AGS Magazine June 1964

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CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS The Late Campbell Connon . . . . . . facing page 76 .

Mr. John Lynch . . . . . . . .

• Mr. Cecil A. G. Savidge . . . . . . .

• 77 School Rugby ist XV and Hockey xst XI Teams .

• ,, ,, 1 48 F.P. Club Rugby ist XV and Hockey 1st XI Teams . . ,. ,, 149 General Section— Death of Campbell Connon . . page 75 .

Mr. John Lynch . . . .

76 .

• • . .

• ,, Notes About Old Boys . . .

• • . .

• ,, 79 Obituaries .

• • • 84 .

• ,, Marriages .

• • go . . .

• .

• • • Seventy Years of the Magazine . .

• • • • • ,, 92 Editor of the Magazine . . .

• • • • • 93 Primary Department . . . .

94 Our Hockey Internationalists .

• • • . .

• 95 Changes in the School (A Symposium) . . >5 96 • • • • Guinean Volunteer .

• • .

• • • • • ., to!

Shaw's Corner .

• • • • • • 104 • • .

School Section— School and Random Notes • .

107 • • • • • House Notes . . . . . . .

I1O . .

Presenting the Prefects . . .

III . . . . .

Literary and Debating Society . . . . . . .

114 Scripture Union, Film Society, Arts Club, Senior Discussion Group 115 Music Notes . . . . . . .

116 .

• Dramatic Society, Volpone . . . . . . . .

117 Photographic Society, Radio Club . . . . . .

118 Hill-Walking Club, Chess Club, Railway Club . . . . mg Scientific Society, Motor Club .

I2O . . . . . .

C.C.F. Notes . . . . . . . . .

120 Lower School Notes . . . . . .

122 . . .

Rugby Notes . . . . . . . . . .

123 Hockey Notes . . . . . . .

127 . . .

Badminton and Swimming Notes, Ski Club . . . .

130 Literary Section . . . . . . . . .

130 Rhineland Trip . . . . . . . . . .

1 34 .

Scout Notes . . . . . . . . .

136 Former Pupils' Club Section— Club Office-Bearers . . . . . . .

39 New Club President . . . . .

• • ,, 141 • Annual General Meeting . . . . . ' 142 • Centres—Edinburgh, London, West Bengal . . .,, .

144 Yorkshire, Dundee . . . ,, 14$ . .

Club Accounts . . . . . .

• • ,, 146 Sections—Rugby . . . . . .

48 . . .

Hockey . . . . ' . ,, 149 Cricket . . . . . . „ 150 Swimming, Golf . . . . . . . . . . " 151 New Members . . . . . . . . . ' " 152 Note: An Asterisk * after a name throughout the Magazine indicates that the P.P. is a member of the F.P. Club. The years appearing in brackets after the name indicate the years of attendance at School.

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•

•

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1

Death of Campbell Connon Few similar events can have so shocked the whole Grammarian community as did the sudden and untimely death of Campbell Connon, General Editor of the " Magazine ", on a December 1963.

As briefly reported in the last issue, he went off on 13 December to take part in a ski instructors' course at Aviemore and five days later he collapsed and died at the White Lady Shieling on Cairngorm. He was aged forty-two.

Campbell spent the whole of his school life (1926-38) at the School.

He graduated al.A. at Aberdeen in 1941 and then served for five years in the Army. As a Lieutenant in the Intelligence Corps, he was in India for about two years. He returned to the University in 1946 and obtained his LL.B. degree in 1949. He served his law apprenticeship in his father's old firm, Whyte & Connon, and continued there as a solicitor until 1958, when he started practising on his own account in the firm of Campbell Connon & Co. at 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen. He was a well-known figure in the courts.

Many of us remember him at School particularly as a Cub and Scout in the 9th and he maintained his connection after leaving School, becoming Group Scoutmaster. He was an enthusiastic swimmer and was one of the F.P. team which took part in a race against a team of present-day pupils at the opening of the School Swimming Pool in October 1963. The recently-formed Swimming Section of the Club owes much to his interest and enthusiasm. A versatile musician, he was a prominent member of the School Orchestra and had a happy knack of producing his fiddle in the most unexpected places to give an impromptu rendering of well-known airs arranged in his own inimitable manner. In a war-time Magazine it was reported that he had been present at a gathering of forty Aberdonians in Delhi and, sure enough, the report records that the company was entertained by Campbell to a violin solo.

In 7955 he became General Editor of the Magazine and the issue which appeared a day or two after his death was the seventeenth under his editorship. If further proof of his devotion to the School was needed, it is provided in the fact that he has left a legacy of Lion to the Club to provide a new School prize for local history.

He had many other interests and entered into a great variety of projects with unbounded enthusiasm. He was chairman of Aberdeen Ski Club, secretary of Aberdeen and District Angling Association, secretary of Aberdeen Hospitals Relay Association, secretary of the Penguin Swimming Club, a founder member and treasurer of the North of Scotland Zoological Society, a sponsor of the Zoo that is planned for Hazlehead and a member and former chairman of the Aberdeen Reel and Strathspey Society. In a quiet way he did much good among the poor in Aberdeen.

Invariably attired in his kilt, Campbell was a kenspeckle figure but this was just one manifestation of his engaging individuality. He was consistently a non-conformist. He had a horror of what he regarded as humbug and he preferred to set precedents rather than to follow them. He had no ambitions to be up with the Jones's and no regrets 75

76

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

if others declined to be up with the Connons. He loved the unusual and revelled in the original. Who else would have referred, as he did in another war-time Magazine, to " a very pleasant cycle spin around Ceylon " ? Who else would have christened a limited liability company of his creation " Ploys Limited " ? He had a very large circle of friends and annually on Midsummer Night he would invite many of these to a typically unusual party at his cottage (which he styled " Awa-Frae-It-A ") on the Ballater-Braemar road.

Even now, some months later, it is hard to appreciate that Campbell is gone. It is some consolation that his death came suddenly in surroundings where he was so happy. To his brother, Frank, we extend our sincere sympathy on a loss which is felt by everyone but by none so much as by him.

A.C.R.W.

Mr John Lynch Mr. Lynch retires at the end of this session'

The retiral of Mr. Lynch at the close of this session must be regarded as marking in a sense the end of an era in the history of the School. In the course of the last nine years we have witnessed the departure, one by one, of no fewer than five members of the staff of the Senior School, each with upwards of thirty years' teaching service to his credit. Mr. Lynch, with a quota of thirty-seven years, is the sixth and last of this small band of veterans.

A native of Ayrshire, John Lynch received his early education at Kilwinning Higher Grade School. His completion of the old Intermediate course coincided with the outbreak of the first World War, an event which in fact terminated his schooldays in the strict sense of the word. Instead of entering upon the post-Intermediate stage of his education at Irvine Royal Academy, as he would have done in the normal course of events, he found himself, with several of his contemporaries, drafted into Nobel's Explosives Factory at Ardeer near Stevenston, where he spent the next three years doing routine work in chemical analysis. To compensate for the interruption to their education the Company made special provision for such boys to receive instruction in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. These subjects were supplemented in Mr. Lynch's case by a correspondence course in English, History, Geography and French.

In October 1917, he entered the Army and saw service, first in France and subsequently, after the Armistice, with the occupation forces in Germany. On demobilisation at the end of 1919 he secured admission to the Royal Technical College in Glasgow, where, after an unusually brilliant career, he gained the degree of B.Sc. with special distinction in Pure and Applied Chemistry. The Royal College at that period had not yet adopted the term " Honours " to classify degrees but the quality of Mr. Lynch's work was such—his average mark for the fifteen classes included in his course was 89 per cent—that he would undoubtedly have qualified for the award of 1st class Honours had that method of distinguishing graduates been in use at the time.

(Courk'sy of Stair) 1

The late MR. CAMPBELL CONNON

-

MR. foil\ I

CECIL A. G. SAVIDGE,

, M.A.

President of the F.P. Club 1964-65

A•ir. John Lynch

77

Two years in industry immediately after graduation as a research worker with the Scottish Shale Oil Research Association served to convince Mr. Lynch that his real interest lay in teaching. In the autumn of 1926 he was admitted to a course of training at Jordanhill College and in the spring of the following year was offered and accepted a post in the Science Department of Aberdeen Grammar School.

There he has remained to this day.

His appearance upon the school scene was quiet and unobtrusive and the paragraph in the School Mageqine which chronicles his arrival is unusually brief and uninformative. No one certainly could have anticipated from it the part he was destined to play in the life of the School for more than a generation. In 1936 he was appointed Principal Science Master and in 195 2 he added to his responsibilities those of Deputy Rector of the School. During the war years in addition to his commitments in Civil Defence he had also been master in charge of the School Squadron of the Air Training Corps. In 1961 the current trend to sub-divide science into its component subjects led to the appointment of separate Heads of Departments in Physics and Biology and in December 1962, the increasing size and complexity of the School was recognised by a decision on the part of the Education Committee to relieve the Deputy Rector of responsibility for the supervision of a teaching Department.

The debt which the School owes John Lynch, however, is not one which can be measured simply in terms of years of service. " It is not growing like a tree In bulk doth make man better be."

Such a reckoning takes no account of the quality of the service he gave. It reveals nothing of the patient, dedicated teacher, skilful in presentation, meticulous in his attention to detail and pre-occupied, as the best teacher always is, with the needs of the average boy. It gives no glimpse of the planner and organiser who, as Principal Science Master, nursed his Department through the difficult war years and kept pace with the complex and confusing programme of development which has been its lot ever since, or who, as Deputy Rector, discharged with such tact and such general acceptance the multifarious duties associated with that office. Above all, it tells us nothing of the man himself.

John Lynch is not in fact the kind of man who lends himself readily to what the mass media of our time call the "profile" report. He presents a comparatively smooth and unruffled exterior to the world and displays few of those foibles and eccentricities of behaviour which are apt to be regarded, often with little justification, as the hallmark of the genuine " character ". The word "gentleman" is perhaps the one that springs most readily to mind in describing him—rather an outmoded word these days but one nevertheless which carries for most of us a very clear connotation. Based fundamentally on respect for the personality of others, it is characterised by courtesy and good manners to all, by a refusal to abuse personal authority or privilege, by consideration for subordinates and, finally, by a scrupulous attitude to the discharge of one's duties. No one who has known

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine 78 Mr. Lynch, whether as pupil or as colleague, could fail to recognise in this list some of the most conspicuous elements in his character. To the many changes that have come to the school during his long career he has brought an evenness of temper and a broad-minded tolerance which have not only helped him personally to emerge unscathed but have eased the process for the school itself. As one of our vital links with the past he has been in no small measure responsible for the preservation in a changed and changing society of those traditions and values which are the Grammar School's finest heritage.

As with all good teachers, his true and abiding memorial is to be found in the lives of a whole generation of boys who have sat at his feet during the most formative years of their lives. To their number must be added a considerable number of teachers, many of them now holding posts of responsibility in schools up and down the country, who learned the rudiments of their profession under his wise and beneficent guidance.

To his colleagues and many friends in Aberdeen it is a source of gratification to know that he will not be wholly lost to us, since he has elected to stay on in his adopted city and we shall have many opportunities of keeping in touch with him. Meanwhile we would extend to Mrs. Lynch and himself our most cordial wishes for a long and happy period of retirement.

J. V. S. Ed. Note:—Due to the typhoid outbreak complimentary dinners arranged for Mr. Lynch by the Club Executive and the School Staff have had to he postponed for the moment.

An F.P. Tribute In one sense at least time stands still for all of us. " Our School " is a memory of the masters who taught us and the surroundings in which we worked. Thus, when a master gives almost forty years' service to one school he is part of the School to countless former pupils. To Grammar F.P.s all over the world from sixteen to sixty John Lynch is identified with the Science Department and is a link with the days of " Caesar " and " Pat " Edward, rugby behind the School and the old " chemmy lab " with its network of gas pipes.

The memory which most F.P.s will have of John Lynch will be of a man devoted to his job and painstaking in his determination to achieve perfection. Although the School has changed greatly over the period of his association with it, John Lynch has carried on its traditions in the best manner which we all could wish for as head of the Science Department and latterly also as Deputy Rector. The development of the Science Department, from the object of the classicists' contempt in his early days into two large all-modern departments, has been carried through under his guidance.

It is with mixed feelings that we say farewell to him at the end of this term. While we regret that one who has meant so much to the School and to whom the School meant so much must ever leave, we wish John Lynch every happiness in a long retirement, and look forward to seeing him at School functions.

I.M.S.P.* (x 942-50

Honours and Awards Commander of the Order of the British Empire (C.B.E) George Francis Collie* (1916-26), M.B.L., H.L., was created a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year llonours List in recognition of his political and public services in Aberdeen, A partner in the firm of James & George Collie, advocates in Aberdeen, he has had a long and active connection with the South Aberdeen Unionist Association, of which he is now president. He is also chairman of the Board of Management for Aberdeen Special Hospitals.

During World War II he was wounded and taken prisoner at St. Valery, but in 1942 he escaped from hospital in Paris and crossed occupied France into Spain.

He was awarded the M.B.E. (Military Division) later in the same year for gallant and distinguished service in the field.

Francis Sheed Anderson* (1909-12) has been appointed chairman of the board of governors of Robert Gordon's Colleges. A former member of Aberdeen Town Council, he joined the staff of the Ministry of Food in 1938, and from 1946-54 was Under-Secretary at the Ministry. In 1959 he retired after ten years as chairman of the International Wheat Council. He is a director of the British Sugar Corporation, and has been a member of the Colleges board for the last four years. He is also the first Chairman of the Bacon Market Council, an international body, sponsored by the United Kingdom, formed earlier this year.

Milo Don Appleman* (195415); M.D., who has just become a Life member of the Club, is in medical practice in Los Angeles. He was in this country last summer, when he re-visited the School, John Ross Baird* (1952-64) left School in February and is employed with the Aberdeen & Northern Friendly Society. He is a keen Scout, and is presently Troop leader of the 17th Troop. He is also the drummer in a four-man " Beat Group " playing locally.

George Edward Colledge Barton* (1923-26), m.A., Chairman of the Club Executive from 1959 to 1961, Head of the Junior School of Robert Gordon's College since 1933 and Housemaster of Sillerton House, the Boarding House attached to the College, since its inception in 5937, retires in July from the Housemastership. A reunion dinner which was to have been held on 11 June and at which Mr. and Mrs. Barton were to have received a presentation on behalf of Sillertonians and friends of the House has been postponed as a result of the Aberdeen typhoid epidemic.

William James Coulson* (1936-44), B.Sc., has taken up a teaching appointment in Falkirk. He was recently elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of Chemistry. A former enthusiastic hockey player both for School and F.P.s, he has recently taken up the sport again and has been playing for one of the I.C.I. teams at Grangemouth.

David Main Craig* (1937-50), PH.D., has been appointed lecturer in English at the new University of Lancaster. After studying at Aberdeen and Cambridge Universities, he was for two years lecturer in English at the University of Ceylon, and since 1961 has been organising tutor for the Workers' Educational Association in the Dales area of North Yorkshire.

79

8o

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Robert Leys Cromar* (1944-49), who was until recently an inspector with the Royal Insurance Company in Aberdeen, is now surveyor for the London & Lancashire Insurance Company (another of the " Royal " Group) in Glasgow.

John George Wilson Davidson* (1922-28), has been elected to the council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland. He is a member of the firm of James Milne & Co., chartered accountants in Aberdeen.

Scott McKenzie Davidson* (1934-44), who returned to this country from the East two years ago, is now living at Turriff, where he is proprietor of a garage and filling station.

William Gordon Downs* (1950-63) has joined the staff of the British Linen Bank in Aberdeen.

John Dunn* (1946-48) is in Southern Rhodesia, where he is in government employment as an accountant with the Ministry of Agriculture. He is studying for the associatcship of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries.

Another F.P. Internationalist Meldrum Barclay Edwards* (1946-60), who is studying civil engineering at

Aberdeen University, has become the first F.P. cross-country internationalist.

Athletics champion in his last year at School, he is now captain of the 'Varsity Hare and Hounds Club. After winning the Scottish Junior Cross-country title in February he ran in the Scottish team in the European international championship race, and later was in the Scottish team against England. He was sixth in a field of 205 runners in the British Universities cross-country race at Nottingham.

Robert Falconer* (1944-58) has taken up a post as a Market Research Executive with Cadbury Bros., Boumville, and is now resident in Birmingham.

Alexander James Forbes* (1952-58) has been awarded the Baton of Honour as the best recruit at the Police Training Centre, Hamilton, Bermuda. He joined the Bermuda Police last September, after two and a half years in the Northern Rhodesian Police Force.

Ashley William Forbes* (1945-47) is now resident in Wick, having been appointed manager of the Wick branch of the Eagle Star Insurance Company.

He was previously with the company in Dundee.

William Henry Brough Forbes* (1939-48), B.sc., has been appointed Forest Engineer for the Forestry Division, Northern Ireland, and lives in Bangor. Previously he was in North Borneo as logging superintendent of the British Borneo Timber Company Ltd. Alexander Fraser (1955-58) was the winner of one of the two Latimer Awards for his contribution (a semi-abstract painting) to the 1964 exhibition of the Royal Scottish Academy. After completing a five-year diploma and post-diploma course at Gray's School of Art last year he is training as a teacher of art. He has been studying in Italy for six months under a scholarship awarded last year.

George Sutherland Fraser (1924-33), M.A., has been promoted to a Readership in modern English literature at Leicester University. He has been lecturer on Poetry at the University since 1959.

Robin Wattie Glashan* (1938-50, M.B., CH.B., has been elected a Fellow both of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and of the Glasgow College. He is at present a Registrar at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Society of Advocates in Aberdeen John Yeaman Leslie Hay* (1943-55), B.L., and Melville Forsyth Watson*

(1943-56), M.A., LL.B., were recently admitted as members of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. The Society's principal office-bearers for the current year are all Grammarians—Robert Bertram Williamson* (1906-18), M.A., LL.B., President; James Bryce Esslemont* (1915-24), M.A., LL.B., Treasurer; and Norman John Jamieson Walker* (1893-1912), M.A., LL.B., Factor and Librarian. The immediate past Treasurer was Herbert John Edwards* (1906-17), B.L.

Notes about Old Boys

8i

Ronald William Hepburn (1936-44), M.A., PH.D., presently Professor of Philosophy at the University of Nottingham, has been appointed to a new Chair of Philosophy established by the University of Edinburgh. Professor Hepburn was classical dux of the School in 1944, and after active service with the Gordon Highlanders he had a distinguished career at Aberdeen University, where he graduated with first class honours in moral philosophy and English literature in 1931. He was an assistant and later a Lecturer in Moral Philosophy at the University from 1952-60, being meantime awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1955. Before taking up his present appointment he was visiting associate Professor of Philosophy at New York University.

Harry Joseph Charles Hill (1948-59), M.A., who was reported in the last issue to have gone to the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, is a candidate for an award from the Ford Foundation for a year's study in the American professional theatre. His is the only nomination from Canada. Harry has been taking his usual prominent part in drama and operatic circles in the University in his short time there.

Henry Humble (1913-16), M.B.E., M.A., B.SC., rector of Elgin Academy since 1950, retired at Easter. A native of Crathes, he received his early education at Banchory Academy. Practically all his teaching career has been spent in Morayshire, where he was formerly principal teacher of science at Elgin Academy, headmaster of Rothes Secondary School and headmaster of Milne's Institute, Fochabers.

He has for many years been actively associated with the Morayshire Savings Association, of which he is presently chairman, and it was for this work that he was honoured with the award of the M.S.E. in 1962.

Redvers Noel Ironside* (1907-17), M.B., CH.B., has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. As reported in the last issue of these Notes, he is Master of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London for 1963-64.

William Jack* (1945-S7), A.R.1.B.A., M.ARCH., is now a senior architect with Building Design Practice, a group architectural practice in London, and is in control of several large building projects. After leaving School he studied at Aberdeen ,School of Architecture, graduating in 1957. After a year with Sir Basil Spence and Partners he went to Cornell University, New York, on a fellowship, and obtained a Master's Degree in Architecture. After working for a few years in the United States and Canada, he returned to this country and has been with his present firm since 1961.

John Benzie Kelly* (1949-58), who is at present a teacher of physical education at Powis Secondary School, Aberdeen, has been appointed to the Department of Physical Education at Hull University.

David Proudfoot Levack (1906-09), C.B.E., T.D., M.B., CH.B., senior consultant radiologist for the North-Eastern Regional Hospitals Board since 1948, retired recently. Prior to the inception of the Health Service he had been honorary radiologist to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary since 1927. He was also lecturer in radiology at Aberdeen University and medical officer in charge of radium therapy and research at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Dr. Levack commanded 154 (H) Field Ambulance from 1938-40, was a prisoner of war for four years, and was later A.D.M.S. for West Africa Command. He is Honorary Colonel of the Highland Division R.A.M.C., and is a past chairman of the Aberdeen branch of the R.A.M.C. Association.

Robert Alexander Lillie* (1896-1905), M.A., PII.D., who enjoys a reputation as a connoisseur in the fields of art and music, has shown particular interest in modern Scottish paintings, many of which are in his fine collection. An exhibition of a number of the works in his collection was held in the Scottish National Gallery of Modem Art, Edinburgh, in 1962. One of the press notices at the time described it as " one of the most delightful Exhibitions the National Gallery at Inverleith will ever be called upon to mount ". Aberdeen Art Gallery was the scene of another similar exhibition earlier this year when Dr. Lillie's excellent collection was much admired.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

James Fraser McLuskey* (1920-31), M.C., B.D., minister of St. Columba's Church of Scotland, Pont Street, London, toured the Holy Land earlier this year.

He recently celebrated his silver jubilee in the ministry.

Peter George Mitchell MacPhee* (i930-41), recently appointed secretary of the London centre, is production manager for the Readers' Digest in Great Britain, India, South Africa and Nigeria. His work takes him frequently to these and other countries.

His predecessor as secretary of the Centre was Robert Alexander Esslemont Menthe* (1924-36) who is on the staff of the British Petroleum Company and has been transferred to Germany.

Colin Campbell Reith Macpherson* (1935-40; 1942-44), M.A., B.A., B.D., minister of Inverurie West Church since 1959, has been granted a Territorial Army commission and has been appointed chaplain to the 3rd Battalion Gordon Highlanders (T.A.).

Ian Howard Marshall (1946-51), M.A., B.A., B.D., PH.D., who is at present minister of the Methodist Church, Darlington, has been appointed lecturer in Biblical Criticism at Aberdeen University as from 1 September.

James Lawson Mowat* (1915-16), M.A., PH.D., has recently retired from the International Labour Office in Geneva, but is still resident in Switzerland. He was a translator-interpreter with the Office from 1928-46, apart from the war years when he served with the Intelligence Corps in the Directorate of Military Intelligence at the War Office. He was appointed chief of the Maritime Division of the I.L.O. in 1946, and thereafter was successively in charge of the Technical Assistance Division in 1952, the Special Research Division in 19f4, and the Official Relations Division since 1958.

Deputy Lieutenants Two Grammarians were among five new Deputy Lieutenants of the City of Aberdeen commissioned recently. They were Thomas Patrick Edward Murray* (1907-18), o.B.E., T.D., M.A., LL.B., and James Scott Gray Munro* (1922-28), T.D., I.P., B.L., both advocates in Aberdeen.

Kenneth Jamieson Peters* (1929-41), M.A., formerly general manager of Aberdeen Journals, Ltd. and then a director of the company, has recently been appointed managing director. He has also been appointed president of the Scottish Daily Newspaper Society.

Eric Desmond Robertson (1928-31), B.sc., has been appointed assistant controller of the B.B.C. Overseas Services. In 1941 he was with the Malay Broadcasting Corporation in Singapore and from 1943-45 he was in charge of Far Eastern broadcasting for All-India Radio. He joined the B.B.C. in 1945 as Malay editor, became Far Eastern service organiser in 1948, head of that service in 1952, and until taking up his new post he was head of the Asian service.

James William Rogers* (194o-43), B.sc., has been appointed a director and general manager of William Mills Ltd., Staffordshire, a subsidiary company of the British Aluminium Company Ltd. He returned to this country last year from Jamaica, where he had been chief engineer with Reynolds Jamaica Mines Ltd. Incorporated Trades Several Grammarians are meantime office-bearers in the various Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen. Bertram Spence* (1932-45) is Deacon of the Shoemakers; Gordon Dalgleish Lamont (1934-46) is First Master of the Bakers, of which trade George Strathdee (1932-44) is late Deacon; and Ian Ogilvie Brown (1937-48) is First Master of the Weavers. lain Johnstone Macbeth Sutherland* (1933-40, M.A., left Cuba, where he had been Head of Chancery at the British Embassy in I lavana, in 1962. In June of that year he joined the British Embassy in Washington as First Secretary in Chancery. He is still concerned to some extent with Caribbean and Latin American

Notes about Old Boys

8;

affairs, and early last year he visited Central America, including El Salvador and Guatemala. In the autumn he spent some weeks in Brazil when he attended the second annual meeting of the Inter-American Economic and Social Council, which was held in Ski Paulo.

Norman Taggart* (1906-15), mai., cit.s., who had been in general practice in London since 1927, has retired and is now living in Shanklin, Isle of Wight.

Ralph Charles Sutherland Walker* (1951-55), who is now in his final B.A. year at McGill University, Montreal, where he is reading for honours in philosophy, has been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, under which he hopes to continue his studies at Oxford in October. His brother David Allen Cruden Walker* (1952,5) attended Mcrchiston Castle School under a scholarship during 196o-65, but is now in his first year of study at McGill. Both left the School for Montreal in 1955 when their father Ralph Spence Walker* (191o-22), M.A., went to McGill University as Molson Professor of English and Chairman of the English Department.

Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce James Campbell Williamson* (1924-34) has been appointed president of Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce for the ensuing two years. He is chairman and managing director of Messrs. A. R. Gray I.td., wholesale grocers and flour importers.

The new president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce is also a Grammarian, Derck George Marnoch* (194o-52). Secretary of the Junior Chamber is Charles Pirie Skene (1940-47).

Stanley George Williamson* (1922-25) Club Consul for Ceylon retired in March and is now living in the south of England. After twenty-two years with the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China he joined the broking firm of Forbes & Walker Ltd. in Colombo in 195z. Ile became a director of the company in 1954. His successor as Consul is John Morrison Smith* (1924-32), who joined the firm of Steel Brothers & Co. Ltd. just over thirty years ago. He is now chairman and managing director of two of their wholly-owned subsidiaries, E. B. Creasy & Co. Ltd. and Darley Butler & Co. Ltd., both operating in Ceylon.

George Robertson Young (1921-27) has been appointed head of the Department of Information and Press in the secretariat of the European Free Trade Association. For the past eight years he has been assistant director of information for the World Bank at its headquarters in Washington, prior to which he was head of the press office of the United Kingdom Treasury.

Church Architect The new and permanent building of Summerhill Church, Aberdeen, opened earlier this year, was designed by Aberdeen Architect William Coutts Youngson* (1920-31). The Church, part of the city's church extension scheme, serves the fast growing Summerhill, Woodend and Hazlehead areas. The new building is of contemporary design, and has been highly praised in religious and other circles.

Alexander Yule* (1952-58), after graduating from the School of Radiology, is now on the staff of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He is specialising in the department of neurosurgery.

James Smith Yule* (1915-19; 1926-28), whose marriage is reported elsewhere in this issue, has now taken up permanent residence in Keswick.

University Notes Grammarians as usual are to be found in all spheres of under-graduate activity as these notes, touching on but a few, show clearly.

The running of the Union has been assisted by the presence of Andrew Thomas Taylor (1947-61) and Ronald William Grant* (1948-61) on the Management Committee; while the affairs of the University as a whole are affected by the successful

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efforts of Alexander Norman Main* (1954-60), a former Director of Publications, who led the successful group sponsoring Sir John Hunt as Rector. Leader of the unsuccessful Jim Clark group was Donald Elrick Mackie (1951-53).

In the field of drama Norman Roderick Darroch Begg* (1951-55 : 1956-59) is still to the fore, not only at 'Varsity but in local amateur drama circles too. He has been joined by Geoffrey George Cormack (1943-46) who has figured in student productions and in a few Grampian T.V. programmes as well.

In sporting circles F.P.s are active in most things, although not in Rugger— the best presumably play in the many F.P. sides and 'Varsity has to look elsewhere.

Colin Taylor Preshaw* (1946-60) and George Hardie Mennie* (1958-59) have figured in the Soccer team, however, and Gordon Duncan Grant* (1956-62) in the hockey team. Barrie Stephen Urquhart* (1950-63) plays in the Golf team, and won the Handicap Championship in the North-East Area Alliance in March.

Edmund Donald Bruce Bain (1946-59) has been awarded a Full Blue and Douglas Fraser Ross (1945-5o: 1951-58) a Half Blue for Squash.

More has been written elsewhere in this issue about Meldrum Barclay Edwards* (1946-6o) our intrepid cross-country runner, while the solitary F.P. in the 'Varsity swimming team is Gordon Robert Spate (1950-59). This is a situation which should improve in future now that School can at last boast its own pool.

Obituaries Charles Bremner (1916-2t), M.A., died at Prestonpans on I February 1964, aged sixty. After leaving School he studied at Aberdeen University, where he graduated with second class honours in Classics in 1925. He was appointed principal teacher of classics and deputy Headmaster of Preston Lodge Senior Secondary School, Prestonpans in 1926, and the whole of his teaching career was spent there.

Alexander Jopp Chambers-Hunter (1906-07: 1911-14) died in hospital at Inverness on zo October 1963, aged sixty-five. The break in his schooling at the " Grammar " was occasioned by attendance at a preparatory school in Eastbourne.

During World War I he served with the Royal Field Artillery at home, and in Mesopotamia and Palestine. After the war he studied agriculture at Aberdeen University, and then moved to Morayshire. He volunteered for service in 1939 and spent the war years in the censorship branch in Inverness. Failing health forced his retirement at the end of the war, since when he had been living in Inverness.

He was one of three brothers who attended the School, the others being Charles Allardyce Jopp Chambers-Hunter (1911-13), who was killed in action in 19 i 6, and Henry George Chambers-Hunter (1912-15).

David Low Crombie (1907-12), B.SC., died in an Aberdeen Nursing Home on 22 February 1964, aged sixty-eight. His engineering apprenticeship with Messrs.

Clyne, Mitchell & Co., Aberdeen, was interrupted by a short term of military service from which he was quickly released so that he could return to work on Admiralty contracts. He studied at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow, graduating B.sc.(Eng.). After a short time in America he returned to join his father in the Aberdeen firm of Albumenoid Products Co. Ltd. He took over the business on his father's death some years ago, and retired only last August.

His son, David Cumming Crombie (1944-53), after training at Inverurie and Glasgow, is now a draughtsman with British Railways at Glasgow, where he is associated with the big electrification scheme of recent years.

James Gordon Danielson* (1896-1901) died in Australia in May 5963 following a motor accident some months previously. He was seventy-five years of age and was the son of the late Rev. Andrew Danielson, n.o., of Citindwara, India. He joined the Bank of Scotland in 1904, and four years later, after admission to membership of the Institute of Bankers in Scotland, he joined the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in London. He served with the Bank in Hamburg

Obituaries

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and New York before enlisting at the outbreak of war in 1914 in the Scaforth Highlanders. He transferred later to the ist Highland Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery, and was badly gassed at Ypres and seriously wounded in the Battle of the Somme. After the war he rejoined the Bank and held posts in Japan and Germany, where he was manager at Hamburg prior to World War II. On the outbreak of war he returned to London where he became one of the Managers of the London Office of the Bank. His retiral was forced following injuries sustained in a flying bomb attack.

After the war he joined the Control Commission in Germany, serving with the Monetary branch in Germany and Austria until 1949, when he retired to Australia.

Ian Thomson Davidson (1917-22) died suddenly in Aberdeen on 25 April 1964, aged fifty-seven. After leaving School he entered the provision trade, and was in business in Aberdeen on his own account as a wholesale provision merchant. I-Ie sold this business about five years ago and became a representative first of a firm of Bristol printers, and latterly of Messrs. Lewis Smith & Sons, Aberdeen. A cricketing enthusiast all his life, he acted as scorer for Aberdeenshire Cricket Club from the age of eleven, and was later for many years an active player for 'Shire.

James Henderson Davidson* (1914-19), F.R.I.B.A., A.R.I.A.S., died suddenly in Edinburgh on 23 February 1964, aged fifty-nine. The younger son of Mr. W. Davidson of the Lome Arms, Aberdeen, he served his apprenticeship as an architect with Messrs. Kelly & Nicol, qualifying in 1926. He became an associate of both the Royal Institute of Architects of Scotland and the Royal Institute of British Architects, and was made a Fellow of the latter in 1956. After a short time with the Ministry of Works in London, he joined the staff of Middlesex County Council, where he specialised in hospital architecture. In 1947 he was appointed Senior Hospital Architect with the Department of Health for Scotland, now known as the Scottish Development Department.

James Samuel Dobson* (1925-39), u.c., 1.1.A., died on 29 March 1964. After leaving School he enlisted in the Royal Artillery, and was later commissioned in the Ayrshire Yeomanry, with whom he served in North Africa and Italy. In 1945 he was awarded the Military Cross for meritorious service in Italy. He was also mentioned in dispatches. After the war he studied at Aberdeen University, graduating in Arts in 195o. He taught in Roxburghshire for five years before taking up the appointment of deputy headmaster of Wellington Farm School, Penicuik, a senior Approved School for boys.

Charles Wright Glass* (1904-10), A.M.INST.C.E., died in hospital in London on 25 March 1964, aged seventy-one. He trained as a civil engineer prior to World War I. He served in the early part of the War with the znd Scottish Horse, but was discharged on medical grounds. He later joined the Army Service Corps and served in the East African Expeditionary Force during 1916-19. After the war he was for some years with a firm of civil engineers in Newcastle and in 1927 he was appointed an assistant civil engineer on the engineering staff of Trinity House, London. At the time of his retiral in 1959 he was Deputy Engineer-in-Chief.

Former Colonel, Royal Artillery Henry Frederick Lyall Grant* (1888-95), D.S.O., M.A., retired Colonel, Royal Artillery, died at Torquay on z March 1964, aged eighty-four. The last survivor of the four sons of the late John Lyall Grant of Richmondhill, Aberdeen, he studied at Aberdeen University where he graduated in Arts in 1898. He was commissioned in the Royal Artillery in it 899 and in the next decade he served in various stations, including the North-West Frontier. In 1912 he passed through Staff College, and during World War I he held various staff appointments both at War Office and in different theatres of war. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1917, and was five times mentioned in dispatches. His last active service appointment was as G.S.O. (I) in India in 1934. In retirement he lived in the South of England.

His brothers, who all predeceased him, were David Lyall Grant (1879-81), M.A.,

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a.sc., (a step-brother) who died in Montreal in 195o; Charles Lyall Grant (188794), who died in the West Indies in 1901, and Sir Robert William Lyall Grant (1884-91), T.D., M.A., LL.B., former Chief Justice of Jamaica, who died in 1955.

James Inkster* (1882-88), M.M., died suddenly at Culler on 1 February 1964, aged ninety-one. He was one of the oldest members of the Club, and was one of three brothers who attended the School, the others being George S. Inkster (188;89) who served with the Customs and Excise, and Robert Inkster (1884-88) who was with Liverpool and Martin's Bank. He went to sea as an apprentice in sailing ships when he left School, and in 19oo joined the Blue Funnel Line, of which he was the oldest surviving captain at the time of his death. During the 1914-18 War he was engaged in the transport of troops of all countries to the various theatres of battle, and was awarded the Portuguese Order of Christ for his services. He retired from the sea in 1931 with the rank of Commodore, and thereafter was well-known in shipping circles in Aberdeen. In 1935 he was appointed an Assessor under the Merchant Shipping Act, and was concerned in enquiries into shipping accidents.

He was later an examiner of fishermen at Aberdeen for the award of Certificates as Skippers and Mates. During World War II he was a nautical surveyor with the Ministry of Transport, and also a section leader in the A.R.P. service. Although completely retired in 1946, he never severed his shipping connection, and was a frequent visitor to Aberdeen docks.

Alastair Mackie Keith* (1953-59) died in a road accident at KirkpatrickFleming, Dumfries-shire, on z6 March 1964, while on his way home to make plans for his wedding. He was aged twenty-two. After leaving School he studied at Robert Gordon's Technical College, and while there joined the University Air Squadron. After completing his studies he took up a post as a development engineer at a guided missile establishment at Hatfield, near London.

Charles Robert Knowles (1912-14) died suddenly while on a family outing to Alford on I March 1964, aged sixty-three. He had spent all his life in the fruit and confectionery business, first in the family firm of Knowles and Sons, Union Street and Market Street, Aberdeen, and later, when that business was sold in 1949, he opened his own premises.

His son is Charles Simpson Knowles (1933-46).

Francis William Kynoch (1912-15), L.D.S., a.c.s.,(Edin.), died suddenly at Basingstoke, Hampshire, on 27 December 1963, aged sixty-four. During World War I he served for a time with the Scottish Horse, later transferring to the Royal Engineers as a dispatch rider. After the war he studied dentistry at Edinburgh, graduating in 1924. He held a Hospital appointment at Sheffield for a short time, and then commenced private practice at Basingstoke where he spent the rest of his career. He had been in poor health for the past four years.

He was the youngest of three F.P. brothers, the others being Arthur Fisher Kynoch (1906-10), who died about forty years ago, and Douglas John Kynoch (19o8-11), L.R.C.P., L.D.S., who practised in Aberdeen until his death in 1949.

Matthew Brodie Linton (19,2-24) died suddenly at Aberdeen on z6 January 1964. He was for many years on the staff of Morrison's Economic Stores and later the Equitable, Aberdeen. He had been retired for some years.

Distinguished Colonial Civil Servant Sir Patrick Alexander Bruce McKerron* (1904-1o), c.m.G., died at his home, Avington Park, near Winchester, on zo March 1964, aged sixty-eight. He was the elder son of the late Professor R. G. McKerron of Aberdeen University. In the 1914-18 war he was commissioned in the Gordon Highlanders and served with them in France, where he was severely wounded in 1916. After his recovery he joined the Indian Army, and served with the zoth Punjabis. After the war he was selected for a Cadetship in the Colonial Civil Service, and was posted to the Straits Settlements. After service in Singapore and elsewhere in the Settlements he was

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine

Electric Railway Company. On the outbreak of war in 1914 he returned to this country and joined the Royal Artillery. He went back to Canada for a short time after the war, but returned to Scotland to take up farming at Inverebrie Mains. He was a Justice of the Peace, and was for a number of years a member of Ellon District Council. In the early years of World War II he was president of Ellon branch of the National Farmers' Union. His brothers were Herbert Stewart Milne (189719O1), M.C., M.B., CH.B., D.P.H., and Thomas Milne (1892-?).

William Mitchell* (1919-32) died suddenly at Aberdeen on 13 March 1964, aged forty-nine. He had been in poor health for several months. After training as a grocer and Italian warehouseman he joined his father in the well-known Aberdeen firm of Chivas Brothers Ltd. During World War II he served with the R.A.O.C., being for some time in command of a depot in England. He was a specialist in chemical warfare, and when the American army came to England for training in preparation for the invasion of Europe he was appointed Liaison Officer to the American Service of Supply, and advised on chemical warfare problems. He had the distinction at this time of being one of the youngest Lieutenant-Colonels in the British army. For his services he was awarded the American Bronze Star of Merit, and the citation referred to his " initiative and outstanding devotion over and above the call of duty, reflecting great credit upon him and the allied forces ". After the war he rejoined his father in Chivas Brothers, and was managing director at the time of his death. In x958 he was appointed a director of Aberdeen Football Club.

He was an enthusiastic rock gardener, and was for many years secretary of the Aberdeen Rock Garden Club.

One of his sons is William Douglas Mitchell* (1946-61), who is a student at the Scott-Sutherland School of Architecture.

Alexander James Morrison (1903-05), , D.D., died at Fortes on 29 January 1964, aged seventy-six. A son of the Rev. Murdo Morrison of the U.F. Manse at Bemera, Lochmaddy, he graduated in arts at Aberdeen in 1909, and was ordained as minister of the U. F. Church at Portree in 1915. He served as a chaplain at home and with the 9th Division in France during World War I, and in 1920 he was called to Thurso. In 1928 he was inducted to Woodside U.F. Church, Aberdeen, later Woodside North Church of Scotland. He moved to Laggan in 1944 and five years later to Logic-Easter, Ross-shire. He celebrated his ministerial jubilee last June, and retired at that time. He demitted office as moderator of Tain Presbytery only a fortnight before his death. A distinguished student at Christ's College, where he won the Lumsden and Sachs Scholarship, he was honoured by his Alma Mater in 1955 with the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was for many years the leader of the team of Church of Scotland ministers who visit Great Yarmouth during the herring fishing season there.

His brother John Morrison (i902-o3), M.A., B.D., was minister of the U.F. Church at Alvie, Kincraig, and was killed in action in France in 1918 while serving as a combatant officer in the Cameron Highlanders.

Forbes John Anderson Norris* (1918-21), M.B., CH.B., died on 16 November 196;, aged sixty. He graduated in medicine at Aberdeen University in 1935.

David Harris Ogilvie (1910-I;) died at Aberdeen on 16 March 1964, aged sixty-six. After training as a plumber he served with the Royal Flying Corps in the later stages of the 1914-18 war. He then joined his father in his plumbing business in Aberdeen, which he took over on his father's death. As a member of the Livery Company of the Institute of Plumbers he was a freeman of the City of London.

He was a past president of the Aberdeen Association of Master Plumbers and of the Scottish Master Plumbers' Federation. He was a former deacon of the Hammerman Incorporation of Aberdeen, and was an enthusiastic freemason.

James Henderson Peters* (19o4-17), M.B., cti.B., died in hospital in London on 12 July 5963, aged sixty-three. He joined the army on leaving School, and was commissioned in the 3rd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders on Armistice Day, 1918.

He served in Germany during the following year, thereafter returning to Aberdeen

Obituaries

89

University where he graduated in medicine in 1923. After six years in general practice in Darlington he went into partnership with another Aberdeen graduate at Stoke-on-Trent in 1932. He was later in practice in Salford, Frinton, and latterly in London, where his death followed a short illness.

Honorary Vice-President ,M.A., died at Romsey, Hampshire, on 5 Sir William Peters* (1900-06), March 1964, aged seventy-four. He graduated from Aberdeen University in 1910 with first class honours in mathematics and natural philosophy. Four years later he was Carnegie Research Fellow in Moscow investigating " Credit in Russia ".

He was in the Russian Diplomatic Service from 1915 to 1918, and in the latter year was secretary to the British Economic Mission to Russia. In 1919 he joined the then Commercial Diplomatic Service, serving as commercial commissioner for the Baltic States in 1920. During 1921-24 he was assistant agent to the British Commercial Mission to Russia, and then became Commercial Secretary to the British Mission in Moscow until its withdrawal in 1927. After a short period as Commercial Secretary in Stockholm, he was for six years British Trade Commissioner in Dublin. In 1937 he took up a similar position in Cape Town, where he remained until his rctiral in 1953. He was created C.M.G. in 1928, and was knighted in 1947. A loyal son of the Grammar, he was made an honorary vice-president of the F.P. Club in 1948.

Alexander Melville Ross (1917-26), Wing-Commander, R.A.F., was killed when an unarmed security forces' aircraft in which he was a passenger was shot down in Sarawak in December 1963. A son of the late Rev. Harry Ross, minister of Bon-Accord Church, Aberdeen from 1914-22, Wing-Cdr. Ross was a chaplain in the R.A,F., and had been posted to the Far East only a month before his death, After leaving School he completed his education at George Watson's College, Edinburgh, and at Edinburgh University. He served in the R.A.F. for eight years, and after a period as a parish minister he rejoined the Air Force as a chaplain.

Alastair James Campbell Smith* (1953-59) died at Aberdeen on 9 March 1964 after a short illness. I-Ic was aged twenty-two. After leaving School he studied for a time at Aberdeen University, after which he took up a post on the staff of the Newcasile Journal. He was a keen athlete, an enthusiastic scout, and a qualified Cubmaster. His younger brother Charles Graham Smith (1955-61) is a student at Aberdeen University.

John Smith (1889-90, M.A., died in hospital at Aberdeen on 29 February 1964, aged eighty-nine. His early education was obtained in Cullen. He studied at Aberdeen University, graduating in arts in 1893, and thereafter he studied divinity at the U.F. Church College in Aberdeen, where he gained the first Hebrew scholarship. Licensed in 1899, he held charges at Dufftown, West Derby and Stirling before being inducted to Friockheim, Angus, in 1902. He ministered there until 1929, when he was called to Barry East Church where he remained until his retiral to Aberdeen in 1945. He was clerk, and later joint clerk, to the U.F. Presbytery of Arbroath and Forfar for thirty-eight years.

Lawrence Gilling Smith *(1909-15), m.u.isr.c.E., died at Stockton-on-Tees on 3 December 1963, aged sixty-four. On leaving School he became a cadet in the Royal Flying Corps, was commissioned in 1917, and served with the R.A.F. in France in the closing months of the war. After serving a civil engineering apprenticeship with the Burgh Surveyor, Aberdeen, he joined the staff of I.C.I. at Billingham in 1925 as a design engineer. Latterly he was responsible for all water and drainage installations in the works, which he had seen grow, by the time he retired in 1961, from a small concern into one of the world's largest chemical works. He was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers in 1925, and became a full Member in 1954. He was a founder member of the Tees-side Branch of the Institute, and a past president of the Newcastle and District Association of the Institute.

9°

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

He was one of three F.P. brothers, the others being Oswald Smith (1907-1o), a printer, and Norman Dryden Smith (1906-10 who is with the Canadian Bank of Commerce.

Richard William Wainwright (1929-37), M.A., died suddenly at his home in Aberdeen on 16 December 1963, aged forty-eight. He graduated in arts at Aberdeen University in 1947, and subsequently studied law, serving an apprenticeship with Messrs. Watt & Cumine, advocates in Aberdeen. He later turned to teaching, and at the time of his death he was on the staff of Smithfield School, Aberdeen.

Although prevented from participation in active sport by physical handicap, he was an enthusiastic devotee of cricket, and was for many years official scorer for Aberdeenshire.

Marriages Bell (1945-56).--At Stoneywood Church, Bucksbum, on 2 November 1963, JOHN GRAY BELL,* only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Bell, " Glenkens ", 3o Abbotshall Drive, Cults, to Isabel Wendy, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Neish, 16 Polo

Gardens, Stoneywood.

Brands (1 944-56).—At Woodside North Church, Aberdeen, on 15 February 1964, NORMAN CAMPBELL BRANDS, elder son of Alexander Campbell Brands* (1925z7) and Mrs. Brands, 3z Hamilton Place, Aberdeen, to Rhona Forbes, youngest daughter of the late Mr. George F. Wallace and of Mrs. A. Wallace, 132 Don Street, Woodside, Aberdeen.

Bruce (1943-49)At St. Matthew's Church, Edinburgh, on z7 December 1963, MICHAEL STEWART RAE BRUCE,* M.A., LL.B., son of the late Mr. A. Eric Bruce and

of Mrs. Mary G. Bruce, z Rubislaw Den North, Aberdeen, to Alison Mary Monfries, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair M. Stewart, 14 Midmar Gardens, Edinburgh.

Campbell (1 945-53).—At Gilcomston St. Colms Church, Aberdeen, on 7 March 1964, ANDREW MATTHEW CAMPBELL,* son of Andrew Matthew Campbell* (1916-27) and Mrs. Campbell, 133 Great Southern Road, Aberdeen, to Lesley Tennant, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Sutherland, 75 Whitehall Road, Aberdeen.

Cheyne (195I-53).—At St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Aberdeen, on 4 April 1964, ALEXANDER MCLEOD CHEYNE, elder son of MI. and Mrs. R. G. Cheyne, 48 Woodhill Road, Aberdeen, to Rosalind Littlejohn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Wilson, 3o Rosemount Place, Aberdeen.

Comber (1947-50.—At Aberdeen on 30 March 1964, RONALD REGINALD COMBER,* only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Comber, 117 Sunnyside Road, Aberdeen, to Joan Younie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Y. Courts, 2 Esslemont Avenue, Aberdeen.

Cramb (1945-58).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on ;1 March 1964, MAURICE QUENTIN CRAMB,* M.A., son of Maurice Cramb* (1916-29) and Mrs.

Cramb, 28 Louisville Avenue, Aberdeen, to Diane, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William G. Lawrie, 24 Airyhall Avenue, Aberdeen.

Cuthbertson (1946-48).—At All Saints, Jordanhill, Glasgow, on 6 January 1964, LAIN CUTHBERTSON, elder son of Dr. D. P. Cuthbertson, C.B.E., and Mrs. Cuthbertson, Warden Hill, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, to Anne Christine Kay, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Biles, 33 Cecil Street, Glasgow W.z.

Donald (1 948-53).—At Sydney, Australia, on 23 November 1963, MAGNUS DONALD, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Donald, 23 Faulds Wynd, Aberdeen, to Edith, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter Conn, 6 Byron Terrace, Aberdeen.

Elrick 948-62).—At South St. Nicholas Church, Aberdeen, on 28 December 1963, JAMES STEWART ELRICK,* eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Elrick, 58 Faulds

Wynd, Aberdeen, to Isobel, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Smith, to; Tollohill Drive, Aberdeen.

Marriages

91

Gall (I948-57).-At St. Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen, on 3o November 1965, WILLIAM DICKSON GALL,* only son of Mr. and Mrs. William Gall, Clydesdale Bank House, Brechin, to Marjorie Helen, only daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James Gill, Rogell, Inverurie.

Galloway (194► -55).-At Beechgrove Church, Aberdeen, on z8 March 1964, JOHN HAROLD GALLOWAY,* elder son of Harold William Galloway* (1905-16) and Mrs. Galloway, 28 Forest Road, Aberdeen, to Elsie Jane, only daughter of the late Mr. Robert Taylor, Connage, Buckie, and of Mrs. Taylor, 41 Bonnymuir Place, Aberdeen.

Lamb (1944-53).—At North and East St. Nicholas Church, Aberdeen, on z9 April 1964, DONALD CALDER LAMB, only son of Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Lamb, Airdrie Park, Pitfodels, to Elane, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Ross, 2 Devanha Gardens West, Aberdeen.

Lees (1 947-55)At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 14 December 1963, GORDON MCARTHUR LEES, younger son of Dr. and Mrs. N. McArthur Lees, 23 Louisville Avenue, Aberdeen, to Doris Irene, daughter of the late Mr. William A. Manson and of Mrs. M. H. Manson, 21 Ashley Gardens, Aberdeen.

McPherson (i944-50).—At St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Peterhead, on z6 December 1963, STEPHEN MCPHERSON,* M.H., CH.B., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. M. H. S. McPherson, 6 Sunnyside Terrace, Aberdeen, to Sheila Patricia, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Moffat, 68 Balmoor Terrace, Peterhead.

Mathieson (1943-17).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 31 July 1963, ALASTAIR MERCHANT MATHIESON,* M.A., LL.B., SOH of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Mathieson, 65 Osborne Place, Aberdeen, to Sally Ann, daughter of Col. and Mrs. Frank W. Jack, St. John's Wood, Inverugie, Peterhead.

Morgan (i949-55).—At the South Church, Aberdeen, on z April 1964, JOHN ADAM MORGAN, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Morgan, 89 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen, to Marjory Grace, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Stuart, 271 Mount Street, Aberdeen.

Ogilvie (1951-56).—At Crimond Parish Church, Aberdeenshire, on 31 March 1964, CRAIG MOORE OGILVIE, only son of Mrs. J. M. Ogilvie, 84 Menzies Road, Aberdeen, to Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Hendry, Milford, Inverugie, Aberdeenshire.

Paterson (I934-46).—At St. Moulag's Church, Tarland, on 23 November 1963, MALCOLM PATERSON, younger son of the late Mr. Andrew Paterson and of Mrs. J. Paterson, Whiteknowes, Craigievar, Alford, to Elizabeth Grace, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Williams, 2 Culblean, Coull, Aboyne.

Piniley (1931-44).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 29 November 1963, TERENCE FRANKLIN PHILLIP PIMLEY, younger son of the late Mr. and Mrs. S. Phillip Pimley, Aberdeen, to Sheila King Tod, daughter of Dr. Malcolm Chalmers, Broughty Ferry.

Riach (1945-50).--At St. Leonard's Clutch, Melbourne, Australia, on 17 December 1963, COLIN EDWARD RIACH, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Riach, 163 South Anderson Drive, Aberdeen, to Carole Murray, of Mentone, Victoria, Australia.

Robb (I953-59).—At St. Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen, on 23 September 1963, ALEXANDER ROBB,* son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Robb, 19 Bank Street, Aberdeen, to Audrey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Urquhart, zo Danestone Place, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.

Stephen (1946-52).—At St. Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen, on 24 December 1963, DONALD JOHNSTON STEPHEN,* younger son of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Stephen, Craigewan, Bieldside, to Sally, daughter of Mr. J. B. Mathers, 256 King Street, Aberdeen.

Strachan (1947-58).—At St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, Manchester, on 4 April 1964, EDWARD BOWER STRACHAN,* son of Dr. and Mrs. C. Strachan, 68 Blenheim Place, Aberdeen, to Jennifer Margaret, eldest daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. B. Barkham, St. Mark's Manse, Manchester.

(Cont. on P. 95)

92

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Seventy Years of the Magazine Readers will no doubt be interested to learn that this is the seventieth year of the publication of the Magazine in its present form. In the first edition the General Notes announced, " The Magazine will cost sixpence. It is hoped that the ' old boys ' will evince their interest in its welfare by becoming subscribers. It will be sent them post free on receipt of half-a-crown per annum.". . . How well those " old boys " have responded we all now know as also do we know how they might have shuddered if they could have foreseen how long the following Note took to reach fruition . . . " We hear rumours of having baths for the School, and sincerely hope that the project will be carried out, as it is an ' awful trail' down to Constitution Street, and you are clean done out when you get home". . . But the result of those early hopes would doubtless be approved as, we would hope, might be those contained in the report that, " The Rector has formed a ' Former Pupils' Club '. . . not merely for athletic purposes, but in order to combine all interests, social, athletic, and otherwise, and so tend to bind together the past and present pupils of the School. . . ."

Fifty years ago, it may seem a long time, but boys are the same whatever the era. . . . " The cycle-shed has, for some weeks past, been in a disgracefully crowded condition," reports the School Notes in June 1914. . . .

Not so long hence the complaint will probably be of an overcrowded car park and will extensions ever cease. . . . the Notes also report that, " All through the session the enlargement of the School buildings has been steadily progressing and is now almost finished. The class rooms will be ready for use after the summer holidays.". . . No doubt we shall be saying the same in 1014, nuclear-science permitting. . . . However, other projects then in view, The Byron Statue and The New Recreation Grounds were soon to come to be achieved as examples of what a strong F.P. Club, as yet unenhampered by educational politics, could do for its School. . . . And what else concerned the last Magazine before those lights went out all over Europe, when there was still time for the Magazine, even the Government, to take the deepest interest in I' affaire Benton, the mysterious death of William Smith Benton, a former pupil of the School, in Juarez, Mexico, reportedly at the hands of General Villa, a Mexican revolutionary leader.. . .

There were articles on "Military Manoeuvres in India ", "Life in Winnipeg" and " Glimpses of North America", while such men as Archibald Forbes Hyslop and Arthur Landsborough Thomson, later to be so renowned in their respective spheres, were gaining their first academic honours from the University.

When we turn to the Magazine of June 1934, the halcyon days of Empire are perceptibly shortening for no longer do we find articles in the same profusion on the new life overseas. . . . But the schoolboy scribe who wrote of " The Development of Air Travel" and ". . . huge air liners which have cruising speeds of from rjo to zoo m.p.h." foresaw the future well when he said, . . air services between London and New York will become asfrequent and regular as the railway services between London and Edinburgh are to-day." And how many of the countless loons who

Seventy Years of the Magazine

93 years past thirty for the each day Assembly have sat in the Hall at know that the three platform chairs and table were in 1934 presented to the School as a Memorial by the sisters of George Kinnear Fleming, who was Dux in 1871, . . . " The making has just been completed by the firm ofJ. & A. Ogilvie, and they are being usedfor the first time at thisyear's Prizegiving . . . they are in the Scots style of about 16o°, richly carved, and harmonize with the general character of the Hall." Let us hope that they

will not be too out of character in the new Hall. . . . And while the School rejoiced in the peerage granted to Robert Munro, The Rt. Hon. Lord Alness, the only F.P. to reach the high judicial office of Lord Justice-Clerk, the Notes record the commencement of other distinguished careers such as Maitland Mackie " in the management of

the Thomaston,' Dairy in Aberdeen—a new venture which is already meeting with considerable success"; Cecil A. G. Savidge who " was in October of lastyear selectedfor appointment to the Foreign and Political Department of the Government of India"; while James W. S. Marr " has been awarded the Polar Medal in bronze, with clasp, as a member of the Antarctic Expedition, 1929-31."

Shall we examine the Magazine of June 1954? We think not for how painful it is to read under the heading " Swimming Pool or New Hall?" that, " The Town Council of Aberdeen has not yet decided in what tangible manner the Septcentenary of the School in 1916 is to be marked,".. .

or again to read in the report of the A.G.M. of the Boarding House Company that, " . . . the substantial loss in the previousyear's trading . . .

was accounted for mainly by the fact that the average number of boy at the Boarding House bas dropped." Could our predecessor in the editorial

chair have forseen that soon we were to have neither Septcentenary Celebrations nor Boarding House and probably soon no Junior School? . . . Signs of our egalitarian times perhaps but there is always another side to the coin and, after all, the new Pool and Hall are now realities and we did manage to celebrate the centenary of the School building and the Club. . . . As for the Magazine, it still records the activities of School and Club and, while those scholars of 1954 are only now beginning to make their mark in the world, we can rest assured that they, and the Grammarians of 1984, will achieve much of note for "Bon Record ".

Editor of the Magazine Following upon the sad and sudden death of Campbell Connon*

(1926-38), M.A., LL.B., General Editor of the Magazine since 1955, the

Executive of the Club have appointed as his successor Rae Colledge Barton* (1942-1955), M.A., LL.B., x 8 Bon-Accord Square, Aberdeen.

I-le is the son of a well-known F.P., George E. C. Barton* (1923-26), M.A., who was Chairman of the Executive from 1959 to 1961 and who, as readers will see in the Notes Section, is shortly retiring from being Housemaster at Sillerton House, the Gordon's College Boarding House. There Rae was the only Grammarian Schoolboy among fifty-four Gordonians and so should have learned all that was necessary to uphold the honour of the School] After graduating from Aberdeen

Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine 94 University in 196o, Rae qualified as a Solicitor in 1961 and is now a partner in the firm of J. D. Mackie & Dewar, Advocates, Aberdeen.

The present arrangements under which the Notes, etc., are dealt with separately by the Notes Editor will continue and both he and the General Editor would again stress how important it is that the Notes are kept as full as possible. They are looked forward to by all F.P.s throughout the world since they form an invaluable record of the doings of their contemporaries and others and all F.P.s are asked to get in touch with the Notes Editor with information.

As regards the remainder of the Magazine the General Editor takes the view that, in these changing days for the School, it is extremely important through the medium of the Magrqine to keep strong the link with the past. Accordingly, he would very much welcome any articles by older F.P.s on their own schooldays, old class groups, etc.

In saying that, however, the General Editor does not wish it to be thought that the Magatine is concerned solely with by-gone days.

Far from it, for the School is a continuing institution and the Magazine is just as much interested in the School today and in what the younger generation of its F.P.s are doing in the world. We have a proud record of achievements in public and other service the world over and there is no reason why this should not continue. The purpose of the Magatine is to mirror and chronicle those achievements but, without the active help of members, this cannot be done properly. The General Editor is therefore very keen to receive contributions, whatever the subject, from all F.P.s and particularly from the younger ones.

We have in this issue one such article—" Guinean Volunteer "—and we hope for many more.

The Primary Department As reported in the last issue of the Magazine, it was unanimously agreed at a Public Meeting held in December 1963 to press the Secretary of State for Scotland to hold a Public Inquiry for the purpose of ascertaining and making known all the facts and circumstances relating to the decision of the Aberdeen Education Committee to close the Primary Departments of the School and the Aberdeen High School for Girls. It was also agreed to invite the electors of Aberdeen to sign a public petition to the Education Committee urging re-consideration of the whole matter and a reversal of their decision.

During January and February petition forms were available for signature and house-to-house campaigns were organised. The public petition was lodged with the Education Committee before the end of February, by which time it had been signed by io,6oo electors, and a further 1,8oo signatures were obtained before a meeting of the Education Committee held on a March. At this meeting it was agreed to remit the question to the Schools Sub-Committee, which decided by 7 votes to 4 to recommend that the decision to close the Primary Departments be rescinded. At the meeting of the Education Committee on 6 April, however, this recommendation was rejected by 14 votes to TO. (The voting on the previous occasion was 15 to 7.)

Primo, Department

95 Three members of the Committee were unable to be present and at least two of these were known to be opposed to the closure of the Departments.

Following the decision, the Joint Primaries Committee (consisting of representatives of both F.P. Clubs, parents of pupils at both schools and parents of prospective pupils) again petitioned the Secretary of State. His attention was drawn to the evidence of public opinion contained in the public petition and to the closer vote in the Education Committee and he was again asked to hold a Public Inquiry. His decision on this request is still awaited but the Joint Primaries Committee hope that a Public Inquiry may still be held. It is strongly felt that the public is very ill-informed as to the facts of the case and, accordingly, unable to judge the validity of the arguments for and against closure.

The late Principal Sir T. M. Taylor was very strongly of opinion that the Education Committee's decision in 1957 was illegal. Many of his arguments are equally applicable to the decision in 1963 and a legal sub-committee of the Joint Primaries Committee is considering whether, if necessary, the Education Committee's decision should be challenged in Court.

A. C. R. W.

Our Top Hockey Internationalists Eric Watt has continued to add to his remarkable number of Scottish Hockey Caps and has now achieved the recordnumber of fortyfour since, while still at School, he first played for his country in 1950.

For the past seven years he has played for the F.P. Hockey Section and, apart from his appearances for the Club and for Scotland, many representative teams have had the benefit of his experience including North District, Thistles, Picts, Scottish Universities, Home Scots and Great Britain.

Also to be congratulated on attaining his Cap is Dennis Hay who, while at Jordanhill College, Glasgow, received representative honours for West District, Picts, and Home Scots. Dennis is another of those who can thank Mr. McNay for introducing him to hockey and he has certainly fulfilled the promise which Mr. McNay saw in him while as " a wee bit fair-haired laddie " he first played for School in 1955. He now plays for the Glasgow Western Club.

Marriages (Cont.)

Tawse (1928-40).—At Aberdeen, on at January 1964, MALCOLM HAROLD TAWSE,* Drovershill, Inchgarth Road, Cults, to Hester Margaret Macgregor Renouf,

Tower Hotel, Elgin.

Taylor (1949-58).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on t1 January 1964, ROBERT TAYLOR, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Taylor, 14 Sunnyside Road, Aberdeen,

to Ann, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Forbes, 5 Desswood Place, Aberdeen.

Yule (1915-19: 1926 Johanneskirche, Heidelberg, West Germany, on 18 April 1964, JAMES Salmi YULE,* younger son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Yule, to Gcrda, daughter of Frau Friedrikc Mager, Schroederstrasse, 8, Heidelberg.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Changes in the School (a symposium) with the help of an Enquiring Boy

For the past many weeks, in fact since the School Editor suggested the idea of saying something under this heading I have been trying to set down the facts but one has been pestered by a Boy. Chubby he is, at the ripe and enquiring age of fifteen, cheeks like red apples, eyes clear and I suppose innocent, neck too thin and grey at the back, beatlebrowed, fingernails chewed to nothing and smelling strongly of peppermint. He insists on asking questions, so you also will have to put up with his interruptions which are in italics. Even F.P.s were boys once upon a time.

Years ago they, the boys, smelled not only of peppermint and hair lotion but of liquorice also, and before that of scented sweeties, cinnamon, cloves and macassor oil. There are some pertinent words from William Keith Leask who was at the School from 1869-73 and whose portrait hangs in the Hall. " There was nothing we could not eat, from mealy puddings and potted head (from a shop in Chapel Street) to locust beans and liquorice-root. A sweetmeat called " Turkish Delight ", introduced about 1870, marked an epoch to us as distinct as the Norman Conquest in to66 as also did some niggers made of clammy and weak black sugar and flour the taste of which I feel yet at this minute. Cinnamon, cloves, gum, alum—all were chewed or sucked. Lockhart and Salmond's candy was sold in the Market under the clock, while a shop in Carmelite Street had a short-lived " boom " in soft toffy balls. Davidson, the druggist in the same shop at the top of Crown Street supplied the sherbet."

Please, Sir,you can stillget locust beans at the shop in — Street. Now we have a lot more, Sir. Gum, gobb-stoppers, brandy balls, sour plums, bounties, crunchies, chocolate doughrings, pan-drops, sherbet-drops, fudge, opal-mints, topics andpies andlollys and bradies and doughnuts, fish and chips, hot dogs, ham and beef-burgers and wimpys. Anyway, when John the Baptist ate locusts in the wilderness it was locust BEANS not insects, and the tree, a Bushy Tree, Sir, is found round the Mediterranean, called the Carob Tree . . .

I did warn you that the Enquiring Boy was a pest. He will have answers to his quite unrelated questions. We all know that the School was due to celebrate its Tooth anniversary in 1956 but Mr. James Walker, history master, had doubts and the advice of scholars was acted upon. The evidence was not conclusive enough to keep the septcentenary, but, says Mr Walker, " The Grammar School was certainly in existence before 1418 and since 1523 the appointment of a Rector has been the care of the Municipality of the Town." Which still gives the school a continuous history of some 55o years, long enough surely to go on with.

That's older than Shakespeare, 400 years since he was born and Michelangelo died the same year, 4. (There's an exhibition in the art corridor on Michelangelo.) Harlaw, Sir, Battle of — sp.( — Red Harlaw!

The early history of the School has been so well documented that

Changes in the School 97 we leave the E.B. to make his own discoveries out of the rich pages of Bon Record.

Pleesir, do you know about Portering * in the Old School, and there wasn't any Sports either? And there were only four masters, and some of the boys locked themselves inside the School for days because they didn't get holidays at Christmas and two boys had a spell put on them by a witch and drowned and the witch was burned at the Castlegate and the School didn't get a half day to see ber burned and tbey only did Latin and...

E.B., quiet please. Permit William Carnie a word or two from his " Reporting Reminiscences." He mentions, of course, Dr. James Melvin (portrait in the Hall), Rector from 18a6-1853, of the Old School, noted as one of the foremost Latinists of the day and as being richly deserving of the Chair of Divinity and Humanity at the University but who was not appointed. He recalls the public indignation and records that an elegant silver snuff box suitably inscribed and a sum of £300, publicly subscribed, was presented to the Doctor who survived the presentation only a few weeks, teaching on the day before he died, aged fifty-nine.

Dr. Melvin's watch is among the School Treasures and the stone seat from his garden in Belmont Street still occupies a place at the edge of the School garden. Might it not be possible to remove it near the old Belfry now incorporated in the New Buildings, in the decorative little square which, we are told, is to have a fountain in its centre?

(The late Mr. Ian Park liked to do some quiet correction on Melvin's seat of a Summer's day.)

William Carnie says, " There were three candidates for the vacancy for Rector, Mr. Maconnachie, Essex, Mr. Englebow, Peterhead and Mr. William Duguid Geddes. The last was appointed, became professor of Greek at King's College, the Principal of Aberdeen University in i 885 and was knighted in 5892 . . . Previous to this there had been considerable interest in finding a site for the proposed New Grammar School—one being Belmont Street, facing Denburn and Union Street.. . . For the new Rector (after Geddes) there were seven candidates.... Thomas Eyre Evans of Belfast was appointed at the yearly salary of £300.... Though he gave unchallengeable proof of his learning he could not command the scholars.. . . A gifted and eloquent Irishman, he was what might be called eccentric. .. . The boys soon discovered this. They used to perch upon benches, hide below the forms, etc., and Mr. Evans being very near-sighted could not put his finger upon the offenders. He had a fondness for Irish melodies, sung and played, and used to invite the wandering street harper into his house for a meal... . " For the New Grammar School 13 architects were consulted but only five lodged designs... . Suggested sites were the residence of Dr. Angus Fraser, 232 Union Street, westward as far as Summer Street, principal entrance from Union Street, the scholars entrance from Union Row or Summer Street.... The cost of the new building was put at Li ,ooo.... The appointment of another Rector (after Evans) was occupying the serious attention of the Town Council. There were * See Bon Record pp. 235-236 (H. F. Morland Simpson).

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine three candidates this time, Mr. William Barrack, Old Aberdeen Grammar School and Messrs. Beverly and Brebner on the staff. Mr. Barrack got i i votes, Mr. Beverly 4 and Mr. Brebner 3. After some years Mr. Barrack was appointed Head of Dollar Academy.... Still searching for a suitable site, ten spaces were considered—Rubislaw, Crown Terrace, Ferryhill, Sir A. Bannerman's garden (Crimon Place), Justice Mills, Flourmill Lane, Schoolhill, King Street, Westfield.

Ground between Strawberry Bank and Justice Mills received general favour but eventually Westfield it was, occupied by ' The Model Gardens ', plots enclosed by palings. Westfield, 6o votes, Gilcomston a8, probable cost £3,350. Mr. James Matthews (who became Lord Provost) was appointed architect. At the meeting Mr. Robert Milne said, ' I am by no means " thirled " to Westfield but I still think it the best ' ."

How right he was in view of the present expansion—swimming pond, assembly hall, music rooms, technical, science and mathematics blocks, dining hall and kitchens, new reception office, jany's box, store rooms, staff rooms, deputy rector's office, all linked by a graceful glass-enfronted arcade featuring the belfry of the Old School built for his gift of a bell in 1625 by Robert Ferguson. The Bell is another of the School treasures. Perhaps even at this early stage we might convey congratulations to the architects who have so happily linked the New with the Old. Pleezur, isn't all this a bit of a bore ?

William Carnie continues— " The roll in 1861 was z88. An important educational event claims our notice at this date, z3 October 1863—the opening of the New Grammar School. It had engaged a good deal of attention and there was a splendid gathering. The fine hall was crowded—clergymen, professors, merchants, manufacturers, men of letters, and men of other crafts. . . . The introductory addresses occupied about an hour— quite long enough ... Then Mr. William Barrack, the Rector, stood forward, and though looking weary and wan with the heavy, braintaxing work of the ' examination week', he spoke fluently and ably of his new place of labour, of his colleagues and of himself. ' We shall all strive,' he said, ' to the utmost of our power to maintain the high character which the School has previously held. We have changed only our place, we are the same in spirit, and there are in these benches some who will carry the name and fame of the New Grammar School of Aberdeen to the remotest corners of the world.' You may be sure, my reader, this roused the three to four hundred pupils and they cheered their Rector to the echo. Aye! and there were those of larger growth who were not slow to join. . . . Thus was begun the life of our New Grammar School. . . . The building itself was, and is, reckoned a worthy specimen of our native granite, conferring honour on the men who planned and raised it—James Matthews, architect and Adam Mitchell, mason. The cost, including ground, was put at well on to £ zo,ooo. Old Grammarians may be reminded that their loved and ancient seminary in Schoolhill was with its ground surrounding sold for £ I ,ooo."

(Where it stood is Gray's School of Art, today.)

98

Changes in the School 99 The Enquiring Boy has been very quiet. Before, therefore, he can pounce again let us quickly take up the story from the pages, now, of a jubilee number of The Aberdeen Bon-Accord wherein Thomas Hector the clerk and treasurer to the School Board wrote a long and detailed article on the growth of education in the cio featuring of course the school. Tbis in 1907. 1 think the B.B. is asleep even if still chewing. " Before 18 8 z, the Grammar School had suffered a serious decline in popularity, mainly traceable to its too rigid adherence to traditional forms of organisation and management, and to its consequent unreadiness to adapt itself to the modern views of Secondary School work. . . .

From an architectural and external point of view the building ... left little to be desired. From an educational point of view, the building, internally, showed rather too conspicuously that the art of school planning had not yet been studied in Aberdeen.... The waste of space in its classrooms and Public Hall was appalling.... When the Education Act of 1872 severed the prolonged connection of the Council with the school as its Governing Body, and placed it . .. under the School Board . . . not more than zoo pupils answered the daily roll. . . .

Five times that number of boys might have been seated. The masters of the time held life appointments. Each depended for a livelihood on his own class fees and each strove for the popularity that best filled his empty benches.... Each master was for the most part a law to the school board reduced the number of masters himself. In 1881 holding life appointments and ' placed the whole school under the absolute and responsible control of the Rector' and instituted an Initial,' Department for boys of 7 who were likely, in due course to become pupils of the School's Higher Classes...

Roll in 1881-331; i88z—so8; s885-600; i888—the roll decreased because other educational facilities were available in the city although the reputation of the School was high. . . . Rooms were subdivided.... There was added a New chemical laboratory, a Science lecture room, Art class room and the Public Hall was re-modelled. . . .

1896-491 on roll, with sixty free places from elementary schools. In 1900 the School was equipped with a new Gymnasium and a Workshop reserved in a portion of the New Westfield School. A School Library was added and the buildings were electrically lighted. In 1901 a Free Scholar was Dux (you will find his name on the Roll of Duxes in the Hall) in 1905 the roll was 471. In 1906 New accommodation was found for Junior and Infant classes. The Library was improved with Reading Room and Museum and steam heating was introduced. Lavatory accommodation was improved as was a playground for Junior and Infant classes. A portion of the grounds was laid out as a School Botanical Garden... . The latest reports of H.M. Inspectors refer in gratifying terms to the many departments of the School work. With its improved equipment, the School has a future before it of which its best friends hope that it may be able to take full advantage . . . in a way to justify the increasing confidence of the public."

All that in 1907. Some might say that the School had entered on its Finest Years. There came, however, the shocks of two World Wars when altogether so million people in one way or another were killed.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The Enquiring Boy hesitates. The shadows of an older man cross his face.

Sir, that's as mat!), as the entire population of England, Wales and Scotland.

Sir, n*, dad was in the Royal Engineers—in Libya and Sicily and Italy. There's a lot of names on the School War Memorial, Sir. And ifyou look, there are more in the 1st World War and in the infantry, than in the 2nd War and that mostly R.A.F. Of course the Boy is right. The First World War left gaps. The Second—what did it leave? We all have our private memories of the blackout, the rationing, the discomfort, the shelters, the smell of khaki, troop ships, mines, air raids, machine guns, lorries, sudden death in a short burst of fire or a ball of flame. Horror on horror.

Forgotten so soon? Come to mind Russell Bell and Eric Trail two only out of so many. Why were all of them snuffed out?

Pleezur, was there School during the War 1 Yes, we shared the building with the Central (the Academy).

There were air-raid shelters dug into the playground. There was a large tank of water on the lawn. We slept in School on picket duty.

There was a row of ambulances. One boy drove off in one (he is now a professor). Life was difficult but we didn't seem to mind. Wardens, blue lights, sirens, fumbling in the dark, news of battles, Churchill's broadcasts and Lord Haw Haw, Fascists and the drumming of marching boots.

Sir, have there always been changes?

Of course there have. You know, I was going to begin all this by saying that a school without changes is like a dog without fleas—no dog at all.

Changes? No doubt many of the distinguished masters of past years might frown at changes in professional etiquette in staff room and elsewhere. Fees abolished. Boarding House gone. Lower School in the balance. Eleven Plus Tests. Tom, Dick and Harry enrolled. Holidays curtailed. No, indeed, definitely not a Gentleman's Occupation nowadays.

However, and we may be permitted a quiet boast, what we have now is an expanding and healthy School with fine spirit and a splendid tradition superbly equipped to meet new ideas. (A fair product is the E.B.) Look, if you will, at the School Section of the Magazine and see the quite extraordinary number of school societies there are. From a Debater and occasional One Act Playlet and some Singing, there are now dozens. See a little boy staggering under a huge canvas-covered cello, four time his own size. Not so long ago a boy wouldn't be seen dead with a violin case. Now they are proud to carry an assortment of wonderfully shaped instrument cases, from long-week-end-cases to those that might be moulded to hold cut up corpses or the exotic treasures of a Croesus. Of a dark evening, too, the boys come back into the grounds to their clubs in twos or threes or fours or sixes (illegally I know) on mopeds, in bubble cars and minis. Changes indeed. There are now in the School, television sets, tape recorders, stereophonic play-backs, cinema projectors, teaching machines, still cameras and cine cameras, modern language labs., projection rooms, cinemascope screens, inter-corn-telephones,

Shaw's Corner

105

Not long ago, but before I saw the cutting, I visited Shaw's Corner at Ayot St. Lawrence, in Hertfordshire, where Shaw lived for more than forty years. I did not go as a sightseer because I had already proved to myself that I am not one to the manner born: Mary Queen of Scots' apartments at Holyroodhouse, Mozart's birthplace at Salzburg, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Captain Scott's ship on the Thames left me not only unmoved but also bored. I went for the unfashionable reason that I admire Shaw—all the hundred sides of him, even his vegetarianism, which it would need the goad of starvation to make me practise.

His house enthralled me, partly, I think, because he died only a few years ago and it still contains something of his spirit; partly because there can be seen his desk and all the writer's implements, expected and unexpected; partly because it is full of the ghosts of the famous men who have known it—T. E. Lawrence, Gene Tunney and all; and partly because I often yearn for such a house, several removes from the machine civilisation, its windows opening on to lawns and trees, only one roof in sight and that sprung up since Shaw's death (he would not have tolerated it, apparently, when he was alive) and unbelievably peaceful: after London, any peace is unbelievable. His piano, his hats and walking-sticks beside the front door, his Nobel Prize, his books, his files, his gadgets, his summer-house retreat ... but this is not meant to be an inventory of Shaviana.

Though I had long thought of visiting Shaw's Corner, the final prod to do so was supplied by, of all people, a speaker in Hyde Park (where Shaw himself so often spoke), who was extravagant in claiming that Shaw was the greatest man to have lived in Britain this century, but right in saying that the public throng to see places of far less worth. In a sense, that is all to the good, because Shaw's Corner besieged by sightseers, like the zoo, is unthinkable. Shaw himself made sure this would never happen by choosing a house accessible to London for his own purposes but inaccessible to the majority of the public for theirs. It took me two bus journeys and a thirty-minute walk to reach the house, and at first I thought I was fortunate enough to be the only visitor; but three others arrived soon afterwards. Still, it was no crowd, and I was able to investigate in comfort.

As I did so, I thought: the present age needs a Shaw. If he found a hundred targets at the turn of the century, he would find a thousand now. If the theatre then fell far short of his satisfaction, what would he think of it now, not least because his own plays are rarely staged?

And if with scorn he murdered the new music of 1890, surely he would commit genocide in 1964.

There is no one writing at the moment capable or courageous enough to take the sterile philosophies, dying art and futile preoccupations of 1964 and, as Shaw did for his time in various journals, hold them up to public ridicule and contempt—not indiscriminately, but with his precise mockery, enormous knowledge and incredible panache.

GORDON ALLAN (1939-51)

SCHOOL SECTION School Office Bearers Prefects DOUGLAS G. FowLIE (Senior Prefect)

ALISTAIR F. PHILIP (Deputy Senior Prefect) JOHN ADAMS ROBERT K. R. FULLERTON ERIC G. ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER M. GRIEVE DOUGLAS B. CAMPBELL DONALD A. LAMONT BRIAN J. CARRIE NEIL MCLEOD IAN COBB DOUGLAS MARE PETER M. COLLIER HENRY R. MILLER GEORGE P. M. CRAWFORD GORDON D. MITCHELL NEIL D. FORREST

EuAN M. MORROW HUGH M. MUNRO RICHARD B. RAE DAVID J. F. ROBERTSON RICHARD C. SHIRREFFS DAVID W. SMITH ALAN D. THOMSON W. GRAEME U'REN

House Captains Byron

Dun

DAVID W. SMITH

DAVID J. F. ROBERTSON

Keith

Melvin

PETER M. COLLIER

DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE

Captain DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE

Rugby Vice-Captain ALISTAIR F. PHILIP

Captain DOUGLAS B. CAMPBELL

Hockey Vice-Captain WILLIAM T. LAMB

Captain PETER M. COLLIER

Swimming Vice-Captain DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE

Captain DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE

Cricket Vice-Captain HARVEY E. MORRISON

Captain DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE

Athletics Vice-Captain DAVID J. F. ROBERTSON

Captain DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE

Tennis Secretary MICHAEL J. KNIGHT

Literary and Debating Society President ALAN G. LESLIE Vice-President ALAN D. THOMSON Secretary GORDON D. MITCHELL President MALCOLM F. RENNIE Secretary RAYMOND A. HARDIE

Dramatic Society Vice-President ALISTAIR F. PHILIP Treasurer GORDON D. MITCHELL Cadet Force

C.S.M. NEIL D. FORREST

[17.0. DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE

Editors of School Section DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE

GEORCE G. GAMMACK

ALAN G. LESLIE

GORDON D. MITCHELL

to6

School and Random Notes

107

School and Random Notes Because of the typhoid outbreak in Aberdeen, the School, in common with all schools in the city, was closed for a period from z June 5964, and all projected activities were cancelled or postponed. This decision particularly affected the School's Annual Sports Meeting, customarily held on the second Friday and Saturday of June; but it also made it necessary for a number of School clubs and societies to change their plans. As the reports of the societies were in the printer's hands before the crucial decision was made it was not possible to amend them, and our readers will understand that what is recorded tells what was envisaged, not what was effected. *

" What has sir legs, six humps and moves at 5o miles an hour ? " Pause . . . " Shut up, we're supposed to be writing the Random Notes."

Silence . . . . • except for the noise of pencils being chewed furiously by four editors driven apparently grey-haired with worry over these notes (in fact it's the plaster falling off the roof.) * * The alterations in the Main Building are now almost complete (for the time being, at least), and from hence on, the ground-floor corridor extends in a fairly straight line for 129 yards 2 feet 8-1 inches, unbroken except for a hole in the floor near Mr. Duncan's room, from which aperture workmen's heads appear periodically, only to be trampled under again by hordes of migrant pupils. " The place whereon thou standest is holy ground. " *

,

*

*

It is rumoured that a new Physics Master is coming to the School to replace Mr. Wilson; at least, the custodian of Room 32 has been heard to remark, " Who is this bloke Fletcher and what about all these trolleys ? " * * * Nothing of note has happened in the Music Department this term—at least, nothing worth recording, apart from progress on their new premises.

It was the fine day in May when three of the editors took a ramble round the multifarious workings in the School grounds in search of inspiration and the fourth editor. Several points of interest were noted: a workman brewing a pot of tar; the main passage of the Music Department just sufficiently wide for a three-foot boy to lie sideways; four adjacent monastic cells where aspiring musicians can serenade one another through the thin walls; and a peculiar roofless cubicle, 12 feet

by G feet by 12 feet high, glassfronted and opening off the projection box. Since they are not cats, and therefore not liable to death through curiosity, the editors inquired of one of the many skilled artisans squeezing through the passage, what the aforementioned construction was. With typical Scottish forthrightness and perception, the worthy fellow replied, " I dinna ken." *

*

*

A Television set has been installed in Room 24, making the number of Bushes there now two.

ioft

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Visibility was considerably reduced in the Geography corridor earlier this term when Mr. McNay emptied his drawers. Clouds of dust rolled forth as diverse representations of the earth's crust were swept into a bucket, everyday samples of pegmatite, chessapite, steatite, apatite galera and Indian soap stone. When the metamorphosed dust had been sliced off a shelf hitherto considered empty, banknotes of many denominations were revealed, and some fourth year numismatist is now richer by many yen, lira, centavos, dollars, wumpums—maybe even sesterces.

The biology department unwittingly displayed some interest, and was immediately inundated with fossils, seeds and fibres to line their lovely new shelves.

The Geography cupboards are now quite bare . . . apart from seventy-five tins of film strip, four trays of minute rock samples, mapograph rollers, esparto grass, hemp, manilla, sisal. . . . *

*

*

We welcome the news which has come to us by way of jungle telegraph that a certain classics master has now swung higher up the tree (of promotion). *

*

*

The editors are pleased to note that with typical regard for our punctuality those in power have seen fit to install several timepieces in the new building. With typical disregard for precision, however, they have failed to set the cogs in motion. " The corridor clocks still stand with hands at nine; Has education lost the track of time ?"

At the time of writing, out of a total of thirty-one clocks in school, twelve do not function. We suggest this be remedied, " Tout de suite,—and the tooter the sweeter." *

*

*

Next year, late comers will be left to brown in the cooler, instead of being lynched or skinned alive. * * * Lost: One black, unlicensed Morris 8 h.p. car, belonging to teacher with bent chassis and rubber suspension, last seen rolling down Market Street towards the harbour. Previously stood for weeks keeping the playground dry at the front of the School. All information forwarded to Wimpy, Bridge Street. *

*

*

Another buggy worth a mention is that of Monsieur Bouler, our French assistant. This exquisite museum piece provides excellent entertainment for the first year, who spend the morning interval bouncing on the bonnet. Now sports a bashed off-side wing, possibly due to his mistaking our traffic lights at red for an invitation to carry on. Another foreigner who carries on is Herr Roth, who occasionally helps the Modern Languages staff with German and English. A folk singer of renown, and a master of many of the Scottish dialects, e.g. Fittie and Woodside, he recently spent a much protracted holiday on the west coast, extending his repertoire in that direction. When asked if he had been on a skive, he replied innocently, " Not only Skye, but Lewis as well." *

*

*

With one end of the School n minutes walk from the other, it has been decided to install telecommunications. The efficiency of the system, so far only enjoyed by a few teachers, is doubtful, as the games staff seem forced to scream into their

School and Random Notes

log

telephone in a voice sufficiently loud to be heard in the Staff Room without electrical aids; but come time, all masters will probably be able to (w)ring each other any time they feel impelled to do so. *

*

*

Since Mr. Lynch moved to his new residence, our esteemed librarian has now very appropriately established herself in the small cuboid room at the back of the library.

"Well, if you know a better 'ole, go to it." *

*

*

We would like to take this opportunity of adding, to those of many others, our wishes that Mr. Lynch may enjoy a long, active and happy retirement. *

*

*

The Kindergarten playground (re. last issue of Mag.) is slowly being tidied up, and the private convenience there has supplied glazed bricks for use in the ornamental pool. We have only one slight criticism to make—with due foresight and consideration our versatile workmen have left no exit through which the remaining rubbish may be removed. * * * " This is Radio Rector, your Programme of the Stars ! " With the installation of loudspeakers in each new classroom, we look forward in gleeful anticipation to being treated to non-stop entertainment to while away our leisure hours in School. No doubt we shall enjoy such programmes as " The Andy Sandy Show ", " Will's Fargo ", " Take your Pinkie ", " The Mortimer and Wiseman Show ", " Sunday Howff Hour ", " A Degree of Froth ", " Take a Fletter ", " Watts my Line ? " and " Discs a-Bobo ", and be exhorted to " Buy Baxter's Chicken-feed for day-old chicks I ", " Use Stephen's Twink for your maths exercises ", " Smoke Norman's, the King-sized Tabbies " and happily be informed that " I'm still waiting for Matheson's Lean Meat." *

*

*

. . . More silence. End of inspiration and Random Notes. Four weary editors shake the dust and plaster out of their hair. . . . Suddenly one editorial countenance lights up with a final stroke of genius.. . . " Ahl I know. It's a motorised centipede towing three camels." *

*

*

" With pen and with pencil we're learning to say Nothing more cleverly every day."

WILLIAM ALLINGHAM, Blackberries

Staff Changes Mr. James M. Wilson, left the School at Easter to take up the post of Principal Teacher of Physics at Nairn Academy. With his departure the School has lost a skilled and enthusiastic teacher who was highly regarded both by his colleagues on the stall and by the boys. During his relatively short stay he established the Ski Club and by his skill and enthusiasm helped it to thrive. We learn that he is happy in his new post and we know that he will be successful.

Mr. Brown, Principal Classics Master, has been appointed to the post of Deputy Rector of the School, and the succession to the headship of the Classics Department falls to Mr. McLeod. The School would congratulate these two masters on their promotion and wish them all success.

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A berdeen Grammar School Magazine

House Notes Byron The officials elected to represent the house are: Vice-House Captain, Michael W. J. Graham; Cricket Captain, Harvey E. Morrison; Vice-Captain, H. Oliver Will; Athletics Captain, David W. Smith; Vice-Captain, Dennis W. Inkson.

During the Winter Term, our strong team won the Rugby Cup for the second consecutive year. Unfortunately the hockey XI were beaten into second place, and in the swimming gala the House took third position.

This term, we have a good cricket team including several 1st XI players, and with a bit of luck might win the cricket championship. Our chances in the Athletic Sports, however, look dimmer.

To Mr. Baxter go our thanks for his invaluable service in the running of the House.

DAVID W. SMITH, House Captain

I

Dun At a meeting earlier this term, the following officials were elected: Cricket Captain, William T. Lamb; Vice-Captain, David Robertson; Athletics Captain, David Robertson; Vice-Captain, David Forbes.

Although Dun House Senior rugby team came only third in House games, our Junior team had more success and won the Junior rugby cup for the third consecutive season. The House hockey team also did not come up to the expected standard, finishing second equal with Byron. The Swimming Gala was a personal success for Brian Carrie who played a captain's part by winning the Rector's Cup; the House swimmers, however, did not copy his example and we finished up with " the wooden spoon ".

Looking to the future we have two aims, to retain the Cricket Cup and the House Trophy. In Cricket we should do well as we field virtually the same team as last year. Our strong athletic team should be capable of winning the School Sports.

In conclusion, in thanking Mr. McLeod for his assistance in House matters, we note with pleasure his promotion to the hcadship of the Classics Department.

D. J. F. Robertson, House Captain Keith As was anticipated, we won the Swimming Gala by a very narrow margin over Melvin, with the shield in the balance right up to the last relay race. In the interHouse rugby competition we were most unlucky to lose very evenly-matched games with Dun and Melvin. Lack of skill and experience was compensated for by spirit when facing teams which, on paper, were much better than our own.

The hockey team excelled itself by being unbeaten in the House league and hence winning the cup.

The following are the officials elected to represent the house for the Summer term: Cricket Captain, D. Campbell; Vice-Captain, G. Davidson; Athletics Captain, P. Collier; Vice-Captain, J. Hendry.

Peter Collier, House Captain Melvin The following officials were elected at the beginning of the Summer term: Cricket Captain, Douglas Fowlie; Vice-Captain, Kenneth Hay; Athletics Captain, Douglas Fowlie; Vice-Captain, Norman Edwards.

i

Presenting the Prefects The Spring Term was one of many narrow misses. The final senior relay decided the Swimming Gala in Keith's favour, and our rugby team was rather unlucky to lose, for the second year running, to Byron in the House rugby championship. Our congratulations are offered to R. Mann of the first year on winning a championship medal at the gala.

The cricket team promises to be a strong one since we shall be able to field six of the ist XI. We do not expect to win the House Championship at the Annual Athletic Sports.

In conclusion, I should like to thank Mr. Brown for administering the I-louse affairs throughout the year and also to wish him every success in his new post of Deputy Rector.

DOUGLAS FOWLIE, House Capiain

Presenting the Prefects Douglas G. Fowlie. The tallest of this year's prefects, Douglas's amiable manner and talent for most sports has led to his occupying a majority of the sporting offices in the School, in addition to the post of C. in C. the Howff. A cadet of some note he gained a wealth of publicity by qualifying for an Overseas Exchange Flight to Canada this summer. Was presented with a beautiful pair of government surplus shoes by the R.A.F. and now proudly wears them to School. Since Christmas has been helping perpetuate good relations with Albyn. Despite ill-health immediately prior to the School play he returned as scheduled to give a unique display of writhing in the last act. " Of all the ten thousand evils that plague Hellas, There is none worse than the race of athletes." Euripides. " Degenerate Douglas ! Oh the unworthy lord." Wordsworth.

Alistair F. Philip. Sane and studious, the very antithesis of long tall Douglas, Alistair is an excellent second i./c. the Howff. A zealous rugby player, cadet and mathematician, he still finds time for gliding at Turriff or painting flats for School plays. Doesn't smoke, drink or play cards; we wonder—what vices could he have ? " Never open the door to a little vice Lest a great one enter with it." Proverb.

John Adams. A farmer who on more than one occasion was official touch judge for the 1st XV. Was almost sent off in the middle of an inspiring game for the 3rd XV. Is also a cadet of some note although, much to Grieve's disgust, he does not have that characteristic " bulled " boot. Threatens to take a tractor to School one day. " The first and most respectable of all the arts is agriculture." Rousseau.

Eric G. Archibald. A latecomer to our midst Eric holds the Queen's Badge of the B.B. and the Duke of Edinburgh's award at Gold standard. Although essentially a footballer, he achieved some note on the wing for the and XV. Amazed us all by revealing a latent genius for matchbox rugby. Has been seen in the Howff quite regularly this year and is generally to be found taking orders for interval " goodies " at 10.45. " Above the vulgar flight of common souls." Arthur Murphy.

Douglas B. Campbell. Hockey captain and Scottish Schools Internationalist our hero spends most of his time talking to Bob or being late. Bought a de-luxe locker door just prior to a serious outbreak of vandalism. Possesses a perpetual broad smile and the shortest raincoat on record. " Nothing confounds a wise man more Than the laughter of a fool. . . ." Anon.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Brian J. Carrie. A tall redhead who features on the rugby field, in the swimming pool, and on the athletic field. Once spent a period in the Howff. His extra long legs qualified him for a deal of discomfort going to Paisley in a mini-bus.

After two months of uncomfortable doubling up to his bottom floor locker, we took pity on him and offered him an acceptable trade-in price for a locker in the second layer. Much better. " Men arc not to be measured by inches." Proverb.

George P. M. Crawford. We hear that this tall " handsome " centre threequarter who also plays cricket is sitting a fair number of highcrs and has indeed been awarded a sizeable bursary to help him with his studies next year. Despite this he remains one of the more acceptable young Howffites. He has a passion17-23 Queens Road—for driving with regulation Driving Test care and attention and is now definitely forsaking the joys of Upper VI for University. Missing a lot. " I don't know much about his ability but he's got a very good bedside manner."

Du Maurier.

Ian Cobb. All details of the social life of this prefect are obscured by either his lack of haircut or his quiet disposition. Keeps company with some of the Beatles and Slaters of the Vlth year with whom he has spent the last year digging his own grave. Smiles at our jokes during the brief visits he pays us and has been seen performing at least one of his duties—so don't despair Douglas I " I don't know anything about music really." Sir Max Beerbohm.

Peter M. Collier. Besides playing for the ist XV and captaining the Badminton Club, the highlight of Pete's year was being the first pupil to enter the pond at the opening ceremony. Occasionally does maths in the Howff and was in on the tying of D. B. Campbell to the west radiator. His lovely new shoes were adjudged to be " bullablc " by the army section in the Howff and there followed a competition at the end of which Forrest was declared winner by half a spit. " The collier and his money are both black." Proverb.

Neil D. Forrest. 1st XI veteran and cap, Neil has the only completely anodized C.S.M.'s uniform on record. Howffie " bull" champion, he narrowly defeated his colour sergeant. Achieved note as the first " soldier " ever to receive a flying scholarship. Possesses an ageing but reliable scooter which carries anything from Grieve to golf clubs. Competes with Fowlie at everything from golf to badminton—inexplicably. " Man is a military animal: Glories in gunpowder and loves parade." P. J. Bailey.

Robert K. R. Fullerton. This Upper VI worthy drives a car and speaks at Debates in the same manner—in short impassioned bursts. Moves rapidly about the corridors with a far-away look on his face but summons his faculties together sufficiently to add occasional comments to Howffie conversation and to have an active dislike of the long haired element in School. " I can trace my ancestry back to a protoplasmal, primordial, atomic globule."

W. S. Gilbert.

Alexander M. Grieve. After fighting for, and gaining a place in the ist XV photograph Alex took up road walking as a full-time occupation. Has cultivated a giggle which amuses some and annoys others—viz. Smith. A cadet of some renown he is also notable for having gained Queen's Scout status at an early age and at present takes an active part in the Rover Crew. The member of the inner sanctum who successfully promotes free period pastimes. As the army section's self-confessed sniper he is most happy when he has fired ten times as many rounds as anyone else. " Witty, courteous, liberal, and full of spirit." Shakespeare.

Presenting the Prefects

113

Donald A. Lamont. This Vth former was previously thought to be impeccably cultured but he has destroyed this image by becoming secretary of the new-born Motor Club. Only known previous connection with vehicles was bringing his cello to school in a taxi any day the rain was likely to harm its mellow tone. " An ultra poetical, super aesthetical, out of the way young man." W. S. Gilbert.

Douglas Man. A large-sized prop forward who hibernates during the summer.

Has never worn a coat since he was awarded half colours at Easter. Once went to one of Morrow's dances—just to get out of the cold air. Has been seen learning poetry for Room 14 at quarter to nine on Monday mornings—see below. " I have been there and still would go 'Tis like a little heaven below." I. Watts.

Neil McLeod. One of the few prefects with a permanent 5 o'clock shadow, this Vth year husky can he seen cycling to School in all weathers. Was once an athlete but took up Technical Drawing instead. However, has been seen playing a combination of rugby and Karati for the 3rd XV. Rarely seen in the Howff. " What a beard hast thou got." Shakespeare.

Henry R. Millar. One of the more acceptable of the Vth year prefects, he plays rugby with some skill and is the " Mr. Mace " of the Pipe Band. Acquired a splendid tan in Greece last year but washed it off just before Christmas. The only thing we don't like about him is the way he wins at cards. " Gained universal applause by explaining a passage in the game-act." Steele.

Gordon D. Mitchell. A confirmed prize-winner since Primary 3. Ile also takes a leading part in many societies. Has been accused of filling the minute book of the Lit. and Deb. Soc. with hieroglyphics. Like Morrow has access to a Vogue but unlike Morrow does not blow about it. His exuberant portrayal in the School play earned him rave notices in the livening Express. Is buying shares, in conjunction with his dux brother, in gold lettering. Has an aversion to rugby and other blood sports. " A crank is a little thing that makes revolutions." Henry George.

Euan M. Morrow. A cadet and chorister Euan is one of the hard core of Howffie regulars. Despite a slight physique he is without doubt the source of most of the noise that echoes round our walls. Professes, despite logic and Fowlie's protest, to be a good driver of an excellent car. Doing his second Maths Higher just for fun. His hobby has been referred to as " Sour Puss " by some of our cruder elements. She is no doubt responsible for his eccentricities. " A fine puss-gentleman that's all perfume." Couper.

Hugh M. Munro. Monroe takes grave exception to his name being mis-spelt on duty rosters. Monro is a scout who uses his unbounded initiative in organising many dances(?) of one sort or another. Someone once said that Munroe played hockey. Munrow is usually to be found borrowing lights from the Dramatic Society. " Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the dance ? " Lewis Carrol.

Richard B. Rae. This Vth year I Iowffite daily attaches his bike to his saddlebag and carries it home. His diet of 96 per cent glucose and sugar—interval crunchic—provides him with limitless energy for his cross country running escapades. Addresses everyone in a well cultured Doric. Sat so many highers that he required a rubber band to keep the green papers together in a roll. " Blessed is he who expects nothing For he shall never be disappointed." Pope.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

David J. F. Robertson. Self-confessed authority on all sports—namely football and cricket. A runner of some note he worships " Mel". Vocabulary second only to the great " Mince ". (See A.G.S. Magazine, June 1963). A B.B. enthusiast he amuses us all by performing with his Indian clubs or doing the pools with Smith. Eats fruit squares at odd hours with great relish. " He brings out dainties unbought." Horace.

Richard C. Shirreffs. Comes to School every day nicely plastered—his hair that is. His cherubic smile adds a note of respectability to the Howff and he even goes as far as to arrive on time without fail. Is believed to be somewhat brilliant. " In every• parting there is an image of death." George Elliot.

David W. Smith. Tall and bespectacled this sometime Beatle plays rugby and the big drum with equal fervour. Devotes a double period on Thursday to filling in his pools or playing badminton. Started the year with a record number of convictions against the smoke-ring set. Uses his 1st XV socks to command respect as znd XI captain. . . Smith, for ale and spice Sold all his tools, and yet kept his vice." Sir John Harrington.

Alan D. Thomson. An argumentative type who finds an ideal outlet for his unconventional views in the l.it. Deb. Soc. of which he is Vice-President. Changes his hair style as often as his socks and girl friends. He hill-walks and rock climbs and is a handy bulldozer on the rugby field. Another Vth former who is tiring of Howffie company. " As we jog on, either laugh with me, or at me, or in short do anything—only keep your temper." Laurence Sterne.

W. Graeme U'ren. Playing cricket and rugby for ist XI and XV respectively, Graeme is one of the sportier types about the I Iowff these days. Combines with Morrow to account for a great deal of noise, both in the Howtf and during Hymn singing at morning assembly. Was unfortunately out of town when an attack of woodworm caused his locker door to evaporate. " Vessels large may venture more, but little boats should keep near shore." Proverb.

Literary and Debating Society Since December, three annual events in the Society's calendar have been held.

The Easter Term opened with the Staff Debate, a manifestation of the deep rift that exists between the Science and Arts Departments in the School I The motion " That Science dominates the School Curriculum at the expense of the Arts ", was supported by Messrs. Ramsay and Henson who relied on their cultural background to attack the cold materialistic arguments of Messrs. Williams and Anderson. But it did not avail. March saw the Six Schools' Debate, held this year at Albyn; and just after Easter came the Bishop Speech Competition. Mr Skinner, Mr. Henson and Mr. King, as last year, acted as judges, listening to the nine speakers give their views on the subject " That for a True Scotsman, Patriotism is not enough ".

The last meeting in March was a highly successful debate in which past Presidents of the Society were guest speakers. Mr. Ronald Grant was unfortunately unable to attend, but Mr. Alex. Main supported both Mr. Sandy Mathieson and Mr. Kenneth Thomson, speaking for and against the motion " That this House will crush the Beatles ". While we hope that this form of meeting continues next year, with a full complement of speakers, Mr Main's performance certainly added to the enjoyment of the afternoon.

School Societies This term, it is intended to hold several debates. Whether or not the summer weather tempts members away from these meetings remains to be seen, but it should be a useful experiment that may well continue in future years.

A final word must be said in appreciation of Mr. Tait's services to the Society.

His position as Honorary President is far more than just a title, and for his chairing of several meetings, and his advice and interest throughout the year we thank him most sincerely.

GORDON D. MITCHELL, Secretary Scripture Union

The Scripture Union began the New Year with a Christmas party, a new venture, which proved to be a great success. This was followed up by a number of very interesting speakers, of whom not the least enjoyable was Mr. Duncan of the R. E. Department. A film strip entitled " Stamps and the Christian Faith" gave an excellent history of the Christian Church illustrated by commemorative postage stamps.

Attendance at the Tuesday meetings, although small, has remained fairly constant and we are confident that next year will provide an increased membership.

GAVIN MCEwEN, Branch Secretary Film Society

During the Spring Term, the last three meetings of the Society were held, the films shown being " Above Us the Waves ", " A Talc of Two Cities " and " Sammy Going South ". Mr. Ronald Comber showed a film of the Aberdeen Ski Club.

For these last two, Mr. Baxter was able to fulfil a long-standing ambition, projecting the film from the stage of the Hall on to the back wall. Next year, with the opening of the new Hall, the Society will benefit from having the use of a projection box and larger screen, and the two advantages of this year's experiment, less projector noise and bigger picture, will be even more apparent. These great assets should undoubtedly help to make the Society more successful than ever.

It only remains for me to express our thanks to Mr. Hemingway and Mr. Baxter, whose willing assistance has been the mainstay of the Society.

GORDON D. MITCHELL, Secretary Arts Club

The Arts Club met during the Spring Term. As usually happens with the approach of longer evening light, the attendance grew less.

The Pairty on Friday, 17 January was attended by a large number of members of both Arts Club and Photographic Society. The meal at Ledingham's restaurant was most enjoyible; after it, in the School Projection Room, Mr. Fenton Wyness showed a selection of his slides of Aberdeen and Shire in altogether a very happy event.

President and Treasurer were again Neil McKinnon VI and Douglas Farquharson VI. Once more may we offer thanks to Mr. Hemingway and Mr. Wood who have kept an eye on our varied activities.

Senior Discussion Group

- Since the new year attendances at our meetings have remained steady after last term's increase, with boys from each year of the Upper School taking an active part in very varied programmes.

We have once again to thank Mr. Duncan whose help, as always, is indispensable.

M.F.R.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Music Notes After last summer's unprecedented activity, the present session has been one of quiet consolidation. Mr. Cullen's departure was felt particularly by the Senior Choir which he had directed so ably during his years with us. However, the Choir is in good heart, and will make a valuable contribution to our June concert with madrigals, part songs, and the Chorus Part of Vaughan-Williams's " In Windsor Forest ". Since the last issue of the Magazine, the choir has also appeared on Grampian T.V. in an outside broadcast of Christmas Carols, and broadcast on the B.B.C.s Scottish Home Service in a Christmas exchange of carols with Regensburg.

The proceeds of the former helped to finance a very successful Christmas party at Haddo House, which was preceded, for the more hardy musicians, by a wintry traverse of Bennachie in bitterly cold wind and snow. Our Carol Service in Beachgrove Church included a Nativity Play by the Lower School and some poetry reading. The proceeds were donated to the " Save the Children " Fund of the United Nations.

Senior Orchestra boasts its largest ever cello section, and has the usual full complement of woodwind. Alexander Wilson is our only representative at present in the National Youth Orchestra. He attended courses during both Christmas and Easter holidays.

Our summer concert will contain a musical tribute to Shakespeare in this year of national celebration. Both Lower School Choirs will share in this with the senior pupils. The Junior Orchestra (under the baton of Mr. Hunter) continues to present to the world a varied assortment of instruments, and is rehearsing a miniature violin concerto.

We have been fortunate in securing the services of Mrs. Muriel Brown to take over Mr. Cullen's timetable until Mr. Thomas, his successor, arrives on the scene after the summer holidays.

During the Spring Term, our third series of Lunch Time recitals was held.

Audiences, while not quite so large as in previous years, were good and enthusiastic.

Here are the programmes: to January Schumann's " Carnaval " (Mr. Ilawksworth).

17 January Mozart's B flat major Violin Sonata (Alec Wilson and James Nicolson).

24 January Telcmann Trio (Derek Buchan and Scott Stephenson) and Woodwind ensemble.

31 January Shakespeare songs (Neil McKinnon, Euan Morrow) and recorder music.

7 February Mozart Clarinet Quintet.

14 February Recital by piano pupils, including Richard Rodney Bennett's " Week of birthdays ".

21 February Telemann cantata " The School Master " sung by Mr. Hunter.

28 February Music in Miniature, given by visiting artistes Bryan Dargie, Raymond Dodd, and John Mutch.

6 March Recital of cello music, including " Bachianas Brazilerias " for 8 celli by Villa-Lobos.

13 March Recital by woodwind group, string quartet, and madrigal group of the High School for Girls. zo March Performance by members of staff of Ilaydn's " Toy " Symphony.

Several of these recitals were held in the Library, as the Hall was in use as a Dining Hall. We thank Miss Boyd for her hospitality.

Four of our departing sixth formers have chosen a musical career—surely something of a record ! John Bell, Alistair MacDonald and James Nicolson all hope to study music at Aberdeen University, while Neil McKinnon has won an exhibition to the Royal Manchester School of Music. We also say farewell to Tony Burns, Gracme Lobban and James Morrison, and to choir stalwarts Euan Morrow and Graham U'ren. We hope that they all continue to make music in their new spheres of activity.

4

1

School Societies

lx7

As for the future, next year should be one of particular interest. Our handsome new Music Block is almost ready and we should be able to move in at the start of the new session. The School Hall will also have improved facilities for music making, and one of our former pupils, Martin Dalby, now studying composition in Rome, is at present engaged in writing a work for chorus and orchestra for his old School to perform at the first concert in the new hall.

D. H. Dramatic Society Towards the end of February the Society presented " Volpone " by Ben Jonson, a break from the Shakespearian tradition. The large audiences which attended on each of the three nights were responsive and apparently appreciative.

The success of the production was due mainly to the untiring exertions of the producers, Mr. King and Mr. Murphy, whose experience combined well with the enthusiasm of the cast.

We hope that the Society will be able to give an end of term production for an audience of pupils only, but since ventures of this kind have not fared well in the past there is no certainty of its taking place.

There has been an increase in membership not only from the younger years but also from the Upper School, a fact which makes us confident for the future.

R. A. HARDIE, Secretary Volpone

The School Dramatic Society gave its performance this year on 24, 25 and z6 February. This was a difficult play to produce but the Society accepted the challenge and with its now customary enthusiasm and energy more than maintained its reputation for interesting and spirited productions.

Much of the longer monologues of the original text were cut in an effort to achieve a more dramatic effect of continuity. Thus the first half of the play showed more speed with a rather bored and utterly corrupt Volpone, miser and sensualist, inspired by a cunning and unscrupulous Mosca, exciting the hopes of his decadent acquaintances and luring them into all kinds of knavery. The second half, involving mainly the scenes in the courtroom, seemed to suffer by being slower.

But, then, the text does not help much here and it might even have been more effective to cut out altogether the parts of Sir Politick Would-Be and Peregrine since their presence did not really contribute much to the drama.

The parts of Mosca and Volpone were particularly well played. Malcolm Rennie gave an impressive Mosca, shrewdly concealing his size behind a handrubbing stoop as befitted his ingratiating and parasitical part. One must marvel at the massive amount of lines he had to learn and admire the convincing rendering he gave of them. Raymond Hardie's Volpone gave us a mixture of corrupted devilment and a warped sense of enjoyment. His greed and relish in other people's depravity were his main features and life apart from this bored him.

These two were most suitably backed by a trio of villainous dupes. Douglas Fowlie's Voltore was a careful performance of greed in the lawyer. Gordon Mitchell's Corvino was another fine performance, contrasting the legal but insidious calm of Voltore with an obsessive and frenetic self-will. It seemed as if in his thundering and ranting he, Corvino, were trying to cover his pettiness and mean nature. One had much sympathy for his wife, Celia, convincingly portrayed by Grant Mathieson. This was the one patch of relieving virtue in a welter of corruption and knavery. Finally, Julian Dunn's Corbaccio, the father who disinherits his own son to satisfy his own greed, presented yet another variety of evil which was striking because not covered even by the gloss of pretence which Corbaccio does not have the wit to affect. His presentation of senile mumbling, however, tended to be inarticulate.

It 8

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The standard of performance of the secondary figures in the play was also high.

This was evident in the excellently managed crowd scenes where there was a delightful spontaneity and a natural eagerness to participate. The Law Court scenes were also performed in a lively fashion and they especially prevented the second half of the play from dissolving into bitter and unbelievable satire. The four Avocatori, Graham U'ren, David Smith, David Yule and David Gill, well contrasted by their own gullibility the varied cunning of their victims.

The technical aspects of this production, the provision of scenery and music, were also deserving of praise. The designing and painting of the scenes was most efficient and the musical background was most enjoyable. Particularly appropriate was Mr. Hawksworth's choice of a theme from Shostakovitch's First Symphony which reflected admirably the central theme of cheeky knavery.

Indeed, this was a production in which all departments functioned efficiently to give us a most acceptable interpretation of the play. Jonson's limitations were turned to strength with such a young company. His natural tendency to exaggerate his satire into farce, for example, was most ably made use of, and what one might justifiably fear as drearily embarrassing and rather pointlessly unalleviated satire was unexpectedly enlivened with a blend of humour and a clear relish of the corruption being enacted. Also well exploited was the fact that, because he makes each character the illustration of one trait only and because of the censorious morality that always accompanies his vision of men and manners, Jonson produces caricature rather than individualisation. These two features particularly allowed the boy actors to play their parts with mastery and conviction and also with a sense of fresh enjoyment at being able to communicate drama which was a challenge to them but which, nevertheless, was within their scope.

B.F. Photographic Society When School resumed after Christmas, we were delighted to learn that two of our members, James Reid of VI, and Douglas Levinson of llA had won, respectively, the Senior and the Junior Awards for Scotland in a photographic competition organised by the Photographic Information Council. Part of their award was a three-day visit to London as guests of the Council.

Although meetings during the Spring Term were few, we managed two very interesting Portraiture evenings in Room 23. In January, a combined Arts ClubPhotographic Society party was held in Lcdingham's Restaurant and later in the School, where Mr. Fenton Wyness showed a mos. interesting series of slides of Aberdeenshire, accompanied by some of his intimate recollections of " bygone days ".

The two highlights of this session will both take place in June; a photographic competition with Gordon's—we hope that this will be the first of many—and the trip to Cannich, along with the Hill-Walking Club.

As always, Mr. Will has kept the Society running smoothly, and we must thank him for his continuing help and advice.

DAVID A. HAY, Secretary Radio Club The Club has just completed its most successful year since its foundation.

Several of us assembled our own transistor sets; the sound of their first signals provided a moment of great excitement which we shall not easily forget. Much of this success is due to the enthusiasm of Mr. Murray and Mr. Gordon who have again been of great assistance to us.

On Friday, 29 May, we intend to visit Ferranti's engineering works in Edinburgh. This trip should be particularly interesting since quite a few of us intend making engineering our career.

NEIL MACLEOD, President

School Societies

I"9

Hill-Walking Club This year's First Form have given strong support to the Hill-Walking Club, turning out in force for the annual introductory climb up Lochnagar at the beginning of September and, in February, for Kerloch. Between the two, we spent our September week-end at Ardgarten Youth Hostel, on the shores of Loch Lomond.

The only other hill-walk before Easter was a day on Mt. Keen in March, spent ploughing through the thawing snow.

Immediately after the Middle School Exams are over, there will be a visit to Glenmore for the week-end, a trip which we trust will prove as popular as it has done in previous years. There is another walk for the younger enthusiasts near the end of May—this time to Glas Maol in Glenshee. Our overnight hill-walk, this year, will take place in the An Socach area, almost three years to the day, since our last visit there.

The final outing of the year is the long week-end, which will be at Cannich near Beauly, an area hitherto unvisited by the Club. A group from the Photographic Society will accompany us on this expedition.

Once again, the Club is indebted to Messrs. Will and Stephen.

DAVID A. HAY Chess Club The Chess Club continues in the main to have good support, although attendances at some meetings have at times been rather low.

In the third round of the Sunday Times National Schools Tournament a team travelled to Dundee to play against Dundee High School. After a fairly evenly contested match the School were eventually beaten by four games to two. Friendly matches this season were restricted to two against Gordon's College, in which several promising young players played for the first time. The scores of these two matches were wins by 8-3 and 8-7.

The Annual General Meeting has, at the time of writing, not yet been held but we learn with regret that Mr. Galloway, who has given the Club generous and willing support, will not be with us next year. This news comes just after the departure of Mr. J. Wilson, who also helped and supported the Club. Thanks are due to these two for their help and to Mr. Brown and Mr. Wallace for again providing transport for our match in Dundee.

TERENCE I. COWLING President Railway Club

About the middle of the Winter Term, the railway enthusiasts in the School felt it would be a good thing to form a Railway Club. The first meeting showed that prospective members were more numerous than was anticipated, and after some discussion the Club was roughly divided into two main groups; on the one hand the railway enthusiasts, with and without a photographic interest, and on the other the railway modellers.

Meetings have taken varied forms including film and photographic shows in the projection room, and we are especially grateful to members of the Aberdeen Transport Society for the promise of speakers for short talks at the Thursday meetings of our Club. We have already had interesting talks on the Highland Railway and on the activities of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society and look forward to many more in the same style.

Future plans include a model railway which would be developed and run by the members, the encouragement of railway photography and research into the history of the railways. With the active and able assistance of Mr. Bruce our Honorary President, we should be off to a good start next session, and so be on the way to becoming one of the fully established Societies of the School.

The working committee formed to run the Society until the end of the session consisted of: Alan G. Leslie, President; James N. G. Scott, Vice-President; James D. Reid, Secretary; Robert Davidson, Treasurer.

A.G.L.

I2O

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Aberdeen Schools' Scientific Society

Once again the Society has catered well for the varied tastes of its many members.

After the initial lecture on " Rubber " by Professor Burnett came an absorbing talk on " Nuclear Propulsion " by an official of the Reactor Test Centre at Dounreay, and this was followed by a film show arranged by the British Association. This year's Biology lecture was given by Dr. Delia Allan who fascinated her audience with an account of her work with bees at Craibstone. The last two lectures were " Some Aspects of Chemistry " by a British Association speaker and " Waves " by Mr. Sourey from Edinburgh. An outing to Stoneywood Paper Mills in early June completes the Society's activities this session.

We are as always much indebted to Mr. Bruce for his help and guidance, and to him and to Alexander Shearer our 5th year representative, I should like to convey my thanks.

ALISTAIR F. PHILIP, Treasurer Motor Club During the Spring Term this year, it was felt by some members of the Vth year that, despite the multiplicity of clubs and societies in School, there was one important omission. Considering the number of pupils interested in cars and motorcycles, it was thought that there was a need for a Motor Club. The group approached Mr. Sutherland of the Modem Languages Department, who expressed interest in the idea and agreed to help to form the Club.

Membership, restricted to Vth and Vlth years, quickly reached twenty-five, the maximum number considered reasonable for a group of this kind. A committee was elected, and several meetings were held before the Easter holidays.

Circumstances prevent a full programme being carried out this session, but the foundation has been laid for a successful club.

Plans for next year include talks and films on various mechanical aspects of the car and on Road Safety, and the purchase of a car of some sort should enable members to gain some practical knowledge and experience.

The members of the club are indebted to Mr. Sutherland for his enthusiastic help in creating the new Club and for his readiness to help and advise the committee.

We hope that with his continuing help the Club next year will enjoy success, overcoming some inevitable prejudice, and that it will take a permanent place among the many long-established clubs in the School.

DONALD A. LAMONT, Secretary C.C.F. Notes (General)

As we indicated in the last Notes, this has been in the nature of a transition year but a remarkable amount of sound and competent work has been accomplished.

The N.C.O.s have all acquitted themselves well and have shown considerable initiative in adapting themselves to their manifold tasks. In fact, it is only fair to say that this year's senior N.C.O.s must rank amongst the finest in the history of the Contingent and it has been indeed a privilege to work with them. It is unfortunate that their efforts did not evoke greater support from School populace.

Our new establishment figures have now been fixed definitely by the Joint Cadet Executive and we have been treated much more generously than our present numbers would suggest.

May I record my sincere thanks to all Cadets and to my fellow Officers for their fine work and able support during the session.

R. McLEop

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122

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Pipes and Drums

With a larger piping section and, as always, a more than adequate number of proficient drummers, the band should maintain the usual high standard of playing.

These hopes were seen to be justified on Commonwealth Youth Sunday when the band, combined with the Gordon's College band, gave a good display despite lack of marching practice.

At the cadet inspection this year, and perhaps at the School sports we hope to beat a retreat, which is something that has not been tried for a few years.

I must take this opportunity to thank Mr. McLeod for his administration, Mr. Simpson our drumming instructor and Mr. Hunter who, in taking over the teaching of the pipes is introducing new tunes. A very welcome venture !

With probably only one regular member of the band leaving School at the end of this session, next year should be a vintage one for us.

HARRY MILLAR, Drum Major

Lower School Notes Although the typhoid outbreak has caused the schools to be closed, the printing of our Maga#ne will still go on, so I cannot be absolved from writing Lower School Notes be they ever so brief. Anxiety regarding possible risk of infection lies but lightly I imagine on young minds, but disappointment there must be in the hearts of the majority of our pupils at cancellation of all our pleasurable summer term games and group activities, and in particular that of our Annual School Sports.

Galling too it must be for Mr. Stevenson and his staff, the more especially this year when, owing to our recent long spell of sunshine, heats have been organised and completed in record time. No hill walks for senior classes and few of the eagerly anticipated expeditions to places of interest have taken place this term. Primary VII A and VII B did, however, pay a visit at the end of May to the Marine Laboratory where they were given an interesting introduction to the wonders of the deep.

Primary VII A were not deprived either of their morning at the Fish Market, Aberdeen Ice Company, a kippering factory and inspection of a trawler, while Primary VI A spent one glorious forenoon at Hay's Lemonade Factory, not only inspecting and " taking the waters " but helping in the making of a documentary film concerning Aberdeen and the North-East to be used in a television programme for schools next spring. Very much earlier in the session and forestalling the machinations of the wicked Spanish bacilli, boys from the leading Houses of Primary VI A and VI B were taken on a conducted tour of Grampian Television Studios.

The open winter allowed full scope for training in rugby and soccer during the Spring Term. In the former, two away games were played and won against Dundee High and Robert Gordon's Lower Schools respectively, while in the latter, of the eight matches played against other Primary Schools, four were won, two were drawn and two lost. The Swimming Gala in January met with the usual support from Lower School boys and Ronald J. Fordyce P VI A emerged the winner of the Lower School Swimming Medal with Peter G. Brotherwood P VI B the runner-up. It is interesting to note that this session, thanks to having our own pool, the number of So yard swimming certificates awarded to Lower School boys was ninety-eight--approximately twice as many as in previous years.

Cricket has had little opportunity of prospering, but of the four matches played three were convincing wins and the fourth was lost to R.G.C. It would ill become me were I not to place on record at this point how much all of us—staff and boys— have appreciated the supervisory help which Dr. Ranald Steven has given us this session in rugby, cricket and swimming.

Cycling Proficiency training was undertaken this term by Miss Cooper and Miss Matheson aided by four Upper School Scouts—Gavin T. McEwen, Hugh M. Munro,

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George G. Reid and G. Ian Taylor—and it was hoped to present twenty-six candidates for the test on 18 June. However it looks as if a fresh start will have to be made to the training next session.

Our Lower School Choirs have had little opportunity of displaying their ability this session except at the Assembly of Primary School Choirs held in the Cowdray Hall in May, and at the Music Festival where the Junior Section was placed second in its class. The silver trophy which this section has held for three years in succession eluded them this time. Perhaps it may be retrieved next year. Individual instrumental pupils of Mr. Willox who took part in the Festival all received favourable comment—most gratifying for their hard-working tutor. Mr. Hunter, aided by our Gaelic speaking member of staff, Miss MacKinnon, has been putting in quite a deal of preparation with our choir which hopes to take part in the Gaelic Mod to be held in Aberdeen in October, and I'm told by Miss MacKinnon that good progress has been made up to now in the learning of their " mother tongue (?) " I must confess the only Gaelic I know is " Sllinte mhath agus si lrirtte mhdr "—part of that solemn rite when my Pipe Major raises his silver quaich to me.

School camp for boys from Primary VII is scheduled to take place at Torphins during the first week of August. Whether it will now come to pass is a matter of conjecture.

Only one staff change has occurred this semester. After being with us but a brief three months Mr. Buchan left for a post at Culter school, and we were fortunate to obtain as replacement Mr. Hamish Paterson a F.P. of the School (1941-50). Mr. Paterson, an honours graduate in Geography, has already fitted very happily into the scheme of things here in Lower School and I trust will be with us for some time to come.

Four bursaries were awarded to Lower School boys by the Aberdeen Endowments Trust this session. One of the two open bursaries was won by Robert I. S. Good, Primary VII A, and three of the presentation bursaries were awarded to Kenneth F. McLean, Alfred T. Robertson and George E. McLeod, all of Primary VII B. To each of them we offer our congratulations and the hope that success will crown their studies in the Middle and Upper School.

J. D. M.

School Sporting Activities Rugby

1st XV and XV 3rd XV 4th XV 1 5:

Played 18 15 13 6 4

Won 6 8 4 2 2

Drawn 1 1 1 0

Lost 11 6 8 4

For io6 121 51 42

0

2

56

Points Against 193 84 140 69 21

2 0 8 148 58 o I 6 Colts A 50 94 7 117 o 8 17 Juniors 134 9 68 36 2 0 Junior A 5 3 II 64 Minors 3 109 5 3 129 0 6 40 Minor A 3 9 This has probably been our poorest season for some years. With twelve places to fill in the 1st XV, and no individual with the match winning ability of Craig, a repetition of last season's successes was not expected. The vacancies were filled with boys mostly from Forms IV and V who, while good games players, did not have the necessary physique, maturity and experience for a ist XV. Colts

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

After turning in a good performance against Glasgow Academy the standard fell away and reached its lowest form in the return game with Dundee H. S. Towards the end of the season there was a very welcome if belated improvement and probably the best game—certainly the most exciting—was against Glasgow H. S., when, in the dying seconds High School snatched a score to win 1 1-9.

Fowlie, the captain, led his side well. He set a fine example and rallied the side when things were black. In attack he tended to run too far with the ball, and lose contact with his centres, but in defence he tackled resolutely and was sound. His partner at half back was Graham, whose defence was good, but who was rather slow in getting the ball away. At centre, Inkson and Crawford were competent in attack but left much to be desired in defence. On the wings Bisset, a latecomer to the side, improved with every game, while Glover, of necessity playing out of position, lacked speed but was a sure hard tackler. The full back position was held

by U'ren for part of the season and latterly by Will.

While there were some changes among the backs, it was among the forwards that most changes in personnel took place. However, no matter which combination was used, the pack never worked as a unit, each individual seemingly willing to take on the opposition on his own. The individual skill of each player in the pack was good but that was not enough. Smith gave a good account of himself, as was expected, while Philip hooked equally as well as he did last year. Rae played a sound game in the second row and excelled in place kicking though his partner Carrie was somewhat spasmodic in his approach—capable of reaching both the heights and depths in any one match. Of the others Marr and Millar deserve mention, the former playing well in the loose; the latter, after switching to the forwards, came away strongly towards the end of the season. These two, with Gracie, Smith and Glover should form the nucleus of a more mature pack next season.

It is hoped that a fair number of the younger boys will be back at School next session and that they will be able to take full advantage of the experiences of this season.

School was well represented in the Grammar/Academy XV v. Highland Select— Fowlie, Crawford, Inkson, Graham, Smith, Farquharson, Rae, Marr and Philip being our representatives. Against an Ayrshire Schools XV in March our representatives in the North Side (won 6-5) were Fowlie (capt.), Crawford, Inkson, Millar, Carrie, Smith, Marr and Philip.

Colours were awarded as follows. Full Colours—D. G. Fowlie, A. F. Philip, D. W. Smith. Half Colours—B. J. Carrie, G. P. M. Crawford, D. W. Inkson, M. J. Graham, D. Marr, H. R. Millar, R. Rae. Like the ist XV the znd's, ;rd's and 4th's had a lean season. They all suffered from the lack of size and weight among the forwards and from a dearth of speedy talented backs. There were, it is true, a few boys of marked ability who should have been in these sides but who, for reasons best known to themselves, had other Saturday morning commitments and were not available to turn out for the School.

This disturbing feature was noted in last season's report, along with that of the difficulty of obtaining a sufficient number of homes for overnight accommodation.

Both problems are still with us.

In the Middle School, Colts had a successful season. This was due to team work and team spirit of a very high degree. Like the senior sides this team lacked weight and height, but overcame these disabilities with a grand fighting spirit.

The Juniors, over the season showed great improvement. The forwards played well throughout, but there were too many defensive weaknesses by the backs.

The Minors consisted of half " new " and half " old " boys from the Lower School. They started well and finished well, but overall had an inconclusive season. However, with a better understanding of the game they should prove to be a good side in the future.

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1z6

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Who's Who in the ist XV Douglas G. Fowlie. Captain. Stand-off. 6 ft. 3 in. 13 st. 4 lb. Undisputed leader of the side and shining example to younger members through his enthusiasm and intelligent play. Reverting to the stand-off position early in the season, he formed with Graham a reliable mid-field unit which gave the backs invaluable service. His decisive tarkling made him very sound in defence and his initiative in attack often paid off with neat mid-field breaks. Developed his place kicking latterly. Re-awarded full colours.

Alistair F. Philip. Vice-Captain. Hooker. 5 ft. to in. list. to+ lb. A tine hooker who could win the ball even without the desired push coming from behind him. He was a useful forward in the loose play and often led foot rushes up the field. Always backed up well and gave of his best in every game. His enthusiasm and fitness set a fine example. Re-awarded full colours.

Douglas Marr. Prop. 6 ft. I in. 13 st. if, lb. A tall well built front row forward, who was perhaps unfortunate not to play in all the games. His loose play was his outstanding feature and he was able to gaits possession from lines-out when it was vital. With some improvement in his tight scrummaging he should do well next year. Awarded half colours.

Alan D. Thomson. Prop. 6 ft. 12 St. 2 lb. Another well built forward who seemed to enjoy the rougher parts of the game. Started the season as a backrow player but lacked the speed to enable him to make vital tackles. With more experience in the tight he could become a valuable asset to the front row.

Brian J. Carrie. 6 ft. 3 in. 13 st. This was the big man of the scrum. At the beginning of the season he appeared docile and seemed to lack the ability to fight for the ball. However, after Christmas, he came into his own and his play improved with every game. In the end he was a valuable asset both in lines-out and in tight scrums. Awarded half colours.

David W. Smith. 6 ft. z in. 1z st. 9 lb. David started off the season as lock forward where he had played so effectively the previous year. However, with not such a good scrum in front of him he was unable to show his true form and was moved to the second row to provide some extra push. He led the forwards quietly but efficiently and his timely tackles and courageous falling on the ball were a great asset to the team. Awarded full colours.

Robert M. Rae. Second row. 6 ft. it st. 7 lb. A newcomer from Dollar Academy, Bob soon fitted into the team and became one of the regulars. He did a lot of good work in both tight and loose play and he was a useful place kicker.

He backed up well and could give and receive a pass. Was unfortunate to lose his place through injury at the end of the season. Awarded half colours.

Henry R. Millar. Lock. 5 ft. 1 t in. It st. 9 lb. Playing at stand off, wing forward and lock forward, Harry was at his best in the middle of the back row. By the end of the season he was showing the form we had expected from him and had become a strong and purposeful forward who was undeterred by tough opposition.

His ability to run and pass enabled him to back up his threequarters to some advantage. Awarded half colours.

Peter M. Collier. Wing forward. 5 ft. 9 in. It st. I3 lb. He played most of the season as prop forward and was at his best in the tight scrums. His lack of height more than any other factor was the reason for his switch of position. He was an adequate wing forward who lacked the pace to harass opposing stand-offs but was quick to pounce on any mistakes made by them. Always an enthusiastic player who kept up team spirit.

Michael W. J. Graham. Scrum half. 5 ft. 9 in. to st. 4 lb. Playing in a position which was new to him at the beginning of the season Mike improved with every game and made up for his lack of experience with intelligent use of the touchline when he was pressed. His defence was strong and his ability to get the line moving improved throughout the season. Set a good example through his enthusiasm. Awarded half colours.

School Sports Reports

I27

Alexander M. Grieve. Prop. 5 ft. 7 in. is st. s lb. This squat, well-built prop was at a disadvantage because of his size. He gave good service to the team during the first part of the season but lost his place to bigger players. He was an effective tight scrummager, giving assistance to his hooker.

David J. F. Robertson. Wing forward. 5 ft. sal in. 1 z st. 8 lb. Being extremely fit, David was able to get about the field very well and was good at backing up an attacking movement. He seemed to lack the ability to make decisive tackles but was often found covering back for other people's mistakes. His cheery disposition made him a fine team member.

Alistair G. Gracie. Wing forward. 5 ft. so in. is st. 1 lb. This well-built youngster always played tough hard rugby and was often seen emerging from the loose play with the ball in his hands. He was quick to pounce on opposing half backs' mistakes yet never seemed to be in a position to tackle an opponent in possession of the ball. With a little more experience he will be an advantage to next year's team.

W. Graeme U'ren. Full back. 5 ft. 51 in. so st. s lb. Despite his lack of inches, Graeme was a useful member of the team when he was on form. Unfortunately his long practised touch kicking was rarely put to good effect. Too often he ran into trouble instead of clearing the ball away. His positioning improved with each game which he played, but his tackling often let him down.

H. Oliver Will. Full back. 5 ft. 11 in. 11 st. z lb. Another late arrival who joined the team during the second half of the season. As a player who could catch and kick under pressure he was invaluable to the side. However his cover defence in an emergency failed him. With some attention to his tackling and with more experience he should do well next year.

Denis W. Inkson. Centre. 5 ft. 71 in. so st. 9 lb. As the fastest member of the back division, Denis was invaluable in attack. His timely interceptions and purposeful running were responsible for most of his tries. His defence was weak during the first half of the season but as the year progressed he gained more experience of hard running opponents. He began to make vital tackles. A little more attention to the art of defending would make him a useful member of any side.

Awarded half colours.

George P. M. Crawford. Centre. 6 ft. z in. 1 i st. z lb. Basically a sound player, George more than once caught the eye with neat breaks and dummies, but he seemed to lack the powers of penetration which would have seen him to the line more often. His defence was sound and he cleared the line with timely kicks on more than one occasion. Awarded half colours.

Stuart C. Glover. Winger. 5 ft. 8; in. II st. I; in. This tough, hard-going player had all the required skills but lacked that vital burst of speed desirable in a winger. His defence was extremely good, even against players a lot bigger than himself. He always played wholeheartedly but perhaps wing forward is his best position.

Richard Bisset. Winger. 5 ft. 6t in. so st. Coming into the team during the second half of the season, he played soundly in all his games. His tries were well-taken scores and he was able to move the ball back inside when he was being forced out. A plucky player and a good team member.

Hockey This has been one of the best ever seasons for hockey in the past decade. The weather was remarkably good and very few cancellations were necessary although, unfortunately, one of these involved the Fettes match. School were only beaten once by a School XI and ample revenge was taken on Grove Academy, for their temerity, in the return game at Dundee. Against senior opposition we gave a good account of ourselves and finished runners up to F.P.s " A " in the senior league after a hard struggle. I think that the F.P. XI, in this section of the league, was

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

the strongest in all the years that we have competed. The team was expertly captained by Douglas Campbell who crowned a good season by gaining his Scottish Schoolboys' cap and played against England, Ireland and Wales. This maintained the School record of having had a cap every year in the Scottish XI since the inception of these matches in 1955. We also had eight players in the North XI, which drew with Midlands t-1, and Clark and Forrest reached the final international trials along with Campbell. I think Forrest was rather unfortunate not to gain an international cap.

This year's ist XI was particularly well balanced, with a fluidity of play from defence to forward, which is unusual at School level. Teamwork was the basis of the School's success, combined with a fine spirit and a will to win. This latter asset has not been true of many of our fine XI's in the past, which was greatly to their disadvantage. Courage and determination were shown in many matches this season and I hope it is the sign of a more determined spirit in Grammar School hockey teams.

Regular Team. Mackie, Forrest, Clark, Campbell, Cowie, Lamb, Leiper, Hay, Gray, Rennie and Sommerville.

Colours Awards. Cap.—N. Forrest. Full Colours—D. Campbell, A. Clark, J. Cowie, W. Lamb, K. Mackie, F. Rennie, G. Sommerville. Half Colours—G. Gray, K. Hay, W. Leiper.

Record Goals School Matches Drawn Lost Wan For Against Played 2 I 6 8 9 Goals League Matches Won Drawn Lost For Against Played 1 24 to I2 8 3 Top Scorers. K. Hay, 23; G. Gray, 14; W. Lamb, to; F. Rennie, 8.

Result Scorers Fixtures 1-4 Munro 14 Sept. v. A.G.S.F.P. 1st XI 21 „ V. Aberdeen 4-1 Hay 2, Lamb 2 2-1 Lamb, Sommerville 28 „ v. Ruthrieston Ramblers 0-2 5 Oct. v. Grove Academy 3-0 Hay 3 12 „ V. Gordonians " A " Lamb 2, Gray 2 19 „ v. Morgan Academy 4-1 Sommerville, Lamb, Gray, Hay z6 „ v. Academy F.P. " A " 4-1 3-0 Lamb, Rennie, Gray 16 Nov. v. Ruthrieston Ramblers Hay 3, Gray 2 3o „ v. Grove Academy 5-1 2-3 Gray, Hay 7 Dcc. v. Gordonians 1st XI 0-4 14 „ v. A.G.S.F.P. " A " Salter, Gray, Hay 2 4-0 4 Jan. v. Academy F.P. " A " 1-5 Hay „ v. Ruthrieston 2-I Hay z 18 „ v. H.M.S. Fulmar 2-0 Lamb, Gray 25 „ v. Gordonians " A " 6-o Rennie 3, Gray z, Hay i Feb. v. Gordonstoun 2-0 Hay z 5 „ v. Gordon's College 0-2 8 „ v. A.G.S.F.P. " A " 0-2 12 „ v. University " A " Rennie, Gray 2-2 22 „ v. Gordonstoun 2-3 Forrest, Lamb 29 „ v. A.G.S.F.P. " B " 2-2 Rennie, Gray 7 Mar. v. Abbey School 0-0 a a „ v. University " A " 5-0 Hay ;, Gray, Sommerville 14 „ v. Strathallan a „ v. Gordon's College 4-0 Rennie 2, Gray, Lamb

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2nd XI This was probably the strongest 2nd X1 School side since the days of Jimmy Lyon and Stanley Smith in 1939. It very nearly brought the Section III league title to the School for the first time. They had to give best to a strong Ruthrieston " B " side, whose success brought great pleasure to C. B. Bisset, a very good friend, in many ways, to Grammar School hockey. The side was captained by Ian Cobb and the spirit in this side was very much better than last year. They played good hockey but, unfortunately, at rather a slow pace. In any sport, speed and fitness are essential and, it is in these assets, that most members of this team will need to improve themselves. I predict a bright future in senior hockey for Cobb, Knight, Brown and McLachlan who, because of a very strong 1st XI, found themselves languishing in the 2nd XI. We look forward to having Wilson and Salter available for next year's ist XI although faults in their technique have still to be solved.

Regular Team. Hay, Knight, Macfarlane, Brown, Cobb, Wilson, Munro, McLachlan, Dawson, Abel, Salter and Adams.

Results Against Schools Played Won Lost Drawn For Against 13 8 240 16 3 All Matches Played Won Lost Drawn For Against io I1 24 3 55 47 3rd XI We are having increasing difficulty in obtaining fixtures for this eleven due to the fall off in hockey at Gordon's College and the Academy. This is a great pity, as this is really the training side for our future players, and it is only competitive hockey that gives the necessary impetus to progress. This year's side was rather disappointing, perhaps because it was too young. J. McBain did his best, as captain, to instil some spirit into the side but with very little success. Any player, aspiring to a future in Grammar Hockey, must be dependable and punctual in relation to all matches. There was a laxness in this direction, which bodes ill for the future.

There were, however, some promising players, notably Cameron (goal), Ryan (back), Cook (centre half) and McCraw (inside forward). It is in the forwards that weaknesses are most apparent. We have to thank Dr. Innes for his hard work with this group.

Regular Team. Cameron, Stewart, Campbell, Ryan, Arthur, Cook, Hughes, Dewar, Miller, McCraw, Johnston, McBain and Youngson.

Results Played Won Lost Drawn For Against II 2 22 4 5 38 Colts For the first time this year's fixtures were fulfilled, up to January, by a 4th XI. This allowed Colts to be a little more mature before facing some of the Junior Secondary sides, who tend to be much older and have had two years coaching. This innovation has been satisfactory, and when Colts began their fixtures, in January, they were able to put up a reasonable show. The numbers taking hockey this year have fallen and this has been reflected in a rather restricted number of players from which to choose. Mr. Spate has shown tremendous interest in this group and instilled enthusiasm and much needed discipline into their hockey. Promising players were Whitaker and Cameron. It should be emphasised, to all aspiring hockey players, that assiduous practice in the basic skills of stopping, reverse stick, flick and hit are essential.

Regular Team. Strachan, Welding, McKenzie, Pirie, Whitaker, Barton, Stephen, Wilson, Cameron, Masson and Findlay.

Results Played Won Lost Drawn For Against 8 2 2 20 30 4

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine House Hockey

This year's competition was fought out in the usual way, but Keith proved to be too strong for all opposition and avoided defeat to run out easy winners. The standard of hockey was not very high but the keen play made up for that deficiency.

We were delighted to congratulate Denis Hay on his first Senior Scottish cap and hope that it is the forerunner to many. Then, of course, Eric Watt got his 45th cap in the same match, and although we are inclined to take Eric's caps for granted, we are nevertheless extremely proud of the honour he brings to the School. We, in the hockey section, think that it is high time the rugby fraternity did something about getting us a half day.

Finally, we have to thank the numerous masters who make possible the running of hockey in the School, by giving up their time and energy to both coaching and umpiring.

R. McNAY

Badminton Notes The highlight of the season's badminton was the informal evening we had with the masters. The carefully seeded masters' team was divided into four Science and four Arts staff. The boys' team was also seeded, and number one seed of the masters played with number eight seed of the boys. Each couple played four games against the opposing faculty and after a close contest Science were the eventual winners. It is hoped to have a repeat of this match. Our own championship was rather slow in getting under way and the final of the singles between Neil Forrest and Michael Colvin has still to be played. In conclusion I should like to thank Mr. Stevenson for allowing us the use of the gym on Monday evenings.

DOUGLAS FOWLIE, Secretary

Swimming Notes The swimming pond has become so popular that boys and masters are using it at every available opportunity. It is open every day after School and has now been opened on Saturday mornings as an alternative for anyone who would rather not play cricket or pound the athletics' track. The numbers using the pool are so great in relation to the few instructors that only practical life-saving can be taught with much success. Therefore we regret to say that no boys are ready to sit their respective Royal Life-Saving Society awards.

PETER COLLIER, Su framing Captain

Ski Club Due to the sad lack of snow, our activities have been severely curtailed this season and, to add to our misfortunes, we have lost Mr. J. Wilson, who, since the inauguration of the Qub, has helped us so much. We all wish for him every success in his new post; and for ourselves heavier snowfalls next year.

A. HARALD GLIDIM, Secretary

Literary Section What I Like I like the whipcrack sound of a golf club smacking against a hard golf ball in the early dawn silence.

I like watching a boat tossing and turning in a heavy swell I like the aroma of newly ground coffee.

I like watching a stately swan patrolling, his mate sitting on the nest the while.

I like the sound of the big rollers smashing and flinging against the shingle.

I like seeing massive cranes tearing chunks out of Rubislaw Granite Quarry.

ALAN WATSON, P VI A

School Literary .Section

131

" That Music Still! " " Oh yes, 1 can easily use that period for extra maths, sir, I've only got musk then."

This is not an isolated case; the schoolboy who said those words, and they have been said countless times in schools up and down the country, was merely expressing that general attitude which unhappily still prevails towards musical education in schools. For there is a strongly held conviction, among pupils as well as teachers, that if a subject is not examinable under G.C.F.. or S.C.E. (or what have you), then that subject has no place in the school curriculum. The pupil's time would be much better spent, they advocate, working for the exams which he is to take in May, than footling away his school time listening to music. The pupil also, particularly from about fourteen upwards, regards his one music period a week as a waste of time—and he and his friends crowd to the back of the classroom so enabling them to do their homework surreptitiously underneath the desk—or to be lulled into a pleasant 4o minute stupor by the voice of the teacher and the music played to him, before getting on with their more " important " subjects.

Of course part of the trouble as stated above may be due to the incompetence andfor lack of enthusiasm on the part of the teacher, but music, like languages, is an extremely hard subject to teach—and a more sympathetic line from headmasters and headmistresses would be welcomed.

Practically everyone on this planet, unless he or she is completely tone-deaf, has some feeling for music—to a greater or lesser extent. Anyone who can tell that one note is higher or lower than another, that is anyone who has any kind of musical car can, if properly guided, be brought to appreciate in some degree sublime works of art, which would otherwise remain unknown to them. Every reasonably educated man, woman and child in Britain has heard of and could very probably recognise at sight Leonardo da Vinci's " The Last Supper "—and yet how many of them have heard Bach's " St. Matthew Passion " or even Beethoven's famous Fifth Symphony ? A very small proportion, I should guess.

This then is the great challenge to those who teach music and musical appreciation in schools and places of further education.

But we come back again and again to the same question. Is it worth all the trouble ? I believe quite firmly that it is. Apart from being able to get to know the results of some of man's greatest sustained creative artistic effort, like the " St. Matthew Passion " already mentioned, it will, or should, enable virtually a whole generation to make some kind of musical noise on a musical instrument, no matter how simple. And this is immensely valuable, this practical music making.

A lot of high-flown nonsense is spoken nowadays about expressing oneself but I truly believe that music is a perfectly valid medium for doing just that.

In the eighteenth century and before, practically the entire middle and upper classes could make some kind of showing on the harpsichord, the flute or one or other of the popular domestic instruments of the time. Today, with education for all, the potential instrument-playing population is enormous. " But I'm not musical " is the cry often heard by hard pressed music teachers. This of course in the majority of cases is just not true—it is with the rise of radio and television, which bring professional musicians of virtuoso standing into everyone's home which has acted as a discouraging force to practical music making. The day when a piano was in every front parlour is now over—more's the pity.

One of the most important steps to be taken in recent years in the field of mass musical education was the marketing just after the second World War of the Dotmetsch recorder. Now here was an instrument which was simple enough technically and yet did not sound like a penny whistle or something out of a party cracker.

These were genuine musical instruments and among those leaving school in the next few years will be a good proportion of recorder players. They might never

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine

touch a recorder again, but they have had practical musical experience which will inevitably deepen and enrich their subsequent enjoyment of that art. Others, maybe slightly more gifted may take up orchestral instruments; Aberdeen is particularly fortunate in this respect because it has a generous and musically minded Education Authority as well as flourishing musical life within the city.

However before anything of this nature can be done—and it must be done if we want to enrich the culture of our civilisation and to prevent our schools from becoming mere examination centres and education from becoming a synonym for the mad scramble after qualifications—if we want to do all this, then we must be prepared to pay for it. For, make no mistake, it is going to cost a good deal. Music rooms in schools must be improved—adequate record playing equipment must be obligatory, the piano must be in tune and the desks comfortable and uncramped.

These things, which seem so obvious are often ignored by the authorities some of whom expect good results from badly equipped, cold classrooms.

Orchestral instruments will have to be bought. One of my pet dreams is looking forward to the day when every school of reasonable size will have at least one orchestra of its own.

And we must pay our teachers more. This of course goes for all teachers, but music teachers, particularly teachers of instruments have a very lean time, rushing hither and thither from school to school and badly paid for it. And needless to say we need more of them.

This of course is all very fine, but all action must all come from the top, from the government at national level. More money should be devoted to state support of the arts. The Arts Council has a pitifully small portion of the pie compared with culture conscious States like Sweden, Western Germany and the U.S.A. And this is vitally relevant to the subject under discussion, for clearly we must take the trouble to educate masses of young people to appreciate and enjoy real music and art generally, if, once they emerge from their classrooms, they are to be bombarded exclusively and incessantly by the noisy excesses of Tin Pan Alley.

It is not going to be easy. It will cost money, time and patience but it will be rewarding. In this bomb-haunted, hysterical, wildly gyrating society which pursues its erratic course through the twentieth century, it is, I believe, fundamentally necessary.

ALISTAIR MACDONALD, L VI.

To a Latin Irregular Verb Behold !—This menace from three thousand years Ago, doth even now, in selfsame form, arise, With one dark foul intent: to make the wise Less certain of their wisdom, bring them cares, Entomb them in their studies, in these lairs Of musty smelling books, which make their eyes Inflamed through reading. But this monster sighs Not at their work, but traps them unawares, While still they're calm, while on their desks are placed Examination papers. Still the waste, Of evenings spent in useless labour, all Their vigour poring over books doth pall.

To end th' exam now haste their care does curb To watch with due regard the Latin verb. linstism T. E. NORBROOK, Upper V

School Literary Section

133

The Storm The moving clouds grow greyer and greyer, The sky grows denser still.

The foamy sea tries to tear At the cliff's steady rocks with a crash and a swirl.

The thunder booms, and the lightning streaks, And ships on the sea arc beaten like punch-balls.

With the force of the waves the very coastline creaks, And with a profound vengeance the heavy rain falls.

Then all of a sudden, just as it had started, The clouds get lighter and the rain ceases to fall.

A beautiful rainbow appears over all, And the magnificent colours show up, Blue green and crimson red.

ROMAN C. YULE, Middle I D.

A Building Site at Night Dormant monsters with necks of steel, Tinted with silver.

Twisted cable, a moonlit eel, Writhing no more.

Heaps of bricks, outlined in black, Waiting for dawn.

Rows of shovels, back to back, Soldiers of night.

Scattered puddles, diamond-flecked Transformed by moonlight.

Standing girders, heads erect, Piercing the sky.

Lurking shadows, mottled by light Mocking at fear, Red-eyed lanterns, shining out bright Into the dark.

DAVID NORBROOK, Middle II A.

My Favourite Things 1 like the splish splash of the waves in the early morning with the cry of the sea gulls in the distance on the faraway island.

My favourite thing is the roar of the crowd at Pittodrie when a goal is scored.

I like the smell of roly-poly when it is taken out of the oven and the smell of newly laid tar, burning peat and, of course, fish and chips for supper.

RONALD FORDYCE, P VI A

134

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Initiative A gang of Union working men, Comprising somewhat over ten, Were seen erecting at some speed (Or just the speed the Unions need) A metal pipe, on which was set A metal sign designed to let Our younger members save their hide Upon the roads the school beside.

So, on the morrow and the road, In obvious and aggressive mode To penetrate both eye and mind (A purpose of unusual kind) There stood this mighty sign of fear To indicate a school was near.

But one small boy, dissatisfied Thought to himself, when he espied The sign, that he could well improve Its gist and force, and so above " Don't kill a child I " the little creature Wrote instead, " Wait for my Teacher ".

DAVID MCDONALD, DI G;

i

The Spider The spider's an arachnid, we are told, She's not an insect, since her hairy legs arc eight; Insects have six, and often wings that fold; The spider has no wings, but sits in state In the centre of her web, waiting for flies.

But if none come, she'll eat the male instead, A horrid cannibal, and since her size Is double his, she'll catch him by the head And suck his blood, once he is paralysed By poison which is in her angry bite; But if his luck is in, she'll have surprised A dozen flies before, and bled them white.

She'll ask him then to visit her again, An invitation he'll accept with ardour.

He doesn't guess, poor fool, that maybe then He'll only serve to stock his missus' larder.

JOHN CAIRNS, P V B.

Rhineland Trip—Easter 1964 On Monday 3o March the party, consisting of twenty-five boys and four masters, left Aberdeen for Germany. After a long and tiring journey by train, boat and bus, we arrived in St. Goarshausen around midnight on the Tuesday.

d 4

Rhineland Trill

13 5 St. Goarshausen, which was an ideal base because of its central position in the Rhine Gorge, is a small, ribboned settlement built on the narrow ledge of flat land between the river and the very steep sides of the Rhine Gorge. From here we went for several walks, on both sides of the river, and had ample opportunity of appreciating the beauty of the countryside. One of these walks took us to the top of the famous Lorelei Rock, which plays a prominent part in Teutonic legend, poetry and song.

Most days, however, were largely occupied by bus excursions to places of interest both to the north and to the south of the Rhine Gorge. Among the places we visited were the Federal capital Bonn, where we saw round Beethoven's birthplace, Cologne, where we visited the world-famous cathedral, Heidelberg, where we had a conducted tour round the renowned medieval castle, and Wiesbaden—a much more modem city with a strong American influence. Another highlight of the trip was a voyage by steamer up the Rhine Gorge to Riidesheim, from where we went by chairlift to the Niederwald memorial.

Our ten days in St. Goarshausen passed all too quickly. We arrived home on Sunday, r z April at the end of what everyone agreed had been a most enjoyable and memorable trip.

And some impressions " Yes ", we agreed as the trans-continental train pulled out of Koblenz, " we'll all go back there again." But what was the attraction in St. Goarshausen? Why were we all so anxious to return ? St. Goarshausen after all was only a half-alive village, sandwiched between an unyielding chain of hills and the river Rhine, whose only facilities for entertainment were a second-rate football pitch and a tiny cinema.

Perhaps we were attracted by the scenery. We certainly saw a lot of it. On both sides of the Rhine, when we had climbed up among the hills, we were forever catching glimpses of great valleys dipping down far beneath, and often, as we rounded a corner, we would catch sight of an ancient castle set atop a hill like a crown. Sometimes we gazed at the Rhine itself, its broad stream almost choked with the never-ending barge traffic which churned its way tirelessly up and down stream. One day we saw just such a view from the top of the " Lorelei Rock "— a broad, graceful curve of the mighty river, cars creeping along the narrow road like little ants on a band of ribbon, and steep hills, stretching as far as we could see, terraced with vineyards. . . . . . . It might have been the wine for which the Rhine is so famous that appealed to us so much. This we had ample opportunity to enjoy, as visits to two winecellars had been arranged for us. For this experience alone it was well worth making the trip, especially since at one of the cellars the man in charge took such pains to ensure that we all enjoyed his wine, that whenever he saw an empty glass, he insisted on refilling it to the brim. " This ", we thought hopefully, " could go on all night ! " It was not long, however, before our jovial, friendly bus-driver was hustling us back into the bus.. . . . . . Of course it might be the friendliness of the German people that was enticing one back. The Germans in the Rhine area have learned how to please their tourist guests. For one meal in one hotel they served us bacon, egg and chips, surely not a German dish. And they were always ready to have a chat with us, to offer information or advice, and would listen patiently, with a friendly grin, while we fumbled through our German.

Yet again possibly we enjoyed our holiday because the whole thing was so well organised by our masters, who throughout the trip kept us on a loose but not limp rein.

It might have been so many things. Only one thing is certain—we'd all like to go back again.

GORDON W. HAY, VI DAVID K. YULE, V2

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Scout Notes x st Group G.S.M. (acting) A. H. Cairns, 414 Great Western Road, Tel. No. 36321.

C.M. Miss E. Slessor, 25 Viewfield Crescent, Tel No. 36820.

S.M. T. N. Ducat, The Bield, Ramsay Road, Banchory, Tel. No. Banchory 353.

R.S.L. I. G. S. MacGregor, zo Stewart Avenue, Bo'ness, West Lothian.

Pack Notes With the departure to Scouts, after Christmas, of several of the older members of the Pack, and our return to our enlarged premises, we were able to accept a greater number of new recruits, giving us a roll of thirty-seven. To the boys who have left us for Scouts, we wish many years of happy scouting.

Since the last edition of the Magazine the Pack has lost the services of two more assistants. Alasdair Lawrance left us in November to take up an appointment with the B.B.C. in London, while Alan Stewart left shortly after Christmas to become a junior leader in the Royal Signals.

During the Easter holidays the Pack was very active. The Cubs once again broke all previous records as regards the amount of money raised in Bob-a-Job week.

All the boys must be congratulated on their splendid effort. The Gang Show was visited as usual by a large party from the Pack.

Unfortunately Miss Eva Slessor, the present Cubmaster, had to enter hospital at the commencement of the Summer Term. To the Rev. G. D. Goldie, Assistant County Commissioner (Cubs) go our thanks for his invaluable assistance during Eva's absence.

With the start of the Summer Term, the Pack is looking forward to a very varied and interesting programme, with visits to Clinterty, the annual Cub sports, 7-a-side football competition, the visit of the Chief Scout, Sir Charles Maclean, and the open afternoon for parents. The Annual Camp for the older boys, to be held at Clinterty, from i 8 to z1 August, will terminate the summer's activities.

Troop Notes The most important event of the year has been the completion of the extensions to our Headquarters at Forest Avenue Lane. The greatest benefit arising out of these, for the troop, is the addition of an extra patrol den allowing us to increase the number of patrols to six. We now have extra storage space and toilet accommodation.

In December, the Patrol Leaders for the last year, David Smith, Roderick McDonald, Michael Colvin, Martyn Batchelor, and Halsey Bradford went up to Rovers, their places being taken by John McLennan, Brian Begg, David Johnson, Lawrence Barron, and John Smith. Graeme Speirs was made P.L. of our new patrol, the Hawks.

The Winter Term progressed much as usual. Due to the alterations the hut was unavailable for two Fridays. The Swimming Gala filled one of the nights, however, and on the other the Troop enjoyed visits to the Fire Station and the Press and Journal printing works. In March the " Open Night " was held and we were inspected by the County Commissioner, Mr. G. A. Smith. The customary programme of games and scout-work was put on, and a film of troop activities during the past year was shown.

Easter Camp occupied the first week of the School holidays, and though it was rather cold for much of the time the rain kept off, greatly to our satisfaction. A refinement added to Clinterty, just before camp, was the installation of running water at the huts.

Scout Notes

1 37 With the onset of summer the Troop has moved its meeting place from Headquarters to the woods at Cults, enabling us to partake in some outdoor activities.

Our summer Camp this year is being held at a site three miles outside Grantownon-Spey and we look forward to a pleasant fortnight there early in July

Crew Notes This year the Crew is at its strongest ever with a membership of twenty-two invested Rovers and two Rover Squires, and we look forward to receiving further recruits from the Troop.

Our New Year Trip based at Balquhidder Youth Hostel was marred only by the weather which did its utmost to damp our spirits.

During the Spring Term the Crew had its usual programme of guest speakers including Lord Elibank—Honorary Adviser for Physical Training for Rovers (Scotland), and visits to such varied places as the Beehive Youth Club and Stoneywood Paper Mills. Our G.S. led a successful trip to Skye during the Easter Holidays when some climbing was done.

Our main activity has been the organisation of the N. E. of Scotland RoverRanger Moot which will be held this year in the grounds of Haddo Estate.

17th Group G.S.M. F. R. Paterson, z6 Osborne Place, Tel. No. 51013.

C.M. Miss Joyce Park, 270 Union Grove.

S.M. John K. Blair, 8 Pitstruan Place.

Pack Notes Though not achieving anything outstanding in the Totem Pole the Pack gained a very good average mark.

They will as usual be taking part in the five-a-side football competition and hope to repeat their success in the athletic sports. Plans are now completed for their annual outing. The following promotions have been made: to Sixers—David Wood, Campbell Paterson, David Leighton, Alastair Grant, and Gordon Buchan.

To Seconds—John Cowie, Ronald Ovens, Peter Milne, Neil McDougall and Douglas Forbes. To all those we offer our congratulations and best wishes.

To the following we would like to offer our special congratulation on gaining their Leaping Wolf Badges: David Johnstone, Peter Brotherwood (who have since gone up to scouts) Campbell Paterson and David Leighton.

Troop Notes Despite deplorable conditions of snow, sleet and high winds an eventful winter hill walking week-end at Strathdon was thoroughly enjoyed by P./L.s and seconds during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Easter week-end camps were organised and run independently by Patrols since our hut extensions have at long last got under way and were at that time in full swing.

Our extensions are aimed at improving the facilities at the hut to cope with the increased number of the troop and pack. They include five patrol dens and additional toilet facilities and are at present rapidly reaching completion. The official opening will be marked by a social function on z6 June.

We congratulate the following on their promotions: Second Gregory Strange to P./L. Scouts Gordon Barr and Neil Sandeman to Seconds.

We offer special congratulations to P./L. David Brown on gaining his Queen's Scout Badge the highest honour a scout can achieve.

Summer camp this year will be held in ideal surroundings in Glen Prosen and we feel confident in predicting an enjoyable two weeks for all those attending.

138

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 9th Group G.S.M. Dr. P. E. G. Mitchell, z Pinewood Road, Tel. No. 35428.

C.M. Miss Sheila M. Fraser, 17 Argyll Place, Tel. No. 20400 S.M. C. Mackenzie, 93 Bonnymuir Place, Tel. No. 29618.

Pack Notes There are eighteen boys in the Club Pack and all are working enthusiastically.

At the Totem Pole Competition in February, our Pack was represented by the Blue Six, and we were very pleased that they were placed 4th out of the nineteen entries. Bob-a-Job Week was well supported and eight cubs, each of whom earned more than £1, received a small token of appreciation for their efforts.

We are looking forward to the visit of the Chief Scout to the city at the end of May, also to the annual Sports and Football Competitions. Weather permitting, we shall hold some out-door meetings, including a Cub picnic at Templars Park.

There are vacancies meantime in the Pack, and any boys aged from eight to ten years who would care to join should contact our Cubmaster, Miss Sheila Fraser, 17 Argyll Place (Tel. No. 20400).

Troop Notes This being the Group's Year for raising funds, the Parents, under Mrs. Pearson's leadership, have been hard at work for nearly six months. To date they have raised over £300. The culmination of their efforts will be the Fair in the Music Hall on zi November 1964. Any old members of the Group, who are willing to help in any way, will be made very welcome. They should contact Mrs. Pearson at 17 King's Gate.

It was with regret that we accepted Ken Thomson's resignation as Scoutmaster, due to pressure of work. However, we hope that Ken will continue his connection with the Troop. Ken was Scoutmaster for four years, and has secured a niche in the Troop's history by his sheer hard work and devotion to its interest. Besides Ken, we have also lost Gordon McDougall and Jimmy Davidson. Gordon on completing his apprenticeship as an engineer has gone to sea, while Jimmy has gone off to Thurso to work at Dounereay. Both Jimmy and Gordon have been with the Troop since they were Cubs, and they are very much missed.

The Pack has also had its changes, and we welcome Miss Sheila Fraser as Cubmaster in place of Miss Sheila Mackie, who has left us to get married. We wish Sheila every happiness for the future.

In the Troop itself there have been quite a few changes. John Bell, Tony Burns and lain Reid have left to join the Rovers—after gaining their Queen's Scout Badge. This is the first time for many years that we have had as many as three in the Group at a time, and we would like to congratulate them on gaining this award. It takes a lot of time and effort. They have been succeeded as P.L.s

by Garry Joss, Alan Cowie and Tommy Low. Last year's summer camp near Oban was a repeat of the one we held in 1955 at Plockton. We had the use of a fishing boat for a fortnight, using it to take the boys away to various points on the coast-line and on Mull. They were then left on their own to hike to their pick-up point, which could be up to 20 miles away.

We feel that this sort of camp uses Scouting and the Patrol System to the full.

Unfortunately, the weather was not all that good, but we managed to use the boat every day, with only two cases of sea sickness. In spite of the weather, everyone enjoyed themselves.

This year's camp is being held nearer home in Glen Gaim, where we hope all the Troop will be present.

During the Easter holidays, nine of the Troop took part in the Gang Show in H. M. Theatre, some appearing on stage, with the more bashful ones working backstage. This gives us a good start for own show in the winter.

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

Club Office-Bearers, 1964-65 Honorary President : JOHN VASS SKINNER, M.A., B.LITT., DIP. ED. (Rector since 1959) Honorary Vice-Presidents : HENRY JACKSON BUTCHART (1890-99), D.S.O., O.B.E., T.D., B.L., LL.D., D.L. DOUGLAS PATERSON COCHRAN (1906-15).

ALEXANDER GRAY (1910-22), M.A., LL.B. THE HON. LORD JOI-INSTON (1913-26) JAMES GRAY KW (1891-98), C.B.E., F.F.A., F.R.S.E. JOHN ADAM LILLIE (1843-1903), M.A., LL.B., Q.C. ERIC LINKLATER (1913-16), C.H.E., M.A., LL.D., T.D. The Right Hon. Lord MESTON (1901-02).

GEORGE GORDON NICOL (1694-1903), D.S.O., M.I.C.E., M.CONS.E. JOHN LENNOX RIDDELL (1907-16).

Sir JAMES JACKSON (Rector 194i-59).

ROBERTSON, O.B.E., LL.D., M.A., B.D.,

F.R.S.E., F.E.I.S.

WILLIAM DOUGLAS SIMPSON (1901-13), O.B.E., M.A., LL.D., D.LITT., F.S.A.(SCOT.), P.S.A. Sir JOHN WILLIAM TAYLOR (1906-1I), K.B.E., C.M.G. Sir WILLIAM ROBERT TENNANT (1904-10), C.I.E., M.A., LL.D. Sir JOHN MACKAY THOMSON, C.B., M.A., F.R.S.E. (Rector, 1920-21).

Sir LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON (1899-1908), C.H., O.B.E., M.A., D.SC., F.R.S.E., LL.D. ROBERT BERTRAM WILLIAMSON (1906-18), D.S.O., M.A., LL.B. President : CECIL A. G. SAVIDGE (1913-24), M.B.E., M.A. Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive : ALAN CROMBIE ROBERTSON WATT (1925-37) M.A., LL.B. Secretary and Treasurer : JOHN SCOTT MACLACHLAN (1922-32), M.A., LL.B., Union Street, Aberdeen.

General Editor of Magazine : RAE C. BARTON (1942-55), M.A., LL.B., 18 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen.

139

140

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Secretaries of Centres :

Bengal and Assam—DR. WILLIAM GEORGE MACMILLAN (19,6-22), cio Indian

Jute Mills Research Institute, 3 Taratala Road, Calcutta, 27.

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

Dundee—ROBERT S. RILLEY (1946-55), 8 Foster Road, Dundee.

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

Edinburgh 3.

Glasgow—JOHN GORDON MICHIE BIRSS (1926-38), M.C., M.A., A.C.W.A., 99 Essex

Drive, Scotstoun, Glasgow W4.

London—P. G. M. MACPHEE (1930-41), Ranger, 34 Dukes Wood Drive, Gerrards

Cross, Bucks.

Malaya—BRIAN SCOTT GRAY (1943-49), B.Sc., P.O. Box 207, Banting, Selangor, Malaya.

Yorkshire—ARTHUR JAMES ADAMS (1919-30), " Guyscliffe ", Clara Drive, Calver-

ley, Pudsey, Yorks.

Secretaries of Sections : Cricket—ALEXANDER MUNRO DAVIDSON 0937-40, B.L., I8

Golden Square,

Aberdeen.

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

Hockey—H. K. LAwsoN, 114 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen.

Rugby—GEoRGE M. M. SLATER (1935-47) 164 Cra153100 Road, Aberdeen.

Executive Committee :

The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman.

Vice-Chairman—WILLIAM LEWIS CANNON (1930-40), B.L. The Secretary and Treasurer, and General Editor of Magazine, ex officii.c.

The Rector of the School, ex officio.

JOHN McP. Murcn (1932-45). C.A. HECTOR MACQUEEN AIRD (1946-61).

IAN LEWIS SMITH (1918-30).

JOHN H. CRADOCK (1940-46).

Dr. RANALD Fm FINDLAY STEVEN BRIAN K. CROOK$HANKS (1934-46).

WALLACE PORTER (1915-23 ).

WILLIAM (1908-21).

A. J. M. EDWARDS WILLIAM MILNE EwEN (1932-44).

(1935-43)GORDON HARVEY HENDERSON (1921-34), ERIC DOUGLAS Warr (1937-50).

HAROLD MURRAY ROBERTSON WATT M.A. LL.B. (1926-38), M.A. PHILIP NOEL Love (1952-58), M.A. JOHN MORTIMER (1923-27).

Section Representatives Cricket—IAN D. F. THOMSON (1944-48).

GOlf—GEORGE ALEXANDER CRAIG WALKER (1917-23).

Hockey--DR. C. LESLIE FORBES (1938-51).

Rigby—GEORGE M. M. SLATER (1935-47).

Staff—ALEXANDER BRUCE, T.D., M.A., B.SC. Hon. Auditors : Messrs. BOWER and Siam, C.A.

New Club President

141

New Club President Our new President, Cecil Arthur Grant Savidge *, (1913-24) M.B.E., M.A., " Cecil "as he has been known to many Former Pupils, will

be remembered as a schoolboy for his stocky and wiry build—good at all games, he had the faculty of being a good scholar and at the same time taking part in a variety of school activities with equal success.

He will be particularly remembered by many Scouts of the Grammar Troops; formerly a member of the 9th, he thereafter became the first Scoutmaster of the 17th Troop, which he established on such a firm foundation that it has never looked back. Many an F.P. will remember with gratitude the introduction Cecil gave him to the joys of camping and hill climbing. Camps and expeditions to the hills, the Cairngorms, and even Paris were arranged by Cecil with the minimum of fuss and the maximum enjoyment by those taking part. His organization at all times was superb, as was his energy. When the members of a hill climbing party returned to their base camp at Inverey or The Chalet, Braemar, they were glad to rest on their bunks and nurse their tired feet—but not Cecil—he had out the frying-pan and before long would have dished up his speciality omelette " a la Savidge ".

With that background, it is not surprising that he has gone far in his career. After graduating M.A. at Aberdeen, he got a good entry to the Indian Civil Service in 1928 and served in various localities, including Deputy Commissioner in the North West Frontier Province, Under-Secretary of External Affairs to the Governor of India, and Political Agent in Quetta Pishin. In 1941 he was seconded to Iraq on special duty with the Rank of Major. For his service in the I.C.S. he was awarded the M.B.E. in the New Year Honours, 1941.

After the war, he was seconded by the Indian Civil Service to the responsible, but at the same time perhaps its most romantic appointment, as Director General of Revenues to the man who was then probably the most colourful and powerful potentate in India, the Nizam of Hyderabad. But Partition in India brought a change, and Cecil then received the appointment to the newly established and very onerous post of Chief Commissioner to Mr. Jinnah, the first Governor General of Pakistan. This post included very arduous duties which were even too much for the stamina of our Cecil, and he wisely retired for health reasons in 1949. One would have thought that with these achievements, it was enough; but no, after approximately two years spent resting and in visiting his old haunts, he was appointed Assistant Director of the International Chamber of Commerce, whose headquarters are in London, and shortly thereafter appointed Director of that body. Now the principal cities of the world are his stamping ground—Tokio, New York, Mexico City, etc., and visits to the capitals of Western Europe are as frequent as visits by we ordinary mortals to our barber. In his delightful home in Buckinghamshire, after the insignia of city life—the bowler hat and the rolled umbrella!

—have been set aside, he still has time and energy to discuss the merits of garden compost and the laying propensities of Rhode Island Reds against White Wyandottes.

142

Aberdeen Grammar Scbool Magazine

Cecil at all times has been loyal to his old School. At all his Stations in India, he acted as an F.P. Consul. He presented the School with a new Banner in 1947 and on every visit to this locality he makes a point of visiting the old School.

Cecil is indeed a worthy recipient for the highest honour the Club can bestow on a Former Pupil.

R. B. W.,* 1906-18

Annual General Meeting The Sixty-second Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Caledonian Hotel, Aberdeen on Tuesday, 24 March 1964 and, despite the adverse weather conditions, there was an attendance of forty members.

Executive Report The Report by the Executive for the year ending 31 December 1963 was submitted by the Chairman of the Meeting Mr. Alan C. R. Watt, the Vice-President of the Club, and the following are extracts from the Report.

Membership and Subscriptions The following is an analysis of the membership of the Club as at 28 February 1964 with comparable figures as at z8 February 1963.

Fully Paid 28/2/63 28 /2 /64

Partially Paid Ordinary

Honorary

Staff

Total

I0

31 31

2,333 2,398

1

—

+6f

I,1I0

4

I,177

II

1,112

3

1,242

I

+65

- ±2

-

-

-

Losses by Death During the year the deaths of fifty-three Former Pupils, of whom twenty-seven were Members of the Club, have been recorded in the Magazine. These included one of our Honorary Vice-Presidents, Sir William Peters, two former Club Consuls, Mr. Robert Fleming of Toronto and Mr. J. B. Lyon, formerly of Brazil, who latterly lived in retirement in Bournemouth. An enthusiastic senior Member of the Club, Mr. Douglas J. T. Jamieson, also died during the year. We also record, with deep regret, the sudden death of Mr. Campbell Connon, the Editor of the Magazine.

Social The Annual Dinner of the Club was held in the School Hall on 23 October when 19 Junior Members and 238 Senior Members attended. In view of the very great response it was not possible to accommodate other than official guests. The President, Dr. W. Douglas Simpson, was in the chair. The Toast of "The School and the Club " was proposed by Sir James J. Robertson and replied to by the Rector and the President. Unfortunately, at the last minute, both Lord Provost John M. Graham and Principal E. M. Wright were unable to attend. The Toast of " The Guests " was proposed by Mr. Eric Linklater and, literally at the last moment, Mr. John Marshall, Headmaster of Gordon's College, made the reply. We were pleased to have with us as Guests, apart from Representatives of Associated Clubs, all surviving Past-Presidents of the Club. For the excellent arrangements made we are greatly

F.P. Club A.G.M.

143

indebted to Mr. Brian K. Crookshanks, the Entertainments Secretary. The surplus on the Dinner amounted to £t 5s. i id.

The Annual Ball was held in the Beach Ballroom on 26 December attended by 66 Junior Members and Guests and 455 Senior Members and Guests. The surplus on the Ball amounted to £44 1os. 5d.

Legacies We record with appreciation receipts of Legacies of £too each from the Estates of the late Mr. Douglas J. T. Jamieson and the late Mr. Campbell Connon. The wishes of both Donors will be given effect to by the Club Executive.

School The usual Medals were presented at the Prizegiving in June and the annual Grant given to the Sports Prize Fund.

The Swimming Pool was officially opened on 23 October 1963, on the afternoon of the Club Dinner, and quite a number of Members outwith Aberdeen had an opportunity of inspecting the Pool. The formation of a Club Swimming Section was an immediate result.

The alterations and additions to the fabric of the School are continuing.

I

I

General Business The Accounts for the year duly audited and certified by Messrs. Bower & Smith, Chartered Accountants were submitted and approved.

Reports on the year's activities of the various athletic sections were submitted and from these it was noted that the sections were continuing their activities successfully. In particular the Secretary was instructed to convey the congratulations of the Club to Eric Watt and Dennis Hay on their respectively obtaining their 45th and 1st Scottish Hockey Caps and to Meldrum Edwards who in Dublin represented Scotland at the European Cross-Country Championships. It was also noted that the Rugby Section was particularly healthy financially having a sum of £420 in hand at the end of the season.

The appointment of office-bearers then took place and the Chairman paid tribute to the retiring President, Dr. W. Douglas Simpson, for his interest in the Club's activities during his term of office and for his willingness to attend Centre Dinners.

Thereafter the Chairman gave a report on the latest developments in the efforts to retain the Primary Department and this matter is fully reported elsewhere in this issue, as also is the building programme at the School which was explained by the Rector at the Meeting.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mr. Watt for his services during the past year and for his conduct of the meeting.

Dates to Note Annual Dinner—Friday, 23 October 1964, in the Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen.

Annual Ball—Wednesday, 23 December 1964, in the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen.

144

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Centre Report Edinburgh Edinburgh F.P.s look forward to two enjoyable functions each year: the Wine Party with Gordonians and F.P.s of the Girls High School which usually takes place in December and is run by the three Clubs year about and the Annual Dinner which is held on the eve of one or other of the Rugby Internationals held at Murrayfield.

The Wine Party might be said to have ushered in the Christmas season. It was a very genial affair held in The Caledonian Club and F.P.s were well represented. In addition and occasionally to one's surprise the odd F.P. turns up, not in his own right so to speak, but as the consort of a Girls High School F.P. Judging from results in Edinburgh the statistical possibility for any High School girl of a Grammarian or Gordonian future is quite significant.

The Annual Dinner was held in the Roxburghe Hotel on Friday, 17 January under the genial Chairmanship of Douglas Reith. The Edinburgh Dinner is usually stiff with lawyers from Judges downwards to Law Apprentices. The principal guest was another lawyer Harry Shewan, Q.C. who is, of course, also a Gordonian. It was a pleasure to welcome Dr. Douglas Simpson who to the writer's knowledge looks and sounds exactly the same as he did thirty-five years ago.

Other official representatives included the Rector, benevolent and benign, Dr. Albert Christie from the Glasgow Centre and Mr. Morrison Gill representing Edinburgh Gordonians.

Among the regular attenders present was Sheriff J. A. Lillie, Q.C., the senior member of the Club, and one who has attended every Dinner since its foundation in 1932. It is interesting to see in the Centre's Minute Book that on 3 February in that year a meeting was called under the Chairmanship of Lord Mackay, supported by the Right Honourable Lord Alness, with the object of forming an Edinburgh Centre. At that meeting Sheriff (then Mr.) J. A. Lillie was present as was also Mr. E. Ross Birkett still a loyal supporter of the Centre and of the Parent Club.

Any F.P.s coming to Edinburgh should get in touch with the Secretary of the Centre whose name and address will be found elsewhere in this magazine and the Secretary will be most happy to supply him with the names and addresses of other F.P.s resident in the area.

London At the London Centre Joint School Cocktail Party held in the English Speaking Union premises in London on 8 May, there was an attendance of ninety-four members, wives and guests from the School, Gordon's College, High School, St. Margarets and Albyn, with the School representation the highest. Unfortunately, the Secretary was in Canada and unable to attend but the Party was evidently a great success.

The Annual General Meeting of the London Centre, to be followed by supper, will be held on Tuesday, 13 October and the Annual Dinner on Friday, 4 December, both functions taking place at the Caledonian Club, London.

West Bengal and Assam (The following is an edited version of a letter received by the Editor from the Section Secretary) I saw the announcement of Campbell Connon's sad and sudden decease in the " Overseas Aberdonian "; he will be a great loss to the Club and missed by his many friends.

Life in Calcutta is never dull and we do have our three seasonal variations at four-monthly intervals to break any monotony; hot (March to June), monsoon

Centre Reports

141

(July to October), and " cold weather ", which is very pleasant indeed, from November to February. The communal disturbances which took place in the middle of January did not start off the year on a good note; fortunately strong measures taken at the outset by bringing in troops and imposing a curfew stopped what might otherwise have developed into a very serious situation. As it was, a considerable amount of damage was done in certain quarters of the city, from arson and looting with many casualties on both sides. The situation between India and Pakistan is still a somewhat delicate one and complicated even further by the refugee problem on both sides.

In February there was a hartal which paralysed the city but fortunately only for one day. A hartal is somewhat similar to a general strike and usually a form of airing grievances, real or imaginary; there have been fourteen of them in the last six years or so and sometimes they can be quite unpleasant. I had my car damaged in one last September and was lucky to get away with mechanical damage only.

March was uneventful, but in the middle of May we had a minor earthquake which created a certain amount of panic throughout the city. Calcutta is outside the seismic zone but we do get these earth tremors from time to time. This one came within five hours of a thunder-squall which lashed the city in the early evening and there were two tremors. The first was fairly mild but then there came a good shaking which had people momentarily nonplussed before they were galvanized into action. They ran out of cinemas, houses, hotels and flats screaming while passengers hastily jumped off moving trams and buses. Birds were awakened in trees and set up agitated cries while conch-shells were sounded in city temples.

This was the most severe earthquake to hit the city since the disaster which caused havoc in Bihar in the mid-thirties and, apart from damage to buildings, three lives were lost.

WILLIAM G. MACMILLAN, Serretag

Yorkshire The Yorkshire Centre held their Annual Dinner in the Senior Common Room, The University, Leeds, on Thursday, 21 May 1964.

Although only six regulars of the Centre were able to attend, the evening was " made " by the presence of the President of the Parent Club, Mr. C. A. G. Savidge.

The smallness of the gathering called for informality and no set speeches were made but the evening passed only far too quickly with everyone pleasantly reminiscent. A suggestion that the Centre might join up with Gordonians living in Yorkshire was not received well, but the counter suggestion that a joint meeting with proposed centre in the North-Eastern Counties of England had a better reception and the Secretary was asked to write suggesting York as a possible half-way-house if the North-Eastern Counties approved of the idea.

A member, during the course of the discussion, remarked that the Rector's message to F.P.s had been missing from the last editions of the Magatine. It was agreed that this was an item which all F.P.s looked for and the Secretary was asked to write to the Club drawing his attention to this.

As usual business did not take up much time. Regret was expressed that both Hamish Spark, our President, and Dr. Ian G. Ions had undergone operations and had been unable to attend. The Secretary was asked to write expressing the meeting's good wishes and a speedy return to health to both. Dr. Ian D. Innes was elected President, and A. J. Adams was re-elected Secretary-Treasurer.

The balance sheet for the past year was presented. This showed a profit of 5s. 6d. It was agreed that this sum be carried forward to the current year.

A most pleasant evening came to an end with the traditional " Birse Cup " and a vote of thanks to Professor Wood for his good services in again obtaining the use of the Senior Common Room. [continued page 148

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

1 46

GENERAL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT' RECEIPTS Ordinary Subscriptions received prior to January, 1963: Received in 1954 £t o 0 I 10 0 1955

1963

1956

I 10 1 0 2 10

1957 1958 1959

0

£154

183 15 50 75

5 o o 9 10 0 31 15 0 171 6 0

1960 1961 1962

0 o Ordinary Subscriptions received in 1963 0 Arrears recovered in 1963

0 0 44 7 18 to 210 14 3 6 12 7

0 0 0

£225

274 62

1 12

6 7 o £562

£388

17 10 to

6 10 o o 6 5 7

26 10

£1088 10

a

0

Revenue from Investments (Gross) Interest at 3 per cent. on Life Member Capital Fund Surplus on Entertainments Account Income Tax Refund: (3 Yrs.) Year 1962-63 Rolls of Honour Donations Deficit for Year

-

0

6

•

503 to 8

-

209 15 11 45 16

4

6 i3 10 o o o O 0 0 26 12 II

9

£1179

8

7

BALANCE SHEET as

1962

CAPITAL. AND LIABILITIES I. LIFE MEMBER CAPITAL FUND—

£6960

4

Amount at credit at 31 December 1963 Life Members' Subscriptions received ill 1963: 12 Full Life Members at £15 Instalments for Life Membership Life Members' Special Appeal -

5

£6813 -

£18o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3

2

o

63 13

0

180 o

£7023 1 7 220 X4

5

£6993 3

3

3

2

£6813

Less Transferred to Receipts and Payments Account

II.

-

-

£6783

1 10

0

1957

1 10 7 o I IO 7 15 34 10 91 9

0 o 0 0 0 0

x96o

1961

o 0

ro

1962 Subscriptions received in 1963 for future years III. SWIMMING Poo,. FUND IV. LEGACY—Douglas J. T. Jamieson

£7194 a

3

£2 0 0 1 o o

1956 1 958 1959

8

7

ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE

Balance 0t Subscriptions received in 1954 1955

373 .5

a

2 209 15 II

2

_

-

220 10

0

368 14 0 48 10 0 ZOO

0

0

£73o0 II

3

ABERDEEN, June 1964.—We have examined the foregoing Accounts for the year ending 31 December 1963 Accounts correct. We are of the opinion that the Balance Sheet correctly states the position of the Club as of the Accounts.

245 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN

F.P. Club Accounts

1 47

for year ending 31 December 1963 1962 £176 13 2 4 5 0 2 6 6 168 18 8 ro rr 30

9 9

0

0 0

6 0

o o

PAYMENTS Working Expenses, including Honorarium to Secretary and Treasurer Honorarium to Auditors for year to 31 December 1962 Income Tax Schedule D Year 1963-64 Income Tax Paid by deduction from Investment Income School and Trophy Medals Capitation Grants: London Glasgow Edinburgh

a

—

LI A 1 92 14

9 2

£191 5

4 S

5 o

194 12 It to O 6

£30 0 0 9 o o 9 o o

8 x3 4 Club Development 20 0 o Sports Prize Fund 7 7 0 Miscellaneous 19 r3 3 Depreciation on Addressograph Machine and Cost of Plates 636 r3 8 Transferred from Magazine Account

£1104

—

-

48 0 153 13

0

£1334 10

2

£985 14

4

6 20 0 0 10 10 O 0 O O 721 3 to

-

I

for Year ending 31 December 1963 £869 22

3

£12 8

7

7

4

252

2,8

18

£zo88 ro

£264 15 11 45 17 5 6 ---

EXPENDITURE Cost of Printing Stock of Envelopes as at 31St December 1962 Working Expenses including Envelopes and Honoria to Editorial Committee -

45 17

5

178 to

2

Less Stock of Envelopes as at 3t December 1963

224 7 7 30 13 4

-

9

193 14

3

£1179 8

7

£6405 15

5

693 13

7

at 31 December 1963

1962

ASSETS I. CASH IN HAND AND IN INVESTED FUNDS £466 cos. Ordinary Stock Standard Trust Ltd. 5s. Units (at cost)

(Market Value £2356.) - £99o r 2932 Aberdeen & Canadian Investment Trust Ltd. 5s. Ordinary Stock Units (now Aberdeen Trust Ltd.) (at cost) (Market Value £5o2.1.)

- 1994 18 36oo The Anglo-Celtic Trust Ltd. 5s. Ordinary Stock Units (at cost) (Market Value £2790) 999 at 9o United Corporation Ltd. " 13 " Common Shares (at cost) (Market Value £900) 884 9 1463 Ordinary 55. Units The Second Scottish Northern Investment Trust Ltd. (at cost) (Market Value £1993.)

— — — 976 6 25o Royal Insurance Co. Ltd. New Ordinary Shares of 5s. each fully paid (at cost) (Market Value £469) — — — — — 563 8 £6408 15 5 (Total Market Value £13,529.)

Aberdeen Savings Bank: On Deposit—Ordinary Account - £to6 13 9 Special Investment 85 t 5 185 20 4 — £tgI 15 Bank of Scotland: Credit Balance on Current Account 343 0 5 - 403 9 5 Deposit Receipt 100 O 0 503 9 0 13

6 8 6 0

8 a

2

5

3i Cash in Hands of Treasurer

4

3 7}

CAPITAL ACCOUNT

211

1 3f

45 17

5

£7194 I8

2

Amount at debit at 31 December '962 Add Deficit in Receipts and Payments Account for year ending 32 December 1963 Less sale of 293 Aberdeen Trust Ltd. New Ordinary Shares of 5/- each Nil Paid 111. MAGAZINE Stock of envelopes in hand

-

£11II

1 3i

26 12 11 237 14 2i 84 19 11 152 14 3i 30 13 4 £73o0

It

3

and relative Balance Sheet as at 31 December 5963, compared the figures with the vouchers, and found the at 3t December 1963. We have had exhibited to us the various Securities supporting the Funds at the close BOWER & SMITH, C.A. Honorary Audaors.

148

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

If any F.P. would like the recipe:for " Birse Cup ", contact the Secretary of the Centre and an invitation will be sent to attend the next dinner.

Apologies for absence were received from ten members and those present were : C. A. G. Savidge, Professor W. P. Milne, Professor E. J. Wood, Dr. 0. G. Prosser, Dr. W. J. Finnic, J. A. N. Watt, and A. J. Adams.

Dundee The First Annual Dinner of the Dundee Centre was informally held on Tuesday, i i February 1964 in the Queen's Hotel, Dundee. The President of the Centre, Mr. Edward F. Anderson, presided with his usual efficiency and good humour, our solitary but highly entertaining guest being Mr. Pat Cumming, a well-known Dundee solicitor.

There was altogether a company of twenty members present, and due to the lateness of the completion of a most successful evening it was fortunate that no one was charged for bed and breakfast.

The first anniversary of the formation of the Centre is now practically complete and with the bi-monthly meetings being excellently received by all who attend, the Centre is now established as a thriving and integral part of a Grammarian's life in Dundee.

Former Pupils unable to attend previous meetings are invited to communicate with the Secretary or any of the Committee members.

Sports Sections Rugby Due to the very open winter it was possible for the teams to play almost without a break throughout the season, only four 1st XV games being cancelled out of a possible thirty-six. Unfortunately, one of the cancelled games was that against Glasgow Academicals a fixture which has not now been played since season 1959-6o.

Out of the whole season there was only one Saturday on which Rubislaw was unplayable and that was on at December when the Field was covered with snow.

The ist XV has had a good season being local champions, and finishing halfway up the unofficial championship table. The team underwent a good many changes during the season and is probably now one of the youngest ever to play for F.P.s with eight players under at being regular members.

The znd XV has had an even harder season than the 1st XV being down to play thirty games and playing twenty-nine of them. They have again had a most successful season losing only five games and scoring a tremendous number of points.

The 3rd XV have also been most successful losing only four times and three of those to a 1st XV team who would have been playing the znd XV if the fixtures could have been fitted in. Due to the continuous play throughout the season the injuries started to pile up a bit in all the teams and that, combined with the University Examinations, meant that there were not enough players to field a 3rd XV by the end of February and so the last eight ;rd XV games had to be cancelled. As it turned out the opposition could not turn out a side either for the last six games!

Due to injuries, many znd XV players gained temporary promotion to the 1st XV and many 3rd XV players to the znd XV and even on occasion to the 1st XV. It is especially gratifying to note how well these reserves always rose to the occasion.

Apart from these temporary promotions three young players gained and held places in the 1st XV being preferred by the selectors to more experienced players.

School Rugby ist XV 1 963-64

BACK Row (left to right)—Mr. A. L. Stevenson, R. A. Bisset, D. J. F. Robertson, D. Marr, R. M. Rae, G. P. M. Crawford, B. J. Carrie, D. W. Smith, A. D. Thomson, H. R. Millar, S. C. Glover, Mr. G. Mortimer.

FRONT Row (left to right)—M. W. J. Graham, P. M. Collier, W. G. U'ren, D. G. Fowlic (Captain), A. F. Philip, D. W. lnkson, A. M. Grieve.

School Hockey ist XI 1963-64

BACK Row (left to right)—Mr. R. McNay, A. J. Clark, H. M. Munro, J. A. Cowie,

K. G. Mackie, N. D. Forrest, F. G. N. Rennie, W. T. Lamb.

Fsotir Row (left to right)—W. Leiper, K. A. Hay, D. B. Campbell (Captain), A. G. Gray, G. H. D. Sommerville.

F.P. Rugby 1st XV 1963-64

BACK Row (left to right)—G. M. M. Slater (Hon. Sec.), R. Craig, P. N. Love, M. G. Gibb, D. W. T. Paul, H. W. L. Thomas, W. Balfour, J. Banks.

FRONT Row (left to right)—M. ►. Jeffrey, C. Ritchie, M. G. Walker, R. R. Comber (captain), G. W. Fraser, F. N. Mackenzie, M. H. Hutcheon.

F.P. Hockey zst XI 1963-64

BACK Row (/ef/ to right)—D. Ness, F. Lawson, D. Ross, W. Dick, J. Wight, J. Leiper, K. Campbell.

FRONT Row (left to right)—A. Philip, E. Watt, L. Forbes, A. Hampton, I. Middleton.

Section Reports

Ill •

5 49

The 4th XV was fielded for the second year in succession in October, once all the Section members were available to play again. This season nine games were played and sufficient players were available to run the team until the end of December. It thus served its purpose of allowing all Section members who were fit and available, to play rugby if they wished. Once again the 4th XV were unbeaten.

The playing records of the teams are as follows:— Points Team Played Won Lost Drawn For Against ist XV zo 268 32 9 3 424 29 znd XV 23 1 131 5 434 3rd XV 17 12 4 I 2 26 110 8 0 a 4th XV 150 9 54

Hockey This season both the weather and Dame Fortune were kind to us and the Section has had about its best ever season with all kinds of records being established.

Indeed, the 1st and znd XI have proved almost unbeatable and defeats of the 3rd XI were due in part to their having to play shorthanded on occasion—it is regrettable when this happens but by the end of the season we had sought out a few old stagers and got the Club up to strength.

For a long time it was argued that competitive hockey would " spoil the game— chaps I "—the chaps were wrong. A league of three sections is now run in Aberdeen and all teams try that extra bit harder in league fixtures. Our Club won sections 1 and II and came second in section III. In addition, there is now a Scottish Cup presented by the Daily Mail and which is played for—on a knock-out basis—by all clubs in Scotland. We are delighted to report that this year the Cup was won by the F.P. Hockey Club and full details of the matches are appended.

The only defeat of the ist XI was at the hands of local Varsity in an early season friendly and we avenged this by beating them in both league and Cup. The znd XI were unbeaten and are to tackle more senior sides next season as it is felt that they arc capable of competing with the best.

The Six-a-Side Cup was retained for a second year—thanks to A. Hampton (Capt.), J. Wight, K. Campbell, D. Ross, F. Lawson and A. Philip.

The Club had two tours this year—attending Girvan Festival in October and going to Dublin as guests of Avoca F.P. at Easter. On both occasions the weather made pitches virtually unplayable but nevertheless both ventures were voted a resounding success and we have accepted an invitation to return to Girvan this year.

First XI colours were awarded to Dave Ness, Alec Hampton and Fred Lawson.

Second XI colours were awarded to Don Ross.

Personal Honours Six players represented North District—E. Watt, J. Wight, L. Forbes, J. Leiper, F. Lawson and A. Philip and a further two, A. Hampton and D. Ross, were chosen for a local trial Fred Lawson, who scored fifty goals (failing to score only once), was chosen for a Scottish Jubilee XI and Scottish President's XI while Alistair Philip was invited to Final Trials at Largs and was officially nominated as a reserve for Nottingham International Tournament.

Eric Watt remains the rock on which the Club is founded and it is a national disaster that business reasons have prevented his going to the Tokio Olympics.

Further details of his remarkable international record will be found elsewhere in this issue. He is an inspiration to us all and his very presence is enough to make us play that bit better.

15o

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Scottish (" Daily Mail ") Cup 19 Oct. v. Aberdeen at Links. Won 8-1. Goals—Lawson (5), Leiper (a), Wight (1).

Aberdeen side no match for F.P.s and but for their keeper the score would have been much higher.

3o Nov. v. Ruthrieston at Links. Won 4-3 (after extra-time). Goals— Forbes (a), Lawson, Middleton.

Ruthrieston scored first but F.P.s took 3-1 lead and looked to be cruising home.

Two snap goals shook F.P.s and it took an extra-time goal by Ian Middleton to see us through. a Feb. v. Aberdeen University at Links—Local Final. Won 3-1. Goals— Lawson, Wight, Forbes.

Probably F.P.s best display of the season. A goal down at half-time they put on a great second half display and by the end the powerful Varsity side were well beaten.

22 Feb. v. Watsonians at Edinburgh—Quarter final. Won 2- t. Goals— Lawson, Philip.

F.P.s lost the first goal but equalised straight from bully-off. Lawson scored the winner by sheer determination injuring his head and shoulder on the post in an effort to reach the ball.

18 April. v. Eastbank at Glasgow—Semi-final. Won 3-2. Goals—Lawson, Middleton, Forbes.

Eastbank opened scoring from a penalty flick which Walter Dick deflected but could not stop. Two goals within a minute changed the pattern of the game but Eastbank equalised with to minutes to play. Five minutes later Lawson scored a great winner.

9 May. v. Whitecraigs (South West District) at Edinburgh. Won 1-o. Goal— Lawson.

Pitch in good condition but a very strong wind blowing from end to end spoiled standard of play. Game played at fast pace but both sets of forwards loathe to hold the ball and few combined moves.

F.P.s twice had the ball in the net in the first half but both were ruled out because of prior infringements.

In the second half F.P.s played well and forced several penalty corners. However a penalty flick was missed and Whitecraigs got on top for a spell In the last to minutes F.P.s came away strongly and with 9o seconds to go Fred Lawson scored the only goal of the game.

Cricket At the Annual General Meeting held by the Section on 6 March 1964 the following officials were appointed: President: K. J. Peters. Strathmore Union: Captain, A. M. Davidson; Vice-Captain, R. Bain. Grade XI: Captain, A. M. D'Agostino ; Vice-Captain, J. M. Weir; Secretary, A. M. Davidson, 18 Golden Square, Aberdeen; Treasurer, W. M. Ewen, 3 West Craibstone Street, Aberdeen.

It is my intention to report fully on the Section's activities in the December issue of the Magazine for at the time of writing the cricket season has not as yet commenced, but following the Section's success last year I have every confidence that in the coming season both the Strathmore and Grade sides should enhance their reputations and their positions in the respective Leagues.

The Section is in good heart but there is always the need for new talent and I hope that any F.P. interested in the game will come to Rubislaw and join us in net practices on Tuesday and Thursday each week throughout the season. I hope also that on the termination of the summer term at School, many of the present schoolboys will consider joining the Section.

A. M. DAVIDSON, Secretary

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A LINK WITH PROSPERITY • i

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