AGS Magazine February 1913

Vol. XVI., No. 2.

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FEBRUARY, 1913.

Educational Books.

JAMES G. BISSET

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EDWARD, M.A., B.Sc. PORTRAIT OF A LOWER SCHOOL CLASS IN 1885-86 PORTRAIT OF SIR GEORGE REID, R.S.A., LL.D. PORTRAIT OF GEORGE A. LEDINGFIAM SCHOOL NOTES NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS OUR LETTER-BOX : ABERDEEN AFTER THIRTY-ONE YEARS LIFE IN QUEBEC PROVINCE -

PETER

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Frontispiece Facing p. 68 84 ,0 „ 126 61 65

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IMPRESSIONS OF THE QUEEN CITY OF CANADA -

A NOTE FROM CHILI SIR GEORGE REID, THE LIBRARY -

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R.S.A.

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• RANDOM NOTES SCHOOL BUILDING EXTENSIONS: OUR CONTEMPORARIES

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SHEEP SHEARING IN AUSTRALIA MY STOLEN SUMMER ON THE AZURE COAST

1877-1880 A DAY'S SKI-ING IN ABERDEENSHIRE HALLFOREST CASTLE TEE MUSEUM

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SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOTES -GOLF " DEBATER" NOTES JUDICIAL NIGHT THE FORMER PUPILS' CLUB

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98 101

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104 106

107 113 •

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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.

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PETER EDWARD, M.A.,

B.Sc.

Otammar Scboot tllaga3ine. , e

-

-Vol. XVI.

No. 2.

FEBRUARY, 1913.

The months that have elapsed since the publication of our last issue have been crowded with incidents worthy of record.

The Christmas Examinations have come and gone, as also have the Debating Society festivities and the holidays themselves.

Unfortunately the weather during the holidays was not at all seasonable, and the skating and sledging we should have welcomed were not forthcoming, still there was plenty of other amusements to take their places. But while speaking on these other topics we must not forget, though it is perhaps rather late for the purpose, to wish all our readers a very happy and prosperous New Year.

4,F..

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On our return to School after the Christmas holidays there are many more things to occupy our minds than looking back on past good times. The " Leavings," alas ! with their attendant evils the University " Prelims," are already looming large before us, and the combined effect of the two is shown by the solemnity now visible on the countenances of all those affected by them. The members of the two highest classes, who are the principal victims, are becoming morose and gloomy, but we have no doubt they will soon resume their usual cheery aspect. The examinations, after all, are not so terrible as they seem, and when once we get into the swing of the work there will be no time for gloomy reflection.

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62

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The hockey matches played by the first fifteen's eleven in All the the holidays were voted by all a distinct success. matches were won, some of them by a ten goal lead, and the weather was ideal for the game most of the time. It is surprising to see our footballers take so naturally and Perhaps it enthusiastically to the quieter game of hockey. was their enthusiasm that enabled them to win all their matches, though we cannot compliment them on their graceful play. Indeed, their play was far less graceful than that of their opponents; but far be it from us to discourage this institution. It must help greatly to keep the players in good condition, and to counteract the effects of plum pudding and the other delicacies popular at Christmas time. % $13 * The football fifteen have so far been surprisingly successful in all their matches. Only two points have been dropped as yet in the nine League games which have been played. Unfortunately Elmslie, the captain of the fifteen, was injured some time ago, and could not take part in several matches, but Then the an excellent substitute was found in Hendry. forwards suffered a loss through the illness of Lyon, whose place has been taken with great success by Ferguson. We hope to see the fifteen finish the season as well as they have begun it, and turn out Junior Champions again, thus keeping up the record of the School.

On Saturday, 18th January, the trial match was played between the School fifteen and Gordon's, for the selection of a team to oppose George Heriot's, Edinburgh. The School won by the substantial margin of eleven points to nil, and, what is still more satisfactory, ten of the fifteen were selected to represent the Combined Schools. The match was played at Edinburgh on a snow-covered ground, and resulted in a draw, C. Chambers-Hunter, the School half-back, scoring for the Combined Schools. :A.

The Debating Society has as yet had a most successful The lectures have all been excellent, perhaps the season. most popular being the two with musical illustrations. This is a new innovation for the Society, and it has proved so great a success that surely more ought to be arranged for in future years. Then there are more speakers in the Society than there have been for a long time. The chairman's difficulty is not to get somebody to speak, but to decide which of the many orators has the right to speak first. Even the junior members

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

63

have not displayed their usual bashfulness, while the rowdy element which used to frequent the back of the room, now takes a front seat and an interest in the proceedings. Of late the attendances have naturally fallen off, owing to the proximity of the examinations, but we hope to see the season close as successfully as it began.

M

Perhaps the one disappointing feature in the Society's syllabus was Judicial Night, and the blame does not rest upon those who took part in it, but upon the audience. Until very recently Judicial Night was one of the features of the School year, and the doors were besieged an hour before the time of starting by a crowd of boys ready to fight for the best seats; but all that has changed during the past two years.

The room was little more than half full on this occasion, although a great amount of care had been taken in the arrangements, and the programme was as good as ever. We hope that this complaint will have some effect in restoring the old enthusiasm, and we might suggest that next year's committee arrange the date of Judicial Night so as not to coincide with the F.P.'s play. Perhaps it was the necessity for Judicial Night and Sing-Song coming on successive evenings that caused this falling-off.

All the lack of interest, however, was made up for on the night of Sing-Song, which proved as howling a success as ever.

The usual enthusiastic audience was present, with the usual determination to sing or die. Several solos were given during the evening by Mr. Robson and others, and, as usual, Mr. Hyslop presided at the piano. One is tempted to wonder what would become of the Sing-Song without our versatile friend.

The popularity of all the Sing-Songs in recent years has been entirely due to him, and for that we owe him our heartiest thanks.

t

The Lending Library has this year a membership of fortyfive, which, small though it be, is probably a record for that institution. Recently a splendid set of books was gifted to the Library by Mr. T. R. Gillies, including ten volumes of The Captain. The subscribers show their appreciation of this gift by always eagerly inquiring if there are any Captains in, before they look for anything else.

We expect that the forty-five members will each have read all the ten volumes before June. We heartily thank Mr. Gillies for his gift, which has undoubtedly increased the interest taken in the

64

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Library, and we may say to the non-members that there is still time to join and get good value for a shilling before the end of the session.

a a a

We had something in the shape of a novelty about a fortnight ago, when the Rev. Dr. Snyder addressed the School assembled in the hall at nine o'clock. Dr. Snyder, who is known in the United States as the " Boys' Minister," gave us a very inspiring address on the subject of " Self-Confidence."

He caught the attention of his audience from the very beginning, and the Lower School boys especially listened Dr. Snyder's visit was very much eagerly all the time. appreciated, and undoubtedly everybody hopes to hear more of him soon.

655 Another golf match, Masters v. Boys, was played in the autumn, and at last the long expected victory was gained by the boys. This is the first time the masters have been beaten, and they were deservedly beaten for they secured only half the A detailed number of points gained by their opponents. account will be found on another page.

Since the appearance of the last Magazine the School Board have resolved on extensive alterations and additions to the School buildings. This is a7matter of considerable importance to the School, and one on which it may well be congratulated.

Full details will be found elsewhere.

We have much pleasure in being able to reproduce in this issue the photographs of two of our well-known masters. Mr. Philip and Mr. Edward need no introduction to our readers.

We would, however, express the hope that for long they may continue to give as good instruction to their pupils as they have done in days gone by.

Before another issue of the Magazine appears, winter will be a thing of the past, and we hope that the present dismal weather will have given place to bright and genial sunshine.

Cricket will have taken the place of football, and the only anxiety weighing on our minds will be as to the result of the Bursary Competition. Under these conditions we shall perhaps be tempted to imitate our friend the writer of " Random Notes " and indulge in levity instead of trying to maintain the gravity which is supposed to befit our editorial chair. At present, however, this is quite beyond our range.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

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65

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Old C.)

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The dates given in parentheses after names indicate the years of entering and leaving the School. * Indicates Member of the Former Pupils' Club.

The London Gazette of 21st January announced the retirement on an Indian pension of Major-General Sir JAMES R. L. MACDONALD* (1873-76), K.C.I.E., one of the Vice-Presidents of the F. P. Club. He entered the Royal Engineers in 1882, at the age of twenty, and he retires at the comparatively early age of fifty-one. He has seen much active service, his nanie being particularly associated with Uganda and Thibet. " With Macdonald in Uganda " is the name of a book descriptive of his African operations, and he has himself written a work entitled, " Soldiering and Surveying in British East Africa." In 1901 he was Director of Railways with the China Expeditionary Force, the 3rd Infantry Brigade of which was commanded by another Old Boy, Sir ALEXANDER J. F. REID* (1859-61), K.C.B. He has been mentioned in despatches repeatedly, has received decorations for gallant conduct, and has more than once received the thanks of the Government.

For the first time for some years the list of New Year Honours contained among the baronets or knights the name of no Old Boy. The only honour affecting the School was that of the Companionship of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India conferred on GEORGE CARMICHAEL* (1876-81). He is a member of the Indian Civil Service, being Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay, and an Additional Member of the Governor's Legislative Council.

Since the last Magazine was issued the third and concluding volume of the new Supplement of the Dictionary of National The lives of the following Biography has been published.

Old Boys are contained in it : — WALTER CHALMERS SMITH (1833-37).

WILLIAM [GORDON] STABLES (1852-54).

JAMES WESTLAND (1852-55).

66

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

MARLEY F. HAY (1885-87), who left the School to go to New York, U.S.A., was from 1900 to 1903 Pacific Coast Manager of the Holland Torpedo Boat Company, and Superintending Constructor at the Union Iron Works, San Francisco, of the first submarines built on the Pacific Coast for the U.S. Navy. From 1903 to 1907 he was Superintending Conitructor for the same company at Flushing, Holland, during the construction of the first submarines for the Dutch Navy, and from 1907 to 1911 Chief Constructor and Engineer of Messrs.

Whitehead & Co., Fiume, Hungary. In 1911 the licence to build submarines from his designs and patents was acquired

by Messrs. William Denny and Brothers, Dumbarton, and he is now Director there of the firm's new department for the • construction of submarines.

Two Old Boys were among the successful twelve in the recent examination for admission to the Indian Medical Service. The first place was taken by RICHARD R. M. PORTER* (1895-1906), M.A., M.B., and the tenth place by ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL MACRAE* (1896-1901), M.B. It may also be mentioned that a third F.P., ROBERT M. EASTON (1894-1904), M.B., was out of the list by only two places, being fourteenth.

It is now more than eighteen years since an Old Boy or even an Aberdeen graduate was at the head of the list, the last occasion being in August 1894, when the late Major CHARLES JOHN ROBERTSON MILNE (1881-88), M.D., occupied this distinguished position. Another Old Boy to hold the first place was JAMES SIMPSON (1865-70), M.D., who was in the list of 1880, but who died a few months afterwards. Both Porter and Macrae while at Aberdeen University were very prominent in all departments of student activity.

A recently-issued book entitled " Papua and British New Guinea " has much to say concerning one of our most famous Old Boys—His Excellency Sir WILLIAM MACGREGOR* (1865-67), G.C.M.G., whose name will always be closely associated with the administration of New Guinea. Sir William's work, both as an administrator and as an explorer, is very fully dealt with, and several weird stories are told of his adventures among cannibals. What book could be more suitable for a School prize ?

ROBERT J. MACLENNAN (1882-86), of the editorial staff of the Glasgow News, is the author of a one-act comedy named " Elder's Hours," which was recently produced in London.

Many will remember his excellent performance in the F.P. production of " Our Boys," and many have also enjoyed the reading of his amusing book, " In Yon Toon " (Aberdeen).

Aberdeen, Grammar School Magazine.

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67

JOHN NICOL FARQUHAR (1882-83), M.A., literary secretary of the National Council of the Y.M.C.A. of India and Ceylon, has written a " Primer of Hinduism," recently published by Henry Frowde, Oxford.

One of the most recent books written by Principal P. T. FORSYTH* (1859-64), D.D., is " Marriage: Its Ethic and Religion."

P. CHALMERS MITCHELL (1879-80), D.Sc., LL.D., F.R.S., secretary of the Zoological Society, London, is the author of a very handsomely-produced volume on " The Childhood of Animals." The book was reviewed at considerable length in The Times, and in many other papers.

The annual report of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, issued in November last, contained an interesting reference to Sir THOMAS SUTHERLAND* (1844-48), G.C.M.G., about whom it was stated that he had been chairman of the Board for no less than thirty-two years, and a managing director since 1872. He has been sole managing director for the last thirteen years. Arrangements have now been made for relieving him to a certain extent from the everyday routine of administrative work.

JOHN YOUNG* (1889-94) in April of last year severed his connection with Messrs. Arthur Young & Co., chartered accountants, New York, and now holds the position of auditor of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America, still residing in New York.

ALEXANDER JOHN FINDLAY* (1898-1904), Assistant Superintendent of Agriculture for Southern Nigeria, wrote from the Economic Gardens, Calabar, at the end of December that he was just starting on a three weeks' " trek " in the bush— " bush whacking " it is called there. He is coming home on leave at the end of February.

W. NORMAN LESLIE* (1892-95), M.A., B.L., writes from Ferozepore, Punjab, that he has discovered an Old Boy out there who wishes to join the Club, namely Major PATRICK B. SANGSTER (1884-88), of the 2nd Lancers—Gardner's Horse.

Another Old Boy in Ferozepore is Lieutenant WILLIAM S. TRAIL (1896-1901). These three met together and " toasted " the School one evening not long ago.

WILLIAM WILSON (1881-83), M.A., Secretary of Higher Education for the Administrative County Palatine of Lancaster, received in October from the University of Bristol the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (Engineering).

68

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

ALEXANDER PRINGLE JAMESON* (1892-1904), B.Sc., has been awarded by the University of Aberdeen the Fullerton Scholarship in Science.

HAROLD E. SMITH* (1889-97), M.A., M.B., has been studying in London,'and is now in Vienna.

ALFRED J. WILLIAMSON* (1897-1902), M.A., M.B., is now in medical practice at Woolwich.

GEORGE Ross* (1898-1906) has received an appointment on a tea estate in Upper Assam.

ROBERT R. Coox* (1899-1908) has received an appointment in the London office of Messrs. Harrisons and Crosfield,, Ltd., East India merchants.

ARTHUR R. HORNE* (1903-05), who was in the service of Messrs. Guthrie' & Co., Ltd., at Singapore, has recently been appointed manager of the firm's branch in Kiang, a rising town in the Federated Malay States, and in the heart of the rubber industry.

DONALD T. SKEEN* (1895-99), M.B., is now doctor of the European Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S., and another Old Boy who has recently gone to the same town is JAMES A. SimPsoN* (1899-1903), trigonometrical surveyor, formerly on the staff of the Royal Observatory, Cape Town.

JAMES FISHER* (1897-1904), of Strathmashie Estate, Bagan Datoh, Perak, was recently in Kuala Lumpur Hospital, bowled over by malaria. He was attended in the hospital by Dr. DONALD T. SKEEN,* and was visited by ARTHUR R. HORNE* and ANDREW A. WILLox.* An Old Boy in these regions, it would appear, need not feel a stranger in a strange land! There are, Fisher says, " a lot of F.P.'s knocking around."

ALLAN C. ANDERSON* (1907-12), who went out to Canada a few months ago, obtained a situation almost on arrival with the Dominion Bridge Company, Winnipeg.

ALEXANDER M. BISSET* (1886-95), who has been farming in the Orange Free State, has changed his quarters to Makwiro, Southern Rhodesia. He thinks he will like this part much better, especially as he will not have to contend with underhand dealings of Dutchmen. " There are exceptions, of course, but the bulk of them are two-faced." The Magazine is about all he has to keep him in touch with Aberdeen, and consequently he looks forward to getting it with great eagerness.

JOHN J. JOHNSTON* (1905-06), who served an apprenticeship with the Royal Insurance Company, Ltd., Aberdeen, is now overseer on a plantation at Berbice, British Guiana.

:Jr

A LOWER SCHOOL CLASS IN p885-86.

FIRST Row—J. C. Simpson, F. J. Ross, Syiney Walker, W. G. Maydon, J. M. Pirie, W. Webster. Jas. (;reig, J. C. Nicolson.

SECOND Row—D. Gordon, A. D.

MacQueen, R. W. Smith, A. E. Lee, John Wilson, Robert Wilson.

THIRD Row—J. W. Milne, C. Cmmhie, Alf. Wright, W. A. Carneran, M. F. White, G. G. Bell, Arnold S. Milne, M. R. Gillanders, H. G. Strathan.

FOURTH Row—R, F. Grant, E. W. Watt, F. Fildes, Alf. Esslemont, G. S. Inkster, W. R. Murray, J. M. Machattie, W. Gray.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

69

GEORGE WILLIAM SINCLAIR* (1877-87), who is a commander in the service of the British India Steam Navigation Company, has just become a Life Member of the Club. ARTHUR C. SMITH* (1893-1900), of Messrs. Guthrie & Co., Singapore, galvanized him into action. Every F.P. Smith meets has sooner or later to come into the'fold !

ROBERT FLEMING* (1891-98) is meantime located at Little Current, on Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron, Canada.

JAMES CRAWFORD ANGUS* (1868-72) has recently become a member of the Club. He went out to Queensland in 1879, and has been engaged in surveying, working on sheep and cattle stations, " overlanding " cattle, gold digging, sugar planting, and, from 1903, tin-mining at Tinaroo.

HECTOR R. ADAM* (1897-1902), B.Sc., who has been in the Salisbury Assay Office, Rhodesia, is now in the service of a gold mining company in Leydsdorp, Transvaal.

WILLIAM G. CRAIGEN* (1894-1902), M.A., LL.B., has been assumed a partner by his father Mr. John Craigen, solicitor, Aberdeen.

A. M. JOHNSTON,* J. C. DUFFUS,* JAMES SIMPSON,* and GEORGE LEDINGHAM* were all chosen to play for the North v. the South in the International Rugby Trial Match, and materially assisted the North to again beat the South. IAN A. CLARKE,* who has been playing occasionally for Oxford and the London Scottish, was also chosen for the first International Trial.

JAMES S. GREEN* (1897-1906) has gone in for sugar planting, and is now on the Honokaa Sugar Plantation, Hawaii.

JAMES C. LAWRENCE* (1898-99), who has been in New Zealand for a few years, is now resident at Hastings.

JOHN ADAM LILLIE* (1893-1902), M.A., LL.B., was in November admitted a member of the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh.

JOHN REIACH* (1904-06) has been appointed to the Blairgowrie Branch of the North of Scotland and Town and County Bank, Limited.

SYDNEY K. OGILVIE (1904) has received an appointment in the Federated Malay States, and has sailed for the East.

ALEXANDER G. GRANT (1904-06), who has been employed in the Locomotive Works at Inverurie of the Great North of Scotland Railway, has received an appointment with the Bengal and North-Western Railway, India.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Fleet-Surgeon JAMES LAWRENCE SMITH (1877-79), M.V.O., has been promoted to the rank of Deputy Surgeon-General, and put in charge of Chatham Hospital. For some years he has held a post at the Admiralty. He received the Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 1898 from Queen Victoria " as a mark of her appreciation of the valuable services rendered by him on board H.M.S. Blonde to the Queen's dear son-in-law, the late Prince Henry."

JAMES STUART (1882-84), clerk and accountant in the Lands Department of the Fiji Civil Service, was recently appointed, provisionally, Stipendiary Magistrate at Kadavu. He entered the Civil Service of the Fiji Islands in 1894 as a European officer to the Armed Native Constabulary; in 1896 he was transferred to the Post Office, Suva, and in 1898 to the Department of Lands and Works.

DOUGLAS GORDON CHEYNE* (1901-05), M.B., Ch.B., who Was assisting another Old Boy, Dr. GEORGE B. CURRIE*, Ealing, has been appointed resident medical officer in the City of London Lying-In Hospital. .

JOSEPH P. CAMERON* (1897-1904), M.B., has gone to New Zealand. Many will remember him as the Rector's clerk and as the author of the graphs which adorn the School corridor.

THOMAS MACKENZIE* (1840-45), M.A., Sheriff-Substitute of Sutherland, retired from office in October, being in his eighty-second year. He was admitted a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen as far back as 1855, and had been a Sheriff-Substitute for no less than fifty-four years. He was a pupil at the School in the days of Melvin, and cherishes happy recollections of the time he spent within its walls.

Rev. JAMES ROY (1850-52), M.A., B.D., minister emeritus of the U.F. Congregation of Evie, Orkney, completed fifty years' service as a minister in November last. The occasion was appropriately marked.

Rev. ANDREW MELDRUM (1853-56), M.A., minister of Logierait, Perthshire, has resigned his charge owing to advanced years and failing health. He has been at Logierait since 1876.

Rev. Professor JAMES A. PATERSON* (1864-67), M.A., D.D., has intimated his intention to resign from the chair of Old Testament Language, Literature and Theology in New College, Edinburgh. In this chair he succeeded another F.P., Professor ANDREW BRUCE DAVIDSON (1844-45), and we trust that the new occupant will also be an Old Boy.

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Yet another retirement is that of Rev. THOMAS SCOTT (1863-68), M.A., of the Bengal Ecclesiastical Establishment.

For the greater part of his service of thirty-one years he ministered to troops, and for long was attached to the Royal Scots Fusiliers as their regimental chaplain. He saw active service at the Relief of Chitral in 1896, and was mentioned in despatches.

WILLIAM A. WILLIAMSON* (1897-1907) recently passed the final examination of the Hawkesbury Agricultural College, N.S.W., and therefore obtains his Diploma, after three years training. He writes enthusiastically about his work.

He was Sports Secretary for two periods of office, besides being captain of the football XV. JAMES MATHEW SON MILNE* (1895-1902), M.A., has obtained the Doctorate •of Letters of the University of Rennes for •a thesis on Moliere and Sheridan. While at Rennes he contributed an article to the Maga:ine on " Life in a French Lycee."

ROBERT INGLIS* (1865-70), manager of the Bank of British North America, Toronto, has recently retired on a pension.

He was in the service of the Bank for over 36 years, and before going to Canada was for some years in the head office of the North of Scotland Bank, Aberdeen.

JOHN A. MASSON* (1879-80), accountant in the Aberdeen office of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, Ltd., has been appointed agent of the Turriff Branch of the Bank.

JAMES RAE* (1889-1901), M.A., M.D., has just published a book entitled " The Deaths of the Kings of England." This was in its original form a thesis which gained for its author from Aberdeen University the degree of Doctor of Medicine " with commendation."

Rev. JAMES BROWN CRAVEN (1862-63), D.D., the Rector of St. Olaf's Church, Kirkwall, and a well-known historical writer, has just been appointed by the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney to be Archdeacon of Orkney.

Rev. ROBERT NICOL PATON* (1898-1904), M.A., B.D., has been elected minister of New Byth Parish Church.

ROBERT S. CLARK* (1894-1901), M.A., B.Sc., who was zoological assistant from November 1911 to November 1912 to Dr. W. S. Bruce, Director of the Scottish Antarctic Expedition, has been appointed to the staff of the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth.

GEORGE A. LEDINGHAM* (1894-1905) and CHARLES B. OGILVIE (1902-04) have passed the final examination for election to associate membership of the Institute of Civil Engineers.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Professor J. WIGHT DUFF* (1877-82), M.A., D.Litt., was the delegate who represented the University of Durham at the recent International Archaeological Congress held in Rome.

CHARLES E. GARLAND* (1898-1902), lately Surveyor of Taxes at Leeds, has been appointed Surveyor for Shrewsbury and district.

PETER DIACK* (1904-09), M.A., a former School Editor of the Magazine, is Editor of Alma Mater, the Aberdeen University magazine, for 1912-13.

ROBERT M. MCNEILL (1885-92) has been resident in West Africa for the last thirteen years. He is principal agent in Lagos for a firm of Liverpool merchants, is President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Legislative Council of Nigeria.

ROBERT FORBES KERR (1861-66), who entered the legal profession in Edinburgh, subsequently emigrated to Australia and engaged in fruit growing. He returned to this country in 1900, and is now resident in Shropshire. As a pupil at the old School, he was the last to receive the " Good Conduct " prize—a prize which from time immemorial had been annually allowed to be voted by the boys of the First Class to the boy whom they considered best deserved it.' It ceased on the removal of the School to Skene Street. " As a finale to an old custom," he writes, " the boys must have deliberately selected the naughtiest! God bless them, living or dead."

The following cutting from a Sydney (N.S.W.) newspaper has been forwarded to us. It refers to DAVID REID BARCLAY* (1883-88), master mariner and coconut planter, Sassuli Plantation, Malo Island, New Hebrides :— AN OCEAN CUTTER-" THE DAUNTLESS THREE."

The smallest craft, manned by the smallest crew, set out [from Sydney] on a long ocean voyage on Saturday last for the New Hebrides. The .Kookaburra registers eight tons and is interesting as being the smallest vessel which has set out on a direct voyage to the islands named, so that if she is in luck's way, her safe arrival there will be somewhat of a record.

Her destination is Malo, the commercial capital of the group, and from thence Captain Barclay informs us that he will make for Vila, where he has a large plantation and is one of the pioneers in settlement in a place which De Quiros discovered in the year 1606. They are a group of islands which Captain Barclay describes to us as " places where every prospect pleases and only man is vile." The beauty of the scenery is there, but it is inhabited by a ferocious, treacherous, and cannibalistic race of savages. These natives have accounted for the murder of Commodore Goodenough, and many other white men and women. The Kookaburra was built four years ago at Berry, and her construction is peculiar in so much as she is planked with cedar. She is 38 feet long by 12 feet beam, 4 feet

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6 inches deep, and only a free-board of 12 inches. Ford, the wellknown builder of Berry's Bay, has filled her with a cabin 6 feet by 5 feet. She is well found in all the requisites for a sea voyage, including a dinghey and an abundance of tinned kai-kai. The cutter departed in mild weather, and with the aid of her oil engine she was going at a speed of 6 knots. Captain Barclay is bound on a track north of Norfolk Island, and there he hopes to fall in with the South-coast trades. The crew comprises, besides the skipper, two dauntless seamen, named Jerry Carmichael—a roving American—and Seppe Stevens, who was known in recent years as a boat sailer at Blue's Point.

It may be added that the distance between Sydney and Malo Island is 1600 miles, and that Captain Barclay accomplished the voyage in eighteen days.

The Right Rev. Bishop ANTHONY MITCHELL,* D.D., was the chairman at the November half-yearly dinner of the Aberdeen University Club, London. The toast of " The Chairman " was proposed by Dr. CHARLES G. COWIE (1884-86), who remarked that the Bishop and he went to the Grammar School together, when Dr. Moir was Rector. The Bishop was then easily first in classics, and he became dux and gold medallist.

He found time in his leisure moments to be captain of the cricket club, and to play a sound and hard game at Rugby football. It was then he began to cultivate the Muse, and to try his hand at light, imaginative literature. It might be said of him that " he lisped in numbers, and the numbers came."

They had a School Magazine in those days, and he remembered one of Bishop Mitchell's poems which dealt with buccaneers of the most sanguinary sort. It started— The sea was white, the sky was bright, And all around was blue ; The wind it roared, the rain it poured, In clouds the storm spray flew.

There was a story in the Magazine over the initials " A.M." dealing with spiritualism.

Its title was " The Speechless Spectre." If that title was intended as an intelligent anticipation of the future, it was, as they now knew, an entirely fallacious one.

Bishop Mitchell, acknowledging the toast, gave several reminiscences of his early days. Just after he had taken his degree at King's, he said, he was asked to go back to the Grammar School to teach as a supernumerary for a week.

They could imagine with what pride and with what a sense of efficiency he marched down to the School on the Monday morning, and for the first time in his life entered as an equal the masters' room. He met there their old friend Mr. Legge.

After the other masters had shaken hands kindly and welcomed him, Mr. Legge put out his hand to him and said, " Eh, Anthony! you used to be a terrible nickum."

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OBITUARY.

Rev. WILLIAM SKINNER (1844-45), M.A., senior minister of the united parishes of Tarland and Migvie, died at the Manse, Tarland, on 30th December, ,aged 82. He graduated in Arts at King's College in 1849, and was ordained minister of Coull in 1859. Nine years later he was called to Tarland and remained minister of the parish until his death.

ALEXANDER THURBURN (1844-49), M.A., LL.B., of the firm of Messrs. Thurburn and Fleming, solicitors and bankers, Keith, died there on 7th December, aged 71. His special hobby was the study of science, and he possessed at his residence a thoroughly equipped laboratory.

JAMES HORNE* (184549) died at 203 Camden Road, London, N.W., on 7th February, in his 79th year. He was an enthusiastic sailor and enjoyed an uninterrupted career of 62 years' service. He became a member of the Club no longer ago than September of last year. The following account of his career is from The Times :—" Mr. Horne was born at Aberdeen. He first went to sea in 1849, and on the outbreak of the Crimean war he volunteered for active service in the Navy and was appointed to H.M.S. Royal Albert. At the close of the war he was awarded the Crimean medal with the Sebastopol clasp, and the Turkish medal. He then returned to the merchant service and was on the China coast for a time, being attached to Lord Elgin's Embassy in 1859, when he was placed in charge of a ' lorcha,' or houseboat, and was present at the capture of the Taku Forts. From 1864 to 1877 he was captain of the sailing ship John Allan. He joined the Loch Line in 1877, commanding first the Loch Sloy and in 1885 the Loch Garry, in which ship he remained until his retirement in 1911."

In the very interesting article " School Life under Melvin," contributed to the Magazine in 1910 by the late Mr. Alexander Forbes, there was a paragraph referring to Mr. Horne which is worth reproducing :— " The last fight I can never forget.

James Horne, a much bigger boy, was set up by some ill-conditioned fellows to fight me.

It took place under the colonnade at the Town's Public Schools in Little Belmont Street about five o'clock one afternoon. I got a thorough good thrashing and two black eyes because I would not admit I was beat. What was to be done? Horne's father was my father's officer when he was in the Magistracy, and if I showed the condition in which he left me, my father, I knew, would see that Horne's father would punish him terribly. I was fond of Horne, as all the boys at School were, and I was anxious to save him, so, accompanied by my second, we went down to a butcher in the basement of the New Market, and I had two large pieces of

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raw beef put on my eyes, and with these was conducted home. Of course, I was later than usual in arriving, and only with the . greatest difficulty did I manage to conceal my condition from my mother and the other members of the family. My success afforded James Horne went to sea, and me the greatest satisfaction. commanded some large merchant vessels which sailed from the port of London. A vicious habit of swearing and using bad words had become very prevalent in our class, and Horne carried a small piece of rope, and came across the fingers of any boy he heard making use of a bad word. By this means he was instrumental to a large extent in suppressing the habit."

FARQUHAR FORBES-ROBERTSON (1848-49) died in Christmas week at Cheltenham, aged 74.

Rev. ROBERT LIPPE (1849-51), LL.D., chaplain of the Royal Asylum and Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, 1879-1909, died in Aberdeen on 28th January, aged 79. Prior to taking up the duties of chaplain, he was schoolmaster at Forgue. He was a distinguished liturgical scholar.

ALEXANDER CUNNING (1850-52) died in December at Cullen, aged 81. He was for ten years on the Parliamentary reporting staff of the Morning Post, and for twenty-seven years on the staff of the Standard. He retired in 1905.

Rev. JAMES HUNTER COLLIE (1850-55), M.A., died at Birkenhead on 25th November, aged 70. He was minister of Melville Free Church, Aberdeen, from 1867 to 1875, and thereafter was minister of the English Presbyterian Church of Bootle, Liverpool.

WILLIAM ROBERT DUGUID (1852-54), M.D., died at Buckie on 10th January, aged 71. He graduated in Arts at Marischal College in 1858, before he had reached the age of 17, and in Medicine in 1862. On leaving college, he went immediately to Buckie and began the practice of his profession, continuing there for over fifty years, until his death, which occurred very suddenly. In connection with his professional jubilee, arrangements were made for having his portrait painted by ALLAN N. SUTHERLAND* (1896-1902), who completed the commission a week or two ago.

Sir GEORGE REID* (1853-54), R.S.A., LL.D., died at his residence Hillylands, Oakhill, Somersetshire, on 9th February, in his 72nd year. By his death the School has lost one who, as a portrait painter, " ranks among the giants of his generation." On leaving the School in 1854 he was apprenticed to Messrs. Keith and Gibb, lithographers, Aberdeen, and served seven years with them. Thereafter he spent a few months in Edinburgh, and then returned to Aberdeen to work on portrait commissions at low prices and to study all phases of art.

After two years in his native city he once more went to Edin-

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burgh to continue his studies, and later received instruction on the Continent. He made his first appearance in the Royal Scottish Academy in 1862, and became in succeeding years a regular exhibitor. He was elected an Associate of the Academy in 1870, and attained full membership in 1877. In December 1891, he was elected president of the Royal Scottish Academy, He resigned the and received the honour of knighthood. presidentship in 1902. " Very many eminent Scotsmen," says The Times, " were painted by him, and in the later half of his life many Englishmen also; and his pictures of elderly men, especially men whose countenances showed visible traces of hard intellectual work, have been universally recognized as at once admirable likenesses and dignified works of art. Though his style was his own, the best of these portraits, with their broad, effective execution and their profoundly analytic rendering of character, sometimes suggested a comparison with Rembrandt. His reputation as an artist stands high among all who are qualified to judge, and it is likely to rise higher still."

Sir George Reid was one of the Honorary Vice-Presidents of the Former Pupils' Club, and had a life-long interest in the School. A reminiscent article from his pen appeared in the Magazine of May 1901. An appreciation of him by one of his intimate friends will be found on another page.

Rev. WILLIAM MCINTOSH ARTHUR (1856-61), M.A., died at Wingfield, Epping, on 28th November, aged 69. He was appointed minister of the Congregational Church at Thornton, Bradford, in 1868, and at Bamford, Lancs., in 1875.

He resigned the latter charge in 1908.

DANIEL BAXTER (1856-60) died at North of Scotland and Town and County Bank House, Banff, on 24th January.

After studying at Aberdeen University he entered the service of the Commercial Bank, King Street Branch, Aberdeen, and later exchanged to the service of the Town and County Bank.

He was successively agent of this bank at the Northern Branch, Aberdeen, from 1879 ; at Alford, from 1881 ; and at Banff, from 1891. He was an enthusiastic Volunteer officer.

ADAM MACKIE (1860-63) died at Roseville, Fyvie, on 8th December. He was managing director of the firm of Messrs.

James Mackie & Co., merchants, Fyvie.

Rev. DUNCAN MEARNS Ross* (1863-67), M.A., minister of the parish of Glass, Aberdeenshire, died at Bournemouth on 5th February, aged 60. He graduated in Arts at Aberdeen in 1871 an•d was ordained at Glass in 1876.

ALEXANDER HENDERSON (1864-66), M.B., died at Worthing on 21st October, aged 60. After being in business for some years he studied medicine at Edinburgh University, and

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graduated M.B., C.M. in 1891. He commenced practice in Edinburgh and continued there till 1909, when owing to illhealth he retired to Worthing.

ALEXANDER FOWLER (1869-73) died at Bank House, Auchnagatt, on 8th January, aged 57. He entered the service of the Town and County Bank at the head office in Aberdeen in 1874. In 1889 he was promoted to be agent at Auchnagatt, remaining in that position under the North of Scotland and Town and County Bank until his death.

JAMES FETTES BOULTON* (1871-73) died at 120 St. Andrew's Road, Exmouth, on 18th November, aged 53. He served an apprenticeship as a civil engineer with Mr. Jenkins, Aberdeen, and was afterwards in the Aberdeen Harbour Engineer's Office.

Later he went out to Hong-Kong, superintending the Peak Tramway, and subsequently held a high appointment in the Hong-Kong Civil Service. Owing to ill-health he retired over two years ago, and took up residence in Devonshire.

WILLIAM ST. JOHN SKEEN* (1876-83), M.B., C.M., medical superintendent of the Durham County Asylum, died at Winterton, Ferry Hill, on 13th November, aged 48.

He graduated in Medicine at Aberdeen University in 1888, and was one of six brothers who were pupils at the School.

GEORGE FORBES (1877-78), M.B., C.M., died at Leeds on 16th November, aged 51. He was in practice successively in Aberdeen, Oldham, and Blackpool.

Rev. THOMAS MILNE (1877-80), M.A., minister of the United Free Church, Knockando, Morayshire, died in Aberdeen on 12th December, aged 48. He graduated in Arts at Aberdeen in 1885, and was called to Knockando in 1901.

WILLIAM DAVID BURNES (1881-89) died at Croydon on 29th January.

ALEXANDER BARCLAY (1882-85) died at Seadrift, Texas, on 7th January, aged 44. He had resided in America for many years and latterly was engaged on railway work in Texas.

WILLIAM SCOTT CHEVES (1883-86) died at Middleton of Rora, Longside, on 22nd January. After leaving the School he was employed in the office of seedsmen in Aberdeen and Hexham for five years. Thereafter he was a tea planter in Ceylon for some years. Ultimately he joined the Army, and became a non-commissioned officer in the Royal Scots Greys, serving eight years with the colours.

ALEXANDER BROWN SHEPHERD (1885-87) died at Longhaven House, Aberdeenshire, on 3rd February, aged 44.

His original name was Alexander Brown, but on his succession to the estate of Longhaven in 1902 he assumed the additional

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surname of Shepherd, after his mother, through whose family Early in life he engaged in farming in the estate came.

Australia.

JAMES K. D. CALDER, (1887-88), watchmaker, died at 14 Crown Street, Aberdeen, on 7th November, aged 38.

DONALD MCGILLIVRAY (1887-91) died suddenly at University College Hospital, London, on 23rd December, aged 37. On leaving School he was for six years in the service of Messrs.

Anderson and Thomson, wholesale warehousemen, Aberdeen, and thereafter was in business in Wigan and in London.

WILLIAM GRAY (1894-97) died at Ladybridge on 11th JanuHe was formerly employed in business in ary, aged 32.

Glasgow.

ALEXANDER ANDERSON FRASER (1898-1905) died at RanHe left Aberdeen goon, India, on 1st November, aged 24. about three years ago, and at the end of 1911 received an appointment with Messrs. Rowe & Co., merchants, Rangoon.

MARRIAGES. ANDERSON (1881-84).-At St. Oswald's Church, Edinburgh, on 17th December, NORMAN WILLIAM ANDERSON, M.D., to Alice Smith,

elder daughter of James Howden, Edinburgh.

RosE (1881-92).—At Bowdon, on 28th December, GEORGE FALCONER RosE, of Calcutta and Aberdeen, to Margaret Hale, eldest daughter of Richard Hambly, Gadley, Bowdon, Cheshire.

CAiro (1883-86).--At the Danish Church, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A., on 7th December, WILLIAM CArro, Upland, California, to Thyra Marguerethe, second daughter of Rev. K. T. Vest, Jyllinge, Denmark.

BOYES (1885-89).—At St. John's Church, Aberdeen, on 7th January, Rev. JAMES ALEXANDER BOYES, son of the late Rev. George Boyes, of St. llarnan's, Aberchirder, to Lily, daughter of the late Captain Douglas, Stonehaven.

YOUNG (1885- ?).—At St. Ann's U.F. Church, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, B.W.I., on 2nd November, ARCHIBALD YOUNG,* eldest son of Rev. Archibald Young, M.A., Aberdeen, to Jessie Alice Stephen, of Kilmarnock, Scotland.

YouNG (1889-94).—At Calvary Episcopal Church, New York City, U.S.A., on 9th November, JOHN YOUNG,* second son of Rev. Archibald Young, M.A., Aberdeen, to Annie Oldham, daughter of the late John Oldham, of Stockport, Lancs.

Annes-on-theYOUNG (1889-94).—At St. Thomas' Church, St. Sea, on 25th January, WILLIAM YouNo,* San Fernando, Trinidad, son of Rev. Archibald Young, M.A., Aberdeen, to Katharine Muriel, daughter of Thomas Preston, Ravens Holme, St. Anneson-the-Sea. Aberdeen, WISHART (1897-1905).—At Greyfriars Parish Church, Kennedy, Mary to WISHART, ALEXANDER November, 5th on youngest daughter of the late William Wilkie and Mrs. Wilkie, 22 Roslin Terrace, Aberdeen.

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Our Letter=Box. Aberdeen after Thirty-One Years.

The following letter has been received by the Secretary of the F.P. Club from ANGUS GIBBON (1874-75), who since going to U.S.A. in 1881 has been engaged successively in lumbering, mercantile business, real estate business, and iron mining :301 8th Avenue East, Duluth, Minn., U.S.A., 11th October, 1912.

My Dear Sir,—Pardon delay in replying to your kind favour of 14th May. I received it and the Magazine as I was preparing to go to Europe—the first time in 31 years. I thought that I might see you over there and take out membership—I did visit Aberdeen, but my stay was brief. I got there on a Saturday afternoon, too late to find you at your office.

I walked around my old haunts all that afternoon, went to church next morning, in the afternoon took a stroll out to the Grammar School, and was forced on the same day to leave for Edinburgh without seeing a friend.

I got mixed up with a party of Americans who were " doing " Europe, and suasion was brought to bear on me to join them. Thus it happened that Scotland was the last country visited instead of the first as I myself had intended.

I may go over next year again. If I do, I trust I shall have time enough to renew old acquaintance and form new.

I was especially pleased to find that I did not suffer any disillusionment in the Granite City. My two daughters were with me, and I had cracked up the town so much that I feared I should be humbled after coming fresh from the well kept Continental cities. It was about the last of August, and there was an aviator doing a " sprint " around the city. The day was fine, and Sunday morning ditto. I took the girls down to Broad Street to see Byron's house. It was no more, but something better in its place. The girls were charmed, and I was satisfied.

I think that the physique of the Aberdonians is far superior to that, say, of the average Glasgow man, and they are a more thrifty-looking lot. And again the well-dressed Sunday crowds, orderly and intelligent-looking, were very pleasing to me. I felt so glad that I did not have to blush for Aberdeen.

It was a joy to note the clean, well kept streets, and the good honest faces.

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I may mention that I perused with interest the February number of School Magazine. Among the list of Life Members I noticed the name of Major-General Macdonald, an old chum and classmate. We corresponded for years after I came to the States, and he left for India. The last letter I had from him was from Uganda.

I also got the whereabouts of the family of Joseph Wood, for whom I used to work before leaving Aberdeen. I wondered what had become of them. I will have to write them. There are others also referred to whom I know or have known. I did not imagine when Mr. Alex. Taylor spoke to me of the Club that I would get such immediate pleasure from joining it, so with best wishes I herewith enclose my subscription for Life Membership.

Yours truly, ANGUS GIBSON.

Life in Quebec Province.

MALCOLM MACRAE (1906-11), in a letter written from the

Canadian Bank of Commerce, Sherbrooke, Quebec, on 19th November, says :— " I have been over two months in this town now and I think I am in a position to let you know something of the country. In the first place I am liking it very well and also my work. This is a queer town. All the notices are written in French and English, and most of the store-keepers are French. There is one exception, and that is J. S. Mitchell, an Aberdonian, who is considered the richest man in the town, barring F. N. Macrae, the M.P. for this county. The people here are mostly French, but they speak a patois almost entirely different from the true French. They are mostly all Catholics, and a familiar sight in the streets is a long row of sombre-clad nuns out for a walk, or a crowd of young seminary ladies jealously guarded by half a dozen or more nuns. There are three convents and two huge monasteries in this town alone, and I don't know how many more in the county. The place is literally swarming with priests, and they have an almost unbelievable hold on the people. The average FrenchCanadian is an ignorant man with little or no education ; in fact there is a general lack of education throughout the whole province, due, I believe, to the fact that the population is mostly French. " You can hardly believe it, but this town of over twenty thousand people has not one paved street. When the weather is wet you walk in mud up to the ankles. But then the City

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Council are all French.

They have no ambitions, and let things run in the rut they found them in. " At the same time they are really very nice people, especially the ladies. I love to listen to their half-French half-English prattle. When they are at a loss for a phrase they convey their meaning by a sign. " I like my work in the office very well and got shifted a step up a week ago. The work is not very hard, and I generally manage to get away by four; so you see I have plenty spare time on my hands and really do not know how to spend it.

There are no evening classes here, and there is not a decent book in the library. I spend most of my time over in the Y.M.C.A. doing gymnastics or learning boxing. We get our fees paid by the bank, and I believe they amount to something like thirty-five shillings for one year. " The Canadians are very sociable people and meet you more than half way. They are not half so stiff in making friends as people are at home. " Winter is approaching now and that is the best time in this province.

All the sports are on then.

Snowshoeing, skating, ski-ing, and tobogganing are a few of the many winter sports. I saw a baseball game about a fortnight ago, but I should prefer a good game of Rugby to it any day. I hope the School is doing well this year. I have brought my team photos with me and have them hanging up in my room. I have been getting letters regularly from home, so I know all the Old Country news. " I have been out in a canoe pretty often, but I think I should prefer the substantial boats we have at home to them.

I was afraid to breathe when I got into one first. I thought the crazy thing was going to upset every minute. " I have not come across any Former Pupils in this place, but I suppose they are all out in West and I wish I were there also."

Impressions of the Queen City of Canada.

FRED W. MORGAN (1903-09) writes to the Club Secretary as follows :— The Royal Bank of Canada, Yonge and Colborne Streets, Toronto, Ontario, 15th Oct., 1912.

Dear Sir,— . . . I intended writing much sooner, but I have been very busy. The Traders Bank, for which I have been working for over two years, has been bought over by the Royal Bank of Canada, which is one of the largest banks in the

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Dominion. The changing of the name, etc., took place on 3rd September, but the routine and the books, etc. were changed from time to time as those in authority saw fit—beginning about the 1st of July. This, you see, has given us a great deal of extra work, from which we are just recovering. The change is a good thing for the old " Traders " shareholders and for the clerks themselves too, I think, judging at least from the increases in salary which came out this morning. I I have got along hope they keep on as they have started. extremely well with the Traders Bank, and if I do as well in the Royal Bank, I won't have any kick coming (as the CanCanadians are great for slang, and we Old adians say).

Country fellows are not long in falling into the evil habit.

I am liking Toronto all right now, having been here nearly two and a half years. I have seen several other places, including Niagara Falls, which is the finest sight I think I ever saw. Last year I was up in the Muskoka district camping for two weeks, but the scenery, although it is very nice with lots of lakes and trees, does not come within miles of the Highland scenery at home. The only hill I have seen in Ontario is the so-called Hamilton Mountain, which is no larger than the Broad Hill at home. Of course out west the Rockies would beat Scotland's hills and mountains hollow, but in Ontario and Manitoba, the country is all pretty flat. Another thing we miss here is good roads. The roads outside Toronto, especially, are a disgrace. They are worse than any tenth class Old Country road—no good for cycling, at least with any comfort at all. However, the Government are speaking of spending so much in helping to improve them, so we may reasonably expect to have fairly good roads-at least in Ontario—within a hundred years.

Canadians are very fond of their country, and don't like being told that there is anything wrong with it. Toronto is all right in several respects, but in some it is far behind the times. The water system is rotten. Dee water may not be all that it should be, but at least it is a treat compared with our At some seasons, more especially during the water here. summer, it is dangerous to drink it unless it has first been boiled. The many germs in it cause typhoid fever, of which a good number of people die each year. The Board of Control, otherwise the Town Council, have spent thousands of dollars on the water system, but it seems to be in vain. Every now and again the Medical Health Officer orders chloride of lime to be put into the reservoirs or filtration beds, and the next day or two the water isn't fit to drink, either alone or in tea, etc. No wonder people " drink." Toronto streets, too, are extremely narrow. Yonge Street, the main thoroughfare, is

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worse than George Street at home. It is far too narrow for a main street of a city of over four hundred thousand people.

The roadbed is in a disgraceful state. The city authorities seem to be extremely fond of delaying traffic by digging up the streets and pavements, and no sooner is one part finished than they are busy at another part.

The street cars, too, are another of Toronto's pet aversions.

They are run by a private company, which does as it likes and completely ignores the citizens' complaints. They run as they like and the city can storm and rave, but that does not trouble the Street Railway Co. However, there is a happy day coming ; the lease runs out in about 5 or 6 years and then the city will run the show themselves.

Well, I guess I'll stop. I hope I have not tired you with such a description of the Queen City of Canada. Altogether Toronto is not such a bad place. I have some very good times.

My landlady is an Aberdonian and she makes me feel at home, and through her I have got to know a great many Scotch people, mostly Aberdeen folks.

With best wishes for a good and prosperous season, and all success to the Club in the years to come, Yours very truly, F. W. MORGAN. A Note from Chili.

DAVID H. HALLIDAY (1904-07), who was one of the three

Old Boys who went out to Chili last year, in a letter from Tow, dated 23rd November, says:— "Xmas will soon be on us now and I shall have completed almost a full year with the Anglo-Chilian [Nitrate and Railway Co., Ltd.]. Time to me seems to pass very quickly. I am very pleased to say I am enjoying the life here and getting on well. " Last week-end I paid a visit to Tocopilla, where I had a very enjoyable time with RAND [1902-04] and the others.

Rhind is " getting on " ; he officiated in the pulpit on Sunday and conducted the service throughout. Needless to say we turned out in full force from the " house " to hear him. " Mr. BUCHAN [1890-97] very kindly asked me to spend the evening with him, and altogether I had a splendid holiday. " We are now coming into the hot weather again. To-day it is 90° in the shade; in a few weeks more it will rise to almost 100°. A strong contrast to December weather in England! When I first arrived here I could scarcely walk on account of the heat, but now it has very little effect. The climate is splendid."

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Sir George Reid, R.S.A. An Appreciation. newspaper in the land has been lamenting the While every the greatest artists the present generaone of passing-away of known, and a host of art-lovers all has countrymen tion of our joining in the chorus of sympathy world has been the over mourning the loss of a has been band smaller regret, a and loved friend whose place in their affections cannot be filled again.

It is on behalf of this comparatively small company that these lines are written in response to the invitation of the Editor. It is fitting that this Magazine, passing as it does through the hands of so many men who are, or have been, connected with the Grammar School, should contain some record, however inadequate, of the personality of a man whose fame adds to the lustre of the School in which he was educated.

Present scholars should find a powerful incentive and inspiration in the story of George Reid's career ; and former pupils, whether they knew him or not, may be glad to obtain a glimpse into the inner character of so distinguished an " Old Boy." Sir George Reid was not an easy man to know ; he could not be described as accessible, in the ordinary sense of the word—indeed his shyness took, at times, so exaggerated a form as to lend colour to the suggestion that it was cultivated.

Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. He was a man of the most simple and frank nature. His retiring manner was due to innate modesty ; he shrank from anything approaching self-assertiveness ; and it is generally understood that during the period of his occupancy of the Presidentship of the Royal Scottish Academy, he found what may be called the ceremonial or ornamental duties of the position so irksome and trying that he was glad when he was able to retire from the onerous, though honourable, position.

But if it was a slow process to know Sir George, those who obtained the privilege of his friendship found it to be a precious thing well worth waiting for. Nothing could have exceeded the charm and suavity of his manner when he was among trusted friends, and when he was temporarily free

R.S.A., LL.D.

SIR GEORGE REID, (Front the portrait by himself in Me Macdonald Collection Aberdeen.)

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from the strain of the constant work imposed upon him as a portrait painter. The need of rest after that continual and heavy strain had, perhaps, as much to do with his habitual quietness as even his inborn modesty.

During the greater part of his career, few days in the year passed without his having at least one sitter—often he had more—and it is impossible to look at his portraits without recognising how much brain work he must have put into each of them. When the fatigue of the day in the studio was over, it was but natural that he should feel disinclined for any unnecessary mental exertion, and he was so constituted that much conversation involved a decided effort.

To hear him talk with intimate friends was a treat. There was a subtle charm about. his conversation in such circumstances which baffled analysis.

He had a fund of quiet humour of the best kind, and was an admirable raconteur, having a keen perception of the " point " of his story. A very characteristic twinkle of the eye (so slight that it might easily have been missed by anyone unaccustomed to his ways) which immediately preceded the denouement, added greatly to the effect of these stories. His face at such moments was lit up by a smile of great sweetness that dispelled the look of gravity —almost of sadness—which those who did not know him intimately, regarded as his habitual expression. Looking at his wonderfully good portrait of himself in the Macdonald Collection in our Art Gallery, one who has known him well almost expects to see the eyes brighten and change the whole aspect of the face. (The reproduction of the portrait given with this notice inevitably fails to indicate this, and thus incidentally illustrates in a rather interesting way what has been said as to the difference between the face as lit up and when unillumined.)

Sir George was a man of great natural courtesy, and his musical voice, with its characteristic Aberdonian intonation, fell pleasantly on the ear. Though he had, of course, very pronounced views on important political questions, and had no hesitation in expressing and defending them, there was never a sign of malice or uncharitableness in anything he said.

A marked feature in his character was his loyal affection and regard for the friends of his earlier days, whom he never failed to see on the occasions of his yearly visits to Aberdeen.

The younger artists of Aberdeen, too, invariably found in him a kindly and sympathetic critic and adviser, and these younger brethren of the brush were, not unnaturally, proud and grateful when the great man took the trouble to find his way to their studios.

An artist in every fibre of his being, his eye was always,

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habitually and unconsciously, on the look-out for beauty in one or other of its manifestations ; and any harmony of line or colour at once arrested his attention—a village lane near his house in Somerset; a flag-staff rising from a quaint gable; a bank of clouds tinged with the rays of the setting sun. " Look at that! " he said, one autumn evening—stopping in his walk in the Anderson Drive, and pointing with his stick to a bit of paling a short distance from the road—" isn't that " That" was the red breast of a robin sitting on fine? " the paling—a splendid spot of colour, burning, as he said, like a flame, against the heavy background of the woods of Rubislaw Den. The relief a few years ago from the strain imposed upon him by the incessant labour of his portrait painting worked a marvellous change oz him, and his friends, noting the distinct improvement in his health, hoped for him a long spell of happy work and looked forward with great expectancy to some His beautiful picture more landscapes from his brush. " Aviemore,"shown in the Aberdeen Exhibition which closed last month, heightened this feeling which was, however, already beginning to be clouded with anxiety, almost amounting to fear. These last years were a time of ideal peacefulness, and his home life has always been one of unclouded happiness. * * * * * is not for us " It design? " Who knows the inscrutable to violate the sanctity of the darkened house, but the hearts of many mourning friends have been constantly there during these last few sad days.

G. W. W. B. 14th Feb., 1913.

The Library.

Presented by Mr. T. R. Gillies :—Ten volumes of "The Captain," "Curiosities of Natural History" (4 volumes), by Francis T. Buckland ; " Life of a Scotch Naturalist," by Smiles ; " Legendary Ballads," by John S. Roberts; " The Euphrates and the Tigris," " The Story of Sir David Wilkie," by A. L. Simpson, D.D., " Episodes of Foreign Life and Manners," "Episodes of History," " Episodes of Discovery," " Robinson Crusoe," by Daniel Defoe ; " Handy Andy," by Samuel Lover ; " The Boy's Book of Inventions," by Ray Stannard Baker; " At Sunwick Port," by W. W. Jacobs; Sport Handbooks—Cricket, Rowing, Lawn Tennis, Gymnastics, and Swimming, "Comic History of Rome," and "Comic History of England."

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Random Notes.

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Since we wrote our last (though really our first) " Random Notes," many things have happened. Some were looked forward to with dubiety—some with feelings akin to fear—some with delight—some with regret at the fleetingness of Time.

Magazine Night with its reputed, exaggerated accounts of bitter criticism of our Magazine, is past and gone—and we are still alive! 'Twas rumoured the members of the Debating Society would hesitate at nothing short of murder, but the thought that if the present Editors were done away with, no others might be forthcoming (and therefore no Magazine) restrained them. (This is the most feasible explanation we can think of, a propos of their cowardice.) The Christmas Examinations are also of the past, and the sigh of relief as the School Hall emptied itself suggested that the air there was not very healthy.

Unpleasant though the Christmas Examinations were, yet, personally, we are deeply indebted to them. The fund of humour (or perhaps it may be wit—or " pigheadedness "—on ne sait jamais) that is discovered in the various papers is rich, very rich. One writes that " Falstaff is one of Dickens' characters. He appears in Old Mortality." This is the sort of thing that makes us ejaculate " Great Scott! " and wish that the author of the outrage were in another "Old Mortality." In the French paper the phrase comme une chwidiere en ebullition occurred. (For the benefit of the " mathematicians," the meaning is " like a pot in a state of boiling.") We, since Physics are not included in our curriculum, could never have been the author of the theory of translations given. Beginning with " a dying candle," by a slight injection of evolution, we arrive at the more lively translation, " a flicker of candles." Still, enough " light " has not yet been shed on the mysterious phrase, and the next interpretation we get is, " an ebulluting candle." Keeping up the cry, " Give us more light on the subject," we reach the climax—" a ball of fire in evolution! " We can trace, however, this same theory in the spelling of the word " Palmyra." (1) Palmr ; (2) Palmyr (= 1 + y); (3) Palmyre (= 1 + y + e); (4) Palmyra (= 1 + y + e + a — e).

Here the figure of speech is varied. To use the same figure twice, in close proximity, is a fault of style, and thus instead of climax, we arrive at the highly effective figure of anticlimax. We shall end the list with the evident 'owler " Et la mort, vieux hibou" " and the dead old owl."

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The Debating Society opened under most favourable auspices—two desks were smashed the first night. We understand that the youths responsible for the " accident," now do not applaud on any occasion whatsoever—wood and iron are at a premium in the meantime ! The price of peas must also have risen since last year. Only one half pound was found on the floor after " Judicial Night " ! Possibly, however, this was owing to the unwarrantable and inexcusable As far as we know scarcity of " nuts" on that night. with the Debating connection in broken been has else nothing Society, except, perhaps, the voices of a few of the junior members at the Society's Sing-Song.

The Sixth seem to have a great number of animal friends, dogs, cats, lions, etc., etc. One day they were honoured by the visit of a cat, which effected an entrance through a hole in the door. Liking the general appearance of the room, and the timid and altogether harmless expression on the members' cherubic countenances, the furry feline creature set about making its toilet beside the pipes. But the Sixth began to An take courage (not " Dutch," of course,—" Scotch "). election was held, and the successful candidate was immediately appointed to the vacant post of " ch-ch-ch-chucker out." On opening the door, however, the erudite representative found the proverbial " lion in the path "—the lion in this case being a dog. By enticing the cat with a few crumbs (remnants of his lunch), and the dog with the cat, the honourable gentleman finally succeeded in getting rid of the disturbers.

We must congratulate the mothers of pupils in the Lower School on the splendid health of their progeny—or at least on the soundness of their offspring's lungs. For weeks, work in classrooms has had to be suspended owing to the shouts of these " little imps," who, even when ordered to change their habitat, only yell the louder. A master aptly remarked, that " the Bull of Bashan has to take a back seat when these youngsters are at it." As we said before, we are very pleased indeed to know that the members of the Lower School classes are in such a perfect state of health, but would they please not show it so much ? Even though their streams did not annoy others, that it is bad manners to parade one's virtues ought to be sufficient to make them desist. We would suggest that the youngsters turn up at the School football matches, and reserve their shouts for these exciting tussles.

The ghost has returned to the blackboard of Room I. At any minute, the class is terrified by seeing the board suddenly slip down with a bang worthy of a twelve-inch gun. But the

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ghost, since it visited us last, has surely developed a bad temper, for it has succeeded in smashing both ropes and castors. We are very disappointed to see the " landmark " of Room I. in such a pitiful condition. Without that ancient and time-honoured blackboard, Room I. would be Room I. no more. A new board might be substituted, and what then?

No hours of anxious suspense waiting for the board to fall ; no risk of anyone's fingers being squeezed. No, we do not think our blackboard should be relegated to the museum.

Far better let it remain where it is, and lct it live and die there, enjoying to the full its pension for long and meritorious service to the " Board." " Every ship, too, that arrived from Madras or Bengal, brought a cuddy full of his admirers."

(Macaulay : " Warren Hastings.")

Master : " Ec-l-s, what is a ' cuddy ? ' " Ec-l-s: " Please sir, a horse ! ! ! " (The ass did not even have the sense to say " donkey.")

A certain class was going into the full meaning of " salutatio." A visit of some of the poorer class of men to the rich (in the early morning) was suggested as the complete meaning. But the master was not satisfied, and asked: " But what did the visitors get as they were going out? " " A drink! " came unhesitatingly from our wit. (We presume he was thinking of the vulgar phrase, " to get one's mornin'."—Lit. Ed.) It is a well known and generally accepted fact throughout the School, that the Sixth (both Classical and Modern) are a rather " through-ither lot," and pay but little heed to the Not so the Fifth, however. varying fashions of the day.

One morning we were startled to find a certain member of this illustrious and somewhat " knutty " class—" knutty " indeed, for brains and hair, we fear, have been absorbed by the superfluity of hair oil—appearing at School enveloped (this is the most appropriate word) in a " bow-tie," the colours of which brought back to most of us painful recollections of the livid hue of his summer socks. This was—" was," for now we see it no more—not all. The fellow next assumed " spats."

Oh! the thought of them makes us squirm under sudden spasms of pain. We would refer this "Fifthite" to Shakespeare— Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express'd in fancy ; rich, not gaudy : For the apparel oft proclaims the man; And they in France of the best rank and station Are most select and generous, chief in that.

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School Building Extensions.

On 23rd December, the Board by 13 votes to 2 finally resolved on a scheme of extension, much needed and long discussed. The proposal which found most favour consists in remodelling some of the larger double class rooms, so as to provide three rooms in place of two, intended for smaller classes and sections ; and further, to build on at each end, east and west, two new wings, preserving the balance and harmony of the original frontage. The net result of the additions will give us 15 rooms for 30 boys each, and 10 for 20 or so, instead of 16 at present; also a Natural History Laboratory and Class Room, and Geography Class Room; a new Masters' Room, and modern Cloak Room accommodation on each floor, doing away with the present unsightly display of coats in our corridors.

The net cost of these additions and improvements is estimated at £6,500. The plans now await the Department's approval, and the work of remodelling present class rooms will probably be pushed on during the summer vacation, when a commencement will be made also with the building extensions. Meantime there is little room for expansion beyond our present numbers, 606. The Lower School, with 100 in the Infant or Preparatory Department, is practically full, and several prospective boys at this stage have already been enrolled for next session. Our grateful thanks are due to the Board for this generous recognition of our needs, not only in providing ample space for increasing numbers, but improved facilities for teaching. This is the fifth extension our buildings have received since they were first opened, just 50 years ago next 23rd October.

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Our Contemporaries.

The Editor begs to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of the following magazines :—" The Edinburgh Academy Chronicle " (3), " Glasgow Academy Chronicle " (2), " Foyle College School Times," " The Portmuthian " (2), " Reveille," " Turriff School Magazine," " The Courier " (3), " The Animal's Friend " (2), " The Penang Anglo-Chinese Own " (2), " The Nelsonian," " The Fettesian " (2), " The Scotch Collegian " (2), " The Yellow Dragon " (3), " The Olavian " (2), " The Acorn," " The Watsonian," " Under the Dome," " The Herioter," " C.A.I.," " Glasgow High School Magazine," " The Mercers' School Magazine," " The Westovian," " Sligo Grammar School Magazine," " The Erasmian," " The Boltonian," " Royal Belfast Academical Institution School News," " St. Andrew's College Magazine " (Dublin), " The Harris Magazine."

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Sheep-Shearing in Australia.

Every visitor to Australia ought to make a point of seeing the shearing of the sheep, though it may not be easy to do so if he confines himself merely to the large cities. There are few more picturesque sights than that of a shearing shed in full and strenuous swing. It is rather difficult, by the way, to convey to those at home the idea of an Australian sheep station; the words possibly conjure up the picture of a very large farm in this country—such sheep farms as we have among the hills of Ross-shire for example. The reality is far different.

A sheep station in Australia may be larger than Wales, or a good part of Scotland; one may easily comprise the whole of Miss Flora Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, and Morayshire.

Shaw, the distinguished lady journalist, mentions that when in Queensland she visited a sheep-run which was 1500 miles square and carried half a million sheep, and another station which was 200 miles square. A squatter can sometimes drive more than 100 miles—say, from Aberdeen to Inverness— without leaving his own station.

It was not at one time an uncommon thing to find stations carrying 100,000 and even 200,000 sheep, and even yet they exist, but the tendency is to split up these huge areas of land instead of leaving them in the hands of the few. The flocks of sheep that one can see on the move baffle anything of the kind in this country; they may run from 5,000 up to 15,000. The number of sheep in Australia to-day exceeds 100,000,000, and all these have proceeded from the little flock of 29 sheep landed The squatter's great

by Governor Phillips 124 years ago. enemy used to be the drought, which killed off his sheep and lambs not by hundreds but by thousands, but that has been largely met in these days by the sinking of artesian wells. I saw one of these bores in central Queensland, and the water was so hot as it gushed out that you could hardly put your hand into it; and along the stream which it had made for itself across the plain, you could see the steam rising for a But it is good drinking water for the hundred yards or so. sheep, and is invaluable in time of the dreaded drought. This year a drought was threatened in Australia, but the welcome rains came just in time. . Now, for a brief description of the actual shearing. I set out early one beautiful morning in August—like a June morning at home, though it was winter there—to visit a shearing shed in the Western plains of Queensland. In the yards outside the shed were gathered thousands of sheep waiting for the ordeal of the shears—a huge, restless crowd, controlled by men

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and dogs. The shed itself was a long rectangular building with a corrugated iron roof, with shafts of golden sunlight coming through the narrow windows.

There were 20 shearers altogether—' on the board " as they call it-10 on each side of the shed. Down the centre ran pens, into which the sheep were driven from one end of the shed. The shearing was, of course, done by machinery, each clipper—something like the ordinary horse-clipper----being worked by electricity. When the signal is given to start work, each shearer dives into the pen in front of him, seizes a sheep, places it between his knees, and begins to shear with extraordinary speed. The whole shed is now humming with the noise and whirr of the machines, and you see 20 busy figures each bent over his own sheep. The shearer begins with the underbody of the sheep, then clips the hind legs and the neck, and so on to the back of the sheep, from which he shears the wool with swift, long strokes. Their rapidity is wonderful. In less than 3 minutes the sheep which had left the pen with his thick 12 months coat is a shorn and shivering figure, and is dismissed with a kick through a door behind the shearer into a pen outside, where tarboys are ready to daub tar on any wounds. The shearer meanwhile has made another dive into the pen in front of him, seized another sheep, and commenced on it; and so the work goes on without interruption.

It is hard work, and only strong men can do it; those I saw were muscular fellows with short-sleeved shirts, open at the neck. On a shelf behind each man is the indispensable " billy," or can of tea from which the shearers drink at intervals : they have found by experience that this is the best drink.

A good shearer will put between 15 and 20 sheep through his hands in an hour, and as he is paid 24s. for every hundred, it will be seen that the rate of pay is high.

The record, I believe, is 316 a day, but that is quite exceptional ; but very clever shearers exceed the 200 a day. It was astonishing to see the quietness with which the sheep submitted to the shearing; the older ones among them who had been through the mill before behaved with great dignity, turning their heads to meet the shears, for all the world like an old gentleman turning his chin in the barber's chair.

The more restive among them get cut, but considering the rapidity of the shearing, wounds are few and, of course, the clever shearer tries to avoid them as much as possible.

As the fleece falls upon the floor—and however dirty it may be on the outside, the inside is literally like driven snow— a boy known as the " picker-up " seizes it, carries it to a table, snips off the rough edges or parts of no use, folds it up, and passes it along to the waiting " sorter." The latter is an

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expert in the work of classifying wool, and is paid a good salary.

He examines it by touch and sight, and quickly decides into what class it shall go, and it is placed in the bin which he indicates. At the end of the shed furthest from the shearers is the machine for pressing the wool into bales, this is speedily done, and the bale, tightly packed and with the mark of the station upon it, is piled on a waiting dray for conveyance to the nearest railway station—perhaps some hundreds of miles away—and may go ultimately to Bradford, America, or Japan. These wool loads are enormously heavy, and more than once I saw some which were drawn by 20 horses lumbering away across the dusty plains. Most of the wool is sent directly away from the sheds, but a portion of it is cleaned first, and this is taken to -" the scour " as it is called. Here the wool is plunged into a huge tank of soap and water, passed through a number of other cleansing and rinsing tanks, driven through a drying chamber, and finally shot up by an air pipe into a loft above, where it falls on the floor like flakes of snow. A bit of wool, before and after leaving the " scour," is as different as chalk from cheese.

The shearer is of a different stamp from the old-fashioned type, whose practice was to work for a few months, earn a big cheque, and then " blue it," as the expression goes, at the nearest bush public house or township. He would go there, hand over his cheque to the publican, with instructions to let him know when it was done, and then go in for a prolonged drinking bout. When the cheque was done, he hoisted his swag or " humped his bluey," and went in search of work again. To-day the shearer is more sober and industrious; some of them travel about on motor bicycles, and save money with which to buy or rent land of their own. The old-time isolation of the large sheep stations is now a thing of the past. The squatters have their motor cars and telephones, and are thus in touch with their neighbours and the larger towns. " We are getting too blooming civilised," I heard one old hardbitten squatter say to another in a Queensland hotel, and the two veterans fell to discussing the " good old days " when the stations were hundreds of miles apart and everyone rode on horseback.

D. A. MCGILLIVRAY.

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My Stolen Summer on the Azure Coast.

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Yes, it was altogether pleasant to think that one was to escape for a brief fortnight from the gloom of December in Aberdeen to bask in the sunshine of the Riviera. And what added to the pleasure was that it was to be a tour de luxe and with nothing to pay. It is wonderful how smoothly one gets along when expenses have not to be considered.

On joining the special Pullman express at Victoria, one first begins to experience the subtle change that comes over one when one is about to enter a foreign country.

The crowd on the platform soon about to take their numbered seats is different from our crowds joining, say, the eighteenpenny excursion to Edzell on the fish-smelling platAll on board are bound for forms of the Joint Station.

Marseilles, Cannes, Nice, or Monte Carlo. Most of them are yearly visitors. The types are interesting to study : the vulgar rich are not much in evidence, on this train at anyrate.

Crossing from Dover to Calais I got into conversation with my neighbour in a deck chair, a charming Americaine on her way to Monte Carlo. She was a theosophist and thought-reader, and a faith-healer as well. In a short hour she told me the various incarnations she thought she had gone through, and Heaven knows what else of the occult I might have heard when we got to Calais. I piloted her through the Customs, for her French was far from good, and then with exchange of cards—Ships that pass in the night ! The Calais-Mediterranee Express, a super-train-de-luxe, was waiting for us at the siding and soon we arranged ourselves, two in a compartment, in our numbered places. Silent, well-trained, discreet attendants moved up and down the softly carpeted corridors, almost anticipating our wishes. If one of these attendants would but write what he saw or heard it would make amusing reading.

One tried to guess the relationship, if any, of those seated at One the small tables in the luncheon and dining-cars. surmised vaguely—inais enfin.

My room-mate, a member of the Upper House, a chatty elderly gentleman, was wonderfully expansive after dinner.

He had been a member of the committee for the reform of the House of Lords, and the sidelights he threw on the characters of our leading politicians of both Houses were illuminative and penetrating. It is well for all of us sometimes to live outside the " twal mile " area, and hear how_ things are done in the world where people really live, and not vegetate on our groat's-worth of wisdom, as we poor, painful pedagogues must perforce.

Over the walnuts and the wine the time sped quickly, and we did not know that we were passing round Paris by the ceinture except by the fact that the train slackened

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speed. On, on through the night we rushed, leaving the fogs and rains behind, till, drawing aside the silk curtains, we saw, through the gnarled olive groves, the sunbaked roofs of the Cote d' Azur lit by the bright rays of the sun, and beyond the blue Mediterranean, dotted with lateen sailed feluccas, making for Marseilles. So did the triremes sweep towards the ancient Massilia. The trireme I met was a P. and 0. liner which was mooring as I arrived in headlong haste from the station.

It was interesting to wander along by the old harbour and Everywhere study the various types of people and things. was bustle and shouting and confused wrangling, but everyThe swarthy, smiling sons of where was good humour.

Provence volubly explained to you the good qualities of the various wares they had to sell—strange, prickly sea-urchin creatures, with oysters and shell-fish of all kinds, flanked by red, green, and blue fish, cousins of the perch family, but shaped, some like rhomboids, others like rough cones, the heap crowned perhaps by a fine lobster faintly waving his adieux to his finny cousins, while the whole collection was fringed with repulsive festoons of squid and cuttle-fish. We all remember from museum experience the fixed Gorgon stare of those horrible round eyes. But when one saw the saffron coloured stuff which formed the " innards " of some shell-fish being swallowed raw—ugh !

Turning away with a shudder, we were pretty sure to find beside us some ambiguous-looking guide ready to show us all the sights. There seem to be no Y.M.C.A.'s in any of these ancient cities of Greek origin. It is impossible to think of a wave of corybantic revivalism such as sweeps our Moray Coast villages ever falling on these sunny shores of the Midland Sea. The people are charming pagans, fortunately free from the weight of that millstone, " Consciousness of sin "—is that the phrase ?—which makes our northern fishermen so heavy and so lumpish. If they lived in the sun they would, perhaps, be different.

Here along the blue waters we Britons suffer a seachange. The plumes of the palms, with the beds of Malmaison carnations round them; the feathery mimosas; the orangegroves laden with golden fruit; the bowers of roses still in bloom in the gardens, with the cascades of pink geraniums trailing over the walls and down ; and over all the brilliant sun, so different from our wan December beams ;—with all these one forgets the past, and revels for the pleasant present in the joy of the senses. Another source of pleasure is the cosmopolitan society. Russians, Austrians, Americans, Germans, Italians, British abound in all the hotels, and one tries to pick out the characteristics of each nation as expressed in their clothes. The French and American women, of course, seem

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to come out first in elegance. The Englishwoman, in contrast, is also elegant, but with a difference. She is inclined to be flat and angular.

One sees few freaks on the Riviera at this season. .Little seems to be done in sight-seeing, for the strenuous Cook's excursionist is entirely absent. Sports of all sorts are engaged in.

By next season tobogganing and ski-ing are to be started on the Maritime Alps, whose snowy crests are seen from the lotusland of the littoral. A funicular railway is to go from Nice to the mountains, so that you can choose your climate— sunshine or snow—in a few hours.

We went to see the fortress on the island off Cannes where the Man with the Iron Mask was confined for many years, and one long walk we took along the shore to the Golfe Juan brought us to a plain stone obelisk at the roadside with the inscription, " March, 1815." Here Napoleon landed on his escape from Elba.

We spent a memorable Sunday in Nice. Gaiety of all sorts abounded. Restaurants and cafés were full, bands were playing, motor-boats skimming along, the Promenade des Anglais crowded with the usual throng from all nations. Laughter was heard on all hands, and one's thought flashed back to the weary, aimless promenade in Union Street with, as a great concession, soon to be snatched away, the one Italian ice-cream shop where the Sunday " k-nuts " and " k-nutesses " wickedly enjoy their soon-to-be-forbidden cup of Bovril or intoxicating draught from the soda fountain.

Although we were within five miles of Monte Carlo, we did not go there, as we wished to spend some time in the ancient cities of Nimes, Arles, and Avignon. We went to several casinos, however, where one could study human nature to great advantage. I thought one lady was going to faint when she lost about £2, while one sitting opposite her whose winnings were considerable and almost continuous never Suspicious looking men, rather too twitched an eyelid. fashionably dressed, with eyes rather too brilliant, made one wonder about the safety of one's watch. Returning by Toulon, where we saw the French fleet in the roadstead, we reached Arles which is full of Roman remains, notably a Roman amphitheatre and a theatre.

While examining the amphitheatre one day, we saw coming towards us a band of about fifty young men and young women. " Germans! " said I to my friend. " How can you tell ? " said he. " By their clothes, of course," said I. There was none of the French grace about these Gretchens at anyrate.

Their dowdiness made one laugh, because the women of Arles, by contrast, are supposed to be the most beautiful and chic in all France. But they were all speaking excellent French.

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I could not understand. On asking the keeper of the amphitheatre, we were told that they were German students from Grenoble, who were spending their holidays in Provence. It seems that they are fined if they speak German.

Another evidence of German thoroughness I found in a local train—omnibus train they call it. Owing to the stifling steam-heat in the carriage, I took refuge in the corridor where a lady and her son, a lad of sixteen, were also posted.

She told me that they were We got into conversation.

Roumanians from Bukarest and that her son spoke English, which he had learned at school. He was delighted to air his knowledge, which did him credit. I asked him who taught him. " A German professor! " said he. And he had no Teutonic accent.

The streets of Aries are winding and tortuous, something like our Shiprow, but more picturesque. You frequently stumble on some Roman column, or facade, or palace, such as the palace of Constantine the Great, and you often lose your way. But this makes a good excuse for asking the way and at the same time studying the wonderful Greek type of beauty for which the women of Arles are so justly renowned.

We crossed the Camargue, the delta of the Rhone, where over the 300 square miles of fertile ground rove herds of halfwild, sheep, oxen, and horses, tended by half-wild shepherds of a fierce Saracen type. And there you come on the semideserted but magnificently walled town of Aigues-Morteswhence St. Louis embarked for the First Crusade. The walls are finer even than those of Carcassonne and of Avignon, and as at these other towns, you would not be at all surprised to see from underneath the donjon keeps which surmount the gates, " the knights come riding two and two."

Owing to silting, the town is now many miles inland.

Nimes surpassed our expectations. Its magnificent Roman amphitheatre is in better preservation than any other in Europe. It held 24,000 people, and had 124 exits. Bullfights are now held in it every summer. But it was the famous Maison Carree we had come to see. Perhaps it is the finest and best preserved of any Roman temple extant and words fail in describing the effect it has on one, so perfect are its proportions and so graceful its 30 Corinthian columns. For one brief moment I shall don the dominie's toga and tell you with all the gravity I can command, that it is a " pseudoperipteral temple, prostyle and hexastyle." There! Could Dr. Pangloss himself ameliorate this ?

Tearing ourselves away from Nimes, we went on, having as our companion a cousin of the celebrated Pasteur, also a doctor. He was much interested to know how Mr. Lloyd George's Medical Scheme was to turn out.

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After making a brief stay at Tarascon, where we searched in vain for the immortal Tartarin, we reached the picturesque city of Avignon, encircled by its mediaeval walls, where seven popes held the keys and wore the triple crown. A magnificent view is to be had from the top of the rising ground behind the Cathedral, whence we look down on the turbid Rhone with the famous Pont d'Avignon on which they danced and sang, as the old song says. A native hummed the air to us, while he pointed out to us the Alps and the Cevennes, with the spot where Hannibal on his march from the Pyrenees to the Alps with his stately corps of elephants was attacked by the fierce hill tribes.

But time pressed, so after honouring luncheon with an appropriate wine, Château-Neuf du Pape, we once more went back to our luxurious express, this time the Cote d'Azur Rapide, and then sped on to Paris where we joined in the Hogmanay gaieties. Then, after suffering another sea-change, we arrived in murky London and thence with our high spirits ebbing slowly away, we arrived in Aberdeen sighing for the days that were gone.

C. D.

1877-188o.

It goes without saying that " the Grammar " boys of today never lapse into temporary aberration of mind—either in or out of School. But see them 30 years hence with Mr. Theodore Watt hounding them for reminiscences! Like the Old Boy now unable to escape the promise made to that Master Huntsman, they will know that temporary aberration was theirs when the promise was given. Very feelingly be it ailded —May theirs be also complete recovery when, with memory at work and pen in hand, they seek to redeem their promise.

It is nearly three and thirty years since, at the great, age Do of not quite fifteen, I flowered or faded into an Old Boy not chide me for beginning at the end ; I want to get over the sad part first. The day I left the School was, literally and deeply, one of the saddest in my life. Rusticated? Nc, no.

Depressed that, leaving in the fourth year, I must forgo the Gold Medal of the fifth, besides not going down to posterity as a Dux of the most renowned of Schools ! 'O ye " knowing " old classmates, pray pardon me that reflection, and thou especially, my erstwhile chum—John Wight Duff, from first to last facile princeps (how proud I am of the survival of that so fit phrase!).

Seriously though, the sadness was in my vividly realizing that years of abounding gladness were over and gone. For,

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overshadowed by nothing but vain regrets touching certain lost opportunities, the years 1877 to 1880 were, while passing, as by fancy's flight they now are, my happy hunting ground beyond all words. And this, speaking the truth in love, notwithstanding the fact that for over 20 years my lot has been cast in the premier hunting county of England !

To begin, however. My first recollections associated with the School are not of the Rector, or the masters, or the boys, but of my father. With a small income and large family, what self-denial was his in taking me away from St. Clement's Board School, with its small fees, to send me to the " Grammar " ! How little I then realized what it all meant when my father told me that I, his eldest son, was to join the first class and that., if I applied myself, I might have the five consecutive years preparatory to entering King's College. And the new suit of clothes to fit the new school standing—the pledge of much more to follow, all given without a grudge!

I well remember the morning when, led by my father, I made my first pilgrimage from the remote east end of the city —our street adjoined the Fisher's Square—to the palatial School of the Far West. (No other boy of my day came from so extreme a point of Footdee, although Alfred Greig, in the class ahead of me, a close companion, who died on the eve of graduation at King's, started from a home only 200 yards nearer the School.) I have no remembrance of any halt being made before the old " Grammar " on the Schoolhill, or of any suggestive allusion by my father to the fact that Byron had been one of the scholars ! I do remember, however, the wonder with which I saw for the first time my new School. More than ever before I was in wonderland. Passing the janitor's lodge, I trembled up to the west wing of the School, tottered in by the door and round the corner, where, by arrangement, I was to be introduced to the Rev. James Legge and his claw. Npr can I forget the benign influence which encompassed me the moment I saw the master, to whom I became ardently devoted during my School life and with whom, after leaving School and Aberdeen, I was privileged to keep in intimate touch.

I met the Rector, Mr. Martin, immediately after the opening prayer in Mr. Legge's classroom—in book form, that is, in the pages of his " School Latin Grammar." At once I felt in awe of him. How often afterwards my awe deepened as I And wrote out page after page, penalties for being late. yet, to see the Rector himself and to be in his Greek class, my happy lot later, was to have nothing but that reverent fear which is akin to love. Once I did quake on being summoned to his sanctum, but I left without the dreaded " application," which, by the way, marvellous to relate., I never received from h is strap. His big red handkerchief, with its fragrant rectorial

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snuff, I did " feel " more than once ; yea, with dreamy delight I sniff it now.

To return to Mr. Legge. His smile, anything but suggestive of weakness, is surely still on all his old boys both in this world and in that beyond. While always keeping his own position, how naturally Mr. Legge put himself in our place. Arnold Bennett, in his " Literary Taste," has greatly offended me by sneering at Macaulay's " Lays." What boy that heard Mr. Legge read the " Lays" can forget how peculiarly the oneness of master and pupil was felt, with what " longing for more " the end came ; and hew our master indentified himself with us in vanquishing a host of irregular conjugations and the like ? We might see him seated afar off at his own desk, but we knew him to be as much by our side.

Then, too, his humanity over the humours of his class, particularly in those moments when we stole relief from diligent and prolonged application. Such moments were timed to Mr. Legge's leaving the room in response to a call from a visitor.

His attitude on returning to find that we had not been absorbed in mastering roots, but in playing pranks; that searching rallying smile ! Here is an instance, outstanding to me. The door is closed, Mr. Legge outside, the class forgetting his gentle noiseless way of re-opening the door. I am commandeered for a speech. I rise to the occasion, my arms in full flight—Mr. Legge not outside. My collapse and that of the class ! Back at his desk, his smile broadening, the master gravely announces, " Fail not to read to-morrow's newspaper placards : I prophesy their one and only notice, to wit—Great speech by the late J C .2f On " the late " hangs a tale. Day after day I had been locked out till after prayers.

Day after day I had been sentenced to write out page after page of the Latin Grammar.

Osne morning Mr. Legge arrested my late movement to my seat and addressing me said, " The Latin Grammar does not cure you, I must try something else ; henceforth you will be known• to this class as The late J. C." Years afterwards, on a visit to Aberdeen, I had an appointment with my old master at the East Parish Church, of which he was an elder. Appearing not in time, I was greeted with the old, familiar smile, and with—" Semper eadem, the late J. C." Needless to point the moral to my successors at School., The rising generation, Is it ever behind the times?

JOSEPH D. CARNEGIE. Leicester, 4th February, 1913.

(To be continued.)

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A Day's Ski=ing in Aberdeenshire.

Winter sports in Switzerland or Norway have in recent years become the fashion, and it must be confessed that the glowing advertisements of various tourist agencies, supplemented by the numerous excellent photographs appearing from time to time in the illustrated papers, have made many in this country, who cannot get away either on account of the expense involved or for business reasons, green with envy.

It is true that in this country skating and curling are possible to a limited and uncertain extent, but there is another form of winter sport which is possible to an even greater extent than these, and which is but little taken advantage of. Ski-ing is not possible to the same extent in this country as in the Continent, but provided the excellent system of weather reporting organized by the Scottish Ski Club is taken advantage of, a few days' good ski-ing in January, February, or March can generally be obtained every year.

For a fortnight during January of the present year there were only two days on which the conditions for ski-ing on the hills around Ballater were not absolutely ideal, and one wonders how many of the enthusiasts who rushed to the Continent would have come north to the Grampians had they but known. Several of the members of the Aberdeen Branch of the Scottish Ski Club, amongst whom are a number of Old Boys, had two days' exhilarating sport, and on the second day made the ascent of Mount Keen.

Our party of five, two of whom had never skied before, left Ballater at 7.30 on a frosty winter morning, and by eight o'clock were on the steep slopes of Craig Vallich, immediately behind Brackley House, with Ballater in the valley. As the sun rose, its rays touched the snow-covered slopes of Lochnagar, and in a few minutes the distant range of the Cairngorms, from Cairntoul to Ben Avon, was tinted a delicate pink, which as the sun rose higher, gradually faded away until finally, owing to the clearness and rarity of the atmosphere, it appeared as if those mountains were only a few miles away, instead of being from twenty to thirty. Crossing the summit of Craig Vallich, our party made for the west shoulder of Cairn Leughan (2,293), and there left the beginners to practise the sport on some excellent slopes. The remainder of the party took the route along the watershed which divides Glen Muick from Glen Tanner, until the summit of Cairn Hillock (2,289) was reached, and from this point a splendid run of two miles was made down to the upper waters of the Tanner. A steep climb took us on to the plateau (2,000) in front of the beautiful cone-shaped Mount Keen, and passing over Hare

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Cairn and along the Forfarshire boundary, we were soon at the foot of the cone with but 500 feet to the summit. This last part was a stiff climb owing to the snow having drifted and large patches of ice being uncovered, but the top was reached before one o'clock. Taking off our ski, and whilst sampling the contents of our rucksacks, we enjoyed the magnificent view in all directions: there was no haze or mist to be seen, and the sun shone brilliantly.

In front of and close to us was Braid Cairn, and beyond to the eastwards Hill of Cat, Mount Battock, Peter Hill, and Kerloch, with the lower Deeside hills stretching away to Aberdeen, and the valley of the Tanner at our feet tapering down to Aboyne. Brimmond Hill was quickly recognized, and in the foreground was Hill o' Fare with Bennachie beyond.

Northwards were Tap o' Noth, Buck of Cabrach, and Ben Rinnes, with Morven nearer at hand. To the north-west were Ben Avon and Beinn A'Bhuird, both very heavily covered with snow, Cairngorm, Beinn Muich Dhui, Braeriach, and Cairntoul with their ice-covered precipices showing clearly. The far westward Inverness-shire and Perthshire mountains were obscured by the Cairngorms and Lochnagar, every corrie of which stood out with great clearness. Southwards came White Mounth and then the high plateau which lies between the head of Glen Doll and Glen Clunie, rising above which appeared in their wild beauty Tom Buidhe, Cairn of Claise, and Glas Maol. To the south-east were the Ochils, where some of our southern members were holding a meeting, and then the Sidlays and so eastwards toward the sea, which was visible for miles down the coast. Such was the panorama that greeted us from the summit, and who will deny that the extra 500 feet climb was worth the trouble ? Our only regret was that we were not on the top of Beinn Muich Dhui, from whose summit on such a day practically every Scottish mountain of any importance would have been visible.

Taking the east side of the mountain for our descent, we were compelled owing to rocks to take the first 250 feet on foot, and then began one of the finest runs, we believe, that Turning south-east we has ever been made in Scotland. glissaded straight to the saddle between Mount Keen and Braid Cairn (2,907), and then taking a sweeping turn to the left, we swung past the headwaters of the Cowie Burn. The pace was fast—rather too fast for the least expert member of the party, who had several falls, but then snow is fortunately soft, and the only difficulty is to get disentangled and into the proper position to get up again, so keen does one become on being up and going—but the shoulder of Gathering Cairn was soon reached, and turning to the right we had a

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glorious run across a perfect field of snow covering the basin of the burn which drains the Fir Bog. Again turning to the left, we ran almost west along the south-west shoulder of Red Craig (1,964), and when the bridge across the Tanner at Etnach came into view the direction was again changed, and the run, which was fully 4-1. miles long, ended with a straight glissade at a very fast pace to within a few yards of the bridge.

After a short rest, we made due west until a height of 2,000 feet was reached, and then north-west until the summit of Craig Vallich was attained. The two miles down the steep slopes to the Brackley Woods only took us a few minutes, and Ballater was reached about five o'clock after an ideal day's sport, during which we covered a distance of almost 24 miles, and climbed, it is estimated, at least 5,000 feet. During the day, although we had been through two deer forests—or rather preserves, for there are practically no trees after Brackley— we saw no sign of deer, who had evidently betaken themselves to the lower ground—the only inhabitants on the upper slopes seemed to be white hares, which were in abundance, and a few large coveys of grouse.

When it is taken into consideration that one of the party who made the ascent has only had on ski half a dozen times, and that the two members of the party whose first outing it was actually enjoyed practising for eight hours, it will be granted that there is a great fascination in this form of winter sport. It is undoubtedly attractive because it brings one into touch with Nature in one of her grandest moods, and at the same time gives one exhilarating and healthy exercise at a season of the year when it is most required. Proficiency, of course, can only be attained with practice, but it is not difficult to learn at least sufficiently well to get along comfortably.

Some people will never learn to know and love the hills.

We remember once when walking across the Furka Pass one of our party actually disdained going to have a close view of the Rhone Glacier, which is certainly one of the sights en route, and then jeered at the rest of us because by making a bee-line for the hotel at Gletsch he got home dry, while the rest of us got a good drenching—and to such persons ski-ing is of no value apart from the exercise. To those, on the other hand, who are constantly finding new pleasures in the hills, our advice is to learn to ski, so that their beauty and grandeur in winter as well as in sunnner may be fully realized.

M.

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liallforest Castle.

About a mile and a half to the south-west of the Royal Burgh of Kintore, and twelve miles westward of Aberdeen as the crow flies, are situated the ruins of Hallforest Castle, remarkable not only by reason of its connection with Scotland's greatest King, but also from its being a specimen of a type of castle now very rare in the North of Scotland—the massive square keep of the fourteenth century.

The traveller who desires to pay a visit to this interesting old ruin, on alighting at the station of Kintore, must turn to the left, following the main road past the Town House—a quaint old building dating from 1737—until he• reaches the school, when he will discover a rough cart road leading off to the right, which will bring him within sight of the Castle in no very long space of time.

Standing as they do in an open, level field with no trees to obscure them, the ruins- form a massive and imposing object, conspicuous for miles around. They consist of a huge rectangular tower, fifty feet in length and thirty in breadth, and above sixty feet in height. The Castle had in the days of its ,occupation been a place of great strength, the walls attaining a thickness of no less than seven feet; it was surrounded by a wide moat, very evident traces of which still remain; and it appears to have possessed at one time a wing extending towards the north-east, giving the building a shape resembling the letter L. Within, the Castle is divided into two lofty arched apartments, the lower vault being about. one half the height of the building, and forming the floor of the hall, while the upper supported the floor on which were placed the. battlements.

These are, however, now entirely gone; but an old picture of the Castle, executed about half a century ago, shows them still partially preserved; while the circular well for holding the staircase by which access to them was obtained is still quite whole.

Each of the great vaulted apartments was originally divided into two, so that the whole building consisted of four storeys.

On entering the Castle by the great fissure in the north-eastern wall, the visitor finds the lower arched vault lost in dim twilight high above his head; and, round the. sides of the tower, he perceives great masses of stone projecting from the walls at a height of perhaps eight or nine feet. While wondering what the use of these might be, he perceives on his right a fireplace situate in the wall above these stones; and it then flashes across his mind that these stones must have supported a wooden floor, the space below that being reserved for cattle,

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etc., while the inmates entered on the first floor. This supposition is confirmed by an old writer, who states that the Castle " consisted of four storeys, having embattlements, besides what is called a cape-house, with a moveable ladder, by which those who occasionally lodged in it entered to the first floor."

As in many other buildings of the kind, the lower windows of Hallforest Castle are mere loopholes a few inches in diameter ; those of the upper storeys, however, are of considerable size, being over ten feet in height, and nearly five in width.

Of the building of the Castle, we have no contemporary or reliable account. Tradition however—and in all probability with truth—says that it was constructed by King Robert Bruce for a hunting hall. By him it was granted to Sir Robert de Keith, Earl Marischal of Scotland, as a reward for his services to the cause of the King; especially at the Battle of Bannockburn, where, it will be recollected, he headed the Scottish cavalry in that brilliant charge which scattered the English archers and• ensured victory to Bruce—that charge which is described with such splendid vigour in the " Lord of the Isles."

The Castle was visited by King James the Second—" James of the Fiery Face; " and an interesting tradition has been preserved with regard to his arrival there. According to the story, the King, dressed as a common wayfarer, was passing through Kintore on his way to the Castle, when he met a farmer of the name of Thain. James thereupon asked the man if he would carry a message from him to " Geordie Keith " The labourer, much offended at the at Hallforest Castle. familiarity with which this unknown stranger chose to refer to his lord, exclaimed, in some indignation, " Geordie Keith, A better man than you would have called him forsooth!

Lord George Keith." The stranger mollifying him, however, he consented to carry the message; and, on presenting it at the Castle, was informed, to his horror and dismay, that the person whom he had so brusquely rebuked was the King Meanwhile, however, his wife, who with a of Scotland. woman's penetration had recognised that her visitor was of higher rank than his appearance would warrant, had prepared for him a substantial supper—in return for which hospitality King James granted the burgher and his wife a piece of land, near where the station of Kintore now stands.

The Castle remained in the hands of the Keiths throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, during which time it was honoured by the presence of Queen Mary, after the battle of Corrichie (1562), and besieged on more than one occasion in the Wars of the Covenant. A curious story is told of how

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some gunners on the battlements, amusing themselves by firing random shots, sent a cannon ball through the old house of Balbithan, which then stood near by; whereupon the laird, thinking the Castle a somewhat uncomfortable neighbour, determined to " flit," and built the present Balbithan House, near Inverurie.

After the building of the present seat of Keithhall, Hallforest Castle would appear to have been deserted, and allowed to suffer the gradual decay which has reduced it to its present state. The dull grey granite of which the gaunt and weatherworn tower is composed, is enlivened by the fresh green tint of the foliage of several shrubs and small trees which have obtained a precarious footing in its upper walls; and the whole presents a most impressive picture of loneliness and decay, which strikes the observer with a yet keener sense of melancholy and a clearer perception of the instability of all human things, when he reflects upon the past, when the now damp and cheerless walls were the scene of feudal joy and merriment.

And on thy bleak and ruined wa's Nae banners now are streaming ; The bat and jay flit through thy ha's, And night-owls there are screaming.

W. D. SIMPSON.

The Museum.

Recent Additions.—From James Cooper Clark, F.P., who has also presented to the Library his very interesting monograph on Mexican picture writings, from Mexico: a sombrero; rain-cloak made of palm leaves ; 5 spurs, inlaid with silver ; 3 old latchlocks ; pair of embroidered leather gauntlets ; lariette ; 2'pairs sandals ; school bag ; dollar purse, 3 feet long, and various specimens of string and cord industry. From Alan Tait—Capercailzie, hen and cockbirds, /stuffed, in case. From Frank Rae, F.P.—Norwegian wild goose, shot at Dyce.

From Mr. R. Hay Fenton—Eggs : 3-3 black-headed gull, 1-3, 1-3 black tern, 1-3 white-winged black tern, 1-5 eider duck with down, 1 black-browed albatross, 1 ostrich, also three nests. From Mr. R. H. Wrigley, Clitheroe—Two guillemot's eggs, very choice specimens, also 20 nests. From Mr. John Greig, Ceylon—Cobra, rattlesnake's rattle (American); specimens of india-rubber seed and produce ; " window-pane " oyster shell ; specimens of tea leaf ; cardamons.

From Alfred Laing—Parrot fish (Red Sea).

From Alex. M. Bisset, F.P., Rhodesia—Two shield trophies bearing 36 spears, axes, etc. from the Upper Congo, the weapons mostly of bronze. From Richard Pithie, F.P.—Two of the Heike crabs from Da.nnoura, Nagato, Japan, said to bear the faces of warriors who fell in battle there. We are also promised, on loan, by the Town Council, some of the cases of birds recently purchased from the Aboyne Castle collection. From Captain G. M. Symmers, F.P., Madras, a small crocodile, beautifully mounted.

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23rd October.—A match was arranged between Classical and Modern, but had to be abandoned on account of the inclemency of the weather.

26th October.—Against 1st 'Shire—Rain fell all through the week, and as the ground was in an extremely muddy condition it was expected that this match could not be played. On Saturday there was little improvement in the weather conditions and heavy showers fell frequently during the game. 'Shire pressed, but could not break down the School's dogged defence. The forwards were good in the scrum, but were very slow in the open. The threequarters did not show their last week's form, and there was no cross-kicking which was indulged in so successfully last week. The ball came to the 'Shire back, and he dropped a most unexpected goal. The School played a hard, uphill game, but, despite all efforts, could not score. 'Shire, in the second half, scored a try but did not secure full points. No further scoring took place.

The score was—'Shire, 7 points (one dropped goal, one try); School, nil.

2nd November.—A match was played between 2nd 'Shire and the School, at the School Grounds.

The weather was dull, the pitch covered with mud several inches deep, and the ball was slippery and difficult to handle. The School rushed the game from the kick-off and carried the ball into the 'Shire's territory. Munro followed up quickly and scored the first try for the School.

'Shire rallied but could not get past Ferguson, and after some fine play by the School, the second was scored by Conner, who secured the ball near midfield, and after a clear run, slid through the posts in a sitting posture and scored.

Garbutt converted both these tries.

In the second half the School did all the pressing, and Hendry, who was the School's best " three," had a fine run along the touch line, and scored beside the corner flag. Hendry again

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secured the ball, this time near midfield, and after a brilliant run (which reminded us of Stewart), placed down between the posts, thus securing his third try. From a penalty Garbutt scored with a magnificent drop kick. The result was—School, 24 points ; 2nd 'Shire, 0. Elinslie, the School captain, was a notable absentee from this match.

9th November.—The School pitch was in a very muddy condition when the School met their old rivals, Gordon's College.

The game was, as usual, hotly contested, but both sides showed extremely poor form. Gordons kicked off with the wind, and it was only their own bad play that kept them from scoring. The School forwards got the ball out on several occasions, but the "threes " spoiled their opportunities with wild kicking.

The School tried hard to break away and Hendry was conspicuous on the wing, but Gordon's always returned to the attack, and scored through Fraser. In the second half the School, with the wind at their backs, rushed matters, but owing to the forwards' bad scrumming and the inability of the " threes " to take advantage of openings, they did not score as often as they should have done.

At last Joss broke through and scored after a fine bit of swerving.

Lyon scored for Gordon's from a penalty kick. When the whistle sounded the score was—School, 15; Gordon's, 6.

16th November.—On this date the School played a return match with 2nd Queen's Cross. The School played down on a pitch much improved from last week. McLeod made progress by kicking for touch. The forwards got the ball from the throw out and Hunter passed smartly out, but Conner fumbled and Queen's broke away.

McLeod again relieved by finding touch. Hunter's kicking also proved useful. Joss secured the ball from a cross kick and scored in the corner, but the try was not converted. The School returned to the attack and McLeod forced his way through, and, flinging himself over the line, scored a try. In the second half the School kept up the pressure, but did not follow up quickly enough, and lost several opportunities. Joss, lying back, fixed on the ball from a return by one of the Queen's men, wriggled brilliantly through a crowd of opponents, and planted the ball behind the posts, amid the cheers of the School supporters. Garbutt failed with the kick. A little afterwards Conner spoiled Hendry by hanging on too long, but made amends for it towards the end of the game by scoring the School's fourth try.

Score—School, 12 points ; 2nd Queen's, 0.

23rd November.—In the match at King's with 'Varsity A the School won a well-deserved victory by 19 points to nil. The threes put more dash into their play and the forwards were scrumming mach better. All round the team has improved since last wee k.

Hendry was the first to score for the School, but the kick was nut converted.

The. School pressed and a free kick was awarded against 'Varsity. Garbutt took the kick and dropped a magnificent goal. Joss had a good run along touch but was carried over.

From the throw out Coutts made a dash through the opposing forwards and sent out to McLeod, who ran round and scored behind the posts. Garbutt could not have failed with this kick.

'Varsity broke away in the second half, but Hunter relieved with a fine kick into touch. and the same player was conspicuous a little

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later with a fine run. He was brought down by Spark, but this did not prevent the School from scoring again, and Joss saved the last try when it was getting almost too dark to see.

7th December.—Against Gordon's F.P.'s 2nd XV.—This League match was played in nasty weather at the School.

The School turned out a weak team, while the F.P.'s team was strengthened by a few •senior players. The School kicked off, but the ball was soon returned, and play settled down in the School " 25." The School forwards were not going very strongly, and the backs' passing was very erratic. Time and again P. Ferguson saved the School by lovely touch kicking when in rather tight corners. Conner made one or two good attempts to get away, but was well marked by his opponent. The School never seemed to combine, while the F.P.'s often had good passing runs. About halfway through this half, from a touch out, Sim scored a good try for the F.P.'s and easily converted. This did not seem to waken the School, for they were hemmed into their own " 25 " till half-time. Half-time—School, 0; F.P.'s, 5. When the ball was kicked off again it seemed as if the School had been getting " lectured." From the kick back the School forwards came down with the proper kind of rush and kept the ball in the F.P.'s half. At last they got over, but some infringement had taken place, for the ball was scrummed out.

The F.P.'s in this scrum got the ball, but kicked it too far back, for while someone was fumbling with the ball he was surprised to find Saunders land on it. He scored a splendid try by diving fully three yards at the ball. The kick failed. The F.P.'s again awakened, and came down with a rush that seemed to terrorise the School. They came right down to P. Ferguson on the line, but were there stopped, and after some scrimmaging Saunders relieved with a big kick.

Again the School forwards got going, and Johnston gathered the ball near the line and rushed over. The kick this time was successful. Only a minute or two was now to go, and these passed without scoring.

Final score—School, 8; F.P.'s, 5. Best for the School behind the scrum were Ferguson and Saunders, while in the scrum Macallum, Ferguson, Garbutt, and Johnston played well.

14th December.—Against 1st Gordonians—This match was played at the School on a dry pitch. The School had out a weak team, but made quite a creditable show. F.P.'s kicked off and immediately pressed. They did not, however, get in for some time, as the School defence was good.

From a cross kick McAndrew procured the ball and scraped across the line far out. Lyon failed with the kick. From the " 25 " the School forwards came off with a rush and looked very dangerous.

But they were soon driven back, and McAndrew scored an easy try through an error by P. Ferguson. This time Lyon kicked a good goal. Soon afterwards the whistle blew with the scores at half-time 8-0 in the F.P.'s favour.

The second half opened by a School rush.

This half the School had the most of the game. The F.P.'s made several rashes, but Hunter sent them back with well-directed kicks. Only once did the F.P.'s become really dangerous, and this once they scored through Mackeggie, for Jolly to convert. Again the School made headway, but were driven back to the centre, where they procured a " free kick," and Garbutt kicked a beautiful goal. The rest of the game was pretty equal in quickly-failing light. Final score— Gordonians, 13 ; School, 3.

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11th January.—After the holidays the School turned up fresh and eager for the match with 2nd Gordonians, who played several of their first team men. Elmslie and Lyon were absent from the School team, and Lyon does not expect to be able to turn out again this season.

A hurricane was blowing across the pitch, which rendered play scrappy. The Gordon's forwards were heavier in the scrum but the School backs kept their tricky " threes " from scoring. Several chances were lost by fumbling the ball, but the wind perhaps was the cause of this. Hunter and McLeod nipped in and relieved by good kicking on several occasions when Gordon's looked like scoring. With the wind at their backs in the second half Gordon's pressed hard but could not score, and the game ended in a draw, no scoring.

18th January.—Amatory feelings did not run high when the School met Gordon's at King's ; but it never does, and the crowd of spectators expected a fast and furious game. The School turned out at full strength, Elmslie resuming after a long absence. He soon •showed that he had lost none of his old skill. The School kicked off towards the sea, but Murray relieved with a big kick into touch.

Elmslie broke away but his pass was intercepted and Gordon's rushed off to the School goal. The rush was stopped and Elmslie started off again, but McLeod spoiled the opportunity by kicking too far ahead. Play ranged from end to end and Conner and Hunter were conspicuous for the School. In the second half the School gained ground by good scrumming and quick passing.

Conner suddenly emerged from a crowd of players with the ball. careered down the field and scored, amid the cheers of the School supporters. McLeod converted. A little later Conner again burst away but was taken down by Murray. The School were good in the loose and swept down the field with the ball at their feet.

Hunter slung out the ball to the " threes" and Conner again caught on and scored. He was the most outstanding player on the field and played his best game for the School this season. Close on time Joss sprinted down the wing, secured the ball while Murray was thinking what to do, and scored beside the flag.

Elmslie failed to convert, and the game ended—School, 11 points ; Gordon's nil.

25th January.—The pitch was in a very variegated condition when the School met 2nd F.P.'s.

Some parts of the field were covered with sheets of ice while others resembled a quagmire in a very marked degree.

F.P.'s were the heavier team, and on the muddy ground took full advantage of their weight, while on the harder parts of the field the School gained ground rapidly, owing to their lightness and speed. F.P.'s came away with a rush, and before the School could awaken to the fact, they had scored. Full Play was strenuous and the points, however, were not gained. game evenly contested, first one side and then the other gaining the advantage. Following a period of pressure the ball came out to Conner, but for some unexpected reason, probably best known to the referee himself, the score was not allowed, and a scrum out was ordered. The School were not to be put off, and Conner dashed up, took the ball from Spark and finished up a good run by scoring. Hendry had a good attempt on the left, but was pitched into touch by Spark. In the second half the School should have

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got the lead, but their luck was out, and F.P.'s scored the winning try.

1st February.—Rest of School v Rest of Gordons—The School men won the toss and kicked off against the wind. The sides were equally matched but the threequarters did not combine well.

Several raids into the School " 25 " were repelled, chiefly through the strong kicking of Cumming. The School men, however, were soon up at the Gordon's line but could not pierce the defence.

Playing with the wind in the second half the School men soon began to press, but could not get over owing to ragged threequarter play. The School were put in the lead by Munro, who scored by a neat drop kick. Shortly afterwards, from a mark by Saunders, Munro placed a fine goal. Gordon's rushed up the field and from a serum near the line Mearns scored. The try was unconverted. After this play was confined to midfield, and no further scoring took place. The backs were all good individually but did not combine well. Munro and Cumming were the best of them.

The forwards played a keen, fast game. School, 7 points; Gordon's, 3 points.

1st February.—Combined Schools v. George Heriot's (Edinburgh)—This match was played at Edinburgh in two inches of snow. The Aberdeen team won the toss and elected to play uphill.

Heriot's pressed, and, helped by a very strong wind, kept the Aberdeen team in their own " 25." Shortly after the start Heriot's were awarded a free kick, from which they brought out full points. Aberdeen then took matters in hand and pressed for some time, but they were gradually beaten back. Heriot's could not score as the visitors' defence was very good. Half-time came with Heriot's leading by 3 points to 0. From the very beginning of the second half the Combined Schools pressed, but it was some time before they could score. At length a try was obtained through Hunter, who dribbled the ball past the halves, threequarters, and backs. The kick at goal failed. Time was drawing near, and Heriot's attacked desperately, but could not make anything of the Aberdeen backs, who were all deadly in their tackling and certain Time came with the score—Aberdeen in stopping the rushes. (one try), 3 points ; Heriot's (one penalty goal), 3 points.

2nd XV. Matches.

2nd School v 2nd Gordons.—King's College Grounds, on 2nd November, was the scene of the second encounter between the 2nd XV.'s of Grammar and Gordon's. The ground was very wet and the ball was in a most disagreeable state for handling. The School from the start were the weaker team. Two of the XV. selected to play did not turn up, doubtless this accounts for the defeat.

Gordon's three-quarter line showed a marked improvement on the last match, and was not long in scoring. Their forwards, through their superior weight, got the ball almost every time and Russell was seldom in difficulties with the School half. In the second half the School brightened up considerably and the forwards got the ball frequently out to Esslemont, who has " fed " his " threes " better than he did on this occasion. Fiddes again and again had splendid runs, and had hard luck in scoring only once. He should

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Aberdeen Grammar School ill agazine.

have got the ball oftener. Gordon's, after hard work, got over the School line once in this half, and the School again scored through Thomson, who ended up a good run by Taggart. The final result was 22 points to 6 in favour of Gordon's. For the School MacLeod, Whyte, and Taggart were the best in the scrum, while, behind, Fiddes, Thomson, and Reid were easily best.

14th December.—On this date 2nd School met 2nd Gordon's at King's. Gordon's won the toss and elected to play against the Play was wind, which was blowing strongly down the pitch. mostly confined to Gordon's " 25," and Wright dropped a goal.

Thomson scored a try off a run by the same player, which Maxwell failed to convert.

Cumming went back in the second half and Maxwell came up half. Gordon's pressed and scored three times, thus making the score 16-7 for Gordon's. No further scoring took place. In the forwards Stephen, and McLeod were very useful, Esslemont was while Maxwell played a steady game as back. smart in getting out the ball, and Thomson played a good game as a " three."

On 25th January v 2nd Gordon's.—Gordon's kicked off and soon A succession of penned the School men into their own " 25." scrums and a free kick brought relief, and soon the School were up From the line out Tait touched down, a at the Gordon's line. dangerous raid into the School territory was repulsed, and another rush brought the School up to their opponents' line. From a touch White scored, but neither this try nor the former was Gordon's pressed but the School defence was good. converted.

After half-time play was of a ding-dong nature but Tait broke away and scored a fine try after running down half the field ; Reid converted. End-to-end play finished the game. Tait was brilliant Reid, White, and forward, and Cumming played well at back.

Coutts all did useful work. Score-11-0.

3rd XV. Match.

23rd November.-3rd Gordon's—Neither side scored until well through the first half, when 1)uffus received a pass and burst through. He lost a good chance later by dashing straight into the Gordon's forwards. Murray played well and scored a good try.

The School halves kicked smartly and sent the ball out quickly to the " threes." In the second half Wisely was conspicuous with Gray was playing well and scored for the several good runs.

School. Towards the end of the game Ritchie got an opportunity to score and he made no mistake. The School retired winners by 14 points to 0.

Criticism-1st XV. Rugby Football Club, 19'2-i3. team may be considered quite as good This season's The forwards require training in as that of former years. " scrumming," and " following on," and should never " take it easy." The halves and threequarters work well together as a rule, but at times get very loose.

Ferguson, at full back, is very reliable. He is improving in kicking and running ; while he has never been tested at tackling.

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THREEQUARTERS.

Joss would be a very good player if he studied the game more.

On several occasions he has displayed good form. He is an excellent kick, but " fly kicks " rather much at times.

Conner can play a good game when he likes. He should learn to tackle low, and stop rushes with his body.

Elmslie is easily the most useful man in the team, though he cannot be judged properly from this year's play owing to his absence from the team for eight weeks.

Hendry has improved greatly as a player. He has a good turn of speed, and swerves a great deal, but is somewhat light for a 1st XV. man.

HALVES.

Hunter is a very quick " scrum" half, but at times is very

erratic. He gives his " threes " plenty chances, and finds touch well when the side is hard pressed.

Saunders, a. very quick player, draws his man well.

Sound in defence and good in attack.

FORWARDS.

Garbutt is a very good forward, does good work at touch, dribbles

well, and is a good kick. leader of the forwards, sets an example in " pushing," and always works hard.

Ritchie has had hard work this year, though he still shows good form, especially at touch.

Ferguson knows the game very well and uses his knowledge and what weight he has to good advantage.

Johnston, though small, is a very good, hard-working forward.

He follows on well.

Macfarlane ought to put on more pressure in the " scrum," but is good in the open.

Munro is rather light in the " scrum," but tackles well in the open.

MacRae has plenty of weight which he could use to much more advantage.

Robson has (haw some remarkably good work on the touch line!

Macallum, the

Golf.

Masters v. School.—This annual golf match was played in the There were some very close and autumn on various courses. enjoyable games. For the first time since the institution of the match the School team was victorious, by 3i points. The two youngest members of the team in particular are to be congratulated on their performances. Detailed scores— MASTERS. Mr. J. Davidson ,, Dawson ,, Hay ,, Knox n Mackie ..

Dr. Macleod Mr. Morrison Ritchie Spiers.

Total

SCHOOL. 0 0 0 0 1 1

i i

-3}

N. A. Scorgie J. B. Gray F. A. Conner A. L. Scott J. M. McBain L. Riddell G. D. Munro R. I. Maxwell A. McBain

Total Majority for School-3} points.

1 li 1

1

li 0 0 i %

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

" Debater" Notes.

v

25th October.—On this date a " Hat Night" was held, with the President in the chair. The debates were mostly of a trivial nature, although they were keenly discussed. The feature of the evening was a long and humorous speech in broad Scotch by Mr. Robson during a debate upon the subject, " Could Germany make a successful invasion of Britain? " There were many speakers, most of whom showed an inclination to stray from the subject. The meeting broke up at 9 o'clock.

1st November.—The meeting on this date was held in the Hall, and was open to everybody.

There was a large attendance of schoolboys and their parents and friends, to hear a lecture by R. T. Skinner, Esq., M.A., of Donaldson's Hospital, Edinburgh, on " The Isles of Greece."

The Rector occupied the chair, and introduced the lecturer in a very appropriate speech. Mr. Skinner delighted his audience for an hour and a half with a " most interesting, amusing, and instructive," account of a tour through Greece, showing lantern slides of the various places he visited.

The Rector then called for a vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was heartily given, whereupon Mr. McBain called for one for the Rector.

8th November.—On this evening the Society met to hold " Magazine Night." Mr. McBain occupied the chair. There was was very little good criticism ; but, as usual, " Random Notes " were rather severely handled. A departure was made from the usual procedure of Magazine Night.

The editors answered the questions as they were put, and debated them with the others.

This lengthened out the proceedings, and the criticism continued till the close of the meeting at 9 o'clock.

15th November.—The Society met this evening in Room V. to hear an illustrated lecture by G. M. Fraser, Esq., on the " Bridge of Dee." Mr. Charles Davidson introduced the lecturer to a large meeting. Mr. Fraser then gave a very interesting lecture on a subject which could not fail to engage the attention of Aberdonians.

His lantern views were exceptionally clear, every detail of the coats of arms on the bridge being shown. At the close of the lecture hearty votes of thanks were given to Mr. Fraser for his interesting The proceedings lecture, and to Mr. Davidson for presiding. closed with three cheers for the janitor, who manipulated the lantern.

22nd November.—On this date a debate between Mr. Lyon and Mr. Cumming was held. Owing to the illness of Mr. Lyon his paper was read by Mr. McKenzie. Both the papers were good ; but the vote resulted in a large majority for Mr. Cumming, who A Hat Night was then held gave the most humorous paper. and continued until 9 o'clock, with very few debates.

29th November.—On the above date the Rev. Austin Foster, The M.A., delivered a lecture on the " Arthurian Legends." chairman, Mr. Murison, introduced the lecturer to a large turnThroughout the lecture the audience listened out of members. with intense interest. Afterwards Mr. McBain proposed a vote of

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thanks to the lecturer, and Mr. Munson congratulated Mr. Foster en his excellent choice of language, and his beautiful use of Tennyson. Mr. Foster, in thanking Mr. Munson, commented briefly on the beauties of Tennyson. A Hat Night was then held until the close of the meeting at the usual hour.

On 6th December no meeting was held, owing to the F.P.'s performance of " The New Clown " in the Hall.

13th December.—On this evening the Society met in Room I. to hear a lecture by the Rev. J. Kirk, M.A., entitled " The Battlefields of Scotland in Scottish Song." Mr. Mackie introduced the lecturer to a large audience.

Mr Kirk treated his subject with great skill, introducing each of his songs by a short description of the circumstances leading to it. Among other songs he sang the following :—" Stirling Bridge," " Scots Wha Hae," " The Battle of Harlaw," " The Flowers o' the Forest," and " Hey, Johnny Cope." Mr. Mackie then proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer, and Mr. McBain to Mr. Mackie. The proceedings closed with a Hat Night.

20th December.—On this night the annual " Judicial Night " was held, a full description of which will be found on another page.

Instead of being held on Friday, 20th December, as arranged, the sing-song had to be postponed till Saturday, on account of the unavoidable postponement of "Judicial Night."

There was a large attendance of members, over whom Mr. J. M. McBain presided. Several choruses Were given, while songs were rendered

by Messrs. Robson, Barron, and Maxwell.

The thanks of the Society are due to those who sang, and more especially to Mr. A. , F. Hyslop, who was at the piano most of the time, and to Mr. J. G. Elmslie, who took Mr. Hyslop's place occasionally. After the meeting, which broke up at a quarter to 10, an enthusiastic company serenaded the masters.

10th January.—This evening the Society met in Room I. at 7 o'clock, when Mr. Munson gave a lecture on " Tradition Ballads of Scotland," with Mr. R. D. Lyon, Vice-President, in the chair.

A large attendance listened to an interesting lecture, rendered still more interesting by the singing of Mrs. Munson, who was accompanied on the piano by Miss Matthews. After the lecture, which was very much enjoyed, the usual votes of thanks were accorded. The success of the two lectures with musical illustrations has been undoubted, and it is hoped that more of these will be arranged for next year. " Impromptu Debates" were proposed and carried for spending the remainder of the evening, but the debates did not keep up at all well.

17th January.—The Society met in Room I. at 7 o'clock, Mr. R. D. Lyon in the chair. The business of the evening was a debate, " Was Hamlet Mad? " between the President, Mr. J. M. McBain, and the Vice-President, Mr. A. M. Barron. The former supported Both gave excellent the affirmative, the latter the negative. papers, but there was very little discussion upon them. The result of the voting upon the papers was a win by twelve votes to seven After this a " Hat Night" followed, during for Mr. Barron.

The debates were very which Mr. McBain occupied the chair.

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good, and there was plenty of discussion, upon them, in which practically all present joined. The meeting broke up at 9 o'clock.

24th January.—On this date an illustrated lecture, entitled, "Among the Dutchmen," was delivered by Rev. Lucking Tavener to the Society in Room V. at 7 o'clock. Mr. R. D. Lyon presided over a fairly large audience, and in a few words introduced the lecturer to the Society. Mr. Tavener gave a very interesting and instructive lecture, which was much enjoyed by those present. In the lecture a description was given of several of the towns and artists of the country with the help of excellent lantern views. At the end of the lecture Mr. Lyon called for a vote of thanks to Mr Tavener, while the secretary asked for one for the janitor, who operated the lantern. " impromptu Debates " were held during the remainder of the evening.

Judicial Night.

Judicial Night is no new institution in the social life of the School, and this year all the most brilliant wit of the day found its way into the mock trial which was held in Classroom No. I. The plot was, perhaps, a little too gruesome—a little too " possible " for a mock trial, but the learned counsels handled the subject in so masterly a way, and the answers of the many, and gaily-costumed witnesses were so charged with lightsome humour, that it was impossible to look on the lady prisoner as the vampire she was represented to be.

Without the narrative powers of a Caesar, it would be impossible to adumbrate the chain of events leading up to the crime, besides which, the interest of the crowded assembly was not so much centred in the crime, as in the witnesses and the prisoner of the highly horticultural cognomen. The former were a varied selection, including a German waiter, an ecclesiastical orator, who would do justice to the Sixth Classical in so far as " trumpet tones " are concerned, and a meek and lamb-like detective, who did not seem to have enough detective ability to compete in a " hide-thethimble " tournament.

The prisoner was a damsel of beauty passing fair, who appeared to exercise some hypnotic and seductive influence on the two stalwart constables under whose care she was placed.

The trial was fought out ardently and enthusiastically by four talented counsels, one of whom appeared rather more blase than his years would justify. [The converted magnifying glass accounts for this.—Enrroa.] The Judge is, of course, not of much importance in a trial, but the Judge on this occasion was noteworthy on account of his magnetic personal charm, and the radiant Apollonic beauty of his manly features.

All these choice ingredients mingled to form a most thrilling trial scene. Long may Judicial Night flourish on the School's annual programme of amusements, for no entertainment could go to make a more festive evening !

DOUGAL KENNAQIIHA.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

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The Former Pupils' Club.

The Annual Dinner.

Presentation to Mr. Samuel Pope.

The Annual Dinner was held in the Palace Hotel on Saturday, 2nd November, and was attended with particular interest on account of the presentation by the members of the Club of a cheque for 100 guineas to Mr. Samuel Pope, on the occasion of his retiring after 45 years' service as art and writing master of the School.

The dinner was one of the most successful in the history of the Club, there being an attendance of over 100.

Robert Gordon Nicol, C.E., President of the Club, occupied the chair, and the guests of the evening were Lord Provost Maitland, the Right Rev. Bishop Anthony Mitchell, Mr. Samuel Pope, and A. Spence Macdonald, President of the Club, 1911-12. Others present included—Charles J. Davidson, advocate, Vice-President of the Club ; James W. Milne, Honorary Secretary of the Club ; Dr. H. F. Morland Simpson, ex-Lord Provost Wilson, William Smith, advocate, Clerk of Lieutenancy; Professor J. Hendrick, George Falconer, advocate; Professor William L. Davidson, Thomas Hector, clerk, Aberdeen School Board ; Commander H. B. Simpson, Huntly ; Dr. J. R. Levack, C. H. M. Milne, F.R.E.S., Rector, Daniel Stewart's College, Edinburgh ; James Esslemont, Henry J. Kinghorn, Professor Ashley Mackintosh, A. T. Cruickshank, advocate ; Thomas Ogilvie, jun., Samuel Pope, jun., solicitor ; Dr. John F. Christie, Dr. F. K. Smith, W. G. Craigen, solicitor; W. A. Pope, Manchester ; Charles Williamson, C.A. ; Edward W. Watt, Dr. Arthur Kellas, W. B. G. Minto, solicitor ; C. G. Minto, solicitor; George K. Fleming, J. Duncan Macdiarmid, advocate ; G. A. Smith, solicitor ; James Iverach, solicitor ; Dr. James Crombie, W. Dickie Smith, advocate ; John Munro, solicitor; R. J. Anderson, jun., F. H. Fraser, Ceylon; F. N. Sudlow, Ceylon ; E. W. H. Brander, A. M. Johnston, A. N. Wilson, H. L. Weisse, J. A. Dunn, A. C. W. Lowe, solicitor, Buckie ; Theodore Watt, Robert Bruce, J. H. Edwards, advocate ; J. B. Gillies, ,advocate ; W. C. Glegg, George Murray, A. G. Nicol Smith, Charles Watt, D. H. W. Williamson, J. H. N. Craigen, Charles Davidson, M. H. Mackie, George Dawson, Alfred Smith, Alexander Davidson, J. A. Bower, Assam ; John Crombie, William Crombie, W. Shepherd, A. W. Christie, W. M. Alexander, J. J. Williamson, W. Morgan, G. G. Nicol, R. J. A. Dunn. C. J. D. Mackie, D. Falconer, George Ledingham, R. M. Morgan, Douglas Maxwell, James C. Lyon, W. Sutherland, Stephen J. Hunter, W. N. Macdonald, Talbert Helmrich, W. B. Williamson, P. B. Simpson, D. J. Dewar, W. Allan, Ceylon ; G. Thomson Allan, Ceylon; J. C. Duffus, A. B. Hutchison, jun., E. Full Warnock, W. Barron, J. W. Hutcheson, W. J. Cruickshank.

The loyal toasts were given from the chair, as also was the toast of " The Guests of the Executive."

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

In proposing the latter, the Chairman referred felicitously to the three who had ministered to the prosperity of the City as Provost, as Bishop, and as Pope. The toast was pledged enthusiastically, and was accompanied by the singing of " For They are Jolly Good Fellows ! "

Our Bishop makes the Presentation.

Bishop Mitchell, who replied to the toast after Lord Provost Maitland had spoken, said-1 wish to express the pleasure which it gives me to be here to-night, and my sense of the honour which you have done me in inviting me to be one of your guests. Such a gathering as this brings one fact into prominence, that there are no days like the old school days, and no friendships like the friendships which we made then. The friends of our school days stand as men apart to us, and those friendships as things apart and sacred.

I was privileged a week or two ago to visit the old School, under the guidance of Dr. Simpson, and I was struck with the The old many changes that have taken place since my time.

Gymnasium is now an attractive School Hall, its walls lined with many objects of great interest. There is now a museum, where the young mind may gather all sorts of knowledge. There is that fine library and the reading-room—undreamt of in my day—and, best of all, there are those incentives to the study of natural history, which the School owes to the zeal and knowledge of the Rector.

But among all these changes, there is one spot whore there is no improvement. The state of the cricket pitch is just as disgraceful as it was in my time. It is really not creditable to the School that the pitch should be in such a state, and surely if all the friends of the School would band themselves together something could be done. I remember how, some 26 years ago, the School Board did They caused a patch in the something very wise and paternal. middle of the field to be laid with turf, and we all waited—but in vain—to see the turf develop into a cricket pitch. And after Surely, all these years of waiting it has not yet developed. however, we can do something now. Perhaps the School Board will lay some more turf—or do something still better !

To go back to the changes, those in the personnel of the staff are most affecting. We miss Dr. Moir, to whom we looked up as a real friend and a fine teacher. We miss Mr. Sleigh, with his snuffbox and his red handkerchief, from which those showers of snuff used to fall on our slates like eruptions from Vesuvius. We miss Mr. Legge, of the stately mien, who wielded " Smith's Principia Latina " not only as a means of instruction, but, as some of us remember, as an instrument of punishment. We miss our dear Mr. Morrison—whom we never called by that name ! But whatever changes we recall, there is one whom we still have with us, whom to-night we delight to honour—our old friend and teacher, As the Chairman has already remarked, some of us Mr. Pope. look back to the days of his rule over us with mixed feelings ; but was it not he who imparted to us that beautiful handwriting which we all now possess, was it not under him that we learned to draw with that exquisite beauty that we remember, and was it not from him that we received a liberal education in the art of making puns?

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

119

For all that, and much more, we are grateful to-night. I have been greatly honoured by being entrusted with the most pleasant task of presenting to Mr. Pope a small token of our respect and esteem. This testimonial has evoked a most hearty response from old Grammar Boys all over the world.

Sir James Meston, Governor of the United Provinces of India, writes thus :—" With what sincere pleasure do I send this small testimony to the most genial, courteous, and kindly of instructors " ; and the Rev. J. D. Carnegie, of Leicester, writes with much humour and feeling on his school days with Mr. Pope. And now, sir, in the name of your many pupils, both here and throughout the world, I ask you to accept this slight token of our regard and affection.

(Loud applause—all present rising and cheering Mr. Pope, and singing " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow ! ").

Mr. Pope's Reply.

Mr. Pope, in the course of his speech in reply, said—I, have to thank you sincerely for the kind reception that you have given to the toast of my health, and for the many expressions of goodwill, regard, and affection in your speech proposing it, as well as for the cheque so generously presented by the Former Pupils of the School. It did not require this splendid gift to assure me that I have the kind regards and the affection of many Old Boys all over the world, and in my present circumstances I gratefully accent it as a climax to their goodness.

This is the third occasion on which the Former Pupils have done me the honour to entertain me as their guest, and to say many kindly things about me, for which I was and am very gratefuf' and I shall cherish to the end of my life their goodness to me. As most of you know, I entered the School as a teacher on 3rd December, 1867, and continued to teach in it daily until the 28th of June in this present year, breaking all previous records for length of service within the School by four years. During that long period I estimate that at least 6,000 pupils have passed through my classes in the School, and I hold myself, to a small extent, responsible for the formation of the characters of two generations of pupils.

It has been my good fortune through all these years to gain and retain the kindly regard and affection of my pupils, not only during their School days, but many years after they left School and made a name for themselves in all parts of the world. I liked my work and my pupils, and tried by kindly word and act to make their lesson with me both pleasant and profitable ; and I have been abundantly rewarded by gaining and retaining the esteem and affection of Former Pupils in all parts of the world, as well as the good opinion and regard of the present pupils many of whom are sons of old pupils of long ago. Former Pupils, I am proud to know, from " Notes about Old Boys" in the October Magazine, are to be found holding first-rate positions almost everywhere, and I read years ago with a feeling akin to disappointment that Peary, when he reached the North Pole, did not find that F.P.'s of the Grammar School had been there before him.

On the day before the distribution of prizes in June the pupils met in the Hall of the School and presented me with a purse of sovereigns, collected by the boys to show their love and respect

120

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

for me and their regret at my retiral. Immediately thereafter the teachers met, and, in token of their affection and esteem, presented me with a complete set of the works of Charles Dickens. A full account of the presentation appears in the School Magazine for October.

On 30th June I received from Mr. Hector, who associated himself with its terms, the following extract from the minutes of the School Board :—" On the motion of the Vice-Chairman, seconded by Rev. Mr. Smith, the Board was recommended to place on record the appreciation of the long and faithful services rendered by Mr. Samuel Pope, the art master of the Grammar School, who is quitting the service of the Board this month in terms of the The Board takes special Teachers' Superannuation Scheme. cognisance of the fact that Mr. Pope carries with him the respect and goodwill of the countless pupils and many fellow teachers who have passed through the School that has been the scene of his lifelong labours, and the Board by this resolution associates itself with every expression of goodwill already conveyed to him for his health and wellbeing in the period of retirement on which he is about to enter."

These expressions of regard and affection for me coming at a trying time touched me very deeply, and I was grateful for them and shall cherish them as long as I live. But they went far beyond my deserts, for I was conscious of many shortcomings and imperfections, but I honestly tried to be faithful to duty and gave of my best to the thousands of pupils who came and went during my lengthened service in the School. I was a learner from start to finish, and endeavoured to keep myself abreast of the latest methods and not to allow myself to become antiquated. A favourite maxim of mine, and one that I often quoted to my pupils, was " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." And now that 1 have laid down my pen and pencil it only remains to me to thank the Former Pupils present, and the many hundreds absent, for their uniform kindness and affection for me during my lifelong service in the School. My grateful thanks are due to one of my oldest pupils, Win. Keith Leask, for the genial and loving way I take this in which he has more than once written about me. opportunity of apologising to him for having, even once in the far away past, given him a taste of my " tawse." My thanks are also due to Mr. James W. Milne, secretary of the F.P.'s Club, who has done much to keep my memory green among Former Pupils, and who has spared no pains to make this meeting a success. I would like also to associate the Board, the Rector, the masters, and the present pupils in this expression of goodwill and affection, and to assure all with whom I have been associated during the past 45 years that in my retirement it will be a solace age the and a comfort to me to know that I carry with me in old respect and the affection of pupils near and far all over the world.

The toast of Mr. Pope's health was drunk with Highland honours amid a scene of intense enthusiasm.

Milne, The toast of " The School " was proposed by C. H. M. or two and was replied to by Dr. Morland Simpson. After one further toasts a memorable Dinner was brought to a conclusion with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne."

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

121

On the Monday after the Dinner the secretary of the Club received the following letter from Mr. Pope :28 Victoria Street, Aberdeen, 3rd Nov., 1912.

My Dear Mr. Milne, I have much pleasure in sending you a receipt for your cheque for £105. In doing so I desire to express my very sincere thanks to the Members of the Club for their generous and splendid gift, as well as their good wishes for my future.

I am very grateful to you for all that you have done to keep my memory green in the Club, and for your enthusiastic exertions to make the Dinner on Saturday the brilliant success that it was.

With kind regards, I am, Yours very sincerely, SAML. POPE.

Notes.

Annual Subscriptions.

The Treasurer regrets that there are a large number' of Old Boys who have not yet paid their subscriptions (2/6) for the current year, which ends on 15th April next.

No doubt these members have only to be reminded that their subscriptions are past due to ensure that they are sent to the Treasurer without further delay. If members would only put themselves in the position of the Treasurer and consider for a moment the vast amount of work and trouble that is necessary in collecting subscriptions from 1,300 The Executive members, they would have some sympathy. desires to impress upon members the fact that the Club is now a huge organisation, and that unless subscriptions are • paid regularly, a large amount of labour, which should be unnecessary, is caused. The Executive hopes that members will in future do all in their power to reduce the work of the Treasurer, and would point out that this could easily be done if they were either to pay their subscriptions for a few years in advance, or become life Those members whose subscriptions have members of the Club. not been paid for the current year are made aware of the fact by a slip attached to the outside cover of this issue of the .211aaa:ine.

The Membership.

The Club membership is, as will be seen from the list of new members on another page, still on the increase, and although it can hardly be expected to increase at the same rate in the future as in the past, there is no doubt that a further increase would be greatly facilitated if members of the Club were to inform the Secretary of former pupils who would be likely to join on receiving Again the membership would be more an invitation to do so. readily increased if all Old Boys who at any time come across school fellows in any part of the world would there and then inform them about the Club, and not only do this, but collect their subscriptions and forward them to the Treasurer.

122

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Proposed Motor Cycle Section.

A number of Old Boys have, during the past few weeks, been considering the advisability of forming a Motor Cycling Section of the Club, and in order to discuss the matter a meeting will be held in the office of the Secretary, 46a Union Street, on Monday, 24th February, 1913, at 8 p.m. There are about 50 Old Boys in and around Aberdeen who would be eligible as members, and undoubtedly such a Section would be very popular. The object would be to organize Club runs, hill climbs, and reliability trials, and Club runs might be combined with mountaineering expeditions, golf matches, etc. Any Old Boy who cannot attend the meeting should send his name and address to the Secretary, who will inform him of the result.

Mr. Pope's Testimonial.

It is with very great pleasure that the Executive announces the result of the appeal for subscriptions to this testimonial.

From the first there was no doubt of its success, and the Executive desire to thank one and all for the hearty response that has been made.

At the Annual Dinner, as will be seen from another page, a cheque for 100 guineas was handed to Mr. Pope.

The fund, however, is not yet closed, and if there are any members who have not subscribed, and desire to do so, they should forward their subscriptions to the Secretary without further delay.

Various Social Events.

The Dramatic Section is again to be congratulated on the success that attended its performances of " The New Clown," and, in addition, on having in the course of two seasons cleared off, out of the proceeds of its performances, the total cost of the stage fittings, etc., which were obtained last year. The Dramatic Section is a very valuable asset of the Club, and its performances are looked forward to, not only by past and present pupils, but by the general public of the city.

A most interesting illustrated lecture on " Mountaineering " was given by Dr. J. R. Levack in the Palace Hotel on Saturday, 14th December. A large number of members and their friends were present, and the lecture was immensely enjoyed. Dr. Levack exhibited a great many excellent photographs, and the thanks of the Club are due to him for his kindness in taking so much trouble to make the evening a success.

A Bridge Tournament, open to members of the Club and their friends, was held in the Palace Hotel on 26th October, and a Bridge match was played against Gordon's College Former Pupils' Association in the Palace Hotel on 30th November. Both these meetings were well attended and most enjoyable.

The Annual Ball was, as usual, held in the Music Hall Buildings on 26th December.

There was a larger attendance on this occasion than there has ever been before, and the success of the evening was in a great measure due to efficient organisation, for which Mr. W. G. Craigen, who acted as secretary for the first time, was largely responsible.

The Annual " At Home " was held in the Palace Hotel on 28th January, 1913, and was also well attended, a considerable number of the older members of the Club being present.

• Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

123

A Coming Event.

A Bridge Tournament will be held in the Palace Hotel on Saturday, 22nd February, at 7.45 p.m.

Members are allowed to choose their own partners, who may be either members of the Club or guests.

Names should be sent to Mr. Talbert Helmrich, 22 Adelphi (Telephone No. 909), by Friday, 21st February.

Situations for Old Boys.

Old Boys are reminded that a Register of Situations Vacant and Wanted is now kept at the Secretary's office.

Old Boys having posts vacant, or likely to be vacant, should bear in mind that the Secretary of the Club is generally in a position to recommend suitable applicants for all kinds of vacancies.

Since the last number of the Magazine was published one or two Old Boys have obtained situations, and it is hoped that this branch of the Club's activities will develop further.

All communications should be made in writing to the Secretary.

F.P. Hockey Club.

All except the two wing forwards of last year's team were available for this season, but a number of changes in position were made. The right inner went left-wing, the goalkeeper went rightwing, the right half went into goal, and the new men were brought in as right inner and right half. Our regular team for the first part of the season thus was :—G. Dawson ; H. Mortimer (captain), and A. G. Davidson; R. S. Cumming, A. J. Hawes, and J. S. Hastings ; A. L. Thomson, P. B. Simpson, R. Forgan (vice-captain), E. Main, and G. W. Rose; reserve forward—I. S. Thomson.

Simpson and Cumming were the new caps, and the other nine have all by this time received their new dates. J. Lindsay has captained the 2nd XI., while G. J. Key has acted as vice-captain and latterly also as secretary since the resignation of A. A. Duffus.

Defeats by narrow margins have been characteristic of the 1st XI.'s play ; a sound defence has usually kept down the opposing score very well, but, as in the previous season, the attack has been very unsuccessful in the circle, though often good in mid-field ; all our " League " goals have come from the same stick. The 2nd XI. has been badly handicapped by want of men, and has put up many good fights while playing several short. We cannot appeal too strongly for more members, and would remind present pupils who do not play Rugby that they are eligible.

A. G. Davidson and A. J. Hawes played for the North as left back and right half respectively in the first International Trial, and H. Mortimer was reserve right back. Davidson was chosen as right back for the North and Highlands combined team in the next Trial (semi-final), but the game was abandoned. We might also mention that E. Main, our representative on the Executive of the Northern District Hockey Association has been made President of that body.

19th October.—Some of our men had taken part in scratch games previously, but the team as a whole turned out for the first time on this date, meeting 'Varsity in a " friendly " at King's.

Mortimer and Rose were conspicuously " on their game," the latter scoring two brilliant goals from the wing. Lost by 2-5.

• 124

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

2nd November.—Lindsay replaced Mortimer when we met Gordon's F.P.'s in a " friendly " at Walker Park. Our opponents were short so we gave them a man and played with ten against nine. A scrappy, half-hearted game ended in a win by 5-3.

9th November.—Our first League game was at King's.

It was very closely fought, and there was no scoring before half-time ; after that 'Varsity obtained a lead. Lost by 0-2.

16th November.—Our game with Fraserburgh at Walker Park was a disappointing one seeing that we had all the game in the first half. We started short, and Forgan scored from a penalty corner while we had still only ten men. Any number of further chances were lost. The second half was more even, but it was literally " under cover of darkness " that two goals were scored against us close on time. Forgan had hard luck in striking the cross-bar with a rocket shot in the closing minutes.

A noisy exhibition of poor hockey resulted in a defeat by 1-2.

23rd November.—Our meeting with Aberdeen at Duthie Park was an exceedingly enjoyable game of fast, clean hockey. It was even throughout and largely confined to mid-field, but Aberdeen scored twice in the first half.

Hawes and Davidson were conspicuous. Lost, 0-2.

30th November.—Weather caused the postponement of our first League game with Gordon's F.P.'s.

14th December.—The defence as a whole played a less sound game than usual against Bon-Accord at Duthie Park, but Mortimer and Davidson were both in great form. In the forward line I. S. Thomson occupied Simpson's place, and Foruan got a goal in each half. The first half ended in favour of Bon-Accord by 2-1. Some improvements in the disposition of the team were made but without effect, as far as this game was concerned. Lost by 2-5.

28th December.—During the holidays we met Aberdeen in a " friendly " at Walker Park. Forgan scored in each half, and although we were without Hawes, Simpson, and Dawson, we won by 2-1. After Christmas Rose fell out owing to injuries, and, with the other changes, the team was :—Dawson; Davidson, and Mortimer; A. L. Thomson, Hawes, and Cumming; Simpson, Hastings, Forgan, Main, and I. S. Thomson.

18th January.—Simpson and Hastings, as well as Rose, were absent from the forward line that travelled to Fraserburgh, and were replaced by H. Macdonald and F. D. Ross-Keyt, Main going wing. Despite the roughness of the pitch the whole defence was very sound and the forwards passed well. Forgan scored early in the game from an individual run almost from our own circle, and again in the second half. Fraserburgh got in once towards the end. Won by 2-1.

23rd January.—'Varsity were met at King's on a Thursday with Simpson's and Dawson's places filled by J. S. Stewart and Cheah Tathow. 'Varsity got two rather soft goals in the first half and a third early in the second. Then Forgan scored from a solo run and immediately• afterwards from a penalty corner.

The last twenty minutes were therefore most keenly fought, but 'Varsity decided things by a fourth goal towards the finish. Lost by 2-4.

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Aberdeen grammar School Magazine.

125,

F.P. Rugby Football Club.

The Rugby Club has been rather unfortunate this year as regards weather ; many of the matches have had to be cancelled owing to frost or rain or inclement conditions, but otherwise the teams have been quite successful, and the gates at Mannofield have been above the average.

In order to raise funds to pay the rent of Mannofield, the Rugby Club held quite a novel kind of entertainment during the Christmas holidays. Acting on the suggestion of our Treasurer, Mr. A. M. Johnston, the committee of the club agreed to hold a Games Carnival. The School Hall was kindly given us by the Rector, and the janitor did everything in his power to help us. The grateful thanks of the club are due to all the ladies who so willingly assisted at the tea tables and toffee stall, and especially to Miss.

Beatrice Ledingham, who organised and took charge of this part of the proceedings. As the result of the Carnival a sum of £31 was obtained.

1ST XV. RESULTS. Points 1912.

Match.

Result.

For. Against.

Oct. 5—Gordonians . . .

Won 16 0 „ 12—'Shire . . . .

Won 17 6 „ 19—Panmure . . .

Lost 3 9 26—Queen's Cross (League) Won 6 0 Nov. 9—Gordonians (League) .

Won 16 3 23—'Varsity (League) .

Lost 0 5 Dec. 28—Gordonians (League) .

Won 13 3 1913.

Jan. 1.1—'Shire (League) . .

Won 11 6 „ 25—'Varsity (League) .

Lost 3 8 Played 9, Won 6, Drawn 0, Lost 3; Points for, 85 ; Points against, 40.

2ND XV. RESULTS. The F.P.'s 2nd XV. have not so far displayed the form of last season, when they were Junior Champions along with the School.

In all, six League matches have been played, of which three have been won and three lost.

Most of the matches were won by the better side. Against the 'Varsity " A " they had hard luck, while against the School on 25th January, luck favoured them.

The following are the results of the matches :— Points 1912.

Match.

Result.

For. Against.

Oct. 19—Grammar School . .

Lost 5 34 „ 26-2nd Queen's Cross .

Won 14 0 Nov. 2—Gordon's College . .

Won 23 0 „ 16—'Varsity "A" . .

Lost 6 8 „ 23—Gordon's College . .

Lost 0 5 Dec. 14—'Varsity " A " . .

Lost 3 8 28-2nd Gordonians . .

Won 19 3 1913.

Jan. 4-2nd 'Shire . . .

Won 16 0 „ 11—Gordon's College . .

Lost 3 13 „ 25—Grammar School .

Won 6 3.

126

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

•

Our First Internationalist.

Congratulations to our first Internationalist, George A. Ledingham, captain of the F.P. Rugby Football Club, on his being -selected as a member of the team which represented Scotland in the match against France, played in Paris on New Year's Day. This is the first occasion on which an Old Boy has won such 'distinction for himself in the Rugby world. During the present season Ledingham has forged his way to the front by sheer dint .of good play, and has made quite a name for himself in the South, as is borne out by the following extract from one of the south papers, which we take the liberty of quoting :— " G. LEDINGHAM.-Of all the hefty forwards who gave evidence of their ability in the North team at St. Andrews, none showed to greater advantage than the stalwart Aberdonian.

Whether in the tight or the loose, Ledingham was always prominent, and we hope to see him at Inverleith in the very near future. He is a splendid type of the Scottish forward, fast on the ball, capable with his feet, and one whose tackling leaves nothing to be desired. Unfortunately he has had few chances of showing his ability in the South, but we will be surprised if he does not have many opportunities after his excellent display at St. Andrews."

He commenced his " rugger " at School ; leaving there he went to Glasgow where during his stay he played for Glasgow 'Varsity A at wing threequarters, and later played on several occasions for Glasgow University. Standing over 6 feet and turning the scale at 13 stones, Ledingham can show himself to good advantage ; he possesses a sound knowledge of the game, and is a hard dashing forward—a type of player which many aspirants to fame would do well to imitate. Should he be favoured with reasonable luck, with the benefit of his experiences in " gay Paree " he ought to figure prominently in the Trials again next season. We were sorry to see that he was unable, on account of his business duties, to play in the last Trial at Inverleith, as it meant the forfeiture of his chances of being called upon to play against Wales.

The Badminton Club.

The season opened in October with a good membership, and the attendance has been better than in any previous year. The play has improved very much, and the F.P.'s successes in the recent Scottish Championships Tournament in Aberdeen were very satisfactory. Dr. Crombie and H. J. H. Inglis won the Open Gentlemen's Doubles and the Confined-to-Scotland Gentlemen's Doubles, and Dr. Crombie and Miss Findlay won the Confined-toScotland Mixed Doubles. C. J. Davidson, James D. Cook, C. H. Webster, and J. Mortimer all showed up well in the Tournament, but failed to come out top in anything.

The Badminton Club is in a very sound way, and it would do many of the younger F.P.'s good, and would surprise them not a little to see how the older men keep themselves in training by hard play on the badminton courts.

•

GEORGE A. LEDINGHAM, "Our First Internationalist."

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WM. SMITH, HIGH-CLASS

FRUITERER, FLORIST, and CONFECTIONER. THE SHOP FOR LUCKY

WEDDING BOUQUETS.

Only Address:-

HOLBURN

JUNCTION

(TOP OF UNION STREET).

Greenhouse and Vineries-12 HUNTLY STREET.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

127

List of New Members.

Life Members.

The following have become Life Members of the Club since the last issue of the Magazine :— Angus Gibson (1874-75), 301 8th Avenue East, Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.A. Stephen Goodbrand (1895-1900), M.B., The Medical Bungalow, Akurr, Gold Coast.

Raymond Verel (1896-99), M.B., 1 Alford Place, Aberdeen.

George Skeen (1881-86), M.B., Craven House, Colne, Lancs.

Captain David Reid Barclay (1883-88), Sassuli Plantation, Malo Island, New Hebrides, Commander G. W. Sinclair (1877-87), British India Marine Service Club, Calcutta.

Rev. G. B. Thomson Michie (1887-97), M.A., B.D., The Manse, Gourock.

Ordinary Members.

The following have become Ordinary Members of the Club since the last issue of the Magazine :— C. S. Buyers (1895-98), 4.3 Victoria Embankment, Darlington.

George Clark (1907-12), 56 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen.

John S. Johnston (1900-10), 13 Holburn Street, Aberdeen.

A. Russell Johnstone (1908-11), 28 Ashley Road, Aberdeen.

James S. Ross (1902-12), 125 Desswood Place, Aberdeen.

John Grant (1906.12), 59 Abergeldie Road, Aberdeen.

Cheah Tattaye (1910-12), 145 Crown Street, Aberdeen.

Cheah Tathow (1910-12), 79 Crown Street, Aberdeen.

H. Graham Simpson (1899-1912), 3 Market Place, Inverurie.

Edmund B. Boyd (1900.12), 43 Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen.

Daniel A. Levie (1886-91), The Island, Rocheatown, County Cork.

Andrew Craig, Jun. (1900.12), 57 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen.

William Allan (1899.1901), Passara Group, Passara, Ceylon.

A. L H. Ferguson (1905), 21 Desswood Place, Aberdeen.

Frank M. Rorie (1905.12), St. Devenick's Terrace, Cults.

Andrew Smith (1937-12), Invercauld Estates Office, Ballater.

Richard Pithie, 23 Cairo Street, Walthamstow, Essex.

Donald F. Proctor (1908-12), Invercauld Arms Hotel, Ballater.

Ormonde Kilgour (1911.12), 44 Morniugfield Road, Aberdeen.

Lucien des Clayes (1894-96), c/o Carson, & Co., Colombo, Ceylon.

Douglas Gordon Cheyne (1901-05), 11.B., City of London Lying-in-Hospital, City Road, London.

John H. Taylor (1909.12), 246 BroomhIll Road, Aberdeen.

David A. McGillivray (1882-88), M.A., 57 Victoria Street, Aberdeen.

William C. Halley (1903.11), 21 Albert St., Aberdeen.

Arthur Courage (1905-12), 60 Carden Place, Aberdeen.

David Courage (1905-11), 60 Carden Place, Aberdeen.

Geo. Charles Caird (1878- 81), The Estates Office, Clovelly, North Devon.

Rev. Arthur C. Abel (1880-82), 2 Ancrum Road, Dundee.

George A. Buyers (1906-08), c/o Garston Miller, C.A., York Place, Edinburgh.

J. D. Gordon Mackie (1895.1900), Greensted, North Side, Clapham, London.

Alex. J. Findlay (1898-1904), B.Sc., Economic Gardens, Calabar, Southern Nigeria.

Gordon C. Proctor (1904-09), Mosspark, Dumbreck, Glasgow.

Norman Harper (1903), 12 Louisville Avenue, Aberdeen.

James E. Lawie (1902.12), 11 Bayview Road, Aberdeen.

A. H. Aberdein (1895-96), Cairnaquheen, Mid Stocket Road, Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Grammar School former Pupils' Club.

(FOUNDED 1893.)

Office- Bearers-1912-1913.

Hon. President—H. F. M ORLAND SIMPSON, M.A., LL.D. Hon. Vice-Presidents— Right Hon. Lord STRATHCONA, G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., F.R.S., LLD., P.C., D.L. Hon. Sir WM. BISSET-BERRY, M.A., M.D., LL.D. (1848-53)Col. Sir Wm. SINCLAIR SMITH BISSET, K.C.I.E. (1854-55).

Sir WM. WATSON CHEYNE, Bart, M.B., C.M., C.B., F.R.C.S., F.R.S., LL.D., D.Sc. (1863-68).

Sir WILLIAM MORTIMER CLARK, K.C., LL.D. (1845-47)Sir ROBERT JOHN COLLIE, M.D., C.M. (1873-76).

Professor WM. LESLIE DAVIDSON, M.A., LL.D. (1859-64).

Sir JAMES DONALDSON, M.A., D.D., LL.D. (1842-46).

ALEXANDER DUFFUS, Advocate (1871-76).

GEORGE BIRNIE ESSLEMONT, M.P. (1871-76).

Sir DAVID FERRIER, M.A., M.D., LL.D. (1854-58).

Sir GEORGE STUART FORBES, K.C.S.I., M.A. (1860- 64).

Sir GEORGE STEGMANN GIBB, LL.B. (1860-65).

Sir WILLIAM DUFF GIBBON. (1848-51).

Major-General Sir JAMES R. L MACDONALD, K.C.I.E., C.B. (1873-76).

Sir JOHN MACDONELL, C.B., M.A., LL.D. (1860-61).

Sir WILLIAM MACGREGOR, G.C.M.G., C.B., M.D., LL.D., D.Sc. (1865-67).

Lieut.-Colonel Sir ALEXANDER BURN ESS M'HARDY, K.C.B. (t 853-57).

Sir JAMES SCORGIE MESTON, K.C.S.I. (1876-80).

Sir WILLIAM ROBERTSON NICOLL, M.A., LL.D. (1866). ,M.A., LL.D Major-General Sir ALEX. J. F. REID, (1859-61).

Sir JAMES REID, Bart., G.C.V.O., K.C.B., M.A., M.D., LL.D. (1861-65).

Right Hon. Sir JAMES STIRLING, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., P.C. (1846-51).

Sir THOMAS SUTHERLAND, G.C.M.G., LL.D. (1844-48).

The LORD PROVOST OF ABERDEEN. The CHAIRMAN OF ABERDEEN SCHOOL. BOARD.

President—ROBERT GORDON N ICOL, C.E. (1871-73).

Vice-President—CHARLES J. DAVIDSON, M.A., B.L. (1886-91).

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

Committee— W. AITKEN. W. G. CRAIGEN, M.A., LL.B. ALEX. DAVIDSON. J. C. DUFFUS, M.A. R. FORGAN, M.A. J. B. GILLIES, B.L.

TALBERT HELMRICH. A. M. JOHNSTON. W. KEITH LEASK, M.A. T. OGILVIE, Jun. Wm. SHEPHERD.

GEORGE A. SMITH. A. G. Nicol, SMITH. THEO. WATT, M.A. CHAS. WATT. E. W. WATT, M.A. D. H. W. WILLIAMSON M.A.

TELEPHONE No. 1891.

ARCHIBALD McKELLAR, family Grocer and Wine merchant, 456

UNION STREET, BERDEEN.

Excellent Value given in 2/- Tea. English Bottled Fruits, in globe-shaped bottles, 1,'- 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, 3id. each.

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

COLLAR STUDS. A special make of Stud for back of Neckband.

Price - ONE PENNY.

W.

J. MILNE, batter anb 'Mosier,

251 UNION ST., ABERDEEN, Slightly West of, but nearly opposite, the Royal Northern Club.

Telephone 1293.

Messrs. MORGAN, ipbotograpbic Artists, /Miniature !painters, and Matters of Artistic frames, .

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•

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393 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

Special Cerms to Grammar School Students.

10 A.M. TILL 5 P.M.

TELEPHONE No. 603.

tailoring for Der-ateincn.

6

FASHIONABLE OVERCOATS For Autumn and Winter Wear.

DRESS SUITS, Newest Styles.

SUITINGS in the Latest Designs and Colourings.

GEORGE NICOL, 11 CROWN Telephone 2540Y5.

STREET.

Visit .

.

Moir's Hairdressing Saloons, 5 DEE STREET (Just off Union Street).

First-class Assistants always in attendance Business Hours—

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

MEMBER OF Saturday, 8 a.m. to t•3o p.m.

FOR

.

.

THE

ABOVE

.

Drawing Instruments and Materials, framer and TAYLOR9 picture kirti6t6' CoIourman, SCHOOLHILL, ABERDEEN. Telephone 2870.

HIGH CLASS

Tobaccos, Cigars, and Cigarettes.

Specialities :— " DIVAN " CIGARETTES and MIXTURES

All kinds of Smokers' Requisites.

Large Assortment of Walking Sticks.

478 UNION STREET. J. GEDDES, Proprietor.

TELEPHONE 989.

Established over Half a Century.

VELLING REQUISITES, GLADSTONE BAGS, its. and upwards.

TRAVELLING TRUNKS, tos. to 3os.

IMMENSE Solid Leather PORTMANTEAUX. SELECTION. SCHOOL BAGS and BOOK STRAPS. REPAIRS neatly executed by practical workmen on the premises.

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TRUNK, AND GAUL 6' WILSON, SADDLERY, PORTMANTEAU MANUFACTURERS

BON-ACCORD STREET, ABERDEEN.

" ROBINHOOD" CYCLES are Second to none.

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Built throughout of the finest Steel in every part, and fitted with Dunlop Tyres, Brooks' Saddles, and Oil Bath Gear Cases.

Prices from £13 13s. to £7 7s. Liberal discount for cash.

Our own make, " The Nelson," are undoubtedly the finest value in the market.

All fitted with Palmer Tyres and Brooks' Saddles, with or without Gear Cases.

Prices from £11 11s. to £6 6s.

See our range of cheaper makes. Why Patronise the Bogus Advertisements from Private Houses when you can be supplied by a Legitimate Trader with Cycles from L5 5s. to £3 II2S. 6d.

(Ladies' or Gent.'s), with Free Wheel and two Brakes 1 Also any Make of Cycle supplied to order at keenest Prices.

Repairs of every description undertaken. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Cycles sent for if required.

J. A. M'COMBIE, 344 KING STREET (Facing Nelson

Telephone No. 467.

Street).

Best Quality of DRUGS, etc., at Lowest Gash Price.

JAMES D. DUNCAN, M.P.S., ebernistolpharmacit,

231 UNION STREET 231 Telephone 311.

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 to/6 and 16/6. Satisfaction guaranteed. Repairs speedily executed. Ink and other accessories. Fountain Pens by other makers also stocked. Prices i/- upwards.

Telephone No. 402.

An Easy Chair which is really Cosy.

THE first and fast cover of the Chair is in an artistic two-tone Green Striped Cotton, the facings being neatly corded.

The seat is very comfortable, and the filling material is part hair.

The loose cover is of Cretonne, and can be had to suit any colour scheme.

Samples of Covering free on request.

This illostrates our Lanham diour at 39.6 complete.

Produced by

WATT BROTHERS, 412 Union Street, W., Aberdeen,

M. GERARD JEWELLER

AND

SILVERSMITH,

411 UNION STREET (WEST).

Engagement and Wedding Rings.

JEWELLERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION; .1l,, ( )

Watches, Clocks, Silver and Electro=Plated Goods in Newest Designs, and Large Selection to choose from.

Telephone 2533Y5.

ABERDEEN

GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

(Founded previous to 1256.)

Rector--H. F. MORLAND SIMPSON, M.A. (Cantab.), LL.D., F.B.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, Scholarships, etc., is given in the School Prospectus, which may lie had free on application to the CLERK of the SCHOOL BOARD, 22 Union Terrace, or to the REcTon.

ABERDEEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. Head Mistress—Miss LUCY L. WARD, B.A. (Lund.)

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 Head Mistress can arrange for the Boarding of Pupils from a distance.

Information as to Fees, Scholarships, 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 HEAD. MISTRESS.

PIANOFORTES, ETC. Upright and Horizontal Grand Pianos, by excellent makers, from £15 to £15o also Second-hand Pianos. Bargains may be had on 3 years' Instalment System.

Kimball Organs, Panorma, Cramond and Ruddiman Violins. also Violas, 'Cellos, all of high-class make and cheap. De Meglio 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 te Co.'s Fire- and Burglar-proof Steel Safes, Doors, and Locks; Makers to the King, and Bank of England, etc.

JOHN G. MORISON, 48 Netherkirkgate.

Jewellery of Quality and Refinement.

CHOICE STOCK.

FREDERICK WM. LAWSON, 1Clatcbmaller an0 Jeweller, 7 ROSE STREET, ABERDEEN. Please remember our Repair Department.

Watches, Clocks, and Jewellery are altogether useless ornaments if out of order. We specialise in Repair Work. Charges moderate.

Colonial Orders receive Special and Prompt Attention.

FRED HARDIE, IPbotograpbtc Ernst,

1416 UNION ST., a BERDEEN, For every style of In- and Out-door Group, Composite Groups, and General Portraiture, etc., Telephone 851.

At

Popular

Prices.

FAMILIES FOR ABROAD Secure Cheapest Fares, Comfortable Cabins, and Heavy Baggage Shipped at Cargo Rates if booked by

MRCKCIY

BROTHERS,

48 UNION STREET. Luggage despatched in advance, and everything arranged quietly and economically. No Booking Fees.

Aberdeen A clcirese—

MACKAY

BROTHERS, 48

UNION

STREET;

Also at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Kirkcaldy, etc.

" BE PREPARED." Anything and

Scouts'

Everything the Boy Scout

Uniform

requires.

and Complete List on

Equipment.

Application.

R. K. SMITH, Ltd., THE KING'S BUILDINGS,

113 to 119 Union St. ('F:::$:), Aberdeen.

Telephone No. 677.

Telegrams—" Clothing, Aberdeen.''

JOHN A. DUNN'S New Spring Styles in Footwear for Ladies and Gent.'s, Bo's and Girls.

Patterns and Styles specially suitable for Town and Country wear. Light and heavy makes of Boots and Shoes in Black and Tan Leathers. All Prices.

Boots and Shoes Made to Measure, Splendid Fit Guaranteed. . .

We do repairing, either with Leather, Rubber, or Gutta Percha.

--'~.-LETTER ORDERS HAVE PROMPT ATTENTION.

26 & 175 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN, TELEPHONE No. 158.