AGS Magazine June 1955 by AGSFP Association

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOU MAGAZINE

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printed. for-Thc Former Pupils' Club al- The University Press Price VOIWTIC LVIII, No. 2

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June 1955

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CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS Pacing Page

Lieut.-Colonel H. J. Butchart • School Prefects, 1954-55 Lower III, 1901-02 . .

Facing Page

97 School Rugby ist XV, -53 • 156 . 11z School Hockey 1st XI, 1954 1954-55 • 1 57 . 113 F.P. Rugby Section ist XV, 1954-55 172

New Club President . . . . . . . Portrait of Mr. Alexander H. Gray. Editor of the Magazine Notes about Old Boys . . . . . . . New Club Blazers and Ties. Annual School Church Service An Old Class Group—Lower III, 1901-02 . . . The George Watson Trust Our Rugby Internationalist. Our Hockey' Internationalist. Nex., Club Centre—Central Africa . . . . . . . University Notes . . . . . . . . Books by F.P.s . . . . . . . . Marriages . . . . . . . • Obituary . . . . . . . . School Section— Retiral of Mr. Alexander H. Gray . School and Random Notes . . Aberdeen University Bursary Competition Who's Who in the Prefecture . . Changes in the School Staff • . Visit to Paris . . . • • • Salute to Our Mother . . . Spanish Presentation . Moonlight. Lower School Notes . Scouts . . Combined Cadet Force . • • Pipes and Drums . . • • House Notes . . . • • School Sporting Activities— . Cricket . . . . . Rugby . . . . . Hockey . . . . Literary and Debating Society . . . Film Society . . . . . . Music. Arts Club . . . . . Dramatic Society. Scripture Union . . School Office-Bearers, J954-55 • . . Former Pupils' Club— Annual General Meeting . . . . . Edinburgh Centre . . . . . . London Centre . . . . . Glasgow Centre. Edinburgh v. Glasgow Golf Match. Reunion in Southern Rhodesia . . . . F.P. Rugby Section . . . . . F.P. Cricket Section . . . . F.P. Hockey Section . . . . . F.P. Golf Section. F.P. Tennis Section New Members of the Club. Club Consuls . Club Of£1ce-Bearers, 1955 56 . . . . . •

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PORTRAIT OF Mr. ALEXANDER II. GRAY, M.A., B.Sc. HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS, ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL 1919 — 1955.

Mr. A. H. Gray retires at the close of the Summer Term having spent the whole of his teaching life within the School—a period of 36 years—first as assistant to the late Dr. Charles McLeod and then as his successor. In appreciation of Mr. Gray's exceptionally long association with the School and as a token of the esteem and affection with which he is regarded by his former pupils, it is thought fitting that his portrait should be presented and placed in the Hall. A portrait committee has been formed consisting of the following: — A. M. Hardie, M.A., B.Sc., A.M.I.E.E. (Convener) Fenton Wyness, O.S t.J., F.R.I.B.A. J. McP. Mutch, C.A. M. Bruce Watson, B.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.I.C. and it is intended when the portrait is presented to accompany it with a list of subscribers. Donations should be made payab!e to J. McP. Mutch, C.A., and cheques crossed " The A. H. Gray Fund." A. M. HARDIE, Convener.

June, 1955.

To :

J. McP. MUTCH, C.A., 9 Bon-Accord Square, Aberdeen. PORTRAIT OF MR. A. H. GRAY.

I have much pleasure in enclosing a donation to the above portrait. *An acknowledgment is / is not required. Name Address * Delete as necessary.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 71st year, No. :76 (New Series, trst year, No. 47)

Vol. LVIII

JUNE 1955

No. 2

- -

The Magazine is published under the auspices of the Former Pupils' Club In December and June. Communications should be addressed to the Editor. CAMPBELL CONNON, M.A., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen.

Nom : An asterisk after a name indicates that the F.P. is a member of the F.P. Club; dates after a name indicate the years of attendance at the School.

New Club President This year's president of the Club is Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Jackson Butchart* (189o-99), D.S.O., O.B.E., T.D., B.L., LL.D., D.L., advocate in Aberdeen. One of a very well known F.P. family —he had four brothers who were also at the School—he was secretary, factor and law agent to the University of Aberdeen from 1919 to 1952 and continues as law agent. He is also president of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen and an honorary sheriff-substitute. He graduated B.L. with distinction at the University in 1905, and after attending the University of Edinburgh, he qualified as a law agent in 1906. He was admitted to the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen, of which his father, the late Mr. James Sylver Butchart, was also a member, in 1908, and from then until 1919 he was a partner in the firm of Messrs. Butchart & Rennet, advocates, Aberdeen. His military career began when he enlisted in the Mounted Infantry Company of the Queen's Edinburgh Rifle Brigade as a private. In 1907 he was commissioned in the tst Volunteer Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders, and in the following year he transferred to the Scottish Horse. Holding the rank of captain on mobilisation, he served at home from 1914 to 1916, in Egypt and Palestine from 1916 to 1918, and in France and Belgium in 1918-19. He was with the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Rifles and as an observer with the Australian Flying Corps. Thereafter he was on the staff of the Imperial Mounted Division and the 74th (Yeomanry) Division in Palestine and France. He was awarded the D.S.O. in 1918 and the Star of Roumania (oflicier class) in the following year. From 1925 to 1933 he commanded the Aberdeen University O.T.C. and was subsequently appointed its first honorary colonel. He was promoted to the rank of brevet lieutenant-colonel in 1929, but served in the ranks of the L.D.V. and Home Guard from 1940 to 1945. He was chairman of the City of Aberdeen Territorial Army and Auxiliary Forces Association from 5946 to 195o.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Aberdeen in 1948, awarded the O.B.E. in 1951, and given the honorary degree of LL.D. from the University in 1952, just prior to his retirement. He was also presented by the University with his portrait. For many years he has been associated with the Boy Scout Movement and since 1937 he has been County Commissioner for the City of Aberdeen. In 195o he received the Silver Acorn, the highest Scout award. As Secretary of the University for thirty-three years, Colonel Butchart is already very well known to many F.P.s. His forceful personality and wholehearted enthusiasm in many directions are almost legendary in University circles and he is an outstanding personality in much wider sporting circles. A former president of the Scottish Ski Club, he is still an enthusiastic ski-er and mountaineer —he was ski-ing in Switzerland earlier this year, and he has been at the summit of Lochnagar at least once this summer. He was honorary president of the North District Rugby Union in 1952-53 and as a rugby enthusiast and coach he is unique; for years he has exhorted University teams from the touchline at King's and we can expect him now to lend as powerful vocal support to F.P. teams from the stand at Rubislaw.

Portrait of Mr. Alexander H. Gray The attention of F.P.s is drawn to the leaflet enclosed with this issue concerning the fund sponsored by a group of F.P.s for the painting of the portrait of Mr. Alexander H. Gray, who is retiring from the School Staff after thirty-six years' service. (See pages 134 to 136.) The portrait is to be painted by Mr. J. B. Souter, the artist who was chosen to paint the portraits of Dr. Morland Simpson, Dr. Charles McLeod and Mr. Keith Leask which now hang in the School Hall. It is hoped to make the presentation in the Autumn and to see Mr. Gray take his place in this distinguished company for all time.

Editor of the Magazine Alan Crombie Robertson Watt * (1925-37), M.A., LL.B., advocate in Aberdeen, who has been Editor of the Magazine since July 1946, has had to resign from this office with effect from 1 July 1955, on account of pressure of other work. In his place the Executive of the Club have appointed a Magazine Committee. Campbell Connon * (1926-38), M.A. LL.B., solicitor, 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen, is to be Editor-in-Chief and Ian Gray Shinnie * (1918-28), 7 Burns Road, Aberdeen, is to be responsible for Notes about Old Boys, Obituary, etc. The Executive hope that F.P.s will co-operate in the new arrangement by sending in to Mr. Shinnie or to the Secretary of the Club notes about themselves and other F.P.s for inclusion in the Notes about Old Boys. Mr. Shinnie wishes to stress that he will be happier to receive the same information many times than not to receive it at all.

*** The Editor will be glad if F.P.s will send him, from time to time, information for this section of the Magazine. News of appointments, promotions, etc., and other items of interest which are not reported in the press, are particularly requested.

New Year and Queen's Birthday Honours Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.) Arnold Blatchford David Cassie (1919-2o), M.A., D.Sc. (Edin.), Ph.D. (Lond.), Director of Research, Wool Industries Research Association, was created a C.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours announced on 9 June 1955. He joined the Association in 1938 as chief physicist and has been director of research since 1949. The research work done by the Association covers all wool-growing and wool-processing problems from animal genetics to dyeing and finishing fabrics. The Association has its headquarters at Torridon, Leeds, and there is a branch laboratory at Galashiels, which deals with the problems of the Scottish industry. Before joining the Association, Mr. Cassie held appointments with Imperial Chemical Industries Limited and at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough. James Milner Fraser * (I 9 i 8-zo), A.R.I.B. A., M.T.P.I., A.M.I.Struct.E., Manager of the Singapore Improvement Trust since 1946, was awarded the C.B.E. in the New Year Honours. After being an assistant architect with the West Ham Borough Council for a year he joined the Singapore Improvement Trust in 1927 and became manager in 1946. As the town planning and housing authority for Singapore, the Trust has been responsible for post-war reconstruction in Singapore and its impressive record is ample testimony to the skill and efficiency of its manager and his staff. Mr. Fraser started the first Boys' Brigade Company in Singapore in 193o and is now president of the Singapore Battalion which consists of ten companies. He was president of the Institute of Architects of Malaya in 1934-35. Richard Michael Fraser (1925-29), M.B.E., was promoted to C.B.E. in the New Year Honours. A full-time research worker for the Conservative Party, he was appointed to be director of the Party's research and administration department in 195 I and has written several pamphlets. During the war he was a major in the Royal Artillery. 99

l oo

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) Gordon Matthews Hector (1924-25), Secretary to the Government of the Seychelles Islands since 1952, was awarded the O.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours. He joined the Colonial Service in 1946 and served in Kenya until he was promoted to his present appointment. He is a son of GEORGE PITTENDRIGH HECTOR * (1889-97), M.A., D.Sc., who lives in Aberdeen. * * * Classics master at the School from was a who MR. W. M. DEWAR, 1929 to 2932 and who is now headmaster of George Heriot's School, Edinburgh, was awarded the O.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours. He is a member of the Scottish Air Cadet Council.

Academic Honours Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) Alexander James Morrison (1903-05), M.A., minister of the Church of Scotland, Logie-Easter, Kildary, Ross-shire, is to receive the honorary degree of D.D. from the University of Aberdeen at the Summer Graduation on 8 July 1955. A graduate of the University in Arts (1909), he was ordained in 1913, his first charge being the United Free Church, Portree. In 1917-18 he was a chaplain to the Forces and in 192o he was appointed minister of the First U.F. Church, Thurso. From 1928 to 1944 he was at Woodside Church, Aberdeen, and from 1944 to 1949, when he was appointed to Logie-Easter, he was minister at Laggan Church, Inverness-shire. For several years he has led the team of Church of Scotland ministers which visits Great Yarmouth during the Scottish fishing season there. Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) William Proctor Milne * (1897-99), M.A., D.Sc., LL.D. (Aberd.), Emeritus Professor of Mathematics in the University of Leeds—he held the chair from 1919 to 1946—received the honorary degree of LL.D. from that University on 6 May 1955. The degree was conferred upon him by H.R.H. The Princess Royal, who is Chancellor of the University, and Professor Milne was presented by the Professor of Latin, who is also an F.P.—EDWARD JAMES WOOD * (1908-21), M.A. In his presentation address Professor Wood said:— Born amid the broad farms of Rora, of mingled Buchan and Highland stock, William Proctor Milne unites in his character something of the stern granite of his native Aberdeenshire and of the rich productiveness of its soil with a superabundant energy and geniality that can only be described as peculiarly his own. From Aberdeen Grammar School and University he proceeded to Clare College, Cambridge, and, after being posted as Fourth Wrangler, spent fruitful years at Clifton College. In 1919 he came as Professor of Mathematics to Leeds where he found suitable scope for the manifold activities that formed his lift-work and for which his many-sided character pre-eminently fitted him. A Doctor of Science, he brought lustre to the University through his worldfamous work on The Theory of Higher Plane Curves and Surfaces. In the counsels of the University, whose interests few have taken more to heart, this " bonny

Notes about Old Boys

IO1

fechter" never left any doubt where he stood, and his academic wisdom was fittingly acknowledged when, at a difficult period during the war, he was called to the helm as Acting Vice-Chancellor. Retirement from his Chair merely meant more time for the zealous pursuit of his other interests. A life-long enthusiast for Celtic studies, he was honoured by the establishment of a University Prize in Celtic bearing his name. As founder of the University Review he keeps hundreds of Old Students in closer touch with their Alma Mater. The inspiring president of many societies, he enlivens every festive occasion with the sparkling robustness of his challenging addresses. Nor must we forget the author. Who shall say that the vigorous Doric of the human tale of Eppie Elrick, reading which we seem to catch the authentic ringing voice of its creator, will not outlive even the work of the mathematical genius? This wise and tolerant man, William Proctor Milne, universally beloved in the City and University, I have the great honour and pleasure, Your Royal Highness and Chancellor, to present to you for the Degree of Doctor of Laws, bonoris masa.

James Runcieman Sutherland (1907-17), M.A. (Aberd.), B.Litt. (Oxon.), F.B.A., is to receive the honorary degree of LL.D. from the University of Aberdeen at this year's Summer Graduation. Since 1951 he has been Lord Northcliffe Professor of English Literature at University College, London. He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen in 1921 with first class honours in English and spent two years as lecturer in English at the University of Saskatchewan. He then went to Oxford and after a short time as lecturer at University College, Southampton, was appointed lecturer in English at the University of Glasgow; in 1930 he became senior lecturer in the Department of English at University College, London. He obtained his first chair in 1936—that of English Literature at Birkbeck College, University of London, and from 1944 to 1951 he was Professor of English Language and Literature at Queen Mary College, University of London. In 1944 he delivered the Warton Lectures on English Poetry to the British Academy and he was visiting professor at Harvard University in 1947 and at Indiana University in 195o-51. He was editor of the Review of English Studies from 1940 to 1947 and has written many books, one of the latest of which is The O3eford Book of English Talk, published in 1953. *

MR. PETER SCOTT NOBLE,* M.A., Principal, King's College, London, who is an honorary member of the Club, is also to receive the honorary degree of LL.D. from the University of Aberdeen this summer. Tle was Regius Professor of Humanity at Aberdeen from 1938 to 1952. * * *

Raymond Adams * (1944-49) took first place last year in the examination for the Higher National Certificate in Naval Architecture and thereby won the Duke of Northumberland's Prize. He is now reading for the degree of B.Sc. in Applied Science at the University of Durham. George Gordon Allan * (1939-40 and 1941-51), who became a trainee journalist with Aberdeen Journals Limited when he left the

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine School, returned to Broad Street last October after completing his national service, which he spent mainly with the R.A.S.C. in Germany. Allan Cunningham Anderson * (1907-12), who has been in Canada since 1912, is now in the Department of External Affairs in the Government of Canada. He has just completed three years at the Canadian Embassy in Mexico and is to return to Ottawa in September to take up new duties in the Department there. Before entering government service he was with the Royal Bank of Canada and was at one time F.P. Club Consul for Cuba. Dugald Euan Baird (1942-54) and George Murray * (1946-53) have been playing this season for Aberdeenshire in Scottish Counties' Championship matches. Baird was Captain of Cricket at School in 1954 and Murray in 1953. Adam John Guilbert Barnett (1915-20), B.Sc., Ph.D. (Edin.), A.R.I.C., F.R.S.E., who has been lecturer in Agricultural Biochemistry at the University of Aberdeen since 1949, has been awarded a Rockefeller Foundation Grant to visit centres of animal husbandry research in the United States. He planned to leave Aberdeen at the end of June and was to spend about three months in America during which he is to lecture on research work on silage at Aberdeen. Charles Michael MacIntyre Begg (1933-36), M.A., B.Sc., Ph.D. (Birm.), was awarded a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship at the end of last year. He is lecturer in Natural History at the University of Aberdeen and has obtained leave of absence for a year to engage in studies in Biology and Genetics in the United States. John George Bonnar (1917-22) entered his father's motor business on leaving the School and remained there until his father's death, when the business was sold. He then started a School of Motoring which he carried on until he was appointed a Ministry of Transport driving examiner at Gloucester. Since the war he has been with a motor firm in Bristol. Edward Kerr Borthwick * (1933-42), M.A. (Aberd.), B.A., Ph.D. (Cantab.), who has been assistant lecturer in Classics at the University of Leeds since 1952, has been appointed lecturer in Greek at the University of Edinburgh. Ian Mackintosh Brooker * (1934-45), M.B., Ch.B., Squadron Leader, R.A.F., a member of the British South Georgia Expedition, 1954-55, returned to Britain in May. In March it was reported that attempts to reach the summit of Mount Sugarloaf (7,825 feet) had had to be abandoned on account of gales and heavy snowfalls and the expedition were unfortunate throughout in the matter of weather. A twenty-four day field excursion in the Kohl Larsen plateau, on which Brooker set out along with Mr. George A. Sutton, the leader of the expedition, ended abruptly when a gale destroyed their tent on the fifth day. Earlier, however, along with the party's assistant surveyor, he ascended a 6068 feet peak in the southern part of the Allardyce Range (the first major summit to be climbed in South Georgia) and 102

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also four lesser summits. Gales and mist impeded these operations and both climbers suffered partial snow blindness on one occasion. Alexander John Youngson Brown (1913-36), M.A., D.Litt., has changed his name by deed poll to A. J. Youngson. Since 1950 he has been at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Ernest Duncan Brown * (1913-17), who is Chief Works Engineer for Overseas Developments of the British Motor Corporation, has travelled over 150,000 miles in this capacity since 195r. In February of this year he received a party of thirty British motoring journalists at the B.M.C.'s new assembly plant at Blackheath, eighteen miles from Cape Town. The works there, built in exactly one year, have a floor area of nearly zoo,ooo square feet and cost £400,000. Local labour is to be trained by about twenty key personnel who are to be brought out from Austins at Birmingham. ABERDEEN MUNICIPAL ELECTION, 1955

Arnold Marischal Burns * (19zo-25), M.A., was elected to be one of the representatives of Holburn Ward on Aberdeen Town Council at the Municipal Election held in May; Colin John Maelver (i9oz-03), M.A., was re-elected to the Council as a representative of St. Andrew's Ward; and Thomas Henderson Murdoch * (1921-27), M.A., L.R.A.M., L.G.S.M., L.L.C.M., was an unsuccessful candidate in Woodside Ward. Kenneth George Buthlay (1930-42), M.A., is now working in London on the staff of the North American Service of the B.B.C. Alexander Ian Cheyne * (1937-48), M.B., Ch.B., is on the staff of the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow. A former captain of the Aberdeen University Rugby XV, he has been playing for Greenock Wanderers. Also at " The Royal " is Douglas Stuart * (1929-43), M.B., Ch.B. William Christie * (1947-5 2), Pilot Officer, received his wings at the passing-out parade at Oakington, near Cambridge, in March of this year. He was a member of the second course to pass out under the new system whereby pilots fly jet training planes before qualifying for their wings. On completion of his national service this summer he is to return to the Northern Assurance Company. William Ferguson Cook * (19 zt 3) is now living at Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. From 1924 to 1951 he was engaged in tea and rubber planting in Ceylon and from 1931 he was in charge of the Woodend Estates in the Kelani Valley. Sir Patrick Ashley Cooper * (1896-1901), B.A., LL.B., has been nominated by the Great Officers of State to serve in the office of High Sheriff of the County of London. In the normal course of events he may expect to serve in this office in the year 1937-58. Sir James (Ian Cormack) Crombie * (1908-21), K.B.E., C.M.G., a Third Secretary to the Treasury, was appointed in March to be chairman of the Board of Customs and Excise, a post which carries

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine a salary of L4,500. He joined the Civil Service in 1926 and received the K.B.E. in 195o. He is president of the London Centre of the Club. Andrew John Maxton Cruickshank (1919-25) has been chosen by Sir Laurence Olivier for the role of Brackenbury in his film of Richard III. In The Cruel Sea he played the part of the ship's doctor in the Saltash. James Dick * (1926-32) is display manager of Richard Shops Limited, whose fifty-seventh branch was opened in Aberdeen at the end of March. He has eighteen of a staff and is responsible for about two hundred windows in the various branches of the company, which is a subsidiary of United Drapery Stores Limited. After leaving the School he was with Watt & Grant Limited, Aberdeen, and thereafter with Swan & Edgar Limited in London and Hills of Hove in Sussex. During the war he served as a clerk in the R.A.M.C. and then became display manager in Dickins & Jones, Regent Street, London. From 1944 to 1949 he was publicity manager for I. Miller and Company, manufacturers of children's wear, and he has held his present post for over five years. Eric Henry Weir Duncan (I918-z6), M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H., is now in practice at Peterculter. Formerly he was Medical Officer of Health for Greenock. Recently he was appointed to be a Justice of the Peace for the County of Aberdeen. John Murray Easton * (1895-19o5), F.R.I.B. A., of the firm of Easton & Robertson, chartered architects, London, has been awarded the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture. This award is made by the Queen on the recommendation of the Royal Institute of British Architects. The 1954 award went to an Australian and that for 1953 to a Frenchman. Among the buildings which his firm has designed and for which he has been directly responsible are the Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster; the reconstructed Sadlers' Wells theatre; the engineering laboratories at Cambridge; the chemistry laboratories still under construction at Cambridge; and hospitals in Dublin, Belfast and London. Designs on which he is now working include the new Addenbrooke's Hospital at Cambridge and the new University of Malaya. He was president of the Architectural Association in 1939-40 and vice-president of the R.I.B.A. from 1945 to 1947. Alfred John Meldrum Edwards * (1908-21), M.A., B.Com., was elected last year to membership of the M.C.C., after having his name on the waiting list for ten years. Are there any other F.P.s who are members? Robert Wilson Findlay * (1934-35), who was in the R.A.F. from 1937 until the end of the war, has since been with the Rank Organisation at Denham and Pinewood Studios. As head colour technician, he is responsible for all colour work done to produce transparencies and prints from suitable scenes and for publicising Rank productions in the United States and other foreign countries. Derek Shaw Fraser (1935-40) is a reporter on the staff of The Scotsman. 104

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1Of

Brian William Freeland * (1942-5o) has obtained a post as an engineer with a refrigeration company in Vancouver. He is still playing rugby and follows the fortunes of his former colleagues in the F.P. Rugby Section with keen interest. Michael George Harrow Gibb (1942-46), who is at Fettes, has been playing in the 1st XV for the past two seasons. William Scott Gilchrist * (1929-36), B.L., has taken over the business of the late J. McLaren Small, solicitor, Stonehaven, the firm name now being J. McLaren Small & Gilchrist. He is the new secretary of the F.P. Golf Section. Michael Peter Gill * (1939-52), a second year student at Gray's School of Art, Aberdeen, has been awarded a Steele Cornwall Scholarship of L30 for the session 1954-55. Maurice Gordon Gillies * (1913-3o), M.A., LL.B., advocate, was appointed by the Lord Advocate in May to be one of the four Advocates-Depute. Previously he had been extra Advocate-Depute for the Glasgow Circuit. Thomas Carmichael Graham (1945-52) and George Leslie Fraser * (1936-49), both students at the University of Aberdeen, left for Labrador at the end of May to take part in the final stages of a survey being conducted by the British Newfoundland Corporation. They are assisting two geologists and their work will include diamond drilling, the location and identification of engineering materials such as sand and gravel, and the analysis of soil. David Hanna * (1916-2z), of the Royal Insurance Company Limited, Aberdeen, was elected in April to be a representative of the Cults Area on the Aberdeen District Council. Francis Gordon Harper * (1925-28), B.Sc. (For.), who has been in the Colonial Forest Service in the Gold Coast since 1932, is now Conservator of Forests at Koforidua. He knows of no other F.P.s now in the Gold Coast but would be glad to hear of any who are in his part of the world. Murray Ross Henderson (I914-r7), who went to Penang in 1921 as a government botanist, was appointed Director of the Botanic Gardens at Singapore in 195o and retired last year. His son, ALASTAIR A. R. HENDERSON, is senior prefect at the School this year. Alexander Henry Innes* (1933-45), M.B., Ch.B., who was twice capped for Scotland at hockey in 1954, is now playing for Surbiton in Surrey. He was selected to play for an Anglo-Scots team in February. GENERAL ELECTION, 1955 Douglas Harold Johnston * (1913-26), B.A., Q.C., M.P., was re-elected at the General Election to represent Paisley. I-lis 1951 majority of 13,02.5 was, however, reduced to 6,098. He was SolicitorGeneral for Scotland in the Labour Governments between 1947 and

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1951. The only other F.P. to stand for election, so far as is known, was John Mackie (1924-26), who was Labour candidate in the Lanark constituency. He was unsuccessful but reduced the Conservative majority there from 1,793 to 958. In the 1951 election he was Labour candidate in the North Angus and Mearns constituency. Alexander Fordyce Johnstone * (1930-42), M.B., Ch.B., has obtained the diploma in Psychological Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Surgeons. Herbert James Jones * (1902-07), O.B.E., M.C., who was Controller of the National Assistance Board in Scotland from 1945 to 1953, when he retired, was nominated by the Foreign Office in December 1954 for an advisory post in the Government of the United Kingdom of Libya. He left in May and expects to be in North Africa for three years. Charles Mitchell Keppie * (1945-48), who served his apprenticeship with the Union Bank of Scotland Limited in Aberdeen, has joined the Royal Bank of Canada. In May he left to take up a post in the Bank's office at Port of Spain, Trinidad. Percival Robson Kirby (1892-1901), M.A., D.Litt., F.R.C.M., who was Professor of Music in the University of the Witwatersrand from 1921 to 1952, has been engaged for the past ten years on research into the wreck of the Grosvenor, East Indiaman, on the coast of Pondoland, South Africa, on 4 August 1782. Of the ship's company of over 130 almost all got safely ashore but only nine European sailors and nine Lascars succeeded in reaching civilisation. These survivors had to walk along some 300 miles of inhospitable and practically uninhabited coast. Professor Kirby has ascertained that one of the Europeans, William Habberly, was an Aberdonian and he recently wrote from Grahamstown to the editor of the Press and Journal, asking for information about the family, early days and subsequent history of this youth who, at the time of the wreck, was aged nineteen. Michael John Longmore * (1934-39 and 1944-46), C.A., is now with George Mackenzie & Company, chartered accountants, Johannesburg, in their office at Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia. He joined Messrs. James Meston & Company, chartered accountants, Aberdeen, as an articled clerk in 1946 and recommenced articles with Messrs. Douglas, MacKelvie, Galbraith & Company, Cape Town, in 1947 after he had left Aberdeen with his parents for South Africa. He qualified as a C.A. in 1951 and was married in December 1953. Robert Francis Gordon McCallum (x 9 io-i7), M.A., has been appointed headmaster of Queen's Park School, Glasgow. He was previously head Classics master at Glasgow High School. Duncan Ronald Macgregor * (1925-38), M.A., lecturer in Geography at the University of Edinburgh, was admitted to membership of the Faculty of Arts in May of this year. He has held his present appointment since 1950.

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John Robert Mackay * (1926-37), M.A., LL.B., advocate, was appointed last December to be lecturer in Constitutional Law at the University of Edinburgh. William Alan Nelson Mackie (1927-32), D.S.C., M.B., Ch.B. (Edin.), now holds a regular commission in the Royal Navy and the rank of surgeon-lieutenant. During the war he served in the Fleet Air Arm and after graduating in Medicine in 1949, he was for a time an assistant in a private practice at Hawick. Charles Stewart McLeod * (1908-20), M.A., B.A., Regional Staff Officer, Eastern Region, British Railways, left in June for a three months' visit to Southern Rhodesia. He is to assist in the overhaul of the European wage-structure of the Rhodesian Railways. He expects also to visit Northern Rhodesia, Johannesburg and Cape Town and hopes to see several of the F.P.s in these parts. DEANS AT UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

John Macmurray (1902-04), M.C., M.A., LL.D. (Glasg.), Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, has been appointed Dean of the Faculty of Arts. The Dean of the Faculty of Law, since 1943, has been another F.P., Matthew George Fisher (1896-190o), C.B.E., M.A., LL.B., Q.C., Professor of Civil Law. George Mitchell (Peter) MacPhee * (1930-41) was appointed assistant works manager at the printing works of the Amalgamated Press Limited at Gravesend in May 1950, and in November of last year he was appointed assistant production manager at the company's printing works in London. Colin Campbell Reith Macpherson * (1935-44), M.A., was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Aberdeen in April of this year. Gordon Paterson Marr (1921-26), chartered surveyor, who left Aberdeen in 195o to take up a post with the Department of Agriculture for Scotland in Glasgow, returned last year and is now in practice on his own account. James William Slesser Mart * (1913-19), M.A., B.Sc., LieutenantCommander, R.N.V.R., has been Principal Scientific Officer in the Royal Naval Scientific Service (National Institute of Oceanography) since 1949. The Institute engages in oceanographical research of every conceivable kind and uses the Royal Research Ship Discovery II, which was formerly employed by the Colonial Office for whaling research in the Antarctic. Following a last circumpolar cruise in the Antarctic in 1949-5 i, the vessel has more recently made a number of cruises in the North Atlantic investigating a variety of oceanographical problems. On one of these cruises Lieutenant-Commander Marr— " Scout Marr " of over thirty years ago—had the misfortune to break a thigh but he has made a good recovery and can now get around satisfactorily, almost without the help of his sticks. He is at present compiling a report on the distribution of the Antarctic whale food.

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Gavin Milne * (1930-42), M.A., LLB., is now an assistant with Messrs. A. P. MacBain & Company, solicitors, Dunfermline. His elder brother, Comyn Milne (1929-41), B.L., who is an assistant with Messrs. Mackenzie & Wilson, advocates, Aberdeen, was admitted to the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen in February last. Alexander Lessel Stephen Mitchell * (1911-19), B.L., film and theatrical producer, left at the beginning of May for New York and Hollywood, where he hopes to make use of British plays and British players. The new play, Tiger at the Gates, which he, along with an American, presented in Edinburgh recently, is to be staged in New York next year. James Monro * (1928-39), a pilot with British European Airways, is at present engaged in training German airline pilots in Germany. David Douglas Morrison * (1947-53) has been appointed an executive officer in the Admiralty. He is at present doing his national service in the Royal Navy. Andrew Stephen Noble * (1939-52), who was dux of the School, senior prefect, captain of Rugby, captain of Cricket and winner of the All-Round Trophy in 1952, has been appointed president of the Students' Union in the University of St. Andrews. The vice-president is John Alexander Stuart Bett * (1946-52)•t William Wallace Porter * (1915-23), has resigned from the presidency of the Aberdeenshire Cricket Association—a post which he had held for sixteen years. Cassels Alan Wilson Ramsay * (1940-49) graduated B.Sc. with second class honours in Civil Engineering at University College, London, in July 1954. In November he commenced his national service and was commissioned as a pilot officer in the Airfield Construction Branch of the R.A.F. in February. Alfred Emslie Riach * (1932-43), who is in the Mercantile Marine, passed the Ministry of Transport examination for chief engineer in December 1954. For the previous eighteen months he had been sailing as second engineer in various ships of the Clan Line. Donald Allan Ritchie * (1943-49) was one of five hairdressers' assistants who were the first candidates from Aberdeen to pass the City and Guild (London) Institute's examinations in hairdressing. Along with his brother, Dennis Alexander Ritchie * (1943-46), he is in the business of his father, Mr. Alexander Ritchie. John Watson Robertson * (19o3-o5), M.A., B.Sc., LL.D., F.R.S.E., F.E.1.S., headmaster of the Central School, Aberdeen, from 1926 to 1953, who had been an assessor of the General Council on the t Extract from School and Random Notes (June 1972).—. . . we congratulate Andrew Noble and John Ben on their having won a Harkness £loo bursary and a Russel L5o bursary respectively for St. Andrews University. We are all glad to see that the " Old Firm " is not going to be split up and hope that it will have as successful a career at St. Andrews as it has had at the Grammar.

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Aberdeen University Court since 1943, had to resign last year on taking up a part-time teaching appointment .in the University. He was, however, re-elected by the General Council in January of this year. Robert Erskine Rollo (1929-39), actor, playwright and stage designer, has joined the Century Players, a company which tours Britain with a mobile theatre bringing the classics to the provinces. The mobile theatre cost Lzo,ooo. He has had considerable theatrical experience in the Glasgow Citizen's Theatre and the Perth and Ulster Theatre Repertory Companies. In 1947 he was accepted for a twoyear course at the school attached to the Bradford Civic Theatre. Forbes Keith Sellar * (1933-45), B.L., advocate and solicitor, who joined Messrs. Shearn, Delamore & Company, Kuala Lumpur, in 1953, is now in practice in Singapore. He is secretary of the Malaya Centre of the F.P. Club. Robert Semple * (5922-34), M.D., M.R.C.P., who was appointed first assistant to the Department of Medicine in the Middlesex Hospital, London, in 1949, was given consultant status there in 1952. Last year he was appointed assistant physician to Maryfield Hospital, Dundee, and lecturer in Clinical Medicine at the University of St. Andrews. His brother, Roderick Ferguson McKenzie Semple * (1927-38), M.C., Major, Royal Engineers, successfully completed his Staff College course at the end of last year. Previously he commanded a field squadron, R.E., in the Canal Zone. Ronald Fraser Skene (1918-26), M.A., C.A., has been appointed secretary of the Aberdeen Fish Curers' and Merchants' Association Limited. Since the war he has been manager and accounts officer with the National Service Hostels Corporation Limited at Castle Donnington, near Derby. Bernard Hooper Smith * (1932-35), M.B., Ch.B., M.R.C.P., who has been in the United States and Canada since 195o, was appointed Professor of Neurology at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine in January. He went to Buffalo in 1953 from Montreal, where he was lecturer in Neurology at McGill University. M.I.Loco.E., James Christian Spark * (1918- 21), who went to India in 1951 on being seconded to the Indian Railway Board to be production engineer at the new locomotive works at Chittaranjin, West Bengal, returned last year to resume his duties as locomotive works manager at Doncaster. He was appointed to this post in 1945. AN INVITATION FOR HOGMANAY

George Stephen * (1936-42), who joined the Caxton Publishing Company (Canada) Limited in 195o on the day it commenced business in Canada, was appointed Canadian manager in December 1954. He is also in charge of the company's business activities in the United States. He lives in Toronto.

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In a recent letter he asks permission to make a plea in the Magazine to F.P.s in Canada. Each Hogmanay the Scots Club of Canada holds a luncheon in the King Edward Hotel, Toronto, and each year, he says, the number of F.P.s attending grows less. There are now very few who were at the School after 1930 and Stephen is quite sure that there are many F.P.s within too miles of Toronto who would welcome the chance of a get-together over a glass of whisky and an excellent lunch. He wishes to arrange an F.P. table and any F.P.s who arc interested should communicate with him. His office address is 104 Jarvis Street, Toronto (Telephone, EMpire 6-515z) and his home address Apt. a;, 855 Millwood Road, Toronto (Telephone, HUdson 8-865z). He gladly offers to round up all concerned at the end of the year. Vincent George Rhode Stephen * (1934-472, who has been employed by the Hoscote Rubber Estates Limited, Malaya, for the past three years, has now been appointed manager of Kemayan Estate, Pahang. Clyne Robert Bruce Stewart * (1931-41), M.B., Ch.B., is now an assistant in a general practice at Shifnal, Shropshire. He was formerly an assistant at Eastwood, Notts. His marriage is reported elsewhere in this issue. James Sinclair Stewart * (1941-44), who entered the Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London, with a Classical scholarship and later won the Meyerstein Scholarship of £100 (in Anatomy and Physiology) graduated M.B., B.S. at the University of London in May of this year. He has received an appointment as house physician in the Middlesex Hospital. His father, Donald Sinclair Stewart * (1906-18), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., is in practice in London, and his uncle, James Smith Stewart * (1901-08), M.C., M.B., Ch.B., is in practice in Aberdeen. James Oliver Thomson (1899-1900), O.B.E., M.A., B.A. (Cantab.), who has been Professor of Latin in the University of Birmingham since 1919, is to retire this year. Sir Landsborough Thomson * (1899-1908), C.B., O.B.E., M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.E., Second Secretary of the Medical Research Council (Privy Council), and president of the Zoological Society of London, has been appointed chairman of the Home Office Advisory Committee on the Protection of Birds in England and Wales. This body has been set up under the Protection of Birds Act, 1954: there is a separate committee for Scotland. George Innes Walker * (1943-48) sailed in February to take up a new appointment as an agricultural development officer in Zanzibar. His duties, in addition to the cultivation of such crops as coconuts and cloves, will include work in connection with a development scheme to encourage locally the adoption of modern methods of agriculture. After leaving the School he studied at the North of Scotland College of Agriculture and obtained his diploma there.

Notes about Old Boys Ralph Spence Walker * (1910-22), M.A. (Aberd. and Cantab.), has been appointed Professor of English Language and Literature at McGill University, Montreal, with effect from i September 1955. He has been lecturer in English at the University of Aberdeen since 1937 and was an assistant lecturer there for two years previously. He had a distinguished career in English both at Aberdeen and Cambridge and was thereafter for three years senior English master at Derby School. He edited James Beattie's London Diary, 1773 and James Beattle's Day Book, 1773-1798 and in 1951-5z he spent a year in America helping to prepare for publication eighteenth-century manuscripts at Yale University. He was editor of The Aberdeen University Review for five years. He is a younger brother of James Frederick Walker * (1912-14), M.A., senior History master at the School. John Hyslop Warrack (1937-42), M.B., Ch.B., a very prominent member of the F.P. Rugby XV for several years and a Scottish rugby trialist, gained an English county cap for Derbyshire last season. He has now been obliged, however, to give up rugby on account of his medical duties. Harry Lyon Williams * (1925-36), A.R.I.B.A., who joined the Architects' Department of the Northern Ireland Hospital Board in 1951, is now with Messrs. Ferguson & Mcllvean, architects and engineers, Belfast. William Arnold Williamson * (1897-1907) writes to say that, after keeping a restaurant for nearly fifteen years in Shropshire, he helped in the construction of a large R.A.F. camp there. He then had a breakdown and had to spend some years in hospital. He now enjoys robust health and is engaged in estate gardening. He played rugby until he was forty-five, wrote rugby notes for the local newspaper and was vice-president of Shifnal R.F.C. John Leslie Inglis Wilson * (1913-18), who has been in the insurance business for about twenty-four years, has for two years been in business as an insurance broker at 34 Bridge Street, Aberdeen. Stanley Whyte Wood * (1918-3o), B.Sc. (Eng.), has been in Cardiff for over two years with the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. He was previously in the Highways and Bridges Department of Surrey County Council. Norman Richard Wylie * (1927-30), M.A., LL.B., deputy registrar of H.M. High Court of Uganda, has at his own request had his name removed from the Roll of Solicitors in Scotland with a view to his admission to the Faculty of Advocates. James Fenton Wyness * (1915-20), F.R.I.B.A., F.S.A. (Scot.), who was admitted as a Serving Brother to the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem last year, was promoted to be an Officer of the Order in March of this year. He is a member of the Aberdeen Committee of the Order of St. John—another member being Richard Reginald Maitland Porter * (1895-1906), M.C., M.A.,

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M.B., Ch.B., Major, I.M.S. (retired)—and in the development scheme for the St. John Nursing Home at 21-24 Albyn Place, he has acted as architect for the new headquarters of the Order at No. 24, for the Friends of St. John headquarters in the same building and also for the Nurses' Home. He has carried out the scheme for the new frontage incorporating the historic St. John's Well. Hugh Robert Wynne-Edwards * (1946-50 was a member of the Scottish Universities' ski team which took part in the Third BritishNorwegian Universities Ski Championships in Norway against the University and School of Economics of Bergen and a combined team from Oxford and Cambridge. The Scottish team consisted of three students from St. Andrews and one each from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The championships were won by the Bergen team and the Oxford and Cambridge team—composed of one Italian, one Belgian, two Frenchmen, one Canadian and one American—were runners-up. It was the first time that a Scottish team had taken part and they were " outclassed but not disgraced ". Wynne-Edwards, who is to graduate B.Sc. at Aberdeen this summer with first class honours in Geology, has been awarded the Samuel McLaughlin Graduate Scholarship at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, for two years. He is leaving for Canada in July. NEW CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

The names of the following F.P.s were included in the list of those who passed the final examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland held in December 1954:—Colin Cameron Allan * (1936-45), David Barron Bruce * (1938-40 and 1945-47) and Eric McLeod * (1936-49).

New Club Blazer and Tie In November supplies of the new Club Blazer and Tie will be available for members at Esslemont & Macintosh Limited, the official Club suppliers. The blazer is to be black with brass buttons and having the new Club Badge (a replica of the School Badge with a bard:ere or) on the breast pocket. The tie is to be of similar design to the present tie but it is to have the Club Badge incorporated in outline. The Executive of the Club wish to record their indebtedness to James Fenton Wyness * (1915-2o), F.R.I.B.A., F.S.A. (Scot.), not only for preparing specimen patterns for the new tie but also for invaluable assistance in connection with the matriculation of the Club Badge and the preparation of the necessary petition to the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Annual School Church Service The Annual School Church Service will be held in Rubislaw Church, Aberdeen, on Sunday, ii September 1955, at 6 p.m. F.P.s, pupils, staff and all others interested are invited to attend.

School Prefects, 1954-55

A. J. B. Strachan

Back Row— A. M. Fletcher, E. F. Ross, W. G. Glennie, D. R. Nicol, Neil Edward, R. C. Barton, G. F. Bryce. Middle Row—W. J. L. Buyers, A. R. Center, R. S. Brown, W. S. Robb, A. K. G. Paterson, B. P. Lenman, S. A. Pacitti, M. F. Watson, Front Row—W. S. Wilson, A. A. Chalmers, J. G. N. Fraser, A. A. R. Henderson (Senior Prefert), Mr. J. J, Robertson (Rector), Spence McLeod, J. R. Wight, M. N. Montgomery. Inret—K. R. Petrie (Deputy Senior Prefect).

Lower III, 1901-02

Bark Row—Miss Elisabeth W. Davidson, J. C. D. Mackie, G. W. Rose, L. L. Shepherd, R. M. Ledingham, A. A. Davdson, R. R. Cook, A. F. Hyslop, George Stephen, G. W. H. Stott, W. L. Gilbert. Middle Row—S. A. Goldsmid, John Ross, R. D. Lawrence, E. W. Strachan, Richard Fowell, E. W. Simpson, J. S. Green, Kenneth Rcid. Front Row—J. L. Soupcr, J. E. Deans, W. A. Reid, D. M. \l. Fraser, J. C. Asher, G. W. J. Chrcc, Charles Walker, F. B. Slessor, James Lunan.

An Old Class Group—Lower III, 1901-02 We are indebted to ROBERT RANNIE COOK * (1898-1908) for the photograph of Lower III, 1901-02, which is reproduced on the opposite page. We are also indebted to him and to other members of the class for most of the information from which the following notes have been compiled, Back Row— Miss Elisabeth W. Davidson (Staff, 1895- x 933). Lower School Mistress, 1923-33. Died 1933. James Cecil Davidson Mackie (1898-1909). M.A., LL.B. Died Edinburgh, 1919. Gilbert Wolridge Rose (1900-09). M.B., Ch.B., Lieut.-Colonel, R.A.M.C. Died India, 1946. Lindsay Lyall Shepherd (190o-07). Director, Simpson Shepherd and Sons Limited, wine merchants, Aberdeen. Died 1927. Robert Mackay Ledingham * (1897-1909). O.B.E., T.D., M.A., LL.B. Advocate in Aberdeen. Alexander Aitken Davidson * (1900-07). Davidsons (Aberdeen) Limited, wholesale fish merchants, Aberdeen. Robert Rannie Cook * (1899-1908). Formerly rubber planter in Malaya, later in Kenya. Now retired and living at Farnham Common, Bucks. Archibald Forbes Hyslop (1897-1910). M.A., Ph.D. H.M. Inspector of Schools in Scotland. Died 1943. George Stephen (1900-07). Lecturer and instructor in Carpentry, Government Instructional Factory, Aberdeen. (192.0) George Wilfred Hawkins Stott (1897-1904). Post Office Engineering Department, Aberdeen, since 1924. Walter Lothian Gilbert * (1902-06). Theatrical manager, Aberdeen. Middle Row— Sydney Alexander Goldsmid (1902-03). Believed killed, December 1914. John Ross (1898-1906). Tea and rubber planter, Ceylon. Died 1936. Robert Daniel Lawrence * (1900-09). M.A., M.D., F.R.C.P. Physician-in-charge, Diabetic Clinic, King's College Hospital, London. Edmund Warters Strachan (1900-04). Land agent, Gunthorpe Estate, Melton Constable, Norfolk. (1922) Richard Fowell (1901-04). Demobilised as Lieutenant, R.N.R. (1918)

Ernest William Simpson (1898-1909). Chemist. Killed in action, 1916. 113

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine James Simpson Green (1897-1906). Manager, Pacific Development Company Limited, Hawaii. (1922) Kenneth Reid * (1 9oi-o4). J . P. Formerly King's Bay Estate, Tobago, B.W.I. Now Concordia, Scarborough, Tobago. I24

Front Row— James Lorimer Souper * (2898-1909). B.Sc. (Eng.), A.M.Inst.C.E. Retired from Sudan Civil Service, 1943. Resident in Norwich. John Ewart Deans (2901-03). Lieutenant, R.N. Died Liverpool, 1918. Walter Alexander Reid * (1897-1909). J.P. Farming at West Kintrockat, Brechin. Douglas Morrison Milne Fraser * (1898-1910). M.A., M.B., Ch.B. In medical practice, Eastry, near Sandwich, Kent. James Chesser Asher (2905-04). Resided in Handsworth, Birmingham. Died 15 June, 195 5. George William Johnstone Chree (1900-08). M.C. Killed in action, 1916. Charles Walker (1898-?). Proprietor of a picture theatre, Dundee. (1913) Francis Blaikie Slessor (1897-1905). London and River Plate Bank, Sao Paulo. (1922) James Lunan (1901-02). and Lieut., The Gordon Highlanders (T.F.). Killed in action, September 1917.

The George Watson Trust As previously reported in the Magazine, the Trustees are now open to receive applications for grants from this Trust. Applications will be accepted from young men who have, or will have, completed national service, for a grant not exceeding £5oo to enable the applicant to spend a year abroad studying a foreign language and familiarising himself with any particular industry in and commercial conditions of that country prior to taking up a commercial career. Grants are available for boys who have completed their secondary or equivalent education and who satisfy the Trustees that they are suited for commercial life. Preference is given to a boy who has been educated in whole or in part at the Aberdeen Grammar School. Fuller information with regard to the terms of the Trust may be obtained from and applications should be submitted to Mr. J. Scott MacLachlan, Administrator of the Trust, zzo Union Street, Aberdeen, who is Secretary of the F.P. Club. The Trustees who administer the Trust are Mr. James C. Duffus, advocate in Aberdeen, Mr. Maurice Cramb, advocate in Aberdeen, Mr. J. J. Robertson, Rector of the School, and Mr. Joseph R. Carry, Vice-President and Chairman of the Executive of the F.P. Club.

Our Rugby Internationalist South African Tour Ernest James Stewart Michie (1947-5z), who won four Scottish rugby caps in 1953-54, had what must have been the immense satisfaction of playing for Scotland against Wales at Murrayfield on 5 February 1955, the date on which Scotland's dismal record of seventeen successive defeats came to an end. Scotland won by fourteen points to eight, and the whole team were greeted by the huge crowd as national heroes. Michie was also selected for the Irish match at Murrayfield (which Scotland won by twelve points to three) and for the English match at Twickenham (which Scotland lost by nine points to six). At the end of March it was announced that Michie was one of five Scots selected for the British Isles Rugby Union team which is to tour South Africa and Rhodesia this summer. The party, which left London by air on to June, is to play twentyfive matches including four test matches. These are to be at Johannesburg on 6 August, at Cape Town on zo August, at Pretoria on 3 September and at Port Elizabeth on 24 September. The last match of the tour is against East Africa at Nairobi on z8 September, and the team is due back in London two days later.

Our Hockey Internationalist Eric Douglas Watt * (1937-5o) has established for himself what appears to be a permanent place in Scotland's hockey team. He was first capped when he was still at School, had fourteen caps prior to last season and has now added a further three. at Port Talbot. Scotland beat Ireland 2-1 at Paisley and Wales They were beaten 5-3 by England at Norwich.

New Club Centre Central Africa Apart from the Club Centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Yorkshire, there are also overseas Centres in Bengal and Assam and Malaya. A third overseas Centre for the Federation of Central Africa is now to be established: this was decided by the F.P.s present at the fourth annual reunion dinner of F.P.s and Gordonians held at Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia on 3 June 1955 (see page 171). All F.P.s in the Federation of Central Africa are asked to communicate immediately with George M. Groat * (1927- 4o), P.O. Box 394, Salisbury, who is making the preliminary arrangements for the formation of the new Centre. As a first step he is drawing up a list of F.P.s in the Federation: he knows of about twenty but is sure that there are many more unknown to him who will be eligible for membership. I15

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University Notes At a Graduation in the University of Aberdeen on 15 December 1954, degrees were conferred on the following F.P.s:— DEGREES OF BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY (M.B., Ch.B.) Kenneth James Mackay (1935-42). Michael Anthony Shields (1936-48). * * * At the first meeting of the newly-elected Union Management Committee in May, Stephen Andrew Cormack Robertson * (193951) was elected secretary of the Union for session 1955-56. At a meeting of the S.R.C. in May, Ian Slessor Smith* (1945-53) was appointed director of student publications for next session. Two F.P.s, George Leslie Fraser * (1936-49) and John Philip Grant (1937-45), were included in the University golf team which toured Leeds, Cambridge and London during the Easter vacation. Victory at Leeds was followed by a narrow defeat at Cambridge and the last match at London was halved. Myron Grant Hampton * (1946-49) appeared for London University against his former Aberdeen colleagues. * * * Ronald Wallace Duncan * (1945-53), Ernest James Stewart Michie (1947-52), Robert Dewar Murray MacLeod * (1945-54), Robert Bain * (x1 944-52), Brian Douglas Miller Grassick * (1938-5a) and Kenneth Alan Grassick (1940-53) travelled to London with the Rugby Club for the annual tour. Four games were played: London Scottish (9-9), Old Reigations (3-3), Old Rutlishians (6-zz) and Esher (13-I2). The tour has been described as the most successful ever made by the Club, and the performance against London Scottish, in particular, received high praise from the critics. * * * Several F.P.s played a prominent part in the Charities Show, Out of this World : Ruaraidh Wishart McIntyre * (1945-51) was coadministrator and Donald Stirling Young (1940-47) business manager; Francis Robert Dalziel (1939-5 a), David Ballantine Haggart (1945-5a) and James Grant Kellas * (1940-54) assisted in the writing of the script and music; Neil Roderick Johnston * (1943-53), Michael Peter Gill * (1939-5 a), Alexander Proven ( 947-54) proved Farquhar (1940-47) and Graeme McLean Bruce * ‘1 most efficient "back room boys "; and Alexander Edward Mcllwain * (1945-51) edited the Show Souvenir. * * * At the Spring meeting of the Blues Committee James Lindsay Wilkie (1946-5 a) was awarded a half-blue in hockey. * * * 1908-12 Arts Class Reunion The 1908-12 Arts Class at the University of Aberdeen held a

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reunion in Aberdeen on 3o December 1954. Among those present were the following members of the " Last Seventh " at the School:— Edward Wyllie Fenton * (1895-1908), M.A., D.Sc. Head of the Department of Botany, Edinburgh and East of Scotland College of Agriculture until 1954. Now retired and living at Milltimber. Robert Forgan (1898-1908), M.C., M.A., M.D., D.P.H. For many years principal medical adviser to May & Baker Limited, drug and chemical manufacturers. Was M.P. for West Renfrew, 1929-31. Ian George Innes * (1905-08), M.A., B.Sc., B.Sc. (Agri.), M.D. In medical practice at Hull since after 1914-18 war. Member of General Medical Services Committee of B.M.A. since 1939, and member of Council of B.M.A. since 1948. Has been secretary of the 1908-I2 Arts Class since graduation and has organised twelve reunions. James McAllan (1903-08), M.A., B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S. Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland until 1954. Now a director of Ulster Meats Limited. Sir Landsborough Thomson * (1899-1908), C.B., O.B.E., M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.E. Second Secretary of the Medical Research Council. President, Zoological Society of London. Books by F.P.s

The Editor will be glad to receive for review in Ibis section of the Magazine copies of books, pamphlets, etc. written or edited by F.P.s. JAMES RAFPAN FIDDES * (1924-37), M.A., B.A., LL.B. (with Dr. Joan

Smith): The Law of Valuation in Scotland (" Guest on Valuation "). and edition. Revised and partly re-written. William Hodge and Co. Ltd. 63s.

* * * WILLIAM DOUGLAS SIMPSON * (1901-13), O.B.E., M.A., D.Litt.,

F.S.A. (Scot.), F.S.A.: A Short History of Tames. W. & W. Lindsay, Aberdeen. 5s. 6d. * * * JOHN HASTIE SPEIRS (191I-24), M.A., B.A. (Contributor): The Age of Chaucer. Penguin Books Ltd. (Pelican series). 3s. 6d. * * * JAMES STRAC HAN * (I 885-952, M.A., B.Sc., B.A.: Autumn Leaves. James Clarke & Co. Ltd., London. as. 6d. A collection of fifty-one poems of an autobiographical nature. * * * JAMES FENTON WYNESS * (1915-20), F.R.I.B.A., F.S.A. (Scot.): Let's Look Around the Alford Area. Education Committee, Aberdeen County Council. is. This is the sixth of the booklets on different areas of Aberdeenshire written by Mr. Wyness for the County Council's Education Committee.

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Marriages Aitken (1914-24).—At Aberdeen, on 4 April 1 955, ARCHIBALD MERCHANT ArrKEN, son of the late Mr. Archibald Aitkcn and of Mrs. Aitken, Ashley Road, Aberdeen, to Tina Milne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson Milne, 108 Bonnymuir Place, Aberdeen. Cooper (1938-44).—At East and Belmont Church, Aberdeen, on 3o November 1954, PETER COOPER,* elder son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Cooper, 94 Hammerfield Avenue, Aberdeen, to Hazel Sutherland, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Sutherland, 335 North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen. Craig (x929-38).—At Rubislaw Church, Aberdeen, on 27 November 1954, JOHN MACPHERSON CRAIG, son of Mr. Joseph Craig, 5 Woodburn Avenue, Aberdeen, and of the late Mrs. Craig, to Doris M. Chapman, daughter of the late Mr. Harry Chapman and of Mrs. Chapman, 247 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. Cruickshank (r926-29).--At the Scots Kirk, Rangoon, Burma, on 7 May 1955, JOHN ALEXANDER CRUICKSHANK, V.C., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Cruickshank, 94 Craiglea Drive, Edinburgh, to Marian Beverley, only daughter of the late Mr. Robert L. Beverley and of Mrs. Beverley, Toronto, Canada. Cumming (1928-32).—At Greyfriars Church, Aberdeen, on it March 1955, ALFRED BARCLAY CUMMING, only son of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Cumming, 22 Morningside Terrace, Aberdeen, to Winifred Joan Andrews, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Andrews, 234 Holbum Street, Aberdeen. Dickson (1933-45).—At Cults West Church, Aberdeenshire, on z9 April 1955, JAMES MCNEILL DICKSON,* son of the late Mr. James McNeill Dickson and of Mrs. Frances H. Dickson, 63 Forest Road, Aberdeen, to Mary Esslemont Phillips, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Phillips, Ivoalian, Bieldside. Ellicock (1936-44).—At Powis Church, Aberdeen, on 2.6 March 1955, SAMUEL ELLICOCK, only son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Ellicock, 46 Burns Road, Aberdeen, to Anne Wright Paterson, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Paterson, Parkvillc Drive, Blantyre. Eason (1929-34—At Princes Street Church, Huntly, on 31 March x955, ALAN FLOCKHART EssoN,* son of Captain GEORGE FORBES ESSON * (1894-1903) and of Mrs. Esson, Lynwood, Peterculter, to Rhona Alexander, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Alexander, Tor-Na-Cairn, Huntly. Fowler (1925-37).—At St. Nicholas (Union Grove) Church, Aberdeen, on 15 January 1955, JAMES HARVEY FOWLER,* son of the late Mr. Ian A. Fowler and of Mrs. Fowler, 23 Louisville Avenue, Aberdeen, to Doris Craigmile, only daughter of Mr. Charles Craigmile and of the late Mrs. Craigmile, 32 Louisville Avenue, Aberdeen. Garden (193o-37).--At John Knox's (Mounthooly) Church, Aberdeen, on 3o March 1955, JAMES GARDEN,* C.A., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. James Garden, 115 Hilton Street, Aberdeen, to Marjory Jean Bruce, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Bruce, 18 Granton Place, Aberdeen. Garden (1935-41).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen, on 25 March 1955, JAMES DAvID GARDEN, M.B., Ch.B., Failtich, Drummond Crescent, Inverness, only son of the late Dr. and Mrs. David S. Garden, Inverness, to Eleanora Johnston Elmslie, M.A., M.B., Ch.B., youngest daughter of JOHN GRANT ELMSLIE * (1904-13), M.B., Ch.B., and of Mrs. Elmslie, 104 Whitehall Place, Aberdeen. Hosie (x941-48). At St. Columba's, London, in April 1955, STEWART MACGREGOR HOME, B.Sc., to Vera A. D. Archibald. Hutcheon (1935-37)At West Church, Cults, Aberdeenshire, on 9 April 1955, HENRY DENNIS HUTCHEON, Petty Officer, R.N., only son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Hutcheon, 6 Manor Place, Cults, to Edna Rose Skene, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Skene, 5 Manor Place, Cults. Hutchison (1944-47).—At North Church, Aberdeen, on 24 February 1955, JoHN CHRISTIE HurcnrsoN, only son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Hutchison, 13 Wallfield Crescent, Aberdeen, to Mary Hall Holmes, youngest daughter of the late Mr. James W. Holmes and of Mrs. Mary Holmes, 240 King Street, Aberdeen.

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Kelly (1940-45).-- At Ruthrieston South Church, Aberdeen, on 2 February 1955, COLIN GEORGE KELLY,* son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Kelly, Alma Bank, Cults, Aberdeenshire, to Olive Catherine Ross, daughter of the late Mr. George E. Ross and of Mrs. Catherine Ross, 17 Hammersmith Road, Aberdeen. Lawrie (1943-46).—At Ferryhill South Church, Aberdeen, on 11 April 1955. ALBERT DOUGLAS VICTOR LAWR/E, only son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Lawrie, 27 Whitehall Terrace, Aberdeen, to Margaret McCready, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. McCready, 77 Cummings Park Circle, Aberdeen. Logan (1431-3z).—At Aberdeen, on 31 January 1955, ANDREW WILLIAM LoGAN,* Invercauld Arms Hotel, Ballater, to Margaret Whyte, daughter of Mr. William Whyte, Inverness. Milne (1927-28).—At East and Belmont Church, Aberdeen, on 3o November 19T4, DONALD SINCLAIR MILNE, elder son of the late Mr. William Milne and of Mrs. Milne, 38 Westholme Avenue, Aberdeen, to Elizabeth Munro Newlands, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Newlands, 346 King Street, Aberdeen. Milne (1927-30). At St. Matthia's Church, Barbados, on 6 April 1955, JOHN MACGREGOR MILNE,* son of the late Mr. Charles Meston Milne, Aberdeen, and of Mrs. I. Milne, Chippenham, Wilts, to Janetta Angus Campbell Naim, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nairn, 36 Irvine Place, Aberdeen. Present address: P.O. Box S9, San Fernando, Trinidad, B.W.I. Morrice (1942-45).—At Holburn Central Church, Aberdeen, on 19 March 1955, JAMES EMSLIE MORK ICE, son of Mr. D. A. Mortice and of the late Mrs. Morrice, 65 Union Grove, Aberdeen, to Frances Mary Wilken, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Wilken, zz6 Mid Stocket Road, Aberdeen. Reid (1933-37)At St. Peter's Church, Iver, Buckinghamshire, on 19 March 1955, ROBERT CAMERON BIRNIE REID, C.A., son of EDWARD BIRNIE REID * (190213), O.B.E., T.D., C.A., and of Mrs. Reid, Woodbank, Cults, Aberdeenshire, to Pauline Jacobsen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Jacobsen, 55 Wellesley Avenue, Iver. Rhind (1939-46).—At the Resurrection Church, Vandiperiyar, South India, on 21 May 1955, GEORGE ROMANES RHIND,* younger son of Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Rhind, 26 Foothill Road, Aberdeen, to Janet Catherine Strutt, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Strutt, t 1 Airlie Gardens, Kensington, London, W. Smith (1938-48).—At High Church, Hilton, Aberdeen, on 19 March 1955. IAIN ANDREW SMITH,* Flying Officer, R.A.F., son of Mr. and Mrs. David Smith, Emerald Bank, Bieldside, Aberdeenshire, to Anne Bruce, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Bruce, 17 Covenanters Row, Aberdeen. Stewart (1931-40.—At St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Nottingham, on 2 April 1955, CLYNE ROBERT BRUCE STEWART,* M.B., Ch.B., only son of Mr. C. G. Stewart, O.B.E., M.A., and of Mrs. Stewart, 6 Harlaw Terrace, Aberdeen, to Margaret Ann Stewart, B.Sc. (Ellin.), only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. G. Stewart, Carrbridgc, Inverness-shire. Stewart (1940-47).—At Aberdeen, on to March 1955, WILLIAM ALISTAIR Stanley Street, STEWART,* M.B., Ch.B., son of Mr. and Mrs. William Stewart, Aberdeen, to Joyce Margaret Whitehead, S.R.N., daughter of off Mrs. Whitehead, zo Ashley Road, Aberdeen. Stiven (1932-37).—At Benington Methodist Church, on 19 February 1955, JAMES FROSTILIE STIVEN, second son of the Reverend D. S. and Mrs. Stiven, Manse of Inveresk, Musselburgh, to Dorothy Alison Moss, fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Moss, Blue Hill Farm, Watton-at-Stone, Hertfordshire. Stuart (19t8-2.7).-At Bradford, on 9 February 1955, LOUIS VAss STUART,* only son of Mrs. Mitchell Stuart, az Gordondale Road, Aberdeen, to Alice Coultherd Watson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Watson, Idle, Bradford. Sutherland (t935-48).—At Beechgrovc Church, Aberdeen, on ar May 1955, JOHN STUART SUTHERLAND,* M.B., Ch.B., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Sutherland, 39 Carlton Place, Aberdeen, to Kathleen B. Stephen, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Stephen, 78 Desswood Place, Aberdeen. Turnbull (1939-45)At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen, on iz April 1955, GEORGE HARLEY TURNBULL,* M.A., younger son of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Tumbull, 16 Whinhill Road, Aberdeen, to Margaret Petrie, daughter of the late Mr. Fenton Petrie and of Mrs. Margaret Petrie, 216 Westburn Road, Aberdeen.

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Obituary John Brebner * (1894-1900), M.B.E., M.A., B.Sc., F.R.I.C., who was general from 1938 works manager of Scottish Agricultural Industries Limited, Aberdeen, to 1947, died at Aberdeen on 14 December 1954. He was aged seventy-two. When at School he was in the 1st XV and ist XI for several seasons and continued to play cricket in Aberdeen and Edinburgh until about 1922. He graduated M.A. at the University of Aberdeen in 1904, and B.Sc. in 1905. Thereafter he studied chemistry at Glasgow Technical College for two years before entering the chemical works of J. & J. Cunningham Limited, Leith. He was with this firm for thirty years, becoming general works manager in 1916. In 1938 he returned to Aberdeen to join S.A.I. Limited, and in 1948 (after he retired) he was awarded the M.B.E. His brother, ALEXANDER BREBNER (1897-190o), died in New Brunswick in 1915; his son, JOHN Low BREBNER * (1938-40 and 1941-51), is a student at Aberdeen. Arthur Richardson Brown (1884-90), M.A.. Q.C., formerly Sheriff-Substitute of Lanarkshire at I lamilton, died at Bothwell on z6 March 1955, aged seventy-nine. A son of the late Sheriff-Substitute William A. Brown, LL.D., Aberdeen, he graduated M.A. at the University of Aberdeen in 1896 and was called to the Scottish Bar in 1903. From 1915 to 1919 he was on the staff of the War Trade Intelligence Department in London and for part of that time he was also assistant to H.M. Procurator-General. After the war he was appointed Junior Counsel for the Treasury and acted for many years in the same capacity for the Board of Agriculture in Scotland. He was appointed a King's Counsel in 1925 and was Sheriff at Hamilton from 1927 to 1946, when he retired. He was a great student of the law and retained his interest in law and lawyers to the end. In the course of a tribute paid to him in the Sheriff Court over which he had presided for so long, it was said that he had always special consideration for the young practitioner, and was ever anxious to preserve him from his inexperience. He was very interested in hill-walking and cricket. He was the last survivor of four brothers who attended the School: WILLIAM BROWN (1884), M.A., LL.B., advocate in Aberdeen, died in 1901; JOHN Hscrox INNEs BROWN (1884-90). D.S.O., Lieut.-Colonel, 73rd Canadian Infantry Regiment, died in New York in 1927; and HARRY STUART BROWN (1884-90 and 1891-93), manager of the Antofagasta and Bolivia Railway Company, retired in 1948 and died at Lima six months later. Alexander Robertson Cumming * (1880-87), I.C.S. (retired), who was dux and gold medallist at the School and first bursar at the University of Aberdeen sixty-eight years ago, died at Aberdeen on 4 February 1955, aged eighty-four. He was in the Indian Civil Service for twenty-nine years and retired in 1919. After being accepted for the I.C.S. he spent two years at Balliol College, Oxford, before taking up his first post as assistant collector and magistrate at Madras in 1892. He became senior assistant in 1899, secretary to the Commissioners of Land Revenue in 1902, and a sub-collector and joint magistrate in 1906. Three years later he was appointed collector of Madras, protector of emigrants and superintendent of stamps and stationery, and in 1910 he was promoted to be a collector and magistrate. Before retiring in 1919 he was British Resident in Travancore and Cochin. At an earlier stage in his career he was for two years secretary to Sir James Thomson, K.C.S.I., LL.D. (Aberd.), acting Governor of Madras. He spent the first part of his retirement in London but returned to Aberdeen in 1939. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, the University Club and the Bridge Club; he celebrated his golden wedding in 1952. An old class fellow at the School, looking back over seventy years, recalls Alec Cumming as always kindly and sensitive, but big-hearted and outstandingly clever. Their paths diverged but, over half a century later, they became friends again in Aberdeen. During the past few years Mr. Cumming bravely fought a painful affliction and, supported by the devoted care of his wife, bore all his suffering with wonderful patience. He was the last survivor of four brothers who were F.P.s: ROBERT CUMMING

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(1875-77), advocate in Aberdeen, died in 19to; JOHN ARTHUR CUMMING (1876-82), also I.C.S. (retired), died in 1949; and THOMAS DONALDSON CUMMING (1882-90), M.B., C.M., died in Brazil in 1900. John Rhys Danson * (1897-1903), M.B.E., D.C.M., died suddenly at Barras, Brynsiencyn, Anglesey, on 27 April 1955, aged sixty-seven. From 1919 to 1941 he was with the Municipality of Georgetown, Penang, Malaya, but he was at heart a soldier. In the 1914-18 war he was an R.S.M. in the London Scottish. Youngest son of the late Very Rev. Dr. James M. Danson, Dean of Aberdeen and Orkney, and one of five brothers who attended the School, he served his apprenticeship as an engineer with Messrs. Clyne, Mitchell & Company, Aberdeen, and became assistant engineer in the Dundee Corporation Electricity Supply Department in 1908. In 1914 he went to Buenos Aires to take up an appointment as second engineer in the Power Station at La Plata but returned on the outbreak of war and joined the London Scottish. In 1916 he became R.S.M. and held this position with notable success until the end of the war, being twice mentioned in dispatches and being awarded the D.C.M. In 1919 he went to Georgetown, Penang, as assistant municipal electrical engineer, and joined the Penang Volunteers in which, latterly, he held the rank of C.S.M. He was F.P. Club Consul for Penang for several years. He retired in 1941 and on returning to England served with the Home Guard in Kent and afterwards in Anglesey. At the end of the war he was asked to rejoin the Home Guard as weapon training officer with the rank of captain, in which capacity he served until his death. His eldest brother, ARTIIUR LLEWELLYN DANSON (1885-89), B.A., 1.C.S., died at Lahore in 1912; EDMUND WILMOT DANSON (1887-92) died at Moulmein, Burma, in 1921 ; ERNEST DENNY LOGIE DANSON (1892-94), M.A., D.D., Bishop of Edinburgh and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, died in 1946; and JAMES GORDON DAMSON * (1894-1903), M.D., F.R.C.P., is a retired Suigeon Captain, R.N. " A. McK. J." writes:— John Danson was by profession an engineer, by inclination a soldier—by nature a loyalist. At the age of twelve he was authoritative on the details of military uniforms, and I can remember his firmly correcting the belts and buttons of my chalk portraits on Mr. Pope's art-room blackboard, of the then topical heroes of the South African War. By the time he was eighteen he was machine-gun sergeant of the Volunteer Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders. He held a commission in the Royal Engineers (T.F.) in Dundee for a short period before going to Buenos Aires, whence he returned post-haste to serve in the 1914 war. Reaching London the " competent authority" told him he was too old at 26 for a commission in the R.E., so he walked across the street and enlisted in the ranks of the London Scottish where his promotion was meteoric; in 1916 when the znd Battalion went from France to Salonika, he became Regimental Sergeant-Major. It was said John would accept none of the many offers he received of a commission because of a vow made when a relative spoke slightingly of N.C.O. rank, but doubtless he revelled in the unique power and influence of the R.S.M. in a regiment where all officers come up from the ranks. Small, spare, but powerful, with strongly marked Welsh features, he had a mordant tongue for what he deemed bogus or pretentious, but was a great companion and a merry one with a vivid delight in verbal sword-play. The youngest son in a large family, he broke with family tradition when he left School to serve his apprenticeship at Clyne Mitchell's engineering works. With his new friends he rowed for the Gymnastic and Rowing Club and played rugby for the 'Shire. Thus, although we had played half-back together at School, we found ourselves in fierce opposition; with perhaps a little more harmony, we played side by side in the F.P. Orchestra, John on the flute and I on the clarinet. Our friendship survived unimpaired with only a few fleeting meetings over many years to make us both realise we were still schoolboys at heart.

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A former colleague in the London Scottish writes in the June 1955 issue of The London Scottish Regimental Gazette :— In his position, it was difficult to have many close friends, but the few who knew him personally greatly admired his coolness, courage and upright character. He played rugger and some of us will also remember him playing Rossini on his flute on odd occasions, both in and out of the fighting line. In France he was frequently to be seen in the front trenches, encouraging others by his unflurried manner, and he never shirked any danger or responsibility. James Lindsay Duncan * (19t1-z4), M.A., LL.B., Ph.D., Sheriff-Substitute of the Lothians and Peebles at Edinburgh, died at Edinburgh on Christmas Day, 1954. He was aged forty-nine. He had been a sheriff since 1940 when, at the age of thirty-four, he was the youngest sheriff in Scotland. Son of the late Mr. George Duncan, advocate in Aberdeen, he graduated M.A. at the University of Aberdeen in 1927 and LL.B. with distinction in 1929, winning the Edmond Prize and the Cruickshank Law Prize. He then entered a law office in Edinburgh, and, with a thesis on " The End and Aim of Law " obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh in 1931. In the same year he was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates and practised at the Bar until 1940. He became an external examiner for the Universities of Glasgow and Aberdeen, and in 1939 he joined the reporting staff of Session Cases, the official Law Reports of the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary. He was also editor of the Annual Digest of Cases. He revised and brought up to date the third edition of Glegg on of The Lan, of Reparation in Scotland in 1939 (thirty-four years after the publicationthe the second edition), and at the time of his death he was engaged in revising proofs of a fourth edition. He was appointed Sheriff-Substitute of Ross, Crornarty and Sutherland at Stornoway in 1940 and of Ayrshire at Kilmarnock in 1942. After nine years there he was promoted to the important sheriffdom at Edinburgh. His Second Analytical Digest of Cases, 1930-40 was published in 1947. Lindsay Duncan was a great lover of the hills and a keen member of the Cairngorm Club, which he joined in 1928. He was a frequent attender at New Year Meets at Braemar and a regular contributor of articles to the Cairngorm Club Journal. He spent many summer holidays with his family at Braemar in the z9zos and was one of the originators of the proposal that a visitors' book should be left at the Shelter Stone on the shores of Loch Avon. He was responsible for the depositing of the first volume there in August 1924 : the tradition has been maintained and the present volume, wrapped in waterproof and kept in a biscuit tin, is number ten in the series. He was secretary of the Edinburgh Centre of the F.P. Club from 1934 to 1938 and a regular attender at the Centre's annual functions when he was in Edinburgh. ALLAN C. FRAZER * (1925-30), M.A., W.S., writes:— James Lindsay Duncan's strength of character shone in his unchanging gentleness. He was loved by his friends not only for his boyish—almost puckish—spirit which refused to grow old, but also because he showed in himself and brought out in others generosity in outlook and action. He was incapable of malice or meanness. As a judge he ruled his Court by kindness. The nervous practitioner appearing in Court for the first time drew confidence from his sympathy and understanding. For he himself had passed that way and knew its agonies and apprehensions. The difficulties of the litigants who appeared before him became his problems. For though indeed he was deeply versed in law he was less concerned with abstract principles than that justice should be done in particular instances and this was reflected in the anxious care with which he considered his judgments. No one who knew him was not a better man because of having done so. Robert Duthie (1914-19) died at Woudend Hospital, Aberdeen, on 3 January 1955, aged fifty-two. After leaving the School he joined the business of his father, Mr. Robert Duthie, wholesale grocer, and went into partnership in 1928. Latterly he was a director of Robert Duthie & Sons Limited, Regent Quay, Aberdeen. He was prominently associated with the Boy Scout Movement in the NorthEast of Scotland, being assistant commissioner for Rovers in Aberdeen. Over

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thirty years ago he was joint scoutmaster of the 6th Aberdeen (Woodside) Troop, and later helped to form the 37th (Kittybrewster) Troop. He also played a leading part in the formation of the 6th and zoth Rover Crews, organised the Camp Fire during Aberdeen's Coronation celebrations in 1953, and was editor of the Aberdeen Scout Song Boole, which contains songs which he collected over a period of twenty years. In his memory Aberdeen Rover Scouts have presented the " Bob Duthie " Memorial Camp Fire Trophy which will be competed for annually by the Rover Crews in the North. This trophy is made of mahogany and carries a miniature camp fire made of tiny steel logs and a carved figure of a kilted scout. George Knowles Fraser * (1907-08), M.A., D.Sc., died suddenly at Aberdeen on 22 December 1954, aged sixty-four. He was head of the Department for Soil Organic Matter at the Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, Aberdeen. On leaving the School he went to the University of Aberdeen and graduated M.A. in 1912 and B.Sc. in 1922. In the latter year he was appointed assistant Science master at Rosskeen Academy, Invergordon, and in 2920, after taking the B.Sc. degree in Forestry, he was appointed lecturer in Physics, Chemistry and Geology in relation to the Soil, in the Forestry Department of the North of Scotland College of Agriculture. In 1923-24 he was awarded a Carnegie Teaching Fellowship at the University and was lecturer in Forestry there from 2923 to 1928. He was subsequently awarded further Carnegie Teaching Fellowships and was appointed lecturer in Forest Soils and Chemistry. In 1932 he obtained the degree of D.Sc. for a thesis on " The West Scottish Moorland, its Vegetation and Soil studied from the Silvicultural Aspect ". Five years later he went to the Macaulay Institute as a research officer in Peat Soils. His son, GEORGE PATERSON FRASER (1933-45), B.Sc., Ph.D., is lecturer in Clinical Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen. Andrew James Hadden * (2935-39) died suddenly at Aberdeen on 32 October 1954, aged thirty-four. On leaving the School he attended Gray's School of Art for a time and in 2940 he entered his father's business, the Imperial Granite Works, Back Hilton Road, Aberdeen, where he remained until his death. He suffered increasingly bad health for the last year of his life but did not let this curtail any of his business activities or his hobbies. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters. James Hay (1893-95), M.B.E., J.P., advocate in Aberdeen, died at Aberdeen on 8 December 29S4, aged seventy-three. He was a former member of Aberdeen Town Council and a leading figure in the fishing industry, being secretary of the Walker Steam Trawl Fishing Company. He qualified as a law agent and in 1919 he was admitted to the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. He was a former member of the Fishery Board for Scotland and a former chairman of the Aberdeen Fish Salesmen's Association. As a Socialist he represented Torry Ward in Aberdeen Town Council from 1937 to 2946 and was a member of the Aberdeen Harbour Board. During the second world war he was a member of the Aberdeen Harbour Emergency Committee and from 2947 to 1950 he was a member of the North-Eastern Regional Hospital Board. He was awarded the M.B.E. in 2943. James Masson Hector (1889-1900), B.Sc., formerly Professor of Agricultural Botany in the University of Pretoria, died at Harrogate on 6 March 1955. He was in his seventy-third year. After graduating B.Sc. at the University of Aberdeen in 1940, he was private assistant to Professor J. Arthur Thomson for a short time and then became assistant lecturer in Agricultural Botany at the North of Scotland College of Agriculture. In 1909 he was appointed lecturer in Agricultural Botany and Plant Pathology at the University of Leeds and four years later Plant Pathologist at University College, Reading. In 1917 he went to South Africa to the chair of Agricultural Botany at Transvaal University College (later the University of Pretoria) and soon made a reputation as a very able lecturer and teacher. He was known throughout the Transvaal as an extension lecturer in matters relating to Agricultural Botany. In 2933 he was elected president of the Botanical and Agricultural Section of the British Association of South Africa and in 1936 he published a comprehensive

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textbook in two volumes—Introduction to the Botany of Crop Plants, which was regarded at the time as one of the best books on the subject in the English language. During the last war Professor Hector retired from the University and became for a time a civil servant in the Department of Agriculture, when he worked on the improvement of veldt pasture lands and on a survey of veldt grasses, but had to give up this work owing to the loss of sight in one eye. After retiring he lived for a time near Port Elizabeth, and took a keen interest in the citrus industry and was for a time editor of The Citrus Grower. Since returning to this country he had been engaged in bringing out a revised edition of his textbook, which was to have been published by the Oxford University Press. He had to give this up, however, owing to the complete loss of his eyesight. He was the second son of the late Rev. Principal JOHN flEcroa (1857-62), M.A., D.D. His elder brother, GEORGE PITTENDRIGH HECTOR * (1889-97), M.A., D.Sc., who was formerly Director of Agriculture under the Government of Bengal, lives in retirement in Aberdeen, and his younger brother, KENNETH SrunaT HECTOR (1893-1901), of the Imperial Bank of India, Madras, died at Cheltenham in 5933. In a tribute which appeared in a recent issue of The Citrus Grower, Professor J. P. R. Wallis wrote:— He had held posts in the Universities of Reading and Leeds and participated in Government schemes of research into problems of food production in the hard times of World War One before he went out to Pretoria in September of 1957 to assume the chair of Agricultural Botany in the Transvaal University College, then one of the constituent members of the University of South Africa. Its Faculty of Agriculture was then a recent foundation and Hector entered into the development of it as into a spirited adventure, as indeed, in many ways, it was. He gave towards its planning and its development all his exuberant energy and resourcefulness, his scientific knowledge and experience, his indefatigable zeal and enthusiasm, his good fellowship and his abounding optimism. From first to last he lived for his work. He was a wise counsellor, a shrewd critic of men and affairs and a force to be reckoned with in the internal politics of the little community, as it was in those early days, with which he had joined his lot. His department, of course, came first, but he was a driving force in the deliberations of his Faculty and an influence in the College Senate. He was a staunch and cheery colleague and, as the homely but telling phrase has it, his students thought the world of him, while for his part he was always modestly but deeply proud of their respect and liking. To them he was at all times readily accessible in difficulty or perplexity; he was entirely untainted with pedantries and enjoyed few things better than frank talks and discussions with them that brought them to savour and enjoy something of his own zestful pleasures in his chosen subjects. His book on Agricultural Botany, the result of long years of close labour, is outstanding, a monument to his genius. When in the course of time the T.U.C. drew towards the inevitable-seeming transition to independent University status, he ranged himself alongside those of his colleagues who strove to ensure that the new institution should be planned and erected four-square upon the authentic and traditional foundations of liberal principles. In those strenuous days, as ever, he was in Senate a telling speaker, intervening to some purpose at the apt moment and with that wit and humour that lightened discussion and eased the way in awkward or tense moments. And afterwards, when the trend of policy took untoward turns, he, like others of his disinterested companions, withdrew into the peace of his departmental responsibilities and concentrated on them and his disciples. Meanwhile he had been attracted into the experimental work of the citrus industry in the Sundays River Valley, where his scientific, intellectual and personal qualities found a congenial field. IIis advice was ready, generous and invaluable, and for many years he acted as editor to the technical periodical, The Citrus Grower. He fell in love with the place and on his retirement went to live in a delightful little cottage on Amanzi where he stayed until private considerations brought him back to his native land. Robert Younger Hunter * (1895-1904), M.A., LL.B., solicitor, died suddenly at Edinburgh on to December 1 954, aged sixty-eight. He graduated M.A. at

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Aberdeen in 1911, and LL.B. in 1914 and was admitted as a solicitor in 1922. He was an assistant with Messrs. Thomson, Dickson & Shaw, W.S., Edinburgh, for almost thirty years until his death. His brothers, ANDREW 11UNTER (1879-85), M.B., ,and JAMES YOUNGER HUNTER (1881-89) died in 1899 and 1933 respectively, the former in West Africa and the latter at West Cults, Aberdeenshire. Robert Sangster Kemp (1876-78), T.D., M.A., D.D., minister of Deer for fifty-four years and doyen of the Church of Scotland—he was the oldest serving minister until his retirement in 1953—died at the Manse, Old Deer, on 9 December 1954, aged ninety-two. He completed sixty-five years as an ordained minister in May 1953. Born at Peterculter, he graduated M.A. at the University of Aberdeen in 1882 and B.D. three years later. His first charge was at Insch, where he went in 1888, and eleven years later he was called to the Church of Deer. During the first world war he served as a chaplain to the Forces with the Gordon Highlanders and the Royal Scots and was awarded the Territorial Decoration. In 1924 he received from his Alma Mater the honorary degree of D.D. Known as " the cycling minister " he estimated that in the course of his annual parish visitation he cycled about 3,000 miles. At the age of ninety he regularly made a round trip of six miles every Sunday to take the afternoon service at Fetterangus and until a few years ago he cycled twelve miles to Peterhead every Monday morning for a round of golf. On attaining his ministerial jubilee in May 1938, he presented a new church hall to his parishioners and, to mark his jubilee as minister of Deer, he handed over £500 for the maintenance of the hall. He was the first Moderator of Deer Presbytery after the Union of 1929 and he was the first of the country ministers to be Moderator of the Synod of Aberdeen. For many years he was chairman of the Old Deer School Board and served on the Deer District Council. Ile was a former captain of Pitfour Cricket Club and of the Pitfour Curling Club. A keen musician, he played the organ and formerly conducted the Old Deer Musical Association. He was a regular attender at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for twenty-seven years until 1952, and was particularly interested in the Committees on Foreign Missions and Psalmody. In 1911 he was appointed by the Foreign Missions Committee to visit Missions of the Church of Scotland in India and he was a member of the Committee which selected hymns for the Revised Church Hymnary. When in his ninety-first year, he retired from the active ministry to facilitate the union of the churches of Stuarrfield and Deer. Sir Robert (William) Lyall-Grant * (1884-91,) T.D., M.A. (Aberd.), LL.B. (Edin.), formerly Chief Justice of Jamaica, died at his home at Sheringhatn, Norfolk, on 2 February 1955. He was aged seventy-nine and had had a distinguished career in the Colonial Legal Service, from which he retired in 1936. The eldest son of Mr. John Lyall Grant, Richmondhill, Aberdeen, he graduated M.A. at the University of Aberdeen in 1895, and after a period of study in Germany, he attended the University of Edinburgh, graduating LL.B. there in 1903. He was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in the same year and was in practice at the Bar for six years. In 1905 he won a Vans Dunlop scholarship in Scots Law and Conveyancing. In 1909 he was appointed Attorney-General of Nyasaland at Blantyre with a seat on the Executive and Legislative Councils of the Protectorate. Five years later he was elevated to the Bench and also became a member of the Court of Appeal for Eastern Africa. In 192o he was transferred to Kenya as AttorneyGeneral and in 1926 he was appointed a puisine judge in Ceylon. He was Chief Justice of Jamaica from 1932 to 1936. During his retirement in Norfolk he acted as a lay representative on the Diocesan Board of Finance of the diocese of Norwich. Sir Robert was an original member of the F.P. Club, having been one of those present at the inaugural meeting in 1893. For many years he was an honorary vice-president of the Club. He had two brothers who Were also at the School: CHARLES LYALL GRANT (1887-94), M.A., B.Sc., died in the West Indies in 1901, and HENRY FREDERICK LYALL-Gttabrr * (1888-95), D.S.O., M.A., Colonel, Royal Artillery, now lives in retirement at Budleigh Salterton, Devon. DAVID LYALL GRANT (1879-85), who died at Montreal in 195o, was a half-brother.

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SIR DAVID EDWARDS * (1903-09) writes:— he was I first met Lyall-Grant in 1921 in Kenya, of which Crown ColonyGovernthe Attorney-General, his duties including those of legal adviser toand Legisment and all Government departments, Law Member of Executive Bar. Even lative Councils, Director of Public Prosecutions and head of the Nairobi, thirty years ago many able unofficial lawyers practised at the Bar in unofficial Mombasa and three other towns, a few of whom were nominated members of Legislative Council. The Law Officers of the Crown, of whom the Attorney-General was the chief, had to pit their wits, both in Court and Council Chamber, against able practising members of their own profession. the Crown Legislation and litigation were complicated, and civil rasrs, to which important conwas a party and which involved large sums of money and Senate and in stitutional issues, were by no means uncommon. Both in the the Forum Lyall-Grant remained unperturbed. His experience inof Kenya helped him later in his judicial work in Ceylon and Jamaica in both which territories many able members of the English Bar are in private practice. Sir Robert and Lady Lyall-Grant's kindly manner gamed for them many Robert did friends both among officials and unof£icials. In retirement Sir Lyall-Grant much useful voluntary work in Norfolk, from which county Lady hailed. That he should have reached his eightieth year is a tribute to the healthy conditions prevailing in territories under the Colonial. Office, due in large measure to the efforts of members of the Colonial (now " Overseas ") Medical Service, which has always numbered among its members a few F.P.s. died Anthony John McCreadie (1905-08), M.C., M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.S.E.,AberAlford, at Shipley, Yorkshire, 0/1 3 January 1955, aged sixty-five. Born at the deenshire, where his father was schoolmaster, he graduated in Medicine at1920. University of Aberdeen in 1913 and obtained his fellowship at EdinburghininEgypt, During the first world war he served with the R.A.M.C. at Suvla Bay and Mesopotamia and France, and was awarded the M.C. in 1917. After the war he went into practice at Nelson, Lancashire and was chief orthoat the paedic surgeon at the Victoria Hospital, Burnley, and general surgeon He was Reedyford Hospital, Nelson, and the Hanky Memorial Hospital, Colne. a past president and honorary life member of the Nelson Rotary Club.1951, when He gave up general practice in 1945 and specialised in surgery until ill-health forced him to retire. His wife died in i953 and in September of that year he moved from Nelson to Shipley, where he lived with his daughter. William Alexander McRobbie * (1893-97), F.R.1.C.S., died suddenly at his home at 102 Desswood Place, Aberdeen, on 9 March 1955, aged seventy-four. Son of the late WILLIAM McRomun (I86o-65), M.A., who was minister of the Free Church of Leslie and Premnay from 1878 to 1921, he served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Walker & Duncan, architects and civil engineers, Aberdeen, and was in practice as an architect, surveyor and engineer in Fraserburgh for five years. In 1910 he obtained an appointment in the Valuation Department of the Inland Revenue in Aberdeen, and in 1930 he became District Valuer for the Aberdeen District, comprising the counties of Nairn, Moray, Banff, Aberdeen and Kincardine. He retired officially several years ago but continued to work at Migvie House until 1933. He had a very long association with the Boys' Brigade. In 1906 he was an officer in the rst Fraserburgh Company and after coming to Aberdeen, he became captain of the 31st (Carden Place Church) Company. Later he was appointed convener of the No. 2 District of the Aberdeen battalion and in 1941 he became president of the battalion. His son, DONALD GRAHAM MCROBBIE (1921-33), M.B., Ch.B., is in practice at Turriff. Mr. James Watt, C.B.E., writes:— William McRobbie who recently passed so suddenly from our midst was one of the best known and highly respected figures in our town. Apart from business he had many points of contact with the city life such as the Boys' Brigade and other interests. One had only to walk along Union Street with him to realise from the number of friendly salutations how extensive his circle of friends was. He had a genius for friendship and, especially where

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there was sickness or trouble, was quick and ready to call and offer his sympathy and help. He had the happy knack of dropping in now and then for a " news " —a practice that seems to be falling out of date in these days of radio and T.V. entertainment in the home. A son of the manse, he was a great lover of the countryside. His business which included the valuation of agricultural estates added to his wide knowledge of the farms and crofts of his native Aberdeenshire and it was quite an education to one who was privileged to accompany him in his car to learn about the farm " toons " on the way and much about the folk as well. His chief hobby was sketching and seldom did he visit the country or seaside in his leisure hours without bringing back a sketch or water colour of a beauty spot that caught his artistic eye. Perhaps one of his favourite subjects was a scene near Bcnachic with the " Mither Tap " in the background. Many of us will miss him as a good and true friend. Edward George Marr * (1899-1901) died at Brading, Isle of Wight, on 20 May 1955, in his seventieth year. He served his apprenticeship as a banker with the North of Scotland Bank in Aberdeen and in 1906 he joined the London and River Plate Bank which later became the Bank of London and South America. He served in Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and other countries of South America until 1940, when he retired and returned to Aberdeen. A short time before leaving Montevideo, he was an eye-witness of the Battle of the River Plate and of the scuttling of the Graf Spee and wrote a short account of it for the Magazine. During his last year in Uruguay he was F.P. Club Consul. During the war he served as a member of the Royal Observer Corps, and later on the staff of Aberdeen Town Council. In 1949 he left Aberdeen fur the Isle of Wight where he remained until his death. Both his sons are F.P.s and both were at the School Boarding House: DENNIS TREVOR LLEWELLYN MARK * (Ip3o-42) is general manager of Frank B. Hill and Company, insurance and shipping agents at Maracaibo, Venezuela, and British Vice-Consul there; and JOHN ANGUS COLIN MARK * (1936-43) is senior overseer on Albion Sugar Estate, British Guiana. James Yule Miller * (1897-190o) died at Southsea on 21 May 1955, aged sixty-nine. After being with the Royal Insurance Company Limited in Edinburgh and Cardiff, he joined W. M. Strachan & Company Limited, insurance agents, at Kobe, Japan, in 1912. Thereafter he was with several insurance firms in Shanghai and Hankow until 1927, when he returned to England and joined the Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, remaining with them until his retirement in 1953. He was one of the F.P.s who presented the Shanghai Clock to the School and one of the two donors present at the presentation ceremony in the School on 18 November 1927. His brother, KEITH BIRNIE MILLER * (1898-1902), formerly of Calcutta, now lives at Budleigh Salterton, Devon. Bruce Watson Milne (x881-83), C.A., died at Vancouver on 23 May 1955, aed eighty-eight. He went to British Columbia in the early 19oos and was a pioneer in his profession in Western Canada. He was in practice in Vancouver from 1907 until 1946, when he retired. Admitted as a member in 1906, he was one of the senior members of the old Society of Accountants in Aberdeen. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Whyte and Williamson. He was the eldest and last survivor of four brothers who were all at the School: ALEXANDER MILNE (1876-79), Nl.B., C.M., died in 1953, ALFRED EDWARD MILNE (1893-94), advocate in Aberdeen, in 1949, and BENJAMIN D1SRAX.LI MILNE (x 893-97) in October 1954. Charles Napier Gordon Milne (1893-94) died at Bournemouth on 3o January 1955, aged seventy-two. He served in the South African War with the Gordon Highlanders and, after training as a civil engineer with Messrs. Jenkins & Marr, Aberdeen, he went to Canada to work in a government post on the construction of the National Transcontinental Railway. In 1912 be was appointed assistant resident engineer at St. Vital Agricultural College, near Winnipeg, and later be was assistant to the Highway Commissioner of Manitoba. During the first world war he served with the Canadian Engineers in France until he was gassed in 1915

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and had to return to Canada with the rank of major to become second-in-command of the Canadian Engineers at St. John's, Quebec. After the war he returned to England and became managing director of Thomas Begg Limited, chemical manufacturers, London. In 1922 he was made Scottish representative of Cooper, McDougall and Robertson, chemical manufacturers, a post which he held until 1947, and from 1948 to 1951 he was factor of the Glenmuick Estate, near Ballater. For over twenty-five years he played a leading part in the activities of the British Legion in the North-East of Scotland. He was chairman of the Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine branch from 1944 to 195o and president of the Arca Council in 5950. He was president of the Aberdeen Magical Society in 1948. John Milne (1888-94), M.C., T.D., Colonel, The Gordon Highlanders (T.A.), died at his home, Invermuick, Ballater, on z6 April 1955, aged eighty. A well known business man in Upper Deeside, he was also one of the best known T.A. officers in the North-East of Scotland. From 1919 to 1915 he was Provost of Ballater. A native of Braemar, he moved to Ballater in 1918 and took over his father's business of railway contractor and coal merchant. He carried on this business and attended his office regularly until three months before his death. He took a great interest in local affairs, particularly in the Horticultural Society, the Nursing Association and the British Legion. Colonel Gonraav P. GEDDES * (1905-I D.S.O., O.B.E., T.D., M.A., D.L., writes:— By the death of Colonel John Milne, M.C., T.D., of Ballater, one of the oldest links between the old Volunteers and the Territorial Army has been removed. He served for many years before the first world war in the Deeside Volunteer Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders, and during the whole of the war he rendered distinguished service with the 7th Battalion, being awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in the field, and finishing with the rank of major. In 1922, when the Territorial Army was re-formed, he immediately joined the 5/7th Battalion, which he eventually commanded from 1925 to 1928. Colonel Milne was a most enthusiastic Territorial Officer, attending every possible parade. He was in his element at Camp where his one thought was for the welfare and comfort of his men, who were devoted to him. He was also the life and soul of the Officers' Mess, participating in all the fun and games at all times. When his tenure of command expired in June 5928, all ranks felt they had lost a fine commanding officer and a real friend, who had given such long and devoted service to the Regiment. Douglass Alexander Mortimer * (1895-99), solicitor, died at his home in Dundee on 25 January 1955, aged seventy-one. He qualified in 1908 and, after being chief assistant in two legal firms in Dundee, he spent six years with Harrisons and Crosficld Limited in Sumatra and at Kuala Lumpur. He returned home on account of ill-health and went into practice in Dundee, where he was at one time secretary and treasurer of the Dundee Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine Association. In 594o he was appointed chairman of the Dundee District Advisory Road Traffic Committee under the Ministry of Transport, and in 1945 he obtained a full-time post with the Pensions Appeal Tribunals for Scotland. In 1948 he was appointed by the Lord President of the Court of Session to be legal member and president of the Electricity Arbitration Tribunal, in regard to proceedings in Scotland, and he was appointed to corresponding positions on the Gas Arbitration Tribunal and the Iron and Steel Arbitration Tribunal in 1949 and 1950 respectively. On account of ill-health, however, he had to give up these posts about three years ago. Harry James Rae * (1898-1904), M.C., M.A., M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H., Q.H.P., formerly Medical Officer of Health for the City of Aberdeen and Counties of Aberdeen and Kincardine, died at Aberdeen on 8 May 1955, aged sixty-nine. He had been in poor health for some months. After graduating at the University of Aberdeen in Arts (1907) and Medicine (59 10, he became an assistant medical officer at Kingseat and commenced public

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health work in 1914 as assistant school medical officer for Aberdeenshire, having obtained his D.P.H. earlier that year. In 1915 he was appointed chief tuberculosis medical officer for Aberdeenshire and from 1917 to 1919 he held a commission in the R.A.M.C., serving in Egypt and Palestine. He won the M.C. in 1918. Aberdeen was the first county in Scotland completely to co-ordinate all its medical services and Dr. Rae was appointed to be the first chief medical officer in 1925. Four years later he was appointed medical officer of health for the City of Aberdeen and head of the Public Health Department in the University, and in 1930 Kincardineshire was added to his responsibilities as an M.O.H. He retired from his County of Aberdeen appointment in January 1952 and from his City of Aberdeen, County of Kincardine and University appointments in September of that year. In 1942 he was appointed president of the Royal Sanitary Association of Scotland and, on the introduction of the National Health Service in 1948, he was appointed a member of the Aberdeen Special Hospitals Board. In x949 he became a regional member for the North-East of Scotland on the Scottish Orthopaedic Council. In 195o he was appointed an honorary physician to the King and he was similarly honoured by the Queen in 1952. Soon after he retired in 1952, he became a member of Aberdeen Town Council, on which he served until his death. In x953 he was appointed by the General Medical Council to be Visitor of Examinations and Visitor of Medical Schools in Great Britain and Ireland in the subjects of Social Medicine and Public Health. His elder son, HARRY JAMES RAE * (1923-26 and 1929-35), holds a regular commission in the Royal Corps of Signals, and his younger son, WILLIAMJ ACK WATSON RAE (1929-41), M.B., Ch.B., is in practice in Aberdeen. ROBERT RICHARDS * (1899-1904), M.A., M.D., F.R.C.S.E., D.P.H., writes:— Fifty-six years ago Harry Rae and I sat beside each other in Bentley Philip's class at the Grammar School. We completed our school course together, went through Arts together and both resolved to take up Medicine, Rae a year later than 1. He succeeded me as house surgeon to Mr. Scott Riddell and ever since we have been colleagues and close friends—a friendship that never wavered in spite of keen professional rivalry on one occasion. That was due in no small measure to Harry Rae's personality. He was a kenspeckle figure in the community, always immaculately turned out, a feature even of his schoolboy days. He had a lovable nature that attracted all to him, so that even after an enforced absence he met his friends on the same happy friendly footing as if they had parted but the day before. His professional career speaks for itself, but behind and beyond that, Harry Rae was a wise counsellor to his colleagues and students who never appealed in vain to him for advice, for he would go to endless trouble to help them on the road to promotion or take them out of a difficulty. Therein perhaps lay his weakness, for we all have a weak spot, in that he was so anxious to be helpful that he sometimes perhaps allowed his kindness of heart to have more sway than was due—a fault, if it is a fault, that calls for no condemnation but rather reveals the essential goodness of his nature. His colleagues both in town and county, in municipal and University affairs alike, mourn his passing as that of a very good friend. Russell Sharp * (1893-98), J.P., died suddenly at Cupar, Fife, on zi January 1955, aged seventy-four. He studied Law at the University of Edinburgh, qualifying in 1906, and in the same year he went to London as private secretary to the Hon. Thomas Cochrane (later Lord Cochrane of Cults), then M.P. for North Ayr and private secretary to Joseph Chamberlain. He went with Lord Cochrane to Crawford Priory and was factor there until 1947. He was well known in the Cupar district, being joint president of the Cupar branch of the British Legion and a past president of the East Fife Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine Association. He was a trustee of Cupar Fife Savings Bank from 1934 and secretary and treasurer of Springfield, Cults and Pitlessie Nursing Association for thirty-two years. He was also a former vice-chairman of the East Fife Agricultural Executive Committee and a former chairman of the Executive of the Cupar Company of the Boys' Brigade. During the first world war he was commissioned in the Black Watch and in the second he served for a time in the Royal Observer Corps.

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George Fairweather Smith (1882-87) died at Broughty Ferry on I5 February 1955, aged eighty-four. He was assistant to his father at Pittengardner, Fordoun, and in 1894 he became a representative of Swan & Suns Limited, livestock agents, Perth. This business was taken over by Messrs. Hay & Company, auctioneers, in 1905 and he was with them until 1953. He had lived at Broughty Ferry since 1913 and was a keen sportsman: he played golf at Monifieth until five years ago. Until his death he was an office-bearer in the East Church, Broughty Ferry. His brother, THOMAS SWAN SMITH (1882-84), has lived at Seaforth, Ontario, for many years. Mitchell Stuart * (1883) died at Aberdeen on zo March 1955, aged eighty-six. For fifty years, from 1883 to 1933, he served continuously in the head office of the North of Scotland Bank in Aberdeen. He started as an apprentice there, became head of the Securities Department in 1898, accountant in 1905, and head office manager in 1925. His stepson, Louts VASS STUART * (formerly Helmrich) (1918-27) was also on the staff of the Clydesdale & North of Scotland Bank but in 1951 he resigned to take up an appointment in the Securities Department of the National Bank of India Limited, London. George Grant Thomson * (igio-12) died as the result of a motor accident near Aberdeen on 12 January 1955. He was aged sixty. Second son of the late Mr. James Ferguson Thomson, Cromarty, he was trained in the North of Scotland and Town and County Bank, Glasgow, and joined the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank in 192o, after serving during the first world war as an officer in the R.F.C. and R.A.F. He served the Bank first at Tientsin and thereafter at many of the branches in the Far East—China, Manila, Malaya, Singapore and India. During the second world war he was interned at Chang' Camp but thereafter rejoined the Bank and opened five new branches in North Borneo. He was manager at Jessclton when he retired in 1949Three of his four brothers were also at the School: CHARLES FERGUSON Tuomsox * (1912-14), M.C., is branch manager of British Paints Limited, Glasgow; JAMES FERGUSON THOMSON (1913-15) is a pilot with the Great Barrier Reef Pilot Service, Sydney; and KEITH THOMSON * (r9i3-19) is with the Ford Motor Company at Detroit. Stuart Weir * (1944-46 and 1947-52) was drowned in the Wanganui River at Taumarunui, North Island, New Zealand, on 18 January 1955, three weeks after his seventeenth birthday. Elder son of Mr. James C. Weir, formerly of the Clydesdale and North of Scotland Bank in Aberdeen and Forres, he emigrated with his family to New Zealand early in 1953 and lived in Auckland where his father is now in the motor trade. He attended Mount Albert Grammar School, Auckland, and in May 1953 he transferred to Avondale College. He reached University Entrance standard before he was sixteen, and in his final year at school he was awarded a post-primary teacher's bursary. He decided, however, to take up Law and was to have entered the University of Auckland in March of this year. ALEXANDER R. CENTER (Upper VI) writes:—

To his many friends, both at home and abroad, the news in January of Stuart Weir's untimely death came as a great shock. Stuart was a great and loyal friend and a splendid companion. We lived near each other for many years, took the same subjects, sat together in class and, in fact, became almost inseparable, especially during the holidays when, weather permitting, we used to make excursions into the country on our bicycles. The memory of these pleasant trips remains ever bright. At School his zest and joie de vivre made him a colourful, attractive personality to all with whom he came in contact. Our paths diverged when Stuart emigrated to New Zealand about two years ago. This did not affect our friendship in the slightest, and I used to await his interesting letters with eager anticipation. I rejoiced with him in the great success which was his in his new surroundings. Of course, it could not have been otherwise, for Stuart had the determination and courage to adapt himself to his different life. He did not find it difficult to settle down because his manner was so engaging that he made friends easily. A fine physique and a general aptitude for learning were Stuart's great gifts. Both on and off the playing field he was one of the finest comrades

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anyone could wish for. His keen sense of humour, his practicalness, his ability to mix freely with others, always showing kindness and understanding, were the hallmarks of Stuart's sterling character which endeared him to so many of us: a boy at all times to be trusted, eager to help those in difficulties. When I was ill a few years ago, I well remember how Stuart visited me so often, always cheery and encouraging during that difficult time. A host of boys like myself have happy memories of Stuart in those golden days of childhood which we shall cherish all our lives. The Head Prefect of Avondale College wrote:— I first met Stuart in 1953 and was immediately attracted to " the buy from Aberdeen", as we liked to call him. The easy manner in which he settled into the run of school procedure was an object lesson to any newcomer. In no time he was in the ist XV and putting his heart and soul into every activity and field of endeavour. Inevitably he became a firm favourite with the boys and was soon recognised as a natural leader by his teachers. His appointment as a prefect, after less than a year at Avondale, was not a surprise and was only an illustration of his exceptional quality. Being in the same class, sports teams and clubs as Stuart gave me a chance really to get to know him and to share confidences with him. He could discuss any topic, could take a joke and tell one, and above all he had that common sense which made his policy of keeping to sound moral and religious principles a reality. It seems ironical that one so well endowed by nature should in the bloom of life be taken from us. However, in fairness to God we must remember and appreciate him for what he was, not for what he might have been. I will always remember Stuart for what he was: the chap who sat next to me in class, who laughed at the right time, who acted beside me on the stage, who played like a terrier at rugby and talked sense about anything. The Headmaster, Staff and Prefects of Avondale College have resolved to institute a Stuart Wcir Memorial. This will probably take the form of a drinking fountain at the new College Swimming Pool. Edward William Watt * (1883-94), T.D., M.A., LLD., D.L., a former Lord Provost of Aberdeen and a former president of the F.P. Club, died at Invernes on 19 April 1955. He was aged seventy-seven. Son of the late WILLIAM Warr (1858-59), he graduated M.A. at the University of Aberdeen in 1898 and, after spending six months in Brunswick, joined the staff of the Aberdeen Free Press. From 1902 to 1904 he was in the Parliamentary• Press Gallery and thereafter he returned to Aberdeen to become chief sub-editor of the Free Press. In 1906, on the death of his father, he became editor of the Evening Cavite and, on his return from service in the first world war, he became joint manager of the Aberdeen Free Press and Evening Gazette. In 1922 Aberdeen's two morning and two evening newspapers were amalgamated and from then until 1925, when he retired, he was joint manager of Aberdeen Newspapers Limited (now Aberdeen Journals Limited). In 1920 he was one of the delegates from Scotland to the Second Imperial Press Conference at Ottawa—on the way there he took part in the first successful experiment of telephoning from mid-Atlantic to Britain —and in 1924 he was a member of a press delegation invited by Canadian National Railways to study agricultural conditions in Canada. He entered local government in 1927 as a member of Aberdeen Town Council, becoming a magistrate in 1930, first baillic in 1932, and treasurer in 1934. In the following year he was appointed to succeed the late Sir HENRY ALEXANDER (188191) (who had been closely associated with him during his days as a journalist) as Lord Provost of Aberdeen, an office which he held until 1938. A highlight of these three yuArs was the collection of the last £too,ooo to complete the building and equipment of the new Royal Infirmary at Foresterhill. One of his predecessors, the late Sir Andrew Lewis, had been responsible for raising over £400,000, and the final £ioo,ooo was collected within a year of the launching of Lord Provost Watt's appeal. Ile presided at the opening of the Infirmary by King George VI (then Duke of York) in September 1936. As an assessor of the Town Council and as Lord Provost, he was a member of the Aberdeen University Court from 1928 to 1938, and in 1939 he received the honorary degree of LL.D. In the same year he was presented with his portrait.

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His military career began in 1901 when he was commissioned in the ist Volunteer Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders. Later he commanded the Aberdeen University Company of the 4th Battalion. During the first world war he commanded the 4th (Reserve) Battalion of the Gordons from 1915 to 1918 and served with the battalion in France, Belgium and Germany in 1918-19. He retired from the Territorial Army in 1921 with the rank of lieutenant-colonel but remained a member of the City of Aberdeen T.A. Association until 1938. Dr. Watt was associated with many national and local organisations and had a long record of public service. He was an original member of the Scottish Central Probation Council on which he served from 1932 to 1951, first chairman of Aberdeen Juvenile Court, a member of the Scottish Council of Social Service and of the National Fitness Association for Scotland, and a Commissioner to the General Board of Control for Scotland from 1941 to 195z. For ten years he was a member of the Extra-Parliamentary Panel under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, 1936. He was chairman for several years of the Agricultural Wages Committee in the North-East of Scotland, and a director, later chairman, of the Macaulay Institute for Soil Research between 1939 and 1945. In 1940-41 he was president of the Congregational Union of Scotland. For many years he was vice-president and also treasurer of the Aberdeen Battalion of the Boys' Brigade and he was a former editor of the Cairngorm Club Journal. When the Magazine was started in 1894, at the instigation of Dr. H. F. Morland Simpson, he was one of the first editors and he was a member of the Executive of the F.P. Club for many years. He was vice-president of the Club and chairman of the Executive from 1910 to 1912 and president of the Club in 1936-37. He played a leading part in the formation of the F.P. Club Boarding House Company and was chairman for over twenty years, from its inception until 1948. He was nominated by the late GEORGE WATSON (1873-77) to be one of the original trustees of the George Watson Trust for the better equipment and training of boys for commercial carvers. He played rugby for F.P.s and was a keen follower of the F.P. Rugby Section. At Club Dinners he was a regular attender. One of his brothers, GEORGE ROBERTSON WATT (1885-95 and 1897), B.A. (Cantab.), Professor of English and Philosophy at Presidency College, Calcutta, died at Darjeeling in 1908, and his other brother, THEODORE WATT (1889-1901), M.A., LL.D., died in 1946. His son, EDWARD WILLIAM MURRAY WATT * (19181931), M.A., who was formerly in the Colonial Service in Sierra Leone, is now secretary of the Inverness Hospitals Board of Management. WILLIAM M. ALEXANDER * (1887-96), M.A., B.L., LL.D., writes:—

With the passing of Edward Watt, Aberdeen has lost a very well known citizen, active on many bodies, large and small. To those of us who were at the School in the eighties and nineties it is rather different; we are looking from another angle. We remember very• well the Watt brothers as our school companions of many years ago. They lived at that time in Albert Street; and any morning, as the hour of nine approached, they might have been seen entering at the west gate of the School. The Rector of the time, Dr. James Moir, also entered at that gate. Those of us who, like the Rector, came down the Craigie Loanings, often climbed the wall at the corner of the field, which was quicker than using the gate. There was no wire netting then. Inside the gate a sunk pathway led to the School, and at the side of this was a small mound or hillock, on top of which one knot of boys gathered while another knot would try to push them off. The circumstance is mentioned here because random memory somehow associates Edward Watt with some of these operations. Of Edward in the classroom I cannot speak; we were in different years, but sometimes different classes were brought together under the kindly tuition of Mr. Samuel Pope. Outside, as time went on, he played football in the forward pack. We played, of course, in the field at the School, a place with some obvious defects which did not prevent some excellent games being played there. At its cast end was a lake or puddle; this was drained by the insertion of a brander, after which the brander was reckoned more dangerous than the puddle. There was room, however, for quite a good cricket pitch in the middle. His attainments on it one does not remember; no doubt he

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was part of the solid middle of the side, which neither goes in first as being best batsmen, nor goes in at the end as being the last hope. In fact at all games—and he played most games at one time or another—Edward Watt seemed always to aim at a reasonable proficiency; he was content that excellence should go to others. Of the older masters in the School at that time perhaps the most noticeable, looking back from to-day's standpoint, was old Mr. Legge. He was a link with an earlier age, a representative, one fancies, of the Melvin tradition. If I remember rightly he gave Latin an older sound than his colleagues did. Did he not decline Cicero's name as Sissero, Sisseronis? The English classes in their turn were dominated by Bain's Grammar; it was in two books, the lower and the higher. Bain was then an old man living in Ferryhill; in the schools he was still an active force through his grammar. Edward came a second time under his influence indirectly. That was at King's College, when he went in for Philosophy, and became intimate with Professor W. L. Davidson; the professor was a faithful disciple of Bain. Amongst the Grammar School masters around 1890, one falls to be mentioned in particular because he was something of a pioneer in regard to outdoor science. Mr. Bentley Philip taught an evening class in botany, and conducted Saturday afternoon excursions in summer. I can well remember the Watts at such excursions, to Nluchalls or elsewhere; and all who attended these outings have been ready, in later years, to acknowledge their debt to Mr. Philip. As an instance, I may say that the last time I spoke to J. J. R. Macleod, the co-discoverer of insulin, who was a class-fellow of Edward's, 1 asked him to tell me who or what had first directed his mind towards science. He answered at once " It was Bentley Philip ". Edward Watt's life and work in Aberdeen is known to a far wider public than the relatively small circle of those who were at the School in his time; it scarcely requires reference here. Two characteristics which he carried with him through life may, however, be mentioned. For one thing he had a remarkable equanimity of mind; for him aequam servare mentem was not merely a phrase from an ancient poet, it was a practical line which he followed naturally. For another, in his activities as a committee-man, especially in regard to the numerous societies and associations he was connected with, he was always as ready to assist the less prosperous amongst these bodies as he was the more successful and easy-running ones. His brother George came nearest to him in age. Physically, George was the tallest of the Watts; his stature was above the average. He was the horn student, and at School he could always assimilate the stiffer subjects of the curriculum with a facility which was the envy of others. Had he not died imbefore his life's work had really begun, he would certainly have had an was, portant career, in India or elsewhere. His youngest brother, Theodore,at the in years, separated from George by a considerable gap. His time At School fell mostly into the period of Dr. Morland Simpson's rectorship. the the beginning of that period the Former Pupils' Club was established, andsolid a Magazine, which had previously been a spasmodic thing, was put on number basis. It found its ideal editor in Theodore Watt, and to-day every of it bears the mark of his hand. Golden Richmond Louis Willock (1893), who left his father's home at 4 Square, Aberdeen, for School one day in 1893 and did not return, is now presumed application was to have dicd as at 3i December 1900. In January of this year an Vancouver, and made to the Sheriff Court at Aberdeen by his sister, now living in others, to have his death presumed. At the proof JAMES WILLIAM GARDEN * (1886-95), D.S.O., M.A., B.L., advocate in Aberdeen, explained how the boys at the School in 1893 learned that he was missing. Inquiries were made and the police interviewed some of the pupils. From time to time efforts were made to trace the missing boy through advertisements in newspapers in New York, Montreal, Cape Town and Sydney and in this country, but no information whatever was obtained. 1922. His father, RICHMOND Corrs Wit-Loci( (1854-56), M.D., died in London in

SCHOOL SECTION Retiral of Mr. Alexander H. Gray Mr. Gray's retiral this summer takes from the Grammar School not simply a senior master who has spent his whole professional life within its walls but one of the best minds and most robust personalities given to its service in the last forty years. Alexander Hendry Gray graduated with first class honours in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Glasgow University in 1912. There followed a winter of professional training, two sessions of research at Gottingen and Cambridge, and four years of commissioned service in the Royal Garrison Artillery. In the spring of 1919 Mr. Gray joined the staff of the Grammar School, of which he was to become principal Mathematics master in January 1927. Thirty-six years' skilled and devoted teaching of his subject by a man of Mr. Gray's quality would in itself constitute a massive contribution to the work of any school, but our debt to him does not stop there. Mr. Gray's intellectual range is wide, and in his classroom many generations of Grammar boys have felt to their great good the impact of a singularly cultivated mind, in which much knowledge is balanced by independence of judgment, and all his powers alike subserve his strongly-held convictions. Nothing in the life of the School is alien to Mr. Gray: the interest which for long was active and participant has merely with the passing of the years shaded into that of the shrewdly benevolent observer. Writing for Grammarians, I need not dwell on the dry humour, the piquant comment, and the wit always ready and, at need, devastating: the quips and the shafts will be long remembered. But those who know him best would most insist that he has an even firmer title to our admiration in his generosity of spirit and simple goodness of heart. Admittedly he does not suffer fools gladly, especially pretentious or interfering fools, but it is equally true and more significant that he has always been courteously patient and painstaking with the slower-witted and seemingly ungifted boy. No senior master was ever more respectful in his attitude towards the young class or the weak class; none, in all my experience, was more consistently generous in risking the shaky Leaving Certificate candidate. How often have we heard him say, " Ach! Give him his chance; put him in for Higher Maths."—no bad utterance to be remembered by! The same large-heartedness marked all his dealings with the younger staff who worked under him. A wise, if unobtrusive, guide, he grudged them neither encouragement nor an almost ridiculously generous share of what are by convention the desirable classes. Never did I hear him speak ill or disparagingly of any one of them; small wonder, then, if their attachment to him was as unmistakable as it was well-merited. For Alexander Gray a good school is first and foremost a big 134

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13 5 company of humans living rightly together, a place indeed where men must he diligent in teaching and boys in learning, but always within a nexus of close personal relationships, so that shared experience or sentiment becomes a bond uniting father and son, big brother and smaller, teacher and taught, and boys as they go up the classes together in work and play become linked in associations that last out the years. The precious human values of school he would sacrifice to no minor pedagogic advantage, still less to any cloudy abstraction or passing fashion. To have cared for and served a school as he has done gives point and dignity to a professional life nor will the place which inspired his devotion soon forget it. J. J. R.

An F.P. Tribute What more pleasing studies can there be than the Mathematics . . . Let him that is melancholy calculate spherical triangles.—BuaroN, Anatomy of Melancholy.

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To the schoolboy, to the youth and to the man an old master is ageless : an early landmark in the changing pattern of his life which can never be obliterated. The knowledge he imparted may be long forgotten, hut the memory of the man himself remains. To a boy one year is an eternity with little thought of the next. To the man in middle age the seasons pass and repass with a frightening acceleration. He realises he is growing old and others with him. Mr. Gray is the last of the men of stature who were gathered round Dr. Morland Simpson towards the close of his rectorship. All were teachers of distinction, fine teachers and great personalities: men who were content in giving their lives to the cultivation of the vineyard. Mathematics could hardly be called a discursive discipline at any stage. As a class we were fortunate in having Mr. Gray for six years and the rigorous training and hard manipulative practice we underwent laid the essential foundation of the later superstructure. His teaching is unforgettable—from " Congruent Triangles " in Middle I to the Calculus in Upper VI. Looking back thirty years we can see Mr. Gray blowing clouds of chalk dust off his desk as the class assembles in Room 25. It is a hot Friday afternoon. He surveys the expectant class with an expression of benignity and mock-disgust and utters the characteristic resounding expletive—" Ach I " Custom has not staled this introductory performance and the lesson begins in high good humour. Mr. Gray knows boys and their ways—the " good " boys and the " bad " boys, the " bright " boys and the dullards—and all are handled impartially. Like most good disciplinarians his rule appeared effortless but we knew better than to take liberties. He had a sixth sense for trifling and inattention; very occasionally a defaulter was despatched on a significant and depressing errand to Mr. Gray's private locker. He is not deceived by any glib facade or humbug; and if balloons

Aberdeen Grammar School Alagazine arc cheerfully but firmly punctured by his trenchant wit he leaves no caustic burn as lesser men might. The final weapon of the incompetent teacher, sarcasm, is unknown to him. When moved to speak at length on a subject arousing his enthusiasm or wrath, he discovers the fluency and power of language which are the hallmarks of the older Classicist. On a bleak winter morning " Caesar " would dispense inhalant to sniffing boys in Classical VI and intone from the rostrum as only he could: 136

lain satis taxis nivis atque dirae grandinis misit Pater. . . .

At lunchtime Mr. Gray might be observed, coatless, battling his way up Carden Place in the teeth of a January gale with jacket flying open behind him. To this day he appears impervious to the rigours of the North-East. Now he is leaving the School which has been his life, and he leaves it a better place for all he has contributed to it. A. M. HARDIE* (1918-28).

School and Random Notes When once the itch of litherature comes over a man, nothing can cure it but the scratching of a pen.—Samuel Lover.

Once more, then, into the breach, dear friends (that's you). It's not going to be easy after such a display of brilliance in the December issue, and we fear lest inspiration may flag in this atmosphere of summer—so hot, so humid, so enervating: blimeyl it's snowing! But enough; in the words of Herr Michie, " let's go I " * * * Fame comes to the Prefects' Room: we've got on stage; at least, we have not, but our dear friend and companion in leisure hours, mensa flowffensis, resplendent with the immortal carvings of generations of prefects, appeared upstage in the School Play. Great was the joy and honour felt in the sacred precincts, but horror! the bloody Barbarossa leap'd upon the oak: the leg on which the beaver-tusked Florence vented his berserk hunger in the past trembled, swayed— but prop and Providence prevailed. Now, Howffites, thanks largely to McLeod and Center (I), have procured an even better specimen of Chippingdale from Mr. Bell, and this new acquisition shines brightly like an inviolate star in the murky mists of notice-studded Howffdom. We mourn the passing of an old friend, and welcome a new acquaintance. * * * While combating LAw-lessness in the School, the rustic member of the Prefecture (see "Who's Who ") was severely censured by a plumber attending to the sanitary needs of Howffites. Expressions used, if we remember rightly, included references to sanguinary tyrants, the Inferno, d—d dictators, the causes of the Second World War, etc., etc. . . . till our ears were like a thousand twangling

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instruments. This erudite and outspoken artisan caused a stir in the chain of events for that memorable day. Peace reigns supreme again, but the cistern still does not flush. Just keep plugging away. . . . * * * " No Books For Borrowing" is the Library rule at Bursary Comp. time. While we appreciate this far-sighted and constructive policy, we should like, nevertheless, to meet the British bureaucrat who made this valuable addition to the Code. * * * The Old Brigade is fast forsaking us. At the end of this term the School loses the valued services of Mr. Gray, the beloved P—mp--s angelicas mathematicus of generations of Grammarians. No longer will scruffy little fellows learn that, no matter what x means, " interjection means ejection! "; no longer will Private Enterprise be fairly upheld in this world of subsidised scholasticism. Ach I it's a bad busi-nuss! The School will be the poorer for his going, but we all join in wishing him a long and happy retirement in the Euclidian solitude of suburban Aberdeen. We must bid farewell, also, to Mr. E. McDonald, who has been appointed head of the English Department at Oban High School. He should be warned in advance that life will be tougher in the Wild and Woolly West. We fear he will have no more importunate seekers after historical truth, such as exist in the Upper Sixth, to reprimand for " blethering " (" the wee rascal "1). For, remember, Ross, dates must needs be vague in comparative philology! Mr. McDonald's last effort is to teach Logic to ex-Bursary Rompers— speechless chaos ensues. * * * Gym at Assembly-time was the keynote during the period of preparation for the School Play. The Elizabethan stage-setting demanded the negotiation of a dangerous ten-foot drop from platform to pedals every morning by the organist in offcio. Remarkable sights were seen as the musicians disappeared into the curtained cockpit; a cathedral-like effect was obtained by this, alas, too-temporary screening. The organist has now returned to Prefectorial visibility. * * * II n'y a pas de gens plus affaires que ceux qui ne font rien. Victor Hugo has lain in disused dustiness on Howff shelves recently—Rsquiescat in pace ! * * * Comment I : " Addison: a ' degutsified ' Voltaire " (Room 8). Comment z: " Icarus: came a ' gutser ' in the Aegean " (Room i ). Quite an emphasis on the bellycose here, we feel. * * * It was with deep concern that we learned of Mr. Watt's accident while on a Gliding Course in England, as a result of which he suffered a dislocation of the spine. Ile has responded well to treatment, however, and we hope that his further recovery from this serious mishap will be steady and complete. We trust that it will prove no

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine impediment to his activities both in his capacity as a Technical master, and as C.O. of the R.A.F. Section in the Cadet Force. * * * Bicycles in abundance! Cycling to School is now legitimate practice for one and all; since 1,199.9 boys do it daily, the playground resembles a scrap-heap. The cycle-sheds, on the other hand, are open all day to the covetous eyes of the vagrant, who is none-the-less excluded by lock and key from snoozing inoffensively at nights in the same luxuriant locality. Chop-logic at work, eh, Janny? * * * Toiyours la politessel Such must be the motto of Mr. William Macdonald who nobly came out of retirement to relieve the (temporarily) short-handed French Department in its hour of need. This remarkably youthful old gentleman, formerly head of Modern Languages at Aberdeen Academy—you know, the Central—has brought vigour and enthusiasm to all his work. We hope that his sojourn at the Grammar has been interesting and rewarding—it has been a pleasure to have his company for these last six months. * * * Regretfully, we lay down our pen (we've been using one between us, and School Ink at times). If these Notes are not Random enough for our readers, we have the excuse that they were compiled under very trying circumstances. When strains of Gigli-in-the-bath did not disturb us from Room 6, we were upset by death-watch beetles on the typewriter, or Flopsy Bunny's impertinent comments in the background. If the Notes are too random, the same reasons can be given. . . . In case you wonder why we're finishing off like this, we assure you, dear reader, so do we. But all good things come to an end, and the bottle's empty.. . . * * * 138

Literature is the thought of thinking souls.—Carlyle. Great Literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree.—Ezra Pound.

Aberdeen University Bursary Competition In this year's " Bursary Comp." at the University of Aberdeen the School obtained thirteen places in the list of awards. Nine of these were in the Arts section, three in Science and one in Medicine. In Arts Alastair A. R. Henderson was awarded one of the four leading £70 bursaries; John G. N. Fraser obtained a £60 bursary; Malcolm N. Montgomery a £40 bursary; Bruce P. Lenman a £3o bursary; and John McDerment a Lis bursary. Also in this section Ronald S.Brown, Alexander R. Center and David I. M. Sutherland each won a £31 los. bursary and James R. Wight a LI, bursary, for which special qualifications and restrictions were taken into account. In the Science section William J. L. Buyers won one of the two leading £70 bursaries and Sinclair T. Forbes and Andrew Warren were both awarded a £3o bursary. In the Medicine section Neil Edward was awarded a £zs bursary.

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Who's Who in the Prefecture

Alastair A. R. Henderson. Der Fibrer—keeps his stormtroopers up to a high pitch of efficiency. Woe betide the odd rubberband or water-pistol (see McLeod) once sighted by one of A. A. R. H.'s vigilant staff. Must have found his winter holiday jaunt to London rather uneventful after last year's trip to the States, but he and the Midmar Maestro managed to survive in restaurants with frequent orders of " dinner for four "—pure gluttony, or something else? Efficient leader of the R.A.F. Section: Upper VI are expecting daily the installation of a helicab service to and from School for the late risers of Olympus. His " continental" hockey shorts were much admired by other members of the ist XI. Arbiter elegantiarum.—Tacitus emend. We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.—Wilde.

Kenneth R. Petrie.—A rare specimen of the genus Praefectus, occasionally found in warm habitats, in a recumbent position on plane surfaces, such as " Ye Olde Howffe Table ". A confirmed hater of period bells who broke his hibernation in March to study English. While thus aroused, joined the R.A.F., perhaps a fitting career for a good all-rounder with an enviable appreciation of all music from Bach to boogie. All authority is degrading.—Wilde. Hush! my dear, lie still and slumber.—Watts.

John G. N. Fraser.—One of our two Unofficial Joint Deputy Senior Prefects who have stepped forward to fill the place of the dear departed. Deceptive in appearance, this man: an air of gentle la Yorkshire). sleepiness hides a keen eye for £ s. d. and cricket Believed to be not bad at Maths., especially Statistics, and may be heard at any time of day or night muttering, " Wardle, fifteen overs, four maidens, seven for twenty-eight ", or something to that effect. " Honest John " is one of the few uncles in the Prefecture. If there was two little birds sitting on a fence, he would bet you which one would fly first.—Mark Twain. elarits Katkawv.—Greek proverb.

Spence McLeod.—One of the handful of old-timers left in the Howff after last year's mass exodus of the feckle mob to Sodom and Gomorrah. A capable man in an emergency, because, sir, he's an army man, sir! Keeps the Cadet Force in ()icier on Thursday afternoons, and is generally disgustingly keen on shooting (303 or waterpistol). Claims an intimate knowledge of the internal mechanics of locks, and is therefore one of the most sought-after men in the establishment. # I never expect a soldier to think.—Shaw. The British soldier can stand up to anything—except the War Office.—Shaw.

Ronald S. Brown.—History's blue-eyed boy. A Queen's Scout who suffers untold indignities at the hands of tiny Tenderfeet (chiefly

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in winter) with the benign tolerance of an A.S.M. A hardened Imperialist who has abandoned the scalpel for the silk. Electrified the drowsy atmosphere of the Upper Sixth by entering for the Sports, possibly to train for tram-conducting in the summer. Nam vitiis nemo sine nascitur; optimus ilk est Qui minimis urguetur.—Horace. For I am arm'd so strong in honesty.—Shakespeare.

William J. L. Buyers.—Hockey + Maths. + Music + x = Bill (answers to " Biz" also). The Stirling Moss of Upper VI: with windswept crest—how do you get your hair like that, old man ?—he sweeps majestically on his Roving way, a danger to pedestrians and pedallers alike. A member of the National Youth Orchestra, he comprises (almost) the brass section of the School one. Once found the bell of his French horn stuffed with unmentionable paper—consternation in concerto! Nevertheless, a good, cheerful Goon-fan to have around the Howff, though on occasions disconcerts the arch-calm of the staff with Ecclesian sallies.

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Hell is full of musical amateurs.—Shaw. A selfless man and stainless gentleman I—Tennyson.

Alexander R. Center.—" Sandy "—a pillar of strength in the Debater and Scripture Union; an avowed fan of Bach, Beethoven and Shakespeare, tho' his immediate appreciation of the former two gents seems to be confined to " timp " lessons at four p.m.—funny time to have a music lesson ! Pet dislikes of this always-so-cheerful " charlie " include jazz (Music Staff please approve), dancing (horror among the MacRob clan) and T. S. Eliot (to the despair of Mr. Brown). Favourite subjects: French and German, because he can avoid most classes (magistro absenteI) by slipping next door into La Maisong—eh, Mr. Davidson? Also enjoys English and History very much. Spends most of his holiday time in the Black Forest or on the top of the Matterhorn. I have a reasonable good ear in music: let us have the tongs and the bones.—

Shakespeare. Pour avoir du goilt it faut avoir de l'arne.—Vauvenargues.

Anthony A. Chalmers.—An amiable colonial with a genius for eating and sleeping, mostly sleeping. Rules the Boarding House with languid authority, and is actually quite a V.I.P. in his own right, yet is often found on Milk Duty. Allows nothing to disturb the even tenor of his way from Room 14 to the Chemmy Lab., but was vaguely alarmed by letters addressed to " The Captain, Dun House " from irate parents, demanding action over the lethargic and unathletic attitudes of their various sons. One of Mr. Brown's lost hopes. There is no love sincerer than the love of food.—Shaw. I am quite disgusted with literary men.—Keats.

Alan M. Fletcher.—His trumpet shrill and the manner of his gait proclaim the thinness of civilization's veneer upon this militant Drum-Major, resplendent in kilted finery and hirsute knees. A veritable Toscanini with his mace; also performs at Madam's, we

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7 41 hear, presumably without those highly polished Size Tens (Army) of his which thunder hourly along the home stretch to the Howff. A first-class cricketer who has made many a catch—not necessarily on the field of play.

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A voice that in the distance far away Wakens the slumbering ages.—Sir Henry Taylor. Cheer for the sergeant's wedditt'— Give 'em one cheer morel—Kipling.

Malcolm N. Montgomery.—Rigorous censorship needed here! Our man from the Isles and the wilds of Midmar whose golden voice has lashed the Debater into seething frenzies of vituperative exchange. A conscientious geographer often seen in Room 17 poring intently over Ordnance Survey Maps of barren' regions in the Middle East, e.g. Transjordan. Though at present has a marked taste for Wine, Women (but not, we think, Song) in the best traditions of decadent and verminous Capitalism, nevertheless hopes to be Secretary of State in a Bevanist government by 1984. Bouche va toujours.—French proverb. The world knows nothing of its greatest men.—Sir Henry Taylor.

Edward F. Ross.—One of the boys in khaki, and more enthusiastic than most. Manages to devote much of his time to study and Scouting. Trained frightfully hard for the 1st XV, and met with literally stunning success in every game; in summer he runs the mile. Went to Paris at Easter on an educational course—that-may-verraywell-be-e, Ross—and has been under suspicion ever since. Life is too short to learn German.—Peacock. And thou art long, and lank, and brown.—Coleridge.

James R. Wight.—One of the elite Franco-German quartet. An expert at tennis and hockey: played for Scottish Schoolboys' XI against Sinn Fein in Dublin at Easter. Energetic, tousle-headed, iron-fisted and always ready to take it out of Pacitti. A Queen's Scout of high moral standards (how unusual!) who never skips his classes, yet enjoys a vast number of free periods per week—because he takes French. His limbs were cast in manly mould, For hardy sports or contest bold.—Scott. He was a wight of high renown.—Anon.

W. Stewart Wilson.—Came out of his shell, Frankly speaking, and forsook philately for foxtrotting. Yet another Scout, but never lets his preoccupation with camping quite dissipate his talent for Maths.; is set on fumigating the Grammar with H2S twice weekly in collaboration with Brown & Co. Handsome, too: "Proud possessor of swich lockes crulles, As ne'er befor were seen in Schoole ". (The Editors think this rather good.) Has endeared himself to all by his kindly ministrations to the Young. Prefers tennis to cricket in the summer, J. C. volente. What's he? Forsooth, a great arithmetician I—Shakespeare. He was a fiddler and consequently a rogue.—Swift.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine Rae C. Barton.—No delicacy required for this Colossus among Conservatives. A Fifth Year Sassenach who therefore wears the kilt. Ruddy and sans finesse. A vehement decrier of Christianity and keeps his readings in Hall pretty short in consequence—should try the Koran next year. A strong swimmer who occasionally floats into the Classics Department, where life-saving is earnestly sought by many a hapless castaway. 142

All Englishmen are born heretics.—Shaw. There was never miracle wrought by God to convert an atheist, because the light of nature might have led him to confess a God.—Francis Bacon.

Graeme F. Bryce.—A distinguished athlete who first achieved notoriety in the winter of 1953-54 with a four-square victory over Father Time from Shanghai. Won mention at the prize-giving for this, but has recovered from his embarrassment since then. A pleasant Hercules to have about and a mighty asset to the Pipe Band (groans from the Debater). I couldn't help it. I can resist everything except temptation.—Wilde. . . . all day Hath trailed the hunter's javelin. . . .—Arnold.

Neil Edward.—" Neddy "—tall, blond, handsome, refined yet sporting, gay yet intelligent: the Fifth Year's Apollo Belvedere. A future medico whom success cannot fail to reward. Cuts a decided dash wherever he goes despite the sometimes perplexed countenance sublime. Has been known to wax eloquent at times in the Debater. Financial wizard and mathematical genius. Gallantry atones for every vice.—Cowper. There might be medical doctors . . . a cocking their medical eyes.—Dickens.

William G. Glennie.—Divides his attention almost equally between the R.A.F. and the Pipe Band, sporadic attendances at classes making up the difference. Aggressive tendencies lie not so thickly concealed beneath a civilised and placid exterior. A lone wolf who may be observed daily covering the distance between the Bug-House and the School under full sail. He was a verray parfit gentil knight.—Chaucer. . . . divinely tall . . . and most divinely fair.—Tennyson.

Bruce P. Lenman.—A favourite with himself possessing a glowing reputation for three things: Work, Work, and WORK. Silent and assured, becomes disgustingly cheerful at exam. times. One of the few boys who did not have nightmares before the Highers: his confidence urged his colleagues on to greater efforts. Sleeps with a dictionary under his pillow. He was the wisest bard . . . that knew all that ever learning writ.—Behn. Day and night, aloof.—Shelley.

Donald R. Nicol.—A piping monster who has troubles with elbows and feet in the limiting confines of the Howff; claustrophobic instincts lcd him to attempt the ascent of its west wall by a method of backward cramponing—disaster was narrowly averted. Endowed

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143 with dinosaurian vocal organs (cf. Fletcher) and exhibits an inclination towards oafishness. Long-suffering owner of a doorless locker—eh, Nickull? A good lather is half the shave.—Hone. Vis consili expers mole ruit sua.—Horace.

Stephen A. Pacitti.- —A leading exponent of Texan-Camel Escapism. Also a hot-gospeller and, worse, a member of The Party. Suffers from schizophrenia or split-wits. Sports a Botticellian physiognomy surmounted by oleaginous, raven locks. Adamant in argument, causing chaos in debates through sarcasm and forthrightness. Plays hockey rather well, and has entered for the mile. Party is organised opinion.—Disraeli. A man who has not been in Italy is always conscious of an inferiority.—Johnson.

Alan K. G. Paterson.—An intelligent cherub with a Franciscan coiffure which arouses considerable admiration in many quarters. An example of a medieval mystic slightly out of place in the turbulent clamour of Renascence Howffites. A logical mind finds much to fault in Pacittian dogmas. A creditable sportsman, winter and summer, with absolutely no domestic worries. There's hair! Not 'arf!—c. 1900. Be in general virtuous, and you will be happy.—Franklin.

Walter S. Robb.—The Victorian era finished only recently for " Wal."; now he's trying to make up for lost time. Morose and cheerful by turns, and just keeps peggin' along. Interested in geography and sport, if anything; looks like becoming a thoroughbred Sixth-Former next year. A doting uncle which may explain that harassed look. Mulier est hominis confusio.—Vincent of Beauvais. E pur si muove !—Galileo.

Melville F. Watson.—Last but not least. This debonair and jovial spirit, whose speciality is Stair Duty, is as accomplished in the brine as he is on terra firma. The personification of Cadet efficiency and ist XV healthiness. Popular with the ladies, like most of our fair-haired members; has grown to expect it, perhaps. She gave me a good character, But said I could not swim.—Lewis Carroll. ilfgaiv ciyuv.—Greek proverb * * * Di, talem terris avertite pestem.—Plautus.

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Changes in the School Staff Departures MISS MARGARET C. H. ADAMS after a period of three years on the Lower School staff leaves us at the end of the summer term to begin life anew in Dundee as Mrs. Neil Macmillan. During her time with us here she has taught with commendable enthusiasm and skill and will be remembered by all her pupils with affection. The junior boys of the Boarding House in particular will miss her, for she has been to them for two years a kindly mentor at prep., handling them with the right blend of patience and friendliness. We wish her and her husband every happiness. * * * MR. EWEN MCDONALD, M.A., who is leaving us to become head of the English Department in Oban High School, had the advantage of a scientific education at Allan Glen's School, Glasgow. Perhaps because in that institution the effect of taking Latin was to become acquainted with the works of Rupert Brooke and James Elroy Flecker, or perhaps because a mere glimpse of Science was enough, he chose the Arts Faculty at Glasgow University for the next stage in his studies, though he concerned himself in the first instance with Philosophy and not with English. But philosophy was at a discount then, and Mr. McDonald found himself in the R.A.F. as a bomber pilot and an instructor, until a contretemps at Crete compelled him to spend the rest of the war in a prison camp, from which he was eventually released by the Russians. He then returned to Gilmorehill to complete an honours degree in English and after an initiatory eighteen months in Blairgowrie, came to the Grammar School in 195o. Since then we have come to know him well in the varied roles that fall to the schoolmaster, but in all of them for a sense of proportion and a sense of humour. He can, to use an appropriate metaphor, wield a blue pencil without offence, for though temperament and training combine to impel him to argument, he is ready to temper wit with humanity. The spectacle of human nature, especially in the mass on a Saturday afternoon, delights him, but he will at times escape from it to the hill-tops of Deeside or even Wester Ross. This happy balance of nature was probably never, in the Grammar School, so well seen as in his dramatic productions, which not only gave satisfaction to Dramatic Society and School in general, but gained some reputation outside. The moments of crisis and dismay which annually throng on the harassed producer as the first night draws nearer left his head unbowed—even when the costumes specially ordered from London arrived half-an-hour after the dress rehearsal was due to begin. And his pupils will pay tribute to his force and method as well. That Oban will provide an ample theatre for these tastes and talents we have no doubt, and we offer Mr. McDonald our best wishes on the occasion of his translation.

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1 45

A Visit to Paris

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During the Easter holidays this year I was fortunate enough to be able to spend twelve days in Paris. It was not an ordinary holiday trip but a course, arranged and run by the British Institute in Paris, to provide an insight into French life, culture and literature. The course, which was for Sixth Form pupils from schools all over Britain, was held in one of the large Paris Iycees or grammar schools—the Lycee Michclet, situated near the Porte de Versailles in the south-west quarter of Paris. It had its own spacious grounds as well as admirable facilities for recreation in the form of a dance hall and gymnasium. The primary purpose of the course, however, was instruction and the programme was arranged to this end. From nine till eleven there were classes in pronunciation, translation, explication de texte and discussion. After this all the pupils—who numbered about 250-assembled in the salle de fetes to receive a lecture in French on some aspect of French life—literary or cultural. After lunch we went on a conducted visit to one of the well known sights of Paris, such as the Louvre, the cathedral of Notre Dame, the Palais de Justice- —the French Law courts, the palace at Versailles, the famous Latin quarter and Montmartre. On Easter Sunday we had an excursion to the old cathedral town of Chartres, situated some forty miles to the southwest of Paris. The course itself I found to be most beneficial to one's knowledge of French as well as proving a pleasant change from the routine of the classroom. The classes were conducted by French teachers, who like the lecturers and the guides always spoke in French, and the pupils were made to do so also. To develop correct pronunciation and intonation is half the battle in mastering a language, for even if one has a perfect vocabulary it is of no use if one cannot be understood. To help pupils to improve their accents, experts in phonetics made recordings of the pupils' voices and pointed out their faults. At the end of the course each pupil had his voice recorded while he read a passage and the best ten had then to read two unseen passages which were judged by experts. The best three were awarded prizes. Although I myself did not win a prize I had at least the satisfaction of reaching the last ten. This was the first time I had been abroad and it was natural that I should he impressed, favourably or unfavourably, by the change of surroundings. I was greatly pleased, indeed, with the well known buildings—the Louvre, the palace at Versailles, and Notre Dame, but when I looked at the ordinary things of Paris—the houses, the buses, the streets, I could not help feeling that here there was much room for improvement. The majority of the houses arc sadly needing painting, the shutters hang loose and gardens are badly kept; the buses and the underground have wooden seats and in the case of the latter one generally has to stand most of the way. In such things as these there is room for improvement, but in other matters the French must be praised. I was particularly impressed, for example, by the large shops which are magnificently decorated and laid out.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Everyone attended two performances of the Comedie Francaise and saw "Le Misanthrope" and "Tartu& ". The acting was excellent and we were all surprised by the ease with which we were able to follow the plays. We had the customary trouble with tipping and found that it did not work to offer one tip for four people—this I may say, went very much against my Aberdonian principles ! The course was thoroughly enjoyed by all and it was with a slight feeling of sadness that we pulled out of the Gare St. Lazare with a hot Paris sun beating in the window and a newsvendor shouting, " Le Mon& dix francs." EDWARD F. Ross (Upper VI). 146

A Salute to Our Mother In the deep mists of time, when there was no light nor life upon this earth, there rose out of the depths of the sea an island that henceforth was to be great. And when those in heaven marked its rise, heavenly tongues were for a moment hushed as cherubim and seraphim paid silent homage to that island that was to be the mother of many nations. Long she lay dormant in the tighter grasp of the more Northern regions while civilisations rose and fell in other parts of the world. No—she was not sleeping—she was preparing herself for a gigantic effort that would one day dwarf those of her predecessors. Year by year her fertile soil nourished and strengthened her hardy race until step by step she grew and grew to become a star in the galaxy of the world. This is Britain—from whose shores have sailed the bravest navigators, the most daring explorers, the hardiest adventurers that this or any other generation will ever know. Within the confines of her coasts have been bred the ablest statesmen, the greatest soldiers and the most powerful armies that have ever trod the soil of Mother Earth. From this small island, power has radiated in ever-widening spheres of influence until it has covered the world. Within this small dot on the face of the ocean, a mighty empire was brooded and hatched: Asia, Africa, the Americas—all have learned at times during their existence to fear, to respect, and to honour her. Here also practical democracy was evolved as a living and vital force. From here, those dear sparks of liberty have been fanned into a roaring flame—a dominant passion for liberty of the mind, of the will and of the soul that will, one day, be the ruling passion in this world. She has grown slowly, and at times her progress has been deterred or halted—but a spirit is there that can never be quenched. There is a traditional and implicit belief in the justness of their cause that has led the British people to fight every obstacle in their path until they reach the final goal—victory. It is easy to criticise their mistakes—for they are many. It is easy

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to find fault with them—because fault is there. But we must remember this: that to no one else does more credit belong for the shape of our present way of life than to these courageous Britons who shaped the course of the past. They live a life full of custom and tradition that has existed for untold numbers of years. It is an old country and has had to fight its battles and learn its lessons for itself. If it does seem hindered and shackled with tradition to a certain extent, remember this too: that it is because of those traditions that we of the offspring nations live the life we enjoy to-day. We of the United States are a growing race. Ours is a new, young nation as far as nations go. We have been thrust into the world in a combination of events far above our power to hinder or control. Though we may sometimes be rebuffed by Britain, though sometimes she may seem ungrateful to us for what we have done for her— remember this, and mark it well: we of the United States owe a lasting debt of gratitude to the British nation that can never be repaid. She nurtured us at her breast and gave us the best that she had, and when a chain of regrettable circumstances forced us to take up arms against her and form a new republic, it was her heart and soul that we used as the basis of our own nation. Since that time we have been drawn closer and closer together in a relationship that might exist between a mother and her mature daughter. The mother possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge, the daughter has health and vigour and young ideas. And so it is; the two walk hand in hand—each sovereign in her own right, and yet each dependent upon the other for comfort and support. Therefore, BRITAIN, I salute you. All America salutes you and wishes you well in the years to come. MILO APPLEMAN (Upper IV). Spanish Presentation

During a pleasing and practical interlude in Room 27 on 19 May a number of Spanish volumes were presented to Milo Appleman, Los Angeles, California, who had spent a complete session in the Grammar School, while his father was Visiting Professor in Biology at Aberdeen University. One volume carried a Spanish inscription and the signatures of the pupils in his section. The presentation was made by R. F. G. Anderson, Upper IV, who stressed the values of Scottish-American contacts and the pleasure of having Milo in the class, and extended to him the good wishes of of his fellow-pupils. Milo replied gallantly in Spanish of the LatinAmerican variety. He had evidently enjoyed his year in the Grammar School. He has now gone to Europe for two months to do the Grand Tour.

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Moonlight It was a cool, still evening when I rowed quietly out into the river. The moon had risen some hours before and was now lowering her silken head towards the distant hills, bathing the river in a shimmering glow of silver. The banks took on an eerie atmosphere: on the one side, black and mysterious, with the drooping willows standing out against the silvery rays in a foreboding, frightening way. The other bank contrasted brilliantly in this mystic scene. Here the trees took on a fluorescent aspect, their leafy branches gleaming as if illuminated by tiny lights, providing a perfect foreground to the soft reflection of the background hills. My all-too-imperfect strokes on the oars provided another irreproducible picture with the myriads of tiny, glittering drops of water thrown up by the blades. These minute globules of moonbeam sprang from nowhere, seemingly hung suspended in the still air, then dashed disastrously downwards to disappear together amongst the fusing silver of the river. Over on the bank, a fox yelped mournfully to its distant mate, the sharp barks echoing throughout the hills until it seemed that the whole countryside was alive with hundreds, not a pair, of these bushy-tailed quadrupeds. With a full heart I pulled quietly to the bank. I had only rowed a few yards, but in that short half-hour I had enjoyed myself more than any ordinary townsman could in all his life. I had done this before, would do it again, and woe betide any city-dweller who should ever try to defeat my admiration for the wild beauty of the countryside with stories of the false enjoyments of the town. GEORGE P. GRAHAM (Middle IIB).

Lower School Notes Yes, love indeed is light from heaven; A spark of that immortal fire With angels shared, . . . So indeed must two ladies of our Lower School staff believe who are contemplating matrimony in July. To both Miss Margaret C. H. Adams and Miss Margaret M. D. Swan we offer our congratulations and good wishes. Despite the dreary inclement weather this spring both staff and boys kept remarkably free from illness, but in consequence of the continuous storms, games afternoons were few and far between and had often to be spent, perforce, at the baths or in the gym. The summer term, however, has started well with a fairly full cricket fixture-list and an XI of enthusiastic players which augurs well for the future. Let us hope that their ability will match their enthusiasm when they come to meet the adversary I Lower School swimmers played their usual part in making the Annual Swimming Gala a success. Our Lower School champion this year was Geoffrey G. Fairbaim of P. VIII). For gaining Standard Certificates in the North-East Area Swimming championships we must also offer congratulations to Leslie Clcrihew, Geoffrey Fairbaim and Garth Glentworth, all of P. VIII). In February classes P. V, VI and VII were fortunate in being given the opportunity of attending an afternoon screening of Walt Disney's " The Living Desert," which by all accounts proved the best Nature Study lesson of the session. It has

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indeed been suggested that ice-cream and sweets should be served at all future Nature Study periods I Ronald Grant of P. Vila deserves special mention for winning the competitive bursary open to all entrants to next session's Middle I—no mean effort this, Ro The Parents' Day exhibition of Arts and Crafts and presentation of Glove and Shadow Puppet Plays once again displayed to full advantage the artistic and dramatic capabilities of our boys. The Non-Competitive Festival of Drama, Mime and Puppetry held in the Children's Theatre was also enhanced by their performances. Successes of Lower School boys at the Music Festival in elocution, violin duets, and solos and vocal solos are too numerous to mention, but the choir under the expert guidance of Mr. Norris again brought credit to the School and satisfaction to the choristers themselves, by being placed second in the class for Primary School Choirs. The Choir also participated in the Annual Primary Schools' performance in the Cowdray Hall and had a successful audition from the B.B.C. So soon the voices of Lower School boys may be heard raised in sweet accord far beyond the confines of the School Hall. The end of the spring term saw the beginning of the " New Look" being super-imposed on the Lower School playground, for after months of waiting a gang of workmen appeared to give it the resplendent tarmac surface which now greets the eye on emerging from the back door. But, woe is me! Where in future do we play our " bools " ? J. D. M.

Scouts zst Troop Our annual Easter Camp was held during the first week of the holidays at Clinterty. Twenty scouts were present under A.S.M. L. Kilgour. Numerous tests were passed and the patrols also found time to reconstruct the path to the well, erect a gateway and make a permanent camp fire site. Both the Pack and the Troop held very successful Christmas Feeds. The senior members of the Pack enjoyed their camp at .Clinterty during the holidays, under the able supervision of Cubmaster Miss F. Edmonds assisted by P.L.s H. Cairns and I. Wolkoff, and the Pack are now looking forward to their annual outing in June to Clinterty. Badge work has been progressing rapidly and we have three new first class scouts-P.L. I. Wolkoff, Second H. Mitchell and Scout P. Jeffrey. Preparations are now in hand for the annual summer camp which this year will be held at Glentanar, Aboyne. DAVID G. Ku.couit, Scoutmaster.

gth Troop Since the last issue of the Magazine there has been a steady increase in the membership of the Troop and we are now almost back to full strength. S.M. David Gibson recently handed in his resignation since, due to pressure of work for his final examinations, he could no longer find time to carry out his duties. We wish " Por " every success in his career and we arc indeed sorry to lose one who has given so much time, energy and enthusiasm to the running of the Troop. The Pack were unfortunate to lose Cubmaster Oscar Brown but continue to flourish under Cubmaster Miss Hazel Lamb. Oscar has taken over temporary leadership of the Troop. At Easter a number of scouts, under the watchful eyes of A.S.M. Iain Esslemont, spent a very enjoyable week at Braemar Youth Hostel. During the summer term most of the P.L.s have found time to take their patrols on week-end camps to such hallowed spots as Bogendreep and Templars Park. We are very pleased to welcome back Rover Harry MacPhillips whose wide scouting experience should be of great value to the Troop, especially at this year's summer camp which is to be held on the West Coast near Kyle of Lochalsh. The camp is to take rather an unusual form and should be a memorable experience for

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

all who attend. The Troop is to hire a diesel-engined ring-net fishing boat and, while there will be a permanent standing camp near Kyle, half the Troop will go off at a time and explore the surrounding lochs and islands, stopping where and when they like. For this very novel idea we are once again indebted to G.S.M. Campbell Connors whose unfailing ingenuity and enthusiasm are appreciated by all. We can but hope that the weather will be as kind to us as it was at Tobermory. Preparations are already well under way for the Group Café Chantant which is to be held this coming November, probably in the Music Hall. A. I. G. DAVIDSON, A.S.M. for IAN 0. BROWN, Acting S.M. x7th Troop Since the last issue of the Magazine our parents' committee have been extremely and a jumble sale busy raising funds, having held a whist drive which raised which raised over £ao. A coffee evening is planned for the very near future. The Group thank all parents and friends for their gallant efforts. The Troop and Pack have also been busy making alterations and redecorating the hut and by extra special efforts during Bob-a-Job week have raised sufficient funds to purchase wood to build benches. Although we have lost a number of older scouts, this has been offset by the intake of four new recruits and the welcome return of Ian and Alastair Gordon on taking up residence in Aberdeen again. Arrangements arc well under way for our summer camp which this year is to be held near Dufftown during the third week of July. We would congratulate the following on their promotions:—P.L. Ian Sutherland to A.S.M.; Second Martin Watt to P.L.; and Scout Richard Kitson to Second. The Cubs continue to flourish and their enthusiasm is sometimes overwhelming. Their efforts at Bob-a-Job were extremely good—they raised over £13. JOHN K. BLAIR, SCOU/Ma.Her.

Combined Cadet Force The Contingent has remained in sound condition throughout the past terms. Training programmes, although somewhat restricted by weather, exams., etc., arc now up to schedule. The lectures of the winter months are now almost completely replaced by practice and at the moment theory is very much in the background. Army and Basic Sections The Basic Section continues to work its way through the Cert. " A ", Part I Syllabus and with the Cert. " A" exam. drawing near, its instruction is equally divided between the drill square and training in fleldcraft. All cadets of this Section have fired their Empire Test with the •22 rifle, and the results and classification show a high standard of marksmanship. An interesting and beneficial innovation in the Army Section's training this year was the attendance of i 5 Cadets and N.C.O.s at a training course at the Bridge of Don during the Easter holidays. The bulk of this course consisted of weapon training and section leading. The highlights of that week were a full day spent at the Blackdog, firing rifle, bren and 2-inch mortar, and a full scale mock attack in which all took part. C.S.M. McLeod and Corporal Munro attended an advanced course during the second week of the Easter holidays. This course was designed to improve instruction, and these two N.C.O.s along with others from other Scottish C.C.F. contingents went through an intensive and interesting course. The two teams entered in the Annual Wapinschaw did themselves credit but failed to reach the high standard required to gain any major honour, mainly through lack of practice previous to the competition. The standard of turn-out presented by the Contingent at the Empire Youth Sunday Parade was very high and we gave a good lead to a large parade. This year our Annual Field Day, held at the Blackdog Ranges on 3 June, will

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be almost immediately followed by the Cert. " A" exam. on 8 June. In all, 16 Cadets will sit Cert. " A ", Part II, and 44 Cadets Cert. " A", Part I. These exams. in their new form provide a severe and searching test of ability, but we hope to measure up to the new standard with credit. This year the War Office provides the Inspecting Officer for our Annual Inspection in the person of Air Vice-Marshal Cracroft, and at the moment plans for the Inspection are well in hand. The week from 1 to 9 July will find the Army and Basic Sections encamped at Fort George, near Nairn, and judging by the projected training programme, these two Sections should enjoy a busy and interesting week in an ideal training area. SPENCE MCLEOD, C.S.M.

R.A.F. Section Sergeant Petrie left us in May to start training under a direct commission as a pilot in the Royal Air Force. Although he did not attempt his Advanced Prof. before his departure, he is well qualified in all respects for this career, and we confidently expect that he will do well if not better than " well " in the future. The training programme for summer examinations continued this term: 54 cadets are under instruction for their Proficiency—all of whom should have no difficulty in passing—while 5 are attempting their Advanced Certificate. Senior N.C.O.s have been given an opportunity of imparting their knowledge to younger boys, and this lecturing experience will be noted in their log-books. Congratulations are due to Corporal Bowthorpe and Cadet Parkinson for gaining " A's " while attending an Engines Course down at Halton. Summer camp has been fixed for Cranwell; it promises to be one of the bestever in the history of the Section, with plenty of flying, R.A.F. atmosphere and ceremony—there will be a passing-out parade attended by Royalty while the camp is held. Regrettably, it has not been possible to organise a Field Day this year, and flying-hours of those cadets who do not manage to obtain a flip with the 'Varsity Squadron will remain at the same level as before. All thanks are due to the officers and men of that Squadron for the help and attention given to the Section in spite of their own heavy commitments. ALASTAIR. A. R. HENDERSON, Flight-Sergeant.

Pipes and Drums The School Pipes and Drums have been very busy during the past two terms. The combined practices started earlier than usual this year. The first parade of the Pipes and Drums was on Sunday, zz May at the Empire Youth Parade when they gave a good account of themselves. The Section has several other engagements, including the Aberdeen Academy Sports, the Demonstration School Sports and our own Annual School Sports and Cadet Inspection, when they will again be beating Retreat. For the Empire Youth Parade we had seven pipers and six drummers on parade, but we hope to increase this number before the Sports. We are greatly indebted to our instructor, Mr. Coupar, on the drumming side, and on the piping side to Kenneth Melvin and to Peter Cromar, who has been helping us recently as Kenneth Melvin has been very busy with exams. We are disappointed in the number of boys who have come forward to receive instruction in both piping and drumming. It is hoped that at the beginning of next term many of the younger boys of the School will take advantage of the expert tuition which is provided. Without a fairly large increase in the numbers of learners, especially in the chanter class, it will be difficult to keep up the high achievements of our Pipes and Drums in recent years. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr. McLeod for the interest he has taken in the Pipes and Drums. As all the boys who have paraded with the Pipes and Drums this year will be back next year, except for the Drum-Major, it is hoped that next year will be one of the best ever for the Section. ALAN M. FLETCHER, Drum-Major.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magairte

House Notes Byron The following officials were elected for the summer term: Athletics Captain, Spence McLeod; Vice-Captain, Alan K. G. Paterson. Cricket Captain, John S. Raitt; Vice-Captain, William J. L. Buycrs. Junior Cricket Captain, Edward J. Slater; Vice-Captain, Peter Walker. The House this year has enjoyed an ample share of sporting honours. First, we must congratulate our Senior Rugby XV who emerg as victors in the short but very trying " Knock-out Competition ". They defeated Dun 8-6 in the first round, and Keith i i-6 in a rousing final. Our warmest congratulations also go to our swimmers who excelled themselves at the Annual Swimming Gala. Here we single out for special praise John Y. L. Hay, runner-up for the Rector's Cup; Tom Houghton, Middle School medallist; Geoffrey Fairbaim and David Auld, Lower School medallist and runner-up respectively. At the moment we look forward eagerly to the Annual Sports where we shall be represented this year, especially in the two Senior Groups, by athletes who have both skill and experience. We hope that with strong support we can add this Inter-I louse Championship to our past successes. The prospects in the Senior Cricket Championship arc not very bright, but the XI under the captaincy of John S. Raitt should give a good account of itself. The Juniors provide a much brighter picture. Their Xl has great confidence and enthusiasm and we are sure that these qualities will ensure success. SPENCE MCLEOD, Howe Captain.

Dun The term opened with the appointment of the following officials: Cricket Captain, Kenneth Watt; Vice-Captain, James R. Wight. Athletics Captain, Anthony A. Chalmers; Vice-Captain, R. Templeton. We congratulate our Hockey players on once more winning the Cup, but regret to record that the Rugby XV did not emulate them. Our especial congratulations go to James R. Wight who played for the Scottish Schoolboys' Hockey XI against Ireland, and to Stephen A. Pacitti, who was a trialist. We enter the summer term with great hopes for our Cricket XI, and fairly convinced that the House will do well at the Annual Sports. Our thanks as ever go to our supporting masters, especially Mr. I. M. Park, who continues to keep House affairs running smoothly. ANTHONY A. CHALMERS, Howe Captain. Keith The summer term is marked by the departure of the House Captain, Kenneth R. Petrie, for service in the Royal Air Force. While at School, he showed himself to be an extremely capable and popular leader, not only on the sports field, and well suited for the career that he has chosen. But the business of the House calls: cricket and athletics officials elected for the term are as follows: Cricket Captain, Robert J. Angles; Vice-Captain, Alastair A. R. Henderson. Athletics Captain, Graeme F. Bryce; Vice-Captain, Philip Barron. Junior Cricket Captain, R. Forbes; Vice-Captain, A. Low. Keith put up a splendid performance at the Swimming Gala, and were unfortunate to be beaten into a close second place by Byron. The highest individual honour, however, went to our Swimming Captain, Melville F. Watson, who won the Rector's Cup for the second successive year. Disappointments were experienced on the Rugby and Hockey fields. The XV were unsuccessful in the final of the Competition: having defeated Melvin House, they themselves went under to a superior Byron side by Is points to 6. The Hockey XI were severely handicapped by a lack of xst and even znd XI players, and in consequence won none of their games, though the margins of defeat were never wholly convincing.

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Prospects for Athletics and Cricket are mixed; in the former activity we are confident of great success, in spite of the departure of the House Captain; as for Cricket, with R. Angles as Captain we may hope for the same, hut we're going to have the devil of a job finding a team in the first place! Finally, it remains to tender our thanks to the Ilousemasters, and especially to Mr. Wilson who is at their head. ALASTAIR A. R. HENDERSON, House Vice-Captain.

Melvin

•

Congratulations are due to the following boys who gained sports awards during the winter season of 1954-55: for Rugby, D. Black, W. Robb and E. Wilson were awarded half-colours, while J. Burr and J. Christie gained half-colours in Hockey. Our Hockey XI fared rather better than the Rugby XV in the Inter-House Competitions, in that they were runners-up, whereas the XV were defeated by Keith. Officials elected at the beginning of the summer term were: Cricket Captain, David A. Black; Vice-Captain, Alan M. Fletcher. Athletics Captain, Walter S. Robb; Vice-Captain, Alan M. Fletcher. Prospects in the Cricket Championship appear to be bright, as Melvin have a large percentage of 1st and and XI players. I should like to take the opportunity of thanking Mr. Walker, our I lousemaster, and all his fellow Melvin masters, who have worked for the well-being of the House. ALAN M. FLETCHER, House Captain.

School Sporting Activities Cricket As always the season so far has been one of damp wickets and cold winds. Unfortunately the results of games played to date have not compared favourably with those of past seasons but, as the side contains many young players, it is to be hoped that once again the standard of cricket will be raised to that of former days. We are again indebted to Mr. Allardice for his keen personal interest in our welfare. In these days of Saturday morning employment and athletic competitions, it is frequently no easy job to assemble a team which will do justice to the School and which will also provide suitable opposition against other schools. We must also express our gratitude to the masters who umpire on Saturdays, and, of course, to Mr. Tyson who weekly provides us with a cricket square without equal. During the winter he vigilantly protects it from the incursions of rugby balls and hockey sticks, with the result that when summer comes, he finds it unimpaired and responding favourably to his affectionate care. The and XI, ably captained by R. Angles, has been most unfortunate, losing a number of games by narrow margins. The 3rd XI, Colts, Juniors and Minors have fared reasonably well, although Colts have not succeeded as well as was expected. Ist X1 Matches School-83.

(Burr, 24; Fletcher, 19.)

XI-a4 for no wicket.

The usual annual visit to Aboyne took place with customary enjoyment. Although the result went against us, the weather and the country air forestalled any dampened spirits. School-6o. (A. Webster, 13; J. Fowler, io.) .Aboyne-61 for 7. (Watt, 4 for 33-) A fine but windy day heralded the first tussle with " The Auld Enemy ". The wicket was damp and somewhat slow. Gordon's, winning the toss, elected to

1 54

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

bat first, and although the bowlers won an early advantage, they were unfortunately unable to maintain that advantage. After two quick wickets, a sound and formidable partnership between Kelman and Strachan (118 runs) materially altered the complexion of the game. School, overawed by the magnitude of the task ahead of them, opened disastrously, and from then on a dismal tale of woe was unfolded. School-54. (Watt, 28.) Robert Gordon's College—I38 for a (ded.). On the form exhibited against Gordon's, School ought to have had a rough passage in the Gordonstoun match, but this time they fared remarkably well and Gordonstoun, who were left to score 8o runs in zz overs, only secured their victory off the third last ball of the match after many exciting incidents. For School J. Fowler showed considerable promise, and the bowling was well up to standard, there being a great improvement from the form of the previous match. School-78 for 9. (Fowler, lf not out; Watt, 18.) Gordonstoun-81 for 6. (Watt, 3 for zi.) The match with Perth Academy was School's most successful game to date. The day was fine, the wicket dampish and there was a brisk crosswind. School started slowly against good swing bowling by Perth and scored nineteen before the first wicket fell. Thereafter our innings progressed in fits and starts to end at 66 runs. Perth, left with a fair opportunity for victory made a valiant attempt which, however, was foiled by some good swing bowling by Fletcher and Watt. The game resulted in a draw. School-66. (M. Webster, 14; Black, 12.) Perth Academy-35 for 5. (Fletcher, 5 for 16.) Against Glenalmond's powerful opposition and on a very wet wicket which handicapped the pace bowlers but helped spin, School began badly until a third wicket partnership between Black and Watt retrieved the position. But thereafter little resistance was offered to some extremely good spin bowling by Macpherson and Macdonald, the former taking 6 for 15. Left with the not-too-arduous task of scoring fifty runs, Glenalmond started very slowly, due to some accurate, tight bowling by School which, however, lacked the necessary penetration to take sufficient wickets. Fletcher and Watt, who each bowled nineteen Livers, more than half of which were maidens, again proved their sterling merit. School-48. (Black, 17.) Glenalmond-5o for 3. The first fast wicket of the season caught School batsmen unawares, when, as on the previous encounter, we were put in to bat by Perth Academy. A good start was made and School progressed to z7 for the loss of one wicket. The start, however, was squandered by the weakness of the middle batting which, instead of attacking the now flagging opening attack of Perth, allowed it to gain the initiative. School were dismissed for a paltry 49 on what should have been a perfect batsman's wicket. Perth also started well and soon reached 22, whereupon some quick wickets were gained and hopes were high that School might pull the game in their favour. However, this was not to be and Perth gained a four-wicket victory, despite some good in-swing bowling by Raitt. School-49. (Fowler, 16.) Perth Academy-53 for 6. (Raitt, 3 for 13.) D. A. BLACK, Cricket Captain. Rugby Due to bad weather the number of matches in which the 1st XV took part, especially in the second term, when only three games were played, was low. The season got off to a good start, however, and the rather indifferent performances of the 1st XV cannot be attributed to poor weather making practice and training difficult. In the and and 3rd XVs and in teams lower down the School the rugby played has been of a very high standard and the results obtained equally good,

School Section

15 5

with all the players showing a great deal of interest and enthusiasm for the game. This, together with the fact that younger players were promoted to the ist XV due to the unfortunate loss of a large number of players from last year's XVs, augurs well for season 1955-56. On behalf of the School I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr. E. Hunter, Mr. J. C. Hunter and Mr. W. D. Allardice for their work with and interest in all pupils throughout the season. Our thanks are due also to Mr. Tyson who kept the pitches in remarkable condition throughout the season. The following Colours Awards have been made: La XV Colours.—Re-award to Kenneth R. Petrie. Re-award to Hugh W. L. Thomas. Award to lain C. S. Michie. ist XL' Ilalf-Colours.—Re-award to Harry A. Forbes. Re-award to Walter S. Robb. Award to David Black. Award to Euan A. L. Wilson.

Who's Who in the ist XV K. R. Petrie. 5 ft. I i in.; it st. 7 lb. The captain of the team and a versatile

player who was able to adapt himself to any position because of his exceptional fitness. His play did not make the progress which might have been expected but this was due to his being moved from position to position to bolster up weaknesses. Ken is now in the R.A.F. and his enthusiasm and will to play well and train hard should take him far. Whenever he played in the team Ken did his best to inspire confidence and always gave his team a lead by his strong and courageous play. H. W. L. Thomas. 6 ft.; 14 st. so lb. One of the most promising players in the School; his physique has been a definite advantage to his play. In the loose Hugh is as redoubtable an opponent as one could wish to meet but does rather tend to follow the pack instead of being to the fore. He can play both in the front row and in the second but has a leaning towards playing as a third wing forward. I. R. Bishop. 5 ft. it in.; 9 st. 5 lb. Stand-off half. A slimly built player with good all-round ability who was inclined, however, to watch his opposite man instead of the ball. Ian was injured at the beginning of the season but regained his place later by his determination. As he gains a little weight and becomes less susceptible to injury, he should do very well in senior rugby. D. A. Black. 5 ft. 8 in.; to st. 7 lb. A good dependable full back with extremely safe hands and a sure, if short, kick. His fielding of the ball, both on the ground and in the air, was a joy to watch. David was awarded half-colours and, if he can cure himself of his habit of standing too close to his own line, should develop into a first class back. H. A. Forbes. 5 ft. to in.; ti st. 5 lb. Scrum-half. A sound player in all phases of his game and a good points-scorer both from the base of the scrum and as a result of intelligent backing-up. Unfortunately he began to take an extra step in his passing action and this tended to slow up the line. Harry is a good enough player to overcome this and, when he does, next year's tat XV will have a really good player behind the scrum. I. Kennaway. 5 ft. to in.; rz st. Prop forward. A good forward of the bustling type who played intelligently and hard. His line-out play and work in the loose scrums were good but he must learn to bind more tightly in the set scrums. Ian will be returning to School next year and should be a more than useful member of the scrum as he gains in experience, strength and speed. J. G. Lawrie. 6 ft.; tz st. 5 lb. Although only in the Fourth Year, John played in both the centre and wing three-quarter positions and his play was characterised in each position by courage and determination. His tackling was exceptionally good and has the virtue that an opponent after being tackled once does not usually relish risking a repeat performance. John was handicapped by lack of speed and experience but next year should emerge a very sound threequarter. I. C. S. Michie. 6 ft. 5 in.; 54 st. 8 lb. Second row forward. Iain was the line-out expert of the team and did his job well. It was always refreshing to play alongside him for when things were going badly he was always willing and able to take the ball forward in line-out and loose. He was awarded full colours and as he is returning to School his experience should prove invaluable next year.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

1 56

W. S. Robb. 5 ft. 9 in.; Ii st. 5 lb. Although preferring the wing forward position, Walter played almost all his rugby last season as a centre three-quarter. It was felt that his ability to run hard and his strong tackling would help bolster a weak line, and so it proved. Walter did his job so well that he was awarded half-colours after only five games. In whatever position he plays next season he will no doubt be one of the season's personalities. E. F. Ross. 5 ft. III in.; to st. 1z lb. Ed. gained unusually quick promotion from the and XV to the ist XV midway through the season. In the ist XV his play continued to be intelligent and effective without being showy. As is usual in School rugby he was not as effective from the set scrum as he was in loose play where he did valuable work, adding weight when it was needed and at other times tackling fearlessly in the loose. Ed. is one of the few members of the team who are leaving School and, when he plays next, he is sure to serve his fellow team-mates well. G. B. H. Sim. 5 ft. to in.; to st. 8 lb. Hooker. Gained his place in the tst XV some time after the season had begun and proceeded to make the position his own by his excellent hooking which won a lot of the ball for a pack which did not always combine too well in the tight. Although he is fairly small he more than held his own with much larger members of opposing teams. It is unlikely that he will return to School next year but, if he can find more time for training, there is no reason why he should not go very far in the game. E. Sutherland. 5 ft. 6 in.; to st. 2. lb. Wing three-quarter. Ernie is the youngest member of the team and also the fastest. His ability to make an opening by virtue of his speed often upset opposing defences. His play lacks maturity but as he is returning to School he will become a greater asset to the ist XV as he gains in experience. His tackling was always first rate but his handling of the ball can be improved with practice and training. R. Templeton. 5 ft. toil in.; 12 st. Wing forward. Dick returned to School late in the term and almost immediately won his place in the 1st XV again by his whole-hearted efforts. He was keen to learn, trained hard and on the field chased everything. When he learns to conserve his energy, his second-half play will cease to be affected by his tremendous efforts in the opening minutes and his all-round play will improve. He leaves School at the end of the summer term and should do well in senior rugby. E. A. L. Wilson. 5 ft. to in.; 13 st. 5 lb. Prop forward. Euan is a good hard-working player who is at his hest in a hard slogging forward battle. His play in the tight was very good and he could on occasion startle everyone by making a very fine run. He was very dangerous near the opponents' line and scored some fine tries through his determination. He has an action which makes him a difficult man to stop. Euan was awarded well-merited half-colours at the end of the season. A. B. Wright. 5 ft. to in.; 1z st. 5 lb. Lock forward. Alan is another of the Fourth Year boys who won a place in the team. He is a promising player who can always be relied upon to play a sound game. He works well in the line-out but is inclined to be a little slow in loose play. His future in the game is indeed bright if he can find more time to train and develop a little more speed. 11. W. L. 'FROM AS, Via-Captain.

Next Season's School Fixtures Sept. 24. Oct. x. „ 8. t 5. Nov. 5. 12. " >, 19. z6. Dec. 3. „ to. I.,

17.

r. Dundee High School • v. Glasgow Academy v. Gordonstoun . . v. Dollar Academy . . v. Gordon's College v. Abbey School . . v. Perth Academy . . v. George Watson's College P. Strathallan . . . v. Morgan Academy . v. Royal High School .

•

• •

•

• •

•

• •

. . . . . . . . • • .

at Dundee. at Rubislaw. at Rubislaw. at Rubislaw. at Scafield. at Rubislaw. at Perth. at Rubislaw. at Strathallan. at Rubislaw. at Edinburgh.

School Rugby ist XV, 1954-55

.4. J. II. Strachan Back Row—Mr. E. Hunter (Games Master), H. A. Forbes, I. B. Kennaway, J. G. Lawrie, E. F. Ross, I. C. S. Michie, R. Templeton, I. R. Bishop, A. B. Wright, E. A. L. Wilson. Front Row—G. B. Sim, D. A. Black, J. D. Aberdein, H. W. L. Thomas t Ker-Captaini, K. R. Petrie (Captain), M. F. Watson, E. Sutherland, W. S. Robb.

School Hockey 1st XI, 1954-55

er-vamour4 • 41`-• ,

alto 11;p• - i‘ — ." it I 0 *4

(

ammo,

A A. J. B. Strarkas

Back Row—Mr. R. McN'ay, W. J. L. Buyers ( Vice-Captain), J. C. N. W. Burr, D. I. MacP. Sutherland, J. G. Christie, A. A. R. Henderson, R. J. Angles, Mr. S. B. Hunter.

Front Row—J. G. N. Fraser, S. T. Forbes, J. G. Wight (Captain), S. A. Pacitti, G. M. Connell. a

School Section

IS 7

Hockey This has been a most disappointing term, with no fewer than eight 1st X1 games cancelled due to the weather. This meant that our games against Fettes, Harris Academy, Abbey School and Gordonstoun were not played, and we did not get a chance to prove that this year's team could be classed among the best that the School has ever had, During this term Connell and Forbes were tried out on the wings, with considerable success, and they retained first team status. The recognised 1st XI team was as follows: Sutherland; Christie and Buyers; Henderson, Angles and Fraser; Connell, Burr, Pacitti, Wight and Forbes. Colour awards were as follows— Cap.—James Wight. Re-award of Full Coloars.—James Buyers. Re-award of Half-Colours.—James Burr, Stephen Pacitti. Award of half-Colours.—Alastair Henderson, Robert Angles, James G. Christie.

set XI Matches School v. Richmond. 4-5. School had themselves to blame for this defeat. After building up a commanding lead, gained by clever and forceful combined play on the part of the forwards, School allowed the Richmond forwards to run riot in the closing minutes and score three quick goals, In view of the excellent play of the forwards, this defeat was most disappointing. School v. Varsity. 3-6. Against the strong-going 1st Varsity XI School were fighting against the odds in the first half and with the half-time score at 0-3 a heavy defeat seemed certain. In the second half, however, the boys sprang a surprise by coming back strongly. Wight dropped back to the defence to stem the tide brilliantly and the forwards found themselves getting a larger share of the play. Pacitti twice netted smartly and Forbes also scored an opportunist goal. School v. F.P.s " A ". 5—z. In a league match School had a field day at the expense of F.P.s " A". The F.P. team, which included some notables of former School XIs, was unable to cope with the lively tactics of the younger boys, who played with skill and assurance. This was probably the best all-round display given by School this season. School v. Gordon's College. 1-i. The only meeting with our old rivals proved to be a hard gruelling match. Throughout the game School held the balance of play and had 9o per cent. of the pressure. It is, however, goals that count and a stout Gordon's defence, plus the unusual ineptitude of the School forwards, meant that after 69 minutes' play the School were only one goal up. Gordon's equalised with a rather lucky goal in the last minute. There were no weaklings in our defence where Angles was outstanding for School. The forwards, although playing some excellent hockey, were poor at goal, and only Burr and Wight looked as if they could score. In the annual Masters v. Boys match the latter scored their first victory in the series. The margin of 5—o perhaps flattered them, but there was no doubting their superiority in most phases of the game. At Xmas and Easter many of the 1st XI players took part in a festival of hockey with senior players. They acquitted themselves with great credit and a well known Middlesex player commented very favourably on the high standard of hockey shown by the schoolboys of the Aberdeen area. Mr. C. Bisset of Ruthrieston Hockey Club, who has been a very good friend to the hockey-playing schools in this area, earns our gratitude for allowing us to participate in these festival games. Pacitti and Wight were selected to play in the North v. South Schoolboys' trial at Paisley and it was a signal honour to the School to have Jimmy Wight capped for Scotland's Schoolboys team to play Ireland at Dublin. Our congratulations to a player who has been a credit to the School in every way I It only remains to say that Dun won the House Hockey Cup without being stretched by any of the other Houses and to give thanks once again to Mr. Flett and Mr. S. B. Hunter, who shivered along with us at the field this term, and of course to Mr. Park, who at one time thought of devising a red paint for the balls I R. McNAY.

158

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine

Literary and Debating Society This has been a very successful session for the Society, both in finance—more than twice as many subscriptions as last year were collected—and in debating, where the standard of speaking was encouragingly high. In this latter connection, much gratitude is due to Milo Don Appleman (IV) who was never afraid to air his views in public, and provided some of the session's most enjoyable moments. He returns now to the United States, and I am sure that all members will join in wishing Milo the best of luck in his homeland. We trust that he enjoyed his sojourn in our midst. The Easter term's first meeting was a debate, postponed from before the Christmas break—" That we should adopt the American way of life, because it is superior to our own." Speaking for the Affirmative, Mr. Appleman gave a rousing display of oratory in support of his native land. However, the motion was defeated, probably more because Mr. Paterson pointed out cleverly that the British and American ways of life were incompatible, than on account of the anti-American tirades of Messrs. Montgomery (VI) and McPherson (V). The following week, Mr. J. F. Walker, M.A., of the History Department gave us a most attractive address on " Kidnapping, Dead or Alive ". To a large audience he spoke of the dangers of living two centuries ago in Aberdeen, when the " servant-market " was operating in the city. His blood-chilling tales of the Resurrectionists held the members enthralled. Our next meeting also involved members of the staff; this time it was a Brains Trust. The wide range of topics was easily handled by Messrs. Brown, Davidson, McNay and Michic. Our thanks to the staff for their co-operation. As the debate with Aberdeen Academy was postponed because of our Swimming Gala—no alternative debate could be arranged—the next meeting was a debate on the motion " That Pacificism is the only attitude that a true Christian can hold ". Mr. Petrie's speech for the Negative was the only notable feature in a rather dull debate, and it came as no surprise that many members abstained from voting. The motion was defeated. The long-awaited High School debate on the motion " That the Western World is not as democratic as it makes out " followed. While Mr. Montgomery made a surprisingly mild speech for the Negative, Mr. Paterson, as supporting speaker for the Affirmative, was rather nonplussed by the Communist outburst of his principal speaker, Miss Cockbum, and he confined himself to a long " appreciation " of Mr. Montgomery's speech. After being called sharply to order for this by the Chairman, Mr. Center, he continued with a few mild remarks about the exploitation of negroes and the persecution of Communists. Mr. Montgomery was ably seconded by Miss Young. In the Open Debate, Mr. Appleman defended his country against the Daily Worker accusations of the Affirmative speakers. This motion was overwhelmingly defeated at the end of a highly successful meeting. After the Middle School Debate, a Hat Night was held on 4 March, when a large audience heard much fine speaking. The " victims " included Mr. Paterson on horror comics of the Middle Ages, Mr. Edward on men's headgear, Mr. Petrie on the advantages of the R.A.F. as a career, Mr. Fraser on the dilapidated state of the School, with special reference to the" Howff", and Mr. Montgomery who reflected on six years' membership of the Debater. At the end of this meeting the President announced that plans were in progress for a Six Schools' Debate, which was later arranged for Thursday, 9 June in the High School Hall on the motion " That this House approves of Billy Graham's methods of spreading the Gospel". Our President, Mr. Center, will make the principal speech opposing the motion. Once again we are indebted to two people, Mr. Brown for his valuable help this session, and J. Mitchell Kelty (VI) for his admirable posters which have attracted so much favourable notice. The officials convey their gratitude to these two. JOHN

G. N. FRASER, Secretary.

School Section

Film Society In the case of a Film Society such as this, it is a sound piece of psychology to open the season with a programme of comedy. This universally-appreciated type of film attracts a large audience, boosts membership for the year, and, in a sense, smooths the way for subsequent, less easily digested programmes. The aim of the Society, however, is not to pander to popular taste every time, but to introduce to the School a number of classic films which best represent their particular genre, e.g. drama, nature or adventure. If these provoke criticism and opinionative thoughts, so much the better for the discussion which follows each showing. The second meeting of the Society was held on to December, over a month after the successful appearance of Tail's French masterpiece, " Jour de Fete ". Drama was the keynote here; a short piece entitled Basil Wright on ' Odd Man Out ' ", which presented a time-and-space analysis of the famous film, was followed by " Citizen Kane ", one of Orson Weller productions of wealth, lost happiness and mystery. Perhaps the mystery was too much for the audience, for it was not a film that had an enthusiastic reception, chiefly through difficulty in comprehending the plot and certain scenes. The photographic techniques employed in " Citizen Kane " make the film worth examining for that sake alone. Hamlet " was shown on 7 January in collaboration with the School Dramatic Society. This intense and superbly photographed interpretation of Shakespeare's immortal tragedy aroused the criticism, hostile and otherwise, of the well-read members of the Upper School. Though possibly far over the heads of the younger members, " Hamlet' was nevertheless one of the major successes of the season. Nature and Adventure were billed for i 1 February. The former was provided by a Hungarian film, " A Kingdom of the Waters ", a really astounding production distinguished by first class photography of the birds and beasts in their natural habitats: a triumph of patience and minute observation. Coming at a time when Disney's nature films were all the rage, this quiet and spontaneous document of wild life on land, in water and in the air provided much food for thought and comparison. " Elephant Boy ", cart-directed by Flaherty, was the accompanying feature, a film made to satisfy public demand rather than as a purely artistic creation, and somewhat transparently unauthentic in places. The last showing took place on z5 March with the presentation of three differing types of films: " Grandma Moses ", a rather stylised and even stilted account of the life and achievements of that " grand old lady " of American painting; " Little Boy Blew ", a short and enjoyable cartoon from the United States; and " Miracle in Milan ", an Italian film partly fairy-tale, partly cruel reality in nature; though the trick-effects were not always wholly successful, the gentle semi-impossibility of the story with the latent bitterness of its message provided a memorable ending to the programme. This past year has been, almost without reservation, an excellent one for the Society. Financially, it is flourishing—so much so in fact, that with the profits from these five showings it will be possible to add one more meeting per year to the programme. Another Tati film, Monsieur Hulot's Holiday ", which was in Aberdeen in May, is to be shown, and will doubtless excite the same delighted applause which greeted " Jour de Fete " and which brought it back for a second time in three years. Discussion after showings can be improved, and it is to be hoped that more people will stay behind to talk and criticise in 1955-56 than did so in this past session. Finally, the President, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee wish, on behalf of the members of the Film Society, to take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Hemingway, without whom there could be no Society at all, Mr. Atkinson, also of the Art Department, and Mr. Baxter, who attends to the mechanical side of the business, for the care and interest they have devoted to ensure an entertaining and successful season. ALASTAIR A. R. HENDERSON, President.

i Go

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Music The usual out-of-school musical activities arc working up to their annual climax, the School Concert. In the Senior School the main contributors will be, as usual, the Senior Choir and the Orchestra, though there will also be items by Class Is, by an Upper School Choral Group singing unaccompanied part-songs, and by a composite choral group, with the orchestra, in the Finale. The music for this is a sequence of waltzes from Johan Strauss's " Die Fledermaus ", and with about a hundred and thirty boys taking part, should prove quite a rousing, and certainly tuneful affair. The soloists are William Buyers (Horn) in two movements from a Mozart Horn Concerto, Gordon Lees, John Christie and David Milne in a movement from Bach's fourth Brandenburg Concerto, John Christie in Alec Rowley's Miniature Piano Concerto, and David Milne, Bryan Dargie, William Stevenson and David Forsyth who make up a String Quartet. The first part of the concert is given by the Lower School who provide a choir of nearly fifty, a recorder group and violin solos and duets. The Senior Choir is to be congratulated on winning the class for " Adult Choirs" in the Music Festival! It is a pity that there is no class for four-part choirs in schools. The music set for " Senior Secondary Schools " is suited only to girls' schools, and there were no entrants. Choirs drawn from Classes Is and IM, Ic and IIa, and the Lower School, also acquitted themselves well in the festival, and individual successes were scored by Gordon Lees (Flute), Patrick Milne (Bassoon), David Milne and Norman Home (Clarinets), Robert Whyte (Clarinet), David Milne, Bryan Dargie and David Bruce (Violins), William Stevenson (Viola) and David Forsyth ('Cell ;). At Easter four members of the School Orchestra were again invited to the National Youth Orchestra, and partook of the excitements of a T.V. concert in the Royal Festival Hall, and a trip to Brussels and Amsterdam to give a further series of concerts. We understand that Buyers came through the ordeal of several T.V. " close-ups " with credit, counting bars as well as playing, with great fervour. Of the others, Leroy Cowie (Double Bass) and Patrick Milne (Bassoon) arc young enough to look forward to a long innings with the N.Y.O., while Gordon Lees (Flute) should be able to put in a few more courses we hope. When competition for a place is nation-wide, the School can surely be proud of having four places. In conclusion boys are reminded that, while attendance at Choir and Orchestra rehearsals is voluntary, if they arc to continue to flourish, both need the regular, steady support of all their members, and this should be regarded as the prime duty of membership. In return they will derive a great deal of " solid joys ", and much that will be valuable to them in later life. W. N.

Arts Club The spring term at the Club has been one of the most interesting and rewarding in recent years. First we received a good deal of publicity when the Aberdeen Bon-Accord very generously devoted a full page to photographs of Club members at work. Soon after this we saw in the P. efr J. and Evening Express a further selection of photographs of the murals now placed in the School Music Room and painted by senior members of the Club. Another highlight was the illustrated lecture on Malaya and Singapore given by Mr. Henderson, father of our senior prefect. Mr. Henderson, ex-Director of the Botanic Gardens of Singapore, showed slides of his own taking, scenes and peoples in Malaya, together with a brilliant collection of orchids on which, among other aspects of botany, Mr. Henderson is an authority. This lecture was attended by a large audience and we take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Henderson once again for a memorable and scholarly discourse. Scenery for the School play was another project completed this term. Work in hand includes models of the Forth Bridge, theatres, modelling in clay and the customary variety of painting in many mediums. As always we are indebted to the Art staff who have given up so much of their time to help us in our many " ploys ". NORMAN G. MARK, Vice-President.

School Section

161

Dramatic Society This session the Society's annual production had to be postponed because of the epidemic of influenza in November, but it was eventually presented in late March. The play chosen was a seventeenth-century comedy, " The Knight of the Burning Pestle ", by Beaumont and Fletcher. It is very characteristic of Elizabethan plays and, in the period when it was first produced, rivalled even those of Shakespeare. From the start it was evident that the players' great enthusiasm and enjoyment for this type of play, combined with the admirable guidance given by Mr. A. Nisbet, the producer, and his assistant, Mr. N. King, would make the play a complete success. It was in fact so successful that the Hall was packed to capacity at every performance. The principal part this year was taken by David Galloway, a member from the Junior Section, who played the Knight with great versatility. He was well supported by Donald Birnie and James Taylor. The stage audience, composed of Douglas Kynoch and Ronald Robb, did much to win the hearts of the audience and prepare the way for the rest of the cast. Once again, we are indebted to Messrs. Bell and Hemingway for their convincing lighting and scenic effects, and to members of the Arts Club, who designed and painted the scenery. Praise and thanks must also go to Mr. Nisbet who, in his first season as a producer, made the play such a success that a shorter one is to be presented later in the term to members of the School. Tom DtrrroN, Vice-President.

Scripture Union This session the School Branch resumed its regular meetings rather late. It was nearly the end of October before things were running smoothly. If, however, the start was somewhat unfortunate, the enthusiasm among the boys has been extremely gratifying. At all our meetings the attendance figures have been exceptionally high, especially when Dr. Macandrew addressed us. The Scripture Union still plays a very important part in the life of the School. Our talks have been very varied both in the type of speakers and in their subjects. The meetings have all been so successful that the boys have shown themselves eager for still more of them. However, these are difficult to arrange without impinging upon the times of the already numerous societies in the School. We have been able, nevertheless, to extend our inter-school activities. The School was well represented at the camps, which, in the general opinion of the boys, were first class. Furthermore, the attendance of Grammarians at the monthly S.U. rallies held on Saturday evenings in Melville Church hall has increased so amazingly that it has attracted favourable comment from many diverse quarters. We can say with some satisfaction, then, that our representatives have acquitted themselves with great credit in all aspects of S.U. work—a keenness that, we trust, will continue to be shown next session. Finally, but highly important—as Secretaries, we are deeply indebted to Dr. Macandrew and Mr. Miller for their untiring efforts on our behalf. We would like to take this opportunity of conveying our thanks to them for making our task infinitely easier. ALEXANDFR R. CENTFR A. BRYAN BROOMFIELD } Branch Joint Secretaries.

16z

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School Office-Bearers, 1954-55 Prefects ALASTAIR A. R. HENDERSON (Senior Prefect) KENNETH R. PETRIE (Deputy Senior Prefect) S. A. PAcrrrt A. M. FLETCHER R. C. BARTON A. K. G. PATERSON J. G. N. FRASER R. S. BROWN W. S. Ross W. G. GLENNIE G. F. BRYCE E. F. Ross B. P. LENMAN W. J. L. BUYERS M. F. WATSON SPENCE MCLEOD A. R. CENTER J. R. WIGHT M. N. MONTGOMERY A. A. CHALMERS W. S. WILSON D. R. Nicol. NEIL EDWARD

Byron S. McUm)

House Captains Keith Dun K. R. PETRIE A. A. CHALMERS

Melvin A. M. FLETCHER

Rugby Football

Vice-Captain

H. W. L. THOMAS

Captain

K. R. PETRIE

Captain

D. A. BLACK

Captain

J. R. WIGHT

Captain

S. MCLEOD

Captain

M. F. WATSON

President

Literary and Debating Society A. K. G. PATERSON Vice-President A. R. CENTER J. G. N. FRASER Secretary

President

D. R. KyNocH

Cricket

Vice-Captain

A. M. FLETCHER

Hockey

Vice-Captain

W. J. L. BUYERS

Athletics

Vice-Captain

K. R. PETRIE

Swimming

Vice-Captain

A. M. WiLLIAmsoN

Dramatic Society

Vice-President

Secretary

ToM DUTTON

LESLIE NICOL

President

Arts Club H. A. M. MAcDoNALD Vice-President Secretary MALCOLM BOOTH

President

Film Society Secretary H. A. M. MACDONALD A. A. R. HFNDERSON M. N. MONTGOMERY Treasurer

C.S.M.

S. McLEop

N. G. MARK

Cadet Force

Joint Secretaries

Flight-Sergeant

A. A. R. HENDERSON

Scripture Union A. R. CENTER, A. B. BROOMFIELD

School Editors of the Magazine A. A. R. HENDERSON and A. R. CENTER

4 4

Former Pupils' Club Founded ix September 1893

•

Annual General Meeting The fifty-third Annual General Meeting of the F.P. Club was held in the Caledonian Hotel, Aberdeen, on 22 March 1955. Mr. Maurice Cramb, VicePresident of the Club and Chairman of the Executive, presided over an attendance of thirty-seven members. Executive's Report for the Year The Secretary read the report by the Executive for the year 1954, from which the following arc excerpts: MEMBERSHIP The following is an analysis of the membership of the Club as at 28 February 1955, with the corresponding figures as at 28 February 1954:— Life Members Fully Partially Paid Paid

28/2/S4 28/2/55

1177 1174 — 3

Ordinary Members

Honorary Members

Staff Members

868 898

II II

2152 2172

— 6

+ 3o

—

— I

-r 20

Total

LOSSES BY

DEATH During the year the deaths of forty-six F.P.s, of whom eighteen were members of the Club, were reported. Included among these was Alan McBain, a former dux of the School and the first winner of the All-Round Trophy presented to the School by the Club. He was for many years a member of the Executive and was a former vice-president of the Club and chairman of the Executive. Since the end of the year under review Sir Robert Lyall-Grant, an honorary vice-president of the Club, died. THE CLUB AND THE SCHOOL The Club, as usual, presented silver medals for Geography, German and Spanish and these were handed over at the School Prize-giving in June 1954. The winner of the Club's All-Round Trophy and the John No Dawson Prize was Archibald Stewart Hunter. SOCIAL The Annual Dinner of the Club was held in the Caledonian Hotel, Aberdeen, on 29 October 1954. Sir Landsborough Thomson, President of the Club, was in the chair and the principal guest was Professor G. O. Sayles of the chair of History in the University of Aberdeen, to whom the question of the antiquity of the School had been referred in connection with the proposed Septcentenary celebrations. 129 members and guests were present at the Dinner. The Annual Ball was held in the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, on 28 December 1954, and was attended by 342 members and guests. A slight financial loss was incurred at these functions on account of the smaller attendances. While the Executive do not aim to run either function for the purpose of making a profit, the question of raising the price of the tickets will have to be considered by next year's Entertainments Committee. x63

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL Abstract of Revenue and Expenditure Account 1953 £128 IS 6 142 15 0 76 15 0 £348 5 163 4 12 19 312 16

6 6 4 3

4 0 0 155 8 6

REVENUE Ordinary Subscriptions received prior to January 1954 • • Ordinary Subscriptions received in 1954 . . . . . Arrears recovered in 1954

•

£118 13 6 164 0 0 63 10 0

. . .

•

• . • • • • Revenue from Investments (Gross) • • . • • Surplus from Entertainments Account . . . . Interest at 4 per cent. on Life Member Capital Fund Bonds converted Defence per cent. Premium of £I per cent. on £150-3 • . • • . . into 3i per cent. Defence Bonds . Deficit for year . •

•

£348 3 6 250 1 7 _ 321 17 11 1 10 (1 6 9 9 9

£926 2

£996 14 1

Balance Sheet as £.549 0 6

CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES • • • • . • I. GENERAL CAPITAL FUND . II. LIFE MEMBER CAPITAL FUND— £7,507 10 11 . Amount at credit at 31 December 1953 Life Members' Subscriptions received in 1954 539 17 9 . and Life Member Special Appeal

£549

£8,047 8 8 Less—Transferred to Revenue and Expenditure . . Account . 7,507 W 11 25 0 0

10 0 0

321 17 II 7,725 10 9

III. ENTERTAINMENTS SUSPENSE ACCOUNT— . Amount at credit at 31 December 1953 Less—Transferred to General Revenue and . . . Expenditure Account .

£25 0 0 25 0 0 0

IV. CLUB DEVELOPMENT RESERVE ACCOUNT— . Amount at credit at 31 December 1941 Less—Transferred to General Revenue and . . . • Expenditure Account

10 0

0 0 0

Balance of Subscriptions received prior to 31 December 1953, applicable to future years Subscriptions received in 1954 applicable to . . . . future years . . 4 3 8

VI. FUNDS OF CLUB SECTION IN ABEYANCEMotor Section since 31 December 1935 Less--Transferred to General Revenue and. . . Expenditure Account . . .

0 0

100 0 0 20 0 0 £8,811 16 1

£63 7

122 10

3 8

4 _ -- -

3 8

£10 100 100 200

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

VII. GIFTS AND LEGACIES10 Shares in Boarding House Co. Ltd. . . . . Legacy from Miss Alice Lamb . . . Legacy from Miss J. A. Anderson . Legacy from Miss Jessie A. M. Mackie . . 125 Shares in Boarding House Co. Ltd. from Wm. Paterson . . • . • • 125 Shares in Boarding House Co. Ltd. from W. M. Alexander . . . . . 410 0 0

VIII MAGAZINE— Advertisements prepaid XL HONORARIA— Amount due to Sec. and Treas. and Editor of Magazine . X. Posrs—Amount due to Secretary and Treasurer . . •

•

v. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE-

182 1 0

£10 0 0

•

185 17

410

100 20

0 0

£8,994

8 9

FORMER PUPILS' CLUB for year ending 31 December 1954 1953

£121 17 32 8 43 3 204 1 488 4 106 19

8 0 6 6 I 4

EXPENDITURE Working Expenses . . • . . . . . £153 4 114 • Income Tax, Schedule D, year 1954-55 . . . . . . 26 11 0 Income Tax paid by deduction from Investment Income . . . 88 10 9 Arrears of Income Tax, Schedule D, years 1946-47 to 1952-53 . . — Magazine—Cost for year, less revenue frbm advertisements and sales 557 11 3 Miscellaneous Expenses—Medals, Capitation Grants, Club Development, etc. . • • • • • • • • • 75 6 6 Excess of Expenditure over Income on Entertainments Account . IS (I 4 Outlays re Life Member Fund Appeal . . . . . 11 15 114

f996 14 1

£926 2

at 31 December 1954 ASSETS £7,469 5

I. CAM' IN HAND AND IN INVESTED FUNDS

•

. £7,707 13 104

II. GENERAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT—

Deficit in Revenue and Expenditure Account for . . year ending 31 December 1947 . Deficit in Revenue and Expenditure Account for year ending 31 December 1948 . . . Deficit in Revenue and Expenditure Account for , . . year ending 31 December 1949 Deficit in Revenue and Expenditure Account for year ending 31 December 1950 • Deficit in Revenue and Expenditure Account for . . . year ending 31 December 1951 Deficit in Revenue and Expenditure Account for 1952 . . . year ending 31 December Deficit in Revenue and Expenditure Account for year ending 31 December 1953 . . . •

£217 19 10 143 13 7 224 3 5 26 12 0

•

444 16 74 68 17 1 155

8 6

£1,281 11 Add—Deficit in Revenue and Expenditure Ac. count for year ending 31 December 1954

6 9 9 £1,288 0 94

Deduct—Balances transferred from Accounts per contra— Entertainments Suspense Account . £25 0 1,1 111 0 0 Club Development Reserve Account 4 3 8 Funds of Club Section in abeyance . 1,281 11 04 36 0 25 0

0 0

39 3 8 1,248 17 14

111. MAGAZINEStock of Envelopes in hand Cash in Hands of Editor .

•

. .

. •

• •

12 17 9 25 0 0

ABERDEEN, 17 February I955.—We have examined the foregoing Revenue and Expenditure Account for the year ending 31 December 1954 and relative Balance Sheet as at 31 December 1954, compared the figures with the vouchers, and found the Accounts correct. We are of the opinion that the annexed Balance Sheet correctly states the position of the Club as at 31 December 1954. We have had exhibited to us the various Securities supporting the Funds at the close of the Accounts. The Securities are all entered in the Balance Sheet at cost prices. (Signed) BOWER & SMITH, C.A., Honorary Auditors. 245 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

£8,811 14 1

£8,994

8 9

166

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

SEPTCENTENARY As will be known to all members, doubts were cast during the year on the School's claim that it had been in existence since prior to 1256. The matter was referred to Professor G. 0. Sayles for his expert opinion and as a result it has been decided that no Septcentenary celebrations will take place in 1956, as originally planned. (See December 1954 issue of the Magazine.) CLUB COLOURS The Executive have been considering for some time the question of Club Colours, and during the year a Club Badge, which is a replica of the School Badge with a Gordan or, was matriculated. This new badge will be incorporated in outline on future supplies of the Club Tie. The Club Blazer is to be black with brass buttons and having the new Club Badge on the breast pocket. Materials for the new tie have been approved and it is hoped that new ties and blazers will be available for members by the beginning of 1956. Reports from Section Representatives The Rugby Section report was submitted by Mr. N. I. W. Meldrum. Four teams had been fielded and the results of ist XV matches had been more satisfactory than for seven or eight years. He reiterated a complaint about inadequate accommodation at Rubislaw and said that important games had now to be played at Linksfield. The recruitment from the School to the Section was unsatisfactorily low, due largely to the demands of national service. Mr. R. L. Cromar reported that the Hockey Section had had a most successful season, although its membership was slightly reduced. Recruitment from players leaving School had been poor. For the Cricket Section Mr. A. J. M. Edwards, on behalf of Mr. A. M. Davidson, reported that the Strathmore Union XI in 1954 had finished about the middle of the championship table. The Grade team had been promoted from Grade III to Grade II of the Aberdeenshire Grade Association. He referred to the death of Alan McBain, president of the Section, and reported that he had been succeeded by C. H. Webster, formerly treasurer. A. M. Davidson had been appointed president of the Strathmore Union. In conclusion he appealed for volunteers as umpires. Mr. W. G. Thow reported that the Golf Section was as flourishing as ever and Mr. J. W. Howison, for the Tennis Section, reported a membership of sixteen. Matches were to be arranged in 1955 and a Tennis Section Cup had been presented to the School. The Boarding House Section report was submitted by Dr. I. M. Duguid, who stated that they had a membership of over fifty and that it was hoped to hold a reunion later this year. With reference to the complaint from the Rugby and Hockey Sections about poor recruitment from among the boys leaving School, the Rector offered to give to representatives of these Sections an opportunity at the end of each session of addressing all boys leaving School. Office-Bearers for 1955-56 Mr. J. J. Robertson was unanimously re-elected honorary president. The Club's sincere thanks to Sir Landsborough Thomson, the retiring president, were expressed by the chairman who pointed out that Sir Landsborough had attended the Club Dinners in Aberdeen, Glasgow, London and Edinburgh and the Annual Ball in Aberdeen during his term of office. Sir Landsborough was unanimously elected an honorary vice-president, and the other surviving honorary vice-presidents were re-elected. Lieutenant-Colonel H. J. Butchart was unanimously elected president for 1955-56 (see page 97), and Mr. Joseph R. Carry was unanimously elected vicepresident and chairman of the Executive. On handing over the chair to Mr. Carry, Mr. Maurice Cramb, the retiring vice-president, expressed his thanks to the secretary and treasurer and editor of the Afagazine for their assistance during his term of office, and thereafter Mr. Carry paid high tribute to the services of Mr. Crumb who had been on the Executive of the Club almost continuously since 1935. His period of office as vice-president and chairman had been a difficult one and the Club was much indebted to him.

Former Pupils' Club

x67

Mr. J. S. G. Munro was appointed vice-chairman of the Executive and Messrs. J. S. MacLachlan and Alan C. R. Watt were re-elected secretary and treasurer and editor of the Magazine respectively. It was reported that Messrs. A. J. M. Edwards, J. L. Riddell and H. G. Stephen fell to retire from the Executive by rotation and to fill these vacancies Messrs. Maurice Cramb and A. J. Peters and Dr. G. F. Hamilton were elected after a ballot. There were nine nominations for the three vacancies. (The full list of office-bearers is given on pages 179 and t 80.) Messrs. Bower & Smith, chartered accountants, were re-appointed Club auditors and Colonel J. P. Jeffrey was re-appointed auditor of the Accounts of the Sections.

Edinburgh Centre An Evening with Duncan Macgregor The principal guest at this year's Annual Dinner of the Edinburgh Centre, held in the George Hotel, Edinburgh, on 4 March 1955, was Lieutenant-Colonel DUNCAN MACGREGOR, M.B.E., Games Master at the School from 1919 to 1945 and now Commandant, 46 Training Centre, Happendon Camp, Douglas, Lanarkshire. His evident pleasure at having an opportunity of meeting again some of those who had distinguished themselves under his discerning eyes at Rubislaw— and not a few of those who had tried on occasions to keep out of his way!—was matched by the cordiality of the welcome he received. Before he stood up to reply to the toast of " The Guests " he was loudly cheered and greeted by a lusty rendering of " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow ". It was clear that the principal guest was not Colonel Macgregor but " Duncan Mac " or " The Gamey ", and— incredible it may be to some—it seemed he was a little embarrassed by the warmth of his reception. The Centre were also delighted to have as their official guests, SIR LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, who was attending his last function as president of the Club, the Rector, who was attending his first F.P. function since returning from his mission to Montevideo at the end of 1954, and Mr. GORDON J. Wool), representing the Edinburgh Gordonians. The president of the Centre, E. Ros BIRKETT, was in the chair. After Mr. Birkett had welcomed the guests, the company stood for one minute's silence as a tribute to the memory of two F.P.s, both prominently associated with the Centre, who had died during the past year—LINDSAY DUNCAN and SANDY SLESSOR.

The first toast was, as usual, " The School and the Club " but the manner in which it was proposed by the chairman was by no means usual. Mr. Birkett regaled the company with a succession of witticisms which were received with a constant undercurrent of restrained laughter which burst forth from time to time into bellows of uproarious mirth. This was not perhaps the traditional speech for this toast but the break from tradition was most acceptable. In his reply on behalf of the School, the Rector apologised for what he forecast would be " one more playing of a very scratchy and overplayed record " and went on to give yet another sample of that polished eloquence combining humorous sally with serious comment, which F.P.s have come to expect from Mr. Robertson and which they cannot but highly appreciate. Referring to the president of the Club, he said that any son of Arthur Thomson would have reflected not inconsiderable lustre but how good it was to find great gifts of mind passing down from father to son. He wished to assure Sir Landsborough that the School was very proud to claim him and through him to claim some modest association with the immensely important work on which he was engaged. He then extended his own welcome to his old friend, Duncan Macgregor. ' Although ", he said, " we never actually served together, we did have one or two heart-to-heart talks about the happy past and, shall we say, the slightly ambiguous future of the Old School. I want him to know that he is very far from being forgotten and that there arc those of us who recognise that the level of rugby in the Aberdeen Grammar School could not have risen to anything like the level it has reached without his coaching energy and dynamic personality. " In the School," he went on, " to use State-of-the-Nation phraseology, internal relations are entirely satisfactory. The general run of boys is not a whit

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

different from that in the past and they arc all clearly destined to do very well in this world, since they are going to be doctors, lawyers and, of course, accountants." (Loud laughter.) He went on to say that it would be improper and indeed unprofitable for him to dwell at this stage on the most extensive deliberations at present engaging the attention of the Education Authority of Aberdeen but for those of us who cared for the Grammar School it was not possible to view these deliberations, involving as they did the continuance or otherwise of the primary departments in the Grammar and High Schools and the whole secondary set-up in the city, without grave anxiety and concern. " Of course all this has to be seen within the larger pattern, and we must face the fact that education generally in these islands is suffering from a quite easily recognised malaise. It was very clearly put just recently by the Stevenson Lecturer in Glasgow University :— `The most profound educational fallacy of the present time is that a better educational provision can be planned by a committee and put into operation by administrators, turning headmasters and teachers into circumstantial instruments of a centrally inspired wisdom.' " You must be clear about this, that two things are bound to happen if this trend continues. First, you are having the major decisions affecting schools made by people who, even if they are comparatively disinterested, lack both the experience and the insight to decide wisely. " Secondly, if that is to be the status of the schoolmaster, then of course increasingly you repel the very persons that you want to attract. What you will attract is simply the man who, since he has no initiative, will not repine at the lack of opportunity to exercise it, being perfectly well content to do exactly what he is told. " These complaints and anxieties of ours arc very real, but of course we must remember that they arc part of a world in convulsion, and meantime there arc two things we can do. " First, we can see them in their proper setting and perspective. Secondly, we can go on gladly from day to day and from week to week doing our best for the immediate needs of those decent parents and decent pupils of ours, and for the rest, reflecting that the things we hope for seldom turn out quite so good as our anticipation, and on the other hand our fears may prove in the event rather less disastrous than were our earlier forebodings." Sir Lancisborough Thomson's reply on behalf of the Club was, he said, his swan song as president. He was very proud indeed to have been president and he hoped that the Executive of the Club, in choosing his successor, would show the same mature judgment and fine discrimination that they had shown a year ago. (Laughter.) He went on in more serious vein to say that as members of the Club we were companions in the sense that we had something in common and shared a common heritage. The first element in that heritage was the very long tradition of the School, whether it extended over seven centuries or only five-and-a-half. The toast of " The Guests ", coupled with the name of Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Macgregor, was proposed by DAVID M. C. DONALD, who recalled, much to the amusement of those present, that in his final year at School he had been described in Duncan Macgregor's pithy comments on the members of the 1st XV in the Magazine, as " an honest, hard-working forward". He went on to say that the reputation of a school depended more on the victories of its ist XV than on the number of its successes in the Bursary Comp. Duncan Macgregor was regarded by hundreds of F.P.s with affection, respect and gratitude and, when F.P.s met, his name was one which cropped up with perhaps greater frequency than any other. DUNCAN MACGREGOR'S REPLY

The toast was enthusiastically honoured and thereafter " Duncan Mac " replied. He said that it gave him exceptional pleasure to attend a gathering of F.P.s He had had twenty vivid years at the School and he was continually meeting his old boys—some of them those he had caught smoking before a Gordon's match!

Former Pupils' Club

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Having been away from the School since 1939, he was able, he thought, to assess it accurately. Character was a scarce commodity and that was one thing which the Grammar School boy had. What impressed him above all was the hard work that went on at the School: there was no doubt that the School produced a race of workers. Look at the Magazine, he said. Look what they have achieved. Some were far from distinguished intellectually hut it was a capacity for hard work which stood them in such good stead. He went on to recall the Rectors under whom he had served. Few, he said, knew these Rectors personally better than he did. When he came to the School, rugby was at a kw level but Morland Simpson was of inestimable value with his ideas and inspiration. Mackay Thomson gave much practical assistance and it was thanks to his personal influence that the School broke into public school rugby. He was a fearless individual and made games compulsory. Douglas Miller, of course, a rugby internationalist, was a tower of strength, while D. M. Andrew—a great gentleman, possibly not aggressive enough for the modern world—gave every backing to the School's sporting activities. Throughout his time at the School he had had the greatest co-operation from his colleagues on the staff although, of course, there had, from time to time, been differences of opinion. Miss Davidson, he added, had ideas of her own as to how infant races should be run I (Loud laughter.) The future of a school's rugby depended not on its and XV but on its 3rd, junior and minor XVs, and in his time these teams had been organised by other masters and he was more grateful to them than he could say. He mentioned, among others, Ian Park, than whom there was no fiercer partisan for the School and the late Bill Stewart—" a great master and a great friend ". Ile concluded by expressing his pleasure at the continuing high standard of rugby at the School. F.P.s had a very good side this year and, about three years ago, the School had had a team which was at least as good as any the School had ever produced. " The Old Enemy "—a new toast—was proposed by DOUGLAS RErri. and Mr. Gordon J. Wood replied. The toast of " The Chairman " was proposed by W. FF.RRIER MAYOR.

The following F.P.s were present at the Dinner, the list being arranged in order of seniority, based on date of entry to the School :1884. J. W. Milne (1884-95). 1891. J. G. Kyd (1891-98). 1893. J. A. Lillie (1893-190;). 1899. Sir Landsborough Thomson (1899-1908). 1903. Sir David Edwards (.903-09). 1904. 'I'. D. Macintosh (1904-11). 1905. A. I I. 1'. Ferguson (1905-14), A. I). Spark (1905-10). 1920. E. R. Birkett (1920-22). 1921. H. F. Scrimgeour (1921-30), R. C. Scrimgeour (1921- 24). 1922. J. S. MacLachlan (1922-32), A. B. Donald (1922-28). 1923. Alexander Forsyth (1923-30), W. F. Mayor (.923-3o), F. S. Taylor (1923-28). 1924. J. R. Fiddes (192 4-37), Douglas Reith (19 24-35). 1925. A. C. Frazer (1925-30), A. C. R. \X'att (1925-37). 1916. D. M. C. Donald (1926-32). 1932. Alexander Stuart (1932-45). 1933• P. C. Millar (1933-44). 1935• D. S. Fraser (.935-40). 1936. G. A. Macnab (.936-44). 1937. R. A. Wilson (1937-42). 1939. W. 0. Pattullo (1939-41). Hon. Members. Duncan Macgregor (Staff, 1919-45), J. J. Robertson (Rector). * * * During the Dinner the traditionally brief Annual General Meeting was held. Frank S. Taylor was elected president and A. 13. Donald vice-president. D. R. B. Cay and W. F. Mayor were elected to fill vacancies in the Committee.

17o

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

London Centre The Annual Dinner of the Centre was held in Brown's Hotel, W.1, on 9 December 1954, under the chairmanship of Sot JAMBS CROMBIE. The principal guest was Principal P. S. Noble, King's College, London, one of the School's greatest chain ions in the days when he was in Aberdeen—he is an honorary member of the Cub—and SIR LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON was also present in his dual capacity of a member of the London Centre and president of the Club. Fifty-two members and guests were present. The chairman read a letter of good wishes from Lord Alness, and in reply a telegram of greetings was sent to him in Bournemouth. The toast " The School and Club" was proposed by Principal Noble, who recalled that his own first knowledge of the School had come from his family doctor in Fraserburgh, who had lent him a copy of Bon Record. After describing conditions in the School before the present site was acquired, and paying tribute to the memory and influence of Dr. James Melvin, Principal Noble went on to speak about his own experience of the School when he came to know it under Mr. Andrew's rectorship in the 193os, after he had been appointed to the Education Committee of the Town Council: and how he had noted much that had impressed him—the Library, and Rubislaw Field and its Pavilion; and the way in which the School quite unostentatiously took the Bursary Competition in its stride. For the future he hoped the School might have full freedom—freedom to develop in the line of its traditions: freedom to choose its own staff; and breadth of vision in its guidance and direction. He paid tribute finally to the support always given to the School by the Club, and appealed to members to watch over the School, and not to let its excellences be whittled away in the name of the slogan of the hour. This speech, with its keynote of high esteem (but without trace of uncritical praise), was very well received. The reply was given by Sir Landsborough Thomson, " one of the family ", as he put it, whom his fellow-members were very pleased to welcome as Club President. In a speech of much quiet charm and dry wit he gave a brief account of his presidential experiences in Aberdeen and Glasgow (and did not omit the Zoo, of which also the year 5954 had brought him the presidency). Stressing the continued loyalty of F.P.s to the School, he appealed for masters to foster in the boys an outlook on a wider world: and paid tribute to H. F. M. S., who had made the School conscious of its traditions; and to C. D., " the F.P.s' master ", as he called him, whose view had not been bounded by the classroom walls or the school text-books. The Dinner ended with a short and happy speech from Cuazt.Es Mt:Lzon in honour of the Chairman, to which Sir James Crombie briefly replied. The following F.P.s were present at the Dinner, the list being arranged in order of seniority, based on date of entry to the School:1884. Robert Inkster (1884-88). 1899. Sir Landsborough Thomson (1899-1908). 1905. H. G. Edwards (1905-I4), I. G. Inns (1905-08), J. R. Macneill (1905-06). 1906. D. S. Stewart (1906-18), Sir John Taylor (1906-n). 1907. Red vcrs I ronside (1907-17). 1908. Gilbert J. Anderson (1908-11), Sir James Crombic (1908-21), A. G. Esslemont (1908-20), C. S. McLeod (1908-to), E. J. Wood (1908-21). 1909. F. S. Anderson (1909-12), G. M. Cochran (1909-22). 1910. G. T. Simpson (1910-20). x911. W. A. Mitchell (1911-21), A. Y. Stirrat (1911-20). 1912. J. W. Bennie (1912-19). 5913. C. A. G. Savidge (1913-24). 1915. L. D. Robertson (1955-16). 1916. Walter Graham (1916-19). 1918. A. D. S. Anderson (1918-24). • 1919. E. R. Gauld (1919-23). 1920. I. H. McLaren (1920-23), W. P. Smith (192o-25), J. L. S. Thomson (1920-27). 1921. George J. Anderson (1921-28), H. 0. Miller (1921-24), I. H. Storrie (1921-26).

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171

192;. J. R. W. Catto (1923-36), E. D. Mackworth (1923-27), A. S. Rattray (1923-35), A. H. K. Slater (1923-35). 1925. J. K. Colley (1925-35), W. J. G. Meldrum (1975-35). 1927. Ninian Mackie (1927-37). 1929. D. P. Bruce (1929-35), G. L. McEwen (1929-i5). 1930. W. C. Bain (193o-39). 1931. G. W. Stewart (1931-35). A. S. Noble (1940-52). 1 940. J. K. Farquharson (1945-4O 1 945. Hon. Member. P. S. Noble.

Glasgow Centre The Annual Dinner will be held this year on Friday, 18 November, in the Grosvenor Restaurant. Arrangements for a joint meeting with the Glasgow Branch of the A.H.S. F.P. Club and the Glasgow and West of Scotland Gordonians are not yet complete, but the possibility of replacing the customary Theatre Evening this year by a Dance and Social Evening is being investigated. Members of the Club coming to live in the Glasgow area are invited to contact the Secretary, J. G. M. Birss, 99 Essex Drive, Glasgow, W.4, in order that they may he kept informed of the Centre's activities.

Edinburgh v. Glasgow Golf Match The second Annual Golf Match between the Edinburgh and Glasgow Centres was held in May at Camwath. Glasgow won the singles by 41 to 3f, but Edinburgh were successful in the foursomes by 3 to 1, thereby winning the contest by 61 matches to 54. The following took part :— EDINBURGH—W. F. Mayor, A. Forsyth, D. K. Cameron, H. D. Jamieson, D. R. B. Cay, W. O. Pattullo, J. R. Mackay and A. C. Frazer. GLASGow—W. G. Gow, H. E. R. Shand, A. A. R. Smith, A. Christie, C. F. Thomson, W. O. Fiddes, R. L. Richards and J. G. M. Birss. Duncan Macgregor joined the company for tea and was a very welcome guest.

Reunion in Southern Rhodesia The fourth reunion dinner of F.P.s and Gordonians in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, was held in the Highlands Park Hotel, Salisbury, on 3 June 1955. The attendance was smaller than usual, only seven F.P.s and four Gordonians being present. The function was, however, a resounding success as usual. The F.P.s present unanimously decided that a Central Africa Centre of the Club should be formed and that George M. Groat should act as interim secretary (see page 115). The following were the F.P.s present at the reunion:— J. W. MacGregor (1910-23). J. R. Forbes (192o-21). J. M. Yule (1914-19 and 192 3-24). G. M. Groat (1927-40). M. K. Duguid (1919-29). W. D. Michic (1935-48). K. E. G. Coates (1945-51). F.P.s in Salisbury hope to have an opportunity of meeting E. J. S. Michie (1947-52) of the British Isles Rugby Union team which is due to play at Salisbury on ;o July.

77z

Aberdeen Grammar .School Magazine

F.P. Rugby Section Despite the dreadful weather conditions during January, February and March, which caused wholesale cancellation of matches, the season 1954-55 has proved a very successful one. The 1st XV has had the best record since 1947-48, and the keenness and enthusiasm of players has never been higher since the present secretary took office. This was reflected in the fact that when snow lay to a depth of a foot or more and the temperature was falling lower than at any time for years, as many as twenty or more players were turning out for training on Saturday afternoons on the beach—and thoroughly enjoying it. The 1st XV was a good side. On occasion it was an outstanding side, but unfortunately when faced with the very best of opposition it just failed to produce that little extra which is required. Of the five defeats suffered two were at the hands of Boroughmuir F.P.s and Glasgow Academicals, the winners and runners-up in the unofficial championship, and other two were at the hands of Stewart's F.P.s and Edinburgh Academicals, who were also very near the top of the table. In all these games for long periods there was nothing to choose between the teams and on no occasion was the victory easy. All the Aberdeen sides were defeated easily as also all the teams in the Midlands against whom the club plays and in addition the teams from the south who were defeated were Watsonians, Allan Glen's F.P.s, Melville College F.P.s, Greenock Wanderers and St. Andrews University. The record against local clubs was outstanding, 190 points being scored for, 33 against. The record in the unofficial championship was a considerable improvement on the last number of seasons and the club occupied a position in the middle. In addition two of the championship games cancelled, against Hutcheson's Grammar School F.P.s and Musselburgh, would almost certainly have been won and this would have meant a still better position. It is encouraging to note that the club's reputation with the teams in the south is high and several offers of new fixtures were made for next season. Unfortunately, owing to the difficulty of arranging dates, the only actual addition will be a game against Selkirk at Rubislaw in October and a return match in Edinburgh with Melville College F.P.s. These additions make the stiffest fixture-list the Club has ever undertaken and it is to be hoped that rather better support will be given by members of the F.P. Club. The junior XVs suffered more than the 1st XV from cancellation of matches, but the znd in particular did very well, beating among others Aberdeen Academicals, Moray and R.N.A.S., Arbroath, all teams played by 1st XVs of other local clubs. To end a successful season, the Section for the second time in its history won the seven-a-side tournaments at Inverness, Elgin and Aberdeen. At Inverness, the final was one of the best games of seven-a-side rugby ever seen in the north when the F.P. side defeated Musselburgh only after 31 minutes' play. "l'he results in the other finals were as follows:— Elgin.—F.P.s 9; Aberdeen Wanderers 6. Aberdeen.—F.P.s 18; Perthshire Academicals Nil. A success of this sort does nut come by luck, but only by strict training and application to the seven-a-side game. The successful team at Inverness and Aberdeen was:—R. R. Comber, E. H. Cruickshank, E. Craig and P. 13. Forbes; M. G. Lyall, D. N. Georgeson and S. McPherson. T. G. Smith substituted for Georgeson at Elgin. Colours for the season were awarded as follows: Fall.—R. R. Comber, E. Craig, W. A. Craig, R. H. W. Cradock, E. H. Cruickshank, P. B. Forbes, D. N. Georgeson, S. McPherson, C. D. Mowar, C. Ritchie, T. G. Smith, I. Stuart. Half—J. L. Brebner, D. Grieve, N. Johnston. Records for the season were as follows:— Points Points Lost For Against Drawn Played Won 176 17 z tst XV 24 5 359 1O I 191 and XV 16 97 5 13 3rd XV 4 2 7 — —

F.P. Rugby Section 1st XV, 1954-55

Back Row -1). H. Chapman (Hon. Teams Seg.),W. A. Craig, D. Grieve, N. R. Johnston, M. C. Lyall, C. D. Mowat, P. B. Forbes, S. McPherson, T. G. Smith, N. I. W. Meldrum (Hon. Secy.). Front Row—C. Ritchie, R. H. W. Cradock, 1. Stuart (Vice-Captain), E. H. Cruickshank (captain), D. N. Georgcson, R. R. Comber, J. L. Brcbner. Absent—B. D. M. Grassick, E. Craig, J. M. Milne.

Former Pupils' Club • 1st XV Results 1954 . . Dec. 4. U. Watsonians at Linksfield v. Glasgow Academicals at Linksfield v. Glasgow University at Westerlands 18. 99 99

Ja 92

55 . 1. v. Aberdeenshire at Chanonry . 3.

8. 29. Feb. S. Mar. 1 r. „ 19. 29. Apr. 2. 18. ,,

173

•

. . . v. Old Crocks at Rubislaw . v. Aberdeen Academicals at Chanonry . v. Aberdeen University at Rubislaw . v. Trinity Academicals at Granton Park v. Boroughmuir F.P.s at Rubislaw v. St. Andrews University at St. Andrews . v. Aberdeen Wanderers at Rubislaw . . . v. Panmure at Linlathan . v. Gordonians at Linksfield . •

•

• • • • • • •

•

22-3 16X/O11. 3-13 Lost. 5-5 Drawn.

I2-3 Won. II-6 Won. 40-o Won. 19-3 Won. 6-6 Drawn. . o-r I Lost. • 24-8 Won. Won. . 23-o • 6-o Won. Won. • I2-II •

•

Next Season's Fixtures in the South -

Sept. 17. „ 26. Nov. 12. Dec. 3. „ I o.

v. George Hcriot's School F.P.s at Goldenacre.

v. Stewart's College F.P.s at Inverleith. Y. Morgan Academy F.P.s at Dundee. v. Watsonians at Myreside. v. Glasgow Academicals at Anniesland. N. I. W. MELDRUM, Han. Secretary.

F.P. Cricket Section At the Annual General Meeting of the Section held on Sunday, 13 March, the following officials were appointed:— Hon. President—MR. C. H. Webster; Grade XI Captain—A. J. K. Monro; Strathmore XI Captain—J. S. Manley; Vice-Captain—I. Thomson; Vice-Captain—L. E. Tyson; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer—A. M. Davidson; Hon. Match Secretary—W. Ewen. At the end of last season, in view of the heavy travelling expenses, doubt was expressed whether the Section could continue for a further season without financial help. Our net loss in each of the last three seasons has been approximately £40. This would have been considerably more had not several members of the Section generously offered the services of their cars for away games. On 9 April of this year, a bazaar was held in the Music Hall at which the net sum of £140 was raised. This sum far exceeded expectations considering that arrangements were made at very short notice. With such a small membership, it is difficult to organise such an enterprise without recruiting help from other members of the F.P. Club and sincere appreciation is recorded to all those F.P.s who so willingly rendered assistance at the bazaar itself and to all those who so generously contributed. Of the games played to date, the Strathmore XI have played 4, recording a victory in only one, losing another, and drawing the remaining two. The Grade XI, now playing in Grade II, have played two games and have registered one win and one loss. Unfortunately, our summer weather has yet to materialise and three games have already been cancelled. It is reassuring to find that there has been no falling off in the playing membership and several new members have joined the Section this summer. However, we would like to increase this membership for it is sometimes difficult to field two elevens at full strength during the holiday period. There is a most attractive fixture-list and a cordial invitation from the Section is extended to all F.P.s and to those boys who are leaving School this summer. Practices arc held at Rubislaw Field on Tuesday and Thursday of each week and any further information may be obtained from the Secretary—Telephone, Aberdeen 27492. A. M. DAVIDSON, Hots. Secretary.

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

GRAMMAR SCHOOL HOUSE 8

QUEEN'S ROAD, ABERDEEN

The House is conveniently situated in the west end of the town, and is equidistant from the School and the Playing Fields. The House, which can accommodate 52 Boarders, is specially designed and fitted for the purpose, having large common rooms, modern dormitories, bathrooms, changing rooms, etc. The Company have their own Hard Tennis Courts (3) and large Playground adjacent to the House. Fees, £159 per annum.

Housemaster

Mr. JAMES D. MORRISON

Matron

Miss MARGARET T. HEGGIE

For Application Forms and further particulars apply to the Secretary of the Company, Mr. ALEXANDER J. Durmus, Advocate, 7 Golden Square, Aberdeen.

Former Pupils' Club

1 75

F.P. Hockey Section We look back upon the second part of the season 1954-55 with mixed feelings. The unprecedented weather resulted in only eight fixtures being played by the tat XI and nine by the 2nd XI. Due mainly to these adverse conditions, the high expectations held early in the season did not materialise. In early December a most unfortunate leg injury to G. D. R. Nelson deprived the 1st XI forward line of much of its cohesion and thrust. We look forward to seeing Desmond back with us at the commencement of the new season. In direct contrast to this the Tour held in the Glasgow area over the Easter week-end was one of the most successful on record. One of the main features of the tour was the hospitality extended to us by our various hosts. The Section returned to Aberdeen having maintained an unbeaten record throughout. Comment upon the past season would not be complete without mention of the Section Dinner Dance. This was a new venture and its success is reflected by the unanimous decision that it should become an annual feature of the Club's activities. We look forward to the coming season with the hope that our ranks will be further strengthened by the inclusion of recruits from the School XIs, and indeed by any F.P. who wishes to play hockey. Colours for season 1954-55 were awarded to A. K. Campbell, W. Gatt and I. D. F. Thomson. rat XI Results 1954

Nov. 20. Dec. 4. 11. 1955 Jan. 8.

v. Richmond . v. Centralians . v. Aberdeen .

. . .

. 6-2 . 2-2 . 3-1

Won. Drawn. Won.

v. Gordonians (L)

. . . . .

. z-3 . 2-4 . r-s . z-2 . 2-I

Lost. Lost. Drawn. Drawn. Won.

. . . .

. 4-o 5-o 6-o 9-o

Won. Won. Won. Won.

v. Ruthrieston F.P.s (L) . . . v. Ruthrieston F.P.s . . . v. School (L) . . . . . v. Grove Academy F.P.s " A " . . V. Centralians (L) . . . . (L) indicates League Fixture.

. . . . .

. z-3 . 1-3 . 2-5 . 7-2 1-4

Lost. Lost. Lost. Won. Lost.

. . . .

. I-1 . 4-1 . 2-2 . 2-f

Drawn. Won. Drawn. Won.

29. v. St. Andrews University .

Feb. 5. v. Aberdeen University (L) Mar. 12. v. Grove Academy F.P.s . Apr. 2. v. Aberdeen (L) . .

and XI Results 1954

Nov. 27. Dec. 4. „ 11. ,, 18. 1955 Jan. 8. 29. Feb. 2.6. Mar. 12. Apr. 2.

v. Richmond . v. School " A " . v. Training Centre (L) v. Gordonians " A" (L)

. . . .

. .

Tour Results Apr. 8. v. Anchor, Paisley . . . 9. v. Babcock and Wilcox, Renfrew v. Hermitage F.P.s, Helensburgh „ to. v. I.C.I., Grangemouth . . Additional Games . . Jan. 3. v. I.C.I., Grangemouth Apr. 16. v. Anchor, Paisley . . •

. . .

•

. .

. I -1 Drawn. . t-f Drawn. T. CRAIG, Captain.

176

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine F.P. Golf Section

visit to Ballater on 8 May. The The 1955 season commenced with our annual The morning round was resulted. scoring good some excellent, and weather was won as follows:— were which prizes, usual the for Competition a Medal Best Scratcb Score— . . . . . . . . . . . 71 E. Budday Bert Net Scores— Handicaps I to I I— • 79- 8 = 71 . . J G. Kilgour . • 8I— 7 = 74 . . . . Dr. G. Davidson (Guest) . . 77 — 1 = 76 • J. L. Riddell . Handicaps 12 and over— 82 — 15 .= 67 . D. G. Patterson 86 — 15 = 71 . . . • . • • . • Ian Scott • 84 — 13 = 71 • • • • • • . . Renfrew J. C. presented In the afternoon the Stablcford Competition was held for the tankard other by Dr. Allison and Dr. Fowlie, who also kindly donated the prizes for the competition:— this in winners and Dr. G. Davidson-43 points. ast E. Buthlay-43 points. 3rd D. G. Patterson-41 points. took place, Following the outing the Annual General Meeting of the Section L. Connon. when W. G. Thow was appointed captain on the retirement of W. vice-captain. I. L. Smith, the senior member of the committee, was appointedGilchrist was The honorary secretary's resignation was accepted, and W. S. appreciation of what unanimously appointed to this office. Mr. Thow spoke in appointment to fill a Mr. Stephen had done for the Section and proposed his vacancy in the committee. This was accepted, and all the other members of the 1954 Committee were re-elected. Will members please note that the honorary secretary is now W. Scott Gilchrist, The Messrs. J. McLaren Small & Gilchrist, 69 Barclay Street, Stonehaven. telephone number is Stonehaven 87, and Stonehaven Exchange can be obtained by dialling 88 on the Aberdeen System. In March Miss June Sinclair was married, and as she had done all the typing work ever since the Section started, the Captain, Secretary and Mr. MacLachlan of the parent Club, took part in a pleasant ceremony at which a chiming clock was handed over to Miss Sinclair. note As this is my last report as secretary, I should like to finish on a personal Section and thank all the members for their help and co-operation in making theto carry a success. I hope all members will give Mr. Gilchrist every assistance on the good work. H. G. STEPHEN, Honorary Secretary. •

•

• •

•

F.P. Tennis Section The following office-bearers were elected for the season:— Captain—Stephen McPherson ; Treasurer—John Mutch ; Secretary—James Howison; Committee—Sandy Brown, Brian Grassick and Fenton Wyness. At the time of writing, the numbers attending have been small, but this can probably be attributed to the bad weather for tennis during May. At present three matches in June have been arranged, and it is hoped to have others. The hours of play are from 7 p.m. until dusk every evening, and from z.3o p.m. on Saturdays. On Friday evenings guests may be invited. Any Former Pupils who have been thinking of joining the Section will be made most welcome if they come along some evening. JAMES W. HOWISON, Honorary Secretary.

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NATIONAL COAL BOARD SCOTTISH DIVISION CAREERS IN THE COAL MINING INDUSTRY Modern Coalmining is very largely a new industry. More accurately, it is an old and vital industry which is being reconstructed to serve the present and future needs of the nation. While other forms of energy will help, the main source of power in the foreseeable future will continue to be coal. Technical Careers Many well-paid and absorbing jobs are available and the Coal Board are ready to train you for them, either through a University Scholarship or—if you prefer to earn and learn at the same time—by taking you into the industry straight from school and providing technical training without loss of pay. University Scholarships Highly trained mining engineers are urgently needed. The National Coal Board offer one hundred University Scholarships a year: most are in Mining Engineering, but a few are available in Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering and in Fuel Technology. They are about the same value as State Scholarships and surryKsful candidates receive them in full— parents' financial position makes no difference to the value of the awards. Practical Training When you have qualified—either through the University or through technical college while working—you are eligible for a two or three year course under the Coal Board's management training scheme. Each trainee has a course mapped out for him personally and a senior engineer gives him individual supervision. If you come into the industry on the Mining Engineering side, you have a very good chance of becoming, between the ages of 25 and 30, a colliery undermanager at a salary between £900 and £1,200 a year—or even a colliery manager. Other Careers There are also good careers in the Board's Scientific Department and in clerical and administrative posts. Young men and women of good educational standard (who have preferably spent some time in the sixth form or have attended a university) are also needed in such fields as marketing, finance and labour relations. Full details can be obtained from the Scottish Division, National Coal Board, 2 Eglinton Crescent, Edinburgh, 12

Fortner Pupils' Club

1 77

New Members of the Club 15 November 1954-15 May 1955 LIFE MEMBERS Longmore, Michael John (1934-39 and 1944-46), C.A., c/o George Mackenzie & Co., C.A., Box 1992, Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia. Swinney, William Dixon (1918-31), M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H., Health Department, Town Hall, Peterborough. ORDINARY MEMBERS Appleman, Milo Don (1 954-55), 1939 W. 79th Street, Los Angeles 47, California, U.S.A. Barron, Robert Gordon (1951-54), 170 Hilton Avenue, Aberdeen. Bruce, Graeme McLean (1947-54), to Raeden Avenue, Aberdeen. Bruce, Michael Stewart Rae (1943-40, a Rubislaw Den North, Aberdeen. Cheyne, James Milne Thomson (1945-52), Inchgreen, New Deer. Curr, Thomas Thisclton (1908-18), 28 Schoolhill, Aberdeen. Dick, James (1926-32), i x King's Drive, Edgware, Middlesex. Findlay, Robert Wilson (1934-35), 125 Whittington Road, Bowes Park, London, N.22. Forbes, Ashley William (1945-47), 3 Crown Place, Peterculter, Aberdeenshire. Hadden, Brian John (1951- 54), 71 Cromwell Road, Aberdeen. Keppie, Charles Mitchell (1945-48), c/o Royal Bank of Canada, Port of Spain, Trinidad, B.W.I. Lancaster, Edward Donald (1951-34), 37 Auchinyell Gardens, Aberdeen. Mackie, William Donald (1941-S5), to King's Gate, Aberdeen. Massie, George Campbell (1924-38), M.A., The Schoolhouse, Craigievar, Whitehouse, Aberdeenshire. Rennie, Lessel John Charles (1946-53), Wester Fintray, Kintore, Aberdeenshire. Sharpe, John Harold (1937-44), t Main Street, Cove Bay, near Aberdeen. Swinney, George Ewen (1918-31), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., D.P.M., Strathleven, Cults, Aberdeenshire. Turnbull, George Harley (1939-45), M.A., 16 Whinhill Road, Aberdeen. Turner, William Robert Clyne (x949-54), 37 Osborne Place, Aberdeen. Wilson, John Leslie Inglis (1913-18), 34 Bridge Street, Aberdeen. Young, _ George Robertson (1921-27), B.Sc., Gardener's Cottage, Chorleywood House, Chorleywood, Herts.

Club Consuls AFRICA P.O. Box too; Nairobi, Kenya. Northern Rhodesia—JOHN MANSON SLEIGH (1914-16), B.Sc., M.Inst.C.E., c/o John Howard & Company (Africa) Limited, Great North Road, Lusaka, Northern Rhodesia. Southern Rhodesia-JAMES WYNESS MACGREGOR (1910-23), Morven, Nutt Hill, Murambi, Umtali, Southern Rhodesia. Cape Province (Cape Town)—Professor WILLIAM SOUTAR MACKIE (1895-1900, M.A., B.A., Drumoak, Greenfield Road, Kenilworth, Cape Town. Cape Province (East London)—JAMES MELVIN (1904-10), C.B.E., M.C., T.D., M.B., Ch.B., 44 Queen Street, Cambridge, East London, Cape Province. Natal—FRANK BRUCE FARQUHARSON DUGUID (1919-26), 8 Lambert Road, Durban. Transvaal—JOHN EwAN HENDERSON (1884-87), P.O. Box 4466, Johannesburg. KeIlya-GRAEME GEORGE SUTHERLAND (1903-09),

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

178

AMERICA Canada Alberta—DOUGLAS HARPER (1888-98), M.A., B.L., 609 Tegler Building, Edmonton, Alberta. British Columbia—WILLIAM ERNEST MILNE (1881-90), c/o Milne & Middleton,

137 West Pender, Vancouver, B.C. (Private address—I837 19th Avenue West, Vancouver.) Ontario—RICHARD WILLIAM GEATER (1938-47), 436 Sheppard Avenue East, Willowdale, Ontario. Quebec—NORMAN MACKINNON (1907-16), B.Sc.(For.), 4095 Cote des Neiges Road, Montreal, Quebec.

Falkland Islands ROBERT STEWART SLESSOR (1927-29), M.B., Ch.B., S.M.O., Port Stanley.

Mexico PATRICK JOHN MILROY WALKER (1914-20), C.A., Apartado 38 Bis., Mexico, D.F.

South America Brazil- -JAMES IRVINE MELVILLE (1917-21), The Royal Bank of Canada, Rua 15 de Novembro, 240, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Colombia—ROBERT WILLIAM YOUNG (1914-21), Embotelladora Tropical, S.A., Calle 9 del y Carrera Eugenio Macias, Barranquilla, Colombia.

United States of America Illinois—JAMES BRUCE SMITH (1918-25), The Bruce Smith Insurance Agency, 208 South Lasalle Street, Chicago, Illinois.

West Indies British West Indies—KENNETH REID (1901-04), J.Y., Concordia, Tobago, B.W.I. Dutch West Indies—GEORGE FERGUSON RITCHIE (1917-24), Lago Oil & Transport Company Limited, Marine Department, P.O. Box 643, Aruba, D.W.I.

AUSTRALIA Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)—CHARLES OGILVIE WILL BOWMAN (191o-15), Manager, Capital Hill Hostel, Canberra, A.C.T. New South Wales—ALAN REID (1911-14), Kingscote, 68 Cecil Street, Gordon,

Sydney.

Western Australia—IAN THOU (1912-25), Wydga Station, Mount Magnet, Perth.

EUROPE Channel Islands—WILLIAM MILLER (1894-?). Russia.—LAIN JOHNSTONE MCBETII SUTHERLAND (1933-41), M.A., B.A., British Embassy, Moscow (co Foreign Office, London, S.W.i). Switzerland (Geneva)—JAMES LAWSON MOWAT (1915-16), M.A., Ph.D., c/o Bureau International du Travail, Geneva. Switzerland (Zurich)—ROBERT ALEXANDER ESSLEMONT MENNIE (1924-36), M.A., B.P. Benzin and Petroleum A.G., Handelshof, Uraniastrasse, Zurich. Yugoslavia—Professor Dr. DRAGOSLAV MILETITCII (1916-18), Medicinski Fakulte.,

Skoplje, Yugoslavia.

FAR EAST Hongkong—FRANK CHARLES BRISCOE BLACK (1914-17), c/o Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Hongkong. Singapore.—FoRiiEs KEITH SELLAR (1933-45), B.L., Nunes Building Malacca Street, Singapore I.

Former Pupils' Club

1 79

INDIA and CEYLON India (Madras)—IAN CUMMING (19o7-14), O.B.E., C/0 Vernon & Co. Ltd., 36 Second Line Beach, Post Box 79, Madras. India (West Bengal)—ROBERT Hurrom DUGUID (19:8-23), C.A., c/o Duncan Brothers & Co. Ltd., 31 Netaji Subhas Road, Calcutta. Ceylon--CHARLES JAMES STRACHAN (1917-21), Anglo-Ceylon General Estates Company, P.O. Box 13, Colombo, Ceylon.

IRAQ ALEXANDER YOUNG (1925-56), Iraq Petroleum Company, Kirkuk, Iraq.

NEW ZEALAND ANDREW ALEXANDER MARK DUCAT (1924-28 and 1 929-34), P.O. Box 2255, Wellington, New Zealand.

Club Office-Bearers, 1955-56 Honorary President : JAMES J. ROBERTSON, O.B.E., M.A., B.D., F.R.S.E., F.E.I.S. (Rector since 1942)

Honorary Vice-Presidents : The Right Hon. Lord ALNESS (1884-85), P.C., G.B.E., LL.D. Sir ANDREW GOURLAY Clow (x896-98), K.C.S.I., C.I.E. Sir PATRICK ASHLEY COOPER (1896-1901), B.A., LL.B. CHARLES DAVIDSON (t881-86), M.A. JAMES CA-rro DuPeos (1897-1904), O.B.E., M.C., M.A., LL.B. Colonel ARCHER IRVINE-FORTESCUE (1892-97), D.S.O., M.B., Ch.B. Sit WILSON Parasow (1892-1902), G.B.E., K.C.B., M.D., LL.D., Sc.D., F.R.C.P. JAMES GRAY Kro (1891-98), C.B.E., F.F.A., F.R.S.E. JOHN ADAM LILLIE (1895-1905), M.A., LL.B., Q.C. Sir ARTHUR LOTHIAN (1892-94 and /898-1904), K.C.I.E., C.S.I., LL.D. The Hon. Lord MACKAY (ALEXANDER MORRICE MACKAY) (1882-91), M.A., LL.D. The Right Hon. Lord MESTON (190/-02). DOUGLAS GORDON MILLER, M.A. (Rector, 1921-24.) Sir WILLIAM PETERS (1900-06), C.M.G., M.A. WILLIAM DOUGLAS SIMPSON (1901-13), O.B.E., M.A., D.Litt., F.S.A.(Scot.), E.S.A. ALEXANDER GEORGE NICOL SMITH (1880-88), D.S.O. WILLIAM CLARK SOUTER (1893-98), M.D., U.O. Sir WILLIAM ROBERT TENNANT (1904-10), C.I.E., M.A., LL.D. Sir Joim MACKAY THOMSON, C.B., M.A., F.R.S.E. (Rector, 1920-20 Sir LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON (1899-1908), C.B., O.B.E., M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.E.

President : HENRY JACKSON BUTCHART (1890-99), D.S.O., O.B.E., T.D., B.L., LL.D., D.L.

Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive : JOSEPH Rosu CARRY (1918-30), M.B.E. Secretary and Treasurer : JOHN SCOTT MACLACHLAN (1922-32), M.A., LL.B., 220 Union Street, Aberdeen.

Editor of Magazine : CAMPBELL CONNON (1926-38), M.A., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen (from 1 July 1930.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Secretaries of Centres : Bengal and Assam--R. II. Dtiouto (1918-23), C.A., c/o Duncan Brothers & Co., Ltd., 31 Netaji Subhas Road, Calcutta. Edinburgh—A. C. FRAZER (1925-3o),M.A.,W.S., to Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh 3. Glasgow—J. G. M. B1RSS (1926-38), M.C., M.A., A.C.W.A., 99 Essex Drive, Scotstoun, Glasgow W.4. London—A. H. K. SLATER (t922-35). M.A., 2 Newton Grove, London W.4. Malaya—F. K. SELLAR (1933-45), B.L., Nunes Building, Malacca Street, Singapore. Yorkshire—W. F. DuNNE-rr (1919-22), B.A., C.A., Grey Gables, Old Park Road, Leeds 8. Secretaries of Sections : Boarding House—P. M. GORDON (1939-48), M.A., Revoan, Station Road, Ellon. Cricket—A. M. DAVIDSON (1937-45), B.L., t8 Golden Square, Aberdeen. Golf—W. S. GILCHRIST (5929-36), B.L., 69 Barclay Street, Stonchavcn. Hockey—WALTER DICK (1944-48), i Bon-Accord Square, Aberdeen. Rugby—N. I. W. MELDRUM (1925-37), M.A., LL.B., 15 Golden Square, Aberdeen. Tennis—J. W. HowtsoN (1937-5o), 16 Carnegie Crescent, Aberdeen. Executive Committee : The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman. JAMES S. G. .MUNRO (1922-28), A.L., Vue-Cba,rman. The Secretary and Treasurer, and Editor of Magazine, ex officiii. The Rector of the School, ex officio. GEORGE E. C. BARTON (1923-26), M.A. ERIC BUTHLAY (1928-40), B.L. WILLIAM L. CONNON (1930-40), B.L. MAURICE CRAMB (1916-29), M.A., LL.B. ROBERT L. CROMAR (7944-49). ERIC H. CRUICKSHANK (1940-49), B.Sc. DOUGLAS G. DEMPST'ER (19 24-33), B.Sc., B.Sc.(Agri.).

GILBERT F. HAMILTON (1921-30), B.Sc., M.B., Ch.B. IAN G. MCPHERSON (t910-I7). DOUGLAS G. PATTERSON (1929-36), B.L. ALAN J. PETERS (1920-30), C.A. W. WALLACE. PORTER (1915-23). JAMES REID (1924-34). HAROLD M. R. WATT (1926-38), M.A.

Section Representatives Boarding House—P. M. GORDON (1939-48), M.A. Cricket—A. M. DAVIDSON (1937-45), B.L. Golf-W. G. THOW (1911-22), H0Ckty--WALTER DICK (1944-48).

Rugby—N. I. W. MELDRUM (1925-37), M.A., LL.B. Tennis—J. FErsrroN WYNESS (I913-zo), F.R.I.B.A., F.S.A. (Scot.). Hon. Auditors : Messrs. BOWER and Surrtt, C.A.

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Information as to Scholarships, Courses of Study, etc., at the Grammar School and the High School for Girls is given in the School Prospectuses, which may be had free on application to the Director of Education, Education Offices, Municipal Buildings, Castle Street, or to the Rector or Head Mistress respectively.

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