Issuu

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHML MAGAZINE

ABERDEEN

prin....d

\ N\

for The Farmer Pupils Club ar The Rosernountrress•

Volums XXXI, No. 2.

Marcia, 1928. PRICE ONE SHILLING.

EDUCATIONAL BOOKS •

JAMES

G. BISSET all the Class Books (New or

to supply CONTINUES Second-hand) suited for the requirements of the Higher Educational Institutions in the City, at the Lowest Prices. N.B.—Best Value in Students' Note Books.

JAMES G. BISSET Classical, Medical, and Educational Bookseller,

85 BROAD

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(Opposite Marisclial College).

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(

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•

A. & J. SMITH Jewellers, Gold and Silversmiths

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Telegrams—" Fyfe, Painters."

WILLIAM GRAY Tailor and Outfitter, HOLBURN JUNCTION, ABERDEEN. We are Outfitters to the Grammar School, and hold Stocks of everything for present and former pupils. Your patronage will he esteemed. 'PHONE 2211. ESTABLISHED ISSG.

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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.), and for the Diploma in Veterinary State Medicine (D.V.S.M.). 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, 19o8, Students are eligible for Bursaries granted by the Education Authorities of Scotland. A Copy of the College Calendar may be obtained on application to A. C. DOULL, Secretary and Treasurer.

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) 8 ALBYN PLACE, ABERDEEN

ESTABLISHED 1843,

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for Distant Funerals.

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ro H.M, THE KING.

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Aberdeen's leading Shoemakers GO years ago.

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Aberdeen's Premier House of Entertainment and one of the Finest Theatres in the British Isles.

For frill fiarticulars of this week's Programme see Theatre Bills or Advertisements in Daily Press or Tram Cars. Lessee — WALTER GILBERT.

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Telegraphic Address: "Plaster, Aberdeen."

JAMES SCOTT & SON (Aberdeen), Ltd. Fire Grates :

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Inquiries regarding Genuine Old Chimney Pieces and Fire Grates solicited.

Marble, Mosaic, Terrazzo and Tiles r(OR Fire-places. Walls, and Floors.

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Address :

483-485 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

Telephone No. 2299.

Give your Boy every chance of gaining a Foundation and thereby a good start in life. Good Clothing enhances a boy's opinion of himself and makes him feel better, look better, and act better. Our All-Wool Scotch Flannel School Blazer Suit gives a distinction that no mixture cloth can ever give. Wears well, and looks good from start to finish. BLAZERS size 5 20/size 5 8/6 SHORTS, BADGES 2/6 3/6 CAPS 1/6 TIES, SILK May we prove it ? A School Suit that any boy is proud of.

A. & J. SCOTT, Tailors, Clothiers, and Outfitters,

29 GEORGE STREET, ABERDEEN. CONTENTS. PORTRAIT OF THE RT. HON. ROBERT MUNRO (LORD •• •. .. Facing p. 120 •• •• ALNESS) • •• 137 PORTRAIT OF THE SCHOOL RUGBY FOOTBALL 1ST XV .. A BOARDING HOUSE FOR THE SCHOOL .. •• •• • . " Page 89 •• •• .. A MESSAGE TO FORMER PUPILS .. •• Pl 91 .. .. .. .. „ 93 THE JOHN WATERS MEMORIAL .. .. .. •. .. 94 NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS .. ,P .. „ 110 •• •• •• •• THE DIFFERENCE .. „ 111 .. LONDON AS I SEE IT. BY GEORGE TOPHAM FORREST • . • • •• • • „ 119 •• •• RAIN IN INDIA .. .. „ 121 •• •• •• SOME THRILLS IN TANGANYIKA .. .. „ 123 A FISHING TRIP IN CANADA. BY WALLACE TROUP, M.D. .. • • „ 127 CROSSING THE ATLANTIC. BY G. WESTLAND • . .. „ 129 • • • • .. .. •• .. SCHOOL NOTES .. •• • • „ 131 .. .. RANDOM NOTES .. .. „ 133 • • •• .. .. JAMES I OF ENGLAND .. •• •• „ 134 .. .. .. SUNSET REFLECTIONS .. „ 135 .. •• .. THE SCHOOL MUSEUM . „ 136 •• •• .. .. A.G.S. SCRIPTURE UNION .. „ 137 •• .. .. •• •• SCHOOL RUGBY FOOTBALL .. „ 147 •. •• SCHOOL LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY •• •• „ 150 .. .. SCOUT NOTES •• •• THE FORMER PUPILS' CLUB• • „ 153 .. • . .. THE ANNUAL MEETING •• •• •• „ 159 •• •• •• CLUB CONSULS .. „ 162 •• •• THE LONDON SCOTTISH (A LETTER) •• .. „ 163 •• •• THE LONDON SECTION „ 166 •• .. .. •• THE RUGBY FOOTBALL SECTION „ 168 •• .. HOCKEY, CRICKET, AND TENNIS SECTIONS •• •• „ 168 •• •• •• LIST OF NEW MEMBERS •. •• „ 170 •. .. OFFICE-BEARERS, 1928-29 .. -

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Abetheen Otammat Sci?oot titaga3ine V0I. XX X I .

MARCH, 1928.

No. 2

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

A Boarding House for the School. It will be welcome news to all readers of the Magazine that the proposal for the establishment of a Boarding House in connection with the School, which has frequently been mentioned at School and F.P. Club gatherings in recent years, is at last taking definite shape. As long ago as 1924 the Executive of the Club appointed a Committee to investigate the possibility of providing a Boarding House to be run in conjunction with the School. The scheme recommended by the Committee and adopted by the Executive of the Club is in the main as follows :— (1) A Company to be formed under the auspices of the F.P. Club to acquire a property or properties to be used as boarding accommodation for boys attending the School. (2) The Company's capital to consist of £1 shares, fully paid, which would be entitled to receive an annual dividend of not more than 5 per cent., any surplus being retained to provide for depreciation and for the formation of a Reserve Fund for the extension of the Boarding House or the purchase of new property. (3) In the accepting of applications for admission of boys as boarders, preference to be given (first) to sons of Former Pupils who are registered holders of shares of the Company, and (second) to boys whose parents, while not themselves Former Pupils, are registered holders of shares of the Company. (4) The Boarding House to be under the personal charge, if possible, of one of the Masters of the School, assisted by a Matron.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

(5) The Board of Directors to consist of the Rector of the School ex officio, three Directors nominated by the Executive of the F.P. Club, and three Directors appointed by the shareholders. (6) The amount of capital required would depend largely on the property acquired, but it is considered that, to start with, provision might be made for about 30 boys. (7) It is recognized that some Former Pupils, while having no direct incentive to become shareholders, might wish to assist the scheme financially. The Executive would be prepared to accept subscriptions, which would be utilized in taking up shares in the Company in the name of the Executive. With regard to the all-important question of a suitable property, the Committee made various investigations and inspections of properties. As the result, they came to the conclusion that the ideal properties for the purpose were two adjoining houses of at least three storeys, with basements, and with the staircases adjacent. Two such houses when adapted would permit of a complete flat being set aside for the House Master and the Matron, with a separate entrance ; give double bathroom accommodation ; allow the kitchen and servants' rooms to be kept apart in the basement ; provide the maximum amount of accommodation for boarders—and all these advantages with the minimum amount of structural alteration and capital expenditure. Through the Committee the Executive have arranged to acquire two properties in Queen's Road, Abeideen, which fulfil the above requirements, and have decided on the flotation of a Company, on the lines above mentioned, to take over the properties and run them as a Boarding House. It is estimated that the capital of the Company will require to be from £5,000 to £6,000, and as after very careful budgeting a reasonable return on the capital is confidently anticipated, the Executive, in order to give substantial help to the scheme, resolved to invest a portion of the Club funds in the Company. As this number of the Magazine goes to press the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company and the Prospectus are being prepared, and it is anticipated that copies of the latter will be sent out to the senior members of the Club early in April. Now that the scheme is being definitely launched, the Executive of the F.P. Club look for the wholehearted and prompt support of the members, so that the Boarding House, which is generally recognized as being a most desirable addition to the equipment of the School, may be successfully inaugurated at the beginning of the next School session.

.4 berdeen Grammar School Magazine.

A Message to Former Pupils. My last contact with you was just prior to Christmas. The vacation which followed was thoroughly enjoyed. Keen frost and, in most places, an abundance of snow gave boys the time of their dreams. Some, with wise forethought, had spent their workshop hours in the construction of sledges, many of which did infinite credit to the makers. The present Term, of which there is only a fortnight to run, is, by general consent, the least interesting of the three. Minor ailments have been much in the picture, and the coughing which " drowns the parson's saws " at morning prayers was convincing in its sincerity. Games suffered considerably from weather conditions and the disabilities of the ailing and the convalescent. Rubislaw Field has been churned into an oozy quagmire and sorely needs a recuperative spell. There is an unending conflict between the nursing of pitches and the exigencies of fixtures, and I am afraid the pitches stand to suffer every time. It is wonderful, in the circumstances, how the form of the teams has been maintained. Our 1st XV is unquestionably the best we have had since 1923. Their record for the season has been quite impressive, and schools of repute have learned to treat us with respect. Even more satisfactory is the prospect of enhanced credit for the team which will represent the School next year. There is a spirit of keenness abroad, due partly to the House system, but mainly, I think, to the establishment of a sound tradition. Our numbers continue to grow. Six weeks ago we touched the thousand limit, and it is to be hoped the expansion will go no further. The index of a School's prosperity is not that of a business proposition. What becomes of this aggregation of men on the make ? I took a census the other day of the boys in the three highest classes—Classical and Modern—with the following result :— Undecided, 43; Medicine, 26 ; Engineering, 16 ; Banking and Insurance, 12 ; Accountancy, 8 ; Law, 7 ; Farming, 6 ; Teaching, 5 ; Church, 4 ; Rubber and Tea Planting, 4 ; Architecture, 3 ; Business, 3 ; Civil Service, 2 ; Forestry, 2. It should be remembered, of course, that this census takes no cognisance of the relatively large number of boys who leave School in Class III. These would augment considerably the quotas for Business and Rubber and Tea Planting. The preponderance of " Undecideds" suggests a point which has been raised in another quarter, viz.: the desirability of having either in or out of School an Appointments Committee to offer advice and guidance to boys leaving School,

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

and to place at their disposal the demands and the possibilities of various callings. One cannot fail to be impressed by the casual fashion in which the choice of a career is sometimes made, often to the life-long regret of the person concerned and, always, to the detriment of the State. It is the one time in life when clear vision and sympathetic handling are called for, and a school is only partly fulfilling its function if it does not assume some responsibility for the placing of its pupils in congenial work. This, however, is too large a matter for discussion here. I may revert to it later. The proposal to instal an organ in the Hall has been delayed for further consideration. The cost of installation, including a tasteful and effective proscenium designed by Dr. Kelly, proved to be higher than was anticipated, but it is to be hoped that the scheme is merely postponed. It would undoubtedly add to the amenity of the Hall. The proscenium in particular would prove a welcome substitute for the drab, dust-laden curtain which presently does duty on the stage. Probably the chief item of interest in the Term is the development of a project long cherished and certainly overdue. I refer to the provision of a Boarding House. I have no doubt this topic is touched on elsewhere in the Magazine. It is another instance of the driving force which lies behind the Former Pupils' Club, and the Club deserves great credit for its enterprise. The enquiries which have reached me already are distinctly encouraging. The close of the Winter Session at the University brings news of distinctions gained by Former Pupils. The first to reach me was the award of the Liddel Prize for Latin Verse to W. B. Hamilton, our First Bursar in 1927. The last occasion on which this prize was won by a Bajan was 38 years ago, and it is a happy augury for Hamilton that the winner in 1890 is the present occupant of a Greek Chair. For us, too, the Term is closing on the Examinations note. Leaving Certificates begin on Monday, almost before the shadow cast by University Prelims. has been dispelled. Some have entered for both on the principle that they may make on the swings what they lose on the round-abouts. All have our good wishes and our sympathy. The respite of Easter will soon restore the equipoise which has been temporarily ruffled by Chaucer's pilgrims and the vagaries of the subjunctive mood. D. M. A. 17th March, 1928.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The John'- Waters Memorial. In the last Magazine there was recorded the gift to the School of £500 from Lieut.-Colonel George Waters in memory of his brother, Mr. John Waters, and it was mentioned that the Aberdeen Education Authority had appointed a subcommittee to consider proposals for applying most appropriately the donation for the benefit of the School, and to report. In the Minutes of the Education Authority it is stated that the sub-committee had two meetings on the subject. Consideration was given to the possibility of applying the amount received to the installation of a pipe organ in the Hall of the School. The sub-committee were agreed that an organ would be a desirable acquisition for the School, and the Rector concurred in this view. It had been ascertained that a twomanual organ, suitable for the size of the Hall, could be provided for the sum of £500, but this did not allow for the cost of any alterations on the building or any expense involved in installing the organ. The sub-committee consulted Dr. William Kelly, architect, in regard to the proposal, and at the second meeting they considered a plan prepared by him, showing a suggested position for the organ at the north-west corner of the stage. To secure, as far as possible, the full use of the stage, it was proposed to carry the organ on a platform raised from the stage at a height of 6 feet 6 inches or thereby, and to provide accommodation for the blowing apparatus in a mezzanine chamber entering from the staircase adjacent to and to the west of the Hall. In order to preserve the appearance of the Hall, Dr. Kelly recommended the erection of a proscenium at the front of the existing stage, and also suggested that the console of the organ should be partly sunk into the floor of the Hall in front of the stage, reserving the space under the stage for the wind reservoir. The sub-committee examined the proposals put forward by Dr: Kelly, and, after careful consideration, were satisfied that the suggested proscenium would greatly enhance the appearance of the Hall. They were further satisfied that the introduction of a pipe organ, suitably inscribed, would form an appropriate memorial of the donor's brother, the late Mr. John Waters. When the report of the sub-committee came before the Finance Committee of the Authority, the proposal met with approval, but the committee considered that the work should not be put in hand until it had been ascertained whether means could be devised of raising from other sources half of the estimated expenditure on structural alterations and the other expenses incidental to the installing of the organ (amounting in all to another £500 approximately). There the matter rests for the present.

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. NATIONAL WORTHIES.

The following five F.P.s have been considered worthy of a place in the new volume of " The Dictionary of National Biography," which gives an account of the men and women of distinction in this country who died during the period 1912-1921 :— Principal Sir James Donaldson (1842-46), M.A., LL.D. D.D. Sir John Macdonell (1860-61), K.C.B., LL.D. The Right Hon. Sir William MacGregor (1865-67), P.C., G.C.M.G., C.B., M.D., D.Sc., LL.D. The Very Rev. William Mair (1843-44), M.A., D.D. The Right Hon. Sir James Stirling (1846-51), P.C., M.A., LL.D., F.R.S. At the conclusion of the biography of Sir William MacGregor reference is made to the obituary notice which appeared in the Magazine, vol. xxiii, No. 1. •

NEW YEAR HONOURS.

The names of three Former Pupils appeared in the list of New Year Honours published on 2nd January :— Patrick Barclay Sangster* (1884-88), C.M.G., D.S.O., Colonel (Temporary Colonel Commandant), Indian Army, Brigade Commander, 9th (Jhansi) Infantry Brigade, was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (C.B.)— Military Division. This honour has been conferred in recognition of his service as Colonel Commandant of a brigade of the Shanghai Defence Force. Andrew Gourlay Clow (1896-98), B.A. (Cantab.), was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (C.I.E.). He entered the Indian Civil Service in 1914, and is now Officiating Secretary to the Government of India in the • Indicates Member of Former Pupils' Club.

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Department of Industries and Labour. He is a son of the Rev. Principal Clow of Glasgow, formerly minister of the South United Free Church, Aberdeen. William Peters* (1900-06), M.A., was appointed a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (C.M.G.), in the Foreign Office list. He became a Secretary in H.B.M. Commercial Diplomatic Service in 1919, and for a number of years was Acting Trade Representative of the British Government in Moscow. He returned to this country last year as the result of the break in diplomatic relations with Russia. A.D.C. GENERAL TO THE KING.

Sir Andrew Skeen* (1880-86), K.C.B., K.C.I.E., C.M.G., Lieutenant-General, one of the Honorary Vice-Presidents of the F.P. Club, has recently been gazetted as A.D.C. General to His Majesty the King. Andrew Aitken* (1915-18), who until recently was an assistant civil engineer at Aberdeen Harbour, under ROBERT GORDON Nicol, (1871-73), C.E., has been appointed Maintenance Engineer on the London East Division of the Southern Railway Company, with headquarters at London Bridge Station. John Aitken* (1917-19), who is in the service of the Sun Life Assurance Society, has recently been promoted to be an Inspector at the Westminster Branch, London. He was previously in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne office. LETTER FROM A ,‘ JACKEROO."

Fred Anderson* (1912-15), formerly of North Loirston and later Wester Durris, has now settled on a sheep station at Cubbaroo in the North-West of New South Wales. In a recent letter he says : " I don't know why there are not more lads come out here, for I am sure the boys from the old School would do well. It is a very free and open life—we are in the saddle practically from daylight till dark. They call us Jackeroos when we go on to a station, and we stay with the manager or station owner as the case may be. For anyone who is intending to start farming there is nothing to equal it, and the social position is very good too. There is one thing that all have to be, and that is energetic and always ready to oblige. I read in a farming hand-book that a Jackeroo, if he cannot put his hand to any particular job, ought to clear out of sight. I myself am becoming quite a good butcher, as we kill two sheep every week. There are 14,000 acres on this station, and three of us do all the work, so there is no time to stand idle. The owner of this station was asking me why

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there are so few Scotch farmers come out to Australia. He thinks if they put the same energy into the work here as they do at home they would have a better return. His father came out from Ross-shire, and he himself owns half a million acres in N.S.W., and also purchased a quarter million acres in Queensland last year." Anderson concludes by expressing the hope that he will soon see some other F.P.s in his district. There are only about half a dozen engaged in sheep farming in the whole of Australia. Ian Campbell Barclay* (1921-23), who for more than a year has been with Messrs. Duncan M`Neill & Co., East India merchants, London, has been transferred to their office in Calcutta. John Brebner Barnet* (1911-25) left at the end of last year for the Malay States to take up an appointment as an assistant planter on the Sungei Sidu Estate. After leaving the School, he took the planters' course at Aberdeen University. Christopher Charles Barnett* (1915-21), M.A., B.D., who has been assistant in John Knox Parish Church, Aberdeen, since 1925, and was ordained in October of last year, has recently been elected minister of Finzean Parish Church. James Hudson Begg* (1923-27), who with his father, Frank William Begg* (1894-97), M.B., and his brother, John Hudson Begg* (1923-27), sailed in the autumn of last year for Melbourne, Australia, reports that they were met on arrival by the Club Consul, THOMAS G. WATSON (1896-99). He says that they had a fine trip out, and he and his brother are now studying at the Dookie Agricultural College, Victoria. Charles Barron Bisset* (1909-18), M.A., B.Sc., who, as reported in the last Magazine, has been appointed Assistant Geologist to the Nyasaland Protectorate, was previously engaged in research work at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London, and was awarded the Diploma of that College. William Straton Bruce (1862-64), M.A., D.D., formerly parish minister of Banff, has recently been elected a Member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. John Malcolm Bulloch* (1877-80), M.A., LL.D., is the editor of "C.K.S.—An Autobiography," which has recently been privately issued. This is a fragment of a work upon which the late Clement K. Shorter (who, it will be remembered, took a prominent part in the ceremony of unveiling the Byron Statue at the School) spent leisure hours during the last few years of his life. In a notice in The Observer it was stated that the volume had been " edited with a reserved and loving touch by Dr. J. M. Bulloch, who was Mr. Shorter's most intimate colleague for many years."

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INHERITED BENEFITS.

Joseph Davidson Carnegie* (1877-80), minister of the Congregational Church, Stamford, in a recent letter asks the question : " Is there to be no end to the good that comes to my offspring as well as to myself from my being a son of the Aberdeen Grammar School and a member of the F.P. Club ? " This interrogation was called forth by the following passage in a letter he had received from his son, Flight-Lieutenant D. V. Carnegie, A.F.C., who was with the four R.A.F. flying boats on the Far East Flight :—" The evening before we left Trincomali (Ceylon) for Pulicat Lake, I met an F.P., [Walter A.] Elmslie, at the Club, and the fact that my father was an F.P. was good enough for him. He took me off to his bungalow to dine and spend the evening. He is putting in the Admiralty oil tanks at Trinco., and was at the Grammar School 1904-1910. He hardly spoke of anything but the School and is, perhaps, even more enthusiastic about it, if that is possible, than you are ! . . . We sat out on his verandah amongst the trees looking down on the beautiful bay, and we had a great time." Harold Donald Christie* (1908-21), M.B., is Resident Medical Officer in Gravesend and North Kent Hospital, Gravesend. William Robertson Clark* (1907-11), who is in the service of the Gold Coast Railways, British West Africa, and is at present home on furlough, was last year elected a Member of the Institute of Structural Engineers. Frank Lang Collie* (1877-80), M.D., is specially mentioned in a recently published volume, " Leaves from my Life," written by Sir Herbert Barker, the famous exponent of manipulative surgery. He tells the story of his crowded and eventful career, devoting many pages to his fight for professional recognition of his methods as a valuable means of healing, and to the unhappy case of Dr. Axham, his anaesthetist, whose name was struck off the Medical Register for giving his services in that capacity to an " unregistered person." Dr. Frank Collie stood by Sir Herbert Barker in his efforts to get the efficacy of manipulative surgery recognised by the medical profession, and became his anesthetist on the retirement of Dr. Axham. To Dr. Collie the eminent bone-setter pays more than one noteworthy tribute. " He was whole-heartedly with me in my work, and to him I owe a heavy debt of gratitude. His geniality, his manly strength of character, and constant cheerfulness helped me over many difficult times." Again he says : " In him I found a most able anaesthetist, a sagacious and tactful physician, and a most powerful and faithful friend." Patrick Ashley Cooper* (1896-1901) has recently been

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appointed a director of Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co., Ltd. He is a director of about a score of other companies, with interests in many parts of the world. He is either Chairman or Vice-Chairman of most of these, and frequently has to go abroad, particularly to South America, on the business of one or other of them. William James Craig* (1909-14) is now a chartered accountant with Messrs. Burns, Philp & Co., Brisbane, Australia. Alexander Cruickshank* (1911-17), M.B., who is in the Sudan Medical Service, and was home last year, reports that he has now ceased his purely nomadic existence, and is stationed at the Makwar Civil Hospital, Blue Nile Province. Makwar is the site of the great new dam which was opened two years ago to supply the Gezira cotton area with all the water it requires. An account by Dr. Cruickshank of an elephant hunt with the Baggara Arabs of Southern Kordofan appeared in the Magazine of last June. Abercromby Gordon Donald (1896), M.A., B.Sc., has recently been appointed head master of Jamestown Public School, Vale of Leven. John Wight Duff* (1877-82), M.A., D.Litt., LL.D., Professor of Classics, Armstrong College, Newcastle-uponTyne, is the author of " A Literary History of Rome in the Silver Age—from Tiberius to Hadrian." This volume, which runs to almost 700 pages, is a sequel to the author's " Literary History of Rome to the Close of the Golden Age," the first edition of which appeared as long ago as 1909. By criticism and by his own translations in prose and verse he seeks to convey to readers a feeling of living interest in men who have left a prominent mark upon literature, like Phaedrus, Petronius, Seneca, Lucan, Quintilian, the elder Pliny, his nephew, and Suetonius, to say nothing of the famous names of Martial, Tacitus, and Juvenal. Professor Wight Duff has been invited to contribute a chapter to one of the forthcoming volumes of " The Cambridge Ancient History." Frank Bruce Farquharson Duguid* (1919-26) is now settled tobacco-planting on Ballater Estate, P.O. Chinteche, Nyasaland. Sydney William Duthie* (1918-23), who is in the service of the Anglo-South American Bank, Ltd., at Puerto Deseado, Patagonia, has recently become a Life Member of the F.P. Club. Robert Morrison Easton* (1894-19041, M.A., M. B., who retired from the Indian Medical Service in 1921, and was for some time medical officer to a group of tea gardens in Upper Assam, has returned to this country and gone into a medical partnership at Erith, Kent.

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Herbert John Edwards* (1906-17), M.A., LL.B., advocate in Aberdeen, has succeeded to the business of the firm of Watt & Cumine, advocates, of which the late Mr. Alexander Sands was sole partner. Mr. Edwards received his early training with the firm, and will carry on the business with the view of a partnership being eventually arranged between himself and Harvey Tytler Nicol Sands* (1913-18), so soon as the latter obtains his legal qualifications. Edward Wyllie Fenton* (1895-1908), M.A., B.Sc., head of the Biology Department, Edinburgh and East of Scotland College of Agriculture, has recently been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. John Frederick Ferguson* (1904-09), Captain, Durham Light Infantry, who was a General Staff Officer with the Shanghai Defence Force, has recently been appointed Brigade Major, Second Army of the Rhine, at Wiesbaden. William Lawrence Ferrier* (1912-20) is at present with the National Bank of India, Limited, in Bishopsgate, London. George Angus Paterson Fraser* (1911-22), M.B., is at present House Surgeon in the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Canterbury. George Knowles Fraser (1907-08), M.A., B.Sc., B.Sc. (For.), has again been awarded by the Carnegie Trust a Teaching Fellowship at Aberdeen University. He is lecturer on Physics, Chemistry, and Geology in Relation to Soil. Alfred William Grafton* (1912-22), who served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Bower & Smith, C.A., Aberdeen, has recently passed as a Chartered Accountant, and has been admitted a Member of the Society of Chartered Accountants in Aberdeen. He has just received an appointment with Messrs. Deloitte, Plender, Griffiths & Co., London. Edward George Grafton* (1909-15), who was for a time in the Straits Settlements, is now in the Secretarial Department of Messrs. Pease & Partners, Darlington. Theodore Grant Gray* (1895-1901), M.B., has been promoted to be Inspector-General of Mental Hospitals in New Zealand. He entered the N.Z. Government Mental Hospitals Department in 1911, and three years ago became Deputy Inspector-General. Last year, at the request of the Governmeat, he visited Great Britain, the Continent, Canada, and the United States for the purpose of studying modern systems of treatment of the mentally afflicted. John M. HO* (1913-19) has for more than a year been with S. A. Frigorifico Anglo, Mendes, Estado do Rio, Brazil, and has recently become a Life Member of the F.P. Club. Hubert Douglas Henderson* (1901-04), M.A. (Cantab.),

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has for several years been editor of The Nation, in which The Atheneum was merged seven years ago. The centenary of the latter review was celebrated in January. The Nation itself celebrated its twenty-first birthday in March of this year. Reginald Alexander M. Humphrey* (1912-17), M.B., Lieutenant, R.A.M.C., has been posted to India. Archibald Forbes Hyslop* (1897-1910), M.A., Ph.D., has recently been appointed one of H.M. Inspectors of Schools in Scotland. He was formerly a member of the staff of the Aberdeen Grammar School, and since the autumn of 1924 has been a master in Manchester Grammar School under his former chief in Aberdeen, Mr. Douglas G. Miller. He received the Doctorate of Philosophy from Aberdeen University in July, 1925. Herbert Saunders Insch* (1916-22) has recently qualified as a Chartered Accountant and been admitted as a Member of the Society of Accountants in Aberdeen. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Flockhart & Grant, C.A., Aberdeen. Eric Robert Russell Linklater (1913-16), M.A., assistant in English at Aberdeen University, had a short story entitled " Thieves ! " in the January Cornhill. Robert Alexander Lendrum* (1873-78), M.A., D.D., of St. Margaret's U.F. Church, Fairlie, Ayrshire, has applied for a colleague and successor. At a meeting of the Presbytery in February he stated that the reason for his retirement was that he was not able to overtake the work, and seeing that was impossible, he thought it was plainly his duty to make room for a younger man. If he had his life to begin over again, there was no calling which he would more gladly choose. He had preached for more than forty years, and he felt as if he had just scratched the surface of the Bible, and was just beginning to know how to preach. Dr. Lendrum was Dux and Gold Medallist of the School in 1878. Ritchie Doughty Lyon* (1907-13), M.A., B.D., who was elected minister of the North Parish Church, Dunfermline, in June, 1920, has recently been elected assistant and successor in the parish of North Berwick. In a recent letter he says that he enjoyed readine the report of " J.M.B.'s " speech at the Club Dinner, and the latter's delight at seeing the sea at Stonehaven found an echo in his own heart. One of the pleasures he most looked forward to at North Berwick was to meet the sea again every morning. James Wyness MacGregor* (1910-23), who was for several years with Messrs. Tawse & Allan, civil engineers, Aberdeen, has sailed for South Africa, and is to engage in fruit farming at Klipheuval, about 40 miles from Cape Town.

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William Macintosh,* M.A., Ph.D., who was a pupil at the School in the early 'Seventies and is Rector of St. Paul's Church, Kinross, is the author of a recently published volume entitled " Burns in Germany : Scoto-German Studies." In the preface he states : " The chief purpose of this little book is to show the position of Bums in Germany—to make clear to readers the fact that the Scottish poet was early known and much esteemed throughout the German Empire. . . . It must be admitted that no European nation has so responded to the sentiments of the poet, or been so quick to recognize his humour, to welcome his aspirations, or to sympathise with him in his poverty and the struggles that marked his life. It has often delighted me to discover this admiration so emphatically expressed, not merely by the common people, but by the most scholarly minds." Other subjects dealt with are—" Scottish and German : The Original Identity," and " Literature as a Bond of International Friendship." William Craib McIntosh* (1915-20), M.B., is at present House Surgeon in the Gravesend and North Kent Hospital, Gravesend. William Matthews Mackenzie* (1910-18) is going out in May to the Orange Free State, where he is to engage in farming with some friends at Tweespruit. He has become a Life Member of the F.P. Club, and in this respect may be commended as an example to others who are arranging to go abroad. Harvey Goodwin Mackintosh* (1912-15) was chosen for Scotland in the recent Badminton match against England, but as he was unable to play, Hugh Mackenzie Crombie (1911-20), M.B., London, took his place. The other reserve was James Gordon Mackintosh* (1912-16). William George MacMillan* (1916-22), B.Sc., has been awarded a Scholarship in Chemistry by the Carnegie Trust. Alexander Gunn MacNeil* (1905-09) was in April of last year appointed Harbour Engineer to the Kailan Mining Administration at Chinwangtao, North China, whose head office is at Tientsin. He says that the climate of Chinwangtao is probably about the best all-round in the world, from a health point of view. The temperature varies between 100° F. in summer and -7° F. in winter. They enjoy plenty of golf, tennis, and bathing. Adequate naval and military protection is afforded by various foreign governments. The entire port is owned and managed by the K.M.A., whose coal exports amount to over five million tons a year, in addition to a large output of glass, bricks, tiles, and fireclay. Alastair James Margach (1915-22), Uganda, received (in absentia) at the end of November the degree of B.Sc. (Agr.) from Aberdeen University.

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Edward George Marnoch* (1918-21) has received an appointment on the technical staff of Messrs. Spencer (Melksham) Ltd., Melksham, Wilts. He served as an apprentice for five years in the shops and drawing office of Messrs. Barry, Henry & Cook, Ltd., Aberdeen, and later was employed in the drawing office of Messrs. Hall, Russell & Co., Ltd. James William Slessor Marr* (1913-19), who was last year appointed Zoologist to the Discovery Expedition organized by the Colonial Office to investigate deep-sea life and to make other scientific surveys in the Antarctic, sailed on an oil tanker towards the end of last year from Newcastle with three other members of the research staff. His duties include the opening of a laboratory at South Georgia, and this new station will be used for handling the specimens that will be gathered by the explorers. It is likely that he will be away for about three years. It will be remembered that it was early in 1922 that " Scout " Marr, as he then was, made his first acquaintance with South Georgia, when a member of Sir Ernest Shackleton's last expedition. James Irvine Melville* (1917-21), who is in the service of the Royal Bank of Canada at Sgo Paulo, Brazil, has become a Life Member of the F.P. Club. He went out there in August of last year, and has since met two F.P.S—ALEXANDER BAIN MACKIE* (1896-1904), the Club Consul for Brazil at Rio de Janeiro, and WILLIAM JOHN JENKYNS* (1894-1903), who is chief mechanical engineer with Messrs. S. C. Hill & Co., Sao Paulo, and is at present home on leave. John Maclennan* (1914-20) has recently been elected an Associate of the Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. William George Melvin* (1888-96), M.Inst.C.E., who was in the Public Works Department, Bengal, India, from 1905 to 1926, is now in charge of the engineering department of the Lake Copais Co., Ltd., Aliartos, Greece. This company is engaged in draining and irrigating a swamp lying about 60 miles north of Athens and extending to about 60,000 acres, and converting it into farm land producing wheat, barley, and oats in the winter, and cotton and maize in the summer. Charles McGregor Moir* (1914-20), B.Sc. (Eng.), is at present a civil engineer with a contractor at Mansfield, Notts. James Moir* (1881-93), M.A., D.Sc., F.I.C., the F.P. Club Consul at Johannesburg, has recently presented to the School a contemporary caricature of his father, formerly Rector of the School, done about 1889 by J. L. DOUGLASS SMITH* whilst the highest class was reading Aristophanes' caricature of Socrates ; and also the original designs by Sir George Reid, P.R.S.A., for the Arthur Johnston Medal. Dr.

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Moir has in addition defrayed the expense of framing these two gifts, and they now hang in the School Library. William Keith Moir* (1914-19), M.A., B.Sc. (Agr. ), is at present teaching in Forfar under the Forfarshire Education Authority. James Lawson Mowat* (1915-16), M.A., Ph.D., has recently been appointed to a post in the Translation Service of the International Labour Office, Geneva, a branch of the League of Nations. The appointment is one of two posts filled by competitive examination open to graduates of all British Universities, the subjects of examination being English, Economics, French, German, and any extra languages. Dr. Mowat offered Spanish. He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen in 1922 with first class honours in Modern Languages, also winning the Gladstone Memorial Prize in Economics. For the last four years he has been Assistant in German at the University, and received the degree of Ph.D. last year. Alexander Robert Mutch* (1899-1901), Major (T.A.), has recently been appointed to the command of the North Scottish Heavy Brigade (Royal Artillery). He was commissioned in the R.G.A. early in 1915, and served in France throughout the War. Alexander Adam McIntosh Nicol* (1915-17), M.D., of Hackney Hospital, London, has been admitted a Member of the Royal College of Physicians, London. William Nicol (1917-18) has recently qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Aberdeen. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Flockhart & Grant, C.A. Sir Francis Grant Ogilvie* (1872-74), C.B., M.A., B.Sc., LL.D., has been elected President for 1927-28 of the Museums and Art Galleries Association of Great Britain. He is Chairman of the Geological Survey Board. Lawrence Ogilvie* (1907-16), M.A., M.Sc., has recently been appointed Mycologist at the Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Long Ashton, and Lecturer in Mycology in the University of Bristol. For the last few years he has been Government Plant Pathologist and F.P. Club Consul in Bermuda. Charles Howard Pratt* (1919-27) has just left to take up an appointment on a tea estate in Ceylon. John Rae* (1882-85), Chief General Manager and a Director of the Westminster Bank, has received from the Emperor of Japan the Imperial Order of the Rising Sun (Second Class), as a recognition of valuable service rendered to the Japanese Government in regard to international finance. Douglas Robertson* (1921-28) has joined the British India Steam Navigation Company as a Cadet.

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Douglas Campbell Sangster* (1906-13), who entered the service of Messrs. Harrods, Ltd., London, in 1925, is now with this Company at Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ian Murray Shaw* (1908-16) is at present on the Jerantut Estate, Pahang, F.M.S. Edward Henry Paton Shirran* (1914-19) is a partner in the firm of Robb & Shirran, aerated water manufacturers, Edinburgh. Harold William Shirreffs* (1915-16), who is farming at Bumieboozle Farm, Camrose, Alberta, with Gordon Couper Grant* (1904-17), says in a letter written on 2nd January that he received the Magazine a few days previously, " and good Christmas cheer it was, too ! " The winter, so far, had been very severe, the thermometer dropping as low as 55° below zero ! " The main roads to town are being kept open for cars by means of two big wooden snow-ploughs, each pushed by a tractor. Last year's wheat crop was a very favourable one, although a considerable amount of damage was done by rain and hail. The last F.P. who paid us a visit was John Crombie Adams (1914-16) from Montreal. Occasionally we meet Peter Jamieson (1911-18) and Eric Jamieson (1914-18), who are farming with their father near Alix, Alberta." Percy Charles Brand Shirreffs* (1913-16) was last year appointed an Assistant District Commissioner in the Gold Coast Colony, and is at present stationed at Cape Coast. John Tower Sorley (1871-74), M.A., advocate, who has been City Chamberlain of Aberdeen since 1911, is to retire in May, but his services will be available as consultant to the Town Council on all matters relating to house property. He was Dux of the School in 1874. John Paterson Sutherland* (1912-15), who entered the service of the British Linen Bank in Aberdeen, has recently been transferred to the Head Office of the Bank in Edinburgh. David Landsborough Thomson* (1911-18), M.A., B.Sc., has recently received an appointment as lecturer in the Bio-Chemistry Department of McGill University, Montreal, and will enter on his duties in the autumn of this year. He graduated Ph.D. at Cambridge in February. Douglas Fraser Turner* (1920-22) qualified as L.U.S. of the Royal College of Surgeons, England, in 1926, and is now assistant dental surgeon with Messrs. Soper & Haine, Aberdeen. James O. R. M. Watt* (1922-25) is at present Assistant Manager of the North British Station Hotel, Glasgow. David M. Whamond* (1900-02), who entered the service

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of Messrs. Butterfield & Swire in 1908, has recently been promoted to have full charge of this company's interests at Hankow, China. James Fenton Wyness* (1915-20) has been elected an Associate of the Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. "WE ARE SEVEN."

In the office of Messrs. Williamson & Dunn, C.A., Aberdeen, of which firm Charles Williamson* (1883-85) is senior partner, there are at present no fewer than seven Former Pupils serving. These are —Francis Orchiston Dickie* (1916-25), John Ledingham Ducat* (1916-27), Stanley Frank Walker Humphrey* (1912-22), William James Adair Nelson* (1914-24), Patrick John M. Walker* (1914-20), James Barclay Watt* (1912-21), and Charles Whyte Williamson* (1910-17). ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BLUES.

At the Spring Meeting of the Blues Committee of Aberdeen University the following awards were made :—Rugby Football—Full Blues—Duncan Scott Cochran* (1914-24), John Park Weir* (1918-24), George Norrie Gordon* (1908-19) ; Half Blues—Charles M. M. Murray* (1914-26), John P. B. Gil* (1920-26), and Robert T. S. Millar* (1925-26). Golf—Half Blue—Maxwell Grant Gibb* (1913-22). OBITUARY. A PLEASING CORRECTION.

In the last issue of the Magazine (p. 23), the death was announced of Peter Harper* (1878- 86), M.A., M.D. This was based on an entry in the Obituary for 1926-27 of members of the General Council of the University of Aberdeen. No communication either from this world or the next has been received by the Editor from Dr. Harpdr, but several of his friends on seeing the announcement in the Magazine reported that he was still very much alive. We accordingly hasten to correct the erroneous announcement, and ask the Doctor to accept our apologies. Alexander McHardy Cran (1888-90 and 1896-98), M.I.Mar.E., youngest son of the late PETER M. CRAN (1851-57), City Chamberlain, Aberdeen, died at Streatham, London, on 9th February, aged 44 years. He served his apprenticeship as an engineer with Messrs. McKinnon & Co., Ltd., Aberdeen, and thereafter became a marine engineer.

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William Wilson Fyvie* (1893-99), D.Sc., died at Aberdeen on 17th January, aged 44 years. He graduated B.Sc. with special distinction in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in 1904, and immediately thereafter was appointed junior assistant to the Professor of Natural Philosophy in Aberdeen University. In 1907 he was promoted to be senior assistant, and in 1910 appointed, in addition, Lecturer on Mechanics. In 1919 he was appointed Lecturer on Natural Philosophy, and in the same year received the degree of D.Sc. He was one of the pioneers in Aberdeen in the science and practice of wireless telegraphy, and gradually devoted more and more time to the study of it. During recent years he applied himself assiduously to the explanation of the variation of signal strength at sunrise and sunset, and to the problem of " fading " in general. Rather more than a year ago he evolved a theory of " fading " in terms of the interference of reflected waves, which accounted excellently for a large number of observations, but refrained from publishing it until he could satisfy himself of its applicability to all conditions, and he was an still working actively on the problem when he died from attack of pneumonia. Douglas William Edgar Gauld* (1914-20), only son of WILLIAM E. GAULD* (1882-86), F.R.I.B.A., died suddenly 24 at Sasare, Northern Rhodesia, on 28th December, aged years. He went out to Central Africa over two years ago, and engaged in tobacco-planting in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia. Extracts from a letter from him describthe ing a tobacco harvest in Northern Rhodesia appeared in Magazine of last June. Andrew Smith Grassick (1892-94) died at Bucksburn on 11th March, aged 49 years. He served as a law apprentice and in Aberdeen, and subsequently was a clerk in Singapore the on appointment an received he 1909 Hongkong. In Government Survey, British Columbia, and after being in Canada for about three years, returned to Aberdeen, where he was employed in a law office. During the War he served with from the 7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, being in France 1916 to March 1918, when he was taken a prisoner. He was demobilized twelve months later with the rank of LanceCorporal. John Harper (1867-69) died at Cairnlee, Bournemouth, of on 16th January, aged 72 years. He was the elder son the late Mr. John Harper of Seafield, Aberdeen, and was the founder and chairman of Messrs. Harpers, Limited, engineers and " makers of accessories for the transmission of power," Craiginches, Aberdeen. He was one of the pioneers of motoring in the north, and took the closest interest in the advancement of mechanical road propulsion. Two of his sons, CHARLES

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HARPER* (1898-1902) and NORMAN HARPER* (1903), are in The Harper Motor Co., Ltd., Aberdeen, the former being managing director of the firm. Joseph Hopkins* (1869-71) died in Aberdeen on 2nd January, aged 72 years. He served as an apprentice in the Town and County Bank, Inverurie, and after being employed at several of the branches and at the head office of this bank, ultimately became agent of the North of Scotland Bank Limited at Tarland. From this position he retired three years ago, and took up residence in Aberdeen. Thomas Hamilton Lamb (1902-05) died in Aberdeen on 29th December, aged 38 years. In 1915 he joined the 3rd Battalion Royal Scots as a Private, and then transferred to the Royal Naval Air Service. He took the Aeronaut Certificate and Airship Pilot's Certificate, and was employed at Luce Bay Naval Airship Station during 1918, escorting convoys from the Atlantic into Liverpool. After the Armistice he was transferred to the Royal Naval Airship Station, East Fortune, and as Messing Officer took part in the historic journey to America and back in July, 1919, of H.M.A. " R 34." In 1921 he became engineering adviser to the Sentinel MotorWaggon Works, Ltd., Shrewsbury, and latterly was representative in the north of Sentinel Steam Waggons. David Lyall (1870-75) died at Kandy, Ceylon, on 3rd February, aged 70 years. He was a son of the late Mr. R. W. Lyall, of the firm of Messrs. Hay & Lyall, fine art dealers, Aberdeen, and four years after leaving the School became a coffee and tea planter in Ceylon. He was a keen sportsman, engaging with great zest in fishing and shooting. Alexander Spence Macdonald* (1871-73) died at Aberdeen on 21st December, aged 72 years. After leaving the School he entered his father's business, which he carried on under the firm name of David Macdonald & Sons, import merchants and herring factors, Aberdeen. His only son is DAVID RONALD MACDONALD* (1895-1903), who entered his father's business and is a member of the firm. Mr. Spence Macdonald was President of the F.P. Club for 1911-12. Robert Jackson MacLennan (1882-86) died at Nice on 16th January, aged 54 years. A year or two after leaving the School he took up journalism, beginning as a free lance, and later joining the staff of the Aberdeen Free Press. Leaving Aberdeen, he worked for some time in London, and 27 years ago joined the reporting staff of the Glasgow. Evening News. He served on the staff of that paper in various capacities, and succeeded to the editorship about five years ago, on the retirement from active control of Dr. Neil Munro. Mr. MacLennan was an able journalist, with a wide knowledge of

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his profession and a special aptitude for the brighter and lighter phases of news and comment. For a time he specialized in art criticism. He had also the gift of versification, and many short poems from his pen appeared in the columns of his own journal. As an after-dinner speaker, reciter, and story-teller, Mr. MacLennan took a leading place, and he figured in this capacity at many gatherings, especially at meetings of journalists. He had a rare fund of anecdotes, many of them relating to Aberdeenshire, and these he was wont to relate with a quiet touch of native humour. John Stephen Mayer (1863-68), M.A., formerly minister of the High U.F. Church, Paisley, died at Paisley on 27th December, aged 74. He was a son of the late Mr. David Mayer, teacher, Aberdeen, and graduated M.A. at Aberdeen University in 1877. He became minister of the Free Church, Woodstock, Cape Town, in 1889, and remained there till 1897. In 1903 he was appointed to the High U.F. Church, Paisley, where he continued till 1924, when he retired. Alexander Rennie Pope (1906-11) died in Aberdeen on 10th February, aged 35 years. William Reith* (1883-85), son of the late Dr Alexander Reith, Aberdeen, died at Croydon, Surrey, on 22nd January, aged 58 years. He served in shipping offices in Aberdeen until 1890, and thereafter was a member of the head office staff in London of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. William Fiddes Smith (1872-75), eldest son of the late Mr. John Rae Smith, bookseller, Aberdeen, died at Morningfield Hospital, Aberdeen, on 30th November, aged 67 years. Andrew Stewart (1865-67) died at Aberdeen on 13th January, aged 74 years. After leaving the School he intended to take up an engineering career, but owing to the death of his father, Mr. Alexander Roy Stewart, he was called upon to take over the control of the Gilcomston Dye Works, which had been founded by his grandfather in 1822. Under his guidance the firm's premises in Leadside became a busy centre of the dyeing trade. James Ironside Still* (1871-72), M.A., D.D., minister of Banchory-Devenick United Free Church, died at the Manse there on 29th November, aged 73 years. He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen University in 1877, and after studying at the Free Church College, Aberdeen, was ordained minister of the Free Church, Banchory-Devenick, in 1884, and there he continued as minister for 43 years. He published two handbooks on " The Acts of the Apostles,' which showed wide reading and competent scholarship. Aberdeen University conferred on him the degree of D.D. in 1920. Many F.P.s will recall Dr. Still as the invigilator at the Leaving Certificate

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Examinations conducted annually in the School Hall. His only son is SYDNEY CARDNO STILL* (1904-10), M.A., of Queen's Park West U.F. Church, Glasgow. William M. Sutherland (1867-69), senior minister of the U.F. Church, Clola, died on 28th January, aged 77 years. He graduated in Arts at Edinburgh University in 1874, and took the B.D. degree there in 1879. In the same year he was ordained minister of the Free Church, Clola, Aberdeenshire, where he continued until his retirement from active ministry in 1923. He was keenly interested in the work of the district and in the educational affairs of the parish. Godfrey McTaggart Symmers* (1875-76), formerly officer and commander in the service of the British India Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., died at Aberdeen on 17th January. He went to sea on leaving the School in 1876, and was for many years with the B.I.S.N. Co., Ltd. He was in command of the steamer Umaria when she was attacked and sunk by a hostile submarine off the Italian coast on 26th May, 1917, and having been permanently affected by his experiences on that day, retired shortly afterwards. Some account of these experiences appeared in "Merchant Adventurers 1914-18," a volume published in 1920. His son., GODFREY ROY SYMMERS,* was at the School from 1912 to 1924. James Taggart (1887-92), M.A., B.Sc., late Rector, Brechin High School, died at Brechin on 13th February, aged 52 years. He was the eldest son of Sir James Taggart, Aberdeen, and after leaving the School graduated at Aberdeen University in Arts in 1896 and in Science in 1901. He was an assistant for two years in the University, and was then appointed Mathematical and Science Master in Brechin High School. In 1912 he was promoted to be Rector of the High School. Owing to ill-health he resigned this post about a year ago. John David Thomson* (1892-96) died suddenly on Oonanagalla Estate, Madulkelle, Ceylon, on 1st December, aged 40 years. A son of the late Mr. Alexander Thomson (1863-68), of the Town and County Bank, Aberdeen, he served his apprenticeship with that Bank, and then went to Ceylon in 1907 to learn tea planting at Spring Valley, Badulla. He subsequently became superintendent on the Leangawella Estate, Hatupatale, and later manager of the Hatupatale Tea Co., Ltd. His two elder brothers died in early manhood : ROBERT NICOL THOMSON (1889-92) at Sydney, New South Wales, in 1906, while a medical student ; and ALEXANDER MACNAUGHTON THOMSON (1889-93) at Banchory in 1909. James Louden Webster (1877-80), M.B., C.M., died in r

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Aberdeen on 26th January, aged 64 years. He was in medical practice in London for fifteen years, and later was resident at Pickering, Yorks.

Marriages. Anderson (1913-16).—At the United Free Church, Inverurie, on 1st February, NORMAN Jon/sr ANDERSON, Stanley, Perthshire, son of the late Mr. James Anderson, Ardconnon, and of Mrs. Anderson, 425 Great Western Road, Aberdeen, to Barbara Winifred, elder daughter of Robert Bruce■ (1881-82) and Mrs. Bruce, Heatherwick, Inverurie. Bowie (1890-97).—At 73 Desswood Place, Aberdeen, on 24th December, WILLIAM CHALMERS BOWIE,• M.A., to Elizabeth Murray, daughter of the late John Clarke and of Mrs. Clarke, Wellington, New Zealand, and formerly of Lumphanan. Buyers (1894-99).—At 60 Fonthill Road, Aberdeen, on 21st December, WILLIAM BUYERS,* planter, Federated Malay States, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Buyers, Aberdeen, to Williamina Boyd, only daughter of the late William Boyd M`Bey, of Rugby and Aberdeen, and Mrs. M'Bey, 60 Fonthill Road. Cheyne (1901-05).-At H.B.M. Consulate General, and afterwards at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Shanghai, on 20th December, Major DOUGLAS GORDON CHEYNE,5 M.C., M.D., Royal Army Medical Corps, son of the late Walter Smith Cheyne (1868-71), M.D., Aberdeen, to Helen Mary, daughter of the Rev. R. E. Lawrence, Atlow Rectory, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Edmond (1894-98).-At St. George's Church, Agra, on 1st December, Major JAMES HECTOR EDMOND,* D.S.O., Royal Artillery, son of the late Dr. George M. Edmond (1864-68), Aberdeen, to Eileen Marchant, only daughter of the late Major Godfrey Marchant, 29th Lancers, and of Mrs. W. B. Cotton, Etah, U.P. Gerrie (1910-15).-At St. Clement's Church, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, on 4th February, GEORGE GERRIE, son of the late George Gerrie and of Mrs. Gerrie, 8 Tullos Circle, Aberdeen, to Beatrice, only daughter of Mr. James Shakeshaft and the late Mrs. Shakeshaft, Chorlton-cumHardy, Manchester. Stephen (1896-98).—At Aberdeen, by special licence, BEDDIE M'DONALD STEPHEN to Violet Moir, youngest daughter of the late James Moir, 14 Hosefield Avenue.

The Difference. When proposing the toast of " The Association " at the annual dinner last December of the Robert Gordon's College Former Pupils' Association, Mr. G. S. Fraser, the Town Clerk, said that while at Glasgow. University he had been a student of the accents and mannerisms of his fellow undergraduates, trying to find out what school they belonged to, and he had tried the same process since he came to Aberdeen. His conclusions were that if a man wore spats and played golf at Balgownie, he was a Grammarian ; and if he broke the Sabbath and golfed at Murcar, he was a Gordonian ! (Loud laughter.)

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London as I see It.* By GEORGE TOPHAM FORREST, F.R.I.B.A., F.R.S.E., F.G.S., Architect to the London County Council.

I suppose it is quite true that different people look at things from different angles. Some one has said it must be so, otherwise a lot of married women would still be unmarried ! It is certainly true that people interested in London look at it from different angles. I do not know how many thousands of books there are in the British Museum dealing with London. All of them represent different points of view. These may, however, be broadly grouped in two classes. One deals with the people of London, the other with the place called London. Boswell in his Life of Johnson, says " 1 have often amused myself with thinking how different a place London is to different people. They whose narrow minds are contracted to the consideration of some one particular pursuit, view it only through that medium. . . . But the intellectual man is struck with it, as comprehending the whole of human life in all its variety, the contemplation of which is inexhaustible." That is the point of view of the man who is impressed by the people rather than the place. Boswell was prompted to give us his view, by a remark which Johnson had made regarding the immensity of London. Johnson himself was immense, and no doubt could appreciate immensity 1 The immensity of London is always the first thing which impresses us when we begin to study it. It is not the first thing which impresses us when we enter London. I well remember the morning of my arrival, some thirty years ago. Nothing could be more unattractive than London as seen for the first time from outside King's Cross Station. Dingy, dilapidated, disappointing. The appearance of Gray's Inn Road and neighbouring streets, combined with the fact that I had to find employment, was enough to make me wish I had taken a return ticket. A recent writer has declared that no human prevision made London ; " it was Time and the Ocean and some fostering Star." Then all I can say is that time and the ocean and that particular fostering star must have held a grudge against young Scotsmen. The first view of London was enough to drive one back home. The City of my dreams 1 They were dreams, and the awakening was rude ! The next impression was that of the immensity of London. It certainly is an immense City. To walk round its outer edge (and no one would think of doing it more than once I) *A Paper read to the Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils' Club, London Section, in the Engineers' Club, Coventry Street, on 1st December, 1927 ; Lord Meston, the President, in the Chair.

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would be almost equivalent to walking from Aberdeen to Edinburgh—with a difference ! The road journey from East to West through the heart of London is longer than that between Banchory and Ballater. I know which of them would seem longer. There is a lot of water along the BanchoryBallater road. As a drink, water is all right if you take it in the right spirit ! If only the Banchory-Ballater road could be transplanted to the heart of London there would be nothing to complain about ! The size of the place is certainly somewhat overwhelming. But if we want to know London we must know more than the place. We must also know the people. The one cannot be separated from the other. Therefore, I propose to refer to (1) The People and (2) The Place. L—THE PEOPLE.

In referring to the people of London, I want you to remember the title of this Paper : " London as I see it." You may not see it from my angle. When I am through you may tell me to consult an oculist ! More than one writer has commented on the continuity of London. This is certainly true of its people. Whatever the changes in the streets and houses, the people remain unchanged. We sometimes hear of the strong, silent man. He is usually a very successful man, and it often happens that he hails from a part of the world which doesn't carry a London postal number ! London suggests such a man. It is difficult to get out of the way of referring to London as " she." A modern American waiter (I beg your pardon—all American writers are modern !)—a recent American writer says London is a masculine City. He does not prove it, unless he means us to accept as proof his asseveration that London is a silent City ! That to us is not quite a chivalrous way of proving masculinity. But there certainly is something of the strong, silent man about London. You may condemn London, you may praise London, but London hardly takes the trouble to listen. London just goes on, almost heedless of what you say or think. William the Conqueror found that out. He built a Tower at the East side of London in order to overawe the inhabitants. As a means of overawing London it was a waste of good building material. Charles II blessed a wonderful plan made by Wren for the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire. Not even a Royal blessing could transform an architect's plan into something which must be worshipped and obeyed by the people of London. The City was rebuilt on the old lines, and every man's house on the old foundations. The people are what they have always been. Of course

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one would expect that, seeing that recent generations have been fortified and energized by plenty of Scotch ! And as proof that they are the same, I might say that modem Superintending Architects have been known to prepare wonderful plans for the rebuilding of London. They have even been known to paint beautiful pictures and frame them in gilt frames. In time they paint the gilt a deep black, and write underneath " R.I.P." Now I do not mean by all this that the people lack the sense of beauty. Far from it, very far from it. But, unfortunately, many people who have wanted to rebuild London have forgotten one most important fact. London is a business City. It always has been. It is not a show place. It has always been a market, a place of trade. The people are a trading people, not hotel proprietors or servants. They don't live on " 10 per cent. added to the bill." The reason is that 10 per cent. is not high enough ! 1 London exists for trade, not for sightseers. When we can prove that our pretty schemes will assist the commercial development of the City, then, and only then, can these have any chance of being carried out. There are visionaries who moan that their glorious schemes can never be realized because of what they call " the financial interests." Exactly. London is the greatest market-place in the world, not a cricket green in the centre of some old-world village. Of course, the visionary has his place even in London. He is doing a great work in setting before us the City Beautiful, but he must be patient. And he has a great friend in Education, a friend that will be more and more powerful as years go on. Education is bound to affect the outlook of all classes of people in the future. In Aberdeen we have always been proud of our educational facilities. London may also be proud. I take the following from a recent official publication :— " There is no doubt that the quality of elementary schooling (in

London) has been steadily changing for the better. The very steadinep of the change has obscured its significance. When, however, we take a long stretch of time and compare the beginning with the end, we at once see both the trend and the magnitude of the change. In the early days of the School Board the teachers had to deal with illiterate children of illiterate parents. The great aim was to teach the children, some of them almost grown-up, to read, to write, and to cipher. . . . The elementary school of to-day is so profoundly different in aim and purpose that to judge of its achievements by the ancient standards is to misconceive its objective and ignore its essential spirit. The three Rs are still there, and always will be there, but they are there as a means and not as an end. The end may be called ' Culture,' if by culture we mean not so much a definite body of knowledge as a readiness, or rather, an eagerness, to absorb knowledge and to get understanding ; and if we further mean a sensitiveness to higher and nobler things and the acquisition of some of the graces and refinement of civilized life."

It is a rare thing nowadays to come across an illiterate

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person. It was by no means rare in the latter part of the last century. Moreover, it is possible for the poorest boy in London to win his way through to the great Universities. That, of course, has for long been a possibility in Aberdeen. We Aberdonians owe a debt to those who preceded us which can never be repaid. Succeeding generations of Londoners will be equally indebted to the London of the present day. Further, I do not think it has yet been generally realized what an effect well-designed and attractive school buildings have on the minds of school children. It is greatly to the credit of the London County Council as a body that it has realized that architecture has an educational value, and consequently every encouragement is given to its architectural staff to give of their best in the designs of school buildings of all kinds. To the education provided in school and college and university must be added the wider education of travel. London people are spending their holidays in increasing numbers in Continental cities. All this is bound to have a marked effect on London. People will soon realize that a business City can also be a beautiful city, and that it ought to be a beautiful City. We are all beginning to recognize that it is easier to live in pleasant surroundings than in dismal, a and that it is also easier to perform one's tasks. From is a City attractive and well-laid-out a view of business point good investment. One outstanding effect of education (and I use the word People in its widest sense) is the demand for decent houses. parents their that little the with satisfied be to are not going got out of life. The next demand will be for a better City. When I was a boy I was taught that the better City is away beyond the clouds. The man who preaches that sort of thing London. i4 at a discount to-day, and nowhere more so than in II.—THE PLACE.

That brings me to speak of the place called London, as I other cities see it. I sometimes wonder what the people of example, for know, We it. had they if London would do with make it a what the Parisians would do with it. They would somepleasant show place. The Viennese would probably do of touch thing of the same kind, but not with the lightness retain it as a of the Parisians. The pre-war Berliners would commercial centre, but change it along the lines of the formal, they would the regular, and the precise. The Americans—well, straight pull it down ! ! In its place we should have a City of London depressing How them. of miles streets--miles and City which would then be. To have to live in an American punishment. I could name would be the worst form of eternal

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I have read in architectural books that its plan suggests a gridiron ! There never was a truer word written. A gridiron ! " A frame of iron bars for broiling flesh over a fire "—and not a drop to drink ! All such changes would spoil London. And there is so much in it that one does not want to see spoiled. I don't know what you think of the centre of London, but to me there is nothing like it for sheer attractiveness in any other City. Nowhere in the world is there anything like the view of the City of London as seen from Waterloo Bridge. Neither is there, anywhere, anything quite like the view of the West Central district as seen from Westminster Bridge. The strange thing is that these groupings of buildings are almost accidental. There was no previously prepared plan. The same thing might be said of the whole of Central London from the Tower to Marble Arch. The centre has been almost entirely rebuilt bit by bit. And yet the old and the new fit together like the parts of a delightful piece of mosaic. London, or rather Central London, has " a wonderful way of doing things supremely well by accident." I am, personally, very proud of the fact that some of the most imposing and attractive buildings have been designed by Scotsmen. To name but a few of them, chosen haphazard : Somerset House, by Chambers, and, of course, the adjoining Waterloo Bridge, by Rennie ; St. Martin's Church, by Gibbs ; and the Adelphi, by the Adam Brothers. Amongst the moderns may be included the Ministry of Health building, by Bryden ; the Middlesex Guildhall, by Gibson ; and a host of commercial buildings in the City and West End by such wellknown men as Burnet, Mackenzie, Joass, Niven, and Wigglesworth. Probably the outstanding example is the large and imposing building by London Bridge called Adelaide House. It was designed by Sir John Burnet. These next ten years should see some further marked improvements in the Central Area. I refer to new bridges to be provided over the Thames. In collaboration with Sir Reginald Blomfield and Sir George Humphreys it has been my good fortune to be called upon to design a new bridge to take the place of the old suspension bridge near the House of Commons. I suppose you have read the reference to it as the bridge which comes from nowhere and goes to nowhere. Time will prove, I think, that the criticism is not justified. One thing, however, I would point out, and that is that the provision of the new bridge will mean the removal of what is at present an eyesore. In its place we shall have a bridge which will give the finishing touch to that beautiful stretch of the river which is flanked on one side by the Houses of Parliament and on the other by Old Lambeth Palace and St. Thomas's Hospital. On the other side of Westminster Bridge there is also a

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splendid stretch of river which, too, is disfigured by a bridge. I refer to Charing Cross Bridge. It is probable that within a comparatively short time this bridge will disappear and a new one take its place. Exactly a year ago a Royal Commission recommended a double-deck bridge at this point. The lower deck of the bridge would be used for rail purposes, and the upper for road. It would be about the same width as Westminster Bridge. So as to avoid congestion of traffic at the Strand, the road bridge would pass over that thoroughfare and reach ground level behind St. Martin's Church, in the vicinity of the Cavell Memorial. The construction of a new bridge at Charing Cross must lead to great improvements, not only on the north side but more particularly on the south side. The neighbourhood of Waterloo simply cries out for improvement. Great changes are bound to come with the coming of a new Charing Cross Bridge. It is impossible to think of the centre of London without thinking of historical buildings and places of amusement. As regards the former, it may interest you to know that an archaeological, historical, and architectural survey, not only of the Central portion, but of every parish in London, is being made at the present time. The object of the survey is to record correctly the historical information connected with old buildings, and to present by means of drawings and photographs the chief features of architectural interest. Eleven large volumes have already been published. There is a wonderful fascination about the old buildings of London. There is always a danger that this fascination may become a disease. I have not yet reached the disease stage : the proof is, that I still submit to the indignity of having my hair cut once a fortnight ! Then there are the buildings devoted to the amusement of the people—Theatres, Cinemas, Music Halls, etc. What a huge business it must be to provide for the entertainment of Londoners ! The buildings licensed by the London County Council provide entertainment for about 750,000 persons every day. I think the Londoner is much more easily entertained than formerly. Those of us who visited the theatres in the '90s regret the passing of the old school of actors and actresses. I certainly regret it. Now I am not one of those who talk about the " good old days." I don't believe very much in the old days. But there were good old actors and actresses, and it is difficult to fill their places. It might surprise you to know that in London there are 255 cinematograph halls and 90 theatres. In all, there are 804 buildings licensed every year by the London County

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Council ; of these not more than half-a-dozen are music halls. The cinema almost completely monopolizes the type of audience which formerly frequented the music hall. Again I regiet the change. The hearty laughter provoked by the humour of Harry Lauder is as invigorating as the air of the Highlands. It is a pity there is so little of it, and so much of the soulless humour and the sloppy sentimentality of Hollywood. All around the centre of London are the Inner Suburbs. Some of these are certainly not what might be termed attractive. There is " a large air of neglect " about them. But even here we are likely to see great improvements. The time is rapidly approaching when they must be rebuilt. I am very hopeful of even the dingiest suburb, and I shall be more so when the additional Town Planning legislation foreshadowed by the Minister of Health is on the Statute Book. This Town Planning legislation will not only apply to London but to every city and town of the United Kingdom. It will apply to Aberdeen, for example. The Town Council realize this, and some months ago, at, their request, I delivered a lecture on the subject at the Cowdray Hall, and also took part in a representative conference on the same subject. I must say that the City Authorities in Aberdeen are very keen on doing all in their power to add to the glory of our native town. As regards the inner suburbs of London, there is certainly plenty of room for improvement. I do not know where the Aberdonian finds lodgings these days on his first arrival in London. When I came up, I and a few others found an abode in Camden Town. Every evening on the way there I had to pass through Somers Town, and the words of Gilbert would often come into mind :— " In a dirty lodging, with fever down, Close to the Polygon, Somers Town ! "

I do not mean to imply that my lodging was dirty, but the neighbourhood was hardly an inspiring one for young fellows who professed to be Art students. I little thought in those days when I hummed Gilbert's line, " Close to the Polygon, Somers Town," that I should design a large group of buildings to be built in that very part of London And yet it has happened. The new buildings, on which a commencement has already been made, will cover about eight acres and house over 3,000 people. The design was inspired during a visit I paid to Vienna some months ago. The buildings will vary from three to nine storeys in height, and there will be playing space. sufficient for nearly 2,000 children provided about the buildings and on the roofs. Movable screens for the protection of the children in wet weather will also be provided. In addition, there will be sun

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balconies on the southern side, and these will be large enough to take perambulators. You will appreciate, therefore, that we are not anticipating any decrease in the birth rate " close to the Polygon, Somers Town " ! In the newer suburbs much is already being done to secure at any rate a pleasant fringe to the Capital. Town-Planning principles are being applied wherever possible, and nowhere more so than on the Council's own Housing Estates. I spoke about the immensity of London. It is so big that very few people realize how much the County Council has done in the way of housing. In the slum districts of the inner suburbs new and healthy accommodation in blocks of flats has been provided, since the War, for about 10,000 people. This work is most important and most valuable. The new houses take the place of property which is not only definitely unhealthy but altogether beyond repair. The provision of this accommodation is, however, a small thing in comparison with the work on the new Cottage Estates in the outer suburbs. When I took up office under the London County Council the problem of post-war housing was the first task I had to face. It was an exceedingly difficult problem, primarily because of the shortage of both labour and materials. The problem of the shortage of materials was the more difficult to solve. I simply scoured the countryside, and also Northern France and all Belgium. I managed to pick up materials in small quantities and of all sorts and kinds. The result was something of a medley of building material. If you want to see what we did with the medley, pay a visit to our first post-war Housing Estate at Roehampton ! The shortage in both respects was overcome in due course. The number of. cottages completed since those days is nearly 22,000, providing accommodation for about 130,000. (The population of Aberdeen is approximately 160,000.) The largest estate, namely the Becontree estate, to the East of London, covers nearly 3,000 acres, and the population will ultimately be equal to that of Aberdeen. These new townships are being carefully designed so as to ensure that they shall be in every way pleasant and convenient places in which to live. The architect is at last getting a chance to show what he can do in the development of the residential as well as the commercial areas. But there is much that could be done to improve London without the help of either architects or builders. In South London, for example, there are long stretches of fine roadway with small gardens in front of the houses. As a rule these gardens are a disgrace. The schools may do much to help just here. It would be a good thing for London to teach the children how to transform the barest and ugliest piece of ground into a thing of beauty.

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It might be a good thing to survey London to see just how much could be done to improve it, apart from any question of rebuilding or the making of new roads. I think the report of such a survey would make surprising reading. CONCLUSION. There are many things in London on which I might speak to you. There are its sunsets and its Scotchmen ; its statues and its slums (and in many cases they may quite fairly be linked together!) ; its ancient buildings and its modern ; its clamour and its cries ; its unity and its variety ; its rivers and canals ; its colour ; its dirt ; its beauty ; its order; its chaos—a thousand and one things, but time forbids. I dream my dreams about it all. I see something of " the more exceeding greatness " which might be London's. I do not know why it is that one gets to love London so much. You come to it thinking that, if all goes well, some day you will go back to the old place—a little house in the hills and a lot of fishing in the Dee ! The " some day " may arrive when that will be possible. I am beginning to think that when it does arrive London will have woven itself so much into one's life, that to break away would mean snapping the very cord of life. It's very strange, but as the years go on, the giving of one's best to this old City becomes one of the supreme things of life. And yet it is in many ways the same old City which repelled us when we saw it at the first from the portals of King's Cross Station.

Rain in India.

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The word " rain " to the home-dweller conjures up visions of an ordinary grey day, and heavy rain is probably visualized as the typical August thunderstorm. When, therefore, I talk about sixteen inches of rain falling in twenty-four hours, you will realize that your home rains are but as dampnesses in comparison. Rain to the average Indian cultivator means the time of year when he may plant his crops, but to a large number of them it is also a time of awful suffering, of having his house washed away, of fevers and of famine. Floods in India are yearly occurrences. Never a monsoon passes over the country without flooding some part of the land and washing away whole towns and miles of railway track. Usually, however, these floods are the result of rivers swelling and bursting their banks. A heavy fall of rain over a large tract of hill country results in the greater part of the land on both sides of the river-bed being flooded all the way down to the sea. That is wherein lies the peculiarity of the floods

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of July, 1927. They were not the result of rivers bursting, but simply of hard raining at the rate of sixteen inches per day. Several of the biggest towns in Western India, such as Baroda and Ahmedabad, were in large areas completely submerged, and great was the havoc caused. In the latter city alone 40,000 houses collapsed or were washed away. But the area in which it was my fortune (?) to be cut off was round about the town of Mirpur Khas in Sind. For ten days was I playing at being an island—a small piece of land entirely surrounded by water (vide Mr. Bentley Philip)—and with the shortage of foodstuffs and the masses of suffering and filthy humanity all around, life was anything but pleasant. The crash of houses and walls falling in was the symphony which lulled one to sleep, the waste of water one's daily panorama, and the smell of dead animals floating around one's prevailing ozone. All this, however, was not without its amusing side. One babu wired to me, " Heavy rain since last five days still raining cats and rat please arrange." A second optimist wired to the Collector of the district, " Village of Khan entirely drowning please arrange stop rain." This gives the lie, I think, to the gentlemen who try to tell us that the Indian no longer has any faith in the British Government ! A presage of the disease that is bound to follow a flood was contained in a station master's pathetic wire, " Getting severe pain in my waste (sic) send medicine first train." Malaria, and probably cholera, will be rampant after this, no matter how carefully protective measures are arranged. The entire town of Mirpur Khas was under four feet of water, and the railway station, being the one piece of high ground for miles around, was crowded out. Every carriage and wagon was teeming with refugees, and the lines of railway could not be seen for the density of the mob. Pittodrie on a Saturday afternoon was as the Sahara in comparison. Sanitary inspectors would have held their hands aloft in horror at the conditions prevailing, but that would not have helped matters. Mr. Aldous Huxley would have loved it. His Jaipur elephant would have dwindled into insignificance ! Everything must come to an end, however, and after ten days or so the floods receded and people were enabled to return to their houses, or rather, I should say, to where their houses had been. One realizes now how the story of the Great Flood was evolved. To the villager in a country such as India in the monsoon, it must certainly seem as if the whole world were under water. G. T. S.

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The Right Honourable ROBERT MUNRO (LORD ALNESS), P.C., M.A., LL.D., Lord Justice-Clerk. President of the Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils' Club, 1928-29.

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Some Thrills in Tanganyika. The following has been extracted from a letter recently sent home by A. H. PETER FERGUSON (1905-14), who is living at Mbulu, Tanganyika Territory :— . . . . I live in a cottage-shaped hut, with red mud walls and grass roof, on a hill. To the North is a ridge of wooded hills with deep ravines, sloping up to the Gormgoro Crater; all round is hilly country dotted with trees: a, picture of shades of green, with here and there bright patches of red ant-hills, all set off in bright sunshine. These woods to the North, which look so calm and quiet, are the haunts of elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes. I have shot one buffalo, three rhinoceroses, and one lion in the last six weeks. If our night were suddenly turned to day, what sights we might see ! Take the sounds of one night, starting at 9 p.m. : the bellows of a herd of buffaloes, not 100 yards away; the loud angry snort of a rhinoceros, as it is disturbed whilst drinking. At times on every side you hear the howling whine of the hyenas, then in the distance the deep-throated whop: whop of the lion in search of its food. Towards morning I am awakened by the loud angry snarl of a lion, as it gets my scent whilst passing close to my hut. Then the roar of a male lion, the answering roar of a female ; a few more roars and snarls, and then a cock crows the approaching morn. The lions make off at first sight of light : they are the lords of the night. I go out quickly and fire a few shots, as the last lion makes off to its lair down the ravine. The sun is now out, and in the distance herds of zebra and small buck graze. They also slowly make off from the proximity of man. . . . ENCOUNTER WITH A RHINOCEROS. experience was in the deep forests on the rhinoceros My slope of Gormgoro Crater. Walking along a forest path about dawn one morning, I suddenly heard a snort a few yards away : the rhino., if it smells danger (it is almost blind), puts the essence of anger into its snort. There, five yards round the corner, were two. I ran back quickly, with my heart beating furiously, as the rhino. is very dangerous. When a bit off, I turned, to see the rhino. hunting for my scent in order to charge. I fired, breaking its front leg, and it fell ; it rose, and like a steam roller without a brake, rushed down a steep hill and crashed through the undergrowth. I followed its spoor, and after a mile came on it and killed it. ENCOUNTER WITH LIONS. One evening I went for a short stroll up the hill above my land. From behind an ant-hill I suddenly saw emerge two lions, then two more and four half-grown ones. They regarded

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me and slunk off, but the half-grown ones were curious and loitered behind to have another look, so when I got to the ant-hill they were still in sight. I fired and knocked one over : there was much snarling. Well, seven to one being heavy odds, I left. Next day I returned to find I had killed it. It all sounds very dangerous—so it is, if you lose your nerve ; otherwise it is not. There is always the odd chance, of course ; but there is that in a good many things in life—crossing the street in London for instance. ENCOUNTER WITH BUFFALOES. The buffaloes are dangerous, as they are intelligent. I spotted a few on the skyline of a hill a few days ago. I travelled up the valley till I got near, and there were 60 or so standing under the shade of some trees. They look like very big black bulls. I fired at a big one, and the whole herd made off in a great rush ; had they got my wind, they would have come for me. I followed after, about a quarter of a mile away, and they all stopped to look back. Between the herd and myself was the one I had shot, badly wounded, standing under a tree with its young one, also a bull with them. The herd made off, but the bull now saw me, as I had come closer, and it came charging like cavalry for me. I fired, and it swerved to one side and stood still again ; it made to charge again, changed its mind, and rushed back after the herd, leaving the big female I had hit and her youngster. I went in close and in two more shots had killed her. The young one guarded her, however, and I could not go near, so I went back to camp and sent my boy to a neighbour for his dogs (he has about 20 for his cattle). I wished to capture the young one. On arriving with boys and dogs we found the young one was still there, keeping the vultures off its dead mother. The dogs made for it, but like a whirlwind it turned -and charged any dog that came near it. One of the natives went up close, but it gave him such a punishment that he •retreated in haste. There it was, a small youngster, still sucking its mother, and able to keep ten natives and 20 dogs at bay. Suddenly it made a dash in my direction, the dogs in full chase. It went down the ravine near my camp, and the dogs returned. I was more pleased than sorry it had made such a plucky fight. My only fear was that the lions were sure to get it later. At night I heard the bleating of a herd feeding near my shamba—perhaps the young bull had led the herd back for the youngster. Anyway no lions worried a bull that night, so I hope it was quite safe with the herd again. No lion will attack a herd—a single stag or a lone bull, yes.

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A Fishing Trip in Canada. I have been asked to write an article describing one of my fishing trips in Canada. I wish I could ! I am afraid these experiences are indescribable. I have always been fond of fishing, but in Scotland my angling activities were confined to catching " flukies " at Donmouth, and occasionally, some brook trout in the " Turra Burn " and a few other streams feeding the Don and the Deveron. My only acquaintance with salmon was through the commercial tin can. Canada abounds with beautiful rivers and lakes, many of them teeming with game fish. There is a variety of fish to choose from, and each fish requires its own particular type of angling. The most popular varieties of game fish are the bass, salmon, lake or grey trout, speckled trout, pickerel, pike, and maskinonge. This summer a friend and I decided to have a real fishing vacation, and chose Algonquin Park as the most promising locality. Our expectations were far surpassed. Algonquin Park is a large public reserve of wild life and natural scenery, perpetually protected by the Ontario Government. It measures fifty-five miles by seventy-one miles, and is reached in a few hours by train from Ottawa. It contains twelve hundred lakes, chained together by streams, and here a sportsman can fish to his heart's content. We detrained at Algonquin Park Station, where we were outfitted with canoe, Indian guide, tent, provisions, etc. ; and soon we left railroad and civilization far behind us. We crossed several beautiful lakes, and experienced our first portage ; that is, we had to carry the canoe and supplies overland from one lake to the other. This, however, was not so heavy a task as would appear ; there was a fairly well beaten path, and the distances were not great. The canoe was very light and appeared to rest comfortably on the strong shoulders of the guide. Just before sunset we reached an ideal camping spot, with a rough stone fireplace, several boxes which served as chairs, a small supply of dry firewood left by the previous campers, and soon we were enjoying an appetizing supper, served by the guide. Throughout the whole Park there are numerous camp sites, usually near the portages, and these are well kept by the canoeists and park rangers. Next morning we struck camp, burning our refuse—for the lakes must not be polluted in any way—replenished the supply of firewood for the next trippers, and continued on our northward trail. Before long we reached a lake famous for its trout. These trout were of the lake or salmon variety, and weighed on an average from four to eight pounds. During the warm days of July and August these fish live in the deepest holes of the lake, and when caught, are ice-cold and

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make delicious eating. To catch them it is necessary to use copper line, which sinks readily and carries the bait down to the bottom of the lake. About two to three hundred feet of line are required, the bait used being a small minnow, which is securely fastened to a spinner armed with several small hooks. As this spinner has to be kept in motion, the canoe is slowly paddled over the deepest parts of the lake. One has to be careful to keep the bait from becoming caught in the bottom of the lake, but after one or two trips across the lake, one has an idea of the length of line to be released. There is no mistaking a strike when fishing for these trout ; and after the fish is hooked, there is the task of winding in the long line and landing the fish. With fish weighing up to six or seven pounds there is usually little difficulty, but when a monster is hooked, then the fun is on. These trout fight like fury when they are brought up into the warmer waters at the surface and into the brighter light ; and considerable coolness, strength, and patience are required on the part of the angler to complete the capture. As a short trolling rod of about two feet long is used, there is no " give " when the fish jerks viciously, and the angler must let the line out. At the same time, should the line become slack, it will twist and " kink " and snap with the least strain. The most critical moment is when a large fish is brought to the surface. He lashes the water furiously with his tail and invariably makes one last dive under the boat. If the line has been kept reasonably taut, however, he can be landed before he braces himself for a second struggle. It is well to be prepared with a landing net or gaff while fishing in the waters of Algonquin, because one never knows when an extra large fish will be hooked. Our guide was very keen to visit a lake well off the usual canoe trail, where lake trout could be caught " still fishing "—that is, from an anchored canoe, using our rods and silk line. This appealed to us, and early the next morning we set out, leaving our impedimenta behind, as we intended returning that night. We had two fairly long portages, which were easy, as we travelled light, and the guide carried the canoe. On our way we passed what seemed to be a perfect example of a beaver dam. If one did not know the skill of beavers in this type of construction, it would be difficult to believe that these dams were not made by man. We reached our lake, caught some live minnows for bait, and then paddled to a spot known to the guide from previous visits. We used about seventy feet of silk line with a single hook and sinker, the hook passing through the back of the live minnow, injuring him as little as possible. Our efforts were well rewarded, and in two hours we had captured six beautiful trout. We lost a considerable number of fish owing to the length of line and the difficulty of

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bringing the fish to the surface. We had a late shore dinner, as the chief item on the menu was baked trout. On our return trip we discovered—to our delight—a stream with speckled trout. These trout, however, were too easily caught, and in a short time we had sufficient for food purposes, and decided to make for still more distant waters in the hope of getting some bass. Bass are different in many respects from trout. They are not nearly so large, two to three pounds being a good size, and five to six pounds in the monster class : our largest just tipped five pounds. They are caught still fishing and are found in fairly shallow water, usually on some rough, rocky bottom. Live minnows are used as bait, with only about twenty feet of line. The angler casts his minnow into the water and watches it in its vain attempts to escape from the hook in its back. Suddenly, without any warning, the line shoots out, the rod bends, and the fun has commenced. A trout or a pike, when hooked, fights by keeping under water, but with a bass it is quite different. Game to the last, he leaps two to three feet out of the water, shaking his head viciously in an attempt to escape—a trick very disconcerting to a green angler. Next instant he has disappeared under the water, only to reappear, perhaps, on the other side of the canoe, and while the fight does not last long, it is full of action and excitement. Bass are very temperamental, however, and at times seem possessed of a considerable amount of Scotch caution. Needless to say, all our energies and attention were not devoted to fishing. In a place like Algonquin Park that would be impossible as well as monotonous. Paddling through these lakes, many miles from the nearest habitation, we felt the thrill of the early explorer and pioneer. The scenery was magnificent—nothing but wild forest land with rugged hills, placid lakes, and rippling streams. Seldom was a word spoken —the only sound. being the rhythmical dip of the paddles. At night the stillness was broken by the eerie howl of wolves as they answered each other from the hilltops. We never knew the moment when we should see a fleet-footed deer, a lazy black bear, or a sneaking wolf. Suddenly entering a small bay we saw a huge bear disporting himself on a small patch of sandy beach. He showed only a passing interest in our arrival. That evening, as we sat round the camp fire before turning in, the bear paid us a social visit, and, in appreciation, we gave him a piece of bacon that had gone bad. He did not know the difference. We carefully tucked away out of Bruin's reach, however, all our valuable foodstuff. Another morning, just before sunrise, I was awakened by an animal sniffing in my face. As I " came to," my disturber waddled

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off towards the water, and I saw that he was a fine big specimen of a beaver. Our food supply was running low, so we made for Camp Minnesing. This is a log cabin camp, consisting of a main cottage with six sleeping cottages, built and operated by the Canadian National Railways, and situated on the wooded bank of Island Lake, eleven miles from the railroad. Here, indeed, was luxury in the heart of the bush—Palace Hotel service in the midst of a forest. The guests were very congenial, and were chiefly there for fishing. At Camp Minnesing there is, every year, a competition to catch the biggest fish. Here we learned a new word, the biggest fish being called the "slusher." One fifteen-pound trout had been landed two days before we arrived, but this feat was overshadowed the next day by a seventeen-pounder, and it looked as if the " slusher " had been caught. My friend Pete and I were trolling leisurely about noon just opposite the camp when I got a big strike. There were three hundred feet of copper line to be pulled in, and so ferociously did the fish pull and jerk, that over thirty minutes elapsed before we saw the monster. It was evident then that THE " slusher " bad arrived. He was a beauty, his huge head tugging at the few remaining feet of line, and his tail lashing the water. He was obviously annoyed. He made one last dive, but we held him, and as he came up under the canoe we almost upset. His next move was a big leap out of the water, bringing himself close to me. I dropped the reel and grabbed the loose line, and Pete pulled the big, green, shining monster into the canoe. Nor was the fight over. As we paddled for the shore, the fish shook himself free from the gaff, but I promptly " flopped" on him. In his long struggle he had torn his mouth very badly, and was just held by one small hook in the tip of his lower jaw. He was the season's " slusher," thirty-nine inches long, ten inches in diameter, and 2 i I pounds in weight—a real Canadian game fish. Conscious of the old proverb, " Once a Fisherman, always a Liar," I sent the trout to Ottawa, where he was beautifully mounted and now hangs in my office. In the hope that this article may interest some of the F.P. Club members in a week's fishing in Canada, the following general hints may be given. Fishing is good in May and early June, but on account of the fly season, it is well to avoid the bush in late June and July. An Old Country tourist is most attractive fodder for these aerial pests. The mosquitoes are by no means the worst of this tribe, small black flies and " nosee-ems," as the guide called them, making life rather miserable when they are at their worst. August is the ideal month for a canoe trip and for fishing. The flies have gone, the days are warm, the evenings nice and cool ; raspberries and blueberries are plentiful and in season ; and the fish are gamest. The

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expense of such a trip is surprisingly light. Blue-print maps supplied by the Railway Company make a guide unnecessary, but the presence of one adds considerably to the pleasure of a trip. While a compass is of value, a pair of field glasses saves, many a mile by enabling the canoeist to pick out a portage from a distance. Firearms are not permitted in the Park,. but be sure to bring plenty of ammunition for your kodak. It would be a pleasure for me to be of assistance to any Former Pupils who wish to enjoy some real fishing during their visit to the Dominion.

•

" Praise God, be quiet, And goe a fyshynge."

WALLACE TROUP, M.D., C.M. 180 Wellington Street, Ottawa.

(1907-12).

Crossing the Atlantic.

It has often surprised me that F.P.s when describing their rambles in Canada and the United States invariably remain silent regarding the crossing of the Atlantic. As I am sure prospective visitors to this country among the readers of the Magazine would like to know something about this stage of their journey, I will venture briefly an account of my last voyage across the Atlantic. Having paid Aberdeen and Edinburgh a short visit, I made my way to Glasgow and boarded my vessel on a certain October morning. The first duty is to seek out your steward and your stateroom, and when the ship has got fairly started, you are assigned your seat at the dining-room table for the voyage. The following morning we found ourselves lying off Liverpool, whither we had gone to pick up some hundred passengers_ I was told the night had been somewhat stormy, but I slept through it all. Of course we all enjoyed the beautiful scenery down the Clyde, but the Clyde itself is not much of a river in comparison with the great American rivers. From Liverpool we went north, rounding the north of Ireland, and got fairly into the Atlantic. By this time the passengers were getting pretty well acquainted with one another. The fact of being housed on the same vessel practically serves as an introduction, and for the time being all on board are just a big family. When you get your bearings, you soon find the spot where the daily brief bulletin of events is posted, and you are told just how much you have to alter your watch from the day before. As the days go by, you realize the vastness of the ocean. Although there are hundreds of ships always crossing, you seldom see any of them. I think the only one we passed

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within reasonable distance was the one bearing the Prince of Wales from Canada, and curiously enough on my way eastward, some two months before, I passed the Prince going west at almost the same place. The weather was remarkably fine, perfectly calm and sunny, and the vessel was so tree from vibration that many a time we thought it had actually stopped, which it never did until we picked up the doctor on the other side, to go through a very formal inspection. Perhaps nowhere else than on the ocean is Divine Service so impressive, and we all took much interest in it. The enthusiastic singing of the hymns was infectious, and everyone joined in, whether he had a voice or not. Sea rules call for at least one life-saving drill, so one day in response to the shrill blast of the siren, we all donned life preservers and rushed to our respective stations beside our lifeboats, guided by arrows painted along the passage ways. When all was ready, the Captain inspected us and then the show was over. Another time-honoured institution is the concert given in aid of the Seamen's Fund, to which everyone subscribes even if he can't squeeze in. Our ideal weather came to an end only when we ran into a dense fog, which told us we were approaching Newfoundland, and it was not until we reached the Gulf of St. Lawrence that we got rid of it. Finally we entered the grand St. Lawrence river, and for hundreds of miles we were charmed with the varied views on either side. We happened to reach Quebec about 8 p.m., and as this was too late for work, we lay at the wharf all night, proceeding on our course next morning. As the best view of Quebec is from the water, we did not miss much by being unable to go ashore. Next night we reached Montreal, but too late to land, so we anchored in midstream all night, with the warning to get up in time for a 7 o'clock breakfast in order to go ashore at 8 o'clock. It was well worth while getting up early that morning, if only to view a glorious sunrise. At this time of year—called Indian Summer—the leaves on the trees change colour, and all that was required was such a sunrise to show them to the best advantage. Before taking train for Toronto we had only about two hours to have a look round Montreal. However, I had seen it before. Having once lived for a year in Toronto. I was very anxious to see it again, but unfortunately we passed through it at midnight. I was now on my way for the Far West. G. WESTLAND Berkeley, California.

(1864-66).

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With the vision of a greensward of soft, springy turf, bathed in the golden sunshine of a glorious summer day, we begin to feel that we ought to emerge from the chrysalis which has protected us from the freezing blasts of winter, and that we ought to take a more lively interest in matters around us. We revel in the imagined heat of the sun as we think of those coming days in June which help to make life at School of a more interesting and active nature. May anticipation not prove better than realization! Thus, idly dreaming, do we take up our editorial pen to sketch, with shading both dark and light, the past and future happenings of our noble School. * * * Before a large and appreciative audience of both young and old, on Thursday, 15th December, the School Dramatic Society presented four one-act plays of great variety and interest. As on previous occasions, the Junior Section entered with great zeal into the spirit of their two plays, " The Rehearsal," and " Laying a Ghost " ; though, perhaps, the former was not so highly appreciated as the latter. But they served as a fine introduction to the splendid performance of the Senior Section. Portraying, as it did, oriental scenes and customs, as well as introducing characters of a humorous nature, " The Poetasters of Ispahan " proved to be a play which called for clever acting ; and, judging from its reception by the audience, we may safely assume that the actors did full justice both to the setting and the parts. * * * It was a great venture to attempt such a powerful play as " X= 0," but it proved successful in every way. Throbbing, as it did, with intense emotions and passions, as naturally a classical play would, it required very skilful and careful acting. But again the actors fulfilled every obligation laid upon them. Altogether the performance was exceedingly fine, and we congratulate the Dramatic Society, especially Mr. Farquharson and Mr. Eddison ; we also loudly applaud, in the hope that the curtain will rise again in a very short time. * * * In each succeeding year members of the Literary and

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Debating Society seem to find fresh scope for their abilities as serenaders. On Friday, 23rd December, what is an annual event in the doings of this Society was carried out with even greater success than in previous years. We refer, of course, to the serenading of the masters. The worthy members of this. most learned Society extended their visitation of the Staff from humble dwellings in Hamilton Place to the exalted mansions of Torry, via the Imperial Hotel. As usual they met with a most welcome reception from the Masters, and even the " long arm of the law," as he sat on a wall at Queen's Cross, thought it a great joke to be told to " clear out " for a minute or two. Further reference to this memorable night may be found in Random Notes. * * * The opening of the New Year Term was celebrated by the annual School Dance. This time the fifty couples who graced the dance did not favour with their presence either the School Hall or the New Gym, but instead betook themselves to Kennaway's Rooms. As in former years a most enjoyable evening was spent by the pupils and Masters present, along The only objection was with one or two Former Pupils. that the day following was a Tuesday, with its early start of 8.45 a.m. * * * Being well aware of the School's fine appreciation of music (especially high-class), the British Broadcasting Corporation, with its customary kindness, invited the Grammar School, along with Tony Intermediate, to enjoy a vocal concert rendered by Mr. Burnett of Edinburgh. That he is a splendid exponent of Scottish song, as well as a fine leader of community singing, Mr. Burnett conclusively proved that Thursday afternoon ; and when one heard the audience singing together " Scots wha hae " so magnificently and with so much expression, one felt that they had not only enjoyed the concert, but that they had also grasped the spirit of it. Further proof of Mr. Burnett's popularity was seen (or rather heard) in the vociferous applause which greeted his renderings of the wellknown Scottish songs. Speaking for the School, we may say that to sing is better than to " swot " and " stew " ; therefore, long may the B.B.C. grant to the School the favour of a concert_ * * * As there have been very few happenings worthy of note, apart from what have already been recorded, we feel that " School Notes " may prove to be of a somewhat exiguous nature. But we are glad to receive contributions from pupils of any class to swell the School Section of the Magazine. Accordingly we take this opportunity not only of thanking those who have sent in selections from their poetical works,

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but also of requesting articles, both humorous and serious, poetical and otherwise, in order to prove that the Grammar School does abound in future Miltons and Shakespeares, as well as in coming statesmen and scientists. OBITUARY. After the fine tribute paid by the Rector at Morning Prayers to our fellow-pupil, Alastair Ian Lake Munro, of Class II D, we feel that little more can be said. That so promising a young life, full of brightness and vigour, should be so tragically and suddenly cut off seems especially sad, and must be a heavy blow to both parents and guardian. We may assure them, however, that, as a School, we cherish his memory, remembering in him a boy who loved and honoured his School and lived up to all its fine traditions. Again we offer our deepest sympathies to his guardian and the lonely parents in South America, and, as we stretch out a hand across the waters, we hope that it will bind them and us still closer to all that is noble and right.

Random Notes. Quite recently our masters have been endeavouring to emulate the feats of the famous oracle at Delphi. In other words, they have been trying to prognosticate conundrums which will be set to take guileless candidates unawares at the approaching Leaving Certificate Examinations. * * * Ambiguity, with resulting inutility, marked the prophecies of the ancient Delphic oracle ; but, amidst all the varied subjects which have been hurled at the heads of long-suffering pupils in the shape of notes, there will surely be one which may prove of some value ! * * * In spite of the new Clock, we learn that attendance at Prayers is not yet all it should be. Might we suggest that, as a remedy for this shameful state of affairs, attendance at 8.45 a.m. be made voluntary ? On deep meditation this is not so ridiculous an idea as it may at first appear. If certain members of the School suddenly realize that they are not securing full advantage from all that they pay for, they will afterwards, as true Aberdonians, arrive punctually at School every morning. In this way Morning Prayers will become almost as popular as the Art Gallery. * * * We cannot, however, recommend the Janitor to sell his chocolate on a system of voluntary payment. * * * . In view of the recent discussion in a local newspaper on the

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subject of home lessons, the following anecdote may have added interest :— A certain parent, who prided himself on his ability to write Latin versions, wishing to assist his son who was sorely beset with home work, composed, with seeming dexterity, his Latin prose. On the following day he requested his son to repeat all the compliments which he fondly imagined had been showered upon his composition. Imagine his mortification when, instead of replying, his irate son presented him with the corrected prose, the inscription : " Utter bosh ! ! Do it again, twice ! " being emblazoned in large letters across it. * * * We learn from the authorities that the School, as a whole, is far from being brilliant at mathematics. A certain youth in the Fifth thinks that one of the reasons for this is that Trigonometry is too sinecal. Might we suggest that the subject in question, like the hero of the lEneid, is too pions to be popular with the majority of students ? * * * A few weeks ago, while the Sixth was discussing the question of " Disarmament," the topic turned to the proposed abolition of all navies, armies, munitions, and poisonous gases. The class was greatly amused, not however as the " presiding genius" thought because of the fantastic nature of the proposal, bat because they could imagine the perpetrators of the ' stinks" which pervade the corridors from time to time dolefully making their way to the Unemployment Exchange. * * * Jt is 10 p.m. on a bleak, December evening. Observe a party of literary young gentlemen grouped round a door in the outskirts of Aberdeen. After a whispered consultation, one of the youths, bolder than the others, steps forward and rings the bell. Silence follows for a few moments, and he is about to ring a second time when a low, gurgling sound issues from a lighted window above the door. The youths stand spellbound, gazing up at the window and wondering what horrible drama is being enacted within. There succeeds a series of loud splashes, which are followed by a muttered ejaculation ; -then sounds as if someone were groping about the floor, looking for an elusive piece of soap. This continues for a minute or two, and then a sigh of relief re-echoes through the stillness of the night. All at once the party beneath are again startled by a heavy splash, a chuckle of contentment, and the first bars of the once popular song, " For its my bath night, tonight," are wafted through the half-open window. Broken in spirit, the youths turn away to seek more profitable climes.

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James I of England.

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[Remembering the long, unhappy, and somewhat painful hours he had to spend learning history so as to master its every detail and date, a very eminent gentleman (who at present desires to hide his identity, since teachers of that most excellent subject might not feel too kindly disposed towards him) is thinking of publishing a book called " The Art of Learning History Easily." Written, as it is, in poetry and in fine flowing language, we feel sure it ought to appeal to the ardent student of history as well as to the seeker after original rimes. The following is a sample of the contents of the proposed book.—SCHOOL EDITOR.]

Long ago, in the days of yore, Lived James the First—an awful bore ; He padded himself without and within, For fear that a dagger should scratch his skin. His food he never could convey To his mouth—I'm very sorry to say That he slobbered it over his dining jacket, And then he kicked up the most awful racket ! His knowledge of Latin was remarkably good, And he quoted " huge chunks "—when in kindly mood ! As a Scot, he was dour and rather thrifty ; His countrymen thought he was very shifty ! When they asked him to pay them their many dues For butcher-meat bought in the seventy-two's ;* Then he hummed, and he hawed, and he said, " Perhaps " i ; And he went no farther, for he wanted his saps. He thought himself expert at riding a horse, But I marvel he did not land sooner a corse. There was Hampton Court in 1604 When, to argue religion—a very old sore— The King and the Bishops, and Presbyters stern, Met and discussed how best to learn. 1604. To stop the quarrels 'twixt king and those Who wished the English Church to oppose, The only thing they managed to do Was to translate the Bible—'twas well done, too. 1605. In 1605 was the Gunpowder Plot, When old Guy Fawkes and his merry lot Tried to blow up the King and his Parliament, But instead to the block they were all of them sent. to * For verification of some of the details of the period the reader ought refer to Sir Walter Scott's novel, The Fortunes of Nigel.

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1618. In 1618 there was begun The Thirty Years' War—no war of funIn which we see the son of James Accompanying " Steenie,"f with love as his aims, To the court of Madrid, the " caput " of Spain, Whence he returned—his courting in vain. 1620. In 1620, from England's shore, Sailed the Pilgrim Fathers—to return no more. 1625. In-sixteen hundred and twenty-five Poor Jamie was found more dead than alive ; And now, as my tale of his reign is done, I'll close with a saying that may be sung : A king once called him with witty tongue— " The wisest fool in Christendom." RER UM SCRIPTOR.

Sunset Reflections. The day drew near a close ; a long, long day Of dust and heat, of weariness and toil. While musing on my bitter lot in life I strode along, regardless of the joy And beauty to be seen in Nature, far and near. " Would I might flee from this my troubled life, With all its cares and worries, and unceasing grief ! " While grim despair o'erwhelmed my heart perplexed. When all at once, despite my sullen mood, I felt a sense of peace and joy pervade my mind. I gazed around—I stood entranced, Spellbound at Nature's wondrous loveliness. From the land of the North to the Sunny South, And Westwards, in mighty encircling range, Tower'd cloud-capp'd mountains of lofty crest, With patches of snow in the conies and rifts. While Eastwards there lay a fertile plain, With the dim, distant blue of the Ocean beyond. In front of me, stretching in grand array, Were the giants of the forests—the lordly pines— Rustling and nodding their needled tops As they whispered " Peace ! " to my weary soul. t Called so by James on account of a supposed likeness to a picture of St. Stephen. This "Steenie" was George Villiers, who eventually became Duke of Buckingham. •

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With his kingly splendour of flaming red, In the purpling West sank the circling Sun ; His parting rays, with their slanting beams, Tipped the dark blue tops of the mountain range, And lit them up with a wonderful touch Of burnished gold—the crown of kings ! There shot across the canopy of space A myriad gorgeous gleams of every shade. 'Twas like a mighty rainbow's marvellous arch, Sublime in all its colour and effect ; Till heaven itself was just one blaze of flashing lights. While out to sea, the white-fleck'd billows roll'd, Breaking in glistening foam on the golden shore. Nature was at her best in all her ways. I looked and listened—till, when the sun had set Away behind the snowy mountain heights, And when the silvery queen of night arose That long-sought calm and peace I found ; Then, as I mused, there came to me this thought, That, weary and bitter though our life may seem, Yet can it happy be, If only we could learn to be content With what we have ; and as we live, To find the joy and gladness that there is around In Nature, and in other walks of life. Remember this : to make Life sweet, Be joyful where you are ; and do not miss The lovely scenes which bring you peace and happiness. " TIRO."

The School Museum. It must be very gratifying, both to the readers of the Magazine and to all who take a continued interest in the work and traditions of the School, to know that the Museum is in a flourishing condition, due mainly to the ever-increasing number of gifts. Reference has been made in a previous issue to the presentation of a jaguar, by Mr. Scott ; of porcupine fishes, by Miss B. Sutherland ; of a further collection of Indian butterflies, by our generous contributor, Mr. G. F. Rose, Calcutta ; and of a large quantity of Indian moths, by Mr. James Florence, South India. To all of these donors acknowledgment of our grateful appreciation has been made. Once again Mr. G. F. Rose has shown his great interest in the Museum by presenting cases of very fine specimens displaying the life-histories of various Indian moths and butterflies. One of the larger specimens, unfortunately, became partially destroyed in transit, but this defect has now been made good.

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The School again would express to Mr. Rose its deep appreciation of his whole-hearted and sustained interest in the Museum. For the proper display of this ever-increasing collection of moths and butterflies the Chinese and Japanese objects of interest which at present occupy the upper portions of two of the central cases are to be removed, and their places will be taken by the new exhibits. With these exhibits properly named and classified and shown to advantage, and with its well-preserved and extensive collection of eggs and birds, the Museum will be admirably equipped from a Natural History point of view. The former Curator of the Museum, Dr. W. Douglas Simpson, gifted a rather interesting exhibit lately. It took the form of a sheet, issued many years back, informing people of the current prices of all goods and articles that could be bought and sold in various localities. A very old and fragile piece, it is naturally in a condition which calls for delicate handling, but Dr. Simpson has ensured its preservation by having it encased in a suitable glass frame, through which its contents can be read with ease and interest. Additional gifts, such as are being received, make work in the Museum a source of continuous pleasure. At the same time, exhibits already there are always well looked after and are preserved in good condition. To all those who have given so liberally in the past—and it is on such that the continued success of the Museum has depended and ever will depend— the School is deeply grateful and tenders its best thanks.

A.G.S. Scripture Union. Since the New Year opened, there has been formed in the Grammar School a Branch of the Scripture Union. This was most successfully launched by Quintin Carr at a gathering of members and friends on 4th February. At present there is a membership of about fifty-five, drawn from both Middle and Upper Schools ; but as this is not a very large proportion, we shall be more than delighted to receive members from any class, including the Lower School. We feel sure that with a strong branch of the Scripture Union at work, a great deal can be done to foster in our famous School true manliness of thought and spirit, and to further our aiin for all that is noble and right. In connection with the Scripture Union there are " Monthly Magazines" and " Daily Notes," and we strongly advise members to avail themselves of the opportunity of reading these, especially the " Daily Notes." If anyone wishes further information as regards membership or anything else, he should communicate with Ian Cameron, Anwoth, Cornhill Road.

School Rugby Football 1st XV—Season 1927-28.

Back Row.--W. H. Stephen, F. G. Harper, J. S. Dunnett, A. A. N. Batt, W. G. Sloan, D. Abernethy, I. F. Booth, Mr. D. Macgregor (Games Master).

Second Row.—J. R. S. Third, R. D. Macpherson, J. S. Stephen. A. B. Donald (Captain), G.W. Bowes, G. A. M. Saunders, A. Nicol Smith.

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School Rugby Football. For the first time since an enlarged fixture list was undertaken the 1st XV has gone through the season without defeat in an inter-school match. One game, an excellent one, that with Dollar Academy, was drawn, and the others were all won. As this record indicates, we have had a good team, if not better than, certainly as good as, that of 1923-24. Unfortunately the weather has been responsible for our having to scratch several attractive fixtures. The three-quarters have been the strongest part of the side. As a line they are unusually fast and clever, and being members of last season's XV have had considerable experience. Their only weakness, a weakness common to all sections of the team, is their tackling, and they are still dilatory in coming up for defence. In practice the perfecting of methods in attack was concentrated upon, defence possibly not being given so full a share of attention. This will be avoided next season. In September it was found that the scrum halves of the first four XVs had left School and no one was available who combined the necessary strength with experience in the position. No effort was spared to remedy this, and various players have been tried, but none has given real satisfaction. Often have we sighed for an Arthur or a Ronald Scrimgeour. Our stand-off half from last season returned to School, but owing to the effects of a serious illness, was unable to play before February. However, a newcomer quickly adapted himself to the position, and in spite of his entire lack of experience did surprisingly well. The uncertainty about our halves has been the weak element in the team. Of last season's pack only two were available, and as the 2nd XV forwards had almost entirely gone, it was extremely difficult to fill the vacancies. Up to Christmas the forwards were a source of worry. Even when a fairly well-trained pack had been obtained, there was an obvious lack of dash and purposefulness, possibly owing to over-coaching. Latterly, however, the forwards have given every satisfaction. They have worked very well together, which has counter-balanced their lack of size and weight, and there has been any amount of go about their play. At full back we have, on the whole, been well served. The 2nd and 3rd XVs were slow to improve, but in recent games their form has been satisfactory, the 2nd XV especially showing a big improvement. Next season's prospects are of the brightest, there being every indication that the first four XVs will be of exceptional strength. It is possible that ten of the 1st and nearly all the

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2nd and 3rd XVs will return to School next session. For some years to come the 1st XV forwards promise to be really big and heavy. Criticism of 1st XV Players. A. B. Donald (1926-27-28).—Captain, Centre threequarter. Height, 5 feet 84 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 9 lbs. A thoroughly sound captain and player, Quite fast. Decidedly clever. Kicks very well with either foot. Handles well, but tackling leaves room for improvement. J. S. Stephen (I925-26-27-28).—Vice-Captain, Wing three-quarter. Height, 5 feet 84 ins. ; weight, 11 stone 3 lbs. Fast, and at his best very clever, but liable to injury. Kicks well and handles very well. Tackling needs to be improved. J. R. S. Third (1926-27-28).—Leader of the forwards. Height, 5 feet 94 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 34 lbs. An extremely sound player in every way. With more weight will beco:ne an outstanding player. G. A. M. Saunders (1924-25-26-27-28).—Centre threequarter. Height, 5 feet 10 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 2 Ibs. A very clever and stylish attacking player with a delightful dummy. Fast and determined, and handles very well, but kicking and tackling need improvement. G. W. Bowes (1925-26-27-28).-Stand-off half. Height, 5 feet 8 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 9 lbs. A clever stand-off who missed the greater part of the season owing to a severe illness. Handles and kicks very well. Tackles well, but not quite fast enough to be brilliant. R. D. Macpherson (1925-26-27-28).—Wing threequarter. Height, 5 feet 10 ins. ; weight, 11 stone 12 lbs. Very effective, being extremely difficult to tackle. Fast and determined with a good swerve and a clever hand-off. Powerful kick. His tackling is quite good, but he often fails to go down on the ball to save, and his sense of position is not acute. The best wing the School has had for a very long time. A. Nicol Smith (1926-27-28).--A most promising young forward. Height, 5 feet 84 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 5 lbs. Extremely sound all round. Has not put on weight as expected, but continues to give promise of a bright future. D. S. Abernethy (1926-27-28).—Quite a good all-round forward. Owing to a serious injury appeared in only one game this season. I. F. Booth (1927-28).—A big, strong forward who is largely instrumental in holding the scrum together. Height, 5 feet 114 ins. ; weight, 12 stone 3 lbs. Fast ; kicks, dribbles, and tackles well and works extremely hard in the tight. Good at the line-out. Deficient in football sense.

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J. S. Dunnett (1927-28).—A fine type of young forward. lbs. Good all-round Height, 5 feet 8 ins. ; weight, 11 stone ability. Works hard in the tight and dribbles well in the open. Not fast, but has plenty of football sense. A. A. N. Bain (1927-28).—Full back. Height, 5 feet 54 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 54 lbs. Fields, kicks, and saves well. Not fast enough. Tackling just fair. Will develop into a very good forward. D. M. Bookless (1927-28).-Scrum half. Height, 5 feet 54 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 2 lbs. Fast and strong. Good on heavy ground with a wet ball. Saves fearlessly. Slow in getting the ball away and slow round the scrum. W. G. Sloan (1927-28).-Stand-off or Scrum half. Height 5 feet 8 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 5 lbs. Quite clever, but lacking in experience. Handles and kicks well. Not fast enough and tackling only fair, but saves well. F. G. Harper (1927-28) .—An exceptionally strong forward. Height, 5 feet 9 ins. ; weight, 11 stone 8 lbs. An untiring worker of great value in the tight, but only fair in the open. J. Trail (1927-28).—A clever and successful hooker. Height, 5 feet 64 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 8 lbs. Works hard in the tight and dribbles well in the open. T. D. Harrow (1927-28).—A good, young wing forward but lacking in size and weight. Height, 5 feet 54 ins. ; weight, 9 stone 10 lbs. Fast and very hard-working. Dribbles and tackles well. H. B. Grant (1927-28).—A promising wing forward. Height, 5 feet 8 ins. ; weight, 10 stone 9 lbs. Good, all-round ability. Fast and tackles well. W. H. Stephen (1927-28).—A big and rather clever wing forward. Height, 6 feet; in. ; weight, 11 stone 3 lbs. Dribbles, kicks, handles, and tackles quite well. Inclined to be lazy. D. McG. Recent Matches. 19th November.—School v. 2nd Gordonians. Played at Rubislaw. Score—School, 11 ; 2nd Gordonians, 3. Scorers—Donald (2), McPherBooth converted one try. son (1). For 26th November.—School v. 2nd 'Varsity, at King's College. this game School were withbut J. S. Stephen and J. S. Dunnett, whose places were taken by A. N. Smith, a forward, and H. E. Scott respectively. 'Varsity won the toss and played with the wind behind them. They attacked at first, but play was mostly in mid-field until 'Varsity were awarded a penalty in good position ; the kick, however, failed and play was then transferred to the 'Varsity line, where School almost scored. On the few occasions, at this period, when the School backs got the ball, very little ground was made, owing to the difficulty of running and handling while playing into a strong wind. Shortly before half-time 'Varsity were given another penalty, which was goaled by

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McMillan, giving our opponents a three point lead at the interval. It appeared from first half form that School should easily manage to pass the 'Varsity score, but our light forwards cracked up, and D. M. Bookless as scrum half failed to give the backs any opportunities. School attacked on many occasions, but the 'Varsity defence was very sound. About half way through this half D. Abernethy was seriously injured, thus lightening still further the School pack. 'Varsity scored towards the end, and the kick was goaled. The feature of the game was the handling of W. G. Sloan at stand-off. He took some almost impossible-looking passes with apparently great ease. Score—School, 0 ; 2nd 'Varsity, 8. 3rd December.—School v. Perth Academy, at Rubislaw. For this game A. A. N. Bain was taken from full back and put in the pack, while W. Coull, of Dun House, was tried at full back, and although he fielded and kicked well, his defence was never seriously tested. J. S. Stephen came in once more at wing, and J. S. Dunnett also returned to the pack. School started strongly, and a vast improvement was shown in the heeling of the forwards, with the result that G. A. M. Saunders ran in for a good try far out, after which A. N. Smith, after good backing up, also scored. School were obtaining the ball on all occasions, and the backs were handling and passing with great accuracy, with the result that, owing to this and to the added dash with which the forwards were playing, tries were scored by R. D. McPherson, A. N. Smith, F. G. Harper, and R. D. McPherson. After half-time the pack continued to heel quickly, but D. M. Bookless became so individualistic that for the first 17 minutes the School threes were never set going. In the latter half, however, School returned to first half form, and tries were scored by J. S. Stephen, I. F. Booth, A. B. Donald, J. S. Stephen, R. D. McPherson, and the last try was scored after a very fine " dummy " and cut through by G. A. M. Saunders. Taken all over, Perth Academy were absolutely outclassed, except perhaps at full back, and never looked like scoring ; while School for almost the first time this season really played up to expectation. Score—School, 46 ; Perth Academy, 0. Scorers—R. D. McPherson (3), G. A. M. Saunders (2), A. N. Smith (2), J. S. Stephen (2), F. G. Harper, I. F. Booth, and A. B. Donald (1 each), W. Coull converted (2), A. B. Donald (2), and A. A. N. Bain (1). Team—W. Coull ; R. D. McPherson, G. A. M. Saunders, A. B. Donald, J. S. Stephen ; D. M. Bookless and W. G. Sloan ; J. R. S. Third, A. Nicol Smith, I. F. Booth, J. S. Dunnett, J. Trail, A. A. N. Bain, F. G. Harper, and H. B. Grant. 10th December.—School v. 2nd F.P.s, at Rubislaw. W. Coull was again played at full back, while A. D. Morgan, S. R. Smith, and F. D. Lindsay came into the pack in place of F. G. Harper. A. A. N. Bain, and H. B. Grant. School kicked off, and the ball was soon in such a condition that handling was almost impossible, while the ground was in such a condition that fast play was impossible. F.P.s attacked, and after ten minutes' play scored well out. Just at this point J. S. Stephen was injured, and had to leave the field, so A. N. Smith was taken out of the pack, lightening it still further, with the result that F.P.s crossed our line twice before half-time, one try being converted by Hay. In the second half F.P.s attacked for the most part, but stout defence on the part of the School held them out until the last few minutes, when D. M. Bookless failed to hold A. M. Scrimgeour, who scored an unconverted try. Score—School, 0; 2nd F.P.s, 14. 14th December.—On this date School travelled to Perth to fulfil its postponed fixture with Glenalmond College. The pitch was fairly hard after a night's frost, while there was about half-an-inch of snow on the ground. School were without W. Coull, so A. A. N. Bain was taken from the pack, and W. M. Davidson took his place. School kicked off and took play well into their opponents' half, but although the

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forwards obtained their fair share of the ball, owing to the over-zealousness of the Glenalmond scrum half, Bookless could not get the ball away. Play continued in midfield until G. A. M. Saunders scored a very fine try under the posts. Glenalmond rallied, their forwards especially being conspicuous, and also scored a converted try, which was followed by another unconverted try far out owing to very poor marking of the School backs. This left the game in favour of Glenalmond at half-time. Score—5-8. On resuming, our opponents changed their tactics and kept the ball in their forwards. Both packs were playing a very good game, with the Glenalmond forwards slightly superior owing to their added weight. In the line-outs, School seldom procured the ball, owing to the rather unorthodox play of the opposing forwards. The School were very superior behind the scrum, except perhaps at scrum half, but owing to conditions, and failure of D. M. Bookless, got little opportunity of showing it. Play throughout the second half was very hard, the School pack playing their soundest game of the season, and W. M. Davidson being by no means the least conspicuous. After a breakaway by J. S. Stephen, very intelligent backing up by J. S. Dunnett, who in turn gave to Third, who handed back to Dunnett, who in turn gave to G. A. M. Saunders, led to a converted try. The play then became harder than ever, and developed into a battle between the two packs, School just holding their own. Snow began to fall in the last few minutes, and play was made very difficult. Score—School, 10 ; Glenalmond, 8. Scorers—G. A. M. Saunders (2), both converted by A. B. Donald. Team—A. A. N. Bain; R. D. McPherson, G. A. M. Saunders, A. B. Donald, J. S. Stephen ; D. M. Bookless and W. G. Sloan ; J. R. S. Third, A. Nicol Smith, I. F. Booth, J. S. Dunnett, J. Trail, F. G. Harper, H. B. Grant, and W. M. Davidson. 14th January, 1928.-School v. Gordon's College, at Seafield. For this game we were without I. F. Booth, whose place was filled by W. M. Davidson. The ground was very soft and made the ball difficult to handle. School kicked off, and for some time play was very scrappy in midfield until G. A. M. Saunders, in a burst from the half-way line and after repeated " dummies," ended a brilliant effort by scoring beneath the posts. The try was converted. After this, play was very scrappy and never improved. Score—School, 30 points ; Gordon's College, 0. Scorers—G. A. M. Saunders (3), R. D. McPherson (3), J. S. Stephen (2), A. B. Donald, A. A. N. Bain, and W. Coull each converting one try. 28th January.—School v. Dunfermline High School, at Dunfermline. The ground was sodden, and rain had started to fall when Dunfermline kicked off. In the first half School made the mistake of trying to handle the ball, which was not merely difficult but almost impossible. Dunfermline employed kick-and-rush tactics, and although they had the most of the game, they never looked like scoring. In the second half, after a cut through, the ball was given to G. A. M. Saunders, who ran well to score a try beneath the posts. The ground was rapidly becoming a quagmire, so School also adopted the Dunfermline tactics, with the result that J. S. Stephen, in a dribble consisting of four huge kicks ahead, scored between the posts. After this the play grew scrappier and scrappier, and the final whistle left School winners by 10 points to nil. The packs were fairly evenly matched, but the School backs were vastly superior to those of Dunfermline, but, owing to the state of the ground and ball, could do nothing but kick. A. A. N. Bain at full back played a very sound game. Scorers—G. A. M. Saunders (1), J. S. Stephen (1), A. B. Donald converted both. Team—A. A. N. Bain; R. D. McPherson, G. A. M. Saunders, J. W. B. Cruickshank, J. S. Stephen ; R. F. Greig and A. B. Donald ; J. R. S. Third, A. Nicol Smith, I. F. Booth, J. S. Dunnett, J. Trail, F. G. Harper, H. B. Grant, T. D. Harrow.

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lath February.—School v. Dollar Academy, at Rubislaw. School were at full strength for the first time this season. G. W. Bowes coming in at stand-off and W. G. Sloan going scrum-half. School won the toss and played in the first half with a fair wind behind them. The ground was in fine condition, and play in the opening minutes was fast. After play in midfield, School attacked, and were awarded a penalty, which A. B. Donald converted. Dollar returned to the attack and for ten minutes kept attacking strongly, on one occasion Turnbull being bundled into touch a few feet from the corner. The School defence, however, survived ; and, after a combined movement among the backs, R. D. McPherson scored at the corner. The kick went wide. Once again School attacked and, after a kick ahead, a glorious opportunity was lost owing to J. S. Stephen trying to gather the ball instead of dribbling. Dollar then attacked, and weak tackling allowed Fletcher to beat three men and score at the corner ; the kick at goal was unsuccessful. School returned to the offensive just before half-time, and after a combined movement, Stephen rounded the wing but failed to beat the full back. The School had had the better of this half, but the wind was rising and the outlook for School was not bright. Score—School, 6 ; Dollar, 3. School kicked off and attacked at once, but long kicking on Dollar's part put School on the defensive. Once again the School defence had a gruelling time but, as the wind lessened, play became evener. Ten minutes from the end A. A. N. Bain, who had been playing below form throughout the game, completely mishandled, and allowed Dollar to score an easy try, which was not converted. After this reverse School fought desperately, and on two occasions scores seemed certain, but deadly tackling on Dollar's part kept them out. The School forwards played very well throughout, but owing to the marked superiority of the Dollar halves the School " threes " were not at their best, and a draw was a fair result, although had School taken all opportunities we should have won. Score—School, 6 ; Dollar Academy, 6. School team—A. A. N. Bain ; R. D. McPherson, G. A. M. Saunders, A. B. Donald, J. S. Stephen ; W. G. Sloan and G. W. Bowes ; J. R. S. Third, A. Nicol Smith, I. F. Booth, J. S. Dunnett, J. Trail, F. G. Harper, T. D. Harrow, and J. L. Stephen. 25th February.—School v. Bankers, at St. Machar. School were without J. S. Stephen, G. A. M. Saunders, A. B. Donald and I. F. Booth, while W. Coull, who had come in at full back, was also unable to play. McKenzie played at full back, while A. Nicol Smith came out of the pack to wing " three." Shortly after the start Bankers dropped a goal, but before half time J. L. Stephen scored an unconverted try for School. Play in the second half was fairly even, but although the School forwards held their opponents, the backs failed to hold the Bankers, who added 10 points to their total. McKenzie at full back played a very plucky game. Score—School, 3 ; Bankers, 14. 3rd March.—School v. 2nd F.P.s, at Rubislaw. School were without G. A. M. Saunders, J. S. Stephen, and J. Trail, their places being filled by R. F. Greig, A. Gray, and S. R. Smith. School kicked off, and, after play in midfield, scored tries through R. D. McPherson (2), A. B. Donald (2), Smith (S. R.) (1). In the second half School were again vastly superior, the forwards especially playing very well, while Greig at scrum-half gave Sloan a good service under difficulties. Score—School, 47 ; 2nd F.P.s, 0. Scorers—McPherson (6), Donald (2), S. R. Smith, I. F. Booth, A. Gray one each.

2nd XV Fixtures. 3rd December.—School v. Varsity " A," at King's College. Owing to injuries School had a weak pack, but, after a doubtful start, the School backs settled down and played a very fine game. Play at first was mostly in midfield, but gradually School dominated the game,

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and scored an unconverted try through A. S. Duncan. Shortly afterwards the same player again scored an unconverted try, after a run in which the backs all handled ; while just before half-time A. Gray ran over, for W. L. Stephen to convert. Score-11-3. On resuming, School again attacked, and had most of the play, A. Gray again scoring, and towards the close N. S. Cowan scored a good try, which W. L. Stephen converted. Varsity scored once this half. Score—School, 19 ; Varsity, 6. Scorers —A. S. Duncan (2), A. Gray (2), and N. S. Cowan (1). 10th December.—School v. 2nd Dollar, at Dollar. The game was played on a sodden pitch, which was rather a handicap to our fast backs. School were without G. E. Rowton and F. S. Dewar, whose places were taken by J. M. Macgregor and I. F. Begg, while C. W. W. Wilkins was still off. Play was very even at first, and after a few minutes' back play, became almost impossible. The School were packing well and holding their own, while R. F. Greig at full back was playing a great game. Before half-time a mistake by J. W. B. Cruickshank let the Dollar wing in to score an unconverted try. After half-time School attacked with great determination, but could not cross their opponents' line. The end came with School still pressing, but unsuccessfully. The School forwards played a good game, while of the backs J. W. B. Cruickshank played a very fine game. Score—School, 0 ; Dollar, 3. 14th January, 1928.—School v. 2nd Gordon's College, at Rubislaw. School, with a fairly weak side, had little trouble in overcoming their opponents by a substantial total. Score—School, 45 ; Gordon's, 5. Scorers—A. Gray (4), N. S. Cowan (4), J. W. B. Cruickshank, W. L. Stephen, and J. M. McGregor one each. A. S. Duncan converted (3), and W. L. Stephen converted (3). 18th February.—School v. 1st XV Perth Academy, at Perth. Perth attacked from the start and kept play in the School half, scores coming frequently. Perth were heavier than the School, and had faster wings, and it was in this that their victory lay. S. R. Smith scored an unconverted try. Score-2nd School, 3 : 1st XV Perth Academy, 27. 25th February.—School v. 2nd Heriot's School, at Goldenacre. It was soon evident after the kick-off that School were the superior side, the forwards playing well together and heeling quickly, while T. F. Robson at scrum-half gave a perfect service, which was made very good use of by G. J. Anderson. J. W. B. Cruickshank at centre was very good, as were the rest of the backs, whose handling and passing was very crisp. From the start School attacked and were rarely in their own half of the field. Tries came through A. S. Duncan and A. Gray. In the second half School again pressed, and further tries were added. I. F. Booth kicked 4 goals. Score-2nd School, 29 ; 2nd Heriot's, 9. ScorersA. S. Duncan (2), A. Gray (2), J. W. B. Cruickshank, N. S. Cowan, and S. R. Smith one each.

3rd XV. 19th November.—School v. 3rd Varsity, at Rubislaw. Play, in very heavy rain, was scrappy throughout. In the first half School scored twice, both tries being converted by C. G. Smith. In the second half Varsity scored three times, but all kicks failed owing to the sodden condition of ground and ball. Score-3rd School, 10 ; 3rd Varsity, 9. 3rd December.—School v. 3rd Strathallan, at Strathallan. Match off owing to frost. 4th February.—School v. 3rd Glenalmond, at Rubislaw. Glenalmond kicked off on a very wet ground, and School at once attacked and, after about fifteen minutes' play, J. S. Watson scored a good try, which J. Cooper failed to convert. School continued to press, and towards the end of the half G. A. Paterson scored. Cooper again failed with a difficult kick. In the second half Glenalmond pressed, but could

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not get through. The Glenalmond side were slightly superior forward, but were inferior behind the scrum. For School, A. J. Slessor and T. A. Keenan were the best of the backs, while I. F. Begg and J. Macgregor were the best of a pack which played well throughout. G. A. Paterson, at full back, was inclined to run too much and must develop a better kick. Cooper and J. H. Gray, in the centre, were not outstanding, and must give and take passes going at full speed. A. J. Slessor, at stand-off, was very sound. Score—School, 6 ; 3rd Glenalmond, 0. Scorers— J. S. Watson and G. A. Paterson.

Byron House. Prospects at the beginning of the season were quite bright for a good House " Rugger " team. Though Saunders was the only School XV cap of last year, there were several 2nd and 3rd XV players back. G. A. M. Saunders was elected Captain of the team, and D. M. Bookless, Vice-Captain. In this year's School teams we have four in the 1st XV and five in both 2nd and 3rd XVs. The backs are sound in defence, but it has clearly been shown that, without Saunders, in attack they are lamentably weak. The forwards probably carried more " wingers " than was good for the side, but some of their loose rushes have been quite praiseworthy, and all put their fair share of " devil " into rushes. The first match was against Melvin, which was lost by two tries and a goal to a try and a goal-11-8. Though Saunders was hurt early in the game he was easily Byron's best man. Saunders and Dunnett scored for Byron, and Stephen converted the former's try. The whole team played quite well, but most credit must go to Paterson—who fielded and kicked very well at full back—Anderson, Saunders, and Trail. The second game was against Keith, which was won 47-0. Except for a few minutes at the beginning of the game, Keith was kept on the defensive and seldom looked like scoring. The third game was played against Dun, on an extremely muddy pitch in a hurricane of wind and rain, and was won by a try to nil. Bookless scored just before half-time after a good, swerving run. Dun attacked fiercely in the second half, but the Byron defence prevailed—a drawn game would probably have been a better result. Best for Byron were Anderson, Saunders, Stephen, and Sommerville. In the return game with Keith, Saunders and Dunnett were off. Keith had improved tremendously from the first game, and until five minutes from the end were three points to the good. Two tries by Cowan, however, one of which was converted by Stephen, left Byron winners of a hard game by 10-11. Best for Bryon were Cowan, Anderson, Stephen, and Trail. The return match with Melvin was lost 29-5. Both sides were very weak and it was a very scrappy game. Byron played well till half-time, but in the second half went to pieces, and Macpherson and Bowes, for Melvin, scored almost whenever they pleased. Sommerville scored for Byron. The last game was played against Dun, and was lost 12-0. Byron were still without Saunders, and the " threes " seemed to be unable to make any ground at all. The forwards played well in the first half, but tired in the second half, and seemed to lack their usual dash. Best for Byron were Anderson, Slessor, and Adams. The 2nd XV have had a fairly successful season, winning four matches and losing two. Prospects for cricket are not very bright. W. H. Stephen has been elected Captain, and G. A. M. Saunders Vice-Captain.

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Only four of last year's House XI are back, and none of last year's School XI. A. M. Gill has been elected Swimming Captain, and should be able to get a good team together, as four of last year's team are back. J. S. DUNNETT, House Captain.

Dun House. The following officials were appointed at the beginning of the term :—House Captain, A. B. Donald ; Rugby Captain, A. B. Donald ; Vice-Captain, I. F. Booth ; Captain of Cricket, I. F. Booth ; Captain of Swimming, J. R. Gill ; Junior Rugby Captain, N. E. Gauld. Prospects at the beginning of the season were not bright, as there was but one of last year's 1st XV Colours in the House, but we have now four of this year's XV. Our first series of matches was against Keith House. The 1st and 2nd XVs won easily, but the Junior XV won through by only one try. The next matches were against Melvin House, and after a pointless first half, we were handicapped by losing a back, and eventually were defeated by nine points ; our 2nd were also beaten, but the Juniors, who have a very sound player in Catto, were again victorious. The game against Byron was played on a sodden pitch, and play was very hard, Byron winning by a try. Rugby now being finished, the House record for three XVs is :—Played 18. Won 10 ; lost 8. W. Coull has played full back and has been very sound, but our weakest department has been scrum-half, and not until the last game was a successful arrangement arrived at. In this game, against Byron, W. F. Mayor was quite sound, his breaking-away being very spectacular, and his defence and service also very sound. The forwards have, on the whole, played fairly well, their loose play being very good, and the worst department being line-out work, which has, at times, been very weak. Cricket and Swimming prospects are not very bright, but with whole-hearted backing up there is no reason why the House should not take a high place in both. A. B. DONALD, House Captain.

Keith House. At a meeting held at the beginning of the session, Alastair Nicol Smith was elected Captain of Rugby, and C. W. W. Wilkins Captain of Swimming. No House swimming has taken place, but our three XVs, the 1st, 2nd, and Junior, have entered into the House games with such zest that, if it did not often place them on the winning side, it at least showed that, in the near future, Keith will be able to place a team on the field that will command the respect of the other Houses. The lack of weight in both 1st and 2nd XVs is a serious detriment to our efforts. This difficulty will soon be negligible, however, judging by the physical condition of some of the Junior XV. Up to the date of writing, the 1st XV have not won any games ; the 2nd have won one, defeating Dun by the decisive score of 24 points to 14 ; and the Junior have won four games. In the seven-a-side games Keith gave a creditable display. Although defeated in all three games, we twice held the lead in our game against Byron House, eventually being defeated by 14 points to 9 ; the score with Dun House was 5 points to 14 points. In the former game, Morgan, McCombie, and Nicol Smith scored for Keith, and in the latter Boyd obtained our only try. We did not cross Melvin's line, being defeated by 11 points to nil. Although these results may be disheartening to some of our younger

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members, I should like to remind them that it is by their efforts that Keith's supremacy will be established, and that the harder they work, the sooner will Keith lift the House Trophy, an event which, to my way of thinking, is not far distant. Let us all bear this in mind when we commence our cricket and swimming, and back up our respective Captains in their efforts to place Keith House at the top. W. G. SLOAN, House Captain.

Melvin House. Melvin House had very bright prospects at the beginning of this season. Eight of last year's 1st XV returned, and they have all played for 1st School this season. Melvin v. Byron.—Melvin started against the sun and were confined to their own '25 until Macpherson broke away and nearly scored. When the ball came out of the next scrum, the right wing crossed the Byron line, but a five-yard scrum was given. Melvin kept up an attack on the Byron line until half-time. Byron were distinctly unfortunate when G. A. M. Saunders, their captain, was hurt and had to retire. In the second half Macpherson went to stand-off. Melvin scored two tries in quick succession, but after that they had to defend until the end. Byron attacked time and again but did not score. Best for Melvin, who were without Bowes and Abernethy, were Third, Macpherson, Harrow, and Grant. Final score-11—8. Melvin v. Dun.—We were again without Bowes and Abernethy. During the first half we had to defend, and Macpherson at stand-off kicked well, but he might have tried his " threes " more frequently. Harrow broke away in fine style, but was tackled by Coull. Half-time —0-0. Dun had to resume without Donald, their Captain, who was rather badly hurt when he collided with Grant. Two tries were scored after good work by Grant. Melvin played well in the second half, and had it not been for the brilliant play of Coull at full back, the score would have been much higher. Final score-9—0. Melvin v. Keith.—Although we had only a very weak team in this match, we won by 37 points. Bowes returned to the team and played well at scrum-half in the first half. In the second half the play became very individualistic. Although the Keith defence showed a great improvement, they could not hold out Macpherson, who scored four tries. Melvin v. Dun.—We were still looking for a good scrum-half, and we have found one. T. Robson was included in the " threes " in place of Stephen, who was hurt. Melvin were down 3 points at half-time, which was clearly due to the lack of combination in the halves and " threes." In the second half Robson played scrum-half. The ball was now coming out to Macpherson, who put his side on the lead. Third led the forwards in great style, while Harrow played a fine winging game. Final score-17-6. Melvin v. Byron.—Both teams were without their captains, and owing to colds, due to the bad weather, several other players were off. Although playing down in the first half, Melvin only lead by 5 points. It looked as if we were going to be beaten, but the Byron " threes " went off form, and Bowes and Macpherson crossed the line until we had 29 points in our favour. Byron scored one try. The forwards played a great game—heeling the ball regularly and following up well. At full back Greig did not play quite so well as usual, but he improved in the second half. 2nd XV.—They have done very well this season, winning five matches and losing one to Byron. In their second game with Byron they won by 23 points to 5. 3rd XV.—This team is not so good this year as it has been in the past few years. J. S. STEPHEN, House Captain.

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The School Literary and Debating Society. 17th November.—On this evening the Society was given a lecture by Dr. Middleton on " America." The lecturer began by telling us that as it was in 1899 that he visited America, we could not take as fact all he said. He described his departure from Southampton and the trip to Queenstown in Ireland, whence he proceeded on the long trip to New York, making on the way many interesting acquaintances. He then told us of his two days' sojourn in New York, and his three days' trip to Denver City, which he described at great length, punctuating his remarks with many anecdotes concerning Americans. On concluding his lecture Dr. Middleton was given a hearty vote of thanks. 24th November.—On this date the Society welcomed Mr. W. Mackay, who was giving his first talk to the Society on " Rugby Reminiscences." Mr. Mackay was introduced by the Rector, who, unfortunately, could not stay to hear the lecture. He began by telling the Society of the origin of the F.P. Rugby Club, which was at one time known as the Aberdeenshire, but when it was discovered that all the members but one were F.P.s the stranger was forthwith ejected and the Club was called the A.G.S.F.P.'s Rugby Club. The club was captained for many years by Mr. G. 0. Gauld, who was a brilliant centre at Rugby, and later captained Notts County Cricket Club for several years. The side was composed for the most part of brothers, there being four Butcharts, three Gaulds, and three Mackays ; and perhaps, owing to this, the players came to know each other so well that they never had their lines crossed for three years, and consequently never lost a match. At that time there was great rivalry between the F.P.s and the Varsity, as most of the F.P.s were at the University but did not play for the Varsity side, and many were the hard-fought struggles played at King's College. This rivalry between the clubs led to the Varsity daring the F.P.s to play a strong south club, and nominating as that club Edinburgh Wanderers, which was then almost the premier club in Scotland. The F.P.s accepted the challenge and, after a hard game in Edinburgh, came back to Aberdeen with their lines still uncrossed and eight points to the good. The lecturer then went on to tell us how to practise kicking, a part of Rugby which he thought had deteriorated considerably, as also had tackling, and he described a way of tackling which might be termed the luxury of tackling, as your opponent gets all the damage while the tackler has scarcely to dirty his knees. Mr. Mackay concluded by telling us how he dropped a goal in the last minute of the first North v. South game ever played, this game being won by the North by 4 points to 3. Mr. Mackay then received an ovation, and the wish was expressed that we might have many more such talks from him in future. 1st December.—On this evening the Society was given a lecture by a new-comer, the Rev. J. M. Ballard, who gave one of the most interesting lectures ever heard by the present members, on the subject of " Walter Greenway, Spy." Walter Greenway was educated at Rugby School and is first heard of when home with a friend, Mills, during an epidemic of measles at school. One day when out in the fields round about his father's house, he climbed a high tree to examine a nest of eggs, and owing to the bad aiming of a farmer, had the end of his little finger smashed to pulp. He came down the tree and made light of his injuries to such an extent that he accosted the farmer and asked him if he had hit anything. The finger had to be amputated and, at Walter's request, became his property. On his way back to school he stopped at Birmingham, and sent the finger back to the farmer, congratulating him on his good shooting. So we see already important things about Walter—a marvellous climber and a great humorist. This ability to climb was his undoing, as he became seized with a strange temptation, namely, he could never resist climbing a spout if he saw an open skylight, and on

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leaving school he was sentenced seven times for being on enclosed premises with intent to commit a felony. On leaving prison he asked help from a police-court missionary, Mr. Holmes, and it was partly owing to his letters to Mr. Holmes that the story of his life was written. Mr. Holmes found work for him on board a cargo steamer, on which he sailed for nine months, after which he saw a pretty Arab girl on board a sheik's dhow, and deserted the ship to follow her and ultimately marry her. When war broke out he was stirred by a feeling of patriotism and determined to lend his unofficial aid as a spy ; so, disguised as a deaf and dumb Bedouin, he wandered between the Turkish and British camps, with the result that in some way British gunfire became more deadly and did great harm to the Turkish lines. Soon, however, he was suspected by the Germans, who tortured him cruelly by firing guns behind his ears until they bled, to prove his deafness, and tearing out his finger nails to prove his muteness. After these unsuccessful tests he became seriously ill, but recovered in time to thwart a German plot to blow up British ships ; and with his great gift of humour, he took the " infernal machines " destined to hamper British trade, and, after a hazardous journey up the Euphrates, he blew up, while posing as a German officer, a huge ammunition dump. After a perilous journey down the Euphrates, he reached Aden once more, where he died shortly afterwards. His diary was taken to Mr. Holmes who, from it and the letters he had received, wrote the book, now unfortunately out of print, " Walter Greenway, Spy." On concluding, Mr. Ballard received a hearty vote of thanks. 8th December.—On this evening the Society saw and heard a Lantern Lecture given in the Hall by Mr. G. M. Fraser, on " Archibald Simpson, Architect, and his Work for Aberdeen." Before an audience of about sixty, Mr. Fraser told us of Simpson's life, showing as he spoke many slides of well-known Aberdeen buildings, such as the Music Hall and the Royal Infirmary. 15th December.—There was no meeting owing to the plays being presented by the Dramatic Society in Hall, so the Debating Society spent the evening either on the stage or as a small part of the audience. 13th January, 1928.—On this date the Inter-School Debate with the Girls' High School took place, the subject being " Will Civilization Fall ? " Mr. Murison was in the chair. Mr. Begg spoke for the School, as representative of the affirmative. He said that the next war—at this remark everyone looked wise—would annihilate civilization, and then went on to describe graphically the terms of Bolshevism. He perorated his remarks by stating that Christianity, not Civilization, would survive Bolshevism. Miss Cusiter, of the High School, then defended her side of the debate. The League of Nations was the hope of the world. She described the social conditions of " the good old days "—many faces expressed doubt at this. Miss Mennie, in supporting Mr. Begg, said that our nation and civilization would fall as others had fallen before. Mr. Bowes then rose to second Miss Cusiter, and having introduced himself with some entirely irrelevant remarks about an Irishman at a wedding— his own wedding—he began by pointing out that Miss Cusiter had said all and more than he had meant to say. Many of his remarks were introduced in the fisherman's manner—that reminds me—and for several minutes his listeners were entertained to witty speech—so witty that he won many " doubtfuls " to his side. The debate was then thrown open to a meeting of ninety or a hundred debaters. Although the speakers were numerous, they were mostly irrelevant. After Miss Cusiter had summed up, Mr. Begg spoke with great heat for ten minutes, and as he was descending, amid the sighs of joy of his listeners, he suddenly dashed back and asked the chairman if he might add a few more remarks which he had overlooked on his undecipherable sheets. His second attempt lasted another ten minutes, but all in vain, for

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sixty-nine people thought that civilization would not fall, while other twenty-nine, tired of life or perhaps sorry for Mr. Begg's waste of breath, thought civilization would go cr-r-ash, as Mr. Begg put it. After votes of thanks and a very enjoyable evening the meeting broke up. 26th January.—Rev. Professor Findlay gave a lantern lecture on " The Land of the Pharaohs." Mr. Cameron was in the chair, and introduced the lecturer as a speaker of both ancient and modern Greek. Commencing with a slide of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid, the lecturer held his audience deeply interested by his tales of ancient and modern Egypt. 2nd February.—On this date the Society had a lecture on yet another castle, this time " Dunnottar Castle," from its old friend, Dr. W. Douglas Simpson. The lecturer plunged at once into his subject, and after a short history of its beginning as a church, he showed by his slides how unassailable it was from without, owing to the ability to pour molten lead on the heads of attackers as they climbed up narrow stairways. One slide was shown depicting an entrance to the castle which was carefully guarded by loop-holes on the flanks, while at a few yards' range and straight in front were four cannons. Slides of the " Whigs' Vault " were shown and described, the descriptions being intermingled with gruesome details. The lecture closed with a slide of " Dunnottar Castle by moonlight," taken from Castlehaven Bay. On receiving a vote of thanks, Dr. Simpson said that if the " Debater " changed itself into a " Field Club " for a summer's day, he would be pleased to show us round this strong castle. We hope he will be held to his promise. 9th February.—On this evening a debate was held on " Is Convention beneficial or not ? " The speakers were Mr. J. B. Cameron for the affirmative, and Mr. A. D. Morgan for the negative. Unfortunately both speakers had a different definition of " Convention," and although the President was appealed to, his definition was so unbiased as to include both the speakers' ideas. Mr. Cameron opened the debate for the affirmative. He began in the conventional way, and asked what would have happened if he had said what he really thought. He pointed out that what might be conventional in one social class might be unconventional in another. One of his most appreciated arguments was that if one went to one's grand-aunt and behaved in a very unconventional manner, his birthday, etc., supplies would be cut off, and, therefore, to an Aberdeen audience, it was easily pointed out that if convention brings an increased banking account, convention is beneficial—point number one. He went on to show that convention has lasted for thousands of years, and, like " Johnnie Walker, born 1820," is still going strong. He drew a lurid picture of Mr. Begg coming to School in unconventional costume. He concluded with the following statement: " At the present time to be conventional one has to be unconventional, that is to say, ' out of the ordinary and original.' " Mr. Morgan, in reply to Mr. Cameron, was not at all complimentary to the members of the Society ; for example, he pointed out that in many ways a baby ape is superior to a human baby. He also made several pointed remarks about beards and the art of shaving. Mr. Morgan's effort was witty and at the same time the product of a supermathematical brain. The debate was then thrown open, and the speaking was very bright. After the speakers had " summed up," a vote was taken, and it was found that the affirmative had won by seven votes. 16th February.—A debate was held on the subject " Is Modern Taste Improving? " Mr. W. D. Swinney opened for the affirmative and discussed modern poetry, modern music, etc., at great length. Mr. G. E. Swinney replied for the negative, and did his best to disprove his opponent's statements. He was very heated on the matter of

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modern music, by which he meant jazz. On the debate being thrown open, the speaking was lively. In the matter of clothes some one passed the remark that the present-day wide flannel trousers, when seen from a flank, resembled a skirt, and in reply to this, the speaker was asked if he had ever seen a gentleman wear his trousers above his knees. After the speakers had " summed up " a vote was taken, and it was found that the affirmative had won by nine votes. 23rd February.—On this date a lantern lecture was delivered to the Society by Mr. G. Cameron, M.A., on walking tours, his title being " 'Twixt Trail and Trail." Mr. Cameron gave his audience valuable advice on walking tours, and illustrated his remarks by anecdotes and slides. He had a large variety of slides, showing beauty spots, etc., in Scotland, Ireland, and on the Continent. 1st March.—Before a very small attendance the Very Rev. Provost Erskine Hill gave an informal talk on " Shakespeare." His talk consisted of extracts from several plays, the first of which was the scene between the King and Buckingham, from " Richard III." This was followed by extracts from " Julius Caesar," " Romeo • and Juliet," " King John," " Antony and Cleopatra," " King Henry IV," and lastly, the scene between Cordelia and King Lear after his heavy sleep, from " King Lear." Provost Erskine Hill then went on to tell us of his recent travels in America. On concluding, he was thanked in the usual way.

Scout Notes. We are sorry to have to begin our notes again by lamenting the loss of one of our Scoutmasters. Mr. Cecil A. G. Savidge has been obliged to retire from the 17th Troop owing to that old plague, final examinations. Mr. Savidge's value as a Scoutmaster is proved by the achievements of his Troop during the three years it has been under his control. Twice it won the County Flag, awarded to the best Troop in Aberdeenshire, and on one occasion also the Benmore Shield, open to all Troops in Scotland. This is a splendid record, due to Mr. Savidge's infectious enthusiasm and devotion to his Troop. He was precise, careful, and absolutely reliable in everything he did, and he is a genius in the management of boys. To visit the 17th Troop and to see its perfect discipline, its keenness, its high spirits, and its good comradeship, is always a pleasure. The Troop presented Mr. Savidge with a silver wristlet watch as a small token of their gratitude for all that he had done for them. His work is carried on by Scoutmaster Alexander B. Donald, Senior Prefect of the School, who came last year to the 17th from the 1st Troop ; and Patrol Leaders Sidney W. Duguid and Ian G. Shinnie have been promoted Assistant Scoutmasters. In the 38th Troop, Assistant Scoutmaster George W. Bowes, also a School Prefect, has become Scoutmaster in place of Mr. Grafton, whose retirement was announced in the last number of the Magazine ; and Patrol Leader Francis Harper has been appointed Assistant Scoutmaster. To Mr. Grafton we wish to offer our heartiest congratulations on his passing the final Chartered Accountants' examination and on his appointment to a post in London. Though this means a great loss to the Grammar School Area, all the School Scomts and their friends will join in wishing him the best of success. In December Mr. Ninian B. Wright, who recently resigned the Scoutmastership of the 1st Troop, was presented by the Troop with a handsome cigarette box as a memento of his long and faithful service. Since then the 1st Troop has suffered some further losses. Both Cubmaster William Walker and Assistant Scoutmaster Charles M. M. Murray

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have had to leave owing to approaching examinations. The Wolf Cub Pack has been taken over by Rover Floyd Stott, formerly in the 9th Troop. assisted by Scouts G. and W. Swinney of the 1st. From the 9th, Patrol Leader J. Grassie and Second Harry Fraser have gone to act as Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster of the 13th (King Street) Pack. The Troops meanwhile continue to grow and flourish : the 9th and 38th are throwing out new branches. In connection with the 9th, a new Rover Patrol has been formed under Rover Mate Wallace Porter, meeting every second Saturday evening at Rubislaw. Joint meetings have been held with the 10th (Shuttle Lane) Troop, both at Rubislaw and at Shuttle Lane. The 10th Troop was started by 9th Troop Rovers about two years ago, and has been doing excellent work among East-end boys. The Rovers are a rather new branch of the Scout Movement, for boys who have become too old to remain in the Scout Troops, but who want to retain their connection with the Movement and to be of service to it when opportunity occurs. For younger boys the want of a new Pack of Wolf Cubs has been felt in the School for some time, and the 38th Troop is just now trying to start one. The want of a meeting place, however, is the chief difficulty, as the 38th Troop does not as yet possess its own headquarters, but meets in the School Gymnasium. This is a handicap upon the Troop's activities, and we hope that before long we may be asked to appeal to the never-failing generosity of the friends of Scouting to supply this lack in the School Scout's equipment. This winter the 1st Troop has made a notable improvement in its headquarters. For six or seven years these had been lit by acetylene gas, but in frosty weather the generator was apt to play strange pranks ; and now a gas supply from the Corporation main has been installed, with a gas fire in the Patrol Leader's room, and connections for cooking and stage-lighting. The Troop's Histrionic Association continues to flourish under the guidance of Mr. N. B. Wright. On the 25th of February it performed two plays, " The Traveller Returns," by Clemence Dane, and " The Mystery of the Bullseyes," written by one of the Troop. At these plays the stage was lit tor the first time from the new installation, and the spot lights and other effects were particularly successful. All the Troops have been progressing with their winter programmes. On Christmas Eve dinners were provided as usual for the families of the unemployed. About the same time, their own Annual Troop " Feeds " had, of course, to be gone through with : the 1st Troop Court of Honour, unsatisfied, also held their Annual Dinner in the West-end Café. In December the 17th Troop were visited by Mr. James A. Crichton, Travelling Secretary at Scottish Headquarters, who examined them in the Benmore Shield Competition, in which they took fifth place. Mr. Crichton also visited the 1st Troop and gave a very interesting talk. Lately the 9th Troop has been very busy making articles to be sold at the Bazaar in aid of Aberdeen Scout Headquarters, on 16th and 17th March. At this time of year there is little to relate except indoor activities, but with the Easter holidays the outdoor season begins. The older boys will be camping during the holidays, whether there be snow or hail. The Patrol Leaders and Seconds of the 17th Troop are going as far as Braemar, to camp in the " Chalet," beside the curling pond.

I 5')

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The Former Pupils' Club. FOUNDED 1893.

prestDent : The Right Hon. Lord ALNESS, P.C., M.A., LL.D. Incestresibent ant) ebairman of Esecutive : GEORGE GORDON NICOL, D.S.O., A.M.Inst.C.E.

Secretary ant) Creasurer : THEODORE WATT, M.A., The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen.

Secretaries of Sections: London Section—THos. D. H. BROWN, Esbourn. Lawrie Park Cresent, Sydenham S.E. 26. [This Section comprises, without additional subscription, all Members of the Club resident in London, and within a radius of 50 miles.) Rugby Section—RICHARD IRVIN, 86 Queen's Road. Hockey Section—DANIEL J. WALKER, 22 Rosebery Street.

Cricket Section—ALEx. J. ALLAN, Lilydale, Salisbury Place. Tennis Section—G. E. S. HERVEY, Monteviot, Springfield Road, Mannofield. Motor Section—C. G. BROWN, Westwood, Craigton Road. 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 (1st January) For those of 21 years of age and upwards . 0 5 0 •

•

Payment of Club Subscriptions. Ordinary Members whose subscriptions for 1928 have not yet been paid are reminded of the omission by a slip attached to their copies of this issue of the Magazine. This As is in accordance with the Constitution of the Club. many members dislike the idea of being in arrears with their subscriptions, it may be well to point out that these are due on the 1st of January in each year. Ordinary subscriptions may be paid for any number of years in advance, and remittances of either 10/- or 20/- would save both members and the Treasurer the trouble associated with recurring annual remittances.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

153

The Annual Meeting of the Club. The Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in .the Palace Hotel on Wednesday, 14th March, Mr. James C. Duffus, Advocate, presiding in the unavoidable absence of Mr. A. McK. Johnston, the Vice-President. There was a good attendance of members. After the Minute of the last Annual Meeting had been read and approved, the Report by the Executive and the Accounts and Treasurer's Report for the year ended 31st December, 1927, were submitted, as follows :— REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1927. The Executive has pleasure in submitting the Report for the Club year which ended on 31st December, 1927. At the Annual Meeting, held on 15th March, 1927, Mr. John Malcolm Bulloch, M.A., LL.D., London, was elected President for the ensuing year. It was a new departure for the Club to have as its President a member resident outside the Aberdeen area. The chief duty of the President is to preside at the Annual Dinner, and in view of the success of the last Dinner, there can be no doubt that the Club was singularly fortunate in its choice of Dr. Bulloch. The Executive learned with regret that he had some months ago to undergo a very serious operation, but is glad to report that he has now been restored to health. Membership and Subscriptions. The following is an analysis of the membership of the Club at 31st December last :Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire London Area Rest of Great Britain and Ireland Abroad Total at 31/12/27 Total at 31/12/26 Increase

ExtraHonorary. ordinary.

Life.

Ordinary.

169 76

847 (J.283) 148 (J.10)

104 194 ____ 543 535

218 (J.19) 184 (J.17)

1,397 (J.329) 1,367 (J.307)

30 (J.22)

Total.

7 1

49 —

1,072 225

5 13 13

— — 49 46

327 378 -2,002 1,961

—

J.= Junior Member.

From these figures it will be seen that the total membership at the close of 1927 was 2,002, as compared with 1,961 at the close of 1926, an increase of 41, as against an increase of 69 in the year 1926. The reduction in the net increase of the membership for 1927 in comparison with the previous year is

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

accounted for, in part at least, by the larger number of membei s who died during last year. During the nine years since the Armistice the roll of the Club has increased by almost exactly 500. It was an interesting coincidence that at the same time as the membership of the Club first exceeded 2,000, the enrolment of pupils at the School first exceeded 1,000. The number of those whose subscriptions were not paid for 1927 was 34-27 who were due 5/- and 7 who were due 2/6, so that the total amount of subscriptions outstanding at 31st December last was £7. 12s. 6d. It is expected that the greater part of this amount will be recovered. At the end of 1926 there was a total of £8. 2s. 6d. due by 35 members. During 1927 seventeen Life Members were enrolled—the same number as in 1926. In a Club such as ours there is bound to be a considerable number every year who for one reason or another drop out of membership. This wastage is more than made good by the accession of new members. The policy of the Executive is to send an invitation to join the Club to every boy when he leaves the School, if he is over 16 years of age, or when, after he has left, he attains that age. In the autumn of every year the Secretary is supplied with a list of all who have left the School during the previous session, and those who are over 16 are circularized, and if they do not join at once, the effort to induce them to do so is continued for three years if necessary. As a result of this systematic canvass the Club receives a very satisfactory total of recruits every year. Of those who ceased to be pupils either during or at the end of the session 1926-27, 52 have already enrolled as members, the corresponding number in the last report being 55. Experience has proved that when F.P.s are induced to enrol as Junior Members at the reduced annual subscription of 2/6 they usually continue their membership and in due course become Senior Members on reaching the age of 21. Losses by Death. The number of members (28) who died during 1927 was 11 more than in 1926, and the highest for a considerable number of years. Among those who passed away were Maj orGeneral Sir James R. L. Macdonald, K.C.I.E., C.B., LL.D., one of the Honorary Vice-Presidents of the Club ; Rev. John Smith, D.D., Pietermaritzburg, the Senior Member of the Club; Mr. A. Spence Macdonald, a past President; Mr. Alexander Forbes Wight, advocate, who was dux of the School in 1860 ; and Mr. George Harvey, a former member of the School staff. The Club and the School. The Club presented to the School two Silver Medals,

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

155

which were awarded at the close of the session 1926-27 as follows :— Silver Medal for English . William A. B. Hamilton. Silver Medal for German . Alexander C. Brands. The All-Round Trophy was awarded to Arthur M. Scrimgeour. The Executive has, for the fifth year in succession, the pleasure of recording that the School secured the First Place in the Arts Bursary Competition of Aberdeen University. The First Bursar for 1927 was William A. B. Hamilton, who also secured the First Place in 1926 while a pupil in the second highest class. The Shanghai Clock. In March of last year the Secretary received intimation that the members of the Shanghai Branch of the Club wished to present a Clock for the School tower, and this was followed a few months later by a remittance sufficient to cover the cost of the Clock. Satisfactory arrangements were made with the Aberdeen Education Authority for the installation of the Clock, and with the Aberdeen Town Council for the lighting of it at night. The Clock was formally presented to the School on 18th November, 1927, by the President of the Club, who was accompanied by two members of the Shanghai Branch. The Executive was greatly gratified by the generosity of the F.P.s in Shanghai, and would express the hope that other groups of F.P.s may be led to make similar gifts to the School. Nothing gives greater encouragement and pleasure to those in charge of the School than the knowledge that Former Pupils maintain their interest in it and are prepared to help it in so practical a way. Boarding House for School Pupils. Since June, 1924, the Executive has had under consideration from time to time the possibility of providing a Boarding House to be run in conjunction with the School. After careful consideration a scheme was formulated, but its progress was delayed by the difficulty of obtaining one or more houses that would give the desired accommodation. At present, however, the Executive is arranging to acquire property which is regarded as being eminently suitable for the purpose. Details have not yet been finally settled, but it may be mentioned that the intention is to form a public limited liability company to acquire, equip, and carry on the Boarding House. Particulars regarding the proposed company will be circulated shortly. Consuls. During the year there has been practically no change in the list of Club Consuls. Evidence continues to be forthcoming that the Consular system is highly appreciated and (Continued on page 158.)

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL Abstract of Revenue and Expenditure Account REVENUE. I. CAPITAL ACCOUNT-

Life Members' Subscriptions received during year

£89 5

II. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE—

Subscriptions received during year applicable to future years

85 18 0

HI. APPLICABLE TO YEAR 1927—

Ordinary Subscriptions received prior to 1st Jan. .. 1927 (transferred from Capital Account) .. Ordinary Subscriptions received during 1927 Arrears recovered in 1927 ..

£78 10 0 218 15 0 1 15 0

Revenue from Investments Miscellaneous..

£299 0 0 66 7 3 6 12 9

• •

••

•

• •

•

• • I

•

372 0 0 £547 3 0

Balance Sheet as CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES. I. CAPITAL-

.. £1,458 2 7 Amount at credit at 31st December 1926.. Life Members' Subscriptions received during 1927, 89 5 0 as per Revenue Account .. 23 3 11 Surplus for 1927, as per Revenue Account 1,570 11 6 II. ENTERTAINMENTS SUSPENSE ACCOUNT—

.. Amount at credit as per last Balance Sheet Less—Transferred to 1926 Ball Account (additional)

£6 8 5 0 15 0 5 13 5

III. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE-

Balance of Subscriptions received prior to 31st December 1926, applicable to future years .. Subscriptions received in 1927 applicable to future .. years, as per Revenue Account IV. AMOUNT due to Treasurer

•.

.•

£47 10 0 85 18 0 133 8 0 7 0 1 £1,716 13 0

FORMER PUPILS' CLUB. for year ended 31st December 1927. EXPENDITURE. I. CAPITAL ACCOUNT— Amount transferred as per contra

85 18

372

£547

3 0

228

6 10

1,667

£1,716 13

••

£89

II. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE— Amount transferred to Capital Account as per contra

•

III. APPLICABLE TO YEAR 1927— Working Expenses .. Magazine—Cost for year, less revenue from advertisements and sales .. .. London Section---:Balance of Grant for 1926-27.. Miscellaneous Expenses ..

£94 19

211 11 10 7 31 18

2 6 01

Surplus for year

£348 16 1 23 3 11

••

• •

at 31st December 1927. ASSETS. L ADVERTISING COMMISSION PAID IN ADVANCE

•.

II. BOARDING HOUSE SCHEME— Preliminary Expenses (as per last Balance Sheet) HI. LONDON SECTION— Amount prepaid to Account for 1927-28 IV. CASH IN HAND AND INVESTED FUNDS AT 31ST DECEMBER 1927 ..

ABERDEEN, 5th March, 1928.—We have examined the foregoing Revenue and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st December 1927, and relative Balance Sheet as at 31st December 1927, compared the figures with the vouchers, and found the Accounts correct. We are of opinion that the above Balance Sheet correctly states the position of the Club as at 31st December 1927. We have had exhibited to us the various Securities supporting the Funds at the close of the Accounts. (Signed) BOWER & SMITH, C.A., Honorary A nth:ors.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

largely taken advantage of by members going abroad. The Consuls are each and all only too glad to be of service to their fellow F.P.s. The " Magazine." The Magazine has now appeared almost continuously for a third of a century, and for the last 21 years it has been issued regularly under the auspices of the Club. No effort is spared to make the contents attractive both to former and present pupils of the School. No other School Magazine in this country, it is believed, devotes so much space to recording the doings of former pupils, or does so much to keep them in touch with their old School and with one another. For the third year in succession the November issue of the Magazine contained reproductions of sketches by members of the School Art Club. Widespread interest has been aroused by these sketches, and numerous inquiries as to the method of reproduction have been received. Each of the numbers during the past year has contained " A Message to Former Pupils " from the Rector, and this very welcome feature has enabled those at a distance to keep themselves informed of what has been going on at the School. Social Activities. The Annual Dinner was held in the Palace Hotel on Saturday, 19th November, the Chairman being the President of the Club, and the guest of the evening the Very Rev. Principal Sir George Adam Smith, M.A., D.D., LL.D., Litt.D., F.B.A. The Dinner was, with one special exception, the best attended in the annals of the Club, and the proceedings throughout were of a most enjoyable character. The Annual Ball was held in the Music Hall Buildings on Tuesday, 27th December, on exactly the same lines as on the two previous occasions. The attendance was not quite so large as was hoped for, only 261 being present, as compared with 270 in 1926, and 326 in 1925. As a consequence of the reduced attendance, there was a small deficit in the accounts of the Ball, but this was more than met by a credit balance from the Dinner. The Athletic and Recreative Sections. Although the Rugby Section has not been quite so successful during the current season as formerly, it again won the North and Midlands Cup in the early part of the year by beating Kirkcaldy in the final. The Hockey Section had a rather disappointing season for 1926-27 as regards results, but is doing much better this season. The Tennis and Cricket Sections suffered last year from shortage of members, and it is hoped that this will be remedied in the near future. The Motor Section had one of the best seasons in its history.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

159

The London Section. The Executive in the autumn received with regret the intimation of the resignation of Mr. John Thom from the secretaryship of the Section, and welcomed Mr. Thomas D. H. Brown as his successor. Arrangements were made for three informal Dinners during the winter of 1927-28, and the new Secretary is doing everything in his power to enhance the attractiveness of the meetings of the Section. The number of members in the Section is now 225. Finances. The Revenue and Expenditure Account for the year to 31st December, 1927, shows a surplus of £23. 3s. 1 ld. as compared with £15. 16s. 3d. for 1926. There are no items in the account to which the Executive wishes to call special attention. The capital of the Club now amounts to £1,570. 1 ls. 6d., being £112 8s. 1 ld. more than at the close of the previous year. The total assets of the Club at 31st December, 1927, amounted to £1,716. 13s. Od., as compared with £1,590. 1 ls. Od. at 31st December, 1926. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. David Hanna, the foregoing Report and Accounts were unanimously adopted. Office-Bearers and Members of the Executive for 1928-29 were appointed in accordance with the list which appears on page 170. Messrs. Bower & Smith, C.A., were re-appointed Honorary Auditors, and were thanked for their services during the past year. On the motion of Mr. Edward W. Watt hearty votes of thanks were accorded to Mr. A. McK. Johnston for his services as Vice-President of the Club and Chairman of the Executive during the past two years, and to Mr. J. C. Duff us for presiding at the meeting.

Club Consuls. Since the last Magazine appeared one or two changes in the list of Club Consuls have taken place. In November WILLIAM PATERSON (1900-03) resigned his Consulship for Perak, as he intends to spend only one month in each year in the F.M.S., to look after his interests there. He has been for some time in Australia and New Zealand, and hopes to be in Scotland in the course of this year. An additional representative in China has been found in JOHN CAMERON TAYLOR (1904-06), who is now resident at Tientsin, and has been appointed Consul there. He has been in the service of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd., since 1912, and has served that company at various ports in the Far East.

160

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

NORMAN ALEXANDER SINCLAIR (1913 -16), Consul for Southern Rhodesia, in a recent note says that he has been unable to trace any more F.P.s in his part of the world, and requests any readers of the Magazine resident in Southern Rhodesia to communicate with him. AUSTRALIA (New South Wales) :-HERBERT A. BREMNER (1893-95), Commonwealth Oxygen and Accessories, Ltd., Balmain, Sydney. 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 (Alberta) :—JOHN CHARLES MURRAY LIGERTWOOD (1903-06), C.A., c/o Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., 27 Canada Life Building, Calgary. CANADA (British Columbia) :—WILLIAM ERNEST MILNE (1881-90), 347 Water Street, Vancouver. CANADA (New Brunswick) :—WILLIAM MENZIES KESSON (1893-98), Fredericton. CANADA (Nova Scotia) :—GEORGE MACKENZIE WOOD (18801882), c/o Messrs. Joseph Wood & Co., Central Wharf, Halifax. CANADA (Ontario) :—ROBERT FLEMING (1891-98), C.E., c/o Messrs. Wood, Fleming & Co., Royal Bank Buildings, Toronto. CANADA (Quebec) :—JAMES A. ANGUS (1894-99), 340 Hampton Avenue, Montreal. CENTRAL AMERICA (Guatemala) :—CHARLES H. MOIR (1873-76), 4a Avenida Norte No. 30, Guatemala, via New Orleans and Puerto Barrios. CEYLON :—DAVID SCOTT (1886-94), c/o Messrs. Lewis Brown & Co., Colombo. CHILE :-JAMES ALEXANDER RHIND (1902-04), The AngloChilian Consolidated Nitrate Corporation, Tocopilla. CHINA (Shanghai) :—GEORGE ALSTON BUYERS (1906-08), C.A., 2 Canton Road, Shanghai. CHINA (Tientsin) :—JOHN CAMERON TAYLOR (1904-06), c/o Messrs Jardine, Matheson & Co., Ltd., Tientsin. CUBA :-ALLAN CUNNINGHAM ANDERSON (1907-12), Royal Bank of Canada, Havana. CZECHOSLOVAKIA :—Captain JOHN WILLIAM TAYLOR (19061911), M.A., F.R.G.S., His Britannic Majesty's Vice-Consul, Prague. F.M.S. (Negri Sembilan) :—DONALD TRENCH SKEEN (18951899), M.B., Seremban. F.M.S. (Selangor) :—COLIN HAY MILLER (1900-04), Lenggeng Estate, Semenyih P.O. FIJI :-KENNETH JAMES ALLARDYCE (1894-95), Nabavatu. FRANCE :—WILLIAM GRAY (1884-94), 11 Rue Louis le Grand, Paris (2e). GERMANY :—JAMES GORDON DANIELSON (1896-1901), Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Monckeberg Strasse 27, Hamburg, 1. GOLD COAST COLONY :—WILLIAM MILLER (1894-?), Resident Engineer, Takoradi Harbour Works, Sekondi. INDIA (Assam) :—WILLIAM H. G. HALLY (1889-96), Singlo Tea Co., Ltd., Jaboka Division, Sonari P.O. INDIA (Bengal) :—G. F. ROSE (1881-92), c/o Messrs. Andrew Yule and Co., Ltd., 8 Clive Row, Calcutta. INDIA (Bombay) :—GEORGE ALEXANDER THOMSON (19031906), Chartered Bank, Bombay.

REDUCTION IN PRICE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL ROLL OF PUPILS 1795-1919 ANNOTATED FROM 1863 BY

THEODORE WATT, M.A. CONTENTS.

Section

I—Rom, OF PUPILS : 1795-1863. II-ROLL OF PUPILS : 1863-1919 (annotated). III-ROLL OF PUPILS WHO 28 JUNE, 1919.

CONTINUED

THE

SCHOOL

AFTER

APPENDICES :-

A—Table showing Names and Relation of Classes, 1863-1919. B—Roll of Pupils from 1863 to 1919 on whom Orders of Chivalry of the United Kingdom were conferred. C—Roll of Former Pupils on whom Honours were conferred for service with H.M. Forces in the Great War. D—" Pro Patria Mortui " MCMXIV-MCMXIX. E-Statistics. LIST

Statue of Byron in front of the School. The School Buildings, 1757-1863. The School Buildings about 1870. Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe, V.C. Rev. William Barrack, M.A., Rector, 1860-1868. Alexander Martin, M.A., Rector, 1869-1881.

PLATES.

James Moir, M.A., LL.D., Rector, 1881-1893.

D.Litt.,

Henry Fife Morland Simpson, M.A., LL.D., Rector, 1893-1920. The School Buildings in September 1923. The War Memorial in the School Hall.

There is still a small balance of copies in stock, and the Executive of the F.P. Club recently authorized the disposal of these at the

Greatly Reduced Price of 7S. 6d. (Packing and

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

161

INDIA (Central Provinces) :—JOHN HALL RITCHIE (1903-09), M.A., B.Sc., Agricultural Department, Jubbulpur.

INDIA (Madras) :—Rev. Principal WILLIAM MESTON (1881-86), M.A., D.D., Christian College, Madras.

INDIA (Punjab) :—WILLIAM NORMAN LESLIE (1892-95), M.A , B.L., Southern Punjab Railway Co., Ltd., Ferozepore.

INDIA (Rajputana) :—GEORGE TAYLOR SIMPSON (1910-20), Jodhpur State Railway, Jodhpur. FORBES FRASER (1879-83), Travancore Tea Estates Co., Ltd., Bonami, Peermade P.O. INDIA (United Provinces) :—ALEXANDER MACGREGOR WILLIAMSON (1908-11), c/o The Cawnpore Woollen Mills Co., Ltd., Cawnpore. NEW ZEALAND :—Dr. THEODORE GRANT GRAY (1895-1901), Government Buildings, Wellington. NIGERIA (Northern Provinces) :—CAMPBELL GRANT McKENZIE (1910-12), Gombe, Bauchi Province. NIGERIA (Southern Provinces) :—Dr. WILLIAM EDWARD GLOVER (1896-98), c/o The Principal Medical Officer, Lagos. PALESTINE :-ROBERT BLAKE WORSLEY HOLMES (1895), General Manager, Palestine Railways, Haifa. POLAND :—JAMES BRYCE CLARKE (1896-99), Anglo-Polish Bank, Warsaw. RHODESIA (Southern) :—NORMAN ALEXANDER SINCLAIR (1913-16), Midlothian Syndicate, Midlothian Farm, P.B., Salisbury. SOUTH AFRICA (Cape Province) :—Dr. ALEXANDER MARR GEDDES (1897-1903), c/o Lady Buxton Home, Newlands Road, Claremont, Cape Town. SOUTH AFRICA (Natal) :—DAVID STRACHAN (1893-1902), 19 Hulston's Buildings, Durban.. SOUTH AFRICA (Orange Free State) :—DOUGLAS GORDON BISSET (1890-1900), Castor Siding, Private Bag, Bloemfontein. SOUTH AFRICA (Transvaal) :—JAMES MOIR (1881-93), M.A., D.Sc., Government Laboratory, Box 1080, Johannesburg. SOUTH AMERICA (The Argentine) :—REGINALD J. G. WILSON (1905-11), British Bank of South America, Ltd., Buenos Aires. SOUTH AMERICA (Brazil) :—A. BAIN MACKIE (1896-1904), Royal Bank of Canada, Caixa do Correio No. 300, Rio de Janeiro. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS (Penang) :—JOHN RHYS DANSON (1897-1903), Municipal Office, Penang. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS (Singapore) :—JOHN IVO DAWSON (1900-04), c/o Messrs. Guthrie & Co., Singapore. SUDAN :—JAMES LORIMER SOUPER (1898-1909), P. W. D., Wad Medani. SUMATRA :—EDWARD PERCY BARNETT (1895-1903), The Bandar Sumatra Rubber Co., Ltd., Bandar Pinang, P.O., Galang, E.C., Sumatra. UGANDA :—GRAEME GEORGE SUTHERLAND (1903-09), Bulyango Estate, P.O., Masindi. UNITED STATES (Chicago) :—THOMAS B. G. HENDERSON (1894-1900), 1715 Illinois Merchants Bank Building, Chicago. UNITED STATES (New York) :—WILLIAM MACKINTOSH (1893-96), Royal Insurance Co., Ltd., 84 William Street, New York. UNITED STATES (Island of Hawaii) :—LOUIS WILSON (18721875), Hilo, Hawaii. WEST INDIES (Tobago) :—KENNETH REID (1901-04), King's Bay. WEST INDIES (Trinidad) :—ARCHIBALD YOUNG (1885-93), c/o Messrs. Alston & Co., Ltd., Port of Spain.

INDIA (Travancore) :—JOHN

162

A berdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The London Scottish. (To the Editor, Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.) HEADQUARTERS, THE LONDON SCOTTISH (14th County of London Regt.), 59 BUCKINGHAM GATE, LONDON, S.W. 1.

February, 1928.

Sir, On 1st December last, at the F.P. Club (London Section) Dinner, I had the privilege of appealing to those present for their help in obtaining recruits for the London Scottish Regiment. There was a large number of F.P.s present, but it was afterwards suggested to me that I could reach all the F.P.s in London by means of a letter in the Magazine. The only F.P.s in the regiment at the present time are E. O. Hector (1916-21), D. H. Rennett (1910-21), T. Robertson (1913-19), H. D. Anderson (1918-21), and myself (1901-11). I am sure you will agree that the " Grammar " should be strongly represented in the ranks of this famous Territorial Regiment. There must be many F.P.s in London who are eligible for membership, and it is to these I specially appeal. The London Scottish provides much more than the usual military training associated with service in the Territorials. Those who belong to the regiment have the advantage of becoming members of the following :—School of Arms, Swimming Club, Football Club, Hockey Club, Reel Club, Cricket Club, Athletic Club, Miniature Rifle Club, and Rifle Club (at Bisley). In addition, they have the right to attend concerts, company dinners, dances, and other entertainments held at Headquarters or elsewhere. Meals can be obtained at very reasonable prices in the Canteen, which, by the way, is one of the cheeriest social clubs in London ; the recruit at once finds himself in the company of a crowd of fellow countrymen, and in an atmosphere of good comradeship such as is probably found in no other Territorial Regiment. If any F.P.s between the ages of 17 and 38 would like to visit Headquarters, they might please communicate with me, by letter, to Headquarters, The London Scottish, 59 Buckingham Gate, London, S.W. t, and I shall be very glad to show them round any Monday evening after 6 o'clock. They will then have the opportunity of seeing for themselves the most useful and pleasant way in which one can serve one's country. Full particulars as to membership will be sent to any Scotsman who applies to the Battalion Secretary or to any of the above F.P.s at this address. Yours, etc., J. FRANCIS LEDINGHAM, Transport Officer, The London Scottish.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

163

The London Section. As is generally known, the Club has in London a very flourishing Section, which is composed of members residing in the Metropolis and within a radius of approximately 50 miles thereof. At present there are about 230 members in the Section, the President of which is Lord Meston of Agra and Dunnottar, K.C.I.E. During the winter season the Section arranges a series of Informal Dinners, at which one of the more distinguished F.P.s delivers a paper or an address on some topic of the day or on some other subject in which he is especially interested. These Dinners are quite informal affairs, morning dress being worn. They are well attended, and afford Old Boys resident in the neighbourhood an opportunity of meeting together and renewing friendships of bygone days. The price of the Dinner (which is of excellent quality) is very moderate, and is collected during the evening. It is realised that of the large numbers of F.P.s scattered throughout the Provinces (including those in Aberdeen), there must be many whose business or other interests take them to London from time to time, and it is felt that an opportunity should be extended to them to take advantage of the meetings in London to spend an hour or two with some of their old friends. The President and Committee of the London Section accordingly desire to extend a very hearty welcome to any Old Boy visiting town to spend an evening with them. The following dates have been arranged for next season (1928-29) :Thursday, 29th November, 1928: Address by Mr. Thos. Hardie, M.Inst.C.E., Chief Engineer to the Gas Light and Coke Company, London, on " The Gas Supply of London." Thursday, 31st January, 1929. (Address to be announced later.) Thursday, 14th March, 1929 : Address by Mr. J. Murray Easton on " Germany after the War—a Superficial View." The meetings will be held at 7.30 p.m. in the Engineers' Club, 39 Coventry Street, London, W.1 (near Leicester Square). The March function will, in alternate years when the International Rugby Match between Scotland and England takes place at Twickenham, be arranged for the Thursday prior to the match. The Secretary of the Section is Mr. Thos. D. H. Brown, Esbourn, Lawrie Park Crescent, Sydenham, S.E. 26, who will be pleased to reserve a place for any provincial

164

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

or other member who desires to attend one or more of these functions, on hearing from him ; or, if time does not permit an Old Boy to make arrangements beforehand, all he need do is to ask for the Secretary on his arrival at the meeting. Further particulars of the activities of the London Section will be given on this page from time to time.

Our Annual Meeting was held on 1st December at the Engineers' Club, which is now our recognized " howf." Long may it continue to be I It affords most comfortable accommodation, and a good dinner at a reasonable price. Our President was in the Chair, and it was our privilege (and good fortune) to elect him again for the coming session. We were sorry to be compelled to accept the resignation of Mr. John Thom from the post of Secretary. Lord Meston alluded to the valuable services which Mr. Thom had rendered the London Section during the last two years. He has done a great deal for the Club, and has continued to carry out his duties when his health was far from good. A vote of thanks to Mr. Thom was passed with acclamation. Mr. Thos. D. H. Brown, Esbourn, Lawrie Park Crescent, Sydenham, S.E.26, was elected as his successor. The committee was then elected—with a considerable proportion of " new blood," which is all to the good of the Club—as follows :—Dr. Douglas Porter, Dr. G. Brebner Scott, Dr. A. Hill Griffith, Messrs. E. O. Hector, A. M. Cowie, J. I. C. Crombie, J. R. Esson, J. C. O. Lawrence, A. J. Croxford, C. E. Garland, J. R. H. Jones, and F. P. Morton. Mr. Topham Forrest, F.R.I.B.A., Superintending Architect of Metropolitan Buildings and Architect to the London County Council, was the lecturer for the evening. He had one of the largest audiences that has attended our gatherings-60 members and guests were present. Mr. Forrest's paper was entitled " London as I See It," and there must be very few who have either the opportunities of the lecturer for seeing the City we live in, or his capacity for putting the results of his observations into such vivid language. [Mr. Forrest's paper is printed elsewhere in this issue of theMagazine.] Mr. Forrest concluded a very interesting paper by confessing that London had a way of weaving itself into one's life. We have a feeling that when he does retire to his Sabine farm it will not be many miles from the County Hall. The second informal dinner of the session was held at the Engineers' Club on 26th January. Our Chairman for the evening was Dr. G. Brebner Scott, in the absence of the President, Lord Meston, who was unfortunately unable to be with us owing to illness. Dr. Scott introduced our lecturer, Lieut.-Colonel E. A. Ewart, O.B.E., in a very happy little speech, in which he touched upon the wide travels, experience of life, and literary achievements of Boyd Cable (as he is best known to us). The lecturer has for some time past been engaged in a form of literary activity which is very much in the public eye (if you will forgive the expression)—writing for the films—and it was on this subject, and more particularly on the many opportunities offered by the film industry, that he addressed us. His main theme was the great opportunity afforded to British producers of spreading a knowledge of British traditions and ideals throughout the world. America had long held almost undisputed command of the world market in this industry, and had scattered its

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

165

" culture," language, and products far and wide by this means. Our opportunity had now come, and we had something to give the world distinctively and peculiarly our own ; a British tradition which has made itself felt in the remotest parts of the earth. He touched upon the many-sided activities of the industry, and the openings for men possessing many different qualifications: the director, the art director, the camera man, the actor, the writer—experts of all kinds. He was firmly convinced that the British producer was determined to avoid anachronisms and solecisms, and would take the utmost care to see that detail did not offend the artistic or professional eye. In this connection he gave several illustrations of the " howlers " committed in well-known films—architecture that did not belong to any known period (unless we can call it the " film " period), professional etiquette that existed only in Hollywood, etc. He urged any of us who had expert knowledge, as for example of a period, dress, history, furnishings, or even of particular aspects of professional life, to bring our names to the notice of the great producing companies : they had constant need of advice and assistance at a moment's notice in all sorts of out-of-the-way matters. It is comforting to think that we may be in a position to preserve an artistic audience from undeserved shudders and at the same time pocket a well-earned fee. An interesting lecture was followed by an equally interesting discusion, in which Boyd Cable gave some useful hints as to the form and general " lay out " of the stories which many of us were, no doubt, by that time eager to submit for acceptance. Perhaps some day an epic will be written which will have its opening scenes laid in the old School ! There is plenty of material. C. E. G. The third and last informal dinner of the season was held at the Engineers' Club on Thursday, 8th March. Lord Meston had intended up to mid-day on that day to be in the chair, but unfortunately at the last moment illness again prevented him from being with us, and in his absence Dr. G. Brebner Scott was once more our Chairman and made an admirable deputy. Apologies for absence were also intimated from Dr. Bulloch, Sir Francis Ogilvie, Dr. Chalmers Mitchell, Brigadier-General Mowat, and one or two others who were unfortunately prevented from attending. A very hearty welcome was extended to J. Y. Miller, one of the donors of the Shanghai Clock, who in the course of the evening related some of his recent experiences in Hankow. After dinner Dr. Hill Griffith, M.D., delivered a paper having the humble and disarming title of " Piffle from the Pen of a Past Pupil." Dr. Hill Griffith is known to many members of the London Section as a master of humour, and with the prospect of an entertaining evening a goodly number of the members of the Section were present to hear him. The lecturer on this occasion wove his stories round a trip to Canada and the United States and back, made by himself and a friend recently, drawing attention, as he warmed up to his subject, to what struck him most as being funny and ludicrous, and in some instances pathetic, in the contacts which he made with residents and others in North America. On the other hand, his description of some of his experiences and of the views which he saw, such as a journey by motor car across the Yellowstone Park, was real enough to make one almost feel that one had accompanied him. Altogether a very enjoyable evening was spent, which concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer for the time and trouble which he had taken in coming to gibe the paper. And so ended another successful season for the London Section. T. D. H. B.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The Rugby Football Section. The season has been disappointing. The 1st XV did not come up to expectation, being beaten in the first round of the North and Midland Cup Competition by Aberdeen University, and losing two out of the three League Matches played. Early in the season, owing to travelling difficulties, the back division was hardly twice the same, but since the end of November it has remained practically unaltered, except for occasional changes owing to illness. This selection proved fairly reliable, but lacked speed and power of penetration. The forwards did not make a successful pack. They failed to get their heads down and shove in the loose scrums, and in the open they were too prone to wait and see what was to happen next, instead of following up and keeping on the ball. In dribbling rushes they were quite effective. The defence of the whole team was poor : both forwards and backs failed to tackle low and to get down on the ball to stop rushes. The 2nd XV suffered to a certain extent from the same faults as the 1st XV, but were very successful until the last two matches, when the team was considerably below strength owing to players calling off. Until then they were unbeaten, and gave a very creditable performance earlier in the season by defeating by 14 points a slightly weakened School side. In this, as in other matches, the forwards were well led by A. Gray, the Captain. Owing to lack of members, the " A " XV has been able to fulfil only one fixture. The Section was fortunate this season in getting several of last year's School players to join, and it is earnestly hoped that those leaving before next season will support it. New blood and more members arc required, and the only way this can be attained is through the School. 1st XV RESULTS. 1927. Nov. 19. • 26. Dec. 3. • 10. 1928. Jan. 7. „ 14. 28. Feb. 4. 18. Mar. 3. „ 10.

. v. Gordonians, at Seafield . . . v. Bankers, at Rubislaw . v. St. Andrews University, at St. Andrews v. Gordonians, at Rubislaw . .

. . . .

Draw Won Lost Lost

3— 3 28— 0 0-44 3-11

v. Aberdeen University (League), at Rubislaw Won . . . Won v. Black Watch, at Rubislaw . Won . . v. Bankers, at Rubislaw . . Lost v. Gordonians (League), at Rubislaw . . . Lost v. Aberdeen University, at King's Lost v. Aberdeen University (Cup Tie), at King's . . Won v. Aberdeenshire, at Rubislaw .

6— 5 11— 0 20- 0 6- 8 0-22 3-12 25- 0

Season's Analysis. Played. 17 All matches 3 League matches

Won. 6 1

Lost. 9 2

Drawn. 2

Points for. 157 15

Points against. 195 23

2nd XV RESULTS. 1927. Nov. 19. • 26. Dec. 3. „ 10.

. • v. Bankers (League), at Rubislaw . v. 2nd Gordonians (League), at Seafield v. Gordon's College (League), at Rubislaw . . . v. School (League), at Rubislaw

Draw Won Won Won

0- 0 6— 3 19— 6 14— 0

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A berdeen Grammar School Magazine. 1928. Jan. 28. v. Glenalmond, at Rubislaw . Mar. 3. v. School (League), at Rubislaw . „ 10. v. Engineers, at Rubislaw . .

• • •

167

. Won . Lost . Lost

8— 3 0-47 6— 9

Season's Analysis. Played. Won. All matches 11 8 League matches 6 4 Played. 1

Lost. Drawn, 2 1 1 1

Points Points for. against. 109 82 59 59

" A " XV Season's Analysis. Won. Lost. Drawn. Points for. 1 — 11 —

Points agst. 6

1st XV MATCH TEAMS. XV v. Gordonians.—J. M. McLeod ; J. Middleton, P. J. M. Walker, N. Esslemont, J. B. Esslemont ; G. L. Cruickshank, R. C. Scrimgeour ; N. D. Begg, A. W. Grafton, J. F. Richardson, J. S. Abernethy, D. M. Wood, R. A. Low, J. L. Ducat, S. D. Ross. XV v. Bankers.—J. M. McLeod ; J. B. Esslemont, J. S. Abernethy, J. Yule, N. H. Macbeth ; G. L. Cruickshank, R. C. Scrimgeour ; A. W. Grafton, R. D. Bain, J. F. Richardson, R. A. Low, D. M. Wood, A. Gray, J. H. Scott, F. H. King. XV v. St. Andrews University.—J. M. McLeod ; N. Sands, P. J. M. Walker, G. L. Cruickshank, N. H. Macbeth ; J. B. Smith, A. M. Scrimgeour ; J. S. Abernethy, J. H. Scott, S. D. Ross, A. Lockhart, J. L. Ducat, J. A. Hay, J. M. Gossip, J. Morrice. XV v. Gordonians.—J. M. McLeod ; P. J. M. Walker, J. B. Esslemont, N. C. Duffus, G. W. Dodds ; G. L. Cruickshank, R. C. Scrimgeour ; N. D. Begg, J. F. Richardson, R. A. Low, D. M. Wood, A. J. Lockhart, J. Morrice, J. J. Donald, F. H. King. XV v. Aberdeen University.—J. M. McLeod ; P. J. M. Walker, J. Yule, J. B. Esslemont, N. Esslemont ; G. L. Cruickshank, R. C. Scrimgeour ; N. D. Begg, J. F. Richardson, A. W. Grafton, R. A. Low, J. S. Abernethy, D. M. Wood, J. Morrice, S. D. Ross. XV v. Black Watch.—J. M. McLeod ; P. J. M. Walker, J. Yule, J. B. Esslemont, N. Esslemont ; G. L. Cruickshank, R. C. Scrimgeour ; N. D. Begg, A. W. Grafton, R. A. Low, J. Morrice, D. M. Wood, R. D. Bain, J. A. Hay, A. Gray. XV v. Bankers.—J. M. McLeod ; J. B. Esslemont, J. Yule, P. J. M. Walker, N. Esslemont ; G. L. Cruickshank, R. C. Scrimgeour ; N. D. Begg, A. W. Grafton, R. A. Low, J. Morrice, J. A. Hay, D. M. Wood, J. S. Abernethy, A. J. Lockhart. XV v. Gordonians.—J. M. McLeod; J. B. Esslemont, J. Yule, P. J. M. Walker, N. Esslemont ; G. L. Cruickshank, A. M. Scrimgeour ; N. D. Begg, A. W. Grafton, R. A. Low, J. Morrice, J. A. Hay, D. M. Wood, J. S. Abernethy, S. D. Ross. XV v. Aberdeen University.—J. M. McLeod ; H. S. Insch, J. Yule, P. J. M. Walker, E. Strachan ; G. L. Cruickshank, R. C. Scrimgeour ; N. D. Begg, R. A. Low, J. Morrice, J. A. Hay, D. M. Wood, J. S. Abernethy, R. D. Bain, H. Wrigglesworth. XV v. Aberdeen University.—J. M. McLeod ; H. S. Insch, P. J. M. Walker, J. B. Esslemont, N. Esslemont; G. L. Cruickshank, R. C. Scrimgeour ; N. D. Begg, R. D. Bain, A. W. Grafton, J. A. Hay, J. S. Abernethy, J. Morrice, D. M. Wood, A. Gray. XV v. Aberdeenshire.—J. M. McLeod ; P. J. M. Walker, J. Yule,

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

J. B. Esslemont, N. Esslemont ; G. L. Cruickshank, R. C. Scrimgeour ; N. D. Begg, J. A. Hay, J. Morrice, A. Gray, S. D. Ross, A. J. Lockhart, J. M. Gossip, H. Wrigglesworth.

The Hockey Section. We are now drawing to the close of our most successful Hockey season for several years. As in former years, two XIs have been playing, and the unfavourable, wet weather has failed to damp the enthusiasm of our members. Of 12 matches played by the 1st XI to date, 8 have been won, 3 lost, and 1 drawn. The 2nd XI have played 8 matches-6 have been won, 1 lost, and 1 drawn. A number of games were played during the Christmas holidays. At the first of the local Trials, held on 19th November, the Section was represented by F. R. Aitken, J. R. Donald, D. W. Duthie, N. Robb, N. S. Rose, D. J. Walker, A. J. Wilson, and J. E. Wilson, and of these Donald, Duthie, Robb, and J. E. Wilson were selected to take part in the final Trial at King's College Grounds on 3rd December. The following is a list of matches and results for the season :— F. A. F. A. v. University . . . • 1-6 0-3 University " A " . . . 2-1 — St. Ronald . . . 2-0 1-0 . Gordon Highlanders . . . 7-3 4-3 ___ Gordonians . . . . 2-2 Ruthrieston F.P.s . . . 4-1 3-2 Aberdeen . . . . 0-1 2-1

The Cricket Section. The Annual Meeting of the Section is being held this month. We have lost the services of J. F. Richardson and R. S. B. Hervey, who have left the city for the south. We will also lose our last year's Captain, Mr. A. M. Gauld, who is retiring from the game. With the loss of these three members our bowling strength will be weakened, unless some new talent is forthcoming. The fixtures for the coming season will be much about the same as last year. Given good weather the Section hope to have a very enjoyable season. Any F.P. desirous of joining the Section should communicate with the Secretary.

The Tennis Section. The Section is now looking forward to another season, and is hopeful of an increased membership to enjoy the splendid facilities provided. Intending members are asked to communicate with the Secretary, Mr..G. E. C. Hervey, Monteviot, Springfield Road.

List of New Members of the Club. LIFE MEMBERS. Duthie, Sydney William (1918-23), c/o Banco Anglo-Sud American, Puerto Deseado, Patagonia, South America. Hay, John M. (1913-19), c/o S. A. Frigorifico Anglo, Mendes, Estado do Rio, Brazil. Mackenzie, William Matthews (1910-18), 31 Castlebar Road, Ealing, London, W.S. Melville, James Irvine (1917-21), The Royal Bank of Canada, Sgo Paulo, Brazil.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine. ORDINARY Allan, James George (1919-25), Pityot, Muchalls, Kincardineshire. Anderson, Edward (1924-25) , Smithfield, Hazlehead, near Aberdeen. Brown, Neil George (1918-27), 39 Cranford Road, Aberdeen. Campbell, Andrew Matthew (192627), 14 Brimmond Place, Balnagask, Aberdeen. Campbell, David Johnstone (191525), 14 Brimmond Place, Balnagask, Aberdeen. Catto, George Symon (1923-27), 118 Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen. Clark, Dudley Thomas (1922-26), " Remuera, ' 13 Norfolk Road, Aberdeen. Crighton, Herbert Mackenzie (1926-27 ) , The Bakery, Methlick. Cruickshank, George Edward (1924-27), Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ontario,Canada. Duncan, James John (1919-26), Railway Hotel, Coupar Angus. Elphinstone, John Joseph (191926), 6 Wellbrae Terrace, Aberdeen. Emslie, Alexander (1918-27), 145 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen. Hay, James (1919-26), " Garvock, ' Milltimber. Hay, James Archibald (1920-27), 12 Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen. Helmrich, Louis Vass (1918-27), 22 Gordondale Road, Aberdeen. Humphrey, Francis Arthur Robert (1915-20), c/o Hilton & Inman, Ltd., 109 Wool Exchange, Basinghall Street, London, E.C.2. Hutchison, John Imlay (1914-27), 9 Beechgrove Terrace,Aberdeen. Irvine, Alexander Murdoch (192427), The Rectory, Insch, Aberdeenshire. Keatinge, Roland Frederick Gilbert (1925-27), 66 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen. Kemp, William Cruickshank (1924-26), Haddo, Methlick, Aberdeenshire. Lockhart, Archibald James (192527), Aldie House, Huntly.

169

MEMBERS. Lyon, Mitchell Martin (1916-24), 7 Grampian Road, Aberdeen. Macdonald, Alexander (1921-27), 47 Hammerfield Avenue, Aberdeen. Mclrvine, William Ferguson D. (1920-25), Whinny Brae, Cults. Mackie, John (1924-26), Little Ardo, Methliele. McRae, Colin George (1924-27), 125 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen. McRae, Donald McArthur (192427), 125 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen. MacRae, John Smith (1923-26), 111 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Mann, William Thomson (192227), c/o Boyd, 6 Esslemont Avenue, Aberdeen. Milne, David Douglas (1918-26), 12 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen. Mitchell, Alexander Lessel Stephen (1911-19), 70 High Street, Old Aberdeen. Petfield, Hugh (1920-27), 61 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen. Pratt, Charles Howard (1919-27), 7 Bon-Accord Crescent, Aberdeen. Reith, Ronald John (1921-26), Cults Hotel, Cults. Ritchie, James Hunter (1921-27), Mavisbank, Mintlaw Station, Aberdeenshire. Robertson, Douglas (1921-27), 391 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Smith, David Kidd (1916-27), 269 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Stewart, Robert MacPherson (1918-25), 40 Desswood Place, Aberdeen. Thom, James Cowie (1914-27), Bonn-na-coille, Murtle. Thomson, Alexander (1923-27), Dalmaik, Drumoak, Aberdeenshire. Watt, James Owen Reynolds Mitchell (1922-25), North British Station Hotel, Glasgow. Wilson, Harold Gardyne (192227), 92 Hammerfield Avenue, Aberdeen. Wood, Charles Harman (1920-23), 12 Rose Street, Aberdeen.

Back Numbers of the " Magazine." A Former Pupil has a complete set of the Magazine from the issue of November, 1898, to that of March, 1923-71 numbers in all. Any reader who wishes to purchase these should make an offer for them through the Secretary of the F.P. Club.

170

4be4vdeen4 Grammar School Magazine

F.P. Club Office-Bearers, 1928-29. Honorary President— DAVID MIDDLETON ANDREW, M.A. (Rector since 1924).

Honorary Vice-PresidentsSir JOHN BAKER, M.D. (1875-79). Sir GEORGE CARMICHAEL, K.C.S.I., LL.D. (1876-81). Sir WM. WATSON CHEYNE, Bart., K.C.M.G., C.B., M.B., C.M., F.R.C.S., D.Sc., LL.D., F.R.S. (1863-68). Sir JOHN COLLIE, C.M.G., M.U., C.M. (1873-76). Professor WILLIAM LESLIE DAVIDSON, M.A., LL.D. (1859-64). Sir GEORGE STUART FORBES, K.C.S.I., M.A. (1860-64). The Right Hon. Lord MESTON, K.C.S.I., LL.D. (1876-80). DOUGLAS GORDON MILLER, M.A. (Rector, 1921-24). Sir FRANCIS GRANT OGILVIE, C.B., M.A., B.Sc., LL.D. (1872-74). Sir ALEXANDER OGSTON, K.C.V.O., M.D., C.M., LL.D. (1855-58). Lieut.-Col. Sir DAVID PRAIN, C.M.G., C.I.E., M.A., M.B., LL.D., F.R.S. (1872-73). Lieut.-General Sir ANDREW SKEEN, K.C.B., K.C.I.E., C.M.G. (I88o-86). Sir GEORGE WArr, C.I.E., M.B., C.M., LL.D. (1867-69). The LORD PROVOST OF ABERDEEN. The CHAIRMAN OF ABERDEEN EDUCATION AUTHORITY.

President—The Right Hon. Lord ALNESS, P.C., M.A., LL.D., Lord Justice-Clerk of Scotland (1884-85).

Vice-President—GEORGE GORDON NICOL, D.S.O., A.M.Inst.C.E. (i894-1903).

Secretary and Treasurer— THEODORE WATT, M.A. (1889-1901), The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen.

Committee-W. CLARK SOUTER, DOUGLAS P.COCHRAN A. M. JOHNSTON. M.D. JAMES LEITH, Jr. WM. G. CRAIGEN, ALAN MCBAIN, M.A. J. F. WALKER, M.A. M.A., LL.B. N. J. J. WALKER, JAS. PATTERSON, JAMES C. DUFFUS, M.A., LL.B. M.A., LL.B. M.A., LL.B. E. W. WATT, M.A. RANALD ESSLEMONT. J. L. RIDDELL. W. DOUGLAS SIMPJ. P. JEFFREY. SON, D.Litt.

Hon. Auditors—Messrs. BOWER & SMITH, C.A.

SHIRRAS, LAING & CO.'S HIRE

DEPARTMENT

( an cope with all demands, large or small. Our huge stock of Hire (;oods is at your service. From the smallest informal function to the largest reception we can suit you.

Parties, Receptions, Whist Drives, Bazaars be supplied with Tables (oblong or round), Table Linen, Chairs, Form Seats, u tlery, Crockery, Table Glass Ware, Tea Urns (Nickel Silver or Copper), Card Tables, Playing Cards, all on Hire. Indoor Fireworks and Parlour Bombs are becoming the popular feature both for luVenile and Adult Parties, we carry a large stock; also Paper Lanterns and Decorations. Whist Drive Prises.—We have a large stock of useful and Ornamental Goods very suitable for Whist Drive Prizes—from Novelties at 6d. to Silver Plate & Jewellery. HOUSEHOLD IRONMONGERY.—We have a very comprehensive range of all Household Ironmongery, including Aluminium and Enamelware Kettles, Tea Pots, Fry Pans, and all Culinary Articles; also Brushes in endless variety, Chamois, Dusters, Carpet Sweepers, Vacuum Cleaners, including the famous " Whirlwind" and "Electrolux."

Heating and Cooking Stoves, Lamps. Blacksmiths, Tin and Copper Smith.. Heating Enginners, Marquee and Tent Makers and Hirers.

SHIRRAS,

LAING & CO.,

LTD.,

413-52 SCHOOLHILL, ABERDEEN. Phones-1424 $ 176. Wires—"Lamps, Aberdeen."

Quality is our Truest Economy

ROBERT STOTT Family Grocer Italian Warehouseman, Tea, Coffee, Wine and Spirit Merchant

ALBERT

STREET, ABERDEEN Telephone 1848

Telephone No. 2300. Works : Rosebank Place.

Telegraphic Address :

" Undertake, Aberdeen."

GORDON & WATSON FUNERAL UNDERTAKERS AND MOTOR HEARSE PROPRIETORS 12 HOLBURN STREET (Holburn Junction) ABERDEEN

SAFE MILK SUPPLY. ROBERT COULTER'S

WESTFIELD DAIRY, LIMITED. HEAD OFFICE AND CREAMERY :

61, 71, 73, 77 LEADSIDE ROAD. BRANCHES:

185 Victoria Road, 86 Walker Road, 1 South Crown Street, 2 Cotton Street,

196 Rosemount Place, 34 Urquhart Road, 85 Victoria Road, AND

Bridge Street, Ballater. Established 1879.

'Phone 354.

HUTCHISONS' High Grade Attaché and Suit Case Makers.

Exclusive

We specialize in Outfits for all Climates. Repairs receive Prompt and Careful Attention.

Price , Popular

94 KING STREET BACK WYND 21 PALMERSTON ROAD

ABERDEEN Telephone 1994 (Private Exchange)

ALEX. SCOTT & CO., " The Schoolboys' Clothiers," OFFER YOU THE BEST VALUE and SELECTION in the TRADE. Consider the Quality, then Compare the Prices.

BOYS' TRENCH COATS Strong and Serviceable, fit Boys 6 to 16 years. according In Drab Rainproof y to 24/6 to size. vv. Gaberdine, from according ,. , q 4 i Indigo Navy 27 In Gaberdine, au/ " to size. / In Grey Waterproof, Special Clearing Line, 10/6, and all sizes.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL BLAZERS \

4/ , //„

:. ,G-__

/,,, 7,

------,---,_,P „_•_-__,--

,,,

Lined Sleeves and Double Shoulders, fast colour, fit Boys 6 to 16 years. 14/6 for size 5, fit 10 years; rise and fall, 6d. per size. Shorts of same material lined throughout. 8/- for size 5. Caps with Badge, 2/6. Pocket Badge, 2/6. Belts with Badge Buckle, 2/6. Ties, 1/-, 1/6, 2/6. Shop by Post, we pay Carriage.

58 ST. NICHOLAS STREET, ABERDEEN (Near Woolworths).

TELEPHONE 122.

The Ideal Gift for Friends Abroad. WE PACK AND POST FOR YOU.

C ELL &

Interesting to F.P.s in Tropical Countries. WE SUPPLY

Aertex Cellular Underclothing. It washes well and does not shrink.

Undervests, Half Sleeves, price 5/-. Trunk Drawers, „ 5/6. When ordering, please send Chest and Waist measures.

W. J. MILNE

Ltd

249-251 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN. (Opposite Royal Northern Club). 'Phone 1293.

BURBERRY AGENTS.

Bier. Bithen an %ono 'painters & decorators 335 'Union %treet • •• — • aberbeen.

•9

MACMAHON Artistic Portraiture in all Modern Styles CHILD

STUDIES,

ETC.

502 UNION STREET 'PHONE 187

ABERDEEN

Established 1891 4"

James Angus BOOT MANUFACTURER and REPAIRER, 2 ROSEMOUNT PLACE,

ABERDEEN. OUR SPECIALITIES: Boots of all kinds made to measure. Those having Bunions and Corns should give us a trial. Our own make of BOYS' FOOTWEAR is well known for Durability. REPAIR DEPARTMENT is complete with Modern Machinery for turning out good work. Moderate charges.

WORKS

41-47 and 524 SKENE SQUARE

At Your Service •

FRED WATT MEN'S WEAR SPECIALIST

23 BRIDGE STREET ABERDEEN 'PHONE 3515

ABERDEEN

ABERDEEN Rector

EDUCATION

AUTHORITY.

GRAMMAR

SCHOOL.

(FOUNDED PREVIOUS TO 1256.) DAVID MIDDLETON ANDREW, M.A.

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, Middle, 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 Control Examination of the Education Authority, while the Senior Classes are examined for the Day School Certificate (Higher) and the Leaving Certificate 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 HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. Headmistress

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

HE HIGH SCHOOL provides a liberal education for Girls from 5 or 6 to 18 or 19 years of age, and aims at fitting them for home life and for professions open to women. The School buildings occupy an excellent and spacious site in the West end of the City. The furnishings and equipment of the School comprise, in addition to numerous Class-rooms fitted up with many modern conveniences for teaching purposes, an Assembly Hall, Gymnasium, Art Rooms, a Lantern Room, a School Library of 2,0Oo volumes, spacious Cookery and Laundry Rooms, and a suite of Laboratories of the most approved description for the teaching of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The School is organized in three Departments—Infants, Primary, and Secondary. The Classes in the Infants and Primary divisions are graded in accordance with the requirements of the Scottish Code. The pupils are prepared for the Control Examination of the Education Authority. Pupils in the Secondary Department are prepared for the Day School Certificate (Higher) and the Leaving Certificate of the Scottish Education Department. The subjects of study include—Scripture, English with History and Geography. Mathematics, Classics, Modern Languages, Experimental and Domestic Science, Art, Class Singing, and Physical Exercises. Pupils whose parents desire it are taught Theory and Practice of Music (Pianoforte, Violin, and Organ) in preparation for the Examinations of Trinity College of Music, London, and of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music. Advanced pupils are prepared for the Licentiate of the Royal Academy.

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

FOR

Everything Photographic CAMERAS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION .0 Films, Plates, Printing Papers,

Chemicals, &c., &c.

DEVELOPING and PRINTING BETTER PRINTS

QUICKER SERVICE

LOWER PRICES

Enlarging, Copying, Lantern Slides CAMERAS

BOUGHT,

SOLD,

HIRED,

REPAIRED

Mail Orders Receive Prompt Attention.

ELECTRIC LIGHT STUDIO FOR HIGH-CLASS PORTRAITURE AT MODERATE PRICES

The Aberdeen Photographic Service, Ltd. MARISCHAL STREET PHONE 450

PRICE LISTS FREE

Civil Service and Business Institute Principal - J. Strath Wishart,

BURNETT'S CLASSES The largest and most successful Tutorial Institute in the North for Shorthand, Typing, and all Business Subjects, General Education, University Prelims., Professional and Civil Service Exams. TYPISTS SUPPLIED For Testimonials, Business Circulars, MSS., etc. CROWN TYPEWRITING Gammeter Duplicating-20 to 20,00O copies— perfect work. OFFICE

10 NORTH SILVER STREET ABERDEEN

ESTAB. 1885.

'Pizmar 38O.

SCHOOL BOYS are proverbially HARD ON BOOTS THAT'S NO REASON WHY ----BUT BOOTS SHOULD BE HARD ON SCHOOL BOYS JOHN A. DUNN'S Boots for boys are easy on their feet, fitting snugly where support and protection are needed, and roomy across the toes, so that the muscles can flex and recover without hindrance.

1"41 (As Illustrated)

Boys' Box Calf Derby Boots, stout hard-wearing soks, weather-resisting uppers, sites .ro to 5. Prices, 12/6 to 16/6, according to size.

Mechanical Appliances fitted for the relief of foot trouble.

JOHN A. DUNN Repairs done on shortest notice.

46 UNION STREET (Opposite the Adelphi) PRINTID

AT 1"HP. 111O61111O11MT

AMAXIMPall.

Boots susd Shoes made to measure.