AGS Magazine February 1911

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Educational Books.

JAMES G. BISSET

C

ONTINUES to supply all the Class Books (New or Second-hand) suited for the Requirements of the Higher Educational Institutions in the City, at the Lowest Prices.

N.B.—BEST VALUE IN STUDENTS' NOTE BOOKS.

JAMES G. BISSET, CIassical, .(10e0ical, anb Zncattonal Voohzetter,

85 BROAD STREET (Opposite Marianhal College).

the Sign Post always r•

. points to .

58-60

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St. Nicholas Street,

When you are in want of Pianos, Organs, Violins, Mandolins, Gramophones, Phonographs, Bagpipes, Records, Reeds, Strings, Music, and all Musical Fittings -

Absolutely Best Value and Selection at

J. & A,. MARR 58-SO ST, NICHOLAS STREET, ABERDEEN. Tel. 89.

5

patronise' bp illopattp

n 7-,

for over Ewento dears.

SPICER & KIDD, HAIR SPECIALISTS,

0

anti Genttemen'e lbtobaclass lbalrbressers ant, !Perfumers,

*

10 BRIDGE STREET, AND PALACE HOTEL, ABERDEE The Largest First-Class Saloons in Aberdeen.

Face Massage—French and American Methods. and Manicure.

Telephone No. 2995.

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Maxwell" Watches.

The "Maxwell Junior" is a well made, steel, oxidized (gunmetal) cased Lever Watch which is a good timekeeper.

Neat shape and strong.

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Electrolysis, Chiropody,

Inexpensive.

The "Maxwell" is of an improved type, fully jewelled, & guaranteed.

It can be had in steel, oxidized (gunmetal) cases at

21/=

PRICE

or silver at

12/6.

301=.

We recommend these, with every assurance that they will give satisfaction, and it is not necessary to buy a new one when out of order, as they will repair.

To be had only from

Zre ci. S~V[ IT, 23 and 25 St. Nicholas Street, and 191 Union Street,

Telephone 1750.

Established 1859.

FOR

MILK and CREAM,

FRESH EGGS,

BUTTER,

HONEY,

Scones, Oatcakes, & Tea Cakes, TRY

Findlay's Dairy & Tea Rooms, 457 UNION STREET, AND BRANCHES.

BROWN & THOMSON, CABINETMAKERS &

UPHOLSTERERS,

242 Union Street. ,1?

Ja

*

DESIGNERS AND MANUFACTURERS. ./G-g

g -D\.

DESIGNS AND ESTIMATES FREE.

o Telephone No. 1204. `,)i

Licensed Valuators.

SSi

Ji

Removal Contractors.

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M. GERARD, Jeweller & Silversmith.

411 Union St. (West),

40 15s

Has a Large Selection of Gold and Pearl Brooches, Necklets, Pendants, Silver Brushes, Toilet Jars, etc. Silver and Electro- Plate / Goods. Also

SCOTCH

Watches and Clocks.

/

/.

♦

/

44°\•

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JEWELLERY

A Speciality.

s

Repairs in Watch, Clock, and Jewellery Carefully Executed.

TELEPHONE 2533Y5.

Telephone 2072.

WILLIAM CRUDEN, FAMILY GROCER, 1Pea, Wine, 8pirif, ; provision Merthanf,

27 nose St. and 19 Thistle St., ABERDEEN.

Fresh Supplies of Butter and Eggs three times a week from Aberdeenshire Farms.

Beer, Stout, etc., in Sparkling Condition.

fruits ant) Confections in great varietp. _III Orders promptly attended to.

106- UNION STREET 106

High=class TEAS at moderate prices.

Rare Old WINES, excellent value.

Mellowest WHISKIES obtainable.

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Speciality, 21s. per Gallon. " Semper

Idem."

P. GRANT GARIOCH, Eea, Mine, & Zpirit Merchant,

1_06 UNION

STREET,

I4BERDEEN.

LEARN TO __T SHOOT _

with a B.S.A. Air Rifle.

Not a toy, but a serious weapon.

teal (Guaranteed Accurate up to 50 yards.)

Weights and Bores.

Made in various

"Junior " Model, for Boys and Ladies, 40/- each.

Heavy Model, for Adults, 45/- and 50/- each.

Ammunition, No. 1 bore, 1/2 per 100; .22 bore, 2/8 per 1,000.

The "22 bore is specially suitable for Rabbit Shooting.

INSPECTION INVITED. If unable to call, Write or 'Phone for Catalogues to the District Agent.

ALEXANDER MARTIN, Gunmaker, 128 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN. 480.

Tel. No.

► l7here to Buy reliable

Jewellery, Watches, Clocks, Electro-Plate.

DAVID WILSON, 450 UNION STREET, Is offering "without exception" the best Value on the Market. All Goods marked in plain figures- and subject to 5 per cent. cash discount.

See our Stock and compare prices.

Telephone 2522 if 4.

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Established 1847.

1Logan's ilbuzic %atoms, •

349 Union Street, Aberdeen.

PIANOS and ORGANS.—A Large and Varied Selection of the Best Cash or An Inspection Invited.

Models always on hand.

Instalments.

MUSIC.—Up-to-date Music of all kinds always on hand. Examination Any kind of Music sent on and Educational a Speciality. approbation. Music specially ordered delivered in Three days.

MISCELLANEOUS.—Violins, Bagpipes, Mandolins, Strings, and all Musical Accessories of the Best Quality.

OEO. T. CANTLAY, Proprietor.

CONTENTS. PORTRAIT OF MR. MORLAND SIMPSON SKETCH OF MR. SAMUEL POPE SCHOOL NOTES OUR CONTEMPORARIES

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• A HOLIDAY IN CANADA (Concluded) BACKWOODS IN CANADIAN CHRISTMAS EVE A SURVEYOR'S REMINISCENCES OF CHINA .

WILDS CANADIAN LIFE IN THE

76 80 84

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CLUB OFFICIALS

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LARGE

HALLS:

FOR WEDDINGS, AT GREATLY

WHERE TO DINE.

The Richmond eare, 17 ST. NICHOLAS STREET AND

REDUCED CHARGES.

3 CORRECTION WYND.

SWIFT & SPARKBROOK

CYCLES. Ai co a>

,

1t

S' e

a

0 . ;•,' § k

THE

BON=ACCORD CYCLE CO., CYCLE & MOTOR AGENTS, 234 UNION STREET,

Telephone 2982

BREAKFASTS, LUNCHEONS, DINNERS, AND TEAS. A large and varied Menu daily.

—

Perfect Cooking.

Prompt Attention.

Moderate Charges.

TRIUMPH CYCLES..

.;0 aa 0 c; g

2

o

R

g

a

ROVER • CYCLES.

ABERDEEN. "Triumph," "N.S.U.," "Vindec Special" Motor Cycles,

F

ENFIELD CYCLES.

DINE AT The

Royal Athenaeum Restaurant and Grill Room

(OPPOSITE TOWN HOUSE).

THE

PREMIER DINING

HALL IN THE CITY.

Patronised by the elite of 1176. Gown 4 County.

CHOICE SELECTION OF

OLD VINTAGE CHAMPAGNES AND OTHER WINES. HIGH-CLASS PURE HIGHLAND POT-STILL WHISKY. Tel. No. 2273.

John Mitchell, Proprietor.

NEAT. CHEAP. QUICK.

Printing.

ESTIMATES GIVEN. **

THE CENTRAL PRESS (John Milne),

.

GENERAL

PRINTER, LITHOGRAPHER, AND STATIONER,

61 BELMONT STREET, ABERDEEN. Telephone No. 809.

Ill

H. F. MORLAND SIMPSON, M.A. (Cantab.), Rector of the School since 1893.

"To shorten time is to lengthen life."

THE GAZETTE FOUNTAIN PEN ought to be one of the most cherished possessions of every student. It will materially aid him in his studies, will make writing a pleasure, and will tend to increase his leisure for recreation.

It is well worth Half-a-Sovereign, and only costs

HALF-A-CROWN, With 14-carat Gold Instructions.

Nib, in

box with

Filler and

STILOS, with Gold Spring Needle, 3s. 6d.

POST FOUNTAIN PEN, Filling for a day or a week.

Secure

mie mar

-

- 5s. 6d.

As easy as dipping once.

at the

" GRZETTE " OFFICE, UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

BOWIVIAN & SON, -

Picture frainere,

187 UNION STREET.

J. &

A. MASSIE,

Complete lbouoe jittritisbers,

3

ALFORD PLACE (Holburn Junction).

Reliable Home-made Furniture, in all styles, at keenest prices.

Hair, Wool, and Wire Mattresses, Carpets, Rugs, and Linoleums, by leading makers.

Removals by Rail. Road, or Sea. CABINET WORKS,

34 and 36 ST. PETER STREET. TELEPHONE No. 1516.

Orammar School tiTaga3ine.

Vol. XIV

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FEBRUARY, 191 I.

No. 2.

" Fugaces labuntur anat."

The fleeting years glide on, and once again we have crossed the threshold of a new year. Already more than a month of the year IgI 1 has passed, but the remainder lies before us. What the year will bring forth time alone can show, but it is our sincerest wish that Dame Fortune may allot to the School and everyone connected with it a full measure of good luck and prosperity.

F

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The Christmas holidays, that most precious of all vacations, now remain in our memories only as a dim and distant, yet pleasant dream—a dream of hockey, of sledging, and of general merrymaking. The weather, if not perfect, at least enabled most of us to enjoy ourselves thoroughly.

Although snow during the first week prevented field games, we had several glorious days of sledging. The weather was never frosty enough during the holidays for skating, but since then there has been harder frost, and already we have had one skating half-holiday. We are looking forward to several more of those most enjoyable relaxations from our daily routine of work. The School hockey team were unable, owing to the weather, to play all their fixtures,

54

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

but they took an early opportunity of showing their gaIlantry by losing the first match they played. We are glad to see that the days of chivalry are not yet gone.

With the beginning of a new term comes the pleasure of welcoming to the School a new master, Mr. George Dawson, M.A., B.Sc., who commenced his duties among us immediately after the Christmas holidays. Mr. Dawson was for five years a pupil of this School, and after taking a high place in the Bursary Competition graduated M.A., B.Sc., with First Class Honours in Mathematics and Natural Since then he has Philosophy at Aberdeen University. been mathematical master in Elgin Academy, and we have heard of him as a most popular and successful teacher.

Although Mr. Dawson has been with us for little more than a month, he has already gained a large share of popularity among his pupils.

At present the members of the higher classes in the School are in a state of great mental agitation. We Meet them every day wandering listlessly hither and thither, racked with grim forebodings of these annual bugbears, the Leaving Certificate and University Preliminary Examinations. That involuntary dropping of the lower jaw which occurs so frequently in class tells its tale of the burning of midnight oil. We feel sure, however, that their labours will have their due reward, and that their efforts will bring honour to themselves and to the School.

The Bursary Competition, which, as a rule, furnishes the chief cause for anxiety to the Sixth Class, does not begin until zoth June this year ; so that in this direction, at least, they are for the time being free from care. By the way, we note that the University authorities have as yet made no intimation of a change in the date, which coincides with the coming Coronation.

If our Football XV. maintain their present form until the close of the season there can be little doubt that they will again be Junior Champions, an honour which they gained last year. They have not as yet lost a single League match—a record of which they are justly proud. In most of their matches they have carried everything before them, and even their redoubtable opponents, the znd F.P.'s, have

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School Notes.

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had to own defeat. This winter a couple of new fixtures, with Montrose Academy, were added to the season's programme. Although the School won both matches rather easily, they were greatly enjoyed, and will doubtless become an institution. .34 The Literary and Debating Society is to be congratulated on a most successful season. Financially the season constitutes a record : the number of members is over ninety, which is in itself a record, and the lectures have been attended by a large number of non-members — a striking tribute to the lecturers' happy choice of subjects and their high reputation in the School. The debates have been quite as good as in former years, although there are still many members who do not support as they should this most important part of the Society's work. In spite, however, of the comparatively small number of "orators" in the Society, there is no doubt that the season which is drawing to a close hqs been the most successful of late years.

0 • The annual Judicial Night held in connection with the Debating Society took place early in December. The " case "—a murder of a particularly hideous and bloodthirsty nature—" drew " a crowd that filled the " courthouse " and also the adjoining room. The witnesses all acquitted themselves in the usual high-class fashion, but the best was probably G. M. Thomson as the French valet. We have no doubt that the lurid terms in which the prosecuting counsel described the crime and its perpetrator turned the minds of the jury from all thoughts of mercy. The prisoner's pleasant and happy mien during the proceedings, and his joyful resignation when he heard his fate were truly remarkable. Our thanks are due to Mr. A. F. Hyslop for filling the judge's chair. We shall never forget the sublime beauty of the oaths with which he swore-in the witnesses. *S.

The " Debater " Sing-Song passed off most successfully, if somewhat noisily. The singing, although rather wanting in melody at times, was certainly never lacking in vigour.

A generous F.P. handed round free drinks (nothing stronger than kola and ginger beer) during the evening. Mr. A. F. Hyslop, who so skilfully accompanied the " artistes " while at School himself, again occupied this by no means easy position.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The prizes won at the Athletic Sports held last September were distributed in the Hall by Dr. A. H. Lister. In a short but interesting speech he referred to the pre-eminent success of the Sports, and congratulated the prizewinners. He remarked on the excellent esprit de corps which he had noticed among the boys of the School, and finished by giving us some excellent medical advice. The presentations were then made, and after Dr. Lister had replied to an enthusiastic vote of thanks the School dispersed.

The membership of the School Library, although larger than it has been some years, is not nearly so large as it ought to be, nor, indeed, as it was last year. Where are all the members of last year who have deserted it this year?

The faithful few—some twenty—who have joined are enFar joying themselves to the full among the shelves. better, however, than the faithful few would be the faithful many ; there is still opportunity for anyone wishing to become a member of the Library to do so. The Librarians wish to thank Mr. Murison for his generous gift of several new books.

Through the Rector's untiring zeal and skilful arrangement the School Museum is steadily improving. The contents of the central table-cases have been rearranged, and the whole Museum, containing as it does a large number of birds' eggs, stuffed animals, and many rare and valuable curiosities, presents a collection interesting and at the same time instructive, well worth the inspection of everyone in the School. The Museum is indebted to Mrs. Beveridge for a gift of several stuffed birds. ss

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The subject of the frontispiece to this issue needs no introduction from us. The Rector is well known to all who have been in any way connected with the School at any period during the past seventeen years—and these must number not a few. It is with the greatest of pleasure that we publish his photo, which will, we feel certain, be heartily welcome alike to present and former pupils of the School. ± gs In this issue we have added a new feature to our School News department. We have heard one or two complaints that the Magazine did not furnish sufficient inducement to make the pupils in the Lower School become subscribers.

School Notes.

57

We hope that the " Lower School Notes " will supply this want and form a connecting link between the two parts of the School.

We are pleased to be able to publish from a pupil in the Lower School a contribution which shows considerable merit. It is our intention to publish in our next issue one or more contributions from this part of the School. So let all the young " geniuses" of the Lower School come forth and produce their effusions.

4

Our Contemporaries.

The Editor begs to acknowledge with thanks the following magazines :—"Belfast Academy Magazine," "C.A.I.," " Chronicle " (2), " Courier" (3), " Edinburgh Academy Chronicle " (3), " Fettesian," " Forum," " Glasgow Academy Chronicle " (2), " Glasgow High School Magazine," " Gordonian " (2), " Olavian " (3), " Portmuthian " (2), " Review " (2), "Keramos," "Kero," "Mercers' School Magazine," "Nelsonian," "North Star" (3), " Scotch Collegian" (2), " St. Andrew's College Magazine" (Grahamstown, S.A.), " Watsonian," " X-Rays," " Yellow Dragon."

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Byron Statue Fund.

The following subscriptions have been received since the October issue of the Magazine:— Sum previously acknowledged £104 7 3 0 5 0 L. R. Ogg, Calcutta ..

E. D. Jameson, LL.B., Elgin o to 6 Robert Fleming, Canada ..

1 o o

r

Dr. Norman Davidson, Peterhead .. .

Dr. James Gilchrist, London..

o 5 o o to o £rob 17 9

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

58

In order that this record may be made as complete as possible, all readers are invited to send to the Secretary of the Former Pupils' Club any information they may gather concerning former pupils of the School.

The dates given in parentheses after names indicate the years the Old Boys referred to entered and left the, School. * Indicates Member of the Former Pupils' Club.

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In the list of New Year Honours conferred by the King the names of two Old Boys appear. These are DAVID FERRIER,* M.D., F.R.S., and JAMES CHARLES INGLis,* both of whom have been made knights. The former, an Honorary Vice-President of the Former Pupils' Club, was at the School (according to the Register) from 1854 to 1858 ; while the latter, who is general manager of the Great Western Railway, attended from 1862 to 1867. The School has now among its living Old Boys more than a score of baronets and knights—surely no mean record. Both Sir David and Sir James have expressed their appreciation of the congratulations sent them by the Secretary on behalf of the members of the Club.

ALEXANDER BAIN MACKIE* (1896-1904) was one of the witnesses of the recent bombardment of Rio de Janeiro by the mutineers of the Brazilian Fleet. An interesting account of his experiences was published in the " Aberdeen Free Press." We hope he will some time soon enlighten the readers of the Magazine regarding life in Rio. Presumably bombardments do not form a regular feature of the daily round.

ALEXANDER MILNE,* M.B., C.M. (1876-79), assistant commissioner and inspector of the Hudson's Bay Company's posts, has recently come to Aberdeen on holiday. There

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Notes about Old Boys.

59

are few, if any, men who have seen so much of Canada.

Not long ago he completed a journey of over five thousand miles, and a few years back he was engaged in the scientific and business exploration of the coast of Labrador, which entailed two thousand miles of most adventurous travel.

It is with very great pleasure and not a little pride that we record the appearance of an important and handsomelyproduced book written by a boy who left the School less than three years ago. This is " Britain's Birds and their Nests. Described by A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON.* Illustrated. with 132 drawings in colour, by George Rankin."

The book is published by Messrs. W. & R. Chambers, and the price is 21s. net. The author was a pupil of the School from 1899 to 1908, and is at present an undergraduate of Aberdeen University. His work has been very favourably reviewed. The book, it has been declared, "must be classed as a piece of literature and not as a mere text-book.

The old facts are re-arranged in new and striking lights, diversity is given to the treatment of the groups, fresh matter has frequently been added, p1oblems are re-stated in clearer thought, and the whole is expressed in eloquent, graceful, and explicit language."

This is, indeed, high praise. We trust that the present volume will prove but the commencement of a life-work of valuable research and exposition.

JOHN HAY LOBBAN, M.A. (1882-88), lecturer in the Birkbeck College, London, is the editor of "Tennyson: Fifty Poems, 1830-1864," recently published by the Cambridge University Press. He is also editor•of " The Granta Edition" of Shakespeare, which is being brought out by the same publishers.

The "Literary History of Rome," by Professor J. WIGHT DUFF,* M.A., D.Litt. (1877-82), has met with such a wide success, both in this country and in America, that a second edition has already appeared.

Professor Duff is now engaged on a second volume, continuing the history after the close of the " golden age."

Rev. ALEXANDER WARRACK, M.A. (1847-51), formerly U.F.C. minister at Leswalt, and now of Oxford, has completed his work on " A Scots Dialect Dictionary, comprising the words in use from the Latter Part of the Seventeenth Century to the Present Day," which is published by Messrs.

W. & R. Chambers. Mr. Warrack was an important contributor to Wright's " English Dialect Dictionary," and is

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

one of the chief authorities of the day on all matters relating to Scottish dialects.

Principal PETER TAYLOR FORSYTH,* M.A., D.D. (185964), is the author of a recently-published volume, " The Work of Christ."

PATRICK MURRAY, M.A. (1892), of Andover School, Brechin, has been appointed headmaster of Fettercairn Public School.

JAMES OLIVER THOMSON (1899-190o), who won the Ferguson Scholarship in Classics last year, has been awarded a classical exhibition of the approximate value of £IoS, for four years, at Trinity College, Cambridge.

HERBERT J. M. MILNE, M.A. (1900-5), dux of the School in 1905, has been awarded the Fullerton Scholarship in Classics (Z'ioo for two years) at Aberdeen University. .

KENNETH J. ALLARDYCE (1894-95), of the Fiji Civil Service, has been appointed Commissioner of Colo West.

NORMAN J. J. WALKER,* M.A., LL.B. (1893-1902), has been admitted a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen.

In the preparation of the new edition of the " Encyclopaedia Britannica" the department of Zoology has been under the charge of PETER CHALMERS MITCHELL, D.Sc., LL.D. (1879-80), the secretary of the Zoological Society, London.

JAMES YULE MILLER* (1897-190o), in the accountant's department of the Royal Insurance Co., Edinburgh, has been promoted head of that department of the company in Cardiff.

Rev. WILLIAM W. GAULD,* M.A. (1893-98), of Fairlie, Ayrshire, has accepted a call to Callander U.F. Church.

Rev. JAMES GILLAN, M.A., B.D. (1860-62). who has been for the last five years minister of St. Margaret's Church, Edinburgh, has resigned his charge. .

Rev. JAMES G. DAWSON SCOTT, M.A. (1884-92), of Cowcaddens U.F. Church, Glasgow, has received a call to the U.F. Church, College Street, Edinburgh.

JAMES FISHER* (1897-1904) has gone out to the Malay Peninsula as assistant manager on the Penang Sugar and Rubber Estate. Before leaving Aberdeen he was in the service of the North of Scotland and Town & County Bank, Ltd.

Notes about Old Boys.

6r

ROBERT NIVEN GILCHRIST,* M.A. (Igor-05), has been appointed Professor of English and Philosophy in one of the Bengal colleges of Calcutta University. While at Aberdeen University he took a very prominent part in student affairs, being editor of " Alma Mater " for two years, president of the Debating Society, founder and first president of the Sociological Society, and successively treasurer and senior vice-president of the Students' Representative Council.

H. Eu* (1903-05), writing from Nanking, China, informs us that he has successfully applied for admission to membership of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, and that he is the first Chinese to bear that distinction.

Three articles of his on mining subjects have been published in the " World's Chinese Students' Journal."

He sends " heartiest greetings to the staff and members of the Aberdeen Grammar School, past and present."

JAMES C. H. MACBETH* (1881-85), in a Christmas letter from Penang, says that they may be able to open a branch of the Club there soon, if the influx of Old Boys continues.

There are three B.I. captains, all Old Boys, who go to Penang. They all happened to be there at the same time In a Rugby not long ago, and they had a great time. match on St. Andrew's Day there were three Loretto and two Grammar School F.P.'s playing for Scotland. We hope the branch will soon be instituted.

FREDERICK W. MORGAN* (1903-09) is now in the Traders' Bank of Canada, Toronto. He likes the work, but the hours are from 9 a.m. to any time from 6 p.m. to midnight.

CHARLES G. COOK (1894-99) has recently been appointed chief engineer of the River Plate Electric Supply Co., Ltd., at Tucuman, Argentine Republic.

Colonel DOUGLAS WARDROP, C.V.O., M.B. (1867-69), has been appointed house governor and medical superintendent of the Convalescent Home for Officers at Osborne.

He joined the Army Medical Service in 188o, after being employed as a civil surgeon attached to the Army Medical Department in the South African War, 1878-79.

DUNCAN CRAN (1906-09) is surveying in British Columbia. To get to Tatche, on Stuart Lake, where he recently was, he went by sea to Prince Rupert, then sailed two hundred miles up the Skeena. From this river they " hit

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

the trail " to Babine Lake with a pack-train of seven horses, the distance of 6o miles taking four days to walk. Arriving at Babine Lake, they got into a " scow," and, as there was no wind, had to row IIo miles. After some more adventures he arrived at Stuart Lake, where the survey camp was located.

JAMES A. ANGUS* (1894-99), who is an architect in Montreal, spent a few weeks' holiday at home at Christmas time. He has now returned to Montreal.

ERIC W. H. BRANDER,* M.A. (1894-1901), who was an enthusiastic member of the Dramatic Section of the Club, is now studying law at Edinburgh.

GEORGE C. CHEYNE,* B.Sc. (1900-04), and WILLIAM C. MILNE,* M.A. (1900-04), are now studying forestry in Germany, with a view to entering the Indian Forest Service.

JOHN CR0LL* (1881-83), who until recently resided in London, has now retired from business and come to reside in Aberdeen.

NAUGHTON DUNN,* M.A, M.B., Ch.B. (1891-1902), has received an appointment at the Royal Southern Hospital, LiverpooL JAMES A. DUCAT° (1884-87), who was in Calcutta for five years, has returned to this country, and now holds the position of works manager of the Aberdeen Jute Company.

His brother ERNEST DUCAT* (1898-1906), who went out to Rhodesia, has also returned to Aberdeen.

JOHN M. EASTON* (1895-1905), who served his time as an architect's apprentice in Aberdeen, has now gone to London.

GEORGE B. ESSLEM0NT* (1871-76) and ROBERT MUNRO* (1884-85) were at the recent General Election again returned as Members of Parliament for South Aberdeen and the Wick Burghs respectively.

ROBERT D. FENTON* (1887-), who was tea-planting in Southern India for some years, has on account of bad health gone to New Zealand.

FRANCIS W. FALC0NER,* M.B., Ch.B. (1889-1900), who was in general practice at Oldham, is at present resident in Aberdeen studying for the Diploma of Public Health.

JAMES WILLIAM GARDEN,* M.A., B.L. (1886-95), has been assumed a partner in the well-known firm of Davidson

Notes about Old Boys.

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His brother ALEXand Garden, advocates, Aberdeen.

ANDER MURRAY GARDEN* (1896-1906) has gone to Toronto, and is with the firm of Aylesworth, Wright, Moss, and Thomson, barristers.

JAMES B. GILLIES,* M.A. (1895-1904), has been assumed a partner by his father T. R. GILLIES (1862-66), advocate, Aberdeen.

ROBERT NORMAN HALLY* (1889-97), who has been in charge of the Scottish business of a large wholesale London house; is now chiefly resident in Glasgow.

His brother SAMUEL JOHN HALLY* (1893-1901) has received an appointment with the Colombo Commercial Company, Ceylon.

WILLIAM JAMIESON* (1894-98), tea-planter in South :Sylhet, India, is at present home on holiday.

JAMES GRAY KYD,* F.I.A. (1891-98)—an enthusiastic mountaineer—has been appointed editor of the " Cairngorm Club JournaL" Many Old Boys are members of this club.

ROBERT D. LESLIE* (1898-1905) has gone out to Australia, and intends to go in for farming.

WILLIAM ERNEST MILNE* (1882-90) is another of our Old Boys who have left for Canada, his destination being Vancouver.

HUGH REID MOLLISON* (1898-1901) has received an :appointment in the Strichen Estates Office.

HERBERT S. MILNE,* M.B., Ch.B. (1897-1901), has returned to Aberdeen from Beckett Hospital, Barnsley, Yorks.

His brother GARLAND C. MILNE* (1897-1901) is shortly going out to Canada.

CHARLES R. PORTER* (1899-1900) is studying at the Glasgow Technical College.

JAMES RAFFAN,* M.D. (1896-1900), is now practising his profession in Brechin.

JAMES RAE,* M.A., M.B., Ch.B. (1889-1901), is at present at the Park Hospital for Children, Hither Green, London.

NORMAN SMITH* (1891-1902) has received an appointment on the staff of a large firm of civil engineers in Newcastle.

Colonel JOHNSTON SHEARER,* C.B., D.S.O. (1864-69), has lately retired from the Indian Medical Service.

ALEXANDER TAYLOR* (1890-93), who was for a number ,-of years an enthusiastic member of the Executive of the Club, has gone to Toronto.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

ROBERT TINDALL,* M.B., Ch.B., has received an appointment at the General Hospital, Birmingham.

ALEXANDER WATT* (1901-06) left in December to take' up an appointment on the Neboda Estate, Ceylon.

ROBERT M. ROBSON (1902-06), who was for some time at Kew Gardens, is now resident in Chester.

Will someone kindly notify the Secretary of the Club of the whereabouts of C. DUNCAN, sen., and C. DUNCAN, jun., who recently resided at 34 Wylie Road, Quetta, This is another case showing the Baluchistan, India? necessity of sending a postcard when an address is changed.

a

OBITUARY. GEORGE BARCLAY,* M.A. (1828-33), who was. we believe, our second oldest " Boy," died in November at the age of 91. He became a pupil at the School more than eighty years ago, and, after going through the full curriculum, proceeded to Marischal College, where he graduated M.A. in 18J7. He was for long a partner in the firm of Messrs. Berry & Barclay & Company, Leith, but retired from business many years ago. He was well known in business circles in Edinburgh, being a director of the Bank of Scotland and of many other companies. Some years. ago he became a member of the Former Pupils' Club, and since that time took a very keen interest in its affairs. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the scheme for publishing a Roll of Old Boys, and only a few months ago requested that the names of his classfellows should be sent him, in order that he might annotate as many as possible.

Rev. JOHN RAINNIE, M.A. (1855-56), minister of the Knox Free Church, Perth, from 1876 to 1904, died in Edinburgh on 2ist January.

Rev. ALEXANDER HARPER, M.A., B.D. (1856-58), died in October in his 79th year. He was for forty years parish' minister of Wishaw. An outstanding feature in his ministerial career was the part he played in connection with the historic banns case in the law courts. Though professors of ecclesiastical history, moderators, and ex-moderators were against his views, he was confident that a fallacy underlay their connotation of the term " quoad sacra." It was generally believed that the proclamation of banns and the charge for it were "inter civilia," and that therefore proclamations could be made only in the ecclesiastical parish churches

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Notes about Old Boys.

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—that is to say, the parish churches " quoad omnia." The action in which Mr. Harper was a leading party was carried to the House of Lords, where a full bench unanimously decided that proclamation of banns was a matter " inter sacra," and that therefore proclamations could legally be made in quoad sacra " churches.

JOHN GILL, M.A., S.S.C. (1849-50), one of the bestknown members of the legal profession in Edinburgh, died at Largs in the beginning of December. He was chairman of the Arizona Copper Company, Ltd. We notice that he left estate valued at £187,800, on which £19,000 of estate duty was paid.

ALEXANDER FALCONER (1867-72) died suddenly in London on 25th November. He was formerly managing partner in India of the firm of Yule & Co., merchants and jute manufacturers, but recently relinquished his work in India, with a view to spending the rest of his life in this country.

JOHN FALCONER MURISON, M.D. (1869-71), died in •Glasgow on 12th November.

Soon after graduating in Medicine at Aberdeen University he became surgeon on board the Polar exploration vessel "Victory." Later he practised at Walls, Shetland, and afterwards went to Bankfoot, Perthshire, and then to Cumbernauld, Dumbartonshire.

At the time of his death he was engaged in private practice in Glasgow.

Captain JAMES WARRACK (1876-77), of s.s. " Kaifong," China Navigation Company, died on 17th December at sea, between Iloilo and Hong-Kong.

JAMES WILLIAMSON CALLAGHAN (1878-79), saw and edge-tool maker, Dundee, died on 21st January, aged 45 years.

Rev. ALEXANDER GRAY (1874-75), minister of the U.F. Church, Broughton, Peeblesshire, since 1885, died on 7th January, aged 55 years.

Rev. CHARLES COOPER,* M.A., LL.D. (1853-54), died at Sauchen, Cluny, on 29th November, aged 79 years. After graduating in Arts at Marischal College in 1858, and studying for the ministry of the United Presbyterian Church, he acted as minister of that Church at Holm of Balfron, Stirlingshire, from 1866 to 1869. In the latter year he went to Madras to take up an appointment in the Doveton Protestant College, and in 1874 he was appointed Professor of Philosophy and Logic in the Free Church Mission Institu-

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tion, now the Madras Christian College. In that capacity he remained until 1899, when he retired, and, returning to this country, settled at Sauchen.

WILLIAM FRASER (1878-79), chief engineer, s.s. " Toonan," died as the result of an accident at Newchwang, Manchuria, on 17th November, aged 45 years.

ALEXANDER MILNE,* M.B., C.M., who practised in Sheffield and afterwards at Ilkley, Yorks., died at Corse of Kinnoir, Huntly, on 26th October, aged 47 years.

MIDDLETON RETTIE,* M.A., LL.D., K.C. (1839-43), After died suddenly in Edinburgh on 27th December. graduating in Arts at Marischal College in 1847, he was called to the Bar in 1855. In Parliament House he did not become a speaker, the reason being that for about half a century he was engaged in the work of reporting cases in the Court of Session for the legal journals, although it was not until 1874-95 that the publications known as " Rettie's Reports" were commenced. Accurate in detail and principle, these reports are most valuable, for in them are enshrined the opinions of eminent judges on all kinds of questions. He received the LL.D. degree of Aberdeen University in 1894, and was made a King's Counsel in 1904.

WILLIAM BROWN ROBERTSON, M.A. (1848749), died in Aberdeen on 4th December. After graduating at King's College in 1853, he became a Classical master in Millhill School, near London, and later was English master at Carlisle High School. In 1868 he was appointed headmaster of Crimond Public School, and continued in that position until 1895, when he retired and came to live in Aberdeen.

JAMES CHEVES (1883-84), Middleton of Rora, Longside, was killed on the Buchan railway line on 2nd December.

FREDERICK GLASS, M.R.C.V.S. (1869-70), late of Ellon, died in Aberdeen on 28th December.

FREDERICK WILLIAM GLENNIE (1879-86) died of pneumonia on 28th August at Geldenbuis Deep, Cleveland, Transvaal.

MARRIAGES. Since the last issue of the Magazine we have noticed the following intimations of marriages of Old Boys. The list is not very extensive, but, of course, summer is Me time.

JOHNSTON (►884-92).-At St. Andrew's Church, Calcutta, on 7th November, GEORGE JOHNSTON, tea planter. Bokakhat, Assam, to Jessie Cables, daughter of William Fletcher, 3 Marine Terrace,.

Aberdeen.

Notes about Old Boys.

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MILNE (I896-98).—At 4 Union Place, Montrose, on 3rd November, MEARNS ALEXANDER MILNE, M.B., Ch.B., son of ex-Baillie Milne, Aberdeen, to Annie, elder daughter of the late William M`Kenzie, Academy Park Flour Mills.

PETERKIN (t886-90).—At Bonnington, Chamberlain Road, Edinburgh, on 4th January, HENRY PETERKIN, M.B., Ch.B., Aberdeen, to Jessie Blaine, daughter of the late George Gibson Paterson, Victoria, Australia (formerly of Ayrshire).

RIDDELL (I883-92).—At Langlea, Kilwaurs Terrace, Edinburgh, on 7th January, GEORGE STEEDMAN RIDDELL,* solicitor, Macduff, to Lizzie, daughter of the late James Hodge, Macduff.

ALEXANDER (I885-86).-At St. Andrew's, Waterloo, Liverpool, JOHN WALLACE ALEXANDER to Maude Fenn, Llanelly.

ROBERTSON (I892-94).—On 28th January, at the Cathedral, Calcutta, Captain R. A. H. ROBERTSON, 3oth Punjabes, son of R. Robertson, M.V.O., Peterhead, to Annie Elizabeth, younger daughter of the late Major-General D. K. Evans, formerly of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and of Mrs. Henry Duke, Chandon, Dorchester.

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Random Notes.

Holidays are now ended, and once again we must face a new year, with examinations, the inveterate enemies of schoolboys, looming ahead. The School has settled down to its usual routine, and the junior boys, it is hoped, have recovered from Christmas festivities and the doctor's physic.

Yet, for some time after the commencement of the year, we were reminded of Christmas by the persistence of the Sixth's solemn and taciturn member in wearing a sprig of mistletoe. His colleagues are still wondering to what use he could put such a trivial article.

The Debating Society, with its record membership and an excellent syllabus, is enjoying well-merited success. In the beginning of December the annual Judicial Night was held, and there was an unprecedentedly large attendance.

Judging from the little we heard, we should criticise the plot as extremely poor, but, fortunately, the proceedings were considerably enlivened by the witticisms of the witnesses. We must congratulate Hyslop, who acted the difficult part of judge in his usual efficient manner, but who, in addressing the jury, introduced the announcement of a football match on the following day.' Our congratulations are due also to Robson, who undertook the role of usher, and to the witnesses, who often brought down the house and the It has been resolved that in cross-examining counsels. future the judge will not be allowed to flirt with lady witnesses.

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The scene was changed. No longer did Suetonius and Theophrastus reign in Room I., no longer were our profound thinkers immersed in the philosophy of Plato: the Sing-Song was being held. As we approached the School rather late in the evening, the entrancing song of sirens fell upon us, and, like the sailors of Ulysses, we were unwillingly On entering, we compelled to stop our ears with wool. found a gallant private of the Territorial Forces singing the praises of the kilt. Then Duffus rendered with great effect the magnificent lyric entitled "When I was a Boy at School."

The President gave the next contribution, which one incompetent critic thought a song, but which we have no hesitation in declaring a recitation with musical accompaniment.

During the evening songs were given by Newton, Leith, Anderson, and Mackintosh. Hyslop led the praise in his own inimitable way.

The labours of a modern Hercules. This is the remarkable experience of a School-boy who has returned from spending holidays on the Continent :—" I lay in a gondola on the principal canal of Venice,, drinking in the whole scene." We have not asked our correspondent's views on the Avon scheme.

One very frosty morning a short time ago the School was granted a skating half-holiday, but at the hour of dismissal the sun shone brilliantly. " What a frost ! " someone was heard to mutter.

An inexplicable phenomenon, or, rather, a series of phenomena, occurred at the School last year. On the Friday before the parliamentary election the gentlemen of the Sixth, without one absentee (mirabile clictii!), marched into hall displaying on their manly chests red rosettes.

On Monday, however, " Socialists," echoed the School. they arrived with blue and white rosettes, and on Tuesday with red and yellow. Were they Unionists or Liberals?

The climax came on Wednesday, when a shy and solemn youth, a hitherto unknown " champion of the dames," arrived wearing a Suffragette badge. Various explanations of this conduct were offered by junior colleagues, one conjecture being that these gentlemen were mad ; but all who know them will immediately refute the suggestion. Another reason far more probable was that they were daily converted by the eloquence of Cicero, or, rather, one of his masterly disciples. " Is Britain degenerating ? " While a master was mounting the stairs one day, a youth suddenly rushed up and fer-

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vently embraced him, with the words " Hallo, Johnnie!"

Well was it for our noble selves that we were too distant to hear the remark of either.

The worthy Chairman of the Debating Society is deIn calling to lighting members with his naïve humour. order a member who threatened to " adjust the fragrant charge of a short tube that fumes beneath his nose," he explained that outside there was sufficient air to smoke. Boys under sixteen years of age will appreciate this remark.

The Suffragette movement is making progress at the School. In the midst of a heated discussion one passionate member of the Society was met with, " Order, Mrs. Smith ! " Though punning be the lowest form of wit, it is evidently favoured by some persons, who delight in torturing their companions. A member of the Modern School is responsible for the following at the " Debater " :—" Chair and gents., although I am rather chary of tackling Mr. Nicol, I shall endeavour to do so cheerfully."

A short struggle followed, and Cicero was a most polite gentleman. " Why is there a ' d' in ' seditio " asked a master. " Because the rest is not fit for publication," came the ready response.

GEMS FROM THE EXAMINATION ROOM. PEELS : policemen—from Sir Robert Peel, who " invented " these.

JEDDART JUSTICE " was when Jaffries judged the rebels of Edge Hill."

CLAVERHOUSE—" One of Henry VIII.'s favourits he was of no high birth, but he had charming manners.

Later on the people began to tryout against him and Henry had him beheaded. ' Put not your trust in princes ' was the cry wrung from Claverhouse as he went to the scaffold." " At Bothwell Brig the Covenanters were literally swiped out of existence."

Ex omnibus urbis partibus : the omnibus departed from the city.

Receptui cani iussit : he ordered the pet dog to follow.

Coniectans quanta moles urbis Romanae esset ; ex S.C. : great masses were at the city of Rome rushing out of the S.C.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

A Holiday in Canada.

(Concluded from October Number.)

The district in which we spent the next six weeks was in the west of Southern Ontario, not far from Lake Huron, and over 6o miles north of London. The coolness of the country air was very refreshing after the hot, stifling atmosphere of the cities, and the change of scene was very welcome. Many things seemed strange to us, but a newcomer is more at home in Ontario than, perhaps, anywhere else in Canada, because the inhabitants are nearly all descended from " old country" settlers, and especially from Scotch people. There is thus a sort of fellow-feeling to anyone coming from Scotland.

In order to arrive at our destination we had to go by the Grand Trunk Railway, one of the two great Canadian railways. The Canadian train differs in many respects from ours. The seats are arranged on each side of a passage which runs from end to end of the carriage. The windows are broad, and can be pulled up or down. There are no compartments, and everybody is " in the same boat," so to speak. In Canada there is also a difference in phraseology : people do not speak of railway " carriages," but of " cars," and instead of the "engine-driver" and the "guard" familiar to us, they have an " engineer " and a " conductor."

There is also an official known as the brakesman, whose duty it is to uncouple the cars and go through the train calling out the name of the stopping place just before the train's arrival at each.

The trains are built differently from ours. In Britain trains are built on a small scale, to pass under the bridges and through the tunnels, but, as level-crossings are the rule in America, there are no restrictions as to size. The cars are therefore very large, and, instead of trucks for goods, freight cars are used. These are large covered vans, like those which are used in the fish traffic in this country. The height is more noticeable to a newcomer, because, instead of the high platforms in stations to which he is accustomed, be finds a wooden platform about a foot high.

A Canadian train is much noisier than one of ours, because the engine carries a great bell, which announces the train's approach to or departure from a station. The engine has a long funnel, which widens out at the top and has a grating inside. This is to prevent sparks and cinders from flying out and thus causing bush fires. It is not always suc-

A Holiday in Canada.

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cessful, however. In front of the engine there is the " cowcatcher "—a plough-shaped instrument for clearing the rails.

In spite of their size none of the trains in America can beat our fastest expresses in speed ; what is considered good time out there would be thought poor for an express in Britain. The slower speed, however, does not prevent accidents, for scarcely a month passes without some calamity. Indeed, it is said of one railway in the south of the United States that you take your life in your hands if you travel by it.

No such misfortune, however, befell us, and we got to the end of our journey in safety, and were able to see the country to which we had come. This part of Ontario was a stronghold of the Indians in times past, and traces of their occupation are still found. When the early settlers came to it they found a country of magnificent forests. In clearing their land they ruthlessly destroyed hundreds of acres of splendid wood which at that time seemed to be nothing but a hindrance. Owing to this destruction, and the fact that no new trees were planted, wood has risen greatly in value, and if the present-day farmers could call back the forests of fifty years ago they would be rich men.

The country in South Ontario is comparatively settled, and the tide of emigration is spreading farther and farther westwards. Many of the young Ontarians are going and settling in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.

The crops are more mixed than in Scotland. Turnips are not nearly so important, and, in their place, peas, wheat, and flax are grown. The flax is usually pulled by gangs of Indians, who are very expert at the work. There are two crops of wheat: the Fall wheat (sown in September and cut in July) and the Spring wheat (sown in April and cut in August). Indian corn is also grown, and the " corncobs " are a favourite delicacy among Canadians.

The farm-houses are well built, many of brick. Unlike British farmers, Canadians store all their crops under cover, and keep large barns for the purpose. The loss of a barn by lightning is therefore a serious matter to the owner unless he has insured the building and the crop. Although many of the newer houses are built of brick, there are many of the frame houses of the early settlers to be seen yet.

But most interesting of all are the now rare log-houses, which were built before the later frame ones appeared.

They are built of logs placed one above the other, the crevices being filled in with clay.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The roads in Canada are very bad. This does not apply In to the country districts only, but also to the cities. inhave streets principal of the many especially, Montreal, equalities and holes which would not be tolerated for a week in Britain. The care of the streets in towns is entrusted to the municipal councils, as in the " old country," but the arrangement in the country is different. People who have land bordering on a road are divided into " beats," and a " path-master" (overseer) is appointed. Each man has to spend a certain number of days in repairing his part of the road, according to the amount of taxes he pays. The " mending " consists of throwing a few cartloads of stones, earth, and gravel loosely over the road. The stones are fairly small, but are not uniform in shape. As a result cycling in the country is not indulged in for pleasure.

In Ontario the roads are planned with mathematical regularity. They run for miles in straight lines, parallel, and distant from each other one and a quarter miles. At every one and a quarter miles on these roads other roads cross them at right angles, and inter-connect. Thus, when you are going to any place you have a great choice of roads, because it does not matter at what cross-roads you turn off.

This regularity may seem advantageous, but it is doubtful if it really is so. Hills which could easily be avoided by a detour have to be laboriously climbed. If you are driving you have usually to walk your horse down the other side because it is so steep. So that, although the roads in the " old country " do wind about very much, yet, on the whole, people are able to go about quite as quickly with a great deal less trouble. We were interested to see in several places remains of the old " corduroy " roads. These were the roads made over marshy places, and they consisted of logs side by side and covered with earth. We could see quite plainly the ends of logs sticking out at the sides• of the roads.

There are counties in Ontario just as there are shires in Scotland, but parishes are unknown. People speak of " townships " instead. The land is parcelled out into " concessions," which run the whole length of the township. The roads, as I said before, run parallel at a distance of one and a quarter miles. Between those parallels lie two concessions, each five-eighths of a mile in breadth and, of course, as long as the township. At every one and a quarter miles are the inter-connecting roads, and each part of a concession between those is divided into five " lots." These have a

A Holiday in Canada.

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front of a quarter-mile on the road, and extend back the five-eighths of a mile till they meet the lots of the other concession. The lots are the original farmlands which were given to the settlers, but many are now joined into bigger This plan farms and many have never been settled on. extends the whole breadth of the township, and the concessions and lots are numbered. Instead of the quaint and interesting names of farms which are usual in Scotland, we find something like this: "Lot 34, Concession 2, Brant Township."

In the country districts there are no postmen. The village store-keeper acts as postmaster, and keeps the letters until they are called for. Even in the towns of the districts people go to the post office, where each has a little private box and a key of his own. In one thing, at anyrate, the farmers there have an advantage : owing to the cheapness of the telephone it is used at most of the farms, and is a great saving of time and trouble.

The usual mode of conveyance is a vehicle known as a " buggy," of which there are two varieties—the single and the double. Both are four-wheeled, but the first is seated for two and the second for four. The single, which is much more used, has a cover or hood. Both are built high, and the wheels are so placed that it is difficult to get out or in.

It would be very dangerous for anybody in the buggy if the horse bolted. A newcomer to the country districts notices the inattention paid to harness and conveyances. These are very seldom cleaned, and some of the turn-outs are remarkable spectacles. The dirt and mud of twenty years is to be seen quite plainly, but nobody thinks anything about it—all are accustomed to it.

A surprising feature of Canadian farming is the part machinery plays in it. Almost every farm has a creamseparator, a machine in which, by turning a handle, the cream is separated from the milk and poured out at a different spout. (These are also being introduced in Scotland, but are by no means common, unless, perhaps, in dairy farms.) Most villages have either a creamery or a cheese factory, where the surplus cream is manufactured into butter or the well-known Canadian cheese. But the most surprising is the machinery in the hay-fields. Besides the ordinary horse-rake common in Scotland, there is a rake which works like the mud-brushes that clean our streets.

Only, instead of the brush, there are a few rows of spikes which, when turned one way scatter the cut hay out to dry,

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

and when turned in the opposite direction gather it into long rows. Then there is a " hay-loader," which is fastened on behind a horse and waggon. It slants up over the cart, and when the horse moves forward the loader gathers up the hay by means of spikes and moving ropes, and automatically passes it up beneath a framework into the cart, where it is spread out by men. When the cart is full it is taken to the barn, and a large three-pronged fork is fixed into the top of the hay. The word is then given, and by an arrangement of pulleys the hay is swung up and along the roof of the barn, and then dropped in the desired position. Four such forkfuls will empty the cart, and a load can thus be gathered up and unloaded in ten or fifteen minutes. Contrast this with the usual Scotch method of half an hour to load and half an hour to unload. Of course, every Canadian farm has not this apparatus, but in those where a large crop of hay is grown it is the rule and not the exception.

The farmers in Ontario have very great difficulty in getting hired labour. If only a fraction of the multitudes which go West every year were to stay behind in Ontario they would find plenty of work, good pay, and more comfortable quarters than they are likely to get in Alberta or Saskatchewan. The farms in the district where we were are very fertile. Some are rather hilly, but others were pointed out as having some of the best land in the province.

All the time we were in Canada the ,weather was very fine. It was sometimes uncomfortably hot, but that was preferable to the rain which usually ruins the Scotch summer. If we had not a steady rain we often had thunderstorms, and very violent ones too. They came on without much warning, and often lasted a long time. The thunder and the lightning, especially the lightning, were worse than any I have ever seen in Scotland. All over the sky long streaks of forked lightning appeased, and at night the scene was very striking. The storms were often accompanied by showers of hailstones, which were so big sometimes that they broke windows. This was the case at Goderich, a large town over twenty miles away, where the hailstones were said to have been as big as pigeons' eggs. On another occasion five barns within a short distance of each other were destroyed by lightning. To us the thunder and lightning appeared bad enough, but by all reports that in the West is even more severe.

In this country there are many creatures we do not see in Scotland—at least, not often. Chief among these are

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the snakes. The harmless green or grass snake can be seen any day, often quite near to houses. One forenoon I came across four. The other species found near is the black snake, which is larger, and whose bite is poisonous. The notorious " rattler " is not found in the immediate neighbourhood, but it is found, less than ioo miles to the north, in Bruce Peninsula, near Georgian Bay. Perhaps the most interesting thing we saw while we were in the country was the Caledonian Games at Lucknow, a small town not far from Lake Huron. The games are held at a different town every year, and attract great crowds. In connection with the games this year the people of the town, mostly Scotch by descent, held a reunion of old inhabitants, who came from all parts of the States and Canada. On the opening day, which was by far the most interesting, there were races in which well-known runners competed, including " Bobby " Walker, the Canadian sprint champion, who did so well at the Olympic Games in London in 1908. The cheering became great when the Scotch games were entered upon, and especially did the " tossing the caber " seem to appeal to the crowd. The climax, however, was reached when a tug-of-war took place between teams from the rival counties of Bruce and Huron. The crowds lost their heads in the excitement, and rushed on to the enclosed ground. Only after about a quarter of an hour could the excited partisans be induced to resume their original positions. Eventually the Huron team won, to the great disappointment of their rivals. During the afternoon we had an opportunity of hearing the band of the " Queen's Own," the Canadian regiment which visited Britain last autumn. It is said to be the finest band in Canada, and its playing was much appreciated by the large crowd. An incident of a rather exciting nature took place when a horse, harnessed to a buggy inside the ground, broke its fastenings and set off at a gallop for the gate, where the crowd was going out. It is impossible to describe the rapidity with which that crowd vanished. The horse, however, left the buggy sticking on a gatepost and went out of the grounds, causing excitement wherever it went. Incidents like these varied the monotony of watching the Highland dancing, which went on most of the afternoon. In the evening there was a great firework display, and then the crowd dispersed.

By this time it was midnight, and those who had to drive home must have had a very unpleasant journey owing to the dark roads and the automobiles. These are the great

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

bugbears of the farmers, because few horses have yet been sufficiently accustomed to them.

By the middle of August we had to think of the return journey to Scotland, and conclude what had been a very pleasant holiday.

H. R. M.

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A Surveyor's Christmas Eve in Canadian Backwoods.

S

In Camp, District of Algoma, Ontario, loth December, 191o.

It is now only two weeks till Christmas Day. At home everyone will be bustling round trying to choose suitable Christmas presents for relations and others. The store— I mean shop—windows will be full of bright calendars and confections glistening with imitation frost, and colour, and every face in Union Street will have—or ought to have—a cheery smile. One will not be able to get near the display of Christmas cards in A. & R. Milne's, or Alexander Murray's, for the crowd of eager gift-seekers, and the New Market will be decorated like fairyland, resounding with the squeaks of mechanical toys being " tried " by the passing crowds of children. It is only too easy to picture these scenes when you are a few thousand miles away from them, and in Canada alone there must be many hundreds of old Aberdonians and F.P.'s thinking about former Christmastides spent in the Granite City. It is not a new sensation for me to spend Christmas in the backwoods, and there a very " Happy" Christmas is possible to one blessed with a contented mind, but it is useless to wish one a " Merry " Christmas there.

With an extra big mail-bag of cards and letters from home, and, if the trails permit, a few parcels with something extra good to smoke, in the company of a few of the boys round the stove at night, you can spend a happy time in reminiscences of other Christmases spent elsewhere. Sitting here, I can now recall the excitement I used to feel when the magic words went round, " Dyce is bearing." and I had a new pair of skates, and can see the crowd of figures standing on the ice as I push through the wicket with the rest.

There are cries of " Hullo, Scotty! " and " How's the ice, Jim! " and in less than two minutes my " acmes" are on

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Christmas Eve in Canadian Backwoods.

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and I am chasing round 'the pond with some 1st Classical chum, or, let me whisper, teaching the outside-edge to some dear pupil of Albyn Place School. As a matter of fact, I never could do the outside-edge, but, then, every Grammar School boy, in my day, thought he could.

But that's not what I meant to talk about at all. I meant to tell you about how I spent last Christmas Eve—not that there was anything adventurously exciting about it, but it certainly was unusual. Just now, I may say, I am camped in the bush in the district of Algoma, and about 3o miles south of the C.P.R track at a point between North Bay and Fort William. We are constructing a railway from the town of Sault Ste. Marie directly north to intersect the C.P.R. and the Trans-continental Railway, and hope some day to push the line through to Hudson's Bay. The country is. very hilly and very much cut up with lakes and creeks, making the location of a good line an extremely difficult engineering task. The timber in the country is very thick, and the underbrush could be described as a continuous thicket.

Last year we were locating this line. We had been out since June—twenty of us—and had been very busy. We were living in tents, and carrying all our baggage, tents, grub, and instruments with us, with the help of Indian packers, and in the winter time with four teams of dogs.

Christmas week found us about eleven miles from the C.P.R., and no trails cut ahead. The nearest flag station was due north, and the nearest post office about 25 miles east of that.

Some of the boys wanted to go home for a day or two, buf four of us, and the cook and his cookee, decided to remain in camp. We were out of reading material, and the mail had not come in, so, with another of the homeless four, I decided to start out in the morning of the 23rd to break' a snowshoe trail for those going out. They were to start at noon. The lakes were covered with slush, making progress very slow and tiring, but we reached the C.P.R. before dark, and were overtaken on the trail by the Indians, who had started four hours behind us. After dusk the rest straggled in—a very tired party—and all sat down on the floor of the station-operator's shack and waited for the train, which, curiously, came in "on time." We all got off at M , where the post office is. This is an Indian village with a Hudson's Bay store and a tumble-down boarding-house.

We had supper, and Bob and I then saw the homewardbound party off on the " through train " for Sudbury. In spite of kind invitations to stay over next day for an Indian

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Christmas Eve dance and a Christmas tree in the church hall, we decided to pack up all the mail and magazines, and leave next day for camp. Our intention was to get off at , and go back by a a siding some fifteen miles from M road which had been used to take supplies out of a mining camp about ten miles from our tents, as the prospect of a return trip over the slushy lakes was far from inviting.

Besides our heavy mail package, I had bought a canned plum-pudding and about 6 lbs. of cranberries to make the Christmas table look something like the real thing, and as the train was very late we did not hop off at the siding till 3.3o p.m. on Christmas Eve. Each of us was carrying some 4o lbs. weight on our head-strap, besides our snowshoes, and we had not gone far before we began to see there was some difficulty about our tramp. A sleigh had recently been over the road, and the surface was too broken up for walking with shoes, and the rut too narrow to walk comfortably without them. It was ten miles to the old mining camp, and darkness caught us before we were within three miles of it. Those last three miles proved too much for Bob. He was not accustomed to the bush and was not very strong, so I saw the best thing to do was to rest often, for well I knew that it was a serious thing to get " played out " on a bush trail. Besides, we had no axe to make a fire with, and had brought no grub with us. It was freezing hard—about At last we struggled into the 15 degrees below zero.

Goudrean Mine and succeeded in breaking in the door of one of the miserable shacks. It had lately been occupied by a teamster who had been taking away the last of the mining outfit, so upon looking round I began to see that at least we were not going to freeze to death. There was an old broken-down stove and an axe, so before long we had the cabin warm. A search through the stable ended in the discovery of a water-pail and a battered lantern with an inch of coal oil in it, and on the window-sill I found two cans with about half a pound of tea and a few spoonfuls of sugar ; so, after an hour spent in splitting up boxes for firewood and a trip to a creek for some water, we shut the door on the cold and prepared to spend our Christmas Eve. I had in my pack a number of unopened parcels and packages, and I had hopes that some would contain eatables, for both Bob and I by this time were wishing for something more solid than musty tea The first parcel I opened contained a present of a pair of gloves and an F.P. muffler— " beautiful," said Bob sarcastically, " but rather indigestible."

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A suggestion to cook the plum-pudding was knocked on the head by a perusal of the " Directions for use " on the can. which proved to us that though our tomato can would easily have held the contents of the tin uncooked, it would only hold about a tenth part of it after it swelled. In Bob's package there was a parcel addressed to one of the boys who had gone home, and I started examining this parcel with interest. I shook it, and felt it, and, finally, smelt it, and whether a hungry man's sense is accentuated, or whether it was only imagination, I don't know, but I was sure I smelt turkey. Of course, we knew it was a crime—almost as bad as stealing a canoe—to open another man's mail, but we discussed the matter until we began to imagine we were starving to death. Our conversation was something like this :—" If I open it, will you explain to Jim ? " " No fear ; he'd eat my head off—you do it, you know him better than • I do." " But what if it's nothing to eat after all—what if it's something from his girl? He'd shoot me." " But I'm sure it's turkey. Heavens, you'd think I never smelt turkey before! " " I know Jim would rather we ate it than be starved. Think how it would read in the papers : ' Shocking death of two young surveyors. Starved to death with a meal within grasp.' " Bob always had a lively imagination, and I could almost see the headline in the " Free Press," so I broke the string. The parcel did contain turkey—a whole one, and cooked, and in the other end of the box was a big fruit cake, and the corners were filled up with raisins and oranges and chocolates. It took us about an hour to talk over the opening of that parcel, but we discussed the contents in about 15 minutes.

We sizzled bits of turkey on the top of the stove, and tore that old bird to pieces with our fingers in a shockingly short space of time, and by the time we had toasted "Absent friends " and " The boys in camp," in hot tea, there was one large piece of cake left and the drumsticks of the luckless bird, besides a few oranges and a heap of walnuts. We spent the evening in front of the stove, and Bob told me about his old school in Cincinnati, and I told him about tricks we used to play at the " Grammar."

It had got colder outside, and the wolves were howling quite close to the camp, but we were warm and too tired to listen, and we both slept on an old straw-tick without taking the trouble to see if it was clean or not, and I had my " F.P." muffler for a pillow. It was my idea to start for camp very early, and I got up and got the fire going at 5 a.m. Bob was feel-

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ing sick and did not want to leave, but I was afraid he might get worse, so we ate the last of the cake and started out in the dark. I had the bad luck to step off the trail, and fell into a swamp up to my thigh, so I had to keep going at a fast pace to keep warm. Bob was dragging badly after the first mile or two, but we got into camp at 9.3o, and SantaClaused the other boys, who were enjoying a long lie-in.

The company had previously sent in two large turkeys, so we had a rattling good Christmas dinner, and the canned pudding was a " huge " success, and it is just as well I did not try to boil it in the tomato tin. Bob was sick for two days, not having been accustomed to the heavy walking with a load. The next four days, until the others came back, we spent in eating, sleeping, and reading. The mailman came in a week later over the trail we had taken, and he said we had been followed by three wolves all the way to the mine. I'm glad we didn't know it at the time—but . then we might have walked a little faster.

ROBERT FLEMING (1891-8).

•

Reminiscences of China.

I was still very young when I left China, and so it is only of the more striking events of my life there that I have any distinct recollection. I hope, however, that these few reminiscences may not be wholly without interest to the reader.

Hong-Kong is a place where I have often been. We used sometimes to stay at a place called " The Peak," which is reached by a rope railway. This line is single for part of the way and then goes into double line to let the two cars pass. From the crossing place up to the summit there are three rails. One car uses the left-hand rail and the centre rail, both for going up and coming down ; the other car the centre and the right-hand one.

Once when I was staying at the Craigieburn Hotel (this is the hotel at " The Peak ") somebody was paying a bill to a Chinaman. There seemed to be a hot dispute between them, and as I was passing I heard the Chinaman say he would not have the coins because none had the head of King Edward VII. on them. A nigger used to come to this hotel and pretend he was the " bogey-man." The children at the hotel had great fun with him, both at his antics and

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at the funny stories he told us. Another source of interest to me was to go to the power-house and see how the cable railway was worked. We saw an enormous drum round which were several coils of cable, but we were never able to get farther into the power-house, and thus the drum was all I ever managed to see. On making inquiries I find that the drum was driven by a steam engine.

When we were at Hong-Kong we used to go across the bay to Kowloon by ferry-boats. These ferry-boats were of a peculiar kind: they had a propeller at each end and reversed. If you saw them coming in you would say that they came in bow first. When they left, however, they seemed to go out stern first, and continued to go to the other side in this fashion.

Ching-Kiang is another place where I have stayed, and has a lovely climate. Here there was a grass lawn where people were taught cycling by the Chinese coolies. This lawn was situated halfway up a hill. and was used generally for tennis. Below the hill was the American Consulate, and our flag was never pulled down at night till the American flag was down.

One day a Mr. Byrne came down from Shanghai. My brother at this time was quite small, and still had curls. Mr. Byrne took him on to his knee and called him a girl. My brother got angry, and began to speak to Mr. Byrne in Chinese. Mr. Byrne asked my mother if she knew what he was saying. She said she did not, and he told her my brother was using the biggest swear-words in the Chinese language. He had probably heard them when the " ainah " (Chinese nurse) and the coolie who looked after me were having an altercation.

At Swatow on one occasion there were games being held, and my brother and I were asked to go there. One event was to climb a greasy pole to get a pig in a basket at the top. The pole was of enormous height, and supported by wires. One German sailor, thinking he could get the pig without going up the pole, climbed up one of the wires. He was not very far from the top when the wire snapped, and he fell to the ground with a thud which could be heard everywhere. His face was as white as a sheet, for we could see him when he was set up against a wall quite near us. To what extent he was injured I was unable to find out, but he was, at anyrate, very severely hurt.

While we were at Swatow I was nearly drowned, an incident which still rises vividly before my eyes. At that time

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I was not very old, and my brother and our English nurse were with me. We were sitting on some concrete at the edge of a sugar-factory dam, and because the nurse was frightened that I might fall in, when playing with a stick in the water, she told us to go and play on some sand not very far away. I managed, however, to persuade her to let me stay. In the midst of my puddling in the water I overbalanced myself and fell in. I remember distinctly sinking slowly to the bottom and looking up through the water at my brother and nurse on the bank. Then I saw her jump in, and she pulled me up till my eyes were above the surface of the water. I tried to scream, but only swallowed water, and the more I tried to scream the more water I swallowed.

She managed to get me out, and hurried me home as fast as she could. There is no doubt that I should have been drowned had it not been for her, for I felt myself gradually falling into unconsciousness.

To get to this sugar-factory dam you have to cross a moor. The road that leads to this moor goes through cliffs, and just as it opens out on to the moor there is a grassy spot, with high banks, through which runs a burn, which afterwards goes under the road. It is very small and not very fast,, and we used to throw stones into it. Once when we were doing so a snake suddenly appeared. When it saw us it tried to rush over the stones, with the intention of going under the bridge and up the sides of the burn to get at us. One of the " amahs" jumped into the hole and, throwing a stone at it, broke its back. It went on for a short distance and fell into the water, where its tail kept moving for some time afterwards and finally stopped.

Swatow stands on a river, and we sometimes crossed to the other side. At the mouth of the river are two islands so close together that they are called Double Island. The big one is the important one. On one side it is very high and rocky, and the face is dotted with little white houses.

We used to go there and bathe, taking about an hour in a steam launch on the journey.

Canton was the last place in China I was in before I left. The British settlement is a small island round which you can walk in about thirty minutes. We generally had a French and a German warship there. The French warship did not stay long, but the German one remained for some time. When the German warship left there was a " big bobbely." All along the bund were strings of crackers, and at the right moment they were all fired off by the

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Chinamen. We had once an American warship, and from one of the sailors I got a flag, which I left there. This man also showed me the wonderful designs on his breast, and explained how the Japanese did it. The man to be tattooed lies on his back on the deck. The instrument used is a row of sewing needles firmly fixed together. For ordinary designs which need no shading the points are set evenly, but if shading is necessary the points are altered so as to produce either light or dark shading. The pricks are not painful, and in order to make the colours stand out better the body of the tattooed man is bathed with hot water.

The design on this sailor's breast was a sailing ship, in full rig, running before a strong breeze.

I have also been in Japan, but I do not remember much about it. I remember a railway station and the railway going over a deep gully, with high cliffs on the right towering above the train. The station of the place where we stayed had only one platform, but there was a double line.

The trains ran on the left-hand rail, and coming from the station I have mentioned you have to cross the rails to get to the platform. There was a miniature railway for taking you farther pn if necessary.

At Colombo, on the way home, I saw snake-charmers, with their reed pipe and their cobras. I saw them planting a seed in a pot, covering the pot, and then uncovering it : there was now in the pot a small palm tree. Then we went up country in a train to some place, to spend the day there.

As we were going to the hotel we saw on the left a group of Boer prisoners. At Singapore we threw coins into the water, and the boatmen dived and brought them up. At Aden they refused to do this, on account of the sharks. I saw one swallow a number of small fishes which were swiming in front of it, and then make for a boat. The boatman threw his oar at it, and it disappeared. At Port Said men came on board to sell " Turkish delight." During the remainder of the voyage home nothing of particular interest happened, and in due time we reached Britain, where I have lived ever since.

D. S. S_

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Life in the Canadian Wilds.

In the October number of the Magazine we had an article on a holiday in Canada, and there appeared also notes from a visitor and a former School-boy gone to reside there.

Canada has attracted so many from the North of Scotland of recent years that it would have been strange indeed if we had not heard of several Old Boys having gone to seek their fortune in the " Great West "—the Greater Canada which, by the construction of railways through it in the course of the last 25 years, has been brought into ever wider and wider prominence, until settlers in numbers exceeding a hundred thousand a year are making their way there.

But in the " Notes about Old Boys " in the Magazine we find an occasional name with an address something like " Great Slave Lake, North-West Territories " ; or " Fort St. John's, Peace River, Canada" ; and if we examine our map rather closely we discover that there are two or three of our School-boys away in the most distant and inaccessible parts of Canada, perhaps as many as a thousand miles from railways and from all immediate intercourse with what we understand as the civilised world. They have no telegraph, no postal service even, except once or twice a year. This is the " Wild North Land," still as it was a hundred years ago when it was first explored, left to nature and to man's pursuit of animals of the lower creation. The young men, or, rather, the " Old Boys," we speak of are employees of the Hudson's Bay Company. Some few notes of their manner of life under conditions so unlike those of their schooldays will be of interest to their schoolfellows, and others having the adventurous spirit well developed—those boys perhaps more distinguished in the playground than in the classroom —will scent in these notes something to their liking. The Hudson's Bay Company—incorporated 167o—has stations, at intervals of some two or three hundred miles, on the river courses all through the north country. You find them all round Hudson's Bay and on all the great rivers of Canada as far north as the mouth of the Great Mackenzie, on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, fifty miles within the Arctic Circle. These stations are occupied by a factor and his clerk, with, perhaps, two or three men. The situations of the stations are selected at convenient meeting-places for the different tribes of Indians to assemble at, when summer opens, to barter or trade in the skins of beaver, otter, fox, marten, and other fur-bearing animals they have hunted

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and trapped in winter when the furs were in prime condition.

At the stations all kinds of goods are stored—guns, axes, knives, blankets, clothing, but, above all, tea, sugar, and tobacco. A trading store provides a busy enough scene The during the few days while the barter is going on.

Indians are experienced traders from their side of the They begin their counter, and are keen at a bargain. training very early in life, for the merest infant will have something to sell, as will also the ancient crone of the family.

Once upon a time a string of beads may have had, indeed did have, some value in the eyes of the Indians, but the present generation rates it at no higher than five cents (or twopence halfpenny), and then has no use for it.

The North of Scotland School-boys as a rule become in a very short time expert traders, and, thanks to the grounding they get at School, soon master all the book-keeping required of them. But the duties of the clerks go a long way beyond the bare trucking or bartering. Most of their time, and especially the summer season, is devoted, each one in his appointed place, to the distributing and forwarding of the supplies to all the many stations, and, in turn, bringing out to the front the collections of furs. The transport . service of the north tests men, and, to be efficiently handled. demands of those in charge of it qualities of a high order of initiative and resource. They need to have some courage, too—courage to take risks and to insist on directions being followed. All kinds of difficulties and delays—sometimes, too, disasters—are met with. They have to be overcome one way or another. For the transport on two or three of the greater rivers like the Peace and the Mackenzie, river steamers, built away in these outlandish parts with infinite pains, are held in commission by the Company. On many waterways of less volume large flat boats, towed up stream or drifted down, have appeared to best meet the conditions.

On yet smaller streams, interrupted by rapids and falls, fleets of great canoes, each carrying some 3,000 lbs. only, are still found to be the only feasible means of transport.

And on the Pacific Slope, where the rivers run as roaring cataracts in their short progress to the sea, overland trails lead through the mountain passes of the Rockies, and packtrains of horses or mules, each animal with a backload of some zoo lbs., carry the rather meagre supplies for the stations in that region. So it is to be seen that during the short summer season, when the rivers are running free, supplies are in motion throughout the whole extent of the fur country, all under the direction of the Hudson's Bay officials.

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Boats get wrecked, canoes upset, a horse falls over a precipice. You have neither boats nor canoes nor horses to spare, and the precious cargo cannot be replaced until the next season. And yet you get somehow to a solution of the problem set you.

It is the infinite variety of work which this great transport service into the distant interior entails which appeals to many and keeps their interest alive. There may be large gangs of men to control. One has to learn to take an intelligent interest or take part in the building and repairing of boats, from cutting down trees in the forest, through all the stages of sawing, planing, and moulding, until the finished craft is launched. A new station may have to be established, and so practice is obtained in house designing and building. The first beginnings of a station are modest enough—the erection of the log hut demands but little skill.

A new or better route for travel may have to be investigated, raising the work almost to the level of exploration. There is some amateur farming at stations where the climatic conditions admit and where horses are kept for the transport.

The barter really comes to be no more than the keystone which completes the arch—essential, but of itself a small part of the structure. The winter season finds the clerk busy again in more intimate relationship with the barter.

There may be a visit to pay to an Indian camp a hundred or more miles away—some trade or some supplies wanted ; or in the less remote parts traders from the frontier may be seeking to get amongst the hunters, and their movements have to be watched. For such purposes, and for carrying the mails between the posts, numbers of sleigh dogs are kept at every station—dogs of every breed, from the handsome Esquimaux dog, half-brother to the wolf, to the veriest mongrel. You read much just now, in the books and lectures of polar explorers, about dogs and dog sleighs. Dogdriving sometimes is a delight, as exhilarating as the tobogganing you see on the Stocket Road when the snow is on the ground. At other times, when you are on the up grade, or when the snow lies deep and soft, and many weary miles are between you and shelter, you can come to feel utterly exhausted, and to wish you were dead. Your dogs, so frisky earlier in the day, with crests erect and tails in air, and straining at their traces, have become most dejectedlooking curs, and so perverse and stupid that a saint would swear at them. Yet, the journey once over, you have an exploit to relate to your colleagues, and to cap some other

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fellow's story with. Back to a fireside and a bed, you appreciate to the full " nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep."

But it is not all work in the wilds. No boy is many days in the country without possessing a gun. Some soon come to have quite an armoury of tools, and at many points great shooting is to be got. Much of it is of the pot-boiling order, but this suits all parties concerned. The boy has the sport and the factor and those dependent on him have the comfort and satisfaction of seeing the provision store kept well plenished—a matter of very prime necessity. At the change of seasons, spring and autumn, wild geese and duck and plover migrate north and south in great numbers. A very big bag is sometimes secured, enough to fill a boat.

In some parts of the country the American reindeer or cariboo forms a principal source of the food supply, all brought down by the rifle. In the winter, again, tracking ptarmigan in the snow will any day lead up to a shot. The instinct to kill, which foreigners say all Britishers possess, need never suffer long from want in the north at any season of the year. As for bigger game, every Hudson's Bay man has a bear story to tell with at least a modicum of truth in it.

Clerks are from time to time transferred from one district to another, and in the course of years the desire for travel, which draws so many to the life, becomes fully satisfied. In the earlier days this love of travel brought to several Hudson's Bay men an enduring fame. Much of the Arctic coast of the American continent has been charted by them, and many of the waterways of Canada.

In the long winter evenings in these silent places men soon come to cultivate a love of books, or the world is not going well with them. Works of travel and discovery are first favourites, as we might naturally expect. Few private libraries perhaps are so complete in the geographical section as those of one or two of the principal Hudson's Bay posts, and there are many Hudson's Bay men who have read and are intimately familiar with every classic work of travel.

Some have made nature studies to good purpose, sending valued contributions on natural history and botany to different learned societies and collections of specimens to museums. Then, the Hudson's Bay man has his public duties, too, which he can by no subterfuge escape or saddle others with. He has frequently to rely on his own resources as medicine man for the whole community about him, and in seasons of dearth may become a Distress Committee all in his own person. Epidemics of sickness and periods of

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famine or scarcity of food are subjects which one prefers not to dwell upon. The missionaries of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, who are stationed at the larger centres, co-operate with the Hudson's Bay people, and can devote more time to the work of educating and improving the social and material wellbeing of the natives, and of caring for them in sickness or distress. There is meant to be a cordial feeling between the mis4ionaries and the Company's people. They are socially - bound together and mutually helpful. My notes are getting to take up too much space, else I would wish to acknowledge here more generously all the missionaries have done for the Indian, and to say more about their work and about the Indians.

Some people one meets seem to think that the life in the north is one of idleness—that we know no better how to pass the winter than the bears, and simply hibernate more or less after the manner of the bears. We rather resent this view of our mode of life, and these remarks of mine may have some small effect in dispelling it.

In its long history many a fine fellow from the North of Scotland has given his life to the Hudson's Bay Company, and not a few have come from the Aberdeen Grammar School. A President of the Former Pupils' Club—Lord Strathcona—is the most distinguished of them all.

Taking a glance forward, as all the world knows, recent years have seen ,great changes in Western Canada Lord Strathcona, with that clear vision into the future which is given to but the favoured few of their generation, promoted, in conjunction with his friends, the Canadian Pacific Railway. This great work across Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific was completed in 1885, and ever since then railways, and the colonists in their wake, have encroached more and more on the hunters' grounds. How far this may go on, and what extent of country in Canada is to be considered ultimately as unsuitable for settlement, it is not my purpose at present to discuss.

There is a vast territory, a great extent of it lying in the sub-arctics. The Hudson's Bay Company in these later days carries on an extensive and ever-expanding trade with the settlers in the west and in the busy towns there which but a few years ago were no more than Indian trading stations. Many lads emigrating from Scotland gain an entrance to the service at these places, but for the more adventurous spirits there will remain for many years to come the happy hunting ground I have attempted to tell you M. something about.

Our Letter-Box.

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Our Letter= Box. . A Letter from Toronto.

The Secretary of the F.P. Club has received the following letter from Leonard J. Smith (1890-1902), who went out to Canada last year, and who is at present in Toronto with the Canadian Bank of Commerce Architects. Writing on 25th Nov., he says :— " I am enclosing my School Club subscription, along with that of my uncle. He is an Old Boy, and has been tremendously interested in the Magazine and all I had to tell James Brown, Bank of Montreal, him of ' the old place.'

Toronto,' is his address. " The last Magazine was just ripping ! I fairly devoured it, for there was such a bunch of news about my old classmates in particular. You've certainly got the Club humming, and no mistake; what with all the new sections, there's simply no stopping it. " One can't get away from the School. I spent a whole afternoon with Giles and a friend away back in August.

He took me out to their shooting ranges, where we all simply plastered bulls every time! That day. I remember, was fairly a broiler, and between two of the rangings we slipped down to the lake—Lake Ontario—and had a glorious dip. " Then I had Will Wallace with me for a whole weekend. I did get a surprise when he turned up in Canada, for I had no idea he was trekking. We had a good ' yarning' time, and on the Saturday afternoon went to see a big A rugger game—Toronto 'Varsity v. M'Gill, Montreal. wretched disappointment we had, however, for the game out here is absolutely different from our,old-country game— much more of a `go for the man, not the ball' tussle. The field is placed quite differently, the scoring put us at sea, and someone was carried off every five minutes. The enthusiasm .of the 'Varsity supporters was immense, and Will and I had great fun listening to all the racket. And what a racket! Officials, armed with speaking trumpets and flags to wave time with, danced about in front of the packed grand-stands, encouraging pandemonium. " The ' laying out ' of the men was what tickled us most of all. Down went a man—they certainly do ` down' their men—and from all directions came doctors, carrying huge instrument-bags, and trainers armed with pails of water and towels galore !

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

" Of course, an old-country man is prejudiced in favour of the old game, but, apart from any prejudice, I don't think there is any comparison between' the two games. There is a great lack of open play and far too much of the ' battering-ram' element out here. Times may change! " I'm taking to Canada, and like my work. I'm with the Canadian Bank of Commerce Architects, and, of course, all our work is in connection with 'banks—mostly going up out West—with a banker's residence occasionally thrown in. I'll be in this job all winter, at anyrate, so shan't have to go on as a farm-hand yet! " I'm looking forward to the winter, which will be on us very soon now, and skating, you bet! I had a letter from Charlie Walker in Alberta just yesterday, saying winter had already set in out West, with snow lying deep and all the lakes frozen up. " I also had a letter from Doug Jamieson in Vancouver, where he seems to be enjoying life Ai. He said he had just been to see a rugger match—an old-country game, I guess—in which Coggie Wilson scored several times ! I'm simply roaming now, and it's after the midnight hour. " A right merry Christmas and the best of New Years."

An I87o-74 Boy "Dug out."

George Falconer King (1870-74), who is assistant editor of the " Western Daily Press," Bristol, was recently written to by the Secretary of the Former Pupils' Club, and he sent the following very pleasing reply :— Bon-Accord, Burlington Road, Redland, Bristol, 23rd Nov., 1910.

Dear Sir,-I was more than delighted to receive your communication regarding the Former Pupils' Club in connection with the Aberdeen Grammar School, of which I have the distinction to be an ' O.B.' I never knew until your letter and enclosures reached me that such an organisation was in existence, which is all the more remarkable because for ten years past I have annually visited the ' Silver City' on my holiday, on the prorogation of Parliament.

However, now that, thanks to your wonderful system of indexing, I have become aware of the existence of the Club, I most cordially agree to become a member of it. I enclose you my subscription for an ordinary membership, and I seriously contemplate a plunge into a life membership.

Ignorant as I was of the existence of an ' O.B.s" Club, I •

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have often contemplated the expediency of writing to the Aberdeen papers to suggest an organisation of the kind, which is always an enormous force in the maintenance of the esprit de corps, so to speak. With the greatest possible interest I have read the contents of your—shall I say our— Magazine (including the advertisements), and I have been extremely interested therein, because I discovered many old names which recalled the happy days. The Rector in my time was Mr. Martin, Mr. Still was my Classical master, Mr. Willox taught the history, Dr. Murison English and composition, and Mr. Samuel Pope writing, though I much fear my ' editorial' hand now does but scant justice to his most unremitting care and attention. It is really very charming to be able to go back on these good days, and I am sincerely obliged to you for having ' dug me out.'

In my Grammar School days we had no 'colours.'

Would you kindly tell me where I can obtain these?

I should be very much obliged if you would do that. Have we a motto, ' Floreat '—something or other (Skene Street) ?

You will note by the address above that I still endeavour to keep the heraldic motto of Aberdeen in the forefront. ' Bon-Accord ' is emblazoned on my outer walls ; and some of the Clifton people come around, scratch their ' pows,' and wonder what it means.

I will send you a copy of my recently published song, ' The Silver City,' and you may judge from that precisely what I think of the grey old city and all its splendid associations.

With renewed thanks for having ' dug me out,' etc.

GEORGE FALCONER KING. From the First Bursar of 1865.

John Cook (1864-65), until recently Principal of the Central Government College, Bangalore, India, when sending his first subscription for membership of the Former Pupils' Club, wrote from 3o Hermitage Gardens, Morningside, Edinburgh :— " Though I have been in India for 31 years (1877-1908), and have lost touch with the School, I have very favourable recollections of my attendance in the Rector's class there (under the Rev. Dr. Barrack) for the latter half of 1864 and 1865 till the opening of the University. I think you will find my name on the walls of the School Hall as having gained the First Bursary at the University in 1865.

A

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number of years ago I sent the Rector (Mr. Morland Simpson) a subscription for the Byron Memorial, on the understanding that it would take the form of a statue in the School grounds, but I do not know that this has yet become un fait accompli, though I think I have noted in the papers that it is likely to take shape soon. One would not have imagined that there would be such difficulty in collecting enough for such a laudable object, seeing that the handsome building is one of which any city might be proud, and that so many of its former pupils have risen to high positions. Some three or four of my classmates have gained knighthoods—Sir James Reid, M.D. ; Sir James Thomson, Sir Geo. S. Forbes, and Sir Wm. Japp Sinclair, M.D. There may be others, if one could have the Registers of the Rector's class for 1864 and 1865. Probably you have all of these on your list of former pupils."

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From Singapore.

Arthur C. Smith, a member of last year's Executive of the Former Pupils' Club, who went out to Singapore last summer to a post with Messrs. Guthrie & Co., Ltd., in the course of a recent letter to the Secretary, says :— " I have now been here about four months, and must say I have formed very favourable opinions of this place. The conditions of work are very different from what they are at home, as the bulk of the routine office work is done

by Chinese, and the Europeans are more in the positions of managers. " The life here is very much dependent on the weather, but, on the whole„ it is much the same as at home—I mean in regard to outdoor life. We have all kinds of sport— cricket, tennis, football (both kinds), hockey, rowing, etc. " I am looking forward to the Scotch Ball which is being held here next Wednesday, when I will be on the outlook for any old Grammar boys who are not at present members of the F.P. Club. " We had another F.P. added to our staff here a few weeks ago in A. R. Home, who, I am glad to say, is liking this place very much."

In a postscript, Smith adds :—" I am afraid rubber will never be again what it has been, and nearly everyone out here swears that he will never buy another rubber share as long as he lives."

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From an 1865-7o Toronto Banker.

Toronto, Ont., 24th Nov., 1910.

Dear Sir,-I am in receipt of the Magazine dated October, 1910, and I am looking forward to receiving Sheet X giving a list of the scholars from 1865-70, as this is the period I am chiefly interested in.

Your last Magazine I have read from cover to cover, and I congratulate the new Editor on his efforts to make the edition an interesting one.

Only two names are mentioned for the period 1865-70, but I am unable to remember either of them. There were at the School at that time, as far as I can remember, about 25o scholars, and out of that number I only know the whereabouts of about a dozen, and it is pleasing to note they are prospering. I am looking forward to receiving Sheet X, so that I can trace others and learn of their success ; some of them I remember well.

Tom Scott, now one of the principal men in the Presbyterian Church in India, was a good all-round sport, and Arthur could fight and wrestle with the best of them.

Frater, now Presbyterian minister in Holland, was another who could hold up his end. Dumply Tytler was a famous runner, and gave me the most interesting afternoon of my career at the School. Tom Scott I have heard from, and expect to see him when he retires and goes back to Scotland.

When visiting the Buffalo Exhibition in 1901, passing through a building where there were a number of addresses recorded from all parts of the world wishing success to the Exhibition, I was agreeably surprised to see Arthur Frater's signature on one sent by the Church in Holland. Arthur's signature, once seen, can never be forgotten. His nephew J. Frater Taylor (another Grammar School boy) is now in Toronto, occupying a responsible position with the Lake Superior Corporation.

When playing golf over the Dixie Links in Montreal last summer with Mr. J. Elmsly (another 1866-71 man), he introduced me to Dumply Tytler's brother, now living in Montreal.

I could write pages about others, but have not the sheet to refresh my memory.

Our class (1865) was a very strong one, numerically and physically; our master. Rev. J. W. Legge, was a man amongst men, and could control the class by his personal magnetism when other masters of more robust frames utterly failed.

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By the way, I knew " Legge's" son when he lived in Toronto two years ago, and saw him win the golf championship of Canada.

There are quite a number of " School " men in Toronto, and your suggestion to hold an annual meeting is a good one which may be taken up shortly ; if it does, an account of the meeting will be sent to you for publication.

The article, " A Holiday in Canada," in the last Magazine, is interesting, and shows that the traveller had his eyes open, but he exaggerates somewhat when he states that the inhabitants have thinner blood than the people in the old country. From a medical standpoint the colour of the lips is undoubtedly an indication of the health of the patient, but it is hardly likely that this feature would be noticeable in a large and very mixed population. See the young Canadian in action, either on the football field or on hockey skates, and you will see a man full of blood, brains, and energy. It is true that the young man from the old country, new to our climate, goes about during the coldest weather without an overcoat, claiming thicker blood, but by and by he finds he is cold and odd-looking, so he very soon concludes (if he is lucky in the meantime to escape frostbites and pneumonia) that it would be better and more comfortable to follow the custom of the country. On the other hand, the only way to keep reasonably cool during the hot spell is to get up and do something—play golf, tennis, cricket, or row—in fact, anything to open the pores of the skin: sitting about drinking cool mixtures only makes matters worse.

I hope you will continue to gain new subscribers for the Magazine, and that it will always be as interesting as the last number.

Yours faithfully, R. INGLIS.

A Brief Description of Penang.

9;

A Brief Description of Penang by a Native now at the School.

The name Pulau Pinang is derived from two Malay words—" Pulau," an island, and " Pinang," areca or betel nut, and was given to this island because of the large number of pinang palms which grow all over it. It is a British possession. The official name, which was bestowed on it

by Captain Francis Light in 1786, is Prince of Wales Island, but it is seldom called by that name.

Penang is not a large island, being only 15 miles long and 9 miles broad, but it is densely peopled and is exceptionally well situated for trade, lying as it does within two or three miles of the coast of the Malay Peninsula and on the route of the large steamers trading between Europe and the Far East.

Georgetown, the capital of Penang, is a curious jumble of streets, lanes, and buildings, which gives it a very oldfashioned appearance. The tourist is not favourably impressed when he enters the harbour, as the silt which prevents steamers from getting alongside emits a very unpleasant odour. The town, however, can boast of some handsome Government buildings, such as the Municipal Office, the Supreme Court, the "Post and Telegraph" Office, the hospitals, etc.

Georgetown has a very mixed population. There are many Europeans, but from the number of Chinese in it the town has every appearance of a Chinese town. Besides these, there are Malays, Tamils, Hindoos, and Mohammedans.

Penang is governed by a Resident Councillor, a subordinate of the Governor of the Straits Settlements, His There are Excellency Sir John Anderson, G.C.M.G. many schools on the island, most of them elementary. The principal secondary schools for boys are Saint Xavier's Institution, Penang Free School, and the Anglo-Chinese School, while for girls there are the Convent and the Of the boys' schools, Saint Government Girls' School.

Xavier's Institution has 1,200 pupils or more, and is the largest school in Penang. It is a boarding school as well as a day school, and is under the management of the Brotherhood of St. John Baptist, a Roman Catholic Fraternity.

Of the ioo or more boarders in school about a fourth are orphans or poor boys kept by the brothers. These brothers

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are teachers of Saint Xavier's Institution. Bro. James was the director, but has lately been appointed Bro. Visitor (Bro. Visitor is so called because he travels and visits all the brother schools of different places) of the surrounding countries, and his directorship is now filled by Rev. Bro. Marcian.

The trade of Penang suffered seriously at the time of the tin slump, many of the business men becoming bankrupt. It, however, still exports cocoa-nuts, nutmegs, tropical fruits, and spices.

The climate of Penang is almost perfect. There is no winter, no spring, and no autumn—it is always summer, with only occasional heavy showers of rain. The temperature varies little throughout the year—the lowest is about 8o degrees, and the highest from 85 degrees to go degrees.

C. T. H.

Judicial Night.

[An ancient manuscript was recently unearthed in Asia Minor.

The following translation, by our Classical Editor, gives valuable insight into the law courts of the period.]

Lo, on the sixth day of the week, even on the second day of the last month of the year, was held the festival of Judicial Night. Verily, a large concourse was met together.

And presently, after the seventh hour had struck, there entered one, Robson, with flowing robes, bearing a stern frown on his noble brow and a long pointer in his right hand.

And with a loud voice the usher cried, Give ye ear, and hear my voice. And straightway a great silence came over the multitude.

Now, there assembled the chief priests and the elders of the people, yea, twelve good men and true. And lo, into the vast throng entered Hyslop, the high priest, who sat upon the judgment seat. And straightway was led in between two soldiers one, Soapy Shampoo Haircrop, a barbarous malefactor, who was accused of having put to death a rich Jew called Joseph Goldstein.

Now, when the malefactor was accused of the chief priests, he answered nothing. Whereupon one of the chief priests stood up and spoke unto the multitude. And about the eighth hour there came into the hall one scribe, Jacques Trousere Wardrobeon, manservant to the persecuted Jew. But when he opened his mouth he spake in a strange tongue unknown to the multitude. Nevertheless the high priest, the chief priests, and the elders had understanding.

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And presently after entered another witness, a spy, Detective-Inspector Elmorius Neval Crippenitis Dew, who testified how he had traced the murderer by the goodly proportions of his feet.

Thereafter entered a watchman who guarded the city, Police-Constable Beetlesquash, who had seized the malefactor and brought him to the court of judgment. Likewise he witnessed to the guilt of the prisoner, how he had stabbed the Jew and departed with his treasures.

And after that the last witness for the prosecution had been summoned, Jane Cobwel? Muckledust, maidservant to the dead man, thereafter were called witnesses for the defence—Susannah Marguerita Soapy Shampoo Haircrop, who was the wife of the accused ; and one, Razor Shaver Cutthroat, a shopboy; and Christian Era Savemesoul, a Pharisee ; and one, Bloodbones Cuttemup, who healed the sick and the dying. And all of these gave testimony of the righteousness of the accused.

Behold, at the tenth hour there stood up Rose, one of the chief priests, and addressed the people. And likewise stood up and spake Boyd. and he defended the accused.

And after that he had finished speaking, the high priest rose and opened his mouth. Whereupon the elders counselled together concerning the guilt of the malefactor. And forthwith, when they had taken counsel one with another in the temple, the chief elder, one Milne, answered and said : Truly the malefactor is guilty. And straightway rose the high priest and ordered the evildoer to be hanged, or to kiss thrice a certain scribe in countenance surpassing beautiful.

The Museum.

Recent additions :—Stuffed birds from Mrs. Beveridge— Blackbird, redstart, whitethroat, golden-crested wren, wren, tree-creeper, grey wagtail, siskin, brambling, house-sparrow, linnet, linnet (a freak specimen with white breast, neck, and sides), redpoll. corn bunting, snow bunting, yellow-hammer, skylark, common sandpiper, jack snipe, common snipe.

Eggs from Mr. R. H. Fenton—Eight guillemots, 1-9 wigeon, 1-2 great northern diver, 1-4 red-necked phalarope.

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Lower School Section.

Notes.

May the Lower School, teachers and pupils, enjoy a most prosperous and successful New Year.

Almost a month has passed since the Christmas holidays, and the session's work is now in full swing. All returned to School reinvigorated and prepared for another spell of hard work. The Lower School, doubtless, enjoyed the holidays no less than did their seniors, particularly the days on which the snow made sledging possible. The attendance on the first week was unusually good, which is perhaps explained by the fact that the School did not reopen until the second week of the year, and the more voracious pupils had time to recover from the after-effects of Christmas parties.

The Lower School is at present in a more flourishing condition than it has been for many years past. During the last few years the number of pupils enrolled at the commencement of the School year has shown a remarkable increase ; parents who are sending their children to school for the first time are learning the wisdom of sending them direct to the Grammar School. Soon there will be no vacancies higher up.

In consequence of this the majority of the classes are now full, and the staff of teachers has been augmented to cope with the increase in the number of pupils. The accommodation of the classrooms is being taxed to the utmost, and several are already somewhat crowded. Several new classrooms are required, and if these are not added it is probable that many will have to be refused admission at the opening of next session. It is not many years since the Lower School was considerably enlarged, and surely the fact that the new classrooms are already more than filled warrants a further extension of that part of the School which feeds the Upper School, and whose prosperity is no unimportant factor in the success of the School as a whole.

Since last summer two additional teachers have joined the staff of the Lower School : Miss Reid, who came to the School in August last, and Miss Sutherland, who commenced her duties a month later. Our welcome to these two ladies is most hearty and sincere.

Miss Reid received her initial training as a teacher in Woodside School, Aberdeen, where she was for four years

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a pupil teacher. She entered the Church of Scotland Training College as First Bursar, and was third for Scotland at After a the King's Scholarship Examination in 1900. course of exceptional brilliance she returned as a teacher to Woodside School, where she continued until last summer, when she left to take up her duties at the " Grammar." In the short time that she has been here, Miss Reid has gained the reputation of an enthusiastic and popular teacher.

Miss Sutherland, who has been assisting Miss Adam in the Infant Department since September, was born in Invergordon, educated at the school there, and afterwards at the High School for Girls, Aberdeen. She then spent a year as English governess in Thuringen, Germany. On returning she qualified as a teacher in the Aberdeen Church of Scotland Training College, and afterwards taught for over two years in Lundie Public School. By all accounts Miss Sutherland is proving herself a capable teacher, and is gaining the goodwill of every one of her pupils.

The Lower School playground is apparently all too small to provide sufficient room for the vast hordes of small boys. Members of the Lower School are becoming most enthusiastic devotees of " soccer." The open space before the Gymnasium is wholly occupied by their play, in which they engage daily with such unflagging earnestness that a proposal is being entertained to petition the Rector to supply a new ball. As they use a rubber ball of special make, costing the enormous sum of twopence, the matter will doubtless be referred to the Games Committee.

The recent Quarterly Examinations in the School have not failed to produce the usual crop of " howlers." The following two, we think, are worthy of publication ; they are culled from a history examination held a short time ago in one of the junior classes of the School :— " Ruddeyand Green is the place where the great fire was in London." " Rullion Green is the place where a great many of the Scottish people got married."

As our readers will have seen, we have published in this number a contribution from a member of the Lower School.

Although pressure on space compels us to publish only those which display particular merit, we shall always be delighted to receive any such contributions from youthful aspirants to literary fame.

In our next number we hope to make these notes fuller

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and more interesting, as by that time we shall have more matter in hand than it was possible to collect for this issue.

A Holiday Trip in China.

The trip which I am going to describe took place several years ago, when I was in China, where I lived until I was seven years old.

As my father was on holiday, we went up the River Min, in Foochow, in a house-boat. I shall first tell you what a house-boat is like. It is a boat with two masts, between which is a covered saloon, divided into two or three apartments. At the end of the saloon is a space covered with straw matting, where the food is cooked. The servants sleep in this part of the boat. On the main-deck is a small trap-door which leads to the hold of the boat, where we kept The boat is rowed' by ten or more a number of dogs. coolies, according to its size.

During our trip the coolies usually rowed all night, and stopped at some likely spot for shooting. My father, a few coolies, and I then took four or five dogs, leaving the rest, for the afternoon's shooting. Taking a small-boat, we rowed to land, and let loose the dogs to raise whatever game they could find. We usually shot two or three partridges and sometimes a pheasant, but wild pigeons and wild ducks were most common. My father sometimes shot in the afternoon, although we usually went for a walk then.

Occasionally we found pea-nuts, which, however, were too sour to eat until they had been boiled.

On our trip we had to pass under a big bridge called the Foochow Bridge. It took a great deal of trouble to get through it. The masts had to be taken down, and a fender put at the side in case of the boat bumping. Coolies also had to stand at the side of the boat with their hands on the pillars of the bridge to keep the boat steady. By taking these precautions we reached the other side of the bridge safely.

When this bridge was first built a living baby girl was placed under each pillar as a sacrifice to the Chinese gods.

The bridge was washed away, and so the Chinese thought the gods were angry, as girls are usually despised in China.

Next time, therefore, they built the bridge on baby boys, and that bridge stands there still.

After passing the bridge our trip lasted ohly a few days, and we then returned to Foochow, after a very pleasant holiday.

T. GORDON RENNIE (Lower IV.).

Criticism of the School XV. •

The season was commenced with eleven of last year's XV., the majority of whom were forwards. In general it might be said that their play behind the scrum is slightly better than last year, but does not approach that of two seasons ago, and that it is more even all round this year, although there is no back up to the standard of last year's captain. The forwards, on the other hand, have been very disappointing, whereas they should have been the best pack the School has had for many a year, as they possess both weight and speed. They have certainly played, if not correct football, good lusty football, but they are very deficient in low tackling, in keeping the ball at their feet whilst dribbling, in packing tight in the scrum, and in pushing at the same time together. The team ought to have reached a high standard of excellence, but has not, owing to the slackness, in particular, of three of the members. Slackness in the playground is as inexcusable as in work, and two of these men ought to be the finest forwards that have gone from the School for many a year, and might attain the highest honours, but—will they try?

At full back, Benton has played one or two brilliant games ; his kicking and tackling are distinctly good, but on occasion he might with advantage run a little farther before kicking to touch.

Macleod is None of the three-quarters are brilliant. equally sound in defence and in attack—the safest threequarter of the team. Mackintosh is good in attack, and breaks through cleverly, but, after drawing the defence, forgets about the wing man, and the opportunity is lost ; his

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defence is weak, both as regards tackling—he should not wait for his man, but go for him—and stopping forward rushes. Carroll, the fastest wing the School has had for a long time, has often been starved, whereas he ought to have scored three or four times in most matches had he been judiciously fed, as he possesses a good knowledge of the game ; his tackling is too high, and he is inclined to try to stop a forward rush with his feet instead of always with his hands. Anderson is rather inclined to get offside, and wait for his own men to come up, but has improved from last year, and will improve more yet. None of the threequarters back one another up sufficiently. none of them get off quickly enough—all through the game they should be standing in the same position as at the start of a race— and none of them pass quickly enough.

At half, Stewart has improved immensely; he has a very good knowledge of attack, and does not overdo it. but will improve still further if he gets more quickly up to the scrum when his opponents get the ball. Elmslie, at scrum half, is good in getting the ball away, weak in throwing out of touch -he should use both hands—and should always see that the forwards pack tightly and push all together as he is putting the ball into the scrum.

Of the forwards, Macrae has worked very hard, but does not instruct his men sufficiently ; he should not always be in the front row of the scrum, but often in the back, seeing that they are playing properly. Leith and Anderson are the mainstay of the front division, and very honest workers they are. Mackenzie and Spark, jun., ought to have been the best forwards by a long way had they cared to play in every game in the same way as they did against Heriot's.

Spark, sen., is also slack at times. Durno is a conscientious worker, and will be a sound player. Pigge is very keen, but keenness does not make a forward, and he should learn the rules, when he certainly would be of some use in the team, whereas at present he generally spoils the forwards. The forwards are weak at gathering round the ball and behind it, and in standing far too close in at touch whilst attacking.

Reports of Matches.

22nd October.—The School played the 2nd Grammar F.P.'s in miserable weather. The day had been very showery, and the ground was soaked. It was, in fact, raining when the start was made. The rain was disconcerting at first, but, once wet, the players seemed to enjoy it. The 2nd F.P. team contained only one member of last year's team, which was such a formidable rival

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to the School's title of Junior Champions. This year we won a comparatively easy victory. In the first half School played up, and were in the enemy's territory most of the time. They were soon awarded a try, which was well converted by W. Anderson.

The F.P.'s made some dangerous rushes, and School had once or twice to touch down, but they soon cleared and continued to press.

G. R. W. Stewart at length ran through the F.P.s' defence and scored a good try. In the second half the 2nds played up and kept the game about the middle for some time. Once there was a combination which looked dangerous, but it fizzled out with a tackle. Towards the end School pressed again, and Mackintosh got over with the ball. The try was not converted, and so the game ended 11 points to nil.

29th October, v. 1st Gordon's F.P.'s.—The full team turned out for the first, time, and gave a very good account of themselves.

The ground was in excellent condition, with just the necessary softness to afford a good hold. Macrae lost the toss, and School consequently had to play down. The two teams were soon at it " hammer and tongs." Presently Mr. Milne, referee, awarded the School a free kick for off-side, after giving due warnings. Macleod dropped a beautiful goal, and so opened the scoring. School continued to press, and were shortly awarded another penalty, which was again put over by Macleod. The F.P.s' forwards were at this time doing better than ours, but their backs did not make much of their chances. At length one of our " threes " got over on the right wing with an unconverted try. The next try was scored by Mackintosh from a long throw-out by Stewart just on the F.P.s' line. It was soon followed by a rush, headed by Macrae, who succeeded in touching down. Nei:her of these was converted. The F.P.'s now woke up and carried the game to our " twenty-five."

Here there was some hot work round the ball, and eventually one of their forwards scored. The score at half - time was 15-5. Though playing-up in the second half, School did much better, and increased the score considerably. The opening try was from a followup from midfield. It was unique, inasmuch at it was the only one out of which we got the 5 points. Macrae, Leith, and Mackenzie worked like Trojans, and, under their leadership, the forwards penned the F.P.'s in their own half. Macleod put over another free kick. The F.P.'s also had two, but made nothing of them. School scored again twice, one a try between the posts and the other the surprise kick of the match. D. Anderson got possession about thirty or forty yards down the field, and dropped a very neat goal. This crowned the enthusiasm of the eager crowd of youngsters, among whom were no doubt some of a future " first fifteen." The score was thus brought to 33 points to 5. After the match Mr. Milne gave the team a few helpful criticisms, especially about the place kicking and the laziness of some of the forwards.

On 5th November the team journeyed to Montrose to play the Academy. For the team to go out of Aberdeen is altogether a new feature of the Rugby season. The innovation was highly appreciated by the members, and it id to be hoped that this featurewill be continued " in perpetuum," and that there will be many On this keen contests between the Academy and the School. occasion School had a telling advantage over their opponents, who,

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unfortunately, are the only team in Montrose, and so, apart from practices, had no experience of matches. This told in the scrum and among the backs. The game commenced before a large turnout of " Academicians " and others, all of whom evinced great interest in the game. Play soon settled down in the Academy's " twenty-five." Most of the play was on the left wing, where Anderson and Macleod made repeated attempts to get over, and the latter at last succeeded, but did not convert his try. Some of the School backs were taking matters a little too easily ; the forwards, however, did not get the chance to do so in the loose work, for the Academy forwards proved themselves quite a " hot lot," though they could not work the ball in the scrum. A second try was added, and again not converted. Neither now nor at any other time throughout the game did our opponents deem themselves a beaten side, and they played with great vigour. Their forwards broke away at times in the loose, and a try resulted from one of these rushes, which was converted. In the second half the School backs combined well, and further tries were added, two of which were converted by Mackenzie. At the close of the game the score stood at 28 points (2 goals 6 tries) to 5 points. Afterwards the School team were hospitably entertained at a hotel. Macleod voiced the thanks of the team, and the reply of the Academy captain was short but expressive : " They had had a dashed good game." The members of the team found they had plenty of time to spare before returning to Aberdeen. Though darkness came on quickly, still they had opportunity to admire the beauties of the delightful town of Montrose.

2nd Queen's Cross v. School.—These two teams met for the second time this season on 19th November. On the first occasion School were not able to put up anything like a full team, and, in consequence, suffered defeat, though by a narrow margin. Shortly after, however, it was given out that none of the matches that had been played were to be counted in the League. This time our opponents were as anxious to repeat their performance as we were to turn the tables. Snow had fallen over night, and the ground did not look favourable to a good game, but the snow afforded an excellent footing to the players. School played up in the first half. The first quarter of an hour or so was an anxious time for all, players and spectators ; but it was seen that School were holding their own well. Then came some rushes on the left wing, and Stewart more than once nearly got over. At this stage, Fyvie, the able captain of the Queen's, was hurt, and had to leave the field. But the School kept up the attack, and from a scrum in the left corner Elmslie lost a good opportunity by sticking to the ball too much ; otherwise he played a good game.

Stewart then opened the score by neatly hoodwinking his opponents round the scrum. No more scoring was recorded in the first half. Opening the second half with greater confidence, School confined play to the Queen's "twenty-five."

At anyrate, they never got a "twenty-five" against us the whole match.

The next score was not long in coming.

W. Anderson dribbled the ball across the line, but though it was touched down, another got the try. Elmslie and Pigge nearly got over also. The latter made a dash for the line, and reached it, too, but there he was quite smothered by three or four Queen's players. The third try was by Spark, who just

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rushed in in the nick of time after Elmslie had kicked but could not follow up. All the tries were converted, a marked improvement upon last Saturday. Score-15 points (3 goals) to nil.

The first meeting between 2nd 'Shire and School took placeon 26th November. The game throughout was very fast and hard, the forwards on both sides working very strenuously. In the first half the School forwards were not at all up to the mark. They kicked the ball forward in the scrum, and thus gave it to their opponents. In the latter part of the game they improved greatly.

Playing down in the first half, School were soon pressing, but the ball was not coming out at the right side of the scrum. Eventually it did, and was worked along the line to D. Anderson, who crossed over with it. Macleod soon claimed a mark, and put over an excellent kick. Another try by W. Anderson came from a smart throw-out and quick passing. Play was evenly shared till half-time. 'Shire started with a rush. They were over once, but the ball was kicked out of bounds in time. They were not to be denied, however, and ,the try came at last, but was not converted. After this, School regained the upper hand, and, with the forwards scrumming well, threatened to increase the score. The ball was dribbled over, but the dribbler and the ball parted company in the most inopportune manner. At this juncture Spark rushed in, as in the last match, and secured the try. Macleod' again converted. Score-18 points (3 goals 1 try) to 3 points.

The second encounter between the ever-keen rivals, Gordon's and School, took place at King's on 3rd December. School opened in brisk style, and broke through the opposition with several rushes, one of which terminated in a try, unconverted. Play was confined for the most part to Gordon's half. The wind was strong and helped the rushes of the other side. On one of these occasions Young claimed a mark, and McCallum put over a good kick. This was the only score on the part of the Gordon's. School went back to the attack. Benton, who was prominent in some fine runs, hasnot had much to do this season, fortunately, and what he has donehe has done well. He is certainly the best back of the junior teams. G. R. W. Stewart and Macleod succeeded in scoring on the left wing, but neither of the tries was converted. At half-time the score was 9 points to 3. With the wind in their favour, School should have done much better than they did in the second half.

Mackenzie had some good penalty kicks, and had very hard luck in not putting them between the poles. G. R. W. Stewart scored again. There was one other try, and this time both were converted by Mackenzie. Final score—School, 19 points to Gordon's 3 points.

The return match with Montrose Academy was changed from 4th February to 10th December.

This enabled the Academy team to witness the North v. South match, which took place at Pittodrie in the afternoon. Unfortunately, the Academy were unable to bring up their full team, being two men short, which fact, coupled with the change from their turf-covered field to our ground which the recent rain had made very muddy, considerably handicapped them. Shortly after the commencement the scoring wasopened by D. Leith, whom we can still claim in friendly matches.

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For the most part of the game the Academicians were in a state of siege. They contented themselves with acting on the defensive, never settling down to concerted action.

D. Leith and Macleod scored again. The second half was a repetition of the first. Tries were added by Macleod, G. Stewart, and D. Anderson, who had a fine run from nearly mid-field. Two of these tries were converted, and the score thus brought to 34 points to nil.

17th December.—The second match with our F.P.'s was as ill-favoured with the weather as the first, when for a good part of the game it was raining. This time the field was in a worse condition, owing to the large amount of rain of the past few weeks, and the F.P.'s, more impartial than the present pupils, declared the ground to be " rotten." The School lost the toss, and played .down in the first half. It was soon evident that it was going to be a forwards' game. The greasy ball was by no means easy to handle, and the slippery ground gave a poor footing. The scoring was opened by Macleod from a penalty kick, which he put over in good style. The game went up and down the field, but the F.P.'s were never actually dangerous, though, on the whole, their play augured ill for the School in the next half. However, in the second half School improved in their play. Mackintosh got possession, and, dashing for the line, got over by sheer superiority of momentum. Macleod converted. This score came as a surprise and a shock to the hopes of the F.P.'s. It was soon followed by another. Macrae this time touched.down, but Macleod did not bring out the extra couple of points. After this the F.P.'s "bucked up."

From a scrum in our " twenty-five," J. Mackintosh got away with the ball and scored the one and only try for the F.P.'s.

Play grew brisker, for the rain had stopped some time and there was a drying breeze. One more try was added to the score, which was thus brought to 16-3.

14th January.—On this date we played 'Varsity " A " at King's on a pitch covered with snow. For the first few minutes of the game the 'Varsity pressed, but School soon showed their superiority, and attacked vigorously. D. Anderson was prominent in an excellent run, when he passed three or four of our opponents, but was finally brought down by Cheyne. Elmslie at last scored a good try. The School team as a whole, but especially the forwards, seemed to be slacking rather much, otherwise the score at halftime might have been bigger. In the second half School wakened up and scored immediately through D. Anderson. This was followed up by other two tries, by D. Anderson and Macleod. The kick in each case failed.

The School " halves " and " threes " combined splendidly, and, had it not been for the slippery ball, the score would have been greater. Just before time Leith scored, but Macleod failed in his kick for goal. For School all the backs played well, while Macrae, Mackenzie, and Leith were the best forwards.

For 'Varsity " A," Tibbles, Cheyne, and Shand were prominent.

Final result—School (5 tries), 15 points ; 'Varsity " A," nil.

21st January.—The 2nd Queen's Cross were unable to get up a full team on this date, and the points, when claimed by Macrae, were granted.

A friendly game, however, was got up.

Pigge, Durno, and Macleod, junior, who played a good game at

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half, played for 2nd Queen's as substitutes. Most of the game was in the Queen's " twenty-five," but the School were awarded only one try, which was secured by J. Grant. Macleod converted. In the second half Queen's had to act on the defensive.

Tries were added for School in quick succession by Macleod, Spark, and Mackenzie. Gray played well for Queen's at back. Score22 points to nil.

28th January.—On this date we were fixed to play Gordon's F.P.'s but, as it was the last Saturday before the Edinburgh match,i a game was arranged with Gordon's College so as to enable Mr. Milne to make the final choice for the combined team. The School team turned out in full strength, and immediately settled down to vigorous attack. A try was soon scored, which Macleod put over the cross-bar. The forwards worked well and kept the game open. G. R. Stewart was the next one to score. He followed this up with another try ; both of them were converted. The play continued to be brisk, Gordon's making occasional rushes, but Benton was playing well at back. Durno secured a fourth and unconverted try before half-time, when score stood at 18 points to nil. In the interval, Mr. Milne gave his decision for the Edinburgh team. Elmslie, Pigge, and Durno were changed over for Lyon, Macallum, and Russell of Gordon's; thus the combined team, of which twelve belonged to the School, played the " Rest " It was chiefly scrumming practice for the in the second half. forwards after this.

Aberdeen Combined Schools XV. r. George Heriot's College, Edinburgh.—This fixture, which the Union kindly arranged for us on the morning of the Welshlnternational, was played at Heriot's Ground, Edinburgh. The Aberdeen Schools XV. was composed entirely of Grammar School boys, with the exception of three places, which were taken by McAllen at half and Russell and Lyon forwards, all of Gordon's College. The ground was in good condition, and there was an entire absence of wind. Stewart, who captained the Aberdeen boys, lost the toss, and we started with a slight incline in our favour. Within the first few minutes of the game, Anderson should certainly have scored from a good passing run by the three-quarters, but was not quick enough to start. The Aberdeen forwards were certainly superior to the opposition, but were not heeling the ball properly from the scrum.

After some " give and take " play in midfield, our forwards, headed

by Leith and McKenzie, had an excellent rush from the scrum within a few yards of the line, and Macleod, getting the ball from Stewart, scored a try far out, which he failed to convert. From the " twenty-five " Benton returned well to touch, and the forwards took the ball nearer the line by good dribbling. However, they did not get it in the succeeding scrum, and the opposing half, getting the ball, feinted, and, McIntosh, instead of taking his man, attempted to intercept a pass which never came, and Heriot's scored a try after having run the whole length of the field. No goal, however, was kicked. From the drop-out, Heriot's came away with a rush, and the ball, coming out to their three-quarters, was kicked well up to Anderson, who, thinking it was in touch, made no effort to secure it, and Heriot's were a try up. The try was not converted. Heriot's full back failed to find touch, and Carroll, snap-

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ping the ball, ran well round before dodging into the centre and scored a very good try, which Macleod failed to convert. After this score play was very even for a while, some good saving being done by Benton at full back, but gradually the Aberdeen forwards asserted themselves, and McIntosh getting the ball in the loose ran through the opposition. Macleod again failed to convert. From this point until half-time Heriot's pressed severely, and packing well their forwards got the ball pretty often, and their centre three-quarters, taking advantage of some looseness on the part of the Aberdeen defence, had no difficulty in scoring behind the posts, and the try was converted. The whistle then blew for halftime, and the scores were—Heriot's XV., 1 goal 2 tries ; Aberdeen boys, 3 tries. In the second half the Aberdeen forwards put in some very sound work, and kept the Edinburgh boys hemmed in They their own half of the field for the first twenty minutes. could not, however, score, and Heriot's, by good touch kicking, carried the game to the centre for a short period. After this the Aberdeen boys again asserted themselves, and Macleod, with a heady run, scored between the posts. Heriot's " bucked up " again after this reverse, but the Aberdeen boys were too good, Benton in particular playing a very sound game at full back, and time arrived with our first win over an Edinburgh team—Aberdeen boys, 1 goal 3 tries (14 points) ; George Heriot's School, 1 goal 2 tries (11 points). For the Aberdeen boys, Benton at full back played very well, and Macleod and Carroll were the best threequarters. Stewart at half showed good judgment, and captained the team well, and at forward McKenzie played a sterling game, and was easily the best forward on the field. Leith and Anderson were as hard-working as ever, and these three were well backed up by Spark, who put some life into his play for once in a way.

We are much indebted to the Scottish Rugby Union for their kindness in arranging this match ; also to George Heriot's XV. for their kindness in entertaining us whilst in Edinburgh.

2nd XV. Matches.

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On the 22nd October our 2nd team met 2nd Gordon's at King's, and a keen game resulted. The School boys knew more of the game than their opponents. Conner and D. Macleod distinguished themselves at half. P. Ferguson did some good tackling. In the second half the forwards showed a marked improvement. For the School Macleod and Morgan (twice) scored. Score —2nd School, 11 points to Gordon's nil.

28th January.—Our 2nd team were again victorious against 2nd Gordon's. Farquhar, Conner, Ross, and A. Mackenzie scored for the School. Score-2nd School, 14 points to 2nd Gordon's 3 points.

3rd XV. Matches.

17th December.-3rd School lost to 2nd Gordon's after a hard game by one point, the score being-2nd 'Gordon's, 10 points ; 3rd School, 9 points.

21st January.-3rd School played well but again lost to 2nd Gordon's by a small margin. Joss scored three excellent tries for our 3rd, and Macleod kicked a penalty goal. Score-2nd Gordon's, 23 points ; 3rd School, 18 points.

"Debater" Notes.

"D_BATZR"

I09

NOTZS

14th October, 1910.—The first meeting of the Society for the season was held on the above date in Room I. at 7 o'clock, when Mr. Munson very kindly took the chair. The business of the evening was a lecture by Mr. G. M. Fraser on " Aberdeen Street Names : their History, Meaning, and Personal Associations." A large attendance listened very attentively to a splendid and most interesting lecture. Mr. Fraser, in the course of his address, gave us much information about the names of our streets, which was new to most of us, and therefore all the more appreciated. The lecturer at the close very willingly gave any desired information about street-names which he had not mentioned. Mr. Munson then proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer, and Mr. Robson one to Mr. Munson for presiding, both of which were most heartily responded to. A " Hat Night " was afterwards held, but few interesting debates were proposed. The chief speakers were Messrs.

J. Grant, Nicol, and Boyd.

21st October, 1910.—On this date the Society met in Room I. at 7 o'clock, the business being " Impromptu Debates." Mr. Robson was in the chair. The debates were good and well maintained, and occupied the whole time, which happens very seldom.

Some of the debates were : " On Socialism," " Is the British Nation becoming Effeminate? " and " Is Professionalism spoiling Sport? " The chief speakers were Messrs. Nicol, Metcalfe, Rose, and Pigge.

28th October, 1910.—" Heckling Night " was held on this evening in Room I. at 7 o'clock, Mr. Robson in the chair. The candidates were as follows :—Rubislaw Ward—Messrs. G. D. Rose (Avon) and G. A. Carroll (Dee) ; Greyfriars Ward—Messrs. T. B. G. McKenzie (Dee), C. W. Walker (Dee), and H. R. Macdonald (Avon); St. Machar Ward—Messrs. E. B. Boyd (Dee) and A. P. Spark (Avon). The first ward got more than its share of the time, and so the heckling of the other candidates was much shortened. The water scheme was, of course, the chief question, and

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the Dee party won by two to one. The successful candidates were : Rubislaw—Mr. Carroll ; Greyfriars—Mr. McKenzie ; St. Machar— Mr. Spark.

4th November, 1910.—On this date the Society met in Room I. at 7 o'clock and held the annual " Magazine Night." Mr. Robson was Chairman. At the outset the Chairman intimated that no F.P. notes, nor advertisements, nor Mr. Forbes's article could be criticised, as the writers were not present. Mr. Scholle's article escaped for the same reason. As there was little criticism of any importance, the tribute paid to the excellence of the Magazine was very good. The chief articles criticised were the Random Notes and " A Holiday in Canada."

School Notes and Sports Notes were left pretty much alone, and many of the criticisms were trivial and unworthy of notice. At the close the Editors answered their critics, and generally acquitted themselves successfully. During the evening the chief speakers were Messrs. Thomson, Pigge, and Boyd.

11th November, 1910.—The Society met in Room I. at 7 o'clock this evening to hear a lecture from Rev. F. J. Rae entitled " Sir Walter Scott." There was a large attendance, presided over by Dr. McLeod, who introduced the lecturer and commended the subject. Mr. Rae gave a very interesting and instructive lecture.

Though the subject is too well known to admit of much new light being given, yet the matter can be arranged in an interesting and instructive way. This Mr. Rae most signally achieved, and the hearty applause he received at the end showed this to be the case. Mr. Rae concluded with a few remarks on the chivalry of Scott's character and life, which we should make it our object to imitate. Dr. McLeod added a few words, and Mr. Robson proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Rae, who replied. Mr. Rose proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. McLeod for presiding. After the lecture a " Hat Night " was proposed and seconded. Some of the debates were good, but the time was limited.

The chief debate was : " Should there be a Parliamentary Night at the ' Debater ' ? " the chief speakers being Messrs. Rose, Boyd, Nicol, and Grant.

18th November, 1910.—This evening the Society met at 7 o'clock in Room I., with Mr. Rose as Chairman. The business was a debate between Messrs. Robson and Boyd : " Was Cromwell justified in deposing Charles I. ? " Mr. Robson supported the affirmative and Mr. Boyd the negative. The former spoke first, and was rather unmerciful in his criticisms of Charles I. Mr. Boyd then replied.

After the principals had spoken, the debate was thrown open to criticism. Messrs. Thomson and Walker were the chief speakers.

When the vote was taken, it was found that Mr. Robson had won by 28 votes to 22. After the debate a " Hat Night " was held, with Mr. Robson in the chair. Several good debates were submitted, the principal speakers being Messrs. Grant, Mitchell, Reid, and Thomson.

25th November, 1910.—On this date the Society met in the Hall at 7 o'clock to hear a lecture from the Rev. T. Wilson, B.D., entitled " Aviation: Flying Men at Bournemouth." Mr. Murison.

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the Hon. President, presided over an attendance of considerably over 100. The lecture, which was illustrated by lantern views, was very entertaining and interesting. Mr. Wilson's breezy and humorous style carried his audience along with him, and they The lecture was divided into thoroughly enjoyed his humour. two parts — pictures of Bournemouth and pictures of the aviation meeting. Several excellent views were thrown on the screen, some of which caused great amusement. There was a most interesting set of slides explaining the code of aviation signals, and there was also one showing the Hon. C. S. Rolls's aeroplane after it had been wrecked. There were also views of the Bournemouth Festival and the Anglo-Japanese Exhibition. Mr. Murison then asked Mr. Robson to propose a vote of thanks to Mr. Wilson. It was very heartily responded to, as was one proposed by Mr. Rose to Mr. Murison for presiding. There was no after-meeting.

2nd December, 1910.—" Judicial Night" was held on this evening. An account of the proceedings will be found on another pace.

9th December, 1910.—On this evening the Society met in Room I. at 7 o'clock to hear a lecture from Professor Davidson, LL.D., entitled " The Romance in Words." The weather was very bad, and, in consequence, there was a smaller attendance than usual.

Mr. Rose, the Vice-President, was Chairman, and in a few words introduced Professor Davidson. Professor Davidson gave an exceedingly interesting lecture, taking for his base the " New Oxford English Dictionary." The subject must have seemed a very prosy one to many, but the Professor soon dispelled that idea by his excellent paper. Especially interesting were his remarks on pronunciation. After the lecture Mr. Rose made a few remarks, and called upon the Secretary to propose a vote of thanks to the This was accorded very heartily, and the Professor lecturer. thanked the audience and the Chairman. The Rector, also, had a few words to say. A short meeting was held afterwards, which was presided over by Mr. Robson.

16th December, 1910.—There was no meeting this evening owing to the F.P.s' Dramatic Entertainment, " The Brixton Burglary."

23rd December, 1910.—The Society met this evening in Room I. at 7 o'clock to hold the annual " Sing-Song." There was a very large attendance, presided over by Mr. Robson. Songs were given

by Messrs. Newton, Hyslop, Anton, McKenzie, Robson, and others too numerous to mention. Mr. Duffus gave a reading. The best thanks of the Society are due to all these gentlemen who so kindly took part in the programme and helped to make the meeting a success. Especially are our thanks due to Mr. Hyslop (F.P.), who played the accompaniments. The order was splendid all through the evening, and the rowdiness which usually spoils a " Sing-Song " was almost entirely absent, with the result that the meeting, which did not break up until 9.45, was perhaps the most enjoyed of the kind since the Society first started.

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The Former Pupils' Club.

London Section Annual Dinner.

Mr. Samuel Pope as Guest.

The following report, which we are sure will be read with the greatest possible interest by Old Boys in all parts of the world, is practically a reprint from the " Aberdeen Free Press," which generously devoted two columns in the most prominent position to an account of the Dinner given on 6th January by the London Section of the Club in honour of Mr. Pope. The report has been kindly revised by Professor Munson, the chairman of the evening.

It has been given to few men engaged in the training of youth to capture and retain such a generous share of the affections of those who have come under their sway as has been vouchsafed to Mr. Samuel Pope. Some time ago he was honoured by the Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils' Club at its headquarters in Aberdeen, and last night a similar tribute of esteem was bestowed upon him by the newly-organised London section of that institution at the annual dinner in the Waldorf Hotel. It was no formal expression of respect on the part of the former pupils for a master who has taught in their school for considerably more than a generation, but a lavish demonstration of whole-hearted affection for one whom each regarded as his personal friend. All the sterling qualities and all the little idiosyncracies that go to make up Mr. Pope's engaging personality were tenderly alluded to, each speaker, from Professor Munson, an old fellow-master, who was in the chair, to the most recent of his pupils who have taken up their abode in London, vying with each other in panegyrical effort. The journalistic profession had perhaps the strongest representation at the dinner. Among the members of the fourth estate were the Chairman himself ; Mr. Howard Gray, leader writer on the " Pall Mall Gazette " ; Mr. J. Nicol Dunn, a former editor of the " Morning Post" and the " Manchester Courier," and who is now about to take up an appointment as editor of the " Johannesburg Star " ; Mr. J. M. Bulloch, editor of the " Graphic " ; and Mr. William Hutcheon, of the " Morning Post."

Among the others were Mr. William Pope, son of the drawing master ; Mr. John B. Hector, son of Mr. Hector, of the Aberdeen School Board ; Mr. D. Bruce Rae, Dr. J. A. Davidson, Mr. George Watson, Mr. F. P. Morton, Dr. G. C. Still, Dr. R. L. Brander, Mr. W. A. Henderson (nephew of Mr. Pope), Mr. Spence Thomas, Mr. William Willox, C.E., etc. After the Royal toast had been pledged, PROFESSOR MURISON proposed " The School and Club." They knew, he said, that this school of theirs dated back for at anyrate 600 or 700 years.

There was a certain glamour cast over the school by

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its antiquity, and this gave it a certain kind of prestige.

Throughout its history the school had been governed by men of very great mark in their time, and it had sent out a very large number of pupils who had carried its influence to the ends of the earth. For himself, if this meeting had taken place twelve or thirteen days later, he should have been able to say that it was exactly fifty years since he entered the Grammar School. It was more than forty since he became a master, and more than a generation since he ceased to be a master. He felt himself to be a piece of antiquity—(laughter). When he went to the Grammar School first it was not the fine building they now knew opposite Skene Street West, but a very humble house indeed in Schoolhill.

In his time the teachers were all very worthy men—(hear, hear, and laughter). " I am speaking," he went on, " of the time when I was a pupil, but at the same time I do not object to your interpretation of my observation "—(laughter). At that time, he said, continuing, Dr. Beverley and Mr. Brebner taught the first and second classes between them somehow—(laughter). Mr. Brebner went away very soon after he became a pupil, .and became finally Superintendent of Education in the Orange River Colony. He had a career of great distinction. Dr. Beverley was not only a veryfine teacher of Latin, and published a book that contained instructions how to turn English into Latin, but he was also an expert in natural science, especially in botany, and he was very much more accomplished than one would have imagined who did not know him intimately, being, as all teachers were at the time, a very modest man, and not likely to make a display of his qualifications— (laughter). He (the Chairman) had the felicity to be attached to the class of his dear old friend Mr. Legge, the very gentlest of men, and it was an education to be in personal contact with him. He then passed to the fourth and fifth classes, under Mr. Barrack, the Rector—a good scholar, an excellent teacher, and a high-minded and chivalrous gentleman. He looked back upon him with great respect and honour. Some people looked back on their school time as a time of horrors. He looked back upon the time he spent at the Grammar School with extreme satisfaction—(applause). He believed the teachers were most earnestly interested in the welfare of the boys, although he dared say the matter taught was sometimes open to criticism—(laughter). For example, they had to learn a book called Melvin's " Latin Grammar "—(laughter). He was glad to see his hearers—for their sins—were familiar with that book. It was dreadful to think of it=(laughter). It was a considerable bookful of Latinity, telling one of the genders of the most out-of-the-way nouns that one never by any chance came across again—(laughter)—and of the longs and shorts that need to be distinguished when you essay to write Latin verse—(laughter).

He believed he could repeat the whole of it from memory, but what had been the good of it to him since he learned it? To this day he was unable to say, unless it operated in a sub-conscious way.

It did seem that even in those days there were some things that might have been otherwise. But of course it was not fair to criticise the early methods from the present point of view, and he still believed, in spite of all these futilities, that they gave them a first-rate training for the time at which they then were, and he thought they did remarkably well. At the new Grammar School

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Mr. Pope was his colleague for seven years—(applause). His later experiences there, like other experiences he had had, were mixed, but he believed that in those times the whole aim of the men who taught in the school was to do the very best for the pupils, and he was sure that those pupils who were looking back that night and finding things to criticise would, nevertheless, admit that it was a fine place for them, and would still regard their Alma Mater with extreme gratitude and affection—(loud applause).

He had no doubt whatever that the present Rector and staff, under new conditions, were worthily maintaining the great name and fame of the old school—(loud applause).

The toast was pledged with much enthusiasm.

The Secretary, Mr. T. J. Wilson, replied to the toast, and related the history of the movement for the foundation of the London section from its inception. He alluded to the apathy with which the proposal had first been received, and the lack of enthusiasm which even yet he sometimes encountered. There were, he estimated, about 300 former pupils of the Grammar School in London, and only about 126 had as yet joined the Club.

THE TOAST OF THE EVENING.

•

The Chairman then proposed the health of the club's guest, Mr. Samuel Pope. The mention of the beloved master's name was the sioal for loud applause. Mr. Pope, said the Chairman, had superintended the teaching of writing and drawing in the Grammar School for more than forty years—(applause). He (the Chairman) came into closest contact with Mr. Pope when he was master of the English department.

He did not think that department was held in as much esteem and dignity as certain other departments, say, those of Latin and Greek. He was not complaining of that, but he did think that in those times the writing department had not the eclat of even the English department.

He thought that was a most grave mistake, so far as concerned the writing department. He had seen lately in the newspapers complaints made by business men that they could not get young men in their offices who could write a decent business letter. He was sure those men could not have come from the Grammar School.

He remembered long ago Professor Child, of Harvard University, having written to him when engaged on his monumental work on English and Scottish Ballads, asking for assistance on some matters. When he received Professor Child's letters the difficulty was to know what he meant to convey in them. To all appearance the letters were beautifully written, but what the hieroglyphics were meant to convey to his mind he did not know to this day— (laughter). He corresponded with him freely, but he expected he had chosen different subjects from those alluded to in the professor's letters—(laughter).

This experience, with more recent experiences as an examiner in university and other examinations, had impressed upon him the value of the services that must have been rendered to the Grammar School by Mr. Pope—(applause).

He need not tell them how respected and honoured Mr. Pope had been by everybody who had come into contact with him during all those years he had been labouring in Aberdeen. He did not be-

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lieve any master had ever been, or could be, more respected and honoured than he had been, or more justly so—(loud applause).

Mr. W. A. Henderson also added a few words in submitting the toast. He spoke as a pupil, and observed that Mr. Pope was a man who preferred to rule through love rather than by a rod of iron. The reprimands he used to administer were frequently couched in rhyme. Thus, his (the speaker's) Christian name being Willie, Mr. Pope would say, " Willie, Willie, don't be silly "— (laughter)—or it might be to some other back-slider, " Harry, Harry, do not tarry "—(laughter). Other masters, horrible men, chose to give the boys ten or twenty pandies with a tawse that was usually horribly burned--(applause). He thought Mr. Pope was one of the first masters who departed from the ways of the old Scotch dominie. He mixed with the boys in the playground and encouraged them in their games. In conclusion, he made appreciative allusion to Mr. Pope's hobbies of nature study and gardening.

The toast was pledged with great cordiality, the company singing " For he's a jolly good fellow."

MR. POPE'S REPLY. Interesting Reminiscences.

In responding, Mr. Pope said :—I have to thank you very sincerely for the kind reception you have given to the toast of my health, and for the great and undeserved honour you have done me in asking me to be present as your guest this evening. Three years ago the former pupils in Aberdeen did me a similar honour, and though I shrank from the honour, it was a great gratification to me, and I look back upon it as a bright experience in my life. I considered it a last act of goodness on their part, and with Poe's raven I inclined to say, " Never more." I did not then anticipate that three years later the London section in their kindness of heart would do likewise, and that I should find myself here to-night as one whom they delight to honour—(applause). It is forty-three years since I entered the Grammar School as a master, little thinking that I was entering on my life work, but so it proved. I need hardly say that I have seen many changes in all these years. I am the father of the school—(applause)—Mr. Mackie being second to me with thirty-two years to his credit—(applause). In those good old times we •had no surprise and other visits from Government inspectors—(laughter)—no grants, no daily and weekly marks, and no quarterly examinations to ruffle and sometimes worry teachers and taught. Writing and drawing were optional subjects, for which a separate fee was charged, and these fees were paid in full to the teacher, but he had no fixed salary. This made for efficiency in teaching, and my classes were always well attended and reported favourably on, and the fees for two hours' teaching per day gave me a fair income. The Rector did not control the teaching or the methods of teaching outside his own class, and the teachers had a free hand in their own classrooms.

Pupils and Masters.

Notwithstanding some of the drawbacks of the old system, the school turned out many brilliant pupils who afterwards distin-

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

guished themselves in many walks of life as doctors, professors, ministers, commercial men, soldiers, artists, etc.—(applause). To name only a few from the long list of the past—Lord Byron attended the school for four years, and was, I suppose, its most brilliant pupil—(applause). The school is very proud of his connection with it, and, thanks to the exertions and enthusiasm of the present Rector, I hope soon to see a statue commemorating that connection erected within and gracing the grounds of the school— (applause). Others are Admiral Farquhar, who died quite recently, and took a lifelong interest in the school ; Lord Justice Stirling, who still lives, and is one of the oldest F.P.'s ; Sir Thomas Sutherland, chairman of the P. and O. Steam Navigation Company ; the late Principal David Brown, of the Free Church College, Aberdeen ; Principal Hector, Calcutta ; Professors John Wight Duff and A. R. Gordon; James Cadenhead, A.R.S.A., Lindsay Smith, and Allan Sutherland, artists; and in the New Year Honours List two former pupils, Dr. David Ferrier and James Charles Inglis, two Aberdeen loons of distinguished ability, have had the honour of knighthood conferred upon them. Many others there are who hold distinguished positions in all parts of the world. I have served under five Rectors, Rev. William Barrack being the first.

He had been Rector of the Dollar Institute, and went from Aberdeen to be Rector of the Kelvinside Academy, Glasgow, which office he held at his death. He was succeeded as interim Rector by Thomas A. Stewart, who was very popular, and interested himself in the outside sports of the boys, and was well known later as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools for Scotland. He was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Martin, who held the office for about fifteen years, and retired on a pension, which he lived to enjoy for more than twenty years, and died at an advanced age five years ago. When he retired the school was reorganised and remodelled, and many new subjects of study were introduced. A modern side was added, laboratories were fitted up and equipped, and a lower school and infant class were started, to which ladies were appointed. The staff, too, of the school was largely increased to meet the new requirements, and included a new Rector, Mr. (afterwards Dr.) James Moir. He came with a brilliant reputation as a teacher of classics, and by his pupils was considered second to none. In 1893 Mr. Morland Simpson was appointed Rector, with Dr. Moir as co-Rector, and they worked together harmoniously for several years, until Dr. Moir's retirement. Owing to an unfortunate accident, Dr. Moir was in failing health before he retired, and only lived to enjoy his pension for a short time. Two teachers of Dr. Moir's choosing, George Harvey and Alexander V. Lothian, were deservedly very popular—(applause)—the one as classical and the other as science master. I have known three mathematical masters, Rev. George M'Arthur, Mr. Charles Sleigh, who held the mastership for more than twenty years, and was a strict disciplinarian, and the present mathematical and science master, Dr. Charles M`Leod, whom you all know as a brilliant teacher. There have Mr. Forbes, a been many changes in the English mastership. favourite pupil of Dr. Bain's, was appointed at the same time as myself, and died after holding the office for a few months. He was succeeded by Mr. Stephen, a student for the ministry, and now a minister in the Established Church of Scotland. Following Mr.

•

.

.

The Former Pupils' Club.

Stephen came Mr. A. F. Munson, our Chairman to-night—(applause). In his presence I shall only say that at the general election last month he was a candidate for the Central Division of Glasgow, and was only defeated by a very narrow majority. For the honour of the school I am not without hope of yet seeing him M.P.—(applause). He was succeeded by his brother George, who resigned on becoming a minister. Next came George MacDonald, who only held the office for a short time, and resigned to go to the Bar in London. His successor was Mr. (now the Rev. Dr.) John Hector, a former pupil of the school. He was studying divinity at the time, and shortly after, being licensed, was appointed a professor in the Calcutta Training College, of which he afterwards became Principal. Be is now retired and lives in Aberdeen. Then came Mr. Beaumont, from Lerwick, who was transferred to Commerce Street School as headmaster, and died quite recently. Mr. Hugh F. Campbell followed Mr. Beaumont, and held the mastership and taught with much acceptance and ability for more than fifteen years.

He studied law during the later years of his mastership, and is now in practice as an advocate in Aberdeen.

The present English master is Mr. W. Munson, third of the Munson dynasty, who is well known to many of those present tonight—(applause).

A Famous School.

The school has a past of more than six centuries behind it, and was venerable when the University of Aberdeen was born. It has been famed in days gone by for its excellent work, and, judged by the last paragraph of the Rector's report for 1909-10, still more than maintains its high reputation. He says, " The exceptionally brilliant results of the past session, the excellence of the work, the general good discipline and tone of the school, the large increase of the Former Pupils' Club to nearly 900 members, the phenomenal sale of the magazine—pointing to a quickened and intensified interest in the old school—and the practical completion of the Byron Statue Fund, all combine to render 1909-10 memorable in the annals of our school "--(applause). To the old school with such a history you should all be proud to belong, and I am very proud to be its humble representative this evening—(applause).

I believe the present large staff to be able, conscientious, and hardworking, and I think they worthily fill the various masterships of their predecessors, and will uphold and increase the high reputation of the school. Two of them have been my pupils. Regarding my department of drawing, many changes have been made, but I have endeavoured to keep myself up-to-date in each new departure.

Drawing now holds a high place in the estimation of the Education Department, and is, in the language of a recent circular, an integral part of the Leaving Certificate examination. I am in earnest with my work, and keep back nothing that I know about drawing from those pupils willing to receive it. Many present pupils are sons of former pupils, and I have a kindly feeling towards them for their father's sake. I am hopeful, after a long experience of forty-three years' teaching, of yet doing some good work within the school before I retire and give place to a younger man. It only remains to me to thank you very sincerely for the high and un-

12O

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

expected honour that you have conferred upon me this evening by inviting me here as your guest, and to assure you that I feel profoundly grateful, and shall look back on this occasion as a very bright day in my experience—(cheers).

Mr. Howard Gray proposed the toast of the visitors, and Mr. Nicol Dunn replied.

- " The Chairman " was proposed by Mr. J. M. Bulloch, and the evening was brought to a close with " Auld Lang Syne."

For the pen-and-ink sketch of Mr. Pope which is reproduced in this issue we are indebted to an Old Boy, Mr. William Hutcheon, of the " Morning Post." who secured it from Mr. James Greig.

Considering that it was drawn entirely from memory, we think it is remarkably good, and we feel sure it will be highly appreciated by all Old Boys.

Mr. Greig, it will be remembered, is the art critic who came into prominence a short time ago over the question of the Rokeby " Venus."

Club Dinner in Aberdeen.

The Annual Dinner was held in the Palace Hotel on Saturday, 5th November, and was undoubtedly the most successful Dinner the Club has ever held.

Mr. Alexander Duffus, advocate, President of the Club, presided, and there were also present Mr. H. F. Morland Simpson, Professor Harrower, Professor Davidson, Dr. George Smith, Principal of the Aberdeen Training Centre ; Mr. Alexander Forbes, Baillie Todd, Mr. W. J. Anderson, President of the Gordon's College Former Pupils' Association ; Messrs. J. W. Milne, E. W. Watt, C. J. Davidson, J. T. Jeffrey, Captain K. W. Mackenzie, LM. S. ; Captain T. Ogilvie, Messrs. W. B. G. Mint°, W. Mitchell Smith, W. Mackintosh, P. B. Simpson, W. F. Sutherland, J. C. Phimister, -George Murray, William Crombie, John Crombie, J. Mortimer, C. Hoyer Millar, S. Williams, A. M. Johnston, J. C. Duffus, James Ellis, W. Shepherd, Allan Sutherland, W. Smith, Dr. Theodore Gray, Messrs. R. J. A. Dunn, R. J. Watson, John M. Ellis, Talbert Helmrich, Dr. D. W. Williamson, Messrs. J. H. N. Craigen, Wilfred Barron, W. Aitken, A. Taylor, Dr. A. Shinnie, Messrs. W. G. Craigen, J. C. Lyon, C. C. Chance, J. Shepherd, jun. ; Andrew Kidd, Theodore Watt, A. Lyon, jun. ; J. J. Williamson, Dr. W. Murray, Messrs. A. N. Young, Alfred Smith, A. N. Macdonald, J. W. Monro, Lieutenant J. H. Edmond, Messrs. A. F. V. Stephenson, A. G. Nicol Smith, Charles Davidson, John Murray, Charles Watt, John Dunn, and R. Morgan.

It is well to mention that it is the custom at the Dinner to have as short a toast list as possible, and on this occasion the list was a model one. The principal toast was "The School," proposed by Mr. Alexander Forbes (1845-50). He said, in the course of his speech, that

The Former Pupils' Club.

In -

he did not think that the School had lost anything of the prestige it had in years gone past. All his recollections of the School were of the most pleasant description. Byron once said, " England, with all thy faults I love thee still." That was his feeling towards the School. He had no doubt that the whippings he got had been beneficial to him, as they had been to those who had been there since he was, but he was sorry that they were not so universal as If he did not they were in his day—(laughter and applause). take away much book learning, he had learned to measure his fellow-men, and any success he had attained had been due to that.

He wished to call attention to the useful work the former pupils were really doing. They were giving something like four or five medals every year as an encouragement to pupils—(applause).

If they went back, not even thirty years, but a hundred years, they would find that former pupils of the School had occupied positions of the greatest credit to themselves and the benefit of the Empire —(applause). He had been doing what he could to find out what those pupils who were along with him during the four years he was at the Grammar School were doing, and he would be glad to furnish Mr. Theodore Watt with any particulars he had for the volume he was to publish—(applause). He was sure the School in the hands of their present Rector would lose none of its prestige —(applause).

The Rector, in reply to the toast, referred to the high position which the School continues to hold in the leading examinations by which its work is tested.

A splendid programme of songs, recitations, lightning sketches, etc., was contributed to by members and their friends.

•

Notes.

The Membership.

Over one hundred new members have been enrolled since the last Magazine was published, and considerably over that number since the end of the last financial year, 15th April, 1910, so that the total number of names on the Club Register now exceeds 1,000. It is intended, as far as possible, to print a list of new members in each issue of the Magazine, and a commencement is made in this number.

The idea in doing this is that Old Boys may become aware of the addresses of some, at least, of their classfellows. A revised and greatly enlarged edition of the Handbook will have to be issued by and by. but meantime it is hoped the lists of new members will be found both interesting and useful.

The large increase in the membership is almost entirely due to the work of the Secretary of the Club and the Editor of the School Record. Every Old Boy whose address has

122

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

been discovered up to date has received information about the Club, and, so far as has been possible, has received a .copy, if not of the latest number of the Magazine, then of a previous number, in order to increase his interest in the School and in the Club. In this way the Executive is getting into touch with Old Boys in all parts of the world. Many of those who have been communicated with have become members of the Club, and have expressed their keen gratification at hearing again of their old School and of the Club's existence, and there are many others who will doubtless in course of time apply for membership. In all truth, the Club, out of small beginnings, has become a huge organisation, having already far surpassed the dreams of those who instituted it, and the end is not yet in sight, if ever it will be.

Members may be interested to know that the number of Magazines printed last time was 1,700, and of these there are only a few copies left.

The Record.

Progress is being steadily made in the work of annotating the Roll of Old Boys, but there is still a great deal to be .done, and this will entail very considerable expense. As will be seen from the circular letter enclosed with this issue of the Magazine, an appeal for financial assistance in promoting the scheme is being made, and a number of subscriptions have already been intimated. Further donations, whether large or small, will be very welcome, and Old Boys should bear in mind that the larger the total sum subscribed, the more complete will the Roll be, and the sooner will it be published.

Unpaid Subscriptions.

The Treasurer informs us that there are a considerable number of members resident outside Aberdeen who have not yet paid their subscriptions (2s. 6d.) for the current year, which ends on 15th April. We are certain that these members have only to be reminded that their subscriptions are past due to ensure that they are sent to the Treasurer without delay, and without causing him further trouble that should really be unnecessary.

We would also remind country and foreign members that subscriptions may be paid for a few years in advance, a plan which obviously saves trouble both to members and to the Treasurer. The Secretary would be greatly obliged if members would notify him of any change in their address, as recently the Maga-

The Former.Pupils' Club.

123

zines sent to several members who have paid their subscriptions have been returned. Although most of these members have been traced, this has taken some time to do.

London Section.

As will be seen on another page, the London Section held its Annual Dinner in the Waldorf Hotel on 6th January, 1g II. The members were delighted to meet again their old friend Mr. Samuel Pope, and .the Dinner was in every way a success. There are a great many Old Boys in London who are not members of the Club, and whose addresses are being gradually discovered. It is hoped that as time goes on they will be brought into touch with the Club, and any London member who knows the address of an Old Boy who is not a member should at once forward it to Mr. T. J. Wilson, C.A. (the London Secretary), 37 Suffolk House, Cannon Street, London, E.C., or to the Aberdeen Secretary, either of whom will write giving information about the Club.

Orchestral Section.

The School Orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr. Warren T. Clemens has been practising regularly since October, and is making wonderful progress. The Annual Concert has been fixed for Friday, 3rd March, at 8 p.m., in the School Hall, but further information will be sent to members of the Club resident in Aberdeen. It may be mentioned meantime that the Orchestra is again to have the assistance of members of the Dramatic Section and of two or three good vocalists, so that an inviting programme is assured.

The Whist "At Home."

The Progressive Whist " At Home " held in the Palace Hotel on Tuesday, 31st January, was considered by the large company present a very successful function. Excellent arrangements, including a pleasant musical programme, had been made, and there can be no doubt that a similar " At Home " will have to be held every year. One very noticeable and gratifying feature of the evening was the number of older—or, at least, married—members who were present. The " At Home" apparently met a " felt want."

124

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Various Social Events.

The Dramatic Section gave performances of "The Brixton Burglary" in the School Hall on 15th, i6th, and 17th December, and although there was not a large attendance on the first evening there were good houses both on the 16th and 17th The Section, was unable to have the assistance of Mr. P. B. SimpsoA on this occasion, but in spite of this the performances were in every way most successful and the audiences highly appreciative of the splendid acting and the excellent staging. The thanks of the Club are due to the Section for its kindness in again handing over for Club purposes the proceeds of the performances.

The beautifully illustrated lecture given by Mr. J. H. Parker on " The Italian Alps and Chamonix " in the Palace Hotel on 29th November was thoroughly enjoyed by all who were present.

A Bridge Match was played with the Innocents Club by teams of 14 a-side on 15th November, and resulted in a victory for the Former Pupils' Club, and on 13th December a Gentlemen's Bridge Tournament, open to members of the Club and their friends,. was played in the Palace Hotel.

This tournament was well attended, and was in every way successful.

The Annual Ball was held in the Music Hall Buildings on 26th December, 191 0, and although the attendance was not quite so large as on the previous year the dance was most enjoyable. The success in large measure was due to the excellent arrangements made by the Committee. A considerable number of non-resident members were present, and old friends were thus given an opportunity of meeting one another again.

Coming Events.

On Wednesday, 1st March, in the Palace Hotel, there is to be a lecture by Principal George Adam Smith, who will be introduced by Professor William L. Davidson. Invitations will be sent as usual to all members of the Club resident in Aberdeen, and we trust that there will be a very large attendance, as there is no doubt that what Principal Smith has to say will be very well worth hearing. The subject will be announced later.

The Annual Business Meeting will be held about the end of April. Members will have an opportunity, after the business—which only occupies a short part of the evening— is finished, of listening to some music, taking part in a game of cards, or having a talk with friends.

The Former Pupils' Club.

125

Badminton Section.

This recently-formed Section has made very rapid progress, and is now one of the most successful branches of the Club. The number of members is about 8o, and play takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the hall of the Aberdeen Badminton Club. Many of the members have picked up the game quickly, and will in a short time be able to play on equal terms with members of the best clubs in Aberdeen. No matches have been played yet, but several will be arranged before the end of the season.

There is no doubt that Badminton has provided many of our members with the means of obtaining healthy exercise during the winter months.

In the Scottish Badminton Open Championship Meeting at Glasgow on loth, 21st, and 23rd January, Old Boys were well to the fore. Their representatives were James M. P. Crombie, M.B. (1884-89), William Webster (1882-93), William T. Henderson (1899), Charles J. Davidson (188691), and James H. Gordon. The first two were among those selected to play for Scotland in the International against Ireland. Dr. Crombie led the team and, as a leader should, defeated his opponent by the convincing margin of 15-5, 15-5. Webster, Scotland's third man, was not so lucky, as after winning the first game 15-11, he lost the second at the reversed figures, and was easily beaten in the third by 4-15. Positions were reversed in the men's doubles, Dr. Crombie and his partner losing a narrow match by 18-13, 17-18, 11-15, while Webster and his partner in the concluding match, the issue of which decided the fate of Scotland, brought her victory by 15-12, 12-15, 15-4.

In the Tournament proper, Dr. Crombie and his " mixed double " partner were not off the courts for more than five minutes at a time from JO a.m. to 7 p.m., with the exception of the luncheon interval—a feat of physical endurance probably a record in the game. Dr. Crombie reached the final of the open mixed doubles, beating in the way Hawthorn and his partner 15-5, 15-12. In the open men's doubles, Dr. Crombie and his partner met Thomas and another English international in the second round, and, although defeated 12-15, 15-6, 15-it, had the satisfaction of taking a game off them. In the singles, Dr. Crombie met Thomas in the semifinal, and forced him to go to 6-15, 10-15 before the end.

In the mixed doubles confined and the men's doubles confined, Dr. Crombie and his partners won, not losing a game in all their matches, with the exception of the final of the former.

126

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

F.P. Rugby Football Club.

1ST XV. RESULTS.

1910.

Match.

Result.

Oct. I—'Shire . . .

Lost „ 8—Panmure . . .

Lost „ 22—Queen's Cross . .

Drawn „ 29—'Varsity (League) Won Nov. 5—'Shire (League) .

Won 26—Queen's Cross . .

Drawn Dec. 3 —'Sh i re . . .

Won „ 17—Queen's Cross (League) Lost „ 24—'Shire . . .

Drawn „ 31—Greenock Wanderers Drawn 191!.

Jan. 7-2nd City . .

Won . „ 21—'Varsity (League) Drawn „ 28—'Shire (League) Won .

For. 3 3 o 19 9 o 13 o o 3

Points.

Against.

6 II o 0 0 o 0 8 o 3

15 3 9

8 3 3 — 75 42 Played 13, Won 5, Drawn 5, Lost 3 ; Points for, 75 ; Points against, 42.

League Matches.—Played 5, Won 3, Drawn 1, Lost 1 ; Points for, 4o ; Points against, 14.

League Points-7.

2ND XV. RESULTS

191o.

Club.

Ground.

Oct. 1—Gordon's College . Mannofield . „ 8-1st 'Shire . . do.

• „ 15-- znd Queen's Cross do. . „ 22--School . . . School • 29-1st Queen's Cross Mannofield .

Nov. 5— znd Shire . . do. „ 12—'Varsity "A" . do. „ 19—Gordon's F.P 's . do.

• 26-2nd Queen's Cross Summerhill . dec. 17 —School . . . School • 7, 24—Gordon's F.P.'s . Stewart Park „ 31-2nd 'Shire . . . do.

1911.

Jan. 21—Gordon's College . Stewart Park • 28-2nd 'Shire . . Summerhill .

For 5 o 6 o o

Score.

Against.

5 II 35 it 5o

12

.11

5 3 3 3

0 0 O 16

22 12

0

6 II

it 6

5

Played 14, Won 7, Lost 6, Drawn I ; Points for, 88; Points against, 171.

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The Former Pupils' Club.

127

List of New Members The following have joined the Club since the last issue of the Magazine :— Life Members.

George M. Cook (1865-69), Shipowner, Aberdeen.

Theodore Watt, M.A. (1889-1901), Blenheim Place, Aberdeen.

Arthur Gerrard Davidson (1901-07), Old Aberdeen.

Sydney S. Petrie (1886-88), Canadian Bank of Commerce, Vancouver.

Alfred Chalmers Hay (1895-190o), South Ythsie, Tarves.

John Croll (188i-83), Desswood Place, Aberdeen.

David Albert Hutcheson, M.D. (1882-94), London.

Francis Falconer, M.A., M.B. (1870-75), Lytham, Lancs.

James Fettes Boulton (1871-73), Tregenna. House, Penzance.

Alex. Flett (1891-92), The Eastern Exchange Hotel, Port Said, Egypt.

John F. Michie (1881-82), 7 King Street West, Toronto, Canada.

William Hay (1867-71), Gunningbar, Mullefigudgery, New South Wales.

Ordinary Members.

David Scott (1886-94), 22 Baillie Street, Colombo, Ceylon.

William R. Tennant (19o4-10), 48 Brighton Place, Aberdeen.

Alfred Tindall, Agra Cottage, Fraserburgh.

Edward P. Barnett (1895,9°3), c/o Harrisons and Crossfield, Ltd., Colombo, Ceylon.

James Melvin (2904.10), 82 Gray Street, Aberdeen.

Douglas M. Wright (2904.2o), 31 Gray Street, Aberdeen.

John Mackintosh (1904-1o), 15 Brighton Place, Aberdeen.

Colin A. APLaren (19o9-to), Fernielea, Murtle.

Robert W. Dunlap, M.D. (1896-97), Chefoo, China.

Archibald F. Hyslop (1897.1920), 285 Great Western Road, Aberdeen.

James S. Meston, CS. I. (1876.80), Simla, India.

Douglas G. Robb, M.A. (x899.19oz), 19 King's Gate, Aberdeen.

Dr. William Murray (1884-85 and 1889-90, 95 Cadogan Gardens, London, W. Andrew J. Shinnie, M.B. (1 897-mo3), -coo Desswood Place, Aberdeen. ), 16 Knowe Alastair T. Adam (2898Terrace, Pollokshields, Glasgow. ), 73 Argyll Place, Wm. M'Crae (1899Aberdeen.

Chas. Gordon (1882.85), cio National Bank of South Africa, Circus Place, London Wall, London.

George G. Dalgarno. M.A. (1870-74), Viewbank, Arbroath.

William C M`Kinnon (1906.1o), 5 Albert Street, Aberdeen.

Peter Beveridge (1865.7o), St. Nicholas Street, Aberdeen.

David Kyd (1885-92), 77 Market Street, Bradford, Yorks.

John L. Booth O904'14 75 Bonnymuir Place, Aberdeen.

Alex. Johnstone(1904-to), 77 Cairnfield Place, Aberdeen.

James Cook (1877-79), Ashley House, Aberdeen.

James S. B. Forbes (1903-to), 12 Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen.

Arthur B. Byres (1899.1910), 104 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen.

Charles W. Glass (Igas-io), 375 Holburn Street, Aberdeen.

Robert Beveridge (1858-6o), to Polmuir Road, Aberdeen.

Rev. Leonard W. Comper (1878-84), 9 St. Thomas Street, Southwark, London, S. E. Douglas M. W. Leith (19c3-10), 1 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen.

Edward J. Bruce, M.B. (x892-95), North Leverton, Lincoln.

Robert S. Cumming (1905.10), 262 Great Western Road, Aberdeen.

George C. Leslie (1846-49), 88 Blenheim Place, Aberdeen.

James B. Donaldson (1909.10), 2/ King's Gate, Aberdeen.

Cecil J. Mackie (1898.19°9), c/o ,66 Union Street, Aberdeen.

Peter C. Adams (x876.78), 26o Broomhill Road, Aberdeen.

G. Falconer King (1870-74), Bon-Accord, Burlington Road, Redland, Bristol.

Adam Gilchrist, M.B. (19oo-o3), Bleak Hill House, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.

Andrew W. Berry (1866-69), 2 Carden Place, Aberdeen.

Douglas M. M. Fraser (1898.1910), 99 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen.

James H. Garland (29oo-o2)Ardlethen, Ellon.

Campbell Lindsay Smith (1889-9t), 259 Union Street, Aberdeen.

Francis W. Falconer, M.B. 0889-.900, 44 Belgrave Terrace, Aberdeen.

George J. Shepherd (1856-61), 5 Union Terrace, Aberdeen

128

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

George Beverley, Jun. (19oo-oz), 29 Summerfield Terrace, Aberdeen.

William T. Campbell (1894-95), Inspector, L. & L. Fire Insurance Co., 9 King Street, Aberdeen.

John Hutcheon (1874.76), 6 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen.

James Ewing (29,51-07), 451 King Street, Aberdeen.

James S. G. Collie (19o5-1,5), 7 East Craibstone Street, Aberdeen.

William A. Hunter (2898-99), Radwanska 7, Lodz, Poland.

Charles Johnstone (2863-64), 32 Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen.

Hugh R. Lambie (19°6-08), r Loanhead Place, Aberdeen.

James A. Ducat (1884-87), 509 King Street, Aberdeen.

Ian Williams (1903.06), The Cross, Turriff.

John M. Finlason (185o-53), 14 Hawarden Avenue, Liscard, Cheshire.

Alexander Lamb (1897-ngoo), 23 Holburn Road, Aberdeen.

George Cowie (1907- ), z Melbairne Place, St. Andrews.

James Brown O876-791 Bank of Montreal, Toronto.

Arthur W. H. Cheyne (19o5-o9), 59 Holburn Road, Aberdeen.

Alfred S. Mackie (1905.09), 5o Whitehall Road, Aberdeen.

Charles Harper (1898-19°2), is Louisville Avenue, Aberdeen.

John L. Chalmers (2901-03), Uplands, Bieldside.

George Coutts (2864-67), Architect; John Street, Aberdeen.

Alexander A. Davidson (19oo- ), Birchwood, Cults.

Finlay W. N. Finlayson (2902-o9), 19 Belvidere Crescent, Abeldeen.

W. M. Anderson (2879-82), 143 Leander Road, Brixton Hill, London, S.W. James Ledingham (1885-88), North of Scotland and Town & County Bank, Scott Street, Perth.

George Sutherland, Jun. (19o3.09), Tiakov, Milltimber.

Alexander Milne, M. B., C.M. (1876-79), 5 Richmondhill Road, Aberdeen.

Alexander F. Gordon (1905-07), 42 Grosvenor Place, Aberdeen.

Angus F. Legge{1901-o7), 1 Braemar Place, Aberdeen.

James Gordon (19o1-o6), 42 Grosvenor Place, Aberdeen.

Lindsay L. Shepherd (19,50-07), 6 Marine Terrace, Aberdeen.

William Dilling (2882-89), Killamey, St. John's Road, Golder's Green, London, N.W. Sydney C. -Still (2904.00), U. F. Manse, Banchory-Devemck.

John E. Henderson (1884-87), 264 Union Street, Aberdeen.

George Mollison 0864-60, Canada House, Aberdeen.

John J. C. Jolly (1882-83), 38 Bridge Street, Aberdeen.

Richard Jones, Jun. (1893.97), 59 Marischal Street, Aberdeen.

Hector R. Adam (1897-1902), Box 3427, Johannesburg, Transvaal.

J. R. Wardlaw Burnet (2899-19m), 59 Queen's Road, Aberdeen.

Harry J. Wilson (2883-86), 74 York Street, Glasgow.

Harry W. Cook (1895-1904), The Birches, Milltimber.

Douglas Maitland Bisset (1901-08), 38 Albyn Place, Aberdeen.

Rev. James J. Calder, M.A. (2866-69), Manse of Cairney, Huntly.

John Cook, M.A. (1864-65), 3o Hermitage Gardens, Morningsale, Edinburgh.

James A. Angus (1894-99), c/0 William Angus, 46 Union Street, Aberdeen.

Ian G. Innes (2905.08), 28 Loanhead Terrace, Aberdeen.

George Fowler Dickie (1869-73), 29 Clovelly Road, Ealing, London, W. Frank Griffith (19o5-o7), 8 Belvidere Crescent, Aberdeen.

Rev. Alex. Fiddes, M.A., B.D. (1870-75), 28 Inverleith Terrace, Edinburgh.

George L. Cruickshank (1886.88), Peterwell, Fyvie.

Gavin L. Cruickshank O879-8O, The Pharmacy, Rothienorman.

Thomas G. Forbes (1898-19oz), The Pas, N. W. T., Canada.

George G. M. Black, M.B. (1887.89), Tomintoul, Ballindalloch.

Rev. W. W. Gauld, M.A. (x893-98), U.F. Manse, Callander.

John A. Stewart, I.C.S. (x397-99), c/o 8z Mile-End Avenue, Aberdeen.

William F. G. Dawson (2863-67), Banker, Insch.

Arthur F. Kynoch (1906-x0), 62 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen.

Arthur C. Hay, M.A., (x901.02), Dennyduff Road, Fraserburgh.

John Inglis, M.D. (x872.76), 14 EversfieId Place, St. Leonards-on-Sea. William R. Deuchar (2897.2902), 152 High Street, Fulham, London, S.W. Robert A. Lillie (x896-1905), 6 Westfield Terrace, Aberdeen.

James Gilchrist, M.A., M.D. (2892-94), Farnboro' House, Sydenham, London, S.E. William Lobban, M.A. (1876-83), Hillesden, Giffnock, near Glasgow.

Ronald Cumming (x899-1904), c/o Kelly and Nicol, Architects, Union Street, Aberdeen.

George Cruickshank (x 894-99), c/o Guthrie and Co., Singapore.

James Eider, M.B., Ch.B. (1896-x9oz), Angus House, Featherstone, Yorks.

*** Should the dates given above be found to be incomplete or inaccurate, notice should be sent to the Secretary of the Club.

Watt & Milne,

Xiglz-Mass Dressmakers, Costumiers,

I72

I %( e

jYtaqtlemakerS,

Union Street,

Furriers, £atieS,

Aberdeen.

CoutfitterS•

Dinners,

OF ALL KINDS CATERED FOR IN ROOMS OR AT YOUR OWN HOMES.

Dances, and Parties

NO WORK OR WORRY TO HOSTESS. Menus, Terms, Engagements, from Manager, 173 Union Street.

TABLE

APPOINTMENTS

WEDDING

CAKES

A

ON HIRE_

SPECIALTY,

Unsurpassed for Quality.

KaNT•Igwgle, BAKERY AND SALE SHOP,

5 and 7 HOLBORN STREET.

Note.

Present Pupils and Old Boys wishing to become members of the Old Boys' Company of the Gordon Highlanders (T.F.) should inform the Secretary of the Club, or Mr. J. W. Beath, 373 Union Street, in order that they may receive notice of the recruit drills. If a considerable number of new members were enrolled, much better arrangements could be made in regard to the camp.

Club Office=Bearers.

Hon. President—H. F. MORLAND SIMPSON, Esq., M.A. Hon. Vice-Presidents— The Right Hon. Lord STRATHCONA, G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O. Sir WILLIAM WATSON CHEYNE, Bart., F.R.S., LL.D. Sir WILLIAM MORTIMER CLARK,.K.C., LL.D. CHARLES DAVIDSON, Esq., M.A. Pro£ WILLIAM L. DAVIDSON, LL.D. Sir JAMES DONALDSON, D.D., LL.D. G. B. ESSLEMONT, Esq., M.P. Sir DAVID FERRIER, M.D., LL.D. Sir GEORGE S. GIBB, LL.B. T. R. GILLIES, Esq., Advocate.

Major-General Sir JAMES R. L. MACDONALD, K.C.I.E. Sir WILLIAM MACGREGOR, G.C.M.G., LL.D. Sir GEORGE REID, R.S.A., LL.D. Sir JAMES REID, Bart., G.C.V.O., K.C.B., M.D., LL.D. J. SCOTT RIDDELL, Esq., ,,C.M. Sir THOMAS SUTHERLAND, G.C.M.G., LL.D. J. C. OGILVIE WILL, Esq., M.D. W. H. WILLIAMSON, Esq., M.D. The LORD PROVOST OF ABERDEEN. The CHAIRMAN OF ABERDEEN SCHOOL BOARD. President ALEX. DUFFUS, Esq. Vice-President EDWARD W. WATT, Esq., M.A.

Secretary and Treasurer— Mr. JAMES W. MILNE, C.A., 46A Union Street.

•

Club Secretaries.

London Section—Mr. T. J. Wilson, C.A., 37 Suffolk House, Cannon Street, London, E.C. Football Club-1st XV.—Mr. J. C. Duffus, II Queen's Gardens ; 2nd XV.—Mr. George T. Fraser, I I Belgrave Terrace.

Badminton Club—Mr. Alfred Smith, 191 Union Street Orchestral Section—Mr. J. C. Lyon, 10 Carden Place.

Dramatic Section—Mr. J. H. N. Craigen, 40 Carden Place.

Ball Committee—Mr. W. Mackintosh, 148 Union Street.

BREAKFASTS, K-- c-D-9 DINNERS,

"i

V

TEAS,' 0 SUPPERS. CPct4OCk‘ For Weddings and "At Homes" 64

Replete with every Comfort."

IT CAN'T BE BEAT.

CHAS. DAVIE, Proprietor.

Telephone 2428.

Telephones—tsni and 1501a.

WM. SMITH, HIGH-CLASS FRUITERER, FLORIST, AND CONFECTIONER, THE SHOP FOR LUCKY WEDDING BOUQUETS. •

Only Address:

HOLBURN

JUNCTION

(UNION STREET).

Greenhouse and Vineries-12 HUNTLY STREET.

Telephone 994.

WEST=END TAILORING. MODERATE PRICES. -~eDress Suit.-Silk Facings, 4 Guineas.

Lined Silk throughout, 5 Guineas.

FLEECY OVERCOATS, for Evening Wear, from 3 Guineas.

Every Garment is made under the expert supervision of Mr. Watson, formerly principal Cutter with R. K. Smith.

SHIRTS, GLOVES, TIES, UNDERWEAR, ETC.

WATSON & McGILCHRIST, ILabies' ani) Oent.'5 tatlor:3 aub Outfitters,

347 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

GONDOLIER DANCING ACADEMY AND

SCHOOL OF DEPORTMENT. JAMES F. DONALD, B.A.T.D. Principal, (Certificated by the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, London.)

SEASON'S CLASSES. Classes commence in August and finish in March.

Public Class. — Every Monday and Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m.

Fees—Ladies, Os. ; Gents, 8s.

Private Class. —Every Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Fees— Ladies, 8s. ; Gents, 10s.

Juvenile Class. — Every Saturday at 10.45 a.m. Fee, 7s. 6d.

Private Class for Shopkeepers and others.—Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ; Wednesdays at 4 p.m.

Fees—Ladies, 8s. ; Gents, 10s.

Private Class for Teachers, Students, and others.— Tuesdays at 5 p.m. ; Saturdays at 3 p.m. Fees—Ladies, 10s. ; Gents, 12s. 6d.

NOTE.—Pupils can be enrolled at any time, receiving a Course of 16 Lessons from the date on which they begin.

Teacher,

-

-

JAMES F. DONALD, B.A.T.D.

Messrs. MORGAN, ipbotoorapbic artists, flniniature Painters, anh Mailers of Zirtistic frames. . . •

393

•

UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

Special Cerms to Grammar School Stuaeqts.

10 A.M. TILL 5 P.M.

TELEPHONE No. 603.

WILLIAM RITCHIE, fruiterer, florist, ant) Confectioner.

Magnificent Selection of Choice Fruits.

Confections of every descrifition.

WREATHS, CROSSES, BOUQUETS Made up on the shortest

of notice.

Note Address--

34 MARKET STREET, ABERDEEN, 'Phone 798.

ARCHIBALD McKENZIE. If you have had trouble of any kind with your Coal Supply, try my

HAIGH MOOR WALLSEND HOUSEHOLD COAL. This Coal is of good size and is quite free from slate and stone. The quantity of ash is less than half of what is left by other Coals. Satisfaction guaranteed.

219 MARKET STREET, ABERDEEN. Telephone No. 14.

THE ALL

IVE•41.

tir 4 i MEW 1

FOUNTAINHEAD

FRESH

FOR

FROM ELLON DAILY.

Fine Buchan Butter, fresh farm Eggs, fine home=made Cheese, fowls, Chickens, Rabbits, sucklings, Sams (all own make), honey (in Supers, 1 lb. and 2 lb.), honey (in Nice Tumblers).

MILNE, ELLON STALL, NEW

MARKET.

TELEPHONE No. 1891.

ARCHIBALD MIELLAR, family Grocer and Wine Merchant,

456 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN. * Excellent Value given in 2,'- Tea. English Bottled Fruits, in globe-shaped bottles, 1i- each.

Glass Shapes, Chicken, Ham and Tongue, etc., etc., 1,'6 each.

Glasses Potted Grouse, 6d. each.

Glasses Potted Wild Duck, 6d. each.

White's Crystal Jellies, per pint packet, 3'd. each.

Medicinal Wines—Vibrona, Hall's, Wincarnis, Glendenning's.

W. J. MILNE, flDen't3 'batter ant) lbaberbabcr,

25I UNION STREET, .7C13EKDEEN. The Royal Northern Club is opposite. +

:

TELEPHONE No. 1293.

Orders by 'Phone, Post Card, or Letter receive immediate attention.

TELEPHONE No. 467.

M'COMBIE'S CYCLE DEPOT, 344 KING STREET,

ABERDEEN.

TO CYCLISTS. New Cycles built

to Order.

Old Cycles exchanged for Machines.

more

up- to- date

Old Cycles thoroughly overhauled, re-enamelled, plated, and done up in first-class style.

All kinds of repairs promptly

executed.

A Large Assortment of Tyres and Accessories always on hand.

All Orders entrusted to my care shall have my personal attention, and the work carried out with the utmost dispatch.

Telephone Orders promptly attended to and sent for if required.

CHARGES MODERATE AND WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED. A Varied Selection

of all the Leading Makes of Cycles in Stock. mate.

ALEXANDER

FRASER,

jpractlcal Vaatcbmaker &Rweller.

Q PECIAL attention given to Repairing of Watches and Clocks, Gilding and Replating of all Articles of Jewellery and Silver Ware.

Large and Varied Stock of Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery of every description.

•

ALEXANDER FRASER, ±.e.=3:1--2,K0-_A11 H T_TP1=3 19 ABERDEEN.

Telephone No. 16Y2.

DAVID WYLLIE & SON (Established 1815),

" Fountain Pen Emporium," 247 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN. EVERYONE WRITES--more or less: hardly a day passes without frequent occasions for it. Now, to write with any degree of comfort and rapidity, one wants a pen thoroughly suitable and always reliable.

The " SWAN" Fountain Pen combines all the advantages of the perfected pen, with a reservoir of ink sufficient to write continuously for hours. Prices 10/6 and 16/6. Satisfaction guaranteed. Repairs speedily executed. Ink and other accessories. Fountain Pens by other makers also stocked. Prices upwards.

Telephone No. 402.

(

P. LARG & Co.

#

(ilppusite Free Library).

4t.

~.

~~-_

-

,~

— —

-

. -

k

PIANOS, from 110 upwards.

ORGANS, from £5 upwards.

VIOLINS, from 7/6 upwards.

MANDOLINS,

—

from 10,'- upwards.

—

r-r-71; ,

MUSIC CASES, from 1/- upwards.

STRINGS & FITTINGS, all kinds.

Is your Piano in tune? If not, send us a P.C.; we will do it properly.

Established over a Century;

MORTIMER & DUNN, D spensing and Photographic Chemists,

141 Union Street and 1 Chattan Place.

Telephones-241 and 1509.

DARK ROOM —Developing and Printing.

«

770

Z

Ivan1

7 f

IMO...class tobaccos, Cigars, Cigarettes, pipes, etc., 478 UNION STREET, Aberdeen.

W. Y. MACKAY, PROPRIETOR. TELEPHONE 989.

Established over Halt a Century.

TRAVELLING REQUISITES. GLADSTONE BAGS, 12s. and upwards.

TRAVELLING TRUNKS, los to 30s.

Solid Leather PORTMANTEAUX. SCHOOL BAG BOOK STRAPS.

IMMENSE SELECTION.

REPAIRS neatly executed by practical workmen on the premises.

TRUNK, AND GAUL & WILSON, SADDLERY, PORTMANTEAU MANUFACTURERS,

BON-ACCORD STREET, ABERDEEN.

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL. (Founded previous to 1256.)

Rector—H. F. MORLAND SIMPSON, M.A. (Cantab.), F.S.A.Scot.

The School, which is one of the Secondary Public Schools of Scotland, provides for Boys a complete course of study—Elementary and Secondary, Classical and Modern. The Lower School receives Boys of the Infant stage and upwards.

The School contains excellent Laboratories—Chemical and Physical, Art Room, Workshop, Botanical Garden, Gymnasium, Library, and Reading Room.

The situation of the School is open and healthy, within ten minutes of the Railway Station.

There is a Cricket Field, and there are separate Playgrounds for the various departments.

Boarders are received by several of the Masters.

Information as to Fees, Sch, darships, etc., is given in the School Prospectus, which may be had free on application to the CLERK of the SCHOOL BOARD, 22 Union Terrace, or to the RECTOR.

ABERDEEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. Head Master—JOHN M`BAIN, M.A. Lady Superintendent—Miss LUCY L. WARD, B.A. (Loud.)

The School, which is one of the Secondary Public Schools of Scotland, is organised in Three Departments—a Junior, an Intermediate, and a Secondary—the last combining Modern and University Sections. The Art and Music Departments are under highly qualified Masters and Governesses. Pupils are received from the age of Five Years. The recent additions, consisting of an elegant Hall, Cookery and Laundry Rooms, and a Suite of Laboratories of the most approved description for the teaching of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, make the School one of the best equipped in the country. A Library and Reading Room and Luncheon Rooms are provided.

The School occupies a spacious site in the West End of the City, within twelve minutes of the Railway Station.

The Lady Superintendent can arrange for the Boarding of Pupils from a distance.

Information as to Fees, Scholarships, etc., is given in theSchool Prospectus, which may be had free on application to the CLERK of the SCHOOL BOARD, 22 Union Terrace, or to the BEAD MASTER.

PIANOFORTES

ETC.

Upright and Horisontal Grand Pianos, by excellent makers, from £lb to £130 ; also Second-hand Pianos. Bargains may be had on 3 years' Instalment System.

Kimball Organ., Panorma, Cramond and Ruddiman Violin's, also Violas, 'Cellos, all of high-class make and cheap. De hleglio and other Mandolins, Guitars, Banjos, Cornets. Violin Repairs, Strings, Bows, Bridges. Pianos Tuned, Exchanged, and Repaired. Teachers Supplied.

•

AGENT for Skidmore's Bent Steel Fire-proof Safes, and Hobbs & Co.'s Fire- and Burglar-proof Steel Safes, Doors, and Looks; Makers to the King, and Bank of England, etc.

JOHN G. MORISON, 48 Netherkirkgate.

TELEPHONE NOS.- ABERDEEN, 1670; PETERHEAD, 7O; FRASERBORGIN, 67.

GEORGE JOHNSTON. , FLORIST, FRUITERER, AND . . . CONFECTIONER, . . .

473 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN. Crosses.

Cboice fruit.

Salabz.

Branches-4 & 4a Broad Street, Fraserburgh; 9 Marischal Street, Peterhead.

FRED HARDIE, Ipbotoorapbic Ertist,

fkI6 UNION ST.,

ABERDEEN,

For every style of In- and Out-door Group, Composite Groups, and General Portraiture, etc., Tel&phone

851.

At Popular Prices.

PIANOFORTES. STEINWAY. STEINWAY, STEINWAY. BECHSTEIN, BECHSTEIN. BECHSTEIN., BRINISMEAD " ANGELUS," "Piano and Piano Player combined."

Sole Importers for Scotland—

PATERSON & SONS, Music Sellers, 116 UNION STREET. ABERDEEN.

"BE PREPARED."

Scouts'

Anything and

.

Everything the Boy Scout

Uniform

.

requires.

Complete List on Application

Best of what's Newest in Ladies'

Strong Waterproof For Winter Wear.

Exclusive Styles in

Ladies' Dress Shoes.

Splendid Variety in

Boys' & Girls' School & Sunday Boots