section, the following office-bearers were elected: Strathmore E:ltt·m: Captam, D. ]. Stephen; Viu-Capta,11, ]. Rennie.

Gradt Eltm,: Captam, A. J. K . .:-.tonro; T'iu-Captain, Dr. A. 11. Innes; Hon. Stcrtlar.J and Trtaiurer, A. l\l. Davidson; Hon. Matrb Surttary, w·. B. Ewen.

Unfortunately this season the Section has experienced some difficulty in obtaining regular players. Although It has alawys been possible to field two elevens each Saturda y, it is becoming exceedingly difficult to rely on members regularly turning out each Saturday. Perhaps the indifference of the weather which we have experienced this summer may have dampened their enthusiasm but under all the circumstances, the record of the Section for this past season has been most gratifying.

Of the seventeen Union games played by the Strathmore Eleven, 9 were lost, 5 won and 3 drawn. As will be seen from the a\'erages below, our skipper, D. J. Stephen, was not only the back-bone of the batting but also for the first time became a regular bowler for the side with great success. Not content with these perform ances he shares with our wicket keeper, J. B. Rennie, the greatest number of catches taken during the season. r-;otw1thstanding the difficulties which we ha,·e experienced in the past season It 1s most heartening to report that the Grade Ele,·cn have now obtained promotion to Grade One. 'Ibis has been an excepuonal effort by all the players concerned.

It is perhaps mvidious t0 mention individuals, but towards the latter part of the season\'('. D. Allardice made a welcome return co the Section and against Great \'\iestcm and Anchorians made 57 and 102" not out" rcspecti\'ely. ln the bowling D. Ness had an exceptional performance against Hendersons taking 8 wickets for 30 runs. \'(e look forward to next season with great hopes, now that we can offer players first class games either in the Strathmore Eleven or in the Grade One Competition and we can assure all F.P.s that m the coming season, although we may not be able to guarantee the weather, we can certainly guarantee keen competitive games of the highest standard.

Practices will commence in April of next year and I hope that any interested F.P.s will either contact me or Rubislaw Field for full details. Again, as in every year, we must record our grateful thanks to 11r. Tyson for the now famous" Square" and for all his efforts along with the many ladies who, throughout the season, have done so much towards the smooth running of the Section.

Averages

Season, 1957 ISt XI Strathmore Union Matches Played 17; \'f on 5; Lost 9; Drawn 3.

Batting at·tragu (quahfication--9 innings) l1111i11gs 1 Iigbut s,ort Runs 186 D. ]. Stephen 13 37 n.o.

12 6o R. Bain 176 202 l\L Carson 15 52 n.o.

154 C. ,\I. Spence 13 53 &»--lmg aitragts (qualification 10 wickets) O~trs Alaidtns D.]. Stephen 63 19 E. McLeod 44 13 7) 16 ]. G. N. Fraser J. R. Y. Mutch 92 19

Anragt 20·7 16 14·4 11·9

Runs

IVit.luts

Auragt

133 99 197 236

15

8·9 9 12·3 I 3•1

II

16 18

2nd (Grade) XI Played 13 ; Won 9; Drawn 1; Lost 3 (excluding cup-tie).

For,mr P,,pils' C/11b

39

&/ling m'tragu (qualification-7 innings) lnningr Highut rcore L. Buchanan II 48 C. L. C. Souter 8 18 n.o. &1J'/i11gauragtr (qualification-to Oierr

D. Ness K. Watt A. l\f. D'A gostino C. L. C. Souter

&mr

At'tt"agt

2o6

20·6

72

14·4

wicket ) ,'1aidtn1

lF'i,kttr

Average

69

20

119

20

5"9

108

30 22 I3

24 17 II

7"7

79

185 180

56

128

10·6

11·6

A. \1. DAVIDSON. Ho11. Secretary.

F.P. Golf Section Four outings have been held since the June issue, the only jarring note being downpour for about half an hour during the Joint Outing at Aboyne on I September. Principal prize -winners were as follows: a torrential

AflOYNI',

AIJOYNE, I 5PPTUIBER 1957 (Joint F.P. Gordonian Outinp:)

2 J UNE 19n

Handirap 1-11

G. N. Henderson

70

4

66

Srratrh

G. E. C. Barton

74 -

13 -

61

Ilandirap 1-II

Handirap 12 +

I I. G. Stephen

70

W. C. Bryce Ha11dicap u

+

D. \lilne (Gordonian) BALLATl!ll, 4 AL'Gl'!>T 1 957

Scratch

W. L. Connon Handirap 1-11

A. C. Mutch Handicap 12

So -

67

91

21

70

8.ULATEll, 6 OCTOBER 1 957 Ha11dirap 1-11

9 - 71

6

Scratrh

F. J. \lcldrum

n

73

I. r. Hender.;on

73 78

7 = 71

83 -

14

Ha,,dira~ I 2 -I-

J. S. .\lacLachlan ). I. Cott 84 - 16 68 The annual prize-winners arc as follows: Rm.rt/I-Henderson Cup (3 best scratch scores) Walktr Cup (3 best oer scores) . fejfrt., ,\mfl (3 best scores over 12 handicap) Gibb-Thou, Tropl!J f. L. Riddtll Trophy .

69

F. J, '.\fELDRUM . A. c.. l\lUTCH

G. E. c. BARTON

. w. L. CONNON w. c. BRYCE

A team organised by G. A. C. Walker, entered for the Queen Elizabeth Coronation Schools Trophy ar Bamron on 28-30 September 1957, but unfortunately were narrowly defeated in the first round by Old Rugbeians.

W/e were pleased to welcome three new members during the year, but there is room for plenty more.

W. Scorr GILCHRIST, Hon. Stcrttary.

F.P. Tennis Section Since the last issue of the Mafl,az/ne, matches ba\'e been played against a School team, Cults, Culter and Dunfermline College, and although we were only successful in one of these, we had a most enjoyable e,-ening on each occasion.

The number of members this year has been very disappointing and it is hoped that next year, more F.P.s will avail themselves of the excellent facilities for tennis available at Rubislaw, K. B. Wn.LIAMS, Stert tary.

Stanley Anderson * (1927-3 8) is a permanent civil scJYant in the Savings Dank Divi sion of the General Post Office in Lond on. During the spell of petrol rationing at the beginning of this year he was seconded to a branch of the Ministry of Power .

Calling F.P.s in North Wales I W. Rogie Angus· (191~-21) writing to the Editor from "the splendid isolation" of Bangor in North \Vales extends a cordial invitation to any F.P.s who may be in bis area to visit him.

Four F.P. Brothers Norman Rob ert Beattie * (19:u-31), c...A., is now General Manager and Treasurer tu the Aberdeen Harbour Commissioners. I le is one of four brothers who attended the School, the other three beingRon ald James Beattie "' (1927-36), who is resident in Dumfries and is at present President of the Insurance Institute in that area.

Eric William Beattie > (1921-28), c.11.., who is a din:ctor and secretary of Turney Bros. Ltd., Leather Manufacturers, Nottingham.

Colin Strachan Beattie * (1931-40), A.M.1.C.E., who 1s employed with Merz & McLellan, Consulting Engrnecrs, 1\berdeen .

Harold Fordyce Bell • (1944-57), who has just left tl1c School, has gone ro Glasgow where he has commenced a three-year course on hotel management at the Scottish Hotel School.

Charles Barron Bisset· (1909-18), C.B.E., M.A., B.Sc., D.I.C., F.G.s., M.I.M.M., i-. R.G .S., has now rcl ired from the Overseas Survey Service and has taken up the post of Geological Liaison Officer in the British Commonwealth Scirntific Offices, Africa House, Kingswa), London.

David Low Cowie· (1942-44), who was with The l\k1cant1lc Bank of Indi a in Malaya, has now been transferred to Bangkok, Thailand.

J le is hoping to come home on lene in May next year.

William James Craig * (1909-14), who has been a chartered accountant with the Burns Philp Trust Co. Ltd. in .Australia for man} years, has now been appointed to the staff of the Burn s-Philp Co. of San Francisco and took up his position there last October.

Robert Leys Cromar· (1944-49) and Kenneth Spark Haining (194,-48) in June this year 9ualified for Fellowships in the examinations of the Chartered In surance Institute. They are both employed by the Roral Insurance Company in Aberdeen. Amongst those who qualified for Associateships of rhe Institute at this time was another F.P., Gordon William Blyth * (1939-, 1).

40

Notes about Old Boys

41

Ede Hugh Cruickshank* (1940-49). It will be of interest to rugger enthusiasts to know that Eric Cruickshank is skippering London Scottish this season. He is the second F.P. to do so, the other being Douglas William Cumming Smith* (1930-41).

Eric George Beattie David son* (1940-47), who went to the U.S.A. some years ago, is with Messrs. Hahne & Co., Interior Dcorators, of Newark, N ew Jersey. He has recently been promoted an executive with this firm.

Robert Hutt on Duguid * (1918-23), c.A., has resigned as Chairman and Managing Director of Messrs. D uncan Bros ., & Co., Ltd., Calcutta, and has retired to this country. He feels, however, that at fifty retirement cannot be taken too literally and he is at present on a few months trip to Canada and will decide on his future plans on his return to this country .

Kenneth McK . Duthie * (1943-56), who joined the !Iudson's Bay Company in 1956 is now stationed in Stanley, Saskatchewan, Canada, where he is looking forward to another fur trading season.

Micha el Peter Gill* (1939-52), who is at present a post-graduate student at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen, has been awarded the £30 prize offered by the Kirk Week Executive for a work exhibited in the Aberdeen Art Gallery during Kirk Week. His entry was a large picture entitled " The Crucifixion ".

Stanle y Maver Fraser* (1908-19), who has been tea-planting in Assam since 1925, has now retired and is living at Ferndean, Dorset .

Robert Kell.as Hall * (1928-38) is now resident in Edinburgh where he is working in the Inspectors Department of the National Bank of Scotland.

Leonard Disney Hay * (1950-5 5), who has been with the Customs and Excise Department in London since leaving the School, is now completing his ational Service with the R.A.F. Alexand er Fordyce Johnstone (1930-42), M.B., cn.n., D.P.M,, has been appointed a full-time consultant to the Craig Dunain Hospital, Inverness.

David Martin Jones (1937-47) went from the School to the Roya l Grammar School in Newcastle. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the R.A. and served during his national service in this country and in Germany as an A.O.P. pilot. Following this he went to Worcester College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A., and is now serving his articles with Messrs. \X'atson, Burton, Booth and Robinson, Solicitors in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Meeting in Malacca- but who was " the unknown " ?

John Gareth Watkin Jones * (1937-47), B.sc.(Agri.), after leaving the School, went to Durham University where he graduated in 195 r then returned to The Rowett Institute to take his PH.D., in 1954. He was awarded a King George VI Memoria l Scholarship and spent a year in further studies at the University of Missouri. From 195 5 until this year he completed his ational Service as a 20d Lieutenant

41.

Aberdet11 Grammar School \lagaz_i11e

with the R.A.S.C., Ul this country and in Singapore. Whilst in Malaya he had an unusual experience whilst m Malacca on leave; staying in the local Rest Bou se there, he met no Jess than three F.P.s, Forbes Keith Sellar * (1933-45), n.L., who is practising in Malacca and Kuala Lumpar, Kenneth Forbes Brown • (1935-47) who is an engineer with the Singapore Tracuon Co., and one other whose name has been forgotten, perhaps due to the conviviality of the party which followed this chance meetmgl Jones is now about to take up an appointment as a lecturer at Oxford Lniversity.

Ian Leslie * (r9z.7-39), B.~c., PH.D., ~f.R.C., has been since 19S3 a lecturer m Biochemi stry in Queens University, Belfast ; prior to that he was a Research Fellow with l.C.l. in Glasgow.

Michael Peter Littlejohn · (1939-43), B.sc.(Eng.), who graduated in 1951, has since then been employed by Messrs. Cooke & Partners, Consulting Civil Engineers, London. For two years he was in their London office and then from 1954 till 1956 he was working on the Wadi Tharthar Project in Iraq. Ile is now Resident Engineer on the construction of a jetty at Berbera, Somaliland Protectorate. \'\°e like to make these ~otcs as comprehensive as possible. Thi s space might have been filled by something about Y - 0 - U ... but we didn't hear the news. Please keep the otes Editor posted as to interesting promotions, changes of job or location, etc., concernmg yourself or your friends.

" Duncan Mac." Duncan Macgregor (Hon. Member) our well-remembered former games master 1s now resident in Glasgow where he is Civil Defence Officer with the City of Glasgow Co rporation.

Ian Gowanlock McPherson * (1910-17) has again been elected Deacon Convener of the Seven Incorporated Trades of \berdeen.

John Simpson Manley * (1926-3 r), the well-known cricketer, who 1s employed with the Clydesdale and "orth of Scotland Bank is now an assistant inspector of branches in the northern area.

John Angus Colin Marr* (1936-43) has resigned his position as field Superintendent on a sugar estate in British Guiana to take up a new position with The Red Hand Composttions Co. IJe will be based on London but expects to do qwte a lot of travelling particularly in South America and the \'{'est Indies.

Calling "Midlands" F.P.s Charles Wallace Matheson * (192~-34) was ordamcd and inducted by the Presbytery of Burningham to the Pre sbyterian Church of England at 'Wolverhampton in July this year. In a letter to our Secretarv he tells him how happy he 1s with his new charge. Hts

Notes about Old Bqys

43 congregation is composed of English, Scots, Welsh, Irish and even a few Jamaicans and H ungarians . His first wedding was between Hu ngar ian refugees with very little know ledge of Eng lish but with the help of an in terpreter he was able to make them understa nd the service. lle is anxious to contact F.P.s in the Midlands with a view to forming a centre of the Club.

George Gordon Mathieson (1932-44), M.B., CH.B., is now on the staff of the Neurological Institute at McGill University, Montreal.

Ernest Renan Mitchell (1922-29) is now a master at George Watson's College, Edinburgh. For a number of years he taught English in schools in the Far East.

Jame s Press ley Morris (1944-jo), M.A., who graduated with firstclass honours in History and won the Forbes Gold Medal for History in 19j4 will have a play be bas written produced in London soon.

After graduating he became a teacher at ew Deer Junior Secondary School and whilst there he wrote and produced the play under the title of " \X'here There's a Will". It is a comedy concerning the trials and tribulations of a young married couple who have made a guest-house out of an old Highland castle. In London the play will be re-titled " A Will of Their Own" and will be produced by Mr. George Dare in the " circle" method in large halls. In the " circle " method no sets are needed, the audience sit in a circle and the actors perform on a round stage within the circle. Morris is at present teaching in a school in Paddington.

D ennis Gerald Norrie * ( 1946-j 2) has been tea-planting at Kandapala, Ceyl o n, since 19j j and is thoroughly enjoying thl! job.

The only F.P. he has met in Ceylon is Charles Jam es Strachan • (1917 -21) who visited him when he was in a nursing home in Colombo; he would like to contact any others who may be near him.

Alexander Kay Robertson * (1942-44), M.A., B.A., who had to return to this country from the Far East due to ill-health is now fully recovered and is now emp loyed as an assistant principal at the Colonia l Office in London.

Another young F.P. Professor ...

Andrew Shivas * (1927-39), M.D., D.P.H., left Aberdeen in late September to take up the post of Associate Professor of Patho logy at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. After graduating in medicine in 1944, "Andy" Shivas was an M.O. in the Merchan t avy for two years, before taking a research post at the Rowett Institute for six months, after which he moved on to the " Pat h."

Dept. of Aberdeen University, from which post he now goes out to ova Scotia. , .. and author of a book on Drumming I Earlier this year there was published in The Student's Music Library series his book The Art of Ty111panist and Drummer . In the Foreword l\Ir. \Xlillan Swainson remarks that " during his un dergraduate days, it was generally understood that when Andrew Shivas

44

Aberdun Grammar School ,\1agaz.i11e

was not engag<:d in the study of medicine he would almost certarnlr be found playing some tnstrument "-but this was true even of his school days, and many F.P.s will recall the manner in which" Andy" ShiYa~, even as a young schoolboy , used to fascinate his classmates with his skill on the drums-and surely D ouglas (" Diggles ") McTa ggart (1927-39) on the piano and he were inseparable" musical" companions during their schoolboy days. It is an extraordinary accomp lishment for a medical man to have produced a text book on the technique of an aspect of playing on which there are remarkably few books available; but the book received very favourable reviews: it is written in a crisp readily-followed style, is well broken down into paragraphs-and even includes a chapter on the Xylophone and Glockenspiel; and is well illustrated by a series of excellent action photographs, in which Andy's F.P . tie is clearly distinguishable!

Even as recently as the last student show, senior pathologist tho' he was, "Andy" Shivas was still to be found at the drums in the 'Varsity Show Orchestra; and for many years he was a most enthusiastic supporter of and performer in the University Orchestra.

Doubtless the students of Halifax will not have to wait long ere they sec their new Professor leading the rhythm section in the 'Varsity skiffle group I Sir (Arthu r) Landsborough Thomson "' (1899-1908), C.B., o.n.E., o.sc., LL.D., has retired from his post as Second Secretary of the Medical Research Council but is being retained for special part-time duties. He has recently visited East Africa, where he served on a Committee of Enquiry appointed by the Government of Tanganyika to advise on the future of the Serengeti ational Park. He also attended the Pan-African Ornfrhological Congress at Livingstone, Northern Rhodesia; and he visited the two National Parks in Uganda.

"With Smart in the Antarctic " Rob ert Arthur Smart* (1919-31), M.B., CH.B., D.P.H., Colonel R.A.M.C., who is the leader of the Royal Society Geophysical Year Antarctic Expedition stationed at Halley Bay had an accident in September; he fell on the ice and a camera which was strapped to him prc.:sse<l against his stomach, causing internal injuries. An Auster aircraft flytng a special drug to Halley Bay came down on an ice shelf and was grounded for some days but later completed its journey. In a letter to his mother dated 23 October 1957 Robin Smart says that he is now in good health and that the weather is excellent. Ile is looking forward to the arri,•al of the M.V. Toi/an which left London in ovember carrying mail and supplies to the expedition. f le will return in this vessel and expects to be back in this country in March 1958.

Charles E d ward Smith * (1923-24) is now residing in Ferndown, Dorset. He is area representative for Messrs. Kearley & Tonge, Ltd. of London.

George E wen Swinne y* (1918-31), M.A., M.B., CH.B., D.P.M., was appointed Consultant Psychiatrist to Woodilee Hospital, Lenzie, Glasgow, in May 1957.

Notes about O/J Bo_;•.s

)

4S

Martin James Wagrel * (1943-49), B.sc.(Eng.), has gone to Aden where he is an assistant enginee r with the British Petroleum Co. He is anxious to contact any F.P.s who arc in that area.

Norman Herbert Fenwick Weld.hen* (1934-39) is now Second Officer on the S.S. Helenfl.f, a Blue Funnel vessel which is at present in Australian waters . He is hoping to contact a number of F.P .s whilst in that part of the world.

Gord on Scott Willia m s* (1933-46) who is employed by \V'iggins, Teape & Co., Ltd., and has until recently been at their head office in London, has been appointed as Industrial Representative for the East of England and Scotland. He now resides in Leeds.

Norman Stuart Williamson * (1915-19), who was a Planter in Assam for a long num ber of years, had to retire on account of illhealth in 1948. He is now in business in Elgin, and is President of the Elgin Rotary Club for 1957-58.

• Apol ogia We apologise for errors concerning the following which appeared in our last issue : George G. Allan * (1939-s 1). In the paragraph "F. P.s with Aberdeen ]011rnal.r" his years were given as (1931-41). Since he was not born until 1934, these years could scarcely have been corre ct.

James Munro "' (1928-39). In reporting the death of his brothe r Stanley Munro (1938-p)-while he was flying with the R.A.F.-we added that" his brother James Munro* (r928-39) was also killed in a flying accident in the Alps while flying as a pilot with B.E.A. " This incorrect information concerning James was based on a report in a local newspaper. In actual fact, James Munro , after several years as Chief Instructor to Deutsche Lufthansa (German Airlines) is now Assistant Flight Manager, Viscount Flight, B.E.A., London.

We apolog ise particularly to James Munro.

Boarding House Section During the mont h of Octobe r, a commi ttee meeting was held to discuss the future of the Section and also the possibility of holding a reunl on some time next year. I t was decided that the end of March would be the most suiroble time for a Dinne r or Dinner Dance, and it was accordingly decided co send out a circular at the beginning of next year to as many Former House Boys as arc resident in the U.K. to ascertain the amount of support for such a reunion. lo the meantime, the Secretary would like to hear from any Former Boarders who would be interested in renewing old acquaintances and would like to receive a circular. All addresses supplied by members who wish to be circularised will be treated in the strictest confidence. \Vic would also like to remind Ex-" Bug House" Boys that membership is open to all and that for the benefit of any real Aberdonians, not making a fortune in some foreign clime, it is also free.

GoRDON J. GRAHAM, A&tir1g Sur,tary.

Obituary William Allan• (1899-1901) died on 26 ;\lay 1957 at Christchurch, New Zealand. lle had retired to that country in 1952 from Ceylon where he had spent many years. On leaving the School h.: served an apprenticeship as a ship and insurance broker but in 19o6 wenc co Ceylon as a tea and rubber planter.

Durinii; the first \Vorld \Var he served with the Ceylon Mounted Rifles from 1914 t1ll April 1919 _when h~ retumc_<l to his job of planting with the Ury Group with whom he remamed unul he rcured. He was almost se,·enty-three years old.

George Ironside Baxter (1897-1902) died in Aberdeen on 27 August 1917 at the age of seventy-One. On leaving the School he joined the firm of Clyne, \[itchell & Co. Ltd., Aberdeen as an cniineering apprentice. His apprenticeship completed he obtained a position as assistant manager with the Deundi Tea Estate in South Sylhet, India, and ultimately became their superintendent, a position he held until he retired to this country due to ill-health in 1933. Ile remained with the company in an advisory capacity until his complete retirement about live years ago.

William Leslie B eaton (1895-96), M.e., cn.e., died 1n a nursing home in Aberdeen on 28 July 1957 at the a~e of seventy-eight. After graduating at Aberdeen Ln1vers1ty in r9oz he went to Forres where he entered general practice and ,,..here his home was at the umc of his death.

Alastair Mackenzie Brown (1934-46), M.A., B,A., who died at \)."est Byflect on 16 July 1957 was one of the School's most distingui~hed scholars in recent times.

Havinp; won a Fullerton Arts Bursary he entered Aberdeen University in 1946 and gmdu:ucd M.A. with first-class honours in Eng lish Language and Literature in 19jo, and was awarded the Fullerton, .\foir and Gray Scholarship in English.

Continuing his studies at Cambridge he graduated o.A. at that University in 1912, !,\aining a " First" in Part II of the English Tripos. He was also elected a Scholar <>f St. Catherine's College. In July 19p he was a successful candidate tn the examinations for the administrati,·c grade of the civil service and was appointed to the Scottish Home Department at St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh, as Assistant Principal in the police di,·ision. After sen·ing in this position for rwo years he was transferred to the fisheries di,·ision. A keen mountaineer, he had scaled most <if the higher peaks in West and Central Scotland and in the Lake District and had done some climbing in Switzerland.

Adam Lind Paterson Cruickshank ( 1880-85), ,1.A., "·"·• c11.o., dted at Long Crcndon, Bucks., on 3 July 1957, aged eighty-nine. After qualifying at Aberdeen University he went to South America where he was resident medical officer at the British Hospital at Buenos Aire,. IJe returned to this country in 1896 and went into general practice at Hury, Lanes.

John Thompson Garvie (1893-95), one of five brothers who attended the School, died in Aberdeen on 20 Occober 1957 2t 1hc age of seventy-eight. After sen ing his apprenticeship as an engineer in Ayrshire he worked for a time in [ .ngLintl before going to South Africa where he was for nine years at 1':obel's Dynamite Factory in .\fodderfontein. Thereafter he worked with the Premier Diamond \line Co., until 1917 when he returned to this country co become a partner in the engineering firm founded by his father m Aberdeen, Robert Garvie & Sons. His two sons, Dona ld William Garvie' (19t8-30) and Denis Scott Garvie (1919 29) are F.P.s.

Arthur Hutchinson Gilchrist (1924-30), M.< ., who died suddenly tn London on 2 October 1957, had a distinguished war-time career, he served with the Gordon 1 lighlandcrs and rose w the rank of \lajor. He was wounded four times and u·as ,\warded the Military Cross in August 1944 for distin1?Uishcd sen·ice in the Normandy landings. After leaving the School he was with the General Accident, Fire & Life Assurance Corporation Ltd., 111 Aberdeen until the outbreak of war.

After hostilities ceased he joined the /inn of Burr & W'illis, Ltd., of London and worked in their accountancy department until the time of his death. I le was forty-six years old.

Alexan d er Gordon Gram· (1904-06) died in 1\bcrdcen on 25 October 1957.

On leaving the School he joined the firm of James Abernethy & Co., of Aberdeen as an apprentice engineer and thereafter went to Glasgow where he was appointed to the staff of the Albion ..\lotor Co. Ltd., and subsequently became a superintendent 46

Obit"ary

47

with Baileys \lotors, Ltd, After the first \\, orld \\ ar he decided to go into the retail motor trade and Joined the firm of Harrison & Cross in l::.lgin and later returned to Aberdeen to become managing director of Kmybrewster Motors, Ltd ., and was one of the founders of the Aberdeen Cent re of the Scottish ~ lo tor Trade Association About tiftcen year.. ago he retired 10 \l uchalls and took up poultr) fanning.

Jame s Garden Gray (1882-88), ,1. ,., L.R.<..r., LR.c.,., 1.1,P.s., d,~-d at the Royal Infimiary, Aberdeen, on 2 July 1957 a.r$ecl eighty-seven .. After graduating M.A. at Aberdeen L111versicy he wen t to Edmbur~h and qualified as a medical practitioner in 1900. lie pr:ict1S<.-<l in London for the whole of his cam:r except during \\ orlJ \\ ar I when he !«:ned with the R.A. :">I.C. John Faithful Irvine-F orcescue (1896-1!)00), minister of Caldwell Parish Church in Renfrewshire died in Glasgow on 6 September 1957, aged seventy-fou r. l le was , ,nc of three brother;, sons of \X'illiam Ir, ine-fortescue of Kingcausie, who atttn<lcd the ~hool. !"mm leaving schoo l until 1905 he was w11h Mr. W. Todd \ lotf.m, Shipowner, Aberdeen, but in th at year he went tn London and 101111:<l a firm of hast India merchants and served with rhcm rill 1912 in London and in Sarawak. Returning to this countr y he stud ied fur the mumtry at Aberdeen University and at the Theological Jlall of the Con~re1,?ational Lmon in EdinburAh and became mm1s1erof the Oban Congregational Church in 1920. \"arious charges followed includin1r that of a.,sistant 111 the East Puish Church, Aberdeen and in 1926 he was called to Caldwell.

Ian Duff Jack son (1908-11) died suddenly at Ilermuda on 17 Odubcr 1957.

He had spent mo,t of his life 1n Trinidad where he was 111 the sef\ iCc of Gordon, Grant & Co. Ltd., Port of !>pain.

Charles Forrester King' (1912-23) died sudden!) on 24 .-\pril 19n, From 1925 until his dcath he had h<:m in the sen·ice of The Chartered !:lank firstly in 1h1s country but from 1929 onwards in the I'ar East . ,\t the outbreak of hostilities with Japw he was 111 the Bank's :\fani la office and was ultimately interned by the Japanese and ~pent m·er three year,; in a prison camp in the Philippines. On his release he spent some months in Australia and then continued in the serv ice of the Oank and just prior to his death h:td been appointed manager of the ir Crosby 1 louse, Smgaporc branch. He was a keen F.P. and took a great interest 111 the Club; he was the first sccret~r) of the China Centre which wa.s fonned in 1939.

Mitchell Man in Lyon (1916-24) died suddenly at Aberdeen on 26 September 1957, aged forty-six. lle w~ for manr yeus with the 'orthcm Co-opera t ive Society grocery department 111 ,\bcnlecn hut a few year; a)[0 started in business on his own account as a 1,?cncral merchant. lie was a keen churchman and was a member of the vestry of Sr..\lary's Episcopal Church, Carden Place, Aberdeen. ror a number of years he wa.s secretary of the ;\!en's Club attached to the church.

Charle s M atheson (1892-94), \l,A., died in Edinburgh on 4 June 1957. He came to the Sehr,, ,I from Skvc in 1892 to finish his <chooling before i::oing to Glasgow t.:niver:1t) where he gr-.uluated \I.A. in 1898. He then rcrume<l co Aberdeen to study at the I ree Church College until 1902 and was ordained as minister of the U.I' . Church at Killeaman, Ross and Cromarty in 1904. Charges at Buckie, Alness, Aberdeen and Blackburn followed until in 1936 he was elected ro the congrega tion of Oum·cgan, 1s1<! of Skye.

Robert Tay lor Stewart Millar • (1925-26), ,1.A., 11.0., died in Edinburgh on 6 ~larch 1957 after a sho rt illness. He had been flown home from Jaln a in India where he had only just urived after having been on furlough. I le graduated \I.A. with first-class honours in 1-.nglish at Aberdeen Unl\·ersity tn 1930 and s.o. with distinction 111 Systematic Theology, in 1933 and was then appointed InterCollegiate Secretary of the Student Christian ~Jo,..emcnt in Glasgow. Jn April 1935 he was appointl-d by the Foreign \lission Committee of the Church of Scotland to be Profess or of Enr.:lish III the \\, ilson College of Bombay. Before sailing to take up this appointment he ,vas ordained in bis father's church at Kildrummy by the Presbytery of Alfonl. He became district mi<~ionary in Jalna 111 19p and µrcat tribute has been paid co his work there.

Mearns Alexander Milne (1896-98), \I.B., c11.D., for many years a wcll-lo,·ed doctor 111 \!ontro,t, died on 23 October r9p at Tor-na-O<!c Sanatorium, .Milltim ber, aged seventy four. After qualifying at Aberdeen t:ni,·ersiry in 1906 he went to :'-fontrose and entered gene ral practice where he remained unttl he retired in 1947. Durin g the first World War he served with the R.A.M.C. at the Dardanelles,

A berdeen Gramf!lar School Magazine 11n hospital ships and in France from 1915 until 1917 when he was invalided out.

A keen sportsman, he was a former presiden t of the Montrose Cricke t Club , the :\lontrosc Bowling Club an<l an ardent supporter of the Montrose Football Club; he haJ also been a good tennis player, an an~ler and fond of shnoting. For many On ret iring he }Car< he had been a consulting ph}sician to .\lontro~e Inftm,ary. rdumed to .-\bcrdecn.

John H endry M organ (1924,25) <lied su<ldenlr at his home in Abenlcen on 27 .August 19n. Before World \\'ar II he was in Tanganyika, where he was latterly secretary of Tanltllllyika Central Gold ;\lines Ltd. During World \Var II he sen-cd as a Flight-I.ieutc..-nant Navigator in the R.A.F. and after the war took a grc.:at 1merL'St in the R.A.F. A<soctation and helped to form the Aberdeen Branch. I le was a pa5t chairman of the association's .l\.fcRobcrt Club in Aberdeen and at the time of his death was joint welfare officer of the association along with his wife.

Herbert Will iam James Paton· 1 1896-99), who founded Paton's Tra,·el and Shippini:?Offices in Aberdeen, died at St. Thoma:.'s Hospital . IPndon, on 10 July 1957. On leaving the School he entered the scn-icc: of the old Sorth of Scotland Bank and was with them until 1908 when he formed the above-mentioned company which he directed till 1919 when he went to London to join Walter Hepworth & Co. Ltd., Yeast ~[erchant~. l lc was managing director of this company at the time of his death at the age of seventy fo ur.

"Jock " R obenson John Watson R obertson (1903-s), lt.A., n.sc., u..u., 1.R.s.c., F.F.t.s., d ied at \ her<leen on 28 July 19n at lhe age of s1xtr-eight. "Jock" Robertson as he v:a.s known to generations of his pupi ls was one of the most c.listinRUished members of his prnfo;sion in Scotland. On lca..-ingthe School he ent.:rcd Aberdeen Unive rsity where he graduated M.A. in 1909 and n.sc. in 1910 v:ith triple honours in ::\fathetrtatics, 'atural Philosophy and Chemistry. H is teachml,( career s12rted at Robert Gordon 's College in 1911 and in 1919 he was appointed head of the Mathematics department at the Central Schc,.,I. Jn September r9zs he was transfer red to his old school as head of tht: \fathc111aticsdepartment but, unfortunately for the School, his sta,· there was shon ..nd the followin~ year he n'"tumcd to the Central School as llcadmastcr, a position which he held till he retire..! in 1954. On his retirement he was presented with his portrait by the Former Pupils of the Central School, by this time re-named the Aberdeen Academy. From 1943 till 1916 he was one of the :isscssors of the Aberdeen University Court and his work in this connect ion was rccoiniscd when the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him in July 1912. As a teacher of ::\lathematics, he was aclrnowledged by all who knew his work to have attained a deRree of e,ccellcncc seldom reached in his profc.-s.~ion. As a pcnonal tribute, the ::--;c,tcs Editor earl honestly sar that he learnt ,:-:,.,re !'.fathetrtacics in the three months he wa,; under "Jock's" care than he did c.hring the whole of his schola.stie career.

John Chalmers Simpson (1883-90), Colonel, Ind1m Arm}', of Kirkville, Skene, died at Aberdeen on lj November 19p at the age of eighty-one. Prom 1894 till 1891 he trained at the Royal \lilitary College, Sandhurst, and in 1896 joined the Indian Army. From then until 1911 he was stationed in the !\:onh-\X"cst f rontier Province bcmg promoted to Commandant, South \'faziristan \1ilitia in 1914 .

During the remainde r of Wor ld War I he wa5 in \ksopotamia and Macedonia and was mentioned in dispatches in 1917. Returning to India he again served in \\'a;,iristan and ultimately rcrircd m 1928. Ourini; 111s retirement in Skene he enjoyed the country life and w:i.~ a keen angler and 11 good shot. In World \\ ar II he joined the Royal Observer Corps an<l wa~ in charg<: of No. 38 Group 10 Aberdeenshire.

An Original Club M ember Har rv E lkin g to n Smith · 1ij 7-88.1, M.\., M.D., one c,f tbe original members of our Club, died this year 111 .\lanch<-.ter. I le grndu.-itcd >1.A. in 1892, M.D., c.u. in 189j and ~!.D. in 1899, all at Aberdee'l University. f'ntering general practice in Manchester he remained there for his whole career, retiring from practice in 19p. He had been medical referee to StockP?n.County Court and for forty years wa~ factory doctor for the Ea t Manchester D1,tr1rt and m~d,cal officer to the Pmt Office.

Obit11ary

49

Wiluam El der Drummond Smith * (1904-9), one of the Shanghai F.P.s who presented the Shanghai Clock to the School, died suddenly at Woldingbam, Surrey, on 4 March 19n, aged sixty-five. Meer comp leting his apprenticeship with wholesale merchants in Aberdeen and London he went co China to take up an appointment with The International Export Co., in 1913. Returning to this count ry in 1917 he joined the Artists Rifles. Mtcr the war he studied at The School of Oriental Studies and the London School of Economics before returning co China to become assistant manager of the produce department of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. Ltd. at llankow . l<'or many years he remained in the Far East and during the second World War he was interned in Shanghai by the Japanese from 1943 till 1945. Returning to this country in 1947 be became a director of :\l:uhcsons & Co. Ltd., in London where he remained unti l the time of death.

John Stewan" (189j-l90j), M.A., o.o., formerly a well-known mission leader in l\lanchuria, died suddenly in Edinburgh on 3 July 19n at the age of sixty-nine.

M tcr graduating M.A. at Aberdeen University in 1909 he was appointed assistant secretary of the Mission Study Council until he went to Manchuria as a missionary in 1914. From then on mission work in Manchuria becan1e his life work, his first appointment being Y.M.C.A. secretary in Moukden and then he was a pastor in the eastern hills and far north of the country. In 1935 when the General Assembly authonsed the Foreign .\lission Committee co make a complue ,·is1tation of the home Church in the missionary interest, he returned to this country and for two years he created and directed the required organisation. Returning to Manchuria in 1937 he became secretary of the Joint Conference of Scottish and Irish .\lissions, a position he held during the Japanese occupation till he and his colleagues were interned in :\ioukden and then in Japan. Meer repatriation in 1942 he was responsible for the work of home organisation in Glasgow and the west and in 1943 Aberdeen Uni,·ersiry honoured him with the o.o. degree. Dr. Stewart was chosen as leader and secretary of a survey commission which visite<l the Far East in 194j to report on the situation and opportunities for the resumption of mission work in .\lanchuria.

First Schoolboy Editor of " The Mag." George Stanley Russell· ( 1894-1901), M.A., D.D., a prominent graduate of Aberdeen Uni,ersiry d ied in Toronto in June 19n. His long and distinguished career can best be told in the words of Professor A. Fyfe Findlay (1879-Sj), o.o., then Dean of the Faculty of Diviniry, spoken when he received the hono rary degree of n.o . at Aberdeen Uni,crsity in July 1938: "Mr. Russell is a graduate in Arts of our University, who for a time durin!,! his srudcot days was editor of Alma .\loin-. He studie<l TheolOb'Y in the United College, Bradford, and after two short pastoratc:s in the provinces was called to the impo rtant charge of Grafton Square Congregational Church, London. During his ministry there he was honoun.-d by being appointed Chairman o f the London Congregational Union.

Called in 1929 to be minister of Deer Park United ( hurch, Toromo, he has greatly increased the membership of that congregation, and in addition he bas played an energetic part in sccurmg the erection of fine church premise,;, which were opened by the Prune .\[inistcr of Ontario, who paid a high tribute to his 1nflucntial ministry. " Mr. Russell has made a deep impression by bis powerful preaching, both in the city of Toronto and throughout the province of Ontario. He is the author, moreov er, of several religious works.''

Whilst at the School he was the first schoolboy editor of this Mo~oz.i111 and afterwards was a great friend of and collaborator with the late Dr. Theodore \'\·act.

James Barclay Watt • (1912-21), lr.A., c.A., one of Aberdeen's best-known accountants died after a long and serious illness on 16 Augus t 19n at his home.

Like many other F.P.s he served his apprenticeship with .Messrs. Williamson & Dunn, c.A., Aberdeen, and also attended Aberdeen University where he graduated M.A. H e commenced business on his own account but ultimately joine<l the firm of F. A. Ritson & Co., as a partner , which position he held at the time of his dL.tth.

He was a keen sporcsman, a good hockey player and had been a member of Aberdeen Boat Club for many years. H is age was fifty-four.

Marriages F.R, Al exander (1919-28).-At Aberdeen on 7 September 1957, ]Ames At.EXAND , youngest son of the late .\Ir. and \ l rs. J. Alexander, 13 ,\lount Street, Aber<leen L. Scott, to Ethel Adamson, daughter of the late .\l r. R. A. Seo« and of .\lrs. G. 54 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. only Bru ce (1945-48). -At Aberdeen on 10 July 19n, FRASt.: Do•HLD BRt cL, to son of the late .\I r. \\ m. Bruce and of .\lrs. Bruce, 7 \lanor \\ alk, Abcrdeen, l>treet, .\largaret, only daughter of .\1.r. and .\1rs. C.. McDonald, 454 llolburn Aberdeen.

BRlTP, Bru ce (1932-43).-At Aberdeen on 25 .\fay 1957, \kRR .\Y RL'THLRI0RU to Jean elder son of .\lr. and \lrs. J. Bruce, 10 \\'.'estholme Avenue, Aberdeen,Aberdeen.

Cormack, onl) daughter of \lr. and .\lrs. G. T. Knox, 84 Grampian Place, S Buntin g• ( 194j-p) . At Aberdeen on 29 June 1957, Ros\1.0 STRACIIA? Bt::--in-..G, only son of .\lr. and \lrs. G. Bunting, 19 Howbum Place, Aberdeen, t Place, to .\laurccn, only daughter of \lr. and Mrs. \\. Leslie, 212 Rosemoun Aberdeen.

GRAY Conn och ie • (1937-47).-At Aberdeen on 29 August 1957, HF?SRY )011!'-. Ro-.id, CoxxocmE, B.L., only son of .\1. and .\lrs. \\. D. Connochie, 46 I onthilland the Aberdeen, to .\larguerita Creswell, younger daughter of Mr. G. Cowie late :\lrs. Cowie, 93 \\ hitehall Place, Aberdeen.

Couns• (1944-jo). At Edinburgh on 28 September 19n, 1-..t,'-'HII C:oL'TT,, Pamcia, son of \lr. and \lrs. H.J. Coutts, 111 Hilton Street, Aberdeen, to Doroth) . daughter of the late \ lr. L. L. Green and of .\fr;. Green, j 0 Uliot Road, Edinburgh l\s Cran ston (1936-38).-At !'settlcbed, Oxon., on 31 Aui;u t 19n, \\1L11n1 irk, to Ca.\..,,TO-.., only son of l\Ir. and \lrs. Cranston, Crosspolcs, Laurencck \\ irral.

Pamela 1s<>bcl, only daughter of ,\lr, and \lrs. Pc.-ar<on, 2 Thingwell Dri~e, 4 Dewar (1924-30).-At J\bcr<lceo on 7 August 19n, Do-.: \In DL\\.\R, 1-lammerfield Avenue, Aberdeen, to Loma Reid, The Square, Torphins .

F arns wonh (1948-p).-At London (>n 7 Scpcemhcr 19n, :\IOR\?S ,\lcL1ou Ann, FAR'->WORTII,only son of \lr. and .\lrs. C. l-.amsworth, \hcrdecn, tO Ray cider daughter of \ lr. and .\lrs. \\ orsley, Manor Park, London. , Graham • (1936-.p).-At Pottcmc on 24 .\ul!ust 19n, GoRoos L,,-;1.\ Gll\Jl\'f \larv, son of \fr. and .\Irs. C. G. Graham \tile-end 1lour,c, Aberdeen, to\\ 1mfred • daughter of \1aj or and \lrs R. Do,. Swinley, Deviu.-s.

Dt·Guo Hect or (194t-+4}.---At Pluscawen on 14 October 19n, ROBERT r-.om1a HECTOR, eldest son of \ l r. \\. 11. Hector, Angustown, Pecercultcr, to Allan, .\lorriston, Eh:in. m Hender son (1936-49).-,.\1 Aberdeen on 6 September 19n, GFORC,I! 0\\ of .\ lrs. and Henderson D. G. Prof. thcL11c of son younger N, flL'iDl:RSO S,11TH of Hender<10n, 3 The Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, 10 Isabel Bis-.ct, younger daughter Aberdeen.

Road, wn Campcrdo q \lurra), B. D. .\lrs. and .\[r. !-..sf.~, Inne s• (t93}·45)-· - At Roslin Kirk on 31 July 19n, A1.FXA-.:ULRllr,RY l>yh 1a, Elisabeth to Aberdeen, Road, Bums 74 Innes, S. J. .\lr. ol ,n s, younl!er younger daughter of .\lr. and :\lrs. J. Y. Dick, The Pike Penicuik.

I Lam ont (19}4-46). At Aberdeen on 7 September 1957, GoRt>C>s DALGI.EN to Aberdeen, Place, Blcnheim 86 Lamont, .\1. .

J Mrs. and .\lr. ol son Ln,m,'T, Dri\'e Maureen .\lowat, younger daughter of ,\lr. and .\lrs. C,. Dick, 3 S..:aficld Aberdeen. \'\'.'est, onlr Law (1948-50).- ..\t Aberdeen on 31 Julr 19p, lhRR\' R.,, n.,-; L,w, daughter son of .\lr . and ;\lrs. H. Law, Berrydcn Gardens, Aberdeen, 10 Glona, i\hcrdeen. of .\Ir. and the late :\lrs. J.C. \'\'cllbum, 18 Alexander Drive, \X'oodsi de, At,-..

Longmo re · (1945-5 1).-At Ca11erick on 21 September 1957, \\'1u.l\\l \I. P. .. ]OHS LosGM0RE, elder son of the late .\fr. \\ . A. Longmore and of :\lrsand \lrs.

Curr, 3 \lurray Terrace, Aberdeen, to Barbara, younger daughter of .\lr.

C. Archer, Catterick Camp, Yorks.

L yall · (1933-46). -At Kilmorack on 20 July 1957, At..\?S Rrc:.HARU> LYALL, of i.t.B., e n.a., son o f Dr. and l\lrs. A. Lyall, Aberdeen, 10 1·mna Jane, daughter .

Kilmorack Fraser, J. :\lrs. l\lr. and Macdonald .. (1934-38).-A t Polcga tc, Sussex, on 27 July 19n, 'EIL Hm,;TLR Albury l\lACOOSAJ.D, third son of .\Ir. \\'.'. K and the late ;\lrs. Macdonald, 50 Road, Aberdeen, to Irc:oe, younger daughter of .\lr. and .\lrs. A. Rile>, 73 Gorringe Valley Road, Lower \\i'illingdon , Sussex. ~o

Marriages

51

Mackie • (1945-49).-At Udny on 10 July 1957, \',:'1LL1.rn CHARU:S GEORGF MACKIE, only son of the late Mr. Wm. Mackie and of Mrs. Mackie, 28 Hilton Place, Aberdeen, ro Edi th ..\fary, twin daughter of the late Mr. Geo. Finnie and of Mrs. Finnie, North Lodge, Udny Castle, Udny.

Manson (1934-45). -At Aberdeen on 19 October 1957, PETLR CA\IERO:--i MANSON, son of Mrs. G. Manson, 22 Bccchgrove Place, Aberdeen, ro Margaret Campbell, daughter of Mrs. Margaret Robcrtson, Kirkton Villa, Echt, and of the late Mr. A. f. Robertson.

Milne (1942-45).-At Aberdeen on 24 August 1957, G WN HALL \llL'>E, only son of the Rev. W. and \lrs. \iilne, 20 Desswood Place, Aberdeen, to Elizabeth Mary, only daughter of \lr. and Mrs. A. (\filler, 92 Donbank Terrace, Aberdeen .

Murray' (1941-47). At Aberdeen on 1 June 1957, W!LLIHI \1cGRJ:.GOR /\lt'RRw, only son of .\lr. and \lrs. P. \lurray, 166 Skene Street \'vcsr, Aberdeen, 10 Celia ..\lary, daughter of Mr. and i\lrs. II. Bcmie, 44 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen.

NeviUe (1938-40).-At London on 13 July 1957, HuGH HENRY NEVILLE, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. \VI. Neville, Twickenham, to Margaret, younger daughter of Mrs. R. Black, Stonchaven.

Paterson (1937-46).-At Aberdeen on 11 September 1957, Lo1-1s Jom1 PATERSON, only son of Mr. and ..\Irs. L. J. Paterson, North Bank House, Ponsoy, to bva Alvena, only daughter uf ,\lr. and \1rs. A. \X'alker, Garden Place:, Stuart Street, Banff.

Robe rtson• (1946-50).-Ar Tarvcs on 5 July 1917, Roni RT 1·RI LBAJR?S R0BFRTSON, son of ..\[r. and \lrs. Robertson, 5 1 Leslie Road, Aberdeen, to Ella Margaret, daug hter of i\lr. and Mrs. Gray, Drumwhindle 1\lains, Elion.

Rust* (1937-48).-At Aberdeen on 26 July 1957, JA\IF:S DoeGAJ.L RvsT, son of Mr. and \lrs. J. Rust, 79 l ·ountainhall Road, Aberdeen, to Eli7abeth \luricl Jane, daughter of chc late \lr. \I. Hamilton and of \lrs. H. H amilton, 119 King's Gate, Abercken.

Slorach • ( 1950). At Aberdeen on 1 June 19n, l!Rrc J,,11, St.OR\CH, eldest son of .\lr. and l\1rs. J. Slorach, 12 r.sslemont Avenue, Aberdeen, to \lar gare r, young<.:rdaughter of ..\lrs. and \lr. B. Leith, 68 Holbum S1rcet, Aberdeen.

Smith (1936-48).- Ar Aberdeen on I June 1957, ALIST\!R GORDON S1HT11, youngest son of Mr. and ;\[rs. R. Smith, 27 Burns Road, Aberdeen, co Dorothy Wallace, only daughter of the late Mr. M. P. Michie and of \f rs. D. Michie, 72 Forbcsfield Road, Aberdeen.

Smilh· (1938-51),· At Aberdeen on 22 Jui>• 1957, FRA:SCJs TAYWR SMITII, only son of :\lr. and \lrs. J. \'v. Smith, 41 Ashley Garden~, Aberdeen, to Jean Millar, only daughter of \fr. and l\lrs. \\im. W'allace, Ramsey, Isle of May. Strachan (1939-49),· At Aberdeen on 19 July 1957, \\ ALTER STRONACII STR \CHAS, younger St\O of rhe late \lr. J. S. Strachan, 64 Oon !)trcet, \\ ooclside, Aberdeen, to _\fa~•. only daughter of l\lr. and :\lr;. J. \\ h> cc, H9 Great\\ estem Road, Aberdeen.

Tait· (1946-50).-A, Aberdeen on 14 September 1957, Cll\Rils \)\ CKENZll' TAIT, th ird son of l\lr. and .\lrs. C. G. Tait, Aberdeen Anns Hotel, Tan'es, 10 :\largaret Elizabeth, elder daughter of :\lr. and l\lrs. A. Fraser, Arrroch1c, Elion .

Thom son (1930-41). 1\t Horley on , June 1957, ALEX.v..DJR CcloPLR TH0M\O'I, cider son of the late \1r. A. Thomson, J.P., and of Mrs. Thomson, Hazledenc House, Aberdeen, to Mary Blanche youngest daughter of Mr. and _\{rs. \'('_ L. Harrison-Cripps, :\leach Green House, llorley, Surrey.

Thoms on (1940-43).-At Cambridge on 21 September 1957, BRt.CE EwAN THOMSON, only son of J\l r. and Mrs. G. A. Thomson, Birkw oud, Aboyne, to Mary Elizabeth, elder daughter of Brig. and Mrs. A. Nicho lson, Belfast.

Torvaney (1943-48).- At Aberdeen on 14 August 1957, J,.,- LFw1s TORVA.'-f.Y, younger son of the Rev. and \frs. \Y/, R. TorYaney, 31 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen, to Georgina Margaret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. w·. Leiper, 6 Seaficld Gardens, Aberdeen.

Wil son• (1949-52).-At Aberdeen on 14 June 1957, Jorn, Jom.sTOs \X'ILSoN, youngest son of \lr. D. and the late ..\[rs. \\ ilson,/. Cruden Place, Aberdeen, to Barbara Buchan, cider daughter of :\lr. and \I rs. . Cheyne, 2 Balnagask Place, Aberdeen.

University Notes At the Summer Graduation in the University of Aberdeen, degrees were conferred on the following F.P.s: Higher Degrees SCIENCE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

(PH.D.)

Eric Hugh Cruickshank * (1940-49), n.sc. Thesis-" Calorimetric P. study of cation exchange by resins."

Alastair MacArthur North * (1937-41 and 1942-50), n.sc. Aberdeen.

Thesis-" The Initiation of Polymerisation by a D1hydroperoxide."

DEG REE OF MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.) (1) With First Class Honours

Alexander Donald Campbell Grassie * (1940-53), in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy.

Kenneth Moir Young (1941-49), in Natural Philosophy.

(2) With Second Class Honours

Alexander Farquhar Florence* (1944-53), in Classics.

Jonathan Mahram Daube "' (1951-5;), in English.

Ian MacDonald Milne * (1938-52), in French -German.

(3) Ordinary Degree

James Kincaid * (1943-52).

Barry MacDonald (1945-51).

DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF LAWS (LL.B.)

With Commendation

Thomas Gordon Coutts * (1938-51), M.A. Ordinary Degree

Charles Edward Anton (1938-43), M.A. Malcolm MacPhail (1942-47), n.sc.(Econ.).

DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIID,;CE

(n.sc.)

With First Class Honours

James George Cruickshank· (1945-53), in Geography.

With Second Class Honours

Ronald Strachan Bunting * (1945-52), in Geology.

William Watt Hutchison (1940-53), in Geology.

Michael Gilleon Cameron McDonald Dow (1948-53), m Biochemistry.

D EGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIF.1'CE IN ENGINEERING

(n.sc.ENG.)

(1) With First Class Honours

Alistair George Littlejohn (1940-53), in Civil Engineering.

(2) With Scoond Class Honours

Atholl George Falconer '" ( 1947-53), in Mechanical Engineering.

(3) Ordinary Degree

William Robertson Baines (1950-5;).

Patrick Blake Philip * (1944-54).

The Staff of the School, June 1923

&,k Rouc.-W. \f. Henry, A. Speirs, A. A. Cormack, J. \I.\\ 1nkley, J. B. Summer.;, J C. Soutter, R. \lacrac, R. \lacandrew;A. H. Gray,' D.';\kGregor, Second&Jw. D. Gou rlay, W. Forbes, Miss G racie, Miss Higson, \liss J. r. D:1vidsun, \11ss Crc:ghton, \ l iss Duff, i\tiss Watson, ;\l iss Sutherland, Miss Reid,

J. \ lackerzie forbes. \X. Clarkson (Lab. Attendant), A. F. Hyslop, 11. Pare111on, G. Laing, \liss Sinclair (Rector's Clerk), \liss Pirie, W. Kennedy (Janitor), .\tiss Fairweather, .\fas Anderson, C. R. Leslie \111lar, G. E. Hay, R. Lanton (Gardener).

FrMI Ro11 .-P. Ldward, :\tiss Ledingham, :\fiss :\1ackic, J.B. Philip, W ..\[uri~on, C. \lcL:oJ, D. G. \ 1iUer (Rector), G. ;\fiddleton, M. H. Mackie, Jas. Davidson, Miss Edith Davidson, :\liss Elisabeth Davidson, J. C. Knox.

Third Ro11.

It will bring back lots of memories to F.P.s who '"ere at school in or before the 192o's to sec the School Staff photograph reproduced on the reverse side.

Univer1ity Notu DEGREE OP BA CHELOR OF DIVINITY ( B. D.)

(1) With Distincti on

Peter Mitchell Gordon * (1939-48), M.A. OEGR F.F.S OF BACHELOR OF MEO!CINE AND BACHELOR SURGERY (M.B., CH.B.)

OF

With Honours

John Hamilton Wylie (1943-50), B.Sc. Derek Ogston (1937-39 and 1946-47), M.A. Ordinary Degree

George Lovie Chalmers * (1945- 51).

Charles Leslie Forbes * (1938-51).

Gordon Miller MacAndrcw (1944-5 1).

Charles Donald Mowat * (1944-50).

Donald Stirling Young (1940-47).

Medals and Pri zes Derek Ogston (1937-39 and 1946-47), M.A.-Anderson Gold .\lcdal and Prize in Clinical .Mt:dicine; Fulton Essay Priz e in l\curology (1956); Keith Gold Medal in Surgery; MacQuibban Prizt: in Medicine; D avidson Smith Prize in Dbca ses of Children.

Alexander Donald Campbell Grassie * (1940-5 3), Boxhill Prize in Mathematics; Rennet Gold Medal in .\Iathemacics.

James Lindsay Wilkie ( 1946-51), - Margaret Christie Priz e in Church History.

John Hamilton Wylie (1943-50), e.sc.-Mathews Duncan Gold Medal in O bstetrics.

Ian Howard Marshall * (1946-p), M.A.-Henry P rize in Divinit y; Primro se Priz e in Church History; Stuart Prize in Hebrew.

Gordon Strachan Cowie * (1937-p), M.A.-Hunter Gold l\.fedal in Roman Law (proxime afftssit); Society of Advocates Pri ze in Scots Law; \X'hyte Prize in Accountancy.

Alexander Farquhar Florence * (1944-53)- Robbie Gold Medal in Greek; Simpson Prize in Greek.

Ian Slessor Smith "' (1945-53), B.sc.-Society of Advocates Prize in Roman Law (equal); Society of Advocates Prize in Constitutional Law. Gordon Miller MacAndrew (1944- 51)-Venn Essay Prize (1956).

Editors of " Gaudie " for Winter Term Rae Colledge B'lrton * (1943-5 5).

John George Nevill Fraser * (1941-5 5).

Rectocial Leaders of the succt:ssful Bannerman Rectorial Party included: Brian D. M. Grassick * (1939-52), Chairma11.

Ian Slessor Smith "' (1945-53), Secretary.

John Colin Chalmers "' (1945-53).

Kenneth Grassick "' (1940-53).

Maitland Mackie (1946-54). " Charities " Convmtr foe 195&--Maitland Mackie (1946-54).

New Members of the Club 15 May 1957- 15 November 1957 LIFE MEMBERS Bell, Harold Pordyce (194-1-57),Scottish Hotels School, Ross Hall, 194 Crookston Road, Glasgow, S.W. Crombie, David Cumming (1944-53), 15 H amilton Place, Aberdeen.

Dixon, Roy George Ogilvie (1943-57), 644 George Street, Aberdeen.

Kennaway, Ian Barclay (1943-57), 9 Anderson Drive, Aberdeen.

ORDINARY MEMBERS Adams, Richard (1946-56), 15 King Street, Woodside, Aberdeen.

Anderson, Edward (1945-57), 9 1':orrie Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee.

Barber, John Miller Grant (1947-57), 57 Rose Street, Aberdeen.

Beattie, Michael Alastair MacDonald (1943-57), 119 Menzies Road, Aberdeen.

Bcws, Roderick James (1936-46), 12 \'fellbrac Terrace, Aberdeen.

Birnie, \X'illiam M. (1944-57), 15 Stanley Street, Aberdeen.

Blyth, Gordon \X'illiam (193}-P), 4 Park View, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire.

Brodie, Ian Wilson (1952-57), 23 Northbum Avenue, Aberdeen.

Brown, William Barton (19.13-57), 273 Great Western Road, Aberdeen.

Christie, Dennis George Grant (1947-57), Glenesk, Cults.

Coutts, William Duncan Graeme- (1935-47), 20 Stirling Drive, Bcarsden, Glasgow.

Craig, George i\[ichael (1941-57), 46 Harlaw Road, Aberdeen.

Crawford, Andrew Milne lla y (1944-57), 7 Kingshill Avenue, Aberdeen.

Cruickshank, Charles Ian (1945-57), 95 Desswood Place, Aberdeen.

Orth, Bucksburn, Cruickshank, David Rennie (195:z-57), Grcenhurn Road Aberdeen.

Dow, James Douglas (1947-57), 411 Clifton Road, Aberdeen.

Dunbar, Graeme Clifford (1945-16), 33 Esslemont Avenue, Aberdeen.

Fowlie, Donald Atkinson (1944-57), z Carlton Place, Aberdeen.

Fraser, Alexander Stuart Duthie (1945-57), 53 Osborne Place, Aberdeen.

George, Forbes Robert (1943-57), 7 Argyll Crescent, Aberdeen.

Gordon, l larold (1919-zz), ·• Peacchaven ", 56 \\ ennington Road, Rainham, Essex.

Green, Peter James (1946-57), 51 Carlton Place, Aberdeen.

Hall, Kenneth James Francis (1949-57), 100Donbank Terrace, Woodside, Aberdeen.

Hunter, Alexander Freeland Cairns (1943-57), 1p King's Gate, Aberdeen.

Hunter, Forbes Graham (1954-57), 11 Beechgrove Avenue, Aberdeen.

Irvin, Thomas Thoburn (1945-57), 50 Foothill Road, Aberdeen.

Jeffrey, James Martin (1942-49 and 1952-57), Summerhill, North Anderson Dri\'I~, Aberdeen.

Keith, George ;\lclntosh (1950-j6), 45 \X'ood bum Avenue, Aberdeen.

Lane, Andrew Peter (1951-57), 4 High Road, Ca~tlchead, Paisley.

Lawrie, John G. (19i 1-57), 24 Great Western Place, Aberdeen.

Leslie, Ian Dow (19z7-39), 39 Gortin Park, Knock, Belfast.

Lyall, Franas (1944-57), 68 Cromwell Road, Aberdeen.

Mackie, Alexander \I. (1944-57), 7 Osborne Place, Aberdeen .

J\lalcolm, Ernest Garrow (1951-55), 14 ;\fargaret Street, Aberdeen.

Mathieson, Alastair Merchant (1943-57), 2 Craigic Park Place, Aberdeen.

Michie, William J. N. (1953-57), 7 Morningside Crescent, Aberdeen.

Munro, John Gray (1946 and 19p -i7) , Eastbank, l·onthill Road, Aberdeen.

MacGregor, Dr. Kenneth Stuart Hall (1929-41), 61 Dalestorch Road, Sutton-inAshficld, Nous.

McIntosh, Jan (1951-57), 246 King Street, Aberdeen.

McKay, Ronald Stewart (1949-57), 171 Springfield Road, Aberdeen. i--:1col, Leslie i\1. (1949-57), 4l Rosebery Street, Aberdeen.

Rait, John Stewart (1944-57), 62 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen.

Robb, Ronald Reith (19p-57), 99 Burns Road, Aberdeen.

Robb, Walter Smith ( 1946-57), 1oz Mansfield Road, Torry, Aberdeen.

Roe, Henry George (1939-52), l5 Don Street, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen.

Ross, James Stalker (1946-57), 116 \lid Stocker Road, Aberdeen.

l4

Scott, Charles (1925-28), Pitmedden Schoolhouse, Udny.

Shirriffs, George Geddes (1947-57), 10 Mayfield Gardens, Aberdeen.

Skene, Andrew Thomson (1954-57), 112 Stewart Crescent, Northfie ld, Aberdeen.

Smith, Forbes Johnston (1946-57), 40 Beechgrove Avenue, Aberdeen.

Stephen, Ian Bemeaud (1948-57), 40 Elmbank Terrace, Aberdeen.

Stevenson, William (195 1-57), 77 Pittodrie Place, Aberdeen .

Stewart, Alan D . (1942-57), 17 Belvidere Street, Aberdeen.

Thomson, Angus Graham (1946-p and r952-57), "Murdan " , Bieldsidc, Aberdeensbjre.

Thomson, Kenneth Alexander (1944-p and 1952-57), "Murdan ", Bicldsidc, Aberdeensh ire.

Wallace, Alexander Annan (1937-40), 1 Lembert Drive, Clarkston, Renfrewshire.

Wares, Roy (1947-52), LanghiUs, Miller Avenue, Wick.

Wchster, i\lalcolm Scott (1948-57), 14 Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen.

Weir, James \X'illiam Henderson Cameron (1943-57), 24 RoschilJ Drive, Aberdeen.

West, Alexander William (1950-57), 81 \1omingside Road, Aberdeen.

Wilson, George (1910-13), 47 Littlcov er Lane, Derby.

Wright, Alan &-attic (1944-l7), 32 WoodhiU Terrace, Aberdeen.

*

* * Back Numbers We acknowledge with thank s having received a number of old issues from Mr. James S. M. Eddi son, ~r.A., Dr. \YI. Clark Souter* (1893-98), and \Y/. Rogie Angus"' (191s-21).

* * * Succ eeding Generati ons at The Gramm a r A 1926 issue of the Magazine records that at that time there were twelve pupils whose fathers and grandfarhers had been educated, in part at least, at the Grammar. In 1936, twenty -two pupils then present represented third-generation connections with the Schoo l. We wou ld be interested to know of any third-generation pupils at present at school-possibly there may now be a fourth generation pupil or two?

*

*

Calling Playwrights I The Intimate Theatre, High Wycombe, are holding a competit ion for playwrights. The winning play will be guaran teed a production at thjs theatre m March 1958, plus a prize of £1 00. The two runners-up will also be guaranteed a producrjon in the spring.

A reading fee of 2 gujneas will be charged, to be submitted with each entry.

The closing date is 31 January 195 8.

When the play is presented all London managements and critics will be im•ited, and a well known guest star will be contracted co play the lead.

This is a unjquc opportunity for all playwrights as the Intimate Theatre, High Wycombe, speciilises in the production of new plays.

*

*

*

Phil oso phical E nig ma !

My free will choose s, without doubt,

Between the Good and Ill; But what I cannot quite make out Is how I choose my will.

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Factory:

6 UPPER KIRKGA TE

FARMER'S HALL LANE

Established 1855

Telephone 22591

XX

* * * BOYS'

* *

GRAMMAR SCHOOL BLAZERS Sizes 0- 15

Lined All Wool

PRICES FROM

TIES

64/ 11 TO £7-13-6

CAPS TO MATCH 7 /6 also BELTS • SCARVES ·PULLOVERS·

HOSE

* * * J\IEN'S * * * ''ARCADE" TUNIC SHIRTS with Double Front and 3 Trubenised (Regd.) Collars NECKBAND SIZES

13½ to 17½ In Striped Designs & Self Colours

32S d 6

e We cordially invite you to visit our MEN 'S AND

modernised Boys' DEPARTMENTS

Direci Enirance by Adelphi

IFALCONERS,UNION ST., ABERDEEN • Phone 52341 I xxi

ABERDEEN'S

FOR EMOST FASHION SHOP

Hove Morning Coffee, Lunch or Afternoon Teo in-

THE

RESTAURANT

Good service is one of the salient features of our Restaurant on t he Third Floor. W e use our best endeavours to treat you with courtesy, to serve you with deftness, while t he daint i ness of the appointmen t s appeals to men as much as to women-and, above all, It Is not ed for its good food personally super vised by our Chef de Cuisine THIRD FLOOR (Elevator Direct)

WHERE QUALITY COUNT$

221 UNION

STREET

xxii

ABERDEEN

BUSINESS PRINTING

The Greyfriars 6-10 UPPER KJRKGATE,

Press ABERDEEN

T,l,plton, 29124

Mr. Business Executive

lo MODERNA

I

Office DESKS

In appearance, construction and finish these stylish and attractive desks or tables, wlll hold an instant appeal for the business executive. Complete with six drawers and pull-out trays Moderna Desks in oak, walnut and mahogany colours are available either in stock sizes or made to order .

. and always of course for stylish Busines s and Sports wear

G. W . RAFPA.."1

& SON, LIMITED

~a/I~

82 UNION STREET ABERDEEN

xxiii

Tel. 20426

IS FAST DISAPPEARING FROM THE MOD E R WAY OF BUSINESS .

YOU CAN STILL FIND IT P E RVADING THE FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE IN ROB E RTS .

WHY NOT CALL ON US NEXT TIME ?

BOBEBTS

(ABERDEEN)

LT_B

HOUSE FURNISHERS

419

IJNION

ST ., A BEBBE EN

ESTABLISHED

i

OVER 80 YEARS

Save BI- i,i £

011

Motor Pre111i1,111s Typical uct ct1111pr,·lu11s11:ernsurancc p1t'miunh.

Not exceeding Value £500 1300cc.

Prefcctetc.

1600 cc.

Austin A , 50, elc 2300 cc Ford Consul etc

Net . Premium £ 10 13 0 £11 2 0 £ 12 9 0

These rates apply to owner drivers of three years standing without a claim. For those "lucky lads" with 8 years without a claim the rates are even lower. I offer cheapest rates in Aberdeen, Commercial vans up to 10 cwt. premium £8 2~.

Immediate Cover Granted 'Phone or write for qttotaJion and compare with your present rates.

J. LESLIE WILSON INSURANCE BROKER

34 BRIDGE STREET ' Phone 22207 XXJV

ABERDEEN

"

Dealers since 1911 * DEMONSTRATIONS * USED CARS * PART EXCHANGE

The

HARPER MOTOR Co Ltd. HOLBURN JUNCTION & UNION GLEN Telephone ABERDEEN 25357 XXV

.1

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, I

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, 12 GOLDEN SQUARE, ABERDEEN

The first

£ 15

per annum

of interest in the Ordinary Department is

Free of I ncome T ax ABEIDEE

SIAII

TELEPHONE

ABERDEEN 23950

- - -

•

TELEGRAMS --- 'GALLOWS ES ''----,

ABERDEEN

('

I

Estab lished 1904

Men's Outfitters

W . J. MILNE, LTD ABERDEEN