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AGS Magazine June 1920

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Vol. XXI II., No. 3.

JUNE, 1920.

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CONTENTS PAGE. PORTRAITS OF LORD MESTON OF AGRA AND DUNNOTTAR. DR. A. F. MORLAND SIMPSON. MR. JOHN MACKAY THOMSON. THE CLASS OF 1863-1864. • •

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THE PASSING OF A GREAT RECTOR..

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To F.P.'s VISITING ABERDEEN

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NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS

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OUR NEW RECTOR

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LORD MESTON'S VISIT TO THE SCHOOL

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THE CLASS OF 1863-1864

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SCOTLAND RE-VISITED.. SCHOOL NOTES

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RANDOM NOTES SCHOOL CRICKET NOTES

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NOTES ON OUR SCOUTS 4

SCHOOL OFFICE-BEARERS

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THE FORMER PUPILS' CLUB ..

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THE SCHOOL WAR MEMORIAL

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aberbeen grammar SciNot Magt3inc. Vol. XXIII.

JUNE,

The " Magazine "

192o.

No. 3.

is issued under the auspices of The Forme/

Pupils' Club, in March, June, and October.

All

(cations

with regard to the " Magazine " should be addressed to the Editor and Secretary and Treasurer of the Club, THEODORE WATT, M.A., The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen. *** Members of the Club are requested to inform the Secretary of any change in their address.

Our New Rector. At a special meeting of the Aberdeen Edncation Authority held on Friday, 11th June, Mr. JOHN MACKAY THOMSON, M.A. (Edin.), B.A. (Oxon.), was appointed Rector of the School in succession to Dr. H. F. Morland Simpson, and on behalf of present and former pupils of the School we have pleasure in offering him a very warm welcome. It is a corious coincidence that Mr. Thomson, like Dr. Simpson, comes to the School from Fettes College, and that he, too, enters on his rectorship at the age of 33. Although not himself a Former Pupil of the School, Mr. Thomson is the son of a Former Pupil, his father being Rev. Peter Thomson, D.D., senior minister of the parish of Dunning, Perthshire, who attended the School in 1862 and 1863, and left it to enter the University of Aberdeen as second bursar in the latter year. Mr. Thomson was educated at Glenalmond at Edinburgh University, where he graduated M.A. with first


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class honours in classics in 1908 ; and at Oriel College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. with honours in 1913. Thereafter he was for some time Junior Assistant to the Professor of Humanity in the University of Edinburgh, and since January, 1915, has been on the staff of Fettes College, taking the Sixth Form. There he has supervised the publication of the School Magazine, and has been editing a Roll of Honour, shortly to be published, detailing the war service of Old Fettesians. He has musical as well as literary tastes, and is keenly interested in games. Mr. Thomson comes to the Grammar School with the highest recommendations. The testimonials he submitted were very striking, and we think it well to reproduce in the Magazine the terms in which Rev. Dr. W. A. Heard, the late head master of Fettes, characterized the new Rector :— " Mr. J. M. Thomson has assisted me with the Sixth Form for five years. He came to me with a high record of learning and scholarship from Oriel College, Oxford, and he had the further advantage of having served as an Assistant to Professor Hardie at the University of Edinburgh. Mr. Thomson's interest in scholarship is of the keenest, and his own personality keeps before the student the true ideal of his profession. He is extremely industrious ; he takes the warmest interest in individual members of his Form. He is no mere student of the Classics, though in that subject he is of the foremost rank, but he is in sympathy with every variety of human literature. His outstanding capacity is thoroughness in all he undertakes, and masterly method. There is nothing negligently done, and to come under such a teacher is in itself an education. He follows the career of all and understands their every stage. He is a strict disciplinarian, and that without any friction. He is at once pleasant and stimulative ; he is courteous to all, but plainly not to be trifled with. He would uphold the ideal elf vigorous and genuine work without partiality, and be quick to repress all unworthy methods. I commend him as a scholar and as possessing all the instincts of a scholar of the highest order ; conspicuous for good tastes and personal frendliness, and keen in promoting the highest character throughout a school." Mr. Thomson very kindly agreed to the suggestion that he should have his photograph specially taken for the Magazine, and we have great pleasure in presenting it in this issue.


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The Passing of a Great Rector. In the last issue of the Magazine (in March) there appeared a brief note announcing that Dr. Simpson was absent from the School through illness, and expressing the hope that he would be back after Easter in perfect health. The illness, however, proved to be much more serious than was at first thought, and before many weeks had passed it was to prove fatal. DR. SIMPSON'S RESIGNATION. At a meeting of the Aberdeen Education Authority on Friday, 23rd April, the Chairman, Mr. George Duncan, read a letter from Dr. Simpson, in the course of which he said that he regretted to inform the Authority that the nature and development of the illness by which he had been confined to bed for eight weeks left him no hope that he would ever again be able to resume the active duties of his position as Rector of the Grammar School. In the interests of the School, and in order that the Authority might take timely steps to appoint a successor, he placed his resignation in their hands. During all the years he had been Rector he had been only once absent for more than one or two days. In the special circumstances of his case he expressed the hope that the Authority would allow him to continue as Rector until such time as his successor took up the office. TRIBUTE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTHORITY. Mr. Duncan then said :—" The intimation of Dr. Simpson's retirement, and of the severe illness which has caused it, will be received with deep sorrow by the citizens of Aberdeen, whom he has served so well, and by the thousands of his pupils, scattered all over the world, whose lives have been moulded by his influence and by his character. He has been Rector of the Grammar School for the long period of twenty-seven years- for exactly the same length of time, curiously enough, as his great predecessor, Melvin— and during all that time his record has been one of duty done faithfully, fearlessly, and with eminent distinction. (Applause.) Dr. Simpson's rectorship, indeed, challenges comparison with that of Melvin, not merely in its length, but in its influence on the School, and in regard to the scholarship and character of the two men ; and while we of to-day look back on the time of Melvin as the golden age in the history of the School as a seminary of classical learning, our successors will, I am sure, regard Dr. Simpson as the pioneer in Aberdeen of that more complete ideal of education which strives after the full development not only of the intellect of the pupil, but of the moral and spiritual and physical sides of his nature as well. (Applause.) " Just think of what Dr. Simpson has done for the School, and how it has prospered in his hands. In size it has wellnigh


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trebled. When he came in 1893, he found only 241 boys who had been previously on the roll ; this year there are over 700. Then there was a staff of only 17 ; now the staff numbers nearly 40. His rectorship has seen the beginning and development of the Modern Side, and the greatly increased attention which is now given to modern languages and science. The physical culture of the pupils has been almost a passion with him, and the playing-field, the appointment of a games master, and the School sports as we now know them, have all come about mainly through his initiative. So, also, has much of the social and corporate life of the School—the School Magazine, possibly the best in the country, and the Former Pupils' Club. " Inside the buildings, the School Museum and the School Hall testify, with his promotion of the Byron statue, to his zeal for the history and traditions of the School, which are themselves so well told in Bon-Record, his history of the School, published in commemoration of its thirteenth jubilee in 1906. " Of Dr. Simpson's scholarship I do not need to speak at large. Not possibly so deep—as I fancy the Rector would himself be the first to admit—in the region of pure classics as that of Melvin and some others of his predecessors, it is, it seems to me, far wider in its scope. He is strong in classics, but he is equally versed in the languages of Central Europe, as well as in Norse literature and antiquities. His contributions to the study of Scots history, his edition of Bishop Wishart's biography of Montrose, and the works he has edited for the Scottish History Society, are all marked by the same wide culture and knowledge. But, again, like Melvin, it is, I think, by his character that Dr. Simpson has most impressed his pupils—a character of singular reserve, not easily known perhaps, and perhaps also not always properly appreciated by those who did not know it well enough, but strong, dignified, inflexibly just, and governed always by the highest ideals of duty. (Applause.) How much his character did impress his pupils was shown on the occasion of the presentation of his portrait to the School last year, and, now that he leaves the School, in the zenith of its success, it will, I trust, be a satisfaction to him to know how thoroughly his work has come to be appreciated. His rectorship cannot fail to stand out as one of the most notable in the long history of the School, and the memory of it will, I am sure, remain one of the School's most cherished possessions." (Applause.) In conclusion, the Chairman moved—" That the Authority accept, with deep regret, the intimation by Dr. Simpson of his retirement from the Rectorship of the Grammar School, which he has held with so much distinction for the past twenty-seven years--the retirement to take effect when his successor enters on his duties—and resolve to


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record in their minutes their warm appreciation of his eminent services to the School and to the cause of education in Aberdeen during that long period, and their sincere sympathy with him in the serious illness which led to his resignation, and resolve also that an excerpt from this minute be sent to him." The motion was unanimously agreed to. MR. DUNCAN'S TRIBUTE AT THE SCHOOL. On Monday, 26th April, a farewell message from Dr. Simpson was read to his colleagues and pupils, who assembled in the School Hall at a quarter to three o'clock. Mr. George Duncan presided, and was accompanied on the platform by Professor Gilroy and Mr. John Croll, members of the Authority ; Lieutenant-Colonel Dawson, D.S.O., Director of Education, and Dr. Charles M'Leod. Mr. Duncan said he came there that day on what was to him, and he was sure would be to us, a rather sad errand. We knew already of the serious illness of the Rector, an illness so serious that he had come to recognize that he could no longer hope to he able to resume his duties in the School. Dr. Simpson had asked him to bring to us a message from himself. In doing so, he hardly needed to tell us how great a loss to the School was the resignation of the Rector. He thought when the history of the School came to be written in after years it would be recognized that Dr Simpson had been a great Rector—that he had been one of the most outstanding Rectors in the long history of the School. Dr Simpson's life and work, it seemed to him, had been in themselves a great lesson, and it should be a great example and great incentive to all of us. The Rector was a man who had many troubles in his work, and many trials in his life which we boys knew nothing about, and could know nothing about. Through all of them he had always kept before himself and before his pupils very high and very unselfish ideals—ideals of service and of duty, and most worthily had he acted up to those ideals, until now he had retired, leaving behind him a record of duty done fearlessly, faithfully and unselfishly, which he felt would ever remain a cherished memory in the School. There was a fine poem by Robert Browning in which the poet told of the passing away of a great teacher who, like the Rector, had in his lifetime done his duty nobly in the midst of many trials. There was one phrase in which the poet described the pupils' feelings for their departed master, which always came to his mind when he thought of the Rector : " Loftier than the world suspects." So it was in some ways with the Rector. It was sometimes difficult for the busy, bustling, outside world to appreciate at its true worth the life, dignity, and character of the Rector, his devotion to duty, and his zeal for the honour of the School


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and the welfare of its pupils. But he knew that we pupils inside the School were alive to it, and he felt we would treasure in our minds the Rector's message to us which he had now to read. THE RECTOR'S MESSAGE TO THE SCHOOL. " My dear colleagues and boys of the Grammar School,— As the momentous decision to which I have been forced is now known to all, it seems but right that you who are most nearly concerned in it should receive from me, at the first convenient opportunity, some statement on the matter. I will not call this ' farewell,' since the generosity of the Education Authority permits me still to remain your Rector till my successor is appointed. Nor do I propose to inflict on you any review of the past during the 27 years of my rectorship further than to say that, in all I have striven for, it has been my constant aim, as far as I could, to make of your School, not merely a reminder of its famous past, but an incentive to you all to add to its honours and good name. And this also I would add, as of very great moment to myself, that if at any time I have misjudged man, woman, or boy amongst you, or seemed harsh in word or act, I humbly pray your forgiveness. As to the immediate future, I feel confident that in the capable hands of earnest colleagues devoted to our School, and with the loyal and hearty help of all, the work of this session will continue to run smoothly to the end. Though I may never again look upon your kindly faces, you are constantly in my thoughts, and I pray God to have you ever in His loving care. Remember that the real structure which we labour to build is your own lives and characters, and whatever your material success or failure in life, if this record be good, then we may be confident that your School will continue to occupy its present high position as a place of sound education, where you are trained in body, soul, and mind to work for the honour of God and the benefit of your fellow-men. " Remember once more, be true to your colours—red for the Brotherhood, white for Purity, and blue, true blue, for Loyalty." THE SCHOOL'S REPLY. Professor Gilroy suggested that the School under the guidance of the masters should return a message of sympathy to the Rector, and the following letter was sent :—


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1st May, 1920. Dear Dr. Simpson, We are very much grieved that serious illness has made it necessary for you to resign the Rectorship of the Grammar School. We would assure you that you have the deep love, respect, and gratitude of the hundreds of Grammar School boys who now fill its class rooms as well as of the many hundreds of Former Pupils who have left its walls. Whatever bore on the real prosperity of the School, on the formation of character in its pupils, had your hearty sympathy and support in word and deed. Though strict, when necessary, your discipline was kindly, and the helpful words spoken in the dear old Hall will, we are sure, occur often to us in the days to come and bring your face and manner to our remembrance. You have our deep sympathy in your illness ; and we are ever eager to hear how our Rector is keeping. We are, Your affectionate pupils, Alex. G. Walker, VI Cl. Chas. S. M`Leod, VI Cl. Lawrence B. Grant, VI Mod. } Upper School. John E. Anderson, VI Mod. Ninian Wright, III Middle J. Ewen Wilson, III Middle fi Middle School. Arnold Cassie, III Middle Donald Wilson, } Lower School. John Lees, Stanley Wood,

Infants.

DR. SIMPSON'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The Rector replied as follows :5th May, 1920. My dear boys of the Grammar School, Thank you all most heartily for your very kind letter of sympathy, and for your generous appreciation of my work in the School. Such kindness as you have shown has been a great comfort to myself and family. I am, Yours faithfully, H. F. MORLAND SIMPSON.

THE PASSING. Dr. Simpson survived the intimation of his resignation by only three weeks. During these he was mentally alert to


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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

a marvellous degree, and spent hour after hour thinking over what he might still do, or get others to do, to further the interests of the School he loved so well. He received numerous visits from members of the School staff and other friends, and to these it seemed quite probable that he would keep his malady at bay for a considerable time. The end, however, came suddenly and tranquilly at 4 o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday, 15th May. DR. M'LEOD'S TRIBUTE. When the School assembled in the Hall on the following Monday morning there was an atmosphere of deep gloom. Dr. Charles M'Leod, the senior member of the staff, presided, and after prayers said :— " We have met to-day under the shadow of a great bereavement. We mourn the loss of our Rector. Many of you have known him as Rector from the years you spent in the infant class-room, many of you were looking forward to completing your School days under his influence, many of us, your teachers, have taught under his rectorship for over a quarter of a century, and it is but natural that our thoughts should go out to-day, and for some time to come, to him whose life terminated so suddenly and yet peacefully on Saturday afternoon. " Dr. Simpson held out before you boys high ideals of life and conduct. The manner in which he kept to the post of duty during the last months of his active service in the School despite what must have been trying physical weakness has revealed to us that he could put into practice in his own life the ideals which he advocated. Those who had the privilege of seeing him during these last weeks can testify that to the end his thoughts.were on the affairs of the Grammar School. Its interests made life abundantly real and earnest to him. I have been told that with the enthusiasm of the scholar conquering all physical weakness he would often during these last days turn into Latin Longfellow's lines :— ' Tell me not in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream.' It is for you, boys, now to-day, and every day, to be up and doing to keep unsullied the flag of the Grammar School, which he cherished so much, while you stay here and when you go out into the wider world. By so doing you will best do honour to the memory of him in whose hands has lain for such a length of time the management of this historic School." •

THE FUNERAL. The funeral service took place in St. James' Episcopal Church at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of Tuesday, 18th May. The congregation was large and representative, including the mem-


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bers of the staff of the School, the boys of the two senior classes, and office-bearers and members of the Former Pupils' Club. The coffin, which was placed in the chancel, was covered with a number of beautiful floral tributes, which included a wreath from the Former Pupils' Club, inscribed: "With deep regret, and in grateful appreciation of our founder's life and work"; one from the pupils with the inscription: " In memory of our Rector from his pupils " ; and one from the staff. The service was conducted by Bishop Deane, assisted by Rev. George Bartlet, Rector of St. James'. The funeral from the church to Springbank Cemetery was private, but the main path of the cemetery was lined on each side by present pupils of the School, under the supervision of Mr. Maxwell H. Mackie, and a large representation of the Boy Scouts attached to the School, who reverently saluted as the coffin was borne to its last resting-place. The chief mourners and pall-bearers were :—Mr. William Douglas Simpson ; Mr. George Duncan, advocate, chairman of the Aberdeen Education. Authority ; Mr. W. O. Duncan, advocate ; Colonel Dawson, Director of Education, Aberdeen Education Authority ; Dr J. C. Ogilvie Will ; Mr. Theodore Watt, secretary, Grammar School F.P. Club ; Dr Charles M`Leod, representing the Grammar School Staff ; and Professor Hendrick (pall-bearers) ; Rev. Professor Gilroy, Professor Terry, Mr. A. T. Cruickshank, advocate; and Mr. D. M. Nisbet. A Brief Sketch of the Rector's Life. Henry Fife Morland Simpson was a native of Newcastleon-Tyne, where he was born on 25th November, 1859. He was a son of Mr. William Graham Simpson, banker, and was educated at Oundle School. When 19 years of age he was elected to a senior open scholarship in classics at Pembroke College, Cambridge. In 1882 he graduated B.A., being thirteenth in the first class of the classical tripos, and in 1885 he graduated M.A. For nearly a year he was a private tutor in North Germany, and on his return to England was engaged in temporary work at Marlborough College. In April, 1883, he became assistant master at Fettes College, Edinburgh, and continued there for 10 years. In June, 1893, _at the age of 33, he was appointed Rector of the Aberdeen Grammar School, and he began his duties at the School on 14th August. Of his life and work in Aberdeen nothing need be said here, as this has repeatedly in recent years been reviewed in the pages of the Magazine and is referred to in the various tributes which precede and follow. Recognition of the value of his services came in due course. In April, 1911, the


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University of Aberdeen conferred on him the honorary degree of LL.D., the occasion being marked by presentations from the staff and from the pupils of the School, and his semi-jubilee as Rector was appropriately recognised by the Former Pupils, who on 26th April, 1919, presented his portrait, painted in oils, to the School, to be hung in the Hall for which he had done so much, and at the same time presented a replica of the portrait to himself. The plate of Dr. Simpson which appears in this issue of the Magazine is from a photographic reproduction of the School portrait. Bon-Accord—Bon-Record. The death of the Rector of the School deprives Aberdeen of a great educational and moral asset. We have known as a town what it is to have had weak Rectors and weak University Principals, though the merits or demerits of the latter class alike for good and evil are not so extensive as may appear. Principals cannot expect to mould individual character. But far different is the case with the Rector ; a weak man in the long line is nothing short of a tragedy for the North of Scotland. That is not to be the epitaph on Dr. Simpson. He is already with the great four—Cargill, Wedderburn, Melvin, Simpson. Englishman as he was, he identified himself so much with the traditions of the Town and the School as to become more Aberdonian than Aberdonians themselves, so much so that to a stranger it would have been difficult to decide as to his precise nationality. He knew and loved the great history of the School, whose existence can be traced up to 1256, with an unwritten vista beyond that will never be known. The Grammar School is the oldest institution in the city, possibly the most ancient school in Scotland, with an existence of two hundred and thirty years before the foundation of the University. With that long story he was fully acquainted, and he greatly delighted in all the picturesque incidents recorded by her children all over Europe in Latin prose or verse. He saw perfectly Duncan Liddel leaving the old harbour for Low Germanie ; Gilbert Jack on the walls of Leyden with Scaliger ; the parting of David Wedderburn and Arthur Johnston at the Links ; the picture of the groans of that David, his predecessor, in his den in the Schoolhill. He rejoiced when I showed him on the authority of Alexander Chalmers (1759-1834), found among the papers of Joseph Robertson, the antiquary, how the last Earl Marischal, together with his brother James, Marshal Keith, and Cruden of The Concordance, had all been at the School together. The Byron connection he greatly enlarged in his patriotic volume Bon-Record. And if he knew the history of the Town and School, he knew the personal circumstances of every boy in the School.


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" We are taunted," he said once to me with deep feeling, " by ignorant members of the Board with being a nest of West-end aristocrats for whom nothing should be done. It is the boast of the School that it knows not the distinction of rich and poor." A boy had been getting very irregular in attendance, with never a word of explanation from him or excuse at home. The Rector felt that he must exercise discipline with the strap, and only at the very last moment could the truth be extorted. The boy broke down. There were only himgelf and his mother, and she had long been ailing, so that he had been kept at home to do the house work. He felt prouder of that boy than of a First 'Bursar. Indeed, on the creation of that unhappy type, the talk and the memory of a fleeting week, he set but little store, standing absolutely for manners, morals, character. Records of all kinds, pot-hunting in classes at School or elsewhere, he despised. But it is a platitude to add that, but for his yearly contingent to the Arts and Medical Faculties, the University Societies and the Magazine in particular could not have been carried on. I have said that he was more Aberdonian than Aberdonians. Look at the School Hall, and consider how the Valhalla, the great and visible tradition of the Town concreted through the long ages, is his creation alone. When ignorant members of the Board, thinking of a mere cheap rate, threatened its existence for impossible classrooms, he saved this memorial of the School and the citizens—a Memorial both to the Town and himself not yet fully known to or appreciated by an older generation of Aberdonians at home and abroad—the record of her services for over six hundred years in the past and the pledge for the future. The record of the School in the War, the heavy death-roll and the fine list of naval and military and medical services rejoiced his heart, but did not in the least surprise him, for he confidently expected no less. There was not the least wavering ; no Bursary Competition thoughts of lost records. But I think that the loss of his son shook him, and may even have accelerated his own end. It is fitting that his own well-deserved portrait should hang in the Hall he saved, with the great names of the past through the centuries looking down upon it. He did not advertize ; he did not secularize himself. Many thought that he, the oldest historical official of the Town, should be seen more in public life. But he decided otherwise, and wisely, I am fully persuaded. He believed his work was in and for the School, primarily and finally, and that the Rector could and should never be seen in undress-uniform, even though to three-fourths of the citizens his face might be unknown. I fancy he acted firmly on principle in this self-denying ordinance, and remembered what Dr. Chalmers said to David Masson : " There is a popularity more oppressive than gratifying ; a


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popularity of stare and pressure and animal heat, and a whole tribe of other annoyances which it brings round its unfortunate victim ; a popularity which rifles home of its sweets, and places a man in a region of desolation, where the intimacies of human fellowship are unfelt, and where he stands as a conspicuous mark for the shafts of malice and envy and detraction." So he kept resolutely clear of the wandering clan of Educational Lecturers, Experts, Failures, and Cranks, persuaded that Education had not been invented last week with a copious jargon of Psychology, Department verbiage and conceit, but that for long ages the City and School had been able to provide their own traditions, methods, and men. His end came sooner than he had expected. " I am not altogether without hope," he had written to me a few days before the close, " that I may live to meet you, if not sooner, at the unveiling of the Byron Statue, one of the ragged ends of my work, which I must be content to pass on to others, like many other matters of more immediate and personal interest. The steady support of many of our older F.P.'s like yourself has always been a great comfort to me." I had sent him at the time, as a reminder that we were one and all with him, the last lines of the Bacchce of Euripides and the closing fourteen lines of Samson Agonistes, Milton's greatest utterance, admired by Mark Pattison, and often repeated by Gardiner, who felt that " Puritanism, with ' all passion spent,' would wage a warfare with evil more effectual than when it appeared clothed in the habiliment of war at Naseby." In return he sent a few words, written by one of his family, to say : " In reply for the comfort of your quotations, what do you think of the following, author unknown, which I read in a nursing home ?— ' The inner side of every cloud Is bright and shining ; I therefore turn my clouds about, And always wear them inside-out, To shew the lining.' " Then he added with a feeble hand in pencil a Latin version— Laetiferum nebulae contristant lumen opacae, Quaque tamen nukes interiora nitet ; Ergo saepe meis nebulis, ceu veste, reversis, His quoque inesse aliquid laetius edoceo. These were his last lines, and no doubt his last written words. Imperatorem Romanum mori decet stantem. The great Melvin tradition to the close. WM. KEITH LEASK.


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H. F. M. S. " H.F.M.S.", " Cantab.", or " Long Tom " (why " Tom " I know not) was what we dubbed him when first he appeared among us. Accustomed as we had been to our genial " acucd µop" (Dr. Moir), we resented the gaunt, stern man of four initials who seemed to flaunt on every notice-board his English degree. Old "aoKer kw," wore Gladstonian collars : our new Rector wore hiw collars, above which the movements of his Adam's apple used to fascinate and distract us. The fluency and aptness of his English, his English accent, and his cold, cultured bearing annoyed our uncouth selves. - Shock after shock followed his coming. The Sixth Classical was divided into the Sixth and the Seventh, the School was daily assembled in the Hall for morning prayers, which were read (!) to us, and, crowning innovation ! the strap gave place to the cane. What ultimately extinguished our smouldering and oftrekindled resentment I cannot at this date recollect. I think sport and that mystic factor, the tone of the School, were the main elements in our gradual change of attitude. Both, present before, now became omnipresent. Games, hitherto patronised in haphazard fashion, now became organized. The F.P. Club was started, and the cry of " School, School" at matches brought victory to many a sore-wrought team. When hockey was introduced and H.F.M.S. himself appeared on the field (and had his shins well barked for his pains), our hostility finally flickered and died. A proud respect for our Rector took its place. Quickly and in magic fashion the School adopted new caps, new colours, new standards. Names of old Rectors and Duxes appeared on the School walls. The display of class groups, archery medals, and many trophies discovered to us our goodly heritage. His teaching was' rather of the spirit than of the letter. Do any of my class-fellows of the Seventh remember how he translated the Ciceronian " illi " by " men of that kidney " ? or how, his neck suffused with righteous redness, he used to ridicule the "prurient minds of expurgating editors "? " Think," he shouted, " what must be the thoughts of a man who omits from Virgil's Eclogues a line where a shepherd kisses a milkmaid ! " I can still hear him roll on his tongue the •

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" Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum,"

and in comparison hiss out, surf-like, the final " f " in " The league-long roller thundering on the reef."

Though our Rector changed most things, he could not change all. He wanted the boys to wear kilts : most said no. He tried to introduce a luncheon of soup for those who did not go home at midday : the boys again said no, preferring


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to munch at cricket a " chessar" or a jammy dough-nut bought at the " Grubber's." His effort to establish an evening preparatory class was foredoomed to failure, " Prep." not appealing to parents as an excuse for a boy's re-entry at midnight. The mention of such minor failures only serves to throw into strong relief his wonderful successes. H.F.M.S. wooed and won the Grammar School. One of its greatest lovers, he became one of its greatest Rectors. Love of School was the keynote of his Rectorship. Two at least of his sayings will ever be remembered by his older pupils. " A gentleman does not refer to himself or to another as such. The term is used most frequently by drunkards. Be gentlemen, but avoid getting drunk or using the term." And again, " Nothing hereafter would give me greater pain than that a pupil of mine should write to friend, foe, or newspaper an ,anonymous letter." H. EDGAR SMITH. A Present Pupil's Appreciation. When we congratulated the Rector on having his portrait presented to him last year we little thought how soon he would be taken from us. But it was to be, and now we mourn the loss of one who has watched over the School and guided its progress for almost twenty-seven years. Others may have known him as an accomplished classical scholar ; we knew him as our own Rector, the very heart and soul of the School. If there was one thing Dr. Simpson stood for to us it was lofty ideals, and he endeavoured to inspire us with his own spirit. We see in the All-Round Trophy the consummation of these ideals so far as our School life is concerned. His aim was to have us good both at games and at lessons, and he was one of the most enthusiastic promoters of the scheme for our new playing-field. He was also very keen in the encouragement of the social life of the School, and was particularly interested in the Magazine, which to him owes its beginning. The Museum, too, provided a congenial outlet for his antiquarian leanings, while another of the Rector's labours of love was the compiling of Bon-Record, a volume of records and reminiscences of the School. The Hall is one of the lasting memorials of the Rector. Its walls were bare when he came to the School ; not a portrait, not even an inscription relieved the monotony of their surface. To-day it is a veritable treasure-house, recalling the features and attainments of former masters and pupils. Dr. Simpson's aim was to make us look on the Hall " not as a mere


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record of past achievements, but as an inspiration for the present and the future " ; and there is a touch of pathos in the fact that the last ornament to be placed on its walls is his own portrait, the most inspiring of them' all. There he stands, at the back of the Hall, a silent • watcher of all that happens. As a teacher Dr. Simpson never failed to hold the interest of his class. Revelling in the tales of the ancient Romans, he could enliven the dullest page of Livy, and he made us feel as if we were really living in the days of those old-time heroes. During the War the Rector had additional duties laid on him owing to several of the staff being away in the Army. This extra work was what told chiefly on him. Yet, though he must have felt that he was failing, he would not admit it, and held on till nature would stand no more. Even while lying on his bed of suffering, waiting for the end that he knew was coming, he could still be cheerful, and he sent us messages of hope and encouragement. To the very last the welfare of the School was what lay nearest his heart.

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*** Mrs. Morland Simpson and family desire, through the medium of the School Magazine, to express their heartfelt gratitude to the numerous Former Pupils and friends from all over the world who have sent messages of condolence in their recent bereavement.

To F.P.'s Visiting Aberdeen. Acting on a suggestion recently received, the Executive of the F.P. Club has decided to start a Register wherein members not resident in Aberdeen may enter their names and addresses while visiting the city. In this way " returned exiles," whether from far or near, will be enabled to report themselves and, if they desire, be brought into touch with old classfellows and other members of the Club living in Aberdeen. As the Club Secretary's office is rather inconveniently situated in relation to the main thoroughfare of Aberdeen, it has been arranged, through the courtesy of the proprietors of the Aberdeen Free Press, that the Register will be kept at their office, 28 UNION STREET, where it will be available from early morning to late evening. The Secretary hopes, however, that this registration will be regarded only as a first step, and that he will have the pleasure of receiving a call at his office from F.P.'s who are on a visit to Aberdeen.


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*** It is requested that the Editor be informed of all new appointments or interesting incidents in the careers of Former Pupils.

The dates given in parentheses after names indicate the sessions of attendance at the School. Order of the British Empire Awards. In the list of promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services in connexion with the War, published on 31st March, the names of several F. P's occurred :— Charles Michie* (1881—84) was appointed a Commander of the Civil Division for his services as Joint Secretary of the North of Scotland Joint Disablement Committee. He received the M.B.E. in January, 1918. Alexander James •Falconer Munro (1899-1902), M.A., was appointed an Officer of the Civil Division for " services in connexion with the reception and assistance of British Refugees from abroad." He has been in charge of all the arrangements on behalf of the British repatriated civilian prisoners of war who returned from various internment camps abroad. This work has been done under the President of the Ministry of Health, formerly the Local Government Board. At present he is secretary of the War Relief Trustees, who are administering certain grants from the Prince of Wales' Fund on behalf of prisoners of war and others who are in distress owing to the War. Robert Gordon Nicol* (1871-73), C.E., Harbour Engineer, Aberdeen, was appointed an Officer of the Order in recognition of his services in maintaining the efficiency of the port of Aberdeen during the War. Frederick Wishart* (1897-1906), M.A., LL.B., received the O.B.E. for his services as Assistant Controller of the Timber Supplies Department, Ministry of Munitions. Erskine Dawson Jameson* (1880-84) , M.A., LL. B., was appointed a Member of the Order as Treasurer of the Morayshire Branch of the British Red Cross Society. Claude Alexander Barron* (1881-87), C.I.E., Chief Commissioner of Delhi, is mentioned in the Report of the Committee appointed by the Ga,►vernment of India to investi-


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gate the disturbances in Bombay, Delhi, and the Punjab, in March and April of last year. It was at Delhi—the Capital of India and from its historical and commercial importance a determining factor of considerable weight in the attitude of the rest of Northern India—that disturbances first occurred on 30th March. In the Majority Report we read : " Martial law was never proclaimed [in Delhi], though the situation was so serious that the Chief Commissioner on 17th April applied to the Government of India for authority to declare martial law. There does not, however, appear to us to have been any provocative or unnecessary display of military power." The Minority Report states : " We think that in Delhi a difficult situation was handled with tact and restraint by Mr. Barron, the Chief Commissioner." The Right Hon. Lord Meston* (1876-1880) has been appointed by the University of Cambridge Rede Lecturer for this year. Under the Rede Endowment one lecture is delivered annually by " a man of eminence in science or literature." Lord Meston's subject is " India at the Crossways." • Sir Francis Grant Ogilvie (1872-74), C.B., LL.D., has been appointed first chairman of the Geological Survey Board set up within the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. A glimpse of one phase of the work during the War of George Herbert Mair* (1899-1902), C.M.G., is given in the following passage from Rear-Admiral Sir Douglas Brownrigg's recently-published " Indiscretions of the Naval Censor " :— " The Foreign Office Department of Information was first under Mr. C. H. Montgomery of the Foreign Office, who was indirectly responsible for getting facilities for Government guests, and for Allied and neutral journalists, to visit places of interest. . . . The work subsequently came under the Ministry of Information. Working with Montgomery was Mr. G. H. Mair, who had especially to do with visits to the Fleet, which we arranged together. If I may put it so, these gentlemen resembled eager bridegrooms, ever pressing and coaxing me, the elusive bride, to grant them more and yet more favours in the shape of permits to visit the Fleet. . . . We got along fairly well, what with sending M. Protopopoff (since beheaded), Mr. Bottomley, Mr. Stevenson (the billiard player), and hundreds of others. . . . Every newspaper representative was, pace Mr. M., most important. Presently the Fleet tumbled to this chronic use of superlatives in describing these journalistic visitors, and they wrote down and asked me what adjective I should use if I had to send the Archangel Gabriel up to them. My only answer was ' Wait and see.' . . . During all the time that Montgomery, Mair, and our office worked together, Montgomery used to squeeze the concessions


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out of me, Mair then worked out the itineraries, and extraordinarily smoothly and well did he and his organization do it." James C. H. Macbeth (1881-85) is the editor of " The Marconi Dictionary, specially arranged and edited for Code Users," which was issued a short time ago. The new volume has been arranged so as to provide an auxiliary to Mr. Macbeth's previous compilation, " The Marconi International Code." George Davidson (1879-80), M.D., Torphins, who served as a Major in the 89th Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C., has issued his war diary in book form under the title of " The IncomparIt gives a very realistic able 29th and the ' River Clyde picture of the landing and desperate fighting on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Robert Scott Troup* (1888-91), Professor of Forestry at Oxford, has been elected a fellow of St. John's College, Oxford. Francis W. Michie* (1885-91), M.A., has been appointed H.M. Inspector of Schools (Science and Art Department) for the Northern Division of Scotland, with headquarters at Aberdeen. The district extends from Dundee to the Orkneys and Shetland, and westward to the Hebrides, the duties embracing the inspection of the science, art, and mathematical departments in the intermediate and secondary schools. Before entering the Inspectorate, Mr. Michie was on the teaching staff of the science department of the Dundee High School, where he took a keen interest in everything connected with the school, including football, cricket, and hockey. His first appointment as an Inspector took place in 1901. For the past eleven years Mr. Michie has been Inspector of Schools for the Dumfries and Galloway District, and before leaving, he was entertained at a complimentary luncheon by the Federation of Branches of the Educational Institute for the area. George Stewart (1889-92), M.A., B.Sc., who was Gold Medallist of the School in 1892, has been appointed by the Lanarkshire Education Authority headmaster of Strathaven Academy. Since 1904 he has been science and mathematical master in West Coats H.G. School, Cambuslang. Thomas Stewart Slessor* (1889-94), M.A., M.B., has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services. His district lies between Aberdeen and Dundee. During the war he was engaged on medical service with the Army, previous to which he was medical practitioner at Glamis. The London Correspondent of the Aberdeen Free Press recently wrote as follows about George Stanley Russell* (1894-1901), M.A., who while at School was Editor of the Magazine :—" Not many yards from the house [in Clapham] in which Macaulay spent his childhood, is the handsome Congregational chapel where Dr. Guinness Rogers was so long the pastor. Here the pulpit is occupied by Rev. G. Stanley


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Russell, M.A. It is not easy in these days to keep a large congregation at a Nonconformist church in a suburb from which many of the well-to-do families have moved further out. Mr. Stanley Russell, however, is an able, vigorous man, and an interesting, impressive preacher, whose sermons give evidence of his wide reading, and he has one of the largest, most hearty congregations in the district." David Bruce Nicol* (1900-02), B.D., M.C., Skelmorlie, has been unanimously elected minister of St. Margaret's Parish Church, Edinburgh. It is intended that St. Margaret's shall become a centre for the training of Divinity students in practical work, and Mr. Nicol has been specially chosen in view of his fitness for this important work. After licence Mr. Nicol acted as assistant in St. Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh, and was ordained to the parish of Skelmorlie in 1911. For three years he served as a Chaplain with the Forces in France and in the East, and was decorated with the Military Cross. John Smith* (1849-54), M.A., D.D., has retired from the pastorate of St. John's Presbyterian Church, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, after a ministry there of 50 years. Dr. Smith is 81 years of age. William Mearns Massie (1879-80), another F.P. in Natal, has relinquished the pastorate of the Pietermaritzburg Congregational Church. He was previously in Australia and Hawaii. At the recent General Assembly of the United Free Church of Scotland, James Harvey* (1870-75), M.A., D.D., who has been junior principal clerk since 1916, was unanimously appointed senior principal clerk; and James Gordon Sutherland (1870-75), B.D., his classfellow at the School and at Aberdeen University, was appointed to succeed him as junior principal clerk. Joseph Davidson Carnegie* (1877-80), for twenty-six years pastor of Bond Street Congregational Church, Leicester, has recently been appointed to the Congregational Church at Melton Mowbray. James Gibb (1870-76), D.D., minister of St. John's Church, Wellington, represented the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand at the recent General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Alfred Augustus Cooper (1879-83), M.A., who was Dux of the School in 1883, has intimated his resignation from the pastorate of the United Free High Church, Inverness, on account of ill-health. Walter Theodore Young (1887-95) has been appointed Manager of the Dundee City Tramways at a salary of £600. He was last year appointed Traffic Superintendent of the Edin-


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burgh Corporation Tramways, and was formerly in the service of the Aberdeen Corporation Tramways. George Lawrence (1901-03), accountant at the Peterhead Harbour Branch of the North of Scotland and Town and County Bank, has been transferred to Lossiemouth, where he is starting a new branch of the Bank. Alexander Macallan Gray (1865-69), travelling traffic agent, Great North of Scotland Railway, recently retired from service under the age limit. He entered the Company's employment in February, 1869, and thus had completed 51 years' service. Robert Bruce* (1886-89), D.S.O., Lieut.-Colonel, R.A.M.C., has received the Medaille de la Reconnaissance Francaise (in silver) for devotion in the care of French civilians by attending to no fewer than 150 to 200 patients per day. Lieut.-Colonel Bruce served with the 51st Division in France, and rendered valuable help to the civilians in Cambrai, Valenciennes, and other French towns immediately after the termination of hostilities. Finlay W. N. Finlayson* (1902-09), who prior to the War was an apprentice with the North of Scotland and Town and County Bank, Ltd., recently sailed for South Africa, and has been posted to the Eloff Branch of the Standard Bank of South Africa, Johannesburg. Graham Henderson* (1906-12), M.C., who was a Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, is leaving shortly to take up rubber planting in F.M.S. with Messrs. Guthrie & Co. Sir Alexander Ogston* (1855-58), K.C.V.O., M.D., LL.D., has been appointed by the King of Italy a Cavalier of the Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus. James William S. Marr* (1913-19) was recently presented with the Diploma and Bronze Medal of the Royal Humane Society and also a gold watch from the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees in recognition of valuable services rendered last year on the beach at Banff, where he rescued a girl from drowning, and also made a gallant attempt to rescue other two girls. The circumstances were fully recorded in the October, 1919, issue of the Magazine. Alexander Middleton (1898—?) had a share in assisting the recent flying expedition from England to Australia. He is manager of the Western Auto-Service Station, Cloncurry, North Queensland, and in a letter home he wrote :---" Had the honour of effecting the first repairs made in Australia to Captain Sir Ross Smith's Vickers-Vimy machine which flew England to Australia ; also the overhauling of Captain Wrigley's Lancaster engine, with which he crossed Australia and went to Darwin to meet Captain Sir Ross Smith." He served through


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the War in the Motor Ammunition Transport, Australian Force, and since demobilisation has settled at Cloncurry. John Richardson Bell* (1905-14) is now an assistant on a rubber plantation in Perak, F.M.S. Thomas W. Bevan* (1915-17) is Secretary of the Cardiff and South Wales Philatelic Exchange Society. Gordon M. Dean* (1909-18) is at present studying for the Natural Science Tripos at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. James Logie Lyall Duffus* (1912-14) holds a regular commission in the Royal Air Force, and is at present serving at the Grand Fleet Gunnery School at Leuchars, Fife. Arthur William Gill* (1909-13), who before the War was serving his apprenticeship as a chartered accountant in Aberdeen, and, owing to injury to his eyes received during the War, was unable to continue his former occupation, is now in Western Australia with the intention of taking up farming there. John Alexander Greig* (1912-17) has been appointed Assistant Superintendent on Nilloomally Estate, Madulkelle, Ceylon, where he is enjoying the open life and work. Cyril Elian Hopkins* (1913-14) has since demobilisation been at London University taking a Diploma course in journalism, and is associated with a distinguished F.P.—" BOYD CABLE "—in a journalistic enterprise in London. Alastair Harry Kinghorn* (1905-14), who during the latter part of the War served as a Hydrophone Officer on board a minesweeper, holds the rank of Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve. He is now with Messrs. J. Finlay and Co., Calcutta. Roy Alan Laidlaw* (1918-19) has since leaving the School been at the South of Scotland Technical College, Galashiels, engaged in learning the textile industry. Yew Hoi Loo* (1907-14) is Head Cashier and Supervisor of the Kwong Yik Banking Corporation, Ltd., in Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S. Donald Macfarlane* (1909-14) has since demobilisation taken up cotton and tobacco planting with the British Central Africa Company, Limited, Nyasaland. William Keith Moir* (1914-19) is living at a farm at Echt with a view to learning practical farming. David C. Munro* (1910-13) left Aberdeen in October last to fill an appointment in Singapore. James Roland Murdoch* (1911-15), who served during the War as a Wireless Operator on a transport carrying aviation benzine to France from the Persian. Gulf, is at present studying Medicine at Edinburgh University.


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Alexander Rusden Rennie* (1913-14), who was demobilised as a Lieutenant from the R.F.A. (T.F.) in April, has now returned to the Transvaal. Alister Rose* (1900-13) has for the last year been on an estate in Perak, F.M.S. Alexander Sharp* (1912-15), who entered the service of the Marconi Company as a Wireless Operator in March, 1916, served as a sergeant with the Wireless Section of the Dunster Armoured Car Brigade in Mesopotamia, North Persia, Turkestan, and South Russia, from April, 1918, to April, 1919. Ludvig George Stephen Simonsen* (1910-14) is at present employed in a shipping office in Norway. William Skene* (1910-14) has recently become a Testing Superintendent at the Nuneaton Corporation Electricity Works. Andrew Norman Walker* (1902-14) sailed in January for a position on a tea estate in Southern India. Alexander William Walker* (1906-14) is now on Parambe Estate, Undugoda, Ceylon. Eric Blackett Wilson* (1908-13), M.C., is a regular officer in the 2nd Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers, and is at present stationed at Devonport. James Campbell Graham Wright* (1906-17), who for a time was in the Timber Supply Department of the Board of Trade, has since August last been with the firm of John Swire & Sons, Limited, London. Robert Abbey* (1903-08), who came over with the Canadians in 1915 and was for a considerable time a prisoner in Germany, has returned to the service of the Royal Bank of Canada, and is Assistant Accountant at Hamilton, Ontario. David Adam* (1898-1904), who relinquished his commission as Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, in May, 1919, on account of ill-health caused by wounds, is now a partner in the firm of Messrs. Arthur E. Pratt & Co., engineers and metallurgists, 5 Chancery Lane, London. William Bisset Allan* (1861-67), who since 1878 has been in the service of the London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company, Limited, Liverpool, as statistician, has recently retired, but still resides in Liverpool. Alexander Smith Anderson* (1905-09) was in March appointed to the staff of the Scottish Provident Institution as an Inspector of Agencies. • William McMillan Anderson* (1895-1092) has been on the staff of Ayr Academy since December last. Alexander Allan Angus* (1914-19) has received an appointment with Messrs. Harrisons & Crosfield, Ltd., London, and is going out to Ceylon in July.


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Robert Smith Asher* (1898-1903) is at present serving as an Inspector of Artificial Limbs under the Ministry of Pensions. William Stephen Benton* (1904-11), who recently received an appointment as Assistant Engineer on the Indian State Railways, has been posted to the Oudh and Rohilkhand Railway. Douglas Maitland Bisset* (1901-08), who prior to the War was with Messrs. Harrisons & Crosfield, London, has since April, 1919, been planting on a rubber estate in Selangor, F.M. S. Henry Ross Brodie* (1906-12) is at present with the British East African Disabled Officers' Colony, Ltd., Kericho, British East Africa. Alexander Middleton Brown* (1894-1904), M.A., M.D., D.P.H., has received an appointment in the Health Department of the City of Chester, where another F.P.-DAvID RENNET* (1877-83)-is Medical Officer of Health. John Gatherer Brown* (1905-08), M.B., is now partner in a medical practice at Wyke, near Bradford. Thomas Duncan Hunter Brown* (1897-1900) was last year appointed Labour Officer to the Gas Light and Coke Company, London. Thomas Cruickshank Bruce* (1889-1892) is now Manager of the New Unified Main Reef Gold Mining Company, Ltd., Maraisburg, Transvaal. Edmund John Bulloch* (1879-87) has since July, 1919, been a partner in the firm of Messrs. Bulloch & Stewart, Ltd., import and export merchants, 9 Great Tower Street, London. Alexander Bruce Butchart* (1889-97), who was formerly farming at Hayter, Alberta, is now Assistant Superintendent of the Prudential Insurance Company of America at St. Catherines, Ontario. William Nicoll Buyers* (1906-10) last year joined the Yangtsze Insurance Association, Ltd., Yokohama. Charles A. Cheyne* (1884-85), who after serving in South Africa in the early days of the War came home to engage in munition work in London, has resumed his business of chemist and pharmacist in Jeppestown, Johannesburg. James Cheyne* (1908-11) was in December last appointed an Inspector to the Royal Insurance Company, Ltd., Aberdeen. Armand Bruce Christen* (1898-1903) is now Sales Engineer of the Anti-Corrosion Engineering Company, New York. During the War he served as a commissioned officer in the Division of Research and Inspection, Signal Corps, American Expeditionary Force. He was engaged in research work in Paris from November, 1917, to February, 1919,


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including three months on special duty in Switzerland, and in historical compilation at Tours, France, from February to July of last year. Andrew Mayer Chrystall* (1898-1902) is now a business agent in Pendleton, Oregon, U.S.A. James Bryce Clarke* (1896-99) in a recent letter from Belgrade says that he is having a very busy and interesting time there organising the first British Bank in Yugo-Slavia. Two Aberdonians recently turned up and " have been sharing the pleasures of a general strike with us for a few days. We entertained them to dinner in a filthy restaurant where you had to scramble for your food, while the rats played with your bootlaces." He adds " when a Jew comes to see me, I always tell him where I come from as a preliminary." Robert Copland* (1902-07) is Superintendent of the Nichola Oya Estate, Rattota, Ceylon. Lindsay Douglas Cox* (1898-1903) is now in the firm of Watney Cox & Co., Ltd., dealers in motor accessories and equipment, Cape Town. William Watson Craib* (1877—81), who was a sugar planter in British Guiana for five years from 1882, and thereafter was in the sugar business in Cuba, retired from Cuba in August, 1917. In 1919 he was appointed by the Secretary of State for India to serve on a committee investigating problems of sugar production in India, and is at present engaged on this duty. Robert S. Cumming* (1905-10), Captain, R.A.M.C., has recently left for Mesopotamia. Douglas J. Davidson* (1891-1902), who went out to Ceylon in 1906, has recently been made Manager of the Culloden Group of Estates under the Rosehaugh Tea and Rubber Company. William Maurice Grant Dawson* (1905-07) is an Assistant Engineer in the Irrigation Branch of the Indian Public Works Department. Lucien Des Clayes* (1894 and 1896), who went out to Colombo in 1909, last year joined the London-Rangoon Trading Company, Limited, Rangoon, and is shortly to open a Ceylon branch for that firm. John Wight Duff* (1877-82) , M.A. , D.Litt., LL.D. , Professor of Classics and Ancient History in Armstrong College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was one of the delegation of ten from Great Britain appointed at the request of the Belgian Government in November last to visit the Universities of Belgium to discuss questions affecting interchange of professors and students. 'i


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Norman Watt Duffus* (1904-05 and 1912) is with the British Bank of South America in Sao Paulo, Brazil. James Hector Edmond* (1894-98), D.S. O. , Major, Royal Artillery, is at present commanding the 38th Mountain Battery, Bulford, Wilts. William Flett* (1896-1900) is now Superintendent of the Claim Department of the London and Lancashire Indemnity Company of America, New York. James Florence* (1872-76 and 1877-78), who entered the service of the Bank of Bengal in 1887, retired in March, 1919, and is now resident at Kievcote, Coonoor, South India. George Murray Farquharson Foggo* (1880-86), who served in the early days of the War as a Lieutenant in the South African Mounted Rifles, is now in the service of the Bank of England, London. Archer Irvine Fortescue* (1892-97), D.S.O., Lieut.Colonel, R.A.M.C., is at present serving at the Legation, Teheran, Persia. George Knowles Fraser* (1907-08), B.Sc. (Forestry), has been appointed Lecturer in Physics, Chemistry, and Geology in relation to the Soil in the Forestry Department of the North of Scotland College of Agriculture. James Hood Fraser* (1892-1900), who prior to the War was resident at Dunneedaw, Rangoon, Burma, and served through the War as an officer in the 11th " Queen's " Regiment, was demobilised in January of this year and has now returned to Rangoon. Alexander Gordon Grant* (1904-06) has recently been assumed a partner in the firm of Messrs. Harrison & Cross, motor engineers, body and carriage builders, Elgin. James Simpson Green* (1897-1906) was in December last appointed Head Overseer on the Waimanalo Sugar Plantation, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands. John Hay* (1913-19) is employed with the firm of Messrs. Williamson, Balfour & Co., merchants and bankers, Valparaiso. Kenelm Rydel Hood* (1892-1900) has for the last three years been with the Ellermans Wilson Line, Limited, Hull, managing the. Russian steamers controlled by the British Government. William John Jenkyns* (1894-1903) has since 1916 been Chief Mechanical Engineer with the Sao Paulo (Brazil) branch of Messrs. S. C. Hill Bros., Ltd., of Manchester. Francis Kelly* (1879-85), C.B.E., M.D., Colonel, R.A.M.C., has since Novembet, 1919, been Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services, Aberdeen Area, Ministry of Pensions.


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Gordon James Key* (1900-11), M.B., is at present in the Mental Hospitals Service at Pretoria of the Union Government of South Africa. James Gray Kyd* (1891-98), who became Actuary to the National Health Insurance Commissioners for Ireland in 1912, was last year transferred to the chief post in Ireland of the Government Actuary's Department. David Glass Larg* (1905-11), M.A., at present holds a Carnegie Scholarship in Modern Languages and Literature and is studying at the University of Strasbourg, France. John Adam Lillie* (1893-1903), M.A., LL.B., entered the Middle Temple last year and has recently been appointed Assistant Lecturer in Mercantile Law at Edinburgh University. William Moir McCrae* (1899-1910) is now an Engineer Surveyor in the Public Works Department, Singapore. Kenneth William Mackenzie* (1893-97), who after retiring from the Indian Medical Service in 1913 was ordained a Deacon of the Scottish Episcopal Church in 1914, and served with great distinction with the R.A.M.C. during the War, being awarded the M.C. with Bar and the D.S.O., was ordained Priest in 1919, and is now Senior Chaplain of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Dundee. William Douglas McKenzie* (1901-06), who served in India from August, 1917, to December, 1919, is now studying dentistry at the Edinburgh Dental Hospital. James Urquhart Mackintosh* (1901-06), who served from 1915 to 1919 as an engineer officer in the Royal Navy, was in November last appointed engineer to the Karachi Office of Messrs. Ralli Brothers of London and Calcutta, and is now stationed at Tanda Adam, Sind. Colin Arthur McLaren* (1902-05 and 1909-10) is Assistant Divisional Traffic Superintendent of the Lower Egypt Division, Egyptian State Railways, with headquarters at Tanta. Ewen Maclean* (1902-03), M.A., formerly minister of the United Free Church at Avoch, continues to be a Chaplain to the Forces, and has recently joined the 1st H.L.I. in Egypt. William Forrest MacLennan* (1908-15) has gone out to a sheep station in North Queensland. Alasdair Macgillivray Macleod* (1904-06), M. A.!mho was ordained minister of Kirkhill U.F. Church, Inverness-shire, in 1914, was recently inducted to the U.F. Church, Invergordon. - . Alexander Gunn MacNeill* (1905-09), A.M.Inst.C.E., has since November last been Assistant Director of Works, Irrigation "Projects," Eastern Delta Division, Egyptian Government, Cairo.


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Ernest Main* (1903-08), M.A., has since demobilisation in January, 1919, been Director of Publicity (Scotland) under the Ministry of Labour. Cornelius Mearns* (1912-17) after leaving School passed the Army Entrance Examination and was sent to Wellington, India. In January he received a commission in the 14th Jat Lancers, and is stationed at Sialkot, Punjab. Alexander Meffet* (1903-08) is with the Ministry of Munitions at Caxton House, Westminster. Noel W. J. Miller* (1906-11) went in October last to Port of Spain, Trinidad, where he is in the business of Messrs. James Miller & Co. Alfred Forbes Milne* (1895-1900), M.A., Mus.B., is Organist and Music Master at Berkhamsted School. Andrew Milne* (1903-09), M.A., has since last year been Classical Master of Montrose Academy. Charles Wright Milne* (1897-1901) was in March appointed Assistant Architect to the Great Eastern Railway Company, London. James Mathewson Milne* (1895-1902), M.A., is principal Classical Master in Bell-Baxter School, Cupar-Fife. Edwin Morgan* (1906-12), who entered the service of the Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1912, is now Accountant at Warner, Alberta. Frederic William Morgan* (1903-09) is in the Foreign Exchange Department at Montreal of the Royal Bank of Canada. Douglass Alexander Mortimer* (1895-99), who was invalided from the Tropics in 1918, is now in practice as a solicitor in Dundee. Robert Buchanan Morton* (1881-91) is Organist and Director of Music in " House of Hope " Presbyterian Church at St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A. George Newlands* (1902-06), M.A., B.Sc., has been appointed by the Development Commissioners to carry out research work on soil in relation to general agriculture. He is stationed in Aberdeen and is working under the Board of Agriculture for Scotland. Andrew Nicol* (1903-15) has been elected a Student of the Institution of Civil Engineers (and has not, as stated in the last issue of the Magazine, passed the Associate Membership examination). John Simpson Ogg* (1904-07) has since October last been Comptroller, Air Reduction Co., Inc., New York City, U.S.A.


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Robert Charles Penny Philp* (1911-12) is studying at Clare College, Cambridge. Andrew Elliot Rae (1885-91) is now a planter at Theka, near Nairobi, British East Africa. John Rae* (1892-1903) was recently appointed an assistant with an engineering firm in Leeds. Alexander MacGregor Rose* (1883-94), D.S.O., M.B., Major, R.A.M.C., has since April been serving with the " Army of the Black Sea." Robert Williamson Asher Salmond* (1891-99) , O. B. E. , M.D., has been appointed Honorary Radiologist at University College Hospital, London, and Lecturer in Radiology at the Medical School. Alexander Murray Scott* (1900-02) has returned to service with the Indo-China Steam Navigation Company and is Chief Engineer of S.S. Wo-Sang. George Everett Scroggie* (1901-05) was in April appointed Manager of the Canadian Bank of Commerce at Carleton Place, Ontario. During the War he was Captain and Adjutant, Canadian Corps Cyclist Battalion. George Reid Sleigh* (1902-05) is at present employed temporarily at the Ministry of Labour. John Smart Smith* (1881-87) is in the service of Messrs. S. Pearson & Sons, London, Financial Agents for the Mexican Eagle Oil Company, and is engaged on consulting engineering work in connexion with the production, transportation, and refining of crude oil. Norman Smith* (1891-1902) has since demobilisation rejoined the staff of Mr. Mitchell Moncrieff, M.Inst.C.E., London and Newcastle-on-Tyne. Norman Dryden Smith* (1906-11) has since the War re-entered the service of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, and has been stationed in Blaine Lake, Sask., for over a year. Writing in April he says that he has " just experienced one of the most severe winters in the history of the country, the thermometer at one time registering 48 degrees below zero. There are a little over 100 people in this place, and most of these are Doukabours, so you can well imagine what a boon the good old School Mag. is to me, and how much pleasure it gives me to read about all my pals of School days." Hugh Ross Souper* (1894-95) has been appointed Surgeon of the Special Surgical (Orthopedic) Hospital, Newcastle. upon-Tyne. Archibald Douglas Spark* (1905-10) holds a regular commission as Captain in the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, and is at present Temporary Major in the Machine Gun Corps and acting as Instructor in Machine Gunnery.


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Patrick Magnus Spence* (1904-4)6) is now in the service of the Imperial and Foreign Corporation, Limited, London. David Strachan* (1893-1902) has been appointed Accountant to the Consolidated Diamonds of South-West Africa, Limited, Cape Town, a huge concern recently formed with the object of buying out the German interests in South-West Africa. James Frater Taylor* (1886-88) has since 1919 been Director in charge of finance, Canadian Car and Foundry Company, and its subsidiaries. From 1913 he was President of the Algoma Steel Corporation, which received the special thanks of the Imperial Munitions Board for its successful efforts in producing the greatest quantity of highest grade shell steel in Canada. John William Taylor* (1906-11), M.A., has since April, 1919, been British Vice-Consul at Lyons, France. Arthur Landsborough Thomson* (1899-1908), M.A., B.Sc., is Assistant Secretary to the Medical Research Council. John David Thomson* (1892-96) has been appointed Manager of the Haputale Tea Company, Ltd., Ceylon. Roderick Fraser Thomson* (1905-08) returned to Canada in August, 1919, and rejoined the staff of the Dominion Bank in Toronto. Kenneth Alexander Macdonald Tomory* (1899-1908), M.B., holds a regular commission in the R.A.M.C., and is at present stationed at Hong Kong. Angus Munro Urquhart* (1892-94), Major, R.A., is Superintendent of the Cordite Factory, Arnvankadu, Nilgiri Hills, India. Alfred B. Valentine* (1905-11), M.A., who passed into the Home Civil Service last year, has been posted to the Ministry of Labour. Alexander Moir Walker* (1913-1918) has received an appointment with Messrs. Harrisons & Crosfield, Ltd., London, and is:going outjto,SumatralinlAugust. Charles Addington Peel Walker* (1894-1902) is now in the City Comptroller's Department, Edmonton, Alberta. Frederick Charles Wallace* (1901-04) has been since demobilisation with the Guaranty Trust Company of New York at their London Office. James Alexander Watson* (1900-10) is in the service of the Wilson Motor Company, Pontiac, Michigan, U.S.A. Alfred John Williamson* (1897-1902), D.S.O., M.A., M.D., has been appointed Assistant Medical Officer of Health for the County of Essex, and M.O.H. for Leyden and Winstree Rural District, Essex.


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Norval Stewart Williamson* (1904-07) has received an appointment in the National Provincial and Union Bank of England, London. Louis G. O. Wilson* (1872-75) has since 1919 been Secretary of the Hawaii Mill Co., Ltd., Hilo, Hawaii. George Tod Wright* (1901-06), M.A., B.D., has been elected minister of Dryfesdale (Lockerbie) Parish Church. John Young* (1889-94) has since April been Comptroller of the Rainier Motor Corporation, New York. Alfred Zamek* (1887-88) is now resident in London, where he is interested in ostrich feather manufacturing, and is proprietor of the National Supply Company, Holborn. At the Spring Graduation of Aberdeen University degrees were conferred on the following F.P.'s :— Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc. Agr.)— George William Ritchie M'Connachie (1911-13). Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)— Robert Mackay Ledingham* (1897-1909), M.A. James Patterson* (1906-12), M.A. Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)— Alistair Sim Garden* (1896-97), M.B. Bachelor of Medicine (M.B.) and Bachelor of Surgery (Ch.B)— Alexander Victor Reid Don* (1913-15). In the Faculty of Medicine, James Christian Hall* (191114) shared the Keith Gold Medal for Systematic and Clinical Surgery ; Alexander V. R. Don* (1913-15) was awarded the Shepherd Memorial Gold Medal for " The Principles and Practice of Surgery," and William Lister Hector* (1913-17) was awarded the Alexander Ogston Prize in Surgery.

OBITUARY, James Gordon Gray (1850-55), M.A., D.D., minister of the Scottish Presbyterian Church in Rome for nearly 40 years, died on 3rd March, aged 79. He was ordained in Marykirk, Forfarshire, in 1867, and eight years later was translated to Naples, and thence went to his appointment in Rome. " His 40 years in Rome," says The Times correspondent in that city, " had given him an unequalled knowledge of the city, both ancient and modern, its history and its character, for he was both a student and an observer. During these years Dr, Gray made innumerable friends among residents, visitors, Italians, and foreigners, and I never heard of any enemy. They must have been very few, for he combined uprightness and charity to a remarkable degree." He received the degree of D.D. from St. Andrews University.


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Joseph Forbes Keith (1857-58), M.D., Brigade-Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel, Indian Medical Service, retired, died at Southsea on 1st April, aged 79 years. He graduated M.B., C.M. in 1866, and M.D. four years later. Colonel Keith had a distinguished career in the Indian Medical Service, which he entered at Bombay in 1867. He served with the Abyssinian Expedition in 1868, and in the Afghan War in 1880. In the latter campaign he took part in the defence of Kandahar, the sortie of Deh Khoj a, and the battle of September 1. For his valuable services he was mentioned in dispatches, and received the Afghan War Medal (with clasp). He also served in the Burmese Expedition of 1886 to 1888. He retired with the rank of Brigade-Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel in 1894. John Arbuthnott Trail (1860-61), M.A., LL.D., of Messrs. Scott Moncrieff and Trail, Writers to the Signet, Edinburgh, died there on 11th June, aged 74 years. He was a son of the late Very Rev. Dr. Samuel Trail, Professor of Systematic Theology in the University of Aberdeen, and a brother of the late Dr. James W. H. Trail, Professor of Botany in the same University. He graduated in Arts at Aberdeen in 1866, and took the LL.B. degree at Edinburgh in 1872, being admitted a Writer to the Signet in the same year. He received the degree of I.L.D. from Aberdeen University in 1902. William Brebner (1861-63), M.A., retired minister of, Gilcomston Parish, Aberdeen, died at Aberdeen on 22nd May, aged 73 years. He was appointed to Gilcomston Parish in 1876 and retired in 1916, after 40 years' efficient service. Robert Aikman Gray (1861-67), M.D., medical practitioner, Blackburn, Lancs., died there on 17th March, aged 70 years. He was a son of Rev. Robert Gray, Berryden House, Aberdeen. James Scott* (1864-67), D.S.O., late Consul-General, Canton, China, died at West Acton, London, on 10th May, aged 69 years. He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen in 1871, and in the following year was appointed a student interpreter in the British Consular Service, China. In 1880 he qualified as a first-class interpreter and in 1883 was detached for special service in Corea. In 1890 he published a Corean grammar and a year later an English-Corean dictionary, which were the first English books on the Corean language, and for which he received the thanks of the Foreign Office. He became ViceConsul at Shanghai in 1892, Consul at Chinkiang in 1898, was transferred to Swatow in 1899, and was appointed ConsulGeneral at Canton in 1901. In 1905 he was made a Companion of the Imperial Service Order and retired in 1906, living for several years in Aberdeen and latterly in London. His four sons are F.P's. DOUGLAS SOMERVILLE SCOTT (1907-11), M.B., is in the Government medical service in British East Africa ;


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ARTHUR LESLIE SCOTT* (1908-14) was recently appointed to a student-interpretership in China; and CECIL ALEXANDER Scorr (1915-17) and ERIC JAMES Scorr (1915-17) are at St. Paul's School, London. Charles Shirres* (1864-68) died at Aberdeen on 8th May, aged 67 years. After a business career in Aberdeen, London, and Australia, he retired to his native city in 1910. Andrew Mitchell (1865-67), M.B., died at New Deer on 26th May, aged 71 years. He was in medical practice in New Deer and district for almost 50 years. William Morrison (1865-70), solicitor, of the firm of Messrs. Williamson Booth, Mintos, and Morrison, Aberdeen, died at Aberdeen on 24th May, aged 65 years. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Davidson and Garden, Aberdeen, and qualified in 1894. He was a brother of Dr. ARTHUR A. MORRISON* (1870-73) of Alexandria, Egypt. George Thompson Henderson (1867-70), son of the late Sir William Henderson, died in London on 2nd June, aged 63 years. He was a director and manager of Messrs. George Thompson and Co., Ltd., the owners of the Aberdeen • Line. fifth son of Alexander John Inglis* (1871-76), M.A., M.D., Inglis, ship chandler, Aberdeen, died at St. Leonards-on-Sea on 10th May, aged 59 years. He graduated in Arts at Aberdeen in 1881 and in medicine (M.B., C.M.) in 1883. He practised his profession at Hastings and later at St. Leonards-on-Sea. David Murray Milne Scott (1876-79), eldest son of the late John Scott, Registrar, North of Scotland Bank, Ltd., died at Aberdeen on 30th March, aged 58 years. After leaving the School he was in business in India for nine years, and then, after a year at home, went to South Africa. When the South African War broke out, he joined the South African Imperial Yeomanry and was wounded at Ladysmith. After that war he held a post in connexion with Government mines. About nine years ago he became a commission agent in England. Alexander C. Taylor* (1883-85) died at Aberdeen in June, 1919. He served his apprenticeship as a chemist with Messrs. Davidson and Kay, Aberdeen. After a period in England, he returned to Aberdeen, entering the service of Messrs. Mortimer and Dunn, and was latterly with Messrs. Boots, cash chemists. Robert Arthur Harvey Robertson (1892-94), O.B.E., Major, 30th Punjabis, Indian Army, died in London on 29th May, aged 39 years. He was a son of the late Robert Robertson, M.V.O., of Peterhead. Charles Arthur Watson (1886-90 and 1892-93) died at Vancouver, British Columbia, on 5th May, aged 42 years. On


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leaving the School he entered the service of Messrs. J. and A. Davidson, coal merchants, Aberdeen, and from 1900 he was engaged in business in London. In 1910 he went out to Vancouver, joining the British Columbia Electric Railway Co., Ltd., there. . John Stuart Johnston* (1900-10) died at Aberdeen on 9th March, aged 25 years. He was serving as an apprentice with the Caledonian Insurance Company, Aberdeen, when war broke out. Called up as a Territorial, he became Q.M. Sergeant of A Coy., 4th Gordon Highlanders. While he was being invalided home, his ship was torpedoed, and his death was due to the effects of exposure. Alexander Banks* (1903-09) died at Nanton, Alberta, on 10th April, aged 28 years. He was in the service of the Canadian Bank of Commerce.

Marriages. Bisset (1880—85 ).-At St. Cuthbert's Church, Kensington, W., on 22nd April, JAMES LESSEE BISSET, eldest son of the late James Bisset, Aberdeen, to

Florence Alice Vernon, only child of the late Lt.-Colonel George Ramsay Alured Denne, 4th (Royal Irish.) Dragoon Guards. Davidson (1884-94).—At Netherley, West Cults, on 28th April, THOMAS RUSSELL DAVIDSON, late of Singapore, son of James Davidson, 57 Queen's Road, Aberdeen, to Elsie Mattie, youngest daughter of the late James Duthie. Michie (1887-97).—At the Ashton U. F. Church, Gourock, on 5th June, Rev. G. B. TRomsoN MICHIE*, B.D., minister of Gourock Parish, to Agnes May Kirkland, daughter of the late Dr. William Stewart, M.B., C.M., D.P.H., and of Mrs. Stewart, Benview, Gourock. Mortimer (1895-99).—At Elmslea, Dundee, on 3rd June, DOUGLASS A. MORTIMER,* solicitor, Dundee, to Gertrude, eldest daughter of the late John M. Nairn and of Mrs. Nairn, Elmslea. Skeen (1895-99).—At Singapore, on 8th March, DONALD TRENCH SKEPN,* Colonial Medical Service, son of the late Deputy-Surgeon General Skeen, M.D., to Marjorie, daughter of the late Rev. J. Hughes-Davies, vicar of Bethos, Montgomeryshire. Gilbert (1902-06).-At St. James's Church, Aberdeen, on 3rd Tune, WALTER - Tom Dutton, LOTHIAN GII.BERT to Christina Mitchell (Teenie), elder daughter of Aberdeen. Brown (1903-06).—At Station Hotel, Aberdeen, on 10th April, ERIC J. BROWN, Viewmount, Banchory, to Mary Ann Smith, younger daughter of Francis Ingram, 19a Forbes Street, Aberdeen. Glass (1904-10).—At the Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen, on 3rd April, CHARLES W. GLASS,* C.E., Newcastle-on-Tyne, son of ex-Baillie Glass and Mrs. Glass, Balmoral Lodge, Holburn Street, Aberdeen, to Isabella, daughter of the late W. Shearer and of Mrs. W. Shearer, 228 Holburn Street, Aberdeen. Macneill (1905-06).-At 20 Cluny Drive, Edinburgh, on 15th April, J. Ross MACNEILL,* M.A., M.B., Ch.B., London, elder son of the late Rev. J. R. MacNeill, Tongue, and Mrs. MacNeill, 22 Osborne Place, Aberdeen, to Constance Mary, elder daughter of the Rev. Alexander and Mrs. Soutar, formerly of Thurso. Thomson (1905-08).-At St. Peter's Anglican Church, Hamilton, Ontario, on 14th April, RODERICK FRASER (ROY) THOMSON,* Dominion Bank of Canada, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Thomson, 16 Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen, to Anne Grace, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James E. Cooper, 18 Fairleigh Avenue, So. Hamilton, Canada.


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Lord Meston's Visit to the School. The Empire Day Celebration of 1920 will long be remembered at the School on account of the visit of that highly distinguished Former Pupil, the Right Honourable Lord Meston of Agra and Dunnottar, who was Dux and Gold, Medallist of the School in 1880. His Lordship's visit was the fulfilment of a promise given some six months ago to I)r. Simpson, who, during his last days made practically all the arrangements for the Celebration, in which, alas, he was destined to take no part. On previous Empire Days Dr. Simpson's figure was an outstanding one and his absence this year was keenly felt. Some may have thought that in view of the Rector's very recent death, the Celebration might fittingly have been abandoned, but this would certainly have been contrary to his wishes. For weeks he had devoted his thoughts by day and by night to this outstanding event in the School's history, and with all the more concentration when he realized that he would not himself be present. At 10.45 a.m., in bright sunshine, the pupils paraded in classes on the front lawn, and opposite the flagstaff were the troops of Boy Scouts. Lord Meston, who was accompanied by his sister, Miss Meston, and Dr. John Macdonald, Mossat, Kildrummy, his brother-in-law, was received by Mr. George Duncan, chairman of the Education Authority, and by Dr. M`Leod, the acting head of the School, and with them walked round the classes. When the flag was hoisted at 11 aim., the Scout buglers sounded a salute, and three resounding cheers were given. Thereafter the company, which included many old School and University classfellows of Lord Meston, went to the School Hall, the kilted Boy Scouts, who to their great delight had been inspected by the distinguished visitor, forming a guard of honour. MR. GEORGE DUNCAN INTRODUCES LORD MESTON. Prayer having been offered by Rev. Professor Alex. R. Gordon, D.Litt., of Montreal, and the company having sung the 100th Psalm, the chairman, Mr. George Duncan, said that we met that morning with somewhat mingled feelings, because we were still under the shadow of the great loss which the School had sustained through the lamented death of Dr. Morland Simpson. He had already had the opportunity on behalf of his colleagues of expressing their appreciation of the great work that Dr. Simpson had done for the School, but he could not help recalling that morning that our annual celebration of Empire Day, so appropriate to a great School like ours, so many of whose sons had rendered a great service to the Empire all over the world, was entirely due to his initiative. Mr. Duncan said he knew how much the late Rector was looking


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forward to Empire Day, and how proud he would have been to stand on that platform to welcome the distinguished man who was about to address us. (Applause). He felt indeed that the spirit of the Rector was with us in all our proceedings. He would now introduce to us one whom he ventured to call the most distinguished Former Pupil of the School now living. (Applause.) It was forty years since Lord Meston sat on those benches, but he believed he was right when he said that his absence had only made his heart grow fonder of the old School, and that there was no Former Pupil who was more loyal or devoted to the School than Lord Meston. (Applause.) Leaving the School, Lord Meston went to Aberdeen University, where he was a member of a class which was probably the ablest that ever passed through King's College. One of his classfellows, and one of its best scholars, was one whom we knew well—our English master, Mr. Murison. (Applause.) He was glad to see so many of Lord Meston's old classfellows there to welcome him that day. (Applause.) In 1885 Lord Meston entered the Civil Service of India under the guidance of one who was a very old and dear friend of many there, the late Dr. David Rennet—(applause)—and in that high service he rose from one position to another until eight years ago he became Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. More recently Lord Meston had rendered great services not merely to India, but to the Empire at large, in connexion with the re-settlement of Indian affairs, services so great and so unprecedented in many ways that he was fittingly rewarded by being raised to the peerage —(applause)—thus becoming the first old Grammar boy to be a Peer of the Realm since the days of Lord Byron. (Applause.) There was no one more fitted to talk to us on the call of the Empire, about our duties to the Empire, and about the meaning of Empire Day than the distinguished Imperial statesman whom it was his great honour to introduce to us-Lord Meston. (Applause.) LORD MESTON'S ADDRESS. Lord Meston, who was enthusiastically received, expressed his sincere gratitude for being allowed to revisit the School on that historic occasion, and to see the impressive ceremonial that had just taken place. Changed times, he said, meant a change in names and new institutions. It was a little difficult at first to recognize in the Aberdeen Education Authority the lineal descendant of the body that used to rule over their destinies in his boyhood. The change, he supposed, was symbolic of the great alterations that had taken place during the last generation, no doubt to its ultimate and lasting benefit, in the organization of secondary education in Scotland. But a change of name could not alter or disguise or diminish the


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abiding interest which had always been taken by the publicspirited citizens of Aberdeen in our great historic School, and would continue to be taken, he was sure, so long as we had such leaders of the public life in the city—(applause). He was perfectly sure there was little doubt that the Education Authority which Mr. Duncan controlled would. continue to direct and guide the destinies of the Grammar School with the same skill and devotion as the best of their predecessors—(applause). DR. SIMPSON-AN APPRECIATION.

He wished most respectfully to associate himself with the feelings the Chairman had just given such eloquent expression to—the feelings of deep grief and sorrow at the calamity under the shadow of which the meeting was held. His own personal acquaintance with Dr. Simpson was, only of recent growth, because in his days Mr. Martin was the Rector. As one of the Old Boys who had watched the progress of the School from afar, he would like to say with what success and skill Dr. Simpson devoted himself to the welfare and progress of the institution. Starting, as he did, with avery keen personal knowledge of the English public school system, and with a definite predilection in its favour, he was, in his enthusiasm, looked at askance in the earlier days by the more conservative northern people. But his undoubted great academic acquirements and wholehearted devotion to the work that lay before him soon allayed all prejudice, and Lord Meston thought Aberdeen in recent days had begun to realize that in Dr. Simpson we had a Rector who was well worthy of taking his place on the roll of distinguished head masters which honoured and adorned the Grammar School of Aberdeen—(applause). The " OLD GENTLEMAN WITH A TALL HAT." Lord Meston then turned to the duty of addressing us on, Empire Day. It was, he said, a duty that was laid upon him personally by our late Rector, and in obeying his behest he was paying the best tribute he could to his memory. As the Chairman had somewhat unkindly reminded us--(laughter) it was exactly forty years within a few weeks since he was last in that Hall. It was the year he was in the Fifth Class, when the prizes were being given—and in these unregenerate days the Hall was used for nothing else except prize-giving purposes. In forty years, as we could imagine, a good many things slipped out of one's memory, but there was one thing he remembered as vividly and clearly as if it were yesterday. At that prize-giving, and every other prize-giving at which he was present, there always came a time at which they got very fidgety—they felt they had had enough of it. (Laughter.) The order of merit had been read out, the prizes had been distributed, and they were all extremely anxious to get away,


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to get home to show their prizes to their admiring relatives, or expound the most excellent reasons why they had not got a prize. (Laughter.) Just at that particular time there invariably arose an old gentleman with a tall hat—(laughter)— and he proceeded to give them a disquisition on—anything we liked ; he fancied it was mostly connected with their duties to their teacher, or neighbours, or themselves. (Laughter.) But the thing he remembered as vividly as yesterday through the mist of forty years was the deep and bitter resentment they felt against that old gentleman—(laughter)—against his position and against the way in which he stood between them and what they wanted to do that warm summer afternoon. (Laughter.) As he did not want us to visit the same sort of resentment on him, he would be extremely brief in what he was to say. (Laughter and enthusiastic applause from the infants in the front seats, which greatly tickled his Lordship.) EMPIRE DAY. We knew, continued Lord Meston, all about Empire Day, probably as much as he could possibly tell us. We knew how the Empire was built up under three Queens—Queen Elizabeth, Queen Anne, and Queen Victoria of revered memory, who breathed a mother's pride, affection, and love into our Imperial life, and brought together the Empire as the corporate unit it was to-day. We would recognize, therefore, the extraordinary appropriateness of making the birthday of the great Queen the annual date on which to celebrate the festival of Empire. Probably we knew as much as he could tell us of the history and politics of the Empire. He hoped we knew a little more than they did forty years ago, for he remembered their chief exercise in Imperial geography was committing to memory a long list of names. (Laughter.) THE INDIAN EMPIRE. He would take us for a few minutes into one corner of the Empire with which he had at times, since he left the School, a good deal to do—that was the Empire of India. (Applause.) He then proceeded to give a brief description of India, remarking as he did so that he saw some of us beginning to yawn already. (Laughter.) He believed some of the Grammar School boys would come to India in time. How did India come to be a part of the British Empire ? It came into the British Empire because of the thousands of men who were continually at internal war and bloodshed among the barbaric tribes of the north and north-west frontiers. At last people came to us, who were only strangers at that time, and asked us to come in and help them to restore peace in the country. That was the job they


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had been doing—Scotsmen, Englishmen and Irishmen. (Applause.) Every year hundreds of young Scotsmen were going out to India to help in that job, and were employed in all sorts of ways--as engineers, educationists, missionaries, teachers, preachers, civil servants, men employed in great commercial undertakings, who went out there year after year from our School and from other schools. (Applause.) Of the two last men he saw before returning from India, one [Sir George Carmichael, K.C.S.I.], was in the Fourth Class of the School when he was in the Fifth, was now second in command of the great Presidency of Bombay—(applause)—and the other Major-General Andrew Skeen, who was a little junior to both, had been during the whole of last year commanding a big fighting force which had held back frontier natives. (Applause.) When we began to think about it, he hoped we would not forget the claims of India. There was any amount of work to be done—fascinating work, hard work. There was also plenty of play as well, and we should have the consolation of knowing that the work was fine work, and splendid service to the Empire whose celebration had been undertaken that day. When the time came for us to think about the future he hoped some would give India a chance. It would want probably for many generations to come the best men whom the schools and colleges could send out, and that was why he had attempted to put the claims of India before us. (Loud applause, during which his Lordship sat down.) Lord Provost Meff proposed the vote of thanks to Lord Meston, which was endorsed in the School's best style, and after his Lordship had replied, the programme ended with the singing of the hymn " 0 God of Love " and the National Anthem, and the pronouncing of the benediction by Rev. Professor Pittendrigh. Before leaving the School to be entertained at luncheon by the Former Pupils' Club, Lord Meston was conducted round several of the class-rooms and laboratories, and also the Library and Museum, in all of which he displayed the liveliest interest.

I

a


o

The Right Hon. BARON MESTON OF AGRA AND DUNNOTTAR, K.C.S.I., LL.D.


4

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HENRY FIFE MORLAND SIMPSON, M.A. (Cantab.), LL.D. (Aberdeen). Rector of the School 1893-1920.

(From the Portrait in the School Hall.)


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JOHN MACKAY THOMSON, M.A. (Edin.), B.A. (Oxon.). Appointed Rector of the School nth June, 1923. (From a Photograph specially taken by Messrs. Morgan, Aberdeen.)


THE FOURTH CLASS OF 1863-1864.

Back Row—GEORGE S. GIBB, JOHN MCK. WEMSTER, JAMES REID, JOHN S. ADAMSON, GEORGE E. REID, ROBERT REID, ALEXANDER \\ ROBERT S. D. TYTLER,

The PORTER,

WILLIAM J. B. MOIR, JAMES L. THOMSON,

DAVID W. ABERNETHY,

WILLIAM

."I- PETER THOMSON, Rev. Mr. WATT,

B. KNOWLES, ANDREW MURRAY.

Front Row—JAMES CRABB, HENRY 0. FORBES, JOHN S. BRYCE, DAVID ROWELL, Rev. WM. BEVERLY, ROBERT B. WALKER, ROBERT CROMARTY, WILLIAM MILNE, JAMES NICOL.


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The Class of 1860-1865. The old School photograph reproduced in this issue of the Magazine is the group of the Fourth Class in 1863-64, which was the opening session of the present School buildings. The original from which the reproduction has been made was lent by Drs. James Crabb of London (a member of the Class), and in spite of being over half a century old, it is in a wonderfully good state of preservation. From the following notes it will be seen that the Class contained several boys who in later life rose to prominent poSitions. George Stegmann Gibb* (1860-65), LL.B., was general manager of the North-Eastern Railway-for 15 years, managing director of the London Underground Railways from 1906 to 1910, when he was appointed chairman of the Road Board, and was knighted in 1904 ; John McKesser Webster (18611865), M.A., was parish minister of Row, near Helensburgh, and died in 1914 ; James Reid* (1861-65), M.A., M.D., LL.D., F.R.C.P., was Resident Physician and Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria for 20 years, thereafter Physician in Ordinary to King Edward VII and King George V, created C.B. 1889, K.C.B. 1895, Baronet 1897, G.C.V.O. 1901 ; John Saunders Adamson (1860-65) resides at Boxmoor, Hertfordshire; Alexander Watt (1863-65) is minister of Harthill, Lanarkshire ; Peter Thomson* (1863-65) was for 30 years town clerk and treasurer to the municipality of Uitenhage, South Africa ; Robert Stephen Duff Tytler (1861-66) was a planter in Ceylon, later Superintendent of Immigration for the Ceylon Government, and died at. Colombo in 1905 ; William John Bonar Moir (1861-65), M.A., was for long associated with Lovedale Missionary Institution„ South Africa, and died at Lynturk, Aberdeenshire, in 1904 ; James Laing Thomson (1863-65), M.A., was minister of the parish of Menmuir, Forfarshire, and died in 1902 ; David Wyllie Abernethy (1859-64) was an ironfounder in Aberdeen, and died in 1915 ; William Bisset Knowles (1862-65), M.D., was a doctor in New South Wales, and died there in 1892 ; Andrew Murray (1861-64) has been a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen since 1876 ; James Crabb* (1863-65), M.A., M.D., has been for over 40 years in medical practice in North London ; Henry Ogg Forbes (1863-67), LL.D., is an explorer, biologist, and zoologist, and was for long Director of Museums to the Corporation of Liverpool ; John Stewart Bryce (1861-65) was an advocate in Aberdeen and died in 1890 ; David Rowell (1861-65) was in business in Brazil, and later in London, until his death in 1902 ; Robert B. Walker (1863-65) was for long a sheep farmer in Queensland. Information about any of the other members of the group will be welcomed by the Editor of the Magazine.


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Scotland Revisited OR Notes of a Peacetime Cycling Tour. I fancy most of our " demobbed " ones spent the first summer of Peace in their native land. Of the " contineng " we had had an elegant sufficiency. My own inclination was for a free and easy ramble through Scotland, on my old pushbike, revisiting former scenes of joy. Army " jerks" had left me in good fettle for such a tour, and one could enjoy the unwonted sense of freedom. There was to be no " revally," no " alley-tout-de-suite." It was to be " always afternoon." I was to sip the honey of my lotus-flower. The day of my starting was one of good omen. It was Haig Day and Aberdeen's Peace Day, a day truly of BonAccord. In the forenoon I had waited patiently to see our glorious Imperator, and I had had a good look at the face of him who had once stood with his " back to the wall." It was a face on which was writ aequanimitas. In the afternoon I put together my few " indispensables "—that was a word laden with meaning one time in Middle III—and about four o'clock I trundled off on my well-tried " Sunbeam." I took the North Deeside road, my goal that night being Ballater. I had not been up the valley since before the War, and truly it looked lovely in the glorious sunshine of that July afternoon. The steady pedalling soon set up a pleasing rhythm, and the mind went off on its own tours and detours. THE MOOR OF DINNET. It was in the evening quiet that I approached Ballater and the hills, and whether it was that I had been cycling all these hours alone, or that I was tired, or really that there was the hush of twilight over the countryside, I know not, but I certainly felt a sense of solemnity. It may have been what Dr Bruce of Banff (F.P.), has so finely termed " the beatitude of the Bens." Assuredly the moor of Dinnet makes a fit approach to the mountains. It might well be one's road to Damascus. There one is alone. The chatter and distraction of civilization have long been left behind. One is in the presence of primeval nature. This is our Egdon Heath. The soul—one realizes here one has a soul—the soul is set free for contemplation. Here might even the daily rushful city-traveller shake off his cares and pre-occupations. Here might he put off his shoes, as it were, approaching the temple not made with hands. AMONG THE MOUNTAINEERS. In Ballater, thanks to my F.P. host, who is himself an accredited member of the S.M.C.—though, let it be said, he wears his honours modestly-I came for the first time in con-


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tact with genuine mountaineers, men, that is, whose pastime is to climb mountains. The breed interested me greatly. One hero had clambered, I suppose, every notable hill in our island, not to speak of the Alps and Rockies, and was now casting longing eyes towards the Caucasus : Prometheus certainly unbound. Such men represent our Saxon and Norman strenuousness at its highest pitch. Mountains and rocks in their eyes are things to be conquered. They find zest in the ascent, still more in the having achieved. Their joy is simple and unaffected, nor are they indifferent to the view from the heights they win. They feel the inspiration of the Nos atenp. BRAEMAR. o' Mar " lures me not, no more the braes standard on " The . than Sheriffmuir. Think what a figure even Rob Roy cut at the latter. Romance belongs to the Forty-Five, and to it alone. But it is pleasant to find a tablet on the house where Stevenson wrote Treasure Island—a tale of the sea composed amid the mountains. " Two voices are there," but R.L.S. blended them beautifully in the pages of romance, which likewise has ever been the " chosen music " of liberty. THE CAIRNWELL AND SPITAL OF GLENSHEE. The Cairnwell is still the highest road in Great Britain. It feelingly persuaded me of this before I had crossed it. One grows very thoughtful pushing a bicycle uphill in sultry summer heat, after the midday meal. At such a time one envies the gay group seated by the mountain rill, enjoying tea or lunch al fresco, with their motor-car waiting by, ready to whisk them back to the fashionable hotel in Braemar in time for full-dress dinner. We are sure they are " profiteers " —preferably " war "—and we frequently hope the grapes are sour. Time was when I made great play with the fact that I had lunched at the Devil's Elbow. But it was left to my maturer age to dare what I had never dared when I was a boy at School, namely, to cycle down and round the nasty double turn on the other side of the summit of the Cairnwell. It meant keeping a tense hold of both brakes all the time of the descent, and, apart from the steepness of the gradient, the road surface was very rough and broken, ruinous indeed to the tyres of any ordinary bicycle. On my way down to the Spital of Glenshee I overtook three pedestrians, and my heart warmed to them. They were the only pedites I met all the time of my tour, in fact the only folks on a wander-tour like myself. We all agreed that our native land was not sufficiently appreciated by its own people. When will our boys at School think of hiring a motorlorry, if not the old-fashioned caravan, and perambulate


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the country " frae Maidenkirk to John o' Groat's," enjoying the wind on the heath, the moon on the lake, visiting the scenes of old romance and story ? PEACE NIGHT ON THE MOUNTAINS. It was in the sequestered vale of Strathardle, on the top of Craigdhu, that I stood about midnight with the Highland gamekeeper, his wife, and golden-curled girlie, to witness the beacons lit throughout Scotland in celebration of peace. It was an excellent vantage-coign from which to view the bonfires'—set right in the heart of the highlands. The place and hour intensified the impressiveness of the scene. All around us flame after flame shot up into the darkness, while over Dundee and Perth the heavens glowed red. The keeper, with unerring eye, named the " airts "--from Stonehaven in the north, past the Lomonds, to the Berwick Law far out along the Firth of Forth. Ofttimes in days of old had such beacon fires gleamed, but then they told of wars impending, of English invasions, of Armadas. To-night the beacons proclaimed the end of Armageddon. The mountains were publishing peace. To DUNKELD. of Strathardle I emerged to hold my From the seclusion journey southwards. I followed the Ericht to Blairgowrie, a road dear to me from childhood's years and ever delightful for its den of Craighall, with romantic mansion—is it not reputed the Tully-Veolan of Waverley ?—set amidst magnificent trees, and built, like an eagle's nest, on a rock rising sheer from the river. In the town I stopped merely to purchase a repair-outfit—ut quocumque paratus—and then sped on to Dunkeld by the lovely road which leads past the charming chain of lochs. Dunkeld, with its grand old Cathedral situated on the banks of the Tay—every stone for the building was carried miles by monks on their shoulders—and Birnam Hill and Wood, rich in memories and vistas, did not detain me this occasion. I was eager to visit Rumbling Bridge, which lay on my route to Crieff, and which I had never seen before. RUMBLING BRIDGE. Rumbling Bridge is a noble spectacle of nature. Its grandeur subdues rather than astonishes one. In such a spot the melancholy Jaques might muse and moralize long enough. The bridge is a single small arch spanning the rocky gorge at its narrowest. Westward, the river comes down over a rocky, boulder-strewn bed, then falls in a cascade over precipitous rocks down to a pool beneath the bridge, where it seems to stand, stunned as it were by the fall ; then, gathering


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itself together, it emerges tranquil once more into a normal though rocky channel. Both banks of the stream are richly wooded, the birch and the ash being predominant. One may easily reach the rock where the water goes foaming over, and mark the current gathering speed for the leap. One may, boylike, wish to leap into that current and test its strength, poising on a ledge and feeling all that joie de vivre which Frederick Myers felt as he made ready to plunge into the river above Niagara Falls. One may even peer over the edge and see the cauldron beneath, the vapour rising up, and the smooth-worn rocks where the water ceaselessly falls. But you must descend to that pool beneath if you are to appreciate the tremendous drop from the precipice above. This may be done by a path on the east side of the bridge. Iron stanchions in the rocks give sufficient purchase for hands and feet, and with good nerves one may descend right to the verge of the deep, solemn pool. Only then, looking upward, one realises the height of the bridge that spans the ravine. There is perfect silence down here, and all the jagged rocks are clothed with ivy. Long festoons or ribbons of greenery droop downwards, and visiting the place in such an hour, one might image the greenery as flags hung in honour of the consummation of peace : mayhap--f or the stillness and the drooping plants incline one's thoughts thus—in memorial honour of the dead. THE SMA' GLEN. Sma' Glen is a miniature Glencoe. One lights on this vale of desolation with something of surprise. One is in the Highlands, it is true. These many miles human habitations have been rare. Amulree, a mere clachan, but accentuates the solitude. Hills are everywhere ; and yet one had not looked to find so awesome a glen just on the borderland of Crieff and civilization. It must come like rather a cold douche on the gay trippers from Grieff, this glen with its steep, bare hillsides, its brooding shadows and solitude. To me—without upholding the theory of transmigration of souls—the place bore a startling resemblance to two scenes famous in Roman History, the Caudine Forks and the Lake Trasimene, save that the stream had to stand for the lake in the latter parallel. Otherwise I could picture the two battles of ancient days as fought in such a glen as this. CRIEFF. Here, thought I, are safer pastures for gregarious democracy. At the gateway to the Highlands, and commanding the magnificent vale of Strathearn, Crieff strikes one immediately as an ideal centre for tourists. With its Hydro, shops, hotels, and golf-course, it has all the amenities of our comfort-loving


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civilization, on which the tourist, whom the Sma' Glen has discomfortably made aware of his soul, can relapse. I found lodgment opposite the monument raised by the town to the memory of Sir Patrick Murray of Ochtertyre, and looking forth absently from my window—in Roman mood still, perhaps—at the flags and decorations hung from the• monument in celebration of Peace, I found a singular appositeness in the motto on the stone—Ex bello quies. ARDOCH CAMP. The outline of the Roman Camp is very clear still. Agger, fossa, vallum—all are there, the gateways, and even G.H.Q., that is praetorium. No need to dream of Caudine Forks or Trasimene Lake--those Romans had actually been here in the brave days of old. They, too, had known what it was to have a parapet, to " over the top and the best of luck." They too, had dug feverishly against time in order to be ready for an attack. How static is warfare ! Or shall we say cyclic ? Here had we come back to the trenches and earthworks of the Romans and their contemporaries. We had discarded the stone and lime forts of our Norman ancestors, just as on the other hand we had resumed armour and helmets. Only the purpose of it all remains the same, stupid and persistent—to slay and slay and slay. This region is undoubtedly the battleground par excellence of Scotland. From the top of the Abbey Craig at Stirling one may count eight of the great battlefields of Scottish history. In this neighbourhood Galgacus had marshalled his host before the fight of Mons Graupius- solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant. To-day it is all undulating greensward. The Roman occupation of Britain still awaits its Wizardnovelist to re-create it. THE WALLACE STONE. Riding down from Sheriffmuir, where I had lain the afternoon among the heather, feasting my gaze on the panorama of the Grampians and the valley of Strathearn, I came upon the Wallace Stone, a rough-built cairn of small stones with the rough slab embedded in it, the whole surrounded by an iron railing. There is no inscription. The story, according to Blind Harry, is that here Wallace made his last stand. It was a desert spot, and from where I stood I noted as significant that the Grampians were no longer visible. It had been, maybe, with Wallace as with the giant of ancient myth, who when lifted up from Mother Earth, lost his invincibility. The Guardian of Scotland had been vanquished when he could no more 'see the hills whence he drew his inspiration. DUNBLANE CATHEDRAL. The precincts of the Cathedral retain the old-world ecclesiastital atmosphere, just like our own St. Machar's Cathedral.


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One approaches with a sense of largeness of atmosphere that is very pleasing. Within the cathedral are the famous tombs of the Drummonds, the three tragic sisters of Scottish legend, poisoned by the nobles, who were jealous of their influence with James IV. One of them indeed was reputed his wife by a secret marriage. The, motto on Stirling of Keir's grave was a strange mixture of English and Scots—" Gang forward." Surely it should be one or the other, " Go forward," or " Gang forrit. ' Mongrel mottoes are always detestable. Sauntering round the precincts later, " by the banks of Allan Water," I noticed a tombstone with inscription facing the roadway, in contrast to the others, which naturally were meant to be read from within the church grounds. It was a paraphrase of the terse Latin memento mori, and ran thus :— " Remember, man, as you pass by, As you are now so once was I, As I am now, so you must be, Prepare, therefore, to follow me." STIRLING.

Most Scotsmen wish they had been born in Edinburgh. Give me Stirling. This is all the eugenics I have ever wished. Here, if anywhere, is Valhalla. The Abbey Craig and the Castle Rock look at each other across a plain where knight and king, prince and commoner, have done their devoir. The very largeness of the view exhilarates, the Links of Forth at your feet, and the mighty Grampians in the west. History and romance blend wonderfully here—Wallace and the Bridge —the cobble-stoned bridge is not the original, but what of that ?—Bruce and the Bore-stone, Randolph and the rose from his chaplet, Douglas of the leading wand, Fitz-James adventuring into the mountain-fastnesses of Roderick Dhu— these are the dominant figures that pass before one's eyes, but the whole ground is crowded with the pageant of Scottish history. It is now nigh twenty years since first I tramped this countryside, a boy fresh from the School, and I have never yet looked on such another view as that from the top of the Wallace Monument on the Abbey Craig. FALKIRK AND THE MINERS.

Falkirk always depresses me. It is the fly in the ointment of Stirling. If only Longshanks had been kicked to bits by his horse, or—better still-- -if Wallace and he could but have met in single combat ! To Prince Charlie, too, it meant a dies ater. I was in the smoky mining villages now. In the bright summer evening, when all nature seemed so gay, I could not but notice how passive those manual workers were after their day's work. They sat about on doorsteps or window-sills,


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with an air almost of expectancy, as if waiting—for what ? The bell or siren to call them once more to work ? That could be all. It was very pathetic. This was all that life meant now—to work and to refrain from working. No zest of living, no intelligent curiosity, no seeking out of things— the soul was sucked out of them. They sat there, listless, apathetic, often not even talking, hands folded, simply done. In marked contrast were the children. These still moved about, with all the vivacity and restless curiosity of children. The primal life-force was not yet gone out of them. But how long would it last ? Certainly there must be something wrong in a state of life such as that. Need work be so blighting as this ? It was an unforgettable picture—all those grownup men and women, sitting at the end of the day quiescent, uninterested, silent, awaiting the hour of sleep and the renewed call to work. LINLITHGOW. " Of all the palaces so fair Built for the royal dwelling, In Scotland, far beyond compare Linlithgow is excelling."

So Scott made Sir David Lindesay sing to Marmion, and so thought I as I wandered round the palace in the sweet, summer morning air, under the umbrageous trees. A pend leads steeply off the main street to the Palace and Church, and therewith one leaves the smoky, smelly old town and enters another world. The palace is now a ruin, but a very stately ruin, and the grounds, with the lonely loch, are still as delightsome as in those days of which Scott wrote :— " And in its park, in jovial June, How sweet the merry linnet's tune, How blithe the blackbird's lay ! The wild-buck bells from ferny brake, The coot dives merry on the lake ; The saddest heart might pleasure take To see all nature gay."

The loch is a magnificent sheet of water, close to the steep bank on which the Palace stands, with the houses of the town fringing its western shore, while northwards slope fair meadows and pastures. The good folks of the town to-day may enjoy a row on the loch— the boats are for hire—just as royalty had enjoyed it oft in days gone by. Many historical events are associated with the Palace, but the most outstanding probably is the birth here of Mary, Queen of Scots. Standing in the very birth chamber, to which you ascend by a turret, and looking out on the fair prospect of lake and mead, I thought of the stir and hubbub in the palace that morning long ago. I thought, too, of that other palace away in Fifeshire, where lay the broken-hearted king—his life sped at thirty! James Fitz-James and


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the Gudeman o' Ballengiech hotwithstanding—to whom the tidings came not as of joy but as boding the passing of his crown to another house—" It cam' wi' a lass, and it 'ill gang wi' a lass." Having finished my tour of the palace I took my way to the landing-stage and had a most pleasant hour's row and reverie on the loch, viewing the grand old pile from every possible side. St. Michael's Church, which next I visited, was the church where James IV. had the premonitory vision on the eve of Flodden, as described by historians, as well as Scott in Marmion. Probably this vision, like the midnight supernatural summons at the Cross of Edinburgh, was a clever attempt of James's counsellors to appeal to his superstition and dissuade him from the expedition he was bent on making. How successful they were we know from the baleful name of Flodden. To-day the visitor notes with admiration two fine stainedglass windows. The one in the chancel (built in memory of a great natural philosopher) is a most vivid pictorial representation of Psalm civ., the wonderful works of nature. The other, at the western end of the nave, is a truly awe-inspiring rendering of • the Transfiguration. To one looking down the sombre nave in the afternoon, when the sun shines on that window, the effulgence round the head of Jesus has something of startling verisimilitude. EDINBURGH.

It is a great contrast coming off the silent country roads to the bustle and din of the causewayed streets. Especially obtrusive is.the burr of the cable carways, as if the very nerves of the city were bare and exposed. What would Schopenhauer have said to it ? Nevertheless one has to be thankful for civilization at times, even as a wanderer. What could we do without Poste Restante ? The fascination of Edinburgh grows on one. There is such a splendid contrast between the great rugged Castle rock— reminding one of the hidden eruptive forces of Nature—and the civilization and shapely ideas of man, as set forth in that magnificent, and cosmopolitan thoroughfare, Princes Street. This is certainly Scotia's darling seat. It is the Heart of Midlothian, and therewith, too, the Heart of Scott-land. PRETERITE JOHN.


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It is with deep regret that we record the death of our Rector, Dr H. F. Morland Simpson, which took place on 15th May, 1920. * * * For twenty-seven years Dr Simpson held the Rectorship, and during that time the School grew and spread steadily. He made the School Hall a constant reminder of our great traditions, and while it remains, he, and all the noble ideals he stood for, can never be forgotten. Indeed, the Hall stands as a fitting memorial of a great Rector. Our deep sympathy goes out to Mrs. Simpson and her family. * * * The Empire Day celebrations, though held under a great shadow, were most successful. Lord Meston, our great F.P., gave us a delightful address. His subject was, naturally, India, on which there is probably no greater authority. We sadly missed, however, the dear old figure calling for three cheers for the King. * * * The cricket team this year is poor compared with that of last year, but it is improving rapidly. Some dozen matches have been played, of which a good half have been won. There are only four Colours back from last year. * * * It is a considerable time now since the School played the Staff at cricket, but this year that excellent idea was revived. The School, all too cock-sure, was given a thorough and welldeserved trouncing, as will be seen in the Cricket Notes. *

*

*

The Gymnastic Assault, which was revived again this year, was a triumph for Mr. Summers. After five years, during which the School had practically no Gymnastics and Mr. Summers was serving his country, the way he has whipped his material into shape is indeed wonderful. Mr. Summers and his pupils are to be highly congratulated on their success. £16 was left clear to go to the Memorial Pavilion Fund.


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Tennis has started again and there is a large membership, but the courts still suffer from lack of attention, which, how• ever, is inevitable at present. * * * The Golf enthusiasts arranged a very successful tournament lately, the enthusiasm shown by the younger members being remarkable. The winners received prizes, half of which were generously contributed by Mr. Mackie. A match against the masters was arranged, but at the time of writing it had not been played. * * * The Athletic and Swimming Sports are both due in June, and we trust that the entries will be larger than ever. We pray for good weather and all success to the competitors. * * * The Art Club, a very enthusiastic body under the charge of Mr. Millar, is again busy with excursions to the country. We look forward to another delightful book of their sketches. To H. Morgan, the Secretary, is due the gratitude of the School Clubs for the delightful posters and sketches he has done for the notice-board. * * * Highlanders has obGordon " D " Company of the 4th tained nine recruits from the School so far, all of whom enjoy it immensely. Uniforms have now been issued and many and devious were the routes to the drill-hall chosen by the blushing recruits on the first uniform parade. The battalion goes to camp in the second fortnight of July to Montrose and we might remind all possible recruits that to join up is patriotic and jolly good sport, and also (which may appeal to some impecunious souls) there are considerable emoluments which will help with the Cinemas, etc., in August. * * * By the time these effusions are in print the Bursary Competition and its accompanying hair-raising horrors will be gone and forgotten. We wish the competitors every success, especially one or two from the Modern Side, who should be far up this year. * * * We regret to hear of the illness of Mr. Ritchie and trust that he will soon be with us again, completely restored in health. * * * And so we close, trusting that our successor will equally enjoy getting off church to write his School Notes.


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Random Notes. We cannot help breaking through the general character of these notes by referring to the great loss which the School has sustained in the death of our late Rector, Dr. Simpson. He took a special interest in the School Magazine and all its contents. All our frolic and boisterousness cannot but at times be tinged by the sad thought that we have lost his guiding influence. Other pens will tell of his worth, his ideals, and his scholarship, but let us recall some of his characteristic sayings. Many will remember the happy touches in his teaching : RECTOR : " Have you anything in your mouth, my boy ? " BoY (thinking a sweet is referred to) : " No, sir." RECTOR : " Yes, you have. Where is your tongue ? Use it." Again, to the novice in grammar who always considered the second word in a sentence to be the predicate, he would say :— " The subject may begin here : you may follow it down Rose Street and along Union Street and you may not find the predicate till you come to Castle Street." No one could unbend at times better than he, and enter into the real life of things. He would keep us in fits of laughter with his translations of Latin poetry in modern dress, as for example, when he made Horace's bargee sing " We won't go home till morning," lie on his back " fuddled with beer," and snore until a passenger more " waxy " than the rest applied a stick to the flanks of both bargee and mule. On occasions like these, the bell sounded too soon. At the same time who could be more trenchant in his criticism, as when he inveighed against slackness and inattention at prayers and told us that it was a mere " peppercorn " of service we were asked to render ? •

The Territorials owe some enjoyment during drill to the witty replies of a certain recruit named Rufus. INSTRUCTOR : " What's this ? " RUFUS : " The tae o' the butt." INSTRUCTOR : " What's this ? " RUFUS : " The heel o' the butt." INSTRUCTOR : " And this ? " RUFUS : " The butt itsel'." INSTRUCTOR : " And this ? " RUFUS : " I dinna ken. Ask some o' the ither chaps wha hinna answered yet." Rufus on being told the lugs were to protect the foresight remarked :— " Fan I fa', its my nose that gets it and protects my lugs." Rufus finds difficulty at times with the vocabulary of the instructor.


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" The rifling of the barrel affects the velocity of the shot " would be answered by, " My, but he's swallowed a dictionary." The instructor, too, has difficulty in coming down to the level of his recruits. Describing one position in musketry, and not caring to use " equilateral triangle," he said :— " The distance between this toe and the other toe is equal to the distance between the toe and the knee, and at the same time the distance between the toe and the knee is the same as the distance between the knee and the other toe." He is scarcely as happy in his illustration as the north country sergeant who was explaining " Right Form," and said :-" Fan I say ' Right Form,' the right hand man stands firm and the rest—um—the rest just furl roond like a yett." Is the humour contained in our School books conscious ? For example, in Greek Syntax, where we unconscious or have sentences such as these in close conjunction :— " The unflogged boy is not educated." " On the right hand and on the left." " The Greeks went to war for a trifle." " They got up from dinner and fell upon the right wing." " Whatsoever he does, he does well." " But he does nothing whatsoever." At the Gymnastic Assault, which was a great success, perhaps the most noticeable scene was the vaulting of the horse and the laying of hands on the patient Dean as he sat with head bending low on his leathern seat. We could not say which was the more entertaining, the boxing duel between the three-footers or that between six feet three and six feet four. A Tennis Dance has just been held. From our experiences there we feel fully qualified to give tips in dancing to those likely to follow in our " light fantastic " toesteps next year. In the waltz, do not turn more than twenty times. During the first ten turns you see the room and its occupants clearly and in their proper relations to each other. As you revolve another five times you wonder why everybody is moving about at such an absurd angle to the floor and to yourself, and during the last five it requires a violent effort to keep yourself from lying, the centre of attraction, in the middle of the floor. Is it true— That on Empire Day the Upper School was deeply grateful to the infants for occupying the front seats when Lord Meston gave his questions in Geography ? That in the Cricket match of the Season one of the masters, famous for his catching songs, showed' himself equally good at catching balls?


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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine. That in Hall we heard that Elijah said, " A little less noise in that corner " ? That our " Blackbird " has whistled its last Random Note ?

School Cricket Notes. Since the opening of the cricket season by a match with the F.P.'s on 24th April, we have played altogether twelve matches. Of these we have won six and lost six. The best match of the season, so far, was the match with the Masters played on 24th May, which resulted in the overwhelming defeat of the School. 24th April.—School v. 1st F.P.'s (at Newfield).—F.P.'s, batting first, scored 118 runs in little over an hour and a half. To this the School replied with 34. Bowling for the School, H. Morgan had 4 wickets for 26, and A. Edwards 1 wicket for 5. 1st May.—School v. St. Nicholas (at Newfield).—St. Nicholas batted first, and the School, through the good bowling of H. Morgan, C. Moir and A. Edwards, succeeded in dismissing them for 40 runs. The School batting however collapsed. C. Moir with 10, and A. G. Walker with 8, were the only batsmen to make a stand. School were all put out for 30 runs, thus losing by M. 6th May.—School v. 2nd F.P.'s (at Newfield).—School batted first and compiled the useful score of 65, to which V. Dean contributed 13 not out. F.P. s were all out for 48. C. Moir had 4 wickets for 17, and B. Cruickshank 3 wickets for 7. 8th May.—School v. Y.M.C.A. (at Newfield).—This match resulted in a big win for School. Batting first, the School quickly made 129 runs (C. Moir, 29 ; W. Macintosh, 22 ; D. Brown, 37 not out). Y.M.C.A. were disposed of for 42 runs. Bowling for the School, C. Moir had 5 wickets for 12, H. Morgan 2 wickets for 4, and A. Edwards 3 wickets for 4. 12th May.—School v. Gordon's College (at Newfield).—School batted first and the score mounted to 94 (D. Brown, 31 ; A. G. Walker, 20 not out). Gordon's were all out for the meagre total of 20 runs. Moir for School had 6 wickets for 10 runs. 13th May.—School v. Crescent (at Newfield).—School had first lease of the wickets and made 46 runs (C. Moir, 10 ; W. Macintosh, 13). Crescent batted steadily and finally declared, 8 wickets having fallen for 104 runs. H. Morgan had 2 wickets for 13 runs and C. Moir 3 wickets for 36 runs. 15th May.—School v. Woodside (at Newfield).—On this occasion the School batting collapsed, Macintosh alone reaching double figures with 10. The last wicket fell for 22 runs. Woodside batted for about half an hour, making 50 runs. Bowling for School, C. Moir had 4 wickets for 20 runs. 20th May.—School v. 2nd F.P.'s (at Newfield).—In this return match School were as successful as in the first. Batting first they made 65 runs (C. Moir, 17 ; D. Brown, ; P. Walker, 16). F.P.'s were all out for 45. C. Moir bowling for the School had 9 wickets for 21 runs. 22nd May.—School v. Kingseat Asylum (at Kingseat).—On this date School played their first away match. The home team batted first and were easily disposed of for 25 runs. H. Morgan and B. Cruickshank had each 2 wickets for 6 runs and C. Moir 6 wickets for II. The School quickly put up a total of 79 (J. Cronibie, 21 ; P. Walker, 11 not out ; and V. Dean 11). 24th May.—School v. Masters (at Newfield).—The School batted first and were all out for 44. A. Edwards, 11, and A. G. Walker, 16, were the only two who managed to reach double figures. The masters quickly knocked up 89 runs for the loss of only three wickets. For the Masters, Mr. Macgregor had 26 (retired), Mr. Henderson 12, Mr. Henry 24, and Mr. Macrae 15 not out. The Lady Teachers gave the teams a delightful tea afterwards. 25th May.—School v. 2nd Irvine (at Newfield).—Irvine batted first, making 31 runs. Bowling for School, C. Moir had 6 wickets for 20 runs. The School declared with their total at 60 for the loss of 4 wickets. C. Moir had a good innings for 28 runs. 27th May.--School v. Balmoral.—This match was scratched on account of rain. 29th May.—School v. Royal Asylum (at Asylum).—The Asylum batted first, making 155 runs, to which C. Cowie contributed a brilliant 66. C. Moir for School had 4 wickets for 48. School batting compiled 93 runs (A. Walker, 28 ; B. Cruickshank, 27 ; C. Moir, 12).


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Notes on our Scouts. At the Annual Scoutcraft Exhibition and Display, which was held in the beginning of April, the feature of. the Competition for the County Flag was the keen fight between the 1st Troop, which held the Flag, and the 23rd Troop, which eventually succeeded in capturing it by a narrow lead. Each Troop did splendidly, both in the exhibits—where the 1st had the biggest score— and in the platform displays. In the latter branch the 23rd has always excelled, and as the large amount of talent which exists in the Troop has been capably developed and organised, the score here was heavy compared with that gained by the 1st. The 23rd are to be warmly congratulated on their fine performance ; and such congratulations are far from inappropriate in these Notes, for a number of the leading Scouts in this Troop belong to our School. Both the School Troops would do well to pay more attention to this question of developing the individual talent available for concerts and displays. It is always useful to have a few items in hand for such purposes, or to have permanent groups of Scouts within the Troop who have been trained in teamwork of this description, and can get up" stunts" at short notice. At present the only venture in this line is the Dramatic Society of the 9th Troop, whose activities are but spasmodic. The fact that the 23rd owed their success entirely to their more forward policy in this direction should awaken our School Troops to the possibilities in their midst. Among the exhibits put forward by the 1st Troop, special interest was roused by the Prospector's Badge Display illustrating the coast line at Nigg. Although the original scheme of this Display had to be cut down for various reasons, it was yet a striking proof of the educational work which can be done along these lines. The display of specimens and photographs well arranged diagrams and labelled, with the descriptive wall-charts, and the fine series of by Second A. Y. Stirrat—who has since left us for Edinburgh—were warmly commended by the members of Scottish Headquarters Council who acted as judges. The whole collection is being deposited in the School Museum. of The 9th Troop is now under Scoutmaster Alex. A. Walker, an old boy the Troop, who has recently returned from service with the Army of Occupation in Germany. The Scouts of this Troop who were members of the 1918-19 Prospector's Badge Class held a very successful Camp at Monymusk during the May holiday week-end, for the purpose of collecting specimens to form an exhibition illustrating the Bennachie district. This exhibition will be sent up to the International Jamboree at Olympia, which a number of Scouts from both Troops are hoping to attend as members of the Scottish team. Aberdeen has been asked to provide a bridge-building section, two pole jumpers, and two wrestlers, and there have been good entries from the School Troops in all subjects. Mr. Duncan Macgregor, the Games Master, has very kindly undertaken to train the candidates for the boxing and wrestling for Olympia. The School Scouts are this year under a very special debt of gratitude to another of the staff. Since April, Mr. Bentley Philip has been conducting a most valuable class in the Surveyor's Badge, which is attended by a picked team of about fifteen Scouts. The class comprises both theoretical instruction in Mr. Philip's laboratories, and practical training in the field. For the latter purpose a series of excursions has been held to the Portlethen district. Mr. Philip is giving very liberally of his thought and time in the interests of the class, and it is pleasing to learn from him that the members are showing their gratitude by giving him their best work in return. Mr. Winkley has also continued his yearly Carpenter's Class, which is now divided into a Senior and a Junior section. With the improving weather a number of outings and camps at the Outpost have already been held. The 1st Troop have acquired an excellent trek cart, and are now well equipped for all practical work. The new Headquarters of the 9th Troop, described in last Notes, were opened in March by Captain J. H. Hall, Joint County Commissioner. In the same month the 1st Troop unveiled their War Memorial—a beautiful illuminated Roll of Honour, which is the work of our Art Master, Mr. C. R. Leslie Millar. The Memorial was unveiled by Mr. R. M. Williamson, advocate, before a large attendance of parents and friends ; and Mrs. Hendrick, on behalf of the Troop, presented Mr. Millar with a handsome walking-stick in grateful acknowledgement of his kindness. W. D. S.

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School Office-Bearers. SESSION

1919-192o.

.

(lames Committee. President, - THE RECTOR. Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, - Mr. DUNCAN M`GREGOR. D. W. E. GAULD. H. MORGAN. D. BROWN. D. Ross. J. R. L. CRUICKSHANK. Mr. J. C. KNOX, Mr. R. MACRAE, M.A. J. A. SPARK. J. I. C. CROMBIE. J. STIRRAT. Mr. JAMES DAVIDSON, W. M'INTOSH. A. G. WALKER. M.A. C. S. M`LEOD. A. J. MARGACH. C. WALKER. V. DEAN. P. J. M. WALKER. A. EDWARDS. C. MOIR. Football. - P. J. M. WALKER. I Secretary, J. R. L. CRUICKSHANK. Captain, Cricket. Captain, - J. R. L. CRUICKSHANK. I Secretary, C. MOIR. Tennis. Captain,- A. G. WALKER. I Secretary, - D. BROWN. Swimming. Captain, J. I. C. CROMBIE. I [Vice-Captain, - J. STIRRAT. Secretary, - W. R. TOPPING. Committee. H. MUNRO. P. J. M. WALKER.

A. EDWARDS. D. W. E. GAULD.

J. WATT.

I Literary and Debating Society. President, A. G. WALKER. I G. J. ALLAN. Vice-Presidents, D. BROWN.

Secretary and Treasurer,

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Committee. H. MORGAN. P. J. M. WALKER.

J. ANDERSON. J. I. C. CROMBIE.

C. S. M'LEOD. J. R. L. CRUICKSHANK. E. WOOD.

i

Lending Library. Librarians, -

G. J. ALLAN. J. R. L. CRUICKSHANK. C. S. WLEOD. A. G. WALKER.

" Magazine" Committee. School Representatives. A. G. WALKER. C. S. WLEon. J. R. L. CRUICKSHANK. G. J. ALLAN.

School Editor, Literary Editor, Sports Editor, Business Manager,

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The Former Pupils' Club. Lord Meston Entertained at Luncheon.

•

On the occasion of his visit to the School on Empire Day, Lord Meston was the guest of the Club at luncheon in the Palace Hotel. The chair was occupied by Colonel Thomas Ogilvie, C.B., C.M.G., President of the Club. At the Chairman's table were: Lord Meston, Lord Provost Meff, Dr. Charles M`Leod, Mr. George Duncan, Chairman of the Aberdeen Education Authority ; Dr. John Macdonald, Mossat, Kildrummy ; Dr. H. Edgar Smith, Vice-President of the Club ; and Rev. Professor Pittendrigh. Among others present were : Sir Thomas Jaffrey, Lieut.Colonel James Dawson, D.S.O., Dr. Arthur, Cults ; Dr. W. Clark Souter, Professor Ashley W. Mackintosh, Professor James Hendrick, Messrs Harvey Hall, advocate ; Graham Henderson, A. Ledingham, E. P. Barnett, David M. Kilgour, A. R. Horne, E. Birnie Reid, Walter A. Reid, C.A.; Henry G. Edwards, Douglas C. Sangster, A. M`K. Johnston, Donald Davidson, Robert Law, William Ironside (of Mangaldai, Assam), F. K. Chen, S. T. Soo, C. J. Davidson, advocate ; Maurice Galloway, Henry J, Edwards, Alexander Sands, James J. Williamson, D. S. G. Shirras, 0. G. Watkin, J. W. Crombie, John Crombie, George M'Bain, C.A.; George Davidson, J. Vass Lorimer, James Lorimer, Ian M'Bain, W. Y. Mackintosh, E. S. Willox, John G. Lorimer, Dr. Robert Richards, Alexander Mitchell, M.Ch. ; J. P. Miller, C. Dove Wilson, John M'Bain, C.A.; Wm. M. Sellar, advocate ; Professor Findlay ; Messrs. James B. Nicol, David Duncan, LL.D., John Hector, R. Gordon Nicol, James Davidson and Charles Davidson, Grammar School; James H. Edwards, Andrew R. Abercromby, W. G. Graigen, Alfred W. Edwards, D. E. Abercromby, Theodore Watt, Secretary of the Club ; D. P. Cochran, James C. Glegg, James L. Glegg, Maxwell H. Mackie, Wm. Miller, L. M. Davidson, and A. Emslie Smith, advocate. After an excellent luncheon, the toast of " The King " was proposed by the Chairman. " OUR GUEST." The Chairman, in proposing the health of our honoured guest and distinguished school-fellow, Lord Meston, said we were glad to know he had been able to come home to stay after 35 years of strenuous work for his king and country in the Far East—work which had been ably and brilliantly performed— (applause). We were proud of him and of his work, and gratified that his sterling worth had been recognized by His Majesty the King—(applause). He would not enumerate the many successes which had marked his career, as these were already known to us all, and because he knew we were anxious to hear Lord Meston speak. In Lord Meston we had an example


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of what 'grit and loyalty to duty could accomplish. Let us try to emulate his example, and do our duty as members of a grand Empire. Our services were required as a steadying influence in the country to-day at a time when, with so many, self-interests seemed to have taken the place of duty. Let us take our places alongside men like our distinguished school-fellow and those who meant to leave their country better than they found it--(applause). LORD MESTON'S REPLY. Lord Meston, who was very warmly welcomed, said, in reply, that he was afraid the filial pride which the Chairman cherished for the old School had led him to over-rate very greatly his very ordinary achievements—(" No, no "). Perhaps it would be in his power some day to retaliate and to enter into a disquisition on the infinitely more coveted honours which the Chairman had so worthily earned in preparing this country for the Great War, and in fighting that war when it came—(applause). Long and continuous foreign service had prevented him from taking the part that he should have liked to take in the proceedings of the Club, but he trusted to be able to be of much greater use to it in the future—(applause). He was sure our friend Mr. Watt would continue undismayed to stimulate the overseas members like himself—(applause). " A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF." It was indeed a Club to be proud of, particularly at this time, when one looked over the long roll of men—sons of the old School—who had gone out to the battlefields of three continents during the last five terrible years. Many of us had come back covered with glory, like our President—(applause). Many, alas, would never return, and there were few schools in Scotland, or in broad England, to which our School would yield place in the long roll of illustrious heroes, whose names, he hoped, would ultimately be emblazoned on its walls— (applause). THE SCHOOL'S TRADITIONS. the meantime, in the ordinary events of peace, the Club In had been doing work of great and lasting value, bringing Former Pupils into touch with each other and with the School, and recording in its Magazine episodes, anecdotes, reminiscences, and personal memories of worthies of the School, past and present. Even more than all that, it had done work of very special value in perpetuating—he might almost say consolidating and codifying—the great traditions of the School. That was a side of school life which Scotland had greatly neglected in the past. It might be that the Scotsman preferred to do things rather than talk or write about them, but he thought the Scotsman had gone a little too far in neglecting that particular side of their ancient, venerable schools. After all, we


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knew that the old School had traditions—tone, if we liked— of its own—traditions and a tone which were just as distinct from those of its great rival in his days, the " Old Barn," or of its present rival, Gordon's College—just as distinct from those as the traditions of Harrow were distinct from those of Eton and Winchester, and, after all, probably our traditions were just as worthy a record as that of those southern upstarts —(laughter and applause). POWERS OF INDIVIDUALISM. It was not a narrow, limited, or parochial instinct that guided one to preserve those old traditions and to instil them into the minds of the younger people now associated with the School. That peculiar instinct of individualism—the individualism of the School—was closely allied with much of what was best and most efficient in the national character. It had been frequently cast up as a reproach to the Britisher that his individualism would be his undoing. They heard that frequently before 1914. They used to be told that it was in striking and disastrous contrast to the organization and ready discipline of our great rivals in Central Europe. Since 1914 we had been through the test of blood, fire, and iron, and if that test had proved anything it had proved the falsity of those prophets of disaster. We did learn discipline at our schools, just as good discipline, he believed, as they ever did in Central Europe. We learned, for that matter, all through our lives, and when the trial came, through national necessity or otherwise, we fell into discipline on a larger scale as readily and easily as those who had been under iron discipline all their lives. But we brought with that habit of discipline, and mingled with it, that even greater and more valuable habit—initiative, independent thought, independent action—in other words, individualism, and it was that individualism that turned the scale and made the victory—(applause). His memories had been stirred by meeting men whom he had not seen for more than a generation. He thanked us for the warmth of our welcome, and assured us that he looked forward to being a participant in our gatherings much more frequently than in the past. He hoped the Club would prosper, enlarge its bounds, and extend its influence, and he wished us, individually and collectively, all good fortune—(applause). Lord Provost Meff proposed the health of the Chairman, who acknowledged and gave the closing toast, " Bon-Accord." The luncheon, which was the first in the history of the Club and was thoroughly enjoyed by all, was remarkable in respect of the very representative character of the company. There were Members of the Club present who left the School as long ago as 1855 and 1860 and almost every year since then was represented.


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The Annual General Meeting of the Club. The Annual General Meeting was held in the Palace Hotel on Tuesday, 18th May. Mr. C. J. Davidson, advocate, presided in the unavoidable absence of the Vice-President, Mr. Charles Watt. Before proceeding with the business, the chairman made feeling reference to the loss which the Club had sustained through the death of its Folinder and Honorary President, Dr. H. F. Morland Simpson, and a motion expressing the sympathy of the Club with Mrs. Simpson and her family was unanimously passed. Thereafter the Annual Report for the year 1919-20 was submitted as follows :— Report for Year ended 15th April, 1920. The Executive has pleasure in submitting the Report of the Club for the year ended 15th April, 1920. Membership and Subscriptions. As regards membership, the Club was never in a more flourishing condition, the number on the Register at the close of the year being 1,573, compared with 1,511 at the close of the previous year. The detailed figures are as follows :-1918-19. 1919-20. 405 441 Life Members 1,074 1,091 Ordinary Members 41 32 Honorary Members 1,573

1,511

During the year 46 Life Members and 87 Ordinary Members were enrolled, compared with 55 and 63 respectively in 1918-19. The number of subscriptions unpaid on 15th April, 1920, was exactly the same as at the close of the previous year, viz., 140, composed of 100 in arrears for one year, 27 for two years, and 13 for three years. In addition to these 140, there were 51 who had paid 2/6 for the year 1919-20, but had not paid the balance of 2/6 required to bring their subscriptions up to the new rate. The names of nine members who have allowed their subscriptions to lapse for more than three years and have not replied to repeated requests for payment, have meantime been removed from the Register. Losses by Death. The Club's losses by death have been comparatively light, the total, so far as known to the Secretary, being 16, as against upwards of 40 in each of the three previous years. Among those who passed away during the year were the Right Hon. Sir William MacGregor, G.C.M.G., one of the Honorary Vice-


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Presidents of the Club, and the Very Rev. William Mair, D.D., Edinburgh, the Senior Member. Honours to Members. During the year numerous honours have been conferred on members of the Club, and these have been duly recorded in the pages of the Magazine. The most outstanding, and one which the Executive refers to with special pleasure, is the elevation to the peerage of Sir James S. Meston. It is understood that it is now almost 100 years since the School numbered a Peer of the Realm among her sons. The Club and the School. In pursuance of its policy of taking the closest interest in the welfare of the School, the Executive supported the candidature of the Secretary of the Club as the representative of the parents of Grammar School Pupils on the Secondary Schools Management Committee formed by the Aberdeen Education . Authority as directed by the Education (Scotland) Act, 1918. As usual, the Club presented three Silver Medals to the School, which were awarded to the Best Scholars in English, Mathematics, and Science. The Club All-Round Trophy was awarded to Robert Donald Strachan, and at a special meeting of the upper classes of the School, which was attended by the Executive, the Trophy Medal was handed over by the VicePresident of the Club. The New School Playfield. In October, 1919, the Executive asked the Education Authority for permission to pay over to the School War Memorial Fund the sum of £136 7s. 8d., being the free balance then in hand after paying at Martinmas, 1914, the sum of £1,000 as a contribution towards the purchase price of the new School Playfield. The Authority agreed to the request on the understanding that the balance would be applied towards the cost of erecting a Pavilion at the Playfield. With additional subscriptions and interest received, the free balance amounted at 15th April, 1920, to £153 ls. 2d. • The Byron Statue. The Executive has learned with satisfaction that arrangements have been made whereby the statue of Lord Byron will be completed and ready for erection by December next. The Education Authority is meantime taking steps for the preparation of a suitable site for the statue within the School grounds. The amount standing at the credit of the Byron Statue Fund in the Club's accounts at 15th April, 1920, was £141 3s. 6d. Social Activities. In the Autumn of last year, the Executive made arrangements for a Winter Programme on the same general lines as obtained prior to the War. The Annual Dinner was revived

.

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187

-

(Continued on page .r9o.)


ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL Abstract of Revenue and Expenditure REVENUE. I. CAPITAL ACCOUNT—

••

£187 9 0

Subscriptions received during 1919-20 applicable to future years

67 18 9

Life Members' Subscriptions received during year

II. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE— III. " ROLL OF PUPILS "—

Amount transferred from Capital Account ..

IV.

••

0 5 0

RECREATION GROUND FUND—

Balance handed over to Treasurer, and donations received (in.. .. .. cluding interest) V. APPLICABLE TO YEAR 1919-20— Ordinary Subscriptions received prior to 15th April .. £26 7 6 1919 (transferred from Capital Account) 182 17 6 Ordinary Subscriptions received during the year 4 7 () .. Arrears recovered •. Revenue from Investments .. Miscellaneous ..

•.

Deficit for year..

..

• •

• •

• •

• •

..

..

.• ..

••

£223 12 0 29 0 8 31 13 7}

•.

..

147 16 2

284 6 3} £687 15 2} 13 4 8 £700 19 10}

Balance Sheet as CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES. I. CAPITAL— Amount at credit as at 15th April 1919 .. Add—Life Members' Subscriptions received during 1919-20 ..

£624 I 6 187 9 0

£811 10 6 Less—Transferred to Revenue Account in respect of Ordinary Subscriptions for 1919-20 received £26 7 6 „ prior to 16th April 1919 Balance of Outstanding Subscriptions received 7 2 6 prior to 1919-20 applicable to future years .. 33 10 0 Deduct—Accumulated Deficit as at 15th April, 1919 £67 2 8 Deficit for year ended 15th April 1920, as per .. .. 13 4 8 Revenue Account.. II. " ROLL OF PUPILS "— Amount at credit as per last Account Less—Transferred to Revenue Account III.

• • • •

BYRON STATUE FUND—

Amount at credit as per last Account Add—Transferred from Revenue Account ..

IV. RECREATION GROUND FUND— .. Amount at credit as per last Account Add—Transferred from Revenue Account ..

.. ..

£20 0 11 0 5 0

£778 0 6

80 7 4 £697 13 2 19 15 11

.. £136 12 7 .. 4 10 11 141 • • • •

V. LONDON SECTION— .. •• Amount at credit as per last Account VI. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCEBalance of Subscriptions received prior to 1919-20 applicable to future years, transferred from .. .. .. Capital Account, as above Subscriptions received during 1919-20 applicable to .. .. .. .. .. future years

£5 5 0 147 16 2 ••

••

3 6

153 1

2

16 0 24

£7 2 6 67 18 9

75 1 3 £1,102 15 2}


FORMER PUPILS' CLUB. Account for Year ended 15th April 1920. EXPENDITURE. I. CAPITAL ACCOUNT—

Amount transferred as per contra

.6

.6,

II. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE—

Amount transferred as per contra

.0

III. " ROLL OF PUPILS "—

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Amount transferred as per contra..

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£4 10 11

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51 12

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Cost for year, less revenue from advertisements •. .. .. .. .• and sales..

198 9

1

Interest for year WORKING EXPENSES

..

9

0

67 18

9

5

0

147 16

2

£187

0

..

Amount expended during year

• •

VII. Magazine—

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES ..

• •

42 18 11

• •

297 10 114 £700 19 104

at 15th April 1920. ASSETS. I. SUMS DUE FOR ADVERTISING ..

• .

••

. •

••

5

0

992 10

24

£1,102 15

24

..

1920II. CASH IN HAND AND INVESTED FUNDS AT 15TH APRIL £250 Scottish Northern Investment Trust, Ltd., • • £165 0 •• .. Debenture Stock @ £66 % 0 Aberdeen Trust Company, Ltd., Deposit Receipt .. 100 • • 100 0 Registered 54 % Exchequer Bond (1925) .. • • 100 0 Registered 5 % Exchequer Bond (1922) .. . . 100 0 .. .. 5 % National War Bonds (1923) . . 256 12 •• .• .. Aberdeen Savings Bank North of Scotland and Town & County Bank Ltd., • • 147 16 •• .• Deposit Receipt .. 12 8 London Treasurer—Cash in hand as per last Account 10 13 Cash in hands of Treasurer ..

£110

0 0 0 0

0 8 2 24 2

foregoing ABERDEEN, 17th May 1920.—We have examined the April Revenue and Expenditure Account for the year ended 15th figures the compared 1920, and relative Balance Sheet as at that date, opinion with the vouchers, and found the Accounts correct. We are of Club that the above Balance Sheet correctly states the position of the as at 15th April 1920. We have had exhibited to us the various The Account. the Securities supporting the Funds at the close of Securities are entered in the Balance Sheet at cost prices with the exception of the first item, which has been written down to £66 %. BOWE R:S/SM ITH , C.A., (Signed)

Honorary Auditors.


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

190

on 6th December, and the Annual Ball on 26th December. Two Bridge Tournaments and an At Home were also arranged for. The former were rather meagrely attended, and the latter . had to be dropped owing to an insufficient number having signified their intention of being present. In the light of the past winter's experience, the Executive feels that the whole question of the Club's social activities will have to be very carefully reconsidered. The Magazine. In spite of the, greatly enchanced cost of printing, it was found possible by reason of the raising of the subscriptions for membership and the increased revenue from advertisements, to issue the Magazine three times during the year instead of twice only, as in the previous year. The Executive believes that the Magazine is as warmly welcomed by members as ever, and that it continues to fulfil its main object of keeping Former Pupils in touch with the School and with one another. Members of the Club are urged to keep the Editor informed of any appointments they may receive, or of interesting incidents, so that these may be chronicled in the pages of the Magazine. The " Roll of Pupils." The revision and completion of the " Roll," which was on the eve of publication when War was declared in 1914, has been undertaken as part of the School War Memorial Scheme. The Editor has recommenced work, but it is not yet possible to say, even approximately, when the " Roll " will be published. Obviously much depends on whether replies to editorial inquiries are promptly given. The Club's Finances. The accounts for the year, of which an abstract is appended, show a deficit of £13 4s. 8d. It has to be pointed out, however, that subscriptions amounting to £45 15s. were outstanding at the close of the year, and that had this sum been received there would have been a considerable balance on the right side. In this connexion the Executive would urge on Ordinary Members the desirability, in the best interests of the Club, of their sending their annual subscriptions to, the Treasurer early in each Club year, as at present an unnecessarily large sum has to be spent in making repeated applications for payment. The Executive notes that an increasing number of members are paying their subscriptions in advance for one or more years, and commends this practice, as it helps the finances of the Club and reduces the work of the Honorary Treasurer, while, at the same time, it saves members the trouble of remitting small sums every year. The main item of expenditure is in respect of the Magazine, the net cost of which for the year, including postages, works •


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

191

out at 2/7d. per member. As some have indicated that they are not altogether clear as to the necessity of raising the rate of subscriptions, it may be well to state that the total Club expenditure for the year has been almost exactly 3/10d. for each Life and Ordinary Member, and that the net income from the investment at 5 per cent. of a Life Member's subscription at the new rate of £5 5s. is only 3/8d. The total funds of the Club at 15th April, 1920, amounted to £1,102 15s. 20., compared with £734 17s. 6d., at 15th April, 1919. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Dr. W. Clark Souter, the foregoing Report was unanimously adopted. The next item of business was the election of the various Office-Bearers for the year 1920-21. A full list of these appears on p. 192. In the case of the Honorary Auditors, a special vote of thanks was awarded to Messrs. Bower and Smith, C.A., for their services during the past year. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Alfred W. Edwards, the present Members of the School Staff, two former members—Mr. A. V. Lothian and Rev. W. H. K. Ward —and Mr. R. Hay Fenton, London, were elected Honorary Members of the Club for the year 1920-21. Another former member of the Staff—Mr. William Rankine—and Lieut.-Colonel James Dawson, D.S.O., Director of Education for the City of Aberdeen, were also elected Honorary • Members.

The London Section of the Club. Members of the F.P. Club residing in London or within a radius of 50 miles are asked to send their names and addresses (if they have not already done so) to the London Secretary of the Club, Mr. T. J. Wilson, C.A., 59-60 Old Bailey, E.C. 4. It is hoped that during next winter several social functions will be held for the benefit of those members of the Club who live in or near the Metropolis or who happen to be in the locality. These meetings will be on exactly the same footing as the meetings in Aberdeen, and be open to all members of the Club. When joining the London Section of the Club, members are not asked to pay an additional subscription, as the working expenses of the Section are met (within limits) from the general Club funds. All that London members are asked to do is to forward their names and addresses (as mentioned above) and to attend, if possible, a preliminary meeting which will shortly be announced, say what sort of programme they want, and elect a small committee to carry it out.


192

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

F.P. Club Office-Bearers, 1920-1921. Honorary President— Honorary Vice-Presidents— Hon. Sir WM. BISSET-BERRY, M.A., M.D., LLD. (1848-53)Sir GEORGE C ARMICHAEL, K.C.S.I. (1876-81). Sir WM. WATSON CHEYNE, Bart., M.P., K.C.M.G., C.B., M.B., C.M., F.R.C.S., D.Sc., LL.D., F.R.S. (1863-68). Sir JOHN COLLIE, C.M.G., M.D., C.M. (1873-76). Professor WM. LESLIE DAVIDSON, M.A., LL.D. (1859-64). ALEXANDER DUFFUS, Advocate (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. (186o-65). Major-General Sir JAMES R. L. MACDONALD, K.C.I.E., C.B. (1873-76). Sir JOHN MACDONELL, K.C.B., M.A., LL.D. (i86o-61). The Right Hon. Lord MEsToN, K.C.S.I., LL.D. (1876-80). The Right Hon. ROBERT MUNRO, K.C., M.P., Secretary for Scotland (1884-85)Sir WILLIAM ROBERTSON NICOLL, M.A., LL.D. (i866). Sir ALEXANDER OGST0N, K.C.V.O., M.D., C.M., LL.D. (1855-58). Lieut-Col. Sir DAVID PRAIN, C.M.G., C.I.E., M.A., M.B., LL.D., F.R.S. (1872.73). Sir JAMES REID, Bart., G.C.V.O., K.C.B., M.A., M.D., LL.D. (1861-65). Sir THOMAS SUTHERLAND, G.C.M.G., LL.D. (1844-48). Sir GEORGE WATT, C.I.E., M.B., C.M., LLD. (1867-69). The LORD PROVOST OF ABERDEEN. The CHAIRMAN OF ABERDEEN EDUCATION AUTHORITY. President—Colonel THOMAS OGILVIE, C.B., C.M.G. (1884-87).

Vice-President—HAROLD EDGAR SMITH, M.A., M.B. (1889-97). Secretary and Treasurer— THEODORE WATT, M.A., The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen

Committee-ALEX. R. CHALMERS. DONALD DAVIDSON. DOUGLASP. COCHRAN A. M. JOHNSTON. J. V. LORIMER, O.B.E. W. G. CRAIGEN, ALAN MCBAIN. M.A., LLB. . CHAS. J. DAVIDSON, R. R.,MACDONALD. DOUGLAS SANGSTER. M.A., B.L.

A. G. NICOL SMITH, D.S.O. JOHN T. SORLEY. W. CLARK SOUTER M.D. E. W. WATT, M.A. CHARLES WATT.

Hon. Auditors—Messrs. BOWER & SMITH, C.A.


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

193

List of New Members of the Club. LIFE MEMBERS. Kelly, Francis C. (1905-14), 62 Rubislaw Den North, Aberdeen. Ledingham, John F. (1901-11), c/o Messrs. Edmonds & Ledingham, 1 Golden Square, Aberdeen. Thomson, George A. (1903-06), Chartered Bank of India, Hankow, North China. Anderson, Francis S. (1909-12), 415 Clifton Road, Aberdeen. Inkster, Dr. John (1902-04), Lochnagar, Peterculter, Aberdeenshire. Gibson, Robert G. (1881-86), The Neuk, Roehampton, London, S.W. 15. Davidson, A. A. (1900-07), The Briars, West Cults. Levie, John B. (1888-92), 1 Wallace Avenue, Cork. McConnachie, Dr. J. Stewart (1897-1900), Seaview House, Fraserburgh. Johnston, A. McK. (1898-1903), Homewood, Countesswells Road, Aberdeen. Cumming, Captain R. S. (1905-10), Engadine, Park Hill Road, Croydon. Davidson, Charles (1882-86), M.A., Grammar School, Aberdeen. Hally, R. Norman (1889-97), 23 King's Avenue, Muswell Hill, London, N. 10 Sorley, Herbert T (1899-1909), M.A., Merlebank, Broomhill Road, Aberdeen. •

Additional Subscriptions from Life Members. The following, who became Life Members of the Club when the subscription was £2 2s., have remitted the additional sum of £3 3s. in order to bring their subscriptions up to the new rate of £5 5s. :— Davidson, C. J. M.A., 28 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen. Watt, Edward W., M.A., 33 Carlton Place, Aberdeen. Macdonald, A. Spence, 98 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. Mackenzie, Dr. John C., County Mental Hospital, Lichfield. Brown, Dr. J. Gatherer, c/o Dr. HiMara, Storr Hill, Wyke, near Bradford, Yorks. Gold, Alex. M., 83 Braemar Place, Aberdeen. Abercromby, Andrew R., 11 Polmuir Road, Aberdeen. Macfarlane, D., c/o British Central Africa Co., Ltd., Blantyre, Nyasaland. McLaren, Colin A., Egyptian State Railways, Tanta, Egypt. . ORDINARY MEMBERS. Christie, William (1916-18), 12 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen. Marr, James' W. S. (1913-19), 62 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Moir, Charles H. (1873-76), 6a Avenida Norte, No. 10a Guatemala, via New Orleans and Puerto Barrios. Lindsay, James (1905-17), 9 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen. Wood, Percy Robert (1910-19), 24 Desswood Place, Aberdeen. Gray, John Robert (1914-16), 2 Northbank Terrace, Kelvinside, Glasgow. Harvey, Rev. James, M.A., D.D. (1870 — 75), Lady Glenorchy Manse, Edinburgh. Riach, William Louis (1912-15), 143 • Forest Avenue, Aberdeen. Forbes, Arthur Keith (1908-12), c/o Glenaden, Old Deer. Forbes, Thomas Guthrie (1898-1902), Marshall, Saskatchewan,Canada. Forbes, James H. (1907-15), 17 Queen's Road, Aberdeen.

Bevan, Thomas William (1915-17), 18 Claude Road, Cardiff. Davidson, James H. (1914-19), 5 Albert Terrace, Aberdeen. Courage, Robert Gordon (1908-19), 60 Carden Place, Aberdeen. Adamson, John A. G. (1912-19), Maryville, Woodside, Aberdeen. McRobert, Walter A. (1906-09), 77 Cromwell Road, Aberdeen. Gordon, George Norrie (1908-19), 408 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Gray, Alexander G. (1912-15), 46 Rosebery Street, Aberdeen. Jones, Thomas Evans (1910-15), 36 Brighton Place, Aberdeen. Welch, William (1914-17), Ellastone, Bieldside. Norman G. Ross "(1917-19), 31 Cromwell Road, Aberdeen. Robert Cecil Jackson (1905-11 and 1914-15), 172 Bon-Accord Street, Aberdeen.


194

Aberdeen,Grammar School Magazine.

To Old Boys in Canada. Visit from a Representative of the F.P. Club. The Second Imperial Press Conference is to be held in Canada in August, when one of the representatives from Scotland will be Edward William Watt (1883-94), M.A., of the Aberdeen Free Press, who during the greater part of the War held the rank of Lieut.-Colonel while commanding the 4th Reserve Battalion Gordon Highlanders. Mr. Watt is a former Vice-President of the F.P. Club, and has for years been a member of the Executive. While primarily a representative of the Scottish Daily Newspapers, Mr. Watt will also be a representative of the F.P. Club Executive, and he has kindly undertaken to get into touch with as many Grammar School Former Pupils in Canada as possible. After the Conference, which is to be held in Ottawa, the delegates are to proceed on an extended tour through Canada under the auspices of the Canadian Government. The Conference itinerary starts with Halifax, and includes Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, St. John, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Niagara, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Banff, Vancouver, Victoria, Jasper, Edmonton, and Saskatoon. Former Pupils resident in Canada will be kept posted by the local newspapers as to the movements of the Press Conference delegates, and they are specially urged, as the opportunity occurs, to make themselves known to Mr. Watt, who will be the bearer of most cordial greetings from the old School and from the Executive of the F.P. Club.

A Tennis Section of the Club. At a meeting held recently in the School it was decided to form a Tennis Section of the F.P. Club, and the following Office-Bearers were elected :—Captain, J. J. Johnston ; Secretary and Treasurer, A. M. Walker, 61 Osborne Place ; Committee--the Captain, the Secretary and Treasurer, D. P. Cochran, and W. M. Henry. Mr. Henry is a representative of the staff of the School, who, being Honorary Members of the F.P. Club, are eligible for membership of the Section. All F.P.'s who are interested in Tennis are invited to join the Section now, as the season continues until September. Members can play at the New Field every night during the week after six o'clock, and on Saturdays in the afternoon.

Club Subscriptions. Ordinary Subscriptions for the year from 16th April, 1920, are now due, and the Treasurer requests members to make early payment.


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SPECIALTIESWEDDING CAKES. SHORTBREADROYAL DEESIDE IN TARTAN TINS, ALSO A LARGE SELECTION OF PLAIN AND FANCY IUD CAKES.


195

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The "Roll of Pupils." Members of the F.P. Club who have not yet returned the Inquiry Form which accompanied the last issue of the Magazine are earnestly requested to do so at once. Already a penalty for procrastination has appeared in the shape of an increase of 34 per cent. on the postage of the stamped envelope enclosed for the reply ! As stated on the Inquiry Form, if no reply is received, what appears in the proof-extract attached to the Form will be printed in the " Roll." Members are requested to keep the Editor informed of any new appointments that may be received after the Inquiry Forms have been returned.

The School War Memorial. In the last issue of the Magazine it was pointed out that approximately £2,000 had still to be raised in order to reach the total of £5,000 aimed at. The further list of subscriptions which appears below brings the amount either actually received or definitely promised up to £3,305 Is. ld., and there has to be added to this the sum of £153 Is. 2d. which the F.P. Club holds on account of the Recreation Ground Fund and has been allowed to apply to the Memorial Pavilion, so that the total of the War Memorial Fund now amounts to £3,458 2s. 3d. The number of subscribers in the following list is a little over 100, but even with this addition the total number is considerably less than half the membership of the Club. £1,500 yet remains to be raised, and we can only urge once more upon all who have not yet subscribed to do what they can as quickly as possible, and upon all who have already subscribed and are really interested in the Scheme to consider whether they cannot assist its early consummation by sending a further donation. Subscriptions received from 10th March to 12th June, 1920. Abbey, Robert, Royal Bank of Canada, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Adam, David, dio Arthur E. Pratt & Coy., 5 Chancery Lane, Lon•• •• .. •• .. . . don, W.C. 2 .. .. .. Allan, George J.,36 Fonthill Road, Aberdeen .. Anderson, A. S. K., M.B., 13 Westburn Drive, Aberdeen .. .• •• Angus, G. M., 1 Golden Square, Aberdeen .. .. .. Llandudno Broomhead, C., Clifton Villa, Chapel Street, .. •. .. Buyers, Wm. B., 2 Alleyn Park, London, S.E. Cheyne, Charles A., 307 Marshall Street, Jeppestown, Johannesburg Division Cheyne, Major D. Gordon, M.C., D.A.D.M.S., Burma .. •• .. (Sanitary), Maymyo, Upper Burma .. •. •• .• Christie, A. J., 14 Carlton Place, Aberdeen .. .. Christie, Charles T., Walton Lodge, Ruthrieston, Aberdeen .. Chrystall, Stodart M., Solicitor, 21 Bridge Street, Aberdeen Pavilion Memorial Collection at School on Empire Day for Flag for

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196

Aberdeen Grammar . School Magazine.

.. .. .. .. Cook, George M., Beaconhill, Murtle Cook, William T., c/o Messrs. A. W. Martin & Co., Ltd., Berryden .. .. .. .. .. .. Road, Aberdeen .. Cooper, Frank, Lochnagar, Meadow Hill Road, King's Norton, in memory of his son David Petty Cooper, 15th Royal War•• •• .. .. •• •• wickshire Regiment •• Copland, R. Nichola Oya Estate, Rattota, Ceylon •• E.E.1., in memory of his Craig, Lieut. G., 19th Lancers (F.H.), brother, Andrew Craig, per Messrs. Cox & Coy., Alexandria •• •• •• Craigen, W. G., 210 Union Street, Aberdeen •• .. .. .. Cruickshank, G. L., The Neuk, Fyvie Aberdeen .. .. .. Davidson, Alex., 33 Gladstone Place, Davidson, Prof. William L., LL.D., 8 Queen's Gardens, Aberdeen .. .. Dawson, James, M.A., 50 Forest Road, Aberdeen .. Dawson, W. F. G., North Bank House, Insch, in memory of Lieut. Frank Maitland Fraser Dawson, 4th Battn. Gordon High.• landers, of 74 Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen •• .. Des Clayes, L., cio London Rangoon Trading Co., Rangoon .. •• .. Duncan, Dr. G. M., 72 Rubislaw Den North •• Edmond, Dr. George M., 12 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen Edwards, James H., 1 Golden Square, Aberdeen, additional sub.. .. .. .. .. .. .. scriptions .. .. .. Esslemont, A., 32 King Street, Aberdeen .. Fenton, E. Wyllie, Scale-Hayne Agricultural College, Newton Abbot, Devon, in memory of "Fallen Members of the Last '.. .. .. .. .. .. VII. Classical " .. Fiddes, Rev. Alexander, D.D., 28 Inverleith Terrace, Edinburgh Four Old Boys in Hankow, China, per R. W. Robertson, Hankow •• •• Fraser, George K., 50 Victoria Street, Stonehaven .. .. .. Fyfe, George H., 8 Victoria Street, Aberdeen .. Fyvie, Leslie, 13 Cromwell Terrace, Bensham, Co. Durham Geddes, Godfrey P., Postcliffe, Peterculter, Aberdeenshire, in .. .. .. .. memory of " a fallen comrade " .. •• .. Gilchrist, R. N., Krishnagar, Bengal •• •• •• •• Glover, William E., Winkleigh, North Devon Grammar School Literary and Debating Society, per B. Cruickshank, .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Secretary Gray, John Malcolm, Colaboll, Lairg, Sutherlandshire, in memory of Lieut. Gordon Hutcheson, R.A.F., and 2nd Lieut. Arch. .. .. .. .. Spark, Gordon Highlanders .. •• Hardie, Fred. W., 24 Whitehall Place, Aberdeen .. .. .. .. Hay, George E., M.A., 11 Burns Road, Aberdeen .. Henderson, W. A., C.A., 29 Gracechurch Street, London, in memory .. .. of "A Soldier " .. .. .. .. Home, A. R., Carmelite House, Carmelite Street, Aberdeen, in memory of his brother Ernest Robertson Home .. .. Home, Arthur, Carmelite House, Carmelite Street, Aberdeen, in memory of his son Ernest Robertson Home •• •• Hutcheson, Dr. D. A., M.D., D.P.H., King Edward VII. Sanatorium, Midhurst •• •• •• •• •• •• Ingram, Captain W. J. S., M.C., Indian Medical Service, 95 Blen.. .. .. .. .. heim Place, Aberdeen .. .... Johnston, J. J., Clach Ian, Cults, Aberdeenshire .. Jones, J. Richard H., 19 Oakfield Road, Southgate, Middlesex . Kynoch, G. Keith, 31 Dean Park Road, Bournemouth, Hants • • .. .. .. .. Laird, Henry, Blythebank, West Cults Lamond, George T. F., Loirston Hotel, Ballater .. .. .. Lawrence, P. D., M.A., 90 Blenheim Place, Aberdeen, in memory .. of "Three Classfellows " .. .. .. .. .. Leask, Wm. Keith, 82 Union Grove, Aberdeen .. .. Lillie, John A., 22 Braid Avenue, Edinburgh, in memory of 2nd Lieut. The Rev. Cecil Barclay Simpson, Seaforth High.. .. landers .. .. .. .. .. Lillie, Robert A., 51 Greenbank Crescent, Edinburgh .. .. McDonald, Eric 111 . , Barnsley, Yorkshire, in memory of Lieut. Hugh Rising, Saskatchewan Regiment, Canadian Infantry .. Macdonald, Kenneth, Yorke Cottage, Plockton, Ross-shire, in memory of his son Kenneth Norman Macdonald .. .. .. .. .. McKenzie, A., Jr., Balquhidder, Murtle ..

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Messrs. MORGAN, Photographic Artists, Miniature Painters, and Makers of Artistic Frames

•

•

393 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

Special Terms to Grammar School Students. 10 a.m, till 5 p.m.

.

Telephone No. 603.

ROBES et MODES.

WATT & MILNE, 172 Union St., ABERDEEN.

FOURRURES et MANTEAUX.


As British as the Weather —but reliable!

Qc_17 WEATHERPRCOFS

Rainhard Dexter takes very seriously the responsibility of protecting the public from the weather's worst, and of providing a smart and perfectly tailored coat. . . Your exact fit is ready for you at ALEXANDER

BOOTH 127, Union Street, and 37, St. Nizholas Street.

Eti:17 -••••=="1

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THE SHOPPING CENTRE .0 , FOR

CHOICE

AND

PLANTS.

FLOWERS

Specialist in Artistic Floral Work. BULBS FOR ROOM AND GARDEN DECORATION. *

M. H. SINCLAIR, Florist and Bulb Merchant, 347 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN. 'PHONE 1121.


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine. •

-

Mackie, James D., 35 Forest Road, Aberdeen, in memory of James Cecil Davidson Mackie, M.A., LL.B., Captain, R.F.A. (T) Mackintosh, Thos., 415 Great Western Road, Aberdeen .. .. Mackintosh, T. S., 415 Great Western Road, Aberdeen .. .. Mackintosh, Wm., Royal Insurance Co. Ltd., 84 William Street, New York,. U.S.A. .. .. .. .. .. .. McLaren, Colin A., E. S. Railways, Tanta, Egypt, in memory of his brother Ian Malcolm McLaren, 2nd Battn. The London Scottish •• .• •• •• •• .. •• MacNeil, A. G., Irrigation " Projects, " 6 Sharia Tawfik, Cairo, Egypt, in memory of " Bob Glegg " •• •• .. Mearns, Cadet C., c/o Grindlay & Co., Bombay .. .. .. Melvin, Alfred, 36 Mark Lane, London, E.C. 3 .. .. .. Merrylees, Harold, Anvacaria, Braintree, Essex, in memory of Arthur F. V. Stephenson .. .. .. .. .. Michie, Charles, Lochans, West Cults •• .. .. .. Milne, A. Forbes, Richmond House, Caterham, Surrey .. .. Moir, William Keith, 73 Argyll Place, Aberdeen .. .. .. Murphy, D. G., Carbost, Isle of Skye •• .• •• .. Net Proceeds from Gymnastic Assault at School on 21st May, 1920, per Charles McLeod, D.Sc. .. .. ... .. .. Norrie, John, 79 Malvern Road, Gillingham, Kent.. .. .. Paul, Edward F., 18 Bayview Road, Aberdeen .. .. .. Philip, Peter W., Balmedie Park, Belhelvie •• •• •• Philip, Rev. Pixie, Manse of Kells, New Galloway, Kirkcudbrightshire, additional subscription •• •• .. .. Rae, John, 9 Queen's Terrace, Aberdeen, in memory of his brother Jas. Rae, Lieut., R.A.M.C. .. .. .. .. .. Rennet, Ernest, Advocate, 46 Polmuir Road, Aberdeen .. .. Rennie, Alex. R., 110 Ascot Road, Judiths Paarl, Johannesburg, Transvaal, S. Africa .. .. .. .. .. .. Rennie, Major P. M., I.M.S. Bombay .. .. .. .. Rhind, James A., Tocopilla, Chili, in memory of J. A. Rattray and F. J. Smith .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Richards, Henry A., Advocate, 343 Union Street, Aberdeen .. Robertson, Randal Walker, Chartered Bank, Hankow, North China Ross, J. Murray, Simpang Estate, Perak, F.M.S., in memory of F.M.F.D. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Russell, Rev. J. A., United Free Church Manse, Durris, in memory of "The Fallen " .. .. .. .. .. .. Scroggie, Captain and Mrs., 118 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen, in memory of Lieut. Leonard C. Scroggie, R.A.F. .. .. Scroggie, G. E., The Canadian Bank of Commerce, Wakerville, •• •• •• •• •• •• •• Ontario Shepherd, Major Arthur, 34 Morningfield Road, Aberdeen .. .. Smith, Major A. G. Nicol, 35 Queen's Road, Aberdeen .. .. Smith, Dr. H. Elkington, Fairfield, Manchester .. .. .. Smith, John S., 36 Criffield Road, Ealing, London, W. 5 .. .. .. Spark, Cecil V., Manse, Durris, Aberdeenshire .. .. Stuart, Mitchell, 22 Gordondale Road, Aberdeen .. .. .. Sutherland, Sir Thomas, G.C.M.G., LL.D., 7 Buckingham Gate, .. .. London, S.W. 1, additional subscription .. Thomson, Marcus, 26 Oxford Road, Kilburn, London, N.W. 6 .. Tomory, K. A. M., 5 Merchiston Place, Edinburgh •• •• Tough, Dr. W. R., The Chalet, Ainsdale, Southport, in memory of his two sons Captain A. M. Tough and Captain J. J. Tough Valentine, A. B., Ministry of Labour, Whitehall, London, S.W. 1. Walker, A. A., 7 Bayview Road, Aberdeen .. .. .. .. Walker, A. N., 7 Bayview Road, Aberdeen .. .. .. .. Walker, James S., 34 Grosvenor Street, Wallasey .. .. .. Walker, Mrs. Andrew, 7 Bayview Road, Aberdeen •• .. Wallace, Mrs. A. F., Broken Hill, Northern Rhodesia .. .. Ward, Mrs. W. H. Kirwan, Asthall Vicarage, Burford, Oxon., in memory of Lieut. W. A. B. Kirwan Ward, R.E., who died of wounds in Gallipoli, 2nd August, 1915 .. .. .. Ward, Rev. W. H. Kirwan, Asthall Vicarage, Burford, Oxon., in memory of Lieut. W. A. B. Kirwan Ward, R.E., who died .. of wounds in Gallipoli, 2nd August, 1915 .. .. .. Watson, George, Percy Villa, Campden Hill, London ..

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198

• Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Watson, James, 53 Aytoun Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow, in memory of Wm. Ledingham Watson, 4th Battn. Gordon Highlanders, T.F. Watson, Captain James I., R.A.M.C., Edinburgh War Hospital, Bangour Whitehead, Frank J. S., 1 Albert Terrace, Aberdeen, in memory of Lieut. Eric G. Whitehead, Royal Air Force .. Wilson, G. S., 27 Derby Street, Glasgow .. .. Wood, Stanley A., 24 Desswood Place, Aberdeen .. Yeoman, A. R., M.A., 5 Craighall Gardens, Trinity, Edinburgh, in memory of "Grammar School Boys who fought " SUBSCRIPTIONS INTIMATE D. Gill, W. S., Dalhebity, Bieldside .. Sorley, H. T., I.C.S., Assistant Collector, Hydrabad, Sind, India, additional subscription Thomson, John Mackay, M.A., Fetter College, Edinburgh. • :: •

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Subscriptions should be sent to Mr. John McBain, C.A., 11 Golden Square, Aberdeen, the Honorary Treasurer of the Memorial Fund. •

Our Contemporaries. We have received the following since our last issue : Gordon's College (Aberdeen) Former Pupils' Magazine (June), The Edinburgh Academy Chronicle (March), Schola Regia (Easter), The Watsonian (Spring Term), The MerchisIonian (April), Stewart's College Magazine (April), The Herioter (April), Glasgow High School Magazine (March), Glasgow Academy Chronicle (April), Kelvinside Academy Magazine (Easter), Allan Glen's Magazine (Spring), The Portmuthian (April), The Boltonian (March), The Edward Alleyn Magazine (March), The Olavian (April), Royal Belfast Academical Institution School News (Easter), The Iselsonian (New Zealand—December), The Dart (Ashtabula, Ohio—February and Spring), Edward Little High School Oracle (Auburn, Maine—February).

The Former Pupils' Club. Founded 1893. Rates of Subscription for Membership : —

-

-

£5 5 0 Life Membership Ordinary Membership— For those under 21 years of age on 0 2 6 - . 16th April For those of 21 years of age and 0 5 0 upwards the Club communications regarding and all All subscriptions Secretary 2nd to the be sent or the Magazine should Treasurer— THEODORE WATT, M.A.,

THE ROSEMOUNT PRESS, ABERDEEN.


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W. J. 1VILNE, LTD., HOSIERS AND GLOVERS,

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251 UNION STREET,

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U U

• N . N • N

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ROYAL : : NORTHERN CLUB : :

Agents for

Telephone i 293.

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•

N E U N •

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N E • • •

N U

ABERDEEN. Opposite

•

U N NU U s U N E N N E N E

TRESS HATS & BURBERRY COATS : :

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N E N s N E N o • E

N • Ill •MIll UMW • III • 'WIN • • Ill • ••• II •• • •••MINIII•111•111M•W•IIMMIUMMEN • INN •


Sports Jacket Select your where you can have a large choice.— You will find one of the largest selections in Aberdeen, of Smart, Stylish Jackets at 33 BRIDGE STREET.

In all makes of Cloth, DONEGALS, HOMESPUNS, HARRIS, Etc. Prices very reasonable for really High Grade Jackets.

PATRICK McGEE, TAILOR

AND

OUTFITTER,

33 Bridge Street, Aberdeen.

M. GERARD, WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER, & SILVERSMITH,

411 UNION STREET (WEST,I . Telephone - 447.

ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS, DIAMOND

AND

PEARL JEWELLERY,

BROOCHES, PENDANTS, ETC., ALSO WATCHES,

CLOCKS,

TOISESHELL, GOODS,

IN

AND

NEWEST

SILVER,

TOR-

E LECTRO- PLATE D DESIGNS, AND

SELECTION TO CHOOSE FROM.

LARGE


Fine Selection of .

.

PURE WOOL

Scotch Tweed Suitings W. DAVIDSON & SON, Civil, Military, and Naval Tailors •

and Outfitters,

123 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN. Telephone 579.

PRINTING.

Established 1843.

James D. Duncan I.P.S.,

The

Central Press (JOHN MILNE),

General Printer, Lithographer,

Chemist-Pharmacist,

231 Union Street, 'Phone 311.

AND

Stationer.

61 Belmont Street, ABERDEEN.

tee

Best Quality of Drugs, Etc., AT LOWEST

Telephone No. 809.

CASH PRICES.


•

BURNETT'S CLASSES ARE THE GREAT SPECIALISING CENTRE FOR CIVIL SERVICE, ARMY ENTRANCE, UNIVERSITY PRELIMINARY, PHARMACEUTICAL, BANKS, AND

BUSINESS TRAINING. •

Typists Supplied.—Ring up Telephone 830. Typing Done.—Testimonials, Stories, Articles, and any MSS. typed neatly, promptly, cheaply.

7 CROWN STREET, ABERDEEN. Telephone No. 1524.

Telegrams : Bruce, Cycles, Aberdeen.

Established 1884.

Holburn Motor * Cycle Works GEORGE BRUCE & SONS IS Ho'barn Street. Aberdeen. Blacksmiths, Engineers, Motor and Cycle Agents. Agents for the Ariel, Ivy, Humber, Rada), Rover, Connaught, etc., Cycles and Motor Cycles.

Gas S. Oil Engines repaired. • Lawn Mowers sharpened, etc. \C, irks, t Alford Lane

ESTABLISHED 1832.

TELEPHONE 523.

A. CRUICKSHANK & CO., los

UNION

STREET,

'boaters, Glovers, anb Sbirtmakers. ALL CLASS OF SHETLAND GOODS AND CLAN TARTANS IN STOCK. •

'Phone 1624.

Get your Photographic Requirements at

D. Souter Allan's Pharmacy 35

HOLBURN STREET (Near Holburn Junction),

Photographic Department. A Large Stock of Cameras, Plates, Films, Papers, and Accessories. Depot for Kodaks and Kodak Supplies. Developing and Printing executed by an Expert and delivered in 24 hours.

•


SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS

Raincoats.

Microscopes and Microscopical Apparatus. Students' Requisites. Micro, and Dissecting

F YOU WANT

I SOMETHING

Slide Rules.

SMART AND UPPHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS

TO-DATE SEE MY SELECTION

Chemical, Physical, Bacteriological Glassware. Thermometers, Hydrometers, etc., etc. Acids. Filter and Test Papers.

M UN R 0,

NICOL SMITH CO.,

HATTER AND HOSIER,

St. Nicholas St., ABERDEEN.

40 BRIDGE STREET.

ESTADIASHED

Telephone 1315.

I S43.

City Goldsmiths' Co.

Wm. Cay & Sons

(A. HOLDSWORTN),

98 Union St., Aberdeen.

funeral TlInbertithers,

SECOND-HAND DIAMOND JEWELLERY A SPECIALTY

415 UNION STREET AND

Engagement Rings. Finest Selection and most Reasonable Prices in the North of Scotland. Latest London Designs. Set 18 carat Gold and I...mum. From 60/- to £30. Other Prices from 10/6 upwards. Inspection and comparison invited. Ring Size Cards free.

209 GEORGE STREET, ABERDEEN. Motor Hearses and Cars for Distant Funerals.

Telegrams—"Cay, Aberdeen." 'Phones Nos. 92 and 54.

i

NOM—Owing to limited window space we hold a large Reserve Stock inside which we shall be pleased to show to intending purchasers.


THE ABERDEEN

Jas. Fyfe & Son,

SCHOOL OF SHORTHAND,

PAINTERS

TYPEWRITING

::

AND BUSINESS

GLAZIERS

:: TRAINING :: (C, M. LAWRENCE)

::

• OFFICE AND SHOWROOMS :

•

11 DEE STREET

19 & 21 Crown Street Eltabllehed 1884.

AND

'Phone 875.

Telephone 304. Telegrams—" Fyie, Painters."

THE

TAYLOR CORONA PORTABLE FOLDING

For Drawing Instruments & Materials PICTURE FRAMER AND ARTISTS' COLOURMAN.

TYPEWRITER. This wonderful Typewriter has every modern improvement, Standard Keyboard of 84 keys, Back Spacer, Two-Colour Ribbon, etc., and at the same time weighs only 9 lbs. in its case, and can be carried about anywhere. Above all it is reliable. Thousands went through the War, often in front line trenches. Price only 14 Guineas.

SCHOOLIIILL,

ABERDEEN Telephone 2870.

Sole Agent for North of Scotland—

CHAS. H. WEBSTER 448 Unic n Street, Aberdeen


WILLIAM F. HAY Chmist

FRED HARDIE, Photographic Artist,

(From Duncan Flockhart Sr Co., Edinburgh),

416 Union Street,

476 Union Street, Aberdeen

ABERDEEN

•

• IN NEED OF ANY-

For every style of In- and Out-Door

THING

WHEN

YOU ARE

THE

Group, Composite

CHEMIST'S LINE

Groups & General

Telephone 1784, or call at

Portraiture, Etc.,

IN

476 Union Street (Between Rose St. and Holburn Junction),

AT POPULAR PRICES.

when your requirements will be attended to.

TELEPHONE 851.

D. Wyllie & Son 247 Union Street, Aberdeen. • Agents for Ordnance Survey Maps. Booksellers, Army and Navy Stationers. Circulating Library in connection with Mudie's, of London. Engraving, Bookbinding, and Printing of every description. Fountain Pen Emporium. Premier House in the North of Scotland for the sale of Scottish Publications. Publishers and Proprietors of " The Aberdeen Book•Lover." Telephone 402. Established 1814. Telegraphic Address: "Wyllie, Booksellers, Aberdeen."

J. GEDDES, High Class Tobacconist and Cigar Importer.

-41*.\114 ,e‘\ Telephone No. 3345. All kinds of Smokers' Requisites. Varied Stock of Walking Sticks by best London Makers. Agent for the FAMOUS DUNHILL PIPES.

478 Union St., Aberdeen


ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL. (Founded previous to 1256.) Rector--JOHN MACKAY THOMSON, M.A. (Edin.), B.A. (Oxon.). 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 Lowry School receives Boys of the Infant stage and upwards. The School contains excellent Laboratories—Chemical and Phvsical, Art Room, Work shop, 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 mac be had free on application to the CLERK of the ABERDEEN EDucATioN AUTHORITY. 22 Unio, Terrace, or to the it I G I , .

ABERDEEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. Head Mistress—Miss Lucy L. WARD. B.A. (Lond.). 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 School contains 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. 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 ABERDEEN EDUCATION AUTHORITY, 22 Union Terrace, or to the HEAD MISTRESS.


Established 1864.

Ask your Grocer for

John E. Esslemont TEA

Many Blends to select from

In Large Variety to suit all tastes

THE SIGN OF GOOD TEA.

Including the Super T for the Household Tea

Lists Olt application. , Read New Booklet— " The Scandal of the Tea Table" (gratis).

Good as Gold Small Tippy Tea

JOHN E. ESSLEMONT, 16-22 King St., ABERDEEN, Specialist in Fine Teas and Coffees.

The House for Quality

JAMES DUGAN & CO. lbigbr-Class Ziallors 448 UNION STREET

ABERDEEN 'PHONE 94.

GEORGE ANDERSON. " THE" IRONMONGER, " Journal " and " Expyess " Office exactly opposite.

19 BROAD STREET.

TIIE RECOGNISED STORE FOR KERBS AND FENDERS-ALL KINDS, ALL SIZES 'Phone 2174.

Incandescent Lighting a Speciality.

THE ROSEMOUNT PRESS PRINTERS AND LITHOGRAPHERS FARMERS' HALL LANE, ABERDEEN

TELEPHONE 1035


•

R. K. SVIITH, Ltd., THE

K BIJINLDINGS,

1 1 3-1 1 9 Union Street, Aberdeen. The House with the Arcade.

Perfect Fitting Suits for Boys and Youths. OU naturally do not wish to pay more for your clothes than is necessary. At the same time you want to be correctly fitted and get a suit that will hold its shape for months to come.

Y

R. K. SMITH'S service of READY-TO-WEAR CLOTHING is so well-known that we have no hesitation in asking you to call and see the big variety of styles and fittings we offer at prices that enable you to dress with economy and good taste. Our name on your suit is a dependable guarantee of quality and style—and there is no guess work about the workmanship either. Telephone No. 315.

Telegrams —" Clothing, Aberdeen."

Brogue Shoes I n Black, Tan, or Toney Leathers. Best makes—Lowest possible Prices. Mechanical Appliances and Specialities for the relief of Foot Ailments.

JOHN A. DUNN, Family Boot arid Shoemaker,

26 and 175 Union Street. FRINTEI ,

AT THY ROSENIOUNT PRESS


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AGS Magazine June 1920 by AGSFP Association - Issuu