Issuu

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHODL MAGAZINE •

ABERDEEN rinrecl for The Former PuFili Club ar The Rosemount Press •

VoluTne XXXIII, Ne. 3. PRICE ONE SHILLING.

June, 1930.

EDUCATIONAL BOOKS JAMES G. BISSET to supply all the Class Books (New or CONTINUES Second-hand) suited for the requirements of the Higher Educational Institutions in the City, at the Lowest Prices. N.B.--Best Value in Students' Note Books.

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Telephone : Aberdeen 753.

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A. B. HUTCHISON BREAD BISCUITS CAKES Best Quality.

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'telegram, -" Fvf,, Painter, . -

WILLIAM GRAY Tailor and Outfitter, 17 HOLBURN ST. (=,),

ABERDEEN.

We are Outfitters to the Grammar School, and hold Stocks of everything for present and former pupils. Your patronage will be esteemed. 'PHONE 2211.

ESTABLISHED 1886.

BOOKS BOUND

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Telephone No. 291

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55 Blenheim Place and 14 Fountainhall Road ABERDEEN

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Carpentry and Joinery Work of every description done ESTIMATES ON APPLICATION

The Bureau of Travel.

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Up-to-date SHIPPING, PASSENGER and TOURIST OFFICE, where all travel is arranged. CONTINENTAL TRAVEL—CONDUCTED OR INDEPENDENT. Official Agents—IMPERIAL AIRWAYS AND AIR UNION. AGENTS :—Polytechnic Touring Association, George Lunn's Tours, Sir Henry Lunn's Tours, Frame's Tours. Dean & Dawson's Tours, Free Church Touring Guild, etc. Summer Tour Programmes now ready. Get your copies Free. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS, PASSION PLAY, OBERAMMERGAU, 1930. SHIPPING. OFFICIAL AGENTS-ALL LINES, ALL ROUTES. Personally Conducted Tours to Canada and U.S.A. Tourist Third Cabin from 638 Return. SUMMER CRUISES TO MEDITERRANEAN, NORTHERN CAPITALS AND NORWAY, CANARY AND MADEIRA ISLANDS. Special Arrangements for Round the World Tours. Ask for Programme and full particulars. Reduced Rail Fares issued in connection with Tours and Cruises. L. & N.E. Rail Tickets issued and dated in advance. Sleeping Berths, Seats, and Compartments Reserved. Pleasure Parties catered for. TRAVEL HOLIDAY CLUB. Particulars on application. , PASSPORTS, also VISA, arranged where necessary. FOREIGN MONEY Bought, Sold or Exchanged. LATEST INFORMATION AVAILABLE. An

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ARCHIBALD McKELLAR Family Grocer and Wine Merchant, 454-456 Union Street, Aberdeen. . We Specialise in . . Cooked Gammons, " Sinclair's" Belfast Smoked Hams, " Harris's " Wiltshire Bacon. Medicinal Wines—Vibrona, Hall's, Wincarnis, Glendenning's.

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SIMPSON & WHYTE LIMITED

Tailors of . .

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8 ALBYN PLACE, ABERDEEN

ESTABLISHIED 1843,

Wm. Cay & Sons

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415 UNION STREET AND

We do them neatly, promptly, inexpensively.

209 GEORGE STREET, ABERDEEN.

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Proprietor:

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1818

BY APPOINTMENT TO H.M. THE KING

J. WILLIAMSON & SON W. B. WILLIAMSON. PROPRIETOR'

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D. Wyllie

FRED

Son

Photographic Artist,

247 Union Street,

416 Union Street,

Aberdeen.

ABERDEEN

Wyllies' Bookshop, Aberdeen ; Prompt service ; prices keen ; Established—One-eight-one-four ; Car service at our door.

For every style of In- and Out-Door Group, Composite

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'Phone 402.

Portraiture, Etc.

Commercial Photography our Speciality.

Telegraphic Address :

AT POPULAR PRICES.

"Wyllie,Bookseller,Aberdeen"

TaLipaolnc 851.

and Sole

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Silversmiths Watchmakers and Jettellers Sole Representative of the World-famous firm of Silversmiths— Elkington & Co., Ltd. One of the finest selections of GEM RINGS, REAL PEARL NECKLETS, and SCOTCH PEARLS, in Necklets and Single Pearls.

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The " UNIVERSAL " FORTIPHONE is the latest contribution of Science to the alley iation of Deafness. ::

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HENDERSON

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BROTHERS

(The House with the Yellow Sign)

'Phone 424

Established 1893

GRAMMAR SCHOOL OUTFITS Boys' Blazer Suits, from 24/6. Caps, 2/6, 3/6. Belts, 1/-, 1/6. Ties, 74d. to 2/6. Scarves, 3/9. Tweed Suits, 13/6 to 42/-. Tweed Coats, Boys', 15/6 up. Youths', 20/6 up. Navy, Grey, and Fawn Trench Coats, 10/6 up. Rugby Jerseys, Navy Blue, 3/11 up. Blue and White Horizontal Stripes, 3/11 up. Rugby Knickers, 2/3, 5/6. Rugby Hose, 3/3. BOY SCOUT OUTFITTERS Khaki Drill Shirts. Belts, 1/6. Khaki Wool Shirts. Knives, 1/6. Woggle, 3d. Shoulder Knaps, 3d. Hats, 3/11, 6/11, 7/6. Mufflers, 1st & 9th Troops, 100.; 17th & 23rd Troops, 1/6. Knickers, from 3/6 to 10/6. Kilts to order, 30/- up.

102 GEORGE STREET, ABERDEEN

ELLIS & M`HARDY, LTD. 18 REGENT QUAY & 130I UNION STREET. -

Importers of Household and Steam Coals. Telephone 2889.

Delivered by Careful and Experienced 11,,

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15 UNION STREET ABERDEEN CLOTHIER TO THE

ADMIRALTY and R.N.R.

HIGHLAND OUTF!TS :: a Speciality :: for Boys, Youths, and Gentlemen, also for Maids' and Ladies' Wear; and will gladly supply patterns of Ladies' favourite Tartans for Kilts. Telephone 2680. •

•

BIRTHDAY CAKE and XMAS CAKE Highly Commended GLASGOW EXHIBITION, 1930.

\V. M. McPHERSON, Baker and Confectioner, 15 FOUNTAINHALL ROAD.

LOW'S BOOKSTALLS 39-50 New Market Gallery -cQ MAKING a

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THE DAY

-4

COFFEE ESSENCE

ABERDEEN Books on All Subjects and at All Prices Over 5oo,ooo Volumes in Stock Educational Books in Great Variety CATALOGUES ISSUED

'PHONE 3332

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE ABERDEEN'S PREMIER HOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT

and one of the finest Theatres in the British Isles .4

FIRST-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT ALWAYS 9

Once Nightly at 7.30

Twice Nightly at 6.40 and 8.45. Matinees - at 2.15

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p m. on Saturdays. It Seats booked by Telephone must be paid for before 4 must be distinctly understood, however, that no seats are guaranteed until they are paid for, and in order to avoid disappointment, seats asked for by Telephone must be claimed and paid for immediately, as under no circumstances will they be kept if they remain unpaid when all other seats have been sold. Telephone enquiries can only be attended to as the work of the Box Office permits.

Popular Prices

Telephone-493

For full- particulars of this week's Programme see Theatre Bills or Advertisement in Daily Press or Tram Cars Acting Manager, W. LOTHIAN GILBERT Lessee, WALTER GILBERT

ALL MAKES OF RANGES SUPPLIED.

JAMES SCOTT & SON (Aberdeen), Ltd. 483-485 UNION STREET,

ABERDEEN.

Telephone No. 2299.

WE ARE CLOTHIERS TO THE •

YOUNG

GENTLEMAN.

QUALITY FIXES THE PRICE. WE KEEP ONLY

THE

BEST.

IT'S CHEAPEST IN THE END.

SELECTION

LARGE

OF CORRECT SCHOOL WEAR ALWAYS IN STOCK.

A. & J. SCOTT

Tailors, Clothiers, and Outfitters,

STREET, ABERDEEN.

GEORGE

CONTENTS. Portraits of William Kennedy, Janitor ; School Cricket 1st X1 -Season 1886 ; School Cricket 1st XI-Season 1930 ; Between pp. 206 and 207 .. School Prefects—June 1930 ..

ill

..Page 169 .• .. .. A Message to Former Pupils • • „ 171 .. •• •• •• .. Notes About Old Boys a Brief A Tour in Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, with Visit to Guatemala. By John Ross Esson •. • • ,, 182 • • ,, 189 •• •• •• •. New Book by Dr. Cormack .. „ 190 The Lupa Goldfield in Tanganyika. By A. H. P. Ferguson Reminiscences of the School and Teachers over Fifty Years .. •• ago. By Charles H. Moir .. 200 London's River. By George Topham Forrest .. .. •• „ 10 93 6 • • ,.., 2 .. •• .. .. An Old School Cricket Group •• .. • • ,, 207 School Notes •• •• .. .• .. .. .. " 211 Random Notes School Section— 213 •• •• .. .. .. Editorial. Dawn „ 214 The " Janny ".. •• .. .. •• .. .. . ,, 217 •• •• " All School's Day " • • „ 220 A South African Mining Village • .. •• .. • • ,, 223 .. .. .. Brittany—Easter, 1930 . 226 Over the Mounth with a Bicycle .. •. . • ,, 228 School Cricket .. •• •• .. •• .. •• • • „, 232 .. .. House Notes 233 The Literary and Debating Society •• •• „ 234 .. .. .. Art Club Notes. The Library .. 235 • Scout Notes „ 237 • .. School Office-Bearers for Session 1929-30 The Former Pupils' Club— •• 238 Visitors' Register .. .. .. .. •. •. ,, 239 The Boarding House .. .. .. .. .• • ,, 240 List of Club Consuls .. •• • • •. .• •. ,, 242 List of New Members of the Club .. .. .. .. •

•

NORTHERN ASSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED. Established 1836.

Assets £22,000,000. Life Branch.

Further Reduction in Rates.

The rates for " Non Profit " Assurances have again been reduced and are now very low. The peculiar merit of a " Non Profit " Policy lies in this, that it provides an Immediate Assurance of much larger amount than can be secured under a " With Profits" Policy for the same Premium.

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CHIEF OFFICES:

ABERDEEN LONDON

1 Union Terrace. 1 Moorgate, E.C. 2.

Aberdeen Board of Directors. A. S. R. BRUCE, Esq. The Right Hon. The EARL OF CAITHNESS. FRANCIS J. COCHRAN, ESQ. GEORGE M. Coox, ESQ. Manager

ALL

GARDEN A. DUFF, ESQ. The Right Hon. The LORD FORBES. A. MARTINEAU, ESQ. -

R. MACKAY, F.F.A.

CLASSES OF

INSURANCE.

dberbeen 6raminat Scf?oot tiTaga3ine -

Vol. XXXIII.

JUNE,

1930.

No. 3

The " Grammar School Magazine " is issued under the auspices of The Former Pupils' Club, in March, June, and November. All communications with regard to the " Magazine " should be addressed to the Editor (the 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 of address.

A Message to Former Pupils.

The first day of the Sports is over. We have been favoured with an ideal summer afternoon and a breeze which was welcome to the spectators, however much it embarrassed competitors. The omens are favourable for the big day tomorrow, but we could have wished, for the sake of the attendance, that some other day had been chosen for the Unionist rally at Seaton. Political and School loyalties will, for the nonce, find themselves in conflict. Rubislaw Field was never in better condition. Batsmen are getting full, perhaps exaggerated value for their strokes, and slack fielding is costly. The tennis courts have been re-conditioned and are standing up fairly well to the abnormally dry conditions. I have two Terms for my survey but, so far as the first of them is concerned, the ground has been well gleaned in the Easter issue of the Magazine. The event which one feels inclined to place first in interest and importance is the change which has taken place in the body responsible for the management of the School. The Education Authority is dead. Long live the Town Council of Aberdeen ! To our former Governors it is possible to pay a much higher tribute than that they caused the School no concern. They showed a liberal understanding of our needs and our aspirations, and it is significant that the School's expansion has coincided with the Authority's years of office. In coming under the Town Council we revert, as you know,

170

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

to an arrangement which dates from the dim and distant past, and which ceased only in 1872. Dr. John Clarke, the convener of the Education Committee, is a former master of the School, and our Dr. Pittendrigh and another, not unconnected with this Magazine, hold offices of major importance. I descend now to humbler topics, though, frankly, I have serious doubts whether the retirement of William Kennedy does not deserve inclusion in the higher category. School memories are so intimately linked with the personality of the " Janny " that I should not be surprised to see a falling off in the visits of F.P.s, which have been rather a feature of late. His sincere and wholehearted interest in the School's welfare, his tolerant understanding of the vagaries of " loons," and, above all, his kindly smile will long be held in affectionate remembrance. A feature of the School year has been the rapidity with which the two Boarding Houses—now amalgamated into one—have reached their full complement. It is an achievement of which the Directors are legitimately proud. The demand for admission is likely to continue. Indeed, I take the view that we have only touched the fringe of the problem, and that the next few years will witness a considerable expansion of the scheme. Two School functions held this Term call for mention, the Dramatic Entertainment and the Concert. Mr. Farquharson and his coadjutors provided us with a pleasing admixture of grave and gay in a setting of new stage appointments which added greatly to the charm of the production. The Concert was a new venture in respect that it was representative of the whole School. I do not intend to add to the encomiums that were abundantly and deservedly bestowed on Mr. Falconer. The one unsatisfactory feature was the inadequacy of the School Hall. This is the next big problem calling for solution. The Easter trip to Brittany has become an institution in the School, and there seems to be a consensus of view that the last trip was the most successful on record. If Dr. and Mrs. Cormack sacrificed a holiday in the stricter sense of relaxation, they must have found some recompense in the appreciation of the boys and their parents. There is still a fortnight of Term to run and, if School work tends to be irksome, are there not swimming sports to think of, to say nothing of those lesser occasions when we Masters are put in our proper places as Cricketers or Golfers ? On 27th June the curtain is rung down, and we disperse for the enjoyment of a vacation which thinking people assure us is much too long for our needs and our deserts. D. M. A. 13th June, 1930.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

171

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

The dates given in parentheses after names indicate the sessions of attendance at the School.

• a

George Allan* (1923-28) has been for two years in H.M. School Ship Conway, which he recently left as a Junior Cadet Captain. He has joined the s.s. Derbyshire, of the Bibby Line, as a cadet, his first voyage being to Sumatra. William Anderson Allan* (1904-10) is an insurance broker and claims assessor on his own account in Glasgow. Eric R. Birkett* (1920-22), C.A., was in October last appointed accountant to Messrs. John Menzies & Co., Ltd., Edinburgh. His duties include the supervising of the accounts of the company's ten branches throughout the country. Charles W. J. Bodie* (1914-18) has been for the past four years in a drawing office in Sydney. On his last leave he visited Melbourne, and looked up Dr. WILLIAM S. LITTLEJOHN* (1872-75), the Principal of Scotch College there. " Now the Doctor," he writes, " was very busy when I arrived, and did not want to see anyone, but when I mentioned the Grammar School, he forgot all about business in his pleasure at having a yarn with me. While there I also viewed the ' Grammar' Flag, of which I had heard many years ago from Dr. Morland Simpson." Charles Ogilvie Will Bowman* (1910-15) is at present home on his first leave from Calabar, and is going back to the Ikotmbo Rubber Estate of the United Africa Co., Ltd. He has many interesting stories to relate of his experiences in Nigeria. To the School Museum he has presented a couple of boa constrictors' skins. His marriage is recorded on another page. Harry Ernest Johnstone Brown* (1920-24) is now in the service of the National Bank of India at Calcutta. Writing in May, he reported that things were none too pleasant out there, and that business was almost at a standstill. Arthur Campbell Cromar Bruce (1897-1903), who • Member of Former Pupils' Club.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

was for a number of years a journalist in Vancouver, returned to this country some years ago, and was successively on the staff of the Darlington Echo and of the London Evening Standard. Since 926 he has been resident in Stonehaven, where he has edited the Mearns Leader. He has just left for Canada again. Reginald Errol Butchart* (1894-1906) has been appointed rector of the Episcopal Church of St. Michael and All Angels, Inverness. For some time he was priest-in-charge of St. Clement's, Regent Quay, Aberdeen, and for the past two years has been acting as chaplain to the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, and diocesan supernumerary. William Cecil Caie* (19;9-23) has secured a post with Messrs. Gaydon & Sons, watchmakers and jewellers, Kingstonon-Thames. Alexander Vernon White Cantlay* (1903-19'0), who was formerly with Messrs. Guthrie & Co., Ltd., in Singapore, and then in Sumatra, has for the last two years been engaged in rubber planting at Bandar Pinang Estate, P.K. Galang, East Coast of Sumatra, Dutch East Indies. He says that he likes the life there, although they are having a " pretty thin time " with rubber under 7d. He is on the same estate as the Club Consul of Sumatra, EDWARD PERCY BARNETT* (.8951903), and there is another F. P., JACK AUSTIN HALL* ( 9.2-20), on a place about ten miles away, whom Cantlay intends to look up. Edwin William Connon* (1W 6-25), B.Sc. (Eng.), is at present engaged in research work in electrical engineering at the University of Liverpool. Henry Gordon Donald (1914-18), M.A., a son of the Rev. Dr. G. H. ronald, formerly minister of the West Parish Church, Aberdeen, has been awarded by McGill University, Montreal, the Moyse Travelling Scholarship in literary subjects of 1,500 dollars. ronald entered McGill in 1925, took his Bachelor's degree with first-class honours in English in the spring of last year, and in the session of )929-30 wort,. ed for his Master's degree, which was conferred at a convocation on 29th May last. In addition to the Moyse Scholarship he was awarded the Peterson Memorial Prize offered this year for the first time to the student who, in addition to having achieved distinction in English Literature, has given evidence of creative ability. tonald is to continue his studies in English at the University of London, and work in French later at the Sorbonne, Paris. John Ross Donald* (1913-24) is assistant manager on a rubber estate in Johore, F.M.S.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

•

173

Harold Watt Duffus* (1908-14), who is resident manager for Messrs. William Tawse, Ltd., contractors, Aberdeen, in connection with big road contracts in Caithness, had an unfortunate experience early in May. He was the tenant of a large mansion situated in beautiful grounds ten miles from Wick. At 7 o'clock one morning the house was discovered to be on fire, and within a very short time it was a mass of flames. Mr. and Mrs. Duffus and two maids had to leap from second storey windows, very scantily clad. Frank Bruce Farquharson Duguid* (19'9-26) is now with Messrs. Allen, Wack & Shepherd, Ltd., Beira, Portuguese East Africa. John William Duncan* (1908-13) is at present on a steamer trading between New York and Buenos Aires. Alfred George Emslie* (19' 8-24 ), M.A., has been awarded one of the Commonwealth Fund Fellowships, tenable by British graduates in American Universities for the two years beginning September, 1930. He is going to study physics in Cornell University. Alexander Reid Gordon* (1884-88), M.A., D.Litt., D.D., Professor of Old Testament Literature and Exegesis in the Presbyterian College, Montreal, and Professor of Hebrew in McGill University, is one of a committee of fifteen Old and New Testament scholars chosen by the International Council of Religious Education to revise the American Standard Revised Version of the Bible. Alexander Gray* (19.0-22), M.A., LL.B., of the firm of Gray & Kellas, solicitors, was in March admitted a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. Alexander Andrew Keith* (1921-25) has been appointed a junior draughtsman with Messrs. Albert E. Reed & Co., Ltd., Aylesford Paper Mills, Larkfield, near Maidstone, Kent. James Ritchie Leith* (1917-24), C.A., is now employed with Messrs. Thomson McLintock & Co., chartered accountants, Queen Street, London, E.C.4. Norman Henri Lyall* (1M2-16), C.A., has received an appointment on the accountancy staff of the Imperial Chemical Industries (India), Limited, Calcutta. George Mackay* (1890-92), who was appointed minister of the U.F. Church, Drumblade, Strathbogie, in 1912, was recently inducted to the charge of Croy West Church, Invernessshire. William George MacMillan* (1916-22), B.Sc.,• has during the past year published three papers of a highly technical character in the Journal of the Chemical Society.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

w William Alexander McRobbie* (1893-97) has been

appointed District Valuer for Aberdeen District, which includes the Counties of Nairn, Elgin, Banff, Aberdeen, and Kincardine. Charles Robert Maitland* (1881-83), B.A. (Cantab.), M.R.C.S., who has been in medical practice in Dulwich, London, for a long time, has had to retire owing to ill-health, and has settled at Southwick, Sussex. Neil George Marr* (1915-21), M.B., Ch.B., is resident physician at Ruthin Castle, North Wales. Ralph Marshall* (1915-25) completes in August a four years' pupilage with Messrs. Henderson & Nicol, chartered civil engineers, Aberdeen. Keith Robert Thomson Matthew* (1912-24), M.B., Ch.B., has recently started in general medical practice in Glasgow. Charles B. Milne* (1893-96), M.A. (Edin.), LL.B., has been appointed lecturer in the department of Scots Law, University of Edinburgh. James Imlach Morrice* (1920-25) has recently completed his apprenticeship with Messrs. Esslemont and Macintosh, wholesale warehousemen, Aberdeen, and has entered into partnership with his father, Mr. James Morrice, wholesale warehouseman, 41+ Union Street, Aberdeen. He has celebrated the occasion by becoming a Life Member of the F.P. Club. The Right Hon. Robert Munro (Lord Alness)* (18841885), M.A., LL.D., Lord Justice-Clerk of Scotland, has collected some of his addresses and occasional articles in a volume recently published by Messrs. Nelson under the title of "Looking Back: Fugitive Writings and Sayings." The volume contains two of the best Parliamentary speeches which Mr. Munro, as Secretary for Scotland, ever made— the speeches moving the second reading respectively of the Education (Scotland) Bill and the Church of Scotland Bill. In the volume there is also reproduced the memorable speech which, as President, Lord Alness delivered at the Annual Dinner of the Grammar School F.P. Club in December, 1928 ; and also his speech at the presentation in March, 1928, of the portrait of Principal Sir George Adam Smith. Among the other " sayings " is a tribute to the late Sir WILLIAM ROBERTSON NICOLL (1865-66). " He was born in a north of Scotland manse ; so was I. He was educated at the Aberdeen Grammar School ; so was I. And let me add, if there is a better school, I have yet to learn its name." James Leslie Bennett* (1913-26) is on the Begerpang

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Estate, P.O. Bangoen Poerba, Deli, East Coast, Sumatra, in the service of Messrs. Harrisons and Crosfield. George Ferguson Ritchie* (1917-24) is serving with the Lago Transport and Shipping Co., Ltd., as Third Officer on the s.s. Ule, trading between Maracaibo and Aruba Island, Dutch West Indies. Robert Lindsay Graeme Ritchie* (1894-99), M.A., D.Litt., Professor of French in the University of Birmingham, has received the. French decoration of the Legion of Honour. He has edited for the Scottish Text Society the " Buik of Alexander," the fourth and last volume of which was published a short time ago. Dr. Ritchie has completed his task with fine scholarship and infinite care. Patrick B. Sangster* (1884-88), C. B., C. M.G., D.S.O., now holds the rank of Major-General in the Army. He entered the Army from the Militia in 1894, being given a commission on the Unattached List for the Indian Army. Among other appointments he held daring the War was that of Commandant, 29th Lancers, Indian Army. More recently he was Colonel-Commandant of a brigade of the Shanghai Defence Force. Charles Edwards Saunders* (1902-14), M.B., Ch.B., has recently entered into a medical partnership at Atherton, near Manchester. His marriage is recorded on another page. Alfred Charles Scott* (1882-89), who has been for about two years in the District Manager's Office, Post Office Telephones, Edinburgh, returned in January of this year to take up the appointment of Assistant Chief Clerk in the Aberdeen Office, where he had been formerly employed for a period of 27 years. George Alexander Sharp* (1922-24), M.B., Ch.B., has received a three months' appointment as House Surgeon at the Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. William Mitchell Sharp* (1925-30) has recently left class Modern V at the School for Bridgeport, Conn., U.S.A. James Gordon Shepherd* (.920-29) has joined the s.s. City of Badgad of the Ellerman City Line as a cadet, and has sailed from Liverpool for service in the East. Frank Douglas Simpson (1879-84), M.A., has recently retired from the Indian Civil Service, to which he was appointed in 1893. He has latterly been a judge at Naini Tal in the United Provinces. He is an uncle of GEORGE TAYLOR SIMPSON* (.9.0-20), who is the F.P. Club Consul for Rajputana. James Cruickshank Smith* (188243), B.Sc., F.C.S., writes from San Gervasio, Barcelona, that as he has taken up

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more or less permanent residence there, and has got to know the country and the people fairly well, he will be glad at any time if he can be of service to any F.P. who may happen to come that way. There is a comparatively small British colony in Barcelona, but they have a British Club, and a few miles away there is an 18-hole golf course. The scenery in Catalunia, he says, is delightful, and Barcelona itself is a most attractive and up-to-date city. To anyone desiring a holiday a little out of the ordinary he can with knowledge recommend that part of Spain. Lawrence Gilling Smith* (1909-15) is with Synthetic Ammonia and Nitrates, Ltd., the huge new chemical works of Imperial Chemical Industries on the north bank of the River Tees. There are, he says, a few F.P.s on the staff, but the place is so large now that they do not see much of each other. In fact it was not until he read the last Magazine that he learned that ROBERT TOUGH (1909-14), B.Sc. (Agr.), was there, and had been for two years. JOHN MALTON ADCOCK* (i 909-11) has been working along with Gilling Smith for the last two years, and ROBERT S. B. HERVEY* (19L3-19) was with them for some time, but has now left the firm. Smith has evidently taken to heart the paragraph which appeared about Life Members' subscriptions in the Report of the F.P. Club for the year 1929 in the last issue of the Magazine. At any rate he has sent to the Treasurer of the Club a cheque for £3. 3s. in order to supplement his original subscription of £2. 2s. James Christian Spark* (1918-21) is now resident in Edinburgh as Works Manager, Chief Mechanical Engineer's Department, London and North-Eastern Railway. Henry Bernard Stephen* (1917-24) is engineer on a tea estate in Jalpaiguri, India. Robert Macpherson Stewart* (1918-25), who has latterly been at Fettes College, has been awarded a scholarship at Aberdeen University from the Lord Kitchener National Memorial Fund for the sons of officers and men of H.M. Forces. Alexander Thomson* (1923-27) is at present a student in his third year at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, Edinburgh. Wallace Troup* (1907-12), M.D., in a letter written in April from Ottawa says that they had there for three days a party of sixteen Head Masters of English Schools making a study of educational conditions in Canada. Mr. Douglas G. Miller, formerly Rector of the Grammar School, and now High Master of Manchester Grammar School, was in the party. " I was very pleased to welcome him on his arrival," writes Dr. Troup. " It was a great pleasure to be able to show him something of the beautiful Capital, and I loaned him my copy of the latest issue of the Magazine, which had just arrived."

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Patrick John M. Walker* (1914-20), C.A., has obtained an appointment with the Mexico Light and Power Company in Mexico City. William Telfer Walker* (1919-24), who was formerly accountant of the Union Bank of Scotland at Edzell, is now accountant of the same Bank at Galston, Ayrshire. William Webster* (1882-93), stock and share broker, has returned to Aberdeen, and is associated with the firm of Messrs. James Black & Co., 24 Adelphi. Francis Fowlie Andrew Wilkie* (1921-24), who served his time as an engineer with Messrs. Allan Brothers, Kittybrewster, Aberdeen, has left to take up an appointment as a junior engineer with the Burmah Oil Co., Ltd., at Khodaung, Upper Burmah. Charles William Wallace Wilkins* (1926-28) has recently been transferred from his billet in Ceylon on North Pundaluoya Estate, Pundaluoya, to Kurugama Estate, Peradeniya. John Christie Wishart* (1919-24), M.B., Ch.B., is at present acting as assistant in a medical practice at Forres. Douglas Macpherson Wright* (1904-10), who has been for a considerable time in the service of the Bank of Scotland, is now in the Piccadilly office of that Bank in London. James Fenton Wyness* (1915-20), A.R.I.B.A., F.S.A., Scot., has started in practice as an architect in Aberdeen. ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY DEGREES AND PRIZES.

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At the Spring Graduation at Aberdeen University degrees were conferred on the following F.P.s :— Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)— Thomas Edge Anderson* (1912-21), M.B., Ch.B., Aberdeen, with Honours for Thesis. George Carmichael Kelly* (1905-14), B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., Aberdeen, with Honours for Thesis. Master of Arts (M.A.)— George Edmond Crombie* (1916-21), with First Class Honours in Classics. George Mackie Stephen* (1920-26), with First Class Honours in Classics. Gibb Niven Pennie (1923-26), with Second Class Honours in Classics. William Alexander Roger Smith* (1920-26), with Second Class Honours in Classics. Clement Marshall* (1915-27). Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)— Charles Ross Irvine* (1922-26), with Second Class Honours in Mathematics.

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Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)— Sydney Duffus* (i911-17), B.A. (Cantab.). Bachelor of Law (B.L.)— James John Donald* (1921-26). Harvey Tytler Nicol Sands* (1913-18). Bachelor of Medicine (M.B.) and Bachelor of Surgery (Ch.B. )— Howard Bruce Wilson* (1921-25), with Second Class Honours. Duncan Campbell Robb* (1918-23), M.A. George Alexander Sharp* (1922-24). In the Faculty of Arts George Mackie Stephen* (19201926) was awarded the Dr. Black Prize in Latin ; William A. B. Hamilton* (1921-27) was awarded the Liddel Prize for Latin Verse Composition and the Jenkyns Prize in Classical Philology. In the Faculty of Medicine Alfred Emerson Macdonald* (1922-25), M.A., was awarded the Dyce Davidson Memorial Gold Medal in Materia Medica.

OBITUARY. David Robert Crabb (1901-04), veterinary surgeon at Strichen, died on iith April, 1930. He graduated at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, Edinburgh, in 19.0, and practised at Worcester, Plymouth, and New Aberdour, before settling at Strichen. IN hen the Great War broke out he was a Lieutenant in the Army Veterinary Corps, attached to the . /2nd Scottish Horse (T.F.). A year later he was transferred to the 2nd Welsh Border Moz:nted Brigade as P.V.O., and in January, 19.6, to the 62nd Livisional Train, crossing to France with it. He was in command of the 2/.st West Riding Mobile Veterinary Section in France from June, 19.6, and subsequently served in Germany as D.A.D.V.S. He was promoted to be Captain in August, 1915, and was mentioned in despatches in November, 19.8. Peter Dunn (1860-61), D.D., minister emeritus of Speymouth and of Dalmeny, died in Edinburgh on 22nd March, 1930, in his 85th year. He graduated in arts at Aberdeen University in 1865, and was schoolmaster of Urquhart, near Elgin, from 1E66 to 1872. In 1870 he was licensed as a minister by the Presbytery of Elgin, and two years later was ordained minister of Speyir. outh. In 1890 he was transferred to Laln-eny, and he continued there until his retiral in i925, after having been a minister for over half a century. A warm friendship existed between him and the late Lord Rosebery. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from his Alma Mater in 1922.

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Alexander William Gray* (1881-83), baker, died at his residence, 131 High Street, Inverurie, on 29th April, 1930, aged 63. Charles Beresford Ironside (1913-16) died at Forres, as the result of an accident, on 27th April, 1930, aged 23 years. He was a son of the late John Ironside, wine merchant, Aberdeen, and of Mrs. Ironside, Perth. David Bruce Nicol* (1900-02), M.C., M.A., B.D., died at the Manse of Govan, Glasgow, on 23rd March, 1930, aged 44 years. He was a son of the Very Rev. Professor Thomas Nicol, who was Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 19 4, and came to the Grammar School from George Watson's College, Edinburgh. He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen University in 1905, and B.D. in 1908. In the same year he received the appointment of assistant at St. Andrew's Scottish Church, Buenos Aires, and on his return to Scotland two years later, he was appointed assistant in $t. Cuthbert's, Edinburgh. In 1911 he was ordained minister of the parish of S'elmorlie, Ayrshire. During the Great War he served as a Chaplain with the 60th Division in France, Salonika, and Greece to. June, 1917 ;. with the 60th and 52nd Divisions in Egypt and Palestine to April, 1918 ; and with'the 52nd Division in France and Belgium to February, 19.9, and in Aldershot to July, 19;9. In September, 19.8, he was awarded the Military Cross. At the conclusion of his military service he was elected minister of St. Margaret's, Edinburgh, and in that capacity took an active part in the social work of the city. In 1925 he was translated to St. Mark's, Dundee, and there continued his social work. In September of last year he was inducted as minister of Govan Parish, Glasgow. Although his school allegiance was divided, he maintained a keen interest in the " Grammar," and was very proud that he had taken part in the ceremony of unveiling the War Memorial in the School Hall in 1923. He is survived by his wife, who is a daughter of the late Professor James W. H. Trail, Aberdeen, and by six of a family. Archibald Foote Simpson (1856-59), retired banker, sixth son of the late Rev. Robert Simpson, D.D., Free Church, Kintore, died at Aberdeen on 27th April, 1930, aged 83 years. Sir George Watt* (1867-69), C. I.E., M.B., C. M. , LL.D. , died at Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, on 2nd April, 1930, aged 78 years. Born at Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire, in 1851, he was educated at the Grammar School and Marischal College, Aberdeen, and in 1871 went to Glasgow University, where he graduated in medicine. His distinction in botanical study led to his being selected in 1873 to be Professor of Botany in the University of Calcutta. In 1884 he was appointed an assistant secretary for scientific purposes of the Revenue and

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Agricultural Department of the Government of India, and from 1887 to 1903 he was Reporter on Economic Products to the Government. This office enabled him to give more attention to a project he already had in hand—that of compiling the " Dictionary of Economic Products of India." Begun in 1885, it was not until nine years later that the last of the nine royal quarto volumes of this great standard authority made its appearance. There is no other work of the kind by a single hand to compare with this Lictionary. An abridged edition in one volume was published in 1908 under the title of " The Commercial Products of India." For eleven years Watt edited the Indian Agriculture Ledger, and he was also in charge of the Industrial Section of the Calcutta Museum. He retired from the Indian Service in 1906, and settled at Lockerbie in 19.0. A life so full and varied brought many honours. His Companionship of the Indian Empire was conferred in 1886, and his Knighthood in 1903. He was made LL.D. of Aberdeen in 1904, and of Glasgow in 1907. He also held high distinctions from a number of foreign universities and learned bodies. In a well-informed obituary notice in The Times it was stated that he " made a unique contribution to that development of the economic resources of India which is one of the outstanding achievements of the British connexion. There was scarcely a branch of scientific investigation of Indian products and resources in which he had not some direct participation, and none which he did not interpret in his magnum opus, the ' Dictionary of the Economic Products of India.' Moreover, in the quarter of a century which has passed since he retired from the Indian Service, he did valuable work at Kew, and made contributions of world-wide consequence to commercial economics, as, for instance, in his authoritative and exhaustive work on `The Wild and Cultivated Cotton Plants of the World.' "

Marriages. Bowman (1910-15).—At Mathers' Hotel, Dundee, on 16th April, 1930, CHARLES OGILVIE WILL BOWMAN,• youngest son of Mr. John Bowman, Aberdeen, to Catherine Russell, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. R. McDougall, 6 Balgay Avenue, Dundee. Campbell (1904-08).—At Hendon Parish Church, Hendon, on 24th May, 1930, ARCHIBALD CLYDESDALE CAMPBELL, younger son of Rev. A. and Mrs. Campbell, 452 King Street, Aberdeen, to Gladys Eileen, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Coleman, Hendon. Dickson (1911-22).—At the East Church of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, on 7th June, 1930, ANDREW DICKSON,* M.B., Ch.B., Windsor House, Wallsend-on-Tyne, to Penelope Alexander, daughter of the late Robert Williams, municipal cashier, and of Mrs. Williams, Duverne, Cornbill Road, Aberdeen,

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Doig (1906-09).—At North Wembley, Middlesex, on 29th April, 1930, MICHAEL DOIG (Midland Bank, Ltd., Bath), eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Doig, 17 Devanha Gardens East, Aberdeen, to Muriel, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Maple, 57 East Lane, North Wembley.

Donaldson (1909-15).-At 38 Springfield Avenue, Aberdeen, on 14th June, 1930, HERBERT DAVID DONALDSON,* youngest son of the late Alexander Donaldson and Mrs. Donaldson, Thornhill, Cults, to Mabel, daughter of the late Capt. A. G. Philip and Mrs. Philip, formerly of 95 Mile-End Avenue. Duthie (1910-17).—At Aberdeen, on 3rd June, 1930, ERIC EDMONSION DUTHIE, M.A., 62 Carden Place, Aberdeen, to Marion B. Nelson, M.A., Craigneil, Culter. Emslie (1905-17).—At the West Church, Banchory, on 7th June, 1930, Jim.' ALEXANDER SIMPSON ENSUE,* M.B., Ch.B., Walbrook, Banchory, elder son of the late John Emslie, and of Mrs. Emslie, 61 Beechgrove Terrace, Aberdeen, to Muriel Irene, daughter of T. Walker Hector (1880-90) and Mrs. Hector, St. Leonards, Banchory. (I916-21).—At St. Columba's Church, Pont Street. Hector London, on 7th June, 1930, EDWIN OSWALD HECTOR,* C.A., younger son of Dr. William Hector* (1880- 85) and Mrs. Hector, 29 Richmondhill Road, Aberdeen, to Doris Adelaide de la Saux Simmonds, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Simmonds, Letchworth. Hendrick (1906-15).—At St. Mary Madgalen's Church, Taunton, on 23rd April, 1930, Captain CHARLES ALBERT HENDRICK,* the Dogra Regiment, Indian Army, to Henrietta Frances, second daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Aveline, Cotford, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton. Kelly (1905-14).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 5th April, 1930, GEORGE CARMICHAEL KELLY,* B.Sc., M.D., Brentwood, Essex, second son of Mr. William Kelly, LL.D., 62 Rubislaw Den North, Aberdeen, to Grace Kay, younger daughter of Mr. Robert Milne, Baiglie, Queen's Road, Aberdeen. Kilgotir (1909-16).—At Mannofield Parish Church, Aberdeen, on 30th April, 1930, JAMES GRAY KILGOUR,* only son of the late David M. Kilgour (1876-82) and Mrs. Kilgour, 70 Rubislaw Den North, to Muriel Lindsay, younger daughter of the late Robert W. L. Hay (18811885), and Mrs. Hay, 406 Great Western Road. Lees (1910-22).—At St. Ninian's, Aberdeen, on 25th April, 1930, FRANK jAMIESON LEES, M.B., Ch.B., eldest son of the late John Lees, M.A., D.Litt. (Edin.), and Mrs. Lees, 15 Rubislaw Den South, to Norah Alison Sands, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. T. McRobert, 52 St. Swithin Street. Mackintosh (1912-15).—At Beechgrove Church, Aberdeen, on 11th June, 1930, HARVEY GOODWIN MACKINTOSH,* second son of Dr. J. G. Mackintosh and Mrs. Mackintosh, Edenholme, Stonehaven, and 17 Golden Square, Aberdeen, to Ella Ogilvie, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Fiddes, Rubislaw Den House, Aberdeen. Mackintosh (1914-18).—At Trinity Church, Crown Street, Aberdeen, on 17th June, 1930, ALAN CARDNO MACKINTOSH,* youngest son of the late William Mackintosh and Mrs. Mackintosh, 164 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen, to Barrie, youngest daughter of George Watt, architect, and Mrs. Watt, 35 Anderson Drive, Aberdeen. Saunders (1902-14).—At St. Mary's, Carden Place, Aberdeen, on 4th June, 1930, CHARLES EDWARD SAUNDERS,* M.B., Ch.B., Atherton, Lancs., youngest son of the late Mr. Benjamin Saunders, and of Mrs. Saunders, 46 Polmuir Road, to Aileen Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Riddell, 16 Bayview Road.

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A Tour in Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador, with a brief visit to Guatemala*. Before starting off on the journey to Venezuela, let me correct an impression which is widely held, namely, that in venturing into those countries one meets with bandits and brigands armed to the teeth and ready to stick a knife into one on the slightest provocation. Such an idea is entirely erroneous, and one finds the natives of those places most lawabiding, kind, and helpful, and indeed, at any rate among the upper classes, most cultured. It is equally wrong to suppose that they are continually in a state of revolution. For many years both Venezuela and Colombia have enjoyed stable Government, although I must admit that Ecuador has not had quite such a good reputation. I went to La Guaira, the chief port in Venezuela, by the new Hamburg-Amerika motorship Magdalena, a very fine example of the latest German shipbuilding practice. Patriotism would have prompted me to go by a British line, but it is an extraordinary thing that, in spite of the large amount of trade and passenger traffic that is carried on between this country and Venezuela, no British passenger service worthy of the name exists, and one has to choose between the Dutch Line and the German Line if it be desired to reach Venezuela in reasonable time and in reasonable con- fort. La Guaira, as I have said, is the chief port in Venezuela and is connected with the capital, Caracas, by a railway which is run by English capital and is, indeed, a triumph of engineering skill. Severe competition is now being felt by this railway on account of a very good motor road which has recently been constructed. Caracas is a very pleasant city, standing 3,000 feet high, with a climate resembling perpetual spring—comfortably warm during the day and sufficiently cool at night to allow one to sleep soundly. The Government offices are situated in Caracas, although the President has his home in Maracay, a few hours by car west of the capital. For many years Venezuela has been governed—and governed very well—by one man, General Gomez. The financial position of the country is better than that of any other South American country at the present day, and there is sufficient surplus in the National Treasury to pay off practically the whole of the external debt of the country. General Gomez had been Constitutional President from 1922, and for many years before that he controlled the destinies of the country, although he was not actually President. Last year there was what was called an Election. This election differed very much from our ideas of elections, and it simply • Reference to a good map will greatly help the reader to follow the itinerary.—Ed. A.G.S. Mag.

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meant that the Congress went in a body to the President and asked him to continue in office. He refused to do so, but intimated to Congress that he desired a new post created. This new post was that of Commander-in-Chief of the Army. General Gomez said that he would take that position and would inform Congress whom he wished to be appointed as President. This is actually what happened, and General Gomez remains super-President or Dictator to-day, but I believe that the political situation is well looked after by the titular President under the tutelage of the General. From Caracas I proceeded to Valencia, the centre of the textile industry of Venezuela, and from there went on to Puerto Cabello, where I happened to arrive on Easter Saturday. On Easter Sunday a religious ceremony, known as "The Blessing of the Waters," takes place in Puerto Cabello, and the inhabitants from all the surrounding districts congregate there for this ceremony. All the hotels were full, and it was only on account of the courtesy of a friend of mine that I was fortunate enough to secure shelter for the night. This friend arranged for a bed and mosquito net to be put up in a disused room in his store, otherwise I should have had to sleep under the shelter of the stars. It is possible to reach Maracaibo by a cross-country route by car and then cross over the Lake of Maracaibo by steamer. There are two running there to-day, one of which at least, I understand, was condemned as being unfit for passenger traffic on the Mississippi 30 years ago ; but if one prefers to travel in a comfortable way, the trip to Maracaibo had best be taken by another route. The bar at the entrance of the Lake of Maracaibo continually silts up, and only shallow-draft boats can enter that port. Therefore, it is necessary to take an ocean-going boat to the Dutch Island of Curacao, and to wait there for one of the small connecting boats to Maracaibo. This town is the centre of the oil industry, from which Venezuela derives a great part of her revenue, and is a most progressive city. Venezuela is now considered to be the second largest producer of oil, and among other producing companies might be mentioned the Caribbean Petroleum Company, subsidiary of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, and the British Controlled Company. The former concern has founded a very fine colony in the best part of Maracaibo, where all the amenities of sport and comfort are at the disposal of the employees of the company. Processions of almost endless length of small tankers carry the crude oil from Maracaibo to the Islands of Aruba and Curacao, where it is either transferred to the large ocean-going tankers or treated in the local refineries. Many of these small tankers fly the British flag, but I am told that

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never is a British cargo boat seen in Maracaibo, and we seem to be content to allow the Germans, Dutch, and Americans to handle the considerable volume of transhipment traffic between there and Curacao. It may be worthy of mention that although Maracaibo is an important commercial centre, our only official British representative there is a part-time vice-consul, who is also a representative of various concerns, British and foreign. It appears to me that such a state of affairs is not conducive to the best interests of the export trade which we so badly require at this time, for the vice-consul, part of whose duty it is to help British traders, must perforce perform his duty to the detriment of his foreign principals, or support those principals at the expense of British trade. I returned to Curacao on an American boat, and most of the Americans themselves in that part of the world say, with reference to the steamship line running there, "God preserve me from travelling on a boat flying the Stars and Stripes ! " I have no reason whatever to quarrel with their sentiments. I spent a few days in Curacao, which has been transformed in the last few years from a quiet little island into a most important transhipment centre bristling with life. The approach to it is very pretty, the houses in the Dutch style, with their red tiled roofs, being very pleasing to the eye. A curious patois, apparently an indiscriminate mixture of Dutch, Spanish, and English, called "papaimiento," is spoken here, but nearly all Dutchmen speak all those three languages perfectly. While on this subject I might say that whilkgne is on the beaten track as it were, English will carry one thrbtrg*h. It is very advisable, however, to know Spanish when travelling in those countries, and for business purposes it is essential. Curacao came into prominence about a year ago, when some Venezuelan revolutionaries seized an American ship which was lying in the harbour, kidnapped the Dutch Governor of the Island, who was used as a hostage to get past the Dutch forts at the entrance to the harbour, and set sail for Venezuela. An international incident was narrowly averted, and I can imagine the fate of the revolutionaries when, if ever, they fell into the hands of General Gomez. From Curacao I went to Puerto Colombia, the chief port on the Atlantic side of the Republic of Colombia. It is amusing to find in these enlightened days how many people there are who confuse this Republic with British Columbia and even with Colombo in Ceylon. A British railway, owned by the Barranquilla Railway and Pier Company, connects the port with the city of Barranquilla, which is on the Magdalena River, the chief highway of the Republic. Barranquilla is the northern terminus of the river boats plying on that river.

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It is a city of about 90/100,000 inhabitants. Edward Marr, who is a "Grammar" F.P., is manager of the Bank of London and South America there, and a very hearty welcome I got from him. I met him frequently at the Anglo-American Club and at the Country Club, and he and his wife are among the most popular figures of the foreign colony there. I was fortunate enough to be provided with a complimentary passage up the River Magdalena, and was allotted what is known there as a "de luxe" cabin. I know one should not look a gift horse in the mouth, but I was very intrigued to discover what constituted the "de luxe," and as I by myself was unable to do this, I asked the purser to enlighten me. He could not do so, and my curiosity was so great that when I reached my destination I went to the managing director of the company to secure the information. I found that as a wash-hand basin had displaced the usual tin bucket, the cabin had been dignified by the label "de luxe," but although the basin was provided with taps, one was not connected, and the water refused to flow through the other one. The tin bucket, therefore, had still to be requisitioned to provide for the filling of the basin. The food and accommodation on these boats leaves much, in fact leaves everything, to be desired; and I was very thankful when I reached Puerto Berrio, the river port for Medellin. The latter city is the second largest in Colombia, and until a few months ago, when a tunnel was cut through a mountain which was in the way of the railway, passengers had to leave the train at the one side and travel by car to the other side of the mountain, where another train was in waiting to continue the journey. Medellin is the centre of a coffee-producing region, from which some of the finest of the world's mild coffees come. The inhabitants of the State of Antioquia, of which Medellin is the capital, are often referred to as the Jews of Colombia, and are distinguished for their Aberdonian qualities—hardheadedness, shrewdness, and scrupulous honesty. On my arrival in Medellin I found a cable calling me to Ecuador, and I had to make arrangements to get there as quickly as I could, but there is no chance in those countries of jumping into a through carriage. By the very quickest route available it took me six days of hard travelling. I left Medellin and proceeded by train for about 30 miles, where I had mules awaiting me, then had three very long days' riding. It is quite pleasant to have a long day's ride when your objective is a comfortable fire or bed or a good meal, but the doss houses on that Andian route are about as repulsive and foul as can well be imagined ; and the food which I had during the trip consisted mostly of raw eggs which I bought here and there, and an occasional banana and bottle of beer. The scenery is magnificent in places, and the coffee plantations

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dotted over the mountain side give a wonderful impression of tranquillity far away from trains, cars, and other nerveracking vehicles. I reached Neira, a small town on the top of a hill, on Whit Monday, after 17 hours' continuous mule-riding. From Neira on one hill to Manizales on another there is an aerial ropeway. Had I known the sensation to which I would be subjected, I would have taken the longer mule-back route. To be swinging in the air over ravines hundreds of feet deep in a small cage surrounded by wire netting is not a sensation I want to experience again, and to be quite candid, I was mighty glad when I got out of that cage, after an hour and a half of mental torture. From Manizales I got a train to Cali, a prosperous town in the fertile Cauca valley, and from Cali went to Buenaventura, the Colombian Pacific port, where I got an aeroplane for Guayaquil, the Ecuadorian port. This flight was a most pleasant one, going along the coast and touching at various small ports en route. The service is run by a German company, which has a concession from the Colombian Government and which has maintained a splendidly organized service for the last six or seven years, with an enviable record as far as serious accidents are concerned. Guayaquil stands at the mouth of the Guayas River, and is famous for its locusts during certain seasons of the year. It is also famous for its statues. The Ecuadorians delight in erecting statues to their national hero, General Sucre, and a tale is told, although I cannot vouch for the truth of it, of a certain municipality which had placed a contract for the erection of a statue of Sucre with a local firm. The local firm ordered the statue from the States, but the American statue merchants went bankrupt before the statue was delivered. The unveiling date was rapidly approaching, so the local contractors sent a cable to this country ordering a statue of Sucre to be despatched at once, but not even a Mr. Selfridge had a suitable statue on his shelves. However, the firm who had the order discovered an unused statue of Byron, and the substitution of the name Sucre for Byron enabled the statue to be despatched and unveiled in time, and is probably there to this day ! From Guayaquil I went to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. This is a quaint old city standing 9,000 feet above sea level, and although it is within 20 miles or so of the Equator, one wants a heavy overcoat at night. The girls there have become quite modern, and the mode when I was there was for them to frequent a fashionable cocktail bar which had just been opened, which was certainly an innovation for the LatinAmerican female, •

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Ecuador had just emerged from a dictatorship, and a Congress had just been elected, the members of which had been mostly drawn from the lower classes. Each member was paid 60 sucres (£3) a day, and as most of them had never had so much in a month before, their session was protracted, and it was being seriously wondered if they were ever to end their patriotic and profitable labours. There are many beautiful snow-capped volcanoes in Ecuador, such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, El Altar, etc., and one can obtain very fine views by motoring from Quito to Riobamba, a small town about half way between Quito and Guayaquil. After I left Ecuador I returned to Colombia and entered by the Pacific Coast port. I went to Cali again, and this time I had the pleasure of meeting Stanley Gaiter, another F.P., who holds a responsible position as Chief Accountant in the Cali Light and Power Company. (Incidentally, he tells me he finds it difficult to get hold of young men suitably qualified to hold accounting positions.) There is quite a considerable Scotch colony in Cali, and Gaiter was one of the leading lights in a movement for the_formation of a St. Andrew's Club there. From Cali I went to Bogota by way of Armenia, where I visited the " English colony," which consists of a man from Edinburgh and' his wife. From Armenia to Ibague one crosses the Andes by motor car. At one point a height of 10,000 feet is reached, and the cold was intense the morning I made the trip. From Ibague to Girardot (on the Magdalena River again) there is a railway, and one must spend a night at the latter town, as railway connections in those countries are very erratic. Next morning I went by train to Bogota. The time taken is about seven hours, and in that time one rises from 1,000 feet above sea level at Girardot to about 9,000 feet altitude in Bogota. Bogota, of course, is the capital of the Republic, and a very delightful place it is. I do not think there are any Grammar School F.P.s there just now, but there is a fairly large English and Scotch colony. There is a very nice Country Club where tennis, golf, etc., can be indulged in, but some people find that tennis is rather too strenuous at that altitude. I mentioned the vice-consul in another place, and I mention now the British Minister and the Consul who were in Bogota when I was there. Those two British representatives have been untiring in their efforts to stimulate British trade and to look after British interests generally, and I ack nowledge with gratitude the hospitality, kindness, and assistance I got from them both. Colombia has been developing, but the speed of her

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development has been slowed up lately, partly on account of her inability to secure loans on favourable terms. The existing oil laws of the country have retarded her development considerably. Those laws have been revised, and recommendations for their modification are before Congress now, and when they are passed, it is possible that the flow of money to Colombia will become easier. Most of the Government work on the construction of railways and roads has been curtailed, if not altogether suspended, and the fall in the price of coffee, which is Colombia's biggest export commodity, has adversely affected the trade of the country, temporarily I think. A Presidential Election was held recently, and when the new President takes office in August, it is hoped that more normal conditions will prevail. I was not able to avail myself of the air service to reach the coast, on account of the luggage I had, so I went by river boat, and on the way I spent a few days at the headquarters of the Dorada Railway, another English-owned concern there, which is required on account of the rapids in the river that boats cannot negotiate. The usual time taken to go down the river is 5 to 6 days, and I did it in that time, but once I took 34 weeks to make the journey on account of the river being nearly dry, and the boat being stuck fast for days at a time on boulders in the bed of the river. Such an experience is far from pleasant, to say the least of it. I duly reached the coast and spent a few more days in Barranquilla, waiting for a boat to take me to Puerto Limon in Costa Rica. I do not propose to weary you with a description of all the small republics in Central America, but would just mention that I met Mr. Charles Moir, Club Consul in Guatemala City. He tells me his consular duties in that neighbourhood impose no great strain on him, and since my visit to him in 1923 no one had called on him in his consular capacity until I did in 1929. I understand his only consular activity has been the answering of a letter he received from some F.P. in Australia or South Africa asking for Guatemalan stamps ! He has still a warm corner in his heart for the "Grammar," and very much enjoys a perusal of the Magazine. From Guatemala City I intended to go by rail to Puerto Barrios, on the Atlantic side, to take a boat for New Orleans. I intended to visit Quirigua on the way, where Dr. MacPhail, an Aberdonian, who is an eminent authority on tropical diseases, is resident, but unfortunately on the night before I was leaving, heavy rains and landslides carried away a great part of the railway line, and I had to alter my plans. I went to Ayutla on the Guatemalan frontier, and crossed the river forming the boundary between Guatemala and Mexico to a place called Mariscal. The Guatemalan and Mexican authorities kindly gave me

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special facilities for crossing the frontier long after 6 p.m., when it is supposed to be closed, much to the disgust of three casual acquaintances I had met on the train who were as anxious as I was to proceed quickly. Neither by cajolery nor bribery could they get permission to cross the frontier, and reluctantly I left them behind. From Mariscal to Vera Cruz is a very tiring journey of 33 hours' duration without sleeping or restaurant cars. I had only three hours in Vera Cruz and 55 minutes in Mexico City. I proceeded straight through Mexico to the United States, where I spent a few weeks, and happened to be in New York at the time of the Wall Street excitement. I am sure that any who have visited America will agree with me that the hospitality dispensed by the Americans is quite overwhelming, and the theoretical and legal difficulties in the way of supplying liquid refreshment are not allowed to be practical ones. JOHN Ross ESSON (1893-97) New Book by Dr. Cormack.

Dr. Cormack is indefatigable. To the growing list of his works there has just been added a volume, published by the Oxford University Press, with the title " Teinds and Agriculture : an Historical Survey " (price 7s. 6d.). This book, which is dedicated to the author's wife, sets forth information about " a notoriously complex and confusing subject " from the earliest times up to the Church of Scotland (Property and Endowments) Act, 1925, and is intended for the use of landowners, clergymen, agents, and others dealing with teinds in the course of business, but it will certainly be of interest to a wider public. In the preface Dr. Cormack explains that as teinds were an importation into Scotland by the Roman Church, it was necessary first to search for their origin in Hebrew, Greek, and Roman literature, and especially in the monumental records of the Roman Church Councils. In Scotland the chief sources of information were the Statutes of the Church of Scotland, the Chartularies of Cathedrals and Monasteries, the Acts of Parliament, the Decisions of Law Courts, Official Views of Agriculture, and Hansard. The most laborious part of the whole, it appears, was the searching of the documents in Medieval Latin, which had to be systematically reviewed, as they contained information not elsewhere available. This is not the place for a critical appreciation of Dr. Cormack's book : suffice it to say that it is a very careful and very useful piece of work, fully documented, and that through it Dr. Cormack has brought credit not only to himself but also to the Grammar School.

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The Lupa Goldfield in Tanganyika. The hour of 5 p.m. was past ; the native-pushed trolleys brought their tired European occupants back from a day's work in the damp heat. The place was Beira, a town on the east coast of Africa. Some of the returning travellers stopped at a small hotel. A stranger was there telling about the new gold find on the Lupa River in Tanganyika. " Yes, they are getting 10 ounces a day and more," said he. " 60 miles of river bed all bearing, fortunes to be made—has only been scraped so far ; there will be thousands there in a few months ; I am chucking the job I have had for fifteen years. . . ." And so the conversation went on ; imagination grew brighter and brighter. The Gods decided I should try my luck on the River Lupa. A few weeks later I was ready to start, with £60 worth of mining kit—spades, picks, pans, pumps, etc. The Trans-Zambesi Railway took me to Limbe, and from there I motored to Fort Johnston, the Nyasaland port of Lake Nyasa. I had to wait two days at the hotel for a boat. What types one met there on the same venture ! One young, rather dandy fellow had run out of cash, and was selling his spare clothes : he was offering his jacket to a Frenchman. " I do not the jacket want, why you be so silly ? " said the Frenchman. The voyage along the Lake was quite pleasant. I reached Mwaya, the Tanganyika port, in about seven days. A howling crowd of very raw savages met the boat. I safaried with another fellow four days to Tukuyu. On the safari I went through twenty miles of banana, planted by the Germans. The country rose all the way to Tukuyu, which is the Government station. The rest-house was full, and a good few tents were dotted round it. Here we got bad news—" The Lupa is a wash-out "—but on we went undismayed. Men were coming in from all points of the compass—Congo-Belge, Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia, Kenya, and even the Sudan. Six days' safari followed through very fine, hilly, wellwatered, rich country, then for a day and a half came bare, rocky, volcanic, sparsely-populated country; and then, on rounding the bend, the River Lupa. What a shock the first sight gives one. " Can this be it ? " is the question one asks oneself. On the banks—high, sickly green reeds, the stubble of a mealie field ; a dry, dirty-looking river-bed, 80 feet wide, stony and sandy ; here and there a pool of dirty water ; no signs of gold diggers ! A few pools where someone had marked a claim were the first indication that this must be the river. One walked on about half a mile and then saw signs of activity —a big pool of dirty water, natives digging and carrying the

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gravel to a sluice box (a long, wooden arrangement), while others poured water on the gravel. The gravel is washed down the box and the gold is caught in cross ridges (gold being heavy, of course). Here and there were deep holes in the river-bed, with pumps pumping the water out, so that natives could get at the gravel at the foot. There were deep cuttings on the bank, where prospectors had tried the old river-beds. Some parts of these were rich. One walks on, and the same sight meets the eye the whole way up. Sluice boxes in dirty pools, boys panning, deep holes in the river bed ; here and there a stretch of water. The diggers with their groups of boys, showing them what to do ; colonels, planters, shopmen, prospectors (two had been at the Klondyke rush of '98), business men—these diggers are a very bright crowd. The whole idea seemed to be to turn the river upside down as quickly as possible. As one travelled up, the river got narrower, the hills steeper on either bank, and stretch upon stretch of gorge was met, with here and there an open space. On one of these open spaces on the Upper Lupa my companion and I pitched our tent. What excitement when one pans one's first gold dust ! After a few weeks our first hopes are sadly shaken, and we have to face the fact that here is no fortune, only a bare living. No information is given to the newcomer by the old hands. He is misled, yes !—helped, no ! The King of the Lupa was a Jew. A dark, little man, who had been a popular personality in Nyasaland. He was reported to have made and spent three fortunes. Anyhow, he had done very well on the River Lupa. His house was perched up on the rocks, like the nest of an eagle, overlooking where the two rivers charged down the hills, meeting amongst boulders, each one as big as a car. Poor old devil, he had to be carried to Tukuyu later, where he died : eager to the last to get well and peg a real.y good claim that nobody else knew of. If one wishes to get gold, one has to work very hard— digging, prospecting, bossing the natives, helping them with boulder overturning, testing to see they are not stealing. In a desolate spot there is the native food to see to and your own, labour is scarce, and there are many other small things to do. Round our camp at night lions roared, hyenas howled, and the leopards gave great, deep, short, heavy barks. I had to go out one night and fire shots to frighten them away. The native does not seem to know fear till the animal is right on him, then he shakes like a jelly, but he soon forgets again. Owing to the high class of men who came in, these diggings

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were very peaceful. There were one or two small disputes, but nothing after the "one shot Steve" sort. Alcoholic refreshment had to be bought 60 miles away at a stiff price, and was seldom obtainable. A few men were lucky in their work, one getting 10 ounces a day (about £30), another 6 ounces. The average was very low, about half an ounce a day. We were above the average. Everyone kept his knowledge of new finds very secret, and in one case this caused a very amusing incident. A few diggers got to hear of a wondrous new find. Each made his arrangements and stole off. At a distant D.C. station about five days from the Lupa a digger arrived with kit and asked the D.C. where the find was. The D.C. did not know. Diggers followed each other all round the country, each thinking the others knew where it was. At last a few met, and they all discovered that not one of them knew where it was ; so they all returned, looking very glum. The gold on the Lupa was very fine, the biggest nugget got weighing 8 ounces. A nugget of 1 ounce was considered good. The origin of the Lupa gold was a mystery. Gold dust one could get in all the surrounding streams for 20 miles. In most alluvial rivers the gold gets heavier as you go up stream, until you find the origin (the reef), if there is one. Not so in the Lupa—one stretch rich, the next stretch poor, and so on, the top stretches to its source hardly bearing at all. I worked for four months on claims and I changed them. Latterly I was working on a lower stretch of the river. One evening, just as darkness fell, my companion and I heard a dull roar, then shouts of natives—the roar grew louder, and there seemed to be great excitement amongst the natives. We went to the door of our tent and saw hundreds of natives all making for the river. Heavy rains had come on the hills, and there was a wall of water ten feet high rushing down towards us. Cries and shouts arose as sluice-boxes, pumps, etc., were hauled from the river-bed, and before the job was finished, the water came on six feet high, twenty feet broad, carrying everything before it. It went roaring past, filling the river eight feet deep. The diggings were finished for six months: the rains had come. In the morning there were many sad hearts, as pumps and other working utensils had been lost in the surprise spate of the river. The general talk now was of leaving. Many were to come back again to finish claims, and many went off prospecting the small streams. My companion and I made our plans to safari across Tanganyika to Tabora, prospecting as we went. So ended my venture on the Lupa River. A. H. P. FERGUSON (1905-14).

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Reminiscences of the School and Teachers over Fifty Years Ago.

•

As a preface to these modest reminiscences I would refer to Canon Harper's most able and interesting articles which appeared in the Magazine some time ago under the title of "'Tis Fifty Years Ago." The worthy Canon, true to his cloth, only saw or chronicled the finer side of the teachers under review, and carefully omitted any defects common to all or most of them. In these lines I shall try to give an account of the teachers as they appeared to my observation, giving praise where praise is due and pointing out any notable characteristics or shortcomings prominent in their dealings with the scholars under their tuition, at the same time not censuring unduly any of the masters under whom it was my fortune to sit. Mr. ALEXANDER MARTIN. According to seniority I shall begin with the Rector, Mr. Martin, who held the post from 1869 to 1881. In appearance he was tall and rather slim, and had a shaggy, black beard turning grey, and wore a sort of clerical garb. He was an inveterate snuff-taker, and used the orthodox large red handkerchief. He was practically unknown to a large majority of the boys. In addition to his duties as Rector, he taught Greek to members of the Fourth and Fifth Classes, and as I, like a good many more, left the School after the Third Class, I had no personal acquaintance with Mr. Martin, and we saw him only on his daily march to his class-room at the end of the long corridor of the building. He was supposed to patronize our Cricket Club, but otherwise his contact with the boys was almost nil. At the same time he may have been a good Rector and given satisfaction to his superiors, as he held the position for over eleven years. Mr. CHARLES SLEIGH. So far as the other teachers are concerned, although I do not think there was any priority, I shall follow with my impressions of Mr. Sleigh, our mathematical master. He was rather tall and well built, with a short, mouse-coloured, untidy beard. In manner he was very severe and sour, with a high-pitched voice. He took snuff in large quantities, and used a hideous large red bandana handkerchief, and his waistcoat was nearly always unclean on account of his indulging in that most filthy habit of using rappee. In his class we were arranged according to our Christian names, and as mine commences with C, I was seated on the first bench, which had the advantage of being comparatively near the fireplace in the winter time. On my left was placed a small,

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delicate, and nervous boy, whose initial name began with A, and who was a sort of protege of mine. This boy, and a good many others, quaked when he had the misfortune to be called up to solve some equation on the black-board, and as he was mortally afraid of Mr. Sleigh, he generally made a sad mess of the problem. The master had his favourites and showed his preferences. He may have been a good teacher, but I must say I did not learn much arithmetic under his guidance (which may have been my fault), but I imagine several others could say the same, and in proof of this, a considerable number took private classes with Mr. David Rennet, the notable mathematical coach, who lived in Golden Square. This applied mostly to those who had the ambition to figure high in the honours list. He was very hard on the unfortunate boys who did not merit his favour, and even Canon Harper quoted some of his stinging thrusts, such as : " I can let you see the way to do it, but I canna give you brains," or, "Yes, two asses multiplied by two equal four asses. No, no James, I didna mean you, though you do sometimes bray like one." One more of his saying is recorded by another F.P. : " I'll break your head," followed up by " I've often broken a boy's head." These samples of his remarks may perhaps be witty, but they certainly were not kindly, and aroused resentment in the minds of the victims. Even so, Mr. Sleigh used the tawse only occasionally. By the way, my friend A already referred to graduated afterwards in medicine at Marischal College, left Aberdeen, and engaged in medical practice at St. Leonardson-Sea, and died, poor chap, in London in 1908 at the comparatively early age of 45 years. Mr. ALEXANDER F. MURISON. Mr. Munson, our English Master, was the youngest member of the staff, and was the " Beau Brummell" of the teachers. He was fairly tall and erect, had a slim figure in those days, and cultivated a square-cut and nicely trimmed black beard, which he caressed affectionately. He was always very neatly dressed, with swallow-tailed black coat and light-coloured "pants," and was very alert in his movements. He was, perhaps, the most learned of the teachers, having been First Bursar on entering King's College and having graduated with first class honours in Classics. He was a thorough master of his subject, and an excellent teacher. He brought out a text-book entitled "First Work in English," which we used along with Bain's " Grammar." Mr. Murison was a great admirer of Professor Bain, under whom he had sat at King's, and was one of his favourite pupils. In spite of his dignity and courtesy, he applied the tawse rather liberally and could use it well ; the weapon was a thin, long article, and hurt a good deal, so they say. He was somewhat quick-tempered, but

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withal he was well liked. He remained only a comparatively short time at the Grammar School, and to the regret of all he left Aberdeen and went to London, where he studied law and shortly was called to the Bar. He filled the Chair of Roman Law in University College, London, for 42 years, and also became a K.C. He received the honorary degree of LLD. from his Alma Mater in 1893. In those days we had a custom in the winter-time which we called "running the blockade," and which consisted in ranging ourselves on either side of the avenue leading from Skene Street to the School. When snow fell we made balls to pelt the new arrivals, who thereafter lined up to continue the fun on others. Only the masters were excepted, but it is said that on one occasion, either by intent or accident, Mr. Murison was hit with a snowball. On receiving the blow, he turned glaringly on the boys and said, " You will all be sorry for what you have done," and continued his march to the School. Everyone trembled and imagined all sorts of punishments and horrors. On our assembling in his class-room later on, there was a dead silence in expectation of what would happen. Mr. Munson at last spoke and commented calmly on the lack of respect shown him, but to the relief of all, he said he would pardon the culprits on this occasion, but warned them not to repeat the offence. On his making this declaration, there was a round of vigorous applause, and after all, the incident served only to increase his popularity. Mr. Munson is the last surviving member of the School staff of those days, and I do hope he is still hale and hearty and enjoying his well-earned retirement with the sincere good wishes of all his former pupils. Mr. WILLOX. Mr. Willox was the teacher of History and Geography, and I am surprised that so little notice has been taken of him by the majority of the contributors to the Magazine. Was he considered insignificant, or were his subjects too dry or uninteresting? For myself, I do not think he deserves omission, as he was an extraordinary person. As far as I was concerned I had a liking for History, and no one will deny the utility of Geography. Mr. Willox was an unsympathetic individual, by no means amiable, and with a disagreeable manner, and he did not seem to take much interest in the boys or affairs of the School. He cultivated a black beard, and wore a rather shabby clerical attire. He was nick-named " Beak" on account of his very prominent proboscis. He was quick-tempered and had little patience with the boys, who really pestered him unmercifully. He used the tawse liberally, but it was a flat, clammy sort of thing (in keeping with himself), and did not hurt much. Perhaps Mr. Willox owed his sour

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manner to his circumstances, as I believe he had a large family and a small salary. Being a parson, he preached occasionally, and I am sure the guinea he received as a fee must have come in very handy. MR. THOMAS STILL.

Mr. Still was Latin Master and colleague to Mr. Legge. As I was fortunate in being a "Leggite," I had no actual experience with Mr. Still. In personal appearance he was a handsome and good-looking man, with a well-kept blonde beard, and was always neatly dressed. He was understood to be a good teacher and kept strict discipline in his class : in fact, he was nick-named "Boxer," on account of his proclivity to boxing the boys' ears. Withal he was popular, well liked, and respected by his pupils, and although severe, he used the tawse on very few occasions. REV. JAMES WILSON LEGGE.

I have left to the last my impressions of Mr. Legge. In outward appearance he was fairly tall, with a rather slim figure. He had fine classical features and face close shaved, unlike the other teachers, who cultivated beards, with the exception of Mr. Pope,* who was adorned with "Dundreary" whiskers. He wore a decidedly clerical attire, with beaver hat slightly tilted to one side, and was always neat and tidy in his person. He was a thorough master of his subject and an excellent teacher, and we certainly learned Latin well under his tuition. He was a stickler for the classical version, which we had to undergo once a week or so. We were arranged in his class according to merit, with five or six to a bench—one for each day of the week. He commenced the lesson on Monday, for instance, with the boys on the first row of benches, and so on he went. This method had the advantage that we could calculate more or less exactly the part of the lesson which would fall to our lot. He would, however, sometimes start operations by skipping a day or so, and if the day happened to be a Tuesday, would begin with the Thursday row, and then we were somewhat dumbfoundered. His classroom was the cleanest and most orderly in the whole School. He had no tawse, and no one could imagine the gentle "Leggie" using such a degrading weapon. When he had to resort to punishment, he would give the offender one, two, or more pages to copy from some dry book. Another penalty was to banish the culprit to the furthermost corner of the last bench, which was known as the "Poet's Corner," to remain there in disgrace during the sitting of the class. This was not considered much of a punishment by the boys, * The writer's recollections of Mr. Pope were given in the last issue of the Magazine, p. 93.—Ed. A.G.S. Mag.

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who generally passed away the time carving their initials onthe desk. This bench, by the way, was a curiosity, and contained the initials of several boys who afterwards occupied high positions. As to his personality, Mr. Legge was a most lovable man and deeply respected by his pupils. He had a keen sense of humour, but never hurt the feelings of any one who came under his censure, and had a refining influence on each and all. As his class was the first of the day, a few verses of Scripture were read, and afterwards he offered up an impressive short prayer. My recollections of Mr. Legge are of the most reverent and pleasant nature. He was a fine type of the polished Christian gentleman. SCHOOL LIFE.. Apart from cricket and football we had very few amenities in the way of games or sports. At the same time there were developed some very fine players, such as Sam Macpherson, who was not only an excellent round-hand bowler .but a splendid batsman. In bowling there also figured John Jenkyns ; A. V. Anderson, whose over-hand, slow twisters were very puzzling to the batters ; William Baird, a swift round-hand bowler (he was a very tall boy) ; also James Collie, notable for his over-hand, swift bowling. "Stumpy" Macpherson (brother of Sam), John Inglis, and William Mackinnon were noted wicket-keepers. Charlie Urquhart was good in batting and a fine fielder, as he was a quick runner. Several others were able all round, and most of them afterwards became notable players in the Aberdeenshire Cricket Club. John Jenkyns graduated in Medicine, and I renewed acquaintance with him in Belize, British Honduras, where he was partner with my brother, Dr. J. Munro Moir (also an F.P.), and there he played cricket occasionally and astonished the natives with his marvellous bowling and batting. I myself was not much of a player (I preferred football), but I started a cricket club in Belize amongst the Creole boys and named it "Bon-Accord," and as far as I know it may still be flourishing. In football we were not very distinguished, in fact I do not remember the names of any prominent players in that game ; but we had a " hero" in those days in the person of a strapping farmer's son in the county. He was much older than most of the boys, and came to the School when he must have been about 21 years of age, or more. He was tall and muscular, and actually had a fine, silky, black beard. He had wonderful strength, and his great feat was to kick a football from the playground right over the School buildings, really an extraordinary performance ! In football none could stand against him when he tackled the ball, I forget even

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his name, but I have no doubt many of my contemporaries will remember him and his feats. We also engaged in such harmless games as putting-thestone, leap-frog, hop-step-and-leap, and even played the homely game of marbles. We had a Dramatic Society which gave performances periodically in the School Hall. Amongst other "actors," I remember particularly Charlie Urquhart, who was a goodlooking boy and generally took the part of a lady, and did it well. Charlie had a "stutter" or stammer in his speech, but when he was reciting his part or singing, this impediment entirely disappeared. The boys of to-day at the School are very fortunate in having so many amenities and Clubs, both physical and social. They have their Musical and Literary and Debating Societies, Tennis, Motor, Rugby, Cricket, and Hockey Sections ; also the Boy Scouts. In my day we had few of these, and neither Prefects nor Houses. The Janitor in those days was an old soldier and a very fine fellow. He used to show to our admiring eyes his many medals (some, however, belonged to his father), and told us many yarns about the battles in which he had taken part. He had a "lump" or swelling over one of his eyebrows, in which he said was embedded a rifle bullet ; this we doubted, but carefully refrained from hurting his feelings by contradicting him. He used to give us drill exercises, charging us the moderate sum of one shilling per term, which fee slightly augmented his modest salary. He used to act sometimes as referee of our fights and disputes, which took place behind the "Kitts." My most intimate friends were George Watson, who went to London and became a very successful business man, and whose handsome offer to the School Boarding House Scheme is well known (I heard recently about Watson from J. Ross Esson on one of his periodical visits to Guatemala) ; and James R. L. Macdonald, afterwards Major-General Sir James R. L. Macdonald, K.C.I.E., C.B., LL.D., Colonel Commandant, R.E. He saw a great deal of active service, especially in Uganda, Fashoda, and India, and was a most brilliant soldier. I will not pretend to give an account of his career here, as a complete outline is given in the Magazine of November, 1927, in connection with his very lamented death on 27th June of the same year. He was a true patriot and served his country well. He was a handsome man with a fine figure and broad chest ; but later on, his health was undoubtedly undermined by the severe strain of his many campaigns. I still cherish a photograph of himself which he sent me while he was a cadet at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.

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of the south side of a River—and beyond ! The river I refer to was not London's River but Scotland's Tweed ! You will appreciate, therefore, I am sure, why I think so much about the south side of London's River. The south side was belated in its development compared with the north, owing to physical disabilities, and for centuries it was the City's playground. In the names Paris Garden, Bear Gardens, and Hickman's Folly, and in lanes and alleys called after the various playhouses, survive memories of this aspect of the River's southern banks. The ice fairs held on the Thames itself contributed to the gaiety of past generations of London's citizens. The removal of Peter of Colechurch's many-arched London Bridge has rendered a recurrence of ice fairs most unlikely. The massive piers of the old bridge had the effect of a weir, and checked the flow of stream and tide. Drift ice was held up as it passed down stream and formed a dam. The freer flow past the modern bridges and the swifter current caused by the construction of wharves and embankments prevent the collection of ice. Incidentally this freer flow of water has contributed to the scouring away of the bed around the foundations of the bridges. Those were the days, too, when it was no uncommon sight to see anglers along the southern shores anywhere between London and Westminster Bridges. I have no doubt they caught as many fish as anglers do now-a-days ! I have still less doubt that they described their catches with the same regard for the truth ! But to-day there are no anglers. Just over a hundred years ago the salmon would come right up to London. They still do, but like American music, they are for the most part "canned." It is surprising, however, to learn that in certain of the docks are carp, roach, bream, pike, and eels, and that within recent years smelts have been caught at Kew and flounders at Richmond. I look forward to the day—I hope it will be in my time—when fishing will be resumed along the banks between Westminster and London Bridges. In the past the south side of the River was London's playground. It was also the abode of the disreputable and the dissolute, and the Bishop of Winchester! How the Bishop gravitated there I do not know. Such an inquiry is outside the scope of an Architect's duties ! Prior to the 19th century practically the only built-upon area along the southern boundary was Southwark. The approach to London Bridge has been a place of residence for centuries. Bermondsey and Lambeth, however, remained meadows until the industrial era. To-day all the southern side is closely packed with houses of all sorts, in striking contrast with those on the northern

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banks. Henry James, writing in 1887, said :—" Few European cities have a finer river than the Thames, but none, certainly, has expended more ingenuity in producing a sordid river front." That is, unfortunately, still true of the southern bank, but I hope it is not going to be true much longer. In the re-development of the south side we have an opportunity for rational improvement on a big scale, unequalled since that afforded in the City of London by the Great Fire. The greater part of the property is either obsolete or of so mean a nature that its replacement must be only a matter of very• few years. There are a few main routes well planned and directed which must remain. The rest of the street network, however, for about a mile from the River has just happened. In my view it is not only a blot on the heart of London, but a source of great loss from the point of view of the commercial and business interests of this City. As citizens of London, as part of the great host which owes everything to the Thames, we feel, however, that the River's banks should be as near perfection as possible, her paths the noblest we can plan. I sometimes try to imagine what I would have done if I had lived at the beginning of the industrial era and had been given a free hand in the development of the south side of the River. I should have had to face certain facts. An obvious one is the absence of natural banks to the greater part of the river, not only from London Bridge to Westminster Bridge, but away beyond through Lambeth and Battersea and still further westwards. In the case of the Seine in Paris, and the Tiber in Rome, the embankments are doubled, partly naturally and partly artificially. There is a lower or quay side, and an upper roadway or promenade. On the northern side of the Thames the higher level of the Strand and City would have rendered a double embankment comparatively simple, if it had been planned- at an early stage. Waterloo Bridge is practically level through from the Strand. By means of a double embankment we should have avoided the sharp gradients up from the Embankment to such bridges as now serve them. We should also have avoided the inartistic switchback embankments that we find at Lambeth and. Blackfriars. What a wonderful dual road system could have been evolved for the south side of London's River. The lower system would serve for the heavier commercial traffic and communicate with the buildings of the warehouse class. It would also serve for the delivery of goods and the collection of refuse. The lower roads would relieve the upper roads in the pivotal area between London Bridge and Westminster, or even Lambeth, of the greater part of the obstructive traffic. There would be ramped communication between the upper and

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lower systems at conveniently planned points, both within and on the limits of the area. The upper roads would be available for passenger traffic, both foot and vehicular. These upper roads would correspond to the level of the principal floors of commercial and other premises fronting on them. Of course, some people criticize streets in tunnels. But everything depends upon the employment of qualified men to deign them. That such streets can be quite unobjectionable when adequately designed and lighted can be seen in the Quirinal Tunnel at Rome, where a main road passes through the hill on which the Royal Palace stands. The formation of that street in a tunnel was what might well be described as a drastic improvement well carried out. Moreover, it removed an age-old hiatus in that city's communications. As regards the upper roads, the buildings would gain in effective height without exceeding the present limits, and traffic density would be halved. Cost would be largely met by appreciation of site values consequent on advantageous re-development. At least that is how I sometimes think about the south side of London's River. I am inclined to think that way in the evening time as I saunter along the Victoria Embankment. Just now I said certain facts were obvious in connection with the improvement of the river banks. I gave one. Here is another. After my meditative walk, after dreaming dreams and seeing visions, I went home. There on my table I found a note from the Income Tax Collector. The amount was alarming, the demand was final. I thought no more that night of London's River and its richly-laden argosies. I thought rather of an ever-rising tide of national expenditure. Again I looked at the Income Tax demand and then I thought of a dock into which ships never enter ! Later, however, I managed to quieten the Income Tax man, and then I began to think again about the River. I discovered another aspect of it which strangely enough appeared to me to be both a rebuke and a blessing. I refer to the haze or fog which hangs over her waters nearly all the days of the year. As we look at the south side, and as Ave look at many of the warehouses in the seaport proper, we feel that London has done everything in its power to degrade its river. Then Nature comes in and softly spreads her grey mantle over it all, and even the beastly become's beautiful in the folds of that mantle. The London atmosphere has many traducers, but surely in this respect we are deeply ungrateful. Finally, some day it may fall to our lot to do something to beautify the banks of the old River. I trust when the opportunity comes we shall take full 'advantage of it. We owe London our best, and London's River even more. I leave off where I began. London owes everything to London's

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River. Mrs. C. Fox Smith has well expressed the same idea in the pages of Punch :— When London Wall was builded And London Stone was new, When first Paul's Spire rose gilded And gleaming in the blue, Ere Holbein yet was christened, When no one dreamed of Wren, And clear the Ty-bourne glistened And the Fleet was seen of men— The Oldest Thing in London was not much younger then. Each day to her his daughter, On each returning tide He brings as first he brought her Her dower of wealth and pride ; Twice daily, now as ever, At London's feet is laid By London's ancient river The burthen of her trade, By London's ancient river— way-hay, you London river ! The Oldest Thing in London, whereby was London made 1

•

GEORGE TOPHAM FORREST (1879-89).

An Old School Cricket Group. The old Cricket group which is reproduced in this issue of the Magazine has been treasured for over forty years by the Rev. Canon Joseph B. Jobberns, M.A., Rector of St. Mary Magdalene's and Canon of St. Paul's Cathedral, Dundee. The names of all the members of the group have been recorded, and the following are brief biographical notes. William Anderson Key (1885- 86) is a solicitor in Thurso. Peter Harper (1878-86), M.A., M.D., is in medical practice at Crouch End, London. John Farquhar Christie (1878- 87), M.A., M.B., C.M., is a medical specialist in Aberdeen. James Thomson (1885-87) graduated in medicine at Aberdeen in 1893, and thereafter went south. William George Davie (1881-86) served in the Indian Public Works Department and died in 1920. John Macintosh Scott (1878- 86) became a fruit rancher in California and died there in 1902. Charles Edward Boggie (1884-86) has been engaged in cattle ranching in Rhodesia. Charles George Cowie (i884-86), M.A., M.D., is in medical practice at Bournemouth. James Westland Rose (1881-86) is minister of the Brockley Presbyterian Church, London. John Everard Rae (1885-87), M.A., is an advocate in Aberdeen. Anthony Mitchell (1882-86), M.A., D.D., was Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney in the Scottish Episcopal Church and died in 1917. Alexander Wood (1884 1886), M.A., M.B., C.M., was for long in medical practice at Longside, Aberdeenshire, and died last year.

p I

WILLIANI

KENNEDY

Janitor of the School 1901-1930.

School Cricket 1st XI—Season 1886.

Back Row.—W. A. Key, J. B. Jobberns, P. Harper, J. F. Chri, t J. Thomson, W. G. Davie, J. M. Scott, C. E. Boggle, C. G. Cowie. Front Row.—J. W. Rose, J. E. Rae, A. Mitchell, A. Wood.

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School Cricket 1st XI—Season 1930.

Back Row.—Mr. D. MacGregor (Gam, Master), T. A. Keenan, G. L. Byth, A. D. D. Hutton, J. M. Hendry, E. B. Bright. Front Row.—J. G. Byth, R. P. Greig, A. J. Slessor (Captain), A. W. Raffan, J. A. Brockie. Absent.—A. S. Deacon, E. N. Gatild.

School Prefects—June, 1930.

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Back Raw.—W. D. Swinney, G. F. Hamilton, E. W. M. Watt, L. Findlay. Front Row.—R. J. Milne, A. J. Sless.or, H. B. Grant (Senior Prefect), S. R. Smith,

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" The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft a-gley."

Just as the School was about to congratulate itself on the fact that it had, for one session, withheld all members of the Staff from the eager clutches of other schools, we heard that Mr. Donald was going to leave us in order to take up an appointment as Head of the Modern Languages Department in the Morgan Academy, Dundee. An enthusiastic and painstaking teacher, Mr. Donald will be greatly missed by all who came in contact with him, and not least by members of the Ninth Troop Rover Crew, of which he was Mate. On behalf of the School we wish Mr. Donald all success in his new position. * * * We are going to lose yet another member of the Staff in Miss Alison Stott, Rector's Clerk, who is leaving us to get married. We voice the sentiment of all members of the School in wishing Miss Stott every happiness. * * * To Mr. James W. Collie and Miss Barbara Farquhar we offer, on behalf of the School, our best wishes on the occasion of their forthcoming marriage. " Lang may their lum reek ! " * * * The " Rugger" Dance was held in Kennaway's Rooms on Wednesday, 2nd April, when about forty couples graced the floor, to the music of Mrs. Dymott's Dance Band. Those who brand " Rugger " as a rough game, suitable only for barbarians, would have been surprised at the terpsichorean tactics of our stalwarts—tactics which were considerably less forcible than those seen at the Field. The Novelty Dance was won by W. Strachan and partner. * * * The annual performance of plays was given by the Dramatic Society on Thursday, 24th April, when three plays were presented to an appreciative audience. The " Gods of the Mountain," by Lord Dunsany, was a triumph of production, and its setting showed to great advantage the new curtains and stage-lighting. The School Orchestra, conducted by Mr. G. W. J. Farquharson, supplied the entr'actes. The whole

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production was a credit to the Dramatic Society, and the rising of the moon in two seconds, in " The Ghost of Jerry Bundler," was one of the fastest pieces of stage-lighting we have ever had the pleasure of seeing. * * * On Thursday, 22nd May, a Concert was given in the Hall by the Infant Department, the Junior and Senior Choirs, and the School Orchestra, conducted by Mr. Gavin E. Falconer and accompanied on the organ by Mr. Albert Adams, F.R.C.O. The solos given by Mr. MacGregor and various members of the orchestra and choirs were thoroughly enjoyed by a large and appreciative audience. After an all too short ' turn " by the Gymnastic Team, which was trained by Mr. Summers, the enthusiasm of the audience knew no bounds. The thanks of the School are due to Mr. Falconer and to all those who, by their untiring efforts, helped to make the concert such a conspicuous success. * * * On the morning of Wednesday, 21st May, Major R. L. J. Henderson addressed us on the School's Company of the 4th Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders, Territorial Army. Present pupils of the School who are seventeen years of age or more, and Former Pupils are eligible for this Company, and several have already joined. It is hoped that about forty or fifty more will eventually follow suit, and bring the Company up to strength. * * * An experiment of rather a novel nature will be held in Hall during the forenoon of Friday, 20th June, when several classes will take part in a short Drama Recital, presenting excerpts from the various plays which they have been studying in class during the Term. The classes who are taking part in this experiment are rehearsing meanwhile under the guidance of their class teachers.

The members of the Art Club, some of whom are drawn from the first and second classes of the Middle School, are doing exceptionally good work at present. Under the guidance of Mr. Millar the Club has made expeditions to the Harbour, to Hazlehead, and to the Rubislaw Quarries. * * * w. The Cricket XI has so far enjoyed a successful season, although A. J. Slessor, the captain, has until recently been unable to play on account of a broken wrist which he received on the Rugger field. We have pleasure in congratulating J. G. Byth, A. W. Raffan, and J. A. Brockie on gaining their Caps, and A. D. D. Hutton, E. B. Bright, G. L. Byth, and J. M. Hendry on gaining their Colours.

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At the General Meeting of the Swimming Club, presided over by Mr. MacGregor, W. Smith was elected Captain of the Club, and A. J. Adams, Vice-Captain. It will be of interest to Former Pupils to know that the instructor of the Club is Mr. Allan T. Brown, the results of whose tuition will have been seen at the Annual Swimming Sports. * * * College, took the field, or Our old opponents, Gordon's rather the course, against us on Monday, 2nd June, when an Inter-School Golf Match was played over the Bieldside course. School defeated their opponents by seven matches to none, one being unplayed. * * * On 23rd June the Annual Golf Match between Masters and Boys will be played, also at Bieldside. We prospective onlookers are meantime hoping to see some really remarkable golf on that date. No doubt our hopes will be justified, as most of the players on both sides are above the average. We take the opportunity of thanking the Bieldside Club for granting the School the courtesy of the course for both these matches. * * * A stout and tall flag-staff has now been erected in Rubislaw Field, at that corner of the Pavilion which is nearest to the Harlaw Road gate. The high winds which prevailed on Saturday, 7th June, unfortunately did some damage to the flag, tearing the School Badge which is sewn in the centre. * * * Grammarians which visited twenty some of The party Rennes during the Easter vacation, under the guidance of Dr. and Mrs. Cormack, had a very enjoyable time. Dr. Cormack, with his customary care and precision, had planned out an itinerary which was as pleasant as it was instructive, and which brought the party into close contact with the everyday life of the French people. We take this opportunity of offering Dr. Cormack the congratulations of the School on the appearance of his latest work, entitled " Teinds and Agriculture." * * * With the approach of the summer holidays the camperpigeons are beginning to flutter in the " doo " cots. There are, of course, the mass-affairs of Scout Troops during July, but more thoughtful planning is being devoted to the " select parties "—save the mark !—which are being arranged by groups of hikers and cycle-campers. One hears whispers of many ambitious schemes in which the bens and glens and straths of Scotland are to be explored. As in previous years,

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Mr. Milne, we believe, hopes to venture as far west as Dunvegan, in Skye, with a composite family from School. Their trip is planned to take them through the Land of Lochiel to Lochalsh, then round the Misty Isle and the far Coolins, and home again by the white beaches of Loch Aylort, Glen Spean, and the Highland Line. * * * Every week-end various members of the Staff have been in the habit of taking parties from the School on walking tours, or on hill-climbing expeditions. The School is beginning to take a keen interest in walking, and on Friday, 20th June, Mr. Henry is going to conduct a party of some fifty Grammarians on a walking tour which is to last for about two and a half days. They are going to start from Crathie, along Glen Gelder to the head of Loch Muick, thence over to Bachnagairn, and so back to Ballater by the Capel Mounth. * * * Others will tread the tracks and corries of the Cairngorms, exploring the lonely recesses beyond the Corrour Bothy and the Shelter Stone, and scaling the rocky steeps that lead to the Roof of Scotland. Perthshire, and even the Border country, will doubtless be visited by prowling Grammarians, seeking to make acquaintance with the storied beauty of our own land. There is no need, we hope, to remind such wanderers to be on their best camping behaviour, wheresoever their vagrant tents be pitched, and we can only wish that the best of weather attend them in their " stravaiging." * * * The prayers of Mr. MacGregor and his acolytes for fine weather on the days of the Athletic Sports were generously answered. On both Friday and Saturday, the 13th and 14th June, the Rubislaw Field was bathed in glorious sunshine, and the light, summer garb of the numerous spectators lent an Ascot-like air to the proceedings. The arrangements for tea were again in the capable hands of the ladies of the Lower School, who toiled unremittingly in the Memorial Pavilion, from which even the music of the British Legion Pipe Band on the Saturday failed to entice them. The March Past of competitors, who were arranged in Houses, was one of the outstanding events of the Saturday afternoon. * * * It is with great pleasure that we congratulate D. W. Garvie on his winning of the School Championship, and Byron House on their well-earned victory in the House Relay Race and in the Inter-House Competition. * * * In conclusion, we wish to add our tribute to that paid to

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the " Janny" elsewhere in the Magazine, and express the wish, on behalf of all Grammarians, that he will enjoy the long and happy retirement which he so thoroughly deserves.

Random Notes.

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We have a confession to make. Our bosom is torn by conflicting emotions ; on the one hand we have a strong feeling of loyalty to the School, while on the other we have our inborn hatred for the suppression of facts. No ! The truth will out. We have discovered that the austere and dignified atmosphere of the School requires a touch of brightness, of . But you see what we mean. We have no freshness, of old-established festivals beyond, perhaps, the Annual Serenading of the Masters. We do not even celebrate the turn of the seasons as other schools do. Something obviously must be done. * * * In order to illustrate our point, let us quote an account which might appear in School Notes, if only the Powers That Be would allow us to observe the simple rustic festival ofsay May Day— " An interesting event took place on Thursday, the 1st of May, when the Senior Prefect was crowned Queen of the May. Attired in a simple plus-four suit of white poplin, and wearing on his brow a fillet of lilies from the botanical garden, Master Grant was a dignified and arresting figure. After the coronation ceremony had been performed by the Masters Swinney, the assembled Middle and Upper Schools danced round the Maypole, kindly erected by the Manual Department. Thereafter tea was served in the Hall, while an enjoyable programme of music was submitted by prominent School Officials and others. It would be invidious to mention individual performers, but we feel that we must commend the President of the Debating Society's rendering of ' My mother bids me bind my hair,' and the Captain of Cricket's dramatic monologue, entitled ' The Bat.' The final item on a delightful programme was Master Charles Rankine's singing of ' Let me like a soldier fall.' " * * * As a school we hope that our progress in modern languages will not be judged on one Fifth-Form worthy's translation of " I did it like this " as J'ai le faire aime cette, nor on the answer of J'ai dix ans which one Grammarian, in simple faith, put forward in answer to the Bursary Competition Oral Examiner's question of Comment vous appelez-vous? On the other hand, we tell with pride of that member of the School Party who entered a French restaurant burning with an intense

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desire for two boiled eggs, and who said, " Donnez-moi douze an' bile 'em." an' an' oofs, * * * On a warm, sunny afternoon a certain class was reading Southey's " Life of Nelson." On coming to the word " gallinasked, " Has anyone met this word ? " The azos," Mr. class proceeded to " register " deep thought. After a dead said, silence which betokened fruitless reflection, Mr. " Well, it's an old Spanish word for the turkey-buzzard." Thoughtful reply from one youth who had heard only the first question, " Ha ! yes, sir. I met it last year." * * * In vain does the deplorable educational system of the time strive to crush our individuality. " Grammarians " cannot help being original. As evidence of this we put forward the definition of Parnassus which one of our budding intellectuals gave—" Parnassus is the resort of bohemians, artists, and poets in Paris." This same desire for shedding new light on matters again came to the surface when one of the Science Department asked a member of his class, " What does the air contain, besides oxygen and hydrogen?" "Smell, sir," was the reply. To quote the rendering of " never mind " as - numquam animus " would be to pile Pelion on Ossa. * * * One youthful borrower from the School Library took out Lord Lytton's " The Coming Race," because, as he explained, " he wanted a book about sport." Yet another borrower asked Miss Henderson, the Librarian, for a " good school story." Left to himself for a moment, he appeared triumphantly round the corner of the bookshelves bearing in his hand " The Life of John Bright." * * * Meanwhile our progress in General Knowledge goes on apace. One youth in the Sixth, when asked for the meaning of the word ' palimpsest," was stricken to silence. " Come, man," exhorted his inquisitor, in kindly accents, " Think of its Greek derivation—raw, again or back, *we, I rub." The light of dawning intelligence showed on the face of his hearer as he replied, " Oh yes, sir. A palimpsest is a rough stone erected in the middle of a field for the cattle to rub their backs on." * * * And now, with the ink absolutely boiling in our pen, we indignantly refute the nasty allegation of one low scroyle who reworked that the Library copy of " More School Howlers " periodically disappeared, its re-appearance coinciding with the We sneer at him. Bah issue of current " Random Notes.

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SCHOOL SECTION. Editorial. From time to time during the last few years different people have put forward the suggestion that there should be incorporated in the Magazine a School Section, devoted entirely to articles and verses contributed by members of the Middle and Upper Schools. Now, owing to the kindly interest of Mr. Theodore Watt, we have been granted space in this number of the Magazine for such a Section, and it is to be hoped that sufficient material will be forthcoming to justify the inclusion of a School Section in succeeding Summer issues. One erroneous impression about the type of " copy" required must be corrected. Articles and poems need not be serious, although serious material is as welcome as that of a humorous nature ; and we hasten to assure would-be contributors who are restrained by modest misgivings from sending in their work, that the placing, in large capitals, of one's name and class beneath an article or a poem is not compulsory. It is left to the preference of the contributor whether his name shall appear or not. All contributions, however, must be of a standard worthy of the Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine. May we make one suggestion to members of the Middle and Upper Schools ? If you notice anything during the holidays which you think would interest readers of the Magazine, take a mental note of it, and write it up when you have time. Judging from the yarns which are usually heard round the radiators in School during the first fortnight in September, the November number of the Magazine would prove extremely interesting if only a handful of our raconteurs were to adopt the plan which we suggest, and if space cannot be found for such material in the Autumn and Spring numbers, it may find a place in the next Summer issue.

Dawn. Darkness slowly changes into light, Day again replaces sombre night, Again the grass with dew is sparkling white, While all awakes. The vixen from her lair begins to peep, The grouse rise calling o'er the hillside steep, The valley slowly wakens up from sleep, And work begins. The huntsman's horn re-echoes through the dale, The maid now hastens for the milking-pail, The thresher soon begins to ply his flail : The sun is up 1 I. PATTISON (Classical IV).

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The " Janny." There are two things'which those connected with the Aberdeen Grammar School can scarcely visualize. The first is Lord Byron's stepping down from his pedestal in the grounds, and the second is the Janny's retiring. We of the " Grammar," having seen the Janny almost every day of our School lives, cannot imagine what School would be like without him. And yet we hear that he is going to retire at the end of the session ! Mr. Kennedy came to the School as Janitor some thirty years ago, when Dr. H. F. Morland Simpson was Rector, and from that time ceased to be known as " Mr. Kennedy." To everybody who has had any connection with School he has become affectionately known as " Janny," and it is as the " Janny " and not as formal " Mr. Kennedy " that we wish to pay him a tribute to-day. Twelve or thirteen years ago, when the present Fifth and Sixth Classes were in the Infant Department, we used to see occasionally—for we Infants were in the School but not of it —a dignified figure in uniform coming out of one of the many doors leading from that mysterious hinterland, " the Big Boys' building," sometimes carrying what was to us an immense bunch of keys, and as often as not attended by another official but much less awe-inspiring figure. Pausing for a moment from our childish pastimes, we would ask of one another, " Who is he ? What are his keys for ? " Tentatively some one would put forward the suggestion that it was that tremendously important, and, to us, almost legendary figure, the Rector, and satisfied with this answer we would resume our game. A year or two later, when we had proudly mounted the stairs leading up to our first Lower School classroom, some one of us would be sent over to " Mr. Kennedy," or simply to " the Janitor," to ask him for twelve sheets of foolscap for Miss So-and-so. Bursting with importance, we would tremblingly trot along the Main Corridor to the Box at the end, and tap indecisively on the glass. Up world go the window, and —lo and behold ! behind it sat our old friend, by sight if not by actual acquaintance, " the gentleman with the Keys." Thus did we first meet the Janny in an official capacity. Luring the years which we spent in the Lower School we would often come in contact with the .lanny, sometimes under pleasant circumstances, son- etir es 1 nder others which were not so pleasant. On one occasion we might be sent " to ask Mr. Kennedy if he wo ld please cor e over with the pole, as the window had sti c " : on another occasion, with head bent, and interior violently and convulsively disturbed by too many " tuppenny Cadburies," we might meet the Janny's

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benign yet accusatory gaze, as he bore down upon us with a shovelful of sawdust in his hand. At this period the Janny was, in our eyes, a Potentate, and it gave great pleasure to certain of our number to say " Good-night " to him as their indulgent parents were leading them home after an evening concert in the Hall. When this trepidatory greeting was acknowledged by a wave of the hand, and a kindly " Goodnight, laddie," their youthful hearts would swell in their bosoms, and, turning to their parents, they would say, " That was the Janny I said ' Good night ' to. Yes, over there." In the Middle School, our schoolbags banished for ever into the attic or the lumber room, we really began to know the Janny. Dashing up to his Box at Interval, we would table our coins and demand " a tuppenny Cad." or a " Genovy," following up this with an anxious inquiry as to whether " a fountain pen without a cap " or a " Geometry book without the back cover " had been handed in. To all our worrying questions the Janny presented a calm and helpful demeanour, as he sat inside the Box on his chair, with a smile on his face, and one hand stretched on the " counter." If anything had been lost, we always went to the Janny for it. He seemed to have an uncanny faculty for retrieving lost property and handing it over to its rightful owner, with a semi-serious injunction to be more careful in future. At one time fines of a penny or so were exacted from owners of books and caps which had been left in cloak-rooms and corridors, and had been consequently impounded by Authority. Well do we remember how the Janny would " forget " to collect our reluctant coppers, with that same kindliness which has at all times distinguished him. When, finally, we had achieved the doubtful dignity of the Upper School, we realized what a friend in need we had in the Janny. Who came with us with his master-key so that we could enter a locked classroom in search of a cap or a pair of gym. shoes which had been left behind ? Who contrived to supply us with urgently-needed exercise books, when we had come to morning or afternoon school without a stiver ? Who gave us his key and his assurance of secrecy when we were at our wits' end to know how to rescue an unfortunate comrade who had spent an entire afternoon in that lofty and dusty cupboard between wall and rafters in a certain mathematical classroom, and who had been locked in by the unsuspecting master as he departed ? There is no need for us to tell you. You will have guessed the answer by now. Yes, it was the Janny. And so it has been all through our School lives. The Janny has always been a kind and helpful friend to every "Grammar" boy. Always maintaining his dignity, and

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never forfeiting one atom of anybody's respect, he has befriended us all, treading the flagstones of the Main Corridor with indisputable authority. The Janny has given himself unsparingly to the School in every way, whether in operating the lantern at " Debater " lectures, in arranging the seating at " Dramatic " concerts, or in assisting to dispense chocolate and lemonade to weary souls at the Athletic Sports. Where would the School Societies have been without him ? At the sound of his Bell at twenty minutes to nine, sluggards have quickened their halting step, to arrive at School just as the Janny was closing the Hall doors as slowly as possible, in order to give them time to pocket their caps, and throw their books on top of the waste-paper tin. How the last-minute wave of the Janny's hand before he does close the door makes congenital idlers sprint down the Corridor ! He has received the news of a thousand breakages with the same shocked geniality as he has shown when telling members of the Upper School, as they lounged round his window, stories of how Mr. Blank did this or Mr. Dash said that, or how Mr. Whatnot descended one morning to the Botanical Garden to find that his early tulips, the pride of his heart, had been planted (during the night) across the path by some Grammarian. The most interesting of the Janny's stories are those which go back twenty or thirty years, when several respected members of the Staff were Grammarians themselves. What strikes one at once about the Janny is his sincerity and his " yinfauldness," and it is this, coupled with his kindness and good humour, that has endeared him to the thousands of Grammarians, past and present, who wish him good health and every happiness in his retirement. Bless you, Janny ! you deserve a statue. R. J. M.

It was with deep regret that we learned of the death of David Alexander Irvine-Fortescue, of Lower IIA, one of the most promising pupils in the Lower School, and member of a family which has had a long connection with the Grammar School. The sincere sympathy of the whole School goes out to Major and Mrs. Archer Irvine-Fortescue in their bereavement.

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" All School's Day." The compliments of the season to my worthy masters, and a felicitous vacation to us all ! All hail, ye denizens of the Cimmerian staff-room, caustic verberators of hapless youth, a hearty welcome to you—and you—and you, Sir—nay, never frown, man, nor snap your twopenny chocolate so. Do we not know one another? What need of pretence among friends ? Shall we not plumb the well and find Truth in its deepmost depths ? Beshrew me, the spade of the archaeologist has laid bare full many a treasure of less pleasing aspect ! A murrain on the man who on such a day as this, the general festival—you understand me—the day of farewell, should affect to stand aloof. We are none of those Whey-faced, lily-livered loons. I am free of the "Education," and care not who knows it. He that meets me in Prayers this morning shall meet with no perverter of the truth, I can tell him. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Translate me that, my preceptors, and take the meaning of it to yourselves for your trouble. Ye grave and reverend seigneurs, please to cross our unworthy threshold and make yourselves at home. Pray take a chair—no, not that one—it hath nails on the seat. Fill us a stoup of that sparkling raspberry—we will drink no wise, melancholy H2 0 on this day—and let us troll the catch of Mattock—twice for to-morrow—twice for to-morrow —how goes it ? Boy, boy, bless my soul, Go and fetch ee window-pole. Remove your bowler hat a little further, if you please ; it hides my deer-stalker. And now let each man bestride his black-board and dust away his tawse to whatever tune he pleases. I will give you, for my part, The shining Shanghai Clock And our good, Janny's chime. Ha ! Master Georgie, is it you, my fine old mentor of the Middle School? Where have you left your chariot—the Flying Blue ? Sit here at my right hand, old friend, 'tis but just. Good Father Harry, you are welcome. It is long since you went a boy-leading up Morven; harder work than botanizing up the Dee with him of the khaki surtout by some odds. 'Tis a mercy your worship did not puncture your velocipede. Nay, sir, spill not the ink, would you have us do our temperature charts in tar or treacle ? Ha! Nameless One! and what oracle of the goddess Hygeia have you to propound to-day ? I warrant none of

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your clan has seen more fiercely-contested fields since your ancestors were harried out of Inversnaid. Is that a Cap I see beneath your chair ? Feet, Sir, feet—I thank you. Beshrew me, my masters, whose advent does this music herald ? Ah ! I thought so. Let us make the welkin ring ; 'tis Page One, methinks—" Glorious Devon "—a sprightly ditty, my lords, and doh on the first line. Nay, worthy Marconi, permit not thy dog—that microscopic promise of terrierdom—to raise his immature voice in unison! I' faith! his paws beat time upon thy flannel trunks, and the band of thy buskin slips. Pray take this brush, good my James ; stand by to repel boarders, in very truth, and beat him off. Tush, child, thy sarcasm flows off me as water from the back of the proverbial duck, bless thy picture-gallery. , you are late—I must find you a calendar, Master M a benison upon your honest face. Thou art a pretty picture —how says the ballad ? Lord Percy to the quarry went To view the tender deer. Thou hast still a modicum—a mere tittle—of terranean deposit adhering to thy spatterdashes. Pray take this stool, old friend. Welcome, King Pym ! Come in, Sir, come in, and take thy seat here between Parvulus and Peter: for in true kindliness, in dignity, and in courteous sallies of paternal humour thou deservest thy meed of praise no less than those well-beloved magistri. Waiter, remove these logs and tables, /est our worthy friend let slip a succulent lozenger aneath them. Master Peter, have the goodness to move along the bench a few "sangtimetres." William Rufus—'odso, honour to your mustachios—pray do us the favour to read Bishop Bloughram's Apology—the same—yes, Browning—he turns an excellent period. No, by my halidom ! it will not irk the company at al', at al'. Come, man, look not so churlish ; what's ado ? Cincinnatus, you are not going? Why, my man, doff thy paddy—thy helmet—thy galeum. A maxie ? Even so, I stand corrected, galea let it be ; but even Homer nods, albeit 'twould mulct me five marks in a fifty version. Good Master P—, describe to us your Juggernaut-never fear, man, 'twill leave unharmed your accent for French dictation. Speak up, Sir ! be not so mumchance, we i' the front bench can not catch a word. Dun—you of that colour I mean—spare your enunciations. We will have nothing said or done theoremistically to-day—'twould entail too much black-board work, Sir— too much black-board work. Find yourself a niche between

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their Worships MacYnch and Liver ; shove in, your Magnificence ; Ilse the steam-hammer method. My devoir to you, honest John Winters. Hobble your horse—your hobby, methinks—'tis a prodigious animal—not so long i' the legs as your small horse, but mighty proportionable withal, and keeps its shoulders back. , my kindly metal-worker, and prince of carpenters W at Westfield, bring in your plane and spoke-shave. You shall have a seat here, beside Messires Houtter and Simsworth. Be wary of the Royal toes with your easel, Sir—the digits of Little Dick a Stewart must not be treated roughly so. shall transport it to the Park outside for you ; through the white gates—you take me—I'll warrant he'll not return eftsoons. Shall I shut the window for you, friend Houtter ? Nay, never thank me, man, nor seek to restrain me ! 'Tis a pleasure I do assure you, and as easy to do as a page i' the reader. Pray allow me to get on with the job. Come in, come in, son of Lennan. Rest thy shinty-stick in yonder corner beside our Spanish Gentleman's bicycle. Canst thou say, with thy hand upon thy heart, " I play all games," or is that a Dewarism ? What ! another guest ? Sit by me, Sir Stroller, thou art very welcome, in sober verity. , honest God bless your kindly face, my old friend, K this upon a plague ! Enough doors. the of all Janus, keeper word-play: ' Janny" you always have been, and "Janny" you will remain, warming the hearts of thousands of your "daddies," from Girdleness to Gisborne, by the cherished memory of your hearty laugh, your fatherly forbearance, and the helping hand which you were ever ready to lend to a Grammarian. Janny, I venerate and salute you. . . . But time goes on apace ! Eheu, fugaces! and soon we must part ! And now, reader, in all earnestness, I will confess a very truth to thee. I love a Master—as naturally as if I were of kith and kin to him. I feel a kindness, that almost amounts to a tendre, for these harsh dissipators of our youthful obliquity. The more severe chastisement a Master shall inflict upon you, the more tests he giveth you that he hath your welfare at heart. And take my word for this, reader, and say a Schoolboy told it you, if you please, that he who hath not a dram of severity in his mixture, had pounds of much worse matter in his composition. For what are commonly the world's wisest men, but such whereon the world has been hardest ? Now, my masters, if you wrest my words beyond their fair construction, remember that the fault lies not with me but with yourselves.

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A South African Mining Village. •

Five or six years ago, while travelling from Mafeking to Pretoria, I had occasion to visit a gold-mining village. It was called Pieterstaad. Now " staad " is Afrikaans for town, but the town deserved to be called only a " dorp " or village. Pieterstaad nestled in a valley of the Witwaters Rand. On the east, south, and west of the village were hills. They rose steeply from the very outskirts of the little town in long, green slopes, with their dark peaks, purple in the distance, outlined sharply against the massy cloudbanks which filled the heavens in the south and west. My first view of the township was obtained from an oxwaggon, which was lumbering its way down the hard, mud path leading from the Nieuw Pass to Pieterstaad. I was, perhaps, a thousand feet above the town, though not half a mile away as the crow flies. But I had to travel quite half -way round the little town until the waggon had descended to its level. We did not enter by any apparent street. Our oxen merely shambled between two rusty iron sheds and then we were in the Market Square. This square was an open space, composed chiefly of mud and ant-hills, both baked to an iron hardness by the glaring, angry sun. On one side of the square was the town hall and the only hotel, all under one roof. The whole was called the " Phoenix Hotel," a miserable travesty of the splendid, and world-famed hotel on Algoa Bay. The only human being in sight was a negro, in a filthy shirt and tattered canvas trousers, who was dozing in the dark shade of a galvanized iron shanty adjoining the hotel. But the stuttering clangour from the stamp-batteries, out of sight on the banks of the rushing Jaagerspruit, showed where the rest of the adult population were. It was in the rushing torrent, the Jaagerspruit, that the gold was found. I had not been able to see this stream, for, as I have said, the township stood within the three sides of a square, and the river was out of sight, on the further slope of one of the hills which formed a side adjacent to the open side. For a variety of reasons, produced one after another by my indefatigable parents, I was sent to bed immediately after supper. The bedroom was bare and wooden, the only furniture being a chipped tin wash-basin and a water-bottle half-filled with luke-warm water. The only illumination was a candle, and darkness had already descended with African suddenness. As I lay in bed, aimlessly swatting mosquitoes and loo,ing at the beetles and tarantulas waging war on the floor, I heard the men returning from the diggings. The majority seemed tired and went straight to their shanties, but an uproarious

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few went to the hotel bar and drank and sang till late into the night. At last I fell into a sleep, disturbed by dreams of being chased by tarantulas, and of having my whole body covered with red-hot mosquitoes. The next morning I was up early, because I wanted to have a closer look at the town before I left in two hours. Early as I was, the miners were before me. They worked in the morning, rested for five hours, while the sun blazed at its hottest, and then went back to work until evening. I quickly skirted the kopje which separated me from the gold mines, and soon was in the midst of all the bustle and noise. Some gold was to be found in the Jaagerspruit, but the quantity of gold was rapidly decreasing. More gold was to be had in the earth, and the miners had burrowed into the ground to get it. Every twenty yards or so, for about two hundred yards on each side of the stream, which was crossed by stepping-stones, were small circular holes dug into the ground. They were about four feet in diameter, and from ten to fifteen feet deep. At the bottom of these pits, tunnels branched off in three directions for about twenty feet. The first hole that I approached had a windlass above it, and a rude ladder leading down to the foot. I nimbly skipped down the ladder. There were two Kaffirs kneeling in one of the passages. One was chipping off lumps of quartz from the wall, and the other was loading them into a bucket attached to the windlass. There were four or five more buckets beside them, and as one of the men had a whistle slung round his neck, I concluded that when they had filled one bucket, he whistled, and when someone had hauled it up, they started on another. I approached the natives for a closer inspection, but one kicked my face as I crawled towards them, and told me to " get dem hell outa here." The other said, " Voetzak." So I turned round and crawled away back. There were about forty Europeans and two hundred natives in the place, and in the next hole that I descended I was fortunate enough to find two white men and one native. The white men welcomed me heartily without ceasing from their work. I do not suppose that they saw European youngsters often, for they were very kind to me. They answered all my questions readily, and without that condescension which most adults ostentatiously display in their dealings with boys. They seemed sorry when I went away, and one of them said he had had a brother like me five years " agone," but he supposed he would be a bit bigger now. I am afraid that I did not care how many brothers he may have had like me, and I hurried away to visit some other holes. The holes were very similar, but their occupants varied greatly in their

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treatment of me. The white men were mostly decent, except one maudlin, bleary-eyed rascal, who tried to borrow my only shilling. I was about to point out that as I was leaving shortly, my chances of seeing my shilling again were few, but another European saved me the trouble by kicking him. He told me not to mind poor old Joe, because leastways, (having been born that way) Joe could not help being mean and cadging, no more than he (the speaker) and myself could help being decent fellows. After this I went down no more pits, for fear that a native might want to " borrow " my shilling when no white man was by to help me, though that would have been a just reward for my foolish pride in tugging it out to show to " poor old Joe." I visited the stamp-battery next. It was here that the rough quartz was ground down before being rolled still smaller, and then being swilled in pans of water. The roar of the battery was incessant, and I could not address any questions to the foreman in charge. That did not matter much, for I afterwards discovered that he was a dour, phlegmatic Dutchman, who disliked answering questions. After watching natives run up with buckets of quartz and tip them on to the belt-conveyer of the battery, I wearied of watching this process and went to inspect the rollers. These rollers were like mangles in a row, one behind the other. The front one was an inch or two above the beltconveyor, but the space dwindled down until the last was only a bare quarter of an inch above the belt. Thus the quartz was ground down into very small fragments. These fragments were next ground to powder in a queer contrivance. Imagine a great, shallow tub being rapidly turned in a clockwise direction. Within the tub are two large rollers, set diametrically opposite to each other, being quickly revolved in an anti-clockwise direction. The Englishman who was in charge of this machine was very decent, and gave me a small lump of gold. Just then my father ran up, scolding as usual, and rushed me back to the battered tin shanties of Pieterstaad, where there was a two-horse buggy, or Cape-cart, waiting to take me on the next stage of my journey to Pretoria. G. S. L.

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Brittany—Easter, 1930. Among the many sayings of Francis Bacon there is one which struck me very forcibly when I read it but lately. He writes that young men visiting a foreign country for the first time should go under the guidance of someone who knows the country, or otherwise, " he shall go hooded, and look abroad little." I am certain that, if Dr. Cormack had not been in charge of our party, we would have seen but an iota of what we saw in France, and even in London, during the time we spent there. For instance, when we arrived in London, we found a carefully arranged time-table prepared for us that included a tour of the City of London and visits to St. Paul's, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. We left Aberdeen on the evening of Wednesday, 2nd April, and travelled overnight. The next day was spent in London, and we caught the boat-train for Southampton at 5.30 p.m. The night train-journey had been very pleasant owing to the fact that Dr. Cormack had managed to procure a third-class sleeping coach for the party, but as, alas ! he has no control over the elements, we spent the next night rather more unhappily, tossing on the Channel. Let us forget it, however! By mid-day on Friday we were installed in the Hotel du Guescfin, Rennes. Our first impression of Rennes was of a town of wide, straight streets, lined with leafy trees, but we found later that, across the river, there is an older town whose streets are narrow and cobbled. The river runs through the centre of the town between concrete banks, and looks like a dirty, muddy canal. At places a sort of passage runs through the concrete or stonework, and ends on a level with the water. From these stages the French housewives do the household washing, using the muddy water of the river. Yet, let it be said, that same washing is always spotlessly white. There are several noteworthy buildings in Rennes—the Musee, the Palais de Justice, the Cathedral, and the Municipal Baths. The latter are immeasurably superior in size, cleanness, and arrangement to the local baths, and would form a worthy model for our own future School baths. Here a team of four from our party—E. Cruickshank, Smart, Craig, and A. Cruickshank—beat a team from the Lycee in a relay race. Later, however, a French swimmer, Noel, won another event. The entrance of the Musee gives on to the river, and, if we turn to our left along the bank, we reach a wide Place, under which the river runs, facing the Palais du Commerce. From here the " Union Street " of Rennes runs at right angles to the river, past the Town House and Theatre ; and, if we follow this, we ultimately arrive at the Palais de Justice.

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This building is now the Law Courts, but it was formerly the ancient Parliament House of Brittany. Dr. Cormack had also arranged for visits to places more liable to be overlooked by, or less easy of access to, ordinary visitors. One such visit was made to the College of Agriculture ; the lecturer on Pomology took us in charge and explained to us the whole process of the manufacture of cider, from the care of the fruit trees to the bottling of the final product. We were all treated to some cider, which is the staple drink of the Bretons, who, it appears, consume on an average 2i gallons of cider a day. This college is a national institution, and is run so that the student can live as cheaply as possible, having to pay but small fees since they manage the commissariat themselves. Before leaving we were shown over the buildings and found them clean but bare, and not nearly so pleasant as those of the College of Agriculture for girls at Coellogon, which we visited later in the week. The rooms of the latter were brightly decorated, tastefully furnished, and reminded me more of Scotland than anything else I saw in France. One of the rooms was fitted with a cinema projector so that educational films might be shown. Such an innovation in the Grammar School would receive, I am certain, the wholehearted support of all the pupils. We also paid visits to a Tank Barracks, a Brewery, and to the offices of L'Ouest Eclair. Before visiting the printing offices, where we saw the linotype machines working, we were shown the varying processes for producing different qualities of paper at the paper mills ; returning to the offices after dinner at night, we saw the enormous printing presses in action. On the Friday of that week we left for St. Servan, which is now a continuation of the port of St. Malo, and which used to be the residential quarter for the rich shipowners of St. Malo. The Pension Mathias, where we stayed, had been the house of a rich burgher, and was full of long, winding passages and a multitude of doors. The whole of Brittany is very interesting historically ; the walls of St. Malo, once seen, can never be forgotten. They are of tremendous width ; indeed, a wide roadway runs along the top. In St. Servan itself there is a small fortress, the Tour Solidor, which was built by the Dukes of Brittany to guard the narrow entrance to the River Rance, and was used as a prison during the Napoleonic Wars. On what woodwork remains are carved the names of prisoners, both English and Scottish. From the top of the tower we saw a wonderful panorama of St. Servan and St. Malo on one side ; while, from the other side, we looked down on the Bay of St. Malo and the Corniche d'Aleth, a high peninsula on which are the ruins of a Roman

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fort. Further away we could see the estuary of the Rance, dotted with innumerable islets, including that on which is Chateaubriand's tomb, with Dinard, flanked by rolling hills, in the background. We made two long trips which deserve special mention. The first was from Rennes to the Chateau de Vitre, a miniature castle in a remarkable state of preservation ; the other, to Mont St. Michel, was made from St. Servan. I have no space here to describe the Mont St. Michel, but may say that I was left with an impression of a huge but yet graceful structure, magnificent but not austere, detailed but not trivial in sculpture, impressive but not blatant ; the whole an everlasting monument to the patience, courage, and genius of the monks who so laboriously erected this wonder of Europe. The French people with whom we came in contact were mannerly, pleasant, and extremely kind. Dr. Cormack had arranged for schoolboys from the Lycee at Rennes, and for others at St. Malo, to conduct us and show us the sights. These boys, despite language difficulties, did everything in their power to make us feel at home. Their parents, too, followed their example in a manner without precedent, and invited the various boys to luncheon or tea at their homes. Even the people in the street would stop and speak to us, but they were always mystified by our emphatic denials that we were English. More than one of the party had cause to thank a Frenchman for his determination of the tram fares. When a conductress yatters what sounds more like " Sez you " than anything else, it requires great mental agility to realize that she is asking eighty centimes ; and even then there remains the difficulty of selecting the correct small coins to add up to this figure. The simplest procedure is to tender a franc and trust to getting the correct change. The tramcars we saw were somewhat antiquated and were both driven and conducted by women, who seem to do the major part of the work in France ; the track had a disconcerting habit of running from one side of the road to the other. Of all means of transport, however, the street train that runs from Rennes to St. Malo was the most amusing. It takes eight hours to do this short journey, and is accompanied by an incessant clanging, and is preceded at busy spots by a man with a red flag. We have brought back many pleasant memories of our trip to France, all of which we owe to Dr. and Mrs. Cormack, and it is fitting that our debt to them should be acknowledged here. Every detail of the trip had been so admirably arranged beforehand by Dr. Cormack that we had nothing to do but enjoy ourselves ; and we will not readily forget the unremitting care and kindness which Mrs. Cormack showed to every member G. F. H. of the party.

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Over the Mounth with a Bicycle. Several days ago we put into execution an idea which we had long had in mind. This idea was to cycle to Aboyne and then proceed up Glen Tanar, push our bikes over Mount Keen, and cross the watershed by the old Mounth road to Glen Esk in Forfarshire. Accordingly, we set out from Aberdeen one perfect June morning at about 6.45 a.m., and made the best time we could up Peeside, for even at that hour the sun was hot, and gave a forewarning of the heat which later became so intense. We arrived at Banchory at 8.10 a.m., and pushed on to Aboyne without a stop. There was practically no wind, and the air was fragrant with the smell of dew-freshened broom and pine, and in an hour we arrived at Aboyne, where we halted to buy chocolate and other sustaining confections. Leaving the village, we started on the real task, for where previously we had been cycling on a good, level surface, with no head wind, we had now to toil on the long climb up Glen Tanar, which was rendered more difficult by a stiff head-wind that had sprung up, and by the bad surface of the road. However, we reached the Brig o' Ess at half-past nine and halted for ten minutes to enjoy a short meal by the side of the Tahar, and then we struck up the glen past Glen Tanar House and through the Glen Tanar Forest, where we were sheltered by the trees from the sun, whose heat was now becoming intense. We had barely got clear of the forest when we came upon a fairly large herd of fallow deer, one of which kept trotting ahead of us for two hundred yards or so before it finally turned off the road and half swam, half waded the Tanar, and disappeared among the trees on the opposite bank of the river. By eleven o'clock we had covered forty-three miles of our journey, and reached Etnach, a farm and sheep station nearly at the head of the glen. Here we got our first good view of Mount Keen, the formidable cone-shaped mountain that barred .our passage to Glen Mark in Forfarshire. At Etnach it was so hot that we were very glad to sit in the stoneflagged kitchen where, although there was a big wood fire burning, we were much cooler than in the blazing heat of the sun outside. After a light meal and a refreshing cup of tea we left Etnach, and after a further two miles we arrived at the ruins of an old inn, a relic of the days when the Mounth road was regularly used by cattle-drovers and harvesters from Speyside and Tornintoul, who used to go south for the early harvest, and gradually wort ed north until their own harvest at Tomintoul was ready to be cut. The cattle-drovers used to drive the beasts down to the great cattle mart at Falhirk, for, of course, those were the days before Turnip Townshend.

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At the inn we forded the Tanar, which, fortunately, was very low, owing to the recent lack of rain, and here, at 11.40, we started the climb of the hill. The going was very hard and very steep, and with the added difficulty of lifting our bicycles over boulders and watercourses, we were soon perspiring freely in the overpowering heat. After toiling for nearly an hour up the hillside we reached a delightful spring, where we rinsed our parched throats, but drank sparingly of the intensely cold water. Close beside us were great patches of snow lying in the Corrach, which is a bowl-shaped corrie, cut out of the northern slope of Mount Keen. After five minutes' rest we pushed on again. The going was now easier, as the heat was tempered by a strong breeze which was blowing over the ridge. In half-an-hour we had reached the top of the ridge (2,504 feet), and here we halted for a meal, and to enjoy the vast panorama of hills which extended around us. To the west we could see the Cairnwell, Tolmount, Cairn Taggart, and Glas Maol (with a patch of snow on it), while Lochnagar was so close that we could see the Black Spout with its cornice of snow. To the right of Lochnagar the snowclad Cairngorms stood out, with Ben Avon conspicuous by reason of its rocky warts. On the other side of the valley was Morven, and the rounded Craigendarroch at Ballater was easily identified. In the distance to the north-west, the Buck o' Cabrach and the Tap o' Noth stood out, while to the east the Hill of Fare and Bennachie were prominent. Below lay Glen Mark and Glen Lee, and the precipitous sides of Loch Muick could be seen near the foot of Lochnagar. Having finished our meal we went on again, but for the next mile we were able to cycle most of the way, until we commenced the steep descent to Glen Mark. As we descended by means of the steep and tortuous ladder of Mount Keen, the heat again became oppressive, and we were glad to freshen ourselves up by washing in the cool waters of the River Mark. At this point, though the river is fairly small, it twists and turns for a further fourteen miles to its source, right into the heart of the hills. After washing, we rested on cool green turf, which would have rivalled a bowling-green, and admired the massive and rugged towering cliffs, threaded with silver of waterfalls. As it was two o'clock, however, and as we still had sixty miles before us, we pushed on, after having a drink at the Queen's Well, which was erected to commemorate the crossing of Mount Keen on a pack-horse by Queen Victoria in 1861, "the year of her great sorrow," to quote the inscription, for in that year the Prince Consort died. We had now accomplished the hardest part of the journey.

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and making good time, we soon reached the junction of Glen Mark and Glen Esk, where the ruined keep of Invermark Castle still stands. We carried on down Glen Esk, passing Glen Effock, where two golden eagles nest every year, and had another meal at Migvie of Rowan, a pleasant roadside farm. By this time the heat was telling on us, and we were glad that the road was downhill nearly all the way. Turning off from Glen Esk about a mile before the picturesque Bridge of Gannochy, we struck across country to Fettercairn, where there is an arch over the road to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria after her climb of Mount Keen. Leaving Fettercairn, we made for Drumlithie, where we had a final meal before continuing the journey to Aberdeen, which we reached at 8.15 p.m. Although the ascent of Mount Keen had been somewhat arduous, we all felt we were amply rewarded by the magnificent view which we obtained, and we finished the trip, tired but happy, after covering about a hundred and ten miles in thirteen and a half hours, and having enjoyed some of Scotland's finest mountain scenery. G. A. R.

School Cricket. Many things have conspired to make this the most enjoyable and successful Cricket season of recent years. We have had a good 1st XI, a greatly improved 2nd XI, and many candidates for places in the 3rd XI : we have had perfect cricket weather : we have had a series of extremely exciting finishes to matches both House and School : and we have found unbounded enthusiasm for the game in the Middle and Lower Schools. With six of last year's 1st XI again available, our prospects were bright, nor have we been disappointed. The team spirit has been excellent, the fielding satisfactory, and the batting good for runs as far down as number eight. In bowling the weakness has been the lack of a slow bowler. We have had four medium fast bowlers, all of whom have in turn taken a bunch of wickets, but we have to go down to the Middle School before we come on a slow bowler of any real ability. It is of interest to note that the Captain of the Aberdeenshire County XI is a Former Pupil of this School, and in addition five other regular members of the XI are F.P.s. The Captain of the Aberdeen University XI is also an F.P., and he has with him a nucleus of F.P.s. As in Rugby so in Cricket—the School continues to play a big part in the athletic activities of the city.

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Matches Played. 8th May—School v. St. Clement's, at Rubislaw.

3rd May.—School v. Aboyne. SCHOOL. . . . 0 R. F. Greig . 15 A. W. Raffan . 10 . . J. A. Brockie • . 14 . A. S. Deacon . II . E. B. Bright not out . . . 1 J. M. Hendry . 4 . J. R. Tocher not out T. A. Keenan, G. L. Byth, A. D. D. Hutton, J. G. Fyfe did not bat. . . 5 Extras . •

•

Total (for 5 wkts.)

. 60

Brechin

10th May—School v. 2nd XI, at Brechin.

Total

Total (for 1 wkt.)

. 43

17th May—School v. Royal Mental Hospital, at the Hospital.

•

5 . 7 • 12 • 17 . 10 . 2 . 9 . 11 . 7 . 5 . 0 . 7

SCHOOL. • R. F. Greig . A. W. Raffan J. A. Brockie A. S. Deacon E. B. Bright. J. M. Hendry T. A. Keenan J. G. Byth . J. Gillan . . A. D. D. Hutton . J. G. Fyfe, not out Extras .

•

. 92

Total

•

Extras

St. Clement's—total (for 5 wkts.), 34.

Aboyne—total, 42.

SCHOOL. . R. F. Greig . A. W. Raffan J. A. Brockie A. S. Deacon E. B. Bright. J. M. Hendry E. N. Gauld T. A. Keenan J. G. Byth . A. D. D. Hutton . J. G. Fyfe, not out Extras .

SCHOOL. . 9 . . R. F. Greig . . 24 A. W. Raffan not out . . 10 J. A. Brockie, not out . A. S. Deacon, E. B. Bright, J. M. Hendry, J. R. Tocher, T. A. Keenan, J. G. Byth, G. L. Byth, J. G. Fife did not bat.

• •

•

14 4 26 3 11 5 1 I • 3 • 3 • 2 2 •

•

• • • •

• • • • • • -

Hospital—total, 30. Brechin—total (for 6 wkts.), 118. 20th May—School v. Aberdeen University, at Rubislaw. Scores :— UNIVERSITY. SCHOOL. . 0 . 16 T. M. Fowler b Hutton . R. F. Greig lbw, b. Thom 8 A. B. Donald b Hutton A. W. Raffan c Carr Fraser . . 7 W. H. Stephen c Keenan b. . b Thom . . 20 . . Hutton . . 4 J. A. Brockie b Thom . . 5 . . 26 G. Dunlop run out E. B. Bright b Thom . . 19 R. D. Henderson b Hutton . 4 J. M. Hendry not out . . 10 . . 2 J. Gardiner b G. L. Byth E. N. Gauld not out W. S. Davidson c Tocher b T. A. Keenan, J. R. Tocher, . 0 . . Hutton . J. G. Byth, A. D. D. Hutton, R. J. Thom lbw, b G. L. Byth 4 and G. L. Byth did. not bat. W. A. Carr Fraser b Hutton . 0 G. Boyd c Keenan b G. L. Byth 2 . 1 H. W. Rankine not out . . 2 . Extras . • 6 Extras . _ — . 56. . . Total Total (for 4 wkts.) . 80 •

•

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

230

24th May—School v. Alford, at Rubislaw.

5th June—School v. Balmoral. at Rubislaw.

SCHOOL. R. F. Greig . A. W. Raffan J. A. Brockie A. S. Deacon J. M. Hendry E. N. Gauld T. A. Keenan not out . J. R. Tocher J. G. Byth . . A. D. D. Hutton . G. L. Byth . . Extras .

SCHOOL. . R. F. Greig . . 2 A. W. Raffan . 22 . J. A. Brockie . . 34 A. J. Slessor not out . 24 E. B. Bright not out . 13 J. M. Hendry, T. A. Keenan, E. N. Gauld, J. G. Byth, A. D. D. Hutton, and G. L. Byth did not bat.

Total

•

1 • 20 • 20 • 13 . 0 . 4 . 20 . 3 . 3 . 2 . 0 . 0

Extras

•

Total (for 3 wkts.)

•

• • • •

•

. 16 .111

Balmoral—total, 76. Alford--total, 92. Strathallan, v. at Rubislaw. June—School 7th STRATHALLAN. SCHOOL. G. Leburn c Bright b G. Byth . 38 R. F. Greig c Morrison b For. 9 T. Forsyth c Hutton b G. Byth 5 syth . . . D. Bell run out . . . 8 A. W. Raffan c Morrison b . . 24 Forsyth . . . . 0 C. Lacey b Hutton J. A. Brockie hit wkt, b Forsyth 13 G. Moncur c Raffan b Hutton 17 . . 2 A. J. Slessor b Morrison. . 19 Sturrock not out . . . 6 Morrison not out . . 1 A. S. Deacon b Morrison E. B. Bright b Lindsay . . 31 J. M. Hendry run out . . 0 T. A. Keenan c Thomson b Morrison . . . . 7 J. G. Byth not out. . . 5 A. D. D. Hutton b Lindsay . 0 G. L. Byth c Thomson b Morrison . . . . 4 . . 11 Extras . . . 13 Extras . .

Total

.105

Total (for 5 wkts.)

.108

FOR STRATHALLAN. FOR SCHOOL. MRW O M R W O 0 J. G. Byth . Lacey . 15 3 34 12 4 35 0 Forsyth . 8 3 9 3 G. L. Byth . 10 0 46 2 4 2 4 0 15 2 Thomson . 0 A. D. D. Hutton 4 Morrison . 13 5 78 4 3 Lindsay 0 13 2 . 10th June—School v. St. Clement's, at Rubislaw. SCHOOL. R. F. Greig . . 6 Forward . 45 A. W. Raffan . 4 J. R. Tocher . . . 1 • 17 J. G. Byth . J. A. Brockie . . . 0 A. J. Slessor . 9 A. D. D. Hutton . . . 1 • 2 G. L. Byth not out E. B. Bright. . . 0 . J. M. Hendry . 7 • 6 Extras . .__ . 1 T• A. Keenan — . • Forward . 45 Total . 54 St. C ement's—total (for 9 wkts.), 65. •

•

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ALBYN PLACE, ABERDEEN. Head Mutress: Miss M. E. HOLLAND, M.A.Cantab. (Classical Tripos).

T. MARGARET'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS is an Incorporated School, registered according to the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908. It is administered under the management of an ele6tive Council of prominent citizens, on lines similar to those of well-known Girls' Schools in Scotland.

The School stands in its own grounds in the beat part of the City of Aberdeen, and in all respe6ts is well equipped to secure the comfort of pupils and the efficiency of the education imparted. The aim of the School is to provide a first-class education on modern lines, to care specially for the development of chara6ter and manners in the pupils, to prepare them for the interests and responsibilities of social life, and to enable those who desire it to proceed to the higher education of the Universities. SCHOOL BOARDING HOUSES. has two Boarding Houses, Nos. 6 and 7 Queen's School The Gardens (close to the Grammar School Boarding Houses in Queen's Road). These are very commodious, well-appointed Modern Houses, in which Boarders are provided with the comforts of home, and give ample opportunity both for quiet Study and for the social side of life. Special accommodation is provided for Junior Boarders. The Head Mistress is in residence. Information as to Fees, Scholarships, Courses of Study, etc., is given in the School Prospe&us, which may be had free on application to the HEAD MISTRESS, 17 ALBYN PLACE, ABERDEEN. The Head Mistress may be consulted at the School on THURSDAYS between 11.3o and 12.3o, and between 2.3o and 4 o'clock, and at any other time by appointment.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

231

11th June—School v. Gordon's College, at Seafield. GORDON'S COLLEGE. H. Murray lbw, b J. G. Byth . 18 A. Ross lbw, b G. L. Byth . 5 D. Y. Mackenzie b G. L. Byth 32 I. J. Ellis c Bright b G. L. Byth 32 D. F. White run out . . 0 M. McInnes c Brockie b J. G. Byth . . . . 11 A. Shepherd c Bright b Hutton 4 R. Tully c G. L. Byth b Hutton 1 A. B. Grant b G. L. Byth . 4 W. A. Barclay not out . . 4 J. M. Christie c Keenan b Hutton . . . . 5 Extras • . 9

Scores :— SCHOOL. R. F. Greig c Barclay b Christie 0 A. W. Raffan c Barclay b Mackenzie . . . . 10 J. A. Brockie c & b Christie . 22 A. J. Slessor lbw, b Tully . 5 E. B. Bright b Mackenzie . 12 J. M. Hendry not out . . 44 T. A. Keenan b McInnes . 0 E. N. Gauld not out ' . . 22 J. G. Byth, A. D. D. Hutton, and G. L. Byth did not bat. Extras

•

Total

•

FOR SCHOOL. O . M R J. G. Byth . 18 5 51 G. L. Byth . 22 7 31 A. D. D. Hutton 16 5 35

. 14

.125

Total (for 6 wkts.)

W 2 4 3

FOR GORDON'S COLLEGE. W O MR J. M. Christie 7 2 26 2 R. F. Tully . 8 1 30 1 D. Y. Mackenzie 12 2 29 2 M. McInnes . 10 4 25 1 A. B. Grant . 5 2 9 0

.129

Batting and Bowling Averages. The following are the best batting and bowling averages up to date :— Batting. Times Most in an Innings. not out. Innings. Runs. Average. E. B. Bright . . . 8 2 31 116 19.3 A. J. Slessor . . . 4 1 24* 57 19 J. A. Brockie . . . 10 1 34 168 18.7 E. N. Gauld . . . 4 2 22* 37 18.5 J. M. Hendry . . . 8 2 44* 77 12.8 A. W. Raffan . . . 10 1 24* 113 12.6 A. S. Deacon . . . 5 0 17 53 10.6 * Signifies not out.

A. D. D. Hutton G. L. Byth . J. G. Byth •

• • •

Bowling. Maiden Overs. Overs. . 75.1 23 . 88 23 .124.1 44

Runs. 153 184 273

Wkts. Average 26 5.88 30 6.13 20 13.65 •

Tennis Notes. So far the School Tennis Team has played two games, winning the first against the Central School, and losing the second to Huntly. On both occasions the team was :—R. F. Greig and G. A. Paterson ; E. N. Gauld and L. Bain ; T. F. Robson and J. G. Moir. Unfortunately the team has been under strength, owing to the absence of W. D. Swinney and A. J. Slessor. The Two Tournaments are approaching their conclusion and promise to be as successful as they were last year. R. F. GREIG, Captain.

232

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine. HOUSE NOTES. Byron House.

At the beginning of the term A. J. Slessor was elected Captain of Cricket, and A. S. Deacon Vice-Captain of Cricket. In place of A. M. Gill, who left the School at Easter, A. J. Adams was appointed Swimming Captain. On paper the 1st XI looks an extremely strong side ; we have seven of the School 1st XI, two of them being Caps and four Colours. On the field, however, it has been disappointing ; in the first match the batting was poor ; in the second match both batting and bowling were weak. The 2nd XI is an experienced side for a second House Team, and has had no difficulty in winning both the matches played up to date. The Junior XI, too, is a good team, and has won both its matches. In our first match of the season Byron beat Melvin by 75 runs to 43. The batting was disappointing, only A. J. Slessor and T. A. Keenan, with 32 and 10 respectively, reaching double figures. J. G. Byth and A. D. D. Hutton bowled skilfully, and did well to dismiss Melvin for 43 runs. The 2nd and Junior XIs beat the corresponding Melvin teams with ease. We lost our second game to Keith House. Once again the score was made mainly by two players, E. B. Bright and A. S. Deacon having 23 and 17 respectively out of a total of 63. The bowling was poor and the fielding at times very slack, so that Keith had little difficulty in passing the Byron score with five wickets in hand. The 2nd XI and the Junior XI again won their matches. The prospects for Swimming are good without being brilliant, as last year's team, with one exception, have returned to School, In Athletics, too, Byron should easily hold its own against the other Houses. By the time this issue appears, the result of the House Competition will be known. May Byron be as successful as they were last year ! A. J. SLESSOR, House Captain.

Dun House. The cricket season, which is now in full swing, promises to be more successful than that of last year. Till now six games have been played by our three XIs, and five of these have been won. Both of the 1st XI games, which were against Keith and Melvin, have been very close, Dun House winning by a narrow margin each time. In the first game Keith batted first, scoring 99 runs for 8 wickets. To this Dun replied by making 103 runs for 9 wickets. E. N. Gauld, who carried his bat for 53, was the outstanding player of the day. Our next game was against Melvin, who were dismissed for 54 runs. Melvin replied by putting Dun out for 58, thus losing by only 4 runs. In this game both Conner and Gillan batted well. Our 2nd XI lost their first game against Keith House, but they defeated Melvin in their second match. The Juniors have also done very well this season, having defeated both Keith and Melvin. Byron House, our next and last opponents, have also won five games out of six ; thus everything depends on the matches with them. We hope that the House will respond, and succeed in carrying off these last games. At a meeting of the House at Easter, A. W. Raffan was elected Cricket Captain. It is hoped that he will carry to a successful close a season which has been so well begun. S. R. SMITH, House Captain.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

233

Keith House. At the summer term House meeting, J. Hendry was elected Captain of Cricket for 1930. His Vice-Captain is S. MacLachlan. In the first game, against Dun House, Keith lost. Keith won the toss and batted, making 99 for 9 wickets. The top scorer was J. Tocher with 21. Dun then batted and made 110 for 9, mainly due to a fine 53 by N. Gauld. Bowling for Keith, Hendry had 3 for 25 ; Fyfe 2 for 35 ; and Innes 2 for 12. In the second 1st XI game. Keith beat a strong Byron team. Byron batted first and were all out for 63. Keith opened badly, but Innes and C. Cruickshank took the score to 20 before Innes was bowled. Hendry then joined Cruickshank and they took the score to 75, when Hendry was caught for 28. MacLachlan joined Cruickshank and played out time. Cruickshank was 20 not out. For Keith, A. Valentine took 5 wickets for 5 runs. The prospects for Cricket are, therefore, quite bright, and we ought to take a good place in the House table. We expect to do well both in the Athletic Sports and in the Swimming Gala. W. SMITH, House Captain.

Melvin House. At a meeting of the House, R. F. Greig was elected Captain of Cricket, and J. A. Brockie, Vice-Captain. G. A. Rowton was elected Swimming Captain, and R. A. Smart, Vice-Captain. The first of our series of cricket matches was played against a strong Byron side on 28th May. It was a keenly contested game, the pitch being in good condition. Melvin was beaten ow,ing to their lack of , good bowlers. The second match of the series was played against Dun on 4th June. It was a very evenly matched game, Dun finally winning by the narrow margin of three runs. The 2nd and 3rd XIs have been doing fairly well, but have been handicapped (especially the 2nd XI) by a shortage of players. This shortage of players was also apparent during the Rugby season. The Athletics and Swimming of the House are in a thriving condition, and we hope to make a good showing in the Sports and Swimming Gala. H. B. GRANT, House Captain.

The Literary and Debating Society. 13th February, 1930.—On this evening we welcomed a new lecturer to our Society, but no stranger to the older members, in the person of Mr. Crawford, H.M. Inspector of Schools. Mr. Crawford dealt in a charming manner with his subject, " Masefield and Sea-Life," and made an interesting lecture all the more enthralling by his personal recollections of the poet. He quoted frequently from " Salt-Water Ballads " to illustrate Masefield's love of the sea, and, most interesting of all, explained Masefield's philosophy of the magnificent failure. After the lecture, Mr. Farquharson, who was in the chair, paid an eloquent tribute to Mr. Crawford. 20th February.—A debate was held on the subject, " Ought Hockey to be played as a School Game ? " Mr. Dewar, for the affirmative, gave exactly the sparkling, witty paper we expected of him, and presented a very strong case to the Society. Mr. M. K. Smith, for the negative, despite the fact that this was the first time that he had taken a leading part in a debate, acquitted himself nobly, and repudiated

234.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

with vigour the idea that Hockey should ever be a boys' school game. The after-speaking, in which Mr. Rowton stoutly supported Mr. Smith, was fairly good ; and the result, on the vote being taken, was a victory by a small majority to Mr. Dewar. Mr. W. D. Swinney was in the chair. 27th February.—A Hat Night was held on this evening. 6th March.—On this evening our old friend, Dr. W. Douglas Simpson, delivered his lecture, postponed owing to the Society's misunderstanding, on the " Cathedral and Castle of Marienwerder in Pomesania." The lecture, which was unfortunately not very well attended owing to the proximity of " Highers," was one of the most interesting which we have heard. What is most admirable is Dr. Simpson's marvellous memory, as he tells the height and girth of this tower and that tower without any notes whatsoever. We know too little of architecture and of art to praise adequately the lecture and the lantern slides from a technical standpoint, yet the members of the Society managed to express themselves very well in the usual manner. The President, Mr. Hamilton, was in the chair. 13th March.—On this evening the Society was addressed by its Honorary President, Mr. G. W. J. Farquharson, who gave an excellent lecture on " Irish Humour." Mr. Farquharson showed how the true excellence of Irish humour lies in its unconsciousness. Something of the same sort is found in " Schoolboy Howlers," but usually, as most of these are fabricated, the humour is forced. Then he read to us a folk-tale full of the most amusing incongruities, but the masterpiece of the evening was a description of how Bill Maloney so raised the anger of Napoleon that he took very special measures to ensure his early demise. Mr. Farquharson seemed ideally suited to deliver such a lecture, and our Chairman, Mr. Hamilton, expressed his own admiration and gave us the opportunity of expressing ours. 20th March.—The closing meeting of the Session took the usual form of a Musical Evening. Our thanks are due to Mr. Falconer, to the Orchestra, and to the artistes who so kindly assisted in making the concert a success.

Art Club Notes. The Art Club is in a very flourishing condition. Several members have joined the Club from the first and second years, and are producing some very promising work. Although the weather in the early part of the season was very cold, the weekly excursions have been well attended. In our rambles we have visited Hazlehead, Rubislaw Quarries, and the Harbour. The results of these excursions are to be seen in some fine watercolour and pencil sketches. This is the first time for many years that the Club has tried watercolours, and the results fully justify the attempt. A new interest has been found in adapting outdoor work for linoleum cutting. Great use has been made of the printing-press, and the effects produced on it are many and varied. In every way the standard of former years is being well kept up. I. L. SMITH.

The Library. The Summer Term naturally causes a decline in the borrowing ; nevertheless, since the last Library report no less than 860 books have been borrowed during nine weeks, the greatest number borrowed in one week being 103, and the least, 82. Lower IVA still holds the record with 132 books borrowed during the nine weeks ; Lower IVs being its runner-up in the Lower School with 51. In the Middle School IA (88

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

23,1

books) and Ira (74 books) are best ; the borrowing of the Middle III division is unsatisfactory, the total for the four classes being only 44 ; but IIID (20 books) borrows very well for a class of its size. In the Upper School a marked improvement in the borrowing by the IVs is the most noteworthy feature, Modern IVA (with 68 books) having borrowed most from the Library during the Summer Term of all classes in the Upper School, Classical V following on with 54. During the session 1929-30 a much fuller use has been made of the Library than was formerly the case, and it is to be hoped that during next session the School will show even greater appreciation of it. It is but fitting, in this last Library report for the session, to thank the Librarian, Miss Henderson, for her unremitting attention and kindly advice to the borrowers ; thanks are also due to E. W. M. Watt who, during the Summer Term, has acted as Library Prefect.

Scout Notes. The outstanding event of this term has been the Cafe Chantant, held by the 38th Troop on 26th April, in the School. The long preparation and final effort produced the record result of £257. The afternoon tea, stalls, and side-shows, the evening concert, and the concluding dance were all crowded. The concert especially, with its camp-fire by the Troop, its two one-act plays, the one by the Northern Theatre Club and the other by Rovers and Scouters, its songs by Mr. Hugh Morgan, and its conjuror, was an overwhelming success. Scoutmaster George Bowes and his Troop wish to thank all those who helped in any way, a legion too numerous to be named. Particularly they wish to thank the members of the other three Troops for their valuable assistance, and all the parents and friends on whose generosity the School Troops rely for financial support. The 38th Troop has now achieved its object and is looking out for a hut to form a headquarters of its own, which it has so long and sorely needed. If anyone knows of such an article for sale or of a suitable site where one might be erected, the information would be gratefully received. The other three Troops began the camping season at Easter. The 1st Troop camped at Midmar, close to the Castle, fourteen boys being present, with Scoutmaster Ronald Skene in charge. The 9th camped in the grounds of Dunecht House, fifteen strong, in the charge of Patrol Leaders George Watt and George Bisset. The 17th camped in the Hut at Clinterty, twelve being there during the week, and seventeen for the week-end—Scoutmaster Alex. Donald in command. The weather was good for the season, without much rain and not so cold as usual at Eastertime. The campers were all clearly enjoying themselves. In the May Holiday week-end these Troops were again under canvas, twenty of the 1st at the Hut ; fourteen of the 9th at Auchlunies, under A.S.M. Alistair Smith ; and seven at Mill of Dyce, under P.L. Arthur Smart ; two patrols of the 17th at Midmar, under P.L Fraser McBean ; and one patrol at Banchory-Devenick, under P.L. Ian Smith. In spite of showers on the Sunday, the weather was unusually fine for this ill-fated week-end. Most of the camps were visited by Commissioner R. B. Williamson, who approved strongly of the way in which they were being managed. For the first fortnight of July the Troops will be camping : the 1st, at Pitfour ; the 38th, at Loch Kinnord ; the 17th, probably at Kildrummy, though the site has not been fixed at the time of writing. The 1st Pack are going to camp for a week at Deecastle, with Cubmaster Floyd Stott in charge, and the 17th Pack at Dinnet Schoolhouse, with their Cubmaster Joseph Carry. The 9th Troop are to have only a week's camp at Glendye, for some of them are taking a trip to Paris later in the month, leaving Aberdeen on the 14th of July, spending the 15th in London, and arriving in Paris on the 16th. They

236

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

will be camping, it is expected, near Versailles. Mr. William Donald, formerly one of our Modern Language Masters, and Rover-Leader of the 9th Crew, will be in charge and will show the boys the sights of Paris. Mr. George Farquharson has also kindly consented to lend a hand. In the meantime, during the Summer Term, some patrols of the 1st Troop have been doing carpentry work to make furniture for camp, and others are practising bridge-building and preparing for the athlete's badge. The Hut at Clinterty is being repaired, a new door and windowframe being put in. The 9th have been studying for badges : five have passed the Ambulance ; ten the Cyclist ; and one the Camper's badge. The Patrol Shield this year was won by the Curlews. The Troop has also published its annual Magazine, a volume of unparalleled literary excellence. The 38th has formed a new Patrol, formed of boys from the School Boarding House, seven of whom have joined the Troop. In the various annual competitions the four Troops have.as usual, acquitted themselves with distinction. The County Flag competition, held on 24th May, consisted this year of a general practical test in all branches of scouting. For the last ten years one or other of the School Troops has won the Flag. This year it was the 17th : the 1st Troop was fourth : the 9th and 38th tied for sixth place. Sixteen Troops competed. In the Wolf-cubs' Totem Pole Competition, the 1st Pack was first, the 9th second, the 17th third, and the 38th, fourth. Twelve Packs competed. At the Athletic Sports, the Scouts' Athletic Shield was won by the 38th Troop ; the Cubs' Athletic Shield, by the 1st Pack ; and the Rovers' Athletic Cup, by the 9th Crew. At the Swimming Sports the 9th Troop was second for the Scouts' Trophy, while the Cubs' Cup was won by the 38th Pack. We must specially congratulate the 1st Pack on winning both the Totem Pole and the Cubs' Athletic Shield, and the 38th Group, whose Troop won the Scouts' Athletic Shield, and whose Pack won the Cubs' Swimming Cup. This Pack has just suffered the loss of its Cubmaster, W. Russell Scott, who has graduated in medicine and left to take up his new duties. He had been Cubmaster for nearly a year, performing his duties efficiently and energetically, and the Pack were genuinely sorry to lose their popular leader. In the meantime the Pack has been carried on by A.C.M. Ferrier Mayor, who deserves our thanks for having stepped in to fill the vacancy, but who, we regret to say, is also obliged to leave this summer. Two Rovers of the 9th Crew, Harry Fraser and Robert Grate, will take over control of the Pack after the Summer Holidays. The 9th Rovers also have lost their Leader, Mr. William Donald, who has been promoted to the position of Principal Teacher of Modern Languages in Morgan's Academy, Dundee. Mr. Donald had been Rover-leader for two years, during which" he attended the meetings with unfailing regularity ; took part, as far as his scanty spare time would allow, in the various activities of the Crew, and was always ready to help the School Scouts in any way that might turn up. He always felt a lively interest in scouting, and a true sense of its value to the School ; and of his Rovers he always spoke with esteem and regard, as they did also of him. As a last service to the 9th Group he has undertaken to act as guide to the members of the Crew and Troop who are going to camp near Paris for a week this summer. Mr. William Dickie, at the Rovers' request, has become Leader in Mr. Donald's place. The Crew continues to flourish under its new Leader. During the winter a course of instruction in boxing has been given by Mr. Charles Thornton, formerly an Army boxing champion, and now that summer is here, arrangements have been made for camping at Mill of Dyce every week-end when a sufficient number is available. Gazette : 1st Troop—Second William Middleton to be Patrol Leader ; 9th Troop—Second John Lawrence to be P.L., and Scout Robert Gibb to be Second ; 38th Troop—Second John Anderson to be P.L., and Scouts Arthur Kellas and William Melvin to be Seconds.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

237

School Office-Bearers for Session 1929-1930. Prefects. H. B. GRANT (Senior Prefect). A. J. SLESSOR. L. FINDLAY. S. R. SMITH. . G. F. HAMILTON. W. D. SWINNEY. R. J. MILNE. E. W. M. WATT. House Captains. Byron. ' Dun. Keith. A. J. SLESSOR. S. R. SMITH. I W. SMITH. Melvin. H. B: GRANT. Games Committee. '

President, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer,

THE RECTOR. MR. DUNCAN MACGREGOR.

A. J. ADAMS. E. W. M. WATT. S. R. SMITH. C. M. LIDDELL. T. A. KEENAN. M. Ii. SMITH. A. W RAFFAN. T. F. ROBSON. J. A. BROCKIE. G. L. BYTE. J. G. BYTE. E. B. BRIGHT. A. S. DEACON. J. M. HENDRY. A. D. D. HurroN. Rugby Football. Captain, - H. B. GRANT. I Vice-Captain, - A. J. SLESSOR. Cricket. Captain, - A. J. SLESSOR. I Vice-Captain, - R. F. GREIG. Tennis. Captain, - R. F. GRBid. I Secretary, - W. D. SWINNEY. Swimming. Captain, - W. SMITH. I Vice-Captain, A. J. ADAMS. Literary and Debating Society.. President, GILBERT F. HAMILTON. W. D. SWINNEY. Vice-Presidents, L. FINDLAY. R. J. MILNE. Secretary and Treasurer, GEORGE E. SWINNEY. Dramatic Society. President, WILLIAM D. SWINNEY. Vice-President, ANDREW B. HAY. MR. JAMES DAVIDSON,

M.A. H. B. GRANT. A. J. SLESSOR. R. F. GREIG. G. A. ROWTON . G. A. PATERSON.

Secretary, Treasurer, Business Manager -

DOUGLAS S. S. MARE. GILBERT F. HAMILTON. H. B. GRANT.

Orchestral Society. President, - HENDRY SHIACH. I Vice-President, A. E. BENNETT. Hon. Conductor, - MR. GAVIN E. FALCONER, A.R.C.M., A.T.S.C.

Art Club. Secretary and Treasurer, -

IAN L. SMITH. " Magazine " Conunittee—School Representatives. Editor, R. J. MILNE. Sports Editor, A. J. SLESSOR.

238

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The Former Pupils' Club. FOUNDED 1893.

Presibent : Professor JOHN J. R. MACLEOD, D.Sc., LL.D., F.R.S. VicexPresiDent fifth Chatrnian of Executive: ALAN MCBAIN, M.A., C.A. Secretarv at

Creasurer :

THEODORE WATT, M.A., The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen.

Secretaries of Sections: London Centre—Tnos. D. H. BROWN, Esbourn. Lawrie Park Cresent, Sydenham S.E. 26. [The Centre comprises, without additional subscrirtion, all Members of the Club resident in London, and within a radius of 50 miles.]

Rugby Section—IAN F. BOOTH, 17 St. Swithin Street. Hockey Section—COLIN J. STEWART, 403 Great Western Rd. Cricket Section—ALEX. J. ALLAN, Lilydale, Salisbury Place. Tennis Section—F. F. STOTT, 273 Great Western Road.

Rates of Subscription for Membership : £5 5 0 . . . . . Life Membership . Ordinary Membership— For those under 21 years of age at commence0 2 6 . ment ot Club year (1st January) For those of 21 years of age and upwards . 0 5 0

Visitors' Register. the For a number of years a Visitors' Register has been kept at Former School, under the charge of the Rector's clerk. The idea is that a Pupils, and particularly members of the F.P. Club, who are paying School, visit to Aberdeen and renewing their acquaintance with the the should sign the Register. From the comparatively few entries in Register it would appear that its existence is not well known, and it be recorded is hoped that in future many more visits to the School will in it, so that its interest and value may be greatly enhanced. The Secretary ot the F.P. Club will be pleased if members from a distance visiting Aberdeen will, in addition to signing the Register at is always the School, pay him a call at The Rosemount Press. He delighted to be brought into personal touch with F.P.s, and is pleased that so many of the younger members, before leaving for posts abroad, spare a few minutes to report themselves and say good-bye,

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The Boarding House.

239 •

All interested in the School will be gratified to learn that, since the last Magazine appeared, the necessary capital has been raised for the fulfilment of the conditions attached to Mr. George Watson's very generous offer, full particulars of which have already been given in the Magazine. Mr. Watson has duly implemented his promise, and the finances of the Boarding House Company are now in an entirely satisfactory position. The warmest thanks of the Club and of the School are due to Mr. Watson, not only for his own wholehearted support of the Boarding House scheme, but also for the stimulus he gave to others. The Boarding House is now thoroughly established ; every place has been booked for next session ; and there is nothing but a chorus of praise from both parents and boarders. In the near future there is likely to be an insistent demand for the provision of further accommodation. List of Boarders. The following is a list of the boys who have been resident in the Boarding House since it opened in September, 1928, and who, with three exceptions, are at present resident in it. The list shows from what widely separated places the boys have come, and to what extent F.P.s have so far taken advantage of the Boarding House. It is proposed to publish a similar list year by year in the June issue of the Magazine :— Entered September, 1928. Robert Forbes Combe, s. of George A. Combe (1889-95), C.B.E., H.M. Consular Service, China. (Left April, 1930.) Dugald Thomson Stuart Currie, s. of Dugald Currie, 4 Salisbury Place, South Shields. John Fiddes, s. of John Douglas Fiddes (1896-1902), M.A., B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., Rubislaw, Hutton, Essex. Alister Munro Gill. Guardian (brother), Ian Munro Gill (1909-14), 23 Hammersmith Road, Aberdeen. (Left April, 1930.) Richard Gemmill Jones, s. of A. D. Jones, Nahorjan Tea Estate, Bokakhat P.O., Assam. Norman William Jones, s. of A. D. Jones, Nahorjan Tea Estate, Bokakhat P.O., Assam. James Alexander Ligertwood, s. of R. P. Ligertwood, Piltochie, Ellon. Alexander Adam McKeith, s. of William A. McKeith, Assam. (Left June, 1929.) Alastair Ian Taylor Moir, s. of Dr. John Moir, 104 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Notts. John Scott Riddell, s. of George Steedman Riddell (1883—86 and 1889-92), Bank House, Macduff. Robert Arthur Spark, s. of Arthur Percy Spark (1905-11), M.B., Ch.B., Braemar House, Hartshill, Stoke-on7Trent. Arthur William Walker, s. of George Walker, Tillygreig, Udny Station. Entered January, 1929. Alexander George McLean, s. of James McLean, Sungai Krian, Bagan Serai, Perak, F.M.S.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

240

Entered April, 1929. Alexander Middleton, s. of Alexander Middleton, Willowbank, Montrose.

Entered September, 1929. Leonard Blackhall, s. of D. A. Blackhall, Trolak, Perak, F.M.S. John Chalmers, s. of A. M. Chalmers, Kinloch, St. Fergus. James Durno, s. of James Durno (1900- 02), Crichie, Inverurie. Ian Fyfe, s. of I. Fyfe, c/o Municipalities, Singapore. Charles Hall, s. of Charles J. Hall, clo Messrs. Harrisons & Crosfield, Quilon, Travancore.

John Kemp, s. of G. W. T. Kemp, Borpukhari, Mijikajan P.O., Assam. Neil Mercer, s. of J. S. Mercer, Arcullipole T.E., Silchar P.O., Cochar, India.

John Paul, s. of John William Paul (1901-03), Bank, Market St., Ellon. John Pyper, s. of J. B. Pyper, 12 Grange Road, Peterhead. Alfred Tosh, s. of Alfred Tosh, Lochton, Inchture, Perthshire. George Walker, s. of George Walker, Tillygreig, Udny Station. John Wallace, s. of Dr. A. F. Wallace, c/o Hospital, Livingstone, N. Rhodesia.

Alan Watt, s. of A. B. Watt, c o Messrs. McAndrew Forbes & Co., Alexandretta, Egypt.

Entered January, 1930. Rex Chuter, s. of Captain E. R. Chuter, R.A., 1 Bellevue Terrace, Edinburgh.

Entered April, 1930. Stanley Currie, s. of Dugald Currie, 4 Salisbury Place, South Shields. Douglas S. S. Marr, s. of John G. Marr, Coynachie, Gartly. Harry Bertram Usher, s. of Harry James Usher, Imperial Airways, Salonica.

List of Club Consuls. AUSTRALIA (Victoria) :—THOMAS G. WATSON (1896-99), Box 26, Stock Exchange, Melbourne. BORNEO :—Rt. Rev. E. D. LOGIE DANSON (1892-94), D.D., Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak, Bishop's House, Kucking, Sarawak, via Singapore. CANADA (Manitoba) :—JOHN CHARLES MURRAY I.IGERTWOOD (1903-06), C.A., c/o Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., 201 Huron and Erie Building, Winnipeg. CANADA (British Columbia) :—WILLIAM ERNEST • MILNE (1881-90), 347 Water Street, Vancouver. CANADA (New Brunswick) :—WILLIAM MENZIES KESSON (1893-98), Fredericton.

CANADA (Nova Scotia) :—GEORGE MACKENZIE WOOD (18801882), c/o Messrs. Joseph Wood & Co., Central Wharf, Halifax. CANADA (Ontario) :—ROBERT FLEMING (1891-98), C.E., c/o Messrs. Wood, Fleming & Co., Royal Bank Buildings, Toronto. CENTRAL AMERICA (Guatemala) :—CHARLES H. MOIR (1873-76), la Avlinda Norte No. 6, Guatemala, via New Orleans and Puerto Barrios. CEYLON :—DAVID SCOTT (1886-94), c/o Messrs. Lewis Brown & Co., Colombo. [Residing at 36 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen.]

CHILE :-JAMES ALEXANDER RHIND (1902-04), The AngloChilian Consolidated Nitrate Corporation, Tocopilla.

CHINA (Hongkong) :—ALAN REID (1911-14), Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, Hongkong'.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

241

CHINA (Shanghai) :—WILLIAM ROBERTSON MYERS (1895-99), Commissioner, Chinese Maritime Customs, Shanghai. CHINA (Tientsin) :—JOHN CAMERON TAYLOR (1904-06), c/o Messrs Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd., Tientsin. CZECHOSLOVAKIA :—Captain JOHN WILLIAM TAYLOR (19061911), M B E., M.A., His Britannic Majesty's Vice-Consul, Prague. EGYPT :—HAMISH FORREST MACLENNAN (1908-15), Turf Club, Cairo. F.M.S. (Negri Sembilan) :—DONALD TRENCH SKEEN (18951899), M.B., Seremban. F.M.S. (Perak) :—WILLIAM CLARK WARRACK (1898-1909), Sungkai Estate, Sungkai, Perak. F.M.S. (Selangor) :—COLIN HAY MILLER (1900- 04), Lenggeng Estate, Semenyih P.O. FIJI :-KENNETH JAMES ALLARDYCE (1894-95), Nabavatu. GERMANY :—JAMES GORDON DANIELSON (1896-1901), Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Monckeberg Strasse 27, Hamburg, 1. INDIA (Assam) :—WILLIAM H. G. HALLY (1889-96), Singlo Tea Co., Ltd., Jaboka Division, Sonari P.O. INDIA (Bengal) :—G. F. ROSE (1881-92), c/o Messrs. Andrew Yule and Co., Ltd., 8 Clive Row, Calcutta. INDIA (Bombay) :—JOHN HALL RITCHIE (1903-09), M.A., B.Sc., c/o Yacht Club, Bombay. INDIA (Central Provinces) : —CECIL ARTHUR GRANT SAVIDGE (1913-24), c/o Secretariat, C.Y. Government, Nagpur. INDIA (Rajputana) :—GEORGE TAYLOR SIMPSON (1910-20), Jodhpur State Railway, Jodhpur. KENYA COLONY :—HECTOR BRODIE (1906-17), Sonamerg Estate, P.O. Songhor. MEXICO :—ALEXANDER and ROBERT YOUNG (1914-21), c/o William Young & Co., S.A., Avenida el Salvador 102, Mexico City. NEW ZEALAND :—Dr. THEODORE GRANT GRAY (1895-1901), Government Buildings, Wellington. Provinces) :—CAMPBELL GRANT (Northern NIGERIA McKENZIE (1910-12), c/o The Secretary, N.P., Kaduna. NIGERIA (Southern Provinces) :—Dr. WILLIAM EDWARD GLOVER (1896-98), c/o The Principal Medical Officer, Lagos. POLAND :—JAMES BRYCE CLARKE (1896-99), Anglo-Polish Bank, Warsaw. RHODESIA (Southern) :—NORMAN ALEXANDER SINCLAIR (1913-16), Midlothian Syndicate, Midlothian Farm, P.B., Salisbury. SOUTH AFRICA (Cape Province) :—Dr. ALEXANDER MARR GEDDES (1897-1903), c/o Lady Buxton Home, Newlands Road, Claremont, Cape Town. SOUTH AFRICA (Natal) :—DAVID STRACHAN (1893-1902), 19 Hulston's Buildings, Durban. SOUTH AFRICA (Orange Free State) :—DOUGLAS GORDON BISSET (1890-1900), Castor Siding, Private Bag, Bloemfontein. SOUTH AFRICA (Transvaal) :---JAMES EWAN HENDERSON (1884-87), 24 Saxonwold Drive, Saxonwold, Johannesburg (P.O. Box 4466 ; Telephone—Rosebank 951).

242

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

SOUTH AMERICA (The Argentine) :—REGINALD J. G. WILSON (1905-11), Anglo-South American Bank, Buenos Aires. BAIN MACKIE (1896-1904), SOUTH AMERICA (Brazil) Royal Bank of Canada, Caixa do Correio No. 300, Rio de Janeiro. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS (Penang) :—JOHN RHYS DANSON (1897-1903), Municipal Office, Penang. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS (Singapore) :—JOHN IVO DAWSON (1900-04), c/o Messrs. Guthrie & Co., Singapore. SUDAN :—JAMES LORIMER SOUPER (1898-1909), The Gordon Memorial College, P.O. Box 286, Khartoum. SUMATRA :—EDWARD PERCY BARNETT (1895-1903), The Bandar Sumatra Rubber Co., Ltd., Bandar Pinang, P.O., Galang, E.C., Sumatra. UGANDA :—GRAEME GEORGE SUTHERLAND (1903-09), Mengo Planters' Ltd., P.O. Box 19, Kampala. UNITED STATES (Chicago) :—THOMAS B. G. HENDERSON (1894-1900), 1715 Illinois Merchants Bank Building, Chicago. UNITED STATES (New York) :—WILLIAM MACKINTOSH (1893-96), Royal Insurance Co., Ltd., 84 William Street, New York. WEST INDIES (Tobago) :—KENNETH REID (1901-04), King's Bay. WEST INDIES (Trinidad) :—ARCHIBALD YOUNG (1885-93), cio Messrs. Alston & Co., Ltd.. Port of Spain.

List of New Members of the Club. LIFE MEMBERS. Stott, Francis Floyd (1918-30), 273 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Morrice, James Imlach (1920-25), 49 Braemar Place, Aberdeen. Riddell, George Alexander (1915-26), 43 Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen. ORDINARY MEMBERS. Adam, Franklin McPherson (1917- Mackay, Lewis Alexander (191928), Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen. 25), Bank of London and South Mackintosh, Hugh Douglas (1922America, Ltd., Buenos Aires. 30), 12 Brighton Place, AberAlexander, Alexander Bridgeford deen. (1919-26), 344 Holburn Street, Nutten, Fred, Jun. (1918-127), 18 . Aberdeen. Fonthill Road, Aberdeen.. Allan, George (1923-28), Woodend House, Stoneywood, Bucks- Rust, John Bruce (1919-29), 70 . Queen's Road, Aberdeep. burn. Campbell, Robert H. (1919-30), Shand, John (1919-22), Burnside, Methlick. Lymphoy, Annfield Terrace, Sharp, William Mitchell (1925Aberdeen. 30), 1627 Fairfield Ave:, Bridge- • Findlay, Louis (1924-30), 41 port, Conn., U.S.A. Queen's Road, Aberdeen. Simmers, John Sandison (1927Gauld, William Robertson (192330), Lilybank, Hatton. 30), 19 Beechgrove Terrace, Sinclair, Edward Alexander .(1915Aberdeen. 23), Myrtledene, Queen's Road Gerrard, William Charles (1919W., Aberdeen. 29), 175 Forest Avenue, Aber- Smith, James. BruCe (1918-25), deen. 12 Margaret Street, Aberdeen. Gooch, John Sidney (1920-29), Smith, William 'G. (1922-30), 59 101 Irvine Place, Aberdeen. Carlton Place, Aberdeen.

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Union St.

ABERDEEN (Opposite Royal Northern Club)

Ellexr• ilithen am ions !Painters & Decorators 335 "Union %treet Elberbeen. •

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• •

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MACMAHON Artistic Portraiture in all Modern Styles SPECIAL TERMS TO

SCHOOL

502 UNION STREET ABERDEEN

'PHONE 187

ESTABLISHED 1897.

A.& W. ALEXANDER : Butchers and Fishmongers : Game and Poultry Salesmen PURVEYORS

492

THE

FINEST

QUALITY

UNION STREET ABERDEEN Telegrams--

Telephones-817, 818.

" Alexanders, Fishmongers, Aberdeen."

TELEPHONE No. 351

G. M. TAIT Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, and House Furnisher 37 HUNTLY STREET ABERDEEN REPAIRS A SPECIALITY

ABERDEEN

COUNCIL -EDUCATION

TOWN

ABERDEEN

GRAMMAR

COMMITTEE.

SCHOOL.

1256.) DAVID MIDDLETON ANDREW, M.A.

(FOUNDED PREVIOUS TO

Rector

HE GRAMMAR SCHOOL provides for Boys a complete course of Study, both Elementary and Secondary, Classical and Modern. The School, which is organized in three Departments—Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools—contains excellent laboratories handsomely furnished and equipped, including a Chemical Laboratory, Science Theatre with Physical Laboratory attached, Natural Science Laboratory, Art Room, Gymnasium. Workshop, Botanical Garden, Library, Reading Room, and Museum. Pupils in the Lower School are prepared for the Control Examination of the Education Committee, while the Senior Classes are examined for the Day School Certificate (Higher) and the Leaving Certificate of the Scottish Education Department, passes in the latter examination being recognised as exempting from further examination in the corresponding subjects of the Preliminary Examination for graduation in Arts, Science, Law, and Medicine at the Scottish Universities. The situation of the School in the West end of the City is open and healthy. The Class-rooms are large, and the Grounds for Recreation include separate Playgrounds for Juniors and Seniors, Tennis Courts, and a field for Cricket and Football. There is also a Boarding House run in conjunction with the School.

ABERDEEN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. (ALBYN PLACE.) Head Mistress - Miss BEATRICE M. ROSE, M.A. (Abdn., Oxon.)

HE HIGH SCHOOL provides a liberal education for Girls from 5 or 6 to r8 or ro years of age, and aims at fitting them for home life and for professions open to women. The School buildings occupy an excellent and spacious site in the West end of the City. The furnishings and equipment of the School comprise, in addition to numerous Class-rooms fitted up with many modern conveniences for teaching purposes, an Assembly Hall, Gymnasium, Art Rooms, a Lantern Room, a School Library of 2,000 volumes, spacious Cookery and Laundry Rooms, and a suite of Laboratories of the most approved description for the teaching of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The School is organized in three Departments- Infants, Primary, and Secondary. The Classes in the Infants and Primary divisions are graded in accordance with the requirements of the Scottish Code. The pupils are prepared Pupils in the for the Control Examination of the Education Committee Secondary Department are prepared for the Day School Certificate (Higher) and the Leaving Certificate of the Scottish Education Department. The subjects of study include—Scripture, English with History and Geography, Mathematics, Classics, Modern Languages, Experimental and Domestic Science, Art, Class Singing, and Physical Exercises. Pupils whose parents desire it are taught Theory and Practice of Music (Pianoforte, Violin, and Organ) in preparation for the Examinations of Trinity College of Music, London, and of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music: Advanced- pupils are prepared for the Licentiate of the Royal Academy.

Information as to Fees, Scholarships, Courses of Study, etc., at the Grammar School and High School for Girls is given in the School Prospectus, which may be had free on application to the Director of Education, Education Offices, 22 Union Terrace, or to the Rector or Head Mistress respectively.

"PREFECT" SUITS

THE "Prefect" School Suits are made of reliable cloths . in a well-assorted range of designs and colourings. They are cut and tailored by experts. ::

FIT

AGES 8

YEARS.

Usual Qualities45/- to 60/-. 55/- to 70/-. Super Quality-65/ - to 90l-.

K SMTH &co.,

403 Union tmet, ABERDEEN. Quality is our Truest Economy

ROBERT STOTT Family Grocer Italian Warehouseman, Tea, Coffee, Wine and Spirit Merchant

53 ALBERT

STREET, ABERDEEN Telephone 1848

THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE. MARISCHAL COLLEGE. ABERDEEN•

WINTER SESSION - OCTOBER TO M.4 RCH. SUMMER SESSION - APRIL TO JUNE. Courses for B.Sc. (Agr.) Ordinary and Honours Degrees ; College Diploma In Agriculture ; National Diptomq in Agriculture ; Special Farmer's Course ; Planter's Certificate Course, etc. Residential Course in Rural Domestic Economy for Girls at Craibstone. Calendir giving full particulars of Courses of Instruction, Syllabus of Experimental Work, and particulars of Advisory Work undertaken by the College ; and Prospectus of Craibstone School of Rural Domestic Economy, may be had on application to

THE SECRETARY, 411 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

ESTABLISHED 1815

ABERDEEN SAVINGS BANK (Certified

FUNDS £7,000,000

of Parliament)

THE BANK PROVIDES ABSOLUTE SECURITY AND MOST COMPLETE SERVICE FOR SAVING.

THE

Stuns of One Shilling and upwards received. Compound Interest. No Stamp Duty on Withdrawals. BANK endeavours to co-operate with the Parents and with THEtheSAVINGS School in training our Youth in wise spending and in saving "'Tis Education forms the common mind; just as the twig) is bent, the tree's inclined." BOOK SAFES—This most attractive Home Safe may be obtained by Depositors on Application or by making an Initial Deposit of Two Shillings. HEAD OFFICE19 UNION TERRACE, ABERDEEN. BRANCHES

JAMES R. FIDDES, ACTUARY.

THROUGHOUT THE CITY AN!) COUR I Y.

1-4-

TE RM

— _. i 1-0 _ A ThNEW -A ii

l,rtt

Iftii

To Learn Something Boys Can't Do Quickly

WEAR OUT THEIR "USKIDE" SOLED FOOTWEAR SUPPLIED BY

JOHN A. DUNN, 46 UNION STREET. " Uskide" Repairs done on short notice. 'Phone 158. PRINTED AT THE ROSEMOUNT PRESS. AI3IIRDEEN•