Issuu

ENGAGEMENT RINGS OF

QUALITY SIGNET RINGS WEDDING RINGS SELECTIONS SENT ON APPROVAL

OUR RING CATALOGUE,

BEAUTIFULLY I LLUSTRATED IN COLOUR, WILL BE SENT FREE TO -A N Y 0 N EINTERESTED

A. & J. SMITH Jewellers, Watchmakers, Gold and Silversmiths

191 UNION STREET ABERDEEN

;.7

Telegrams -"Biscuits,

Telephone 122.

Aberdeen."

PURVEYORS TO

HIS MAJESTY.

APPOINTMENT.

The Unprecedented Demand for our

TUX' OAT CAKES HAS MADE AN EXTENSION OF THIS DEPARTMENT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Our increased facilities will Ensure Prompt Attention to all Orders.

MITCHELL & MUIL, LTD., ABERDEEN.

PRINTING. When you want a job just exactly right—a job well done, but not too expensive—bring it along.

IT'S WORTH YOUR WHILE. Maximum Production I Minimum Running Costs I Keen Purchases I

Consult us on your requirements.

G. & W. FRASER, LTD., THE BELMONT PRINTING WORKS,

ABERDEEN. Grams "GAELIC, ABERDEEN."

'Phone 408.

The Soft Felt For comfort, yet with an absence of negligence, no hat can compare with a soft felt ; always provided it be correct in shape, colour, line of brim, and be made of real fur It is thus that a Lincoln felt. Bennett Soft Felt Hat meets to the full the requirements of the man of taste, the man of leisure, the busy man the man of pleasure.

c i/Ift,

H ATS

ALEXANDER BOOTH 127 Union Street, ABERDEEN

JAMES FYFE & SON, PAINTERS

GLAZIERS.

AND .

•

OFFICE AND SHOWROOMS:

11 DEE STREET, ABERDEEN. Telegrams—" Fyfe, Painters."

Telephone 304.

Bed and Table Linen. BLANKETS, DOWN QUILTS, Etc.

P. BEVERIDGE, The Linen Specialist,

39 to 43 ST. NICHOLAS STREET. TVest End Branch399 Established 1841.

UNION STREET.

LOW'S BOOKSTALLS, 39-50 New Market Gallery, ABERDEEN. Books on All Subjects and at All Prices. 150,000 Volumes in Stock. Catalogues Issued.

'Phone 3332.

EW BOOKS are much more expensive now and it pays to rebind old ones, but the proper time to bind is before the leaves fall out. If this is done in time the life of the book is lengthened at least three times. Je

WM. JACKSON (Aberdeen) Ltd., 18 BACK

BOOKBINDERS, WYND,

• ABERDEEN.

The Largest Bindery North of the Forth.

Ladies' and Gent.'s Underwear. The Best is ELLAN-ESS, Made In Hawick.

Ladies' Hose and Gent.'s Socks. The Best is BOTANY WOOL.

Sold at Keen Cash Prices by

WILLIAM DUNCAN, Hosier and Glover, 8 Belmont Street,

Aberdeen.

(Three doors to the right off Union Street.)

Telephone No. 1891.

ARCHIBALD McKELLAR, Family Grocer and Wine Merchant,

456 Union Street, ABERDEEN. . . We Specialise in . . Cooked Gammons, " Sinclair's" Belfast Smoked Hams, " Harris's " Wiltshire Bacon.

Medicinal Wines—Vibrona, Hall's, Wincarnis, Glendenning's.

HENDERSON BROS.

For Grammar School Outfits.

For All Kinds of Outfits-Boy Scouts and Cubs, also Girl Guides.

59 St. Nicholas St.

HENDERSON BROS. For Running Pants and Vests, Football Jerseys, Hose, Caps, Belts, etc. 59 St. Nicholas St.

HENDERSON 9RDitik

— , j,.•

The new Grammar Blazer and Cap to match made of All Wool Cloth. Jacket Deep Faced, with Curtain and Sleeves lined. The Best Cloth in the Market.

Henderson Brothers, Contractors' Outfitters, 59 St. Nicholas Street. 'Phone 424.

I-. lephone No. 1524.

Telegrams : " Bruce, Cycles, Aberdeen."

Established 1884.

burn Motor .Az Cycle Works GEORGE BRUCE & SONS9 Hot IS Holburn Street, Aberdeen. General Engineers, Motor and Cycle Agents. Agencies : Reading Standard, Quadrant, Humber, Edmund and Ivy. (Any other make supplied at liberal discounts.)

(. •

We Specialise in Repair Work of all makes of Cars, Motor Cycles and Cycles. CHARGES MODERATE.

THE DE LUXE IVY TWO-STROKE. Isle ef Man Sperling MUNI.

Works, 1 Alford Lane.

Royal (Dick) Veterinary College EDINBURGH. Principal :

O. CHARNOCK BRADLEY, M.D., D.Sc., M.R.C.V.S. After attendance on Complete Courses of Instruction in this College, Students may proceed to the Examinations for the Diploma of Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (M.R.C.V.S.). Students of the College may also present themselves for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Veterinary Science conferred by the University of Edinburgh. The College being recognised as a Central Institution under the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, Students are eligible for Bursaries granted by the Education Authorities of Scotland. A Copy of the College Calendar may be obtained on application to F. P. MILLIGAN, W.S., Secretary. 'Phone 1624.

Get your Photographic Requirements at

D. Souter Allan's Pharmacy 35 HOLBURN STREET (Near Holburn Junction),

Photographic Department. A Large Stook of Cameras, Plates, Films, Papers, and Accessories. Dept for Kodaks and Kodak Supplies. Developing and Printing executed by an Expert and delivered in 24 hours.

Y 15.

MORE Extensive than Ever. OUR SPRING RANGE OF

BOYS' JERSEYS. Y 15.

Pure Wool Jerseys, as Sketch, in all the leading

shades—Grey,

Navy,

Brown,

Fawn, Putty, Nigger,

Goblin Blue, Saxe, Sky, Jade, Helio and White. These are made in Self Shades, also with pretty contrasting coloured Collar and Cuffs. We stock sizes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. PRICES-

8'6, 8/11, 9/6, 10/11, 11/6, 12/6 to 15/6.

JAIN FAILIEREfC° FAMOUS FOR A CENTURY &QUARTER FOR QUALITY & VALUE

THE ROYAL ARCADE ABERDEEN

Established 1859. FOR

Telephone 1750.

MILK and CREAM, BUTTER, EGGS, TEA CAKES, SCONES, & OATCAKES, TRY .

FINDLAY'S DIARY, 457 Union Street, and Branches, ABERDEEN; Also, THE SQUARE, CULTS, And 6 EVAN STREET, STONEHAVEN.

Utility, Comfort, and Economy. REDUCTION IN PRICES. A visit to our Extensive Showrooms will reveal a wonderful selection of Labour-saving Firegrates, Cooking and Water-Heating Apparatus, all thoroughly up-to-date, and including our recently improved Boiler Interior Grate, with quick-heating patent rustless Boiler and attached Pot Stand. This is an efficient arrangement produced on artistic lines. Come and see our new Side Lines. A fine display of British and Foreign products, exceptionally handsome and desirable presents at small cost. A pleasant surprise awaits both old friends and newcomers. First-class workmanship and satisfaction guaranteed in all our engagements. Range, Grate, Wash-House Boiler. and Plaster Repairs promptly executed.

JAMES SCOTT & SON (Aberdeen), Ltd., RANGE, GRATE, AND TILE MERCHANTS, Office and Showrooms-

485 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN. 'Phones 1881, 1882.

Telegrams—. Plaster.'• Aberdeen.

Boys' and Youths' Suits. Boys' 3-Garment Sults, Plain or Sports Jackets and open at knees. Let us help you to choose your boy's Spring Suit. Our variety of stock makes selection easy and you will find our prices very reasonable.

In All-Wool Hard-Wearing Tweeds, Size

18/- 18/- 20/- 22/- 24/- 26/- 28/- 80/7 8 9 6 4 5 In a large selection of Saxony and 2 3 Fine Tweeds, 20/- 82/- 84/- 86/- 28/- 30/- 82/- 34/4 5 6 7 8 9 zo In Wearproof Tweeds, Size 2 3 88/- 30/- 33/- 34/- 36/- 1.8/- 40/- 4* 44/z,z, 9 8 Size 2 7 In Nevvatear Tweeds, 6 5 4 3 88/- 30/- 32/- 34/- 36/- 38/- 40/- 48/- 44/5 6 7 8 2 4 In All-Wool Indigo Serge, Size 44/- 46/- eV- 60/55/- 54/Size

qq 5,3/-

Boys' and Youths' 3-Garment Suits, with band and button Knickers

or Breeches. In Wearproof Tweeds,

Si,

In Nevvatear Tweeds,

Size

6 37/6

39/7

37/-

39/-

Size

In Indigo Navy Serge,

7 56/8

In All-Wool Dumfries Tweeds, Size Youths' Long Trouser Sults. SIC

Dark Grey Mixture, Grey or Brown Tweeds, All Wool Saxony, Indigo Navy Serge,

26/34/-

28/8

28/36/44/52/-

A. & J. SCOTT

45/-

8 58/-

68/-

41/- 41/9

32/-

zei 38/40/48/56/-

46/59/-

47/TT

45/-

30/30/38/-

4g/-

41/-

1 62/-

49/,

47/-

I 34/-

49/64/-

36/I,

II 34/42/50/-

44/52/-

58/-

60/-

36/-

29 GEORGE STREET, 1

ABERDEEN.

CONTENTS .. .. .. THE SCHOOL'S GREAT RECORD IN THE WAR .. .. .. .. .. THE BYRON STATUE •• •• .. " ROLL OF PUPILS 1795-1919 " •• •• .. .. •• NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS .. MEMORIES OF TWO GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, by R. CATTO WILLIAMSON •• •• •• SOME PHASES OF AN ARMY CAREER-IV • • •• •• •• .. •• TREKKING IN SOMALILAND .. .. •• THE PANAMA CANAL AND CENTRAL AMERICA .. .. .. THE WATER SUPPLY OF WESTERN QUEENSLAND .. .. .. •• .. VIRGIL'S DREAM OF PEACE •• •• .. " MAGAZINE " COVER PRIZE COMPETITION •• .. •• .. .. .. .. SCHOOL NOTES.. .. •• •• •• •• .. RANDOM NOTES .. •• NIL DESPERANDUM. THE SCHOOL DANCE .. •• .. •• .. .. SCHOOL FOOTBALL •• .• SCHOOL LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY •. .• SCHOOL PHILATELIC SOCIETY. SCOUT NOTES •• •• .. •• THE FORMER PUPILS' CLUB THE MONTHLY LUNCHEONS THE LONDON SECTION • • .. .. .. .. .. •• CLUB CONSULS .. THE ANNUAL CLUB BALL. HOCKEY SECTION .. RUGBY SECTION. CRICKET SECTION. TENNIS SECTION •• .. Moron SECTION. SCHOOL WAR MEMORIAL LIST OF NEW MEMBERS OF CLUB. THE SCHOOL MUSEUM

•• ••

•• •• •• •• •• .. •• •• •• ••

Page 89 .. 91 •• 93 •• 94 •• 105 109 •• 124 •• 129 •• 132 .. .. 135 136 .• 137 •• 139 •• •• 140 141 •• 146 •• 147 •• •• 149 150 •• 151 .. 156 •. 158 .• 159 •• 160 ••

W. LUMSDEN & SON, 58 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, ::

WINES and SPIRITS, ALL

HIGHEST

QUALITY.

HAVANA CIGARS in Great Variety. Telegrams: "TRAVELLED, ABERDEEN."

'PHONE 260.

sq.??A' BY APPOINTMENT.

Dine at

The Royal Athenaeum Restaurant and Grill Room (Opposite Town House).

THE PREMIER DINING HALL IN THE CITY.

Patronised by the elite of the Town and County. Choice Selection of OLD VINTAGE CHAMPAGNES AND OTHER WINES. TABLE D'HOTE DINNER FROM 6 P.M. AT 5s. 6d. Tel. No. 2273. Telegrams: Athenaeum.

John Mitchell, Proprietor.

Of Guaranteed Reliability. This Watch Bracelet is a reliable timekeeper. As an adornment for a dainty wrist it needs no recommendation. The price is lowest possible commensurate with timekeeping dependability.

£5 10s. In velvet-lined presentation case. If you cannot call we will send this Watch Bracelet on approval for seven days' trial. Money returned if not satisfied. 15 Jewel Lever Movement in Solid H.M. Gold Case, fitted Solid Gold dainty but strong Expanding Bracelet. Price, £6 6s.

GEO. JAMIESON & SON, Waltham

125 UNION

Watch. Depot,

STREET,

ESTABLISHED 1843,

Wm. Cay & Sons funeral rtitUrtahers. 415 UNION STREET AND

209 GEORGE STREET,

ABERDEEN. PRINTING.

The

Central Press (JOHN MILNE),

General Printer, Lithographer, AND

ABERDEEN. Motor Hearses and Cars for Distant Funerals.

Stationer, 61 Belmont Street, ABERDEEN.

Telegrams—"Cay, Aberdeen." 'Phones Nos. 92 and 54.

Telephone No. Bog.

ESTABLISHED

1836

NORTHERN ASSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

Assets

£15,000,000

ALL CLASSES OF INSURANCE LIFE ASSURANCE BRANCH. - The Company's Tables of Rates for Life Assurance include every class of Policy.

Write for particulars of

CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL POLICIES ESTATE DUTY POLICIES PARTNERSHIP POLICIES ENDOWMENT ASSURANCE POLICIES

CHIEF OFFICES :

ABERDEEN -

1 Union Terrace.

1 Moorgate, E.C. 2.

LONDON

Aberdeen Board of Directors. SIR THOMAS BURNETT, BART., Chairman. DAVID M. A. CHALMERS, ESQ.

GARDEN ALEXANDER DUFF, ESQ.

FRANCIS JAMES COCHRAN, ESQ.

ALFRED MARTINEAU, ESQ.

GEORGE MILNE COOK, ESQ.

DAVID M. M. MILLIGAN, ESQ.

Manager and Secretary

R. MACKAY, F.F.A.

aberbeen grammar School triaga3ine. Vol. XXVI.

MARCH, 1923.

No. 2

The " Grammar School Magazine " is issued under the auspices of Tie Former Pupils' Club, in March, June, and November. All communications with regard to the " Magazine " should be addressed to the Editor and Secretary and Treasurer of the Club, THEODORE WATT, M.A., The Rosemount Press. Aberdeen. Members of the Club are requested to inform the Secretary of any change in their address.

The School's Great Record in the War. " The Best of any Day School anywhere." As a result of the completion of the compilation of the " Roll of Old Boys" it is now possible to give the approximate total of Former Pupils of the School who served either in the Navy, the Army, or the Air Force. The number whose service is recorded is 1,686, of whom 94 were in the Navy, 1,472 in the Army, and 120 in the Air Force. Of these 1,686 no fewer than 1,091—or roughly two-thirds—either were officers prior to August, 1914, or received commissions during the course of the War. This strikes one as being a very remarkable total when it is remembered that the School has never been in any sense a "Service" one, and has never had an O.T.C. or Cadet Corps. The total number, so far as ascertained, of those who fell is 241. The following honours and decorations were conferred on F.P.s who served with H.M. Forces during the War :— 2 K.C.M.G. . . 1 . . D.S.C. . C.B. . . 4 M.C. . . . 121 C.M.G. . 12 . 6 Bar to M.C. . . C.B.E. . D.F.C. . . 2 . 6 O.B.E. . . 34 D.C.M. . . 4 D.S.O. . . 43 M.M. . . . 18 Bar to D.S.O. . 3 Bar to M.M. . 1 D.S.O. and Bar to M.C. 3 M.S.M. . . 3

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

With reference to the foregoing statistics a well-informed correspondent writes to the Editor of the Magazine as follows :— " The proportion of deaths to those who served may, I think, be taken as a rough test of ready volunteering for the front before the days of conscription. At most of the big Boarding Schools the sacrifice was 1 in 5, or even higher in about six instances ; and at the big Day Schools 1 in 6, and in a few instances 1 in 5. I do not know the Edinburgh High School figures, but at Glasgow High School, Glasgow Academy, George Watson's, George Heriot's, and Edinburgh Academy the figures vary from 1 in 5 to 1 in 6. I think that at all these Schools, and certainly at the last-named, as at most of the big Boarding and Day Schools everywhere, the number of Old Boys who did not get commissions was negligible, whereas at your School only two-thirds got commissions. Allowing for that and the fact that the proportion of officers killed in the War was nearly twice as great as that of men killed, your figures in this respect seem as high as at the five schools named. " I take it that the slightly lower mortality at Day Schools can be explained firstly by the greater number of ' Old Army' officers who came from Boarding Schools, and secondly by the fact that Old Boys from Boarding Schools, being backed with more wealth and influence than those from Day Schools, could the more readily throw up their posts without fear of the future. "When it comes to distinctions gained, the proportion gained by men is negligible compared with that gained by officers ; so that if you take your officers only and the distinctions they gained (including C.B.E., O.B.E., etc.), your figure looks something like 23 distinctions per 100 officers. If that is so, your School was distinctly ahead, in that respect, of the five schools above mentioned, and was equal to the `best' Scottish Boarding School (Fettes), and in fact was the best of any Day School anywhere." A more complete analysis of honours and decorations conferred, and a full list of the recipients will appear as an Appendix to the "Roll of Pupils 1795-1919."

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The Byron Statue. Since the last Magazine was issued marked progress has been made towards the completion of the Byron Statue movement. At a meeting of the Statue Executive Committee held in January, it was resolved to offer the Statue to the Grammar School, and this offer was subsequently made to the Education Authority, as custodians of the School, on the following conditions, viz.:— (1) That a suitable site for the Statue be provided by the Authority within the grounds of the Grammar School. (2) That the Statue after erection be upheld and maintained by the Authority. It was further stated that the selection of a suitable site would be left to the Authority and to Dr. William Kelly, A.R.S.A., architect. The offer was considered by the Finance, Law and Works Committee of the Authority at a meeting held on 9th February, and it unanimously agreed to recommend that the Statue be accepted on the foregoing conditions. Plans of different sites for the Statue were submitted by the Authority's Architect, together with a report by him on these sites and on the expenditure involved in their preparation. ' The Architect, after conferring with Dr. Kelly, recommended, with the latter's concurrence, the site on the open space in front of the School on the axis of the main approach from Skene Street West. The reasons inducing the Architect to make this recommendation were fully discussed and approved, and the Committee decided, subject to the concurrence of Dr. Pittendrigh Macgillivray, R.S.A., the sculptor, to recommend to the Authority that this site be selected for the Statue. For the preparation of this site to receive the Statue and pedestal, which altogether weigh about 20 tons, the Architect estimated that an expenditure of about £390 would be incurred. The recommendations of the Committee were subsequently adopted by the Education Authority at its monthly meeting in February, and Dr. Macgillivray agreed to leave the question of site to be settled by those concerned with the carrying out of the work of erecting the Statue. The suggested site in front of the School has accordingly been finally adopted, and it is expected that the Statue will be erected and unveiled before the School closes for the summer holidays. At the meeting of the Statue Executive Committee already referred to, a revised financial budget was submitted, and this, after crediting subscriptions received up to the end of February, now stands as follows :-

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Total already paid to Sculptor and for administration . . . . . Estimated maximum amount still to be paid . Estimated total expenditure

£970 18 8 824 6 8

£1,795 5 4

Estimated amount still to be paid, as above . Amount in Treasurer's hands £230 5 10 Amount definitely promised to Treasurer (not yet paid) 32 1 6 Amount in hands of F.P. Club 223 19 4

£824 6 8

486 6 8

Deficit £338 0 0 School's Special Effort to wipe off Deficit. With a view to reducing, if not indeed completely wiping off this deficit, the School has decided to make a special effort on 20th and 21st April. An Executive Committee has been formed representative of the Staff, of parents, of pupils, and of others interested in the School. A Concert and Dramatic Performance is being organized by Mr. J. Mackenzie Forbes for the evening of FRIDAY, 20TH APRIL, and a Continuous Concert is being organized by Mr. A. F. Hyslop for the afternoon and evening of SATURDAY, 21sT APRIL. Special arrangements are being made for providing Tea during the Saturday afternoon, and there will also be stalls for the sale of cakes, sweets, produce, and general goods. An earnest appeal is made to all friends of the School to help in making this effort entirely successful. Tickets for the Concerts are now available, and may be had on application to any pupil. Contributions of goods and money will be gratefully received by members of the Staff, and by the members of the Executive Committee :— Mr. William Munson, Convener. Miss Sinclair and Mr. G. Laing, Joint Secretaries and Treasurers. Mrs. J. F. Christie. Miss M. Reid. Miss Edith Davidson. Mrs. Morland Simpson. Mrs. George Duncan. Miss H. Watson. Miss J. A. Mackie. Mrs. Theodore Watt. Mrs. Douglas G. Miller. Mr. J. Mackenzie Forbes. Mrs. Walter A. Reid. Mr. A. F. Hyslop. Produce Stall.—Mrs. D. G. Miller and Mrs. McLeod. Cake and Candy Stall.—Mrs. Munson and Miss Watson. General Stall.—Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Leslie Millar and Mr. Winkley. Tea Tables.—Mrs. Theodore Watt. It will be seen from the list of subscribers given below that a fair response has been made to the appeal in the last Magazine. F.P.s resident in Aberdeen will have the opportunity of supporting the School effort, but there must be many outside Aberdeen who would like to do something

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

towards clearing off the deficit before the Statue is unveiled. Subscriptions, large or small, from members of the Club will be most welcome, and should be sent to the Secretary, Mr. Theodore Watt, The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen. Subscriptions received since last " Magazine." . . J. Fiddes, Jun., Rubislaw Den House, Aberdeen . . Henry A. Richards, 61 Braemar Place, Aberdeen . . . . R. Whyte Mackay, 103 Union Street, Aberdeen . . Robert W. Duncan, 38 Charlotte Street, Aberdeen . • . Vaughan N. Dean, 32 Stanley Street, Aberdeen . . Aberdeen David Littlejohn, LL.D., 9 Rubislaw Terrace, • Charles B. Milne, 23 Stafford Street, Edinburgh London. W.14 Dr. A. L. Thomson, 9 Addison Gardens, Kensington, End Road, Prof. Win. Bulloch, LL.D., London Hospital, Mile . . . . • • • • London, E. . . Harvey Hall, C.A., 8 Bon-accord Crescent, Aberdeen . . Rev. Prof. G. Pittendrigh, D.D., 29 King's Gate, Aberdeen• • D. A. Mortimer, 9 High Street, Dundee . . S.W.S. Major J. R. Greig, 52 Warwick Road, Earl's Court, London, Wm. B. Allan, 5 Halkyn Avenue, Ullet Road, Liverpool .. .. . William Gray, 11 Rue Louis le Grand, Paris . . • . H. S. Insch, 113 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen . . Dr. David Nicolson, C.B., Hanley, Camberley, Surrey . . Dr. William Mitchell, 4 Clifton Villas, Bradford . . . Richard Pithie, Church Road, Polegate, Sussex. . . . George Watson, Campden Hill, London, W.8. . . . W. G. Craigen, 39 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen . . . . . C, J. Davidson, 15 Dee Street, Aberdeen . . • • J. C. Taylor, 44 Burns Road, Aberdeen . . James Hutcheon, 34 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen • • . A. L. Miller, 10 Queen's Terrace, Aberdeen • Rev. Jas. Gilroy, D.D., 45 Don Street, Old Aberdeen Aberdeen . Crescent, Rev. Jas. Shepherd, M.D., D.D., 8 Bon-accord . Gordon C. Grant, 107 Pembroke Street, Toronto, Canada .. • • • . R. R. Hynd, Bombay, India . . . • • • . C. A. Walker, Grouard, Alberta . . . Robert Anderson, 12 Belvidere Street, Aberdeen . . Professor A. A. Jack, 22 Queen's Road, Aberdeen . . • . D. Inglis Duff, 5 Lyons Range, Calcutta . . • Rev. J. Smith, D.D., 166 Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg . • • • . Louis Wilson, Hilo, Hawaii . . Professor James Hendrick, 72 Queen's Road, Aberdeen . .. Capt. C. A. Hendrick, 72 Queen's Road, Aberdeen . . . . John R. Danson, Municipal Office, Penang, S.S. . Robert Copland, Nichola Oya Estate, Rattota, Ceylon . . • • . G. F. Rose, P.O. Box 150, Calcutta . . . Wm. Paterson, Teja Estate, Batu Gajah, F.M.S. . . . H. G. Coutts, Bamoni, Jalpaiguri, Bengal, India Rev. Ewen Maclean, Dardanelles Defence Force . .

£1 0 0 10 0 10 0 2 0 2 1 0 0 5 1 1

0 6 0 6 6 0 0 0

1 1 0 1 1 0 0 10 6 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 10 6 1 0 0 0 2 6 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 5 5 0 1 1 0 3 3 0 5 5 0 0 10 6 1 1 0 1 0 0 5 54 0 2 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 5 5 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 2 2 0 1 1 0 2 2 -0 5 5 0 2 10 0 1 1 0 0 10 0

" Roll of Pupils 1795-1919." accompanied the As was mentioned in the circular which subscribers is 800 of minimum a last issue of the Magazine, number of the but required if the volume is to pay its way, figure. that reached yet not has orders those who have sent in of the members all A second circular is being despatched to are these and subscribed, not have F.P. Club who so far SQ once, at Form requested to fill in and return the Order delayed, be not may "Roll" that the publication of the

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

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

The dates given in parentheses after names indicate the sessions of attendance at the School. Edmund Blaikie Boyd* (1900-12), M.A., of the Colonial Office, is Secretary of a Committee appointed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to consider and report on the functions of the Imperial Institute. Alexander W. Christie* (1878- 87) retired in December last from the position of manager for Messrs. W. Spence and Son, manufacturers, Huntly, which he has held for the last 19 years. During that period the number of the firm's workers increased from about 50 to over 300. Our F.P. is at present Provost of Huntly. George Cowie (1907-08), who came to the School from Buckie, and left for New South Wales in 1911, recently received the degree of B.A. from the University of Sydney, and has been appointed minister of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Grenfell, New South Wales. He was previously minister of the Parish of Uralla in the Presbytery of New England, New South Wales. In a recent letter he writes :— " I am very proud of my association with the old School, though that association was such a short one. Still, the memories of those days are very happy and pleasant. Often in my work here in the Bush of Australia, among a fine people, many of whom hail from Auld Scotia, as I am motoring along—we Presbyterian ministers mostly all use motor cars here, as the distances are so great—I think of my days at the Grammar School, and wish that I were back home again. We, however, are pioneering, and have a great work to do in assisting to populate and spiritualize such a fine Continent. It is a wonderful country, and is indeed the country for the man of energy, resource, push, and the Scotch `canniness.' I have a large parish, very scattered. I preach three times every Sunday, and sometimes motor 90 miles to conduct services. I never do less than 40 miles on a Sunday. To attend a Presbytery meeting I have often to travel 200 to 300 miles. You can thus see what the distances are here." * Indicates Member of Former Pupils' Club.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Cowie is a very keen stamp collector, and has an almost complete collection of the stamps issued by the Commonwealth of Australia, in addition to having a fine collection of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the other Australian States, and New Zealand. He says he would be very grateful if he could be sent a list of names and addresses of F.P.s in the various British Colonies, so that he might get in touch with them and exchange stamps. He has accordingly been sent a copy of recent issues of the Magazine containing the names of members of the F.P. Club resident abroad, and no doubt both present and former pupils of the School who are philatelists will be willing to correspond with him. He is to become a Life Member of the Club. John Henry Newman Craigen* (1894-1905), who was for a considerable time on the staff of the Aberdeen Free Press, is now artist to the Glasgow Citizen. Lessel Murray Davidson* (1905-14) recently passed the final examination for Chartered Accountants of Scotland, and has been admitted a member of the Society of Accountants in Aberdeen. George Cran Fildes (1901-06) is in the District Office in Edmonton of the Hudson's Bay Company. Adam Fyfe Findlay* (1879-85), M.A., minister of the High United Free Church, Linlithgow, has received the honorary degree of D.D. from the University of Aberdeen. Robert Ian Mackay Finlayson* (1908-11) has been transferred from the Sealkotee Tea Estate of the Eastern Assam Co., Ltd., to be assistant manager of the same company's Mohunbaree Tea Estate, Lahoal P.O., Upper Assam. George Topham Forrest* (1879-89), F.R. I.B. A., Architect to the London County Council, is now very closely associated with the great task undertaken by the L.C.C. of compiling a record of the historical buildings of London, which has been in progress for twenty-two years. The eighth volume, recently published, is devoted to the Parish of Shoreditch. Like its predecessors, it describes all buildings of interest dating from before the year 1800, and to it our F.P. has contributed drawings, illustrations, and architectural descriptions. He has now begun on the Westminster Survey, which will take many volumes and also many years to compile, as the district is so rich historically and also architecturally. The New Year Special Issue of the Architects' Journal contained an illustrated description of Mr. Forrest's streetplanning and house-designing in the London County Council's schemes at Roehampton and Bellingham. In a special article in a recent issue of the Manchester Guardian we read :— It is a piece of great good fortune to London that a man of such taste and skill as well as of the profound technical knowledge necessary for the post should have been appointed Architect to the Council. In the three years of his control he has given a far-reaching impetus of good architecture where

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it was urgently needed. We have only to think of some former housing schemes to draw a long breath of relief. The Roehampton scheme might so easily have ruined one of the most delectable London outskirts. It will enrich it. The planning of the wide streets, with excellent corner features and central features facing up the side streets, the graceful lines of his crescents with interesting breaks that add to their rhythm, the well-thought-out character of the material, and the simple, pleasant detail combine to make a district where children can grow up unaware that ugliness is a normal condition of town life.

Hamilton Alexander Garvie (1893-96), who entered the service of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, and was latterly accountant at its branch in Inverness, has been promoted to be agent at Grangemouth. Frederick Wernham Gerrard* (1905-06), C. I. E., who joined the Indian Police Service in 1908 and during the latter stages of the War was Deputy Commissioner of Police at Basrah, and last year was appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police for Iraq, recently left Baghdad on reversion to permanent service in India. His connection with the civil administration of Mesopotamia began in July, 1916, when he went from the 114th Mahrattas to Suq as Assistant Political Officer. Subsequently he took over the police at Nasinyal, and then went to Basrah, where he was posted for special duty on the lines of communication to prevent thefts from supplying camps and marching posts. His next task was to establish the Criminal Investigation Department in Basrah, where, as already mentioned, he became Deputy Commissioner of Police. He leaves Iraq to take up an important appointment as District Superintendent of Police at Karachi. Robert G. Gibson* (1881-86), who entered the service of the Imperial Railways of North China (now the Chinese Government Railways) in 1899, engaging in construction and maintenance work, and resigned and came home in March, 1916, has recently left for China to resume work on the Peking-Mukden Railway, Tientsin. From July, 1917, he served with the Chinese Labour Corps in France, latterly with the rank of Captain. George Jamieson Hall* (1915-18), a short article by whom appears in this issue of the Magazine, went out to Australia after the War, and is engaged in sheep-rearing in Western Queensland. In a letter written on 1st January, 1923, he says :—" We are having a New Year which must contrast strongly with the home one. To-day the shade temperature has moved between 104° and 112°, giving a mean temperature of 108°. Christmas Day was almost as hot, and rendered the task of eating turkey and plumpudding something of an ordeal. However, so long as we get good rains out of this heat, we won't grumble. As it is, since February last we have had only three inches, and that will certainly not carry us much longer with any security."

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Hubert Douglas Henderson* (1901-04), M.A. Cantab., it is stated, is to succeed Mr. H. W. Massingham in the editorship of the Nation. He is a Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, and University Lecturer in Economics. John Richard Henry Jones* (1885-93) has been appointed a London representative of Messrs. Yates, Vialou and Co., Ltd., woollen and trimming merchants, Milton Street, E.C. He has had a long experience in the trade, commencing with Messrs. Anderson & Thomson in Aberdeen in 1893, and coming from there to Messrs. Bartrum, Harvey and Co., with whom he served for twenty-three years, the last sixteen as a London representative. Robert Alexander Lillie* (1896-1905) received the postgraduate degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Edinburgh University in October last. The subject of his thesis was "The Philosophical Influence of Coleridge on Wordsworth." William Still Littlejohn* (1872-75), M.A., Principal of Scotch College, MelbOurne, writes :—" I very greatly appreciate the Magazine. It is easily the best, and to myself personally, the most interesting, that we receive from over-seas. I do not think it is generally known that when I was home on a visit in 1911, Aberdeen Grammar and Scotch College exchanged flags. The Grammar flag, with the letters A.G.S. emblazoned on it, hangs in a prominent place in our new School Hall. Grammar is the oldest secondary school in the Empire; Scotch is the oldest in Victoria, although it is but an infant of 71 summers, compared with your hoary antiquity. Last year we had 1,272 pupils in attendance ; so we score in respect of size." Kenneth William Mackenzie* (1893-97), M.B., Ch.B., has had a rather varied career. He entered the Indian Medical Service in 1905, and retired as a Captain in 1912 to enter the Theological College of the Scottish Episcopal Church. He was ordained deacon in 1914 to S. Paul's Cathedral Church, Dundee. When the War broke out, he joined the R.A.M.C. as a Temporary Lieutenant, and went to France in November, 1914, as X-ray Specialist to No. 11 General Hospital, Boulogne. In January, 1916, he went up the line and joined the 2nd Division, serving successively as Medical Officer, 2nd Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry; D.A.D.M.S. to the Division, and C.O. No. 6 Field Ambulance, with rank of Lieut.-Col. He received the M.C. and Bar, and the D.S.O., and was twice mentioned in dispatches. Rejoining his church in Dundee after the War, he was ordained priest in 1919, and was appointed Rector of Lanark at Christmas of that year. About twelve months later he volunteered for temporary duty at the Scottish Episcopal Church Mission in Chanda, Central Provinces, India, and he is there now. This Mission, which consists of boys' and girls' orphanages

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and schools, a hospital, and four or five out-stations, with an offshoot at Nagpur, has a close bond with Aberdeen. The first European priest to come out to the Mission, and the founder of it as it now stands, was Rev. Alex. Wood, now Bishop of Chota, Nagpur, who is a graduate of Aberdeen University. After a few years he was joined by Rev. GEORGE DAVENPORT PHILIP (a pupil at the Grammar School from 1875 to 1878), now Canon Philip, who is in charge of the Mission in Nagpur. James Wallace Mann* (1908-12), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., has been awarded the Diploma in Public Health of the Royal College of Physicians, London. James Mowat* (1908-11) has recently become a member of the F.P. Club. He left School to join the Royal Navy as an apprentice engineer, and served throughout the War as an engineer, being invalided out in 1918. He went to the F.M.S. in the following year, and is engaged in the production of rubber at Chumor Estate, Chemor, Perak. Hamish Andrew Munro* (1908-21) is now on the Dufflaghur Tea Estate, Halem P.O., Darrang, Assam. David Cooper Rees* (1897-1907), M.A., was last year appointed minister of Cairns U.F. Church, Stewarton, Ayrshire. He was previously for three years in Campsie U.F. Church, Lennoxtown, Stirlingshire. George Stanley Russell* (1894-1901), M.A., minister of Grafton Square Congregational Church, Clapham, has for some time been taking the Thursday services at the City Temple, London, during the illness and convalescence of Dr. Norwood. William Sinclair* (1870-75), who recently retired from Rangalla Estate, Ceylon, now resides in London, and has been appointed Managing Director of Rangalla Consolidated, Ltd., a Company which was recently floated. Another director of the Company is DAVID ERROLL SINCLAIR (1882-85), who is a partner in Messrs. Rowe, White & Co., Ltd., 4 Lloyd's Avenue, London. Leonard John Smith* (1890-1902), who was engaged in commercial art in Toronto, and latterly in New York, has joined the staff of the Carlton Studios, London. He arrived home at Christmas, just in time to attend the Club Ball ! Peter Kennedy Stewart (1891-93), M.A., who became a Sub-Inspector of Schools in 1910, has recently been promoted Inspector. He is to remain on the staff of the Chief Inspector for the Training of Teachers, and will also assist as heretofore in District No. 1 (Edinburgh). Douglas James George Troup (1908-12) is at present employed in the Engineering Research Department of the Fifth Avenue Coach Company, New York. He served in the

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War with the Canadian Army Service Corps in England, and with the Royal Canadian Regiment in France. Richard Cantlay Urquhart* (1912-14) has recently taken up farming at Nanango, Queensland. Alfred Buyers Valentine (1905-11), M.A., who was Dux of the School (Classical) in 1911, has recently been appointed Private Secretary to Sir David Shackleton, K.C.B., Chief Labour Adviser to H.M. Government. He entered the Home Civil Service in January, 1920, and was posted to the Ministry of Labour. He has attended the last two Conferences of the International Labour Organization of the League of Nations, held in Geneva in 1921 and 1922, as Secretary to the British Delegation and technical adviser. Douglas Watson* (1899-1902) is a director of Messrs. John Skelton & Son, manufacturers and exporters, Norwich, and not a traveller with the firm as stated in the last issue of the Magazine. George Watson* (1910-11) is 4th Engineer on the s.s. " Overdale" of Sunderland. He has recently been home after a long trip to South Georgia. James Watson (1868-73), M.A., S.S.C., who was appointed Solicitor to the North British Railway Company in 1891, retired at the end of last year on the amalgamation of the East Coast Railways. Douglas Herbert Walker Williamson* (1894-1902), M.A., who holds the rank of Captain in the Royal Air Force, recently went to Iraq. He received a commission as Dental Surgeon in November, 1917. Robert G. Wilson* (1885-91), F.R.I.B.A., has been elected President of the Aberdeen Society of Architects, thus becoming, ex officio, a Vice-President of the Incorporation of Architects (Scot.). Branislav Yotitch (1916-19), who was one of the ten Serbian boys attending the School during the later years of the War, has passed the examination for the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at the Polytechnic, Regent Street, London. Another of our Serbians, LUKA SUKOVITCH, is now connected with the Serbian Legation in New York.

OBITUARY. Alexander Wilson Brown (1860-66) died at Auburn, New York, on 22nd February, aged 73 years. He went to the United States in 1886, and entered the service of Messrs. Dey Brothers & Co., Syracuse, New York. Latterly he was advertising manager and financial manager of Messrs. Foster, Ross & Co.'s dry goods store, Auburn.

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William Buyers (1864-66), retired shipmaster, died in Aberdeen on 21st February, aged 70 years. On leaving the School he went to sea, serving an apprenticeship of four years. Thereafter he entered the service of Messrs. Adam and Co. as second officer, and after one year was promoted chief officer. In 1877 he became captain, and commanded various of the company's vessels. He was captain of the s.s. " Yarrowdale," which was captured in mid-Atlantic in December, 1916, by the German raider " Moewe," and brought in to Swinemiinde. Captain Buyers, after having experience of nine Prisoners-of-War Camps, was released and repatriated on 11th October, 1918. The Greatest Breeder of Shorthorns. William Duthie (1853-55) of Collynie, farmer and banker, who, as the Aberdeen Press and Journal put it, " was for many years recognized as the greatest breeder of Shorthorn cattle in the world," died at Bank House, Tarves, on 16th February, in his 83rd year. The son of a farmer and banker, Mr. Duthie, who was born in 1840, was educated at Tarves Parish School and the Grammar School, Aberdeen. In 1856 he entered King's College, and attended two sessions. With an excellent education as a foundation, Mr. Duthie, on leaving the University, went to assist his father in the agency of the Town and County Bank at Tarves, and in the management of an extensive general business. Following the death of his father in 1873, Mr. Duthie became tenant of Collynie, and afterwards Tillycairn. Both these farms are on the estate of the Marquis of Aberdeen and Temair. The Collynie herd was established by Mr. Duthie's father in 1856, and was constituted of the best Cruickshank strains, often replenished direct from the Sittyton herd itself. Mr. Duthie had achieved considerable distinction before his herd attained the first position in the North. Amos Cruickshank remained supreme as long as his age and health permitted him to look after the Sittyton herd personally, but at the age of 82 he found the task too heavy, and rather than allow the herd to deteriorate he parted with it in 1889. Mr. Duthie obtained an important portion of the herd, and since then Collynie has been recognized the world over as the chief source of the strains which the brothers Cruickshank created. Mr. Duthie accepted a great trust, but he proved himself worthy of it, as is shown by the fact that during his lifetime the Scottish Shorthorn has penetrated into almost every country in the world, and is prominent in every herd in the United Kingdom. There have been many successful contemporaries, but only one William Duthie and one Collynie. The record of the annual sales of bull calves is sufficient to establish the absolute supremacy of his work and of his cattle. In the owner of the Collynie herd of Shorthorns the country •

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has lost one of the greatest figures in the history of pedigree stockbreeding, and, says The Times, it is a curious indication of the national indifference to its greatest industry that he has passed away unhonoured—except by his grateful fellowlovers of the Shorthorn—for the great work he accomplished and the valuable heritage he bequeathed in the cattle which he helped to make the greatest breed in the world. Mr. Duthie never married, and latterly he had been assisted in his various local public activities, as well as in the supervision of his herd, by his nephew, Mr. JOHN DUTHIE WEBSTER (1879-80). Although his connexion with the Shorthorn breed overshadowed his other services to his district, county, and country, Mr. Duthie took an active interest in many kinds of work of national importance, and he will be remembered locally as well as in wider spheres as a shrewd counsellor and public benefactor. James Gammack (1851-53), M.A., LL.D., died at West Hartford, Conn., U.S.A., on 17th February, aged 85 years. After graduating in arts at Marischal College in 1857, he became incumbent successively at Tillymorgan, Pitlochry, and Drumlithie Episcopal Churches. He was afterwards engaged in teaching and literary pursuits in Aberdeen, and then went to Canada, being for a time in charge of a mission church in Toronto. Later he settled at West Hartford, where he was rector of St. James's, and engaged in literary work. He had three sons at the School : ALEXANDER PENROSE FORBES GAMMACK (1878- 80), M.B., who is in medical practice at South Bend, Indiana, and during the War was on special duty attached to the British Mission, Washington ; FREDERICK SHARPE GAMMACK (1884 89), who iS an instructor in poultry culture at Hampton Institute, Hampton, Va. ; and GEORGE WILSON GAMMACK (1884-86), who is a dealer in automobile accessories in Hartford, Conn. James Scott Gardner (1889-92), B.L., died at Thorpeness, Suffolk, on 22nd December, aged 45 years. He was the second son of the late Mr. John C. Gardner, Sheriff Clerk of Kincardineshire, and after leaving the School attended arts and law classes at Edinburgh University. Owing to a breakdown in health he went to South Africa in 1897, and later engaged in exploration in Central Africa and Rhodesia. He also made a study of the native languages, which were of great assistance to him when he entered the Civil Service and became Public Prosecutor at towns in different parts of Rhodesia. While holding this office in Bulawayo, he was appointed Resident Magistrate for six months. On the outbreak of the South African War he volunteered for service, and held the rank of Major in a corps commanded by General Baden-Powell. After spending fourteen years in Africa, he returned to this country, and, completing his studies at

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Edinburgh University, took the B.L. degree in 1913. In August, 1914, he was appointed Civil Recruiting Officer at Hamilton Barracks, and shortly afterwards received a commission as Lieutenant in the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment. He was invalided out in January, 1915, and served in the Naval Labour Company, afterwards the Royal Marine Labour Company, from May, 1915, to May, 1917, when he was again invalided, having attained the rank of Company Sergeant-Major. He next became Grain Officer in the Ministry of Food, and in August, 1920, was appointed Secretary to the Royal Commissioner on War Reparations under Lord Sumner, but his health once more broke down, and he had to resign. Axel E. Granfelt (1881-82) died in hospital at Melbourne, Australia, at the end of last year. He was the eldest son of the late Mr. A. E. Granfelt, shipbroker, Aberdeen, and was employed as a lithographic artist. Eric Jackson Gray (1897-1900) died on 30th December, aged 36 years. He was the youngest surviving son of the late Mr. Henry Gray, draper, Aberdeen, and prior to the War was an accountant in Vancouver, British Columbia, and later in the service of the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California. He enlisted as a Private in the Royal Field Artillery in January, 1915, and was invalided out in 1917 with the rank of Sergeant. Two of his brothers—David and William—served in the War with the Canadians, and were killed. John Alexander Greig* (1912-17) died in Ceylon on 14th January, aged 22 years. He was the only son of JOHN GREIG* (1878-79), of Brae Group, Madulkelle, Ceylon, and went to Ceylon in the autumn of 1919, becoming assistant superintendent on Nilloomally Estate, Madulkelle, and being transferred last year to Naranghena, Deltota. He enlisted in the Boys' Section of the Royal Flying Corps in November, 1917, and after serving at home, was demobilized in February, 1919, with the rank of 2nd Air Mechanic, R.A.F. Robert C. D. Moodie Heddle (1887-89) died at Melbourne, Australia, in the middle of December last. He went to sea in 1890, serving as apprentice on the " Yallori," and thereafter became connected with the Loch Line of sailing ships. As master of the " Loch Ness " he accomplished several remarkable passages, one being from Glasgow to Port Phillip in 76 days, and another from Melbourne to Hull in 79 days. Later he became master of the " Loch Rannoch." Leaving the Loch Line, he was placed in charge of the Victorian Government's training ship " John Murray." After a time he joined the Commonwealth Government Line, and in January of 1922 was given command of the " Hobson's Bay " (14,000 tons). He held pilot exemption for practically

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every Australian and New Zealand port. His brother, EDWARD MOODIE HEDDLE (1887-89) is at present in command of the finest Australian coaster, the " Katoomba" (9,000 tons). Alexander Latto* (1869-72) died in Aberdeen on 22nd December, aged 64 years. On leaving the School he entered the service of Messrs. Marshall Watt & Co., house painters, Aberdeen, and latterly was sole partner of this firm. James Law (1863-66), M.D., died at Sydenham, London, on 2nd March, aged 74 years. After graduating in medicine at Aberdeen, he was for five years medical officer of the Rio Tinto and Tharsis Mining Companies, and the Huelva and Seville Railway, Spain ; and thereafter became a medical practitioner at Sydenham. Alexander Lobban (1866-70), M.A., late Rector of Nairn Academy, died at Forres on 1st December, aged 69 years. He graduated in arts at Aberdeen in 1874, and two years later was appointed English master at Robert Gordon's Hospital, Aberdeen. In 1882 he became head master of Rose's Academy, Nairn, and retired from this post in 1920, after 39 years' service, being succeeded in the rectorship by JAMES MATHEWSON MILNE* (1895-1902), M.A. Arthur Edward Murray (1875-79) died at Aberdeen, as the result of an accident, on 29th January, in his 60th year. He was a son of the late Mr. Robert Murray, shipmaster, Aberdeen, and after being trained in the office of the Provincial Insurance Company, he became a journalist on the staff of the Aberdeen Free Press. Going to London in 1889, he became a descriptive reporter on the Evening News, and afterwards was assistant editor of the Echo. Later he joined the staff of the Financial Times, of which he was editor for a considerable period before he retired on account of ill-health in 1912. His brother, ROBERT MURRAY* (1861-64) was for many years agent in Dundee of the North of Scotland and Town and County Bank, Ltd., retiring in 1920. Archibald John Watt Storie (1865-67) died at Rubislaw Park, Aberdeen, on 4th January, aged 71 years. He was the second son of the Rev. Archibald Storie, minister of Insch, and after attending the Universities of Aberdeen and Edinburgh, adopted law as his profession. He served his apprenticeship in Edinburgh, and after qualifying as S.S.C. in 1875, he returned to Aberdeen and joined the late Mr. T. A. W. A. Youngson in partnership. In later years he was the senior partner of Messrs. Storie, Cruden and Simpson, advocates. He himself was admitted a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen in 1913. Alexander Stronach (1862-67), advocate, died in Aberdeen on 11th February, aged 70 years. He was the eldest son of the late Mr. Alexander Stronach, jun., advocate and

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served as an apprentice with his father, whom he joined in partnership in 1888, under the style of Messrs. Alex. Stronach, jun., & Son. On the death of his father in 1898 he carried on the business on his own account, retiring in March, 1920. His two sons were educated at the School—ALEXANDER STRONACH (1890-97), who was formerly a barrister in Saskatchewan, and now in London ; and HARRY MILLAR STRONACH (1890-94), engineer, Aberdeen.

William Lumsden Walker (1872-74), incumbent of the Episcopal Church, Thurso, died at Thurso on 27th January, aged 66 years. After studying at the Episcopal Theological College, Edinburgh, he was ordained as deacon in Edinburgh in 1881, and served as a curate there until the following year, when he was appointed to the Episcopal Church, Thurso, and ordained priest by the Bishop of Moray. In 1891 he was appointed to Drumlithie, and in 1895 to Catterline, but three years later returned to Thurso. In 1918 he became Canon of St. Andrew's Cathedral, Inverness. His son, VANE WALKER (1904-05), M.A., is incumbent of St. Luke's, Cuminestown, Aberdeenshire.

Marriages. Duttus (1900-11).-At St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Singapore, on 6th February, ALAN A. DUFFUS,* M.B., Ch.B., Municipal Health Department, Singapore, to Margaret Lella, daughter of JAMES YOUNGER COLLIE* (1869-75), advocate in Aberdeen. Gray (1903-11).—At Station Hotel, Perth, on 25th December, ANDREW PATON GRAY, A.M.I.C.E., assistant engineer, Nigerian Railways, 14 Carden Place, Aberdeen, to Frances Jean Anne, fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Watt Dunbar, 19 Marshall Place, Perth. Kennard (1911-16).—At Aberdeen, on 31st January, THOMAS W. KENNARD*, to Christina Agnes Thomson. Le Llivre (1908- 09).—At Cardiff, on 6th December, PETER DARRACOTT LE LIEVRE, M.C., of Gold Coast Colony, to Doris Elizabeth Ross, of Cardiff. Miller (1897-1900).—At Grange Road Presbyterian Church, Birkenhead, on 6th February, JAMES YULE MILLER,* elder son' of the late J. B. Miller, Calcutta, to Nora, younger daughter of the late Captain J. W. Batchelor, underwriters' surveyor, Liverpool. Robson (1902-11).—At the Palace Hotel, Aberdeen, on 17th January, THOMAS OGILVIE ROBSON,* M.B., Ch.B., son of Alexander Robson, 46 Belgrave Terrace, to Jean Frances Watson, M.A., daughter of Rev. John Watson, M.A., Amoy, China. Ross (1898-1906).-At St. Andrew's Scots Kirk, Colombo, on 28th December, JOHN Ross*, planter, Culloden, Neboda, second son of Mr. and Mrs. James Ross, Aberdeen, to Elizabeth, elder daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mackie, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, and sister of Wm. P. Mackie, planter, Culloden, Neboda. Williamson (1904-07).—At the Fife Arms Hotel, Banff, on 27th September, 1922, ARTHUR ALEXANDER WILLIAMSON,* son of the late John Williamson, and of Mrs. Williamson, 20 Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen, to Kate Cran, daughter of Mr. William Robertson, " Highfield," Banff. Williamson (1908-11).-At Bombay, on 15th November, ALEXANDER MACGREGOR WILLIAMSON,* son of the late David James Williamson, head master, Kingswells Public School, and Mrs. Williamson, 27 Cairnfield Place, Aberdeen, to Dora Madeline, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hutson, Wraysbury, Buckinghamshire.

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Memories of Two Grammar Schools. By R. CArro WILLIAMSON. [A pathetic interest is attached to this article. The writer died at Braeside Cottage, Pitfodels, on .roth July of last year. He revised a proof of the article only a few weeks before his death.—Ed. A.G.S. Mag.] As more than sixty years have elapsed since I entered the Grammar School, I may fairly claim to be one of the oldest of the " Old Boys." I am also one of the Former Pupils, now, alas, few in number, who can boast that they were educated at two Grammar Schools, i.e., at the old School in Schoolhill and at the present fine building. To the younger generation of Aberdonians the former School is but a name, but the older citizens remember it well. It stood on the Schoolhill in front of the grounds of Robert Gordon's Hospital, roughly on the site of the present School of Art. Professor Masson describes it as " a plain, dingy building, nothing to look at from an architectural point of view," and Dr. Morland Simpson dismisses it as " mean in appearance and accommodation." But in spite of all its drawbacks, it produced a long roll of distinguished men. Lord Byron was a pupil there for four years, and most of us know the familiar story of his coming to School the first morning after his accession to the peerage was known, and how, on the calling out of his name on the roll no longer as " Georgi Byron Gordon," but as " Georgi Domine de Byron," he did not reply with the usual " Adsum," but burst into tears and ran out. Doubt has been cast on the story, but one likes to think it is true. Mr. Robert Anderson, in his " Aberdeen in Byegone Days," mentions some of the most distinguished of the old teachers and pupils. "Among the teachers," he says, "may be mentioned David Wedderburn and Thomas Reid, early graduates of Marischal College, and probably the best Latinists of their day in Scotland ; Dr. James Dun, William Meston, the Jacobite poet; Dr. James Beattie, author of `The Minstrel ' ; Dr. James Melvin, Dr. William Barrack, and Mr. (afterwards Principal Sir) William D. Geddes. Of the pupils it will suffice to name two Principals of Marischal College—Thomas Blackwell and Dr. George Campbell; Principal Donaldson, Principal Brown, and Principal Salmond ; Professors Bain, Masson, Ogston, Ferrier, W. L. Davidson, and A. F. Murison, among many other professors ; Dr. Islay Burns and Dr. W. G. Blaikie ; Sir James M'Grigor ; Sir Robert Hamilton, Sir George Strahan, Sir James Stirling, and Colonel Francis Duncan, M.P.—these four were at School together, 'a rare galaxy of talent,' says Dr. Moir; Sir James Westland, Dr. Matthews Duncan, and Dr. Thomas

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Keith ; Dr. W. A. Hunter, M.P. ; Dr. Thomas A. Stewart, and Mr. John Ramsay, a former editor of the Aberdeen Journal." These are only a few names from a long list, and it will be agreed that the dingy old School served the city nobly in its day and generation. I was enrolled as a pupil in the First Class—there were five classes in all—in 1859 and remained at School till 1864. Dr. Barrack was Rector and the other teachers were : Mr. Brebner, big and burly ; Mr. Macdonald, who came from the " Gym. " ; Mr. Beverley, and Mr. Legge. We all liked the Rector, though we stood in some awe of him. In later years, in the early 'eighties, I had the experience of meeting him on more familiar terms. We sat next each other at dinner at the Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, and I had the pleasure of playing a game of billiards with him afterwards. I remarked during the game that it was " changed times," and with a laugh he replied, " Yes, Mr. Robert, times do change." We sat in " factions " in the schoolrooms, the " factions " being wooden seats with sloping writing benches in front of them, along the two sides of the room, with a passage down the middle. Each " faction " held four boys. I can remember when in Class IV tormenting a chum in the faction in front of me by tickling his shoulders. He threw himself back suddenly and roughly and damaged one of my nails ; I bear the mark to this day. I got a holiday, being sent home " sick," so it had its compensations. We had a halfholiday on Wednesday afternoon, but had to go to School on Saturday from 9 to 12. I don't think the Grammar boys of to-day would like that arrangement. Writing and arithmetic were not taught in the School ; we went to the Belmont Street School for these subjects. Mr. Craigmyle, or " Craigie," taught the former, and Mr. Gray the latter. Mr. Craigmyle used to go round with a handful of penholders with the points downward, and if there were any mistakes in your copy-book, or if you were trifling, you got the pen-points into the back of your hand. Mr. Gray was rather hasty-tempered, and if a boy had done wrong, next day he was at the back of the door with a cane which he used freely on the culprit's shoulders. Mr. Brebner had a rather peculiar way of teaching his class. He had a bunch of cards with a boy's name on each, and when he drew one at random, the boy whose name was on the card had to stand up and answer questions. When he had satisfied Mr. Brebner, another card was drawn, and so it went on. It would sometimes happen that with the " luck of the draw " you would not be called up for a long time, but you had always to be prepared. I recall an escapade in the Third Class that recoiled upon its authors. We thought we would like a holiday one

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fine day, and somebody hit upon the bright idea of putting some sulphur in the fire. The smell and smoke were dreadful, and we fondly hoped that Mr. Macdonald, the master, would dismiss the class. But he saw through it all, and in spite of incessant coughing and sneezing made us go on until the hour was up, so our little scheme came to naught. Another joke happened in the Rector's Class, when the Fourth and Fifth Classes were together in the one room, as was the custom. Suddenly there were peals of laughter, greatly to the Rector's astonishment. When he looked up to the ceiling there was suspended a " paper mannie " dangling his legs ; it had been done by chewing some paper and throwing it up to the roof with the figure sticking to it. When quiet was restored the Rector asked the culprit—afterwards one of Aberdeen's most prominent citizens—to come forward to his desk, which he did, and got " six " on either hand. The janitor was old John Gray, a bit of a character. There was a story told to the effect that on one occasion he spent a whole night in the School. The members of a Debating Society, whose meetings were held on Friday nights, found him asleep, so it was said, and in a spirit of frolic locked up the School, leaving John alone in his glory. He came up to the new School and had to ring the bell in a recess in the wall. The boys used to torment him, and it was amusing to see the old man on his knees, one hand pulling the bell, his other hand holding a stick with which to keep mischievous youngsters at a distance. The Lord Provost and Magistrates used to come to the School to get a report from the Rector, and on examination days we had an interval during which there was a rush to Lockhart & Salmond's shop in Back Wynd for their famous " chessars," which were very popular with the boys. Lockhart & Salmond's was our favourite tuck-shop. There never were, and never have been, such delicious " chessars "— delicious at least to a schoolboy's appetite—as they used to sell. Does the " chessar " survive yet in Aberdeen, I wonder, or have its glories departed ? Another shop favoured by the boys was in St. Nicholas Street, where we used to get special bargains in dates. They were kept under the counter, and before putting them in a paper the old grocer used to ask if it were " crushed or hale "—whole he meant—that we wanted. We patronized Gavin's shop at the corner of Belmont Street for peas, when we purchased our tin " pluffers " at the " Timmer " Market. The School gate was for a few days a miniature battery, the passers-by being the targets. In the matter of recreation we were badly off compared with our successors. We had no playing-field, no gymnasium, and no games master ; only a small playground. We used to play a game called " Chevy " or prisoner's base. For cricket we went to the Old Town links, then unspoiled by

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the hand of the municipal improver. We used to go and see the matches on the Aberdeenshire's ground—then at the top of Albyn Place where the " Convent of the Sacred Heart now stands. J. F. Lumsden, J. B. Manson, and W. Adlington were among the best players. I saw the great W. G. Grace play on one occasion, but that was on the old Holburn Ground, and some years after I had left the School. In 1864 the first match between the Grammar and the Gymnasium was played, and the local Eton and Harrow continued down to the middle 'eighties. In the winter time we had exciting snow-ball fights with the boys of Robert Gordon's Hospital, and there was great rivahy between these Sillerton loons and ourselves. Our own School fights were settled on the banks of the adjacent Denburn, to which we trooped down by way of the now vanished Mutton Brae. The Denburn was then an open stream, and the housewives of the vicinity did their washing there. The time came, in 1863, when we had to bid farewell to the old School, and so one October morning in that year we said our last " Adsum " there, and moved west to the present handsome building. That was on 23rd October. There was a big gathering of local notables in the fine Hall—the Provost and baillies, clergymen, professors, and business men with their wives and daughters. There were congratulatory speeches by the Provost, Principal Campbell, Professor Geddes, and others, and boy-like we thought them too long. Dr. Barrack was greatly cheered when in reply he said they would all strive to the utmost of their power to maintain the high character that the School had previously held, and the cheers were renewed when he declared that they had changed only their place, that they were the same in spirit, and that there were on those benches some who would carry the name of the new Grammar School of Aberdeen to the remotest corners of the world. A word as to the fate of the old School. It was sold in 1864 for £1,000 and was occupied for some years by Messrs. James Asher & Sons. It was finally demolished in 1882-83 when Gray's School of Art was built. A happy link between the old and the new Schools was forged by the transference of the belfry of the Schoolhill building to the present School Pavilion. But it does not do to look backwards over-much. The " Grammar " was never so flourishing as it is to-day, and it warms the heart of an Old Boy to see so many bright-faced lads pouring through the School gates every morning, and to know that under the new Rector and his capable staff, they are worthily maintaining the reputation and traditions of the best of Schools.

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Some Phases of an Army Career.—IV. BY UBIQUE. The Ceylon Volunteer Force. In addition to the regular garrison of Ceylon provided by the Imperial authorities, towards the maintenance of which the Ceylon Government contributed a portion of the expense, the latter also possessed a Volunteer Force. At one time the Island was garrisoned by a local infantry regiment of its own, known as the Ceylon Rifle Regiment. This regiment was a regular regiment for local service, mainly recruited from Malays, Kaffirs, etc. In my time in the Island there was still quite a number of the men of the old Ceylon Rifles to be found. They had been disbanded many years previously : the exact date has, unfortunately, escaped my recollection, but they were still in existence when the famous Singhalese brigand Sardiel was captured by the late Sir Frederick (then Mr.) Saunders, sometime in the 'sixties. The previous history of the Ceylon Volunteers is unknown to me, but it is not unreasonable to assume that this force rose into being from the grave of the Ceylon Rifles. There were three corps :—(1) The Ceylon Volunteer Rifles, (2) The Ceylon Mounted Rifles, and (3) The Ceylon Volunteer Artillery. The first and the last were mainly indigenous. The Ceylon Mounted Rifles Corps was strictly recruited from amongst the white planters, who provided their own horses. The whole force was under the command of Col. Vincent, an officer on the Retired List of the Regular Army, formerly of the Scottish Rifles. Vincent had been specially selected by the Government for the duty of attempting to lick this Volunteer Force into shape, and he was noted for his extreme tact and his fortiter in re and suaviter in modo. Vincent was a great friend of mine, and he had an unusual sense of the ludicrous, which attribute, however, he had to keep strictly confined behind an immobile countenance during, official hours, but it was allowed full rein in the evening at the Club ; and many were the intensely humorous yarns I was told by the Commandant about his weird command. I believe also that Col. Vincent in his time was the youngest Major in the whole British Army, having attained substantive Field Rank at the early age of 28 years. In appearance he was dark, of medium height, very neat and dapper, always most smartly turned out, and nothing more incongruous than the contrast in appearance between Col. Vincent and his charges could well be imagined. Outside of the C.M. Rifles, which was a really smart and keen corps (they sent a very efficient contingent to South Africa), the rest of the Volunteer Force was simply a mob, and beyond description as a military force. It was ill-officered,

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in-trained, ill-equipped, ill-disciplined, and ill-manned. Vincent had a very up-hill and disheartening task, but in the end he was able to have the whole force re-organized and put upon a basis more in line with modern requirements. Some little time after I left Ceylon, a complete re-organization took place. A proper staff was appointed, and a paid regular adjutant and staff officer was allowed for in the local estimates and appointed, and the Ceylon Volunteer Force became, under the new regime, a very efficient body. The first staff officer was Captain Bayley, of the York and Lancasters. He had a family connection with Ceylon, being the son of the ex-P. & 0. Agent. The P. & 0. Captain Bayley had commanded the " Indus." She ran ashore not far from Trincomali, somewhere on the East Coast between Batticaloa and Trinco. The spot was still known as Bayley's landingplace ; for he never went to sea again, being appointed Agent of the Company in Ceylon at Galle. Galle was the port of call in those days, Colombo being an open roadstead then, exposed to the full fury of the South-West Monsoon. The first breakwater—known as the North-West arm—was built some time in the 'seventies. The harbour was then transferred to Colombo, as it was not only more convenient, but Galle Harbour was a difficult place to navigate into and out of, and was, moreover, so small that it could not meet the growing demands of the Ceylon shipping trade. The reason for my devoting so much attention to the Ceylon Volunteers is that I was soon to impinge upon them in an official capacity ; and during the latter period of my service in Colombo, after my promotion to Lieutenant in 1898, I became intimately associated officially with the Ceylon Volunteer Artillery as their first regular Adjutant (acting). This was not a War Office appointment. The matter was arranged between Col. Vincent and the O.C.R.A., with the approval of the Ceylon Government. There were no emoluments, but I was granted travelling allowances and subsistence when visiting and inspecting out-stations. My duties as acting Adjutant of the Ceylon Artillery Volunteers had to be performed in addition to my regular work, and in my own time, after regular hours ; and so it came about that three or four nights a week were devoted to the C.A.V. My appointment was the very thin edge of the wedge opening the new era. THE CEYLON ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS. In a military sense the C.A.V. were a cut above the Ceylon Volunteer Infantry. Their officers were mostly white, with a sprinkling of Burgher gentlemen. The O.C. of the C.A.V. was an ex-Gunner subaltern, who had been in the Royal Regiment about the time of the Crimea. He was a genial old gentleman, who hated responsibility—he would almost

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go round the Island to avoid it—so I had matters pretty much my own way, and I made the most of this ; but the O.C.C.A.V. was always consulted primarily. I was very careful about this, and so we worked quite in harmony. In the 'nineties the Crimea army spirit was giving place to the new spirit : stiffness giving way to elasticity, spit and polish to common sense, pipeclay to brown leather, and brawn to brains. The change was slow. H.R.H. the late Duke of Cambridge was C.-in-C. ; muzzle-loading guns were still coast defence armament to a large extent, and in the field army the 9-pounder and 13-pounder R.M.L. had only recently been superseded by the 13-pounder and 15-pounder B.L., and the Martini rifle by the Lee-Metford rifle. It required yet the South African War to expose our military deficiencies, both in administration and training. The post of C.-in-C. was abolished, and the Army Council established ; training was intensified on sound lines ; promotion to the higher ranks by selection and not by seniority became an established fact ; and in 1914 there crossed to France the finest, best-equipped, best-disciplined, and best-trained force that ever left the shores of Great Britain—" The Old Contemptibles." This digression is justified to show that the spirit of change and progress was not confined to the regular forces of the Crown, but was also leavening the auxiliary forces—even in so out-of-the-way and, in a military sense, so insignificant a body as the Ceylon Volunteers. Our military authorities were not so much asleep as the G.B.P. and their mouth-piece, the Daily Press, thought them to be. My work with the C.A.V. at first was rather perfunctory, and I was not at all satisfied with the position which the corps occupied in the scheme of local defence. The corps was in a bad state of training, and the personnel left much to be desired. They were Field Artillery, the volunteer force being organized as a field force on account of the everlasting bogey of invasion. This was manifestly wrong, and for this reason. While we held command of the sea, invasion was unlikely, and if we did not hold command of the sea, not all the Volunteers in Ceylon could prevent invasion and capitulation. Raids were, of course, possible and practicable, given certain conditions which might arise. I mapped out in my mind a scheme which in due course, and at a favourable time, I presented to the Commandant and the O.C.R.A. in a memorandum which was very favourably received by the Authorities and adopted in full so far as it went. In this scheme I placed the C.A.V. in their proper sphere as adjuncts of, and supplementary to, their regular brethren of the R.G.A., and at the same time left them as part of the details to man the movable or secondary armament for attachment to a local field force to assist the latter in dealing with local raids,

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by an enemy, or in internal disturbances in which the local Government might require their services as field artillery. The details were not all mine, but the main thesis was, and I may be pardoned if I look back upon this little piece of organization with some pride. Col. Vincent was a good man to work for, and the then C.R.A. was of the same disposition, so my path was easy. THE ANNUAL CAMP. Every year the Ceylon Volunteers assembled at a place called Urugasmanhandiya (which, rendered into Anglo-Saxon, means " The place where the pig crossed the river on a tree ") for their annual camp. " Urugas" for short, as it was always called, lay away beyond Galle, almost, if not quite, at rail-head from Colombo, on what is called the Coast Line. This camp was ostensibly for training, but my first and only camp at Urugas resolved itself into burning saltpetre by day in prodigious quantities, and a beano the rest of the time. The C.A.V. carried out their annual firing-practice from the 9-pounders ; dug or scratched emplacements and epaulements out of the stony ground, and manoeuvred around when the hired bullocks could be induced to move along. The cattle much preferred to lie in the shade, grunt, and chew the cud. Once a gun team so fax forgot themselves as to run away, and before they could be stopped, had run the gun and limber into the enemy's forces, and upset the gun and detachment—or what of the latter had not been spilled on the way—in the midst thereof. It was hopeless. We had to make the best of things from a military point of view, and carry on in a spirit of unseemly levity and mirth, which the prevailing conditions rendered inevitable. It was my experiences at this camp which gave me furiously to think, and finally resulted in the change which I have already outlined. The change had to be introduced gradually, as there was considerable opposition to the scheme from within the corps. The annual camp had come to be considered by all hands as an annual holiday at the expense of the Government, and naturally the C.A.V. did not in the least want to be separated from their free holiday. A compromise was effected. The corps went to the next camp in 1899 at Urugas, and carried out their R.G.A. work as well in Colombo. In the end common sense and the new spirit prevailed, and the C.A.V. afterwards had their camp at Mutwal Battery. This was a great convenience to the business men, who as officers in the corps were able to overlook their offices during the day, and return to the camp in the cool of the late afternoon and go on with their training. Eventually the corps was allotted regular duties in the manning tables and details, and so became an integral part of the R.G.A. Coast Defences, but I had left the command before this consummation was achieved.

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What helped me greatly in this re-organization was another appointment I held about this time, viz., Secretary to the Local Defence Committee—also without emoluments—I was never fortunate in the emolument line. As Secretary of the Local Defence Committee I had access to all the confidential, and secret, and very secret documents in connection with the Defence Scheme, and I was also able to see the Scheme as a whole, as I had to carry out the annual revision for the Committee for transmission to the War Office. I was, therefore, in a better position than any other to put my own little scheme into concrete shape, and adduce cogent arguments in favour of its adoption. Let us get back to " the place where the pig crossed the river on a tree." As I said before, the Volunteer Camp was the occasion for mirth by night and much bad language mingled with a military circus during the day. All the same, Vincent was even then introducing some system. Field days were organized, a general and special idea were published in Camp Orders, and officers commanding had to make a beginning at writing their operation orders, however bad and crude they might be. Pow-wows were held, criticisms passed upon this, that, and the other ; reasons demanded for courses of action taken, mistakes pointed out, and tactical instruction imparted. This was the new leaven beginning to work. There was much that was farcical, much that was incongruous, equipment was sadly lacking. Picture to yourself a company of native Singhalese, dressed, some in trousers, most in their conboy, a long cloth wound round the waist, and reaching to the ankles ; some with khaki coats and some without—those that had them mostly wore them open ; few, if any, with boots—most were in bare feet ; accoutrements put on anyhow, with no reference whatever to the girth or height of the wearer ; and to crown all, a khaki helmet perched perilously at all angles on the head, the angle depending upon the size of the bun of hair which every Singhalese man wears on the upper back portion of his head. Mention of boots or the lack thereof reminds me of an incident at this camp which nearly unhorsed me from helpless laughter on an occasion when I was acting as an assistant umpire at a field day. A battalion, much in the condition I have described, was passing out of camp. As bad luck would have it, they accidentally passed over the smouldering embers of a patch of camp fire and burned their feet. The resulting antics, language, and contortions was the most ludicrous thing I have ever seen, and that battalion dissolved into nothingness in less time than it takes me to write. In spite of the difficulties in the way of real work, all enjoyed themselves. There was much dining and wining and speeches and good fellowship. The Governor, himself

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an old soldier (Sir West Ridgeway had been a Colonel in the Indian Army before he became a Colonial Governor), paid us a visit, staying a couple of days, and I am sure he derived the most intense amusement from it all. He and his staff were dined by the united Messes, and post-prandial oratory flowed freely. His Excellency was a capital afterdinner speaker, and he delivered a humorous and apposite speech, not unmingled with a little mild sarcasm. Sitting beside me at this dinner was an immensely tall, very humorous and caustic Scottish brother officer, a Captain. Opposite us was a very dandified A.D.C., a Yeoman, and very smart. Unfortunately all that day he had ridden about behind H.E. wearing the pouch attached to his cross-belt upside down. This was too good a chance to be lost. A and I ragged the poor man all during dinner until he began to lose his temper, which was just what we wanted. Unfortunately H.E. noticed it, and a note came round from Vincent telling us to shut up. Of course we had to, but our friend was never allowed to forget his little lapse. Once he staggered us all by appearing at a Queen's House Birthday Reception in Hussar Yeomanry full dress, dolman and all. On recovering our sight, some of us began to walk round him, which made him fidgety, and finally, getting annoyed, he asked what the d-1 we were doing. Somebody said we just wanted to see that his pouch was on right way up, then the gathering rapidly dissolved. This Aide was a good fellow, a good sportsman, and, if somewhat of a Ha 1 Ha !, deservedly popular.* This dinner to the Governor was the last night in camp, and the next day we broke up and returned to Colombo and sanity once more. The only drawback to complete enjoyment was the howling, wailing, weird cry of hundreds of jackals which infested the outskirts of the camp from sundown to sunrise, and made sound sleep almost impossible. They even invaded the open huts in which we slept, dashing in and out in search of bones and stray meat. The jackal's howl, written in words, is as follows :- ' I smell a dead Hindoo-oo-oo-oo," the last part rising and falling on the chromatic scale. COLOMBO GRAVING DOCK-CUTTING THE FIRST SOD. Colombo Harbour was growing apace meanwhile. The new breakwaters were in course of erection and nearing completion, and it was decided to build a large and modern graving dock, large enough to more than hold the largest vessels then using Colombo as a port of call. The Governor was asked to cut the first sod, and the occasion was, as usual, to be marked with much ceremony and civil and military display. A company of the Infantry Battalion was detailed as a Guard of Honour under the command of Major M • He is now an M.P., or was in the last House of Commons.

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, and the R.G.A. were to line the long covered way I leading up to the dais, along which H.E. would pass on his way to perform the ceremony. Truly we young men never failed to see the humorous side of things, and the cutting of the first sod of the Colombo Graving Dock was not without its funny side. I remember it was an intensely hot day. The Guard of Honour were beautifully got up in their trews and white jackets and white helmets, and their C.O. was immensely concerned as to the condition they would arrive in at Mutwal if they had to march in the hot sun for over two miles. Quite innocently I suggested that they might make the journey comfortably and expeditiously in one of the harbour works trains—little open trucks hauled by a little engine—and we should go too (I was O.C. of the R.G.A. Guard). I knew Bostock, the chief engineer of the harbour works, and he agreed to send along a train, which he did, and we embarked. Fortunately, we courteously allowed the Infantry to get into their trucks in front of us, and we occupied the rear. Well, well! I shall always remember the appearance of that once immaculate Guard of Honour when they unloaded themselves. Their white helmets and tunics were pitted all over with innumerable smuts, which the little engine had poured forth from her funnel in countless thousands during her leisurely journey. We got a few, but nothing to speak of. The Infantry firmly believed that this was a deep-laid, nefarious scheme of mine, and nothing I could ever say would induce them to believe otherwise. My job was to line the covered way on each side. I placed my men and waited for the arrival of the Governor. Now, for some inscrutable reason, a person in authority had issued instructions that the R.G.A. were to fix bayonets—a thing that we never did ; but we fixed bayonets and stood at ease. The covered way had side walls of kadjan (coconut leaves dried) half-way up, and was roofed with kadjan. The roof was low, and was lined inside with a dependent white cotton ceiling-cloth, and the walls were draped at close intervals with scarlet cotton. His Excellency arrived, and one could see that he was in a bad humour, and what followed did not improve his temper. I said the roof was low, and that we had fixed bayonets. I may also here state that the standard height for the Royal Garrison Artilleryman of those days was 5 feet 8 inches and over, mostly over. When H.E. appeared, I shouldered and gave the order " Present Arms." Up went the carbines, bayonets attached, and the bayonets went clean through the ceiling-cloth and the kadjan roof with a tear and a zip-p-p-p, and if looks could have killed, I was a dead man at that moment. I confess I was a little startled myself at the moment. What the Governor thought I don't know, but he looked daggers. The Guard of Honour

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did better than I, with this difference, that their little performance was avoidable, whereas mine was involuntary. When the time came for them to present arms they did so, and remained at the salute while the band played the opening bars of the National Anthem, and then, of course, the O.C. should have asked leave to return to the shoulder, etc. Instead of doing this, to the astonishment of all, the Guard of Honour did not move. They remained at the present, not a word was uttered, not a sound was heard, deep and astonished silence pervaded the scene. At last an Aide was dispatched to find out what was wrong. He found that the O.C. Guard of Honour had fallen asleep at the salute! Social Life, Sport, and some Etceteras. . Looking back now after twenty-three years, and dispassionately reviewing my four years' service in Ceylon, I realize that one had much too good a time. Social interests predominated over professional duties, and the latter suffered. In a great dependency like India military training, etc., must, of necessity, always be paramount, but in Ceylon, where there was no menace of a Russian invasion from the North-West, and no frontier tribes to cause trouble, the work of the garrison degenerated into routine, and this was bad for the young officer. So far as the R.G.A. were concerned, our armament was very much out of date. It was apparent to all that we would not be able to put up more than a show against anything in the nature of a serious attack from the sea ; so we did what we had to do, and turned our attention to, the social amusements in which Colombo abounded. It was impossible to be dull for a moment. There was always something going on. The Civil Servants and the merchants were a most pleasant and hospitable lot of people. The planters up country were equally hospitable, and often invited us to stay with them on their estates. Dances and dinners were frequent. On Sunday one could always go out to Mount Lavinia Hotel (an ex-gubernatorial residence) about six miles from Colombo, and partake of one of the fish luncheons for which this hostelry was renowned. Fashionable Colombo, during the season, used to crowd out there on Sunday. The hotel was built on a small eminence right on the sea, and after luncheon one could ensconce oneself in a comfortable chair in the shade, and enjoy the sea breeze, or bathe, returning to Colombo for dinner in the cool of the evening. There was a dance at the Galle Face Hotel every Saturday night, and to dine and dance at the Galle Face was de rigueur. When a big mail-boat came in, there was usually an extra dance. Every Wednesday night was the guest night in the officers' mess, and it was always well filled. This was our best chance to ask the

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male relations of our various hostesses to dinner, and in a slight measure return the hospitality we received. There were occasional informal dances at the mess, a big ball once a year, and frequent band nights, invitations for all of which were much sought for. There is something about a military mess which makes the civilian very keen to get inside of it, particularly ladies. Being taboo to the sex is about all one need say in explanation of this desire. A mess is about the only place they can't get into permanently. Games were various and abundant—cricket, lawn tennis, croquet, hockey, squash racquets, football (both kinds), golf, polo, and rowing on the lake. There is now also a very good yacht club. SOME OBSERVATIONS ON SPORT.

Ceylon affords plenty of sport, but heads generally are not so large as in India. I have heard that this is due to the absence of lime in the soil. Elephants are mostly " mucknas," that is, tuskless. A tusker is very rare indeed. A youngster with tusks was brought into Fort Frederick while I was there, and offered for sale at Rs. 2,000. We did not buy him. He was a most engaging little chap, about the size of a big donkey. We were keen to have him, but prudence prevailed. Think of the food bill ! I have often wondered what his fate was. The two largest species of deer are the sambhur and the " cheetal" or spotted deer (axis maculata). The former is large—a big stag standing about 13 hands. The cheetal is smaller, about the size of the fallow deer. The hide is reddish yellow, flecked all over with white spots, hence its popular name. There was quite a large herd of these animals inside Fort Frederick, and one could study them closely. The young bucks used to fight it out under the windows of our bungalow, and one could follow all the changes in the shedding and growth of horns. Sometimes the whole herd would come out at night on to the square, and it was quite a picture to see these graceful animals silhouetted in the brilliant moonlight. Then there is the muntjak, or barking deer. This animal has small tushes dependent from the upper jaw, and gives vent to a short, sharp bark at intervals. The prettiest and most engaging little animal in the world is the mouse deer. It is very, very small and hornless, standing hardly more than six inches at the shoulder, but most perfectly and, delicately formed. They are very timid and shrinking little creatures, but once their confidence is gained, they make the most desirable and engaging pets. The wife of the Government Agent, Western Province, had two in her bungalow, and they were free of the whole residence, and nothing more daintily beautiful can well be imagined. Tigers do not exist in Ceylon, but panthers or leopards (fells Pardus) abound in great numbers, and occasionally a

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black panther is heard of. There was one in my time known to frequent the district between Habarana and Damboola on the Trinco.-Matale road, but so far as I know, he was never bagged. Bears of the black variety (ursus Isabellanus) and also the brown are very common. These animals are the terror • of the charcoal burners in the jungle. The bears attack these unfortunates, particularly the women, in the dawn, and maul them severely, often killing them. Bears under the stress of thirst become very bold. The year before I arrived in Trincomali, there had been a severe drought in the Eastern Province. A couple of bears strolled into the bazaar in search of water, and were clubbed to death by the villagers. I have found the same characteristic in British Columbia. One Sunday in 1913 a black bear crossed my clearing before noon on his way down to the river, across which he swam. On this occasion there had been a late spring, and water was scarce in the bush. Wild boar are as numerous as the sands of the sea shore, but owing to the density of the jungle and lack of open spaces of sufficient area to enable them to be ridden down with the spear, the only way to get them is with the rifle. The tushes are fine trophies, and when properly cut out and placed together, the right and left tushes form an almost perfect circle. Joined thus and mounted in plain silver, they make very acceptable and unique menu stands. The late Sir Samuel Baker, when in Newara Eliya, used to hunt the boar with hounds. This method was hard on the hounds, and he lost many. It takes a man of more than ordinary nerve to wade in amongst a smother of dogs and boar to give the coup de grdce to the latter with a hunting knife. The wild boar is without doubt the most courageous of all wild animals, and he will fight to the last gasp. To his courage he adds ferocity and excessive cunning. He will tackle anything if put to it. I recollect reading many years ago an account of a fight between a wild boar and a young full-grown tiger. The narrative was written by an Indian Civilian in the early part of the last century, who, lying out one night waiting for game, was fortunate enough to witness the duel from his place of concealment. The tiger began it by attacking the boar, which he would not have done had he been older and wiser. He paid for his temerity with his life. The battle was long and ferocious, and the boar was very severely mauled, but in the end he killed the tiger. There are no wolves in Ceylon, at least so far as I know ; but jackals !—there must be hundreds of thousands of them. The first time I ever saw one was one night when driving home near Trinco. from a moonlight picnic. I had just, curiously enough, remarked to H , who was sitting alongside me, that I had not yet seen a jackal. He pointed ahead with his whip and said, ' There you are," and true enough,

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about 200 yards ahead was a jackal running in front of us in the middle of the road. The gait of the animal was peculiar and drew my attention at once. He would run a few yards with his left shoulder in about a quarter left, a few yards further he shifted over right shoulder in about a quarter right, and so alternately right and left every few yards. He had a furtive appearance and looked uncanny What he was really doing was keeping one eye alternately on us following behind. We kept our pace and had him in front for about a mile, and then he disappeared into the jungle. Elephants are protected, and a permit costing so much has to be obtained from the Government Agent to shoot one, but no sportsman in the true sense of the word would wish to shoot an animal which affords no better trophy than its feet, which at the best can only be made into a liqueur stand or a very ugly footstool. A rogue, once proscribed, is free game to anybody who is clever enough to get him. There was a proscribed rogue in our district working a triangle of almost sixty miles a side. He had been proscribed for years, and it is no exaggeration to say that every sportsman in the Trinco. garrison had had a go at him, but one and all signally failed. M—, he of the young cannon previously mentioned, went after him incessantly with his special weapon, and spent hundreds of told rupees in trackers and shikaris, but he failed. M me that once he got very close, close enough to see his hindquarters, but he waited for a chance at the head. (It must be a head shot, frontal above the bump, or side head shot, with the Indian elephant.) He and his shikari waited in vain, and on investigating, found that My Lord the Elephant had vanished without a sound to betray the fact that he had departed. That elephant may be there still, for all I have heard to the contrary. The wild buffalo is indigenous to Ceylon, but he is not much in evidence, as his habitat is the deep, cool recesses of the jungle. When met, he is very much to be reckoned with. I think the average European in Ceylon finds his congener, the village buffalo, quite enough of a trial when encountered. It is certainly curious how much the village " Buff " detests the smell of the white man ; and yet they cower and tremble at the shrill voice of command delivered by a brown urchin, naked as when he was born, and about knee high. There are no bison in Ceylon, although there are plenty of the " Bos gaurus " in the Deccan, up in the ghauts. During the past thirty years the Ceylon Government have found it necessary to take drastic steps to protect the wild deer in the Island. The traffic in hides and horns carried on by the Moormen (Indians from the Coromandel Coast), to maintain which deer were slaughtered indiscriminately, in and out of season, had become so devastating, that without

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a game sanctuary the species would have become almost extinct in the Island. Such a sanctuary exists in the Southern Province. One has only to remember what happened to the North American bison to visualize what would be the fate of the Ceylon deer, with this difference, that it was the white man who almost exterminated the bison, and not the North American Indian, to whom the bison was both meat and clothing. Crocodiles, of course, are very common, all the irrigation tanks being full of them. Shooting " crocs" is difficult. In the first place they are exceedingly wary, and have to be approached under cover with the greatest caution, and then you cannot tell whether you are looking at a " croc" or a Jog of wood. It is only possible to get them when lying out on the tank shore, seemingly asleep. When hit, they slide into the water at once, and if mortally hit, sink to the bottom and die, only to re-appear days afterwards, inflated by the gasses of decomposition. By that time you are miles away and engaged in other pursuits. The only way is to kill stone-dead at once, but, as I have said, this is difficult. I was never fortunate enough to achieve it. Birds of all tropical varieties are plentiful. For sport, snipe are facile princeps in their season ; also wild duck, green plover, and pigeon. The most gorgeous birds of all are the pea fowl, which are plentiful. It is a magnificent sight to see one of these splendid birds sailing over the tops of the high trees, wings closed and tail streaming out behind. Pea fowl are excellent eating, nothing better. Once I was lucky enough to come across a jungle cock (gallus ferrugineus) in the early morning, shortly after sunrise, in the jungle on my way down to the snipe grounds. He was a splash of brilliant colour amidst his green surroundings. In appearance and colour the red jungle fowl approximates most closely to the modern brown Leghorn. The colour of the cock resembles that of a Leghorn cock used for breeding pullets, but he is smaller in size, with the colouring intensified. The hen is small and quite brown, without the salmon-pink breast usual to the fancy brown Leghorn hen. These birds are believed to be the ancestors of most of our modern breeds of poultry. The cock's crow resembles the words " George Joyce " drawn out. They are very . shy, so I was lucky to come across one, but, of course, it was only for a moment and he was gone. An attempt was made in Ceylon by a Mr. Thomas to cross them with a modern breed, but although chicks hatched out, the resulting birds proved infertile, and the experiment failed and was abandoned. SNAKES, SCORPIONS, AND BUGS. Of snakes of the deadly variety there are many species. The cobra is the best known, but he is not the most deadly.

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This distinction is reserved for the tic-polonga, or Russel's viper. I don't, myself, for a moment think that the cobra's bite is any less deadly than that of the tic-polonga, but there is just this significant difference between the two snakes. The cobra, if disturbed, usually makes tracks, the tic-polonga waits for you ; yet all the four years I was in Ceylon I never once came across a deadly snake, nor did I ever set eyes on a cobra except in the hands of a snake-charmer. As for the tic-polonga, I never saw one, nor could I describe one if my life depended upon it. Scorpions are as common as pulex irritans, and much more to be feared than snakes. They get into boots and caps and all sorts of places where their presence is most undesirable. Here is a little story. Once in Colombo our Company had a camp at Mutwal Battery for a few days during the drill season. Major Rigg and myself were in the mess tent in the evening, when we decided to take a walk along the frame-work of the new breakwater, then under construction. The weather being cool, we put on our pork-pie forage caps, strolled out to the end and back, and into the mess tent. Rigg sat down, took off his cap, banged it rim downwards on the table, and ordered drinks. The drinks came. I stretched across the table to move his cap, which was in the way, and as soon as I lifted it, out dropped two small scorpions, each about the size of a sixpence. We disposed of them at once, but those two scorpions had been inside his cap during that stroll, and goodness knows how long a time before that. The Major was bald as a coot. Nobody ever put on a pair of boots without first turning them upside down and shaking them well. Centipedes of a poisonous nature were another menace. Before leaving scorpions—the largest I ever saw was killed in the quarters of Captain Molesworth, R.E. (son of Sir Guildford Molesworth, the railway engineer), at Ostenburgh Heights. It measured 9i inches in length, and is now safely preserved in spirits in the Colombo Museum. This scorpion was believed to be a record for size. Another horrible insect was the Tarantula spider. I saw only one, and that one raced across the dinner table in mess from corner to corner, and, believe me, you can scarcely realize the celerity with which we cleared. Noisome and odorous insects and poochies were plentiful, particularly one little green square bug called the " stink bug." These also had a habit of invading one's dinner table, and once they arrived, they cleared the diners out as quickly as the spiders did. If one of these bugs happened to be crushed, the resulting odour was appalling. I am of opinion that this insect occupies a position in the insect world analogous to that of the skunk in the animal world. Sometimes the white ants (termites) would select one's dinner table, attracted by the light, as a suitable place on which to shed their wings on emerging from their nests,

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and in a very few minutes the table and everything on it would be covered with ants' wings. This was merely an inconvenience compared with the stink bug's performance. One was never dull. You never could tell what might happen during dinner. There is a little lizard called a ghekko, who resides in the roof inside, a harmless and friendly little fellow, living by catching flies. Sometimes in the eagerness of the chase he loses hold of the ceiling and, ten chances to one, selects your soup as a landing place, no doubt rightly considering that landing in any sort of liquid will break his fall ; better than landing on a hard table, anyway. What you think about it is not of the least consequence to the ghekko. PETS IN CEYLON. Monkeys of all sorts are plentiful. I took over three from a brother subaltern who was leaving for home. Two of them were young, and unfortunately escaped and did a lot of damage. They would come into the bungalow during our absence and play havoc with anything they could lay their mischievous hands on. Eventually we had to shoot them, but for a long time they successfully evaded all our attempts to get them. The third monkey, named " Chunks," was older, a real pet and favourite, very sedate, much attached to me, and could be relied upon to behave himself if let loose, which he very frequently was. At Christmas Chunks was given a glass of port to celebrate, and for a time, under the genial influence of the ruby wine, he was most comically frolicsome and afforded much amusement. He then slept peacefully in a chair for an hour or two and awoke ; and if ever a monkey registered the " morning after the night before," that one did. He had a most awful headache, and sat dolefully swaying to and fro, holding his head in his hands. Poor Chunks, he was a great favourite with everybody, and would sit beside one on a chair quite quietly and investigate the contents of pockets, examining each article with the greatest gravity and replacing it on being satisfied that it was not good to eat. Usually he was chained to a tree outside, the chain being attached to a small dog collar strapped round his waist, and this eventually caused his end. His one peculiarity was an intense hatred of any young thing. Children or puppies, etc., he could not stand. One night, unthinkingly, I approached the monkey holding a very young puppy in my left hand. In a trice Chunks • made a fierce spring, was brought up heavily by the chain, but not before he got me through the thumb. It was the puppy he boas after, of course. About a week afterwards I noticed he was looking very sick, and shortly after, the poor fellow completely lost the use of his lower limbs, and eventually he died. I can only surmise that he must have

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injured his spine when he made that spring. I have had other monkeys, but none came up to Chunks, and I usually had to get rid of them after a very short time. I also kept a mongoose. As a rule he took up his quarters in a pocket of my coat, and sometimes he would crawl up my sleeve. Generally he ran about the verandah, prying closely into everything. A mongoose is a most interesting pet, the only drawback is the strong smell. Rikki amused us very much, chiefly by his insatiable curiosity. What we liked most of all was to startle him, and see him jump straight up about three feet into the air, like a flash. I have never seen anything so quick. Him also I lost. He died on board ship on our way to Colombo. After that I gave up keeping pets in Ceylon. It had been my intention to write something about the ancient cities of Ceylon, but the Editor thinks, and on reflection I agree with him, that too much space would, of necessity, have to be devoted to treat this subject adequately and, moreover, there are plenty of books dealing in full with this particular subject and with Ceylon generally.* I find, generally speaking, that the British people know only too little of the Colonies and dependencies whose destinies they have in their keeping. This, I think, is a great mistake, and if these little articles of mine awaken interest and a desire to know more of this pearl in the diadem of the British Empire, something worth while will have been accomplished. Who knows but that a boy now at the Grammar School may some day be the King's Representative in this Island ? There is nothing improbable in this. It is a prize worth striving for, to be Governor of the Premier Crown Colony in the British Empire. There is much more I could write about my four happy years in Ceylon, but we must pass along to other places and other scenes. Perhaps some day I may be able to return to the subject and treat it more fully. In 1899, some time about mid-summer, I had sent in an application to be posted to the Ceylon and Mauritius Battalion R.G.A. In the month of October the application was returned from London sanctioned. I was temporarily posted as a subaltern to the Company then stationed in Colombo, pending transfer to Mauritius. Curiously enough, I afterwards commanded this Company in Mauritius, succeed• To such as may be interested I would recommend :— (a) "The Ruined Cities of Ceylon," by the late H. W. Cave, M.A., F.R.G.S., published by Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Ltd., Fetter Lane, London, E.C. There is a popular edition of this book. Personally I recommend the original edition, published in 1897. b) " Picturesque Ceylon," by the same author. c) •Sir Emerson Tennant's work on Ceylon. . 4) ',‘ With Rifle antl.Hound in Ceylon,'; by Sir Samuel Eaker.

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ing my long, caustic, Scottish friend to whom reference is made in this article. On 17th November, 1899, four years to a day from the time we arrived in Colombo in the " Dunera," I embarked on the B.I.S.S. " Bancoore " for Mauritius. I was not altogether sorry. There had been many changes in the Station. Many old friends had gone home, or to other Stations, and I did not feel much inclined to come into close contact with some of their successors. The South African War had broken out in October, and there was a feeling of uncertainty abroad, so I was glad and yet sorry to go. Sorry because I had been happy there, glad because most of those with whom I had shared these happy times had gone to other scenes.

Trekking in Somaliland. The following is taken from a recent letter from Captain C. A. HENDRICK (1906-15), of the 3/17th Dogra Regiment, Indian Army. Lafarug, 38 miles south-west of Berbera, 13 January, 1923.

" First instalment of my treks in Somaliland.—We left Berbera at 2 p.m. yesterday, we being three Somali policemen, my two ' boys ' (one Indian and one Somali), and two camel men. We had seven pack camels, two riding mules, and a pony for me. The camels left at 2, and I left with a policeman on a mule at 3, and picked up the camels about two miles out. They were fresh and had bolted twice. ' The road' was a camel track, and the country a flat plain of sand, gravel, and stones, with here and there stunted bush. I passed the camels and went on to a place called Tima Glyfli. I got instructions where to stop and how to recognize the place. Some description ! Tima Glyfli is recognized by a ' Coffee Shop.' The Coffee Shop was a rough thorn shelter across the track, kept by a Somali who sold tea. Coffee is never drunk here, I believe. Well ! I waited here a few hours, and the camels rolled up at 7, after dark. I had my bed made and my kit stacked around it, and the camels and men around that, and we slept after feeding. I had a mess basket, of course, with six days' stores and pots and pans. I was awakened at 2.30 next morning. We packed and set off in the dark along the track—sand, with little heaps covered with camel thorn. This soon became rocky. Then we came to a series of nullahs and hills on either side. Gradually we climbed, and it was terribly cold. I walked and rode alternately. We had twenty-five miles to do and the pack camel only does 2i miles an hour. In the middle of the day it was too hot to trek, so one had to leave out from about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first place I was told I would come to was Haba Tomalo, known by its Coffee Shop and

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Rest Hut. They were the same as before, of course. Haba Tomalo was nine miles from Tima, and as we got there at 6.30, I decided to push on and go to Hamas, known by a graveyard. There are graveyards every two miles. The difference in this one was that it boasted a red flag—an old shirt or some such thing ! Gradually we got higher and to a rougher track. We met lots of camels and men and women, but never a sight of a village or town, only two nomad huts. We saw several herds of tick tick deer—tiny things about as big as hares—and ravens, and eagles, and all sorts of strange birds. Some of the birds are perfectly wonderful. We arrived at Hamas at 9.30-6i hours' trek for 19 miles— jolly good! We fed the animals by turning them loose, my bed was made in a large, sandy, dry stream-bed, and I had breakfast—sardines, tea, marmalade and hot toast. Pretty good, eh? We stayed resting there until 2 o'clock, and then did the remaining six miles, arriving here, Lafarug, at 4.30. " We had been here about half-an-hour when my escort from Hargeisa arrived. They are Somali Camel Corps, a corporal and four men, with two riding camels and six ponies. The police go back to-morrow to Berbera, and I go on with the Camel Corps 70 miles to Hargeisa. The two lots are quite different tribes and don't love one another, so of course I hear the ' Camel Corps are awful thieves,' and I will probably hear to-morrow that the police, are ditto. These men are very good, cheerful lads, better even than our own, I think. I cannot talk a word of their lingo, so my bearer and ' chokra ' (a small boy) do the interpreting. My bearer is an Indian, and a topping fellow. Appearances are against him—he looks a terrible villain, very ugly, and has a squint, but he is a jewel. The 1 chokra ' is a Somali boy whom I got at Berbera from the District Commissioner with whom I stayed. He seems quite a good kid. The inhabitants are mostly surly at present and scowl at me. I have only had three greetings—a very cheery one from a passer-by at Tima yesterday, a small fellow—Somalis are black and usually tall and slim. He passed, and, grinning all over, yelled ' Goode nait, sair,' Vurry nais nait, sair.' He turned out a most cheery bird. He had been all over the place, Alexandria, Suez, London, Cardiff, Newport, Newcastle, etc.. Then to-day I had surly salaams from two old grey-beards. They all go about carrying spears. So far they were all making for Berbera with sheep and camel-loads of goods. The women seem to do all the camel work. They are quite different, generally cheery, shy, and small, and in their youth they appear to be jolly good-looking in their own style. ' Our great trouble has been water. So far, there has only been a little in pools at two places, and that, stagnant. But beggars can't be choosers. Fortunately I have a case

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of soda and one of beer, so the water is only for cooking and washing. " Well, it is nearly dark and very cold. We start at 4 to-morrow morning.—To be continued in our next." 15 January. " We started at 4 a.m., four camel men and myself on little Somali ponies, and my bearer and one ' askari ' (soldier) on riding camels. It was pitch dark, and it made one think at once of ' Ku Klux Klan ' on the warpath. The ponies were all grey, and the men all had blankets over their shoulders, and they wear pagris (turbans) like Punjabi Mussalmans. We all go bumping along in Indian file at a jog-trot about five or six miles an hour, too slow to rise, so one bumps, bumps along. Terrible at first, but one gets accustomed to it. The baggage camels come along slowly behind, and we stop for half-an-hour every two hours to let them catch up. " Going along, one of the men suddenly shouted ' Sahib, Karranu.' I looked where he pointed and saw nothing. Then he said ' Koo-Doo,' and my bearer shouted ' Huran, Sahib,' which means, `Deer, Sahib.' Then I saw them, fine big brutes and two quite fair heads. Of course I did not have my rifle—it was on the camels. " We halted at a place called Delaat, and I had a wash and feed, and then knocked about till 1 o'clock, when we started again. I took my rifle and some ammunition. Presently I saw five brown-grey objects moving, and we came upon wild pig with a big fat boar. Fine brutes, smaller than farm pigs, but powerful and with fair tushes. I would have loved to have a shot, but, of course, all the men were Mussalmans. If they had been Dogras I would have had a go, as Dogras simply love wild pig. " We gradually came to thicker jungle and hills. Suddenly they cried Karranu ' again, and there was a general dismounting. I seized my rifle and loaded, and an askari seized a bayonet and we crept up a rough, rocky knoll. There were two of them, a lovely shot, left side, broad-side on, at 120 yards, and I had a rest for the rifle. Could not miss. I aimed carefully and pulled. Click! and off they went, It was a misfire. However, we followed up and got another shot, kneeling, at 250 yards, also a fine target. Again a misfire. They did not hear, but moved and half turned tail on. I could still just do it and pulled. This time it fired, but I was blown with running up and after two misfires, so that I went over. They were off like flashes. The heads were not so awfully good, but I needed meat after three days' tinned stuff ! Captain Hendrick then deals in his strongest language with the cartridges which had been sent out to him from home, and which had turned out very defective and seldcim

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•

went off. He tells how, after a night spent in a camp in a dry river-bed, where they had to have fires round the camp as there were leopards about, he climbed a considerable distance and stalked another Koo-Doo when on the march next day, and had several more misfires. Eventually he got one by using a service rifle from one of the men. He continues:— " It was a lovely shot, right through the left shoulder and out at the buttock. Much to the annoyance of the askari who was with me, he had not brought a bayonet, and being a Mussalman, he had to ' halaal ' it before it was dead ; that is, cut its throat. Mussalmans won't touch any meat unless it has been 'halaaled.' He screamed and yelled, and eventually one of the others brought a bayonet, but the buck was quite dead. We slung him on a camel and pushed on to the noon camp in a big river-bed. Here he was skinned and cut up, and his head taken for me. There was a large crowd in the ' waddy ' watering flocks. There was no water flowing, but they get water two or three feet down. We offered the carcase to them and the women took it, as they don't count here. None of the men would touch it. " We pushed on again and came to a place, Aw-Barkhadley, where we stayed the night. Again fires all round us, but this time for warmth. It was dreadfully cold. I had two thick blankets and two mats over me. The dew was also very bad. I saw the first real building here since Berbera—a tomb of some local Sheikh or Saint, quite a fine affair, with a dome and small towers." 16 January. very dark and and it was morning, " We left at 4 this cold. The jungle was much thicker, and for most of the way we went up a dry river-bed. We saw less game, but the tracks of a great crowd—big and small—buck, leopards, cheetah, jackal, and various others. There were also swan-ns of wonderful birds of all kinds and colours. This would be a grand place to make salmon flies, with all these gorgeous birds about ! There are no monkeys. I suppose the fact that practically every tree has thorns is to blame. " We arrived here, Haleya, at 9.30 a.m., eight miles from Hargeisa. We are staying here till 1 o'clock, for the heat and for food. It is on the edge of the river-bed, with fairly thick jungle. There are two bungalows, as the Camel Corps sometimes stay here. They are ramshackle branch and mud affairs. " The Somali Troopers are great lads, very cheerful and helpful—that is, the soldiers. The inhabitants are surly. They seem to live on nothing except a few dates and tea. At every halting-place they fall out and have a cup of tea.

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The ponies are similar. A feed at night and what grass and thorn they can get at halts, and a drink every two or three days, and they go on for ever. " My conversations with the men are priceless. A few words of English, Arabic, and Hindustani, with two or three French thrown in. Otherwise I have to tell my bearer in Hindustani and he tells the chokra in Arabic, and he tells the men in Somali." 18 January. " Well, here we are in the "Eart of Hafrica.' We pushed on the last eight miles to Hargeisa at a canter, and suddenly came to a cloud of dust raised by a bunch of mules. Presently we came on a perspiring, swearing sepoy who had taken mules to graze and they had stampeded in the jungle. They turned up all right later. Then we pushed on and came to Hargeisa itself. It is a large village, the first permanent one I have seen in this country, bar Berbera. The camp is about a mile further on—mud huts and tents and a wireless station. My hut is still being built. It is a wonderful concern, made without a nail or piece of string or any manufactured article, just tree trunks, branches, and brush-wood, tied with creepers and covered with mud. Very nice and cool during the day and fairly warm at night. We are inside the edge of the jungle, and the camp is on the edge of a bare plain. The jungle is very thick, there is bush and trees and a sort of cactus. " There is a kind of war on, and we don't know from one minute to another what will happen. Various tribes are fighting and looting each other, and we are simply sitting tight till something develops. It is horribly involved, all sorts of tribes, friendlies and others, being mixed up in it. " There are several whites here—two Camel Corps Officers, two Police Officers, who are also District Commissioner and Assistant, a Doctor, and an R.A.F. fellow up to inspect the Aerodrome here. There is a pony troop of the Camel Corps, some Somali Police, and ourselves. " There is good grouse and small buck shooting right up to the camp. E got a grouse yesterday inside our zareba while he was shaving. There are plenty of moraba around. What exactly they are I don't know, but I fancy they are some sort of hyaena. I have not seen them yet, but I have heard plenty all round at night. The men trap them in pits near their slaughter houses. " We have a topping garden here, with all sorts of vegetables and various fruits. As there is plenty of small game, partridges, doves, red-legged plover, hare, tick tick deer, etc., we have fresh meat all right, apart from goat."

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The Panama Canal and Central America. As mentioned at the close of " A Visit to Venezuela and Colombia" in the last issue of the Magazine, JOHN Ross ESSON (1893-97), who has been engaged in a business trip through the northern part of South America and through the various republics of Central America, sent us a letter from Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone, describing his passage through the Canal. We have now pleasure in publishing this letter :— The Panama Canal. "A very interesting experience is going through the Panama Canal for the first time. I did this the other day on board the Royal Mail S.S. ' Salvador,' going from the Atlantic to the Pacific side. The Canal runs approximately from north-west to south-east, and contrary to the general idea, the Colon end is west of the Panama end. " Passing from Colon, about seven miles along Limon Bay one comes to Gatun, where are the famous locks. In these locks the ship is raised 85 feet to the level of Gatun Lake. This is done in three stages, the lift being about 28 feet in each lock. Electric locomotives tow the ship through the locks, two being forward, one port and one starboard, and two aft, also one on each side of the ship. After crossing Lake Gatun, which is about 160 square miles in area, one goes through the Culebra Cut, which is 300 feet wide and leads to another lock called Pedro Miguel. Here the ship is dropped 30 feet to the level of Miraflores Lake, after crossing which one comes to the Miraflores Locks, two in number, where there is a total drop of 55 feet down to the Pacific level. The locks are arranged in pairs, so that ships can go in both directions at the same time. They are great concrete structures, having massive steel gates, and although they are 1,000 feet long by 110 feet wide, they are emptied and filled with amazing rapidity. It took us about 40 minutes to go through the series of three at Gatun. The Canal is about 50 miles long, and it takes about eight hours to go through. " Colon and Cristobal at one end, and Panama and Balboa at the other end are thoroughly Americanized towns. Colon and Panama are Panamanian, and Cristobal and Balboa are American territory, being situated in the Canal Zone. Fine concrete buildings, pretty villas and bungalows are now to be seen on ground which a very few years ago was an unhealthy swamp. Mosquitoes, which used to abound and carried pestilence and even death in their tracks, are scarcely ever seen, so thorough has been the work of the sanitary authorities who set out to exterminate this plague. " The duality of control here (American and Panamanian) makes the dry law a farce ! Alcoholic liquors are prohibited in Cristobal, but as Colon is on the other side of the street and

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is in Panama Republic, no restrictions are imposed I Exactly the same conditions obtain in Panama and Balboa. If the American dry law were rigidly enforced, it would be interesting to speculate how ships of other nationalities having liquor on board would be treated going through the Canal. About 33 per cent. of the total ships passing through the Canal are British, and if the American coastwise ships are left out of account, about 75 per cent. of the remainder fly the British flag. If America prohibits ships with liquor on board from entering American ports, it is only logical to suppose that she would prohibit them entering the Canal. It can hardly be supposed, however, that America could dictate her will to such an extent in the shipping of the world." Through Central America. A further letter, written from Guatemala City on 9th January, 1923, has been received. It will be noticed that Esson continues to run up against Aberdonians in rather unexpected places :— " Since I wrote you from Panama, I have visited several countries. During the trip I have made use of every known means of transport except submarine, camel, and sailing boat. I found I could get from Colon to Puerto Limon [Costa Rica] by a sailing schooner, and by so doing I saved two days. Although the trip was not made under the ideal conditions that it would have been had I waited for the regular fruit boat, still I reached my destination with further experience of ways of transport. COSTA RICA. " Costa Rica is really the ' gem' of Central America, and San Jose is the gem of Costa Rica. This capital stands about 3,800 feet high, and has a most delightful climate, with an annual variation of only about five degrees in temperature. It possesses a wonderful Opera House, of which the Costa Ricans are justly proud, for the interior decorations, the work of an Italian artist, are of marvellous beauty. The inhabitants are cultured and much more European in their tastes than in other Central American countries. I spent a few very pleasant days on an estate there called ' Rosemount,' owned by an Englishman whose ancestors hailed from Dundee. The two great products of Costa Rica are cultivated on this estate, coffee and bananas. This is the only place I have ever seen where these two products have been cultivated . together on a profitable commercial scale. NICARAGUA. " From San Jose I went to the Pacific port, Puntarenas, where one again encounters tropical heat and very primitive accommodation, and I was very glad to leave there for Corinto [Nicaragua] and have a couple of days of good food

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and clean bedding on board a Pacific Mail Co. liner. These ships, being American, are ' dry,' and the merchants at the little ports on the coast hope they will long continue to be A railway connects Corinto with Managua, the so ! capital of Nicaragua, but what a capital !—undoubtedly the most backward one I have ever been in. There is no street paving and the dust is suffocating. I visited Granada, which is no better than Managua, and in fact the coffee districts in the hills are the only pleasant parts of Nicaragua. The people, however, are extremely kind and hospitable, and their pleasant society goes a long way towards minimizing the inconveniences. SALVADOR. " From Nicaragua I went to La Libertad, a port in Salvador, which is connected with San Salvador by a very good automobile road. This country is the most densely populated and smallest in Central America. I spent Christmas in San Salvador, ' sanguinary ' San Salvador you may call it, for on Christmas Day, during a political manifestation in favour of an aspirant to the Presidency who is not a supporter of the present Government, fire was opened on the crowd by Government troops without warning, and many were killed and more wounded. San Salvador is a fine city, however, having some splendid buildings, mostly earthquakeproof, as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are very frequent in this part of the world. On the railway to Acajutla one passes over a section where thousands of tons of stones, rocks, and lava were thrown during a fairly recent eruption. A scene of greater desolation would be hard to imagine. GUATEMALA. " I proceeded from Acajutla to San Jose de Guatemala, and thence to Guatemala City, where I now am. This is another city of perpetual spring, standing nearly 5,000 feet high. It has been destroyed many times by earthquakes, the last serious one having occurred in 1917. Since coming here I have seen Mr. CHARLES MOIR, a very enthusiastic member of the F.P. Club. Mr. Moir has been in Guatemala for many years, and is a well-known and greatly respected agriculturist here. His speciality is coffee, and as a planter he has been very successful. He was married to a daughter of a former Vice-President of the Republic, who died a few years ago. How Mr. Moir enjoyed talking about Aberdeen and bygone days there ! He hasn't been home for 17 years ! I had the honour of being received by the President, General Jose M. Orellana, who was extremely kind. He is naturally very much interested in everything affecting the development of the country, which, unfortunately, at the present moment is not well off financially. Natural resources are abundant, and if some means of exploiting them could be found, the

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country would be bound to progress. I met another Aberdonian here, or at least he graduated in Aberdeen, Dr. [Neil Percy] Macphail. He is medical superintendent at a hospital belonging to the United Fruit Co. at Quirigua. This hospital is considered the finest one in Central America, and Dr. Macphail is recognized as the foremost authority on tropical diseases in Guatemala. " A visit I paid to Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala, was extremely interesting. This is a very old town, dating back to the time of the Spaniards. There are many ruins of old Spanish churches, which were destroyed by earthquakes. Parts of the original buildings still remain, and wonderful paintings, altars, and images are preserved. It is said there were 100 churches there when, in 1773, it was destroyed. I visited a still older capital, Ciudad Vieja, which lies between two volcanoes, Fuego and Agua. By the eruption of the latter in 1524 this city was also destroyed. One can go by motor car from Guatemala City to Ciudad Vieja, and the scenery all along the route is very fine indeed. This is the country in Central America where nothing is done to-day if by any chance it can be put off till to-morrow, and the result is that business is very difficult and progress very slow."

The Water Supply of Western Queensland. One of the outstanding features of Queensland is the water supply. Since the practicability of tapping the vast supplies of artesian water stored beneath the surface of a large area of Queensland has been demonstrated, a tremendous change has taken place in the western districts of the State. Great tracts of well-grassed country which has but a limited rainfall have, by the aid of artesian bores, been brought into use and stocked with sheep and cattle, giving livelihood to thousands, and bringing the great North-Eastern State to the present important position it holds in the Commonwealth. In the last century a man might take up a tract of country, stock it, improve it, and make his home there. For a few years he might do well—probably make his fortune. A drought would come and all the labour and expense of the few years would be lost. What was once luxuriant pastures became bare and blackened herbage, the creeks dried up, and not a head of sheep or cattle survived. To-day a settler in the back-country is in a much safer position than his predecessor. It is wonderful how stock (especially sheep) will continue to exist on poor, scanty feed, if only good drinkingwater is available. A short account of the source of artesian water may prove interesting.

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The primary source of the water is rain which falls upon the exposed surface of certain beds of porous sandstone, by which it is absorbed and conveyed to lower levels in the direction in which the beds of sandstone dip. In Southern Queensland, for instance, there is a belt of porous sandstone to the north of Roma. The sandstone rocks readily absorb the rain which falls upon them, and are recognized as the intake beds of this portion of the artesian basin. They have a gentle dip to the south, and the water which they absorb is transmitted very slowly in that direction under the Rolling Downs country. The intake beds outcrop along the summit of the Darling Range at a minimum altitude of 1,260 feet, but the altitude of the sites of all the artesian wells fed by these intake beds is considerably less than that figure. If follows, therefore, that any bore to the south of the Darling Range is under a hydraulic pressure or " head " equivalent to the difference between the altitude of the bore site and the altitude of the intake beds (less an allowance due to the resistance which the sand grains offer to the passage of the water). The pressure referred to is the principal cause of the rise of water above the surface. The depletion of the artesian basin has resulted in many cases in the reduction of the " head," and a corresponding falling-off of the yield from the flowing bores. As an illustration of the great benefit accruing from the use of artesian and sub-artesian bores, the following description of a station and its water-supply will help to show how the squatter far back in the west of Queensland is able to " carry on " with as much security as his more fortunate brother in the rainy districts. This may be taken as a general example of a station in the interior. The station comprises a little over 100,000 acres, and carries usually about 35,000 sheep (a sheep to three acres is the recognized carrying capacity of this particular part of the country). Before artesian water was introduced to this " run, the natural supply of water—in the creeks and waterholes—would last on an average year about three or four months, and would have supplied only a third of the run. With such conditions it was wellnigh impossible to stock the country. Now there is abundance of first-rate water in every paddock. The site of the bore is three miles to the north of the homestead. The water is conveyed along the main channel for about 200 yards, at which point the channel branches into two small drains (one foot deep and two feet wide). The water is carried along one of these in an easterly direction through two paddocks to the main creek,* across which it is conducted by means of a system of flumings, thence right along parallel to the creek in a southerly direction to the • The creek runs only in the wet season for about a fortnight.

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south-west boundary. Eight paddocks are watered by this drain, giving drink to about 20,000 sheep, besides horses and cattle. The other drain runs parallel to the creek on its western side, and also reaches the S.W. boundary. Instead of filling up a series of holes, as the first drain does, it waters a large paddock on the neighbouring station. This is the drain which supplies the homestead and shearing shed. Near the latter a branch drain runs down past a windmill and tank, and into the latter water is pumped, and by gravity is supplied to the shed and the accommodation huts. Below the station a " ram " is set, which forces the water 70 feet up to a large receiving tank at the station. This in its turn supplies the house, men's hut, drinking troughs, etc. The only time that trouble is encountered with the " ram " is in the wet weather, when silt, etc., clogs up the inlet pipe. As wet weather, however, is more or less an occasion for rejoicing in these parts, such inconvenience is nothing. The bore in question is in the vicinity of 3,800 feet deep, and has a flow of nearly half-a-million gallons per day. The temperature of the water as it leaves the "head" is 162°F. A bore in this district is 4,000 feet deep, and throws out over 1 I million gallons per day. It is one of the largest and hottest in Queensland, the temperature at the borehead being two degrees under boiling point. An 8,000-acre paddock at the southern end of this run lies in the sub-artesian area. Here between three and four thousand sheep are watered by means of a sub-artesian bore. The casing of the latter goes down about 450 feet, and by means of a windmill, water is pumped into a large earthen tank. From the latter it has an outlet to troughing. In a supply of this kind sheep have generally to be broken in to drink, and for a time the slightly brackish water makes them somewhat suspicious. Ten days to a fortnight is usually sufficient to accustom them thoroughly to the troughs. Occasionally perfectly fresh water is thrown out from a subartesian bore. Sub-artesian bores are, of course, shallow compared with artesian. The daily volume is about 9,000 gallons, and the temperature of the water as it leaves the supply pipe is about 85°F. Artesian bores. are more expensive to put down than sub-artesian, but where possible it is by far the best plan to have a flowing bore. Apart from the watering of stock, bore water is the chief supply which many western towns have for all domestic uses. What were once dry, dusty towns are now—many of them at all events—Garden Cities. Beautiful trees flourish in the streets, and orchards are irrigated with the artesian water. It is also used as power. G. JAMIESON HALL (1915-18).

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Virgil's Dream of Peace. A METRICAL RENDERING OF SOME LINES OF ECLOGUE IV, BY AN OLD Dux OF THE SCHOOL. [Note.—A century of war had brought a longing for peace, and in this Eclogue Virgil gives expression to that longing. " He shared with others," writes Dr. J. N. Farquhar, " the idea that the world was on the verge of the dawning of a new day, a day of renewed justice and peace ; but he had an idea of his own, that of a great personality, a man of high moral character, specially endowed by the gods for his great task as leader and ruler of the new time." Dr. Farquhar regards Virgil's picture as a prophecy of the moral regeneration of mankind under the influence of a divinely prepared leader.] From lofty heaven descends an influence sweet, And offspring new, for new age wholly meet— A god-like child, whose birth will mark the hour When dawns on earth the new benignant power. •

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That hope's fruition years to come shall know, As this dear child to manhood's years shall grow. From childhood onward, blessed of heaven he'll be ; The life of gods he'll share ; their favourite he ! While gods and heroes joined his cause maintain, O'er earth at peace, a worthy son, he'll reign. Meanwhile, dear child, kind earth, in all goodwill, With little gifts, her first, thy lap shall fill. •

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Lo ! E'en thy very cradle thee embowers In one bright canopy of charming flowers. •

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But soon as thou shalt able be to read Of heroes' praises, and of parents' deeds, Yea, soon as valour shall appeal to thee, The face of nature fairer grown we'll see. •

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Yet all our ills shall not at once remove ; Some traces shall remain our faith to prove. We still may need in ships to tempt the deep, Or fend our towns with walls none may o'erleap, Or draw the furrows straight along the soil, That richer harvests may reward our toil. We still may need some Tiphys brave to guide Another Argo o'er the treacherous tide, With chosen heroes for some new emprize, Who'll brave new dangers as they may arise. Yea, other wars shall be : some Troy again Shall call some great Achilles o'er the main. But wars shall be, that war may cease to be, And human ills all end o'er land and sea I

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Hence, when thou'rt come to manhood's strength of years, Thou'lt find the world at peace and gone all fears ; Thou'lt find the golden age is here indeed, And all its signs with bounding joy wilt read. •

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The time's fulfilled, the time foretold of yore, For thee to reign a peaceful world o'er, To reign for aye, the imperial throne upon, Dear offspring of the gods, Jove's mighty son ! Lo, hark the loud acclaims which shake the world, As everywhere thy standard is unfurled ; From lands, from seas, to heaven's deeps profound, The shouts of universal joy resound !

" Magazine " Cover Prize Competition. The suggestion has frequently been made that a new design for the front cover of the Magazine should be obtained, and the Executive of the F.P. Club has authorized the Magazine Committee to announce a Prize Competition and to invite any present or former pupil of the School to submit one or more designs. It is essential that the words "Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine" be a prominent feature. A jury of experts, consisting of Dr. William Kelly, A.R.S.A., Mr. Harry Townend, and Mr. James Cromar Watt, will carefully examine the designs submitted and recommend the one which they consider to be the most meritorious for the final approval of the Magazine Committee. The Prize will be a certificate of Life Membership of the F.P. Club, or, in the event of the successful competitor being already a Life Member, the amount of the subscription for Life Membership, namely £5. 5s. In order that Former Pupils residing abroad may have the opportunity of competing, the last day for sending in designs has been fixed for 31st May, 1923. All designs should be sent in a sealed envelope addressed to Mr. THEODORE WArr, THE ROSEMOUNT PRESS, ABERDEEN, and marked on the outside "A .G.S. Magazine Competition." Inside the sealed envelope should be another, containing the competitor's full name and address. This latter envelope will be opened only after the final award has been made. Unsuccessful designs will be returned if stamps are enclosed to cover the cost of postage. It is intended that the result of the Competition be announced in the June, 1923, issue of the Magazine, and the successful design adopted in the following issue.

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Once again we take up the pen in an endeavour to record the events which are taking place at the School. We hope this effort will be as satisfactory to the critics as was our previous one (?). * * * The Rugby season, although not accompanied by the best of weather, has altogether been a very successful one. On the "free" afternoons many are the stirring struggles to be seen at the Field between the various " Houses." No effort is spared on the part of every boy to bring victory to his " House," and wins have been recorded by only very narrow margins. N. Esslemont, Begg, Wishart, Scrimgeour, Brown, Mackintosh, and B. Esslemont are to be congratulated on being awarded their caps, and Grant, Simpson, and Jolly on gaining their colours. * * * A somewhat weakened School team made the journey to Edinburgh to try to have revenge for last year's defeat at the hands of Edinburgh Academy. Although opposed by a much heavier pack, they offered a stout resistance, but had to admit defeat. While in Edinburgh they had the opportunity of watching the International between Scotland and France. * * * The Library still continues to be well patronized on Mondays and Fridays at 3.50 and on Wednesdays at Interval. A little before Christmas the Library was closed to enable the Librarians to re-arrange and re-number the books. They acknowledge gratefully the presentations of books which have been made, and they express their thanks to all the kind donors. They also wish to thank Mr. A. McBain for the thirty-two books which he presented, and also for the numerous volumes of Punch. * * * We record with great pleasure and satisfaction the return of Mr. Gourlay to his duties at School. We sincerely hope that he has made a complete recovery, and we hope he will henceforth enjoy the best of health. * * * The need for a new School Scout Troop has, of late, been brought to notice by the fact that the two present Troops,

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the 1st and 9th, are full up, and still boys are anxious to join. To overcome this difficulty it was proposed to form a third Troop, and a meeting was held in the School to discuss the proposal. An appeal was made to the senior boys of the School who had not yet become Scouts to act as PatrolLeaders. We understand that this Troop has been formed and is progressing very favourably. * * * The annual School Dance was held in the School Hall on Friday, 2nd February, when there was a record attendance of over one hundred couples. Miss Sinclair, the Secretary, and the Dance Committee had a great deal to do with the success of the function. Under the able hands of Watt Brothers the interior of the School was most tastefully decorated. The buffet, as usual, was largely patronized, and competition was rife as to who would be the "champion" of the buffet. Altogether the evening was a decided success. * * * The Literary and Debating Society has up till now had a series of very successful meetings. The lectures given have been most educative and interesting, and the subjects of debate have been usually well discussed. There are still some who think that debates are only for a select few, and we would hasten to assure these that debates are open to everybody, and would advise them to throw off their shyness and make their presence felt in subsequent debates. As usual, the most interesting meeting was on 26th January, when the Second Annual Debate was held between the Girls' High School "Debater" and our own. The subject was, "Are we dissatisfied with our present system of school life ? " * * * The School Orchestra has been practising for some time now, and ought to be in fine form for the Concert which is to take place in April in connection with the Byron Statue. A large variety of music is played, but the repertoire of the Orchestra consists principally of marches. A piece composed by Mendelssohn was attempted, but the sound that issued from the various instruments was rather weird, to say the least. The blame does not lie with the composer. Special note must be taken of the conscientious work of the Conductor, Mr. Mackenzie Forbes. Thanks are due to him not only for conducting the Orchestra, but also for a number of marches which he has composed. These we shall not attempt to criticize here, but members of the School will be able to judge for themselves when the marches are played in public. We feel sure they will meet with the approval of all. The Orchestra takes this opportunity of appealing for musicstands, and anyone who is in a position to supply one or

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more might hand the stands to the Janitor, who will forward them to the proper quarter. * * * Within the space of a few months a Statue, by Dr. Pittendrigh Macgillivray, R.S.A., of Lord Byron, the most famous of the School's F.P.s, is to be erected in front of the School. As a considerable sum has yet to be raised to defray expenses, the School has decided to hold a Concert and Dramatic Performance on Friday, 20th April, under the direction of Mr. J. Mackenzie Forbes, and a Continuous Concert and Dramatic Entertainment, organized by Mr. A. F. Hyslop, on the afternoon and evening of Saturday, 21st April. Tea (prices of tickets, 1/- and 6d.) will be provided during the Saturday afternoon, and there will also be stalls fox the sale of cakes, sweets, produce, and general goods. We earnestly hope this effort will receive the support of parents and all others connected with the School. *

The School Art Club has again been doing some very fine work. Judging by the sale of the Calendar and SketchBook, the Club has every reason to feel , that its efforts in producing such a book have been highly appreciated. Let us hope that the summer weather will soon be here, so that the Club may be able to start its Saturday outings. *

We close by wishing those unhappy ones who are trying the " Prelims." or "Highers " the very best success and everyone a very enjoyable Easter when it comes.

Random Notes. These "would be" Random Notes, Dear reader, please pass o'er, For now we give the notice due And shout a warning "fore ! " * * * We are greatly surprised to find that Mr. Ford's business has very ancient connections, for we find in our classical researches that "Caesar quickly arrived at Saguntum by the Ford of Hiberus."

Scene.—Touchline during inter-House match. SMALL BOY to elder brother :— "Who can that be, O brother dear, That all seem to avoid ? " r, "Hush ! hush ! my child, 'tis only W Our new and awful anthropoid."

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Heard in the Classrooms :— MASTER.—" What is a ballad ? " BOY.—"A ballad is an ancient poem written in prose." PHYSICS MASTER to class who have just had first lesson on heat.—" Will someone now give me an action of heat with an example ? " SMALL BOY.—" Heat expands and cold contracts." MASTER.—" Yes ? " SMALL BOY.-" In summer the days are long and in winter they become short." MASTER (during lesson on " Solutions ").—" Now, can any boy give me an example of a common solution which I probably use every day ? " (Not very) SMALL BOY.—" Yes, Sir, alcohol and water."

Nil Desperandum. There's a breathless hush on the line to-day, In some there is hope, but in others dismay. A few minutes are left e'er the game will be o'er, And three points remain which the School have to score. At last the ball's out, and it goes like a flash To the line that is waiting for a last desperate dash. • The half is brought down, but he's passed out in time, And thus the ball goes to the end of the line. The winger has got it, he's off like a deer For that thin line of sawdust so far in the rear ; He passes one man and he swerves round a second, A third is left sprawling, but with one he's not reckoned. The back looms in front with a smile on his face— Should he kick o'er his head or trust to his pace ? " I'm backing you up ! " there's a cry at his side : As the back gets his legs, he flings the ball wide. His captain just gets it, and now he's got o'er, From the crowd there arises a glorious roar. And thus did School win with a minute to spare, Which proves that strong hope always conquers despair. ANON.

The School Dance. The Annual School Dance was held on the evening of 2nd February. This form of entertainment seems to be gaining in popularity, and is splendid for promoting social intercourse amongst pupils, past and present. As guests we had the

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Rector and Mrs. Miller, and also a few members of the Secondary Schools Management Committee. There was a large turn-out of lady teachers and F.P.s, but we should have liked to have had more of the masters present. The School was beautifully decorated, and the Library made an enchanting buffet. By 7.30 p.m. the large company had assembled, and within a very short time the Hall was a moving mass of rustling silk and "twinkling feet." The floor was in fine condition, having been well polished by the "hop" the night before. Excellent music was rendered by Mrs. Bush's orchestra, every item being encored and very generously responded to. Messrs. Hyslop and A. Paterson took turn about at the piano during the interval. Mr. Hyslop we have heard before and always appreciated, but we did not know "Patty" was a budding Pachmann. We are sure all enjoyed themselves immensely, and unanimously regarded the function as being the most successful, from every point of view, in the history of the School. D. S. C.

School Football. The past season has been very successful. Considering the handicap of illness and injuries to players and the extremely bad weather, it has been a surprisingly good season. The 1st XV has been defeated only on two occasions, namely, by the 2nd F.P.s and by Edinburgh Academy, and for both of these games the team was much under strength. It is probable that at full strength no defeat would have been recorded. During the 'period mid-November—mid-January, on an average four regular members of the 1st XV were off, and occasionally this number was as high as six. In these circumstances, that the 1st XV did so well was due largely to the number of excellent reserves produced by House XV's. House teams also suffered very much from casualties, but under the care of enthusiastic House Masters they have come on splendidly. Since the return of the 1st XV to full strength several very convincing successes have been recorded, and it is probable that as a whole the team is now the best that has represented the School for many years. The forwards are not up to the standard of last year and the year before, but the back division is very much better. Further, the combined play of the whole team is superior, and it is in this connection that the strength of a school team should lie. Two notable games might be mentioned, namely, the return league matches with 2nd 'Shire and Gordon's College. The former was outstanding on account of the fact that J. Park Weir kicked twelve goals, which must be nearly, if not quite, a record ; and the latter on account of the brilliant display given by the School in the

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first half, when against strenuous opposition they recorded a score of 24 pints. The question is frequently asked, "What effect will the House system have upon the 1st XV ? " It seems evident that the answer to this question is, "A most excellent effect 1 " In our School it is not possible to run more than two School XVs owing to the complete lack of opposing teams with whom to have matches, and even a 2nd XV gets very few matches. The original quality of a 1st XV obviously depends upon that of the 2nd XV of the previous season. Under the House system not only do you have fifteen reserve boys trained for your School team, but a further thirty. (Four. House 1st XVs give 60 players, but 15 of these are already School 1st XV players.) Thus, where formerly a School 2nd XV with a few matches was training 15 players for the coming season, you now have 45 players being fully prepared for the next season. Further, as each House runs a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd XV, this process of training goes back not only one, but three years. Under the old system the 1st XV had a practice game against a side every Wednesday afternoon, but now Tuesday and Thursday afternoons after School are set aside for individual training for the 1st XV, and a practice game is played every alternate Wednesday, an arrangement which is certainly as good as formerly. Under the old system, too, of inter-class games boys of ability in Middle School classes did not come into contact with boys of School 1st XV experience, but now these boys playing in their House 1st XV come under the influence of School 1st XV players and benefit greatly. Without doubt the House system will improve the standard of the School first team, be it in football, cricket, swimming, or tennis. One problem has arisen and must be faced: what is to become of the increased number of players of ability produced by the School ? Soon it will be possible to run at least three good School sides. Where are they to get matches ? The impending development of the School's great rival, Gordon's College, will help but will not solve the problem. Matches have been played this season against Edinburgh Academy and Glenalmond, and it is to an extended programme of such games that we must look for the solution of the difficulty. D. McG. The School is much indebted to Mr. A. McK. Johnston for the gift of four copies of J. M. B. Scott's excellent book on Rugby Football and one copy of P. F. Warner's equally good work on Cricket. Criticism of 1st XV Players. K. R. T. Matthew (1920-23), Captain.—Inside Threequarter until January, 1923, now Stand-Off Half. Weight

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11 st. 8 lbs. A fairly fast runner, with an excellent " dummy," and difficult to tackle. Handling excellent, tackling excellent, kicking good. Requires only a little more pace. J. Middleton (1920-23), Secretary.—Wing Threequarter. Weight 11 st. 54 lbs. A very fast, determined runner, difficult to stop. Handling good, tackling fair, kicking fair. Requires tackling and kicking practice. J. Park Weir (1921-23).—Leader of the Forwards. Weight 11 st. 3 lbs. A very good all-round forward. Quite fast. Handling good, tackling very good, kicking very good, dribbling very good. Must avoid a tendency to too much winging. C. A. G. Savidge (1921-23).—Stand-Off Half until January, 1923, now Inside Threequarter. Weight 9 st. 1 lb. A fast, reliable player. Handling very good, tackling good, kicking very good. Requires to cultivate a " cut through." N. Esslemont (1922-23).—Wing Threequarter. Weight 10 st. 2 lbs. A fast, strong, determined runner. Handling good, tackling good, kicking fair. Kicking practice required. N. D. Begg (1922-23).—Forward. Weight 10 st. 9 lbs. A very good and promising forward. Fast. Handling excellent, tackling very good, kicking good, dribbling good. J. C. Wishart (1922-23).—Forward. Weight 11 st. 4 lbs. A very good, hard-working forward. Fast. Handling good, tackling good, kicking good, dribbling very good. J. A. Davidson (1922-23).—Forward. Weight 10 st. 34 lbs. A good all-round forward. Quite fast. Handling good, tackling good, kicking fair. Lacks weight but makes up in dash. R. C. Scrimgeour (1921-23).—Scrum Half. Weight 9 st. 24 lbs. A much-improved performer. Fast. Handling very good, tackling good, kicking fair. Needs to cultivate a " dummy " and hard touch-kicking. H. E. J. Brown (1921-23).—Forward. Weight 13 st. 1 lb. A very conscientious, hard-working forward. Handling fair, tackling very good, kicking fair, dribbling good. Rather slow but compensates with weight and strength. A. D. Mackintosh (1922-23).—Full Back. Weight 10 st. 7 lbs. Has developed wonderfully into a very good performer. Handling excellent, tackling very good, kicking good. Only weakness is lack of pace. J. B. Esslemont (1922-23).—Inside Threequarter. Weight 9 st. 7 lbs. A fast, determined, elusive runner. Extremely fit. Handling very good, tackling excellent, kicking very good. The most promising player in the team and the best Junior Inside Threequarter seen in Aberdeen for years past. With normal physical development and experience should become a notable player. D. S. Cochran (1922-23).—Inside Threequarter. Weight 10 st. 7 lbs. A fairly fast, reliable player. Handling very

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good, tackling very good, kicking good. Will probably develop into a very fine forward. D. M. Wood (1922-23).—Forward. Weight 10 st. 10 lbs. A good hard-working forward. Handling good, tackling good, kicking fair, dribbling good. Rather slow, and at present lacking compensatory weight. N. Jolly (1922-23).—Forward. Weight 10 st. 9 lbs. A very good, promising forward, only lacking in experience. Handling good, tackling—has just acquired proper method, kicking very good, dribbling good. J. Grant (1922-23).—Forward. Weight 10 st. 10i lbs. A greatly improved player. Fast. Handling fair, tackling good, kicking fair, dribbling good. A very strong, fit forward of possibilities. W. T. Simpson (1922-23).—Forward. Weight 11 st. 34 lbs. A strong, conscientious player. Handling fair, tackling good, kicking fair, dribbling fair. Strong, heavy, and fit, a very useful forward in the " tight." D. McG.

1st XV Matches. 11th November, 1922.—School played 2nd F.P.s in a League game. It was a very fast game, and the School played against a heavier and faster team. The forwards played a good, hard game, but were outclassed in the loose. There were several good rushes, however, in which Weir, Brown, and Wishart were conspicuous. The " threes " were defending for the greater part of the time and very seldom managed to get away owing to the quickness of the opposing forwards. Best for School—Weir, Davidson, Savidge, and Esslemont. Score : 2nd F.P.s, II points ; School, nil. 18th November.—A League game against 2nd 'Shire. School played a very poor game. The forwards did not combine well and there was a lack of dash in both the forwards and the " threes." School started well by scoring twice, once by means of a forward rush, and the other time by a " three " run, which ended in Cruickshank scoring. The forwards did not heel well, and the passing of the " threes " was very erratic. Scrimgeour scored a good try in the first half by cutting in and swerving past several opponents. School improved in the later stages of the game and tries were scored by Esslemont (2) and Cruickshank. Best for School—Scrimgeour, Esslemont, Wishart, Grant. Score : School, 22 points ; 2nd 'Shire, 13 points. 25th November.—Played Gordon's College in a League game. School again showed very poor form. The College pressed hard for the first ten minutes, but a good kick by McIntosh relieved the situation. College scored first by a forward rush, after which School began to press and Weir scored far out. School led by 5 points to 3 at half time. In the second half N. Esslemont had some good runs but did not manage to score. Gordon's again scored, the try being converted. Towards the end School combined better, and at length Savidge cut in smartly and passed to B. Esslemont who scored. The try was converted. McIntosh played a very fine game at back. The best forwards were Brown, Wishart, and Davidson. Score : School, 10 points ; Gordon's College, 8 points. 9th December.—School v. 2nd F.P.s (Friendly).—The School play showed a big improvement on their last two matches. The forwards packed well and the backing up was very much better. In the loose Begg and Weir were prominent, and the hardest workers in the tight were Wishart and Davidson. For a while the play was in mid-field, and the first score was secured by Esslemont after a very fine run from the half-way line. The ball was very slippery, but nevertheless the passing and handlitig of the " threes " were good. Savidge took the ball on the run nearly every time, and had a fine individual score. During the second half B. Esslemont scored far out after a good passing movement. Cochran cut in well and was the only man who made use of the " dummy." Best for School—Savidge, Scrimgeour, Esslemont, Weir, Begg. Score : School, 19 points ; 2nd F.P.s, 3 points.

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13th January, 1923.—Played 2nd Gordonians in a League game. School were unfortunate in having five 1st XV players not playing. The ground was very wet and the ball almost impossible to handle. The School forwards played a hard game against a heavy pack and managed to heel well. 2nd Gordonians scored first by a forward rush. During the second half Matthew scored the first try for School. A second try was secured by B. Esslemont, who kicked ahead and touched down before the opposing back could field the ball. School played a fair game, but did not play the " kick and rush " game to full advantage. Best for School—Begg, Bain, Grant, B. Esslemont, and Scrimgeour. Score : School, 8 points ; 2nd Gordonians, 8 points. 20th January.—Played Edinburgh Academy at Edinburgh. School played four reserves. In the first half the forwards could not hold their heavier opponents, and the backs were continually on the defensive. The tackling was quite good. B. Esslemont played well, but N. Esslemont's tackling was faulty. In the second half the forwards managed to get the ball in the scrum a few times, but could not wheel and break satisfactorily. There were some good forward rushes led by Davidson, Weir, and Grant. The Academy " threes " had possession of the ball most of the time, and their attacks were not always stopped successfully. Best for School—Mackintosh, Davidson, Grant, and N. Esslemont. Score : Edinburgh Academy, 12 points ; School, nil. 3rd February.—School v. 2nd 'Shire (League). The whole team played well and the pace was fast. The School forwards combined well and had some good passing movements. The School "threes" were attacking nearly the whole time and good tries were scored by B. and N. Esslemont. The best try of the game was scored by B. Esslemont, who, after cutting in, passed to the wing, and then running outside the wing man, received the ball and scored far out. Other tries were scored by the forwards, among whom Davidson, Brown, and Weir were prominent. Weir's converting was very fine. He kicked twelve goals. Best for School—Weir, Begg, B. Esslemont. Score : School, 67 points ; 2nd 'Shire, 0 points. 14th February.—School v. 2nd 'Varsity (League). At King's College. The School played against a heavier scrum and the heeling was only fair. Wishart, Grant, and Brown worked exceedingly hard, and by quick rushes, time and again tackled the opposing back before he had time to kick. The ball was slippery, but the handling of the whole team was good. Scrimgeour and Matthew, the halves, had a better understanding between them than formerly. B. Esslemont was inclined to run across the field and crowd his wing. Tries were scored by N. Esslemont, Middleton, Cruickshank, and Davidson. Best for School—B. Esslemont, Brown, Davidson, Scrimgeour, and Wishart. Score : School, 22 points ; 2nd 'Varsity, 0 points. 24th February.—School v. Gordon's College (League). The School pressed most of the time but were confined to their own territory several times by good touch kicking from the opposing back. Among the forwards Wishart and Grant were conspicuous in the loose. All the forwards played well and had several good rushes. The passing of the " threes " was faulty sometimes, and tries were missed through this. Middleton took some high passes very well, but must make sure that the ball reaches his own forwards if he is throwing it from the line-out. Mackintosh fielded well and played a sound, safe game at back. Best for School—Wishart, B. Esslemont, Middleton, and Grant. Score : School, 33 points ; Gordon's College, 6 points. 10th March.—Glenalmond were the visitors on this date, and in spite of the severe handicap imposed by the state of the ground, a hard and interesting game was played. From the spectators' point of view it was one of the best games of the season, as the unexpected was frequently happening. The School pack worked very hard, and held their own both in the open and in the scrum, but they were completely mastered in the art of heeling. All local forwards should study this branch of the game, a branch in which we are conspicuously inferior to South teams. The Glenalmond stand-off was a star, but his movements were spoiled by too much orthodoxy and by B. Esslemont, the result being that Glenahnond's right outside three was neglected. The School outside left also got no opening. The School handling was far from good, and the absence of Matthew was felt. N. Esslemont's speed was a deciding factor in the game, but all worked in a whole-hearted manner, N. Begg being most conspicuous among the forwards, while Scrimgeour played one of his best games. Score : School, 14 points ; Glenalmond College, 6 points. Both teams were hospitably entertained to tea in the Palace Hotel by Mr. A. T. Cruickshank, advocate, his action being greatly appreciated by all.

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School Literary and Debating Society. 20th October, 1922.—On this date the Rt. Rev. Bishop F. L. Deane delivered a lecture to the Society entitled, " A Thousand Years Ago." Mr. Henry introduced the lecturer, who then proceeded to give a very interesting account of the customs of the ancient Norsemen. A Hat Night was afterwards held, in which the chief speakers were Messrs. Middleton, Weir, and Macrae. 27th October.—This evening Mr. Cormack delivered a lecture to the Society on " Roadways, Railways, and Waterways North of Aberdeen." Many very interesting photographs were shown of the Old North Road, the Canal, and the Railway. After the lecture Mr. Georgeson proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Cormack and a similar compliment was paid to Mr. Kennedy, who worked the lantern. 3rd November.—A lecture on " A Master of Spanish Satire " was delivered to the Society by Mr. C. Davidson. Mr. Georgeson introduced the lecturer to a large audience. In the course of the lecture Mr. Davidson read a few satires which appear in Spanish literature. His " Master of Spanish Satire," however, was not a Spanish author, but Shakespeare. At the close of the lecture Mr. Georgeson proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Davidson. A business meeting was afterwards held in order to nominate candidates for the Municipal Election. 10th November.—The Municipal Election was held. Mr. Macrae, the Bolshevik candidate, opened for Rubislaw Ward, and was opposed by Mr. Wood, the Die-hard candidate. After a severe heckling the vote was taken, and it was found that Mr. Wood had gained the seat. For Ruthrieston Ward Mr. Anderson, the Bolshevik candidate, opened and very ably upheld his cause. He was followed by Mr. Bothwell, the Die-hard candidate, who gave an equally good address. After the heckling the vote showed that the Die-hard candidate had again won. 17th November.—On this evening a debate was held, the subject being, " Is Professionalism Spoiling Sport ? " Mr. Georgeson, for the affirmative, delivered a very able paper. He was opposed by Mr. Esslemont, who delivered an excellent address, full of sound argument. The debate was afterwards thrown open and the question was thoroughly discussed. On the vote being taken, it was found that Mr. Esslemont had won by a majority of three votes. 24th November.—On this date Mr. Murison delivered a lecture to the Society on " Traditional Ballads of Scotland." Mr. Georgeson introduced the lecturer, who then gave a detailed account of how the ballad had originated. Mrs. Murison and Mr. Mackenzie Forbes illustrated the lecture by singing a few well-known ballads. Mrs. Mackenzie Forbes played the accompaniments. At the close of the lecture Mr. Georgeson proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer and his assistants, and Mr. Murison made a suitable reply. 1st December.—A debate was held on, " Is the Civilized Man happier than the Barbarian ? " Mr. Wood spoke for the affirmative, and in a very convincing paper illustrated the many comforts and luxuries that civilization had provided for us. Mr. Barclay, for the negative, very ably upheld his point of view. After a long discussion a vote was taken, which showed that Mr. Barclay had won by four votes. 8th December.—On this evening Dr. Middleton gave a lecture to the Society on " A Visit to the United States," in which he gave a full account of his voyage, his tour, and his return voyage. The Magazine Night was afterwards held, but the criticisms were very trivial. 15th December.—Mr. MacAndrew delivered a lecture to the Society on " A Spanish Bullfight." Mr. Georgeson introduced the lecturer to a large audience. Mr. MacAndrew gave a very interesting account of the fight from beginning to end and showed a few very fine pictures. After the lecture the subject was thrown open to debate under the title of, " Is the Bullfight a Worthy Spectacle ? " The subject was thoroughly discussed, and when a vote was taken it was found that the negative had won by a majority of four votes. Votes of thanks were then proposed to Mr. MacAndrew and to Mr. Johnstone, who worked the lantern. 22nd December.—The Annual Sing-Song was held on this date, Mr. Georgeson presiding over a large audience. Choruses were sung by the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth classes, and were ably accompanied by Messrs. Anderson and Aitken. At 8.30 the meeting broke up, and the serenading of the masters was afterwards carried out. 12th January, 1923.—This evening Professor George P. Thomson delivered a lecture to the Society on " Aeroplanes and how they fly." The lecturer showed a few very interesting slides, and explained minutely how to start, elevate, and land the machine. After a very interestinglecture Mr. Georgeson proposed a vote of thanks to Professor Thomson, and this was heartily responded to.

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19th January.—Professor Pittendrigh gave a lecture to the Society on, " Travel in India." The Rector introduced the lecturer, emphasizing the fact that he was not only a former dux of the School, but at the same time connected with it in many other ways. The lecturer enthralled his hearers with descriptions of India, aided by a large number of excellent lantern slides. On the call of Mr. Georgeson, votes of thanks were given to the lecturer and to Mr. Kennedy. 26th January.—The Society held their second annual joint debate with the Girls' High School Literary and Debating Society. The subject was, " Are We Dissatisfied With Our Present System of School Life ? " Miss Soutar led for the affirmative, and in the course of a most able paper, she suggested several improvements. Mr. Georgeson followed for the negative, emphasizing the fact that Scotland was the foremost country and its educational system the best. Mr. Anderson seconded Miss Soutar, and Miss Patterson seconded Mr. Georgeson. When the vote was taken the affirmative G. L. CRUICKSHANK, won by fifty-three votes to twenty-one. Secretary.

School Philatelic Society. The work of the School Philatelic Society cannot be better described than by the comment on it in the Aberdeen Press and Journal for 15th February, which says :—" Philately in Aberdeen is greatly helped by the Grammar School Philatelic Society." Although only newly started, the Society is responsible for a great revival of the School's interest in the hobby. Before the commencement of the Society, the collecting of the School was hap— hazard, and was wasted. The Society is busily engaged forming a Philatelic Library. An Exchange Section has been formed with much success, and a permanent collection is being considered. One of the members has started a philatelic journal, which is not only the first journal for philatelists in the north of Scotland, but also the only philatelic periodical in Scotland. The opening meeting of the Society was held in Room 9 on Tuesday evening, 5th December, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. C. Knox, the President. Mr. W. Edmund Bell, advocate, gave an instructive paper on the " Fascination of Stamp Collecting." Mr. John Fraser, of the Aberdeen Philatelic Society, gave a splendid display of stamps. The second meeting was held in Room 4 on Tuesday afternoon, 12th December, under the presidentship of Mr. J. C. Knox. Mr. John Anderson, Hon. Secretary of the Aberdeen Philatelic Society, gave a most fascinating paper on " Philately : Past and Present," demonstrating the various stages of the hobby, from its inception in the 'forties as a mere " stamp-collecting mania," down to the present day as a scientific hobby. Mr. Anderson then exhibited a remarkably fine collection of early British stamps. The third meeting of the Society was held on Tuesday evening, 11th January, in the Grammar School Hall, Mr. J. C. Knox presiding. Dr. Howie delivered a most interesting paper on the " Romance of Postage Stamps," which was illustrated by lantern slides. In subsequent meetings, short, interesting papers were read by members.

Scout Notes. Much the most important event in Scouting in the School since the publication of the last number of the Magazine has been the formation of another School Troop. Reference has been not infrequently made in these notes of late to the ever-growing enthusiasm for Scouting manifest in the steady increase in numbers of the two existing Troops. Consequently, it was deemed advisable to try the experiment of forming a new Troop before the 1st and 9th had reached the limit of possible expansion ; so a meeting was held shortly after the Christmas Holidays, all boys anxious to join a new Troop being invited to attend. The meeting amply proved that there was room for another Troop in the School ; for those present were for the most part comparatively senior boys. After the Rector had explained why the meeting had been called, almost all those who were not already members of a Troop handed in their names as probable recruits. Since then, a second meeting has been held, at which a class was chosen by the boys themselves to form the nucleus of the Troop. This class, it may be remarked, consists of stalwarts that would arouse covetous feelings in the breast of a Guards' recruiting sergeant, and includes a member of the School XV. It will not be possible to extend the activities of the Troop beyond this class until after the Easter Holidays. But already there is talk of an inaugural camp on the May Holiday

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week-end, so that there will be no delay in achieving the full formation of the Troop, which is to be known as the 17th. It has, by the way, rather gracefully acknowledged its parentage by choosing as its colours a combination of green and grey, the respective colours of the 1st and 9th. A new Troop naturally depends for its success on its Scoutmaster (the lately adopted official appellation of " Scouter " is an abomination, and it is to be hoped that Imperial Headquarters will, in the interests of euphony and dignity, revert to the older term). Certainly, if the new Troop did not succeed, it would not be the fault of its chief, who adds enthusiasm and experience to a natural aptitude for the position he has been offered. Mackworth Rose has a long record of faithful service in the 9th Troop, in which he passed through all grades from Scout to Assistant Scoutmaster. Most unselfishly, he has left his own Troop to take over the heavy responsibility of a new unit. He has the best wishes of every friend of Scouting in the School, and the confidence of all that know him. The 9th Troop Continuous Concert at the beginning of December exceeded the expectations of many comparatively sanguine people. To raise over £100 in these times is no mean feat, and represents much very hard work on the part of the parents and the officers. Each School Scout entertainment seems, in organization, to be an advance on its predecessors, and though the 9th had new difficulties to face on account of the rule confining the use of the Hall to the Concert (the tea and stalls being in other parts of the building), it managed to surmount these admirably. Not that one grumbles at the rule : at last, it was a pleasure for singers to sing and for the audience to listen, without the constant accompaniment of the clattering of tea-cups. Quite the most outstanding item in the programme was the play that concluded the evening. " The Ghost of Jerry Bundler " was not as simple to act as the farces that have hitherto been chosen ; but the tense hush of the audience showed that the Troop had not over-estimated its abilities. Credit was particularly due to A.S.M. Grafton, who had the most difficult part to take, but every member of the cast played convincingly. In one very important respect the Troop owes a debt of gratitude to an old friend, Mr. Norrie, the Western District Commissioner. A play which depends so much on atmosphere for its effect needs unusually skilful lighting. Nobody who saw the performance is likely to forget the weirdly beautiful interior scene that Mr. Norrie arranged, with the red glow of the firelight on the faces of the actors, and the moonlight streaming through the window. To Mr. Norrie and his fidus A chutes, Mr. Reiman Wilson, the thanks of the Troop are due for the time they so ungrudgingly spent in consolidating the success of the performance. Incidental music by that enthusiastic body of musicians, the Scout Orchestra, under A.S.M. Shewan, was also of great assistance. Not very long after the Concert the 9th Troop was forced to draw on the sum realised, as it was found that the foundations of the Troop Headquarters were sinking to such an extent that the whole framework was in danger. It is, apparently, one of the serious disadvantages of a wooden building that it requires constant repair. The ideal arrangement, of course, would be a permanent structure in which the Troops could be accommodated ; but that, in the existing scarcity of housing and the enormous expense of building, is an ideal not likely to be realized. But the present alternative of huts is, in its own way, a constant drain on Troop funds. Shortly after Christmas that uncertain periodical, the Ninth Troop Magazine, issued another number, in which the activities of the Troop were fully reported. The new editor would seem to have a penchant for the poetical art, for the number contains two series of verses. Meantime, the 1st Troop continues to flourish. The boot-repairing class alluded to in the last Magazine is going from strength to strength, and seems to be receiving as many orders as it can undertake. Every alternate Saturday evening the Troop entertains itself out of its own resources, which include a conjurer, specialists in second-sight, a violinist, a lassooist, and one of the most enthusiastic audiences obtainable. Occasionally, the programme is varied by a debate, a story-telling competition, and even choral efforts by the whole Troop led by the Scoutmaster. Needless to say, the average attendance is very high, and little wonder, for it would be difficult to imagine a more enjoyable evening. Both the 1st and the 9th Troops have promised to contribute to the programme at the Continuous Concert in aid of the Byron Statue Fund on the 21st April, the 1st giving an eightsome reel, and the 9th a revised version of their Camp Fire. Since the last issue of the Magazine the 9th Troop has promoted another Patrol Leader, W. A. Nelson. The P.L.s of the new Troop are H. E. J. Brown, W. W. Hill, and G. R. Symmers.

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The Former Pupils' Club. FOUNDED 1893.

(Presibent: JOHN FARQUHAR CHRISTIE, M.A., M.B.

WiceoPresibent and (Mittman of EIecutine: WILLIAM GORDON CRAIGEN, M.A., LL.B. Secretarp ant' Creasurer: THEODORE WATT, M.A., The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen. Secretaries of Sections: London Section--T. J. WILSON, C.A., 59/60 Old Bailey, E.C. 4. [This Section comprises, without additional subscription, all Members of the Club resident m London, and within a radius of 50 miles.) Rugby Football Section—DONALD S. STEWART, View

House, View Terrace, Aberdeen. Hockey Section—NORMAN S. RosE, 16 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen. Cricket Section—ALEXANDER J. ALLAN, 54 Whitehall Road, Aberdeen. Tennis Section—W. B. S. PIGGE, 49 Gray Street, Aberdeen. Motor Section—HERBERT J. EDWARDS, 54 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. Rates of Subscription for Membership: £5 5 0 . . . . . Life Membership . Ordinary Membership— For those under 21 years of age at commence. 0 2 6 ment of Club year (16th April) . For those of 21 years of age and upwards . 0 5 0 Club Colours. The Club Colours are Magenta and Dark Green, which may be had in the form of ties, scarves, etc.

Visitors' Register. Members visiting Aberdeen are requested to enter their names and addresses in the Visitors' Register, which is kept at the office of the Aberdeen Press and Journal, 30 UNION STREET.

F.P. Athletic Association. The objects of the Association are to assist and co-ordinate the working of the various Athletic Sections of the Club, and to extend the athletic activities of the Club. The annual subscription is three shillings, except in the case of members of any of the affiliated Sections. Their annual subscription is one shilling and sixpence.

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The Monthly Luncheons—Change of Day.

For the past eighteen months Club Luncheons have been held regularly on the first Wednesday of each month. The number of those attending has varied considerably and has naturally been largest when it was announced that there was to be a speaker. The Rector of the School has spoken twice recently, and, by so doing, has kept those who heard him in touch with what is going on at the School, and has outlined movements and developments that are looming ahead. In order to meet the convenience of Country Members, the Executive of the Club has decided to alter the day of the Monthly Luncheon to the FIRST FRIDAY of each month, and the hour to 1 P.M. The Luncheons will continue to be held in Room 18 of the Palace Hotel. Lord Alness to be Entertained. In the month of May the ordinary Monthly Luncheon will not be held, but its place will be taken by a Special Luncheon on TUESDAY, 8TH MAY, when the Right Hon. Lord Alness, The Lord Justice Clerk of Scotland, will be the guest of the Club, on the occasion of his coming to Aberdeen to unveil the War Memorial erected by the Education Authority in the Grammar School Hall. Special intimation of this Luncheon will be made to Members of the Club resident in Aberdeen and the suburbs.

The London Section. Informal dinners were held in the Dickens Room at Can's Restaurant, The Strand, on Tuesday, 12th December, when Mr. Howard A. Gray, M.A., read a paper on "The Other Carlyle" ; Wednesday, 31st January, when Mr. William Willox, M.A., delivered a lecture (illustrated by lantern slides) entitled " 2,000 miles up the Amazon and Tributaries" ; and Thursday, 1st March, when Mr. G. Topham Forrest, F.R.I.B.A., also delivered an illustrated lecture, entitled " Frozen Music," which had reference to the work of Sir Christopher Wren. At these three meetings of the Section Lord Meston was in the Chair, and the lectures were greatly appreciated and gave rise to considerable discussion. The Annual• Dinner, to which ladies may be invited, is to be held in the Hotel Cecil on Wednesday, 25th April. In view of the near approach of the unveiling of the. Byron Statue in front of the School, it has been arranged that this gathering will take the form of a "Byron Night," and that a number of distinguished guests appropriate to the occasion will be invited. The arrangements for the Dinner are in the hands of Mr. G. Topham Forrest, New County Hall, S.E.1, who will be pleased to answer any enquiries. It has been decided to postpone the Annual General Meeting of the Section until the Autumn.

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Club Consuls. Since the last Magazine was published a considerable number of additional Consuls have been appointed, and their names appear, marked with a dagger (f), in the "Full List of Consuls already appointed" which appears below. All these Consuls have expressed strong approval of the scheme, and have entered on their duties with enthusiasm. DOUGLAS G. BISSET (Orange Free State) writes :—" It is a very good idea, and should be a great help to boys going overseas. Though I have not come across an F.P. for years, one never knows when one may turn up." Dr. JAMES MoIR (Transvaal) will be specially welcome as a Consul, being the son of a former Rector of the School. A. M. BISSET (Southern Rhodesia) says that he will be only too pleased to give what information he can regarding conditions in his part of the world, when asked to do so. " In Southern Rhodesia I have not met a great number of Old Boys, although one does meet them occasionally, and from the latest arrivals one is always sure of getting heaps of interesting news. I feel sure the Consul scheme will be as successful as everything else the F.P. Club has tackled." ALEXANDER M. WILLIAMSON (United Provinces, India) writes :-" I am more than likely to be permanently in the United Provinces, and it will be at all times a great pleasure and honour to do what I can for the School, or for anyone connected with it." JOHN F. FRASER (Travancore) writes :-" I shall gladly do all I can to help former pupils of my old School. I have been nearly fourteen years in this district, and got to know other men in the different districts of this State, both in Tea and Rubber, and in most of the mercantile firms on the West Coast with whom I have done business, so I hope to be of some use in the future." D. GRAEME ROBERTSON (F.M.S., Selangor) says he will be very pleased to give any F.P. any information he may require, and will be delighted to see any newcomers to the F.M.S., and do what he can for them. JOHN R. DANSON (Penang) expects to be home this spring, and to be coached in his new duties. ALEXANDER S. CArro (Java) writes :—" It gives me unbounded pleasure to accept the Executive's invitation to act as Club Consul for Java, even though I be, or at anyrate believe myself to be, the only F.P. in the ' Garden of the East.' . . . As I am slightly off the `beaten track,' being 70 miles from Batavia, I was rather diffident about being able to help. However, as I am frequently in Batavia, and am always to be had on the 'phone, probably the drawback is not so real as I had imagined. I have, so far, only run up against one F.P. in the course of the last eleven years, and that was nine years ago when Padre Logie Danson (as he then was) visited Java for a short time. The future, however, may bring a change in this respect, when I shall

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be only too happy and ready to ' sponsor ' any F.P. to the best of my ability—even to initiating him to the mysteries of a Dutch 'Ryst-tafel' (rice table). I shall also be glad to furnish any intending newcomer with all the information at my disposal which he may require." Louis WILSON (Island of Hawaii) writes from Hilo :— For me to be appointed a " Consul " for Hawaii—by which I expect

you mean the Hawaiian Islands—would be on a par with a man living at, say, Buckie, applying to a foreign government to be made its Consul-General for Scotland. There is a good deal of confusion in the minds of those who are not personally acquainted with the islands, for which there is plenty of excuse. There are the Hawaiian Islands, and there is the Island of Hawaii ; and the latter, although the largest, is by no means the most important of the group, and the capital, Honolulu, is not on it but on another called Oahu. The whole group of islands is often spoken of casually as " Hawaii," and one at a distance naturally thinks of Honolulu, Hawaii. It would have been 'far better had the United States retained the name for the group given it by Captain Cook—the Sandwich Islands—but for some reason the name was altered. Now, for a Consul to be of the slightest use for this part of the world he must be located at Honolulu, which is the port of call for all steamers to and from the outside world. Passengers to the other islands have to tranship there to the small inter-island boats which make weekly, and, in the case of Hilo, bi-weekly trips. Hilo, a small town about the size of Peterhead —population about 90 per cent. orientals—is a fifteen hours' steamer journey from Honolulu, and has no direct line of boats to the States. The only thing I can suggest is that, faute de mieux, I be appointed temporarily until a bettersituated man can be found, but to avoid misunderstandings my title should be either " Consul for Hilo " or " Consul for the Island of Hawaii," and not simply for Hawaii or for the Hawaiian Islands. During the thirteen or fourteen years I have been in this part of the world I have only met two former pupils, Green and Hutcheon. There may be others I have not heard of, but do not think there can be many. As to those on the other islands I know nothing.

KENNETH REID (Tobago) says that, as he is the only F.P. in the Island, he will accept office. He is not on the beaten track of tourists or travellers generally, but if he can help any of the F.P.s he will be very glad to do so. "In common with the rest of the world, the West Indies are going through a very critical time of financial depression. Markets are bad, and we are hoping for an early settlement of the various European questions which affect even this little outpost. . . I must congratulate the editors on the Magazine—it is absolutely Al, and goes the round of my neighbours here, who run a Magazine Club. I had a Winchester boy for a night last week, and quoted Mr. W. Keith Leask on the antiquity of the two Schools ! The 'House' and 'Prefect' ideas are fine. I expect an official Boarding House for Colonial boys will be the next move." CHARLES G. Coox, who returned to Mexico last Autumn, says that as far as he can see in the short time he has been back, things are not too bright, "but then, you see, we are all cheery optimists on this side of the world." CHARLES H. MoIR (Guatemala) in the course of a letter written on 12th January says : "I was very pleased to see in the Magazine a list of members of the F.P. Club resident abroad, and in connection with this innovation I would suggest (if space permits) that this section should be made

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permanent in the future, as it is, and would be, very valuable to any F.P. who might be travelling abroad to know where other members are living. It would also afford an excellent means of communication, and I might mention that recently I had the pleasure of receiving a note from an F.P. in the Federated Malay States who stated that he got my address from the list published in the Magazine. I ought also to state that I was delighted to receive here a visit from Mr. John Ross Esson, who contributed most interesting notes of his tour in Venezuela and Colombia to the November Magazine. Needless to say, it was a great pleasure to meet Esson, and, of course, we talked Grammar School and Aiberdeen awa' galore. . . Although I do not imagine there is another F.P. in Guatemala, if you think it advisable to appoint a Consul here, I am entirely at your disposal. In any case, if an F.P. should turn up, I would be most happy to show him round and try to make his stay a pleasant one ; and further, would be glad to answer any inquiries from anyone who might desire information about this particular country." In connection with the foregoing letter it may be mentioned that Charles C. K. Anderson (1900- 05), P.O. Banket, S. Rhodesia, writes that he, too, got a letter from some F.P. in the Malay States, "but his writing was illegible—could not make out what was wanted. You might try to get at him through the Mag." Perhaps the F.Y. referred to will employ the services of a typist, or at anyrate of a typewriter, the next time he wants any information ! The first Consul to be appointed in Australia is THOMAS G. WATSON, who is the representative for Victoria. He says that he will be delighted to render assistance to any F.P. who may be contemplating seeking a fortune in the Commonwealth. " Provided a man is prepared to turn his hand, at first, to whatever crops up, there is no doubt of his making a success out here." Full List of Consuls already appointed. t Australia (Victoria) :—THOMAS G. WATSON (1896-99), Box

26, Stock Exchange, Melbourne.

Borneo :—Rt. Rev. E. D. LOGIE DANSON (1892-94), D.D.,

Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak, Bishop's House, Kucking, Sarawak, via Singapore. Canada (Nova Scotia) :—GEORGE MACKENZIE WOOD (1880-82), go Messrs. Joseph Wood & Co., Central Wharf, Halifax. Canada (New Brunswick) :—WILLIAM MENZIES KESSON (1893-98), North Devon. Canada (Ontario) :—ROBERT FLEMING (1891-98), C.E., go Messrs. Wood, Fleming & co„ Royal Bar* Buildings,. Toronto. '

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Canada (Alberta) :—JOHN CHARLES MURRAY LIGERTWOOD

(1903-06), C.A., c/o Messrs. Marwick, Mitchell & Co., 27 Canada Life Building, Calgary. f Central America (Guatemala) :—CHARLES H. MoIR (18731876), 6a Avenida Norte Prolongaci0n No. 1, Guatemala, via New Orleans and Puerto Barrios. Ceylon I—DAVID Sam (1886-94), go Messrs. Lewis Brown and Co., Colombo. t China (Shanghai) :—GEORGE ALSTON BUYERS (1906-08), C.A., New Engineering & Shipbuilding Works, Ltd., 37 Yangtszepoo Road, Shanghai. f Federated Malay States (Selangor) :—DAVID GRAEME ' ROBERTSON (1900-09), 1 Robertson Road, Kuala Lumpur. f Federated Malay States (Negri Sembilan) :—DONALD TRENCH SKEEN (1895-99), M.B., Seremban. [Coming home in April for remainder of year.] Gold Coast Colony :—WILLIAM MILLER (1894-?), Assistant Colonial Secretary for Harbours and Railways, The Secretariat, Accra. Hongkong :—JOHN CAMERON TAYLOR (1904-06), c/o Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd., Hongkong. [At present at home : returns to Hongkong in June, 1923.] t India (Bombay) :—ROBERT ROBERTSON HYND (1879-84), Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Bombay. India (Punjab) :—WILLIAM NORMAN LESLIE (1892-95), Southern Punjab Railway Co., Ltd., Ferozepore. t India (United Provinces) :-ALEXANDER MACGREGOR WILLIAMSON (1908-11), c/o The Cawnpore Woollen Mills Co., Ltd., Cawnpore. India (Bengal) :—G. F. ROSE (1881-92), c/o Messrs. Andrew Yule & Co., Ltd., 8 Clive Row, Calcutta. f India (Assam) :—WILLIAM H. G. HALLY (1889-96), Singlo Tea Co., Ltd., Jaboka Division, Sonari P.O. t India (Travancore) :—JOHN FORBES FRASER (1879-83), Travancore Tea Estates Co., Ltd., Bonami, Peermade P.O. Japan :—WILLIAM NICOLL BUYERS (1906-10), C/o The Zangtsze Insurance Association, Ltd., 750 Main Street, Yokohama. t Java :—ALEXANDER STEWART CATTO (1900-03), Djasinga Estates, Halte Tendjo, Bantamlijn. * t Mexico :—CHARLES GRANT COOK (1894-99), Apardato 423, Mexico, D.F. New Zealand :—Dr. THEODORE GRANT GRAY (1895-1901),

Mental Hospital, Nelson.

Nigeria (Southern Provinces) :—Dr. WILLIAM EDWARD GLOVER (1896-98), c/o The Principal Medical Officer, Lagos.

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t Rhodesia (Southern) :—ALEXANDER MURRAY BISSET (18861895), M'Gutu, Private Bag, Salisbury. South Africa (Cape Province) :—Dr. ALEXANDER MARR GEDDES (1897-1903), Grove Avenue, Claremont, Cape Town. t South Africa (Orange Free State) :—DOUGLAS GORDON BISSET (1890-1900), Castor Siding, Private Bag, Bloemfontein. t South Africa (Transvaal) :—JAMES MOIR (1881-93), M.A., D.Sc., Government Laboratory, Box 1080, Johannesburg. Straits Settlements (Penang) :—JoHN RHYS DANSON t (1897-1903), Municipal Office, Penang. Sudan :— JAMES LORIMER SOUPER (1898-1909), Gordon College, Khartoum. t Sumatra :—EDWARD PERCY BARNETT (1895-1903), The Bandar Sumatra Rubber Co., Ltd., Bandar Pinang, P.O. Galang, E.C. Sumatra. United States (New York) :—WILLIAM MACKINTOSH (18931896), Royal Insurance Co., Ltd., 84 William Street, New York. 1. United States (Island of Hawaii) :—Lours WILSON (1872-75), Hilo, Hawaii. t West Indies (Tobago) :—KENNETH REID (1901-04), King's Bay. West Indies (Trinidad) :—ARCHIBALD YOUNG (1889-94), c/o Messrs. Alston & Co., Ltd., Port of Spain. Any member of the F.P. Club who is going out for the first time to a town or district abroad where there is a Club Consul can appeal with confidence to him for advice and assistance. Club Consuls will gladly answer inquiries about their particular areas. Some Suggested Duties of a Club Consul. When Dr. ALEXANDER MARR GEDDES, the Club Consul for Cape Province, South Africa, was home last Autumn he spoke informally at one of the Club Luncheons about that part of the world in which he represents the Grammar School, and gave some indication of what he regards as the duties of a Consul. At the close of the Luncheon the Secretary of the Club asked Dr. Geddes, who was on the eve of returning to South Africa, to send him a letter enumerating these duties, and the following is Dr. Geddes's rough outline :1. A Club Consul should, in the first place, by correspondence, give the inquiring F.P. all the information he can on the following points :— (a) Position proposed to be taken up, the prospects, etc. (b) Climatic and social conditions of the place. (c) What the F.P. will have to bring out in the way of clothing, etc.

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(d) How to get out—by what shipping line—fares— what will be required in the way of cash on the boat, etc. etc. (e) What he will have to pay duty on. (f) Whether he will have to learn the native language or not. 2. On the arrival of the F.P. the Consul should offer to put him up, find him "digs," and give him general advice about hotels and boarding houses. 3. A Consul can help a lot in a social way—a man's career in a Colony can be ruined from the start if he gets in among the wrong crowd. 4. A Consul can advise and nominate to the various Sport Clubs. 5. Above all the Consul must keep in touch with the F.P. until he finds his feet. Other suggestions as to what a Club Consul might do will be found in the report of Mr. DAVID SCOTT'S speech at the 1921 Annual Dinner, reported in the November 1921 issue of the Magazine, p. 56.

The Annual Club Ball. The Club's policy of adapting the Ball to the needs of its younger members was again fully vindicated at the Ball which was held in the Music Hall on the 26th December, 1922. No fewer than 125 couples were present, a record number in the history of the Ball. The gathering was thoroughly representative of all ages and sections of Former Pupils, the presence of some members on leave from abroad being particularly welcome. In most respects the Ball differed very little from that of the previous year, the only important innovation being the engagement of two orchestras, Mrs. Bush's Band for waltzes and square dances and the Mayfair Jazz Orchestra for foxtrots and onesteps. Both played excellently, and encores were, in the language of the legal members of the Executive, a sine qua non. In view of the success of the Ball, the Entertainments Committee has provisionally booked the Music Hall for the 26th December, 1923, and hopes to be able to organize another Ball as enjoyable as the last.

F.P. Hockey Section. The season 1922-23 is remarkable on account of three things. Firstly, three teams—one Senior and two Junior—are being run. Secondly, Present Pupils have been admitted as junior members at half subscription rates. Thirdly, the Section colours have been altered from red, white, and blue, to magenta and green,

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On the whole the season has been a successful one. Wet weather, with the resultant heavy ground, has not helped the various teams whom fast pitches suit. The 1st XI's position in the Senior League Table is quite satisfactory, and with only one match to be played at the time of writing—and one that the F.P.s should win—their chances of being runners-up are decidedly good. The Section was fairly well represented in the Trial Matches. In the Local Trial, Nicholls, Milne, Stewart, and Walker played. Fiddes and Walker played for the North against the Highlands, and Walker for the combined North and Highlands against the Midlands. Milne and Stewart played for the North against the Hoolets. The 1st XI matches were as follows :— Nov. 11, v. 'Varsity A, at Rubislaw. F.P.s did all the pressing, and only desperate methods on the part of 'Varsity A kept the score down to one—a fine shot by Fiddes. From a break-away (almost their only) 'Varsity A equalized. Scores : 1-1. Dec. 2, v. Gordonians, at the Links. A very hard game took place, F.P.s having a fair margin of superiority. The forwards were in excellent form and consequently the defence had a comparatively easy time. Fiddes scored twice and Walker once. Scores : 3-1. Dec. 9, v. Stonehaven, at Rubislaw. A somewhat injudicious experiment in re-arranging the forward line resulted in complete ineffectiveness throughout the whole team, Stonehaven winning easily by 5-2. Stewart scored both F.P.'s goals. Dec. 23, v. R.F.A., at Anderson Drive. A very poor game was played, F.P.s winning 8-2, a score which did not in the least exaggerate their margin of superiority. Jan. 13, v. 'Varsity, at Rubislaw. F.P.s did not field a strong team, while 'Varsity were at full strength and on the top of their form. 'Varsity gave a very delightful exhibition of hockey and deservedly won by 7-0. Jan. 20, v. 'Varsity A, at King's. Again F.P.s missed their chances against 'Varsity A. Although they pressed for most of the time, they could not score. Finally 'Varsity A scored after a fine run, winning by the only goal of the match. Jan. 27, v. Gordonians, at Rubislaw. This was the best game that has been played at Rubislaw this season. The teams were evenly matched, F.P.'s slight superiority forward enabling them to win by the odd goal in five. Fiddes, Kennaway, and Walker scored for F.P.s. Score : 3-2. Feb. 17, v. St. Ronald, at Rubislaw. The ground was exceedingly heavy and did not conduce to good hockey. After a somewhat scrappy game F.P.s scored the only goal through a fine shot by Stewart. Score : 1-0. Feb. 24, v. St. Ronald, at Rubislaw. F.P.s were superior from start to finish, although for a time it appeared as if Johnston's fine goalkeeping for During St. Ronald might bring off a draw. Just on half-time Baxter scored. : the second half F.P.s scored twice more, through Fiddes and Stewart. Score 3—0. conalmost month's After a March 3, v. Stonehaven, at Stonehaven. fairly tinuous rain the pitch at Stonehaven was in a sodden condition. In a evenly matched game F.P.s owed their victory to better combination and a their of better knowledge of the game, despite the more forceful tactics opponents. Scorers : Fiddes, 2 ; Kennaway and Walker. Score : 4-3. March 10, v. R.F.A. The ground was very heavy, nevertheless F.P.s won in the very easily by 4—0. The Section is now runners up to 'Varsity District Championship. the during considerably The standard of play in the A XI has improved League. season, and the team is maintaining a good position in the Junior amount Although this is the first year that a B XI has been run, a considerable and enof promise has been displayed. All members show great keenness Pupils, thusiasm. This is the team in which the junior members, i.e., Present play. Palace On 8th February a most enjoyable social evening was spent in theScottish the Hotel. Mr. Ben Mackay, President of the Northern District of A game. the points of Hockey Association, explained certain of the finer Mr. sing-song followed, the remainder of the evening being spent at bridge. Duthie played the accompaniments. have been J. Fiddes has been awarded his 1st XI cap, while the following N. S. awarded this year's dates to their caps :—D. P. Cochran, J. N. Milne, awarded his Rose, W. N. Stewart, and A. G. Walker. J. Aitken has been 2nd XI cap. R.

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F.P. Rugby Section. The 1st XV still show an unbeaten record for the season, and have carried everything before them, as the following results indicate :1922. Points for. Points against. Nov. 4—'Varsity (League) . . . 26 0 Dec. 9—'Shire (League) . . . 26 0 „ 16—Inverness . . . . 31 10 30—Howe of Fife . . . 5 0 1923. Jan. 1—Dundee High School F.P.s • 26 0 „ 6—'Shire (League) . . 16 0 27—Gordonians . . . 6 0 Feb. 24-2nd Glasgow Academicals . 16 3 March 3—Gordonians (Cup Tie) . 21 3 16 Total 173 The total points for the season are now 274 for the F.P.s and 16 against. The victories over Inverness, Howe of Fife, and 2nd Glasgow Academicals were particularly meritorious. The Accies fielded a strong side, but were quite unable to keep out the F.P.s, who played their best game of the season, though the forwards did not all last the pace of a hard, fast game. Best for the F.P.s were Huss, McGregor, Sorley, Spark, and McLeod. The F.P.s did fairly well in the Trials this year, though only McGregor reached the First Scotland v. Rest game.

F.P. Cricket Section. The Annual General Meeting of the Section was held on 22nd February, when the following officials were elected for Season 1923 :—Honorary President —Mr. Douglas G. Miner; Honorary Vice-Presidents—Dr. J. F. Christie, Messrs. R. S. Clark, James Davidson, W. M. Henry, John McBain, D. McGregor, J. T. Sorley, N. J. J. Walker, William Webster ; Captain—. C. H. Webster ; Vice-Captain—J. L. Riddell ; Secretary—A. J. Allan, 54 Whitehall Road, Aberdeen; Treasurer—A. McBain; Committee—The Captain, Vice-Captain, Secretary, and Treasurer, with A. W. Grafton, R. S. B. Hervey, W. K. Moir, and J. T. Sorley, jun. It was decided to hold the annual tour on the same lines as formerly, and to enter the Aberdeenshire Cup Competition. The entry of the Section into the League Competition was left to the Committee to decide. The chief difficulty which the Section has had to contend with in the past has been the impossibility of getting anything approaching a good practice wicket at Rubislaw. This year it is hoped that with the sympathetic assistance of the Athletic Association, it will be possible to get a really first-class practice wicket, and in any case a great improvement is practically certain. The resumption of regular practice at Rubislaw would do much for the Section, and that end is, we think, now in sight. The Section will be glad to welcome any F.P.s who are thinking of joining, especially those who have just left School. Intending members should get in touch with the Secretary, or with any of the members of Committee.

F.P. Tennis Section. Intimation has been received from the Secretary of the Rubislaw Field Committee that, at a meeting of that Committee held on 6th February last, the regulations regarding the field were amended to admit of the Tennis Section of the Club holding a Guest Night on Wednesdays. The following are now the times at which the Tennis Courts are allocated to the Tennis Section :— (a) Until the end of June— . 1. One Tennis Court daily, except Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2. Three Tennis Courts daily, except Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 8 p.m. to dusk. 3. Three Tennis Courts on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to dusk (Guest Night). 4. Two Tennis Courts on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to dusk. (b) During July and August— Unrestricted use of the Courts after 1 p.m.

Spring and Summer, 1923.

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With regard to the Guest Night, it has been decided that each member of the Section will be entitled to introduce one visitor (either lady or gentleman). It is hoped that F.P.s will, in future, take full advantage of these extended facilities granted by the Rubislaw Field Committee. The forthcoming season's activities will probably commence in the middle of April, and all intending players should, in the meantime, communicate with Mr. W. B. S. Pigge, 49 Gray Street, Aberdeen. All interested will thereafter be notified of the date and place of the General Meeting, when arrangements for the ensuing season will be made. On behalf of the Section, the Captain wishes to express here his thanks to Mr. George T. Simpson, who has just left to take up an appointment in India, for the services he rendered as Secretary during the past two seasons. D. P. C.

F.P. Motor Section. In the November issue of the Magazine, a full account was given of last season's activities, and the prospects for the ensuing season were outlined. It is, therefore, only necessary to intimate here that prospective members should, without delay, communicate with Mr. D. P. Cochran, 61 Westburn Road, Aberdeen. If possible, the first outing will take place early in April. It will be of interest to Present Pupils to know that they are eligible to become members of this Section, and, as there are quite a number of motorists at the School at present, it is hoped that they will come forward and enlarge the membership.

The School War Memorial. Subscriptions received from 16th November, 1922, to 15th March, 1923. Anderson, R. J., jun., 60 Forest Road, Aberdeen (as previously .. •• •• •• .. .. •• intimated) Home, A. R., 13 Bayview Road, Aberdeen (as previously intimated) Morrison, George A., Robert Gordon's Secondary School, Aberdeen Watt, Alexander M., 5 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen (as previously . .. intimated) Falconer, Harvey G., 14 Albert Street, Aberdeen .(as pr.e.viously. .. .• .. .. .. .. .. intimated) Watt, Charles, 5 St. Swithin Street, Aberdeen (as previously in•• .. •• •• •• timated) •• •• Watt, Edward W., 13 Forest Road, Aberdeen (as previously in•• .. timated ) •• .. •• .. •• .. .. Allan, W. B., 5 Halkyn Avenue, Ullet Road, Liverpool previously inAberdeen (as Macbeth, H. N., 261 Union Street, •. .. .. •• .. •• timated) •• .. .. .. Holmes, Dean of Guild, Fairfield, Aberdeen .. Williamson, J. J., 88 Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen (as previously .. .. .. .. .. .. .. intimated) Mearns, Lieut. Cornelius, 385 Great Western Road, Aberdeen (as .. .. .. .. .. previously intimated) .. .. .. Hutcheon, James, 34 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen .. .. .. Hall, Dr. James C., Caxton, near Cambridge Robson, Thomas F., 39 Bonnymuir Place, Aberdeen (as previously .. .. .. .. .. .. .. intimated) Robson, Alexander, 39 Bonnymuir Place, Aberdeen (as previously • • .. .. .. .. .. .. intimated) .. Barnett, Christopher C., 233 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen .. Mearns, Lieut. Cornelius, Bombay (additional subscription) .. .. Hendrick, Captain Chas. A., 3/17th Dogra Regiment .. China .. Nicol, Andrew, Public Works Office, Hongkong,

The Treasurer has received in all subscriptions . . . . amounting to . Amount held by the F.P. Club on account of . . the Recreation Ground Fund

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List of New Members of the Club. LIFE MEMBERS. Baker, Samuel (1881—89), China Sugar Refinery, East Point, Hongkong. Mackie, J. D. Gordon (1895-1900), Woodgate, London Road, Ewell, Surrey. Additional Subscriptions from Life Members. The following, who became Life Members of the Club when the subscription was £2. 2s., have remitted the additional sum of £3. Os. in order to bring their subscriptions up to the new rate of £5. 5s. It is hoped that others will do likewise :— Taylor, John C. (1904-06), 44 Burns Road, Aberdeen. Jameson, W. W. (1892-1902), M.A., M.D., Medical Officer of Health, Finchley, London, N. 3. Hynd, R. R. (1879-84), di.) Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Bombay, India. ORDINARY MEMBERS. Davidson, John Sinclair (1907-17), Edwards, George Alexander, jun. 22 Forest Road, Aberdeen. (1911-22), 53 St. Swithin Street, Yule, John M. (1912-1920), 9 RubisAberdeen. law Den South, Aberdeen. Cochran, George M. (1909-22), 61 Imlay, John A. J. (1909-14), Arn hall, Westburn Road, Aberdeen. Edzell, Forfarshire. Troup, Arthur David (1919-22), 119 Hunter, H. G. Chambers- (1912-15), Queen Street, Peterhead. 54 Victoria Street, Aberdeen. Crossling, Frederick Charles (1915-20), Walker, Ralph Spence (1910-22), 24 149 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen. Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen. Bruce, Robert Douglas (1913-22), Davidson, John Maxwell (1910-15), Thorsbey, Cults. Blythewood, Inverurie. Hopkins, Joseph (1869-71), Bank Humphrey, Stanley F. W. (1912-22), Agent, Tarland, Aberdeenshire. Craigton House, Cults. Carle, Alexander W. (1914-20), 83 Robson, Norman Keith (1900-13), Ashley Road, Aberdeen. 46 Belgrave Terrace, Aberdeen. Mowat, James (1908-11), Chumor Farquhar, Robert Warrander (1919Estate, Chemor, Perak, F.M.S. 1922), Craigton Schoolhouse, Cruickshank. S. Rowland (1914-21), Peterculter. Friendville, Great Western Road, Lawrence, William J. (1920-21), 25 Aberdeen. Albyn Place, Aberdeen. Forbes, Alexander James (1918-22), Ogilvie, Thos., jun. (1909-15), 58 454 Holburn Street, Aberdeen. Rubislaw Den North, Aberdeen. Williams, George Eric (1918-22), Anderson, Wilson (19I9-22), 48 Bed" Southlands," Ware Road, ford Road, Aberdeen. Hertford, Herts. Turner, Douglas F. (1920-22), 37 Robb,W illiam George (1908-12), S.A. Uplands Road, Stroud Green, des Huileries du Congo Belge, London, N. 8. Kinshasa, Congo Beige.

The School Museum. Donations of the following articles are gratefully acknowledged From Ninian Wright, Classical V—Skin of Australian Tiger Snake ; Slough of Australian Grass Snake ; Stuffed Parakeet ; Cocoanut ; Box of Australian Beetles ; Seahorse ; Eggs of Pheasant, Partridge, and Waterhen ; Elephant's Tooth ; South African Lucky Seeds and Bean ; 2 Rubies from Ruby Bay, Elie ; Walrus Tusk ; Cloth from Fiji Islands ; Kaffir Bangle ; Deer's Foot ; Fossil Fern (Pecopteris) ; Old English Drinking Cup, Snuff-mull, and Punch Bowl; Marble from Catacombs, Baths of. Diocletian, etc., Rome; Lava from Vesuvius; Matrix used in newspaper printing. From Thomas H. Murdoch, Middle IIc :—Copies of Edinburgh Herald, January 30th, 1793—containing the official report of the execution of Louis XVI—and Aberdeen Shaver, December, 1835 ; Coin of Roman Emperor Probus. David Shennan, Middle IIc, has undertaken the setting out of the stamp collection. W. DOUGLAS SIMPSON.

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STREET,

ABERD-EEN (Opposite Royal Northern Club).

AQUASCUTUM

AND

BURBERRY

COATS.

Eller• Etthen antN %ono 'painters & 3Decoratoro 335 'Union %treet - •• •• ElberOcen. • --

FOR

GRAMMAR SCHOOL CAPS AND BADGES TRY

PATRICK McGEE, Ladies' and Gentlemen's Outfitter,

27-33 BRIDGE STREET. The Colour is the most reliable that can be procured and the Cloth is sound and hard wearing.

M. GERARD, WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER, & SILVERSMITH,

4I1 UNION STREET (WEST). Telephone - 447

ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS, DIAMOND AND PEARL JEWELLERY, BROOCHES, PENDANTS,

ETC.,

ALSO WATCHES,

CLOCKS,

TOISESHELL, GOODS,

AND

NEWEST

SILVER,

TOR-

ELECTRO-PLATED DESIGNS, AND

SELECTION TO CHOOSE FROM.

LARGE

ELLIS & M`HARDY

18 REGENT QUAY & 1301 UNION STREET.

Importers of Household and Steam7Coals. Delivered by Careful and Experienced Drivers. Telephone 2889.

George Bisset, Complete Outfitter and Hatter, 5 & 15 UNION ST., ABERDEEN.

Highland Outfits a Speciality FOR BOYS, YOUTHS, AND GENTLEMEN.

SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS

FRED HARDIE, Photographic Artist, 416 Union Street,

Microscopes and Microscopical Apparatus. Students' Requisites Micro. and Dissecting. Slide Rules. Mathematical Instruments. PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS

Chemical, Physical, Bacteriological Glassware. Thermometers, Hydrometers, etc., etc. Acids. Filter and Test Papers.

NICOL SMITH CO., st.

ABERDEEN

•

For every style of In- and Out-Door Group, Composite Groups & General Portraiture, Etc., AT POPULAR PRICES.

Nicholas St., ABERDEEN. Telephone I 315.

D. Wyllie & Son 247 Union Street,

TELEPHONE 851.

THE ABERDEEN SCHOOL OF SHORTHAND.

Aberdeen.

TYPEWRITING

•

AND BUSINESS Agents for Ordnance Survey Maps Booksellers, Army and Navy Stationers. Circulating Library in connection with Mudie's, of London. Engraving, Bookbinding, and Printing of every description. Fountain Pen Emporium. Premier House in the North of Scotland for the sale of Scottish Publications. Publishers and Proprietors of " The Aberdeen Book-Lover."

:: TRAINING :: AND COPYING OFFICE • PROPRIETOR :

JAS. R. MORRISON, A. F.T. Corn.,

Established 1814. Telephone 402. TelegraphicAddress : "Wyllie, Booksellers, Aberdeen."

19 Crown Street Established 1884.

'Phone 875.

TAYLOR

THE

CORONA PORTABLE FOLDING

For Drawing Instruments & Materials PICTURE FRAMER AND ARTISTS' COLOURMAN.

TYPEWRITER. This wonderful Typewriter has every modern improvement, Standard Keyboard of 84 keys, Back Spacer, Two-Colour Ribbon, etc., and at the same time weighs only 9 lbs. in its case, and can be carried about anywhere. Above all it is reliable. Thousands went through the War, often in front line trenches.

SCHOOLHILL,

Price only 13 Guineas.

ABERDEEN

Sole Agent for North of Scotland—

CHAS. H. WEBSTER Telephone 2870.

446 Union Street, Aberdeen

Where to get Men's Wear In all the Latest Styles . 0

SpecialitiesRaincoats

Underwear

Overcoats

Gloves

Shirts

Ties Hats and Caps

WILLIAM MUNRO Gent.'s Outfitter 40

BRIDGE STREET

ABERDEEN

EDUCATION

AUTHORITY.

GRAMMAR

SCHOOL.

(FOUNDED PREVIOUS TO 1256.)

Rector

DOUGLAS GORDON MILLER, M.A. (Hons.) (Oxon.)

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

ABERDEEN Headmistress

HIGH

SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.

(ALBYN PLACE.) Miss LUCY L. WARD, B.A. (Load.) -

HE HIGH SCHOOL provides a liberal education for Girls from 5 or 6 to 18 or ig years of age, and aims at fitting them for home life and for professions open to women. The School is organized in three Departments—a Junior, an Intermediate, and a Secondary. The curriculum in the Junior and Intermediate Departments embraces the ordinary branches of an English Education, and in the Secondary or Higher Department, pupils receive advanced instruction in English Literature, Latin, Mathematics, French, German, Natural Science, Drawing and Painting, Artistic Needlework, Domestic Economy, Cookery, etc. The course in the Secondary Department also includes preparation for the Leaving Certificate of the Scottish Education Department and for the Entrance Examinations to the Universities Pupils whose parents desire it are taught Theory and Practice of Music (Pianoforte, Violin, and Organ) in preparation for the Examinations of Trinity College of Music, London, and of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music. Advanced pupils are prepared for the Licentiate of the Royal Academy. The School buildings occupy an excellent and spacious site in the West end of the City. The furnishing and equipment of the School comprise, in addition to numerous Class-rooms fitted up with many modern conveniences for teaching purposes, an Assembly Hall, Art Rooms, a Lantern Room, a School Library of 2,ooo volumes, spacious Cookery and Laundry Rooms, and a suite of Laboratories of the most approved description for the teaching of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

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