December, 193,7
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SiLv R AND GREEN December, 1937
When "Modern Art" Shall Have Its Way.
—A.S., Pau Vl.
SILVER AND GREEN The 4162azine of file Aliztliotrist Xttbits' Coflog DECEMBER, 1937. ikr
pass us by, and we shall be most miserable people. The farther away our cities seem, the sooner we should begin to seek them; the sooner we seek, the sooner we shall find; and the best part of the finding will be looking back on the search. "For we go seeking cities that we shall never find."—Masefield. We all go seeking our hidden cities, dreamlands in the clouds, and some of them we shall never find. But some of them we are to build here at College, of the friendships and joys that we find; and the castles we build on these foundations are built on rocks almost immovable. Always we shall have them as a refuge; and the times we have spent building our cities will be the happiest times of our lives. Of all those who live in our world, the seekers are the only ones who realise great happiness; for, if we are not seeking, the joy of the search and the joy of discovery will
AN APPRECIATION. Tuesday, 11th May, 1937, marked an epoch in the history of M.L.C., when it was announced by Mr. Grove that Mr. G. R. Nicholas and the late Mr. A. M. Nicholas had, with their usual generosity, presented the College with the sum of £80,000 for the purpose of enlarging and rebuilding the College. On behalf of the girls, I should like to express our appreciation and sincere gratitude for this gift. Rona Brown, Senior Prefect, 1937.
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SCHOOL OFFICERS. Head Prefect—Rona Brown. Head House Prefect—Pat Chellew. Full Prefects—Phyllis Cerutty, Olwen Evans, Marjorie Gill, Winnie Hurley, Valerie Kerr, Valma Reece, Mary Slater, Margaret Thomas, Sylvia Duncan, Roma Thomas. Associate Prefects.—Lynette Bull, Shirley Ebbott, Marie Grenness, Marjorie King, Yvonne Martin, Lorna McConchie, Ida Mcllroy, Sylvia McPherson, Dulcie Rayment, Olga Rowsell, Betty Staurenghi, Marjorie Whittaker, June Barnett, Shirley Golder, Isobel Appleford, Shirley Harding. House Prefects—Doris Bligh, Marjorie Gordon, Bonnie Mason, Edna Murdoch, Sylvia McPherson, Shirley Golder, Shirley Harding, Isobel Appleford. House 'Captains—Senior: Pat Chellew (Berry) ; Marjorie Gill, 1st Term; Mary Slater, 2nd Term (Cato); June Barnett (Fitchett); Rona Brown (Krome). Middle: Betty Peterson (Berry); Marjorie Wragg (Cato); Joan Eggleston (Fitchett); Audrey Harrison, (Krome). Junior: Helen Treacey (Berry); Joyce Wilson (Cato); Claire Smith (Fitchett); Joan Hopkins (Krome). House Sports Captains—Senior: Phyllis Cerutty, 1st Term; Lorna McConchie, 2nd Term (Berry); Shirley Ebbott (Cato); Le Barnett (Fitchett); Valerie Kerr (Krome). Middle: Gladys Beasley (Berry); Robbie Walker (Cato); Dulcie Whittaker (Fitchett); Betty Tyas (Krome). Junior: Margaret Ren• toul (Berry); Phyllis Carter (Cato); Marjorie Hislop (Fitchett); Jean Hannan (Krome). Sports Committee—Dr. Wade (President), Miss Foote, Miss Blaxland, Miss Bennett, Miss Kellaway, Val Kerr (secretary), Lorna McConchie, Shirley Ebbott, Dulcie Whittaker, Le Barnett, Edna Murdoch, Sylvia Duncan, Phyllis Cerutty (1st Term), Jean Norman. Sports Captains—Val Kerr (baseball), June Barnett (hockey), Margery Whittaker (basket. ball), Phyllis Cerutty (running, 1st Term), Lorna McConchie (tennis, running, 2nd Term).
Magazine Committee—Isobel Appleford (editress), June Barnett, Ida Mcllroy, Sylvia Duncan, Olwen Evans (1st and 2nd Terms), Gwen Butler (3rd Term), Lorna Beasley, Lydia Duncan, Barbara Marfleet, Peggy Nicholson, Helen Lockhart, Edna Murdoch. S.C.M. Executive—Miss Ault (president), Olwen Evans (vice-president, 1st and 2nd Terms), Roma Thomas (vice-president, 3rd Term), Marjorie Gill (1st Term), Phyllis Cerutty (1st Term), Sylvia Duncan, Marie Grenness (2nd and 3rd), Val Kerr, Margaret Thomas, Dulcie Rayment, Ida Mcllroy. Walking Club Committee—Miss Hall, Miss Parker, Winnie Hurley, Val Kerr, Shirley Golder, Mary Slater (2nd and 3rd Terms), June Barnett (2nd and 3rd Terms), Marjorie Gill '(lst Term), Phyllis Cerutty (1st Term), Margaret Thomas.
FORM OFFICERS, 1937. Form Captains.—Hon. VI.—Rona Brown. Pass VI.—Sylvia Duncan. Dip. A—Marjorie Gill (1st Term), Shirley Ebbott (3rd Term). Dip. B—Lorna Beasley (1st Term), Joyce Laidlaw (3rd Term). V.a—Mary Preston (1st Term), Jean Fowler (3rd Term). V.b—Jean Sefton. V.c—Margaret Eley. V.d—Alison Lelean. V.e—Judith Clarke. IV.a—Rosemary Williams. XX.—Phyllis McMurray. LV.b— Gwenda Wilson. XX.a—Margaret Gandy. IV.a —Audrey Bee. Remove A—Beryl Whittaker. E4—Louisa Lockhart. IV.b—Patricia Murray. Remove B—Betty McLean. IV.c—Lois Thorpe. Remove C—Edna Hammond. IV.d—Diane Duke. Junior School—Betty Matthews. Red Cross Captains.—Hon. VI.—Roma Thomas. Pass VI.—Mary Benson. Dip.A— Olwen Evans. Dip.B—Joyce Laidlaw. V.a— Albie Towns. V.b—Lorraine Lapthorne. V.e —Edith Parsons. V.d—Helen Lockhart. V.e —Gladys Weaver. LV.a—Betty Peterson. XX —Isla Wright. LV.b—Inez Benson. XX.a— Pat. Wollacott. IV.a—Joy Duncan. Remove A—Roma Turner. E4—Joan Vincent. IV.b— Zo. Dunn. Remove B—Mary Eggleston. IV.c —Betty Barrett. Remove C—June Crowther. IV.d—Audrey Flemming. Junior School— Fay Storey.
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FULL PREFECTS. Back Row: M. Gill, R. Thomas, V. Reece, P. Cerutty, M. Slater. Front Row: M. Thomas, V. Kerr, R. Brown (Senior Prefect), P. Chellew, S. Duncan.
ASSOCIATE PREFECTS. Back Row: J. Barnett, I. Appleford, M. Grenness. Centre Row: M. King, L. McConchie, 0. Rowsell, L. Bull, B. Staurenghi, S. Harding, M. Whittaker, Y. Martin, D. Rayment. Front Row: S. Golder, I. Mcllroy.
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EVENTS OF THE YEAR. "Think,, in this battered caravanserai, Whose doorways are alternate night and day, How sultan after sultan, with his pomp, Abode his hour or two, and went his way." —Omar Khayyam. We have among us some who can remember many School Speech Nights, but I doubt whether ever before we have experienced such a Speech Night as our last. It was the evening before we heard of the abdication of Edward VIII., and we all knew that far graver Matters than the presentation of our School prizes were being decided. It gave us an almost uncanny feeling of awe and suspense as we stood to sing "God Save the King," not knowing whether there was still a king, but that if there were, he needed our most heartfelt prayers. The year has been for us a memorable one in every way. Within a short period we have seen the beginning and end of a reign, and the beginning of a new one. Though we were not present, we were able to rejoice at the coronation of King George VI., and give him our loyal wishes for future prosperity and peace. We enjoyed, almost as much as if we had seen it, the reports. and pictures of the colourful coronation pageantry. The mental atmosphere of the whole world has been troubled and stormy during this past year, and we feel the shadow of two wars and perhaps the imminence of others. In our own circle inside the School we have studied these problems and taken a keen interest in world affairs. A more peaceful, but none the less important, event has been the educational conference, recently held in Melbourne. To find the right form of eduqation is one of the greatest problems of the world to-day, and we Australians feel proud, as members of one of the youngest countries of the world, to take part in such an important movement. The epidemic of paralysis which has so alarmed Melbourne has not left us entirely untouched inside the School. We have had to give up the idea of our School concert for this year, and the "back to School" day, in
which so many Old Collegians participated last year, has had to be cancelled. Several members of our staff have been absent on holiday and study leave abroad. We have had interesting news of their doings,, and look forward to hearing of their travels when we welcome them next year. Miss Fletcher has recently returned to Melbourne, and we have to thank her for her :gift of three beautiful Japanese prints. Two other members of our staff, who have had a very long association with M.L.C., have been absent since second Term for the less happy reason of ill-health. We hope that both Miss Lewis and Miss Harcourt will soon be restored to health again. We have missed them both. Within our School this year have occurred two important events. Our "Houses," so long mere numbers, have at last been named as a tribute to four of the benefactors of our School —Dr. Fitchett, the founder and first Principal of the College; Henry Berry, a generous benefactor; Otto Krome, a former headmaster of the School; and Mr. Cato, whose many gifts have made his name famous in the School. Our houses are thus known as Fitchett, Berry, Krome, and Cato. The generous gift of Mr. George Nicholas and his late brother is acknowledged elsewhere in our columns. In addition, there have been other gifts we gratefully acknowledge. Mr. Tweddle, already the founder of the Music Scholarship that bears his name, has given us three valuable prizes to encourage good natural speech. The Houses of 1936 have given us the two beautiful honour boards now in the Fitchett Hall, which shall preserve the memory of every future Dux and Senior Prefect. An Old Collegian, Mrs. Walklate, is giving us a beautiful loving-cup to encourage good citizenship and a spirit of service in the Forms. It will be awarded for the first time at the prizegiving this year. The lucky Form that wins it each year will gain not only a greatly coveted honour, but also a sum of money, to be spent. by Mrs. Walklate's express wish, "exactly as the Form desires." We appreciate the spirit of love for the School which finds its expressions in all these gifts. Through all the changing events of the years the spirit of the School abides.
SILVER AND GREEN. EXAMINATION SUCCESSES. At the University Public Examinations in December, 1936, 32 separate honours were gained in the School Leaving Honours Examination, 26 complete passes in the School Leaving Pass Examination, and 43 complete passes in the School Intermediate Examination. Joan Parker was awarded a Senior Government Exhibition, and free places were obtained by Jessie Wight and Marjorie Beardsley. Joan Parker and Jessie Wight obtained Queen's College Scholarships, and Women's College Exhibitions were awarded to Heather Drayton, Jessie Wight, and Joan Rowell. School Leaving Honours. Four 1st class, eight 2nd class, and twenty 3rd class honours were gained in this examination. Individual results were:— Marjorie Beardsley-3rd class English, 3rd class British History, 3rd class Commercial Principles. Joyce Campbell-3rd class Geography. Peggy Chinner-3rd class English, 3rd class Biology. Valerie Clayfield-2nd class French. Heather Drayton-1st class English, 3rd class French, 3rd class European History. Olwen Evans-3rd class English, 3rd class British History, 3rd class European History. Marjorie Loats-3rd class Drawing. Joan Parker-1st class British History, 1st class Greek and Roman History, 3rd class Latin. Joan Rowell-2nd class German, 3rd class British History, 3rd class Botany, 3rd class Music. Mary Slater-1st class English, 2nd class French, 2nd class Latin. Roma Thomas-2nd class French. Truda Vear-3rd class Drawing. Ruth Walker-3rd Latin.
class French, 3rd class
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Jessie Wight-2nd class English, 2nd class French, 2nd class Latin, 3rd class British History. School Leaving Certificate. School Leaving Pass and Matriculation Certificates were gained by:—Isobel Appleford, Lynette Bull, Peggy Chinner, Gwenda Chitty, Marjorie Ellis, Marjorie Gill, Marion Gyles, Shirley Harding, Winnie Hurley, Valerie Kerr, Joyce Leigh, Jean McAliece, Lorna McConchie, Mary Noble, Dulcie Rayment, Gwen Redrobe, Hebe Salter, Edith Skinner, Marjorie Thomas, Doris Tyack, Truda Vear, Ruth Walker, Margery Whittaker. School Leaving Certificates were gained by:— Nanette Brunskill, Joan Hargreaves, and Phyllis Kent. Intermediate Certificates. Audrey Ballantyne, Iris Bennett, Shirley Benson, Doris Berry, Bernice Brokenshire, Gwen Butler, Ruby Coles, Sylvia Duncan, Shirley Ebbott, Cynthia Foster, Shirley Golder, Marjorie Gordon, Joan Green, Marie Grenness, Joan Hargreaves, Valerie Kerr, Valda Keys, Margaret Martin, Yvonne Martin, Bonnie Mason, Gwen Massey, Ida Mcllroy, Margaret Nevile, Marie Panitzki, Jean Pegler, Bonnay Raymont, Beryl Reynolds, Mildred Reynolds, Claire Robbins, Merle Ross, Olga Rowsell, Betty Salonen, Alison Saunders, Jean Shaw, Marjorie Shepherd, Isabel Silvers, Pat. Stanley, Joan Sutherland, Dorothy Thompson, Jean Trathan, Thelma Tyzack, Norma Trathan, Helena Vincent.
MUSIC EXAMINATION RESULTS. Singing. Grade IL—P. Chellew (honours). Grade III.—M. Slater (credit). Grade IV.—M. Thomas (credit). Violin. Grade IV.—M. Bennett (credit). Grade VI.—A. Fleming (honours). Flute. Grade III.—A. Walklate (honours).
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Piano. Grade I.—N. Headdey (honours). Grade II.—L. Lapthorne (honours), D. Day (honours), B. Brokenshire (credit), P. Came (credit), I. Marshall (pass). Grade III.—M. Higgs (honours), B. Gray (honours), E. Parsons (honours), S. McPherson (credit), H. Rentoul (credit), A. Lelean (credit), L. Barnett (credit), C. Curnow (pass), P. McMurray (pass), D. Pollock (pass), M. Tauman (pass), G. Dodd (pass). Grade IV.—A. Harrison (honours), B. Harrison (honours), S. Flintoff (honours), L. Cocks (credit), M. Eley (credit), D. Pollock (credit), M. Pearse (pass). Grade V.—L. Marsh (honours), V. Rowe (honours), M. Rentoul (honours), J. Miles (honours), R. Wasley (honours), M. Hislop (credit), M. Gandy (pass). Grade VI.—V. Rowe (honours), J. Wilson (honours), V. Hughes (honours), E. Lumb (honours), L. Brown (pass), M. Kendrick (pass), V. Wright (pass). Theory and Harmony. Grade II.—P. Chellew (credit). Grade III.—A. Walklate (honours), N. Headdey (honours), B. Gray (honours), D. Day (honours), M. Eley (honours), M. Simmie (honours), S. McPherson (honours), H. Rentoul (credit), M. Higgs (credit), M. Pearse (pass). Grade IV.—E. Parsons (honours), D. Pollock (honours), P. Came (honours), A. Lelean (honours), L. Lapthorne (honours), L. Barnett (honours), M. Tauman (credit), J. Miles (pass). Grade V.—A. Harrison (honours), B. Har. rison (honours), W. Tourrier (honours), E Lenne (honours), L. Cocks (honours), P McMurray (honours),
M.L.C. Coronation Service.
On Tuesday, 11th May, we held at School a service to commemorate among ourselves the accession of George VI. This will always be a living memory to all those who took part, because it was a Coronation Service—the only one likely to be held in the school life of any of us. During the service the hymns, "0 God Our Help in Ages Past" and "Peace In Our Time, O Lord," were sung. There could not have
been a happier choice for such an occasion, for these hymns expressed exactly the two deepest desires of all of us at the commencement of a new reign. The Vice-Principal read the portion of Scripture, "Give Thy judgments unto the king, 0 Lord, and Thy righteousness unto the king's son"; and then the Principal told us the story of Solomon's wishes—that he might have any gifts from God he desired —riches, long life—and of them all he chose the gifts of wisdom; because of his choice all other gifts were added unto him. This was our especial prayer for our king—that he might be granted wisdom. The Glee singers then sang "The King," which was specially written for the Coronation —a prayer that our ruler might fulfil all that was hoped of him; that God might grant to us prosperity and peace. The service ended with the singing of the full National Anthem.
The Kinge—His Throninge. (With apologies to Chaucer.) It bifel that in the' merrye month of Maye oure Kinge, with his Queene, did to the Abbeye wenden for to be crowned. The people did maken muchel noise from hir throates whan that hir Kinge did appear in his coache. They eek did murmurden as a swarm of bees whan that they saw his doghtren two and othere royalties. Whan the sonne was ful hye in the skye, came the Kinge and Queene to the Abbeye, wher they did sit upon hir trones. Ther did they see faire ladyes with fresshe countenaunces and lokkes crulle; eek handsom knights in all hir embrouded gounes. Than gan the worthy Archbishop to sayen all the rites of the ceremonie. He placed upon the Kinge's heed the crown, and in his hand the sceptre. Than gan the peeres for to cryen: "Long live oure Kinge." Whan that the Queene was crowned, they wente hir weye to hir coache. All the folkes did soddenly begin to cheeren. Hir hertes were so glad, they wanted for to daunce and sing with joye. The Kinge and Queene wente to the palace for to feasten and have a merrye tyme. We hopen that oure Kinge will live in prosperitee and have a happye regne, so may God him blesse! —Margaret Thomas, Honour VI., Berry.
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Social Activities Student Christian Movement Notes. At the beginning of the year, about eighty girls joined the M.L.C. branch of the movement, with Miss Ault as our president. Bible study circles have been led by Miss Ault, Miss Warren, Miss Hamer, Miss Masters, Miss Weir, and Mrs. Vincent. The senior study circles took as their study "St. Luke's Portrait of Jesus," and the subintermediates "Jesus of Nazareth." The questions arising from our discussion are very interesting, and are enjoyed by all who take part. S.C.M. Speakers. This year we have had fewer speakers than usual, as the S.C.M. meets only two weeks out of every three. Mrs. Vance Palmer told us about events in Spain. At another meeting four of our own girls, Val. Kerr, Marjorie Gill, Phyllis Cerutty, and Olwen Evans spoke about the S.C.M. interstate camp at Canberra during the Christmas holidays. The Rev. H. Griffiths, from the Methodist Inland Mission, spoke to us of the work of the Church among the inhabitants of Central Australia. The Rev. Kate Hutley told us of her work in Inner China and the influence of Christianity there. We hope, next term, to have Miss Carr, secretary of the Y.W.C.A., to speak to us on "Youth Work in America," and also a representative from the British and Foreign Bible Society. Other Activities. Throughout the year our activities have been many and varied. After the visit of Mrs. Vance Palmer, the S.C.M. and L.N.U. combined in an effort to raise money for the Red Cross work in Spain. Several of our girls went to Schools' Day,
which was held this year at Blackburn. Study circles were held first, then came a picnic lunch,, and during the afternoon games were played. A party from M.L.C. heard Dr. Koo, the travelling secretary of the W.S.C.F., who spoke on "The Need for Christian Fellowship in the World To-day." Everyone was immensely interested, and liked him the better when he played for us several numbers on his flute. During the term two S.C.M. parties were held, one at P.L.C. and the other at M.L.C. Everyone who attended these parties thoroughly enjoyed herself. As funds were becoming low, and to enable us to send a subscription to Headquarters, the S.C.M. executive got to work and organised a "concert," raising the sum of £4/12/6. One Sunday in second Term a party from M.L.C. attended the special service, held in the Collins Street Baptist Church on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for Students. Six of our girls attended the S.C.M. camp at Healesville during the May holidays, and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. The last meeting of this year will be a devotional. This is being held with a view to preparing girls who wish to become real members of the Student Christian Movement, and Miss Ault will speak to us on "What Being a Member of the S.C.M. Really Means." We have been glad to have news from time to time of Miss Betts, who was our president for so long, and is now enjoying a year's leave. We are glad that she is enjoying her holiday, and look forward to welcoming her back next year. It was with much regret that we bade farewell to our vice-president, Olwen Evans, who left us at the close of Term II., and to Marjorie Gill and Phyllis Cerutty, two other members of the executive, who left at the end of Term I. We would like to express our deepest thanks to Miss Ault, our most efficient and very ener—L.McC. getic president.
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Social Service Work. This year, probably owing to the broken second Term, caused by the epidemic, the total effort falls below the total of previous years, but we hope to remedy this by extra work this Term. During the first Term two special efforts for relief work were made—one, an appeal on behalf of the Wonthaggi miners, to aid whom we sent £13; and the other towards Red Cross work in Spain, for which we collected O. The number of articles collected for Home Missions totalled,, in first Term, 293, and in second Term 157. The sums collected for the Inland Mission amounted to 0/1 1 /9 and £5/13/1 for the respective Terms. The North House efforts were especially good. Among the subintermediate Forms, Lower V.a is to be particularly congratulated on their effort, and V.a and Honour VI. among the seniors.
Musical Notes. "When music sounds, gone is the earth I know, And all her lovely things even lovelier grow." Under the leadership of Miss Flockart and the rest of the music staff, M.L.C. is still endeavouring to beautify the earth, as Walter de la Mare suggests. This year we have welcomed from leave of absence abroad Miss McKay and Miss Fone, who have proved to us that, without doubt, "absence makes the heart grow fonder." As new additions to the staff, we greet Miss Lorna Stirling and Miss Eleanor Anderson, who have taken the places of two of Cupid's victims, Miss Ziebell and Miss Shannon, who both have our sincerest good wishes for the future. Miss Stirling is taking over Miss Ziebell's violin work, and also the leadership of the orchestra. We are very fortunate in securing the services of Miss Stirling. Miss Anderson is ably carrying on Miss Shannon's work among the juniors. Many thanks are due to the Past Students' Choir for their gift of several instruments for the percussion section of the orchestra. We
have just heard that they also intend giving two prizes at the end of the year for creative work. We might here add that the Past Students' Choir would welcome any girls who are interested, and would like to join their ranks. The Annual Music Scholarships were competed for early in first Term, and were adjudicated by Dr. Floyd. The holders are:—Singing, Pat Chellew; Senior Piano, Noel Headdey; Junior Piano, Audrey Harrison; Orchestral Instrument, Audrey Walklate (flute) and Margaret Bennett (violin) ; Original Composition, Alison Lelean. We congratulate these successful ones. In first Term we held a recital, in which the items were many and varied. The work was highly commended by the "Musical News":— "The work showed that the careful and devoted work of the music staff of this School is producing not only a high standard of individual performance, but also a band of girls who are themselves becoming listeners and critics of no mean order." The Special Choir is flourishing under the baton of Miss Flockart, who still demonstrates that "actions speak louder than words." The choir was responsible for the music at the church service, which is reported elsewhere. The Glee Singers, a small band of girls who periodically lap us in soft Lydian airs, sang on Coronation Day, and also at the recital. On Shakespeare Day and Anzac Day also appropriate items were rendered by various soloists. Miss Fone's junior percussion band is progressing rapidly, and much fine work is being done. Keats' advice, "And therefore ye soft pipes, play on," is being followed by Miss Sheila Proctor, who is again in charge of the bamboo pipe class. Owing to the epidemic, our eagerly-awaited School Concert has been abandloned. We practised until the last fortnight, and our disappointment was keen. The orchestra especially had shown great improvement, and many past students had consented to assist its work for the occasion. This year the Choral Contests will be for intermediate House sections and junior Forms
SILVER AND GREEN. only, as the epidemic has disturbed the work of the Senior School, who are, at present, very occupied. Parties of girls have attended various musical concerts, including Nance Osborne's farewell and one of Lottie Lehmann's concerts. We were especially interested in Miss Osborne, as she was a student of the College. Sincere thanks are due to all members of the music staff, and especially to Miss Flockart, for the interest shown in all the musical activities throughout the School, and for the valuable help given to us at all times. —V.K. and M.S.
Walking Club Notes. The Walking Club has been quite an active body in the School again this year. At the beginning of first term Miss Hall was elected president, and Miss Parker vice-president. Our first walk (?) for 1937 was to Mordialloc, where boats can be hired on the creek. With great gusto we endeavoured to display our seamanship, but the results were, on the whole, much "flung spray and blown spume." In the Easter holidays a walk took place from Dandenong to Fern Tree Gully. The most memorable event on that day was the killing of a black snake by one of the party. This Term a walk from Wandin to Lilydale was arranged. An enjoyable day was spent, and we had a meeting with an interesting person, namely, Mrs. Yabbie, taking a stroll in a huge pipe of the Board of Works. Miss Hall was immediately agog with excitement, with the result that Mrs. Yabbie made a billy journey to M.L.C., where she now resides in a glass tank in the laboratory. We are looking forward to more Saturday walks this Term, and hope to include a visit to the Dogs' Home. "Give to me the life I love, Let the love go by me; Give the jolly heaven above, And the by-way nig!. me!" —M.T.
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The League of Nations Union. The Junior Branch of the League of Nations Union in this College has had a most successful second year. At our opening meeting nearly forty new members were enrolled, and Miss Constance Duncan, who distributed the badges, gave us a most interesting address on her recent trip to China. Miss McKay, a member of our own teaching staff, gave us an entertaining description of her recent tour abroad and her very favourable impressions of modern Germany. We were all very charmed with Madame Claudon, the wife of the French Consul, who enlightened us on the subject "La Jeunesse Francaise." The Consul sent us some French stamps and pictures for which we are most grateful. Mr. Inagaki, with his attractive accent, talked to us about school life in Japan. It was decided that for our other meetings the members should divide into six study groups, each under the leadership of a senior girl. Many topics were studied, including "World Police," "The Covenant," "The Life of Hitler," "The Life of Mussolini," "Modern Russia," "History of Japan." This method of studying international affairs proved very popular. Our international notice board, with its pictures and posters of people, places, and events in the news attracts much general interest. During the year the L.N.U. had a combined concert with the S.C.M. in aid of the Spanish Relief Fund. Such items as "A Scene from the Mikado," "A Russian Ballet," and a pageant of famous men and women provided much amusement. Over £4 was raised by this concert, and forwarded to the Central Relief Committee. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking Miss Lindsay, our president, for her valuable and helpful assistance, which is very —V.M.K. greatly appreciated.
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Foreign Correspondence.
This year great interest has been taken in foreign correspondence. France, Belgium, Germany, Czeckoslovakia, Sweden, Norway,
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America, South Africa, Hawaii, England, and the Malay States are among the countries in which many of us have pen friends. Letters, written in French, German, or English, have been very interesting, and some, with their mixed English, most entertaining. The following are amusing extracts from letters:— "What an uncommon name you have! In my language it means a fat pig with children." —A Norwegian boy. "Hot diggie dog, did we have a good time, boy! We never had better."—A Japanese girl living in Hawaii. "I riddle to school on a bike."—A German girl. "I have a dark top and blue eyes." One German girl sent a particularly interesting "illustrated" letter, giving details of the uniform of the members of the Hitler Youth —M.W. Movement.
Winnie Hurley, Schcol Prefect, and Acting Lieutenant of the School Guide Company (8th Kew, 1st M.L.C. Company).
The Scole's Librarian's Tale.
Heere bigynneth the Scole's Librarian's Tale of Doyngs among Bookes of Great Renoun. This story is so trewe, I undertake, As is the book of Launcelot de Lake, That wommen holde in ful greet reverence. Now wol I turne agayn to my sentence. Ful of mirthe and eek of solas is al this, A joyful work, so have I blis! It bifel that three dayes bf orn or somewhat moore, Whan that yonge damoysels will be tested of their lore, Many an oon into this library cam To reden of Dickens, Daun Charles by name, That hath of wisdom swich a greet renoun, So they coomen in grete congregacioun. But er two dayes were compleet, or mayhap moore, They seyen to me of him they tellen no store; For he is wlatsom, they woot it weel, They him diffye. They love hem never a deel. Oon of the gretteste auctours that they rede (The verray preeve sheweth it, in deede,) Is Heyer, and eek Farnol, moore of auctoritee Than ever Dickens was, so moot I thee! Jolif they are, gladsom and debonair And, God woot, they tellen their tales so faire. Yet no girl shold be too recchelees With bookes, for I say ye, douteless, The spel is fatal and ful soore to drede Whilom ye biginnen these tales to rede; For if youre herte is holde, loken in every lith, Then trewely youre work will suffer soore therewith. If ye wol deserven of science the rede lemes, I seye ye seken actes of sondry remes. But let us speke of mirthe and stinte al this, Such talke is not worthe a boterflye,, ywis. —J.H.B. Glossary. Actes—chronicles. Bif orn—bef ore. Congregacioun—crowds. Damoysele—damsel. Drede—dread. Eek—also. Lithe—Limb. Loken—locked. Many oon—many a one. Preeve—experience. Recchelees—reckless. Remes—realms. Reverence—respect. Science—knowledge. Scole—school. Sentences—subject, opinion. Seyen—say. Sholde—should. So have I blis—as I hope to be saved. Solas—pleasure. Whilom—once. Wlatsom—loathsome. Ywis—certainly.
SILVER AND GREEN. School Library. New books added lately include: "Winnie the Pooh," "The House at Pooh Corner," "The Story of San Michele," "Richard Mahony," "Possible Peace," "My Struggle," "King George VI.," "Disraeli," "Inside Europe," "The Forerunner," "News from Tartary." Each Term welcome additions are made to the Reference and to the Fiction Libraries, and also to the special libraries in Cato House, North House, the Studio, etc. The tradition that each senior girl, as she leaves, should present a book to the Library is fairly well kept up, but we should like to see it still more generally observed. These presentation books are inscribed with the giver's name, and are a permanent memorial of her.
The Central Australian Tour, 1937. Encouraged by Rev. H. Griffiths, the members of this year's Central Australia party combined (more or less) to compose a song which will render immortal the virtues (and vices) of certain outstanding persons on the tour. Even though the days of happy camp fires and the carefree trips are past, the spirit of the party can be awakened anew by this song. We climb the hills and scatter, like goats and kangaroos, But we are fed and watered by Kennie's wondrous stews; He brings the jam and biscuits, the cheese and pork and beans, The celery and the apples, that give us vivid dreams! Chorus : Of all the things he carries, he will take a few, And warm them up and stir them up, and call it "mystery stew." We rode the truck with Harvey, and bumped along the tracks, He crossed the creeks at fifty, and nearly broke our backs, He shattered every record, and almost looped the loop, And landed in the valley in time for stewy soup.
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We love our dinkum Padre, although he's mad on tea, He works and schemes for everyone who comes from M.L.C.; He drives us through the mountains, and shows us wondrous views, But brings us back at nightfall for Beckett's hotch-potch stews. He has a wondrous partner, whose heart is made of gold, She lets us mob the parsonage and take our showers cold. We'd like to take them with us, but nothing we could do Would drag from "The Alice" and Beckett's hotch-potch stew. The camp was led by Brownie, our Lady Huntingfield, She collects wogs for Elsternwick, and also spears and shields. She likes her morning cup of tea, she always eats our dates; She also likes our Kennie's stew, and heaps it on the plates.
Domestic Science Notes. "Food, beautiful food!" With this inspiring thought in mind, the housewives of the future eagerly began domestic science at the commencement of this year. And now savoury smells unceasingly waft upwards, to tantalise the girls of Honour VI. as they struggle with Chaucer tests or passages from Ovid's immortal (?) Fasti. Ardent and zealous cooks eagerly rush to make clarified fat, while others steam carrots to accompany boiled mutton. Curry, parsley sauce, rice custard and Urney pudding are among the favourite dishes, and are quickly devoured on completion. Under Mrs. Baker's inspiring guidance, everyone has advanced a great distance along the road to perfect cooking, and we wish to thank her for persevering instruction and help. —M.W.
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SILVER AND GREEN.
HOUSE PREFECTS E. Murdoch, I. Appleford, M. Gordon, P. Chellew (Head House Prefect), S. Harding, B. Mason, S. Golder, S. McPherson.
RESIDENT STUDENTS' NOTES. The boarders have numbered one hundred and six this year, which necessitated the opening of two new houses, "Church" and "Evans." Six prefects were nominated at the beginning of the year, and were as f ollow :—Patricia Chellew (Senior House Prefect), Doris Bligh, Marjorie Gordon, Sylvia McPherson, Bonnie Mason, and Edna Murdoch. Later in the year we welcomed to our ranks Shirley Golder. We had the misfortune to lose Sylvia McPherson and Doris Bligh, who have become members of the business world. Their mantles have fallen on Isobel Appleford and Shirley Harding. During the year we have attended photography classes, and, under the expert guidance of Mr. Horn, of the Kodak Company, our young camera enthusiasts have made great headway. One night in First Term we spent many exciting moments watching several interesting fi lms, which Mr. Horn screened at the College for us. We have very much missed our old friend, Mr. Porter, who, owing to illhealth, has not been able to take the usual photography classes personally this year. We
would like to extend our thanks to Mr. Horn, who so ably filled his place. Owing to the epidemic, Birthday Night was postponed temporarily, thus causing many heartburnings, as it is the climax of a boarder's year. A good deal of enthusiasm has been shown in the four Houses, though most of the House sports have been later this year. Beta came to the fore in the swimming and hockey, and Alpha in the basket-ball. Great hopes are entertained for the coming tennis season, when we all expect to shine. This year, also owing to the epidemic, we have spent many Saturdays in the School, and have employed our time (we hope) "wisely and well." Largely owing to Mr. Grove's efforts, we have enjoyed parliamentary debates, and we are confident that our parliament is far superior to Mr. Dunstan's. Other entertainments included a mock wedding breakfast, the private life of Henry VIII., dancing in the gymnasium, and impromptu fancy dress. We are very grateful to Miss Hunt for having managed so successfully such a difficult
SILVER AND GREEN. year. To the following mistresses we extend a warm, if belated, welcome:—Miss Anderson, Miss Blaxland, Miss Bennett, Miss Paterson, Miss Weir, Miss Worrall, and Mrs. Loh. The Boarders' Song. 'Tis not for us to sing our praise in measured verse or line, It is not thus that we would waste the everflying time; We simply hold to the belief that silence is sublime. Nevertheless, and once a year, we break our silent creed, And now, in ringing cadences, we bring to you indeed The story of our doings, just because our tongues are freed. This year, with so much sorrow that our pen can never tell, We tendered to Miss Blaxland and Miss Shannon, and as well Miss Ault, Miss Bennett, and Miss Perrin, sorrowful farewell. But marshalling around Miss Hunt in swift and strong array, We triumph through adherence to our mates in work and play, Forever pressing upwards, pressing onward on our way. In our Houses—Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta— you will find That though we may not all precisely be of single mind, Yet each for her own House is with enthusiasm blind. The boarders, all their ardent minds upon debating bent, Have formed themselves together in a second parliament, And many nights have occupied with heated argument. Thus having noised our history abroad on every side, Again we will retreat into our silence dignified, Until another year new reason for a song-provide.
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ANNUAL COMMUNION, 30th APRIL On Friday morning, 30th April, in our Barker's Road Church, about 130 girls attending the Methodist Ladies' College partook of the Communion. The Principal of the College conducted the service, which was one of great impressiveness. Rev. G. A. Judkins (President of the Conference) read the Communion Service, and the Revs. J. E. Warren, A. Sussex, H. A. G. Keck, H. F. Allen,, T. C. Rentoul, and J. Mcllroy distributed the sacred emblems. Rev. J. W. Grove, Dr. Wade, and about twenty members of the staff joined the pupils and the ministers in this supreme act of fellowship around the table of our Risen and Glorified Lord, who,, though invisible, was unmistakably real. Truly to that believing company the Real Presence, in the spiritual and New Testament sense of the term, was a gracious certainty. Familiar hymns—"Beneath the Cross of Jesus," "There is a Green Hill Far Away," and "0 Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go"—were a material part of the service. Mrs. A. E. Collier presided at the organ. The elements were taken simultaneously by all present. Mr. Grove, who spoke under deep feeling, gave a brief address to the girls, emphasising the fact of Christ's friendship, and the reality of that friendship in our lives. From Him came inspiration and help; and by way of illustration he told the story, included in the life of the great Brighton preacher, F. W. Robertson, of the storekeeper who kept the preacher's portrait on a wall of the parlour at the back of his shop, and how, whenever he was tempted to do a mean thing, he repaired to the parlour to gaze on the preacher's face; and after that he could not do what he had been tempted to do. It proved to be an arresting illustration, and without doubt left a deep impression. The service was not a long one. A period of silent prayer added to its impressiveness. Our beautiful church at Barker's Road proved the right place for such a service. Certainly such a service was a source of gratification to the Principal and Vice-Principal and the staff of the College, as well as to the ministers present. —Reprinted from the "Spectator."
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SILVER AND GREEN.
Original Contributions The prizes for original contributions have been awarded as follow:— Senior Verse—Isobel Appleford, "Splendour." Senior Prose—Not awarded. Middle Verse—Barbara Taylor, "An Old Dutch Fairy Tale." Middle Prose—Pamela Thomas, "What the Clock Sees." Junior Verse—Ailsa Thomson, "The Saving of Holland." Junior Prose—Margery Walklate, "The Story of Flying Cloud." Drawing — Senior, Sylvia Duncan, Les Elephants, Modern Art; Middle, Barbara Taylor, illustration to her poem. Snapshots—Margery Whittaker.
Splendour. Searching for beauty, I have found at last The splendour of the world from day to day— Seen the pale gold of summer dawn, that passed With sunbeams riding down the aisles of grey Transparent mists; and the white, flying spray Of morning clouds across a wind-swept sky; The tide of crimson sunset far away, The nestling wild white violets where they lie In shady hollows; and the river bars, Pale green and dreaming; all the wealth untold Of shining sands where placid waters croon; Then the pale, flickering radiance of the stars, Like the half-hidden gleam of deepsea gold At evening, and beneath a crescent moon. —Isobel Appleford, Hon. VI., Krome House.
The Coral Reef. (A translation from the French of Heredia.) The sun beneath the sea, a mystic, strange aurora, Tints the deep-sea coral, and lights it with its beam, And in the deep, warm pools are mingled, as they gleam, The lovely, flower-like creatures, and the dainty, living flora. The moss, the deep sea creatures, the seaweed in long trail, Everything is tinted by the salt and iodine, And covers with dark crimson, in sumptuous design, The bed of frailest coral, vermiculated, pale. In the shadow and transparence of the water, clear and blue, A great fish glides among the boughs of deepsea forest trees, Its splendid scaly armour shining dimly, and one sees Him prowling lazily among the flowers of brightest hue. And with a sudden flicker of his gleaming, flaming fin, Across the sombre crystal, so motionless and blue, He sends a quiv'ring shudder through which we catch the hue Of gold and pearl and emerald, reflected from within. —Mary Slater, Honour VI.. Cato.
SILVER AND GREEN. The Saving of Holland. A little Dutch boy, With his books on his back, Was skipping along On his homeward track. When he paused, full of horror. What was that sound? He listened again, Then he searched all around. He had heard trickling water; It may flood the land; Should he run on? No time, So he put in his hand. How cold it was there, How dark was the night, How eagerly he waited for The first streak of light. When the morning came How glad he was then. On the top of the dyke Were two lab'ring men. His long watch was over, His duty was done, And his mother was proud Of her brave little son. Holland remembers His bravery well, And each Hollander loves The brave story to tell. —A. G. Thomson, IV.c, Cato House.
A Thought. I gaze upon a fleecy cloudlet's beauty, A crimson-tinted leaf, a blackbird's wing; I hear the joyful music of a streamlet, I hear the gladsome song the thrushes sing. I watch the sun sink in a golden splendour, The twinkling stars shine from a velvet sky; The dew hangs sparkling jewels on every fern frond, The mist creeps over all as eve draws nigh. I see the rose unfold her crimson petals, And sense the hidden violet's wafted scent Upon the gentle breeze, in twilit gardens, And wonder why mankind is not content. —Mary Slater, Honour VI., Cato.
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The Story of Flying Cloud. After I left California I travelled to Colorado to see the Red Indians living in their reserve. I arrived in the morning, and, after I had found a guide, I went to inspect the mountains. They are very high, and are all different colours. Presently I noticed marks in the rocks which were exactly like fleeing footprints. I asked the guide what it was, and this is the story he told me: The braves of the Red Thunder tribe had just returned from a fight. They arrived home just in time for the evening meal. After the meal they sat and watched the sun gradually go down. Its last rays caught the gold and ochre tints of the sharp-pointed mountains, while the shadows of pink and mauve crept into the valleys. Dusk gradually enveloped the land, and soon silence and the stars claimed it. The chief had two wives, Bright Eyes and Blue Sky. His twin papooses were in a cradle suspended from the pole of the teepee. Presently little Rainbow and Snowflake leaned against their mother, and gazed with sleepy black eyes into the slowly dying embers. Flying Cloud was sitting in the flap of the teepee making moccasins. Presently the women and children were sent away, as the chief and braves wished to talk and look at the warbonnets. Flying Cloud did not hear, and stayed. Later that night she was so troubled, for none of the women or children are allowed to see the war-bonnets. She told her lover, Deerfoot, what she had done. They were both very frightened, and did not know what to do. At last they decided not to say anything about it, for if they did say anything to the chief he would surely kill Flying Cloud. So they decided to ask the Thunder Bird for help. Then they set out for the Temple of the Thunder Bird to kneel before his altar, and offer a deer as a sacrifice in the far-away forests. It is said they were never seen again. But when the braves hold council it is said that two fireflies come flitting by, and it is supposed to be Flying Cloud with her lover, who could not help listening to the forbidden discussion. —Margery Walklate, Remove B, Fitchett.
SILVER AND GREEN.
18 Failure.
We saw the splendour of a dream, And followed it with gladdened eyes; We saw a new world's turrets gleam Against the azure of the skies. We caught the echo of a song, A sweet, enchanting half-refrain; But in the murmur of the throng We almost lost the haunting strain. We fought to give the world the right, We set the morning banners high, But men refused- to see the light, And truth's great radiance passed them by. The dream on which our hearts were set Was trampled under from our sight; The fight for truth is lost—and yet, The splendid glory of the fight. —Isobel Appleford, Honour VI.,, Krome.
What the Clock Sees. I am the School Clock, and, believe me, I am a very 'important person. They think so highly of me that I have been exalted to a position high up on the wall of "North House." From there, I can see all over the quad., and you would laugh most heartily if I were to tell you all the amusing things I see. Every morning at about seven minutes past nine a prefect comes into the quad. and glances up to me as if asking permission to ring the bell which summons the girls to assembly. It is very funny on some mornings to see the prefect, breathless from haste, dash up to the bell, look imploringly at me, as if begging me not to show by my face that she is late, then, with a sigh of relief, tug at the bell rope. I am charged with a very great responsibility, for the whole School looks to me to tell them when their lessons begin and end, when recess is due, and, more important still, when the tuck shop is open. I see many girls—big girls, smaller girls, and very little girls—all crowding into the quad. There are mistresses crossing to and fro, sometimes almost weighed down under piles of books, and frequently a stately figure, with
gown billowing in the breeze, passes slowly by. Occasionally I see the dignified figure of a tall, bearded man walk across the quad. to the exam. room. But the person with whom I am most familiar is my friend, Ted (and pipe). He and his barrow are always to be found in some quiet corner. Oh, yes, it is a very interesting life until Term closes. Then I am left in desolation on my wall, nobody there to heed me, and I think life not worth living. But soon the holidays are over, and the girls again fill the quad with noise and laughter. Life begins anew. —Pamela Thomas, Remove A, Berry.
Day. Apollo, the sun god, ascendeth Through gloom and the darkness of night; His golden sun chariot riding From his throne in the realm of light. Then he mounts up a golden pathway, In a sky that grows crimson red; The night shadows tremble before him, The long hours of darkness have fled. The sun god rides upward in splendour, His kingdom is joyous and bright; The earth wakes again at his coming, To worship his glory and might. He mounteth up higher, still higher, O'er everything, master •and king; The flowers turn upward their faces, The birds their sweet songs to him sing. And from east to west as he journeys, To all of creation he gives The light and the warmth of his brightness, And hope to each man as he lives. But even the sun god grows weary, The end of his day's work is nigh; With beauty past all understanding He lights up the whole western sky. Now slowly the shadows are length'ning, The brightness grows faded and dim; But the sun god we know lives for ever; The world bows in worship of him. --B. Marfleet ("Sunlover"), Form V.b., Fitchett House.
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SILVER AND GREEN. The Choice. High mountains whose peaks, Rose-tinted at dawn, Of sunset the mirror, The herald of morn, I long for your beauty, Though far from your clime; And yet I would wander In woodlands sublime— Where cool streamlets trickle, 'Twixt pebble and fern, And, swayed by the breeze, The boughs bend and return. But when I have wandered Through your shady grove, Beside the calm lakeside My spirit would rove. How brilliant the pathway That leads to the moon; Across the dark waters With spangles bestrewn! The water is swaying The reeds in their bed; I hear the soft sounds, but My spirit has fled To where the great breakers Roll up on the shore, And swirl through the caves As they echo and roar. 'Tis here I would stay, And my soul would be free, To live with the music That comes from the sea. —Barbara Taylor, age 13, Lower V.a, Cato House.
Crossing the Reef. The missionary, with his wife and baby daughter, embarked on the little cutter which lolled restlessly under the scorching sun, and at a shout from the native captain the boat was loosed from its moorings. As dusk approached, and all were feeling the need of a meal, it was found that the food had been left behind. It was too late to go, back for it now; the wind had changed,
the sails were set, and great, rolling storm clouds seemed to envelop them. The narrow opening in the reef was very hard to discern in the difficult light—and now the rain was beginning to pelt down upon the decks. The native captain was rather afraid, so he handed the wheel to the missionary, and at last, with prayers from every heart, the cutter rolled through the treacherous opening. It had now left the calmer waters of the harbour, and was being tossed to and fro by the merciless billows of the open Pacific. The rain pelted down in torrential sheets, and the rising wind flung the stinging spray against those who were not fortunate enough to be in the tiny cabin beneath. A streak of heat lightning flashed across the sky, revealing to the missionary and his wife the mountainous waves surrounding them. Was there any hope for them now? There was no star to guide them, and the booming of a near reef told of approaching danger. . . . Nearer and nearer, in the pitch black night, came the booming of the reef, and the little cutter, tossed like a cork, was expected to be dashed to pieces at any minute. The missionary bade a fond farewell to his wife and little daughter, and —s-w-i-s-h—the boat gave a terrific lurch, and everyone held on for dear life. . . . All was now still. A tremendous wave had carried the boat right over the reef, and now they were safe within a haven of calm waters. —Kidge, V.d, Krome.
Night. The sea is calm, And now to rest the sun has dipped his flaming crest. The day is done. The birds are still, A sleepy note sounds from each velvetcovered throat. The dark is nigh. The stars are lit, And with her light the moon appears all silver bright, The night is here. —Jean Kemp, 12 years, Lower V.a, Berry House.
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SILVER AND GREEN.
—Barbara Taylor, Lower V.a, Cato House, M.L.C., aged 13.
An Old Dutch Fairy Tale. A little Dutch woman who lived long ago, Loved polishing things with a sparkle and glow; She burnished her brass till it glittered like gold, Her shining blue china was dear to behold. She polished her pewter, her pots and her pans, The buttons and shoes of her dear husband Hans. She polished her knives, and the grandfather clock (Some neighbours admired, but always some mock), And when she had done all the things of her own, She asked all her friends was there work to be done..
Soon the things of the folk of that little Dutch town Looked so fresh that she polished the old Dutch king's crown. One night, after doing the town-crier's bell, She tripped up and stumbled, seeing stars as she fell, Seeing gold stars that roundly defied the dull night, She wished she was up there :o make them more bright. But when she had wished, 'twas too late to turn back, • She was swept up on high through the gloom and the black. And she polishes darkness away from the sky, And when it's all clear, then the next day is nigh. —Barbara Taylor, L.V.a, Cato House.
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SILVER AND GREEN. An Ideal Exam. Paper.
Meditation.
(Physics.)
Does life mean anything? Ah! who can answer that? Philosopher, student, man of science, They cannot say. I, unlearned in such things, I only know that to me The laughter of a child, the shrill notes of a bird, A sunset, the changing moon, The stars in the sky, and the sighing of the wind, All make me glad— And I shall answer—"If such things, That we all can share, Have power to lift us to the heights, Why should we despair? When shadows come, and loneliness and pain, If we can keep this power, Then to us life can mean everything." —Olwen Evans, Diploma A, Berry.
Time: Unlimited.
Conditions: Pupils may take textbooks, encyclopedias, etc., into the examination room. Every fifteen minutes five minutes' walk will be allowed, and every hour refreshments will be supplied by supervisors. Questions. 1. If a girl enters a classroom at 9.10 a.m., at the rate of half-a-mile an hour, calculate the velocity with which she leaves. Illustrate with diagrams. 2. Prove experimentally that if a person falls into a river he becomes wet. Explain fully, and state exceptions. 3. Describe the action of— (a) Tap water on hair oil. (b) Penknife on a Form room table. (c) A large piece of toffee in the mouth of a pupil who is directly under the gaze of a mistress. N.B.—Pupils must not obtain more than 20% to obtain a pass. —Jean Jenner, LV.b, Fitchett.
Beauvallet. You are a pirate bold and brave, Seldom your laughing face is grave, Your Spanish foes do call you knave, Mad Beauvallet! But you are a pirate strong and true, Loyal and bold is your pirate crew, You plough the seas with what end in view? Mad Beauvallet! Our good Queen Bess and Francis Drake Love you, though England's laws you break, For her sake all the seas you rake, Mad Beauvallet! Or is it Spanish gold you prize? For gold you raise the Spaniards' cries? For'this prize many a good man dies! Mad Beauvallet! Will you die upon the deck, Keeping your Spanish foes in check? Or will your body the sea-birds peck? Brave Beauvallet! —E. Mason, Form V.a, Cato House.
A Glimpse of Bombay. On leaving the hotel in the heart of Bombay, we hail one of the empty gahris which are driving slowly along the road. We get in and order the dirty driver to take us to the Crawford Market. As the horse jogs along, the bells around its neck tinkle faintly. How strangely soft they sound in contrast to the harsh shouts of the bullock-waggon drivers as they lash their big, heavy beasts with long Powerful cars, driven by native whips. chauffeurs, pass swiftly along the crowded streets, and the blare of their horns breaks harshly on our ears. Soon we arrive at our destination, and here we leave the gahri and enter the market. Near the entrance we see piles of strange fruits and sweet-smelling flowers, and on the left a cake stall guarded by a woman who now and then flicks numerous flies from the sticky pink icings. The ground is covered with food —bread, groceries, and sickly-looking sweets. The odour of unwashed bodies mixes with the sweet smell of fading flowers. Next we pass into the meat market, which is almost empty except for some crows which fly around everywhere, picking at scraps of meat.
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SILVER AND GREEN.
After this strange atmosphere we are glad to be out in the air again, and we wander down tiny streets into the heart of the native quarters. A throng of bright-eyed children follow us, begging for annas, and occasionally a raggedly-dressed woman, clutching a coffeecoloured baby, stretches out her hands for coins. We pass by a native temple, turning away with horror' from the sight of the beggars there, some with elephantiasis, others with twisted legs or no legs at all. Then a brighter scene greets our eyes. We see rows of shops selling nothing but glittering glass bangles, and farther on shops with cheap Japanese toys,
where children gaze eagerly at toy cannon and tin soldiers. The crowds in the streets become thicker towards sunset. Cows wander through the throngs of Parsees, Mohammedans, and Buddhists, and occasionally in striking contrast to the dark-skinned people, we see an albino. Many children are playing in the streets, and in a small corner we see five little boys all solemnly smoking while playing a game of cards. The chiming of bells in the distance reminds us of the late hour, so we hail a passing gahri and drive back into the residential area as the sun sends its last fleeting rays over the harbour. —Margery Whittaker, Hon. VI., Fitchett.
SILVER AND GREEN. The Song; of the Flowers. Ah! merry, merry Daffodils! Thrilled with the joy of spring, Dance out your heart with the Daffodils, And make the valleys ring. Oh! nod your head with the Daffodils, And let the world go by, Oh, merry, merry Daffodils! Let our music fill the sky. Thou pretty, peeping Primrose, We never hear you sing, But we know you bring a message, A message of the spring. So we'll hide our heads with the Primrose, And watch the world go by, Then we'll hear a lovely music, The music of the sky. Oh! purest, whitest Lily! I know that you are good. The Psalms you sing are happy, And thrill the leafy wood. Shall we raise our voice with the Lilies? And as the world goes by, Fill the earth with happy music, And ring it to the sky? You modest, dainty Violet! Her voice is crystal clear, She lifts her heart to the heavens, And sings her love so dear. Oh! we'll sing, sing, sing with the Violet, And let the world go by, And the hills will re-echo the music, That music from the sky. —Nance McKenzie, age 13, Lower V.a, House Krome.
Fog Over Melbourne. There is beauty in a foggy morning. The air seems charged with a brooding sense of protectiveness. Nature appears to have cast a blanket over the sleeping earth, that earth might rest all night, and even when day comes the blanket hides the searching light of the curious sun from her eyes, and she turns with a sigh in her sleep and slumbers on, long into the day. Familiar scenes assume an air of mystery, and the places which are known so well seem peopled with wraiths, which glide
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with unaccustomed slowness, and work enchantment on man and beast. The mists are very tender, too. They touch with caressing fingers hideous factories and ugly offices—symbols of man's eternal struggle for wealth and power—and change them into graceful and beautiful things, until they seem, through the pearly greyness, to be palaces of mystic beauty, hiding exquisite secrets within their airy towers. The bare winter trees stretch up naked black arms to the mists, and rejoice in an unexpected covering. The sea is the one thing which seems to be made sadder by the fog. Its billows no longer dance in the sunlight or gleam white beneath the moon. They seem heavy and leaden; the whole ocean stirs uneasily, restlessly, as though it feels itself beneath some hidden power, some dominion, stronger than itself. It moans, and beats itself dully on the shore in a ceaseless effort to rid itself of this brooding power. But the land rejoices in the fog, and slumbers quietly beneath its soft, caressing veil. —Heather Bremer, Pass VI., Krome.
To a Solitary Sandshoe. Whence comest thou, beautiful shoe? What dainty foot hast thou encased with thy canvas sides? What gay games hast thou witnessed, what sudden partings, what tragic falls! And now, thou sittest alone, cold, in the deserted classroom. No more thou hearest the gay voices and the laughter! The Pound cupboard will be thy sepulchre; thy death-knell the triumphal cry of the prefect. For ever thou shalt stay there in dingy obscurity. Thy bright days are gone: thou art doomed "To rust unburnished, not to shine in use." Thine unfortunate owner has long ceased to mourn for thee; another shoe has replaced thee; thou art forgotten. Weep, 0 thou unfortunate one! Thy glory is past. Soon shall a fiery fate o'ertake thee. Death at the stake shall be thy lot. Thou shalt be burnt in the school incinerator. —Bernice Brokenshire, Pass VI., Berry.
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SILVER AND GREEN.
Music. Music is heaven sent, soothing, pure, and sweet— It lifts us from the toil and fevered heat Of life's long day, and'all earth's fret and care; It makes the things of beauty seem more fair, The dull and dross seem lovelier; all life's pain Is charmed by music, ne'er to come again. The world is full of music. We can find A tune in every whisper of the wind, A symphony in ripples on a stream; A blackbird speaks with song of carefree theme To all who stop to hear. His cadence sweet Trills through the morning air, his love to greet. There's music in the language of the trees, Their whispers waft upon the fragrant breeze. There's music in the tossing of the sea; In every mood the waves make harmony, The stately music when the breakers roar, And hurl themselves resounding on the shore; And lapping wavelets as they skip, and run, And bubble toward the sand, beneath the sun, Make melody for all the world to hear, And nature stops to lend a listening ear. There's music in all nature. God to man Has given the gift of music. We, too, can Make melody with winds, and waves, and trees, And bird songs wafted on the fragrant breeze. The clear, sweet, pure notes of a flute are heard, Like tuneful piping from a spring-time bird, And gifted singers thrill the world with notes That seem to pour out, not from human throats, But heavenly; music uses them to spread Her message o'er a world that once was dead. For music wakes and stirs emotions deep, And wakes all souls from still and lifeless sleep, Till all the world makes one great harmony, As bird songs, winds, and ripples on the sea. —Mary Slater, Honour VI., Cato. The First Tuck Shop. (With apologies to Rudyard Kipling) Once upon a time there was a very primitive man who lived with his very primitive wife and family in a very primitive cave. They were all perfectly happy, except when they
were hungry, which was nearly all the time. The caveman's name was Zemmiezumsten, and that means Man-who-likes-good-things-to-eat, but we shall call him Zemmie for short. His wife's name was Bomposurnpus, and that means Lady-with-a-very-big-jawbone. Her name could not possibly be shortened. The children were Wiggie and Woggie: the first was a boy, and the second was a girl. Wiggle was Bomposumpus' best beloved, and Woggie was Zemmie's best beloved. One day, when Bomposumpus was cleaning out the fireplace and taking care not to bump into Wiggie (who had been put in a corner for making faces at his grandmother), her husband and daughter (not so best beloved as Wiggie) went hunting, Zemmie taking with him some fine fat grubs and beetles for their lunch. It happened that he killed one very ancient deer and one fish. He carried them home in triumph to Bomposumpus and Wiggie (no longer in disgrace, and more than ever his mother's best beloved). Bomposumpus regarded the food with a critical eye, and said, "I am apprehensive, 0 - nearly - as - best - beloved - as Wiggie. You have conveyed hither too much food, and portion of it will decompose before we can consume it. Let us summon, therefore, our beloved relations, and exchange our surplus meat for commodities which they possess in abundance, but which we, unfortunately, lack." By which speech, she meant that she wanted to change the meat for nuts and juicy fruit. So Zemmie, ever mindful of Bomposumpus, called all the relations together, and told them to bring nuts and juicy fruit in exchange for meat. This idea pleased them all mightily, and, whenever one had a surplus of any article, he invited his neighbours to effect an exchange. This practice grew, flourished, and expanded, especially when money was introduced; and so we have our modern tuck shop, We are very fortunate indeed to be able to change our pennies for fresh, fruity frogs and toothsome two-in-ones. But let us never forget, 0 Best Beloved, that Zemmiezumsten, but for Bomposumpus, Wiggle, and Woggie, tuck shops would not be in existence. —Dulcie Rayment, Hon. VI., Berry.
SILVER AND GREEN. La Conscience d'Henri Lebrun.
My Wish. I only wish that I could be A little fairy, full of glee, Dancing at the break of dawn On the sparkling, dewy lawn. —Wilma Napier, Form IV.d, Berry House.
The Fishes. One very sunny morning, As I was going to school, I met some little fishes, Splashing in a pool. They splashed, and dashed, and darted In every way they could; I wish they'd said "Good morning." If I were a fish I would. —Valerie Rowe, 10 years, Cato House.
My Little Old Gnome. I have an old gnome who's called Woopsie, And he sits all alone by a bowl, But he couldn't see what was inside it, So he thought with his whole mind and soul. Now this little old gnome once went walking, And on his way fell fast asleep, And he dreamt of a fairy with bright golden wings, Who flew up and took just one peep. Then inside the bowl she saw two little bulbs Who lay there so cosy and warm; One of them had grown right up past the rim, But the other was spoilt by a storm. Down floated the fairy to old Woopsie's side, And lifted him up for a peep, And this made him so very happy that he When in bed that night scarcely could sleep. With his beard so white and his pointed, red cap, Old Woopsie dreams all night and day Of the dear little fairy who showed him his bulbs, And wishes she'd come back to stay. Now this is the end of my story about This little, old, gobliny gnome, For after the time of excitement he's had He's quietly sitting at home. —Valerie House.
McDonald,
Remove
C,
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Fitchett
Le grand soleil du midi brillait sur une immense plaine presque sans arbres. Au-dessus, un oiseau solitaire tournait dans un ciel d'un azur impitoyable. Un peu plus loin paraissait un grand mur de roches noires et menacantes, au sommet duquel etait assis un aigle qui Un eclat de lumiere apparut, meditait. survolant la grande plaine en bas, chancelant dans son vol. C'etait un avion. Au-dedans du grand oiseau d'argent deux hommes rampaient, vis-a-vis, et dans les yeux, un regard de haine. Puis poussant un grognement de fureur terrible ils s'attaquerent pareils a deux hetes sauvages. L'avion continunait son vol. En avant, la grande montagne semblait s'approcher. Un grand fracas—Un cri terrible, et puis—le silence! Au pied de la montagne, deux corps, un avion en flammes, et au-dessus tournait et criait un vol de corbeaux noirs, sans jamais venir plus pres, parcequ'ils savaient que Ia vie tardait encore dans les deux corps tranquille. Henri Lebrun ouvrit les yeux et regarda longtemps ses environs—l'herbe ondulante, le ciel azur et dur, l'avion ecrase. Il se leva et vit le corps silencieux de son ermemi. L'homme remua un peu. Toute la vieille haine s'eveilla en ce moment. Lebrun se traina vers l'homme inconscient et le saisissant au cou, it l'etrangla lentement. Jean Lacrosse ne vit jamais encore le soleil. Lebrun se laissa tomber sur le sot, epuise. Les corbeaux vinrent plus pres. Apres dix annees Ia plaine immense s'y trouvait encore, couverte d'un ciel azur, et chauffee d'un soleil .bralant. Au pied de la montagne tout ce qui restait pour souvenir, c'etait un naufrage carbonise, et quelques ossements blanchis. Mais Henri Lebrun etait au loin dans une grande cite, un homme fameux et riche depuis son evasion a travers un grand desert (qui existait seulement dans son imagination), oU son camarade etait mort. Sa femme etait mondaine, et il avait deux enfants—deux garcons. Tout ce que la vie avait a offrir, elle le lui avait donne, mais it n'etait pas heureux. Il sentait sur son front la marque de Cain et il
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frissonnait comme it semblait voir, regardant chaque mouvement qu'il faisait, un ail tout grand. Depuis l'an oit it retourna a la civilisation, it voyait cet tail. Il le hantait et ne le laissait jamais seul. C'etait la Conscience. Le matin etait clair. Dans les rues un garcon qui vendait des journaux, l'arreta sur la route de son bureau: "Un journal, monsieur?" Il paya le garcon et le remercia. Presque sans y penser, it l'ouvrit et vit, en lettres rouges et majuscules, un entete disant: "Trouve—les ossements d'un aviateur;" et suivant, une longue histoire. Lebrun regarda le journal, epouvante. Puis, avec un petit fremissement involontaire, it se dirigea vers le poste de police, marchant raidement comme un homme dans une catalepsie. II entra, et, marchant au bureau du sergent de police, it fit un aveu complet. Cette nuit, quoiqu'il fat dans un cellule, i1 dormit comma un enfant. —Isobel Appleford, Honour VI., Krome.
A Garden. I know a lovely garden, Where fountains play all day, Where trees stand tall and stately, Casting shadows long and grey. The violets and carnations Which make the air smell sweet, The lavender and daphne Around the rustic seat. Early in one morning, As the sun rose in the sky And shone upon the flowers, There came a butterfly; With wings of brown and golden, From flower to flower it flew, Sucking and taking the honey, Sipping and drinking the dew. —H. Uglow, Remove B, Berry House.
Question and Answer. Why dream, when all the earth is gay, When moonlight gilds the starry way, When everything is ghostly grey, And youth is here? Why wake when dreams are sweet, When earthly friendships are so fleet, When dark clouds hide the moon beneath, And youth is gone? —Olwen Evans, Diploma A, Berry.
In Defence of Australia. Did someone say 'twas colourless, this young country of ours? And is it really scentless then, this galaxy of flowers? Are all our bright birds silent, and this a barren land? Does the burning sun beat always down upon the yellow sand? Oh, surely he has never seen the sunset pink and gold, The cream and red, the brown and black of rocks, the mountains fold, The tall, green gums, and countless miles of golden, waving corn, The strong, dark mountains shot with light when each new day is born. Has never smelt the bush's scent in spring's keen, sunny days, The wild, white honeysuckle, the golden wattle sprays, The delicate boronia, shaded chocolate brown and cream, The shy, retiring violet, in a soft, sweet purple dream. Has never heard by bushland creek the bellbird's sweet, clear note, The glorious silver song of praise which fills the magpie's throat, The kookaburra's happy laugh, the whipbird's piercing call, The unknown, untamed lyre bird who imitates them all. Is this, the dull monotony of drab, dark greens and greys? Of scentless, songless, stretching plains, of hot and sticky days? No, 'tis an opal-tinted land, and with her glad, new birth Springs up new beauty, new content, which spreads through all the earth. —G.L.M., Pass VI., Cato.
SILVER AND GREEN. Cats. What a lovely, cuddly thing is a cat, A frolicky, frisky bundle of fur, A cat to stroke, and fondle, and pet, To lie in front of a fire and purr. We don't like a wild cat, savage and lean, A cat that scratches, and spits, and, bites, With a spiteful look in its eyes of green, And a love for growls, and scraps, and fights; Nor a cat that prowls in the dark at night, That slinks, and steals what it needs to eat, And when we approach it takes to flight, To join its mates in the dusty street.
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far out, showing black and empty in the side of the headland, was the blowhole. The waves poured through it. Beaten, and flung hither and thither by the wind, they swept in towards our rock. Speech was impossible. The wind seemed to delight in drowning our shouts. Not only that, but the place somehow seemed too terrible for speech. We felt we were watching the torments of a human being in distress, as we gazed, fascinated, at the passionate sea, and felt the unbridled, uncontrollable wind. —Roma. Thomas, Hon. VI., Cato.
The Forest:
But we do like a- cat with a sleek, shiny coat, Or a little kitten all warm and soft, Or a grey tom-cat with white at his throat, That catches the mice" in the cellar and loft.
Green of the- gum- trees, Mingled with red, Stately trunks towering To blue overhead.
A playful tabby with grey-green eyes, A fluffy, friendly bundle of fun— Adorable pussies of every size; Oh, these are rovely, every one!
On- dappled tree trunks The- sunlight is playing, And tossed by the breeze, Lithe limbs are swaying.
—K. Stringer, V.b, Cato.
A Memory. It was the wildest day I can remember. From the distance came the sound of a mighty, intermittent booming. As we approached the sound increased, until its dull roar almost made our ears ache. There was still one more hill to climb. The wind shrieked defiantly as it flung hard, stinging sand in our faces. We toiled up the dry, pebbly hill, and, panting from the exertion, reached the top at last. There, before us in all its savage beauty, lay the sea. Very gingerly we began to climb down the slippery, precipitous face of our hill, eventually reaching a flat rock just out of reach of the waves. In the confined space of the inlet, the sea was milling and whirling, tortured by the wind. It flung itself, moaning, at the rocks, and slid back with a weary hiss. Masses of slimy, flat, brown seaweed floated in this gloomy sea, sometimes slapping fiercely against the edge of the rock, sometimes diving down on to its own roots. It seemed to live, this seaweed—a greasy, dirty horror—and there,
Birds of' the forest Sing rhythmical lay; 'Mid cool glades of treeferns Rivulets play. This is the forest's Loveliness fair, Beauty and quiet Ever- reign there. Krome House, V.a Form.
The Gleam. Our life is the little, bright light Of a lone candle, Set in the chasm of night; Lit by a hand Unseen, Unknown, But never extinguished; For that light passes By strange device Unto another candle. Never does it cease to burn. And thus we may know, No matter how dark life may become, Our light will shine on. —Olwen Evans, Diploma A, Berry.
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Lino. Cut by Dorothy Young, Form XX.
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NRMID (INV UHAIIS
SILVER AND GREEN.
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Form Notes Honour VI. 0 Muse, descend from far Olympus' height, Lend me thine aid that I may sing aright! I sing of Honour VI. and all its throng, Of bouncing pupils, skilled in art and song, All that is bright and noble, sweet and fair, Here tended by Miss Dahle's daily care. We show perfection—dulcet voices sweet, And doors that noiseless close, and soundless feet Of prefects moving with self-conscious grace Around our blissful, cheery dwelling place. We have discovered all the lofty joys Derived from making minima of noise; We crowd around—and what joy could be greater?— The warmthful blessing of a radiator. Besides, we have adopted other pleasures, And between classes, lusty, blithesome measures Rise in mellifluous strains from happy hearts, Skilled—as I said before—in song and arts, And happy smiles are all our eyes adorning, When hurrying to roll-call night and morning. One pleasure fills our cup up to the brim— The joy of having faultless lines at gym. Were we to turn to telling of our glory, We could triumphantly relate the story Of finished jumpers, skirts that show great promise, Red Cross work gathered in by Roma Thomas. A word to the by-now desponding hearer, "Each year to Honour VI. you will draw nearer. Do not despair—aspire to the sublime! You, too, may reach felicity in time." Pass VI. Hear ye, my children, how in the month of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and thirty-seven, a little band of pilgrims set out on their long and difficult journey through the land of Pass Sixth. The leader of this gallant company was a certain Miss Lindsay, and her second in command one, Sylvia Duncan. These two cheered and encouraged the travellers, keeping their eyes always towards the crisis of examinations. (Doubtless you know, children, that to reach
the beauteous and peaceful land of Christmas holidays, these pilgrims needs must pass through the perilous gate of University examinations.) Now these wayfarers were charitably disposed, and unhesitatingly did give of their meagre 4avings to Mary Benson, to help the Methodist Inland Mission. In May four adventurous pilgrims travelled to Central Australia to see what was being done with their money, and, on their return, they did entertain their less fortunate comrades with tales and merry songs of their wayfaring. Although these travellers had to labour full hard, they were sometimes permitted a little relaxation. In April they did present, in Fitchett Hall, scenes from "As You Like It," a play by one Master William Shakespeare, of whom you may have heard tell. Then when this play was made into a film, they were taken to a place called the Athenaeum, where they did behold marvels beyond description, including a handsome hero, who caused the hearts of the sentimental to flutter. Among the band of gentle pilgrims were several Amazons, ready, at the call, to defend the honour of the entire seminary against rivals in all manner of games. Now these travellers had a library of their own, to which Miss Lindsay, in great kindness of heart, did lend many volumes for the instruction of all who perused them. They are still journeying on, these pilgrims, with hopes, as yet undaunted, of reaching that beauteous and peaceful land without being "weighed in the balance and found wanting." Outwardly, they are brave and cheerful. Who would guess their anguish of spirit?—I.1V1. Diploma. This year, again, the Business School is divided into two forms, Diploma A and Diploma B, under Miss McDonald and Mr. Mills respectively. Owing to the fact that numerous girls have left during the year to fill positions, we have had several times to elect new Form officers. In Diploma A Form captains have been M. Gill, 0. Evans, and S. Ebbott, while sports
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captains have been P. Cerutty and S. Ebbott. In Diploma B Form captains have been L. Beasley and J. Laidlaw, with E. Murdoch and H. McIntyre as sports captains. Both Forms give their Red Cross collections to the Methodist Inland Mission. We are entertained at intervals by inside stories of the workings of the General Post Office. From the bookkeeping room we are continually being treated to the musical gems which are wafted from Fitchett Hall daily; it is very pleasant to hear the Musical Scholarships being judged. In contrast, however, is the maddening, ceaseless whirr of the typewriters. Is it to accustom us to the roar of the city, where most of us will be toiling when this happy year comes to a close? Good luck, Diploma 1938! —R.L.B. V.a. Though such a very busy form, We have knitted jumpers warm; Apart from that we have done naught Except in deeds of mind and thought; Thinking so hard that furrows deep Along our white brows slowly creep. Our pens are active all day long, We do not dream of dance and song; And now in this fantastic way We'll tell the names of Form V.a. While Miss Kellaway was touring Scotland she stayed at a village called Fivay for two Days. There was a difference between this and the larger Towns, whose din was made by Hoopers and Masons and the heavy traffic. But even this quiet spot had its noise made by the Savige dogs barking and the Smith who expressed his Joy by lustily singing "Robin Adair." Shirley poppies bloomed in the trim gardens. From their only Hall a Graham car, with Barnett Glass tyres, drove off amid the clatter of Potts and pans, and one did not need to be told that they were newly-weds. She went for a short Walklate in the afternoon. The hillsides were clad with Heather, broken here and there by a bush of bog-Myrtle, the badge of the Campbells. Miles away, in the distance, the purple hills could be seen. On the way back she met a Fowler with a shot gun over his shoulder, but he had not had any luck.
The next day she walked to the golf links, which was frequented by the people from a small town ten miles away. Even though it was a Gray day, a large number were playing their Daley round. The first hole was not Long, and the average player was expected to make the Green with his second shot. She was told that the players on the tee were Semple,. Williams, and Duncan, with their paddies, Towler, Bennett, and McCormack. After a while she grew tired of watching each ball Teed up and hit, so she retraced her steps back to Fivay. —L.D. V.b. Up betimes, and to school, where there is great commotion, it being the first school day of 1937, and many new scholars. Albeit after much sorting out, we—a stouthearted band of twenty-four—take our place in Room 5, and forthwith be known as V.b. We were mightily pleased to have as Form mistress one Miss Rae, to be ably assisted (we hope) by Form Captain Jean Sefton and Red Cross Captain Barbara Marfleet. Verily with great diligence we worked during Terms I. and II., wrestling with subjects many and varied, the usual daily round being somewhat helped out by strenuous participation in sport (see Captain D. Brown) and sundry junketings, to wit, an afternoon spent seeing "As You Like It," and a visit to Foy and Gibson's factory, where we gained much knowledge in the making of wool. With very much strain on our imagination we wrote verses for "Silver and Green," also, at the request of our Red Cross captain, knitted blue pullovers, thereby using up much energy and quantities of wool, which efforts we hope will be appreciated by the wee babies of the Methodist Babies' Home. Truly we have spent a happy time together. "Working days or holidays, And glad or melancholy days." V.c. What a merry Form are we, We're as happy as can be; At sport we excel, At school work as well, The girls of Form V.c.
SILVER AND GREEN. This year we have been very happy with Miss Ault as Form mistress. We have been fortunate in having a cosy Form room under Fitchett Hall. Some of our girls have been prominent on the sports field. Shirley Cockfield is in the baseball team, and Eleanor Robertson in the baseball and basket-ball teams. We also have many musical girls; some excel at instrumental music, and others at singing. During First Term we worked very energetically for the South Melbourne Mission, with the result that at the end of Term many useful garments were handed in. We have had two excursions. One was to "As You Like It," and the other to Foy and Gibson's Wool Factory. We take this opportunity of thanking the mistresses who accompanied us on these occasions. We were very sorry when Miss Lewis had to leave at the end of First Term. We have many budding poetesses in our Form, some of whose contributions may be seen in the Magazine. I think you will see from this that V.c. has been working very energetically this year. —D.R., M.E.
V.d. On top of the Baths is our Form V.d, And a jolly, hilarious Form are we; With Miss Bayne and our nineteen girls together, We're always cheerful, whatever the weather. We start off the day with an arduous task, And (though we think it is too much to ask), We wish benefactors would make us a gift To replace the steep stairs—a good, strong lift.
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Melbourne's had epidemics in the course of this year, And from them we tried very hard to keep clear, But now they're near over, and thankful are we, For bright Christmas hols. will be spent by V.d. —A.L.
V.e. Many, many years ago, before you and I were born, a very old astronomer sat by himself in his tower peering at the heavens. As his gaze swept the sky, it alighted by chance on a new star, larger and brighter than the rest. He cried in joy and exclaimed, "I will call this star V.e, and, behold, I will people it with a new race of women„ gentle and domesticated, as all women should be." But, alas for the astronomer! Civilisation advances, and women will assert themselves. Half of his women became business-minded, and set up for themselves a new regime, and much strife came thereof, both physical and mental. At last the gods who see all things mercifully put it into the hearts of these advanced and hardened women to emigrate, and their gentler sisters have known them no more. What joyful days of peace have followed in V.e, under the reign of Miss Horlock, whose life, however, is by no means carefree. A triumphal review of this year of Miss Horlock's reign includes a choir of almost divine voices, which we were only too eager to display for the benefit of our less fortunate sisters, and a visit to the theatre, where we saw "The King's People." My story grows tedious, and I would close with the heartfelt wish, "Long Live the Queen." —E.M.
Lower V.a.
To the Inland Mission we've sent many books To give an idea how the great world looks— And now we've a patchwork quilt in hand To cover some child in the far Inland.
These are the notes of Lower V.a, A most studious Form, we're happy to say, We do all our home work with pride and with joy, We please all the teachers and never annoy.
But while we are toiling our Inters. to pass, Sharp orders are made to the near gym. class; There are shrieks from the courts, and the girls on the green— Who gets their Inter. remains to be seen.
We keep our room tidy and fill it with blooms, It's really the best of all the Form rooms, Yet the inspecting prefect scarce ever agrees, Her hard heartless marking our intentions does freeze.
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Miss Warren's the mistress of our happy throng (And we're really so perfect we couldn't go wrong); We welcomed her gladly at start of Term I, And we bid farewell sadly now the year's nearly done.
anthologies of poems of poets living during the French Revolution, others are working on music, and lives of great persons of the period. We thank all our teachers for their help and interest in our work. Altogether we have had a very happy and profitable year.
Rosemary Williams' our honoured Form captain, Her word is our law, not obeying's a sin; In sports is Dulcie Whittaker's fame, She wins tennis matches, and keeps zeal aflame.
We wish next year's LV.b success and happiness, and hope that they will keep up our —G.W. and I.B. honourable name.
We have two Red Cross captains, B.P. and E. Kent, They buy wool and cloth with the money we've sent, We turn it to clothes for the children of Collingwood, They look sweet in our frocks (and surely they should).
In Form IV.a there are thirty-three, We are ably captained by Audrey Bee— We're counting Mrs. Vincent in— She makes us good and helps us win.
IV.a.
It troubles us rather to think that perhaps Our high standard may drop with the years that elapse, But all we can do is to state our desire, May Lower V.a's fame soar higher and higher. --M.H.
LV.b. At the beginning of the year we were given into the charge of Miss Christensen. Gwenda Wilson was chosen as Form captain, Gladys Beasley, as sports captain, and Inez Benson as Red Cross captain. In Red Cross we are working for the Collingwood Free Kindergarten. We have made some pretty jumpers and singlets.
We have English and History with Mrs. Corr (We were taught by Miss Harcourt some months before); • Science, a new subject, we do with Miss Hall, Who teaches the velocity at which things fall. Algebra and geometry with Mrs. Loh, Some of us are quick, but others are slow. Arithmetic we study with Miss Rae, We welcome her gladly once a day. With Miss Foote we have strenuous gymnastics, Which often strains our stout elastics; Next comes Miss Warren in a Latin- mood, Who feeds us fat with mental food. With her we raise our voices high, And sing Te Deum to the sky. Next door they sing some German rounds, And thus we hear discordant sounds.
In history we did some very interesting work. Last Term we had a mock State Election, with representatives for the U.A.P., C.P., and L.P., and afterwards we had voting by ballot.
Miss Mitchell takes us round the world, And all strange countries are unfurled. "Bonjour, mes eleves!" 'tis Miss Luke's voice, Which makes our studious hearts rejoice.
At the present time we are doing project work on the French Revolution. We are divided into groups, each group having to produce different work. One group is doing plaster of paris models of France, another is doing
Our Red Cross captain is joy Duncan, Her box is filled but our wealth shrunken; We are kept very busy at making socks, And when we are finished we start on frocks. J.A.
SILVER AND GREEN. Remove A. "Come, settle down, Remove A, the Silver and Green is calling; Come, write a dirge, ye students, of all things you befalling." Ours is a class of almost thirty, such as ye never did see, And 'tis led by Beryl Whittaker, the best of the captains you'll agree. What seest thou, 0 Editor? "Lorna Punton's name appearing." What hearest thou, 0 Editor? "Roma Turner's name I'm hearing." They are captains of great armies, one for battle, one for peace, Lorna leads us to the sports field, Roma's Red Cross worries never cease. Seest thou nought else, 0 Editor? "I see Miss Mitchell seeking." Hearest thou nought else, 0 Editor? "I hear Miss Ault in German speaking." For geography scrap books Miss Mitchell's praises we've desired, To sing in German for Miss Ault with ambition we are fired. Look again, 0 Editor? "I see Miss Bennett's name." Hearken once more, 0 Editor! "I hear Miss Ritter's fame." Miss Bennett, full of vigour, teaches us our sport and gym., While Miss Ritter our artistic fingers keep in trim. Look once more, 0 Editor! "I see Miss Duncan and Miss Smart." Listen once more, 0 Editor! "I hear their names for speech culture and for art." Mrs. de Goode and Miss Hall teach us French and science; In Mrs. Corr and Miss McKay for the rest we place reliance. Art thou finished now, 0 Editor? "No, the best is left till last. 'Tis Miss Horsman, always helpful; she's the _j .s . mistress of our class."
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IV.b. By the IV.b cupboard. I am the old cupboard that stands in a corner of IV.b. For many years I have seen different girls form a new IV.b at the beginning of the year. As there are soon to be new buildings throughout the School, I will probably be no more. Because of that, I am for the last time writing the annals of IV.b. To begin:— IV.b, of 1937. In the beginning of the year, with Miss Luke as Form mistress, IV.b elected Patricia Murray as Form captain, Claire Smith as sports captain, and Zoe Dunn as Red Cross captain. The girls have had a free choice of what they may do for handwork this year, and very pleasing shopping bags, raffia fans, drawnthread cloths, etc., are the result. For Red Cross this year some have made bloomers or jumpers for the Collingwood Mission. The Lower Middle School has a very good library,, as my friend, the Library Cupboard, has told me. Just lately some new books have been added to it, with the result that Miss Luke is kept busy on IV.b's library day. Dorothy Lord, one of the members of this promising young Form, gave them the idea of having Current Topics for every month. She drew a map of the world, and underneath drew four columns, each column representing a week. The idea was to cut out a picture or some information from the papers and to paste it in its column. A- little flag was pinned- to the place in the world from where the information came. IV.b's scrap books this year are very good. The girls have each brought a big book, pasting into them pictures of the various court tries, as they studied them in class. In arithmetic this year IV.b have had a flag race. The Form was divided into three groups, A, B, C. They all chose colours and made flags of the colour they had chosen. Every time a girl got all her sums right her flag went up a space. This year IV.b played a basket-ball match against R.b. After an exciting game, IV.b won, 2-0. Some time later
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SILVER AND GREEN.
in the year they hope to play a return match. Altogether, I think IV.b has had a happy and successful year. So I close my narrative, hoping that next year I may still be left to tell the story of the IV.b of 1938.
In handwork we surpass. Someone reads the "Gnomobile," And Miss Mitchell doth appeal For silence through the class, A silence that you feel.
Remove B. Thirty-two girls enrolled in Remove B this year, and, under the guidance of our Form mistress, Mrs. Loh, each one is doing her best to keep the Form standard and spirit high. At present we are doing some very interesting project work in geography and history. For history we have collected many interesting pictures descriptive of periods dating from 1770 to the present. Under the leadership of Mary Eggleston, we have been very successful at Red Cross work. As well as making many garments, we have several shillings in hand to purchase dolls to dress for Christmas. Although we practised hard, we were defeated by IV.b in basket-ball,, but we are encouraged by our sports captain, Margaret Raynor, and our Form captain; Betty McLean, to try even harder next Term. Our Form room is always decorated with flowers, and their beauty inspires us to improve the general appearance of the room. —R.G.
We've had a jolly year, Only few have had a det., But we may do better yet; And you can be sure we'd cheer If the neatness prize we get. —A.G.T.
IV.c. Behold! good girls are we; Aloft here in our room, As silent as a tomb, From our windows we can see Enough sport to dispel all gloom. In sport we take great pride; We all love basket-ball, And, though our rivals may be tall, We've Chookie for our guide, So need not fear at all. In general work we're good, We learn our three "R's" well, In spelling bees we're "swell," Though perhaps Miss Mitchell would Another story tell. For Red Cross we made a rug, Like Joseph's coloured coat; We do not mean to gloat, But someone will soon be snug As to slumberland she'll float.
Remove C. In our work and in our play We are happy day by day. Twenty girls are we in all, In our jolly Form so small. Last Term we knitted jumpers gay, To keep us warm on a winter's day. We knitted things for Red Cross, too, Which, when made, looked nice and new. Ably led by Edna and Val, We've worked together, pal with pal; No Form has worked so willingly Than the teacher and the plucky Remove C. —B.McL. Extra Four. We left the harbour of Girlbloc on a bright, sunny morning, Tuesday, 14th February, 1937. After we lost sight of land, Captain Parker gave the crew their orders. With Lieutenant Lockhart at the helm, we all felt very safe. At two bells Cook Cotterel brought on the books, which were served with rulers and pencils. As the voyage was to be a long one, the members of the crew were divided into teams, and played games when they were not on watch. Some members of the crew had great fun in their spare time knitting squares. The squares were made into a quilt, and sent to the South Melbourne Mission. There was much work to be done, as the ship needed much attention for the coming port of call. There was much excitement on board as we dropped anchor, and the crew had an enjoyable fortnight's rest. After we set sail again the days seemed long, so First Mate Don Disney fixed up the wireless, which enabled us to listen to the play, "As You Like It." This entertainment was enjoyed, immensely.
SILVER AND GREEN. Captain Parker suggested a hobby, in which Second Mate Jim Vincent was of great assistance. This, a dolls' house, turned out quite successfully, and the crew showed what they could do. There was a shortage of hands, as Duby Dawson, Oppy Osborn, and Tiny Taylor were quarantined, but Captain Parker's orders were still sent to them. The crew settled down to some hard work, as the next port of call was drawing near. When the port was reached these holidays were not enjoyed as well as might have been expected, as the crew could not travel inland. The ship was delayed for a time, as Admiral Grove feared for our ship among the hidden mines. When we set sail once again our numbers were complete. Some of the crew thought of the gales we would weather before our final port, but most of us have settled down to a happy voyage. —E.McC. Junior School. There are forty little girls in Junior School, and we have a very happy and interesting time. This year being Coronation Year, we had a competition for the best coronation book. So we cut pictures from daily papers and magazines.
35
Ailsa Sexton, Nona Slutzkin, and Lindsay Walters each received a prize. Form II.a have basket-ball on Wednesday afternoons, and every girl is a keen player, but Mavis Lenne is our best goal-thrower. Form III. and Kindergarten have been very busy making dolls which they are going to give to poor children at the end of the year. (Forms whose notes are missing probably know why.—Ed.) Sunset in Palm Valley. The sun, the fiery guardian of the day, Sinks in a blaze of splendour. His dying gleams Touch the o'erhanging rocks with mingled flame And rust. Against the steep, red walls of rock, In this, their natural home, majestic palms Raise high their graceful boughs, whose bright green glints Seem to deepen the quickly gathering shadows. The azure canopy of day is streaked With crimson, green and gold, reflected in The stagnant pools which lie among the rocks. No human hand can reproduce this beauty: It stays but a brief, sweet moment, and is gone. —G.L.M., Pass VI., Cato.
11f/ 14111111!11111111 4'6 ririg1itiatar 1111111111111111 lill Pillik a
Les elephants rugueux, voyageurs lents et rudes, vont au pays natal travers les deserts. —Leconte de Lisle. XZ, Pass VI.
SILVER AND GREEN.
36
R. Brown (Krome),
HOUSE CAPTAINS. M. Slater (Cato), P. Chellew (Berry),
J. Barnett (Fitchett).
HOUSE SPORTS CAPTAINS. L. McConchie (Berry), V. Kerr (Krome), Le Barnett (Fitchett) , S. Ebbott (Cato).
SILVER AND GREEN. House Notes. We have them at last! What? Why, names for our Houses, of course. Fate specially honoured Thursday, 22nd April, 1937, and made it the day of the great announcement. Mr. Grove handed the four mystery envelopes to the youngest Form captain in Assembly, and she, in turn, handed one to each of the four captains of the Houses. As a result, House A became Berry House, House B became Cato House, House C became Fitchett House, and House D became Krome House. At the beginning of this year last year's six Houses were condensed to four, House I. and House VI. combining to form House A, House II. and House V. combining to form House B, and House IV. and House III., sharing the new girls between them, became House C and House D respectively. As a result of the recent Educational Conference, an experiment is being made with the Houses. Instead of both individual and group activities in work, conduct, and sport counting towards House totals, only group activities, such as sport, will count this term. Should this be successful, it will be continued next year. —R.M.B.
37
The Inter-School Flag Race was keenly contested, although many of the Schools invited were unable to attend. Those who competed were St. Margaret's, M.L.C., Elsternwick; M.L.C., Hawthorn; Ruyton. We congratulate St. Margaret's on winning the Senior Flag Race, and our own junicrs for winning the Junior Race. The Representatives' Race was also won by St. Margaret's. The result of the Inter-House contest was in doubt till the end, when Berry finally took the lead by winning the Intermediate and Senior Inter-House Flag Races. We congratulate Berry on winning the much-coveted "Bettye Hammon" Cup. Of course, the House v. School Flag Race was the main attraction of the afternoon, and, as usual, was won by the School. At the conclusion of the sports this year the competitors marched on to the field in Houses, led by the triumphant Berry House. The trophies were then presented by Mrs. Grove, to whom we extend our thanks. We also wish to thank Miss Foote and other members of the staff, and also the sports committee, for their valuable assistance. —L.McC. Detailed Results of Athletic Sports.
Athletic Sports, 1937. The athletic sports this year were to have been held on Saturday, 1st May, but, owing to bad weather, they were postponed till the following Tuesday, 4th May. A more perfect day we could not have had. The sun was shining its best, and the field was in excellent condition for running. The Inter-House relays caused much excitement, both the Intermediate and Senior being won by Berry House by a small but safe margin. An innovation in the programme this year was the inclusion of a circular relay in the Intermediate section. This proved very popular.
Final House Points-1, Berry House, 92 points; 2, Krome House, 691 points; 3, Fitchett House, 671 points; 4, Cato House, 55 points. The most outstanding competitors were Marjorie Hislop, Betty McLean, in the Junior section; Betty Tyas, Muriel Leversha and Ailsa Burgess, in the Intermediate section; Phyllis Cerutty and Noel Heley, in the Senior section. Senior Flat Race, 100 yds.-1, Phyllis Cerutty (B.) ; 2, Noel Heley (B.) 3, Betty Brew (K.). Intermediate Flat Race, 75 yds.-1, A. Burgess (C.) ; 2, B. Tyas (K.); 3, G. Binder (C.). Under 12 Flat Race, 50 yds.-1, B. McLean (B.) and J. Smith (K.) ; 3, H. Wilks (C.). Senior Flat Race, 75 yds.-1, N. Heley (B.); 2, P. Cerutty (B.); 3, B. Brew (K.). Intermediate Flat Race, 100 yds.-1, B. Tyas (K.) ; 2, M. Leversha (B.) ; 3, G. Binder (C.) and A. Burgess (C.). Junior Flat Race, 75 yds.-1, M. Hislop (F.) ; 2, J. Smith (K.); 3, B. McLean (B.).
SILVER AND GREEN.
38
Junior Flat Race, 50 yds.-1, P. Callander (K.); 2, M. Hislop (F.); 3, B. McLean (B.).
Cato House Races.
Intermediate Catch the Train-1, E. Stacey (B.); 2, 0. Nance (K.); 3, M. Wragg (C.).
Flat Race, 6 years-1, G. Cain and V. Scott; 3, D. Marsh. Flat Race, 7 years-1, E. Rowe; 2, J. Hiscock; 3, L. Barrett. Flat Race, 8 years-1, A. Busse; 2, S. Stott; 3, A. Sefton. Flat Race, 9-10 years-1, P. Williams; 2, B. Matthews; 3, W. McDonald. Skipping Without Rope, 6 years-1, J. McLean; 2, G. Cain; 3, D. Marsh. Skipping, 7 years-1, M. Barrett; 2, E. Rowe; 3, D. Turner. Skipping, 8 years-1, S. Stott; 2, J. Bates; 3, M. Cartwright. Egg and Spoon, 9-10 years-1, P. Williams; 2, N. Prohasky; 3, B. Matthews. -L.McC.
Junior Skipping Race-1, J. March (K.); 2, H. Harland (F.) and D. Lord (F.).
The School Swimming Sports.
Senior Baseball Throwing-1, L. Barnett (F.) ; 2, V. Kerr (K.) ; 3, E. Robertson (C.). Intermediate Baseball Throwing-1, G. Beasley (B.); 2, D. Whittak..:- (F.); 3, M. Bickford (K.). Junior Baseball Throwing-1, M. Rayner (C.); 2, M. Eggleston (F.); 3, L. Thorpe (B.). Junior Sack Race-1, M. Eggleston (F.); 2, H. Wilks (C.); 3, J. Smith (K.). Intermediate Egg and Spoon-1, D. Howard (K.); 2, T. Studley (B.); 3, P. McMurray (B.). Senior Obstacle Race-1, B. Nairn (B.); 2, A. Lelean (C.); 3, D. Brown (F.).
Intermediate Fanning the Balloon-1, R. Walker (C.); 2, B. Peterson (B.); 3, L. Punton (F.). Senior Diamond Throwing--1 . Berry; 2, Cato; 3, Fitchett. Senior Square Spry-1, Berry; 2, Cato; 3, Fitchett. Junior Tunnel-ball Spoke chett; 2, Berry; 3, Krome. Intermediate Corner Fitchett; 3, Krome.
Relay-1,
Spry-1,
Intermediate Circular Relay-1, Krome; 3, Fitchett.
Cato;
Fit2,
Cato and
Senior Inter-School Flag Race-1, St. Margaret's; 2, M.L.C., Elsternwick; 3, M.L.C., Hawthorn. Junior Inter-School Flag Race-1, M.L.C., Hawthorn; 2, St. Margaret's; 3, Ruyton. Representative Flat Race, 100 yds.-1, St. Margaret's; 2, M.L.C., Elsternwick, and Hawthorn. Junior Inter-House Flag Race-1, Fitchett; 2, Krome; 3, Berry. Intermediate Inter-House Berry; 2, Krome; 3, Cato.
Flag
Race-1,
Senior Inter-House Flag Race-1, Berry; 2, Fitchett; 3, Krome and Cato. House v. School-1, School; 2, House.
The Swimming Sports were successfully swum, since the sun shone smilingly from a sunny summer sky. Schoolgirl swimmers swam swiftly, with supple strength, spectators simultaneously shouted and sang on the side, while the successful striver after success smiled shyly. They poised perilously over the pool, then dived daringly down into the deep, dark depths. Teams tried tremendously towards triumph. The valiant victors vigorously voiced vociferation of their vital verve; the vermilion vanquished vehemently vowed their vengeance. Solely successful swimmers are seen in the subsequent series of names:Free Style-Senior: B. Nairn (B.), 1; L. Green (C.), 2; A. Watts (F.), 3. Intermediate: P. Silvers (C.), 1; J. Thomson (F.), 2; H. Rentoul (B.), 3. Junior: P. Silvers (C.), 1; J. Marshall (B.), 2; D. Lancaster (F.), 3. Breast Stroke-Senior: H. McIntyre (K.), 1; N. Heley (B.), 2; J. Barnett (F.), 3. Intermediate: S. Sterrett (B.), 1; L. Green (C.), 2; L. Duncan (K.), 3. Junior: P. Silvers (C.), 1; J. Marshall (B.), 2; J. Hannan (K.), 3. Diving-Senior: S. Cockfield (C.), 1; B. Nairn (B.) and J. Barnett (F.), equal, 2. Intermediate: P. Silvers (C.), 1; L. Duncan (K.),
SILVER AND GREEN. 2; A. Watts (F.), 3. Junior: P. Silvers (C.), 1; M. Eggleston (F.), 2; B. McCaghern (B.), 3. Fancy—Senior Crocodile: Krome, 1; Fitchett, 2; Cato, 3. Intermediate Duckdive: J. Thomson (F.), 1; H. Rentoul (B.), 2; M. Bickford (K.), 3. Junior Sculling: J. Wilson (C.), 1; B. McCaghern (B.), 2; D. Lancaster (F.), 3. Life Saving—Senior: A. Lelean and J. Miles (K.), 1; P. Hewson and A. Watts (F.), 2; J. Ward and S. Sterrett (B.), 3. Intermediate: H. Rentoul and J. Day (B.), 1; L. Duncan and N. McKenzie (K.), 2; G. Binder and P. Hutchins (C.), 3. Back Stroke—Junior: P. Silvers (C.), 1; B. McCaghern (B.), 2; B. Nimon (K.), 3. Senior Relay Race—Fitchett, 1; Cato, 2; Krome, 3. Intermediate Relay Race—Cato, 1; Fitchett, 2; Berry, 3. Junior—Cato, 1; Fitchett, 2; Krome, 3. House v. School—School, 1; House, 2. Total number of points scored-1, Cato, 37; 2, Berry, 261; 3, Fitchett, 25; 4, Krome, 171. —J .H.B. Basket-ball Notes. This year a completely new basket-ball team had to be chosen, as none of last year's team was eligible. Great interest was shown, and the selectors had difficulty in choosing the first seven, which are as follow:—Margery Whittaker (captain) (goal thrower), Meryl Ross (attack), Eleanor Robertson (attack wing), Barbara Eltis (centre), Isobel Appleford (defence wing), Betty Staurenghi (vice-captain) (defence), Noel Heley (goal defence). Several matches have been played, and the results:—M.L.C. d. Strathcona, 29-13; M.L.C. d. Fintona, 13-11; M.L.C. d. Ruyton, 11-8; Fintona d. M.L.C., 24-20; P.L.C. d. M.L.C., 8-6; St. Michael's d. M.L.C., 9-7. In spite of the fact that all the schools we have played, with the exception of P.L.C., use different rules, and we had to accommodate ourselves to their way of playing, the team has done remarkably well.
39
An unusual match was played against the staff by the School team, which won by 19-6. The second and junior teams are very keen, and have played very well. The seconds defeated Fintona by 11-5. The juniors were defeated by Fintona, but they won against St. Margaret's by 11-6, and St. Michael's by 21-15. The inter-House contests were very exciting. The senior matches were won by Berry, and the intermediate and junior by Fitchett. —M.W. Hockey Notes. Popeye the Sailor fights on to the finish, O'er each foe victorious because he eats spinach. Physical prowess from him we did borrow. Ere the advent of Popeye our song was of sorrow, Young maidens blushed shamefaced when each morning after Elegiac laments on defeat aroused laughter. They jeered at the fate of our hockey eleven; However, with Popeye, our hopes soared to heaven, 'E brought us good luck, our successes began. So songs of thanksgiving to Popeye we sang, And from now on and for evermore, Into our battles he'll ride at the fore, Leave us not we humbly beseech you, Popeye, Or fortune again will pass our team by. Right from the start we'll fight on to the finish; Make way for the eaters of sailorman's spinach; Adelaide College, we give you fair warning, Now Popeye is with us an epoch is dawning. Peep! Peep! Yet the above-mentioned miraculous inspiration of Popeye would have been entirely impossible but for Miss Blaxland. For her coaching and unceasing optimism we thank her most sincerely. We regret our losses against Fintona, St. Catherine's, and most of all against the staff, but, as one, we rather noisily rejoice —J.H.B. at our triumph at Merton Hall.
40
SILVER AND GREEN.
ATHLETICS TEAM. Standing: B. Brew, V. Clarke, B. Staurenghi, B. Pollard, L. McConchie. Sitting: G. Binder, P. Cerutty (capt.), N. Heley.
BASKET-BALL TEAM. Back Row: S. Cockfield, N. Heley, J. Norman. Front Row: I. Appleford, B. Staurenghi, M. Whittaker (captain), E. Robertson.
SILVER AND GREEN.
41
TENNIS TEAM. Standing: M. Eggleston, D. Whittaker, J. McAliece, R. Williams, J. Butler. Sitting: V. Kerr, L. McConchie (captain), L. Barnett.
HOCKEY TEAM. B. Nairn, L. Duncan, S. Ebbott, I. Silvers, J. Pentland, J. Barnett (captain), S. Duncan, A. Walklate, M. Slater, E. Murdoch, H. Teed.
SILVER AND GREEN.
42 Senior Hockey.
Immense enthusiasm and interest have been compensation for the small numbers regularly attending practices this season. Two teams only, 1st and 2nd elevens, have been formed. Both teams are young, and, as most players were beginners this year—inexperienced; but their intense interest and hard work have rewarded them with a promising future in hockey. In the first eleven, despite a number of defeats, all matches were keenly contested—the team continuously upheld Popeye's example, and "fought to the finish"—and in consequence, the margin of defeat was small, and the games thoroughly enjoyed. Under the splendid captaincy of June Barnett, and with the combined efforts of all its members, the first eleven has developed the difficult essentials of good hockey—combination and team work—which will stand them in good stead for next season. —J .C.B. First Eleven Hockey Team—Forwards, R. to L.: Audrey Walklate, Edna Murdoch, Berna Nairn, Helen Teed, Lydia Duncan. Half -backs, R. to L.: Sylvia Duncan, June Barnett (captain), Mary Slater. Backs: Shirley Ebbott, Isabel Silvers. Goalie: Jeanette Pentland. Emergency: Lorna Wood.
The Game of Life—Hockey. "The game of life was nobly played, They played the game like queens and kings." Thus spake the bard of old, little knowing himself that "the game" referred to was hockey, in which are expressed all the primary instincts—fear, flight, self-assertion, acquisitive. ness, herd, and several others, which do not concern us here (mainly because I have forgotten them). Fear! Let us consider this instinct in regard to hockey—the great game of life. We are honoured by the comforting presence of the ball at the end of our stick when fear grips the heart—fear of a tackle from the enemy, of a bang on the shin—(Wow!) —and, horrorstricken, we miraculously lose the ball. A great force in this game of life is the "flight" instinct. Suppose we have the ball. This time we determine not to lose it, but
to carry it into the magic circle. Fear is present, but flight predominates, and mile upon mile of country (in reality only yard upon yard, but we must be picturesque) is covered in a headlong flight from the foe. (We note certain staff members have an over-developed flight instinct when "hockeying.") Self-assertion and acquisitiveness are closely linked. This time not we, but our opponents (bad luck!) have the ball,, which, regardless of the tenth commandment, we covet. The instincts of self-assertion and acquisitiveness make themselves felt, and, brandishing our sticks in a warlike manner, we determine, in spite of all odds (knocks in all quarters, penalties, etc.), to assert ourselves and acquire that elusive, white roundness (price 2/6). Finally, the herd or gregarious instinct— very strong in the game of hockey. The centre of the herd is the ball. Spectators will note in the players that strongly developed gregarious instinct in a desire to join one's comrades in arms (rather, sticks), especially if the ball is in the vicinity of those comrades. Consequently (reference, our worthy sports mistresses) the game of life becomes a little congested, owing to the unsublimated gregarious instincts of players. So, my friends, is not hockey the best expression of all our instincts, indeed, the very game of life referred to by that bard of old? —M. Slater, Honour VI.
Running Notes. After several weeks' training at the beginning of First Term, the following eight girls were finally chosen to represent M.L.C. in the running world:—Phyllis Cerutty (captain), Lorna McConchie (vice-captain), Beryl Pollard, Betty Staurenghi, Betty Brew, Le Barnett, Ailsa Burgess, Valda Clarke, and emergency, Gwen Binder. Unfortunately, Phyllis Cerutty, our representative runner and our captain, left us at the end of First Term, and Betty Brew and Ailsa Burgess during Second Term. We competed at several sports—St. MarUniversity Melbourne garet's, Lauriston, M.C.E.G.G.S. and Ruyton, Sports, Women's The senior team have had one success and one second, and three thirds, and in the representatives' races we have had four seconds.
SILVER AND GREEN. The junior team have had two firsts and one third, and their representative one first. Our junior team is very promising, and with more experience should develop into a strong team. In conclusion, we wish the best of luck to —L.McC. the 1938 team. Tennis Notes. As only three of the 1936 team returned to School this year, competition for the five vacant places was very keen. The team finally selected was Lorna McConchie (captain), Dulcie Whittaker, Le Barnett, Jean McAliece, Valerie Kerr (vice-captain), Rosemary Williams, Gwen Butler, Joan Eggleston, and Robbie Walker emergency. The team then set to work in earnest, under the weekly coaching of Mr. O'Hara Wood. Although our team is exceptionally young this year, we have done excellently in winning the three matches of the first round, and we had great hopes for further successes in the second round. But, owing to the epidemic of infantile paralysis in Melbourne, the second round was abandoned, and the premiership counted on the results of the first round. And so M.L.C., having won all three matches, are premiers and champions for 1937. We would like to thank Mr. Wood for his most efficient coaching throughout the year, and also Miss Foote for her moral support, which has inspired us to do such great deeds. The Association results are as follow:— Saturday, 19th June—M.L.C. v. P.L.C., at P.L.C.: M.L.C., 3 rubbers, 7 sets, 48 games, d. P.L.C., 1 rubber, 2 sets, 34 games. 2 6 th June — M.L.C. v. Saturday, M.C.E.G.G.S.: M.L.C., 4 rubbers, 8 sets, 56 games, d. M.C.E.G.G.S., 0 rubbers, 2 sets, 25 games. Saturday, 3rd July—M.L.C. v. Geelong: M.L.C., 4 rubbers, 8 sets, 53 games, d. Geelong, 0 rubbers, 1 set, 23 games. Our second team and junior team are both very keen, and there are many promising players among the latter. The teams are:2nd Team—Robbie Walker, Helena Vincent, Bonnay Raymont, Betty Tyas, Joan Booth, Lorna Beasley, May Marriott, Edna Murdoch. Junior Team—Phyllis Frazer, Phyllis Silvers, Barbara Eltis, Doreen Howard, Mar-
43
jorie Hislop, Claire Smith, Dulcie McDougall, Marjorie Thomas. The Inter-House matches were keenly contested as usual, Berry House being the victors in the senior section, and Fitchett House in the intermediate and junior sections. During the first and second Terms we played practice matches with Fintona and P.L.C., and the junior team played one match against Ruyton, who were the victors. At the beginning of the Term we were overjoyed to hear that M.L.C., Adelaide, had invited us to spend a week there at the end of this Term; but that also had to be abandoned because of the epidemic of infantile paralysis. In conclusion, we wish every success to those who will represent M.L.C. in future years, and hope that they will bring M.L.C. to the fore —L.Mc. again in the tennis world. Baseball Notes. Our enthusiasm for baseball at the beginning of 1937 was great, in spite of the fact that only four members of last year's team had returned. After much consideration, the team was finally chosen as follows:—E. Robertson (pitcher), J. Barnett (catcher), V. Kerr (captain) (1st base), S. Cockfield (2nd base), L. McConchie (3rd base), L. Barnett (short stop), M. Gill (r.o.f.), P. Cerutty (vice-captain) (c.o.f.), S. Ebbott (I.o.f.). We played several successful matches against non-association teams. Although only one of the three Association matches, that against Geelong Grammar was won by M.L.C., with further practice and a better understanding of the game, the standard of play should be improved. We were defeated in the first round of matches by P.L.C., 22 runs to 9, and by Melbourne Grammar, 20 runs to 15. We won our final match, against Geelong Grammar, by 31 runs to 9. Unfortunately, at the beginning of Second Term, we lost our r.o.f., M. Gill, and our c.o.f., P. Cerutty. These two vacancies have not yet been filled. We all thank Mr. Francis for the time he has spent in giving us valuable coaching. —V.M.K.
44
SILVER AND GREEN.
The Annual Church Service. The Annual Church Service was held on Sunday, 27th June, at 7 p.m., in the Auburn Methodist Church, and was conducted by the Principal of the College, Rev. J. W. Grove, assisted by Rev. H. A. Keck, the minister of the Auburn Church. There was an overflowing congregation. The singing was led by the special choir, conducted by Miss Flockart. At the commencement of the service the Introit by Waif ord Davies was sung by the choir in the vestry, and later a beautiful and inspiring anthem, "Is It Nothing to You?" (Myles Foster). The prayer was offered by Mr. Keck, and the lesson was recited by a group of five girls from the Verse Speaking Choir. One of the main features of the service was Handel's "Come Unto Him," from "The Messiah," sung by Pat. Chellew. This was beautifully rendered, and much appreciated. Mr. Grove took as his text for his challenging address John 4: 22, "Ye worship ye know not what. We know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews." Mr. Grove's remarks were addressed especially to the girls of the School, and he particularly stressed the fact that "we know what we worship." Several beautiful hymns were chosen, in which the congregation joined. The service was broadcast by the A.B.C., and many letters were received by Mr. Grove and Miss Flockart telling them of the success of the broadcast. At the close of the service Stainer's "Sevenfold Amen" was sung by the special choir, thus fittingly concluding another beautiful service. Excursions. Though the Honour VI. geography girls, as yet, have not had any individual excursions, they have enjoyed going with Pass VI. to the Weather Bureau and the Glass Factory at Spotswood. When at the Weather Bureau the girls visited the map room, where maps showing weather conditions for all Australia are prepared daily. After recovering from the heart palpitation caused by climbing up a steep spiral staircase, they were able to study the wind instruments on the roof. Most interest-
ing of all was watching the rise of a balloon, which is released to determine the direction and velocity of the wind at various heights over Melbourne. At the Glass Factory the girls were extremely interested in the making of bakelite lids from coloured powders. These powders are placed in moulds, and, by the application of heat and pressure, the lids are formed. In another department, despite the deafening roar of machinery, they were able to learn from their guide of the mechanism of a fascinating machine which moulds the molten glass into bottles. Several girls made an extensive collection of lids and bottles, which, unfortunately, can hardly be of use for their practical books. Pass VI. girls have been for an excursion to Gardiner's Creek, too, and they and some of the Honour VI. girls hope to spend a Saturday in studying things of geographical importance at Werribee. Intermediate geography classes have visited Foy and Gibson's Woollen Mills, where they followed the process of cloth making from the cleaning of the fleeces till the time when finished articles are examined for faults, then pressed ready for despatch to the shops. Miss Parker took a small party of girls from various Forms to inspect the factory of the Shell Oil Company at Spotswood. Even the gloomy prospect of putting their observations into essay form after returning to School did not spoil a pleasant excursion. The tin and the case factory were visited; then, with quaking knees, the girls climbed a very steep ladder to the top of one of the three large storage tanks. Moving pictures also proved a great interest to them. By means of these, they were told the whole story of petroleum. Science students in Pass VI. went to St. Paul's Cathedral, where Dr. Floyd showed them the machinery and pipes of the organ. These youthful explorers had quite an exciting time climbing up a rickety ladder, and crawling along the dim, dark, dusty alleys between the myriads of pipes. After evensong, they had the privilege of hearing Dr. Floyd play. We should like to thank all the mistresses who have given up so much of their own time to make the excursions possible. —T.M.H.
45
SILVER AND GREEN.
Fre( . J. Cato
1C)
ranch
ELSTERNWICK. Notes for the Year. finished third in the matches played. Practice 1937 has been a year of continued progress matches were also played against Box Hill for the Fred. J. Cato Branch. Since last year, Grammar, Rosbercon, and Espzrance. owing to the considerable increase in numbers, The Public Examination results for 1936 the front wing of our main building has been were highly satisfactory. The four Leaving further extended to include a new upstairs Certificate candidates, M. Good, V. Reece, B. classroom and an enlarged intermediate room. Staurenghi,, and S. Willmott, passed in all Office-bearers for 1937 are:—School Captain, subjects. R. Bromfield, B. Payne, P. Perrin, F. White. House Captains: Kawarau, J. By- and M. Sanguinetti obtained their Intermediate worth; Kerrie, R. Bromfield; Kittani, P. Stauren- Certificates, while J. Byworth and V. Clarke ghi; Kooyong, J. Peverill. Form Captains: passed in six and four subjects respect.vely. V., B. Snowball; L.V., A. Armstrong; IV.a, M. 1937 Music Examination results are not yet Colborn-Veel; IV.b, J. Hancock; IV.b, Remove, to hand. M. Mathieson; IV.c, R. Roberts; IV.d, B. On 23rd April representatives from the Young; III.a, H. Barber; and III., L. Hogan. School took part in the Anzac Service, held at Sports Captains: Baseball, E. Crawford; Tennis, the Shrine, when the School's wreath was F. White; Basket-ball, J. Cornell; Athletics, carried by the School Captain, F. White. A. Cumming. A generous response was again made to the Throughout the year keen interest and various egg and jam appeals made by the enthusiasm have been displayed in all sporting hospitals, and to the annual appeal on behalf activities. During First Term we held our Inter- of the Blind Institute. Once again the indiHouse Swimming Sports at the Malvern Baths. vidual Forms have supported charitable instiKerrie is to be congratulated on winning the tutions, including the North and South MelInter-House Swimming Cup a second time. The bourne Missions, Montague Free Kindergarten, Senior Cup (presented by Mr. A. G. Overend) the Kindergarten Holiday Homes, and the was won by M. Roberts, the Intermediate Cup Mission, Darling Road Babies' Home, and the (the gift of Mr. Cornell) by Jean Overend, Children's Hospital. Garments, books, dolls while J. Hancock was Junior Champion. and toys are being collected. In several In the Girls' Schools Association sports we instances concerts have been held, both at secured third place in swimming. In the School and in private homes, to raise money athletic sports we were successful in winning for these institutions. It is worthy of mention the cup for the first time. Our thanks are that individual girls have in a number of due to Mr. A. G. Overend for his services as instances earned money by individual effort at announcer at both the swimming and athletic home. sports. During First Term Mr. Porter visited the Our own athletic sports are yet to come, but School to demonstrate the use of our new the athletic team competed in the Rosbercon epidiascope, which has proved invaluable sports, at which the junior team won the cup throughout the year for the showing of pictures. In the May vacation Miss Brown and several for first place, and in Camberwell Girls' Grammar School sports, at which the senior team of our girls joined with the main School in received a book for the School Library. the Central Australian Tour, of which Miss In the Association tennis matches our team Brown had much of interest to tell us. Her completed the first round of matches, finishing talk was illustrated by many interesting picequal with Shelf ord. A practice match was tures projected on the epidiascope. During Second Term Senior and Middle also played with Firbank. Owing to the present epidemic, the basket- School girls attended a screening of "As You ball season was not competed, but our ream Like It," and the Intermediate Form a pro-
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SILVER AND GREEN.
duction of "Julius Caesar," both plays being studied this year. In order to raise funds to buy books for the Library, a Dog Show was held on 12th June. The untiring efforts of Miss Sanders and the Library Committee, together with the support given by the girls and their friends, resulted in an entertaining and profitable afternoon, at which over El 1 was raised. The League of Nations Union has this year a membership of 45. Office-bearers are: President, F. White; secretary, R. Bromfield; treasurer, J. King. At the inaugural meeting new members were enrolled by Miss Constance Duncan, who spoke of her recent visit to China. A party of members also went to hear Dr. Koo's address in the Melbourne Town Hall. Discussions on current topics have been held from time to time. Girls have
given lectures on the organisation of the League of Nations and its work in different fields, and on the situation in Spain, China, and the Mediterranean. A successful debate was held on the subject, "That the League Has Failed." Although the affirmative side won the debate, all agreed that they were not prepared to state that it had failed. Our special choir of 25, under the able conductorship of Miss Stirling, was successful in winning, for the first time, the Association Choral Contest, held in Second Term. This would seem to indicate that a high standard of choral work has been reached in the School. June 30 saw the formation of an Old Collegians' Club for Old Girls of the Fred. J. Cato Branch. The foundation meeting was attended by 45 girls, which augurs well for the future of the Club.
SCHOOL AND HOUSE CAPTAINS OF THE FRED. J. CATO BRANCH. Standing (left to right): Joy Bywords (captain, Kawarau), Phyllis Staurenghi (captain, Kittani). Sitting: Ruth Bromfield (captain, Kerrie), Floss White (School captain), Joan Peverill (captain, Kooyong).
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Canterbury tranch 1937, up to the present, has been a very happy and progressive year at our Canterbury Branch. Very good results have followed keen enthusiasm in work and play. As the time for the annual sports with the Hawthorn School approached, our little competitors displayed keen joy in the preparation for the races. The important day arrived, and the Canterbury Juniors were much encouraged by winning several certificates. A delightful day was spent at the Zoological Gardens. Fresh interest was aroused in the study of animals and birds of the world. We are happily anticipating another excursion to the Botanic Gardens. Weekly lessons, over the wireless, in the essential subject of health, have been most beneficial to the juniors. Song time is one of keen joy in the junior room. The Percussion Band is still most popular. This year, as formerly, great interest has been shown in project work, especially at the time of the Coronation. Our first term concluded with a Coronation Party, when the room was suitably decorated with large flags and streamers, for which we thank Mr. Holt and Mrs. Dimmick. For assist-
ing with the tables, the help of Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Buckman and Mrs. Little and others was much appreciated. Recently the Government school inspector spent an afternoon at our branch, and, after giving the children examination tests and inspecting their books, he commended the good progress they were making, and remarked upon the modern method by which they were being taught. We were sorry that our former Head Mistress, Miss Hester, had to undergo severe medical treatment, but we are happy to say that she is home again and is regaining strength. Very good results followed the hospital appeals for jam and sugar, and also for the Anti-Cancer Campaign. Canterbury Branch is very grateful to Rev. E. H. 0. Nye for his kindness in giving his time each week for religious instruction. His illustrated lessons are most interesting. The Form captains, who were appointed at the beginning of the year, were Marion Little and Patricia Williams, who are carrying out their duties well.
Original Work Spring Birds. Dear little birdie, Up in the tree, Please come down And sing to me. We now do hear That spring is near, When blossoms appear Your song we'll hear. —Pat. Holt, 8 years, Canterbury
•
Thrushes. There are lovely little thrushes in our garden. They are brown with darker brown spots. In the morning and evening they sing a lovely song. There is a number of them that come on to the lawn and dig for their breakfast. Thrushes first put down their heads and listen to hear if there is a worm. If there is one, they push their beak into the ground and pull up the worm. They then fly off with it in their mouth. There is one that sits on a rose stake and sings nearly all the morning. One was very sick, and my little pal and I took care of him till he was better. Thrushes are lovely birds, and I like them the best of all my little feathered friends. - —Jocelyn Collocott, 7 years, Canterbury.
The Fairy. There once was a fairy who lived in a tree, And she was as pretty as pretty can be. Her dress was of silver, her wings were of gold, And she minded the birdies when they became old. • —Marion Little, 8 years, Canterbury.
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SILVER AND GREEN. Fairies.
Fairies are such pretty things, With golden hair and silver wings. They play about the sun all day, Until it gently fades away. Sometimes they all come out at night, And, oh, it is a lovely sight; With sparkling wands and pretty crowns, They each have smiles and never frowns. —Joan Buckman, 8 years, Canterbury.
A Robin. I saw a little robin Sitting on a tree. He had a tiny red breast, And sang so pleasantly. A naughty little pussy cat Was just about to spring, When the clever little robin Flew away and flapped his wing. —Marjorie Lowry, 8 years, Canterbury Branch.
Rabbits. Once upon a time there were two little bunnies. One was named Milly, and the other was Tilly. They were very proud of their nice, white fur, and kept it so clean. Milly was always getting into mischief, burrowing and scratching and getting into the garden to look for lettuces. One day, sad to tell, she was caught between some pieces of wood, and now she is in a little grave in the garden. Poor Tilly is very sad. —Margaret Marfleet, 7 years, Canterbury Branch.
The Robin. One day I saw a robin In a big, brown tree. It seemed to me that he Was as happy as could be. He had wings to fly with, And nice bright eyes to see. I looked at him for quite a while, And then he looked at me. —Norma Buckman, 7 years, Canterbury.
Events in Fairyland. Characters. Humpty Dumpty (H.D.). Jack (J.A.). Jill (J.I.). Miss Muffet (M.M.). Boy Blue (B.B.). Georgie Porgie (G.P.). Diddle Dumpling (D.D.). Tom, the Piper's Son (T.P.S.) . Old King Cole (O.K.C.). Og, Gog, and Magog (M.G.). A Boy Servant (B.S.). A Girl Servant (G.S.). Scene. A wall on which is seated H.D. A haystack is in the distance. Enter J.A. and J.I. J.A.: Hullo, Humpty Dumpty! H.D.: Hullo, where have you been? J.I.: Up the hill to get a pail of magic water. We'll put it in Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard. (Pause.) Humpty Dumpty, have you seen Bopeep lately? H.D.: No. J.I.: I haven't either. I thought she might be ill. (B.P. appears from behind wall, sob. bing.) H.D.: Has anything happened? B.P.: S-s-sheep—g-gone—s-stolen. J.I.: Stolen? B.P.: Yes. H.D.: Perhaps I might see them from my wall. (He looks round.) Yes, three boys, all carrying sheep. One. i think, is Georgie Porgie. (M.M. rushed in from behind wall.) M.M.: Help! Help! My curds and whey—a big spider eating them. J.A. (to J.I.) : Let's make our escape! We'll come back later. (Exit J.A. and J.I. When they are out they drop the pail.) B.P.: What was that? M.M.: Jack and Jill must be dead. (They rush out.) H.D.: They'll be back soon.
SILVER AND GREEN. (Enter M.M. with a chair, followed by J.A. She places him on it and starts to bandage him with vinegar and brown paper. B.P. comes in with a chair and J.I. limps after her. She is also put on the chair, and B.P. produces bandages and starts to patch her up.) B.P. (mournfully): Oh, poor Bo-Bo dear Peep, sweet ep-ep. They may even now be on a hook at the butcher's. H.D.: Do stop groaning! We'll find them. M.M. (dropping vinegar bottle): Look! look, there is that spider! He ate my curds and whey. Oh, save me, Jack. (J.A. gets up and limps across to investigate. He turns around and beckons. J.I. and M.M. and B.P. come.) J.A. (whispering): Quick, get the soldiers, Bo-peep! (B.P. runs out and returns with Og, Gog, and Magog.) M.G.: Here we are! What shall we do? J.A.: Get 'em! (They run round the haystack and each seize a prisoner. They drag them out. J.A., who is holding G.P., gets knocked over. G.P. turns to run out, but H.D. conies to the rescue. He trips as he seizes G.P., who falls, too; B.B. being handcuffed. Og comes and secures G.P. The other prisoners are secure, and so H.D. is taken out on a stretcher. J.A. is taken out, too.) M.M.: This is terrible. Poor Jack! (Enter B.S. and G.S.) G.S.: The king is coming. B.S.: The king is coming. (Enter O.K.C. Og, Gog, and M.G. follow, carrying his train. He looks sternly at the villains.) O.K.C.: I am taking no explanations from you. You are all my prisoners. D.D.: But— O.K.C.: Silence. Og, take them out! B.P.: But my sheep. G.P.: They're outside. (B.P. runs out and is heard off-stage saying, "Their tails are gone.) O.K.C.: You others must come to the palace for a treat to-morrow. —Ailsa Thomson, age 10 years. IV.c, Cato.
49 This—For Me.
Perhaps you've seen wide beaches, With their gently rushing waves, And long and limpid shallows In which the children bathe, And tiny, lapping wavelets, With their soft and lovely sound, Are swishing in the cavelets, While the white gulls soar around. But for all this quiet and beauty, By the calm and clear blue sea, The white and open beaches Are ne'er the place for me. Perhaps you've seen fern gullies, And heard the soft drip, drip Of the tiny, trickling streamlets, Which 'tween the moss'd stones slip; The tall and stately fern trees, Retreat of the lyre bird, Are swayed by whisp'ring breezes, And long,, soft fronds are stirred. But for all this sighing stillness, Where the wattle swings in his tree, These picturesque fern gullies Are ne'er the place for me. Perhaps you've seen wild moorlands, O'er them the four winds sweep, And, with his white tail bobbing, A rabbit runs over your feet. And sometimes 'mid the grey rocks, Down in a warm, snug hole, You find the cubs with mother fox, And see them play and roll. Perhaps you've seen the moors in spring, When the yellow gorse is out, The open fen is gay with gold, Scattered by gnomes, no doubt. And then small, brown field-mice Scamper after the leaves, While the tiny, speckled skylark Carols above in glee. And in all this joy and gladness, Where life is oh! so free, I find that there is no sadness, So this is the place for me! —Jean Kemp, Lower V.a, age 13, Berry House.
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The Voice of the School To the Editress of "Silver and Green." Dear Madam,— It was with heartfelt joy that I heard the announcement that our School was to be rebuilt. I see before me new air-conditioned brick buildings, with large plate-glass windows not frosted over, and comfortable single desks. May I humbly present some new ideas for the Form rooms? As the powers that be seem to think it necessary that senior Forms should live in elevated splendour, would it not be a good idea to have automatic lifts? Think of all the time that would be saved! The exercise obtained from climbing up and down numerous stairs could be received from a more enjoyable source, such as tennis or basket-ball. As many martyrs to hard work know, it is very awkward to open a door with both arms full. If electric rays were installed, when one approached the door, thus cutting the ray, it would open gladly and shut behind when you were inside. It is, of course, absolutely necessary that there be a means of showing films in each room. The teacher's voice would be saved for better things, and history, geography, and science would become bearable (perhaps). On this hopeful note I close. Trusting you will consider my suggestions seriously, I am, yours sincerely, Sanguine Student. To the Editress of "Silver and Green." Dear Madam,— After intense consideration, we have come to the conclusion that you, being an authority on such matters, may be able to efficiently solve this problem. We have noted the rapidly increasing number of persons smitten by the following malady, which shows signs of becoming more prevalent in the School. The symptoms are determined as follows. The sufferer— (1) Gazes with doglike devotion and adoration. (2) Elongates her neck during the halfhour worship at the beginning of the day.
( 3 ) Bashfully traverses the quadrangle bearing floral tokens of her affections. (4) At the mellow sound of the enchanting voice, the temperature rises, the pulse increases in velocity, the face becomes suffused with colour, and multitudinous girlish ripples issue. We shall be gratified if you can diagnose this dread disease and prescribe a remedy. Do you favour isolation? Two Immunes. (We think that this may be the paralysis, not "infantile," but "adolescent" species. The sufferer must not on any account be kissed. It is infectious, but rarely fatal. Average duration a fortnight. The organ most affected is the "bump of common sense," which becomes at times a deep depression.—Ed.) To the Editress of "Silver and Green." Dear Madam,— Can nothing be done to certain small individuals who haunt the entrances to staff and prefect common rooms? They are a source of great annoyance to both the staff and the prefects, who do their level best to discourage them. Perhaps if they realised just how embarrassing their looks of adoration are to the people concerned, they would be more considerate. Would isolation of the various sufferers stop the spread of the disease? Hoping for your co-operation.—I am, yours etc., S.P. ("Would the gods the gif tie gi'e us To see ourselves as others see us."—Ed.) To the Editress of "Silver and Green." Dear Madam,— Is it too much to ask why the senior girls, other than the prefects and boarders, are not permitted to stroll about the M.L.C. lawns?— Beauty Lover. Yours, (As far as we know, Editresses have been asked this question in "Silver and Green" for the past six years. Kindly refer to back numbers for your answer.—Ed.)
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To the Editress of "Silver and Green." Dear Madam,—
To the Editress of "Silver and Green."
Is it any wonder that the boarders aren't beautiful? (Nothing personal is intended.) Why are they not beautiful? We think we have solved the problem. They get no beauty sleep. They are torn from slumber, 0 say it not! at 6.25 a.m. We implore you! Is it fair that the beauty of these young damsels be so ruthlessly destroyed? Two of 'Em.
I do not usually complain, but may I bring before your notice the fact that, although we have an excellent library (with many excellent contents), it is spoilt by its most undignified entrance. It is a most unpleasant experience, after scrambling over desks, to bang forcefully into a cupboard. Why must we bear this constant annoyance, when, with a little attention on the part of the authorities, it could be removed? —Yours hopefully, Darned Tunic.
(We consider this a personal insult. Kindly direct your complaints through another channel.—Ed.) To the Editress of "Silver and Green." Dear Madam,—
Dear Madam,—
(We sympathise, but protest. Surely our excellent library is worth the difficulty of entrance.—Ed.)
A kind word is never out of place. May I take this opportunity of thanking the staff for their good sportsmanship? I think that M.L.C. is unique in having a staff who will challenge and play school teams. Congratulations, 0 staff, on your victories.—Yours etc., Appreciative. (We join you in expressing a widespread appreciation.—Ed.) To the Editress of "Silver and Green." Dear Madam,— We are all proud of our main building, with its air of antiquity, its creeper-covered walls, and Gothic architecture. But! What have we here? What is this we find above the main entrance? A blue enamel light-shade! 0 surely it cannot be wrong to suggest that a little money be spent to procure a period lantern for our doorway? Surely everyone must realise the jarring note struck by this article (in the appearance of the central door). As a last resource, we might purloin one of the unused ornamental lanterns from the tuck shop to grace our portals. Hoping this eyesore may one day be removed, I remain, Yours sincerely, Artist. (You have our sympathy. Unfortunately, to be strictly "in period," the light would have to be removed altogether.—Ed.)
Acknowledgment of Contemporaries. The Editress wishes to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of the following magazines: —"The Brook," "The Carey Chronicle," "Coo-ee," "The Melburnian," "The Metre," "Patchwork," "The Pegasus," and any others that may have been inadvertently omitted. —Editor.
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SILVER AND GREEN. The Joys of Being an Editress.
What can I not say in favour of the joys of being an editress? I have the honour to be a personal friend of the present incumbent, and have often basked in her reflected glory. How often have I seen a crowd of cheeky juniors gaze with awe on the back of her retreating tunic, or look with reverence at the inkspots on her nose and cuffs! It is a sight as refreshing to the mind as to the eye. Yet I have seen this august person pass a damp hand over a fevered brow while uttering a moan of pain. The first time it took me by surprise, and in a voice in which alarm and compassion were mingled, "Why?" I asked her. "Wherefore?" With a hysterical laugh she pointed a trembling finger at a sheet of pale blue paper covered with delicate characters scrawled in
green ink. I understood, and expressed my silent sympathy. "And the instructions said so clearly," she moaned, "to write on foolscap. Look at this!" And, foaming at the mouth, she waved before my startled eyes a slip of paper about two inches square. "That's another contribution— and I'm expected not to lose them." She raved. I placed a cooling hand on her forehead. "Diddums," I soothed her. But she sprang from me with a wild cry. "I've forgotten where I left those Form notes," she shrieked, and, wringing her hands, she fled from the room. Friends, I have seen that girl fade to a mere shadow of her former self. She has trod the happy paths of duty hollow-eyed. Last time I saw her she was striding feverishly up and down the room trying to get an idea for an editorial. Such is the thorny path of greatness! —Anon.
BASEBALL TEAM. S. Cockfield, B. Raymont, M. Whittaker, E. Robertson, V. Kerr (captain), L. Barnett, L. McConchie, S. Ebbott, J. Barnett.
Photographs by Mendelssohn Studios.
Spectator Publishing Co., Printers, Melbourne.