AGS Magazine June 1958

THE

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 74thyear No. az (New Series 64thyear No. 573) JUNE 1958

Vol. LXI

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No. a

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The Magazine is published under the auspices of The Former Pupils' Club twice during the year, in December and June.

The Magazine Committee Rector of the School

•

Sir James J. Robertson, O.B.E., M.A., B.D., F.E.I.S.

General Editor

•

LL.D.,

F.R.S.E.,

. Campbell Connon, M.A., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen.

Editor of Notes, Obituary, Marriages

Ian G. Shinnie, 7 Burns Road, Aberdeen.

Editor of the School Alexander Tait, M.A. .

Section .

Chairman of the F.P. . J. S. G. Munro, B.L., J.P. Club Executive MacLachlan, M.A., Union Street, Aberdeen.

Secretary of the F.P. Club J. Scott LL.B.,

Advertisements

.

.

220

Frank C. Connon, M.A., LL.B., i z Golden Square, Aberdeen.

Printed for The Former Pupils' Club at The University Press Aberdeen

CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS School Hockey Team .

School Rugby Team .

School Cricket Team .

F.P. Rugby Team . .

F.P. Cricket Team J. Lennox Riddell, Esq. General Section— .

Antarctica, 1957—Robert A. Smart* (1919-31) . . . . . .

The " Primary " Matter . . . .

Swimming Pool for the School .

• Comments on 1923 School Staff Photo . .

• • • . . . " Hyslopiana " " Hamewith " Competition—Royston Milne's success . . .

• • • " Farmer's Boy " .

Facing page • • • •

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School Section— . . . .

School Office-bearers . . . .

School and Random Notes .

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Who's who in the Prefecture . .

• Lower School. Changes in the Staff • • . . . .

Photographic Society . .

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Literary and Debating Society • • .

Film Society. Film Appreciation Group. .

Changes in Geographical Outlook—Article Dramatic Society. The Taming of the Shrew • Music Aberdeen Schools Scientific Society. Arts Club. . . . . " The Bursary Comp." . . .

• .

• C.C.F. . .

• . " V ierwaldstd ttersee " 1958 . .

• Poem—" A Thought " by Colin D. Hall . . .

Sixth Form Visit to Clyde Valley . . .

Cairngorm Trip-1958 . . . . .

House Notes • • • .

Scout Notes School Sporting Activities— • . . .

Rugby . . . .

Cricket . . .

Hockey . . .

Athletics Former Pupils' Club Section— . . . . . . .

Club Office-bearers . . . . . .

Annual General Meeting . . . .

J. Lennox Riddell. President 1958-59 . . . . .

Succeeding Generations at The Grammar . . . . . .

Notes about Old Boys . . . . . . .

Marriages . . . . . . . .

Obituary . . . . . . . .

Accounts to 31 December 1957 . . . .

• University Notes. New Members .

London Centre. Yorkshire Centre. Edinburgh Centre .

• • .

• • . .

Bengal and Assam Centre Cricket Section. Tennis Section. Golf Section. Rugby Section . . . . . . . .

Hockey Section . . . . . . . .

The late Mrs. A. H. Gray •

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Note: An Asterisk * after a name throughout the Magazine indicates that the F.P. is a member of the F.P. Club. The years appearing in brackets after the name indicate the years of attendance at School.

Antarctica, 1957 [We are very privileged to be able to produce this article especially written for the Magazine at our request by Col. Robert A. Smart* (1919-3i), R.A.M.C. In our 1956 issue we reported that Robin Smart had been chosen by the Royal Society as the leader of the main party of the Royal Society Geophysical Year Antarctic Expedition until January 1958, and we then looked forward to having something from him for our Magazine. Here it is—and a very full report indeed from one only recently returned to the U.K. from Antarctica, doubtless with a great deal of work awaiting him. We thank him for a generous contribution of extraordinary interest.—Edi

This article describes the work of the Royal Society International Geophysical Year Expedition to Antarctica, in particular during the year 1957. The broad outline of the International Geophysical Year (I.G.Y.) is familiar to many people in this country. Its duration is from I July 1957 to 31 December 1958. During this period, simultaneous observations, using standardised techniques, are made from a global network of scientific stations. The scope of the work includes meteorology, geomagnetism, ionosphere, aurora, cosmic rays, and many other studies; the main purpose being to examine the effects upon the earth of solar activity. All of this work is co-ordinated by an international body known as the Special Committee for the International Geophysical Year (C.S.A.G.I.), and each of the participating nations has a National Committee. The Royal Society, which represents the United Kingdom in international scientific affairs, set up the the British National Committee in 1952, and in 195 5 announced its intention of establishing an Antarctic scientific base in the Weddell Sea area, as part of the United Kingdom contribution to the International Geophysical Year.

ADVANCE PARTY

In pursuance of this object, an Advance Party was selected in 1955. It consisted of ten men, under the leadership of Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander David Dalgliesh, R.N. The ship chartered for the use of the expedition was the M.V. Tottan, a Norwegian sealer of S40 tons commanded by Captain Leif Jakobsen. The Advance Party sailed from Southampton in M.V. Tottan on zz November 195 5, with the intention of establishing a base on the Weddell Sea south of latitude 75. The Tottan penetrated as far as 76.31 S., but was held up by heavy pack ice. She turned to the north again, and on 6 January 1956, a suitable site was found in 75.31 S., 26.36 W. in Coats Land.

There the Advance Party landed their zzo tons of stores, and set about the task of building a Base hut, and untertaking preliminary scientific studies. In this way, they spent the year 1956, during which time the Main Party was being organised in the United Kingdom. It was also during this time that the Base was given the name Royal Society Base, and the Bay where the expedition landed was named Halley Bay, to commemorate the tercentenary of Edmond Halley, who was at one time Secretary of the Royal Society.

59

6o

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine MAIN PARTY

The Main Party of the expedition, of which I was appointed leader in September 1956, consisted of twenty men; eleven engaged in geophysical work, two radio operators, two diesel-electric mechanics, two carpenters, two cooks, and myself as leader and medical officer. My own appointment was for one year only, which covered the build up of the base, and the first six full working months of the I.G.Y. I was seconded by the War Office for sixteen months to allow me to take part in the expedition.

As the time for departure of the Main Party drew near, the pace became extremely hectic, and press conferences, selection interviews, meetings on stores and equipment, visits to firms, and testing centres followed in rapid sucession until one began to look forward to the day of departure as holding out promise of temporary relaxation.

SOUTH BY " MAGGA DAN "

The ship chartered for the southern voyage of the Main party was the M.V. Magga Dan, which was to be shared with the Commonwealth Transantarctic Expedition, led by Dr. Fuchs. As the departure date drew near, it became obvious that the amount of stores to be taken with the two expeditions was too great for Magga Dan alone, and M.V. Tottan was chartered for the second year in succession to take some i zo tons of stores for the Royal Society expedition.

Departure date was 15 November 1956. On 13 November, we were honoured by a visit from H.M. the Queen, who came to Butler's Wharf, Tower Bridge, and inspected the ship. All expedition members were presented. On 15 November, the Magga Dan sailed at noon, loading having continued almost to the last moment. We were given a tremendous send-off by a huge crowd, and as the Magga Dan made way down the Thames, we looked forward mainly to a rest from the intense activity which preceded our departure. During the voyage, we called at Madeira, Montevideo, and South Georgia, leaving the last-named on zo December. On 23 December, we entered pack ice, but continued to make good progress to the south. We celebrated Christmas on 24 and 25 December, and crossed the Antarctic circle on 27 December. We were stopped on a number of occasions by close, heavy pack ice, and twice the ship was held fast, unable to move backwards or forwards. On these occasions we got over the side on to the sea ice, and freed her after some hours of work with iron crowbars. In this way, aided when necessary by reconnaissance flights by the Austen of the Transantarctic Expedition, we made good progress south, and reached Halley Bay on the afternoon of 4 January 1957. The M.V. Tottan had beaten us to it, having arrived some hours previously. We received a warm welcome from the Advance Party, and the evening was spent in exchange of news, and distribution of mail.

ESTABLISHING BASE SITE

The next morning we commenced the task of unloading 3 So tons of stores from Magga Dan. To do this, we had three Ferguson diesel

Antarctica, 1597

61

tractors, and eight sledges. Stores were landed on to the bay ice, loaded on to cargo sledges, and drawn by tractor to the Base site, roughly ri miles away Stores were not allowed to accumulate on the bay ice, as they would have been liable to loss if the ice broke away.

The weather was brilliant at this time, with the sun blazing down from a clear sky twenty-four hours a day, causing some quite severe sunburn.

Some very heavy items of equipment had to be unloaded and conveyed to the Base site, including two Meadows generators weighing z} tons apiece, and the sledge-mounted Decca radar weighing xi tons. In my worst imaginings, I had considered the possibility of these very heavy items breaking through the bay ice, but nothing of that sort came to pass, and indeed we did not even have to bridge any ice cracks, although we had come fully equipped to deal with such a possibility.

Unloading the Magga Dan was completed in seven days, after which she left for Shackleton Base, zoo miles further south. With her, went our Advance Party, who were to return to the United Kingdom in Magga Dan. We then unloaded M.V: Tottan, izo tons of stores being moved in just over two days. At this time, we were working fourteen hours a day, with a real sense of urgency, in view of the extensive building programme before us, which had to be completed before the weather began to deteriorate. Tottan left immediately after unloading was completed, and we got down to the next phase of our work.

This was to build four major huts, and three smaller huts. All were pre-fabricated in the United Kingdom. The biggest task was construction of the geomagnetic hut, 8o feet long, immensely strong, and containing no ferrous materials. Before the framework of the hut could be erected, thirteen wooden piles had to be driven zo feet into the snow with a pile driver to act as bases for instrument pillars. During construction of the hut, greatest care was taken not to leave magnetic materials lying around. All tools were accounted for carefully at the end of the day's work and even nails from packing cases were carefully gathered up. The rest of the huts were less complicated, but had their own special problems. The generator hut had to be fully screened with aluminium sheeting on the inside to prevent radiated interference with other equipment. This shed was eventually to contain two Meadows generators which ran twentyfour hours a day alternately, and two smaller Enfield generators in reserve. The balloon shed was of square box-like shape, zo feet high, and contained the hydrogen generator for filling the met. balloons which we sent off twice daily. The fourth hut was of rather smaller and simpler construction. This, however, did not apply to the equipment which it contained, which was designed for the radio-echo tracking of meteor showers, and the recording of radio sources in distant stars. Finally, three small huts, mounted on sledges were built to accommodate the equipment at remote aerial sites. By dint of keeping up our fourteen hours working day seven days a week, we succeeded in completing the outer structure of the major huts by rz February. This was very gratifying indeed, because it meant that from that time on we had no fear that our programme could be

62

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

hampered by weather. Up to this time, we had been extremely fortunate with weather, and did not have our first gale until 15 February.

In addition to hut-building, erection of aerials was another major task which was going on at this time, and by 1 z February, we had eight 5o foot masts and one 78 foot mast erected, together with their aerials.

In March, the weather began to deteriorate, with dropping temperatures and more frequent gales. This was not so important to us, as we were now engaged in installation, testing, adjustment, and calibration of scientific equipment. This was mainly indoor work, and the scientists in charge of the various equipments had many problems to solve, not least in the field of eliminating interference between one equipment and another. Our target date for readiness was zo June, when the advance trial of the I.G.Y. was due to begin.

On 19 June, I was able to report to the Royal Society that the Base was fully ready and prepared for the I.G.Y. which officially commenced on i July.

ANTARCTIC WINTER

We were by this time in the depths of winter, the sun having last been seen on 29 April, not to rise again until i z August. Temperature fell to a monthly mean of -z3.4°C. in June, —z7•z°C. in July, and —3z•3°C. in August. The lowest temperature during the year was —5o.6°C. (-59.1°F.) in July. Winds increased to a maximum sustained wind of 6o knots in July, with a maximum gust of 77 knots in June. We were relieved to find that everything, in particular our aerial array, stood up to this last. In winter, low temperatures, darkness, and high winds bearing the inevitable drift make it difficult to get about outside. For this, we had made preparations in advance.

Stout stakes were driven well into the snow, and shoulder-high guide ropes led from hut to hut. In addition, the outlying huts were equipped with outside lights, and with telephones. With these aids, it was always possible to get about the Base site from hut to hut, even under the worst of conditions, when one had to lean hard against the wind, and visibility was restricted to three or four yards.

The main celebration of the year in the Antarctic falls on Midwinter's Day, zz June. On this special occasion, we appeared fairly respectably dressed, having even found collars and ties in the depth of our kitbags, and enjoyed a really excellent lunch of pate de foie gras, clear soup, roast chicken, and strawberries in brandy, followed by the loyal toast, and speeches.

During the second half of the year, the work of the I.G.Y. went on smoothly, according to the planned programme. This included meteorology, both surface and upper air; ionospheric studies; observations of the aurora, both visual and by all-sky camera; studies of aurora and meteor showers by radio-echo; and study of radio sources in distant stars. In winter, much of this work could be done from within the hut; but not all. Meteorologists had to read the outside instruments every three hours day and night, met. balloons had

Antarctica, .1917

65

to be sent off twice a day, and tracked by radar, and the other huts had to be visited daily. Throughout the winter this work was never held up on account of bad weather, except that, over a certain wind speed, it proved impossible to launch the met. balloon successfully.

'PHONING HOME!

Communications were excellent. With our 75o-watt transmitter, we were in daily touch with Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, some 1,8oo miles to our north, through which we passed most of our traffic for London. In addition, we had a regular direct link with London. We had daily communication with many Antarctic bases, including Shackleton Base, our nearest neighbours, and the Norwegian, French, Australian, American, Russian and Japanese bases. Towards the end of the year we had a radio telephone link with the United Kingdom, so that we could speak directly to relatives and friends!

LIVING CONDITIONS

Our general living conditions were probably more comfortable than most people imagine. Our large Main Hut is 130 feet long, and built to withstand the tons of snow which now cover the roof.

There were two bunkrooms, one with ten, and one with twelve bunks. Kitchen and bunkroom were in one unit, separated by a serving partition. We had a comfortable living-room, well furnished, with a bar at one end, bookshelves, and a record player. The room had been imaginatively decorated by the Advance Party with a " brick " fireplace, " rafters ", and lanterns, all of which created an illusion which was only dispelled when one pulled aside the window curtains and looked out into the icy cavern which ran along this side of the hut.

The hut was very efficiently heated by anthracite stoves in the communal quarters, and by electric heaters in some of the other departments.

By these means, the hut, which is almost completely buried in snow, was kept comfortably warm, although there were certain departments where the temperature fell below a comfortable level for sedentary work when there were high winds and low temperatures outside.

It is easy to imagine that time might lie heavily on one's hands in a static Antarctic base. So far as we are concerned, this was not the case. The scientific work of the base went on twenty-four hours a day. Free time was spent in reading, listening to the record player, playing chess or darts, mending or washing clothes. Our main recreation evening was Saturday, when we showed a film on our 16 mm. projector, and had our weekly issue of one can of beer, and a limited ration of spirits. Photography was a major interest for most people, and we had two darkrooms one for scientific and one for private use.

THE PENGUINS

In summer, there was always someone out walking, ski-ing, or visiting the Emperor penguin rookery two and a half miles distant.

64

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

This was of exceptional interest. These large and handsome birds, approximately 34 feet tall and weighing seventy or eighty pounds, mate in the middle of the Antarctic winter. After hatching the egg, the female bird goes off over the ice to seek open water in order to feed, leaving the male bird to incubate the egg. This he does by holding it on top of his feet, and dropping over it a loose feathered fold of abdominal skin. No nest is made. The female bird may stay away for two months before she returns to take over the chick, which has hatched by then. When the chicks reach adolescence, the colony goes off to spend the summer in the pack ice, returning to the breeding place again at the beginning of winter. We had a very large colony of perhaps 15,000 of these fascinating birds only 24. miles from the Base. We kept them under close observation throughout the breeding season, took numerous photographs of all stages of their life cycle, and collected a series of embryos. To remove the eggs from their unwilling owners involved many struggles on the ice in winter darkness with vigorous eighty-pound birds. A minimal number of eggs was taken.

EXCURSIONS

Although travel was not a planned part of the Base programme, we undertook a number of limited journeys. As we were not equipped with dogs, journeys were made with man-haul sledges, and distances of up to seventy miles were covered in individual journeys. A considerable quantity of meteorological, topographical, and glaciological information was obtained, and, in particular, we established that the site of our Base was on a vast ice shelf extending some 35 miles out from the edge of the Antarctic continent. It is a floating shelf, possibly some 1,5 oo feet thick, and probably grounded at certain points.

HEALTH

In this way, the work of the base went on smoothly, but intensively, during the first six working months of the I.G.Y. Medically, there was little for me to do, and no incidents of importance, with the possible exception of a skiing accident to myself, the effects of which speedily passed off. There was some dental work to be done, but only fillings were required, and there were no candidates for extractions.

We had no serious cases of frostbite, although most people had minor frost-bite of fingers, ears, noses or cheeks at one time or another.

There were two cases of snow blindness when we arrived in January, and two cases in November, when the sun's rays were again becoming intense. These were caused by leaving snow glasses off for quite short periods. The effects of acclimatisation were very marked subjectively, although there were no systematic studies on this subject. Psychologically, two or three people suffered from insomnia and increased irritability, particularly in winter, but in general, it is satisfactory to be able to say that the party got on well together.

When a large party spend a long period under such isolated and confined surroundings, good humour and tolerance are required, and in general, they were exhibited.

Antarctica, 19/7

63

As the year came to a close, and the relief ship approached, the termination of my appointment drew near. The relief ship at the end of 19S 7 was again the M.V. Tonal:, on this occasion also carrying out the annual relief of the Norwegian Antarctic Expedition. After visiting Norway Base, the Tottan arrived at Halley Bay on the morning of p December 1957, bringing relief personnel, stores for the coming year, and great quantities of personal mail. We had not been entirely without visitors throughout the year, as we had three visits by air in autumn from members of the Commonwealth Transantarctic Expedition, our nearest neighbours, from Shackleton Base. However, it was a great pleasure to see all the newcomers on Totten: and to receive our mail. It was also a pleasure to renew our friendship with Captain Jakobsen and those of his crew who had been down the previous year.

Hogmanay was celebrated with the new arrivals. They comprised a medical officer, Flight Lieutenant Brooker, R.A.F.; two meteorologists, and a radio operator. Those returning to the United Kingdom in addition to myself were two carpenters, whose work had been completed in the first year; one radio operator, who had been having trouble with his eyes; and Peter Jeffries, a meteorologist who had joined us in January 19S7, having spent the previous year at Shackleton Base. I handed over command of the Base to Joe Macdowall, who had been leader of the met. group in 1957, and the M.V. Tottan left Halley Bay on 7 January 1958. She reached South Georgia on 18 January after passing through a full storm in the Scotia Sea, and disembarked returning members of the expedition at Las Palmas in the Canary Islands on to February 1958.

The work of the expedition goes on, of course, until the International Geophysical Year comes to an end on p December 1958, and it will not be possible fully to assess its achievement until analysis and study of the records and results accumulated during the I.G.Y. In the meantime, the suggestion has been made that scientific work in the Antarctic should be extended beyond the end of the I.G.Y., and without a doubt we shall hear more about this proposal during the current year.

R. A. S. [Late item. Robin Smart has been awarded the C.B.E. in the latest Birthday Honours List.]

The " Primary" Matter Following upon the decision of the Education Committee to close the Primary Department of the School as from the commencement of session 1939-6o certain developments have taken place. Objections to the proposal were lodged with the Secretary of State from various interested parties as reported in the Magazine of December 1957.

The Department have since asked for and obtained from the Education Committee a statement of their reasons for the proposed abolition, and also the observations of the Education Committee on the objections which have been lodged. There the matter stands at the moment and a decision from the Scottish Education Department is now awaited.

66

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The 1923 School Staff Photo [While we like to think that F.P.s find much of what is produced in the Magazine interesting, it is very seldom that we hear form any of you as to what has interested you, or—for that matter—as to how you consider the Magazine could be improved; it was therefore very satisfying to hear from quite a few F.P.s as to how much they were interested in the photographs which we reproduced in the last issue (viz. the 1923 Staff, Janny Kennedy, and " Rab "). We think therefore that the following thoughts conjured up by the staff photo will be of wide interest.—Ed.]

The photograph of the School Staff in 1923 which appeared in the last copy of the Magazine is the reason for these nostalgic lines sent by one who has spent most of his life out of Aberdeen. It is with real affection and very wistful recollections that I ponder over that photograph and recall the days of my youth.

Who will gainsay that some of those " well kent " faces belonged to individuals who were lightweight teachers, but these few were as nothing when weighed in the balance against the massive phalanx of great teachers, some of whom would have been an adornment to a University Chair. Who of us who sat at the feet of " Towdie " can ever forget his miraculous teaching ability and his complete command of the boys under his guidance, no matter what their age? An unforgettable memory of him is an occasion during the 1914-18 War when milk and buns were sold at it o'clock interval in the physics lab.

Pandemonium had broken loose and the female vendors were quite overwhelmed by the appaling noise. Boys were climbing over the the backs of the surging mass at the long counter, all were shouting, the din was hideous, when suddenly some of the climbers found themselves flying through the air impelled by a very strong force.

It was " Towdie " exerting considerable strength and literally picking boys off and throwing them out. Within a trice order prevailed and the erring Grammarians ceased to be fiends let loose and became lambs in the fold, of an undreamt docility.

Who can forget Caesar? What a master of the Classics! What a teacher! Few there were who were of his calibre then or who could be found equal today. And " Spicy "I Well does the writer remember an occasion when he happened to be walking home at midday some little distance behind Mr. Murison. As small boys will, the writer called out " Spicy " a few times; this irritated Mr. Murison so much that he turned round and retraced a few paces. His irritator effaced himself, as he thought, behind the pillar of a gate, only to be told, " You are nothing but an Ostrich, Sir", in such withering tones that even now the acute embarrassment of the moment is still as sharp as if the words had just fallen! " Pat " and his " Pan drops "—what a teacher he was and what a disciplinarian! One day during the chemistry lesson one of his pupils was earnestly engaged in leaving a token of his stay at the school by means of a Bunsen Burner with which he was writing his name on bold characters on the bench, when he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder and heard " Pat " say, " Come out here . . . and I'll burn a mark on you that you won't forget."

The r913 School Staff Photo

67

" Suivi " for whose masterly teaching of French the writer can vouch as, even to this day, he finds pleasure in the use of that language.

How many of us escaped the " tawse " of which the administration of a stroke per error was, frequently, the punishment meted out for mistakes in French exercises!

To our class Dr. Cormack was known as " Corbeau ", which sobriquet he acquired on account of the extraordinary contortions which he made when intoning : " Monsieur Corbeau sur un arbre perche " Archie Hyslop, as much boy as man, taking the school swimming afternoon at the Beach Baths . . . well do I remember an occasion when I misguidedly accepted the suggestion of a friend to jump onto Archie in the water. We both went down and we both came up, and then I went down again as if under the weight of a leviathan! I never took undue liberties again with Archie in the water. I wonder how many remember Archie's poetic compositions which he usually composed whilst shaving in the morning? One had many verses, each of which ended with the line, " Queen Mary got her heid cuttit aff, cuttit aff."

[See the request elsewhere in this issue for information about Archie's poems.—Ed.1

Miss Mackie that martinet of the Lower School, that stern and rigid disciplinarian—so different from her easy going brother Max. Summers, the Gym instructor who liked to see (airplay. Well do I remember a few rounds with the gloves when one of the boxers became too aggressive and got rather out of hand. Summers stopped the fight and donned the gloves himself to teach the aggressive one a lesson. The latter, probably realising he was sunk any way, concluded that his only defence lay in attack and adopted this tactic so lustily that, to the surprise of all, including Summers, and not least himself, he knocked Summers clean out of the improvised ring onto his back. Summers was like an indiarubber ball and somersaulted back into the ring; nemesis thereafter immediately overtook the over-energetic and aggressive youth!

One could continue indefinitely, as " the faces " cover the whole of one's schooldays.

These men and women were, on the whole, great teachers and many of them great scholars and the boys they taught turned to men who roamed the earth from end to end. Some of their pupils attained positions of great eminence, most .positions of responsibility. Some of these boys were above-average in talent; but most were just good material. In the main, however, most of them would never have achieved what they have done but for the high calibre of their schooling under such magnificent preceptors.

PATRICK J. DIACK * (1912-23).

[Similar articles recalling school personalities and incidents connected with them would be welcomed.—Ed.]

68

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Swimming Pool for the School On 25 April 1958 the Education Committee approved the provision of a Swimming Pool at the School.

The Pool will, in the first instance, measure 5o feet in length and 35 feet in width, and will adjoin the existing Gymnasium. One wing will contain the dressing cubicles, showers and toilet accommodation for the Pool, and a dressing room with showers for the existing Gymnasium will link the north-end of the Pool with the Gymnasium.

The Education Committee instructed the Director of Education when submitting the proposal with regard to the Pool to the Scottish Education Department, to make representations to that Department with a view to obtaining sanction for the Pool being constructed with a length of 75 feet; against the possibility of this not being permitted meantime, it has been proposed that the south gable of the new building be panels of synthetic granite to be hung on a steel frame and faced on the inside with asbestos-faced acoustic tiles, which would make it readily possible to dismantle this gable at a future date so as to extend the Pool from 5o feet to the standard length of 75 feet.

" Hyslopiana " When Archibald Forbes Hyslop (" Archie ") died suddenly in 1943, he left a rich memory of a warm and extraordinarily cheerful personality. The Magazine appreciation at the time of his death recorded that " no one who was associated with him will ever forget the enormous fun which he distilled out of the various concerts, dramatic sketches, and jamborees which he helped to run ", and went on to remark upon " his bubbling humour, his brilliant gifts of histrionic and musical improvisation, his skill as a rhymster, and his inexhaustible high spirits ".

An F.P., he was a teacher of English and Latin at School from 1921 until 1925, when he moved on to Manchester, but in the early 193os he returned to Aberdeen in H.M. Inspectorate of Schools, and until he went South again in 1938 he created a tremendous amount of fun and happiness in many different ways, not least through his writing some of Harry Gordon's most popular numbers, Amongst Archie's friends there are doubtless quite a few who still hold and treasure some of his rhymes, ruthless and otherwise, and it is on account of these, really, that we are writing this about Archie Hyslop, because we hope in the next issue, if possible, to print an article on " Hyslopiana ", for we are sure it would give a great deal of amusement in addition to arousing " fragrant memories, not only of joyous shows in the School Hall, but also of grand scenes round the blazing logs at Haddo ".

If you have any of Archie's poems or other writings, would you be good enough to send them on loan to the General Editor? They will be tended carefully, and returned to you in due course.

"Hamewith" Competition

69

F.P.'s success in the " Hamewith " Competition In our last issuc we had a short article on " Hamewith " (Charles Murray) and told how, as a result of a successful public appeal for subscriptions, a Memorial Fund had been set up, and that it had been decided by the Fund Trustees to make a triennial award for the best original poem in the North-east Doric; we then went on to regret that F.P.s first coming to learn of this prize competition from our December issue of the Magazine would not have time to compete as the closing date for the first competition was 31 December last. But Royston J. Milne * (1918-193o) proved us completely wrong; for reading about the competition in the Magazine he (with a little Editorial compulsion) decided to "have a go ". The prize was divided this time by the Fund Trustees, who considered that three poems of exceptional merit ran each other very close and, under the pseudonym of " W. F. Maitland ", Royston Milne shared the second award (out of seventy-two entries) with " The Steen Sodger ", which poem we are very happy to reproduce here, with the permission of the " Hamewith " Fund Trustees.

The Steen Sodger Gin it's caul' an' dreich an' dowie; gin it's sattlet kin' or fair There's a lad ye'll aye see standin' a' his lee-lane i' the Square Heich abeen th' argy-bargy on a muckle granite steen Wi's rifle in's ac hand and a hand that shades his een.

Come the mornin' sun, new-yokit; come the meen, an' fyles a star, Yon lad ne'er divals fae listenin' tae the winds that traivel far; And there's nae a byre-door steekit, nor there's niver a leaf stirred Nor a coble's tether streekit that the sodger hisna heard.

Fan the lift's a' mirkit ower an' the meen's sair hauden doon, Fan the bonny gowden windows blink their een ower a' the toon, Fan a win's fuffin' an' soughin' ower the ley an' throu' the breers, Gin ye speir at the steen sodger then, he'll tell ye a' he hears:— " Heich or laich, the soun's I hear are a' the soun's I kent afore (Bar the putter o' a tractor faur the horseman learnt his lore) And the caller winds come souffin' wi' a sang frae ilka airt; Fyles the cankle o' a kirk-bell, fyles the vrattle o' a cairt, Or a wheeshin' whirrication faur the pertrick echt her nest.

Fyles the feeplin' o' wee quinies as they warsle throu' a test, Sync a muckle salmon loupin' in a pool abeen Blairdaff, (Aye, an' sync a poacher pechin' as he raxes wi' the gaff).

Hine awa, the screich o' timmer faur the sawyer's slabbin' logs; Fae the commonty, the yelpin' o' a tinker body's dogs; While a turn o' " Tullochgorum ", fustlcd saftly doon the fleed, Marks a chiel that hopes anither hairst'll connach his Trust Deed.

Fae the stytin' o' the baker's dosened early-mornin' beets An' th' auld wife's Monday mangle (wi' the weety clap o' sheets) Tae the gweedrnan's forenicht fiddle as he gars his elbuck jeuk An' laich lauchin' i' the gloamin' fae a well-remembered neuk— Man, they're nae that muckle different fae the soun's I left ahin, An' they're bonny, bonny, bonny, are the wylin's o' the win'."

7o

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine " Farmer's Boy "

It is not our custom to include book reviews in our Magazine—least of all books by non-F.P.s I—and to be topical we ought, if we are to venture again into this field, to confine ourselves to recent publications; but only recently did we chance upon Farmer's Boy* by John R. Allan, and although it was first published as long ago as 1935 so great was its virile impact upon us that we feel we must bring it again to the immediate notice of all who are interested in life in the North-east around the turn of the century for the warm, vivid, and spirited picture which it presents of the Buchan world before 1914. It is, indeed, a minor classic, whimsical, boisterous, inspired . . . and yet in places wonderfully touching and tender. The imagery is three-dimensional and the characterisation penetrating and greatly amusing—just see the Old Man and the Captain taking their pleasure in the summerhouse on a summer's afternoon, with a bottle of rum and a jug of water between them: " While the bottle died a glorious death, their shouts of laughter shattered the exquisite peace of the garden as if the bawdy gods were carousing in the glades of Arcady." Lively stuff!

Or hear the Captain's language as . . . in the glory of words, and in moments of excitement he would ripe the comminatory splendour of seven tongues."

Or taste the home-made ginger beer, fiery stuff which " tickled your nose, made your ears crack, and gave you the most lovely gollups."

Many aspects of North-east country life are touched upon: the love of learning amongst the poorest and humblest, or the tragedy of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease; and graphic pictures arc painted of North-cast " institutions "—the lobby press, the drawing room (" something like Heaven on a smaller scale"!), the village school, the stable (" something almost sacred "), with its comkist and the corn asters " expressing the whole life of the farm servant "—love and marriage, masters and mistresses, and above all the pride of the plough "; the bothy, and the etiquette of bothy and stable " equalled in rigidity only by that of the Court of Louis XIV " l Not only does this book restore to warm life an age now largely gone, but it gives colourful accounts of features which made that age what it was, accounts which will entrance all who are in any way interested in the North-east of yesteryear.

What an adventure to attend with the author the great Aulton Market held annually in November on the glebe of St. Machar's, with perhaps a thousand horses changing hands in one day when the market was at its height in the middle of last century .. . but let us not tell too much and spoil the great pleasure awaiting those who have yet to read Farmer's Boy. If any part of your heart is in the North-east, you will not be able to put this book down until you have read it right through.

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Jobs for "the boys" If you are in a position to bring to the notice of young F.P.s any interesting jobs in any part of the world we shall do what we can to bring such vacancies to the notice of F.P.s who might be interested or who may have the qualifications which are being looked for. An F.P. in a senior managerial position in a large English engineering works asked recently for the names of a few recently-qualified graduates in Engineering, and we were able to furnish him with a few names. Any information with regard to such jobs should be sent to our Secretary, Scotty MacLachlan—who does so much for us anyway, that he'll never notice a little morel * Farmer's Boy by John R. Allan, published by Serif Books, Edinburgh at 7s. 6d.

School Section School Office-Bearers, x957-58 Prefects PHILIP N. LOVE (Senior Prefect) JOHN C. A. MICHIE (Deputy Senior Prefect) ALAISTER J. C. SMITH THOMAS HOUGHTON M. QUENTIN CRAMS DAVID H. N. SOMERVILLE STANLEY A. HOWARD JOHN P. DRUMMOND WILLIAM STEVENSON DUNCAN J. MACFARLANE T. NICHOLAS DUCAT IAN STEWART WILLIAM MCC. RAE BRIAN W. FINNIE ROBERT S. TAYLOR IAN M. REID DAVID B. GALLOWAY MICHAEL WOOD DOUGLAS F. Ross DOUGLAS R. HARPER IAN M. YEATS ALAN J. SANGSTER DENNIS HAY Byron THOMAS HOUGHTON

House Captains Keith Dun PHILIP N. LOVE M. QUENTIN CRAMB Cricket

Captain

DENNIS HAY

Captain

WILLIAM MCC. RAE

Captain

DENNIS HAY

Captain

PHILIP N. LOVE

Melvin ROBERT S. TAYLOR

Vice-Captain DAVID L. ALLAN

Rugby Football

Via-Captain PHILIP N. LOVE

Hockey Athletics

Via-Captain NEIL BUXTON Via-Captain GEORGE F. MASSON

Tennis

Captain JOHN P. DRUMMOND Badminton

Captain JOHN P. DRUMMOND Swimming

Captain

THOMAS HOUGHTON

Via-Captain JOHN B. KELLY

Literary and Debating Society

Secretary DOUGLAS R. HARPER

President DAVID B. GALLOWAY

Dramatic Society

Via-President PHILIP N. LOVE

President M. QUENTIN CRAMB Film Society

Secretary JOHN C. A. MIcuis

President PHILIP N. LOVE Cadet Force

C. Sgt.

STANLEY A. HOWARD

Ht. Sgt. WILLIAM MCC. RAE

Scripture Union

Secretary DOUGLAS R. HARPER School Choir

Secretary DOUGLAS R. HARPER Orchestra

Secretary WILLIAM STEVENSON School Editors DAVID B. GALLOWAY

ROBERT FALCONER 71

72

Aberdeen Grammar .School Magazine

School and Random Notes The British Workman has descended on us once again. He is with us, apparently to instal a new heating system (was there one before ?). Fears have been expressed that Nasser will make a hid to take over the canal which runs between Lower School and the Physics Labs. Toll dues are, of course, being charged and masters working in the Lower School building have received an increase in salary to cover these transit fees. * * * Last term we were the first to publish news of the discovery of a swimming pool in the school grounds. Now we are in a position to announce that the valuable information we disclosed in December has been acted upon by the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Aberdeen Corporation Education Committee.

True, the size and location of their proposed pool do not quite fit into those of the one found by our pioneers, but this is due, no doubt, to an official error. We feel that the tribute is richly deserved by those who risked their lives in penetrating the dense jungle of the School raspberry border, through which the mighty Denburn flows turbidly to the sea. * * * Two of our number paid a visit to London at New Year, in connection with a lecture course by the Council for Education in World Citizenship. They returned much edified, and now have a substantial fund of knowledge about Britain in the Changing World. It was expected that, being packed off to England they would have a quiet New Year, but hamburgers seem to have helped to' Phil' out the Senior Prefect's waistline. * * * Just before Easter a party of our prospective boffins set off for an industrial tour in the Clyde Valley area. The trip was, we believe, packed with interest and this was heightened by the fact that the party's chaffeur would have been an excellent candidate for the ranks of Kochman's Hell Drivers. * * * And then there was the cheerful little maths teacher who, having caught a boy carving his name on the desk, said " Well, Tom?" The youth replied heartily " Quite satisfactory, sir; a slight cold in the head, nothing more ". * * * Pupils of forms V and VI welcomed with open arms the new Summer-Term system for Wednesday games. The principle is that one has the choice of tennis, swimming, cricket or athletics. If your first choice is tennis or swimming your second must be either cricket or athletics. Those whose first choice is either one of the latter pair are allowed to pursue these sports; all the others have their second choice granted—and yet this leaves the baths and the tennis courts strangely deserted.

The games staff report by quoting Pravda—" The one-party system works very well." * * When we heard that the School was to have genuine heating installed we started an investigation. This revealed vast numbers of paraffin heaters awaiting distribution, of which the most elegant by far is Mr. Tait's. This handsome vintage model is made of wrought iron and is covered with the most interesting and intriguing of little knobs and handles; and we hear that one has only to doubledeclutch for the whole apparatus to move out of the room via that fascinating little aperture near the ceiling. * * * The school is in mourning for a well-beloved friend, and a staunch ally in times of stress. " Cribbers"' is no more. Officialdom has swept away the old wooden peg racks and replaced them by garish, modem monstrosities. We are not quite sure whether the wire grating which now shuts off the much frequented spot reminds us more of an Electricity Board sub-station, or Whipsnade Zoo. The verisimilitude with the latter is heightened by the fact that the new pegs project about eight inches from the rack and give the curious impression of neat rows of stags assembled, in files, for parade. *

School Section

73

The tyrannical teachers have taken the law into their own hands. Seeing that their cycle shed was to be eliminated, they seized a portion of the big cycle-shed and held it successfully against the war-cries of bereaved schoolboy cyclists. They consolidated their position, moreover, by having, a sturdy wall built to mark off the claim they staked, and are now in full possession. This is surely oppression of the working classes. Mr. Cousins, action, please!

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Those lucrative devils who seek money, money, money are now to be found jostling eagerly about the new careers notice board, or thumbing through the array of trade catalogues which are laid out in the library. A condition of the use of this new facility is that the prospective job-hunter should join the " Union for the Unemployed' . This organization, says a spokesman, will fight your case if Mr. Lawson finds you a job. * * * It seems that not only the Education Committee, but alas the Dramatic Society have the School's affairs under revue. Many hours have been spent by the earnest script writers in finishing off, touching up and checking over. 'I'he production is, at the time of going to press, well under way, under the able direction of Mr. Ivor McGee. This may well become an established School custom, as it is in other places, and as such provides an interesting first step in a new and encouraging direction. * * * The Scripture Union has been, perhaps unexpectedly, the first of our societies to launch a new venture. A moral fanfare heralded the advent of British Railway's new Battery Railcar. A number of boys spent their pocket money to travel to Ballater " by the New Railcar". As it happened the majority travelled by steam train in both directions, but a good time was had by all. (Original, ch?)

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We leave you now, dear Readers, to the gentle mercies of our successors to whom we bequeath the editorial inkwell.

Who's Who in the Prefecture Philip N. Love. Chief " mate" of this year's crew and a man of comely appearance, delicate blushes: an excellent advertisement for " Brylcrcem " products.

Is remarkable for his sustained ef£tciency, and all " offi-e-cial no-o-te's " are artistically inscribed with red biro. Takes a leading part in the Film Society and is, so we hear, rather good in the dark! His "romances neatly gilt" do not, however, divert him from bursting enthusiasm on the rugby field (the chappie was capped!) together with tennis outings to Hazlehead. Can high-jump. " What is life when wanting love?" Bums. " Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Emerson John C. A. Michie. A keen R.A.F. man whose forms of amusement include small-bore rifle shooting, games of all descriptions, and pacing the top corridors at intervals for any schoolboy delinquents (though he still pays a daily visit to the " cowshed" to sample z x i pints). This stalwart of prefectorial rectitude may be seen any morning screaming down Queen's Road on a velocipede (to the chagrin of the lassies in green) which constantly exceeds thirty m.p.h. A rather dogmatic nature is offset by a pleasant frankness, and topped by locks of the blackest black.

But, of course, " the man's a * * * purist!" " Nothing doing. Thats' just baloney. Everybody knows I can't lay bricks."

Alfred Emanuel Smith. " The matchless deed's achieved, Determined, dared, and done." Smart.

M. Quentin Cramb. This young man has " mellowed " considerably from his last year's ostentatiousness, and this session has begun to put preaching into practice. He is perhaps one of the VI's most ardent supporters of the MacRob. and has, officially, been leading a Do(i)g's life for the last six months. Though not

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 74 result, this might well lead to a belated attempt at the Prelims. " Bert "-ing on the Rugby and cricket provide amusement for this " gayest of gay young men ", whilst a daily " promenade " down Union Street provides sufficient training. Is rather good at acting, both on and off the stage. " Conceit may pull a man up, but never prop him up." Ruskin. " Art never expresses anything but itself." Wilde.

John P. Drummond. Decidedly a man of moods, this well-dressed, cardsharping individual has blossomed out: the " concave chest " of yesteryear becomes the " egg-bead " of today. Has interests in both hockcy and cricket, as well as arranging inter-School badminton and tennis matches. Unfortunately this fairheaded Hercules has a rather explosive temper which gives rise to most heated arguments: " We-e-ll, I say, I say . . . " (eh, John?) " Oh! don't say that you agree with me. When people agree with me I always feel that I must be wrong." Wilde. " I never apologize." G. B. Shaw T. Nicholas Ducat. We don't hear or see much of Nick in School, but are assured that his lean, spare frame looks in from time to time. His keenness in scouting is reflected by regular attendance at Forbesfield Lane, whilst a disgustingly healthy pair of legs carry him far and wide in the Caimgorms. Has a rather neat foot-action whilst reading in Hall. " Fair quiet, have I found thee here, And Innocence thy Sister dear!" Marvell.

Brian W. Finnie. A member of the khaki corps whose application of blanco must be seen to be believed! We have been startled by his highly-polished specs and shining red nose on many a winter morning, but the boy may yet be intelligent.

Has a passionate devotion for wireless and the Academy, the latter of which completes a course of extra-curricular homework. A white raincoat of the military type is sported on formal occasions, his interest in dramatics being centred on stage management and lighting effects (viz. School Dance I) `` With men he can be rational and unaffected, but when he has ladies to please, every feature works." Jane Austen.

David B. Galloway. A gay youth who livens up many a dull moment. Plays rugby and cricket, and has even entered for the sports. A genuine Queen's Scout, he roves around the scouting world, to the delight of his juniors and the alarm of his contemporaries. He is Pres. of the Lit. and Deb. Soc., and can be almost disgustingly breezy on Friday evening. His laughter, it has been said, comes straight from the horse's mouth. " Variety's the very spice of life That gives it all its flavour." Cowper. " He was a host of debaters in himself." Letter to Lord Rockingham.

Douglas R. Harper. It is absolutely certain that this devastating, fair-haired individual is the only one of the prefects possessed of hairy knees! The kilt does not, however, daunt his daring and he sweeps under full sail to the various night spots of Aberdeen, where an innate charm overcomes all opposition. Can sing in a deep bass voice (recently acquired on the " Corpie ") and just about runs the School's societies. A member of the Upper VI " Science Menagerie". " Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps." Shakespeare. " These are the men that all the world admires." Marlowe.

Dennis Hay. The glamour of the little tin badge with which " Dcnny " was presented last September soon wore off for this somewhat lackadaisical, wavy-haired captain of the Hockey ist XI. His bellicose nature sparked off many a heated exchange in the " inner sanctum ", and the effects of friction may still be seen at the foot of Grosvenor Place, where only consistently good brakes kept this daring speed-ace from disaster. Sports a gaberdine overcoat and always wears two jerseys during cold spells. " Some temptations come to the industrious, but all temptations attack the idle."

Spurgeon.

School Section

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Thomas Houghton. Born and bred a Sassenach, Tom has none the less made a large circle of friends—in and out of the High School. " Oor Tam " is a fine swimmer, especially the backstroke, and though frequently succumbing to the strains of Handel's " Water Music ", resurfaces from time to time at the MacRob. A Brando hairstyle goes well with a thunderous mo' bike, whilst his passion for speed leads him to view his favourite T.V. programme: " The Lone Ranger." Interested in the " Dram. Soc." and opera. " Let me see, if he is able To sit still for once at table." Hoffman. " He's tough, ma'am, tough, is J. B. Tough, and devilish sly." Dickens.

Stanley A. Howard. A reformed character and big brass of the Army C.C.F. Stan recently acquired a four-wheeled £35 Austin tourer—a horn being unnecessary as the machine moves in staccato leaps and bounds, giving forth clouds of thick, oily smoke, and creating a nerve shattering cacophony. Delights in tinkering with " 88 " wireless sets and frequently broadcasts messages of despair for his favourite " fag ". " A soldier full of strange oaths." Shakespeare.

Duncan J. Macfarlane. " Spud's " interests range from work, to the Cadets, to the Public Library, to work. Although a quiet character whose devotion to sport is confined to " 8ths ", the man attends the Lit. and Deb. Soc. where much valued opinions—though spasmodic—give added weight to discussions of the moment. Is a keen viewer of cinematic art. " The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure." The Apocrypha.

William McC. Rae. Undisputed captain and veteran of the 1st XV, whose stentorian voice as often resounds on the rugby field as " on parade!" Is rather good at spotting, a " I-Iunter" being his especial favourite. Unfortunately, " Wull " is a much-misunderstood and criticised Howffite, whose good intentions sometimes make him a figure for derision. At the moment is constructing a wind tunnel in the Technical Department, and provides an ample supply of hot air to carry out tests. Is fond of posting notices. " We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars." Wilde. " Praevalent illicita." Tacitus. raw-boned, sandy-haired individual whose aspirations A tall, Ian M. Reid. to athletic fame might extend the length of walking to Rubislaw. Is possessed of a wry sense of humour and turns a blind eye to the hectic duels (with confiscated water pistols) of the more active sixth year " goons ". A shutter-happy laddie, excellent at mimicry, who even finds history most instructive; rounded shoulders might well be due to conscientious labour. " Histories make men wise." Bacon. " Who winks and shuts his apprehension up." John Marston.

Douglas F. Ross. Yet another Gth year prefect whose impact at Madam's leaves the girls gasping. " Beep" occasionally sports the kilt (complete with sporran) giving vent to his true nationalistic feelings, whilst the daily journeys from and to Kintore do nothing to lessen a vigorous appetite. May frequently be seen roosting in a down-town café in preparation for 1st XV games. Spoke rather well at the Albyn Debate, but, we suspect, used bribery and possibly a smile to gain votes. " There's nothing half so sweet in lift As love's young dream." Moore. " One may smile, and smile, and be a villain." Shakespeare.

Alan J. Sangster. Not among the most prominent of this year's officers of law, he takes part in C.C.F. activitcs with fair enthusiasm. Alan bedazzles everyone by a most handsome pair of mottled-brown specs (sellotaped, tool) which, we feel, go excellently with his well-groomed black hair. Is under suspicion of having knobbly knees, but this has not yet been proved. " Among them, but not of them." Byron. " For solitude sometimes is best society." Milton.

Alistair J. C. Smith. " Al " was one of the hits and a " type-cast " in the recent production of " The Taming of the Shrcw". As "Grernio", with

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quavering voice and decided stoop, he gained extra " bottles of pop ", " nescimus unde ", whilst the adoration which shone from his mirror was sufficient proof of his talent. This genial but often misguided youth regularly parades the length of Union Street with military skill (he being a two-striper), and his bearing in face of the sister-school is of an heroic nature. A thick top-knot, fiat feet, and " nez pointe" complete the picture. " The amorous bird of night." Milton. " More childish valorous than manly wise." Marlowe.

David H. Norman Somerville. One of the " Arts " types and a hearty hater of publicity. Piercing the outer shell, you fmd a singularly likable personality with a zest for all things (including shopgirls), and willing to lend a hand in anything.

Long of lock and long of limb, Norman should do well at ' varsity; regularly patronises the School Dance, and answers to " Teddy". " Spanking Jack was so comely, so pleasant so jolly, Though winds blew great guns, still he'd whistle and sing, Jack lov'd his friend, and was true to his Molly, And if honour gives greatness, was great as a king." Charles Dibbin.

William Stevenson. By far the most untidy and careless member of the Prefecture, who deposits a rather inadequate schoolbag (harking back to happy days in the " K.G."), a viola, or a suspect "snatcher" in any available nook or cranny.

Frequently mutters to himself and may be heard any lunch time humming the theme tune of " Afton Water". Disapproves of gambling, drinking, smoking—bad for the wind—though indulges in the remainder. Has long legs and a strange mop of hair. " Hell is full of musical amateurs; music is the brandy of the damned." G. B. Shaw.

Ian Stewart. Though verging on six feet, Ian scarcely makes his presence felt, though he made a promising beginning at St. Megs. (in the Debater). This canny lad none the less has a secret " pash " for someone called " Glynis ", and his exploits in the 2nd XV reveal a similar boldness. A pleasant fellow, occasionally dozes in Locker 13. " His life is a watch or a vision Between a sleep and a sleep." Swinbume.

Robert S. Taylor. A brutally straightforward character complete with matching vocabulary (can imitate a " Fittic " accent to perfection). Bob, a hard-playing, high-living socialite, regularly delivers his morning rolls whence, we suspect he gains valuable information on the world's problems—aired with the conviction of a second Doolittle. Is attached to modern languages and occasionally visits the Library on a Friday afternoon; enjoys " Woodies." " His deep affections make him passionate." Marlowe. " I'm only a beer teetotaller, not a champagne teetotaller." G. B. Shaw Michael Wood. A product of art, Mike displays a rare affection for things of beauty, and, during the winter months cut quite a gay dash at the MacRob. Of debonair appearance, he sweeps away all opposition (on the rugger field, of course), yet leaves an impression of " naiveté ". Did a number of posters for meetings of the Debater, and displayed a flair for decoration at the last School dance. " His ready speech flow'd fair and free, In phrase of gentlest courtesy; Yet seemed that tone, and gesture bland Less used to sue than to command." Sir Walter Scott.

Ian M. Yeats. A man of unswerving passion—for WORK, whose " estimate " results might readily be compared to a predestined graph. Equipped with a multitude of books, a rather natty briefcase, and the " Guardian", " Yeatszer "— as he is affectionately termed—may be seen clocking-in at 8.4o a.m. Has never been late for Hall, and is rather keen on milk duty; rarely sits in the Howff, as the noise therefrom emitted even rouses 'Enry. Is a good lad if viewed rationally. " Yet he was kind; or if severe in aught, The love he bore to learning was in fault." Goldsmith. " Et teneo melius ista quam meum nomen." Martial.

School Cricket XI, 1958

Back Row—Mr. W. D. Allardice, H. M. Aird, T. P. Gordon, W. Balfour, J. T. Phillipson (Scorer), G. F. Masson, D. R. Auld, D. Hay, Mr. L. E. Tyson Front Row--A. C. Dickie, D. L. Allan (Vice-Captain), E. D. B. Bain (Captain), N. K. Buxton, J. A. Bothwell.

Inset—J. P. Drummond.

School Rugby tat XV, 1957-58

Back Row—Mr. A. L. Stevenson, A. C. Dickie, L. Gray, W. Balfour, D. L. Allan, S. T. Leslie, A. J. Forbes, R. S. Taylor, P. Shirreffs, Mr. W. D. Allardice.

Front Row—T. N. Ducat, M. Q. Cramb, P. N. Love (Vice-Captain), W. McC. Rae (Captain), J. B. Kelly, G. F. Masson, D. F. Ross.

Seated—D. B. Galloway, J. A. Bothwell.

School Hockey test XI, 19S7-58—School's "best ever" hockey season (See Notes)

Bath Row—Mr. R. NicNay, P. A. Walker, D. K. Parkinson, N. K. Buxton (Vice-Captain), D. B. Thomson, I. P. Gordon, J. P. Drummond.

Front Row—A. C. Young, S. F. Robertson, D. Hay (Captain), J. Leiper, S. M. Leslie.

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Lower School Once again there arc staff changes to report in the Lower School. At Easter we were indeed sorry to lose the talented services of Mrs. Dorothy Reid in the Art Department and of Mrs. Isabel Mutch in Primary 3B. To them both go our good wishes in their now full-time task of home-making. To fill the breach Mrs. Frances Reid has now taken charge of Primary 3B and Mr. Donald Smith guides the artistic efforts of our boys. We would bid them both welcome and wish them every happiness and great satisfaction in their work in the Lower School.

We are proud to be able to record that this year one of our Lower School boys— Gordon D. Mitchell of Primary 7A—won the competitive bursary for Grammar open to all applicants for secondary education in the city.

Activities at Rubislaw Field have been greatly curtailed since January owing to adverse weather conditions but in spite of few practices the Lower School Rugger XV played one excellent game against Gordon's College and won 3-o. Such cricket matches as have been arranged up to now have had to be cancelled because of rain, but it is hoped that a number may be played in June. The Swimming Gala always a highlight of the Spring term, was well supported by Lower School boys.

This year Angus Wilkinson of Primary 7B won the Lower School Swimming Medal.

An almost too per cent. entry for the School sports has been causing feverish activity in running off heats this term at Rubislaw. If the enthusiasm on the 13-14 June is comparable with that evinced when heats are in progress then the School sports will undoubtedly be a success!

During the week commencing t9 May three of our classes, namely Primaries 5A, 6B and 7B, took part in the Festival of the Spoken Word, and presented an acted story, an acted poem and a short play respectively.

A session's hard practice on the part of the Lower School Choir culminated in a very delightful presentation of Bach's " Peasant Cantata " on the evening of zó May as the second half of the Lower School Concert. Great credit is due to Mr. Donald Hawksworth for the successful production of such an ambitious undertaking and to the boys of the Choir for their support and unflagging zeal in this field of endeavour. The first half of the concert consisted of solo items on violin and piano, excerpts by the Lower School String Group, plays and verse speaking, and finally a most unusual item, two Scottish Country Dances by Primary 7B. It was an evening thoroughly enjoyed by all.

This term the Primary 7 classes haeve again been privileged to pay visits to places of interest in the city. These prove pleasant and instructive ploys for Friday afternoons and arc enjoyed by pupil and teacher alike. Places visited include the Town House, fish curing yards, a large milk depot, a modern bakery, a lemonade factory, a granite yard and the offices of the Press and Journal. To all those who make such outings possible we owe a debt of gratitude.

J. D. M.

Changes in the School Staff ARRIVALS We welcome Mr John L. Wilson, B.A., who succeeds Mr. Wilfred Norris as Senior Music Master. A former pupil of Allan's School Newcastle-on-Tyne, Mr. Wilson left the north of England for six years' service in H. M. Forces, during the last few months of which the authorities were enlightened enough to use his talents as a pianist in Ensa-organised concerts in Egypt; and then returned to study at Durham University, from which he graduated with an Honours degree in Music in 195o. Following on an eight years' period of teaching in Rutherford Grammar School, Newcastle, he comes to Aberdeen. Mr. Wilson gives as the sports in which he claims a fair competence tennis, badminton, swimming and (recently, and he hopes briefly) house-hunting. We wish him early success in this last activity, happiness in his residence in Scotland, and a full sense of achievement in his work in the School. who joined the English department at the beginning Mr. J. Ivor McGee, of the Easter term is educationally a son of Aberdeen; his school was the Academy, and he graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 1951 with an Honours degree in English-Psychology. But even more northemly influences have helped to mould

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him: he is a native of Peterhead, he taught, before being appointed to the Grammar School, for some three years in Inverness Royal Academy, and he has a heritage of Gaelic speech and romantic song to soften the acerbities, popularly but perhaps libellously attributed to his place of birth. After graduation and before proceeding to Training Centre for his professional course Mr. McGee spent two years in the Education Branch of the R.A.F. with the rank of Flying Officer. In sport, Mr. McGee is a man of many parts. His particular affection is for golf, and his prowess at the game has already brought promise of increased strength to the Masters' team. The School welcomes Mr. McGee on his returning to Aberdeen, and wishes him all happiness and success in his new sphere. .. AND DEPARTURES Recently we said goodbye to Miss Hazel Davie who after a brief but efficient occupancy of the post of Secretarial Assistant, left to take a post with Messrs.

J. & G. Collie, Advocates. We welcome in her place Miss Aileen Park and wish for her a happy and lengthy stay in the School.

Photographic Society In spite of the fact that this year has been rather broken up for the Photographic Society, it has been a most successful one. Throughout the first term alterations were being made to the Art rooms and hence they were not available for our use on Friday nights. Nevertheless a number of boys were doing photography after school on week days and on Saturday mornings and afternoons and were producing some very good work.

After the Christmas holidays, the Society itself started up again and at the beginning of the term its membership was around twenty. The Friday night meetings were held regularly and were well attended; not only was photography practised but also book-binding, mounting of photographs, and now and again some painting. All these activities helped to make the Society very enjoyable and beneficial to the boys.

Society members are now making the most of the summer weather and the longer nights, and are making Saturday excursions by bicycle. The first two have been most successful. The first was to Alford, via Midmar and Dunecht, and some fine photographs were taken. The weather was good except for a short but heavy April shower.

• The second trip was to Dunnottar Castle. The weather, this time, was at its best, neither too hot nor too cold. We arrived at Dunnottar at about twelve o'clock and did not leave until two o'clock again. During this time we took as many photographs as we thought fit and made a careful study of the chief architectural features. We returned home via the Slug Road, Banchory, and Crathes Castle.

There are a few more trips arranged and, if the weather is good, I am sure they will be most successful. Let's hope so.

Before bringing this article to a close I would like to say that the Society is deeply indebted to Mr. Will, who gives very freely of his time and advice to its members, and who kindly arranges and takes care of the Saturday excursions.

IAN W. LOGAN, President.

School Holiday Arrangements, 1958-59 Session Commences Autumn Holiday Mid-Term Holiday Christmas and New Year Vacation Easter Vacation Spring Holiday Session ends

Wednesday, z7 August 1958 Monday, 22 September 1958.

Monday, z7 October 1958.

Wednesday, 24 December 1958 to Friday, a January 5959 inclusive.

Friday, 27 March 19 59 to Tuesday 7 April 5959 inclusive.

Monday, 20 April 1959.

Tuesday, 3o June 1959.

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Literary and Debating Society Since the printing of the last issue the Society has enjoyed a wide variety of debates, discussions, talks, and a mock trial. The latter was held in the Hall in November, Mr. Donald Hawksworth being accused of disrespect, prejudice, degeneration, wilful negligence and sloth ; and of pursuing certain duties, and not pursuing other duties in such a way as to cause great concern to both masters and pupils. Oddly enough, he was convicted. The Society were the guests of St Margaret's the next week, where the motion " Is co-education a good thing?" was upheld, due to the efforts of Mr. Smith and Miss Kelman versus Miss I3endal and Mr. Stewart. The term's Middle School Debate was on the motion " That the invention of gunpowder has been a curse to mankind ". In spite of a disappointing attendance the speaking was lively, Mr. Peterson and Mr. Smith upholding the motion against Mr. Watson and Mr. Kent. In December the debate with Albyn was " That there is too much organised entertainment nowadays ", where Mr. Finlay and Miss Donald defeated the motion supported by Miss Watson and Mr. Ross. The Staff Debate was held the following week when Mr. McClean and Mr. Michie supported the motion " That the life of the Barbarian is to be preferred to that of the Civilised man " against Mr. McKay and Mr. Scott. This was one of the most successful debates of the year where the speaking was of a very high standard although comparatively few boys turned out to enjoy it.

The New Year started off with a talk by Dr. W. Douglas Simpson on " The Romance of a Potsherd ". The talk was delivered with skill and authority, proving very interesting to the boys who had many questions to ask. It was undoubtably one of the best meetings of the Society for some time. The next week the debate with Gordon's College " That freedom of speech is a myth " was very poorly attended. Messrs Galloway and Byth, supporting the motion, were defeated by Messrs. Ruddiman and Marjoribanks. A discussion on Disarmament the following week brought many heated and interesting arguments, the principal speakers being Messrs. Gallic, Winpenny, Michie and Hill. The last debate of the month " Can the Church keep a hold of her young men?", supported by Messrs. Drummond and Lyon and attacked by Messrs. Gray and Miller was defeated after many good typical speeches.

The Joint meeting of February was on the motion " Arc Trade Unions too powerful?". Messrs. Bothwell and Vaughan upheld the motion versus Messrs.

Smith and Balfour. The next week the Grammar were the guests of Aberdeen Academy where there was a disappointing attendance. Miss Butler and Mr. Main defeated the motion "That this country has benefited from Trans-Atlantic importations " which was supported by Mr. Scorgie and Miss Gregg. On 21 February the Grammar were hosts to the High School, and in a packed Library the motion " That the Higher Education of Men is of more importance economically, socially and politically than that of Women " was defeated. Miss Doig and and Mr. Harper supported this motion versus Mr. Doverty and Miss Tosh. On 28 February the Society had a Musical Soiree when a number of School musicians including Messrs. Milne, Cooper, Cowie, Whyte, Bell and Dargie entertained the Society. We are indebted to the music staff for arranging this meeting.

In March was held a " One Minute Please " when many members of the Society were asked to speak on various topics. Towards the end of March a most successful Six Schools Debate was held in the High School under the chairmanship of our president Mr. David B. Galloway. The motion " That the Senior Secondary education is not an adequate preparation for life in this modern world " was upheld

by Mr. Ruddiman (R.G.C.) and Miss Tosh (G.H.S.) versus Miss McKerlie (St.M.) and Miss Miller (A.S.G.).

The last meeting of the Society this session was a discussion on " Modern Day Domesticity " when the principal speakers were Messrs. Scorgie, Rice Gray and, Stewart. The Society has had a successful year. The standard of speaking especially from the floor, has been good, warranting the generally good attendances.

Our thanks are due to Mr. Tait who has kept a fatherly eye on the Society this year.

DOUGLAS R. HARPER, Secretary.

8o

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Film Society

The Society, instead of following the pattern set in previous years—by beginning the season with a comedy programme—showed two films on aviation. " Song of the Clouds ", by vivid photography, gave us an insight into the range and intricacy of the civil air-line services of the world; this was followed by the British feature " The Sound Barrier". A month later the Eisenstein Mexican epic " Time in the Sun" was billed along with the Flaherty masterpiece " Louisiana Story ". The showing of these two great films in one programme offered an opportunity to study the work of two geniuses of the cinema, whose style of direction, whilst completely contrasting, were both effective. The discussion group favoured the more personal and intimate style of Flaherty, whereas the sweeping interest in the mass which Eisenstein presented, rather puzzled the audience.

In fact the theme of a large number of the films shown was Nature. The purely documentary side was represented at the January meeting by Jacques Cousteau's " The Silent World ". The sequences of underwater photography, especially of the porpoise and the exploration of the depths of the sea, enthralled the audience.

In the next month a further nature programme presented the poetic " Corral " and another Flaherty, " Man of Aran ". The latter is of course a milestone in cinematic art, but it was rather unfortunate that it was perhaps a little over the heads of the younger members. Films of this calibre will, however, continue to be presented by the society in its efforts to promote an interest in the art of the film.

The final meeting of the society was a great success. Two films " Rhythm of a City " and " The Great Adventure ", each a work of the great Swedish director Ame Suckdorff, were shown; both films were very good, the latter in particular providing some memorable sequences. The final film for the year was the fairy tale " The Red Balloon " a film photographed with great skill in the environs of Paris.

The year has again been very successful; and for this we must thank Mr. Hemingway and the other members of the Arts staff for the interest which they have shown, and also our projectionist Mr. Baxter.

Film Appreciation Group A new society, the Film Appreciation Group has held its first meetings this term. It is not to be confused with the Film Society. The aims of the two groups differ in that whereas the Film Society attempts primarily to foster an interest in quality films, the Film Appreciation Group now gives us the chance to study films which have come to be accepted as classics of the cinema. It is remarkable that although there are several school Film Societies in Scotland, ours, as far as we know is the only Appreciation Group.

The idea, conceived by a small section of the Sixth Year, was encouraged by Mr. Hemingway and Mr. Baxter, without whose ungrudging help, nothing would have been realised.

Four Russian films were chosen to from the programme, since they represented the highest level reached by the silent film as an art form. On 25 April " The Battleship Potemkin", directed by S. M. Eisenstein demonstrated admirably the extraordinary drive which the Russians gave to their film by their superb editing.

The " Odessa Steps " sequence especially was to the audience a revelation. In fact they managed to overlook the absence of sound and the rather poor material quality of the celluloid, and began to discover the aesthetic values of these films.

On z May," The General Line ", a later and more mature work of Eisenstein, again underlined his rapid stacatto-like editing and first class screen composition. This was followed by " Earth " which demonstrated Dovjenko's poetic style of direction giving even more polished results than that of Eisenstein.

The last film " Ivan the Terrible " was Einestein's final work before his premature death. " Ivan " contains all the qualities of Eisenstein's earlier silent films, but is itself a sound film. It is in fact, chiefly for the masterful use of sound, especially in the Coronation sequence when the low humming drone gradually mounts to an overwhelming crescendo, that " Ivan" is so outstanding among modern films.

With such fine material, the Film Appreciation Group is sure that its aims will be achieved, and that some real knowledge of cinematography will have been derived from these glimpses of real cinematic art.

Changes in Geographical Outlook

Did you ever think of looking at the world from this point of view? This map is an example of the many changes in geographical outlook during recent years, and it is our aim in these few paragraphs to outline some of these and to give a few of their effects.

We have introduced ourselves with a map and thus we shall continue. It has long been known that the earth is round; yet how many of us, when considering the world, actually picture in our minds a sphere with the continents arranged round it? More likely we see a sheet of paper with America, Europe, and Asia stretched across it from left to right. This may be more convenient for some cases, but in others a completely wrong impression is obtained. To allow for various uses many projections, or ways of presenting the world on paper, have been developed, but some of these have evolved over quite a period of time. Maps were used by the early Egyptians, but up till as late as the sixteenth century all work was somewhat inaccurate 81

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and identical copies by hand were virtually impossible. However, with the advent of engraving and the development of higher quality instruments, great advances were made until in the eighteenth century the highly accurate " triangulation " method of survey was introduced for the larger scale maps. The Mercator's Projection, still used universally for navigation, made its debut during the sixteenth century, but in recent years a far greater understanding of projectors, their adaptability, and their limitations, has resulted in a number of types each suited to a particular use, our heading illustration being one of these which shows the modern trend towards " global thinking" —the treatment of our planet as the sphere it is.

What are the effects of this " global thinking " ? One of the most tangible is the utilisation of " Great Circle " routes for long-distance communication. These are the routes which are shortest on the globe but may not appear so on a flat projection, and their use cuts time and costs. Another effect has been to show how very close America and Russia are by routes over the Arctic regions; the mutual interest of the two powers in the Arctic for attack and defence has caused considerable opening up and exploration of Greenland and surrounding territory. It has also led to the development of the North East and North West passages for shipping, particularly the Russian route which, although open barely three or four months in the year, affords a more suitable route than the long sea journey round the south of a country with poor internal trans-continental communications.

What else does Geography mean to you? A series of headings, sub-headings and statistics? This is of course true but is only a fraction of the truth. Geography is the study of the earth and its phenomena, and when you think of the size of the earth you realise what a vast field geography covers.

GEOGRAPHY'S 3 GROUPS

Geography in its widest sense consists of three groups: mathematical, physical and regional. Mathematical geography is concerned with the making of maps, the dimensions and movement of the earth, tides, and magnetism. Each of these is important in itself: mapping we have shown, has a considerable effect on modern thought, while the knowledge of tides, magnetism, and declination of the sun is essential for shipping and navigation.

Physical geography is the study of the formation of the earth and atmosphere. Within this division fall geography, meteorology, and a part of both physics and chemistry. Again these are all sciences in themselves, each with its individual impact on civilisation: particularly geology, in its exploitation of the earth's resources, and meteorology, with its recent developments in weather forecasting. By readings of pressure, wind, temperature and humidity, obtained from all over the North Atlantic and Europe the meteorologist can, with the aid of the geographer's knowledge of bad conditions, forecast with reasonable accuracy the weather in a certain place at a certain time.

This, besides its usefulness to the man in the street, is of special value to sailors and airmen, informing them of the conditions to expect.

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It is impossible for one man to know every detail of the individual sciences but from these specialised studies of the earth the geographer gathers enough information to give him a clear, coherent, picture of man and his world, which he can apply to his regional geography.

This is really the study of man and his environment. Thus if the geographer wishes to make a regional study of an area he would have to consider its many aspects of build, climate, vegetation, and mineral resources. Then to these natural phenomena he must relate the human response of the area, which affects products—natural and manufactured, trade, and density of population. The geographer carries out this study in the field itself, and although in well developed areas he obtains most of his data from records, in other places he relies largely on field work for his basic information.

GEOGRAPHY'S FUTURE

You might imagine that there is little left to be done which is new in the field of geography, but when you consider that ten geographical expeditions were made last year alone to different parts of the world, besides the much publicised Trans-Antarctic investigation, you will realise that there are still many areas on the map of the world which arc still comparatively unknown. It is in the exploration of these regions that the geographer's experience has its greatest opportunity of surveying the land and showing how it can best be utilised for the benefit of mankind.

DUNCAN NiACFARLANE, BRIAN FINNIE (Upper v(I)).

Dramatic Society Since the publishing of the last issue, much hard work and sustained effort has been put into the production of The Taming of the Shrew. The play was very well received by the public, and the actors felt that they really had achieved something of note, whilst it is to Mr. Grant—our new stage manager—and especially to Mr. King—our untiring, indefatigable producer—that we owe most of our success. We must not forget, however, the invaluable services rendered so willingly by both Mr. Lawson, as our most competent business manager, and by the Art and Technical Departments without whose co-operation our " amateur dramatics" would have been impossible.

Readers may recall that, towards the end of last summer term 1957, there was a proposal to present a " School Revue" written by one or two senior pupils.

Unfortunately, the plan was scrapped ; but once more, this year, has been revived, and rehearsals for the various " skits " are going ahead with a view to a short production at the end of June. All going well, there should be a most amusing hour's entertainment in the last days of the School year.

DAVID GALLOWAY, Secretary.

The Taming of the Shrew An Appreciation This production—presented on 24, 25 and 26 March in the School Hall—must, I feel, be one of the most successful in the history of the Dramatic Society. It called upon the services of so many boys, it gave opportunity for so many different forms and levels of acting ability and it so evidently gave proof of harmony among the

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actors and of their understanding of the producer's wishes. All that was apparent both to the casual spectator and to the not disinterested parent, the one perhaps charitably prepared to give credit to a schoolboyish approximation to the Shakespearean intention, the other praying, but not quite believing that his stage-struck son wouldn't make to big a fool of himself. But that level of commendation is not what I have in mind when I praise this production, as I do praise it almost unreservedly. I was not left with that frustrated sense, so often left by amateur performances that a necessarily distant approximation to a professional performance had been aimed at and nearly arrived at; what I did feel was that this presentation had aimed at a mark, and triumphantly made it.

This was a difficult venture. " The Shrew " is a play which needs, continuously, verve and attack, and a consistent level of acting from many characters. It is essential to have a Pctruchio who, by personality, voice and gesture, dominates the stage, and a Katherine who can persuade us that to move from arrogant and bitter shrewisness to submission and a full-willed acceptance of Petruchio's domination is possible and credible. Quentin Cramb and Bertram Lyon rose magnificently to the height of this argument. But this play cannot stand on the performances of two actors, no matter how vibrant and persuasive they may be. A sense of furious and complex activity must be continuously there; the complications of the plot require it and an audience demands it, and this cannot be achieved by mere mannerly stage-grouping and the modulated mouthing of Shakespeare's verses. It was the producer Mr. King's great achievement that he kept the action moving all the time, and that the words, the gestures and the antics of the players seemed for the most part to issue from their own fully felt recognition of what their part meant to the play as a whole.

They did not move about the stage with muted, vaguely hieratic gestures, nor did they fall into any stylised symmetrical groupings so self-consciously " artistic " in purpose, and so damningly deadly in effect. Those indeed are the hallowed motions of so many Shakespearean productions, and they have killed so many performances. Instead the natural energy of the boys was used to the full; the play came to life and lived till the final curtain.

I can mention particularly only a few of the cast. David Galloway as Luccntio moved and spoke with an easy and unforced charm. David Allan as Tranio showed a vibrant racrality so enormous that at times it almost toppled over into caricature. Gavin Wilson reeled, tottered and slid about the stage registering apprehension, dismay, or resignation to the blows of fate, with a kind of galvanic energy which always amused. Alastair Smith, in the part of Gremio, the grey beard suitor of Bianca moving quaveringly from petulance to impotent rage and back to acceptance of his solitary lot, gave a most realistic performance. Hortensio, played by Laurence Gray, struck his chords with power, and registered an effect of elephantine grace. The performance of Harry Hill as Baptista was outstanding— so sure of himself, so truly insiae his part that he gave the impression of being rather than of acting. The quiet gesture, the movement of an eyebrow, the unexaggerated use of the voice, these were his weapons of attack, and they were effective because they were so obviously used by an actor who appreciated to the full the significance of his part in the play as a whole. He was, in fact, always in action even when he had nothing to say and seemed to have nothing to do on the stage.

Of the two major characters I have already spoken. Quentin Cramb after a somewhat hesitant start came to dominate the stage—in grace of movement and in arrogance of gesture and word the very image of the Renaissance young man.

Bertram Lyon won golden opinions from everyone; he was particularly good in the earlier part of the play, and when Katherin's will was being broken by the ruthless wooer.

It is not possible to name every actor, nor indeed is it desirable, for the impression left is of a play acted by a group who spoke and moved in changing and colourful harmony, and left an impression of life and joy.

The play it was—that was the thing!

A. T.

School Section

85

Music The first opportunity I had to hear the school instrumentalists " on their mettle " was at the 3 sth Music Festival of Aberdeen and North-East Scotland (" The Festival " to Aberdonians) and what an astonishing experience it was I The amazing confidence of youngsters like Ian Stronach (violin) and John McWilliam (clarinet) and the excellent playing will not easily be erased from my memory. I am told that I was very unfortunate to have to miss a superb performance by James Dargie (violin). The mature artistry of Robert Whyte playing Brahms and Brian Dargie's Heifitz-like composure (whilst playing the most difficult of violin solos), I have come to know very well in the last two months. Patrick Milne's versatility on piano, organ and bassoon and William Stevenson's on viola and running-track have also been subjects of my admiration.

Our congratulations to Leroy Cowie who is leading the double-basses in the National Youth Orchestra and who has been appointed King George VI scholar at the Royal Academy of Music. He has worked hard and cheerfully and deserves the reward of this privilege.

I am told that this is an exceptional year for maturing musical talent in the School —I do not require to be convinced!

I have listened with great interest to tape-recordings of the Choir's past achievements, and have formed the opinion that the vocal standard has on occassion been at least as high as that of the instrumentalists, and it was unfortunate that there was insufficient time to rehearse the Choir adequately for the Festival. Nevertheless they gave a very creditable account of themselves. Choir and Orchestra are now busy rehearsing for the end-of term concert to be performed, on this occassion, to the School.

The Lower School String Group, after a necessarily tardy start, is now in full swing. There is not the slightest difficulty here in persuading members to turn up for rehearsals; in fact, the only difficulty, at present, seems to be in persuading them to go home on Tuesday practice evenings. They have been fired with enthusiasm to try more ambitious works after their brief triumph as curtain-raisers in the Lower School Concert.

The lion's share of this splendid entertainment was undertaken by Mr. Hawksworth who worked patiently (and sometimes, justifiably, not so patiently) to bring his young singers to a very high standard in their performance of a school version of Bach's " Peasant Cantata ". We all hope that the excellent team of soloists will continue to take opportunities to show their talent in future productions, which will, we trust, include the same chorus and " corps de ballet ".

The playing of the small string orchestra which accompanied the cantata deserved the highest commendation.

Soule of us thought we detected a note of cynicism, in view of our present weather, in the words " Sweet Spring is advancing " and " Perhaps you're right!" of Items 18 and 19, but they were sung with the same conviction as the rest of the J. L. W. cantata.

The Choir At Christmas the choir gave a most successful recital of selected pieces from Handel's Messiah, accompanied by the string section of the orchestra. This year the choir has been hampered by a small tenor section, the general standard of the whole choir not being considered high enough to warrant entry in the Music Festival. The trebles and altos, however, made an entry gallant but unsuccessful, due mainly to lack of practice time. A recital is to be given to the School at the end of term. In spite of minor disappointments the choir has enjoyed a good year, under firstly, Mr. Murray and Mr. Hawksworth, and latterly under Mr. Wilson, to D. R. H. all of whom our thanks is due.

The School Orchestra Although there will be no Public Concert this year by the School Orchestra and other music groups a concert will be given to the School later on in the term.

There has been a feeling amongst the members that the orchestra is suffering from a " hangover " caused by last year's large concert. We must thank Mr. Murray who, together with his extra duties as Interim Principal Teacher of Music, still managed to shake a rather lethargic band of musicians into a semblance of an orchestra.

W. S.

86

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Aberdeen Schools Scientific Society

Since the last issue of the Magr<ine the Society has held four meetings, one every month. The lectures were on very varied subjects, ranging from anatomy and fisheries research to soil science and analytical chemistry. During this latter part of the season the interest of the 25o members of this inter-School society was very well sustained. Mr. Banks again very ably looked after the School's interest as staff committee member, while the boys were represented by Alasdair Matheson and Clement Stewart. Generally, this season has been highly successful and the Society looks forward to future successful meetings.

ALASDAIR MATHESON, Scho91 Represeniative

Arts Club The Arts Club met during the winter and spring months. Activities were concentrated mainly in the craft room under Mr. Atkinson's kindly eye with woodcarving, pottery, printing and model making. A few brave souls, however, did take to paint and brushes and almost succeeded in not hiding their lights under bush-els.

" The Bursary Comp."

Grammar boys won nine bursaries in the Aberdeen University Bursary Competition, and we congratulate them on their success. They were: bursary • • .

Arts: Donald R. Stewart • £60 Robert Falconer . .

• 31 I OS. . 25 Philip N. Love .

20 D. H. Norman Somerville • .

Peter E. Miller .

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Robert S. Taylor .

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Medicine: Stuart F. Robertson • 30 David B. Galloway .

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Alaisdair B. Mathieson .

• • 30 In the St. Andrews University Bursary Competition Edward B. Strachan won a £40 bursary.

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J. Robertson Justice on " Teachers " " . . . How is the teacher to cope with the debauching of the public's emotions, and . . . inculcate his charges with manners, the essential lubricant of the bearings of society ?" " . . . How can we kill the blight of ignorance without the spray of education? And who is to administer the spray but the teachers, those heroic members of a dedicated but depressed profession who are given nothing better than a few leaky garden syringes with which to spray the blight on some twenty million orchard trees?" " . . . It should be obvious . . . that the teacher is the foundation on which the health, prosperity, and well-being of the country is built. Without teachers we can have no farmers worth the name, no doctors, no scientists, nor, dare I mention it, no artists. Surely then, the teacher should be the most esteemed and, indeed, rewarded member of the community."

Extracts from the Rectorial Address given by Dr. James Robertson Justice to the Students of Edinburgh University—February 1958.

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School Section

Combined Cadet Force The contingent has suffered a decrease in numbers this session, largely as a result of the Defence White Paper. It has since become clear, however, that so far from discontinuing the Cadet Forces, it is intended that they be still further developed, and a reorganisation of the training syllabus is under discussion, and should become effective in the near future.

We have this year taken steps towards the formation of a Signals Platoon, and arc in possession of a number of wireless sets together with much other equipment.

Our junior N.C.O.s have been receiving instruction from Sgt. McIntosh of 51 Div. Sigs. Regiment. We are greatly indebted to Major Freeland and the officers of this unit for help given in forming this platoon.

We are also indebted to C.S.M. Leslie of the University Training Corps for invaluable assistance in training.

At the present time the possibility of developing a course leading to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being considered.

Officer strength has been increased during the session. Mr Ian Galloway has joined us to look after the Signals training, and will be attending Army Camp.

Mr. Watt has made an excellent recovery from his serious illness, and may shortly be expected to rejoin us in an official capacity. He has in fact, rendered invaluable assistance with administrative work during the whole of the present session.

Captain Nisbet left us to become an inspector in Edinburgh. We wish him every happiness and success.

Army and Basic Sections Certificate " A" Board for this session is due to take place on 25 May. There will be a Field Day on Friday, 23 May. Both Sections have visited the Range at Black Dog, and a second visit is arranged for 12 June.

The Annual Inspection is to take place on Friday, 6 June, when the Inspecting Officer will be Group Captain J. H. Greswell, D.S.O., O.B.E., D.N.C., Commanding R.A.F. Kinloss.

Annual Camp will be at Cultybraggan, Perthshire from 28 June to 5 July.

Last year classifications as Signallers were obtained by six of our N.C.O.s. Two cadets attended summer courses in Field Engineering.

In the recent A.C.F. Wapinschaw our " A" team, C./Sgt. Howard, Sgts.

Milne, Porter and Forbes were runners-up in the Tawse Trophy, and winners of the " falling plate " competition.

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R.A.F. Section Proficiency and Advanced examinations will be held in June.

The section is to visit Kinloss on Friday, 3o May, and the Range at Black Dog on 12 June.

A large number of cadets have taken advantage of the numerous courses provided.

Eight cadets attended courses at Halton on Navigation and Aero-Engines during the Easter Holidays. Cdt. Hardie received the highest mark for the entire course.

Sgt. Home attended a Star camp at Temhill.

Cpl. Watt and Cdt. Fumival have been awarded Flying Scholarships, and Cpl. Stevenson and Cdt. Mulvey have passed selection tests at Horrichurch.

Gliding courses have not so far fitted in this year, but facilities are being developed.

A party of cadets will attend a Naval Aviation course at Lee-on-Solent during the summer vacation.

Summer Camp will be at R.A.F. Benson from 16 to 23 July.

The primary Glider is now in use at Rubislaw on Friday evenings. Weather has not so far proved propitious, hut we hope for an improvement soon.

Pipes and Drums The Pipe Band was in a desperate position at the beginning of this year, but I am happy to say that it is once more in a healthy state.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Of the drumming section, the bass section was left without any members at the end of last year. These places have now been filled by new recruits who have improved immensely, and consequently this part of the drumming section is just as good, if not better than last year's section.

There was no problem about the side-drummers as they are all experienced performers. This part of the band has also been helped greatly by the introduction of our very fine new side drums.

The improvement of the drumming section is mainly due to the guidance of our instructor, Mr. McRobb.

The pipers have also had a number of recruits of whom a great proportion should be able to play in time for our first parade. Furthermore the pipes have been overhauled to ensure a good performance.

Thus I am sure the band will perform well at all our parades, the first being the Cadet Inspection in June.

ERIK A. S. PORTER, Drum Major.

" Vierwaldstattersee " 1958 This romantic-sounding lake better known to us as Lake Lucerne was the destination of forty, Grammar School boys who left Aberdeen Joint Station on the evening of Wednesday, 2 April under the care of Mr. R. Henson, Mr. J. Morrison and Mr. A. Farquhar. The tour had been arranged by the Scottish Secondary Schools Travel Trust and our party was one of a number that was going to Central Switzerland. We spent the following day sight-seeing in London and caught the boat train that night. Dawn broke to find us crossing the Franco-Swiss frontier and arriving in Basic where we looked around until at mid-day we once again mounted a train, for Lucerne, and from there a short boat-trip brought us to our final destination, Weggis, on the edge of Lake Lucerne.

Having arrived at our hotel—the St. Gotthard—we immediately set about gaining some long-overdue sleep. The following morning, refreshed and invigorated, after having sampled a typically Swiss meal and bed we set out upon the first of our many and varied excursions, but before leaving the hotel we held a short service at which the camp Commandant presided. The ensuing seven days were fully occupied by a most varied and interesting number of excursions, not the least of which was a literally breath-taking mountain-railway journey up the Rigi-Kulm mountain (1,800 metres) which dominates the whole lake. Rapid calculations by the more mathematically inclined among us produced the information that this railway, which had begun operations in 1871 and continued ever since without accident, attained a height greater than that of Ben-Nevis ! One would have thought that after this excursion all others would have been eclipsed but this was not to be so.

Among those which still remain fresh in my memory were the journeys to Zurich and Lugano and the visit to Altdorf, a village immortalised by the legend of William Tell.

From a social point of view, too, the tour was a great success. Friendships were formed not only with the local inhabitants but also with members of other schools on holiday in Weggis. It was decided to hold a concert for all those present, and due mainly to the Trojan-like efforts of Mr. Farquhar the concert was a great success. Following the concert a soccer match was arranged between the Weggis Youth Club and a Scottish Select Team from the hotel. Despite the fact that the Scottish team turned out in a variety of costume, ranging from bathing-costumes to long trousers they acquitted themselves well, especially the captain David Allan, The score of 5-3 for Weggis was just about the right result but the game was enjoyed by all, players and spectators alike.

However, all good things must come to an end and it was somewhat sadly that we packed our cases and said " Auf Wiedersehen " to all and sundry. What a wonderful holiday we had, and how much we owed this to our ever enthusiastic masters, without whom our visit to the beautiful Vierwalcdstattersee would have been impossible.

GAVIN B. WiLsoN, Upper V.

School Seclion

89

A Thought The dusk, fast fading, fills my world with grief; The distant hue of sun sinks from the sky, Across the roof-tops climbs the moon on high, Breaking the forms of shadowed trees apart: And here a water-silver frames a leaf; The rain, soft-studded, forms its sheath, And conjures beauty in an aching heart. it 6

The scene is set by arc-lights in the street, Blending their muzzy beams with falling rain, And drawing darkness back to light again, A plaintive effort to recall the sun.

But yet this world which lies now at my feet Sighs out a threat I find it hard to meet, For life is taken when the soul is gone.

The window damps, I lift it up to peer Once more into the rain-bespattered night.

Out there, when life was carefree, young, and light, Who thought that joy could break to silent pain; The eye could clog to one soft, gentle tear; That loneliness could grip and cause such fear, Or that small voice should never sing again?

The world was small, and laughter tinkled praise To God and Man; and Nature did we find An ever-opening friend; but now my mind Has lost this gift, and now it finds the care Of this wide world can soon erase The happiness of these gay, joyful days; And lengthening sorrow fills the rain-soaked air.

COLIN D. HALL (Upper V).

Sixth Form visit to Clyde Valley

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On a chilly Sunday night in March, twenty sixth-year boys, accompanied by Mr. Cook of the Science Department and Mr. Will of the Art Department, boarded a bus which was to take the party on a visit to certain of the industries, art galleries and museums of the Clyde Valley. During the tour we stayed at Glasgow University's MacBrayne Hall. On the Monday the boys visited the iron and steel plant of Colvilles Ltd., the morning being spent in studying the manufacture of pig iron from its ores. This spectacular tour included the charging and discharging of coke ovens, the morning's visit culminating in the topping of a blast furnace.

The same afternoon we watched the pig iron being converted into steel of varying properties aided by gigantic handling equipment.

The following morning we found ourselves again faced with familiar plates of mild steel when we visited the North British Locomotive Company's Queen's Park works. Here we had demonstrated to us heavy engineering techniques as applied to the construction of diesel locomotives for home and abroad. The afternoon brought a complete change as the boys were introduced to the art collections of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, as well as to the many other collections which comprised the museum.

9o

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Fur many boys, the visit to the Glasgow area reached its climax the next day when we visited I.C.I.'s Ardeer Factory in Ayrshire. The extremely well conducted and interesting visit to this establishment had something of interest for each boy.

The departments visited included acids manufacture, laboratories, nitro-cellulose and ammonium nitrate manufacture. Early on Thursday morning we were en route for Dumbarton, there to see light engineering in the form of clock-making at Westclox Ltd. Here we were particularly impressed by the mass-assembly technique as well as by the brightness and cleanliness of the factory itself. In the afternoon the dock was put back by Miss Anne Robertson who introduced us to the Hunterian Museum of Glasgow University and gave a lively talk on the Roman Collections, on which she is a recognised authority. The boys also took time to appreciate the very fine gem-stone and fossil collections contained in other parts of the museum.

On the last day we broke our rainy journey at Kirkcaldy where we visited the linoleum factory and design department of Michael Nairn and Company. In spite of a rather overpowering smell we found this visit very instructive. The afternoon was spent at Kirkcaldy's small but very interesting art gallery and museum where Mr. J. W. Blyth gave a most enlightening introduction to the paintings of McTaggart and Peploe. The fine collections genuinely interested boys such as myself who had not previously taken much care or time to study such fine paintings.

Our week finished, we returned home with memories of much seen and heard.

Many photographs were taken during the tour and these have been developed and displayed for the inspection of the Upper School.

DOUGLAS R. HARPER (Upper VI).

Cairngorm Trip—x958 On Saturday, 7 June, twenty-nine boys from Upper School, accompanied by Mr. Hawksworth and Mr. Henderson, went hill-walking between Glen Muick and Glen Callater. Despite an overcast sky in Aberdeen, the weather among the hills was glorious. Having left the bus, we skirted the south shore of Loch Muick and rapidly climbed to the plateau above it. Then, in easy stages, we proceeded to Broad Cairn (3,268 feet), where we had lunch, Cairn Bannoch (3,3'4 feet) and Cairn Taggart (3,430 feet), the highest point of our trip. Twice during this part of the journey we saw herds of deer, one on a distant patch of snow and the other when we disturbed them between Broad Cairn and Cairn Bannoch. On Cairn Taggart many of us were very interested to see and examine the remains of a Canberra jet bomber that crashed there some time ago. Several small pieces of the plane found their way down in our pockets as souvenirs. For the last part of our walk, from Cairn Taggart to Auchallater, we split into two groups. Mr. Hawksworth and the more energetic of our number went by way of Creag an Loch, Meall an t-Slugain (2,771 feet) and Creag na Dearcaige, the hills to the east of Glen Callater, while Mr. Henderson and the others descended to Loch Callater and so along the glen to Auchallater to join up again with the other group. From here our bus took us back to Aberdeen, tired but sunburnt and satisfie4 with our day in the hills. We can only hope that the Middle School trip, whichakes place later in the term, will be as enjoyable and as fortunate in its weather.

DONALD R. STEWART (Upper VI).

Thought for a money-grubbing age " In the hum of the market place there is money, but under the cherry tree there is peace."

Japanese proverb.

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School Section

91

House Notes Byron The following office-bearers were elected at beginning of term: Athletics : Captain, Douglas F. Ross ; Vice-Captain, Gordon Massie ; Cricket : Captain, David Allan ; Vice-Captain, Arthur Dickie.

The House did well in the Annual Swimming Gala this year providing Tom Houghton and Alan Stephen—Rector's Cup Winner and runner-up respectively from the Upper School, whilst the Middle School Swimming Medal was won by Garth Glentworth. The inter-House swimming championship was also won by Byron by a comfortable margin.

The hockey team under the captaincy of J. Drummond began well by winning three games, but it then deteriorated to finish third behind Melvin and Dun. The House rugby XV which also ended up in third place played some hard games and showed no lack of fighting spirit. Although strong in the forwards it was comparatively weak in the back division, but we were still unlucky to finish third.

For the Athletic Sports, although we have a fairly good choice of field and track athletes in Lower and Middle School, there arc few track aspirants in Upper School, and our chances for the inter-House championships do not look so bright as they have been in previous years.

Finally it remains to thank Mr. Morrison and the other masters of the house for their assistance and interest in the activities.

Tom HOUGHTON, House Captain.

Dun The following appointments were made at a meeting, held early in the Summer 'term ; Cricket Captain, Hector Aird ; Vice-Captain, James A. Bothwell; Athletics Captain, Philip N. Love ; Vice Captain, John B. Kelly.

The House has enjoyed a most satisfying share of sporting honours this year.

We must first congratulate our House rugby XV who emerged as victors in this year's " Knock-out" Competition, by defeating Byron and Keith convincingly.

The hockey team, on the other hand, did not have a successful season, but I am led to believe that they were rather unlucky in being forced into second place in the House matches. In swimming, our representatives put up an excellent display, to gain second place in the School Gala. Special thanks must go to J. Kelly, the House swimming captain, for his fine work in preparing the House entrants for the Gala.

The summer term offers a grand opportunity for the House to have one of its more successful years. Our prospects in the Annual Sports arc extremely bright, since present in the Senior Athletic Groups we have athletes possessing valuable experience and skill. I only hope that the House members in Lower and Middle School can show sufficient enthusiasm in their events to reinforce the fine performances which, I am sure, the older athletes in Groups 1 and II will produce.

In cricket, with luck on our side, the team under its youthful captain, H. Aird, may well produce the surprise result in the inter-House Tournament.

Our thanks, as ever go to our supporting masters and especially to Mr. R. McLeod who continues to keep House affairs running smoothly with his customary efficiency.

PHILIP N. LOVE, House Captain.

Keith At a meeting held soon after the Easter holidays the following officials were elected for the summer term : Cricket Captain, George F. Masson, Vice-Captain ; Quentin M. Cramb ; Athletics Captain, Quentin M. Cramb, Vice-Captain, William Stevenson ; Junior Cricket Captain, Douglas Paul.

During the winter term Keith's fortunes have varied considerably. Our hockey team wasn't very strong and, despite a surprising victory over the eventual winners, had a rather disappointing season. On the other hand the strong rugby team did very well to reach the House final where they were defeated by a very fine Dun team. The game against Melvin was in fact a desperately close and exciting game.

It is especially pleasing to see our Junior rugby team winning the Junior tournament

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 92 in grand style. Our performance in the Swimming Gala was, alas, again disappointing, but I feel sure that the next few years will show a great improvement in Keith's swimming achievements.

Looking to the future we have two aims, the Cricket Cup and the House Trophy.

There is no dearth of cricketing ability in the House and both our Senior and Junior teams should do well. We also have cause for optimism in the strength of our Athletics team; only a few boys of last year's team have been lost so that our prospects of retaining the Trophy are indeed bright.

Our thanks again are due to Mr. Wilson and Mr. Stephen for their enthusiasm and effort in House affairs.

QUENTIN M. CRAMS.

Melvin Congratulations are due to the following boys who gained sports awards in the winter terms: W. Balfour (Rugby colours, re-award), N. K. Buxton (hockey cap), D. Hay (hockey cap), and D. K. Parkinson (hockey half-colours). In the House competitions this year the House did as well as could be hoped in the Rugby Cup competition, finishing third equal with Byron House. We did, however win the hockey championship, losing only one match out of six.

At the Swimming Gala the House did quite well in finishing third to strong Byron and Dun teams.

The following officials were elected at the House meeting held at the beginning of the summer term: Cricket Captain, E. D. B. Bain; Via-Captain, D. Hay; Athletics Captain, D. H. N. Somerville; Vire-Captain, W. R. Hutcheon.

Our prospects for the summer term are quite good in Athletics and we should have a strong cricket team since a fair proportion of first XI players are in Melvin.

We must thank our Housemaster Mr. Walker and his assistants for looking after the House this year in their usual efficient manner.

ROBERT S. TAYLOR, Howe

Captain.

Scouts 1st Troop Since the last issue of the Magazine, we are pleased to report that our Café which was held in November realised over £600. Our very many thanks to all who supported us in this great effort.

The Scouts had a successful Open Night on 21 March. Mrs. Wolkoff, a member of the parent committee, was presented with a Thanks Badge in appreciation of the valuable services she has rendered to the Group over a period of years. On the following day, the Cubs had an Open Afternoon, which the parents seemed to appreciate.

Two Easter Camps!

Owing to the large number of boys who were anxious to go to Easter Camp at Clinterty, we had to run two separate camps over the fortnight.

The Group at the present moment average about ninety members. We have had a few promotions. T. Paton was promoted to P.L. and M. Wolkoff and G. Glentworth to znds.

The Cubs under the guidance of Ian Wolfoff tried the Totem Polc competition and we are proud to report they came in znd equal.

The Scouts are progressing under the capable leadership of S. Wilson and M. Birrow who have arranged for the summer Camp to be held for a fortnight commencing 17 June at Glentanar Estate. Here's hoping the weather will be kinder this year.

While writing this we are selecting two teams to represent the Group at the five a side football to be held on 19 May at Hazelhead.

N. W. BLAIR. G.S.M.

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School Section

93

9th Troop The Cubs are getting along very nicely, with Oscar Brown in command, ably assisted by Miss Diack and two anonymous young ladies from " Dunf'". (The anonymity is their wish.)

The troop progresses satisfactorily although with little " news" to report.

The Junior five-a-side football team won the Shield against strong opposition, and we have great hopes of at least getting within sight of the County Flag this year.

Summer camp is to be at Foyers on Loch Ness, and we wonder if there will be any " monstrous ' incidents. Plans are already well advanced for the Cafe in October, with £too already in hand.

Troop history Thanks to those who have sent information and photographs; unfortunately it has not been possible to put this job in hand, particularly since no one has yet been found who is prepared to take it on! It may be that some former Scouts would be prepared to undertake that part of the history applicable to their period in the 9th troop? The Records, etc., would be made available. If so, please let me have your names. [Records etc., sent on loan are being carefully looked after in the meantime]—Ed.

r7th Troop After the long and tedious weather of the winter we were extremely fortunate to pick on a perfect week-end for our Easter camp, which was held this year in the Den of Culter. The camp, which was held under canvas, was attended by twenty boys, among whom were quite a number of first campers. We are extremely grateful to the Culter Paper Mills for the use of their ground.

This is an extremely busy term with the County Flag Competition, five-a-side football and athletic sports, and we are delighted to report that the Troop is taking an enthusiastic part in all competitions.

Arrangements are well in hand for this year's summer camp which is being held at Kingussic. Although the numbers attending are not yet known, it is expected that at least thirty boys will be going.

The following promotion has been made: Scout David Thompson to znd of the Owls.

The Pack still continues to flourish and has now returned to its former strength of over thirty boys. A six was entered for the Totem Pole competition and we are very proud to report that they gained third place. Considering that this was an extremely young six and that one of their number had unfortunately to withdraw due to illness, leaving only five boys to enter, it reflects great credit on the boys and in particular on Miss Merson and her assistants. A very successful open-night was held by the pack which was attended by a large number of parents.

Finally it was with regret that we said goodbye to A.S.M. Brian Bruce, who left us in March to take up a post in Birmingham. Full of fun and game for anything, Brian could always be relied upon to produce new ideas or helpful suggestions.

We take this opportunity of thanking him for all his help in the past and of wishing him the very best of luck, success and happiness in the future.

JOHN K. BLAIR, StOldrnafter.

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GOLF A magnificent selection of Clubs, Bags, Caddy Cars, and all the Golfer needs, from which to choose.

Hire Purchase Terms arranged.

ARCHERY This season we stock the latest in the sport.

REPAIRS DEPT.

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Expert Badminton, Tennis and Squash Repairs.

Also re-stringing— 24 hour service.

iTONN SIMPSON & SON (S.& T.) LTD) 28 Bridge Street, Aberdeen (Palace Cinema Corner)

Open on Saturday until 6.30 p.m.

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School Section

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School Sporting Activities Rugby Team building proved more difficult than usual, and it was almost the end of the Christmas Term before a " regular " XV was fielded.

After a good start in October, ass XV play fell away but recovered when the team members settled into their positions. The main problems were at full back and at half back. In the latter, J. Bothwell and W. Rae did not combine well.

The former was erratic and the latter did not repeat the standard of play he displayed last season. In the second part of the season when Leslie and Galloway took over the half-back positions the threequarters were given more of the ball. Having seen little of it in the earlier games the centres, G. Masson and D. Ross, did not have the match experience to make full use of it. As it was they ran well and looked dangerous, but seemed to falter near the line.

The forwards came more into their own after Christmas, when of the five games played three were won and two drawn. In the loose they showed the " fight " and determination which the earlier games had led us to expect from them. A. Forbes and P. Shirreffs showed up well here. In supporting attacks J. Kelly, W. Balfour and P. Love were prominent, while in defence the pack were adequate. P. Love bore the brunt of the line out work, and indeed he was the most outstanding player in the side—a worthy winner of a school cap.

Having had an unfortunate start to the season at half back, W. Rae, the Captain, played well in his new position of full back. He kept a tight hold on the XV and was no mean task-master. and XV Of the ten games played eight were won and two lost. Of these one was against Altyre and the other against Academy 1st XV. This latter game took place at the beginning of the `flu epidemic in the School, but in order to fulfil the fixture a team which was very much weakened was fielded. Good wins were recorded against Gordonstoun, Strathallan, Glenalmond, Perth Academy, Dundee High School and Gordon's The and XV was a good team and much of the credit for this must go to D. Galloway who, until his promotion to the ist captained the side. Among the outstanding members of the side were Galloway, J. Michie, and R. Taylor among the backs; and A. Duncan, I. Davidson, and I. Stewart among the forwards.

3rd XV This team had a most successful season despite the many changes in personnel caused by illness and injury in the ist and znd XVs. The only defeat sustained was at the hands of Glenalmond, but in fairness it must be said that this was the first match after the `flu epidemic. Good wins were obtained against Gordonstoun, Gordon's and against a strengthened Academy XV. H. Aird, the captain, O. Birkbeck, M. Henderson, G. Lawrence, and H. Cameron displayed a form which augurs well for next season's top two teams.

4th XV A number of 4th XV fixtures had to be cancelled and only six matches were played. Of these four were won and two lost. The team played well and enjoyed its rugby.

Colts did not have a very good season. Despite numerous defeats they fought hard, and displayed great enthusiasm throughout the season.

Juniors was again an outstanding team, playing good rugby in all departments of the game.

Minors had a satisfactory season. With experience it should develop into a useful side.

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House Rugby Trophies

Senior Junior

Dux HOUSE KEITH HOUSE Results

xst XV and XV 3rd XV 4th XV Colts and Colts A Juniors Minors

Played 13 10 7 6 10 9 7

Won 7 8 6 4 4 8 5

Lost 4 2 1 2 6 t 2

Drawn 2 -

Points For 105 x56 51 41 112 x82 Bo

Points Against 66 90 19 45 136 21 41

1

Who's Who in the ist XV W. McRae. 5 ft. 4 in.; 9 st. 7 lb. Full back. Captain. Very quick off his mark and with a good eye for an opening. Didn't settle at half back but his play improved considerably when he moved to full back. Will be rememberd by his colleagues as a strict disciplinarian. (Full Colours.)

P. N. Love. 5 ft. 1 I in.; 12 st. 5 lb. and row forward. Vice-Captain and the most outstanding forward. Gave forwards a good lead by strong courageous play.

Saved the day on more than one occasion by excellent place kicking. Awarded cap.

T. N. Ducat. 6 ft.; to st. 711b. Wing threequarter. Not endowed with the speed normally expected of a wing three, but made up for this with a determination to go for the line. A good defence. He should be a useful member of next year's XV. (Half colours.)

G. Masson. 5 ft. it in.; to st. 131 lb. Centre threequarter. Somewhat erratic at times but when playing well he was the outstanding back. With a good eye for an opening and considerable speed he was always a potential danger to the opposition. Defence usually sound. (Full colours.)

D. Ross. 5 ft. 5 in.; to st. 2 lb. Centre threequarter. A very steady player.

Lacking the speed of his partner his strong physique used to advantage made him equally dangerous. Full colours.

M. Q. Cr-arnb. I ft. to in.; to st. Wing threequarter. The fastest member of the side he lacked the decisiveness to go for the line. His defence somewhat suspect at times, was distinguished at others. (Half colours.)

R. Taylor. 5 ft. to in.; to st. 13 lb. Back. Unlucky not to command a regular place in the side. Whether playing full back, half back or threequarter he played well. Has a good pair of hands but a seemingly awkward passing movement.

D. Galloway. 5 ft. 81 in.; 9 st. to lb. Stand off half. Came into the side late in the season. Has a safe pair of hands and proved an excellent link between forwards and backs. Lacked speed off the mark to make a break on his own.

S. Leslie. 5 ft. it in.; i x st. 7 lb. Scrum half. Played wing forward before becoming scrum half. Has a powerful pass from base of scrum, but sometimes erratic. Could make a good break from scrum but lacked ability to get rid of the ball at correct time. (Half colours.)

A. Dickie. I ft. 5 in.; 12 a. 7 lb. Hooker. Illness prevented him playing in a number of games. A good hooker he served the team well. Play in the loose could be improved. (Half colours.)

A. Forbes. 5 ft. 9i in.; It st. a lb. Front row forward. Came into side late in winter term. Good prop and excellent in the loose. Always in the thick of things and always came out on top. (Full colours.)

P. Shirreffs. 5 ft. 61 in.; i i st. 8 lb. Front row forward. Small in size but well built. Made good use of his feet, and when leading a foot rush was difficult to stop. Developed the habit of wandering from his position hoping that the ball would come to him to save him excessive work. (Full colours.)

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D. Allan. 6 ft.; ix st. 5 lb. Second row. Not a regular member of the XV. A very good ball player he was a hard worker in the team. A first class place kicker, useful in line out work, his defence was somewhat suspect.

J. Kelly. 5 ft. 8 in.; to st. 8 lb. Wing forward. Powerfully built, speedy and well suited to his position. Backed up well and tackled hard. A very useful member of any VX. (Re-awarded full colours.)

W. Balfour. 5 ft. r 1 in.; 11 st. 8 lb. Not up to his best at beginning of season, but much improved after Christmas. A very strong player with a decisive tackle and a fair burst of speed. (Re-awarded full colours.)

J. Bothwell. 5 ft. 6f in.; to st. 3 lb. Wing forward. Started season as scrum half, later regained his place in the XV as wing forward. A very plucky player indeed. His tackling and falling on the ball were both excellent. He could have been even more effective with some training. (Half colours.)

L. Gray. 5 ft. xi in.; 13 st. 7 lb. Second row or lock forward. Not a regular member of the XV, but an excellent substitute. Rather slow in backing up, but always played with determination and gave yeoman servce to the side.

Games Played :7th December. v. Strathallan, at Strathallan.

Team: R. Taylor, N. Ducat, G. Masson, D. Ross, Q. Cramb, W. Rae, S. Leslie, A. Forbes, A. Dickie, P. Shirreffs, P. Love, L. Gray, J. Kelly, W. Balfour, G. Graham .

School were on the defensive in the first part of the game. From a well placed high diagonal kick, a Strathallan winger collected the ball and scored a well taken try near the posts. This was converted.

In the second half, School settled down to play good rugby under wet conditions.

In an attacking spell efforts were rewarded with a penalty which P. Love converted.

Although playing strongly School could not break through a tight Strathallan defence to produce a winning score.

Final score: School, 3 points; Strathallan, 5 points.

2 xst December. v. Royal High School at Jock's Lodge.

Ross was unfit and his place was taken by R. Taylor, D. Bain moving to full back.

School won the toss and played with a strong wind. The School forwards were beaten for the ball by the heavier Royal High pack and their backs used it well.

Following a loose scrum, the High School captain dived over the line for a try.

The full back converted.

With the wind behind them in the second half, the Royal High backs swung the ball about freely. A good run by their left winger resulted in an unconverted try.

The stand-off later followed this by scoring another unconverted try.

Final score: School, o points; R.H.S., i x points. is January. v. A.G.S. F.P.s znd XV. Team: W. Rae, N. Ducat, G. Masson, D. Ross, Q. Cramb, R. Taylor, J. Bothwell, A. Forbes, A. Dickie, P. Shirreffs, P. Love, D. Allan, J. Kelly, W. Balfour, G. Graham.

School won the toss and elected to play downhill. The forwards combined well in both the loose and the set scrums resulting in the backs getting more than a fair share of the ball. Nevertheless F.P.s put over a penalty to open the scoring.

Later Bothwell broke away to score a try near the posts. Rae converted. Good runs by Ross, Masson and Cramb ended short of the line. Towards the end of the first half G. Masson had a breakaway and scored at the corner. Rae converted.

In the second half Graham sustained an injury to his mouth and he left the field.

F.P.s pushed hard but could not find an opening through the School defence.

Near full time Leishman crossed for a try. This was an excellent performance by the School XV. Final score: School, so points; and A.G.S. F.P.s, 6 points. x February. v. Dundee High School.

D. Galloway replaced Taylor and Bothwell came into the wing-forward position, Leslie resumed at scrum-half.

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School won the toss and elected to play downhill. Although the pack won the ball with monotonous regularity, the backs did not use it to advantage. Dundee defended well and kept their line intact. However, from a penalty award. P. Love put School ahead. Late in the first half D. Ross sent N. Ducat through to score an unconverted try.

Dundee attacked strongly in the second half but a mediocre defence prevented a score.

Final score: School, 6 points; Dundee High School, nil. t March. v. Glasgow High School, at Glasgow.

L. Gray came into second row in place of D. Allan.

The game opened with School on the defensive. The Glasgow pack heeled the ball but their backs made no headway against a sound defence. The Glasgow captain, however, landed a long range penalty giving High School the lead.

In the second half, School settled down to play vigorous attacking rugby.

The forwards took complete control of the game and several good runs ended short of the line. After a forward movement A. Forbes scored an unconverted try. School pressed up to the end of the game and were unlucky not to run out winners.

Final score: School, 3 points; Glasgow High School, 3 points.

19 March. v. Robert Gordon's College.

Team: W. Rae, N. Ducat, G. Masson, D. Ross, R. Taylor, D. Galloway, S. Leslie, A. Forbes, A. Dick ie, P. Shirreffs, P. Love, A. Duncan, G. Graham, W. Balfour, J. Bothwell.

School won the toss and elected to play downhill. From the very beginning of the game the School pack mastered the efforts of the College. Dickic was hooking superbly, taking most of the College ball as well as his own. The shaky College defence did, however, hold out against all attacks.

In the second half, the pack again settled down well. From an attack by the backs School were awarded a penalty which P. Love converted. Strong runs by Taylor, Masson and Ducat ended short of the line. School increased their lead when P. Love converted a penalty. In a breakaway attack College were awarded a penalty which was converted. College never looked dangerous in attack, but their defence held out against repeated onslaught by School.

Final score: School, 6 points; Robert Gordon's College, 3 points.

22 March. v. A.G.S. znd. F.P.s.

Michie came into the wing position and Bain to stand-off.

School won the toss and elected to play downhill. A very much improved F.P. pack pushed the School off the ball in both the loose and the set. The School back division tackled their opposing numbers in a devastating fashion thus preventing a score. From a breakaway G. Masson scored a try which was converted

by P. Love. F.P.s retaliated by converting a penalty.

In the second half, School were once again on the defensive. From an attacking move, School were awarded a penalty which P. Love converted. A few minutes from full time an F.P. centre broke through to score near the posts. The winger converted.

Final score: School, 8 points; A.G.S. F.P.s znd XV, 8 points.

W. M. RAE, Captain.

Cricket Once again we are greatly indebted to Mr. Allardice, Mr. Stevenson and Mr. Stephen for their invaluable advice and instruction. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Tyson whose knowledge and hard work have given us one of the finest cricket squares in Scotland. Our thanks are also due to the many masters who have undertaken the task of umpiring.

The ass XI this year is reasonably strong, having seven players from last year's team. The znd XI is not quite strong enough for some of their opposing teams, but we may rejoice on the fact that there are a number of promising players in the Middle School.

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zst XL Matches z6 April. v. A. J. M. Edwards Select.

School won the toss and elected to bat on an easy paced wicket. The runs did not come however, and School were all out for Si with 7o minutes left for play.

Good fielding disposed of five of the opposition. When time ran out the score was 65 for 6. Henderson 24 not out, Bothwell 23, Allan 2 for 9.

3 May. v. Aboyne.

School lost the toss and were put in to bat first. The first three wickets fell cheaply but a fine stand by Aird and Allan added 81 runs to the total. School declared at i so for 4. Aboyne started reasonably well but were dismissed for 78.

Aird 55 not out; Allan 37; Bain 4 for 14.

7 May. v. Gordons.

This game was abandoned due to rain. so May. v. Dollar Acadamy.

School lost the toss and were put in to bat first. At the beginning School were very slow in scoring but quickened up towards the end. School were all out for 95 having batted for three hours. Dollar succeeded in obtaining the winning run in the second last over of the game.

Allan as; Auld 19 not out; Bain 2 for 24.

17 May. v. Perth.

Perth won the toss and elected to bat first. Perth's batting was very slow due to accurate bowling and good fielding. Perth declared at 66 for 4, leaving School 5o minutes in which to make the runs. The finish was very close, School scoring the winning run on the third last ball of the game.

Masson 19; Bain 18 not out; Bain 2 for 23.

24 May. v. Glenalmond.

This game was also abandoned due to rain.

31 May. v. Perth.

The return game with Perth proved to be more exciting than the first. School won the toss and put Perth in to bat. The home team were very slow in scoring runs and eventually declared at 65 for 4. This left School 45 minutes in which to score the necessary runs. Such was the determination of School to gain victory that they managed to score the winning run in the last over.

Masson 15; Bain 14; Allan t3; Auld 12; Gordon 2 for 19; Auld a for 6 Hockey Season 1957-58 has been, without exception, one of the finest in the history of Grammar School hockey. The ist XI have won the Aberdeen District "B' League with the following remarkable record.

Points For Against Lost Drawn Won Played 14 7 35 7 0 0 7 It was the first time any Aberdeen School side had gained this honour. In inter-school matches only one was lost (against Abbey School at Fort Augustus).

The School defeated the " auld " enemy on all three occassions that they met, a feat which has never previously been performed by either College or ourselves in one season. We had Hay and Buxton capped for Scotland v. Ireland, and in that match, Burton was the outstanding Scottish performer. In the North Team v.

South we had four players selected, Burton, Gordon, Hay and Robertson, while Drummond was travelling reserve. As this was regarded as the Final Schoolboys Trial it reflected great credit on the boys concerned. The complete record for the season was Drawn Lost Played Won 13 5 z5 7 It must be remembered that the bulk of their fixtures were against adult teams in the local district and the performance was, therefore, all the more creditable.

As far as individual performances were concerned pride of place was probably taken by Robertson, whose 72 goals in the season equalled the highest ever gained

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

by a North player. The successes this season, however, were gained by teamwork of a high order, with a sound defence and a progressive forward line dovetailing splendidly. The team has been well led by Dennis Hay, who has prodded his team when needed and praised his team when deserved.

The regular sat Team was Burton, Walker, Gordon, Drummond, Parkinson, Thomson, Young, Hay, Robertson, Leiper and Leslie.

Colour Awards: Caps, N. Buxton, D. Hay; Re-award FullColour', S. Robertson, J. Drummond, Half Colours re-award, P. Walker; Half Colours award, D. Parkinson, A. Young.

The snd XI developed into a very workmanlike side and were only beaten twice in the season. The half-back line of Ross, Lorimer and Hampton was outstanding, but there was a shortage of good forwards with the requisite stick work. It might be timely to point out to those, who aspire to team places, that fitness and constant learning and practice of the game are essential to their progress.

No matter how skilled a player may be, if he is not physically fit he is of little value to the team. Time and again, through the years, I have seen good players, who were self indulgent in practices detrimental to health as well as fitness, fall on the scrap heap as those who failed to make the grade.

The IVth year XI had a surprisingly successful season, taking into consideration the relatively poor results achieved by them in 3rd year. Their success was due to teamwork rather than individual brilliance. Ross and Henderson reached znd XI standard while Mackie and May, although not quite powerful enough to be completely effective, combined well with Sim and M. Campbell. The defence however, never impressed and a great deal more positional sense and quickness will have to be shown by aspiring znd XI players next season. Once again there was a distinct lack of interest in the acquisition of the basic skills and little keenness shown in practising them. Let us hope that next year's IVth year show more spirit in this respect.

The second half of the season has been a disappointing one for the Colts who, because of various reasons, have not had much match practice. There has been plenty of enthusiasm and promising players have progressed splendidly. Lawson (Captain), McAra and Young (half hacka) and Draper and McKenzie (forwards) have been specially prominent. Mr. S. B. Hunter has done a good job here and it has to be hoped that these young boys have realised the importance of the basic skills of the game.

The House Hockey competition was very keenly fought out and Melvin deservedly, emerged winners of the Hockey Cup. They were closely challenged by Dun, the favourites, who failed to show the team spirit which pervaded the Melvin ranks. Just to show that keenness and spirit could work wonders, Keith ended the series by shocking the champions to a 2-I defeat—" bravo " for the underdogs.

A most enjoyable Masters a. Boys match ended in a 3-1 victory for the boys.

Some of the masters surprised the boys with the energy and ability at a game which most of them seldom play. It was the general opinion that if the umpiring had not been so biased, the Masters would have won easily I I I—apologies to Messrs. Cromar and Peters.

Again, our thanks are due to all the masters who, so willingly, gave of their time and energy to keep the wheels of the hockey section running smoothly.

Matches It January: v. Gordonians " A " : Score 8-o; Scorers, Robertson 6, Leiper and Hay. School won this game as easily as the score suggests. In a sound all round side Gordon, Parkinson, Hay and Robertson were outstanding.

7 February. v. Training College: Score 7-o; Scorers, Robertson 5, Gordon and Hay. In this game the forwards combined well and with sound support from the half backs were well on top of a rather poor Training College side.

14 February. v. Abbey School, at Fort Augustus: Score 1-4.; Scorer, Leiner.

The whole team played below form and it was only in the first quarter of an hour that they matched the Abbey for speed and skill. In that spell School took the lead but, after that, the Abbey School took the initiative and ended up decisive winners. Could the lavish Abbey hospitality have been to blame for School's

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poor performance? Everybody enjoyed the trip and we hope to repay Abbey when they visit us next year in more ways than one! i March. v. Gordon's College: Score 6-1; Scorers, Robertson 3, Leiper z, Hay I. School held a decided advantage at half back where Drummond, Parkinson and Thomson held the Gordon's attack and gave their forwards good service. Hay was outstanding and Leiper has made rapid improvement at inside left.

8 March. v. Gordonstoun: Score z-t ; Scorer, Robertson.

School were on top for most of the game but for once the forwards were poor in their finishing efforts. School equalised in a strong finish and were unlucky not to record a victory.

13 March. v. Fettes College: Score z-z ; Scorer, Robertson z.

A shaky start by the School saw Fettes take an early lead but School settled and equalised before half time. At the beginning of the second half School were the better team and, deservedly, took the lead. From that point, to the end of the game, Fettes pressed and the defence take great credit from the fact that it was only near the end that Fettcs equalised. A splendid match and a good result. zz March. v. Strathallan School: Score 4-I; Scorers, Milne 3, Stewart z.

A School team, minus four of their best players, were much too good for Strathallan. In Hay's absence Drummond proved a splendid captain and Parkinson, Lorimer, Leslie and Leiper were best in a good victory.

R. McNAY.

Swimming The swimming gala was, as usual, a great success. Byron House won the House Championship with Dunn as runner-up. The Lower and Middle School medals were won by Peter Wilkinson and Garth Glentworth respectively whilst the Rector's Cup was won by Tom Houghton.

Mr. Allardice again had a goodly number of boys gaining life-saving awards.

The awards were as follows:— Elementary Certificate . . . . 3o Intermediate Certificate . . . , 31 Bronze Medallions . . .

17 Bar to Bronze Medallion . . . x Bronze Cross . . . . .

9 Award of Merit . . . .

3 Scholar Inst. Certificate . . . x 91 an excellent record.

The Swimming Club has a big membership this year and several boys have succeeded in passing the Junior and Intermediate tests. In general the standard of school swimming has been very high, and when the School has a pond of its own we should produce some good swimmers.

Finally the Club must thank Messrs. Stevenson, Allardice and Paterson for their help and enthusiasm.

Tom HOUGHTON, Swimming Captain.

Athletics At a meeting held at the end of last term Philip N. Love and George Masson were elected Captain and Vice-Captain respectively of the Athletic Club.

This term has shown an almost unbelievable enthusiasm for athletics by a considerable number of boys in Upper School, most of whom have trained quite regularly despite the hard ground and the appalling track conditions.

At this early stage of the term, a most outstanding year for the Athletic Club can be forecast quite confidently. From the individual performances returned in

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eliminating heats and in practice, it can be seen that W. Stevenson, N. Ducat, A. Duncan, S. Leslie, Q. Cramb and P. Love together with several other, will return first class performances in their respective events.

Our first success this term, was in the Evening Express Cup relay at King's, in which the School team consisting of Cameron, Cramb, Hutcheon and Stevenson, never once had the issue in doubt and finished handsome winners over Aberdeen Academy. Considering the appalling conditions, the time of z min. 46.1 sec. returned by the team [only tit sec. outside the ground record] was a most meritorious performance and had the conditions been fairer, I think we should have seen last year's record smashed quite easily. It should also be noted that the School has now won the trophy three years in suc.'Pssion.

A large Athletic team is expected to go forward to compete in the Scottish Schools' Athletic Championship at Westerlands, Glasgow on 21 June, and it is hoped that our athletes will return home with a fair share of the medals.

Our thanks, as always, must go to Mr. Paterson for his hard work and devoted attention in preparing our athletes for their oncoming contests.

PHILIP N. LOVE, Atbletits Captain.

The School Sports The School Sports, held on Friday and Saturday 13 and 14 June were blessed with magnificent weather on both afternoons. But the occasion this year was memorable not only for the clemency of the elements, but for the large number of records broken, and for the outstanding nature of some of the performances.

Amongst these were William Stevenson's brilliantly run 88o yards in z minutes, the winning of the hurdles race by Nicholas Ducat in 15-4 seconds and Philip Love's breaking his own record to jump 5 ft. 7,1- in. It was remarkable of Andrew Leach in the Group 3 Championship to be first in zzo yards, 88o yards, hurdles and High Jump: the nature of the feat can be properly adjudged when it is realised that in all four events he broke existing records.

The following records were broken (old records in brackets).

Group i : 88o yards : William Stevenson (Keith)-2 min. (2 min. 3-1 sec.).

Hurdles : Nicholas Ducat (Dun)—I5.4 sec. (15.9 sec.).

High Jump : Philip Love (Dun)-5 ft. 7* in. (5 ft. 7 in.).

Group 3 : zzo yds : Andrew Leach (Keith)—a5.2 sec.

88o yds : Andrew Leach (Keith) z min. 19.2 sec.

Hurdles : Andrew Leach (Keith)—io•5 sec.

High Jump : Andrew Leach (Keith)-4 ft. ix in.

Group 4 : Cricket Ball : James Banks (Dun) 194 ft. 3 in.

Group 5 : zzo yd : Douglas Fowlie (Melvin) 29.3 sec.

Cricket Ball : Douglas Fowlie (Melvin) 195 ft. 9.1 in.

Broad Jump : Douglas Fowlie (Melvin) 14 ft. 7f in.

Group 8 : so yd. : Jonathan Anstock (Melvin)-7.5 sec.

Broad Jump : Jonathan Anstock (Melvin)-11 ft. I in.

Senior Relay x. Keith-1 min. 11.3 sec. z. Dun 3. Byron The Inter-House Competition ended as follows: (3) Byron-107 points. (t) Keith—i36 points.

(2) Melvin—I27 points.

(4) Dun—too points.

Individual Championship Results: Group 1 : George F. Masson (Keith)—x4 points. runner-up : Stewart Leslie (Byron)—8 points.

Group a : Colin Preshaw (Keith)—t3 points. runner up : Morrison Brown (Dun)—t x points.

Group 3 : Andrew Leach (Keith)—I9 points. runner-up : Alan Draper (Byron)-1o points.

Group 4 : Robin Craig (Byron)—x5 points. runner-up : Peter Stephen (Dun)—to points.

Group 5 : Douglas Fowlie (Melvin)—x8 points. runner-up : John Hendry (Keith)-7 points.

Former Pupils' Club Section (Club Founded xi September 1893)

Club Office-Bearers, 1958-59 Honorary President : Sir JAMBS J. ROBERTSON, O.S.E., M.A., B.D., LL.D., F.R.S.E., F.E.I.S. (Rector since 1942) Honorary Vice-Presidents : HENRY JACKSON BUTCHART (1890-99), D.S.O., O.B.H., T.D., B.L., LL.D., D.L. DOUGLAS PATERSON CO< FIRAN (1906-15).

Sif PATRICK ASHLEY COOPER (1896-1901), B.A., LL.B. CHARLES DAVIDSON (1882-86), M.A. JAMES CATTO DUFFUS (1897-1904), O.B.E., bf .C., M.A., LL.B. Colonel ARCHER IRVINE-FORTESCUE (1892-97), D.S.O., M.8., CH.B. Sir WILSON JAMESON (1892-1902), G.B.E., K.C.B., M.D., LL.D., SC.D., P.R.C.P. ALEXANDER MCKENZIE JOHNSTON (1898-1903).

JAMES GRAY Km (1891-98), C.B.B., F.F.A., F.R.S.E. JOHN ADAM LILLIE (1893-1903), M.A., LL.B., Q.C. ERIC R. R. LINKLATER (1913-16), C.H.E., M.A., LL.D., T.D. Sir ARTHUR LOTHIAN (1892-94 and 1898-1904), K.C.I.E., C.S.I., LL.D. The Right Hon. Lord MESTON (1901-02).

GEORGE GORDON NICOL (1894-1903).

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.), F.S.A. ALEXANDER GEORGE NICOL SMITH (1880-88), D.S.O. WILLIAM CLARK SOUTER (1893-98), M.D., D.O. Sir WILLIAM ROBERT TENNANT (1904-I0), C.I.E., M.A., LL.D. Sir JOHN MACKAY THOMSON, C.B., M.A., F.R.S.E. (Rector, 1920-21.)

Sir Larmsaoaoucii THOMSON (1899-1908), C.B., O.B.E., M.A., D.SC., F.R.S.E. President : JOHN LENNOX RIDDELL (1907-16) Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive : JAMES SCOTT GRAY MUNRO (1922-28), H.L., J.P. Secretary and Treasurer : JOHN SCOTT MACLACHLAN (1922-32), M.A., LL.B., 220 Union Street, Aberdeen.

General Editor of Magazine : CAMPBELL CONNON (1926-38), M.A., I.L.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen.

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Aberdeen. Grammar School Magerine Secretaries of Centres :

Bengal and Assam—DR. WILLIAM GEORGE MACMILLAN (1916-22), 2 Raja Santosh Road, Alipore, Calcutta.

Central Africa—GEORGE MITCHELL GROAT (1927-40), P.O. Box, 394, Salisbury.

Edinburgh—ALLAN CAMERON FRAZER (1925-30), M.A., W.S., 10 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh 3.

Glasgow—JOHN GORDON MICHIE BIRSS (1926-38), M.C., M.A., A.C.W.A., 99 Fcc-x Drive, Scotstoun, Glasgow, W.4.

London—NnerAN MACKIE (1927-37), M.A., 9 Old Burlington Street, London, W.I. Malaya—Forums KEITH SELLAR (1933-45). B.L., I & 2 Bonham Building, Singapore.

Yorkshire—ARTHUR JAMES ADAMS (1919-30), 485 Bradford Road, ThomburY, Bradford Secretaries of Sections: Boarding House—GORDON INNES GRAHAM (1936-47), 5 Westfield Terrace Aberdeen.

Cricket—ALEXANDER MUNRO DAVIDSON (1937-45), B.L., 18 Golden Square, Aberdeen.

Golf—GEORGE ALEXANDER CRAIG WALKER (1917-23), 164 Market Street, Aberdeen.

Hockey—WILLIAM GAIT (1945-48). 82 Powis Place, Aberdeen.

Rugby—DOUGLAS HARRY CHAPMAN (1936-48), 10 Crirnon Place, Aberdeen.

TeIMIS-KF.NNETH BREBNER WILLIAMS (1938-46), 137 Desswood Place, Aberdeen.

Executive Committee: The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman.

GEORGE EDWARD COLLEDGE BARTON (1923-26), M.A., Vice-ChOllfftaft.

The Secretary and Treasurer, and General Editor of Magazine, ex qfficiis.

The Rector of the School, ex officio.

WILLIAM LEWIS CONNON (1930-40), B.L. BRIAN KERRINGTON CROOKSHANKS (1934-46), M.A., LL.B. WILLIAM GATT (1945-48).

DR. GILBERT FREV/LN HAMILTON (192130), B.SC., M.B., CH.B. GORDON NICOL HENDERSON (192I-34), M.A., LL.B. ALISTAIR MACDONELL MILNE (1924-32).

JOHN MORTIMER (1923-27).

JOHN MCPHERSON MUTCH (1932-45), C.A. ALAN JAMES PETERS (1920-30), C.A. KENNETH JAMIESON PETERS (1929-41), M.A. JAMES REID (1924-34).

IAN GRAY SHINNIE (1918-28).

IAN LEWIS SMITH (1918-30).

ALAN CROMBIE ROBERTSON WATT (192537), M.A., LL.B.

Section Representatives Boarding Hoare—ALFRED JoHN MELDRUM EDWARDS (1908-21), M.A., B.COM. Criek.et—WILLIAM EWEN (1932-44).

GOY—GEORGE EDWARD COLLEDGE BARTON (1923-26), M.A. Hockey—ROBERT —ROBERT LEYS CROMAR (1944-49).

Rigby—JoHN MAXWELL MILNE (1934-46), M.A. TOPlif-KENNETH BREBNER WILLIAMS (1938-46).

Hon. Auditors: Messrs. BOWER and SMITH, C.A.

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Annual General Meeting, 1958 The Fifty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Caledonian Hotel on 25 March 1958, under the Chairmanship of Mr. J. S. G. Munro.

Executive's Report, 1957-58 The Secretary read the Report, from which the following information is taken: Membership and Subscriptions The following is an analysis of the membership of the Club as at z8 February 1958, with comparable figures at 28 February 1957• Life Membership Fully Partially Paid Paid Ordinary Honorary Staff Total 28/2/S7 x,16x 11 9 2,202 983 38 28/2/58 1,189 22 1,004 II 2,235 9 + 28

+ 16

+ zr

-

-

+ 33 Losses by Death During the year the deaths of forty-six Former Pupils of whom twenty-two were Members of the Club, have been reported. They included two original members of the Club, David Murray Strath and Harry Elkington Smith; Charles Henry Alexander Webster; John Watson Robertson, a former Master and Headmaster of the Academy; Herbert William James Paton, who left a substantial Legacy to the Club; William Elder Drummond Smith, one of the Donors of the Shanghai Clock; and the Reverend George Stanley Russell, the first Schoolboy Editor of the Magazine.

Amenities Fund.

The Amenities Fund is now in existence and first disbursements have been made.

Club Centres The Yorkshire Centre has been revived and the Annual Dinner will be held on 25 April.

There is also the possibility of new Centres being formed in Dundee and Lancashire.

Social The Annual Dinner of the Club was held in the Caledonian Hotel on 25 October and was attended by eighty-three F.P.s and ninety Guests. Mr. Douglas P. Cochran was in the Chair, and the principal Guest was Mr. D. E. Collier.

The Annual Ball was held in the Beach Ballroom on 23 December, when 368 Members and Guests were present.

The small numbers were as a result of an influenza epidemic.

[End of Excerpt from Executive's Report] Office-bearers for 1958-59

Hon President—Sir James J. Robertson was unanimously reappointed.

Hon. Via-Presidents—All the surviving Vice-Presidents were re-elected with, in

addition, the retiring President Mr. Douglas Cochran. Appreciative tribute was paid to the enthusiastic manner in which he had carried out his duties during his year of office.

President—J. Lennox Riddell (1907-16) was appointed.

(A full list of the Club's office-bearers appears on pages 103- 504).

Finance The Accounts (of which an Abstract is reproduced on the pages rzo-r21) were approved.

to6

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

J. Lennox Riddell President of the F.P. Club (1958-59) The office of president of any club is rightly regarded as the highest honour its members can bestow: it should be jealously preserved, and awarded to those whose character, conduct and career bring credit to the club. In a Former Pupils' Club the acceptance of office signifies more—the recognition by the President of the debt which he owes to the school which nurtured him.

Our own Club has been singularly fortunate in having Presidents who have amply fulfilled these conditions. To scan the list of those who in the past have honoured us by accepting office is to realise, not only the considerable part played by former pupils in national and international affairs, but also the honours, civil and military, which have rewarded their efforts. Their notices in our Magazine read sometimes like a catalogue of scientific treatises, sometimes like a progression through the realms of law and literature: their honours, of university and state, can scarce be confined within the printer's limits.

Our President of this year, whose notice I am privileged to pen, has made no such excursions either abroad or at home: he has no such honours appended to his name. But to two generations of former pupils John Lennox Riddell (1907-16) needs no such commendations to his office. He stands as the perfect embodiment of all that a loyal and grateful former pupil should be, for since 1915, when he was first elected to the Club Executive his record of service in all aspects of the Club's affairs has been quite unique. From that year till 1939 he served on the Executive with the usual constitutional breaks in continuity: from 1939 to 1947, for the longest period in the history of the Club, he was Vice-president and chairman of the Executive and indeed, with the co-operation of the late Dr. Theodore Watt, he held the Club together during that eventful period, the end of which was marked by a complimentary dinner in his honour in April 1947. From 1949 to 1955 he was back on the Executive and now most deservedly adorns the President's chair.

Lest it be thought, however, that years of executive service are all that Lennox has to offer let me hasten to add that his qualities as man and administrator keep step with the years. His fairmindedness, his respect for the views of- others and his readiness to accept them in the light of argument, his uprightness and utter abhorrence of anything shady—all are evident and inestimable qualities, but they pale into insignificance beside his unbounded enthusiasm for the School and the Club and anything promoting their welfare: indeed it is not improper to suggest that Lennox Riddell loves his School and his Club.

That love was founded in the years he spent as a pupil from 1907 to 1916 under the Rectorship of that moulder of young characters, Dr. Morland Simpson. The years 1917-18 he spent with the Seaforth Highlanders and he then proceeded to the University to study medicine but it says much for his perspicacity as well as his truthfulness that he

Former Pupils' Club

107

realised in time that doctoring was not his line and joined the family oil business which he now carries on. His interest as a Former Pupil was first in the field of sport for he founded the Cricket Section in 1917 and was its first secretary: in the early 192os he played for and was secretary of the and F.P.'s rugby XV and when his playing days were over served on the Rugby Section Committee. Nowadays at Rubislaw he is always an interested and knowledgeable spectator.

It is, however, in the world of golf that our President has manifested an interest and a love almost as great as that which he holds for his old school. He has been a member of Deeside Golf Club since 1911: he was a founder member and first captain of the F.P. Golf Section in 1947. He has served the Deeside Golf Club as player and official with a loving enthusiasm equalled only by his service to the F.P. Club.

Indeed between these two an intriguing parallelism may be noticed.

He was elected to the Deeside Club Council in 1925, the year in which he joined the F.P. Executive: he was Captain of the Golf Club for the years 1939-41 while Chairman of the F.P. Executive: he represented the F.P. Club on the Secondary Schools Management Committee of the Town Council: he is still N.E. District Representative of the Scottish Golf Union and serves on the Boys' International Selection Committee.

Truly a remarkable record of service; and now, to crown it all, 1958 finds him President of the F.P. Club and President of the Deeside Golf Club. These dual honours are as timely and well-deserved as they are remarkable and all who know him are agreed that no one could discharge more acceptably the duties which these offices bring upon him. " Honor praemium virtutis est."

G. E. C. B.* (1923-26) Succeeding Generations at The Grammar In 1926-12 pupils then present had followed their fathers and grandfathers to the Grammar.

In 1936-22 pupils represented third-generation connections.

So we reported in our last issue, and asked for information about present third-generation pupils: this request has yielded information about only two boys: viz.

Louis Harper (t881-83) ” Louis R. Harper (1910-17).

Douglas R. Harper (1944 to date).

A 5th generation link!

John Chalmers (1843-44).

James L. Chalmers (1867-69).

I Wm. N. Stewart (1912-19).—Jas, L. C. was his maternal grandfather. i Peter J. N. Stewart (195: to date).

Social Occasions You may care to make a note of these dates NOW! F.P. Club Dinner—Friday, 31 October in the Caledonian Hotel.

Annual Ball—Tuesday, 13 December in the Beach Ballroom.

William Alexander* (1928-33) is now Manager of the Ministry of Labour Employment and Insurance Department in Elgin.

Gilbert John Anderson (1908-21), it.sc. (Econ.), who has been Manager and Secretary of the Eastbourne Mutual Building Society since 1942, was this month elected to the board of directors.

Robert John Anderson* (1895-99), a director of Aberdeen & Northern Marts, the Chartered Ltd., has been appointed the first chairman of the Scottish branch ofthe Institute in Auctioneers' and Estate Agents Institute. He became a fellow of 1921.

William Lindsay Anderson (1917-22), who has recently joined the Club, is well known in the agricultural world where he specialises in shorthorns and sheep.

He has two farms, one at Morphie and one near Huntly. at Aberdeen Dudley Nicholson Armand* (1938-51), M.A., graduated LL.B., W.S., in Perth.

University last July and is now with Robertson, Dempster & Co., Ian Campbell Barclay* (1921-23), who has been with Macneill & Barry, Ltd. in Calcutta since 1928, has now retired from India and is resident at Aboyne.

Kenneth Forbes Brown* (1935-47) (whose marriage in Singapore isnoannounced less than he has met in this issue), in a letter to the Notes Editor writes that were his brother Alexander seven F.P.s during his two years in the East. They z), James Hugh Scott Brown* (1939-51), James Milne Thomson Cheyne* (1938-5 Gareth Watkin John Duncan* (194,-5o), Neil Donald Duke Elder* (1938-46), George Rohde Jones* (1937-47), Forbes Keith Sellar* (1933-45) and Vincent any Stephen* (1934-47)• Which goes to prove that an F.P. need never be lonely in part of the world! awarded the Whyte Alexander Lindsay Buchanan* (1945-52) was last yearAccountants' Prize for Prize in Accountancy together with the Institute of Chartered apprentices. the same subject. Both these awards are competed for by C.A. gained the degree of Frederick William Bultitude* (1943-49), B.Sc., has at Aberdeen University Doctor of Philosophy at London University. He graduated Energy three years ago and is at present doing research work at Harwell Atomic Station.

B.L., LL.D., D.L., was Henry Jackson Butchart* (1890-99), D.S.O., 0.8.E., T.D., in March this year from the guest of honour at a dinner given to mark his retirement Scouts Associathe position of County Commissioner of the City of Aberdeen Boy during the twenty tion. Many tributes were paid to the work of Col. Butchart years he had devoted to Scouting in the City. practice as a solicitor on his Campbell Connon* (1926-38) has now set up inConnon* (1932-44) is a legal C. Frank brother His Aberdeen. in account own one nephew W. L. Aberdeen; in Advocates Reid, & Burnett Messrs. with assistant & Wilson, Advocates in Connon* (193o-4o) is a partner in Messrs. Mackenzie also a solicitor, pracAberdeen and another nephew W. C. Connon* (1928-40) is Clerk.

Town is he where Dufftown, in tising finished a tour of duty in a commerIan M. G. Crawford (1939-44) who last year but has since then acquired a hotel cial post in Formosa returned to this country His marriage to a German girl interest in Portugal and has spent some time there. column. Crawford has now taken resident in Portugal is reported in the Marriages Ltd. and is due to leave for an a post with Messrs. African Petroleum Terminals 18-month tour of duty in Dakar in late June.

I08

J. LENNOX RIDDELL PRESIDENT OF THE

F.P. CLUB (1958-50

F.P. Rugby tat XV, 1957-58

Batk Row—D. H. Chapman (lion. Team Seg.), R. R. Comber, P. B. Phillip, K. B.

Williams, J. G. Lindsay, H. W. L. Thomas, D. R. Grieve, E. Craig, J. Lawric, D. N. Georgeson, (2. 1). Mowat, C. C. Allan (Hon. Secy.)

Front Row—I. 0. Brown, C. Ritchie (lion. Treas.), J. B. Rennie, J. L. Brebner (Vice-Captain), R. H. W. Craddock (Captain), T. G. Smith, H. A. Forbes, E. Sutherland.

F.P. Cricket XI, 1958

Back Ron•—W. M. Ewcn (Scorer), A. M. Davidson, I. D. F. Thomson, R. Bain, C. Spence, H. McPherson, L. E. Tyson.

Front Row—M. Webster, J. G. N. Fraser, J. B. Rennie (Vice-Captain), D. J. Stephen (Captain), G. Murray, J. C. Milne.

Notes about Old Boys

1(39

Andrew John Maxton Cruickshank (1919-23), the well-known London actor, returned to his native town for the first time in twenty-four years this spring to appear at H.M. Theatre along with Miss Flora Robson in the play " The House by the Lake ". Along with Miss Robson he had the honour of' being given a civic luncheon. He said that he was absolutely thrilled to be back in Aberdeen again and to meet so many old friends.

Robert Hutton Duguid* (1918-23), B. coat., C.A., as reported in our last issue made a trip to Canada following upon his retirement from business in Calcutta, and has now decided to settle in that country and has taken up a position with the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal.

Jonathan M. Daube* (1931-53) having graduated with honours in English last year is now doing a one year's post graduate course at London University's Institute of Education. He is due to take up a post as English Master at Watford Grammar School in September.

James Hugh Duncan* (I941-5o), B.SC., is now at home on leave from Malaya where he is stationed at Kuala Trengganu as a member of the Federation of Malaya Geological Survey. A former North-East Boys' and Aberdeen University golf champion, he is hoping to get a lot of games before he returns to Malaya in October.

William Fleming Dunnett* (1919-22), who has been for many years Secretary of our Yorkshire Centre, resigned from this post at the beginning of the year, and our thanks arc due to him for his past services. The new Secretary is Arthur James Adams,* B.sc. (Vet), M.R.C.V.S., who is in practice in Bradford.

Donald Frank Farquharson (1929-5941), 0.8.E., retired from the Fleet Air Arm, in which he was a Lieutenant-Commander, last year, and is now a test pilot with Bristol Aircraft. He has recently been engaged in flying Sycamore helicopters to Germany where a large number have been ordered by the Federal German Government. Along with his colleagues he has been training German crews how to fly helicopters. He has had considerable experience with this type of aircraft and whilst he was on loan to the Royal Australian Navy he was one of a team of Sycamore pilots who saved seventy fives during the disastrous floods that swept Ncw South Wales in 1955. He was made an 0.B.E. for his part in the operation when he personally saved thirty-six persons from drowning.

Maurice Gordon Galles* (1923-30), M.A., LL.B., Advocate, one of the four Advocates-Depute in Scotland, was the prosecutor in the recent trial in Glasgow when Peter Manuel was found guilty of the murder of seven people, and was sentenced to death.

Alex. F. Gordon* (5937-42) gave up his job in Penang and returned to the U.K. earlier this year. He has now obtained a new steam engine construction job in this country with Foster Wheeler Ltd. Alexander James Gray* (1931-44), M .o., CH.B., has been in practice in Burnley, Lancashire on his own account since February this year.

George Mitchell Groat* (1927-40), who is Secretary of the Central African Centre of the Club, and is resident in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, asks us to urge all F.P.s going to that part of the world to get in touch with him and he would like all members of his centre to keep him informed of any change of address. He returned to Rhodesia in March this year after enjoying his first home holiday since going there some eleven years ago. He holds an appointment with the South African Timber Co. Ronald Thomas Hamilton,* (1936-50), B.SC., (Eng.) is now with Bolton, Hennessey & Partners, Consulting Engineers, London and is on location on survey work for the Ethiopian Highway Project. Although he will be working mainly in Addis Ababa he has recently been in the bush with a survey party.

David Hanna* (1916-22), who has been a member of Cults District Council for a number of years, was in May 1958 elected to Aberdeen County Council as one of the Cults District representatives.

Francis Gordon Harper* (5925-28), B.SC. (For.), has now returned to Aberdeen after completing over twenty-five years in the Colonial Forest Service. All his service was in the Gold Coast, now Ghana, where he had been Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests for the last few years. He was awarded the Efficiency

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Decoration some years ago for his outstanding services. In a letter to the Notes Editor he deplores the attempt by the Aberdeen Town Council to close the Primary Department of the School and puts forward some very strong arguments on behalf of " exiles " from the City who are now deprived of the opportunity of sending their sons home from parts of the world where no educational facilities exist to complete their education at their father's school.

David Sinclair Hay* (1907-t t) returned to this country at the beginning of the year from Iran where he had been for the previous six months. He has opened a London office on behalf of a number of Persian importing firms.

John Gareth Watkin Jones* (1937-47), a.sc. (Agri.). It was stated in our last issue that Jones was about to take up an appointment at Oxford University, in fact he now holds an appointment in the University of London at Wye College, near Ashford. We apologise for this mistake.

Jeremy Neil Kemsley* (1941-51), c.a. went to Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia last February to )oin the firm of Deloitte, Plender, Griffiths, Annan & Co., C.A. lie hopes to meet many F.P.s there through the medium of the Central African Centre.

Douglas Murray Knowles* (1926-37) after moving around quite a bit in Canada has now settled semi-permanently in Edmonton. After school he joined the regular R.A.F. with which he saw service in S. Africa, Rhodesia, Egypt, Palestine and the Sudan before being demobbed in 1952. First he was in the Prince Edward Island area where, he tried his hand at (among other things) credit investigator—" a terrible job "!—Recorder for the Provincial Legislature, and radio announcer; however, determined to see more of the huge continent he and his wife set off in an old half-ton truck and travelled far and wide " on 8-lane highways in New York State, and dust-roads in Saskatchewan, through tamado weather in Illinois floods in the Mississipi, and snow drifts in Wisconsin till we finally ran out of money back in Calgary ". There he obtained a post with the Communications Division of Calgary Power Ltd. which provides most of the electrical power for Alberta. After 3 years there he has now been transferred to Edmonton, his territory there being about one-third the size of Scotland. He writes enthusiastically of the great natural resources in that part of Canada—coal in the Crow's Nest area natural gas in Pembina and Medicine Hat, hydro-electric power from the Bow River and oil from Redwater and Drayton Valley. He is most interested to contact any F.P.s in his part of the world.

David Russell Leeper* (x955-56), who along with his younger brother Arthur Alden Leeper (1955-56) spent one year at the School whilst their father was a Fulbright Lecturer at the University, has had many scholastic successes since he returned to his home at Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A. In May last year he won a so-dollar first prize in French in a competitive examination open to all students in the State of Oregon and in May this year he won a Merit Scholarship in a National Education Competition. These scholarships arc worth on the average about 65o dollars per annum for four years and will assist him in the furtherance of his studies in psychology at Swarthmore College.

William Campbell McDonald* (1943-45) is at present at Wallerawang, New South Wales, Australia.

Duncan M. McLellan* (1938-45), m.B., CH.B., who returned to Aberdeen las summer to study for his D.P.H. has now obtained a post with the Northern Regional Hospital Board at Inverness.

William J. Mortimer* (1905-10, a.com. (Edin.), who was mdoem dux of the School in 1911 has now retired after serving for forty-four years on the Headquarters Staff of the Dept. of Agriculture for Scotland. He resides in Edinburgh.

Ian S. McPhail (1934-39), who was for six years Assistant Musical Director of the Arts Council of Great Britain, resigned in 1952 and joined Dexion Ltd., with which company he now holds the post of Public Relations Officer. In an article written by MacPhail in one of the his company's publications McPhail tells vividly upon how his company were able to assist very materially, indeed dramatically, in the restoration of the townships razed by the earthquake in the Greek Ionian Islands in 1953. Last year MacPhail was elected to the Council of the Institute of Public Relations. He now lives in London.

Notes about Old Boys Alistair Bain McNutt* 0943-50 has been in Hong Kong for the last six years where he is now an inspector of police. At present he is working in the New Territories.

George Poison Merlon (1918-28), M.H. CH.B., D.P.H., who was home on leave last year and took his D.P.H. has returned to Tabora, Tanganyika where he is medical officer at the Provincial Medical Headquarters. The only F.P. he has met recently was Robert Gray Sangster* (5919-3o) who is Chief Conservator of Forests in Tanganyika and paid a visit to Tabora a few months ago.

Calling Dundee!

John Middleton* (1919-23) hopes to form a Centre of the Club in Dundee, and all F.P.s in the area arc asked to get in touch with him at 8 Hill Street, Broughty Ferry.

James Monro (1928-39). When Sir Winston Churchill flew home from Nice last April his pilot was Capt. Monro who is one of B.E.A.'s senior pilots and can number many distinguished people among his passengers.

James Scott Gray Munro* (1922-28), B.L., was in May this year returned unopposed by Rubislaw Ward as a member of Aberdeen Town Council. This brings the total of F.P.s on the Council to five, the others being: Arnold Marischal Burns* (19Z0-25), Colin John Maciver* (1902-03), John Scott Maclachlan* (1922-32) and Ian Gowanlock McPherson* (1910-17).

M.I. MUN. E., gt.t.w.E., is at Harold Patrick Adair Nelson* (1919-32), present supervising the completion of a regional water supply for North Oxfordshire.

Joseph Thomas Riach* (1922-23), chief civil engineer with Jenkins & Mart-, Aberdeen has become an Associate of the Institute of Sewage Purification.

George Barclay Rickart* (1923-3o), whO has been manager of an insurance ompany in Vancouver since he went out to Canada some seven years ago, has now been appointed our Consul there. In a letter to our Secretary he writes how happy he will be to assist any F.P. who goes to that part of the world.

Eric Rogers* (194o-43), who has been with the Nigerian Ports Authority in Lagos, returned to Aberdeen on leave in May. He hopes to renew friendships with F.P.s while on holiday.

George Muir Glen Robbie (193o-41) has recently returned to this country from Ceylon where he was on tea estates and is now resident at Ghyll Head, near Windermere.

Edward Forrester Ross* (5942-55), since leaving the School has been studying French and German at Aberdeen University but is at present at the University of Tubingen in South Germany studying German. He is returning to Aberdeen University at the start of the next session to complete his M.A, degree.

James Knox Russell (1932-37), M.D., F.R.C.O.G., has been appointed to the Chair of Midwifery and Gynaecology in Durham University. After graduating M.H., cH.B., at Aberdeen University in 1942 he spent four years in the R.A.F. and then returned to Aberdeen to continue his studies as a specialist obstetrician under Professor Baird. In 195o he was appointed first assistant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Durham University, becoming lecturer in 1954 and senior lecturer in 1956 in that Department. Since 1956 he has been a consultant to the Newcastle teaching hospital group. He has published several papers on involuntary childlessness a subject on which he has undertaken much research.

Roger Sampson* (5943-50) has just completed his two years of National Service; his home is at Hesslc, East Yorks.

Jeremy Nicol Sands* (1941-46), who is sitting his final M.A. degree examinations this month has been awarded a scholarship for one year's study at Stanford University, Stanford, near Palo Alto, California. The scholarship is co-sponsored by the Scottish Cultural Society of California, the St. Andrews Society of San Francisco and the San Francisco branch of the English Speaking Union in co-operation with the Associated Students of Stanford University, who will administer the programme on the Campus where Sands will have an opportunity of pursuing his studies in political science and international relations.

Alasdair Somerled MacDougall Scott* (1944-53), who has been an engineer cadet with Alfred Holt & Co., is now 6th Engineer on the M.V.

I iz

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Douglas Bruce Simpson* (1950-56), is at present completing his National Service and is with 47 G.H.Q. Survey Squadron R.E. in the Middle East.

August Henry Klie Slater* (1923-35), M.A(Aberd., Oxon.). who has for the past four years been Private Secretary to successive Lords President of the Council (the Marquis of Salisbury, the Earl of Home, and Viscount Hailsham) was in March appointed to the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority at its London headquarters.

Robert Arthur Smart* (1919-31), M.B., CH.B., D.P.H. Colonel R.A.M.C., who led the Royal Society's Expedition to Antarctica which has been working at Halley Bay for the International Geophysical Year, returned to this country in February when he and members of the Expedition were welcomed at Burlington House, London by Sir Cyril Hinshelxvood, P.R.S., on behalf of the Society. At a Press Conference at that time he gave his views on Antarctica and the possibilities and difficulties of establishing permanent bases there. Whilst Robin Smart was on holiday in Aberdeen the Notes Editor bad the privilege of seeing many of the wonderful colour photographs taken during his year in Antarctica and of hearing a running commentary on them. We hope that he will be able to show these slides at some not-too-distant date to the boys of his old school. An article on his experiences by Colonel Smart will be found in this issue.

David Pringle Smith* (1946-47), who went from the School to Belfast Royal Academy left that establishment in 1956 and is now with the Royal Insurance Co. Ltd., in Belfast. Like his father David Smith* (1921-25) he is a keen sportsman and having gained his colours for rugby at School now plays scrum-half for Former Pupils Club. Playing off a handicap of three at golf he has found one game at which he can just master his father! Douglas Roy Spence* (1939-46), u.sc. (Eng.), was in December last year awarded an m.sc., in Thermodynamics at the University of Birmingham. He is a research worker with Joseph Lucas, Ltd. Ronald Gordon Christie Smith (1927-37), B.sc. (Agric.), who has been adviser in animal husbandry with the North of Scotland College of Agriculture since 1948 has been appointed to the post of senior officer in Scotland with the new Pig Industry Development Authority. His duties will include the promotion of the highest possible efficiency in pig breeding and management throughout Scotland, the keeping of Scottish pig records and co-operation with the pig progeny testing station which is to be established by the Government at Stirling, where his department will be stationed.

John Charles Kindness Steel* (1939-49), C.A., returned to this country last year from Singapore where he had been stationed whilst completing his national service with the R.A.F. and has returned to his old firm, Wright, Fairbrother & Steel.

Andrew M. M. Stephen* (1936-50) has been appointed Assistant Secreatry to Queen's University, Belfast with effect from x June 1958. He has just been demobbed from the R.A.F. (Education Branch).

Henry Gordon Stephen* (1920-30), who joined the United Scottish Insurance Co. Ltd., on his return from active service in 1944 was recently appointed their Scottish Manager.A well-known golfer he was for six years secretary of the Northeast Golf Alliance and received a presentation when he retired in recognition of his services.

Robert Alexander Stephen (19/9-25), M.D., F.R.C.S., Colonel R.A.M.C., was made a C.B.E. in May this year, he received the 0.B.E. (Military Division) in the Birthday Honours of 1954. Dr. Stephen received his award for gallant service in Malaya where he is stationed at Singapore as Director of Medical Services.

William Legge Stephen* (1902-04), M.B., CH.B., D.P.H., who has had a distinguished career in the Scouting world, retired recently from the post of County Commissioner for Aberdeenshire which he had held sonce 1948. He started in the Scout Movement in Burghead in 1914 and later became Scoutmaster of the Methlick Troop in 1920. He was Assistant County Commissioner for Training from 1924 until he became County Commissioner and wrote several books on Scouting.

He was presented with the Silver Wolf by Lord Baden-Powell in 1933. Many

Notes about Old Boys

113

former members of the ,7th Troop will recall with pleasure the camp which he ran on the side of Loch Kinord circa 1924. His medical career was almost entirely spent in general practice at Methlick from where he retired to Cults in 1951.

Colin Jeffcoat Stewart* (1914-24) 15 now an engineer with Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., Plastics Division, Welwyn Garden City.

David Ivor Macpherson Sutherland* (1951-55), who gained a scholarship at Aberdeen University German Department, is at present at Zurich University studying German for one year.

Wallace Browning Tavener (1911-14) was inducted to Aberdeen Unitarian Church on 31 May 1958, a charge held by his father forty years ago. He returns to Aberdeen from Edinburgh where he has spent most of his life and where he was an extra-mural lecturer in comparative religions. He is the author of several theological books on the Unitarian faith.

Calling Manchester I George Angus Taylor* (1916-22), ,cx.s., writes to our Secretary to say he would like to get in touch with any F.P.s in the Manchester area with a view to forming a centre. Anyone interested should get in touch with him at 37 Kensington Road, Oldham.

Sir (Arthur) Landsborough Thomson* (1899-1908), C.B., O.B.E., M.A., D.SC., LL.D., an Hon. Vice-President of our Club was the guest of honour at the annual reunion of the Yorkshire Association of Aberdeen University graduates in February this year.

Michael Boyd Thomson* (1938-51) has recently taken up an appointment in East Africa with the Norwich Union Life Insurance Society with whom he has been employed since the completion of his national service. He has been actively associated with the Territorial Army since 1953 and was latterly in charge of the R.A.S.C. detachment of the 152 Highland Field Ambulance with the rank of Captain. He is one of five brothers whose association with the School extended from rgl I till 1957.

William Richard Ferguson Thomson* (1937-39, 1944-45) on leaving the Schcol went to Aberdeen University for a course in Agriculture, which together with a year spent on accredited farms in Perthshire qualified him to receive a Certificate in Agriculture. He then went to Australia where he took up station work on a large commercial Hereford cattle and Merino sheep establishment.

From there he went to New Guinea and became an assistant on a copra and cocoa estate and ultimately became manager of a plantation. He was on leave in this country early this year but has now gone to Kenya to take up an administrative position. Tropical agriculture has now become his bent and he intends continuing his studies with a view to obtaining a diploma in that subject.

Donald Elmslie Robertson Watt* (1931-43), M.A., has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Oxford for a thesis concerned with the careers of Scottish University graduates in the fourteenth century.. . I-Ic is at present lecturer in Medieval History at St. Salvator's College, St. Andrews.

Alexander John Youngson (1923-26), n. 'Arr., will in October this year become the first professor of Economic History in a new chair at Edinburgh University. After graduating at Aberdeen University, where his studies were interrupted by war service with the Fleet Air Arm, he went to the University of California from 1947 till 5948 under a Commonwealth Fund Fellowship and on returning to this country became senior lecturer inEconomic History at St. Andrews University. Since 195o he has been lecturer in Economic History at Cambridge University.

Archibald Grahame Bain Young (1940-47) graduated B.A., from Christ's College, Cambridge last year. He is now on military service and having completed his basic training with the Royal Marines at Lympstone in Devonshire is now an officer cadet at Mons Barracks, Aldershot. " The Road to the Top " In a recent series of articles on prominent Scotsmen in the Aberdeen Press & journal two F.P.s were among those featured. The first Sir Patrick Ashley Coopers (1896-1901) who rose to be Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company and the second Alexander Lessel Stephen Mitchell* (191r-19) the well known London theatrical producer.

Marriages Benton (1946-5o).—At the Cathedral of the Highlands, Nairobi, on 15 February 1958, GORDON GRANT BENTON, eldest son of the late Joseph Benton of Malaya

and of Mrs. Phyllis Benton, 67 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen, to Patricia Margaret, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Bertram Williamson, Greenroofs, Cults, Aberdeenshire.

Booker (1933-45)At King's College Chapel on 29 November 1957, PATRICK KILGOUR BOOKER,* son of Mr. R. K. Booker and the late Mrs. Booker, z68 Queen's Road, Aberdeen, to Catherine Scott, Lochnagar, Peterculter, daughter of Mr. S. J. P. Ellin, Manchester.

Brown (1935 -47)At Singapore on 13 December 1957, KENNETH FORBES BROWN, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Brown, Westbank, Milltimber, to Netta Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Urquhart, 86 Cromwell Road, Aberdeen.

Coates (1945-51).—At Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, on 4 January 1958, KENNETH ERNEST GRANT COATES, only son of Sqdn.-Lcir. and Mrs. G. F. L. Coates, Royal Air Force, Pembroke Dock, to Margaret, daughter of Mr. R. R. Baker and the late Mrs. Baker of King Williamstown, South Africa.

Craig (1945-5o).—At Gilcomston St. Colm's Church, Aberdeen, on 7 December 1957, THOMAS CRAIG,* son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Craig, 4o Albury Road, Aberdeen, to Sylvia Strachan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Selbie, 14 Fonthill Terrace, Aberdeen.

Crawford (1935-44).—At Bremen, Germany, on 5 April 1958, IAN MILNE CAY CRAWFORD, 13 Bonnymuir Place, Aberdeen, to Ahika Berghagcr, of Monte, Estoril, Portugal.

Forbes (1938-51).—At King's College Chapel on to March 1958, CHARLES LESLIE FORCES,* son of Mr and Mrs. C. B. Forbes, 47 Richmondhill Road, Aberdeen, to Margaret Moira, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Buthlay, x55 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen.

Forbes (1937-50).—At King's College Chapel on co April 1958, PATRICK BEAUMONT FORBES,* M.B., CH.B., younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Forbes, Kilmeny, Galashicls, to Dorothy Elizabeth Mortimer, M.A., elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ian J. Mortimer, 471 King Street, Aberdeen.

Forbes (1939-48).—At Glasgow University Memorial Chapel on 14 March 1958, WILLIAM HENRY BROUGH FORBES,* B.SC. (For.), son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Forbes, 5 Rosehill Crescent, Aberdeen, to Margaret Elizabeth Finlayson, M.B. cH.B., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Finlayson, 51, Killoch Drive, Glasgow.

Fouin (,944-47).—At Aberdeen on 28 March 1958, FRANCOIS LOUIS PIERRE FOIUN,* M.B., CH.B., only son of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Fouin, Desswood, Lumphanan,

to Kathleen Rose, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Angus, 34 Broomhill Avenue, Aberdeen.

Hutchison (194o-53).—At the American Cathedral, Paris, on 4 January 1958, WILLIAM WATT I IUTCHISON, B.SC., son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Hutchison, 2I Cromwell Road, Aberdeen, to Brigitte Eugenie H. Segard, daughter of M. and Mme. P. A. Segard, Seine-et-Oise, France.

Lothian (1949-54).—At King's College Chapel on 4 January 1958, JoHN KERMACK MILNE LOTH/AN, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lothian, i1 College Bounds, Aberdeen to Jennifer, elder daughter of the late Mr. F. R. Kay, O.B.E., and Mrs. A. Sprilyan, 6o Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen.

Lynch (1935-47).—At King's College Chapel, on z May 1958, ROBERT LYNCH,* M.B., CH.B., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lynch, 9 Stanley Street, Aberdeen, to Moma Macintosh, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Colin M. MacLeod, Dunningston, Bieldside.

514

Marriages

II

5

McKay (I944-5o).—At Aberdeen on 3 April 1958, Flight-Lieutenant DEREK McKny,* only son of Mr. and Mrs. G. McKay, 24 Cadenhead Place, Aberdeen, to Aileen Nutten, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Geo. Angus, Soo Holbum Street, Aberdeen.

McNutt (t943-50).—At St. Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen, on 9 April 1958, Misr:int BAIN McNtrrr,* younger son of the Rev. and Mrs. Wm. McNutt, Culblean, Cults, to Kathleen, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Sommers, Lilybank, Hatton, Aberdeenshire.

Martin (5935-44).—M Craigiebuckler Church, Aberdeen, on 3o April 1958, HERBERT MARTIN, only SO/1 of the late Mr. F. Martin and of Mrs. H. Martin 4o,

Belvidere Street, Aberdeen, to Pamela Hunt, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. J. Clark, 8o Hilton Street, Aberdeen.

Mennie (I946-48).—At North and East Church of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, on 12 April 1958, ALEXANDER MENNIE, only son of the late Mr. Alex Mennie and of

Mrs. M. Mennic, Roscbank, Insch, to Irene Annie, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fowlie, Station House, Aboync.

Michie

(5947-52).—At

King's College Chapel on

22

March

1958,

ERNEST JAMES STEWART MICHIE,* elder son of Dr. and Mrs. E. J. Michie, 4 Braemar

Place, Aberdeen, to Sybil, only daughter of Mr. Philip George, Newburgh, Drummuir, Banffshire.

Paterson (1935-47).—At Hillhcad and Belmont Parish Church, Glasgow, on z9 March 1958, ALBERT JOHN HORNE PATERSON, eldest son of the late Major A. Paterson, T.D., and of Mrs. H. Paterson, 5 Carlton Place, Aberdeen, to Ursula, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Burke!, 7 Marchmont Terrace, Glasgow.

Scott (1938-46).—At St. Giles' Church, Elgin, on 29 March 1958, NEIL Scorr, B.sc., youngest son of Mr. W. F. and the late Mrs. Scott, t6z Broomhill Road, Aberdeen, to Jean, eldest daughter of the late Mr W. McKenzie and of Mrs. McKenzie, 13 Blantyre Street Bishopmill, Elgin.

Simpson (1943-48).—At Stonvwood Church on 29 March 1958, JACKSON HESLOP SIMPSON, only son of Mr. 14. Jackson Simpson and of the late Mrs. Simpson,

58 Craigton Road, Aberdeen, to Isobel Margaret, only daughter of Mr. John Lawrence and of the late Mrs. Lawrence, 79 Sunnysidc Road, Aberdeen.

Sorley (1936-45).—At St. Ternan's East Church, Banchory, on 7 June 18, JOHN TOWER SORLEY son of Dr. and Mrs. J. T. Sorley, Fernbank, Crathes, to Joy, 95

youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Booth, Westboume, Banchory.

Soutar (t953-41).—At St. Margaret's Parish Church, Dairy, Ayrshire, on 7 June 1958, CHARLES LEWIS COLBY SOUTAR, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Soutar, tot Forest Avenue, Abereden, to Margaret McGregor, daughter of Mr. L. W. and the late Mrs. Holland, Strands, Dairy.

Thomas (1935-48).—At St. Devenick's Church, Bieldside, on 17 February 1958, JOHN THomns,* youngest son of Mr. C. J. Thomas, 44, Ashgrnve Road West, Aberdeen, to Thelma Avril, only daughter of the late Mr. J. A. Robertson and of Mrs. T. M. Robertson, 42; Great Western Road, Aberdeen.

Thomson 0918-30.—/u Carlisle on 27 March 1958, JAMES BOOTH THOMSON,* only son of the late Mr. W. F. Thomson and of Mrs. E. Thomson, 5 a Forest Avenue, Aberdeen, to Mrs. Violet A. Shields, Carlisle.

Wilson (I937-41).—At Bournemouth, on 29 March 1958, THOMAS WILSON, son of the late Capt. J. E. Wilson and of Mrs. C. M. W. Wilson, Farnborough, Hants., to Prudence Joy, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Parnell, West Howe, Bournemouth.

Obituary James Campbell Arthur (1897-1900) died in hospital in Aberdeen on 5 March 1958, aged seventy-four years. After serving his apprenticeship as a clerk with J. & A. Davidson, Coal Merchants, Aberdeen he joined the National Telephone Co., Ltd., and later travelled for a newspaper firm. From 1916 till 1919 he served with the R.A.M.C., in this country, Egypt and France and on demobilisation became a partner in the firm of Douglas & Arthur, Fish Merchants in Aberdeen.

James Bryce Clarke* (1896-99), O.B.E., an enthusiastic F.P. and contributor to the Afagazine on many occasions, died at Old Aberdeen on 25 March 1958. On leaving the School he trained as a banker and prior to the First World War held appointments in Egypt, the Sudan and in Belgrade. From 1915 till 1919 he served with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in the Middle Eest and was demobilised with the rank of Major having been awarded the Order of the Nile and O.B.E., in 1919. Between the wars he transferred to Poland and became successively Manager of the Anglo Polish Bank and the Commercial Bank of Warsaw and was for many years our Consul in that city. He had a great affection for Poland and wrote several articles in this Afagerzine about that country and about the international situation at the time of the Munich Crisis. Fortunately he had just retired to this country in 1938 before the German invasion of Poland. He was the son of John Clarke who was a Classical Master at the School. He was seventy-four years of age.

Andrew Gourlay Clow* (1896-98), K.C.S.I., C.I.E., )4.A. (Cantab.), an Honorary Vice-president of our Club, died suddenly at his home in Edinburgh on 31 December 1957 at the age of sixty-seven. A son of the manse, he obtained his primary education at the School and then went to Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh and from there to Cambridge where he graduated in 1912. From that date his career can be traced in a series of rising steps in the Indian Civil Service commencing with his appointment as a collector in Aligarh in 1914 and culminating with his appointment as Governor of Assam in 1942.

His first senior appointment came in 1920 when he joined the Indian Government Labour Department as secretary in Delhi and in 1928 he became secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Industries and Labour and in the following year was a member of a Royal Commission appointed to investigate conditions of labour throughout India. 1936 saw him as secretary to the Government of India and in 1939 he became communications member of the GovernorGeneral's Executive Committee. His appointment as Governor of Assam from 1942 till 1947 was a fitting end to his career with the I.C.S., where he was regarded as the member with the widest knowledge of industrial problems whose contribution to various Royal Commissions had had far-reaching effects on the advancement of India. Many honours were awarded to him during his career, a Companion of the Indian Empire in 1928, a Companion of the Star of India in 1935, a Knighthood in 1939 and finally a Knight Commander of the Star of India in 1941.

Returning to this country in 1947 he was Chairman of a committee appointed by the Minister of Fuel and Power to investigate means of spreading the load on electricity undertakings at a time when demand was exceeding the supply. In November 1948 he became Chairman of the Scottish Area Gas Board, a position which he held until 1956. He was an advocate of co-ordination between gas and electricity authorities, holding that the nationalised undertakings were competing to try and displace each other. Last year he was made a member of the newly constituted Restrictive Practices Court.

Alexander Davidson,* (1881-86) died at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on I May 1958 in his ninetieth year. On leaving the School he entered the service of the Northern Assurance Company, Aberdeen as a junior clerk and ultimately became cashier, a position which he held until he retired twenty-five years ago. A keen golfer, he played at Bieldside until he was eighty-two but had to give up then due to failing health. During the last war he was for about two years Head Warden of the A.R.P. Post at Queen's Cross.

Alexander Robertson Duncan (1912-x9) died at Aberdeen on 6 June 1958.

For a number of years after leaving the School he was engaged in the coffee trade and had an estate at Hatwara in Kenya where he was assisted by his brother HARRY 116

Obituary

1 17

FRASER DUNCAN (1911-17). Returning to this country he studied at Aberdeen University and obtained a Diploma in Agriculture in 1936. Latterly he was with the Ministry of Labour at Aberdeen.

William Ewart Gladstone Duthie (1884-86), M.B., D.P.H. In recording his death at Saxonwold, Johannesburg on 15 November 19f7 we feel we cannot do better than quote from the obituary notice appearing in the British Medical Journal for 7 December 1957: " He was educated at Woodside Public School and Aberdeen Grammar School and at Aberdeen University. He graduated M.D., C.M., in 1894 and took the U.P.H. two years later. After a period of practice in the United Kingdom he went to South Africa before the Boer War and during that war served as railway medical officer to the Imperial Forces. Subsequently, after holding appointments as railway medical officer at Trompsburg and Edenburg in the Orange Free State, he settled in Kroonstad, where he was Railway Medical Officer, District Surgeon and Medical Officer of Health. In 2925 he moved to Johannesburg and practised in the southern suburbs and in Orange Grove. A cardiac illness in 1934 cut short his professional activities and he lived a life of retirement, devoting himself largely to gardening and racing, of which he was a keen follower. His later years were clouded by ill-health and he died after a few months' illness."

William Smith Gill* (5876-79), c.a., v.n., D.L., Colonel, R.E., a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of the City of Aberdeen, died at his home at Bieldside on 25 December 1957 in his ninety-third year. On leaving the School at the age of fourteen he went to Merchiston, thence to Aberdeen University before entering the family business of Farquhar & Gill, Ltd., Paint Manufacturers, Aberdeen where he followed his father as managing director. His life-long connection with the army began in 1884 when he was commissioned in the 1st Aberdeen Royal Engineers (Volunteers), a unit which he commanded from 1904 till 1908 when he was in command of the R.E. (Highland) Division Territorials. In 1913 he became chairman of the Aberdeen City Territorial Association, a post which he held until 1922 when he was appointed Hon. Colonel of the 51st (Highland) Division Royal Engineers. His many other interests included music—he played the cello, gardening—he was an expert on roses, and art—he was an etcher of no mean ability.

He is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters ; had he but lived another few months he and Mrs. Gill would have celebrated their Diamond Wedding.

James Gordon* (1901-o6), o.s.a., whose death occurred in London on 13 February 1958 served his apprenticeship with Barry, Henry & Cook, Ltd., Aberdeen before going to sea as an engineer. During the First World War he served in H.M.T. Marathon of the Aberdeen Line and in 1921 became a Chief Engineer and latterly was Chief Engineer aboard s.s. Moreton Bay belonging to the Shaw, Savill & Albion Co. Ltd. During the last war he served in troopships in many parts of the world. He was sixty-seven years old.

Douglas Harper* (1888-98), M.A., B.L., the last survivor of three brothers who attended the School, died in Canada on 21 January 1958. After graduating at Aberdeen University he was in service with L. Mackinnon, Junior & Son, Advocates, Aberdeen until 1907 when he went to Canada and became a partner in the firm of Corbett & Harper in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. During the First World War he served with the Canadian Infantry from 1915 until June 1919 when he returned to Canada. In 1931 he moved to Edmonton with his firm which was later to become Corbett, Harper, & Corbett and stayed in that town until his death. At the School he had been a rst class rugger player and played for the School and later for the F.P. ist XV. He took a very keen interest in his old school and in our club and was from 1939 until last year our Club Consul in Edmonton, a job which he said was a sinecure but which he did with great wisdom by giving advice to many F.P.s who wrote to or called upon him. He is survived by his wife and a son and a daughter.

Ronald Holmes (1910-21), a well-known member of the fish trade in Aberdeen died in a nursing home in Aberdeen after a short illness. He was managing director of A. & M. Smith, Ltd., Fish Exporters, Aberdeen. After school he began his career in the buying department of the family business and later went to Spain and South America as an agent for the firm. He was a director of Mutual Fish Products Co., Ltd., and a member of the Aberdeen Regulation of Landings .

118

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Committee. His father, the late Harry A. Holmes, and his three brothers were all pupils of the School. His death occurred on 4 March 1958 and he was fifty-one years old.

David Macbeth* (1884-85) died at Cooden, Sussex on 8 March 1958 aged eighty. After training at the Royal Training College as an electrical engineer he went to India in 19OO to join the firm of Burns & Co., Calcutta. Later in 1903 he formed the firm of Macbeth & Barrett in Penang and became associated with other engineering firms in the cast until he ultimately retired in 192O. During the First World War he served with the 1st United Provinces Light Horse.

Archibald McKenzie (1887-92) died in hospital on 5 April x958 at the age of seventy-nine. He was for many years managing director of Archibald McKenzie, Ltd. Coal Merchants, Aberdeen.

William Ernest Milne* (1881-90), who was for many years our Consul in Vancouver, died at his home in that city on ro April 1958 at the age of eighty-five.

He served his apprenticeship with Milne & Pledge, Wholesale Warehousemen, Aberdeen and later became a partner. In 19to he went to British Columbia and founded the business of Milne & Middleton, Ltd., Wholesale Warehousemen, Vancouver and remained a partner in that firm until his retirement. He took a keen interest in the welfare of the School, and of the Club, and it was only due to failing health that he had to resign from our consulship a few months before his death.

Alexander James Falconer Monte (I899-z), 0.5.5., M.A., lately Minister of Newhills Parish Church, Aberdeenshire, died at Aberdeen on r December 1957 at the age of seventy-two. On completing his studies at Aberdeen University where he graduated M.A., in 1906 he went to the Aberdeen United Free Church College from where he was ordained into the West Church, Rutherglen in 1910 as an assistant. In 1912 he became minister of the U.F. Church at Ancrum in Roxburghshire, but in 1914 he was commissioned in The Gordon Highlanders, and served with them and the West Riding Regiment in France until he was invalided out in 1918, when he went to London to the appointment of secretary of the Social Welfare Association. In this capacity he took charge of all repatriation arrangements on behalf of British refugees and repatriated civilian prisoners-of-war arriving in this country, and at the completion of this work in r9zo he was awarded the O.B.E. Between the wars he was in charge of churches at Annan, Lisbon, Arbroath and Midlothian.

Adam Stephen Niven* (1894-96), M.A., M.D., died at his home in Croydon on 7 February 1958 at the age of seventy-seven. The son of a farmer at Rothienorman he came to the School at fourteen years old and from there went to the University of Aberdeen where he graduated M.A. in 19OO and M.B., CH.B., in 1903 following this with M.D. in 19O8. His first experience of general practice was at Burslem in the Potteries but during the First World War he was stationed at Turriff where he was Medical Officer and Commandant of Turriff Auxiliary Hospital from 1915 till 1919 when he moved to Thornton Heath where he was in practice for the remainder of his professional life. He was for many years Medical Officer to the Post Office and during World War 11 was Medical Officer of a first-aid post in that much blitzed area. Outside his medical work his interests lay in the countryside, particularly the North-East of Scotland, and in the collection of antiques. He is survived by his daughter and a son who is a Colonel in the R.A.M.C. Andrew McKay Niven (x896), ?ca., CH.B., whose death is reported at Harrow, Middlesex on 4 May 1958 began his career as a chemist's assistant in Aberdeen for six years before graduating at Aberdeen University in 19O7. Thereafter he was in general practice in different places in England. During the 1914-18 war he served with the R.A.M.C. as a Captain at various stations in the Middle East.

James Leslie Kennett* (1913-26), B.L., a solicitor in Aberdeen died on 18 January 1958, aged forty-nine. In 1929 he joined the firm of Harrison & Crosfields and was appointed to a position in one of their estates in Sumatra where he remained until 1931 when he decided to return to this country to study law. He became an apprentice with H. F. Campbell formerly an English master at the School and in 1938 qualified B.L. at Aberdeen University. In 1946 be was appointed secretary

Obituary

I I9

and treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen, a position which his father, JAMES BARCLAY RF_NNE:rr (1878-83), had held for forty-six years. He had been married for less than one year before his untimely death.

John Ogstort Rettie (1925-31) was killed in a motor accident on Shap Fell, Westmorland on the evening of 31 May 1958. He was well-known in the granite trade in Aberdeen where be succeeded his father as head of the Laurelwood Granite Works in Merkland Road East. John Rettie, who was forty-two years old, served with the R.A.F. during the last war.

Duncan Campbell Robb, (1918-23), ?ca., CH.B., who had been Consultant to the Tees Group of Hospitals for the last four years, died at the age of fifty-two, at his home in Middlcsburgh at the beginning of March this year. After graduating at Aberdeen University in 1931 he went to London where he spent a number of years in several hospitals before being appointed depute superintendent, and later superintendent, of Sunderland Municipal Hospital.

Norman Anderson Scorgie* (1908-13), B.L., collapsed and died very suddenly in his office in the County Buildings at Alloa on it December 1937; he was County Clerk of Clackmannan. After leaving the School he studied at Aberdeen University but the First World War intervened and he served from 1916 till 1919 in Mesopotamia and India where he was a Lieutenant with the Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis. On returning to Aberdeen he graduated B.L., and became assistant to the secretary of Aberdeen University until 1921 when he was appointed joint clerk to the Aberdeen Education Authority. In 1930 he became Town Clerk Depute of Aberdeen and held this post until 1937 when he went to Alloa. Many fine tributes to the ability and devotion to duty of Norman Scorgie were made at the time of his death particularly by his colleagues in the legal profession; he had been an Hon. Sheriff Substitute for over ten years. He was sixty-two years old.

Adeh Murray Sellar* (192o-28), who was Assisstant Work Study Manager to the general chemical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., at Cunard Buildings, Liverpool died at Liverpool on 22 April 1958. On leaving the School he became an indentured apprentice to the De Havilland Aircraft Co., at Middlesex and from then until 1958 he had several appointments in various fields until finally reaching his present appointment a few years ago. He was the youngest of three brothers, sons of James Scliar, Bucksburn House, who attended the School. He was forty-six years old.

Robert Petrie Stott (1912-18), died in hospital at Worcester in April this year.

On leaving the School he went to India and became a planter at Travancore, and later was on a rubber estate in Malacca. Returning to this country in 1935 he joined the staff of the Milk Marketing Board in Glasgow.

Charles Albert Wilson (1878-79), one of Aberdeen's finest landscape photographers died in Woodcnd Hospital, Aberdeen on to May 1958 at the age of ninetythree. On leaving the School he was for a number of years in the office of a firm of accountants in Aberdeen but ultimately joined his father in the family business of G. W. Wilson & Co., Photographers, where he remained until his retirement some forty-six years ago. He was a keen stamp collector and was a founder and the senior member of the Aberdeen and North of Scotland Philatelic Society which honoured him by presenting him with an illuminated parchment paying tribute to his services to philately and to his diligence in furthering the interests of the Society. At one time he had an outstanding collection of U.S.A. and Hawaiian stamps which were sold in America. In 1949 he published a book entitled Aberdeen of Auld Lang Sync which is a pictorial retrospect of Aberdeen scenes and people as seen by the eye of the camera during the past hundred years. This book also gives an insight into the history of photography of which his father G. W. Wilson was one of the pioneers.

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL FORMER PUPILS' CLUB Abstract 1956 £12r r82 42

5 0 5 0 5 0

£345 15 0 236 5 zo 308 18 4

7 10

z o 8 0

o 0

z

o

RECEIPTS Ordinary Subscriptions received prior to January 1957.

• • • • • • • Ordinary Subscriptions received in 1957 . .

Arrears recovered in 1957 . . . .

£136 o 0

166 o 0 46 15 0 £348 15 0

Revenue from Investments (Gross) . . . . . .

Interest at 3 per cent. on Life Member Capital Fund .

Premium Account . . . . . . . .

Sale of Roll of Honour and Roll of Pupils . . . .

Surplus of Receipts over Payments on Entertainments Account Income Tax Refund, Year 1956/57 . . . .

• • •

313 19 3 227 6 I o o o 116 3 o o o

£907 9 3

15 6 0 £907 2 7

£roz z1 o 321 5 o 3 ro zr 446 r 6

Magazine Revenue and Expenditure Account REVENUE • . . . . . . £Io7 i8 6 Sales .

• . .

• • Advertisements .

341 4 6 Donation . . . . . . . .

O o o Transferred to General Receipts and Payments Account • 384 4 5

0

£872

0

8

•

•

•

•

•

5

£833 7 5 Balance Sheet as CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES I. CAPITAL FUND

Transferred from Legacies Account • .

Deficit in Capital Account as at 31 December, 1956 . £562 4 8 Deduct—Appreciation on sale in 1955 of £2ooo British Electricity 41% Guaranteed Stock 110 17 4 • • • 1974/79 •

£5oo 0 0

£451 7 4 Add—Loss on realisation of 245o Shares on winding up of Boarding House Co. Ltd. . .

29 r8 6 £481

Deduct—Surplus in Receipts and

Payments Account for Year ending 31 December, 1957 .

o

o

o

5 lo

99 12 71

381 13 24

II. LIFE MEMBER CAPITAL FUND-

Amount at credit at 31 December 1956 • £7414 0 9 Life Members' Subscriptions received in 1957 and I.ife Member Special Appeal . .

162 16 0

741 4

o

9

Less—Transferred to Receipts and Payments Account . . . .

£7576 i6 9 227 6

I

£86 15

0

7349 Io 8

III. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE-

Balance of Subscriptions received prior to 31 December 1956 applicable to future years.

Subscriptions received in 1957 applicable to future years . . . . . .

222 15

£118 6 9}

131 5 0

218 o 0

0

IV. SWIMMING POOL FUND-

1o Shares in Boarding House Co. Ltd.—repaid Deduct—Loss on realisation on winding up of the Company . .

• • • -

O

0

138 5

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ABERDEEN, 25 February 1958.—We have examined the foregoing Accounts for the year ending 3! December 2957 and relative Balance Sheet as at 31 December 1957, compared the figures with the vouchers, and found the Accounts correct. We are of the opinion that the Balance Sheet correctly states the position of the Club as at 31 December 1957. We have had exhibited to us the various Securities supporting the Funds at the close of the Accounts.

BOWER & SMITH, C.A., Honorary Auditors.

245 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

F.P.s' University Activities Half Blare Awards Arthur Ian Greenwood Davidson* (1943-54) Brian Douglas Miller Grassick* (1938-52) Scottish Universities International John George Nevi11 Fraser* (194 2-55) Hockey Members of the Union Management Committee for 1958-59 Neil Edward* (1948- 55), Secretary John George Nevill Fraser* (1942-5 5), Sub-Secretary John Colin Chalmers* (1 945'53) Brian Douglas Miller Grassick* (1938-52) Alistair James Mitchell Miller* (1942-55) Robin Dewar McLeod* (1945-54) Charities Campaign Maitland Mackie (1946- 54), Chairman.

Alistair James Mitchell Miller* (1942- 55), Convener of Lotteries.

Jon Armistice McLeverty* (1942-52), Convener of Finance.

Badminton Rugby

New Members of the Club 15 November 1957-15 May 1958 LIFE MEMBERS McNutt, Inspector Alistair Bain (1942-50), c/o Police Department, Hong Kong.

ORDINARY MEMBER Birss, James Gordon (193r-S7), ' Springfield Place, Aberdeen.

Brown, Alan Lawrence (1952-55), 116 Brighton Place, Aberdeen.

Bruce, Alexander T.D., M.A., B.Sc., (Staff Member), 46 Bedford Place, Aberdeen.

Buchan, Andrew Walter (1954-57), 59 Urquhart Road, Aberdeen.

Burke, Douglas (1952-57), 22 Ramsay Gardens, Aberdeen.

Cairns, James Peter (1943-57), Bank House, Cults, Aberdeenshire.

Cameron, John Brebner (1946-f7), 122 Osborne Place, Aberdeen.

Cormack, George Norman Gorn (1948-57), Glenview, Kirkbrac, Cults, Aberdeenshire.

Davidson, Ian Lobban (1953-58), 4o Clarence Street, Footdee, Aberdeen.

Donald, Peter Brand (1944-49), 66 Queens Road, Aberdeen.

Harper, Hugh Alexander Barrie (1950-57), 3o Viewficld Gardens, Aberdeen.

Johnston, Colin Farquhar (1945-57), 46 Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen Littlejohn, Alastair George (1940-53), 15 Northburn Avenue, Aberdeen.

Martin, Colin John Mackenzie (1951-57), Perth Aerodrome, Perth.

Middleton, Stuart Auldjo (1945-57), 77 Woodmill Lane, Bitteme Park, Southampton.

Miller, Angus Roderick Durie (11939-44), Frogfield, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire.

Mitchell, Ernest Renan (1923-29), 34 Craiglockhart Road, Edinburgh. 11.

Morrice, Graham Taylor (1944-57), z Rubislaw Park Cresent, Aberdeen.

Morrison, Ronnie (1952-57), 95 Gardiner Road, Blackhall, Edinburgh 4.

Mortimer, William Johnston (1905-15), 6o Baberton Crescent, Juniper Green, Edinburgh.

Nicol, Alexander (1925-35), 230 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen.

Nixon, Ronald (1946-57), 7 Orchard Road, Aberdeen.

Skene, Charles Pirie (194o-45). 19 Carden Place, Aberdeen.

Smith, David Pringle (1945-47), 50 Sunningdale Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Thompson, Richard William Ferguson (1936-37-39-42-44), 26-27 Conduct Street London W.r.

Walker, Michael Grant (1946-f7), 20 Hammerfield Avenue, Aberdeen.

News from the Centres London Centre On z May a new venture was tried out—which proved very successful—a Cocktail Party held, in conjunction with the London F.P. branches of St. Margarets' and the Girls High School at the English Speaking Union. Attendances at the recent dances held by this group have been disappointing, and it seems that cocktail parties will be better supported.

Yorkshire Centre After a lapse of some years, Members of the Yorkshire Centre met at a m s enjoyable informal Dinner in the Senior Common Room, University House, The University, Leeds, on Friday, 25 Afril 1958. Twelve Yorkshire Members sat down to Dinner in company with Mr. . Lennox Riddell, President of the Parent Club.

Professor E. J. Wood, President ot the Centre, proposed the toast of " The School ".

His speech was in reminiscent mood and memories were stirred to recall the great men and women of the teaching staff of the early twenties. Mr. Riddell, in replying, brought news of Aberdeen and told of efforts being made to retain the Primary Department. Professor W. P. Milne later spoke of the " Kitts ". This was a circular building where at certain times of the day queues of boys could be seen awaiting entrance. Of those present only Dr. Ian Innes, of Hull could remember the " Kitts ".

During the course of the evening a short business meeting was held and the following Officials and Committee were elected : President: Professor E. J. Wood; Secretary and Treasurer: A. J. Adams; Committee: Dr. Ian Inns, J. C. Spark, H. E. R. Shand.

The following is a list of those present, in order of seniority: Professor W. P. Milne (1897-99). Dr. Ian G. Innes (1905-08). J. LennoxRiddell, (1907-16). Dr. O. G. Prosser (1907-18). Professor E. J. Wood (1908-21).

E. J. Strachan, (1918-24). J. C. Spark, (1919-21). A. J. Adams, (1920-30).

Dr. T. N. Nichol (1925-39). If. E. R. Shand, (1925-34). Dr. Ian D. Innes .

Grant, (194o-4z).

(1933-38). Ian W. Sinclair, I R ) -Pm If any F.P. resident in Yorkshire who did not receive a notice of this Dinner would like to attend further functions of the Centre, will he let Mr. A. J. Adams, 485 Bradford Road, Pudsey, have his name and address? No membership fee is payable and all F.P.s in Yorkshire are eligible for membership of the Centre.

Edinburgh Centre The Annual Dinner was held in the Roxburghe Hotel on to January 1958.

Twenty-four members attended with their friends, the chief guests of the evening being Professor John Bruce, F.R.C.S. ED. and Alexander H. Gray, Esq., The toast of" The School and the Club" was proposed by J. R. Fiddes who examined " the primary matter " in a non-contentious way, and concluded that the abolition of the primary department and the introduction of an entrance examination at eleven years of age would have at least one grave danger, the creation of a school of only clever boys, of a snoberry of intelligence. In the past it was customary for the Lord Provost to be a Grammarian; now there are only two or three Grammarians in the whole Town Council. He felt that F.P.s living in Aberdeen should take a much more active interest in municipal affairs. Douglas Johnston, Q.C. replied.

Mr. Alexander Gray being one of the principal guests, there was a special toast " Aftermaths " proposed by Dr. A. B. Donald. In whimsical reply Mr. Gray discussed the position subsequent to the death of the School (as he knew it) in 1939. In his opinion there is " more bilge, balderdash and bunkum spoken about Education by people who ought to know better than about any other subject under the sun ". As a result of the introduction of free education he as a teacher was latterly turned into " a quartermaster-sergeant " who daily had to issue to over too pupils compass, protractor, set squares, rulers, etc., . . . and then take them all back in again! Mr. Gray was acclaimed by the company and presented with a book token.

123

124

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Edinburgh v. Glasgow Golf Match

The Annual Golf Match between the Edinburgh and Glasgow Centres was played at Camwath on 1 June 1958. Edinburgh was represented by W. F. Mayor, H. D. Jamieson, D. K. Cameron, D. R. 13. Cay, and A. C. Frazer, and Glasgow by A. A. R. Smith, W. G. Gow, K. R. T. Matthew, A. Christie, W. 0. Fiddes, and J. G. M. Birss.

The weather was warm and sunny and the day's play proved to be most enjoyable.

The standard of golf showed signs of improvement again this year but Edinburgh succeeded in leaving the Carnwath Spoon in the possession of Glasgow as a result of a victory by five matches to three.

Bengal and Assam Centre At the moment the Centre has only three members on its strength—W. G. Macmillan (1916-22) Peter Crombie (1919-2o, 2922-24) and R. M. Ponner (1922-28): changed days from the time when there were over twenty active members! R. H. Duguid (1918-23), who was Secretary till last year, has now retired from India and taken a new appointment in Canada; but the new secretary W G Macmillan is interested in contacting the large number of F.P.s known to be scattered over his area, and would like if they would let him know their whereabouts with a view to his arranging a re-union on the grand scale of former days.

Calling all former Scouts of the rat Troop!

The present scouters of the troop hope to arrange a rc-union in the autumn.

Will former members interested in attending please send their names to Stuart Wilson. * * *

At the end of the last war a Paymaster Lieutenant in the Navy found himself on V.J. day in one of the great cities of the Far East, and, ashore with a brother-officer only slightly senior to himself, he found that they were both obliged to seek shelter from a sudden downpour of torrential rain. As they entered the porch of a great and imposing public building to get out of the rain they found the door flung open by a warmly-welcoming footman; and, in adventurous mood, they allowed him to sweep them in, interested to see what was afoot.

To their horror they found themselves in an imposing throng of " top brass" representing all services and all nations, and the Paymaster Lieutenant was by no means reassured when he saw his playful companion in earnest conversation with the local Lord Mayor who (it had by then transpired), was throwing a reception to celebrate armistice day. He had not long to wait to discover what the conversation was about, however, for soon the Lord Mayor called for silence, intimated that he had just been informed that it was a Naval tradition to ask the most junior officer present to propose the first toast after that to His Majesty, and that accordingly he had great pleasure in calling upon Paymaster Lieutenant X., R.N.V.R., of H.M.S. "Asterisk", to propose the toast of " Our gallant Chinese Allies"!

The Paymaster Lieutenant swears that to this day he does not recall one word of what he said—but next day the Captain, R.N., of the Cruiser on which he was serving sent for Paymaster Lieutenant X and observed to him that, although he himself had not had the honour to be invited to the Lord Mayor's Reception (which was, after all, only for officers of flag rank), he was delighted to hear that he had been so ably represented there by one of his junior Reserve Officers I (The Paymaster lieutenant in question was a well-known F.P. who tells this tale against himself.)

Former Pupils' Club

125

F.P. Cricket Section No report as the continuing bad weather postponed the commencement of the ci ickct season so seriously.

F.P. Tennis Section At the Annual General Meeting I. G. Matheson was elected captain, and K. B. Williams was re-elected Treasurer and Secretary.

The weather to date has interfered considerably with the section's activities, but it is hoped to arrange some matches later in the season.

Hours of play are from 7 p.m. until dusk every evening and from 2.3o p.m. on Saturdays with a guest night on Fridays. Any F.P.s interested in joining will be made welcome.

K. B. WILLIAMS, Hon. Secretary.

F.P. Golf Section Outing at Aboyne on i June. Number at Outing, 29. The following were the results of it: Handicaps 12 and over Scratch Prize 63 70 W. S. DONALD E. Buraudiv 66 A. M. Davidson Handicaps 12, I x 66 W. S. Milne 7o G. A. C. Walker 66 Guest Graham F. Bryce 71 R. W. B. Ritchie 66 A. C. Mutch 72

F.P. Rugby Section The second half of the season has been largely spoilt by the weather, and on only three Saturdays was Rubislaw playable in January and February. rst XV The team's record has been reasonably good although not always playing their best against South dubs. Some of the results might have been different if the full side had been available to travel at all times. Once again F.P.s were the outstanding side in Aberdeen, being undefeated in local games. They retained the Sportsmens Challenge Cup by defeating an Aberdeen Select 13-o.

As a point of interest it is now eight years since Gordonians have beaten F.P.s In the Sevens' tournaments they reached the semi-final at Elgin, were defeated in the first round at Inverness and won a confined tournament at Aberdeen by defeating Gordonians " A " in the final. znd XV The and XV season was badly affected by the weather: in fact only six games were played since December. Good victories were recorded over University znd and Perthshire Accies and.

3rd XV The 3rd XV season was also badly interrupted by the weather and only five games were played.

Records for the season were as follows:Points Points Against For Won Lost Drawn Played 2 14 27 is 1st XV 239 .

253 6 I2 and XV 19 134 I 274 8 18o zo6 — XV 3rd I2 4

i z6

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The following players were chosen for representative games since the last issue.

North v. Glasgow: E. Sutherland, H. W. L. Thomas, C. D. Mowat, T. G. Smith.

North v. Edinburgh: R. IL Cradock, T. G. Smith, H. W. L. Thomas.

North v. Australia: R. H. Cradock, E. H. Cruickshank (Capt.), T. G. Smith, C. D. Mowat.

Colours for the season were awarded as follows: Fuld—J. L. Brebner, R. H. Cradock, C. Ritchie, T. G. Smith, D. R. Grieve, D. N. Georgeson, K. B. Williams.

Half-E. Sutherland, J. G. Lawrie, J. G. Lindsey, H. W. L. Thomas, P. B. Philip, I. O. Brown, C. D. Mowat.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a cordial invitation to all players leaving School to join the Section. Without doubt, F.P.s have the best record and the finest fixture list in Aberdeen, if not north of the Forth.

In conclusion I would again appeal to members of the F.P. Club for better support at their matches. I would also remind Club members that International Tickets can only be obtained through rugby clubs and any F.P. wishing these must become a member of the rugby section.

At the Annual General Meeting held on 6 May, Mr. C. C. Allan, who has been Secretary for the past two seasons intimated, that on account of business, he would be unable to continue as Secretary. Officials for season 1958-59 were appointed as follows: Hon. President, A. J. Allan; Captain, R. H. Cradock; Vice Captain and Treasurer, C. Ritchie; Hon Secretary, D. H. Chapman; Hon. Teams Secretary, K. B. Williams.

Results let XV 1957 Nov. 9 v. Aberdeen Univ. at Kings „ z6 v. Jordanhlll College School F.P. at Rub. 23 v. Greenock Wanderers at „ Rubislaw 3o v. Aberdeen Acad. at Rub. Dec. 7 v. Watsonians at Myreside 24 v. Glasgow Acad. at New Anniesland „ 21 V. Glasgow Univ. at Rub. „ 28 v. Hutchesons G.S.F.P. at Auldhouse 2958 an. xx v. Aberdeenshire at Rub. eb. x v. Trinity Acad. at Rub. 22 V. Jordanhill T.C. at Rub. Mar. x v. Aberdeen Wanderers at Hazlehead 8 v. Boroughmuir School F.P. „ at Meggetland „ 18 v. Goidonians at Rubislaw 22 v. Musselburgh at Stonyhill 29 V. Panmure at Rubislaw „

6-3 W z7-o W 9-6 W 15-3 W 9-9 D 5.2 4 L 6-o W 3-22 L 23.3 W 3-6 L 6-9 L 25-0 W 3-21 L 23-6 W 6-14 L 8-5 W

2nd XV 1957 5-6 L Nov. 9 v. Moray tat at Rubislaw „ 23 v. Greenock W. and at Rub. 2x-12 W „ 3o v. R.N.A.S. Lossiemouth tat zz-9 W at Lossiemouth Dec. 7 v. Aberdeen Univ. and at 8-x6 L Kings „ 21 V. Aberdeenshire and at Chanonry 35-0 W x8-xx W 28 v. Strathmore 1st at Rub. 1958 6-io L Jan. 11 v. School rst at Rubislaw 14.0 W :8 v. Moray ist at Elgin Feb. I v. Aberdeen Un. 2nd at Rub. 8-o W 32-o W Mar. x v. Abdn Wand. 2nd Rub. 8-8 D • 22 V. School 1st at Rubislaw 9-6 W 29 V. Perth Acad. and at Rub. 3rd XV 1957 28-ro W Nov. 9 v. Moray and at Rub. 32.3 W „ 23 v. Abdn. Un. 3rd at Kings 3o v. Abdn. Acad. 2nd at Rub. 17-6 W Dec. 14 v. Gordonians 3rd at SeaSeld 16-o W 58 3-2x L 19 zr v. School 2nd at Rubislaw Jan. 18 v. Moray and at Elgin 23- 5 W Feb. 1 v. Gordonians 3rd, at Seafield 6-16 L • 22 V. Jordanhill T.C. 3rd at Rub. 6-27 L Mar. 22 v. Abdn'shire and, Chanonry 22-6 W

F.P. Hockey Section Season 2 957-5 8 turned out one of F.P.s most successful in recent years and yet it proved to be disappointing in that the standard of play did not live up to its earlier promise or expectations. From the point of view of results we had a good year. The list XI won the local league for time and although it was decided on a percentage basis, due to several cancelled matches, it was none the less gratifying to finish at the top of the table.

In the local six-a side Tournament an F.P. team won the President's Trophy which was awarded for the first time this season. This was our third successive win in the event and, with one exception by the same six players.

Former Pupil/ Club

127

Our and and 3rd XI's did not fare too well this season due mainly to a rather slow start. However, it is on record that our and XI scored over roc goals—a praiseworthy effort and, I hope, a sign of things to come.

The season was concluded with a trip to Dublin over the Easter week-end.

During the three days there we played four gamer, losiog two and drawing two.

With rather less finesse but with more speed and thrust than us, the Irish showed just how effective these can be when it comes to scoring goals. It was a lesson that we needed and from which I hope we shall benefit. In spite of the results, the tour was unanimously voted our best ever and this was due to the hospitality and friendliness of our hosts. Particularly I would like to mention the AvocA CLUB who went out of their way to entertain us in a royal manner and who did everything they could to make our short stay asp leasant as possible. Needless to say a return trip to Dublin is contemplated!

This season saw an innovation in the form of a training evening in the School gym. this was conducted by Sandy Munro of the Rugby Section and we are indebted to him for making us fit in a way that seemed more pleasant than one could have thought possible for such an undertaking.

Frequently during the season we found that we were a player or two short but, with the willing assistance of Mr. McKay and his school players, we always managed to complete our teams. We are most grateful to all concerned for that help.

Next season we shall again have three teams and we would be glad to hear from all F.P.s interested in joining the section. They would be made most welcome in our ranks and could be sure of plenty of hockey. Anyone interested should contact W. Gatt, 8z Powis Place (Phone 2.9487) who will then notify them about practice matches and the start of the season etc.

Colour awards for season 1957-58 were: and XI Cslours—R. A. Beattie, G. Cruickshank, D. Ness and A. E. Philip. sat XI Results 1957 * Sept. z8 Morgan Academy F.P.s, Rub. Oct 5 R.A.F. Kinloss, Kinloss • „ 12 Ruthrieston, Rubislaw z9 Grove Academy F.P.s, Brty „ 26 Academy F.P.s, Rubislaw • „ Nov. 9 G.S.F.P.s " A ", Links • „ 16 Gordonians, Seafield • „ 23 Aberdeen, Links • „ 3o Aberdeen, Rubislaw *Dec. 7 Gordonians, Rubislaw ,. 14. Grammar School, Seaton • „ 2i G.S.F.P.s A, Rubislaw „ 28 Academy F.P.s, Harley/ 1958 • Jan. 4 Ruthrieston, Links • „ az University, King's is Morgan Acad, F.P.s, Dundee Feb. x University A, Rubislaw • as Gordonians, RubLslaw 22 Dundee Wanderers, Dundee Mar. x Grove Acad. F.P.s, Rubislaw • 22 Ruthrieston, Rubislaw • 29 Six-a-side Tournament Links „ Denotes League Fixture Played Won Drawn Lost 22 15 3 3

1.2 I. 7-o W 4-1 W 3.2 W 3-o W 3-a W o-o I) 2.I W 7-o W I-a 1) 4-o W 9-2 W a-o W o-o D o-a L 3.2 W 4. 3 W 2-3 3-I W 4.1 W I-o W

and XI Results • Sept. 21 Grammar School, Seaton 3. 5 L 28 Morgan Acad. F.P.s A, Links 4.2 W Forres Oct. 5 Forres, 4. 4 13 2-7 I. „ 12 Academy F.P.s, Links Academy F.P.s A, Brty 3-o W „ 19 Grove 13-0 W • „ 26 University "B'', Links i-x I) Seaton Nov. 2 University"B", 1.3 L 9 G.S.F.P.s, Links „ Seafleld 2-0 W "A", • „ x6 Gordonians 1-3 L • „ 23 Gordon's College, Scofield 9-o W • „ 30 Training College, Hilton

Dec. 7 University "A", Seaton „ 14 Gordonians, Links „ 21 G.S.F.P.s, Rubislaw 28 Richmond, Rubislaw „

4-2 W

5.2 L 2-0 L x-o W

258

Jan. 4 Grammar School, Rubislaw 4.2 W 5.1 W „ az G.S.F.P.s "B", Ruhislaw • ill Morgan Acad. F.P.s A, Dundee 4-0 W 5-o W • Feb. 2 Academy F.P.s "A", Seaton 7-0 W • 13 G.S.F.P.s "B", Links 6.2 W • 21 Dundee Wanderers "A", 9-o W Mar. a Grove Acad. F.P.s A, Links 22 Gordon's College "A" Links z z-o W „ • 29 Six-a-side Tournament, Links • Denotes League Fixture Played Won Drawn Lost 6 23 25 2 •

3rd XI Results 1 937 Sept. 21—.

28— 0-2 L • Oct. 12 Richmond, Links o-5 L 29 Gordon's College, Seafield 26 Training College, Hilton 8-x W • ao-o W Nov. a Academy F.P.s "A", Rub. 1-2 L • ,, 9 University "B", Seaton „ 16 Grammar School "A", Link* 4. 4 D „ 23 Ruthrieston Ramblers, Links o-z L 3o Grammar Colts, Links 1.1 D 2.5 L • Dec. 28 Grammar School, Links 1 958 0-3 L Jan. 4 Aberdeen, Links 1-3 L • ,. xi G.S.F.P.s "A", Rubislaw Feb. a Ruthrieston Ramblers, Links 2-3 L 0-7 L „ 13 G.S.P.P.9 "A" Links 22 University "B", Seaton 5.5 D Mar. 29 Six-a-side-Tournament, Links • Denotes League Fixture Played 14

Won 2

Drawn Lost 3 9

128

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Late item The late Mrs. A. H. Gray Former pupils will be very sorry to learn of the recent untimely death of Mrs. Gray, wife of Mr. Alexander H. Gray who was lately Head of the Mathematics Department in the School.

Mr. and Mrs. Gray were looking forward to many happy years of leisure in Aberdeen and it is hard that she should have died at the outset of a well-earned retirement.

Mrs. Gray will always be remembered with affection for her continuous enthusiastic support of School activities: more especially for her great interest in the Scouts and the very practical assistance she so willingly gave them. She will be remembered, too, for her magnificent work in the organization of the Grammarian Fair two years ago, and perhaps few realise the magnitude of that task into which she threw all her heart and enthusiasm. She greatly cherished her election to the rank of Honorary Former Pupil of the Aberdeen Grammar School.

Mrs. Gray was endowed with apparently limitless energy and a capacity not only for detailed organization but for tackling a heavy share of the hard work herself.

Above all she possessed the gift of unfailing kindliness and good humour.

Former Pupils who were privileged to know " the Grays" more intimately will recall her deep love of flowers and the beautiful garden which she and Mr. Gray created and tended so carefully. She loved animals like the true country-bred woman she was and once at a Junior School Prizegiving delighted the boys with her stories of the old family sheepdog.

Many will remember their casual visits to 4r Ruhislaw Park Crescent: the ringing of the door-bell, the scamper and bark of the dog, Mrs. Gray's fleet step to the door and the never varying warmth of her welcome into a happy and peaceful home, now so sadly disrupted by her passing.

With Mr. Gray and his family Former Pupils everywhere will feel a very deep sympathy in so grievous a loss.

A. M. H.

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* * The Premier Bookshop for NOVELS, BIOGRAPHIES, POETRY, THEOLOGY, SPORTS AND TRAVEL BOOKS

EXCHANGE YOUR BOOK TOKENS HERE where the Best Sellers are always obtainable

There is a wonderful selection of all the famous makes in Fountain Pens and Ball-point Pens. Look in any time and see them at the Pen Counter—A Pen is a gift anyone would appreciate.

229 UNION STREET xvi

::

ABERDEEN

1I

I

THE PERSON AL TOUCH

IS FAST DISAPPEARING FROM THE MODERN WAY OF BUSINESS. YOU CAN STILL FIND IT PERVADING THE FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE IN ROBERTS. WHY NOT CALL ON US NEXT TIME?

ROBERTS

(ABERDEEN)

Lip

HOUSE FURNISHERS

419 UNION ST., ABERDEEN ESTABLISHED OVER 80 YEARS

Advertisements Without the support of Advertisers it would be a financial impossibility to produce the Magazine. May we suggest that in return you patronize them.

Enquiries regarding advertising in the Magazine should be addressed to : FRANK C. CONNON, ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, 12 GOLDEN SQUARE, ABERDEEN

xvii

Agents for H.M. Stationery Office

Agents for Ordnance Survey Maps

WYLLIES (BOOKSELLERS LTD.)

247 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN Telephone 25534

Established 1814

ESTABLISH THE HABIT OF READING GOOD BOOKS Established over 100 years

WILLIAM CAY AND SONS (Funeral Directors) Limited Efficient Service Day and Night

Cremations Arranged

Private Chapel and Rest Room

209 GEORGE STREET 415 UNION STREET ABERDEEN ABERDEEN Tel. 20054 NORTHERN ROAD GT. 610-12 Tel. 29302 Tel. 44532

JAMES BLAKE LTD.

Royal Naval Volunteer (Wireless) Reserves

— Joiners and — Building Contractors

Spend some of your spare time with the Communications Branch of the Royal Navy. Volunteers are invited to join the Aberdeen Section, R.N.V.(W.)R., and qualify for Bounty Training Allowances, etc.

30-32 Gt. Western Road Enquiries courteously solicited

ALL CLASSES OF BUILDING WORK

Enquiries to : OFFICER IN CHARGE Aberdeen Section, R.N.v.(w.)R. 4 Market Street, Aberdeen

Telephone 24382 Telegrams " Blake Builders "

xviii

Qrbe

Rapper Rettle modern COCKTAIL lounge

THE EXILES/ LEAVE BOOKS

... there's nothing quite like it in the North. It's an established Aberdeen custom—cocktails in the Kopper Kettle.

/

UNION TERRACE

Consult these books in the Kopper Kettle and in the Buffet Lounge. They record the names of exiles home on leave.

•

ABERDEEN

Resident Manager: R. C. TUCKER, F.H.C.I.

BOOKBINDING OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS WILLIAM

JACKSON

(ABERDEEN)

LTD.

Offices:

Factory :

6 UPPER KIRKGATE

FARMER'S HALL LANE Telephone 22591

Established 1855

7{Ix

FALCONERS OF ABERDEEN * *

* * * BOYS'

GRAMMAR SCHOOL BLAZERS Lined & Unlined

All Wool & Nylon

PRICES FROM

58/6 TO £5-15-0

School Caps to Match 7/11 each

Also TIES, BELTS, PULLOVERS, ANKLE SOCKS AND HOSE

* * * MEN'S * * * " DOUBLE TWO 19

REGD. TRADE MARE

COLLAR ATTACHED

SHIRTS Non-Iron

Reinforced with Nylon

In Numerous Plain or Check Designs in Lovat Tones

Collar Sizes 144" to 18" •

49s 6d

We cordially invite you to visit our modernised MEN'S AND BOYS' DEPARTMENTS Direct Entrance by Adelphi

FALCONERS, UNION ST., ABERDEEN • Phone 52341 ..

ABERDEEN'S FOREMOST FASHION SHOP

Have Morning Coffee, Lunch or Afternoon Tea in—

THE RESTAURANT Good service is one of the salient features of our Restaurant on the Third Floor. We use our best endeavours to treat you with courtesy, to serve you with deftness, while the daintiness of the appointments appeals to men as much as to women—and, above all, it is noted for its good food personally supervised by our Chef de Cuisine

WHERE QUALITY COUNTS

221 UNION STREET MCI

ABERDEEN

Yes, and smartness tool For enjoyable leisure, you really ought to come and get yourself one of our new Simpson sports jackets. Cut on good, simple lines, with broad, easy shoulders, each one offers you an invitation to relax. Come in and see them.

DAKS JACKETS from £8 IS DAKS TROUSERS in all wool and in terylene mixtures

ESSLEMONT & MACINTOSH LTD.

(RETAILERS) TAILORS AND OUTFITTERS

ABERDEEN

UNION STREET

xxiv

DIAMONDS, SAPPHIRES, RUBIES, EMERALDS, ZIRCONS, OPALS

We have been in business for almost a century and our unchangeable policy has been to offer fine quality jewellery at competitive prices.

The engagement ring is of supreme importance and when the occasion arises we invite you to examine our stock %%hich we are sure you will find interesting and reasonably priced.

(JEWELLERS)

191 UNION STREET ABERDEEN ESTABLISHED 1863

-

-

The first

15

per annum

of interest in the Ordinary Department is

Free of Income Tax ABERDEE

v

S BANK

TELEPHONE

ABERDEEN 23950 • TELEGRAMS

'GALLOWSES' ABERDEEN

Men's Outfitters I Established 1904 I

W. J. MILNE, LTD ABERDEEN