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AGS Magazine June 1937

Page 1

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR scHGoL MAGAZINE

BON-RECO VD

\

Os,

J

ABERDEEN Pupils' Club al- The University Press prinMcl. forl'he Former PRICE ONE SHILLING. Volume XL, No. 3.

June, 1937.


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CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS. " A Grammar School Boy." From painting by Mr. C. W. Hemingway . . . . . . Mr. W. H. Lawrie. Mr. G. W. J. Farquharson . . School Cricket ist XI—Season 1937 . . . . School Prefects—June 1937 . . . . .

Facing page 1 74 >)

1 75 ,P

9,

A Message to Former Pupils . . . . . . Mr. Farquharson . . . . . . . . Mr. Lawrie . . . . . . . . . Games and Athletic Activities . . . . . . Men in the Making . . . . . . . . Notes about Old Boys . . . . . . . Obituary . . . . . . • . . Marriages . . • . . . . . . Indian Labour at the Polls. By D. I. Duff . . . "Tigers—Human and Otherwise." By A. W. Duncan. . Two Impressions-Oxford and London. By Ian F. Cameron From the MacRae Country to Glen Coe. By E. R. B. . Medievalists of the East. By Captain Ronald D. MacRae . " The Road Behind Mc " . . . • • • F.P.s in Singapore . . . . . . . .

. Page 173 . ,, 175 . „ 176 . ,, 177 . ,, 178 . „ 180 . „ 192 . 196 . ,, 197 . „ zoo . „ 204 „ /o8 • 3, 21 3 • ,, 215 . „ 220 PP

School Section— School and Random Notes . . . . . . Paris, 1937. By A. L. Speirs . . . . . . Scotch Mist I By L. D. D. . . . . An Anecdote . . . . . . . . . Lines on the Present Decadence of Poetry. By B. J. Fiddes . A True Story of Africa. By T. G. M. . . . . 1st XI Matches . . . . . . . . House Notes . . . . . . . . . Scout Notes . . . . . . . Rambling and Mountaineering Club . . . . . School Office-Bearers for 1936-37 . . . . The Former Pupils' Club— The Club Boarding House Cricket Section . Rugby Section , . List of New Members

• •

• •

2 40

9, 241

221

229 2/ 232 233 SP 2 35 PP 236 237 PP 24o PP PP 242 PP 243 PP 244 22

146 • • ,, 247 . ,, 248 . 248


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A. MARTINEAU, ESQ. R. W. WALKER, ESQ. R. MACKAY. J. L. WILLIAMS.


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 52nd year : No. 136

-

Vol. XL

-

(New Series, 43rd year, No. 12 7)

•.-

-

JUNE 1937

-

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.

A Message to Former Pupils. The writers of " School and Random Notes " do their job so ably and with such a wealth of interesting detail that my role as the occasional chronicler of School events has become superfluous. It is better, in any case, to have the story from the standpoint of the boys. This Message for the Magazine will, consequently, be brief and selective in treatment, as the School Editors can be relied upon to make good the omissions. In several ways it has been a noteworthy term. Is any boy likely to forget Coronation week and the unexpected gift of a three days' holiday ? No happier method of securing youthful allegiance to the Throne could have been devised. School played its part worthily in the local celebrations at Pittodrie Park—very worthily, if all the compliments which reached me were sincere. The massed display of Danish gymnastics was effective and, for most of the spectators, a novelty. Mr. Lawrie has done yeoman service as Physical Instructor. This department of the School has never been in more capable hands, and we envy County Durham its new Organizer. The visit of Principal Fyfe on Empire Day is recalled with pleasure. It is no mean achievement to hold for forty minutes the rapt attention of an audience whose ages ranged from ten to eighteen, but the Principal's wit and charm of speech and manner made his task look simple, and School responded lustily to the Senior Prefect's call for " three Grammar School cheers." An unusual item in the activities of the term was the presentation at Rubislaw Field of a pageant of physical training, under the attractive title of "Men in the Making." The


1 74

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

running commentary given by the Games Master was helpful and instructive, and the display itself full of interest to those who are unfamiliar with present-day methods. The proceeds —£75 —go to the Lord Provost's appeal on behalf of the Royal Infirmary. Many references have been made in recent issues of the Magazine to the success of the Boarding House. So far no limits to possible future expansion can be envisaged. Another house, in immediate proximity to the present one, has been purchased, and it will be reserved for Junior boys. The segregation of Seniors and Juniors has always been the aim of the Directors, but it is only now that they have been justified in taking this step. The house, with its airy, sunny rooms and attractive garden, makes an ideal home-from-home for youngsters, and I shall be surprised if it does not receive its full complement within a year. A scheme of structural improvements to the interior of the main building is being considered. The laboratories are to be reconditioned and the equipment brought up to date. The Art Rooms will be included in the general overhaul. Reference was made in the November Magazine to this project, but it has advanced a stage further in the interval. It may be that an even more comprehensive scheme will have to be adopted, but pending a decision by the Education Committee, it would be out of place to say more. The chief desideratum of the School is the provision of a Swimming Pond. Facilities for swimming are lamentably inadequate and, in view of the lead which has been given by " another " school, I hope it will not be long before the problem is tackled in earnest. We have an ideal site for the building, and somewhere there is a plan which was discarded for reasons of expense. But the loyalty of Former Pupils, shown conspicuously in the case of Rubislaw Pavilion, is not likely to be found wanting in a matter which concerns the best interests of the School. I venture to think that if we had the enthusiastic support of the Club, we could raise a sum which would enable the Education Committee to view the proposal with favour. I respectfully suggest to the new President that this is a matter which might usefully engage his attention during his year of office. We are sorry to take leave of Mr. Farquharson, Principal Teacher of English, now Rector-elect of Bell-Baxter Secondary School, Cupar. His tireless energy and his invaluable help in School activities of all kinds will be greatly missed. We offer him our congratulations and good wishes for success and happiness in his new sphere of work. D. M. A. 16th June, 5937.


" A GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOY." From painting by Mr. Charles W. Hemingway, Art Master, Aberdeen Grammar School.


Mr. W. IL LAWRIE.

Mr. G. W. J. FARQVIIARNON.


Aberdeen Gran/mar School Magazine

175

Mr. Farquharson. The School will be reluctant to part with Mr. Farquharson, who has been at the head of the English Department since 1929, when he leaves at the end of June to take up his duties as Rector of the Bell-Baxter School at Cupar. He will be missed not only as a teacher of English, but as the enthusiastic organizer of many of the activities which form an important part of the life of a school. He has for long been Honorary President of the Literary and Debating Society, and every year his has been the job of getting it going again after the summer holidays, and arranging for the appointment of office-bearers. He has always taken the deepest interest in its activities from year to year, and has presided over many lectures and delivered several very amusing talks himself. Every year, too, he has been the inspiration, the jointproducer, the power behind the scenes, the general utility man of the Dramatic Society's shows. The claims of the Society upon his time during the Christmas Term have always been great ; but time has always been found, and the success and popularity of the shows have been his reward. Mr. Farquharson has always given any amount of time and trouble also to the School Section of the Magazine. Every boy in School, from Middle I upwards, will testify to the regular insistence of his demands for " copy," in prose or in verse. Yet another of Mr. Farquharson's interests has been the School Orchestra, and everybody will miss his characteristically vigorous handling of the bow at the next Concert. In addition to these labours to promote the lighter side of School life, Mr. Farquharson enjoys a wide and justified reputation for the efficiency of his teaching. In particular, he is unrivalled in the art of preparing pupils for examinations. There never was such a man for " spotters " ; indeed, he has reduced the business of spotting to a science, and his methods are as varied as they are cunning. There are probably many who are still blessing Mr. Farquharson for bringing them up to scratch for the all-important English paper in the Highers. When he has gone, Mr. Farquharson will long be remembered for two things. The first is the unfailing interest he has always taken in School activities and in his pupils, to whom he has always been ready to offer advice. The second is the geniality and the humour which belie his nickname of "Fiery." The School will appear strange without him ; for he has made himself such an integral part of it that he seems as much of an institution as the Shanghai Clock. In taking our farewell of him, we can assure him that all Grammar boys, past or present, who ever passed through his hands, will most heartily wish him success in his new post. CL. VI.


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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Mr. Lawrie. Our first words about Mr. Lawrie must be congratulations to him on his appointment to the position of physical instruction organizer in the county of Durham. We wish him the best of fortune in his new post, and feel sure that he will prove fully worthy of the honour bestowed on him. These sentiments, however, are mingled with disappointment. The School has lost a benefactor and a friend by Mr. Lawrie's departure. His services to the physical education of the School have been so great that his name deserves to stand alongside the long list of those to whom the School looks back with gratitude. Some months after the lamented death of Mr. Summers, Mr. Lawrie was appointed to the position of gymnastic instructor, and ever since that day he has set his face towards improving the facilities for gymnastics, and his new methods have wrought great changes. His most important measure of reform was the establishment of a standard gymnastic costume for the whole School. This healthy change was, of course, more necessary after he had introduced his vigorous system of Danish gymnastics. These exercises were very different from any that had previously been drilled into us, but their effect was immediate. The various tables, from simple free-standing exercises for the young boys to the vigorous training of the upper classes, had all the same object—the efficient building of the body. The memory of his many tongue-twisting commands, which are now . so familiar to everyone, will always recall the pleasure given by the gymnastic period under the guidance of Mr. Lawrie. His old pupils will also always remember his inimitable whistle that commanded (and always obtained) silence. The similar efforts by the message-boys in Whitehall Place were ineffective imitations of the piercing sibilation of our gymnastic instructor. Mr. Lawrie's name will also be remembered by his pupils for his introducing several very popular inside games. The now familiar rugby-touch, Danish hand-ball, and skittle-ball all owe their beginning in the Grammar School to Mr. Lawrie. His organizing of inter-class competitions in these games at the end of each term was characteristic of his patient willingness to promote the contentment of his many pupils. The results of Mr. Lawrie's work were adequately displayed to the public in the two recent exhibitions—as part of the Coronation Tattoo at Pittodrie, and as part of the School display, " Men in the Making," which was held at Rubislaw. We saw there the building of the boys' bodies in the varying stages of their physical development, from free exercises to the gradual acquiring of the team spirit, until, finally, the methodical


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

177

massed Danish exercises showed his triumph in gymnastic organization. Although School is losing Mr. Lawrie, he has stamped his indelible seal on it. His enthusiastic training and his unwavering friendliness will be missed when he has departed. It is indeed with heartfelt sorrow at his parting, and with deep gratitude for his services, that we bid him farewell, and express to him our very best wishes for success in his new post. CL. VI.

Games and Athletic Activities. "Physical education," under which comprehensive title games, athletics, and gymnasium work have now been placed by the Government, did not lack attention during the past term. It is probable, indeed, that period for period there have never before been quite so many organized activities, all directed towards fitness, pleasure, and technical proficiency. Much depends upon the weather during the summer term, and this year, though cold winds have persisted, the weather on the whole has been favourable. The only wet Saturday of the term arrived on i9th June, when for the first time since the War, the Annual Athletic Sports had to be postponed. Cricket and athletics have again been the main concerns of the boys. It was possible for the first time to enlist " outside help" in coaching both the cricketers and the athletes. Coaching, to be successful, must be an individual and not a mass concern. It is impossible in limited time for one or two men to coach hundreds of boys. By dividing up the cricketers and athletes into small groups and with the additional help available, it has been possible after school hours to get through a greatly increased amount of real coaching. Both the professionals of the Aberdeenshire Cricket Club have been lending a hand, and one of the outstanding professional athletes in the country has been assisting in field events. " What sort of a cricket team have you got?" is the commonest question that is put to me, and similar queries are only less common regarding athletics and swimming. We have, of course, many teams : there are, for instance, twenty House cricket teams, and at our display, " Men in the Making," we had sixteen relay teams on the track. But questions are usually directed towards the 1st team of whatever activity is under discussion. The cricket XI is a first-class fielding side, but mediocre otherwise. The athletic team has no giants of the track to compare with W. J. G. Meldrum and J. R. W. Catto, but there is a fair all-round level of competence. Our swimming team is a good one, the best, judged on time records, that has represented the School. And a record number of life-saving awards has been obtained.


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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Not far ahead can be seen approaching another period of brilliance. Our colts, boys under 16 years of age, are just as talented as the colts of five or six years ago, and in a year or two some of our best records may be improved upon. The outlook for next season is bright, so far as physical education is concerned. As year by year the scope of physical education in the School becomes wider, as coaching becomes more general, as it has come to be taken for granted that " Rubislaw " is always open for evening activities, so it becomes clearer how fortunate we are in having form masters who are both willing and competent to assist at the Field. When I tell Games Masters of other schools how many willing unpaid helpers I can depend upon for work out of school hours, they are very envious. D. McG.

Men in the Making. The Display of Physical Training organized by Mr. Macgregor and Mr. Lawrie in aid of the Lord Provost's Infirmary Fund might have been given the sub-title " A New Way to Pay Old Debts," for the School's debt to the Infirmary is indeed a great one. This year alone, what with rugger casualties and minor accidents, they have dealt with nearly twenty cases from School. The contribution which the display will enable us to make to the fund may therefore be regarded as a sort of " conscience money." Fortunately the day was sunny, and this had encouraged a large number of spectators to turn up in spite of the cold wind which was blowing. The proceedings opened with a speech from the Rector at the microphone, and immediately afterwards the boys of Lower I ran on and gave an amusing exhibition of free exercises—imitations of "wooden men" and " duckwalking," all performed with complete freedom and without the least suggestion of drill or of discipline. The next item, by the boys of Lower II, showed, as Mr. Macgregor explained through the microphone, some advance towards order and discipline. Exercises were now more formal, and performed in more or less fixed positions. A further advance towards selfcontrol and team interest was seen when the Lower III boys came into the arena and gave a display of team games and exercises—the teams moving in rotation from a skittle-ball pitch to a wall-bar exercise, and so on. These short displays were followed by a pageant of school games, showing the progress of the Grammar School boy from a small and insignificant soccer player into a full-blown rugby enthusiast. First of all, five very small boys of the Lower School ran on dribbling a soccer ball, and after exhibiting their skill for a while, they took up a position in a line facing the


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crowd. After them, in order, came five representatives of the Middle School rugby team, five ist XV colours, groups of five from Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools representing Swimming, Cricket, and Athletics, and finally came the captains of the School Golf, Tennis, and Mountaineering Clubs. Each was attired in the outfit of the activity that he represented and at the beat of a drum all sprang to attention, and then marched off, leaving the five athletes to give an interesting demonstration of old and new methods. An exhibition of the old-fashioned standing start was contrasted with a modern crouch start ; and finally, Mr. J. K. Watson, the University quarter-mile record holder, demonstrated the refinements of an expert, showing us in particular the use of the arms for preserving perfect balance. Similar demonstrations of old and new methods in high and broad jumping followed; with expert demonstrations by George Masson, Scottish professional champion. The theme of the development of team spirit was taken up again in a series of relay races, games of skittle-ball, Danish hand-ball, touch rugby, and cricket, by boys of Lower IV and V and Middle I. Then Middle II and Middle III demonstrated various forms of agility work. This was followed by a repeat performance of the mass display of Danish gymnastics which was given at Pittodrie. A huge team of over two hundred boys ran on to the arena, took up a diamond formation, and went through a short table of exercises under Mr. Lawrie's guidance. After a short speech by the Lord Provost, a series of interHouse relay races, all won by Melvin House, except for the senior race, was followed by an effective grand finale. Six hundred boys ran on and took up position in the field ; at a given signal they crouched, crawled forward, and lay prone, forming a huge A.G.S. one hundred yards long and fifty yards broad. At another signal they ran to the centre of the field, and in mass formation sang the National Anthem, being conducted by Mr. Falconer, who would no doubt cavil at the word ,, This was the end of a most successful and entertaining afternoon, and the Rector's hope that we should be able to hand over a " bumper " cheque to the Lord Provost has been realized. We would like once more, on behalf of the School, to thank all members of the staff who gave Mr. Lawrie and Mr. Macgregor their valuable help in organizing the display. M, 4 4 sang.


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** * 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. •

CORONATION HONOURS. R R -1904), Arthur Cunningham Lothian* (1892-94 and I-9C.I.E., M.A., B.Sc., of the Indian Civil Service, was created at the Coronation a Companion of the Order of the Star of India (C.S.I.). He entered the Indian Civil Service in 1910, and after serving as an Assistant Magistrate in Bengal, was transferred to the Political Department of the Government of India in 1915. He at present holds the post of Additional Secretary to the Crown Representative. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (C.I.E.) in 1934. George Andrew (188 5 -86), M.A.(Aberd.), B.A.(Oxon.), His Majesty's Senior Chief Inspector of Schools, Scottish Education Department—a brother of the Rector of the School —was made at the Coronation a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.). He was appointed one of H.M. Inspectors of Schools in Scotland in 1903, serving in the Edinburgh, Lanark, Angus, and Glasgow districts, and in 1931 became H.M. Chief Inspector of Schools in the Highland Division. A year later he was transferred to Glasgow as H.M. Senior Chief Inspector. James Smart Abernethy* (1924-26), LL.B., W.S., who last year was appointed Legal Adviser and Commissioner of Lands in the North Borneo Government Service, has also had some charge over education in that State, and in the capacity of " Inspector of Schools " felt it incumbent on him to see that some at least of the Government scholars should do something special on Coronation Day, so he spent an hour every Tuesday evening teaching eight of them to dance an eightsome reel. At the beginning of March he reported that, though they did not know any English and he knew hardly any Malay, they were * Member of Former Pupils' Club.


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making wonderful progress. He says that there are not nearly enough Scots out there, and the only Aberdonian he sees is the First Officer of a Singapore steamer which calls once every three weeks. This officer is extremely obliging, and when he goes back to Singapore, procures anything that is wanted and cannot be got from the local Chinese shops in Borneo. James Alexander* (1919-28), B.Sc.(Eng.), A.M.Inst.C.E., has recently taken up an appointment as an assistant civil engineer in the Aberdeen County Surveyor's office. Previously he was in the island of Skye, engaged on road work under the Ministry of Transport. George Allan* (1923-28) is now a Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve, and is serving in H.M.S. Dolphin, Gosport, Hants. The Right Hon. Lord Alness* (1884-85), P.C., LL.D., is Chairman of a Committee appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland to inquire into the application which has been made by the University Courts of the Universities of Scotland for the payment from the Education (Scotland) Fund of sums in respect of yearly maintenance expenditure, and to advise the Secretary of State as to the sums, if any, which should be so paid to the respective University Courts. Ian Alfred Anderson* (1912-24), B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., has been appointed a clinical tutor attached to the wards of Professor Stanley Davidson in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Robert Smith Asher* (1898-1903), Captain, R.E., is now Civilian Garrison Engineer at York. George Edward Colledge Barton* (1923-26), M.A., who is head of the Junior School, Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen, has been placed in charge of the new Robert Gordon's College Boarding House, 15-16 Albyn Terrace, Aberdeen, which is to be opened on ist September next. Norman Robert Beattie* (1921-31), who recently qualified as a chartered accountant, has been admitted a member of the Society of Accountants in Aberdeen, and also an Associate Member of the Institute of Taxation. Ronald James Beattie* (1927-36) has recently passed the first group of the examinations of the Chartered Insurance Institute. He is with the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Co., Ltd., Aberdeen. John Malcolm Bulloch* (1877-80), M.A., LL.D.—or rather a fine drawing of him—was hung " on the line " at the Royal Academy Exhibition this year. The drawing is the work of Mr. H. G. Hoyland, a Yorkshire artist, now living at Dulwich, and shows Dr. Bulloch in a characteristic and genial attitude.


18 z

Aberdeen Grammar Sebool Magazine A BYRON CHAIR.

George Byron Gordon—Lord Byron—(1795-98) is to have his fight for the cause of Greek independence commemorated by the endowment of a Chair of English Literature and British Culture in the University of Athens. This was announced at the solemn opening ceremony of the celebration in April of the centenary of that University. In the course of an oration the Minister of Education announced that the endowment of the Chair was due to the good offices of the British Government and with the assistance of friends of Greece in Great Britain and elsewhere. The Chair is to be called the Byron Chair. The Greek Government has issued a decree which provides that Missolonghi, the scene of one of the most thrilling incidents in the Greek War of Independence, on the occasion of the celebration of the 1 i i th anniversary of the sortie and the i i 3th of the death there of Byron, shall henceforth be regarded as a " Sacred City." In 1881 a statue of Byron was erected at Missolonghi, over the mound in which his heart is buried. Douglas James Calder* (1927-31), who served his apprenticeship as an optician, watchmaker, and jeweller with his father, Mr. J. C. Calder, 9 Diamond Street, Aberdeen, has recently entered the service of Messrs. Nottingham & Walsh, Ltd., jewellers and silversmiths, Torquay, where he hopes to gain valuable experience. Alfred Gordon Cameron* (1923-34) finished his Police Duty course in Peel House Training School, London, at the beginning of May, and is now Police Constable 295 of " E " Division, at Bow Street Police Station. In view of the number of F.P.s who are joining the Metropolitan Police, it has been suggested that it may soon be possible to form a special F.P. squad! James Alexander Catto (1913-20), B.Com., teacher of commerce in McLaren High School, Callander, has recently been appointed commerce master in the High School, Dundee. Albert Christie (1919-29), M.B., Ch.B., has been appointed a resident anaesthetist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for six months from 1st August next. James Cobban* (1925-32) has finished his training at Faraday House, and has been appointed Technical Assistant to the District Engineer of the English Electric Co., Ltd., in the Yorkshire Area of the Outside Department. His headquarters are at Thornbury, Bradford. He served his fourth year of the Faraday House course with the English Electric Company at their Stafford works. Douglas Paterson Cochran* (1906-15), who entered the service of the Royal Exchange Assurance, Aberdeen, in 1921, and for the last five years has been Local Manager at Aberdeen,


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was in March appointed District Manager of the South-West London Office of the Royal Exchange Assurance, and left Aberdeen early in May to take up his new appointment. Ever since he left the School he has taken a very keen interest in F.P. affairs. He has been for many years a member of the Executive of the F.P. Club, and was Vice-President for two years. His outstanding work for the Club has been his Secretaryship of the Rugby Football Section. The following tribute has been received from " J.S.M." :— With the departure of Doug. Cochran to London the Rugby Section of the F.P. Club has lost more than a Secretary : it has lost as enthusiastic a member as the Section ever had. In recent years the Section has been improving perceptibly season by season, not only in playing ability, but in its range of fixtures and general enthusiasm. This improvement has been due in large part to the efforts of Cochran, who was always willing to undertake a job on behalf of the Section. No task was too onerous, no errand too menial, if it aimed to assist the Rugby Section. And Doug. allied his business efficiency to his selfchosen hobby to such good effect that the financial position of the Section at present is the best it has ever been. But Doug. was no mere automaton. His host of friends in Aberdeen and elsewhere will testify to the genial willingness of the man. In the midst of a frenzied fixtures meeting, on the touchline during an important game, or during gym. training with the teams (Doug. was a regular attender and example to others), he was ever ready to smile and soothe ruffled feelings. His office in Union Street had become the recognized enquiry office for all matters pertaining to North Rugby. No one person did more to encourage South teams to visit Aberdeen ; the results of his persuasive tongue are to be seen in glancing through the attractive fixture lists of the Rugby Section. The Club as a whole has lost the services of a wholehearted enthusiast, and the Section a perfect Secretary. Doug. carries with him the good wishes of us all. Peter Diack* (1904-09), M.A., minister of King Street Church, Kilmarnock, has recently been elected to Pollokshields West, Glasgow. He was the sole nominee. His successive charges have been the U.F. Church, Grantown-on-Spey ; the West U.F. Church, Forfar; and King Street Church, Kilmarnock. John Low Dickie (1881-82), M.B., C.M., who was for ten years Medical Superintendent of the Star and Garter Home at Richmond, Surrey, for totally disabled soldiers and sailors, and latterly has been resident in Kent, has recently been holidaying on Deeside. He is an authority on angling, and has written much about the sport, one of his books being " Forty Years of Salmon and Trout Fishing." He became an angler, he says, at the early age of seven, when he caught his first trout in the


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Denburn at Cherryvale, Skene Street, where his father, the late Professor George Dickie, the eminent botanist, then lived. At present Dr. Dickie is writing a book on the drama and comedy of a doctor's life. He has travelled over a large part of the world and has seen the most beautiful scenery foreign countries have to offer, but he holds that there is nothing in the world to beat Deeside. He says that he has sent hundreds of patients to Deeside to recuperate, and ninety-nine per cent. of them have benefited from the holiday. Alexander Bothwell Donald* (1922-28), M.B., Ch.B., has recently received the Diploma of Public Health from London University. He was formerly Assistant Medical Officer in the North-Western Hospital, Hampstead, London, and has now been appointed Senior Resident, City Hospital, Edinburgh. David Mitchell Cooke Donald* (1926-3z), B.L., who served as a law apprentice with his uncle, DAVID M. C. DONALD* (1882-86), solicitor, Aberdeen, and was thereafter for a year with Messrs. Brander and Cruickshank, advocates, Aberdeen, has just received an appointment on the staff of Messrs. Shepherd and Wedderburn, W.S., Edinburgh, in their Investment Department. Harold Bisset Duff* (1923-29), B.Sc.(Eng.), A.M.Inst.C.E., is now with the Kent Rivers Catchment Board at Allington Lock, near Maidstone, Kent. Naughton Dunn* (1891-1 902), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., surgeon, and lecturer in orthopedic surgery in the University of Birmingham, received the honorary degree of LL.D. from the University of Aberdeen on 31st March last. This is what the " promoter " at the ceremony said about him :—" In promoting Mr. Naughton Dunn to the Doctorate of Laws we honour one of our own graduates who has made for himself an international name in the sphere of orthopedic surgery. Mr. Dunn is well known as the author of many original contributions to surgical journals and text-books, and throughout his professional career he has shown a steady devotion to the cause of the cripple. As assistant to the late Sir Robert Jones, and later as honorary surgeon, he was intimately connected with the original scheme for orthopedic treatment, and he has given unsparingly of his time, energy and skill to many hospitals concerned with this admirable purpose." Alan Flockhart Esson* (1929-34) is now a midshipman in the M.V. Orestes, of the Blue Funnel Line. Stephen George Esson* (1929-34) is at present Cadet Captain in H.M.S. Conway, Rock Ferry, Cheshire. Adam Fyfe Findlay* (1879-85), M.A., D.D., has been nominated by the Church of Scotland Board of Nomination for Church Chairs as Master of Christ's College (formerly the U.F.


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Church College), Aberdeen, in succession to the Very Rev. Principal D. S. Cairns, D.D. This nomination will be submitted to the August meeting of the Commission of the General Assembly, which has the right of appointment. Professor Findlay has occupied the new Chair of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology at Aberdeen University since April, 1933. He was appointed Professor of Church History and Christian Ethics, U.F. Church College, Aberdeen, in 1924, and was previously minister of the High U.F. Church, Linlithgow. Louis Findlay* (1924-30), M.B., Ch.B., was in March appointed to be for six months Assistant Resident Medical Officer at Booth Hall Hospital for Children, Manchester. Matthew George Fisher (1896-1900), M.A., LL.B., advocate, Edinburgh, has been appointed by the Secretary for Scotland to be Counsel to the Secretary of State under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Acts, with effect from ist May. Robert Fleming* (1891-98), C.E., of Messrs. Wood, Fleming & Co., Ltd., real estate and insurance agents, Toronto, was First Vice-President of the St. Andrew's Society of Toronto in 1936, when it celebrated its centenary, and he has been convener of the editorial committee responsible for the preparation and publication of a short history of the Society. It is interesting to note that its founder and first President was a William Allan, who was born near Huntly, Aberdeenshire, in the year 1770, and left his home to seek his fortune in Canada. He settled at Newark, now Niagara, and after a time removed to York, as Toronto was then known. In the centenary volume there is a short biography of Robert Fleming, and also of another member of the F.P. Club, Colonel Joxisi FORBES MICHIE* (1881-82), V.D., of the 48th Highlanders of Toronto, who was President of the Society, 1913-16. Archer Irvine-Fortescue* ( t 892-97), D.S.O., M.B., Ch.B., B.Com., Colonel, R.A.M.C., is at present in charge of the British Military Hospital at Rawalpindi, India. John Faithful Irvine-Fortescue (1896-1900) is minister of the Church of Scotland, Caldwell, Renfrewshire. John Angus Fox* (1923-29) is at present resident engineer . on new road construction in Wester Ross—near Loch Broom. Alexander Donald Fraser (1898-1900), D.S.O., M.C., M.B., Ch.B., Colonel, R.A.M.C., who commands the Medical Corps Depot and Training Establishment at Aldershot, was in May selected for promotion to the rank of Major-General from 13th October, and to be a Deputy Director of Medical Services in India. He entered the R.A.M.C. in 1907, a year after he graduated in medicine at Aberdeen University. He had a very distinguished career in the Great War, being four times " mentioned." He was awarded the D.S.O. in 1917,


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and a Bar in 1919 ; the Military Cross in 1916, and the Croix de Guerre in 1917. He has held the rank of Colonel since 1934, and has commanded the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, and No. 3 General Hospital in Egypt. The death of his brother, WILLIAM HUGH Ross FRASER (1898-1900), is recorded on another page of this issue. George Angus Paterson Fraser* (1911-22), M.B., Ch.B., is now in a medical partnership at Market Deeping, near Peterborough. Robert Fraser* (1922-3o), M.B., Ch.B., has been appointed to the staff of the City Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Allan Cameron Frazer (1925-30), M.A., I.L.B., has been awarded by the Senatus of Aberdeen University the Calder Prize for English or Scottish Verse, for a poem entitled " The Young Man and the Old Man." Rudolf William Galloway* (1902-09), D.S.O., M.B., Ch.B., Lt.-Col., R.A.M.C., who is in command of the British Military Hospital in Shanghai, is the author of "Anatomy and Physiology of Physical Training," recently published by Arnold. The book describes exercises and their effects in detail, with photographs and diagrams, and asks that there should be more and better record-keeping for the years of young people's physical growth. For lack of this " a wealth of valuable data is being lost." Robert Niven Gilchrist* (I9oi-o5), C.I.E., M.A., the Joint Secretary to the Government of Bengal, and Labour Commissioner of Bengal, is at present home on leave. Alexander Rennie Giles* (192O-21 and 1927-29) is now on the Kharjan Tea Estate, Panitola P.O., Upper Assam. He is with the Budla Beta Tea Company. Douglas Williamson Grassick* (1931-34) completed his apprenticeship in the Humber Works, Coventry, at the end of last year, and he is now in the Service Department dealing with guarantee claims on Hillman cars. He finds this work very interesting. James Hay (1893-95), advocate, has recently been elected a member of the Aberdeen Town Council. He is not to be confused with JAMES HAY* (1883-87), M.A., B.L., also an advocate in Aberdeen, and also a member of the Aberdeen Town Council. The latter is a partner in the firm of Messrs. Adam, Thomson & Ross, Aberdeen ; whereas the former is Secretary of the Walker Steam Trawl Fishing Co., Ltd. William Hutcheon* (1882-84), formerly night editor of the Morning Post, has recently presented to the School Library a very acceptable collection of books of local interest—biographical, historical, and poetical. Mr. Hutcheon is living in


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retirement at 3o Emerson Court, Hill Road, Wimbledon, S.W. 19. John Laird* (1901-03), M.A., LLD., F.B.A., Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Aberdeen, has been appointed Visiting Professor to Columbia University, New York, and has been granted leave of absence during the spring and summer terms of 1938. He has also been appointed Gifford Lecturer in the University of Glasgow for the academic years 1939-4o and 1940-4 x . James Ritchie Leith* (1917-24), C.A., who was in the service of Messrs. Thomson McLintock & Co., chartered accountants, London, for five or six years, has recently been appointed Secretary of the Associated Lothian Coal Owners, Ltd., whose office is at 6 Eglinton Crescent, Edinburgh. John Lendrum (1879-84), M.A., D.D., has retired from the charge of the South Church, Elgin, after a ministry there of 37 years. He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen in 1888, and was Professor of Philosophy in Hislop College, Nagpore, India, 1 89z-99. John Adam Lillie* (1893-1903), K.C., LL.B., Edinburgh, is joint author of " The Mercantile Law of Scotland," a new edition of which, brought up to date, has just been published. Ian Wyness MacGregor* (1 907-18), M.B., Ch.B., who is in medical practice in Hereford, was recently invested by His Majesty the King with the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Dr. MacGregor is St. John's Ambulance Commissioner for Herefordshire. John Bennett McGregor* (1921-31) is serving as 3rd Officer of the s.s. Pikepool, belonging to Sir R. Ropner & Co., West Hartlepool. Ian Hastings McLaren* (1913-19), A.R.I.B.A., chartered and registered architect, is now in private practice as an architect and surveyor at No. 6 Bell Yard, Doctors' Commons, London, E.C. 4. John MacMurray (1902-04), M.A., Grote Professor of Philosophy of Mind and Logic, University of London, was one of a British party, headed by Dr. Hewlett Johnson, Dean of Canterbury, which visited Spain in the beginning of April, and was in Bilbao when it was being bombed by insurgent 'planes. Ernest Main (1903-08), M.A., is the author of " Palestine at the Crossroads," recently published by Messrs. Allen & Unwin. In it he surveys the present conflict of ideals and ambitions in Palestine. He discusses the British administration under the mandate, indicates its successes, comments on its shortcomings, and remarks on the distressing extent to which the economic prosperity of the country is hampered by that provision of the


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mandate which deprives its Government of the power of protecting the commerce of the country by a discriminating tariff. Douglas William Maitland* (1918-23) passed the final law agents examination in Edinburgh in April. He is at present with Messrs. W. and J. Burness, W.S., Edinburgh. James William Slesser Marr* (1913-19), M.A., B.Sc., has now returned from his latest voyage to the Antarctic in the Royal Research Ship Discovery II, and has been holidaying at his parents' home, Coynachie, Gartly, Aberdeenshire. For the next two years he will be in London, working on the collections brought home on Discovery II. Lewis Middleton* (1919-32), B.Sc.(Eng.), has been appointed a civilian engineer in the Military Engineer Services, India, and is to be stationed at Ishapore, near Calcutta. Gordon Edward Milne* (1920-26) is at present 3rd Officer in the M.V. King Neptune, of the King Line. Harold Samuel Milne* (1913-26), B.Sc.(Eng.), has recently been appointed Chief Technical Assistant to the Worcester New Gas Light Company. Alexander Lessel Stephen Mitchell* (19ii-t9), B.L., who recently took up work in connection with the film industry in London, is joining forces with Mr. Ronald Adam, the brilliant young producer, actor, and impresario. They are setting up their headquarters at the Phoenix Theatre, one of London's newer and most up-to-date houses, and there they will produce plays of quality and importance. Their first production will be Judgment Day," by Elmer Rice, the notable New York playwright, and author of " Street Scene." Hugh Mackintosh Morgan* (1914-20) is accountant at the St. George's Cross Branch of the North of Scotland Bank Limited, Glasgow. John Hendry Morgan* (1924-25) is with Tanganyika Central Gold Mines Ltd., at Sekenke, via Kinyangiri, Tanganyika Territory. Donald Alexander Campbell Morrison (1922-25), the elder son of Dr. George A. Morrison, M.P., has gained a First Class in Classical Moderations at Oxford. He is a scholar of Christ Church, where he won an Open Scholarship in Classics in 1935. Alexander Adam McIntosh Nicol* (1915-17), M.B., Ch.B., who is in medical practice at Sunderland, is Honorary Physician in charge of the Dermatological Department of the Royal Infirmary and of the Children's Hospital there. William Paterson* (1900-03), who started rubber planting in the F.M.S. in 1909, becoming the owner of an estate in Perak, retired about six years ago, and is now farming at St. John's Kirk, Symington, Lanarkshire.


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James Ogilvy Rae* (i9i 2-2 i) has been in the service of the North British & Mercantile Insurance Co., Ltd., at Singapore, and is coming home on leave, travelling via Canada and the U.S.A. He expects to be in Aberdeen at the beginning of September. Peter L. D. Raeburn* (1876-78), who was for many years in the Works Department of the Chinese Maritime Customs, Shanghai, has been for fifty years a member of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps. He joined No. 3 Company as a Private in the year that Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee, and in the Coronation year of Queen Victoria's great-grandson, Private Raeburn—after a period of military ambition which took him to the rank of Quartermaster-Sergeant—is still Private Raeburn, but of " B " Company, which turned out stronger than any other company at the Annual Inspection Parade in April. He has been presented with a framed photograph of the Company on parade on Inspection Day, with a silver inscription, and also with a miniature of the Corps colours. Private Raeburn —" a trim, upstanding, grey-moustached figure "—is shortly going on a world tour. Patrick Reid * (1861-65), in his 88th year, is now one of the oldest members of the F.P. Club. He was for 63 years on the road as a " commercial," setting out in 1866 as the representative of the Kessock Mills. There recently appeared in Aberdeen Bon-Accord a very interesting account of some of his early experiences. Alexander Milne Rennie * (1925-28), M.B., Ch.B., was in March awarded the Robertson Fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery at Aberdeen University. James Alexander Rhind (1902-4), who was for a considerable number of years with the Anglo-Chilian Nitrate and Railway Co., Ltd., Tocopilla, Chile, is now running a confectionery business at Menstrie, Clackmannanshire. Peter Johnstone Rhind * (1902-4)—a twin brother of the foregoing—is in the service of Messrs. Kilgour and Walker, Ltd., Aberdeen. James Matthew Ross * (1924-35) is in the Armament Section of the Royal Air Force, stationed at Kohat, in the North-West Frontier Province of India. He expects to be there for three or four years. Harold Edgar Smith * (1889-97), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., resigned in April from the post of Senior Assistant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He continues to be Ophthalmic Surgeon to the Sick Children's Hospital, Aberdeen. He has rendered 23 years' service to the Infirmary, and in appreciation of this he is to be retained on the honorary staff as Consulting Ophthalmic Surgeon.


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Malcolm Kerr Smith * (192I-30) sailed in January to take up an appointment as an assistant on Dibru Darrang Tea Garden at Dhekiajulie, Assam. Sydney Robertson Smith* (1924-30), B.Sc. (Eng.), recently passed the final examination for Associate Membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers. At present he holds an appointment in the Highways Department of the Aberdeen County Council. George Smith Sommerville * (1923-29), M.A., was in April elected minister of Greyfriars Parish Church, Aberdeen, in succession to Rev. Dr. Gordon J. Murray. For some time he has been assistant in St. Machar's Cathedral, Old Aberdeen. He is a former captain of the University Rugby and Swimming Clubs. Charles Ian Graham Stobie * (1924-27) is at present an Arts student at St. Andrews University. He is organist and choirmaster of Bonnygate Church of Scotland, Cupar, Fife. Arthur Landsborough Thomson* (1899-1908), C.B., O.B.E., M.A., D.Sc., is chairman of a special Bird-Ringing Committee constituted by the British Trust for Ornithology, which has accepted responsibility for the future conduct of the principal scheme in this country for the study of migration and other aspects of bird-life by the ringing method. Important facilities for the work have been granted by the trustees of the British Museum (Natural History), who are providing accommodation for the headquarters of the scheme in the Bird Room at South Kensington, and permitting the Museum's address to be used. The method of bird-ringing is well known in the Northeast of Scotland, where from 1909 to 1914 many people assisted in placing numbered rings marked " Aberdeen University " on thousands of birds. It is the organizer of that Aberdeen University Bird-Migration Inquiry who becomes chairman of the committee appointed to direct the similar scheme which has now been placed on a national basis. Frederick A. Tough * (920-21) has sailed for Singapore to take up an appointment as an assistant on one of the rubber estates in the F.M.S. of Messrs. Sime, Darby & Co., Ltd. He recently completed the planter's course at Aberdeen University. M.A., an Assistant Alfred Buyers Valentine * (1905-I appointed Assistant been has Labour, Secretary in the Ministry of Commissioner for Special Areas in Scotland. He joined the Home Civil Service in 1919, being posted to the Ministry of Labour, and has latterly been engaged in industrial transference and other schemes, in his position as Secretary of Inquiries under the Industrial Courts Acts.


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

191 Edward W. Watt* (1883-94), M.A., as Lord Provost of Aberdeen, was present with the Lady Provost in Westminster Abbey at the Coronation ceremony. Theodore Watt * (1889-1901), M.A., was elected of the British Federation of Master Printers at thePresident congress held at Torquay in the beginning of June. annual James Webster * (1920-26), M.B., Ch.B., is now in medical practice in Dundee. ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY DEGREES AND

PRIZES.

At the Spring Graduation at Aberdeen were conferred on the following F.P.s :— University degrees Master of Arts (M.A.)— Richard Lyall Sharp (1920-27), with First Class Honours in Classics. Alastair George Brand Halliday* (1923-32), with Third Class Honours in Classics. James White Dalgleish* (1928-34). Gordon Harvey Henderson* (1921-34). James Lewis McAllan* (1931-34). Harry Campbell Reid* (1922-34). William Sutherland* (19z8-34). Alexander Robertson Taylor* (1927-34). Bachelor of Science in Forestry (B.Sc.For.)— Ian Jackson Stewart* (1923-29). Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)— Allan Cameron Frazer (1925-3o), M.A. Royston John Milne* (1918-30), M.A. Geoffrey Allen Rowton* (1920-31), B.A. (Cantab.). Bachelor of Law (B.L.)— Thomas Kyd MacDonald (1910-19). Alexander Milne (1911-13). Diploma of Public Health (D.P.H.)— Robert Fraser* (1922-30), M.B., Ch.B. In the Faculty of Arts Richard L. Sharp (192o-27) was first in the examination for the Dr. Black Prize in Latin, but was ineligible to hold it. He was, however, awarded the Seafield Gold Medal in Latin, and shared with another the Simpson Prize and Robbie Gold Medal in Greek. In the Faculty of Medicine all the four Prizes awarded went to F.P.s, Alexander W. Souter* (1931-32) getting James Anderson Gold Medal and Prize in Clinical the Dr. Robert L. Richards* (1922-34) the Dyce Davidson Medicine; Gold Medal in Materia Medica ; Robert N. Lees* Memorial (19zo-33) the Matthews Duncan Gold Medal in Obstetrics F. Hamilton (1921-30), B.Sc., the Alexander ; and Gilbert Ogston Prize in Surgery.


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OBITUARY. Andrew Wilson Adam (1909-14 and 1915-17), B.Sc.(For.), fourth son of the late Dr. John Wilson Adam, died at Aberdeen on 5th June, 1937, aged 38 years. Early in the Great War, when little more than 16 years of age, he joined the 7th Black Watch as a Private, and after a short time was transferred to the and Scottish Horse, but was discharged in September, 1915, on account of his being under age. In March, 1917, he rejoined the Scottish Horse, and a year later was transferred to the Black Watch, serving in France and Germany until he was demobilized in July, 5919. He then studied forestry at Aberdeen University, and graduated B.Sc. in that subject in 1922. In the following year he became a technical assistant (Civil Service grade) in the Marine Laboratory at Aberdeen of the Fishery Board for Scotland, and continued in that capacity until his death. He had been ill for about five months. Kenneth James Allardyce* (1894-95), a son of the late Colonel James Allardyce, LL.D., of Colquoich, Aberdeenshire, died at Nabavatu, Fiji, on r3th April, 1937, aged 56 years. After leaving the Grammar School he went to Wellington College, and entered the Fiji Civil Service as a cadet in 1898, at the early age of 17. He became successively District Commissioner, Native Commissioner, and in 1916 Secretary for Native Affairs. For a time he was a member of the Legislative Council. He retired in 1920, and latterly was engaged in copra-growing on the island of Nabavatu, where he was the only white man. During the Great War he brought over a hundred Fijian volunteers, who served as a labour corps, first in France and later in Italy. He was placed in command of the corps, with the rank of Lieutenant, in 1917, and was promoted to be Acting Captain in the following year. He was gazetted M.B.E. in December, 1919, for his services in Italy. For many years he was F.P. Club Consul for the Fiji Islands. William Knox Baxter (1889-93), M.A., B.L., solicitor, Cape Town, died at Kenilworth, Cape Province, on 12th June, 1937, aged 61 years. He was the third son of the late Mr. Andrew axter, Aberdeen, and after graduating in Arts and Law at Aberdeen University went to South Africa, where he became a solicitor, notary public, and conveyancer at Cape Town. James A. Ducat* (1884-87), a son of the late Mr. James Ducat, manager of the Aberdeen Jute Works, died at Aberdeen on 12th April, 1937, aged 58 years. After leaving the School, he served his apprenticeship as an engineer, and then was for five years engineer in jute mills in Bengal. Later he became works manager of the Aberdeen Jute Works, and then was manager of the Barrow Flax and Jute Works, Barrow-in-


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Furness. Latterly he was in business as a tobacconist in Aberdeen. William Hugh Ross Fraser (1898-1900), a son of the late Rev. Hugh Fraser, minister of Alvah, Banff, was reported in the Magazine of last November to have been the victim of a shooting outrage in Mexico City, where he was general manager of the Mexican Light and Power Company. He was shot in the back in his office by a former employee of the company, and it was hoped at first that the result would not be fatal. Unfortunately, however, the internal bleeding from the bullet never stopped, and he died on 26th August. 1,500 of his workmen did their best to show their sympathy with his relatives. They asked that his coffin he placed in the Company's offices, and the whole1,5oo stood guard throughout the last night, and the next day carried the coffin in relays to the British cemetery. Fifteen trucks were required to convey the flowers which had completely lined the room where he lay. These manifestations of grief over the death of a foreigner were unprecedented in Mexico City. John Elrick Kesson (1886-88), O.B.E., M.D., D.P.H., son of the late Mr. John Kesson, carver and gilder, Aberdeen, died at East Moseley, Surrey, on 3rd June, 1937, aged 56 years. After graduating in medicine at Aberdeen University, he was for a time assistant in physiology and lecturer in experimental physiology in the University. He became distinguished as a physiologist, and much of his work is to be found in conjoint publication with his Professor, the late J. A. MacWilliam, F.R.S. Later he engaged in medical practice. In the Great War he served as an officer of the R.A.M.C. in Salonika, Italy, and with the Black Sea Army. For his outstanding work he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.). Some years ago he became a surgeon in the Mercantile Marine, and latterly was resident at East Moseley. George Alexander Frank Knight (1878-85), M.A., D.D., a son of the late Rev. George H. Knight, died in Glasgow on and May, 1937, aged 68 years. He attended classes at King's College, Aberdeen, in 1885-86, and thereafter travelled for a year in South-East Europe as secretary of an evangelistic tour. He graduated M.A. at Glasgow University in 1890, and then studied at the Free Church College there. After holding various assistantships, he was elected minister of St. Andrew's U.F. Church, Auchterarder, in 1899, and was translated successively to St. Leonard's U.F. Church, Perth, in 1903, and to Kelvingrove U.F. Church, Glasgow, in 1914. In 1926 he was appointed General Secretary to the National Bible Society of Scotland, and proved himself energetic and an able exponent in the pulpit and on the platform of the Society's aims. A keen archmologist, he wrote a book on " Nile and Jordan," being the


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archeological and historical inter-relations between Egypt and Canaan, and contributed to magazines many papers dealing with this subject. In 1933 two large volumes came from his pen under the title " Archeological Light on the Early Christianizing of Scotland." He received the honorary degree of D.D. from the University of Glasgow in 1923. William Mitchell (1872-78), second son of the late Mr. William Mitchell, merchant in Aberdeen, died at Dulwich Hospital, London, on 4th April, 1937, aged 74 years. He served as an apprentice with Messrs. Hunter, Gordon 8c Smith, advocates, Aberdeen. In 19oo he went to London, where he was on the staff of various financial newspapers. Later he was a shipping agent in London. Duncan Rennie (1895-99), died in Aberdeen on 7th April, 1937, aged 55 years. On leaving the School he served as an apprentice with Messrs. John Cook & Son, shipowners, Aberdeen, and eventually became Secretary to the Aberdeen Mutual and General Marine Insurance Co., Ltd., underwriters and salvage contractors, Aberdeen. _ _ 3- R6 _ _ a nd 5_RR_9-9z), solicitor, George Steedman Riddell ( RR Macduff, died in Aberdeen on 15th April, 1937, aged 6o years. He served as a law apprentice with Messrs. Youngson & Bain, advocates, Aberdeen, and qualified as a law agent in 1899. In the following year he went to Macduff as managing assistant to the late Mr. Alexander George, solicitor, and after a few years was assumed a partner in the firm of Messrs. Alexander George and Company, the name of the firm becoming later Messrs. George, Riddell and McPherson. He was one of five brothers who attended the Grammar School, a second being the late JOHN SCOTT RIDDELL (1876-79), C.B.E., M.V.O., M.A., M.B., LL.D., the distinguished surgeon, and another the late JAMES BOWIE RIDDELL (1876-77 and 1 883-86), M.A., who was for 35 years an English master in Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen, and died two years ago. A son of George S. Riddell is JOHN Scorr RIDDELL (1927-31), the well-known golfer, who is at present studying medicine at Aberdeen University. Thomas Bremner Robertson (1 887-1901), M.A., minister of the parish of St. Cyrus, died at The Manse, St. Cyrus, on 23rd April, 5937, aged 54 years. Born in Calcutta in 1882, the third son of the late Rev. Professor James Robertson, D.D., a former Chairman of the Aberdeen School Board, he graduated M.A. at Aberdeen in 1906, and after studying at the United. Free Church College, Aberdeen, was ordained minister of Kingswells U.F. Church in 1908. Three years later he became minister of Newhills U.F. Church, Bucksburn ; in 1916, of Bainsford U.F. Church, Falkirk ; in 1922, of the West U.F. Church, Auchterarder ; and in 1934, of the Church of Scotland,


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compelled to vote, they asked, or did it matter ? Who should they vote for? Would they be paid for that day's work if they came to vote ? Endless questions were asked, and only slowly was suspicion allayed, and more and more interest aroused. Estimates of a ten per cent. poll rose to fifty, but in the end nearly seventy per cent. turned up ; and strangely enough, the women were stronger in numbers than the men, and nine out of ten lined up in the queue outside the booth for " Women only." It was rumoured among them that if they did not vote, they could get no pension, and that was enough to set them struggling to get in, more and more desperately as the day went on. At closing time they burst the ropes which held them in check, and for a minute or two one supervisor was left struggling, to emerge from a heap like a rugger scrum! Each worker as he came to the table in turn was asked his name, his father's name, and his caste. If his name was found to be entered in the roll he received an embossed voting slip—and disappeared behind the hessian screen to choose his box. If a scrutiny of the roll failed to make good his title to vote, all he could do was go sadly away, no doubt perplexed that such a system could have any rhyme or reason. Checking up the women was a more difficult matter, for a Hindu woman is not supposed to say her husband's name in public, and it was only by admitting them in pairs, so that one could serve the other in the matter of identification, that the crowd was kept on the move at all. In one case, questioning and cajoling was of little avail, until it was discovered that both were wives of the same husband! Fortunately, good humour prevailed, and there was little of the grim seriousness with which voters sometimes appear to regard their civic duties. If there was none of the bustle and uproar of an Eatanswill, there was neither rancour nor ill-feeling. The day was full of amusing incidents. To overcome the difficulties of illiteracy, each ballot box was marked with the candidate's symbol—in this case, a bicycle, a human hand, and an umbrella. One voter was heard to say that he would certainly vote for the bicycle, on the theory that if there was anything of a lottery about it at all, a winning ticket on the bicycle would be the best he could hope for. On the whole, however, one felt at the end of the day that something had been attempted, something done, and that they would know better next time. And if the Panja-wallah (He of the Human Hand), Congress nominee and ex-jail inmate, did gain a smashing victory by collecting five votes to every one for his two opponents, perhaps it will do his supporters good when he comes to face the music next time and has to admit that election promises are easier to make than to fulfil. D. I DUPF. (1915-16.)


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" Tigers—Human and Otherwise." I had just returned to Palembang from the Bencoolen border in order to lay in a fresh supply of groceries and tinned foods. Ali, my Malay boy, told me that there was a Javanese Wayang (a theatrical performance) on, and, having nothing to do, I strolled into the theatre after dinner to have a look-see. The Javanese are mad on music and on the theatre. Their Wayangs are of two kinds—the Wayang " Wong " with human actors, and the " Kulit " with marionettes. This performance was of the former kind. The theatre, an old, empty shed, lit by a few smoky hanging lamps, was already well filled. The stalls, two rows of straightbacked hard chairs, were occupied by about a dozen Dutchmen with their women-folk (mostly brown). The rest of the building was packed with Malays and a sprinkling of Chinese. The play appeared to be a caricature of the European way of doing things and, to me, it was very amusing. A Javanese actor, dressed up in a baggy, white Dutch uniform, holding a battered old military sun-helmet under his arm, bending down to whisper sweet nothings to a coy little thing in a travesty of a western ball-dress, was the funniest sight I have ever seen. But I noticed that a red-haired, freckled-faced little man who was sitting in one of the end stalls was not amused. He seemed, in fact, to be bored and annoyed, for presently he whipped out an enormous Mauser pistol and shot down one of the stage lamps. The effect was magical. The stage cleared like a flash. His next shot cleared the stalls even more rapidly, and by the time he had popped off six there was only one lamp left, and he and I had the theatre to ourselves. As the " show " seemed to be over for that night I took my new acquaintance across to the hotel for a yarn and a whiskysoda. He turned out to be a regular tiger. His name was Brian or Brien—without the " 0 "— -and, although he was the smallest Irishman I had ever seen, he was about the toughest and pluckiest fellow I came across in years of wandering over large tracts of Asia and Australasia. He was then managing a newly-planted rubber estate which lay some ten or twelve miles outside Palembang town, a fearsome and God-forsaken place, as I was to find out before I was very much older. Towards midnight Brian left on his noisy old motor-bike, which I noticed was festooned with bags of bread, tinned fruit, and some other odds and ends. Before leaving he promised, or threatened, to pay us another visit quite soon. There was a little café-cum-store in Palembang in those days kept by a big, hefty German. It wasn't much of a place, but the iced lager was first-class. I knew the proprietor by reputation only, for in addition to his cafe business he sOmetimes


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bought wild animals from my Malays on behalf of Hagenbeck of Hamburg. I went into the cafe next morning and found several cheery Dutchmen seated there, sampling the beer. The talk naturally veered round to Brian and to the disgraceful doings at the theatre on the previous night. The German, who had not been present, joined in the conversation and seemed to be very indignant. " Pah," said he finally, turning to me, " Brian is all bluff. Someone ought to call him." Now this German had a very nice bungalow lying about two miles out, on the outskirts of the town. And the bungalow was presided over by the prettiest little Japanese housekeeper in all Sumatra. It seemed like the hand of Fate, therefore, that Brian's " bike " should break down, in the middle of the night too, just outside that particular house. Brian was coming in to pay his threatened visit and, on the outskirts of the town, his engine stopped. Leaving the bike lying on the road, he walked over to the German's bungalow and pounded on the door with the butt of his Mauser. " Come on, Fritz," said Brian, when the German at last appeared with a kerosene lamp in his hand. " My bike's broken down, so I'm going to stay with you till daylight." " Ach, Mr. Brian, I have no spare bed. You better go into Palembang to the hotel." " Too far to walk, Fritz ; give me a long chair, then." " Ach, Mr. Brian, I have no. . . ." Bang, the lamp was shot out of Fritz's hand and Fritz didn't stop to argue any farther. He rushed out of the house and fairly legged it the whole way into town. Brian woke me at six next morning and, while sharing my " Chota hazri," gave me the whole story. He concluded by inviting me to spend the week-end out at the rubber estate. I left good and early on Friday morning on a hired pushbike, and a terrible time I had. To begin with, I hadn't ridden a bicycle for years, so that with the deep sandy going, which caused " sideslip " every few yards, the tree roots criss-crossing the path, and the broiling sun, I was soon fairly cooked. Then, while still a mile or two from Brian's, I brought up all standing and felt my hair beginning to stand on end. A tiger walked out of the jungle and, without looking to right or left, lay down in the middle of the path and rolled over on its back. Yes, very interesting indeed, but she (it turned out to be a tigress) was less than forty yards away. I slipped quietly behind a tree, wondering if it would be safe to jump on my bike and back track, when out stalked another tiger—an enormous animal. He sniffed at the tigress, patted her gently with a mighty fore-paw, and sat down on his haunches. The tigress rolled over again, sat up, and hit him a most terrific clout on the side of his head. He merely grimaced and,


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next moment, jumped on her and seized her by the back of the neck with his jaws. They kicked up an appalling row. This was a grand sight and one vouchsafed to very few people, I imagine. Presently the tigress got up, and with a final biff at her mate moved off into the jungle on the opposite side of the track. The tiger sniffed for a moment at the ground she had been lying upon, then he, too, faded away out of sight. I now discovered that I was trembling all over—excitement ? funk ?—I don't know. But after giving the brutes a few minutes to get clean away, I jumped on the bike and rode hell-for-leather to Brian's bungalow. A couple of gin slings did me so much good that I was able to give Brian a fairly accurate account of my experience. " The place is `lousy' with tigers," he told me. And it was. As a matter of fact there are more tigers to the square mile in Sumatra than in any other part of the world nowadays, and eighty per cent. at least are man-eaters. Whole villages in Siak, Indragiri, Jambi, and other parts have been abandoned at one time or another owing to the ravages of tigers. In some cases the people sailed across the Straits to the F.M.S. or Johore, where they founded new homes. The village of Batu Pahat in Johore is an example. While I was sitting yarning with Brian on his wide veranda, he asked me if I liked curried chicken, the question being prompted possibly by the sight of a lot of fine young cockerels strutting about the grounds. A moment later the Mauser was in action, ten rounds rapid producing four dead cockerels. In the afternoon we went out shooting. About a mile from the house there was a well-known roosting place for green pigeon, and between four and six o'clock we accounted for sixty brace. Next afternoon, Saturday, Brian had some work to attend to, so I went out alone. The flight wasn't quite so good, but I made a fairish bag, which included several Imperial pigeon and the comparatively rare bronze-wing. It was nearly dark when I got back, and as I was turning in at Brian's gate, I heard a woman screaming and saw her running along the road towards me. "Buno dia, Tuan. Buno dia, Tuan," she shouted (" Kill him, Master "). She calmed down after a bit, and told me that a tiger had just seized her little daughter at the side of the road and had dived into the jungle with her. Getting hold of Brian and a heavy rifle didn't take many seconds. We set off down the road to the spot where the tiger had jumped on the girl and there the whole story was writ plain. Brian had two or three huge dogs which he used for baying wild boar. He brought them along with him, but as soon as they got one whiff of the tiger, they tucked in their tails and bolted. By this time it was almost dark in the open, and a few feet


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inside the thick jungle it was pitch black, but Brian led the way, striking a match every yard or two. It was quite hopeless, of course, and in spite of the torches which we had sent for, we had to give it up until daylight. But the fuss and noise we had made had one good effect—it completely scared away the tiger, for he left the girl's body lying a few yards inside the jungle. She had been killed on the spot by having her neck broken, but her mother was thankful to get her back more or less whole. We followed the tiger's tracks to its lair—a large, circular clearing in which the ground was swept clean, and found the remains of several human victims. The brute appeared to have been a pure man-eater. The stench of tiger and putrid human flesh was awful. Bits of skulls, shin bones, etc., etc., were claimed by relatives, who seemed to recognize them and, being Mohammedans, they were very pleased to be able to bury the remains decently. That night one of Brian's Javanese coolies was killed and partly devoured by a tiger, quite probably by the same animal. I was beginning to be thoroughly fed up with tigers, but on Sunday we got back a bit of our own. The Malays had set a trap—a queer contraption made of heavy logs. It had been set days earlier, and they proposed visiting it. They asked me to bring a gun in case there happened to be a tiger in the trap, and as I was due to leave on the following morning, I was only too glad to go out with them. It was a longish trek, but our luck was in, for the trap held no less than four tigers—a tigress and three tiny cubs, all starved to death. The mother had evidently gone in after a goat, which was safely boxed in at the far end, her weight had sprung the trap and the rest followed naturally. The goat was let out for a turn while the corpses were being removed, after which it was re-rationed and left to continue the good work. A shame ?—perhaps; but think of what these poor people have to put up with. Sumatra is not like India, where keen Forest Officers, not to mention thousands of other men, are ready, willing and able to thin out those poisonous pests. In Sumatra the average Dutchman looks upon a fellow who voluntarily undergoes the terrific hardships of even twenty-four hours' big-game hunting as a madman fit only to associate with Anglo-Saxons and other lunatics. On Monday morning I started back on my return journey to Palembang. In spite of the heat and the bad going, I borrowed a .405 rifle from Brian, but, needless to say, I saw nothing. I was not sorry. A. W. DUNCAN. (1892-93.)


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Two Impressions. OXFORD.

Grey-stoned and dun-roofed, it stood within hail of the Wessex Border, and almost with the tip of one small toe within it, at the northermost point of the crumpled line along which the leisurely Thames strokes the fields of that ancient kingdom. Thomas Hardy.

I propose to give you a somewhat rambling yet truthful account of my impressions in a place which as such hardly exists except for its colleges, yet as a name is world-renowned. First of all I shall describe the stage. Famous for its learning, its beer, and its motor-cars, like the proverb which stagnates from repetition, more legendary than real, Oxford stands to-day as one of those unique towns in the world where one may easily walk (if the imagination be strong enough) in the days that lie beyond our memory—in the England of the Dark Ages, with its alchemists, its witches, its tyrannical kings and its nobles, its serfs and its plagues *_and to hear, perhaps, the language of Chaucer or even to meet William Shakespeare himself, drinking ale at the Golden Cross—where he was accustomed to go occasionally, so I am told—or to see the gay costumes of this dim and distant England—" this precious stone set in the silver sea "—making a colourful foreground to the austere yet beautiful background of mellow stone. Yet, although we are conscious, very conscious of the Past, it is the Present that confronts us—with its boisterous din of motor buses, its Morris cars, the chatter of people—a strange mixture of the local dialect and that much-talked-of " accent " (more famous than the University itself and, like the well-known cigarette " to be found in all the clubs and embassies of the world ")—which is at times extremely pleasant and very often the opposite, especially when it emanates from that effeminate type of undergraduate, so common nowadays, who grow beards, wave their hair, try to look like the popular idea of a genius, do not even talk nonsense intelligently, but shout at one another in some language that is, perhaps, known only to themselves. Which reminds me of the steeplechase I attended in the district, where groups of sportsmen, some of them large, red-faced men with military moustaches, huge overcoats, and riding boots, along with large, red-lipped women smoking countless cigarettes, who all seemed deaf and shouted very loudly at one another on the merits of those graceful animals which were being exploited for their amusement. Another side of this which struck me rather forcibly were the mobs who crowded round a fallen rider to see whether he had broken his neck or not. But this blood lust, of course, is * For further information see " to66 and All That " (Sellar and Yeatman).


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common everywhere—besides one can hardly imagine an England without it—not forgetting, of course, fox-hunting. That is England, in the same way as we regard Spain and her bullfights. To return again to Oxford, I feel I have said quite enough about the social aspect—although there is one thing I must mention, and that is the University's private police force—the Proctors, who, along with their " Bull-dogs," patrol the publichouses at night to see if any undergraduate is misbehaving— in this way the miscreant is protected from the civil police. He is not, however, immune from punishment. He is liable to be " sent down " if fined too often, which reminds me, that a very famous son of Oxford—the late Viscount Grey of Falloden— mentioned that he was treated thus for laziness, but returned to the University as Chancellor. It would take quite a volume to describe adequately the great many types of men, some who have become notorious, others merely famous, who have been at this great University. So much for the stage itself with its pageantry, its townspeople, gowns, umbrellas, and bicycles—where all the races of the world rub shoulders just like the League of Nations on holiday. Let us now consider the setting which, unlike the seething crowd beneath, is something permanent, something that has withstood the years and only changes very slowly as the elements wear down the grey ramparts. Some day, perhaps, those venerable walls will have crumbled, antiquarians will poke about among the ruins, and poets will sing of the Glory that was Oxford. At every crossing here we encounter colleges, and each one has a different face—some frown down with the severity of Calvin, others merely look sedate like old Victorian ladies, content to view the world and shake their heads ; while again there are others which are just gaudy and ostentatious, shouting to the crowd like bookmakers on a race-course. Here I should like to mention some of the great buildings that stand out prominent on the Oxford skyline, spires and domes that are familiar to one who views it from afar, the sight that inspired ambitious Jude Fawley in Thomas Hardy's novel when he saw the distant city emerge from an evening haze. To my mind the finest building in the city, and the most perfect architecturally, is the Radcliffe Camera, which is connected with the Bodleian Library. Its graceful dome dominates the centre of Oxford. It was finished in 1749 from the designs of James Gibbs, a former pupil of the Grammar School, so when I happened to be studying it the other day, I thought more of Aberdeen than of Oxford, in spite of the fact that the building is obviously in the English tradition. Quite near is the famous Sheldonian Theatre, by Wren.


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Called after Archbishop Sheldon, it was presented to the University in 1669. Then there is the New Ashmolean Museum, containing relics of great antiquity, including most of the Old Ashmolean collection. And so to London. LONDON.

From Highgate Hill on any ordinary day we can see a great part of London stretching southwards—an unplanned confusion of grimy brick fading into a haze. But on an exceptionally clear, sunny day this view becomes something that is altogether unexpected, bringing with it visions of the Eternal City, where the streets are paved with gold. It becomes more like a dream. There in the middle distance are the -same brick buildings, the same ugly chimneys—but we no longer think of them as such. Instead, it all becomes a beautiful pattern. We forget architectural ugliness as the view behind unfolds to the Surrey hills, a soft background to famous landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Bow Church, Tower Bridge, and the ruins of the Crystal Palace. I cannot imagine having ever seen so enchanting a view except, perhaps, in the Scottish mountains. But this is so different. We are looking down on a vast city, the greatest city in the Empire, a city which, by man's enterprise and suffering, has grown from a mere cluster of wooden houses round London Bridge to its present magnitude—a city which, in 1665, suffered the Great Plague and next year the Fire, emerging triumphant and to-day is spreading more and more —and like another plague, where a rash of speculative building is slowly destroying the green fields, it continues to creep out in every direction. I must not, however, forget the valiant efforts of the town-planners with their " green belts." But it is altogether useless to speculate only on London's greatness and beauty, and difficult indeed to describe, or try to understand its vast population, which is so cosmopolitan. The Jewish race, of course, forms a large proportion, and there is a great deal to admire among those persecuted people, who for centuries have been hounded across Europe, ultimately finding refuge in this city of the nations. It may appear strange that in describing a certain aspect of London I should not mention the Londoner himself, but it is very difficult to-day to know where to find him. My first impressions were those of surprise, and I became convinced that London was indeed a New Jerusalem—or Aberdeen, perhaps. It was not even an easy matter avoiding Aberdonians. A few weeks ago London was in fancy dress. Everywhere was colour. In some of the streets, particularly in the City, the decorations were inclined to be vulgar and cheap, but generally


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the arrangements on most buildings were admirable. Whitehall and the Mall were outstanding examples of artistic decoration, and Regent Street had the appearance of some processional way in ancient Rome. This consisted of islands down the middle of the street, on which were pylons bearing flames that flickered night and day—like the Olympic flame in Berlin last year. Oxford Street was rather different. There was no unity about it. Some buildings were smothered in red, white, and blue, with no regard for the type of facade. When we forgot for a moment the artistic merits of decoration, the whole effect in London was very pleasing. And, of course, Selfridge's effort in patriotic advertisement was magnificent. The whole Empire had congregated in London during those weeks that preceded the Coronation. It was impossible, during a visit to any place of refreshment, to avoid seeing either an Anzac, a Canadian " mountie," or a South African—and even a merry crowd of Aberdeen Territorials singing Scots songs. That night before Coronation Day was the most amazing I have ever seen. It was a night of laughter and song. Everywhere was music. Long before midnight the crowds began to gather. In Trafalgar Square about midnight the lions had already accommodated many people who seemed to be quite prepared to remain there until the procession arrived. Already the pavements were lined. Some folk were wrapped up in newspapers on the kerb ; others were in doorways. I cannot understand people being so eager to sit on a pavement all night to see a procession. This is where stupidity and patriotism are confused. Whitehall and the Mall became crowded. And still they came. About 4 a.m. Hyde Park was a welter of unconscious humanity. Thousands were sleeping there—under rugs, newspapers, boards—anything they could find. Then I went home and did not return to the scene until i i a.m., having heard the broadcast description of the first part of the procession. I waited in Trafalgar Square until 3 p.m. It was an indescribable scene. The place was littered with newspapers and banana skins. People were lying about looking rather dazed. 1 saw one old lady fast asleep at the foot of Nurse Cavell's statue. Then the procession came up Northumberland Avenue and a forest of periscopes grew from the crowd. From the top of a lamp standard I saw the historic cavalcade, and to describe this thrilling sight would require a volume. Then, escaping the mob, I dived into the Underground. 1 listened to the last part of the procession on the radio. The Coronation was over. IAN F. CAMERON. (I918-28.)


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From the MacRae Country to Glen Coe. On Monday morning a friend motored us to Kyleakin, where we ferried across to the mainland and got " Squib " out of his garage. It had not been worth while taking him over to Skye, as we spent the week-end at Broadford, only eight miles away. Before leaving Kyle I called on MacKenzie, the shoemaker, to make a purchase. He gets a special brand of shoe, " The Clan," from a manufacturer in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, and I have several times bought a pair of these excellent articles here. Departing about io a.m. we retraced our tracks of Thursday as far as Earbusaig, and forked right up the steep brae to the top of Coillemore, then down the even steeper east side to Balmacara, six miles from Kyle. The direct path along the rocky shore is only three miles, and is an excellent walk, providing fine views of Loch Alsh and its surrounding hills. On the shore, west of Balmacara, is Colonel Murchison's Monument. The Colonel was factor to MacKenzie of Seaforth during the '45. For his efforts on Prince Charlie's behalf, the laird was attainted after Culloden and had to flee the country. His tenants loyally continued to pay rents to him (as well as to the Hanoverian usurper who was granted Seaforth's estates by the Southern government) ; these were collected by Colonel Murchison and duly forwarded to the exiled chief. When the latter returned with a pardon to his ancestral domain, he rewarded the faithful factor by hanging him. Years later, this monument was erected to Murchison's memory. Loch Alsh is peaceful enough to-day. It is pleasant to amble gently along its shore, hearing the murmur of waves and the crying of gulls. Near the other side can be seen the light grey form of T.S.S. Loch Ness, en route from Mallaig to Stornoway. (This is the ship whose departure one hour prior to midnight on Sundays led the Free Presbyterian Church to insist on the resignation of a member of the crew, a month or two ago.) We now come to the pretty little hamlet of Ardelve, and fork right for our second ferry. A great deal of press (and other) controversy has raged round the abandonment of this, and the substitution for it of a bridge across Loch Long. Col. MacRae-Gilstrap, proprietor, was of opinion that to construct this bridge would be a " wicked waste of public money," but his view could hardly be considered free from bias. Even so, I had some measure of agreement with him, as in my opinion the correct course was to continue the road along the north shore of Loch Long and right through to Cannich, seventeen miles from Beauly. This plan, however, came up against the sporting interests of Wills (tobacco magnate), and it would have been just too bad to do that. So Dornie Bridge is going ahead, and is soon likely to prove that MacRae-Gilstrap was


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partly right, as most traffic for Skye will take the direct route from Shiel via Kyle Rhea. The road rises abruptly from Dornie, and from Carr Brae one has one of the finest views in the west. Almost beneath are the ruins—now restored—of Eilean Donan Castle, seat of the MacRaes of Kintail, on an island at the foot of Loch Duich. Edward VII was believed to consider this the most dignified sheet of water he had seen, and that opinion will be endorsed by many acquainted with the beautiful loch. On the far side are the woods of Letterfearn (" slope of the alder tree ") and Totaig, and beyond, Beinn na Caillich, in Skye, casts its shadow on the tranquil water of Loch Alsh. Through the Kyles our view extends to Dun Caan, a flat-topped extinct volcano in Raasav, while on our right the white-washed cottages of Balmacara nestling at the foot of Achtertyre hill, reflect the strong morning sunshine. " Squib " steadily mounts the steep gradient, and my memory goes back some years to the occasions when I toiled up this brae pushing a bike loaded with tent and all the attendant paraphernalia of the camping cyclist. On a hot July afternoon that is no joke ; even so, 1 would not care to deny that the cyclist is better off than the motorist. Surmounting the summit at last, we are rewarded with a grand view again, right up Loch Duich to Glen Shiel and the Five Sisters of Kintail, topped by the monarch that acts as slogan to Clan MacRae—Sgurr Fhuaran (3,505 feet). My memory goes further back this time, to my sojourn in Modern IV, where Max Mackie's efforts to teach us French were not sufficiently entrancing to prevent Ronald Duncan MacRae (1916-'923) from cutting his slogan in the desk of a class-room at the west end of A.G.S. I wonder if it is still there! And now R.D.M. is a dignified medico on India's parched plains. Eheli, fugaces I We descend past Inverinate, and again my mind returns to A.G.S. Two of my earliest recollections of the School are of an inscription on a panel in Hall and of an announcement in the prospectus intimating a bursary by Alexander MacRa of Inverinate, instituted two or three hundred years ago. I rather think Ronnie MacRae had this bursary for a while. Skirting the edge of Loch Duich, the road now runs through the Croe of Kintail, and as we bend round to the southern shore our eyes are attracted by the tremendous zig-zags of Mam Ratagan across the water on the west side. This fearsome road—fearsome in both gradient and hairpins—was the normal route to Skye up till about too years ago. Boswell and Johnson traversed it in 1776, and, since Kyle Rhea ferry was resumed in 1935 after a lapse of many years, the route has grown in favour with travellers to and from the Isle of Mist. It is well worth visiting for the glorious view from the summit. That phrase is used so often about Highland and other roads that familiarity


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may induce indifference or even repulsion in the present instance. Let no reader of these lines make such an error. Mam Ratagan rises to 1,116 feet in about three miles ; Loch Duich lies directly in front ; across its placid waters are the Five Sisters and the Croe of Kintail; girding them loosely are wisps of cloud ; reflections in the loch on a calm summer's day are as clear as in a mirror ; in very truth did MacBrayne's 189o advertisement say, " At this point the view is not surpassed in all Scotland." The Ratagan road forks right beyond Shiel Bridge, but our route is to the left, up Glen Shiel. So we bid adieu to Loch Duich and ascend the narrow ten-mile defile through the mountains of Kintail. To the east, the Five Sisters tower into the clouds, while on the west the immense crags, culminating in The Saddle, rear themselves on high. A short distance up the valley we pass a small grey stone at the roadside, bearing an inscription " To the memory of those members of Glen Shiel Shinty Club who fell in the Great War 1914-1918." The simplicity of this humble little memorial in these wild surroundings makes it as impressive as any in big cities. Farther up the glen is the site of Blar nan Spainteach—Battle of the Spaniards —where a party of Spanish soldiers, who had come over to assist James VIII, met a detachment of Hanoverian infantry in 1719. The road climbs steeply up the mountain sides, crossing the river near a fine cascade, and soon reaches more open country on the watershed between west and east Scotland. We appear to be in the middle of nowhere ; in every direction moorland and mountain stretch to the horizon ; there is not a sign of human life. Then, suddenly, as we round a small hillock, the white walls of Cluanie Inn flash on to the sombre landscape, and a happy memory• warms my heart. Twelve years ago, on a push-bike tour, I had pedalled from Inverness along Loch Ness (a bad road in those days) and up Glen Moriston, on a hot day, against the wind, my machine laden with tent and equipment. Camping near the inn, I got milk that evening and next morning. On asking how much to pay, I was told " Mrs. Macdonald does not charge cyclists." Small wonder that anglers and others return year after year to a hotel run by such a good-hearted hostess. Three cheers for Cluanie! Beyond the inn a wild road bears off sharply southwards, climbs over the mountains to savage Glen Loyne, and so on to Tomdoun in Glen Garry, of sad memories, but we continue along the shore of Loch Cluanie, and cross the river by a picturesque bridge at Ceann na Cnoc. Away up on our left is the Cave of Corridho, where Prince Charlie sheltered after Culloden, guarded with constant devotion by the Eight Men of Glen Moriston. As well might the Hanoverian offer thirty million as thirty thousand pounds for the Prince's head: no greater


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loyalty could be found, as William Pitt said, than in the mountains of the Nnrth. The glen is now finely wooded, and we enioy the sweet scent of fir trees for some miles. Every now and then, from a bend in the road, a beautiful vista is obtained down stream, and we stop for some minutes at Torgoyle Bridge to watch the river dashing over rocks into a dark pool, on whose rippling waters shadows dance as the sun breaks through the thick foliage. Eight miles on we reach Invermoriston, and renew acquaintance with a smooth surface, the recently reconstructed highway from Glasgow to Inverness via Glen Coe. From Dalcataig Pier this magnificent road skirts Loch Ncss to its head, and we are on the outlook for the Monster, but with no success. It is easier now for the driver to admire the scenery while travelling, but a halt is called near Inchnacardoch for the purpose of taking a photograph. Across the loch are St. Benedict's Abbey on the right, and to the left the massive mountain bulk between Foyers and Glen Doe ; together, all these make a fine picture on this bright July afternoon. Leaving the rather attractive village of Fort Augustus, we continue at good speed along the fine road, and cross first the Caledonian Canal and then River Oich near Aberchalder. A mile or two more, and the wild River Garry is crossed by a fine new bridge. Unfortunately the woods about here are so thick that the ancient stronghold of Invergarry Castle is hidden from view. This was the seat of " the last Highland chief," Alasdair Ranaldson MacDonell of Glen Garry, prototype of Walter Scott's " Fergus Maclvor." A fine pen-picture of this lordly Celt who flourished Ito years ago is given by Ratcliffe Barnett in " The Land of Lochiel and the Magic West." Now the road runs along the shore of Loch Oich, and in a short while we pass that grim monument, Tobar nan Ceann— " Well of the Heads." An inscription in Gaelic, Latin, French, and English informs the traveller of the dire vengeance inflicted on the perpetrators of the Keppoch murder. At the south end of the loch we again cross the Canal, which now runs through its most beautiful part, Laggan Avenue, and we are reminded of H. V. Morton's comment in " In Search of Scotland "— " It is wrong to motor, as I did, along the Canal. 1 will some day return and glide the length of it in a steamer." Loch Lochy is rather gloomy, as its opposite shore is barren of trees and habitation. Still, there are one or two attractive vistas as our road skirts the east side, and as we surmount the crest between Letterfinlay and Spean Bridge, the huge bulk of Beinn Neamhais (Ben Nevis) comes into view. After tea in our Fort William hotel we go up Glen Nevis for a few miles. This is a beautiful little backwater from the world's affairs, and frequent revisits never pall. Next morning the sun was again shining as we took the road


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by Loch Linnhe. Across the smiling water the hills of Ardgour and Morven reared their heads in grandeur, and far to the south could be dimly discerned the giant mountains of Mull. Near Corran narrows we were favoured with a fine view of R.M.S. Iona, honoured sexagenarian of MacBrayne's fleet. Then at the beautifully-situated hamlet of Onich we turn up Loch Leven, and are faced by the grim Appin mountains on the Argyll side of this fiord. Readers of " Kidnapped" will find familiar names over there, but, however often they visit Appin, they will be no nearer a solution of the problem, " Who killed James Stewart of the Glens ? " It is a great mistake to cross Ballachulish Ferry with a car. Only half-an-hour, perhaps less, is saved, compared with rounding the loch, and this is immeasurably counterbalanced by the loss of the really glorious scenery all the way along. From Callan the view of Glen Coe and its mountains is particularly striking, while Mamore Forest is seen to great advantage from the road rising steeply above Kinlochleven. At Invercoe we turn sharp left up the famous glen. The old road, on the right bank, passes the scene of the Massacre near Clachaig, but the new speedway keeps to the left bank for three miles, crossing the burn at the foot of gloomy Loch Triochatan. Glen Coe is one of the few places where bad weather is preferable to good : the whole scene is so much more awe-inspiring when the glen is veiled in mist, rain is pouring heavily, and torrents crash down the mountain precipices. I look forward to the day— or, better, night—when I am in Glen Coe in a thunder and lightning storm. After Kingshouse we come on to the bleak expanse of Rannoch Moor, and for mile after mile there is nothing but bog, brightened by an occasional little loch. To the west are the lowering hills of Blackmount ; far in the east is the cone of Schiehallion. After several miles on this wild plateau the road dips, and we get a fine view as it circles down above Loch Tulla. Far in the distance a trail of white smoke shows where a goods train is " peching " up the stiff ascent to Gortan crossing, one of the loneliest outposts on British railways. Along the eastern shore of the popular angling loch we soon pass through Bridge of Orchy, and again climb steadily for four miles to Beinn Odhar summit. On the other side of our valley, in which there nestles the curiously named farm, Auch, rises Beinn Dobhrain (Ben Doran), the " sacred mountain " of Duncan Ban Macintyre. In his 79th year (i8oz) the aged bard travelled from Edinburgh to climb for the last time his favourite hill, which he had ascended so often in his youth, and in honour of the occasion he composed that great song—" Cead Deireannach nam Beann "—" A Last Farewell to the Bens." E. R. B. (1920-12.)


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Medievalists of the East. If the Pathan were transported to a Highland croft, clothed in black serge trousers and a fisherman's jersey, with a tweed cap on his head and a hay-fork in his hand, you would not notice that he was not a hardy, bearded, weather-beaten crofter. And this race lives in North-Western India, or South-Western Asia, whichever geographical term you think the better for that weirdly, grimly fascinating part of the world that lies between Kabul and Peshawar, between the Indus and the mountains of Baluchistan. One wonders where they came from. The men have blue eyes as often as brown, with European complexions, and often, sandy hair. The extreme rigours of their way of life soon lead the weakest to the wall, and the sick or wounded to an early end. Thus the average specimen of manhood is often admirable to look upon. He is tall and well proportioned, with " leg of mutton " fists and feet that look as if they could walk for ever. Usually a shaggy beard, unkempt and rather insanitary, meets the top of a dull grey, rough shirt, which hangs to the knees, and buttons over one breast. Trousers are striking. They are prodigiously roomy, with the ends rather close fitting, over leather " Chaplies,' as the sandals are called ; more commonly these are made of woven grass. His head is crowned with a little ornamented cap called a " Kulla," over which the inevitable turban is carelessly wound. He has little civilization, and his social life is almost confined to his family. Of course, " family " may mean quite a congregation of wives, half-brothers, nephews, ' in-laws " and the rest ; every relation is important and has a claim for protection on every other ; all strangers are suspect. In a house wherein I visited a sick girl I counted six adults and ten children, and I was told they were not all at home. The house contained two rooms, an upper and a lower, each floor being of earth supported by branches or boughs of trees. Furniture is restricted to beds, made of wood and grass rope, cooking utensils, and, most important of all, rifles and cartridge belts hanging on the walls. A Pathan will give almost anything for a rifle: they certainly risk their lives for them. Many instances there are where they have taken a picket on the hill-top, simply by ferocity and weight of numbers, suffering dreadful losses from rifle fire, only to retire with half-a-dozen weapons, triumphant, exulting, with the courage of leopards, with never a thought for their dead. That is simply all in the game of life. Weeping women can be silenced. Destitute children, who did not know what parents were, are taken under the wing of some relative. Life is considered a cheap and trivial thing, that life may be protected. The besetting sin of the Pathan is his addiction to internecine


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blood feuds. This is the fatal weakness in their social polity, if such it may be termed. Every house of importance is, like the fortified homestead of medieval Scotland, castellated with a main tower, or keep, and embattled with wall or corner turrets and loopholed walls. The Pathan lives, still, in the Middle Ages. Tragic death is never far off, and at any moment, in the peaceful quietude of an afternoon, or in the serenity of a starlit night, a vindictive rifle speaks, and someone suddenly dies in the midst of his family. Usually it begins in a dispute over a woman, and the price to be paid for her ; often it is merely the easiest way to robbery and loot. A certain landowner I knew until last week, quite a young man, had four murders to his gun, when he was brought to me, very sick. Carried on the back of a lusty brother, he was brought a mile up the hill ; I saw the cortege from afar, and went out to meet them. The brother, I noticed, was very diffident, and obviously hesitated to promise to carry out the treatment. With pale, sunken face and skinny hands raised against the beating sun, the patient looked pathetically at me. The lustre of something like despair was in his sombre, hollow, dark violet eyes. He coughed painfully and spat blood on the grass. It was hardly necessary to examine his chest to make a diagnosis of tuberculosis of both lungs. By questioning a night watchman I learned later that they were in terror of his avenging enemy, who came stalking by night, but never succeeded in getting a certain aim. We had the patient taken to another, more secluded village, but there the same human nemesis followed. Vainly I besought them not to move him, but one day he was carried on a litter miles down the valley, to some sanctuary known only to these hunters of mankind. Three days after, my cook brought word from the levies that he was dead. He had died from haemorrhage, not from a bullet wound, but from the disease in his lung. What is going to happen to the land of the Pathan ? There are strong nations on the North. We stand on the South; ina tenuous phalanx of forts our legions of Sikhs and Punjabi sepoys keep watch over this " buffer " country, like a Belgium of Asia. We do our best to keep a balance in policy, a useful equilibrium. I go out into tribal land to treat sick, and I go unarmed, because I know that to carry arms is to invite the unpleasant attention of covetous marksmen wandering on the barren hill-side. So we keep this corner of the Empire going, by the same old British method—the method that has worked since Elizabethan days, and is still going strong, without dictators—the method of establishing relationships which are potentially useful, perhaps just because they are so strangely undefined and apparently frail. RONALD D. MACRAE. (1916-23.)


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" The Road Behind Me." Dr. Stanley Russell'.s book* is a delightful one to read, especially to anyone who was a contemporary of his at school and college. Born at Grimsby in 1883, the son of a Banffshire father and a mother from Dornoch, he came with the family to Aberdeen in 1894, and of it he writes with great affection : . Aberdeen was a wonderful place for a lad whose 'teens were opening his eves to life. Many and many an evening have I sat with or without a friend on the Stocket Hill and looked down on the spires and towers of the Granite City, with the sunset on them and the sea beyond, and seen, as the dusk fell, the smoke and tail-light of the London train, as it wound its way out of sight on its journey to the glamorous and distant Babylon which so many of our fellows had sought, and which I was myself to know so well. It is impossible to convey to anyone what such a sight contributed to an imaginative adolescent, when added to doorways through which " Butcher " Cumberland had passed, bridges where Claverhouse had fought, and the market place where Mary herself had watched and wept the execution of Huntly's son.

In another place he writes :

It is a wonderful city in every way. Its beauty remains to haunt the heart throughout a lifetime, and its granite streets glistening after the rain, its ancient doorways and storied wynds and closes, as well as its gorgeous Deeside, make a background for a man's life evermore. It was something to attend a School that had been " a going concern " in 12S7-centuries before they thought of Eton—and held on its register the name " George Gordon Byron " erased under " Dominus de Byron " when he inherited the title. His home on Broad Street, where his mother used to taunt him with his club foot, I well remember as a dwelling pulled down to make way for Marischal College extension.

Of the Aberdeen Grammar School Dr. Russell writes that not every user of Cruden's Concordance knows that the weird, half-insane genius who produced it was an Aberdonian, educated at it and Marischal College. Mackay of Uganda, a Primate of All Canada, judges, politicians, administrators, authors, and battalions of professional men have passed through the registers of the famous Grammar School, and there is not a place under the sun where its line has not gone out and its boys arc not forgathering. Those in Shanghai gave the clock now in the School Tower. London can furnish an annual dinner of them, and there is usually a distinguished peer, like Lord Nleston, or a Lord Advocate, or a famous writer, presiding as one of " Ours " over an assembly which spends the evening loyally remembering and renewing an attachment of which the years have never abated the passion.

When a pupil at the School Stanley Russell was editor of the Magazine, and to it he still turns with avidity to see what boys from the Malay States, or China, or Peru have been sent home by their fathers to get the atmosphere to which those men look back lingeringly and gratefully. When an undergraduate he was the editor of Alma Mater, and as he looks back, his own impudence in tackling for contributions—sometimes with success—such men as Lord Rosebery, H. H. Asquith, J. M. * " The Road Behind Me," by G. Stanley Russell, M.A., D.D. millan. sos. 6d. [See Mag. March 1937, p. t 17.]

Mac-


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Barrie, John Morley, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Max Pemberton, the Right Hon. C. T. Ritchie, E. T. Reed of Punch, and numerous others flabbergasts him. In the School Library there is still a Magazine scrap-book containing the actual letters that the precocious editor received from the private secretaries of the then Duke of York (later King George V) and of Lord Rosebery. The latter's letter seems worth reprinting : Lord Rosebery begs me to thank you for your letter, and to say that your Magazine appears to him to be very interesting and efficient. If anything occurs to him, he will send you a message—but he fears it is not probable that anything will occur to him I

Letters, too, are preserved from famous F.P.s, such as Sir James Stirling, Sir James Westland, Sir William MacGregor, Sir George King, Sir Thomas Sutherland, Sir James Reid, Sir William Bisset Berry, Sir George Reid, Robert Machray—Archbishop of Rupert's Land and Primate of All Canada, and Admiral Sir Arthur Farquhar. With reference to the last, Dr. Russell recalls a visit he made as schoolboy editor to Drumnagesk, " to interview our Oldest Boy, who had entered the Navy in the reign of George IV, and, before the accession of Queen Victoria, had been decorated with the Order of Hanover. His highly nautical language accompanied a legend current in the School and largely responsible for the wild cheers which always greeted the simian-featured old man on public occasions—to the effect that he had returned from the China Station with three barrels of pickled pirates' heads. No wonder we shouted greetings to such prowess, although the years rendered it into fiction." Of his seven years at the Grammar School and of his teachers and fellow pupils Dr. Russell, unfortunately, does not record much. He does, however, pay a glowing, if pathetic, tribute to one teacher who made a lasting impression on him—the late Dr. James Moir : He never became famous at all—except locally—and yet was one of the greatest men I ever met. One of the " lads o' paints," be and his brother went to school on alternate days—the one whose turn it was for education wearing the only suit they owned, and the other one, like David, " keeping the sheep." Graduating with a First Class in Classics, his University made him LL.D., and he was the first to win its D.Litt. In the Rectorship of the Grammar School his talent was superb—until the hereditary failing appeared, and he was superseded by an Englishman (and a very great Englishman at that, for H. F. Morland Simpson was no small man), under whom Moir had to serve as Co-Rector, a title that meant nothing. Then he broke his leg and was laid aside. . . . Retired, lonely, lame, disappointed, self-accusing, tender-hearted, brilliant-minded, he was my friend. Most evenings we spent together before his fire, as long as he lived. . . . Now and then, in the firelight, he would fling up a phrase of Homer's that was to become immortal as he flung it--urea lereprierra irpocrlaa was one of them—and on it, as a text, would preach a sermon on the power and use of language or the value and quality of heroism. . . . It was together that we spent a summer on Deeside and explored the haunts of Macbeth. Another one was due and he was going alone until School finished. Then I was to follow. What


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strange premonition or depression hovered over him on that last evening I nevei knew or shall know, but, for absolutely the first and only time, he kissed me and said : " Whatever you hear, and whatever you see, never question that I loved you." I laughed at him and his solemn adjuration. Was I not to be with him in but a matter of days ? A week had not gone before we were following his coffin, on which the pall was his hoods. As a Canadian minister I stood beside his grave in Allenvale Cemetery in Aberdeen just a couple of years ago, and it seemed to me as if across the gulf the voice was as clear as ever as it said, " Aye, Zirea 7rrepOe-vra ,rpocn7i6a, winged words my boy, that's it—winged words. They fly, they pounce, they shine against the sun, winged, winged words."

At Aberdeen University, in addition to being on the editorial staff and eventually editor of Alma Mater, Russell was secretary of the University Liberal Association, and writes entertainingly of his correspondence with the late Earl of Oxford, then Mr. H. H. Asquith, which extended for over twenty years ; with the late Rt. Hon. C. T. Ritchie, who was Asquith's successful opponent in the Rectorial Election of i9oz ; and with others. Of the late Principal Marshall Lang he records the apocryphal anecdote " concerning his meeting a student in the quadrangle, fumbling for his name, having it supplied, declaring that he ' now remembered perfectly,' and enquiring for his father, only to be informed that he was unfortunately dead. ' Ah, yes, dear, dear, very sad, very sad,' Dr. Lang is alleged to have remarked. Encountering the same youth next day, the whole conversation was repeated, except that on the enquiry for his father the boy answered, ' Still dead, sir,' whereupon the Principal beat a hurried retreat. The Principal was, however, really an exceedingly kindly man, and his ponderous efforts to entertain the leaders of undergraduate life at Chanonry Lodge were appreciated rather for their spirit than their performance." The two Professors of those days who have left the deepest impression on Dr. Russell were the late Sir J. Arthur Thomson and Sir William Mitchell Ramsay, now living in retirement at Bournemouth but still studying the antiquities of Asia Minor. On finishing his Arts course at Aberdeen, Russell proceeded to the Theological College at Bradford of the Congregational Church of England, then under Principal Archibald Duff. Of the Principal Dr. Russell writes lovingly, but on the whole his recollections of " Bruddersford " are not pleasant, especially in comparison with the rich scholarship, the glorious church life, and the wonderful fairy city he had left behind him. Having passed through the College, he was appointed in 1907 to his first pastorate, that of the Congregational Church at Hopton, Mirfield, Yorks, and at his ordination the sermon was preached by the late Professor H. R. Mackintosh, who, when the first minister of Beechgrove U.F. Church, Aberdeen, had made an indelible impression on Russell, and at Mirfield fillfilled a longstanding promise to take part in his protege's ordination. After four years he was called to St. Annes-on-the-Sea, Lancs, which twenty-five years ago was the dormitory for Liverpool, Black-


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burn, Rochdale, Bolton, and a score of other towns, but preeminently for Manchester. To be the minister of the exquisite little church there proved to be for him a very happy experience, but the sunniness of St. Annes was to be clouded over by the outbreak of the Great War. The pulpits soon began to resound with " encouraging" sermons in which they relapsed into Old Testament tribalism, made respectable by the rite of Christian Baptism. My own most conspicuous contribution was a sermon on " Curse ye Meroz, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, for they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty! " I forget who Meroz was—probably the United States—but I well remember a Chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, who happened to be on holiday in our little town at that time, reproaching me afterwards, in London, for some pacifist utterance, and regretting the loss of the " fine virile note of patriotism "which had distinguished that doubtless bloodthirsty utterance.

Before long Russell came to the conclusion that St. Annes-onthe-Sea was scarcely the pastorate in which a young and vigorous man could be content indefinitely, and accordingly, in 1915, he accepted a call to Grafton Square Congregational Church, Clapham, London, where he was to remain for fourteen years. Of London Dr. Russell writes with affection and insight. For him the ancient storied places conjure up all sorts of scenes and figures. Every corner is saturated with historical romance. Near him at Clapham was the site of the house where John Evelyn often visited Samuel Pepys, and from his study he could just see the bulwarks Captain Cook had made on the top of his house, behind which he paced up and down, spyglass under his arm, surveying the Common instead of the Pacific. In one of the neighbouring houses Macaulay went to school. From another, Harriet Westbrook probably stole out many times to meet Percy Bysshe Shelley on the Common, and a nearby tablet marks the place where Wilberforce lived during his mighty struggle for Abolition. Not only sites and monuments, but people, too, made London a constantly fascinating place for Russell. People, he found, spoke to each other casually, spontaneously, and often very frankly, without having met before, or expecting to meet again. One night he returned from Bristol by the late train which drew into Paddington at 3.45 a.m. No tube, bus, or tram was proposing to invade Samuel Pepys' last rural retreat at that hour. A taxi seemed the only thing. As I walked down the station platform, however, I found myself confronted by a figure which might have strayed out of The Pickwick Papers. Wearing a highcrowned fawn hat, a double-breasted greatcoat of the same colour, adorned with large flat " pearl " buttons, and carrying in his left hand a whip taller than himself, he touched his hat with his right forefinger and addressed me in the authentic accent of Sam Weller— " 'Ansom, sir ? " " I beg your pardon," said I, half-awake and incredulous. "'Ansom, sir? "—with the forefinger in action again, and at last I realized that here was a London " gondola " still surviving from the spacious days of Victoria and soliciting my custom. We came to terms, and so began


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the first of many drives, for my early morning arrivals at Paddington always ended in the same drive home. We crossed Oxford Street and the Marble Arch, drove down Park Lane and over Ebury Bridge, never seeing a soul in the deserted streets, save an ocrAsional policeman or a rare cart on its way to Covent Garden, and never hearing a sound save, soon after we set out, Big Ben's announcement that it was 4 a.m., the quiet tinkle of bells on the horse's neck, and the steady clip-clop of the hoofs on the wooden roadways. That first encounter yielded perhaps our most interesting conversation, which began as we turned from the Old Town on to Clapham Common and drew near my street, The Chase, down a very few yards of which 1 lived. " Stop here, cabby 1 My wife sleeps with her windows wide open and I don't want to waken her." " Curious 'ow many gents is careful that way, sir 1" " Oh well, mine's a different reason." " That's what they all sez, sir." " Fine horse, cabby." " Yes, sir, he's a good 'orse, though I sez it myself. If you're in the cab line, your best advertisement is a good 'one." " I was astounded when you bailed me, you know. I thought all you fellows were in the London Museum." " And so we should be, sir, if it weren't for them Americans wot comes to Lunnon and wants to go 'ome and swank that they've been to Petticoat Line and rode in a 'ansom cab. Fair daft I calls it, but the French says ' Shake on a song gout' (Chacun a son gout!) and it's certainly good for some on us. Well, good-night, sir, and I 'opes the lady doesn't waken." So I turned in at my gate with the sounds of the " 'orse " growing fainter, until next time when I arrived in the same place at the same unholy hour, and soon my journey from the west would have been incomplete if it had not ended at Paddington with the appearance of my friend.

During the War, having been turned down as fit only for garrison and hospital duty at home, Dr. Russell accepted an honorary commission as Chaplain, with the usual rank of Captain, and found himself attached to the King George Hospital, of 2,5oo beds, in Stamford Street, and to the Tower of London. His church provided his uniform, and set him free from everything save the most urgent duties, and thus began a close connection with soldiers which continued until 1929. In course of time he found it necessary to make a number of mental adjustments. If the beginning of the Great War found him delivering his soul on " Curse ye Meroz," the end of it discovered him securely established in the conviction regarding all war which Lincoln expressed about slavery, " If this is not wrong, nothing is wrong." As far back as 5909 Russell crossed the Atlantic and paid his first visit to Canada. Repeated visits followed, particularly after his marriage in 5913 to a Toronto lady. He frequently preached in Canadian pulpits, and his many visits to Toronto in the days before it became his home had for him a hundred delights. Canadian hospitality impressed him, for there seemed everywhere a conspiracy of kindness to make an English visitor go home feeling that never had he had such a good time. Eventually, in 1929, after he had held for a year the heavy Chairmanship of the London Congregational Union, which caused within him a complete unsettlement, he decided that only


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a complete change could make him settle down, and accepted a very pressing invitation to the pastorate of Deerpark Church, Toronto, and so he joined the United Church of Canada. Of this Church he writes : " Not only has Canada nothing better, but English Nonconformity could produce no congregation of equal calibre even in its most historic and influential centres. A similar statement might be made of at least four others in Toronto. These contain the best degrees of the proudest English Universities, a commercial sweep which covers the whole globe, and a passion for philanthropy and good works represented by a thousand and one schemes for the unfortunate and ' underprivileged.' " He has frequently returned to England and finds that there is always something in the first glimpse of its white cliffs or in the sweet nocturne of an evening arrival in the Clyde that brings the heart near to breaking. The ' Postscript " of this attractive volume was written in July of last year in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, and the conclusion is : " I wish I could persuade Canadians to come here. Not merely sentiment convinces me that Deeside is far beyond anything in the beaten paths they follow so faithfully, for my wife agrees with me that there is no beauty in England or Scotland that transcends what surrounds us now."

F.P.s in Singapore. WALTER A. ELMSLIE (1904-10) reports from H.M. Naval Base, Singapore, that a small informal dinner of F.P.s and their wives in Singapore sat down to dinner there in the Seaview Hotel on Saturday, z7th March. There were seven F.P.s present, but so far an autographed menu card which was to be sent to the Secretary of the F.P. Club has not arrived. One of the seven, however, was RAYMOND G. WILSON (1906-1z and 1915-17). Two F.P.s who are Naval Medical Officers on the Base—CLARENCE E. GREESON (1902-05), M.D., and ERNEST R. SORLEY (1906-18), M.D.—were unfortunately unable to be present. There were no speeches of any sort, but the company toasted the old School, and thereafter danced until midnight " when all good Singaporeans are supposed to pack up for the night and go home. Some of us, however, did not feel like going home so early, so we went on to the Swimming Club and danced till that show closed down at z.3o a.m.," after which some of them had a sixteen-mile drive back to the Base and bed. Our F.P. enthusiasts at Singapore are next to try to organize an All-Malayan F.P. Dinner at Kuala Lumpur, which is regarded as being the best centre to which all from the North and South could gravitate. It is hoped that this ambitious scheme will be carried through in the course of the current year.


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SCHOOL SECTION. School and Random Notes. The Coronation, with all its festivities, its decorations, and its Pittodrie displays, which will make this term an historic one, is over ; but great as was the disturbance which it caused, it has by no means been the only event of importance since Easter. The Summer Term is always full of incident, and this year has been no exception. Our distinguished Empire Day Address from Principal Fyfe, the Masters v. Boys Cricket Match, the Swimming Sports, the Gordon's College Match, and the Physical Training Display are a few of the important events which have taken place; and at this moment everyone is engaged in preparing for the Athletic Sports, the climax of the summer sporting season. The resignation of two masters, Mr. Farquharson and Mr. Lawrie, is another item of no small importance ; and we feel confident in saying that it is these events, which necessarily interest us more nearly, that will still live in our memories when the trumpets and the bunting of Coronation Day are almost forgotten. * * * In Hall, a few days previous to the Coronation, the Rector addressed the School on the significance of the great national and imperial ceremony that was soon to take place. He also read messages from the Lord Provost of Aberdeen and the Secretary of State for Scotland. At the same time each pupil in the Upper School was presented with an Official Souvenir Programme, while every boy in the School was asked to accept a copy of the Special Aberdeen Souvenir. * * * The Coronation has left several magnificent reminders of itself to the School Library—in the shape of a crop of pre- and post-Coronation numbers of the illustrated weeklies, full of handsome and colourful pictures of the decorations in London and of the actual ceremony. Some boys have also presented books to the Library this term. These have been much appreciated, and we express the hope that more boys will help in this way to augment the Junior Section. * * * On Coronation Day and on Saturday, i 5th May, 196 boy from School gave a massed display of Danish gymnastics at the Pittodrie Tattoo. The labours of Mr. Lawrie and his acolytes were amply rewarded by the acclamations of the Aberdeen Press. One of these comments is worth quoting :— " An exceptional treat . . . was provided by 300 Grammar School boys in a demonstration of Danish gymnastics. Their


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line-up alone was something worth seeing, as they took up a fan-shaped formation that occupied almost the whole of the field. They got repeated cheers as they went through a variety of exercises, the response to Mr. Lawrie's commands coming from each boy as swiftly as the echo of the instructor's voice, thrown back by the castle walls that formed the scenic background to the Tattoo." * * * The School R.A.M.C. (Rambling and Mountaineering Club) has held two most successful excursions, while a third is to take place during the last week-end of term. The Club's Coronation expedition was held on 13th May, and most fittingly for such a time was to Lochnagar, whose slopes are, of course, the playground of the Royal Family. Brilliant sunshine and a clear atmosphere combined to make the day's outing thoroughly enjoyable for all. It is noteworthy that eighteen out of twentyone boys ascended the Black Spout, which was then almost entirely filled with snow. * * * The Ninth Annual Cairngorm Excursion is this year to be held from z 5 th to z7th June. The party will camp for two nights on the favourite site in Glen Lui, and on Saturday Ben Macdhui and Cairngorm will be climbed. The younger members of the party will engage in a shorter expedition. We hope that the excursion will be blessed with the fine weather that usually accompanies these outings. * * * The Easter trip to Paris passed off with great success, thanks to the enthusiasm and general efficiency of Mr. Mackenzie, whom we thank on behalf of the " trippers." Some four or five weeks later a photograph appeared in The Sphere entitled "English Schoolboys in Paris." Something familiar about the attitudes of different members of the group caused us to look again, and sure enough these long legs and grinning faces were those of the Grammar School party. But it must have been a more than ordinarily unobservant newspaper man that could have failed to recognize our noble crest, so prominent upon this row of blazers ; or that, having seen it, could have called them English. * * * Our days with Mr. Lawrie, but not with Danish gymnastics (we hope), are numbered. He who has definitely put the Grammar School " on the map " as regards physical training is to leave us before the end of the term for an appointment as physical instructor in Durham. During his four years with us Mr. Lawrie has introduced a fresh method of gymnastics, he has reduced our gymnastic apparel to a healthy minimum, and, in short, he has revolutionized our physical training. He has been


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presented with two etchings and a book token by the School as a testimony of our gratitude to him. * * * We feel that a fitting memorial to Mr. Lawrie's services would be the installation of what he has always emphasized as necessary—spray-baths for our gymnasium, to be known, perhaps, as the " Lawrie Showers." This, however, will be possible only when the Authorities cease reading their Chaucer— " But it was joye for to seen him swete I " * * * Our Empire Day speaker this year was Principal Fyfe, of Aberdeen University. In one of the most interesting speeches we have yet heard, in Hall or out of it, he described to us the Dominion of Canada, the customs and national characteristics of its people, and the peculiarities of its federal government. It was a lecture without a trace of the lecturing manner, and full of humour. Speaking of the great increase in the population of Canada, the Principal explained that among the British section this was due to immigration—" but the French Canadians did it all by themselves—by having quintuplets and things! " The Senior Prefect proposed a vote of thanks, and the School showed its appreciation by the tremendous vigour of its applause. * * * That time-honoured festival of Empire Day—the Masters v. Boys Cricket Match—took place this year with all its traditional ceremonial. Each side batted for eighty minutes and the Boys were dismissed for a paltry 69 in that time. The Masters, in turn, gradually increased their total by sneaking singles and troublesome twos, until, with only one ball to bowl, their score was 67. The atmosphere was tense. The ticking of the Pavilion clock could have been heard had the clock not been stopped. The last ball thundered down to Mr. Eddison, who (most noble Sir!) kept his head and smote it (the ball, of course) into (we believe) the gully. Mr. Macgregor, the last man of the side, was at the other end. One run was scored—the ball was being returned—the Games Master with one almighty full-length dive, regained his crease exactly one second before the wickets were skittled. The Masters had drawn but, with still a wicket in hand, they won a moral victory. Indeed, it was a noble finish. * * * The enthusiasm for athletics that has arisen during the past few years is being maintained. Supervised training is conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while most indulge in voluntary practice on the other evenings. Jumpers have had the privilege of being coached by George Masson, Scottish high jump professional champion. The advantage of this intensive athletic practice has been quite evident during the last year or two.


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Whereas, but a few years ago, mile runners collapsed utterly exhausted at the finish, the present milers simply slacken off their pace and are ready (or almost ready) to run another mile. The truth of this is shown by the fact that at the Sports, one boy, not content with being third in the Open Mile, ran also the Class II Mile and won it. * * * The School Swimming Sports were held this year on Friday, 29th May. The House Championship was won by Keith House after a thrilling relay race, which they lost by a neck to Melvin, but which gave them the necessary points. We congratulate L. M. Shutte, of Keith, and C. Hall, of Byron, who tied for the individual championship. During the Sports we were treated to some fine swimming and diving, and the object dive produced some prodigious under-water feats—one of which we were sorry to see wasted in the vain pursuit of a large blue rosette, and of stray potatoes from a previous race, which had been mistaken for some of the legitimate " objects." * * * Boys of all ages, from " toddlers " in the Kindergarten to " he-men" in the Sixth, lately presented a most unwonted appearance. Faces had been washed to an unnatural degree of whiteness, clean collars and ties were being sported, and every hair on eight hundred heads was in position. In short, the biennial class photographs were taken. Despite assurances that mouths were open and ties not straight, the results seem to have given widespread satisfaction. * * * Rubislaw Field presented an unprecedented appearance on and June. At the west end were pitched no fewer than fifty-one tents, of widely differing shapes and sizes, while in the central arena six hundred boys gave an exhibition of physical education to a large audience. This was " Men in the Making "—the School's contribution to Lord Provost Watt's New Infirmary Appeal Fund. As a result a cheque for £75 is to be handed by the Senior Prefect to the Lord Provost at the Prize-giving. * * * On the night before the display at Rubislaw, about a dozen Upper School boys kept watch over the encampment which was erected to house the performers. They watched in pairs for an hour at a time, from midnight until 7 a.m. While not on watch, they tossed about in extreme discomfort on the very hard ground, suffering agonies from the cold. The Pavilion was, however, very warm, and we have heard it whispered that most of the campers enjoyed their only piece of sound sleep during their watch. They knew what belonged to a watch : most desartless men, indeed !


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The noble assistance given by the Staff in organizing the displays at Pittodrie and at Rubislaw has not yet been publicly acknowledged. Mr. Dickie, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr. Park in particular spent many an hour perched on the roof of the cycle shed trying to get us into alignment at our rehearsals for the mass display at Pittodrie. They also did good staff work on the ground. Conspicuous among other roof-perchers (and there were many) was Mr. J. I. W. Milne. For the Rubislaw display, we thank Mr. Andrew Milne for his efficient supervision of the tents, and for his happy thought of getting some of us off for a period or two to pitch them. Mr. Stewart was the treasurer, and Mr. Hemingway the designer of the " A.G.S." To these gentlemen, once more our thanks. And, of course, we must not forget Mr. Lawrie and Mr. Macgregor, the inspiration of the display, without whom nothing would have been possible. * * * As intimated in the last issue of the Magazine five boys are to visit Canada during the summer under the auspices of the Scottish Secondary Schools Travel Trust. The party will leave Glasgow in the Letitia on z3rd July and return by the Athenia on z9th August. Nineteen days will be spent in Canada, during which time the party will visit Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, Toronto, and Kingston. One day is to be spent at the Niagara Falls. We feel sure that this trip—doubtless the forerunner of future round-the-world expeditions for schoolboys —will be justified by its success. * * * Among the exhibits at a recent showing of work by Former Pupils of the Gray's School of Art, there appeared a painting by Mr. Hemingway, our Art Master, entitled " A Grammar School Boy." The work has as its subject a young boy wearing a School blazer and surrounded by the various accoutrements of the average scholar. We recognize the honour done to the School by this painting and voice our congratulations to Mr. Hemingway. * * * The House Trophy has been won—strange though it may seem—by Melvin House. Even without the results of the Sports, they are assured of the Trophy. The five years of Byron supremacy have ended, and we congratulate Melvin most heartily on their at last beating down the blue banner. It is interesting to note that the House owes its victory chiefly to the Juniors. This indeed augurs well for the future, and we look forward to very keen competition in future years for the coveted House Trophy. * * * The four School Scout troops continue to flourish and each will, as usual, hold its summer camp during the first fortnight


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of July. As the 9th won the County Flag last year, a patrol leader from that troop represented Aberdeen Scouts at the Coronation Day Service in the West Church of St. Nicholas. At this year's County Flag Competition, held at the end of May, the 9th Troop repeated their last year's success, while the 17th were joint runners-up. To both these troops we offer our sincere congratulations. * * * This year travelling scholarships have for the first time been made available to any suitably qualified boy that may apply for one. The scholarships amount to Lao each. Many prospective applicants were sadly disappointed when it was later announced that acceptance of the scholarships would entail attendance at a certain number of classes in France or Germany as the case might be. This age of doles, of Social Services and the rest, appears to have deprived us of our Scottish independence to such an extent that we are unwilling to work even for our pleasures. But perhaps the reason for the disappointment is to be found in our equally Scottish hope of getting something for nothing. Both reasons are, alas, equally mercenary 1 * * * We note with satisfaction that our dissertation upon the quality of School ink (or rather upon its lack of quality) has not passed unnoticed. A Lower School boy, doubtless at last exasperated with " the compound of tar and ground rock-salt, slightly diluted," recently bought a small bottle of " Swan" ink, which he dared to substitute for the accustomed fluid. The unlucky youth was discovered in the act of committing this quite unpardonable crime and ordered to empty every drop of the fresh liquid into a nearby sink. At the same time he was severely reprimanded and told that, if it happened again, he would be sent straight to the Rector for appropriate punishment. * * * Travel Trust cruise Schools Scottish 1937 the July On 23rd on the Dilwara troop-ship will be setting off. This year they are again going to the Baltic ports. From Leith they will sail to Gothenburg, Stockholm, Helsinki, Danzig, and Copenhagen, and then will return to Tilbury on Friday, 6th August. We wish them the best of weather, and complete freedom from

mal-de-mer.

* * * congratulate this year's we that pleasure It is with great two Duxes on their success. They are: James R. Fiddes, Classical Dux, and Walter R. Taylor, Modern Dux. We also wish heartily to congratulate the former on his meritorious performance in the Glasgow University Bursary Competition. Out of 3S3 candidates Fiddes has been placed third. We


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express the hope of all those returning to School next session that a third at Glasgow will (as a holiday qualification) be reckoned the equal of a first at Aberdeen. * * * The cricket season, which is now nearly ended, has been, on the whole, a successful one. The 1st XI has had, at the time of writing, an equal number of wins and losses, and two draws. The first match with Gordon's College at Rubislaw was lost ; but the return match has yet to be played, and, if all the players strike their best form, there is every hope that they will win. This year there has been an interesting innovation in the coaching of the teams, members of the i st and znd XIs being given regular training by Hunt and Littlewood, the Mannofield professionals. We congratulate the following on being awarded their colours for the season : D. R. Macgregor, H. S. Cardno, and H. H. Thomson ; and J. W. Mackenzie, the Captain, on being awarded his cap. * * * The sacred precincts of Rubislaw Field, dedicated to the goddess Hygeia, have this year been violated twice in the most outrageous manner. Not only have we seen it converted into a miniature army camp (for a good cause, admittedly), but we have actually noticed members of the Model Aeroplane Club using it to further their base mechanical ends. May their sins be visited upon their shameless heads ; and may a rain of Jove's thunderbolts destroy, shatter into undiscoverable particles, their non-athletic toys 1 * * * School received what might be termed " hot" news on Monday, 14th June. This took the form of a telegram— perhaps the modern equivalent of the ancient Fiery Cross— whose brevity easily surpassed that of Czsar's famous message. The telegram read " Appointed—Farquharson," and with these words the School learned of the impending departure of the Head of our English Department. Mr. Farquharson has been appointed head master of the Bell-Baxter School, Cupar, and he is to leave us for that post at the end of June. We shall not here duplicate what is said on another page in this issue, but we wish specially to speak of Mr. Farquharson's untiring interest in the Magazine, and to acknowledge his willing assistance at all times in the compilation of its School Section. We thank him very heartily, and wish him all success in his important new position. * * * At the time of writing the Annual Athletic Sports have been only half concluded. Many heats and some of the important


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Open events were decided on the Friday in weather that was both cold and intermittently wet, but Saturday's programme was a complete wash-out. The incessant rain of the morning and early afternoon rendered the Field quite impracticable for races, and necessitated postponement until Wednesday, z3rd June, thus preventing any report appearing in the Magazine. We can, however, already congratulate D. R. Macgregor, who is assured of the School Championship. He has won the Place Kick, Drop Kick, Cricket Ball, Putting Shot, and Long Jump; has been second in the zzo Yards, and is likely to obtain places in several other events. *

*

*

Twenty senior boys were among the 3oo Aberdeen scholars who attended the Music Hall on i9th June, when the Freedom of the City was conferred on Mr. W. L. Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada, and on Mr. J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister of Australia. The ease and eloquence of both speakers delighted every member of the audience. Both Premiers addressed a small part of their speeches to the young people present. Mr. King emphasized the necessity of goodwill in every sphere of life, and said that that alone would cure the ills of the world. Mr. Lyons expressed the hope that the Scots of the future would follow their predecessors to Australia and develop and build up that vast country. We thankfully acknowledge the privilege of being present at a ceremony so interesting and so impressive. * * * And thus, Dear Readers (if such there be), we take our leave. After twelve short years we leave these hallowed halls and cast our minds over the stages of our School lives. In the Junior Infants (not then distinguished by its present tide of Kindergarten) we fearfully ran the last few hundred yards to School in record time, lest we might arrive there less than five minutes before the hour. Now, we confess our sole concern is to be there not too long after five minutes past the hour. While members of the Lower School we used No. 447 points for our pens. It was more than life was worth to bring a No. 448. But Miss — said . . ." was an ever-recurring argument that effectually quashed any parental interference. The period in the Middle School was characterized by industry inspired by dread of the future-for, of course, the Leaving Certificate Examination was only four and a half years thence. Finally, with the L.C. over, we were exhorted to brush up our F.C.s for the B.C. Such is School life. Gaudeamus 1


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Paris, 1937.

F

11,

As in former years the School trip to Paris again took place during the Easter holidays, and, as in former years, the same places of interest were visited. This year, for the second time, the party of thirteen boys was under the charge of Mr. Niven Mackenzie, whom we all have to thank for a most enjoyable holiday. The party left Aberdeen on the evening of Wednesday, z4th April, and reached Paris on Thursday evening after a rather unusual Channel crossing. This was not due to the fact that we were sea-sick (for the sea was " moderate "), but because there were two steamers waiting to sail, and, as fate would have it, one section crossed in one steamer and the remainder came with the other, half-an-hour later. In consequence, despite the fact that we had left Aberdeen a day earlier in order to avoid the Good Friday crush, we had rather an uncomfortable journey by train to Paris. From the Gare St. Lazare a bus transferred us through a blaze of lights and through many harsh creaking noises to our hotel. On our first night we learned something we did not know before. We learned what the "pneumatiques" of Paris are. We all had written postcards home, and had attempted to post them in a box which looked amazingly like a post box, but unluckily was not. This box was a " pneumatique " box, and the messages which are put into it are sent by compressed air to a central office in Paris, whence they are transmitted to their destination. These messages, however, cannot go outside Paris, and our cards were all destined for Scotland! The " pneumatique " operators must have realised.what had happened, for all the postcards reached their destination. Next morning we went a bus tour round Paris, visiting L'Arc de Triomphe, Mont-Martre (where we got a good view of Paris), and Notre Dame. The streets of Paris, however, seemed almost as interesting as these, and we sat with our attention fixed on all that was going on outside. That morning we noticed one or two things which impressed us, or did not impress us. We noticed several butchers' shops with horses' heads outside them, and no doubt there were several unpleasant expressions on our faces when we saw these. Another thing which impressed us was the amazing skill with which our bus driver managed to avoid other vehicles, for although we drove through many beautiful, wide boulevards, we also drove through many narrow streets, and there was no 3o m.p.h. restriction sign. Later in the week we visited the Louvre. There we saw some originals which we had often seen as pictures in books. We also saw what remains of the Crown Jewels of France. After spending some time there, we went into the Gardens of the Tuileries. The fountains were playing and a brilliant sun was


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shining, and all was beauty, so much so that it was difficult to imagine ourselves in the heart of a great city. Another place we visited was the Musee de Cluny, where there is a wonderful collection of antiques, some of which we found rather interesting. We visited also Les Invalides, where we saw the Tomb of Napoleon and the Tomb of Marshal Foch. As there were great preparations being made for the International Exhibition in Paris while we were there, we could not visit one or two interesting sights, such as Pont Alexandre III and the Champ-de-Mars. Luckily we managed to approach the Eiffel Tower, which looked very imposing and at the same time very familiar. We spent a forenoon rambling amongst the various erections, and we managed to get photographed three times by various press photographers. These photographs appeared later in one or two of the French papers, and one turned up in The Sphere. On the outskirts of Paris we went to the Bois de Boulogne on the West, and the Château de Vincennes on the East. The latter is an imposing medieval fortress, which, like so many buildings of its type in Paris, is used as a barracks. In the Bois de Vincennes, which we visited afterwards, we witnessed a game in progress which seemed to be a variation of bowls. This was played in a concrete hollow about 35 feet long and the bowls were rolled first to one side, where the slope sent them back sideways again, and so on from side to side until they finished up at the other end beside the white ball. We also visited Le Bourget, the Croydon of Paris, where we saw one or two airliners leaving. Towards the end of our visit of a week we had a bus drive out to Versailles. There we walked, or rather slid, through the magnificent halls, which give ample evidence of reckless expenditure of money. The huge doors were covered with gilt, and on both the ceiling and the walls there were huge paintings by the famous artists of Louis XIV's time. After this we went outside into the beautiful gardens, which in the brilliant sunlight, with the gorgeous Palace as a background, made a most magnificent picture. We walked to the Petit Trianon and the Grand Trianon, where we saw the coaches and sleighs which were used by the Kings and Queens of France as well as by Napoleon I. Nearby we saw Marie Antoinette's model farm, with its quaint little farm-house complete with a water-mill. On our way to Versailles we passed the house of the chief executioner of Paris, and to our amazement we were told that they still execute by means of a guillotine. Only once, on all the numerous excursions, did we travel by bus. We travelled by the " Metro," the Paris tubes, which are by no means like the London tubes. In the first place, only once did we see an escalator, a most necessary accessory. Then the hot unpleasant air, the deafening din, and the jerking


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and jolting of the train were most obnoxious. The trains were often packed, with the result that we had to fight our way to the door to be able to get out at the next station in time. One important advantage that they have over the bus, however, is their speed. Our hotel, Hotel St. Thomas d'Aquin, situated near the Boulevard Saint Germain, was a most interesting building. It consisted of about five " &ages." Despite its height, however, the only means of ascent was by a staircase. Some of us, myself included, had to sleep on the fourth " etage," and before we could reach this, we had to climb seventy-one steps. As a result some of us have rather unpleasant memories of struggling up those stairs, and pleasant memories of collapsing on some one else's bed at the top. The other interesting part of the hotel was the " Lounge," which we monopolized, partly because there were very few other people staying at the hotel, but mostly because, after we were all in it, there was not room for anyone else. Later, however, it was discovered that there was room for more people in it. There was a piano in this " Lounge," and we had some sing-songs together in the evening. The food at the hotel was rather unique. In the morning the majority of us received the usual coffee and rolls. The unique point about the coffee was that as soon as we had put milk into it, we invariably found a " white precipitate." Our next meal was " dejeuner," and in the evening there was " diner." At these meals we received such " delicacies" as " vegetable hash " and " fish with heads on." On the whole, however, the cooking was very good, and we forgot all our worries (if we had any) when " pommes frittes " appeared on the table. The only meal we had at a cafe was a short " snack " in the late afternoon. At our meals in the hotel we were always provided with cider. This cider was unusually brisk, and as a result some rather humorous struggles with corks were witnessed at table when bottles were opened. We left Paris on Thursday morning and arrived safely at Dieppe. (As we had read in a French paper the day before that a French train had crashed at seventy miles per hour, we were rather dubious about our safety.) The Channel crossing was not so " moderate " as it was when we first experienced it. Next morning we found ourselves in Aberdeen, after a most enjoyable week in Paris, that city of beauty, wealth, and history. A. L. SPEIRS (Cl. V.).


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Scotch Mist 1 Last summer, along with a party of schoolboys, under the leadership of a Master, I cycled to Skye. A fellow cyclist, a Scotsman, with whom we crossed in the ferry to the Kyle of Lochalsh, looked at the clouds, the turbulent waters, and then back again at the isle, and predicted a fairly good day. There'll be a little Scotch mist, maybe," he said, " but nothing to worry about." He was either a very bad weather-prophet or a leg-puller. There is another possibility: perhaps I have the wrong impression of what a Scotch mist actually is. I thought it was soft, or thin, rain. Anyhow the rain that fell upon us as we rode was of the heavy variety. It was this, you see, that caused me later to ponder whether he was a bad weather-prophet. Thus it was that for six days out of seven the whole of our day's riding was done in capes. But never before had we taken our cycles over such hard going in weather conditions like these. Frequently the rain seemed to pour from the skies in sheets : it obliterated scenery, turned road gradients into miniature streams, and, in some cases where the road surface was deplorable, turned the gradients into cascades. Scotch mist! When we reached the Kyle of Lochalsh the wind was already at half a gale force, and by the time we had reached Dornie Ferry, our clothes were wet; for, try as we could, it was impossible to prevent the wind sneaking up inside our capes and blowing and tugging the capes round our shoulders. The crossing of Loch Long is quite short, and the road has a distinct upward tendency the moment the ferry reaches Dornie. Up and up and up it spirals. We walked, and the water streamed down the hill over our shoes. The rain prevented an appreciation of the scenery, although we rode for miles above the beautiful Loch Duich. We could see the white-topped waves of the loch far below, and had then to be content with the thought of what the beauty of it all must be like in weather a little kinder. With the loch full of blue shimmering water, gentle breeze, green foliage, tall waving trees. . . . what a sight this would have been 1 As this thought flickered across my mind, the rain seemed to come down even harder, and the wind to blow stronger. It was as cold and overcast as a miserable November day. Our journey through the wondrous Glen Slid was hard and slow. We walked for miles. The wind shrieked round the corners as the road, fairly narrow although reasonably well surfaced, twisted its way through the gap in the walls of rock : the rain still pattered down with soaking monotony, filling the glen with a gloom of late eventide. Tired, wet, and cold, we could still appreciate and enjoy this magnificent glen. Burns and rivulets, overflowing after hours and hours of steady rain, gushed at a mad pace down the craggy side of the rocks.


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

0

z;;

For a long way the road, an old General Wade military construction, followed the path of the River Shiel. Then we left it and came to the inn at Cluanie Bridge, that lonely meeting of the roads ; the road to the north-east was to Invermoriston, the road to the south-east to Invergarry. As the rain had now almost completely abated, and as we were completely tired out, we pitched camp, ate, and then slept. The morning brought a complete change. The sun was shining, the skies were blue and clear, and the wind had dropped. After packing up, we set out with lighter hearts for the main road which runs along the side of Loch Ness. This proved a very pleasant ride, the open scenery contrasting strangely with the rugged splendour of Glen Shiel. L. D. D. (Class III p).

An Anecdote.

P

Although I was born in China and spent six of the happiest years of my life there, I regret now that I did not take more notice of what was going on around me. Perhaps the reason for this was that I took all the strange scenes and customs for granted, having known no others. Now my chief delight is to listen to my father recounting tales of the peculiar natures of the Chinese, of which he has had a wide experience. Here is an anecdote of his which never fails to arouse my interest, and perhaps some readers may derive some amusement from it as well. At the time with which this story deals, my father was chief officer on a ship which was lying one day in the river at Canton. As he was leaning over the rail, a peculiar sight met his eyes, a sight for which he could find no explanation whatever, despite his knowledge of the Chinese. There, in the river, alongside the ship, was lying a Chinese fishing-boat. These boats are long and narrow, and are divided into compartments through which a continual flow of water is allowed to pass by means of holes in the sides which may be stopped with corks. Into these compartments the fish are put when caught, and can live easily in the constant flow of water. In a boat of this description he beheld two men, one of whom held in his hands a pair of scales and was weighing out fish and casting them into the river, while the other was jotting down some notes in a small book. Interested in this sight, he determined to discover the motive for this apparently stupid and motiveless transaction. He summoned the quartermaster, a Chinaman, but could gain no information from him. Then he sought the second cornpradore, also a Chinaman. Now the second compradore is the man who is supposed to have most sense, but even he could only scratch his head and murmur in his quaint pidgin-English, " Me belong Canton man, before-time no have see." My father,


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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

however, asked him to find out all he could about the matter and return and tell him. This he was willing enough to do. After a few minutes he returned and told this amazing tale. " Not this man, this man master," he said, " have donee something wrong, me no savvy what, perhaps he stealee something, perhaps he killee some man. He plenty hot inside, no can eat, no can sleep. He makee this man come buy fish and puttee them back in water : then he sleep." As you may well imagine, my father was very surprised at this tale, for certainly the man was seeking a strange way of relieving his conscience. His thoughts, however, were interrupted by the voice of his informant, giving the laconic criticism, " He belong fool 1" My father heartily agreed with this remark, but was surprised to find that it was to the place in which the fish were being released that the compradore was taking exception. " Supposee wauchee lettee fish go, takee up Maces Fort, lettee go there." Macas Fort was a point two miles down stream. Naturally, my father asked why this should be done, and received the following astonishing answer. " Supposee lettee fish go here, fish no go 'way. Fish long time in small place, no savvy can go more far 1 " When my father told him impatiently that he was a bigger fool than the conscience-stricken Chinaman, he put forward a most amazing argument. " Supposee, master, you standee up, eh 1 you turnee roundee —roundee—roundee, eh ! by' n' by your savvy-box belong crazy, you fall down. Fish belong same." It was not unnatural that my father disagreed violently with this idea. The other, however, assured him that the beggarboats, on the look-out for anything likely to prove profitable, • would appear on the scene when the fishing-boat was out of sight, and recapture the fish—surely a far-fetched assertion. Yet that was exactly what happened. When the fishing-boat went away, beggar-boats came out, and letting down a long bamboo, bristling with hooks, floated down with the stream, and hooked those fish by head, fins, tail, anywhere 1 This anecdote shows the stupidity and the astuteness of the Chinaman in startling contrast. The stupidity shown in the way in which the conscience-stricken one sought solace is as amazing as the knowledge by which the Chinamen knew that the fish would not swim away when released. The Chinese character is a very interesting study, and I hope the glimpse which this anecdote gives of it will prove of interest to readers and encourage those who have the opportunity to come to a more intimate understanding of a very fine people. X. Y. Z.


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

2 35

Lines on the Present Decadence of Poetry, I think poetic feeling must be dead. Nor is this empty raillery ; for I Shall soon explain what leads me thus to think. " Out, out, brief candle," thus spoke Shakespeare. But " Out, out, electric bulb," is not so good. Judge for yourself. And then take Thomas Gray : " Behold where Dryden's less presumptuous car Wide o'er the fields of glory bear. . . ." With that Compare : " Why, look at M-- in his Austin 71 " You'd think he owned the road! " What bathos, t' Ili! Or, if you doubt me still, take Milton, now ; He set a fine example, yet brings in " His mantle hairy and his bonnet sedge Inwrought with figures dim, and on the edge, Like to that sanguine flower inscribed with woe . . . Enough! I ask you, could a poet write, " His fifty-shilling suit and bowler new Were wrought in richest mourning of a hue Of awe-inspiring black " ? No! poetry's dead— Unless—ahl well—I'd better have a try Here goes—a Sonnet on a Beef Steak Pie.

Envoi. O savoury nectar, flowing in the dish In company with tenderest cooked meat! Bovine ambrosia,. culinary treat] Thou satisfiest the gourmand's highest wish. Come to my starving soul, as fly to fish, My pencil quivers, and my pulses beat E'en as I think of thee. I take my seat. I scorn the soup, the savoury, every dish. Excepting thee, the peak of man's desire, Worthy of pxan sung by angel choir, Glorious result of Vulcan's art of fire! Give me no wreath of laurel black, No golden scroll, that is not what I lack ; My true reward's a nice cut off the back. B. J. FIDDES (CL. IV.).


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Aberdeen Grammar School MagaTine

A True Story of Africa. A few years ago a judge, who is a friend of my parents, had to try a young native who was charged with murdering his uncle. This native told the following rather peculiar story, which, although it seemed quite improbable, was later proved to be true. " A few days ago my mother told me to prepare to carry on the vendetta with my uncle's family. Since my uncle had killed my father some time before, I was to avenge his death by killing this uncle. " ' How,' I asked my mother, ' am I, a mere boy, to kill my uncle, who is a grown man ? " " ' Go to the witch-doctor,' she answered, ' and he will tell you what to do.' " The next day I went to the witch-doctor and he told me to go at six o'clock to the cross-roads just outside the village. There I would find a hollow tree in which he told me to hide until a leopard came along, which I was to follow. It would lead me to my uncle who, in the meantime, having heard I was preparing to carry on the vendetta, had fled. " All came to pass as the witch-doctor had prophesied, and I followed the leopard. For a whole day the leopard led me among the hills, and, as I went, I found traces of recent camps, showing that my uncle had passed that way. " The following night, as I was just about to give up my quest and admit defeat, I saw the gleam of a tiny camp-fire and knew I had found my uncle ; but, as I watched him, I noticed that, according to the native custom, he had placed a ring of dry banana leaves round his camp—the skins are used to warn natives of the approach of any wild animals, for they crackle loudly when they are touched—which made my approach impossible. ' As I watched, I noticed that the leopard had disappeared, but in a few moments I saw it behind my uncle. The leopard walked quietly up to the banana leaves and touched them with its paw. When my uncle turned round to see what had made the noise, I was able to run up and kill him." When the court heard this story, the case was adjourned pending investigations. Later the truth of the young native's story was proved conclusively. T. G. M.


Aberdeen Grammar School F.P. Club Boarding House Co., Ltd. GRAMMAR

SCHOOL

HOUSE,

8 QUEEN'S ROAD, ABERDEEN

The House is fitted with the most modern appliances, and the accommodation includes large common room, light and airy dormitories, and ample lavatories and bathrooms. The Company have their own Hard Tennis Courts (3) and a large Playground adjacent to the House. The House can now accommodate from 45 to 50 Boarders and there are still some vacancies Fees, €90 per annum exclusive of School Fees. House Master—

Matron—

Mr. J. S. M. EDD1SON, M.A.

Miss C. M. R. MAVOR.

Assistant House Master— Mr. WILLIAM P. STEWART, M.A. For Application Forms and further particulars apply to the Secretary, Mr. JAMES C. DUFFUS, Advocate, 7 Golden Square, Aberdeen


12arqaret's School for Girls (Incorporated)

ALBYN PLACE, ABERDEEN. Head Mistress: Miss M. E. HOLLAND, M.A.Cantab. (Classical Tripos). Chairman of tb• School Council: E. W. WArr, Esq., Lord Provost of Aberdeen.

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 cleEtive Council of prominent citizens, on lines similar to those of well-known Girls' Schools in other parts of Scotland. The School Rands in its own grounds in the beet part of the City of Aberdeen, and in all respe&s 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 chara&er 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 or to train for a career.

S

SCHOOL BOARDING HOUSES. The School has two Boarding Houses, Nos. 6 and 7 Queen's Gardens (close to the Grammar School Boarding House in Queen's Road) for Senior Girls, and special accommodation for Junior Boarders (girls and little boys) is provided at 15 Albyn Place. These are very commodious, well-appointed Modern Houses, in which Boarders are provided with the comforts of home, and given ample opportunity both for quiet study and for the social side of life. Complete charge taken during holidays if desired. The Head Mistress is in residence at the Senior House. SPECIAL NOTICE.—The School has now taken over 15 Albyn Place, and the Preparatory Department will be moved there in September. A Nursery Class for children under five will also be started in September under the charge of a fully-trained Nursery School Mistress. Information as to Fees, Entrance Scholarships, Courses of Study, etc., is given in the Prospe&us, which may be had on application to the HEAD MISTRESS, 17 ALBYN PLACE, ABERDEEN.


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

237

School 1st XI Matches. 29th April—v. Games Master's XI, at Rubislaw. SCHOOL. H. S. Cardno b Innes . 16 . 0 C.Clark b Robertson • 65 J. W. M'Kenzie b Innes . . 0 D. R. Macgregor b Dickie W. D. Allardice b Park . • 13 P. Hill b. Innes . . . W. H. Hay b Innes . . 5 . IO J. C. Lightbody b Dickie . J. Black c Park b Blackhall . i A. Wardle not out . . • 13 H. H. Thomson b Inns . . 6 •

Extras

Total

Games Master's

• •

.

13

.143

it, all out.

1st May—v. Aboyne, at Aboyne. SCHOOL. H. S. Cardno c Coutts b Philip . 29 J. C. Lightbody c Nicol b Littlejohn . . . .. .. oo R. F. Buthlay b Argo J. W. McKenzie lbw Philip . 14 D. Allardice c Still b Middleton . 7 D. R. Macgregor b Argo . 9 J. Black b Middleton . . 1 C. Clark c Coutts b Philip . 8 A. Wardle c and b Argo . . o W. H. Hay c Coutts b Philip . 8 H. H. Thomson not out . • 3 Extras . . z •

Total

. 81

Aboyne—too for 5.

For School, H. H. Thomson had 3 for 26; H. S. Cardno, 3 for 36 ; J. W. McKenzie, 2 for 27 ; and A. Wardle, 2 for 14.

For School, H. H. Thomson had z for 23; J. Black, a for zo ; and I-I. S. Cardno, T for 14.

8th May—v. Dundee High School, at Dundee. SCHOOL. H. S. Cardno c & b Cameron 5 J. C. Lightbody c Lawson b . . 3 . Cameron . R. S. France c Lawson b Cameron 5 J. W. McKenzie c Pearson b Lawson D. Allardice ht wkt b Lawson 15 J. Black b Cameron . . . 14 D. R. Macgregor c Philip b . 16 . . . Lawson . . I C. Clark lbw Lawson . it C. Cruickshank not out . . . o A. Wardle b Bruce . E. Gauld not out . • . 4 Extras . 5

11th May—v. Gordonians, at Rubislaw. SCHOOL. H. S. Canino c Findlay b Kcay 9 J. C. Lightbody c Mathieson b Keay . . . . 0 . R. S. France b Findlay • II J. W. McKenzie not out . I2 D. Allardice c Collet b Findlay 14 R. F. Buthlay c Prosser b Mathieson . . . D. R. Macgregor c Mathieson b Prosser . • 3 C. Clark not out . o C. R. Cruickshank, G. B. C. Sangster, and E. A. Gauld did not bat.

Total for 9 wkts.

Total for 6 wkts.

• 94

Extras

.

-5

. 61

Dundee High School --i4 for 8.

Gordonians—iot for 3.

S. Cardno had 3 for For School, 31 ; D. R. Macgregor, 4 for 7 ; and J. W. M'Kenzie, 1 for zz.

For School, H. S. Cardno had z for z9; and J. W. McKenzie, 1 for at.


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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

i 5th May—v. Aberdeenshire, at Mannofield. Hunt, the Aberdeenshire professional, played for School. SCHOOL. . 1 . Hunt c & b Beverley . 6 H. S. Cardno b M`Kirdy . R. S. France b Mortimer . • 3 . 2 J. W. McKenzie b Catto . . 2 W. D. Allardice b M`ICirdy D. R. Macgregor c Catto b Davidson . . • • 4 . 7 J. C. Lightbody b Davidson C. Clark s Glen-Campbell b Mellis 2 H. H. Thomson s Glen-Campbell . o . . b Davidson . C. R. Cruickshank c Robertson b . 13 . Copland . . . E. A. Gauld not out . 3 . Extras . . 7

-

. 50 . . Total Aberdeenshire-208 for 4 declared. For School, Hunt had 2 for 45 ; and H. H. Thomson, i for 52.

i Sth May—v. Balmoral, at Rubislaw. SCHOOL. . . 7 H. S. Cardno b Jaffray . 6 R. S. France lbw Jaffray . J. W. McKenzie lbw Mackay . 2 . 9 W. D. Allardice b Jaffray . D. R. Macgregor c & b Sutherland . . . 41 . 7 J. Black c Petrie b Mackay . . I5 J. C. Lightbody c & b Reid . . . 0 C. Clark not out . 5 C. R. Cruickshank not out

.

H. H. Thomson and E. A. Gauld did not bat. Extras

.

• 2 • 94 -

Total for 7 wkts. Balmoral-8z all out. For School, H. S. Cardno had 5 for 37 ; J. W. McKenzie, 3 for 19 ; and H. H. Thomson, 1 for i 6.

22nd May—v. Kingseat, at Kingseat. SCHOOL. . 6i C. R. Cruickshank s Salter b Catto T . H. S. Cardno not out H. H. Thomson s Salter b Dr. R. S. France c Whyte b Dr. . 0 . . Johnstone . . 2 . . Johnstone . E. A. Gauld c Whyte b Dr. J. W. McKenzie b Dr. Johnstone 14 . . Johnstone . . o 3 W. D. Allardice run out . . . 0 . Extras D. R. Macgregor c & b Dr. . . o Johnstone . . . Total . . 90 J. C. Lightbody c Salter b Dr. . . 6 Kingseat-94 for 7. Johnstone . . J. Black b Catto . . For School, H. H. Thomson had 4 C. Clark c & b Dr. Johnstone . for 39 ; and H. S. Cardno, 3 for 16. a

-

24th May—School v. School Staff, at Rubislaw. SCHOOL. SCHOOL STAFF. H. S. Cardno c J. Milne b A. J. M. Edwards lbw Thomson 22 Edwards . . . . o • 33 A. G. Baxter lbw Thomson W. T. H. Hay b Edwards . . 2 . 4 W. W. Dickic b Thomson . o C. McLennan c Thomson b R. S. France lbw Edwards. J. W. McKenzie b Edwards . . i Cardno . . • 3 W. D. Allardice lbw Edwards . 2 W. P. Stewart c Hay b Thomson o . 4 D. R. Macgregor b Park . . . 7 A. Milne b Cardno . . z I. M. Park lbw Cardno . P. Hill c Park b Edwards . . 14 J. C. Lightbody c Park b Edwards o J. M. Eddison not out . . zo J. Black not out . t . • • 4 J. I. W. Milne b Thomson C. R. Cruickshank c Park b Dickie o W. Lawrie b Thomson . . o . H. H. Thomson c Baxter b Dickie o D. Macgregor not out . 3 Extras . . . 14 Extras . 2 . — . 69 Total . . Total for 9 wkts. . 69 For School, H. H. Thomson had 6 For Staff, A. J. M. Edwards had 7 for zz ; W. W. Dickie, z for 16 for 24 ; and H. S. Cardno, 3 for 31. and I. M. Park, 1 for 17.

-


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- £22.000,000

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The

Aberdeen Steam Navigation Company, Limited The finely-equipped passenger-carrying vessels of this Company, " LOCHNAGAR " and " ABERDONIAN," give a service of two sailings each week (from Aberdeen and London every Wednesday and Saturday), June to September inclusive, affording the cheapest, healthiest, and most enjoyable means of travel. The accommodation for both First and Second Cabin Passengers is very superior. The ordinary passage lasts about 36 hours. Passengers who wish to do so may sleep on board in London at the following extra cost—Bed and Breakfast, 1st Cabin, 7/6 ; 2nd Cabin, 5/-. In addition to the usual accommodation, a limited number of Cabins-de-Luxe on the " LOCHNAGAR " can be booked at slightly increased Fares. There are Dining Saloons for Second Cabin Passengers on each vessel, and a Stewardess is carried in both First and Second Cabins. The Company's Tender "ICH DIEN" carries passengers free of charge between Westminster Pier and the Company's Wharf at Limehouse—a most instructive and enjoyable run. Meals are of excellent quality, and every passenger may rely on receiving perfect attention and courtesy. Full particulars of Sailings with Lists of Fares will be furnished and passages booked on application to

EDWARD J. SAVAGE, Manager, 87 Waterloo Quay, Aberdeen. Telephone No. 7.


PALACE HOTEL ABERDEEN The Premier Hotel in Aberdeen

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The Palace Hotel is the recognised rendezvous in the City for Private Luncheons, Dinners, Weddings, Dances, etc., to which special attention is given.

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=

Man and his

Clothes He has a certain amount of pride in the way he dresses. He endeavours to keep smart, but perhaps finds it rather a struggle at times. To buy a new Suit or Coat every season is out of the question. What is the solution to his problem ?

Having them revived and restored by the Gordon Cleaning Company. 434 Union St. Aberdeen

Send for a complete Price List, and see what you will save if you " Send them to Huntly."

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Cleaners and Dyers, HUNTLY 'Phone - 69


Aberdeen Granmar School Magazine

139

27th May—v. Gordon's College, at Rubislaw. GORDON'S COLLEGE. SCHOOL. D. P. Fox c Clark b Thomson . 27 H. S. Cardno c Low b Youngson 7 . . T T. Manley run out . W. T. H. Hay b Wood . . o F. Findlay b Thomson . . t J. W. McKenzie c Fox b YoungH. Crow c Black b Cardno . o son . . . . . II W. Johnstone c Lightbody b W. D. Allardice c Youngson b Cardno . . . Fox . . . . . 9 • 34 N. Greenhowe b Cardno . . 5 D. R. Macgregor b Wood . . t J. M. Watt b Cardno . . t J. C. Lightbody c Johnston b G. W. Youngson not out . . 26 Wood . . . • 5 L. Low b Thomson . . . o J. Black lbw Wood . . . 2 J. A. S. Coutts c & b McKenzie 6 R. S. France lbw Findlay . • 7 J. H. Wood c Clark b Thomson o C. Clark b Wood . • . 1 H. H. Thomson not out • 5 A. Wardle b Wood . • • 9 Extras Extras . • 5 • 9 •

Total . . . 106 For Gordon's College, J. H. Wood had 6 for 16 ; G. W. Youngson, 2 for t5 ; F. Findlay, i for tz ; and D. P. Fox, 1 for 14.

Total . . . 66 For School, H. H. Thomson had 4 for 32 ; H. S. Cardno, 4 for 50 ; J. W. McKenzie, 1 for x8.

29th May—v. Dundee High School, at Rubislaw. SCHOOL. H. S. Cardno c Pearson b Lawson to W. T. H. Hay c Lawson b Elder 4 J. W. McKenzie b Elder . . 12 D. R. Macgregor b Lawson . 6 W. D. Allardice c Smith b Elder 4 J. Black c Philip b Elder . . 2 R. S. France c Pearson b Lawson a J. C. Lightbody b Elder . . 4 C. Clark b Lawson . . . 2 A. Wardle c Bruce b Lawson . 8 H. H. Thomson not out . . o

5th June—v. Strathallan, at Forgandenny. SCHOOL. H. S. Cardno b Lebum . . z5 W. T. H. Hay b Lebum . . 2 J. W. McKenzie b Taylor 4 W. D. Allardice c Ritchie b Taylor . • • . 7 D. R. Macgregor b Steele . . 5 J. Black b Taylor • 6 J. C. Lightbody b Steele • • 34 R. S. France lbw Taylor • • I C. Clark b Taylor . • 7 A. Wardle b Steele . • 3 H. H. Thomson not out . • 1 Extras . . • 9

Extras

3

Total • 57 Dundee High School-49. For School, H. H. Thomson had 6 for to runs; H. S. Cardno, z for 22 ; and J. W. McKenzie, 1 for 6. •

H. S. Cardno . J. W. McKenzie . W. T. H. Hay C. R. Cruickshank A. Wardle . D. R. Macgregor

. Total . .104 Strathallan, 117 for 3, declared. For School, H. H. Thomson had 1 for 42 ; J. W. McKenzie, z for 47.

rat XI Batting Averages. No. of Times Total Innings. not out. Runs. . I2 I 216 12 1 176 7 — 99 2 30 S I 7 34 I2 to6 * Signifies not out. •

• •

Highest Score. 61* 65 76 13 13

Average. 19.64 16 14.14 to 8.25 8.o8


2

40

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

H. H. Thomson . . A. Wardle . . H. S. Cardno J. W. McKenzie .

1st XI Bowling Averages. Overs. Maidens. Runs. 113.3 288 32 2 18 42 385 29 132 68 241 7 • •

Wickets. 31 3 25 13

Average. 9. 29 14 15.4 18.5

House Notes. Byron House. At a meeting in March, D. R. Macgregor was elected Captain of Cricket and Athletics, while R. S. France and N. I. W. Meldrum were elected the respective Vice-Captains. At the moment of writing two cricket games have been played, against Melvin and Keith, but Dun have yet to be met. Against Melvin the ist XI gained a decisive victory. We batted first and scored 64 runs, but Melvin were dismissed for 4o odd runs. Against Keith the ist XI lost a very thrilling game by one run I But for the fact that we had five men absent, owing to the Bursary Competition, Byron might have won this game. The znd XI, although narrowly beaten by Melvin, scored a good victory over Keith. Byron did very well at the School Swimming Sports, and held the lead all through the Sports until the last event. This was the relay race, and not until this was over did Byron drop into third place. C. Hall of Byron is to be congratulated on winning the Rector's Cup. At the physical display on znd June, the House relay teams gave a fair account of themselves, but it was by no means good enough. We gained one first, two seconds, and one fourth from the four races, which were all very closely contested. At this display, however, our reputation fur athletics rather fell away, and it is to be sincerely hoped that by the time of the publication of this issue, Byron will have come out top at the Athletic Sports. Of late Byron House critics have been predicting the fall of our House in the sessions to come. Byron has had its turn, they say, and the other I-louses must come to the fore. I would, therefore, make a very strong appeal to the younger members of the House : an appeal that they should do all in their power to bring Byron every possible success in the future. D. R. MACGREGOR, House Captain.

Dun House. Before reviewing the events of this Term, I take this opportunity of offering congratulations to H. S. Cardno and H. H. Thomson on gaining their rst XI colours. Dun has so far been very successful in cricket. The ist XI has won both of the two matches played, against Keith and Melvin. Largely owing to the bowling of Cardno and Thomson, Keith were all out for 34, and Dun passed this total without much difficulty. The innings was declared closed when the score stood at 84 for 6 wickets. Hay (28) and Cardno (zo) were top scorers. The same two bowlers, Cardno and Thomson, dismissed Melvin for the low total of 73. Dun won the match without the loss of a wicket, and went .on to score 136 all out. Hay, Cardno, Russell and Mercer all batted well. The znd XI had no difficulty in winning both its matches. A shortage of swimmers was responsible for Dun's rather poor display in the Swimming Sports. Only 8 points were scored, but it may be mentioned that this shows a considerable improvement on last year's total. We should be more successful when some of the younger boys come up the School. At the time of writing, the Athletic Sports have not yet commenced.


School Cricket 1st XI—Season 1937.

), J. C. Lighthuti), C. A. Clark, J. II. 1): black, A. W. Wardle, R. S. France, W. T. H. flay. Front Ron—D. R. Macgregor, W. D. Allardice, J. W. McKenzie (Captain), H. S. Cardno, IL H. Thomson.

13m,k. Icon -- .\1r. ll. .Macg,R.g‘m-


School Prefects—June 1937.

)3acA Rou-11. i I. 1 hoinson, . H. Nic(..,..O,t an, R. I 1.incc, J. C. Ligh:body. 1. W. Me'drum, D. R. Macgregor, A. C. R. Watt (Senior Prefeee), J. W. McKenzie, A. H. Bruce. Row—N. front


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

241

In previous years Dun has always put up a good fight for the championship, and if we are to do so again, the support of every member of Dun House will be required. Given this, 1 feel sure that Dun will attain the standard of other years and live up to its traditions. J. W. hicKENzIE, House Captain. b

Keith House. At a meeting of the House, held in April, the following officials were elected for office during the Summer Term :—Captain of Cricket, R. G. C. Smith ; Vice-Captain, R. A. D. Lindsay ; Captain of Athletics, A. W. Lindsay. So far this season we have played two House matches. In the first, against Dun, the ist XI were defeated rather heavily, while the znd XI fared no better. In the second match, against Byron House, the ist XI played magnificently. In a game which had all the thrills of a " county " game, they snatched a dramatic victory by the very narrow margin of one run. The and XI, however, again suffered defeat, this time by 23 runs. At the Annual Swimming Gala, Keith swimmers excelled themselves and did very well to win the House Championship. Chief credit goes to L. M. Shutte, who tied for the School Championship, and to J. Wyncss and R. R. Melville for their admirable efforts. The Athletic Sports have still to be held and our outlook is uncertain, but 1 feel confident that every member of the House will do his utmost to enable Keith to maintain the high prestige in athletics that it has always enjoyed. On the whole the House has had quite a successful session in each of the inter-House activities. Let us hope that in ensuing years Keith will continue to be regarded as a serious contender for the House Trophy. A. H. BRUCE, HMV Captain.

Melvin House.

p

At a meeting held at the beginning of the Term the following officials were elected :—Captain of Cricket, W. D. Allardice ; Vice-Captain of Cricket, J. C. Lightbody ; Captain of Athletics, R. Porter. Our cricket this season has not been very successful, since in the two games played ist XI have lost both, while the znd XI have lost one and won one. In the first game, which was against Byron, the ist XI put Byron out for 64, due mainly to very fine bowling by R. M. Eddie. In reply, however, we could only score 32. The znd XI won by a narrow margin. In the second game we were even less successful, since our Captain and half of the ist XI were unable to play. In this game Dun defeated us by a large margin. The and XI were also thoroughly beaten. In the Swimming Sports we were much more successful, gaining second place. Most credit for gaining this place goes to our Swimming Captain, R. G. Jones, whose swimming was really excellent, and also to our relay team, who won the inter-House relay race. This session has been very successful for Melvin House. At rugby and swimming we have done quite well, while at cricket we have acquitted ourselves with credit considering the youthfulness of our teams. In the inter-House relay races held at the School display on znd June, Melvin did exceedingly well, winning three of the four races and being third in the Senior race. In conclusion, I hope that in future years all members of the House will continue to maintain the fine traditions which the I-Iouse has always had in School sport activities, and moreover, to do their best to regain the coveted House Trophy, which has been out of our possession for so long. J. C. LIGHTBODY, Horse Captain.


242

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Scout Notes. The four Scout Troops have each had a most successful term. On Coronation Day, when Scouts throughout the Empire were selling copies of the Official Souvenir Programme, several members of the School Troops did this act of service in Aberdeen, while some also took part in the Scoutcraft display at Pittodrie. Most Scouts, however, were helping in another item of the Coronation Tattoo—the School Gymnastic Display. Previous to this, all the Troops held camps during the Easter holidays, despite inclement weather. The sat were at their Clinterty Hut for one week and they were followed by the 38th, who spent the second week in the same place. This latter camp was under the able charge of P.L. P. S. Boyd. The adverse weather failed to dishearten the enthusiastic Scouts at both these camps. The 9th returned for the eleventh successive year to the grounds of Dunecht House. As usual, football games were played against the estate gardeners, but the supremacy of the local worthies was not disturbed. The sat of April was not forgotten at this camp, when one juvenile Scout was sent in quest of " elbow-grease." The Dunecht shopkeepers acted with really surprising good sense and sent the unfortunate youth from shop to shop until a kind-hearted lady eventually disillusioned him. The 17th again spent a week at the Curling Club Hut at Braemar, where conditions during most of their stay were very bad—all the roads from the village being blocked by snow. One day, however, was spent skiing on Morrone, and by the end of the week the weather had sufficiently improved to enable the scouts to cycle to the Linn of Dee and spend another day in skiing on the slopes beside the Deny Lodge road. No necks were broken, but shirts and trousers suffered from the abortive efforts to turn at speed. The Annual County Flag Competition was held at Templars' Park on Sunday, 3oth May. The 9th Troop won the coveted flag for the second successive year, and the winning patrol, led by P.L. Harold M. R. Watt, seconded by J. A. N. Watt, deserve our hearty congratulations. The 17th, led by Ninian Mackie and Charles Coutts, also distinguished themselves by being joint runners-up. It may be of interest to readers to know that since this competition was started about fifteen years ago, the 9th have won it six times and the 17th three. The 1st Troop are continuing to flourish under S.M. Alistair Halliday. P.L. J. Bowman and Second A. Calder must be congratulated on gaining the First Class Badge, King's Scout Badge, and All Round Chords. Since the last " Scout Notes " appeared, the following promotions have been made : Second Davidson to P.L. and Scout Calder to Second. For the 9th this term has been distinguished by the winning of the County Flag and the presentation of the Bethune Shield. This award was handed over to the Sea Scout Patrol Leader, David W. Mathieson, by Mr. Milner, the Acting County Commissioner, who heartily congratulated the winning patrol. Meetings have been very well attended, and the usual Bridge of Don Meeting, conducted by patrol leaders, was a great success. The Troop has recently lost its senior A.S.M., R. A. S. Watt, who has had to resign owing to the imminence of examinations. He served through all the ranks of the Pack and the Troop during a period of eight years. The 9th Pack has now Miss Ella Robertson as its Cubmistress, and we feel sure that, after the difficulties of several changes in leadership, the Pack will flourish under her guidance and retain the high prestige which has always attended the 9th Cubs. Almost immediately after her appointment, the Pack were placed second in the Totem Pole Competition. This success indeed augurs well. The fourth of our School Troops, the 38th, now numbers twenty-two Scouts and it has enjoyed a very successful term. Most of the younger Scouts are busily occupied with second-class badges, while some of the older ones have tried proficiency badges. The Troop was recently visited by the new District Commissioner, Mr. Ian Shinnie, formerly of the t7th. To


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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

243

him we extend a cordial welcome on his return to Scouting circles in Aberdeen. All Scouts are now eagerly looking forward to the first fortnight of July, when, as usual, the four Troops will be under canvas. The ist are to be at the favourite site at Castle Forbes, while the 9th are visiting a new area in Speyside. They are to be in a very beautiful spot near Nethybridge. From the site, we believe, very fine views of the Caimgorms can be had. The 17th, after much thought and discussion, have again decided to go south. Last year they were at Edzell, but this year's site is further off still, at Tannadice. The field has been twice inspected and reported on favourably both times. Among the many attractions there is an indoor swimming pool for use in wet weather. The 38th are going to Inver. To all the Troops we wish the best possible weather and a thoroughly enjoyable holiday.

Rambling and Mountaineering Club. The Club is now firmly established, with a large and enthusiastic membership in the School. The following gentlemen have kindly agreed to become Patrons of the Club :—Lord Provost Watt, Dr. Henry Alexander, Dr. D. P. Levack (President of the Cairngorm Club), Mr. J. A. Parker, Mr. FL D. Welsh, and the Rector. The first excursion of the dub was held on 1st May. The members met at the Bridge of Dec and cycled to Strachan by the South Decside Road and the Bridge of Feugh. Bicycles were left at the junction of the Cairn o' Mount road and the road to Whitestone. From that point the party made rapid progress and was soon on the ridge which runs up to Mount Shade (I,66o ft.). Having arrived there, the party broke into two—one division ascending Mount Shade, while the other descended the west side of the ridge and followed the valley straight to Clochnaben. Both parties met at the top. The view from the summit was fair—the surrounding hills being quite visible, but those further off obscured by mist. We did, however, see the sea towards Montrose. The party descended to Glen Dye Lodge. Several members bathed in a very fine pool above the Lodge. The evening was very sunny and fine, both for basking and cycling. The journey to Banchory (6 miles) took twenty minutes. We returned to Aberdeen by the North road. The total cycling distance was 47 miles. The Club's second excursion, to Lochnagar, took place on t3th May, during the Coronation holiday. We travelled by bus to the Spital of Glenmuick, and began the ascent in very sunny weather from Allt-na-guibhsaich. There were occasional patches of snow all the way up, but nothing considerable until we had crossed the ridge between Cuidhe Crom and the Meikle Pap. Here four of the party turned aside up the Ladder, and the remaining twenty-one traversed a snow-covered slope above the loch and proceeded up the Black Spout. The views from the slope and from the Spout were very fine, as the clefts in the rocks were still full of snow. The climb up the Spout was very enjoyable. The snow was everywhere soft enough for steps to be kicked, and we experienced no difficulty save in negotiating a cornice at the top. Even this was easier than it had appeared from below. The descent was made by way of the Glassalt, which was covered with snow for quite a distance. Some of the party bathed in the pool below the falls aid rolled with great abandon on a patch of snow. From the falls we descended to the Glassalt Shieling, followed the road along the side of Loch Muick and crossed over to the Spital, where the bus was waiting for us.


Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

244

School Office-Bearers for Session 1936-1937. Prefects. A. C. R. WArr (Senior Prefect). J. C. LIGHTBODY. H. H. Ttiomsox. W. B. McGowAN. R. S. FRANCE.

D. R. MACGREGOR. J. W. MCKENZIE. N. I. W. MELDRUM. A. H. BRUCE.

House Captains. Keith. Byron. D. R. MACGREGOR. I J. W. MCKENZIE. I A. H. BRUCE. I Dun.

Melvin. J. C. LIGHTBODY.

Games Committee. THE RECTOR. THE GAMES MASTER. A. J. M. SIMPSON. A. H. BRUCE. G. C. WARRACK. J. C. LIGHTBODY. H. S. CARDNO. R. R. MELVILLE. H. H. THOMSON. C. R. CRUICKSHANK.

D. R. MACGREGOR. J. W. MCKENZIE. N. I. W. MELDRUM. W. D. ALLARDICE.

Captain

-

-

President Hon. Secretary and Treasurer

Rugby Football. Vice-Captain I

-

D. R. MACGREGOR.

Captain -

J. W. MCKENZIE.

N. I. W. MELDRUM.

Cricket.

W. D. ALLARDICE.

Vice-Captain

I

Swimming. J. WYNESS.

Captain

Athletics. Captain

-

I

D. R. MACGREGOR.

Vice-Captain

-

D. G. M. COVEY.

Secretary -

-

- A. H. BRUCE.

Tennis. Captain

W. D. ALLARDICE.

I

Rambling and Mountaineering Club. - A. C. R. WArr. - R. J. ANDERSON. - N. MACKIE. -

President Vice-President Secretary and Treasurer

Literary and Debating Society. - A. C. R. WATT. - N. I. W. MELDRUM, R. G. C. SMITH. - N. MACKIE.

President Vice-Presidents Secretary and Treasurer President Vice-President Secretary Hon. Conductor

-

-

Dramatic Society. -

H. H. THOMSON. A. W. CHRISTIE. E. M. JACK.

Orchestral Society. - MR. G. E. FALCONER, A.R.C.M. -

" Magazine " Committee—School Representatives. (N. MACKIE. School Editors _ I A. C. R. WArr. _DR . R. MACGREGOR. Sports Editor -


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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

245

The Former Pupils' Club. Founded 1893. President : PATRICK ASHLEY COOPER, B.A., LL.B. Vice-President and Chairman of Executive : J. PATRICK JEFFREY, B.Sc., C.A. Secretary and Treasurer : THEODORE WArr, M.A., The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen. Secretaries of Centres : London Centre—W. ALLAN LAING, 78 Corringway, Ealing, W.5 Glasgow Centre—H. G. EDWARDS, 43 Marlborough Ave., W. r. Edinburgh Centre.—J. L. DUNCAN, LL.B., Ph.D., 33 Great King Street, Edinburgh, 3. Secretaries of Sections : Cricket Section—J. B. THOMSON, 8 Pitstruan Place. Hockey Section—IAN S. THomsoN, to Ruthrieston Terrace. Rugby Section—J. S. MACLACHLAN, 39 Belgrave Terrace. Tennis and Badminton Sections—IAN C. MARSHALL, 63 Beaconsfield Place. Rates of Subscription for Membership : . . . Membership Life • . 5 5 o Ordinary Membership— For those under zx years of age at commence. o z 6 ment of Club year (1st January) . O 5 0 For those of as years of age and upwards .

Visitors' Register It cannot be too widely known among members of the Club that a Visitors' Register is kept at the School under the charge of the Rector's Secretary, and during the School vacations under the charge of the Janitor. Members who are paying a visit to Aberdeen are urged to go to the School as early as possible and sign the Register. If they do this, the Register will become a complete and up-to-date record of the visits of F.P.s ; and members of the Club, when signing the Register, will see who are the other visitors, and will doubtless be able to get into touch with some " exiles " whom, perhaps, they have been trying to find, or whom they have not heard about for a long time. The Secretary of the F.P. Club will be pleased if members from a distance visiting Aberdeen will, in addition to signing the Register at the School, pay him a call at The Rosemount Press. He is always delighted to be brought into personal touch with F.P.s.


246

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The F.P. Club Boarding House. As usual in the June issue of the Magazine a complete list is given below of the boys who have been resident in the Boarding House during the session. As was anticipated a year ago, the House has been absolutely full throughout the session, there being exactly fifty boarders in residence.

List of Boarders. ENTERED IN SESSION 1929-30. Charles Hall, s. of Charles J. Hall, c/o Messrs. Harrison & Crosfield, Quilon, Travancore.

Neil Mercer, s. of J. S. Mercer, Arcuttipore India.

,Silchar P.O., Cochar,

ENTERED IN SESSION 1931-32. Leslie Duncan Durno, s. of James Dumo (1900-or) Crichie, Inverurie. Eric Reid Mair Melvin, s. of William Melvin, Station Hotel, Ellon.

ENTERED IN SESSION 1932-33. Alexander C. Paul, s. of John W. Paul (1901-03), Bank, Market Street, Lion.

Denys James Witte, s. of Leslie J. Witts, Eastern Telegraph Co., Sliema, Malta.

ENTERED IN SESSION 1933-34. Ian Dunbar Innes, s. of Ian G. Innes (1905-08), M.D., 396 Anlaby Road, Hull.

Douglas Lamont Paul, s. of John W. Paul (isior-03), Bank, Market Street, Ellon.

Ian Bryson Taylor, s. of John C. Taylor (1904-06), c/o Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd., Tientsin, N. China.

Gordon Sinclair Elmslie, s. of Walter A. Elmslie (1904-so), H.M. Naval Base, Singapore.

Leonard J. Blackhall, s. of L. A. Blackhall, Hendra Estate, Songkai, Perak, F.M.S.

ENTERED IN SESSION i934-33. Ian Wilkison Kirton, s. of Dr. John Kirton, Oakbank, Fort Augustus. John Simmers Duguid, s. of Mrs. M. Duguid, Marchbank, Hatton. Ian Mackintosh Brooker, s. of James G. Brooker, Chota Koti, Cossipore, Calcutta.

Donald King Fiddes, s. of William O. Fiddes (1904-15), Nawng Pet Tin Ltd., Beach St., Penang, Straits Settlements.

Gordon Murray Paterson, s. of Andrew Paterson, Iraq State Railways, Baghdad.

Malcolm Paterson, s. of Andrew Paterson, Iraq State Railways, Baghdad. Henry Patrick Riches, s. of Henry Riches, 35 Albyn Place, Aberdeen. George Scott Grant, s. of George Grant, Glenfarclas, Blacksboat, Grantownon-Spey.

ENTERED IN SESSION 1933-36. John Peter Grant, s. of George Grant, Glenfarclas, Blacksboat, Grantownon-Spey.

James Andrew Sandilands Grant, s. of the late Dr. James A. S. Grant (1889-91) and of Mrs. G. B. Grant, Ythan Villa, Montrose.


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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

247

James Henderson Deas Black, s. of John Black, Auchmuty House, Markinch. Arthur Meldrum Murray, s. of Arthur J. Murray, 56 High Street, Montrose. Rognvald Garden Ritchie, s. of A. J. Ritchie, Bank House, New Pitsligo. Angus Vickers Petrie, s. of George A. McA. Petrie, Alleppey, Travancore, S. India. Donald M'Combie Grassick, J. of Alfred D. Grassick, Rosemount, Blairgowrie. David James Garden, s. of David S. Garden, M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H., 19 Plane&Id Road, Inverness. Lewis James Harper, s. of Lewis Harper, " Fembank," Insch. John Anderson McNicol, s. of R. C. A. McNicol, Knock, by Huntly. Ian Farquhar Ogilvie, s. of Ian E. Ogilvie, Meru, Ipoh, Perak, F.M.S. Rowand Gordon Chalmers Skinner, s. of Thomas C. Skinner, " Emsallah," Peterhead. Thomas Hill Buchan, s. of Captain J. I. Buchan, Governor's House, H.M. Prison, Peterhead. Robert Moir Eddie, s. of Dr. Robert William Eddie (1902-04), Monecht House, Echt. ENTERED IN SESSION 1936-37. Ian M. Cormack, s. of John Cormack, L.D.S., F.P.S., Station Hotel, Mintlaw. Alistair D. Fiddes, s. of Dr. John Douglas Fiddes (1896-1902), M.A., B.Sc., " Rubislaw," Hutton, Brentwood, Essex. Patrick Gordon, s. of Sidney Gordon, clo Bank of London and S. America, 7 Tokenhousc Yard, London, E.C. 2. William F. Jenkins, s. of Thomas Jenkins, Albert Quay, Aberdeen. Dennis T. L. Marr, s. of Edward G. Marr (1899-1901), c/o Bank of London and South America, 7 Tokenhousc Yard, London, E.C. 2. John C. Marr, s. of Edward G. Marr (1899-1901), c/o Bank of London and South America, 7 Tokenhouse Yard, London, E.C. z. Ian H. L. Murray, s. of Alexander Ross Murray (1903-13), c/o Drainage and Irrigation Department, Ipoh, F.M.S. Charles W. Peasland, s. of Albert G. Peasland, Bank of Montreal, Victoria, British Columbia, Allan J. Smith, s. of F. W. Smith, c/o P. & O. Banking Corporation, Ltd., 56 Esplanade Road, Bombay. John Tower Sorley, s. of Dr. John T. Sorley (1904-17), M.A., c/o A.D.M.S., Lagos, Nigeria. George S. Stephen, s. of James H. Stephen, East Mashers, St. Cyrus. Clyne R. B. Stewart, s. of C. G. Stewart, O.B.E., M.A., Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rangoon, Burma. Peter G. H. Younie, s. of John Younie, District and Session Judge, Sylhet, Assam. Roy Stephen, s. of Wm. D. C. Stephen, Box 1086, Salisbury, S. Rhodesia. Douglas A. Gordon Gray, s. of Douglas G. Gordon Gray, Dolok Estate, Lima Poeloeh, Sumatra, Dutch East Indies. Ronald G. Ross, s. of James G. Ross, Queen Hotel, Chester. Ian S. Watt, s. of Wm. Watt, Strathisla Estate, Ipoh, Perak, F.M.S.

F.P. Cricket Section. The Section this season has had mixed fortunes, the inevitable result of a small membership. Four of the last season's most valued members are not now available : J. L. Conner, Captain of the sat XI, who has been transferred by his firm to Coventry ; J. A. Innes, now playing for the County ; J. L. Bruce, who is with a London firm of chartered accountants ; and D. T. H. Russell, Captain of the znd XI, who will be in South Africa for a year or two. To date, however, it has been possible to fulfil the fixtures of both XIs. The 1st XI started badly, but has made a good


248

Aberdeen Grammar School Mascrine

recovery, which it seems quite capable of maintaining. Inverurie, North Church, and Crescent have all beaten it, the last-named in the Aberdeenshire Cup ; but victories over St. Ronald, St. Andrew's, Fluntly, and the unbeaten Woodside more than atone for these defeats. J. S. Manley, A. B. Mortimer, and R. P. Munro have all batted consistently well throughout the season ; of our bowlers, G. P. Marr has been in splendid form, with J. A. Donald and H. O. C. Cruickshank not far behind. The and XI so far has not done very well, but seems also to be improving. It was defeated by St. Ronald, by Crescent, and in the Reid Cup by Kemnay, but has beaten Westbum. It is hoped that the Section will maintain these improvements by an increase in membership from the School after June. J. B. T.

F.P. Rugby Section. The Annual General Meeting of the Section was held in the Rubislaw Field Pavilion on 26th April. The Honorary President, Lord Provost Watt, was in the chair, and, amongst others, the following office-bearers were elected for season 1937-38 : Hon. President, Lord Provost E. W. Watt ; Captain, G. A. Rowton ; Vice-Captain, D. A. G. Brander ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, J. S. MacLachlan, 39 Belgravc Terrace; Iion. Teams' Secretary, E. H. Still, 73 Devonshire Road. The Section has lost the services of several members who have obtained business appointments out of town, and it is hoped that those who are leaving School at this time will come forward and loin the Section. Three XVs are fielded each week, and the recruits will be assured of regular games. In addition to the local fixtures, games have been arranged with Watsonians, Hillhead H.S.F.P.s, St. Andrews University, Allan Glen s F.P.s., Montrose R.A.F., Moray, Montrose, and Cambridge Vandals. The subscription for playing members is Jos., including the Athletic Association fee of is. 6d. New members are requested to communicate with the Honorary Secretary. At the Annual General Meeting, the Lord Provost presented to Mr. Douglas Cochran, the retiring Secretary, a gold cigarette case from the members. He took the opportunity of expressing the appreciation of all present of the work done by Mr. Cochran for the Section and of wishing him every success in his new post in London. J. S. M.

List of New Members of the Club. LIFE MEMBERS. Fenton, Edward Wyllie (1895-1908), D.Sc., 16 Wilton Road, Edinburgh, 9' Jordan, Leslie Robert Dixon (1924-33), 8o Ashgrove Road West, Aberdeen. Reid, Edward Bimie (1902-13), C.A., 142 King's Gate, Aberdeen. Wilson, John (1923-30), 25 Colchester Drive, Pinner, Middlesex. ORDINARY MEMBERS. Murray (1925- Mollison, Wesley Croll (1930-33), Covey, David George c/o Messrs. Hubert Davies, Ltd., 97), 4o Union Terrace, Aberdeen. Electrical Engineers, Port ElizaGalloway, Lt.-Col. Rudolf William beth, South Africa. (1902-09), D.S.O., 24 Central Road, Philip, James Duncan (1902-07), 98 Shanghai, China. Clifton Road, Aberdeen. Gillespie, Charles (1910-18), 15 Suffolk Road, Barnes, London, Sleigh, Charles (1887-97), English Club, Montevideo, South America. S.W. 13. McGregor, John Bennet (1921-24 Westland, Alexander Douglas John (1926-36), 116 Osborne Place, Donmouth and 1926-25), r Aberdeen, Terrace, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.


`Cabe Best Place to Lunch in Aberdeen—

Watt & Grant's Restaurant

A T4ABLE D'FloTE LUNCHEON AT

2/-

Including SOUP, FISH or ENTREE or JOINT, SWEET or CHEESE, and COFFEE.

Guests should inform the

Waitress of their wish to take the Table d'HOte when ordering the first course.

Grape Fruit.

Melon.

Tomato Pearl Cocktail.

SOUP. Thick Paysanne. Cream of Artichoke. Fried Fillet of Sole and Lemon.

FISH. Steamed Halibut and Tartare Sauce.

ENTREES, Etc. Casserole of Rabbit. Dressed Cutlet and Tomato. Minced Steak and Poached Egg. Grilled Fillet Steak and Braised Onions. JOINTS. Roast Chicken, Bacon and Bread Sauce. Roast Sirloin of Beef and Yorkshire Pudding. COLD BUFFET. Roast Pork and Beetroot. Roast Sirloin of Beef and Horseradish Sauce. Silverside and Chutney. Brisket and Beetroot. Chicken and Salad. VEGETARIAN DISHES. Brazil Nut Roast. Spaghetti and Raisins. Mushroom Flan. Omelettes (Various, so minutes), Banana Gratinees. VEGETABLES AND SALADS. Potatoes : Creamed, Boiled, Baked and Chip. Vegetable Salad. Potato Salad. Orange, Grapefruit and Lettuce Salad. Fresh Salad. Mashed Turnips. Brussels Sprouts. Cabbage. Butter Beam and Parsley Sauce. Peas. Cauliflower and Cream Sauce. Pickled Walnuts. Carrots and Cream Sauce. Chutney. Beetroot Pickles. SWEETS. Banana Fritters. Steamed Orange Pudding. Apfel Strudel. Tapioca Cream. Wine Trifle. Meringue Chantilly. Chocolate Souffle. Compote of Fruit. Crushed Pineapple and Cream Ice. Pink Parasole. Chocolate Parfait. Ptche or Pear Melba. Vanilla Cream Ice.

1

WATT & GRANT Ltd., UNION ST., ABERDEEN


LEDINGHAM 'S

Scotch Shortbread and Oatcakes

JOHN

LEDINGHAM & SON, LTD.

470 UNION STREET 580 GEORGE ST.

60 ROSEMOUNT PLACE 48 UNION ST. (Tea Room)

ABERDEEN

Tel. No. 2544 (2 Linos)

APPOINTED OFFICIAL

.,"

41

ir

b

r

All kinds of Garments for MORNING and EVENING WEAR, LIVERIES, UNIFORMS, Etc., at :: :: REASONABLE PRICES

HENRY J. HARDY Tailor 18 CONDUIT STREET REGENT STREET

LONDON, W.1 Tel.—Mayfair 1509


The House of Collie I irg i A

'474

',11

la a.

1, 15

It '777i47.7747777.

1 , 1 I 1 1 1 , 1 ..

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qq

- +

111

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FOR

Provisions Groceries Wines and Spirits Ready-to-Serve Foods Confectionery Bakery Vegetables, Etc. Fresh Fruits Branch Shops at CULTS, BALLATER, and BRAEMAR Telephones: Cults 28 ; Balloter 14 ; Braemar 12

Andrew Collie & Co. FAMILY GROCERS AND WINE MERCHANTS

269-271 UNION ST., ABERDEEN Telephones: CENTRAL 4800 (3 Lines)


W. LUMSDEN & SON 58 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

GROCERIES, ::

PROVISIONS,

WINES and SPIRITS, ALL

OF

HIGHEST

::

QUALITY.

HAVANA CIGARS in Great Variety. 'PHONE 260.

Telegrams: "TRAVELLED, ABERDEEN."

We are well and favourably known for our good quality .--'

GALLOWSES Prices from 4/6 to I7/6 a pair

W. J. MILN_E, LTD. MEN'S OUTFITTERS

ABERDEEN (OPPOSITE ROYAL NORTHERN CLUB)

Telegrams : " Gallowses, Aberdeen"

Telephone 1293


IRONMONGERY A LARGE AND VARIED STOCK ALWAYS ON HAND SHEETMETAL WORK

A

SPECIALITY

H. LEITH & SON 26 and 28 NETHERKIRKGATE Phone 2 59

ABERDEEN

ELLON STALL NEW MARKET, ABERDEEN Famed for Aberdeenshire

Butter, Eggs, Cheese, Poultry. Honey—Clover and Heather

EGG GRADING MACHINE WORKING DAILY

(in combs or extracted)

Also Jams, Jellies, and Marmalade

J. B. MILNE,

(ALL OUR OWN MAKE)

Propr. Tel. 746

THE ANIMAL'S WORLD By Doris L. Mackinnon, Professor of Zoology, University of London 7/6, postage 6d. MUSICAL SECRETS By Lilias Mackinnon

3 6, postage 2d. JOHN

GALT

By Jennie W. Aberdein

8 6, postage 6d.

D. WYLLIE & SON Booksellers

Publishers

Stationers

247 UNION STREET ABERDEEN Established 1814

Telephone 402


ABERDEEN

COUNCIL - EDUCATION CO/vEMITTEE.

TOWN

ABERDEEN

GRAMMAR

SCHOOL

(FOUNDED PREVIOUS TO 1256.)

Rector

-

DAVID MIDDLETON ANDREW, M.A.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL provides for Boys a complete course of T HE Study, both Elementary and Secondary, Classical and Modern. Departments—Lower, Middle,

The School, which is organized in three 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 Middle and Upper Schools arc prepared for the Day School Certificate (Higher) and the Leaving Certificate of the Scottish Education Department, passes in the latter examination being recognized 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.

Head Mistress -

Miss BEATRICE M. ROSE, M.A. (Aberd., Oxon.)

(ALBYN PLACE.)

liberal education for Girls from

HIGH SCHOOL provides a THE 5 to 18 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 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. Pupils in the 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, Modem 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 arc 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, zz Union Terrace, or to the Rector or Head Mistress respectively.


Royal (Dick) Veterinary College EDINBURGH. (Affiliated to the University of Edinburgh.)

-

Principal :

0. CHARNOCK BRADLEY, M.D., D.Sc., F.R.C.V.S. After attendance on Complete Courses of Instruction in this College, Students may proceed to the Examinations for the Diploma of Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (M.R.C.V.S.) : for the Diploma in Veterinary State Medicine (D.V.S.M.): and for the Diploma in Tropical Veterinary Medicine (D.T.V.M.), granted by the University of Edinburgh. Students of the College may also present themselves for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Veterinary Science, conferred by the University of Edinburgh. The College being recognized as a Central Institution under the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, Students are eligible for Bursaries granted by the Education Committees in Scotland. A Copy of the College Calendar, containing particulars of Scholarships, Fellowships, etc., may be obtained on application to A. C. DOULL, C.A., Secretary and Treasurer.

TENNIS ® GOLF e S WIMMING

CRICKET ® CAMPING

SPECIALISTS IN SPORTS OUTFITS

Campbell's Rubber Co., Ltd. 'PHONE 157 'Grams.: RUBBER 18 Bridge Street THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE ABERDEEN. WINTER SESSION SUMMER SESSION

-

-

-

OCTOBER TO MARCH. APRIL TO JUNE.

Courses for B.Sc. (Agr.) Ordinary and Honours Degrees; College Diploma In Agriculture; National Diploma in Agriculture; Special Farmer's Course; Diplomas In Dairying and Poultry-keeping; Planter's Certificate Course; Certificate Course in Horticulture, etc. Residential Course In Rural Domestic Economy for Girls at Cralbstone. Calendar giving lull particulars of Courses of Instruction, Syllabus of Experimental Work, particulars of advisory Work undertaken be the College. and Prospectus of Craibstone School of Rural Domestic Economy, may be had on application to

THE SECRETARY, 41 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.


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ABERDEEN SAVINGS BANK HEAD OFFICE'-

-

ESTABL I SHED

19 UNION TERRACE, ABERDEEN,

EVERY LITTLE FOOT SHOULD BE

IBIS

"Let the child's feet grcw as they

CORRECTLY FITTED

should.' '

I

That is the only way to prevent the ill-effects of romping on hard roads and pavements.

LET THEM BE FITTED next time with "START-RITE," or "JACK and JILL" footwear at John A. Dunn's, where we have the X-RAY shoe-fitting machine, and see for yourselves how the child's feet

,tea,dill

rests inside the shoes.

VISIBLE FITTER.

JOHN A. DUNN 46

Union

" Give them the comfort

Street

Dunn's

shoes afford."

TELEPHONE 158 PRINTED AT THR

AllERDEUN

UNIVI. R•I I V

. i

I


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