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THE LUCERNIAN The MAGAZINE of the PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS' COLLEGE — GEELONG —

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Editresses : JUNE BACKWELL, JUDITH JOHNSON

Editorial Committee : BARBARA CLIFFORD, BETTIE CHISHOLM, JEAN DAVIDSON, MARGARET HENDERSON, HEATHER STEWART, MARY STRICKLAND

Vol. 2.

No. 12

GEELONG: G. Mercer & Co. Pty. Ltd., Printers, 16 Malop Street

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CONTENTS Page 4

School Office-Bearers ..

5

Letter from Miss Pratt

5

Council Notes ..

6

Calendar of School Events

7

School Notes

11

Editorial

..

House Notes

14

.

Prefects' Notes

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16

Boarders' Notes

16

Kindergarten Notes

17

Sport

18

..

School Activities— Social Service Notes

19

Music Club

21

International Affairs

21

Christian Union

22

Museum Notes

22

Camera Club

22

Literary and Debating Society

22

Dramatic Club ..

23

Literary Report

23

Fifth Geelong Girl Guide Company

24

Old Collegians' Association— Annual Report

25,

Engagements, Marriages, Births

26

Notes on Old Girls

27

Speech Night, 1940

27

Prize List ..

27

Original Contributions

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31

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Office-Bearers

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The Headmistress (Miss G. Pratt, M.A.) is Patron of all School Societies Prefects : Heather Stewart (Senior Prefect), Jean Davidson, Jean Blackwood, Barbara Clifford, Lois Johns, Mary Strickland, Margaret Henderson, Judy Johnson, Marjorie Cooke, Margaret Neilson, Marjorie Munro.

Probationers : Bettie Chisholm, Isobel Arnott, Norma Middleton, Loris Thomson, Ida Brewster, Betty Steel, June Backwell.

Ardens House : Vice-Captain : Eileen Sharpe.

Captain : Judy Johnso n.

Harris House : Vice-Captain : Ida Brewster.

Captain : Jean Davidso n.

Lawson House : Vice-Captain : June Backwell.

Captain : Mary Strickla nd.

Roslyn House : Vice-Captain : Jean Blackwood.

Captain : Betty Selma n.

Library : Miss Dunoon and Miss Lothian. Librarian : Barbara Clifford.

Committee : Bettie Chisholm, Pam Muckner, Isobel Arnott, Loris Thomson, Margaret Parkes, Betty Steel.

Literary and Debating Society : Miss Cowling, Judy Johnson, Heather Stewart, Jean Davidson, Jean Blackwood, Barbara Clifford.

Social Service : Miss Hosking, Barbara Clifford, Marjorie Cooke.

Christian Union : Miss Booth and Miss Dunoon, Margaret Neilson.

International League : Miss Wood, Heather Stewart, Isobel Arnott.

Museum Curators : Miss Booth, Marjorie Munro.

Music Club : Miss Wadelton and Miss Madden, Jean Blackwood, Betty Steel, Jean Davidson, Marjorie Gerrand, Bettie Chisholm.

Camera Club : Miss Wellard, Lois Johns.

Form Captains : Honours VI., Jean Blackwood ; Pass VI., Marjorie Cooke; V., Dorothy Doull ; VA., Rhonda McKay ; IVC., Judith Beach ; IVB., Ruth Lowson ; IVA, Dorothy Brownlees ; III., Marjorie Henry.

E

ACH one of us has a life to live and, therefore, an attitude to form towards it. Lord Bacon, in analysing life in one of his poems says this : " What then remains but that we should cry, Not to be born, or being born, to die."

This is a cowardly attitude to escape the issue — it shows the desire not to be hurt by life and to seek protection in death. To avoid this attitude and its consequences, it is necessary that we find some purpose in our lives, some high ideal to work towards. In times such as these, when so many brave young men are giving up their lives that we may live, we should make it our aim to build a far, far better world out of the ruins of the old, so that our sons will not have to march off to battle twenty years hence. If we think about the world we live in now, our plans for a new order will be ready to put into practice when this war is over.

Let us have a world with equal opportunities for all — where everyone has enough money to be physically and men-

tally efficient. There must no longer be such inequality in the distribution of wealth in our new world. We must each develop a feeling of responsibility towards our neighbours as well as towards each other, so that we may become selfgoverning and so decentralize our Government. We must develop a friendly feeling towards other nations by banishing the jealousies caused by the need for markets and the importance of prestige.

We must banish our hunger for material possessions and strive only to make this world a better place to live in.

If we make this our aim, and reach it, we will have made our lives worthwhile, and will have justified our existence. But to be successful we must always remember that we are Christians, and keep the ideals of Christianity before us. The basis of the practice of Christianity is love, through whose influence we are raised above pettiness and self, and are enabled to understand and sympathise with man and all creation. It is love which is, as Shelley puts it : " The saviour and the strength of suffering man."

TO THE GIRLS OF MORONGO PAST AND PRESENT My Dear Girls,— Before I end my work and leave Geelong, I want to thank you one and all for the twenty-two happy years I have spent with you, first at Roslyn, and afterwards at Morongo.

You have given me many pleasant memories to take away with me of the work we have done together, the fun we have shared, and your friendly companionship.

I shall miss you all very much, and miss Morongo, with its lovely garden, its birds and trees and delightful sur-

roundings ; I am glad to have had all this, just as I am sprry to lose it all.

It is good to know that Miss Shaw is to be my successor. She does not come as a stranger, but as a friend, with a very real knowledge of the School and its needs. She has won for herself an important place in education, and under her wise and capable direction, Morongo will continue to advance and add to its reputation.

I know that you will give her the same warm and generous support that you have so constantly given me in the past.

I am, yours sincerely, Gertrude Pratt,

THE LUCERNIAN

COUNCIL NOTES

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HIS has been a year of great importance to the School. It will end the active association with Morongo of Miss Pratt, who is retiring from the position of Head Mistress after twenty-two years of wonderful service through the School to the community. The value of her influence cannot be measured in money. It transcends all material standards. Its price is beyond that of rubies, for its richness is to be found in the beauty of young life which she has fashioned and developed. Hers has been a life of rare opportunity, for just as the potter moulds the clay, Miss Pratt has, with infinite patience and devotion, sought to mould the lives entrusted to her into patterns of beauty and usefulness. That she has succeeded no one will deny. In the years of her retirement her mind will surely often turn to the results of her endeavours, and she will think of the many girls who have responded to her guidance and who have gone out into the world with lives sweetened by their association with Morongo, to become leaders in their community. There may be some, Miss Pratt will know, who have disregarded her advice and who have not acquired the grace and beauty of character that she has sought to develop in every girl among the thousands that have been her pupils at Morongo.

It has been my privilege to come into contact with many parents of present and past scholars, and I know they appreciate to the full the development of their children under Miss Pratt's wise and sympathetic guidance. I have received many letters from Old Collegians since Miss Pratt announced her retirement, and it would bring joy to her heart if she knew the kindly and gracious sentiments that many of them have expressed concerning her. I mention this simply to indicate to the present pupils that they will realise in days to come that to be pupils of Miss

Pratt has been a wonderful privilege for them.

I recently read a little book called " Up." The author writes one of his talks before an open fireplace. He soliloquizes by saying : " As the match is applied to the fine kindling and slender sticks, there is a bursting of flames and heat like Youth. Then, as the larger logs take their flames, there is an evenness and intensity, according to the quality of wood — like Early and Middle life. Then there is a lessening of blazing heat and warmth, and soon simply a mass of coals— wonderful and remarkable, comforting and quiet and inspiring . . ."

This simple simile suggests that we should try and make our lives like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it.

In addressing the present pupils I would say that your lives .are of paramount importance to the world to-day.

These are sad days, and much of the material beauty of the world is being shattered as the result of the ambition of one man mad with the lust of power, anti-Christ in his belief and a betrayer of all the decencies of life. Until he is crushed, we have to endure the hideousYou have been reading ness of war. about the wonderful courage of those people in England and Scotland who, despite the loss of their loved ones and the destruction of their cherished possessions, still carry on without complaint, because to them consideration for others outweighs their own personal affairs.

They who are enduring these terrible hardships and those who are in the fighting lines have but one object, and that is to make the future safe for you and generations yet to come. Your fathers are sacrificing in two ways — one, as loyal citizens in meeting the heavy war commitments by way of taxation, and, again, by sending you to Morongo, so that when our enemies are defeated and

THE LUCERNIAN

7

human nature in sacrifice and comradeship are brought to light. Yes, the finest things of life are immortal, and so, in your school days, it should be your ambition to preserve and develop these finer things of life which Miss Pratt has earnestly endeavoured to implant in your minds. r It is her hope that the seed she has sewn will grow so that your lives will become beautiful.

In her days of retirement that hope Our will be uppermost in her mind. united wish is that she may be long spared to enjoy the leisure she so richly deserves.

life becomes normal again, you will have been fitted to take your places worthily in the community. Don't give up hope for the future. There are many things that the destructive powers of man cannot destroy.

To think of these things brings an inward quiet and peace to our minds, even The stars still at the present time. shine. The sun still rises and sets. Birds sing. Little streams still dance merrily on their way. Flowers bloom and retain their fragrance. Mother love, which I hope you appreciate, is immortal. Even in time of war, many beautiful traits of 0

CALENDAR OF SCHOOL EVENTS January 12th. School resumed. A special service to mark the beginning of the School year was held in the Assembly Hall at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 12th February. The Rev. W. E. Watkins, the School Chaplain, gave the address. After wishing the girls a happy new year at school, he said that they must make this year even better than last year, and urged them to make use of opportunities, pointing out that, from the ordinary things around us, we can fashion beautiful and useful things.

Because Dr. McPhee, President of the School Council, was unable to be present, Mr. 0. C. Hearne spoke on behalf of the Council, and welcomed everybody back to School. Mr. Hedley, on behalf of the Parents' Association, and Miss Harding, President of the Old Collegians, also extended a welcome, both to new girls and to everyone coming back to School after the holidays.

After thanking the speakers for thUr kindness in coming to this service, Miss Pratt wished the School a happy and useful year, which, she said, necessitates cooperation. No girl was too small to help, she said, and the attitude of each

girl makes or mars the tone of the School. She also impressed on the girls the pleasure and profit to be gained from reading, saying how much it stimulates our thinking, and " what we think, that we become."

April 5th. Easter vacation commenced.

April 16th. School resumed.

April 17th. To swell the funds of the Old Girls for building a " Gertrude Pratt " Hall, Beryl Eaton gave us a very enjoyable piano recital. She played works by Mozart and Schubert and told us some delightful little stories about Mozart. We appreciated not only Beryl's contribution to the funds for the hall, but also the music she played.

April 22nd. Shakespeare Day celebrations were held, and scenes from several of his plays were acted. Miss Cowling gave us a very interesting talk about Shakespeare, and Barbara Clifford outlined the story of " Macbeth," two scenes from which were performed by girls from the Honours Form. The VIth Form presented the next two scenes of the play, and Marjorie Cooke outlined the ending of the play.

THE LUCERNIAN The story of " As You Like It " was told by Pat Moreton, and scenes from the play were acted by the Vth Form.

I VC Form presented a scene from " A Midsummer Night's Dream," and Dorothy Kendall gave the story of the play.

April 23rd. Conservatorium Concert.

Mr. Crow's duties as Acting Director of the Conservatorium prevented him from being present. The artists were Mr. Alan Eddy, Miss Upton and Mr. Noel Nickson. Mr. Eddy's singing, as usual, was very popular, especially his rendering of " Matilda " and " Jim." Mr. Nickson charmed us all with his violin. " The Song of India," by Rimsky-Korsakoff, was enjoyed perhaps most. Miss Upton's playing on the piano was also very enjoyable. Unfortunately, this was the only Conservatorium concert we have had this year, and they were sadly missed, as all girls look forward eagerly to hearing the excellent music which is played.

April 25th. The Anzac Memorial Service was conducted by the School Chaplain, the Rev. W. E. Watkins. During the service, June Backwell read Laurence Binyon's poem, " For the Fallen," the School Choir sang " 0 Valiant Hearts," and Heather Stewart gave the reading.

Mr. Watkins explained that Anzac Services should not be discontinued, as they were held in memory of the men who fought in the last war. We must not be sentimental about Anac Day, but we should remember Nurse Edith Cavell's words, " Patriotism is not enough." The right practice was to carry on the task that the men of the last war had left us. In Lincoln's words, " We must not only remember, but we must highly resolve," so that they should not have died in vain.

May 3rd (Old Girls' Day). An amusing game of basket-ball was played by the senior team against the Old Girls, who showed that they had not entirely forgotten the art of playing.

May 10th. A baseball match was arranged between the Staff and VIth Form. The Staff defeated the girls, 45-16 runs. However, even though our prestige was lowered, twenty-four shillings were collected for Red Cross funds, which more than compensated for our loss.

May 15th. First Term vacation.

Term II. June 4th. School resumed.

June 25th. After the morning assembly, several members of the School Council came out to the School to speak to us. Dr. McPhee told us that Miss Pratt, after her long and invaluable term of service, had announced her wish to retire from her position. Feeling that she knew best, the Council had accepted her decision, and had appointed Miss Shaw as her successor. Dr. McPhee spoke of Miss Pratt's influence on the School and how much she would be missed in the coming year. His remarks were supported by Mr. Hearne. We gave three hearty cheers for Miss Pratt and three more for Miss Shaw.

July 8th. Mr. Crosbie Morrison, Editor of " Wild Life " Nature Magazine, visited the School with his wife.

Mr. Morrison told us about the interest of Nature, and how we could find it in our own gardens if we but care to look. He told us how a flower attracts the attention of the bees by having brightly-coloured petals and a delicate scent, and sometimes by markings on its petals to guide the bees to the honey.

Mr. Morrison also told us some interesting facts about the Great Barrier Reef, which were of special interest to the senior girls. He also donated a complete set of " Wild Life " to the Library, and his kind thought was greatly appreciated.

July 10th. Rev. A. Simpson spoke to the members of the Christian Union about Jerusalem. In his lecture, he

THE LUCERNIAN counted a journey through Jerusalem, and Mr. Simpson brought a map on which to trace his journey. We thank Mr. Simpson for his very interesting talk.

July 15th. Miss Brown addressed the Christian Union members. She spoke of the formation and work of the Student Christian Movement, members of which can be found all over the world to-day, even in such places as internment camps and dug-outs. It had been introduced in Spain and other countries, where it has helped students to overcome international and language barriers. We should all he proud to belong to such a wonderful movement.

July 16th. About thirty of the senior girls went out to the Geelong Grammar School to witness a demonstration given by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, showing how incendiary bombs are dealt with and the damage they can do. We were amused by several bombs which failed to explode, and the progress of a fireman, clad in asbestos, through the flames ; this amusement helped to dispel the awful thoughts which crowded our minds of the havoc that must have been caused in Europe by bombs.

As we had to wait some time for the bus to return to School, some of the boys took us out on the lagoon in their yachts.

July 18th. Long week-end.

August 8th (League of Nations Day).

The Senior Prefect gave the reading, " The Ideal King," after which the Choir sang " 0, Brother Man." Miss Pratt explained the purpose of the League and Judy Johnson explained its form and aims. An account of the League's successes was given by Loris Thomson. Jean Bull told of the work the League had been doing since the war, and Heather Stewart concluded the assembly by reading a letter written by Professor Woodruff to the girls and boys of Victoria, telling us what we should do to keep alive in our hearts the League's ideals.

August 14th. Miss Watkins, who had just returned from Korea, spoke to the members of the Christian Union, telling them of experiences in that country with the lepers and the work which had been done to help them. She told us an amusing story, illustrating the lepers' gratefulness to Sir James Noble, who had helped them ; they built a gateway in memory of him (the Koreans do not wait until a person dies before they erect a memorial to him).

We were very grateful to Miss Watkins for her very interesting talk.

August 21st. Miss Morey, the secretary of the Y.W.C.A. Movement, spoke to us of her experiences at the World Youth Conference in America, and at a Y.W.C.A. Conference in Canada.

Miss Morey also spoke of the needs of the women in uniform and their work in Britain and other places ; of their work in the lonely stations of the " ack-ack " units, and of those who drive ambulances. The Y.W.C.A. has erected huts for these women to go to when off duty ; they need money not only to build more huts, but to replace those which have been destroyed by bombs, Miss Morey told us. We all took " huts " to sell, and the sum of X.31 was raised for the Y.W.C.A. appeal, largely through the energetic work of our Senior Prefect.

August 25th. Miss Kerr spoke to us of her work in Korea. She told us some interesting stories of the Koreans' quaint customs to protect themselves from evil spirits. The early missionaries were persecuted severely by the natives, who did not wish that Christian ideals should spread throughout their land.

August 26th. The dramatic performance was held. In spite of an apprehensive forecast, it was quite as successful as previous performances. The play presented was " Come Out of the Kitchen," an amusing story of the struggles of four American children to raise money while their father was ill in Europe.

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THE LUCERNIAN

August 28th. A basket-ball match between the staff and prefects was arranged, as it was the last day of term.

About 30/- was raised for Red Cross funds.

Term III. September 29th. The principal of the " Mooroolbeek " Kindergarten Training College visited the School, together with Nancy Steel, an Old Girl at present training at the College, and Miss Fraser and Miss Westman. Miss Paul told us of the valuable service that kindergarten teachers give to the community, helping the little children who live in the slums to learn to live properly. Kindergarten teachers were required, and Miss Paul urged any girls who had not yet decided on their careers to think strongly about one such as this. Nancy told us of her enjoyable life at " Mooroolbeek " and of her work.

October 12th. Annual Church Service at St. David's. The School Choir had the important task of filling the choir seats this year, as the Old Girls who usually do this were unable to have practices.

However, this innovation was most successful, the anthem, " Brother James' Air," being very well sung. Professor McLeish gave the sermon. He discussed the question, " Should I give myself to God " ? To those of the senior girls who have been asking themselves the very same question, the sermon was particularly interesting.

Miss Glover played the organ, and many thanks are due to her training for this work, as well -as for the training of the Choir. Jean Davidson also deserves our thanks for her hard work with the Choir in taking their practices.

October 18th (Sports Day). We were fortunate in having a fine, sunny day for Sports Day, and there was a large attendance of parents and friends of the School. Everything ran very smoothly, thanks to the splendid organisation of Miss Peck. It was a most picturesque

sight to see the girls of the four houses marching on to the field for their ballgames contests, and again when they lined up in a semi-circle to hear the announcement of the results. Ardens won the Margaret Shannon Cup ; Judy Johnson was Senior Champion ; Ida Brewster Under 16 Champion ; Margaret Toyne Junior Champion ; and Alison Williams Preparatory Champion.

November 7th (Hobbies Day). A great many parents and friends attended Hobbies Day. The garden was looking its best, and was full of bright colours in the sunshine. In the Assembly Hall was an exhibition of arts and crafts work, under the supervision of Miss Howard.

Round the walls were drawings and posters, while arranged on tables were hand-woven scarves, leather belts and bags, book - ends, lampshades and toys.

Examples of work done in dressmaking and cooking were also very attractive, and the Camera Club had arranged an interesting show of photographs, and also held three competitions, which were kindly judged by Mr. Webb, from Geelong College.

The Lower School, Kindergarten and Nursery School had a fascinating show of handwork, including toys, Noah'sArks, and friezes, and the Chinese Exhibition arranged by Miss Wellard, comThe School pletely filled the Library. company of Guides had a stall, the proceeds of which went to the funds for the relief of the victims of bombing, and a charge was made for afternoon tea, the proceeds going to Red Cross funds.

November 11th. We celebrated Armistice Day with a special assembly at 10.45 a.m. Miss- Pratt spoke of the need for keeping Armistice Day. Though we may think, now that we are at war again, that Armistice Day has lost some of its significance, we keep it because those who died in the last war died for an ideal ; it is the ideal that we remember.

Miss Pratt told us that we must spend

THE LUCERNIAN

the two minutes' silence, not passively, but actively resolving to be the best that we can be, so that those men shall not have died in vain. She said that the thought of each individual influences the thought of the nation, for a nation is made up of individuals, so that it is important for each one of us to have the highest ideals.

Miss Haase read the poem, " Remembrance Day," by William Tainsh, after which we had a prayer, and then at 11 o'clock, two minutes' silence. The assembly ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

November 16th. The School company of Guides attended the Civic Service arranged by the Mayor of Geelong in Johnstone's Park.

November 24th. We were honoured by a visit from the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, the Right Reverend Dr. C. N. Button, who The School spoke to us at assembly.

Chaplain, the Rev. W. E. Watkins, took assembly, and then Dr. Button addressed us. He spoke about the purpose of education for girls, and asked us to think of

11

ourselves as " those little things that grow into women," to use Barrie's words.

The world needs good women even more than it needs good men, he said, for the power of women in the world is so great that, in a sense, they may be said to rule the world. The chief thing we go to school for is to learn how to grow up into the right sort of women—a woman with good manners, good taste, good judgment, with kindly feelings and consideration. He pointed out the truth of Sir Walter Scott's words, " I have learned to consider all education but moonshine, except the education of the heart." Dr. Button's speech was both entertaining and very interesting, and we all enjoyed it very much indeed.

Dr. Button thanked Miss Pratt on behalf of the Presbyterian Church for her twenty-two years of devoted service to the Church through the School.

In thanking Dr. Button for coming to speak to us, Miss Pratt said we owed him a great debt for his visit and his most interesting speech, which expressed so well and so simply the ideals of education.

0

SCHOOL. NOTES MISS PR.ATT HIS is the last issue of the Lucernian to be published under the Headmistressship of Miss Pratt. It seems difficult to think of " Morongo " without her, as, for the past twenty-two years, she has guided the life of the School, and, while staff and girls have come and gone, we have come to think of her as an initial part in the working of the School.

Not only present girls, but Old Girls, owe much to Miss Pratt for her kindly and tolerant influence and understanding. The high principles and the true

T

Christian ideals set before us will be a guide and inspiration to us throughout our lives, and help us to face difficulties with the same courage as she herself has shown.

The School has made great progress since Miss Vratt was appointed Headmistress, when the Presbyterian Church chose " Roslyn " as the nucleus of a school in Geelong in 1919. In 1927 the School had enlarged so much that it had to be moved to its present site on Bell Post Hill, and from then on has steadily increased in numbers.

(ssa-Ps!alPEaH) "wiN `,L,Lvaci 'D SSIW

THE LUCERNIAN

13

MISS PECK To Miss Pratt fell the difficult task of • piloting' the School through the depresDuring the year Miss Peck joined the sion, a task 'which she performed with W.A.A.A.F's., and although she did not great success. wish to leave us until the end of the We will always remember her with year, owing to an error she was called Timmy, her faithful little dog, whom she up early in third term, but managed to has carefully nursed through. many ill- be with us till after the sports. We prenesses, and we hope that he will be with sented Miss Peck with a rug, a note-case .and a pencil, to show her how grateful her for many years to come. we are for all the work she has done for Although Miss Pratt is leaving us, the the School, not only in the field of sport, fine tradition she has fostered Will re- but in all parts of the School. Her main to influence the past, present and ability and her competence in all her future girls of our School. offices was amazing. We feel her absence deeply, but sincerely hope she is very MISS SHAW. happy in her new life, and wish her the We should like to take this opportunity best of luck. of extending a hearty welcome to Miss REV. A. SIMMS Shaw, our new Headmistress. Miss Shaw is coming to us from Glenosmond, Some of us. remember Mr. Simms- as the Presbyterian School for girls in Ade- •the School Chaplain for several years, laide, but she is no stranger to us,_ for and we were deeply grieved to hear of she was for some years a member of the staff of " Morongo " while the School his death. During the years that he was still at Roslyn, before it moved out spent in Geelong he was an active memto the present site on Bell Post Hill. We ber of the School Council and took a keen -hope that she will be very happy here, interest in all School activities. Even and assure her that we shall do every- when he left Geelong, his interest in the thing in our power to make her so.

School continued. We extend our sympathy to Mrs. Simms, Pat, and the other We were very sorry to lose two mem- members of the family. bers of the staff for part of the year-MISS L. McPHILLIMY Miss McKay and Miss Pillow—both of whom became during first term, and It was with great regret that we had to leave us for a time. They both heard of the death of Miss McPhillimy. returned during second term, and we She has always been a friend of the were very happy to see them back again.

School, and it is to her we owe the grand However, Miss McKay was not strong piano in 'the Assembly Hall. Together enough to take up all her work after her with her sister, she presented us with return, and so the girls taking Intermethe apparatus in the domestic science diate Chemistry and Leaving Certificate kitchen ; she remembered us, too, in her Mathematics and Chemistry, had lessons will. at Geelong College to supplement the work done at school. We should like to MR. D. F. GRIFFITHS thank Mr. Rolland and the masters of We were all very sorry to hear of the Geelong College for their willingness to death of Mr. D. F. Griffiths. Mr. Grifco-operate in this; the girls have= found fiths has always been a friend of the most helpful the work that they have School, and has taken an interest in its done there, life and welfare. For many years he has

14

THE LUCERNIAN

been Father Christmas at the Kindergarten Christmas parties, and helped to make these parties very happy.

During the year a number of visitors from Malaya interested in Australian schools, have visited us, including an inspector of schools from Malaya. Another interesting visitor was Mr. Thomson, who has not visited " Morongo " since 1867, when it was a private house.

He remarked that, except for the School building and the Cubicles block, there was little change, and he remembered the gardens perfectly. He said that even the stables were the same, though, when he was here before, a herd of alpacas used to graze near them.

We are very proud to hear of three of our Old Girls who are serving their country. Alison Simson has been called up for service as a masseuse at Heidelberg Military Hospital, and Dora Riddle and Ailsa Storrer are both serving as nurses overseas. \N- e should like to thank Mr. G. F. Walter for the gift of a picture containing scenes illustrating Burns' poem, " Tam o' Shanter."

ARDENS HOUSE Both our Captain and Vice-Captain left last year, and Judy Johnson and Eileen Sharpe were elected to take their places.

Activities began this year with the Swimming Sports, and although we were not successful, we wish to congratulate Harris on their victory.

This year we have been quite successful in work and sport, being second in first term and leading in second term for the shield for work and sport combined; needless to say, we are eagerly awaiting the results of third term.

This year 'we are very proud to be the winners of the Margaret Shannon Cup,

which had been held by Lawson for four consecutive years. We would like to thank the girls for their keen co-operation on Sports Day, and are proud that two of the champions—Alison Williams and Judy Johnson—are Ardens girls.

The house music competitions took place during third term, and we are glad that Ardens was successful in this sphere also.

We were not successful in the basketball or tennis matches this year, but we would like to congratulate Roslyn and Lawson on their victories. The baseball shield is still being contested.

The following girls gained their house colours last year : Gwen McKeon—Basket-ha 11.

Lois Johns—Tennis.

Eileen Sharpe—Baseball.

We would like to thank our house mistresses, Miss Booth and Miss Wood, for their help and interest throughout the year, and take this opportunity to welcome all new girls to the House, hoping that they will play their part in keeping the Ardens flag flying.

HARRIS HOUSE " Not failure, but low aim is crime."

This year we did not have to elect a Captain, as Jean Davidson was back to carry on. However, Rosemary Weddell had left us, and Ida Brewster was elected Vice-Captain in her place.

We started the year well by being successful in the swimming sports for the third year in succession. We congratulate Marjorie Field, the senior swimming champion, and Pam Miickner (a member of Harris), the junior champion.

Our teams were a little more successful this year, although we did not reach the top. Our congratulations are extended to all houses who have been successful in tennis, baseball and basket-ball,

THE LUCERNIAN On Sports Day we did surprisingly We heartily well, by coming second. congratulate' Ida, our Vice-Captain, on winning the under 16 championship. Our congratulations are also extended to Ardens; the Winning house, and the other three champions—Judy Johnson, Margaret Toyne and Alison Williams.

In the house singing competitions, Ardens was successful, and Harris came second. W e congratulate Ardens on their excellent effort.

Our thanks are due to Miss Evans, Miss Dunoon and Dr. Ascher, our house mistresses, for their support throughout the year.

To the girls who are leaving we wish the best of luck in whatever work they are taking up, and to those who are returning we leave the task of helping the new girls on their way and upholding the motto of our house.

LAWSON HOUSE Mary Strickland, last year's ViceCaptain, automatically became our Captain, and June Backwell was elected Vice-Captain.

There were several newcomers to our house, who were duly welcomed. We have had quite a successful year, winning the tennis shield and having the most number of points towards the baseball shield. We were third in the swimming sports, and congratulate Harris on their victory.

Unfortunately, we were last in the athletic sports, but one of our members, Margaret Toyne, was Preparatory Champion. We congratulate the victorious house, Ardens.

The following girls gained their colours last year : June Backwell—Baseball and basketball.

Joan—Anderson—Tennis.

Shirley Stainsby—Baseball.

15

Thanks are due to our house mistresses, Miss Hosking, MissMcKay and Miss Wellard, who have cheered us on during the year. We wish the best of luck to those who are leaving, and we hope that those returning will live up to our motto : " Green's our colour, great's our fame, Lawson, Lawson, is our name."

Mary Strickland.

ROSLYN HOUSE Although we have not been very successful in many spheres of school life this year, all our members have shown much enthusiasm and interest in all our house activities.

We would like to welcome all the new girls Jo the house, and are pleased that they have taken such a keen and unfailing interest in all phases of school life.

We heartily congratulate Harris on being successful in winning the swimming sports during first term, and are pleased that we obtained second place in the results. We congratulate Marjorie Field (a member of Roslyn) on being -senior champion, and Pam Miickner (of Harris) on being junior champion.

Owing to the unfailing energy and cooperation of our members, we were successful in winning the basket-ball shield.

We congratulate Lawson on winning the tennis shield. The baseball matches are still in progress, but we are all eagerly awaiting the results.

We extend our congratulations to Ardens House for their success in the athletic sports, and also to the four champions. We hope our members will be more successful in the coming year.

Roslyn members thank the house mistresses, Miss Lothian and' Miss Cowling, for the keen interest they have shown during the year. Their support has been greatly appreciated.

We congratulate the following girls on being awarded their House colours at the conclusion of last year: .

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THE LUCERNIAN

Jean Blackwood—Baseball, Basket-ball.

Joan Bartle—Running.

Heather Stewart—Tennis.

Betty Selman—Baseball, Basket-ball.

We wish the best of luck for future success to all those leaving School, and we hope, but do not doubt, that all those returning will carry on the good work and do their utmost to uphold our motto : " It's Roslyn ; Roslyn forever ! "

BOARDERS' NOTES

This year has been a very pleasant one for all the boarders, one which will recall many happy thoughts to those who look back on it in later years.

Each week-end has brought fresh interests, and we have had many picnics, hikes and entertainments.

We have been to two good pictures, " The Bluebird " and " The Great Dictator." Another attractive feature has been riding, after school on Tuesday PREFECTS' NOTES afternoons, for the boarders who wished As only two of last year's probationers to go. returned to School at the beginning of In spite of all our fun, we have not this year, it was necessary to appoint a forgotten the dark background of war, large number of new prefects and pro- and much of our enjoyment has been bationers. There are now five boarder combined with work for the Red Cross. prefects and four probationers, and six We have held concerts, competitions, day-girl prefects and three probationers. tennis tournaments and baseball matches We were invited to a Red Cross dance to raise money. We held a tennis tourat the " Hermitage " at the beginning of nament at the beginning of the year to second term, and to another at Geelong help the new girls to settle down and Grammar School in third term. Invita- make friends, which they did in a short tions were also received from Geelong time. In the summer terms ice-creams College to dances there. In return, we have been sold, and in the cold weather the boarders enjoyed hot pies once a had a Red Cross dance at the Golf House, week, the sale of which raised money for and we should like to thank an Old Col- Red Cross funds. legian and her friend, who so willingly The girls, under Miss Hosking's superhelped us to arrange the supper. Everyvision, have been knitting in the weekone enjoyed these dances very much. ends for the Comforts Fund. Also, some A staff versus prefects' basket-ball of them helped Miss Booth and Miss match was played at the end of second Hosking prepare their vegetable gardens, term, and we congratulate the staff on which have provided us with many meals their victory after a very well-played of peas, beans and lettuces. match.

This year the senior girls have been Much valuable work has been achieved fortunate in attending several dances, inthrough the co-operation of prefects and cluding very enjoyable ones at the " Herevery prefect has benefited by their re- mitage," Geelong Grammar School, and sponsibilities, which have been carried Geelong College.

During the year several stray dogs out willingly and successfully. have visited " Morongo," and have found To those girls who are leaving School at the end of the year we wish good luck, a good foster-mother in Megan Bowring, and, to those returning, we hope they will who enjoys looking after them until they have a happy year. We feel sure that are claimed.

We are all looking forward very much next' year those prefects who are coming back will endeavour to help Miss Shaw to the Council picnic, to be held on the last Saturday of the term. We are going in every way they can,

THE LUCERNIAN to Eastern Beach, and we all know that we shall enjoy ourselves immensely.

We owe much to the staff for our pleasant times this year, and we should like to thank them very much, as they have always helped us in everything.

KINDERGARTEN NOTES This year has been full of interest, and our numbers have grown to twenty-four.

We were sorry to say good-bye to Mrs. Wigley, who left us at the end of last year, but welcome Mrs. Taylor, who has taken her place.

The Christmas Tree of 1940 was held at the big School, as usual, and we enjoyed it immensely ; we always look forward to this for a long time. We acted a little play called " The Doll's House," and played our band and sang several carols before Father Christmas arrived and took us off to the Christmas Tree.

It was a- jolly evening, and now we are preparing for our next Christmas Tree, on December 12th.

During the year we have collected many tins, bottles and bundles of papers, which the Comforts Fund truck has called for; and we have sent many boxes of silver paper and metal tubes to the collecting-box at the post office, for the Baby Health Centres. Then we have bought X30 worth of War Savings Certificates, and built part of the hut for the Y.W.C.A. Appeal.

At the beginning of the year we repeated our Christmas play at Mrs. Blakiston's one Saturday afternoon for the Ministering Children's League, and enjoyed the day very much.

We went to the big School recently to take part in the sports. It is always a big event, which we look forward to for a long time.

A few weeks ago, Mr. Leonard, a recitalist from Melbourne, came here to show us his puppet show. He, first of all, used a peculiar sort of hat and cloak, and changed himself quickly into* various

17

people. He then chose several children for the principal parts and played " Peter Pan " with us all, and after that gave the puppet show of the little elephant in Kipling's story who had his nose pulled into a trunk. It was all very interesting, and we enjoyed it immensely, as also did many of the mothers who were invited to come, too.

The members of our Auxiliary have given us a very nice new bookcase and a number of new books, for which we say, " Thank you." The library is very popular at present, and many of the girls take books home every night. One day Mrs. Blakiston came to visit us, and sang to us many of A. A. Milne's songs about Christopher Robin. We liked this very much, and we hope she will come again.

Our gardens are looking very gay a t present. During the winter time we cannot do very much to them, as it is so wet ; but now we spend more time in looking after them. We have also been watching closely several tadpoles, which hatched from eggs in the first place, and are now anxiously waiting for them to develop into frogs, but they are taking a long time about it.

During the year we have had several birthday parties at School. We are now preparing for Christmas, which is always a very exciting time for us all.

We are sorry that Miss Peck will not be coming in to give us physical culture any more.

In the Nursery there are many more children now, although several boys left us at the end of second term to start school.

We would like to thank Mr. David for two new stretchers to use at rest-time.

To the girls who are leaving the Kindergarten to go to the big School next year we say " good-bye," and hope they will be very happy there. We will all be very sorry to say " good-bye " to Miss Pratt ; she takes with her all the best wishes of the Kindergarten children.

THE LUCERNIAN'

SPORT BASEBALL During first term we were not able to play as many inter-school matches as we had hoped to, owing to a chicken-pox epidemic and the cost of transport. However, we completed four School matches, two of which were practice matches against teams from Geelong College. The first match was played on March 1st, and The resulted in a draw-12 runs all. second match was a challenge front the second crew, which resulted in 45 runs to "Morongo " and 18 runs to College.

Ballarat Grammar visited us on Saturday, April 26th, and played tennis and baseball. The School team was successful in baseball, defeating Ballarat by 9 runs to 7.

On May 3rd we were successful against the Old Girls, whom we defeated by 32 runs to 7.

The following Saturday the staff kindly gave up their afternoon to play a team from the VIth. A collection was made for Red Cross funds. The match resulted in a win for the staff-43 runs to 16.

Most of the house matches were comEach house pleted during first term. still has one match to play. So far, Lawson has been most successful in the senior matches, and Harris in the junior matches.

Our thanks are due to Miss Peck, whose encouragement and untiring help has been the inspiration of our teams.

-We wish her all the very best of luck in the work she is taking up in the W.A.A.A.F.

BASKET-BALL We had a successful year in this sphere of sport.

Roslyn has gained the shield, having gained the most points in all inter-house matches. Harris was second, Lawson third, and Ardens fourth.

The second team was defeated but once, by P.L.C. The results of inter-school matches played are :— Warwick v. Morongo-18-22 goals Sacred Heart v. Morongo-15-36 goals Clarendon v. Morongo-5-31 goals Stratherne v. Morongo-2-35 goals Penleigh v. Morongo-10-36 goals P.L.C. v. Morongo-13-6 goals Sacred Heart v. Morongo-12-22 goals

Miss Peck's work has been very much appreciated, and her help to the team also.

TENNIS The tennis this year has been very successful both in inter-school and house matches. Our School team has played seven inter-school matches, the scores being :— Ballarat Grammar d. Morongo-67-61 games Warwick d. Morongo-43-38 games Morongo d. Clarendon-91-38 games Morongo d. Stratherne-96-18 games Morongo d. Penleigh-47-14 games P.L.C. d. Morongo-48-13 games Hermitage v. Morongo—unfinished.

A practice match against Geelong College was played during third term; both doubles and mixed doubles were played.

The senior tennis was won by Lawson ; the junior matches have not yet been completed.

The tennis championships will be played off during November.

The team and the girls owe their thanks to Miss Peck for her untiring work throughout the year.

D. M. Strickland.

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THE LUCERNIAN

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SOCIAL SERVICE NOTES This year we have been very successful in social service work, making, as this goes to press, a total sum of £80/10/9, and we hope to increase this total to £100 by the end of the year. This sum does not include the money received from the War Savings Certificate group.

Early in first term we collected money from a baseball n-iatch between the staff and prefects, and profits from the sale of ice-creams during the term amounted to £1/5/-.

Throughout the year girls have been makink garments for the Comforts Fund.

At the end of first term a large number of knitted garments were sent to the children of the Free Kindergartens of Geelong, and the receipt of these was gratefully acknowledged.

In response to an appeal by Miss More for Y.W.C.A. huts, practically every girl sold a card, and a total sum of £31 was obtained.

Profits from the School dramatic entertainments and a dance held at Bell Park Golf Club amounted to £20/19/9.

Numerous concerts and competitions have been held throughout the year, and the money collected has considerably helped to swell our Red Cross funds.

Throughout the year girls have contributed the sum of one shilling a week to the Red Cross Fund, and £6/17/10 has so far been obtained.

During second term we spent 17/- in equipping a hamper for Ailsa Storrer, an Old Girl of the School, who is serving as a nurse with the A.I.F. abroad.

From the sale of hot pies during the winter term we obtained profits amounting to £1/4/7.

On Monday mornings a prefect on each clay-girls' bus has charge of a Red Cross tin, and a sum of £2/8/3 has been collected as a result.

We had hoped to hold a tennis tournament at School in third term, but owing to petrol rationing, we had to abandon the idea.

We would like to extend our thanks to Rosemary Weddell, an Old Collegian, who kindly gave us a contribution of 8/for Red Cross funds.

We greatly appreciate Miss Hosking's work in connection with the A.C.F. knitting, and we extend our thanks to all the members of the staff for the help they have given throughout the year.

SOCIAL SERVICE CHART Number of Knitted Garments sent to Comforts Fund Balaclava helmets 50 pairs 14 Stockings .. pairs 19 Spiral sox ..

8 Scarves ..

•••• • 12 Jumpers pairs Sox and mittens ..

8 • •

Knitted Garments sent to Free Kindergarten:, Singlets .. .

95 Jumpers .

• . • • • • 50 Sox .. pairs 9 pairs 3 Trousers ..

Dresses ..

3 Skirts and jumpers 3 • • ..

• •

Proceeds from Various Efforts s. d.

5 12 6 6 5 9

Competitions Concerts ..

Sports Day— Afternoon Tea and Sale of Ice Cream ..

8 13 3 Sale of Y.W.C.A. Huts ..

31 0 0 •• Sale of Pies and Ice Creams • • 2 4 7 Proceeds from " Dramatic " • .

11 17 5 Red Cross Dance •• • • • • • • 8 12 4 Bus Collections .. .. 3 11 3 Red Cross Baseball and Basket-ball Matches ..

• • 3 6 0 Collection Charts ..

8 6 6 Hobbies Day .. . • • • • • • .. 18 1

'100119S GNV RST1OH RILL

THE

LUCERNIAN

MUSIC CLUB Every month a meeting of the Music Club has been held, when we were entertained usually by visiting artists.

Mr. Haney" came out in April and played us some delightful records, including compositions for piano and violin, orchestral music- -and several vocal records.

At our next meeting the girls of the club provided entertainment for the first part of the programme with piano duets, trios and vocal items. For the second part of the programme., Miss NewbyFraser gave a very interesting talk on Burma ; two of the girls dressed up in Burmese costumes which she brought.

Miss Vivien Bartlett and Miss Anne France came out: in June and gave us a piano and violin recital, while, at the next meeting, we were entertained by some of Miss Stott's senior pupils, who sang a variety of songs.

Our AuguSt meeting was postponed, and on September 27th we held our annual House Music Competitions. The programme included a pianoforte solo of Grade II. standard from each house, a selected national song from " Merrie England," a part-song, and another item to be chosen by each house. Mr. Warwick Short adjudicated, and placed Ardens first, Harris second, Lawson third and Roslyn fourth. For the competitions next year, there will be a shield for the winning house, kindly presented by Miss Wadelton.

For our .November meeting, Mrs. *Carrington (Katie Liddle) and Mr. Brian Lester, of Geelong College; will give a combined ,piano and vocal recital.

We are all looking forward to the usual much-appreciated entertainment given by Miss Wadelton and Miss Madden at the end of each year.

We are endeavouring to purchase a radio-gramophone for use in the future.

Several promises have been made for our funds, including £20 from the Parents'

THE HAYMAKERS

Association, to whom we are most grateful - for their generous donation, and a concert has been held, the proceeds of which will go towards the gramophone.

Next year we hope to organise mid-day gramophone recitals so that day-girls, as well as boarders, can enjoy the use of the grainaphone.

To Miss Wadelton and Miss Madden we owe our sincerest thanks for their work and interest in all musical activities during 1941.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS This year, the meetings of the International Affairs Club have proved very interesting and successful. We have had regular meetings once a fortnight under the guidance of Miss Wood.

At the first meeting, we each decided to take a country and follow up the daily events of it.

Each fortnight the girls outlined events of importance.

During second term Miss Wood outlined events of interest with us, such as, " Churchill's Speech to the Italian People," " The German Occupation in Scandinavia," " Hitler's Branch Offices in the United States of America," and " Germany, Russia and Japan as regards this present war."

On July 16th we held a debate, the subject being " Should America enter

THE LUCERNIAN the war ? " A very interesting discussion followed. League of Nations Day was held on August 9th. Four senior girls read speeches and told us the aims and successes of the League, and also how schoolgirls could help towards a successful peace. As far as possible, interest in reading current topics has been encouraged.

We should like to thank Miss Wood for the interest which she has taken during these meetings ; it is mainly due to her work and interest that they have been such a success.

So that our specimens could be shown to better advantage, some were transferred to the entrance hall, and are now being displayed on the walls.

We would like to thank Miss Booth for her help during the year in all the work connected with the Museum.

Although it is now quite large for a school museum, we hope that next year it will become a more comprehensive collection of exhibits.

CHRISTIAN UNION This year has been quite successful for the Christian Union. During first term we -held an open meeting, and Miss Booth outlined to us the aims and work of the movement.

As a result of this meeting, the record number of 39 girls became members.

During second term study circles were held regularly each week under the leadership of Miss Pratt, Miss Booth, Miss Wood, Miss Evans and Miss Lothian. The text-books we studied were " St. Luke's Portrait of Jesus " and " Twelve Splendid Men." We had three visitors. during second term. On July 10th the Rev. Simpson spoke to us about the city of Jerusalem.

Our second visitor was Miss Brown, who spoke to us about the formation and work of the Student Christian Movement.

On August 14th Miss R. Watkins, daughter of our Chaplain, came to speak to us about her experiences in Korea, from where she has recently returned after being engaged in missionary work.

CAMERA CLUB This year Mr. Porter has found it impossible, owing to petrol rationing, to visit us every fortnight, as he used to do, and has conducted our meetings once a month only. Each term the junior members have contributed 3d. and the senior members 6d., and with these subscriptions we have bought materials for the dark-room, which has been used considerably, and quite good results have been achieved by some girls.

During the year we had two competitions, the subjects being " A Member of Staff " and " A Child Study." Lois Johns was successful in winning the former one, and Gwenda Moreton and Margery Mosman were equal first in the latter. We had a display of work done during the year at Hobbies Day, and had three competitions that day, which Mr. Webb, of Geelong College, was kind enough to come and judge.

We all wish to thank Miss Wellard for her interest and help, and Mr. Porter for the very great assistance he has given us throughout the year.

MUSEUM NOTES During the first term of this year we received a very welcome addition to our Museum from Pat. Milne. Two glass domes have proved very useful as a means of displaying more delicate exhibits and various types of sea-weed, also given by Pat are most interesting.

LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY This society has been quite active this year, especially during first term. At the beginning of the year the committee— Judy Johnson, Heather Stewart, Jean Davidson, Jean Blackwood and Barbara Clifford—was elected.

THE LUCERNIAN During the year a debate against boys of the Geelong College was held, with both senior and junior teams participating. The subject of the senior debate was, " That freedom of thought should be encouraged in war time," and although we had the disadvantage of the negative side, we were successful. The junior team debated " That a full life is the product of reading," but unfortunately did not share in the success of the seniors.

We held several very interesting and amusing meetings, in which the members present were called upon to make impromptu speeches on various subjects, from " Noel Coward " to " Whether women should smoke."

On Friday mornings in Assembly, speeches have been given by the girls ; many of them dealt with subjects relating to the war, but a variety of interesting topics covered, and some of the speeches reached quite a high standard.

We would like to thank Miss Cowling for her interest and help in this society, and especially for her help to the girls in the debating teams.

DRAMATIC CLUB This year, after reading many plays at the end of first term, we reluctantly decided to choose Alice Duer Millar's comedy, " Come Out of the Kitchen."

Some of us felt that such a comedy was not appropriate for times such as these.

However, the choice was a happy one, and we derived a great deal of enjoyment practising. Miss Haase's efforts to make the play a success were untiring, and we of the Dramatic Club greatly appreciated her work. Miss Peck also helped us a great deal and encouraged us when we became disheartened. Miss Wellard also helped us, especially with the arrangement of the scenery. Every girl performed excellently, and the play was as successful as any previous performance.

We should like to take this opportunity of thanking all those who generously lent properties ; Mr. Fairnie for his help in

23

setting up the stage, and his work backstage during the performance ; Miss Madden, who arranged the music ; and Mrs. Simson and Miss Dunoon, who were in charge of the sale of sweets.

LIBRARY REPORT. " Tis the good reader that makes the good book."—Emerson.

This year the Library has been well patronised by both day-girls and boarders. We obtained £8/8/3 in subscriptions during the year, and we have used part of this money to purchase new books for both the Reference and Fiction Libraries..

The following books have been added to the Library :— " The Romance of Transport " (T. C. Bridges) " The Book of the Sea " (T. C. Bridges) " Heroes of Modern Adventure " (T. C.Bridges) " The Book of Invention " (Ellison Hawkes) " Map Makers " (J. Cottler) " A Woman Talking " (E. Meynell) " Bach " (E. Meynell) " Beethoven " (A. Pryce-Jones) " Ourselves and the Pacific " (R. M. Crawford) " Modern Verse for Young People " (M. Williams) " The Virus—Life's Enemy " (K. M. Smith) " National Portraits " (Vance Palmer) " The Story of Civilization " (Will Durant) " Oriental Heritage " (Will Durant) " Great Contemporaries " (Winston Churchill) " England, 1500-1799 " (M. Quentall) " Masterpieces of British Art " " Little Men " (L. Alcott)

During the year we have had a large number of books rebound, using part of our Library Fund money to do so.

We wish to extend our sincerest thanks to Dr. McPhee, whose generosity and interest in our Library have been continuous throughott the year.

He has given us a generous gift of £5, which we have used as a purchasing fund for new books to add to the Library.

With Dr. McPhee's gift of money we have obtained these books :— " Memory Hold-the-Door " (John Buchan) " Sick Heart River " (John Buchan) " Thomasheen " (Maurice Walsh)

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THE LUCERNIAN

" Why France Fell " (Andre Maurois) " Stop and Go " (V. C. Buckley) " Navy in Action " (" Traffail ") " Sons of the Others " (Philip Gibbs) " Gone Rustic " (Cecil Roberts) " England's Flour " (V. Brittain) " Mrs. Miniver " (Jan Strutha)

day-girls belonging to our company held a social evening, at which they raised ,1/14/-. On Hobbies Day, assisted by the Old Collegians, we held a jumble stall, and the proceeds of this amounted to £7. To this stall, both Old Collegians Dr. McPhee has also supplied us with and present scholars alike contributed. numerous copies of the " Reader's Throughout the year, knitting has Digest," " The Saturday Evening Post," been done and warm clothing made, and " The Illustrated London News," all which will be sent to evacuated children. of which we find very interesting.

Silver paper has also been collected.

Among a number of books which he One Saturday during second term the has given us are :— day-girl Guides went to Queen's Park for " Orientations " (Sir R. Storrs) a hike, where everyone enjoyed them" South Latitude " (F. D. Ommanery) selves very much.

During the earlier " Cruise of the Conrad " (A. Villiers) " My Country and My People " (Lin Yutang) part of third term the boarders went for " Alone " (Richard Byrd) a hike along the Moorabool River. We We would also like to thank Miss took chops and vegetables, which we Pratt for many copies of the " Geogra- roasted in cigarette tins on the fires we phical Magazine " ; Miss Glover, who has made. The dog which was at the School given many numbers of the " Australian at the time accompanied us and enjoyed Musical News " ; Mr. Crosbie Morrison, the day as much as we did, even though for the complete series of the magazine, we returned to School a thoroughly wet " Wild Life " ; also Bettie Chisholm and and bedraggled group.

The Guide Week Service was held in Barbara Clifford, for donating books.

Special thanks are due to Miss Lothian the " Hermitage " Hall on Sunday, May for her untiring work in the Library ; her 16th. The entire company was present, enthusiasm is reflected in the fact that and three formed the colour party and bore the colours. the Library has been so well patronised.

The Guide Leaders' Training Day was held on Saturday, July 5th, also at the FIFTH GEELONG GIRL GUIDE " Hermitage." The leaders of our own COMPANY company, with those from the other GeeAlthough the year has been a difficult long companies, were present. Miss one owing to fortnightly meetings only, McLeod was in charge for the day. it has been a most successful one from On Sunday, November 16th, the comall aspects. Eight recruits have been en- pany attended a service in connection rolled through the year, and the same with the National Day of Prayer, which patrols as previously have been kept— was held in Johnstone's Park. The Hon. Wattle, Waratah, Kookaburra and Ro- N. Makin, M.H.R., spoke, and the Mayor sella Patrols. of Geelong presided.

Service stars have been awarded to Throughout the year our Captain, Miss those who have earned them, and many Leigh, has been untiring in her efforts to tests have been passed by various guides. enable the recruits to pass their tests to Our main object this year has been to become enrolled, and to help the Guides raise money for the State-wide Guide to pass their various tests, and for this War Effort, the aim of which is to aid and her capable management of company evacuated children and seamen. To aug- meetings and functions, the whole comment this fund, during second term, the pany is very grateful to her.

THE LUCERNIAN

25

OLD COLLEGIANS' ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT T IS with great pleasure that I present I to you on behalf of your Committee

the Annual Report for the year ended November 22nd, 1941.

At our last Annual Meeting, held on Saturday, October 19th, in the Apex Club rooms, the following office-bearers and Committee were appointed for the ensuing year :— President : Minnie Harding-.

Vice-Presidents : Jennie Dunoon, Mrs. H. Fallaw.

Secretary : Margaret Simson.

Asst. Secretary : Morva Long.

Treasurer : Mrs. L. Shone.

Asst. Treasurer : Mrs. I. Dancey.

Committee : Mesdames G. Profit, G. Login Smith, M. Mund, Misses Edith Leigh, Alexe Carnell, Betty Berryman, Gwen Purnell, Madge Bradley, Beth Davis, June Orchard, Rae McClure, and Margaret Cameron.

At our first Committee meeting for 1941 Pat Elvins was appointed to fill the vacancy left for a girl just leaving School. All our Cornmittee meetings have been very well attended, which has proved a great help when organising our difficult functions.

This year, owing to our Annual Meeting taking place a month later, we have to report two very successful School functions, two Hobbies Days, and two Annual Church Services.

Last year the Old Girls had a very successful stall on Hobbies Day, raising over £7, while this year they assisted the School Guide Company with the stall, again raising over £7.

Your President and Jennie Dunoon were privileged to attend the " Hermitage " Old Girls' Lunch, at the " Hermitage," and representatives were invited

to attend the Parents' and Friends' Annual Meeting held at " Morongo " during April.

On Saturday, April 19th, the Melbourne branch held their Annual Meeting, and invited representatives from Geelong; Miss Pratt, Minnie Harding, Mrs. L. Shone and Jennie Dunoon went up from here, and spent a most enjoyable afternoon with the Melbourne girls.

Once again we are indebted to Miss Pratt for the very cordial invitation extended to the Association, to hold our Annual " Back - to - School " Day at " Morongo," on Saturday, May 3rd.

Eighty-six girls spent a most enjoyable afternoon, playing and watching tennis and baseball matches.

We wish to thank Miss Pratt and the present girls for the gracious hospitality they extended to us, and also to Miss Pillow and Miss Peck, who both spent so much time in preparing the excellent afternoon tea and arranging the sports programme we all enjoyed so much.

We held a Variety Evening at the Hall of Honour this year in place of our annual " at home." The evening consisted of a concert, followed by supper and dancing, and proved a great success socially and financially.

We wish to thank all those who helped us with the programme, especially Mrs. A. Meakin, June Whiteley, June Saunders, Mr. A. Smail and the Geelong Highland Pipe Band. We have to offer special thanks to the gentlemen who so willingly helped .with the scene-shifting, and Messrs. R. G. Ebbott, who looked after the booking arrangements.

We were all very sorry indeed to hear of Miss Pratt's resignation as Head Mistress of " Morongo " after 22 years' connection with the School. Many of us can look back to a happy association with her during her term of office,

26

THE LUCERNIAN

We are very pleased to welcome Miss Asst. Treasurer : Mrs. I. Dancey, ShanL. Shaw as our new Principal, and can non Ave., Newtown. promise her the loyal support of all the 0 Old Collegians.

ENGAGEMENTS A meeting was called of representa- Margaret McKinlay—Bob Rogers. tives of the School -Council, the Parents' Effie Ross—de Ravin. and Friends' Association and Old Col- Norma Windmill— legians at Mr. Neilson's office on Friday, Norma White—Norman Bigmore.

Marjorie Meadows—F. C. Collier.

July 25th, to decide on a fitting parting Lorna Morton—Charles Harsley. gift to Miss Pratt. You have all by now Betty Dunstan—Jack Tippett. had notices, telling you of what form the Doreen White—Colin Bowie.

Margaret Pettitt—Fred. Miles. presentation should take.

Mora Farrell—Sgt. William Philpott.

We have to congratulate; and offer our Marienne Pettitt—George Muller. best wishes for their future happiness to, Mavis Aram—John S. Warner. three of our Committee who have Isobel - Heard—Murry Bucknall. 'changed their name since the last meet- Jessie McAdam—Biemner Hastie (A.I.F., Abroad) ing, - namely, Enid Buchanan (to Mrs. Mary Graham—Jack French.

George Logie Smith), Norma Gosbell Lorna Clarke—E. S. Davies. (to Mrs. Ian Dancey), and Lorna Gill (to MARRIAGES Mrs. Max Mund). We are very pleased Enid Buchanan—George Logie-Smith. to be able to retain their services still.

Joan Craddock—Bob Anderson.

We still continue to receive reports Dorothy Notman—Jim Balfour (R.A.A.F.) of the splendid work being done Helen Twaddell—Harry M. Williams. by our Western District and Melbourne Leslie McAdam—Bob Miles (R.A.N.) Edna Richardson—George Baker.

Branches.

Norma Gosbell—Ian Dancey.

We are very pleased to report that Lorna Gill—Max Mund. girls are still showing an interest in their Anne Nash—John Brooke.

Margaret McKinlay—Bob Rogers (R.A.A.F.) old School by joining up with the Old Myee Herd—Jack Wright.

Collegians' Association.

Lorna Morton—Charles Harsley.

I . wish to thank the President and- all Joan Price—Lieut. Stewart McCallum. those who have been associated in any Doreen Barratt—Leonard J. Menzies.

Lois Mathews—Jack Chisholm. capacity during the year. We also wish Muriel Warden—Victor Nelson. to thank Miss Wilson, of the " Geelong Jean Calder—Andrew Thompson.

Advertiser," for the• help she has given Valmai Thomas—R. Atkinson-Grimshaw. us through the paper on many occasions. Edna Wollff— Before concluding, I have pleasure in BIRTHS announcing on behalf of the Committee Mrs. H. Fallaw (Vida Walter)—a daughter. for 1942 our newly-appointed office- Mrs. S. Venters (Sadie Honey)—a son.

Mrs. Waters (Mary Small)—a son. bearers :— Mrs. B. Seward (Erva Hirst)—a son.

President : Minnie Harding, 3 Buckland Mrs. Hawken (Ena Miller)—a son.

Avenue, Newtown.

Mrs. A. Amos (Ruth Keays)—a daughter.

Vice-Presidents : Mrs. H. Fallaw, Mrs. Mrs. V. Profitt (Gladys Wynne)—a daughter Mrs. 0. Brushfield (Linda Thear)—a daughter G. Logie Smith.

Mrs. Flemming (Margaret Salter)—a son.

Secretary : Rae McClure, Normanby St., Mrs. Dick Purnell (Jean McIntyre)— East Geelong. . a daughter.

(Jessie Mossop)—a son.

Asst. Secretary : June Orchard, Fitzroy Mrs. Trait.

Mrs. Campbell (Moria McDonald)—a daughter St., East Geelong.

Mrs. Coulsen (Ena McCallum)—a son.

Treasurer: Mrs. L. Shone, 25 Fairview Mrs. Haequoil (Jessie Templeton)— a daughter.

St., Newtown,

THE LUCERNIAN NOTES ON OLD GIRLS Kitty McLennan is still teaching in Glasgow, and is on call for work with evacuated children. Her brother died in April this year after a long illness. We extend our deepest sympathy to her. So far, Kitty has escaped in any air-raids on Glasgow, though her home suffered some damage.

Dora Riddle and Ailsa Storrer are both serving as nurses in the Middle East.

27

Dora's address : VX 8392, Sister E. D. Riddle, 4th A.G.H., A.I.F., Abroad.

Stella Mann has been chosen as an A.I.F. nurse, and is at present waiting her call to sail.

Alison Simson has been called up as an A.I.F. masseuse.

Ethel Tribolet has joined the V.A.D. We offer our deepest sympathy to Jessie Lilburne (Lowe) in her recent sad bereavement.

SPEECH NIGHT, 1940 HE Speech Night of 1940 was held in the Plaza Theatre on Monday, December 17th. It was 'an important evening, for it was the Twenty-first Speech Night in the history of the School.

Dr. R. G. McPhee, Chairman of the School Council,' was unable to be present owing ,to ill-health, but the Rev. W. E. Watkins, the School Chaplain, took the chair . and welcomed the distinguished visitor of the evening, the Director of Religious Education of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, the Rev. A. T. McNaughton.

In her report of a very successful School year, Miss Pratt set forth the aims of the School—to develop the personality of the child, guiding her towards oneness of self and the real unity of thoughts and emotions, so that she might find happiness in useful work and constructive service.

In his address, the Rev. A. T. McNaughton spoke about the ways in which we acquire knowledge. We learn, he said, through books, from people, through life, and through our own mistakes. He pointed out, too, the purpose of education — to enable us to serve others more fully.

During the evening Christmas carols were sung by the girls, under the tuition

T

of Miss Dorothy Glover, and a play, " Michael," by Tolstoy, was presented by the girls of the Dramatic Club, under the supervision of Miss Carrie Haase.

The evening was concluded by the distribution of the School prizes by the Rev. A. T. McNaughton arid the sports prizes

by Miss M. Harding, -President of the Old Collegians' Association.

PRIZE LIST HONOURS VI. Betty Carmichael, A. C. Harris Prize; Domestic Science, Senior Class Singing, Senior Dramatic. Marion Honey, Dux. Patricia Elvins, Scripture (Edward Wilson Bequest).

Rosemary Weddell, Pass, French; Prefects' Prize.

PASS VI. Jean Blackwood, Dux, Senior Music, French.

Alison Grant, Pass, Scripture.

Heather Stewart, Pass, Senior Music. Lillian Logan, Domestic Science, British History.

Mhairi Baxter, Dancing. Faye King, Special Music.

Beth Brewster, Dressmaking.

INTERMEDIATE. Joyce Black, Olive Filmer Dux Prize, Dramatic. Botany. Margaret Henderson, Pass, French. Judith Johnson, Pass. Jean Russel, Scripture. Marjorie Gerrand, Music.

Joan Stewart, Pass, Domestic Science. Alice Stafford, Arts and Crafts.. Patricia Batchelor, Drawing. Isobel Arnott, Mrs. Keays' Memorial Prize for Needlework. Bettie Chisholm, Dancing.

SUB-INTERMEDIATE Dorothy Doull, Dux. Margaret Ponting, Pass. Claire Potter, Pass. Averyl McKinnon,

28

THE LUCERNIAN

Pass, Speech Training. Elizabeth McKenzie, Scripture, Class Singing.

Violet McLeod, Music.

Joan Bartle, Chronicle of School Events. Audrey Allen, Special Class Singing.

P. Batchelor—English, Drawing (Higher Standard), Geography, Arithmetic, Botany (Lower Standard).

N. Bisset—British History, Domestic Science (Higher Standard), Geography, Drawing FORM IVC. (Lower Standard).

Peggy Hore, Dux. Rhonda McKay, Pass.

Marie Wilson, Pass.

Dorothy Johnston, J. Black—English, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra, Botany, Biology Scripture. Yvonne McPhee, Speech Training, (Higher Standard).

Junior Class Singing, Junior Music.

M. Bowring — British History, Arithmetic, FORM IVB. Algebra, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Patricia Moreton, Drawing, Needlework.

Music (Higher Standard), English (Lower Audrey Margetts, Dux, Scripture.

Judith Standard).

Beach, Pass, Speech Training. Joy Costin, J. Bull—English, British History, Biology, Pass. Shirley Burch, Needlework.

Chemistry, (Higher Standard), Arithmetic, Algebra (Lower Standard).

FORM IVA. Mary Thomson, Dux, Needlework. Jenni- V. Cairney — English, French, Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra (Higher Standard), fer Field, Pass, Scripture. Margaret Craig, British History (Lower Standard).

Speech Training.

J. Cameron — British History, Geography, FORM IIIB. Arithmetic, Algebra,. Music (Higher StanMargery Henry, Dux, Speech Training. Lyndard). ette Madden, Scripture. Dorothy Brownlees, B. Chisholm — British History, Chemistry, Needlework, Musical Appreciation.

Music (Higher Standard), Botany (Lower FORM . IIIA. Standard).

Jeanette Wilson, Dux, Scripture. Janet M. Cooke—English, French, British History, Drawing, Music (Higher Standard), GeoField, Speech Training. graphy (Lower Standard).

FORM II. M. Gerrand—English. British History. ArithHelen Thomson, First in Form. metic, Chemistry, Music (Higher Standard), Geography, Physics (Lower Standard).

FORM I. Pamela Chapman, First in Form. Jean M. Henderson—English, French, British History, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, BioDougall, Special Progress. Patricia Blakislogy, Latin (Higher Standard). ton, Musical Appreciation.

J. Johnson—English, French, British History, SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS. Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Physics, Latin (Higher Standard).

Shirley Stainsby, Senior; Ida Brewster, Junior.

J. Kirchofer—English. Arithmetic, Chemistry (Higher Standard), French, British History, ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS. Biology (Lower Standard).

Beth Brewster, Over 16; Betty Penney, Under 14; Mary Strickland, Under 16; Mar- P. Madden—Botany (Higher Standard), Geogaret Toyne, Preparatory. graphy (Lower Standard).

G. McKeon—Drawing, Music (Higher StanTENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS. dard), English, British History (Lower Mary Strickland, School Champion; Helen Standard).

Purnell, Senior Champion; Peggy Maddern, E. McKindlay—British History, Geography, Eileen Sharpe, Betty Junior Champion.

Botany, Domestic Science (Higher StanDouglas, Joan Anderson, Tennis Improvement dard), English, Arithmetic (Lower Standard) Badges.

E. McKinnon—English, French, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Biology EXAMINATION SUCCESSES, 1940 • (Higher Standard), Botany (Lower StanINTERMEDIATE. dard).

J. Anderson — English, Geography (Higher N. Middleton—English, British History, Drawing, Domestic Science (Higher Standard), Standard), French, British History, Botany French (Lower Standard).

(Lower Standard).

I. Arnott — English, Geography, Algebra, P. Muckner—English, Geography, Arithmetic, Music (Higher Standard), British History Botany (Higher Standard), French, British (Lower Standard).

History, Arithmetic (Lower Standard).

THE LUCERNIAN M. Munro—English, French, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Latin (Higher Standard).

M. Neilson—English, French, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra (Higher Standard), Botany, Biology (Lower Standard).

M. Parkes—English, French, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Music (Higher Standard), Botany (Lower Standard).

H. Purnell—English, French, British History, Geography, Botany (Higher Standard), Algebra (Lower Standard).

J. Russel—Biology (Higher Standard), English, Domestic Science (Lower Standard).

A. Stafford—English, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Drawing (Higher Standard).

S. Stainsby—British History, Arithmetic, Botany, Drawing, Domestic Science (Higher Standard), Geography (Lower Standard).

B. Steel—Geography, French, British History, English, Arithmetic, Music (Higher Standard), Domestic Science (Lower Standard).

J. Stewart—English, French, British History, Algebra, Geography, Arithmetic, Botany, Domestic Science (Higher Standard).

M. Strickland—Geography, Arithmetic (Higher Standard), English, British History (Lower Standard).

M. Sutcliffe—English, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra, Biology (Higher Standard), Botany (Lower Standard).

L. Thomson—English, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Music, Domestic Science (Higher Standard).

G. Williams—. British History, Geography, Botany, Music (Higher Standard), Arithmetic (Lower Standard).

J. McDowall—British History, Algebra, Domestic Science (Higher Standard), English, Arithmetic (Lower Standard).

M. Davidson—French (Higher Standard).

LEAVING PASS J. Anderson—French, Geography.

J. Backwell—English, French, European History, Biology, Geography.

M. Baxter—Geography, Music, Algebra (Int.).

N. Bennett—English, Geography, Music (2).

J. Blackwood—English, French, European History, Geography, Music.

B. Brewster—Biology, Geography.

B. Clifford—English, French, Geography, Domestic Science.

29

J. Davidson—English, British History, Music.

A. Grant—English, French, European History, Maths. II., Geography.

B. Grant — English, French, Geography, Music (2).

R. Hill—French, Chemistry, Biology, Physics.

L. Johns—Domestic Science.

F. King—Geography, Music (2), French Inter.

(Higher Standard).

L. Logan — English, British History, Geography, Domestic Science, Physics Inter.

(Higher Standard).

H. Stewart—English, French, European History, Geography, Music (2).

M. Tapp — French, Geography, Domestic Science.

LEAVING HONOURS P. Elvins—English (Pass).

M. Honey—English (Pass), European History (2nd Hons.), British History (2nd Hons.), Drawing (2nd Hons.).

R. Weddell—French (Pass), Physics (Leaving Pass).

MUSIC (1941) J. Blackwood—Grade I., Piano (Hons.); Grade III., Perception (Hons.).

M. Gerrand—Grade II., Piano (Credit); Grade II., Perception (Credit).

V. Rickard—Grade II., Piano (Hons.); Grade IV., Perception (Hons.).

P. Muckner—Grade II., Piano (Credit) ; Grade II., Perception (Credit).

I. Brewster—Grade II., Piano (Credit); Grade IV., Perception (Hons.).

J. Bayly—Grade II., Piano (Credit) ; Grade IV., Perception (Credit).

B. Chisholm—Grade II., Piano (Pass).

B. Steel—Grade II., Piano (Pass) ; Grade II., Perception (Pass).

A. Barker—Grade III., Piano (Hons.) ; Grade IV., Perception (Hons.).

V. McLeod—Grade II., Piano (Credit) ; Grade IV., Perception (Pass).

C. Robb—Grade III., Piano (Credit) ; Grade IV., Perception (Hons.).

H. Prager—Grade III., Piano (Pass) ; Grade IV., Perception ("Hons.).

V. Lyon—Grade III., Piano (Pass).

L. Cameron—Grade IV., Piano (Credit).

E. Strickland — Grade IV., Piano (Credit) ; Grade III., Perception (Pass).

P. Moreton—Grade IV., Piano (Pass).

B. Bossence—Grade VI., Piano (Hons.)

B. Thornton—Grade VI., Piano (Pass).

THE ROSE GARDEN

THE LUCERNIAN

31

VALETE J. B. Anderson, J. K. Anderson, P. Batchelor, M. F. Baxter, N. A. Bennett, N. J. Bissett, J. W. Black, M. McB. Brewster, V. I. Cairney, C. J. Cameron, T. F. Campbell, B. J. Carmichael, M. J. Costin, P. David, M. E. Davidson, S. Degenhardt, J. Dungey, P. Elvins, E. M. Grant, A. M. Grant, S. R. Hedley, R. I. Hill, M. Honey, D. A. Johnston, D. M. Kennedy, L. F. King, J. L. Kirchofer, M. L. Logan, M. P. Madden, I. J. McDowall, A. J. McKay, L. McKay, G. McKeon, M. L. Ponting, H. E. Purnell, J. Robley, J. Russel, M. Y. Sanderson, G. Smith, S. J. Stainsby, M. C. Tapp, R. Weddell, M. Whittaker, G. F. Williams.

SALVETE J. Baker, D. J. Bennett, B. L. Bossence, M. G. Christopher, S. G. Eastwood, M. J. Gurr, P. M. Hartley, E. M. Hemphill, M. I. Hildebrand, L. H. Hill, K. M. Hodge, D. E. Kende11, M. B. Lee, J. Leslie, N. Lyle, V. M. Lyon, M. J. Mosman, E. MacDonald, J. A. MacDonald, M. L. MacLeod, B. I. McConaghy, J. M. McMillan, J. F. Pyper, V. E. Rickard, D. J. Rix, H. Roberts, M. P. Robertson, R. P. Soper, M. Spalding, B. A. Thornton, A. J. Till, F. M. Timms, M. E. Walker, M. E. Webb, J. A. Winstanley.

0

ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTIONS A TRIBUTE (To Miss G. Pratt, Principal of " Morongo " P.G.C., Geelong, who is retiring after completing 22 years of service).

Softly, " Morongo " sheds a tear, And folds within her bosom memories dear; Her Head, a noble task complete, Tosses the torch to other hands, replete With all its triumphs, joy and care, That other shoulders might the burden share Of its responsibility.

Twenty-two years, a noble work, well done; A Monument is builded—rest is won.

Jean A. Rentoul.

Wagga Wagga, 1941.

THE ROSE GARDEN How peaceful it is in the Rose Garden! One could call it a secret garden, because it is enclosed by a thick cyprus hedge, which tempts one to peep inside, and there find various sweet-scented roses bordering a delightfully green and fresh lawn. At the foot of the rose bushes, at present, are innumerable little pansies, clustering together and forming a beautiful picture of colour and happiness, their varied colours blending as they move with the slight breeze.

Here the noises of Nature can be heard—the birds chirping, one little fellow bathing himself in the water from the hose; and then flying to another bush to push out his chest and feathers, and then back again to another bath; butterflies chasing each other, and the constant drip, drip of the water falling in

sparkling drops from the roses, dragging to earth with them some of the sweet scent from these flowers.

Wordsworth's lines about Tintern Abbey can be applied to the Rose Garden:— . . . and 'mid the din, Of towns and cities, I have owed to it In hours of weariness, sensations sweet, . . . And passing even into my purer mind With tranquil restoration."

H. Stewart (Honours VI.)

A FAMOUS BELL A few years ago Mr. H. Strachan presented to " Morongo " the famous old Bell-Post Hill bell that was brought over from Tasmania by David Stead long ago.

At its sound all the shepherds about BellPost Hill assembled to defend the settlement against the natives. For twenty-three years it remained an alarm. The owner had it shipped to Tasmania for repairs, after which it remained in quiet seclusion at Geelong, until, ultimately, it was presented by Mr. Strachan to the School. It was thus returned to its old position, and to-day it is once again sending out its warning—a call to pupils to prepare for study.

It, is now picturesquely hanging beneath a pergola arched with red climbing roses. Surrounding this is a square of neatly-trimmed lawn.

H. Stewart (Honours VI.)

THE HISTORIC BELL WHICH GAVE THE DISTRICT ITS NAME

33

THE LUCERNIAN

THE GONG As the deep, sonorous boom of the gong reverberates to the furthermost cubicle, to the slowest dresser, how many of us ever think of the significance or the history .of this uninteresting object?

Let me take you back one hundred years, and lead you to a certain Buddhist temple in Java, whose weird but colourful interior provides an excellent setting for a glittering brass gong.

At present, all is quiet, but tarry a little, my friend; someone approaches. A soft pattering of sandalled feet over a marble floor is heard, and a strangely-clad man appears, who, with the aid of an iron rod, sends a thundering warning to all Buddhist followers in the vicinity. We are no Buddhists, so let us away.

With stealthy tread we. take our leave, and find ourselves once again in the present.

For many years the gong served in Java, and, finally, it was thrown on to the rubbish heap. A tourist fortunately discovered it, and thinking it a fine piece of brass, took possession of it; and now it has found its way to our School.

The gong which once summoned people to worship now summons us to our meals.

J. Blackwood (Honours VI.)

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS A star was shining bright and clear Above the Galilean hills, And shepherds watched this glorious star With a deep wondering that fills Man's mind, when something new appears.

They saw, and feared, and then, behold!

An angel bright appeared to them, And told them of the Saviour's birth— The birth of Christ in Bethlehem— Of Love, and Truth come down to men.

The angel told the shepherds then The way to find this wondrous Babe, To follow the star where'er it went, And there within a manger laid They'd find the King of all mankind.

The shepherds rose and left their flocks, And, following the star, they went To where Christ in a manger lay; Above him ox and cattle leant Their heads in adoration.

The shepherds entered then the room In which the sleeping Child was laid, And kneeling there before their King, With prayers and reverent songs they gave Their blessings to our Jesus Christ.

J. Bull (Pass VI.)

34

THE LUCERNIAN DIGGERS

One hundred years ago they passed along our way, Shouting and laughing, a motley throng of humankind, Newly disembarked from the vessel in the Bay, Still lying there at anchor, sails flapping in the wind.

Gold . . it led them ever northward in its foil, As they crossed the plains and breasted each new rise, Bright dreams of sudden wealth gave vigour to their toil; Gold was the gleaming yellow god they sought — their prize.

Their feverish eyes were filled with lust of hidden gold, With gaunt mien they faced the great unknown; The morning breeze blew fitful, sharp and cold, As they passed through lands, unbroken and unsoWn. J. Johnson (Pass VI.) THREE AUSTRALIAN POETS Adam Lindsay Gordon, " Banjo " P:atterson and C. J. Dennis, all wrote typical Australian poetry, the chief charm of which is that it is so purely Australian. Although each represents a different style of literature, they have kept to our nature and customs faithfully, and not allowed their work to become touched by European influence, as many more recent writers have done.

Adam Lindsay Gordon represents the more gentle side of our Australian life. Through him, the gay colours of our birds, and the attraction of our Australian forests were made known to the English-speaking world. Born in Australia, his parents returned with him to England while he was yet a young child; but the lure of the open was on him, and he returned to Australia in the early twenties and settled in Southern Victoria. Although he was at first disappointed in our land, and actually wrote that " Australian birds are songless," His Gordon soon began to love Australia. courage and ability as a horseman won him By the respect among his rougher fellows.

Blue Lake, at Mount Gambier, is a sheer drop, with a fence about three feet from the edge, where Gordon jumped his horse over the fence on to the ledge and back again for a trifling bet. This place is now known as " Gordon's Leap."

From the moment he entered Australia, Gordon began to write his poetry. He was

passionately fond of beauty; his two remaining cottages, " Ding-ley Dell," at Port Macdonald, and his cottage at Ballarat, have tremendous gardens full of flowers and trees, and this love of nature is shown in all of Gordon's poetry.

C. J. Dennis was the opposite. An ordinary Australian, as he classed himself, he wrote about ordinary Australians.

His first book, " The Sentimental Bloke," is a brief history of the inner feelings of the ordinary Australian " bloke," through love, courtship, and marriage.

His style is delightfully simple. Dennis has not spared the slang and abusive phrases used by the not-too-well-educated Australian, and has written the lines as they would be spoken.

This is very wise, for if the lines were written in perfect English, they would lose their charm, and fail to convey the simple nature of this Australian's speech and mind.

In another book, " Ginger Mick," C. J. Dennis wrote about the Aussie Diggers' opinion on trench fighting. Ginger Miik does not consider this real fighting, but compares himself to a rabbit in a burrow. The humour in this is very appealing. " Banjo " Patterson, a journalist of New South Wales, wrote about station life and the men of the open spaces. He loved the openair life, and was never happier than when riding after sheep in Eastern Victoria. His most popular poems are " The Man From Snowy River," " Clancy of the Overflow," " The Old Grey Mare," and " The Bush Christening." As one can see from these titles, Patterson wrote about the life he loved.

His verse has an :attractive " swing," which makes it easy to read. Unlike C. J. Dennis, he writes ordinary English. His poems have helped to make English people understand our Australian life.

V. Lyon (Pass VI.)

THE CATTLE KING Ion Idriess gives us perhaps a truer conception of the inland life of Australia than any other writer we know. He writes mostly about the pioneers and explorers, his stories centreing round some well-known figure in the history of Australia. " The Cattle King " is a book telling us of the life-story of Sir Sydney Kidman, who left Adelaide at the age of thirteen with an old horse and two and sixpence as his only possessions, and travelled north to the inland. His aim was to have a string of stations stretching down from the inland to South Australia, so that he would have pasture lands on which to graze his stock as they travelled down to

35

THE LUCERNIAN the markets. It was this aim that he strove for, and eventually attained after many disappointments and struggles.

One year during a bad drought he had only a few hundred sheep left, but after much hard work and careful negotiations, in which his wife was his greatest help, he recovered, and continued his struggle for his aim.

Ion Idriess gives us a very true picture of the inland in this book; for he neither hides its tragic side nor over-glorifies its beauties.

In his descriptions of the country he gives one a feeling of its vastness and, at times, of its despair.

After reading " The Cattle King " I felt that there was something worth striving for in the Inland of Australia, and Sir Sydney Kidman had shown us the way.

M. Bowring (Pass V.)

THE DEVELOPMENT OF MILDURA Over one hundred years ago a large station was situated on the River Murray. It was owned by the Chaffey Brothers, who had emigrated from California, and who had wonderful ideas of an irrigation scheme, which they thought they could carry out successfully on their station. This station was very dry and needed water to produce crops of any sort.

The station was called " Mildura," an old aboriginal name, meaning red rocks, and the city which has grown up there is named after it. The Chaffey Brothers set to work to put into operation their scheme by digging channels and pumping water through these channels, which were distributed throughout their property.

As time went on and the station grew prosperous owing to the irrigation system, more people began to arrive, and :after the war a number of returned soldiers were placed on blocks there, and a town grew up.

The irrigation channels were made larger, and more vines and citrus trees were planted, as the irrigation scheme was extended. However, there was one great difficulty: sometimes the river dried up, and there was no water for the channels; but that danger has been prevented to-day by the damming back of the water by the Hume Reservoir and the placing of locks and weirs along the river to regulate the flow of water.

Another step in'the development of the town was the laying of a railway line from Melbourne to Mildura. It was finished in 1903, and the first train ran down to Melbourne in time to take the race-going citizens of Mildura to the Melbourne Cup in November of that year. To finish it in time, the citizens had

helped in the laying of the last few miles of rail.

To-day the irrigation system is carried out on a very large scale throughout Mildura and the surrounding districts of Red Cliffs, Merbein and Cardross. And, now, from an almost desert waste, Mildura has become a flourishing city, with a flourishing industry, through the application of irrigation to the industry.

M. Spalding.

MARSEILLES The approach to Marseilles by sea is very interesting. The town, next in size and importance to Paris, has a population of eight millions. The huge towering grey masses of rocky coastline are very impressive. Entering the harbour, we passed the Chateau d'Il of Monte Cristo.

Ships of many nations load and unload cargoes at Marseilles, whilst it is the port for overland passengers for Paris and the north.

Great elevators, warehouses and customs We walked sheds stretch a long distance. about two hundred yards, and then got on to a bus. We did not need to use our French, for we only had to say " quatre " to indicate how many in the family.

The famous Rue Canebiere is always a busy hum. It is lovely to sit at one of the open cafes and watch the people go by, especially the blue-bloused workmen, so typically French. The ancient Church of Notre Dame de la Garde dates from the twelfth century.

It stands on the highest rock, and can be seen far out to sea. The cross of gold and statue of the Virgin Mary glitter in the sun. The interior of the church is rich in paintings of religious subjects.

We took a taxi to the foot of the rock on which stands Notre Dame de la Garde. To reach the top we ascended by funicular railway. Then we had to climb almost three hundred steps, but it was worth the effort. From the top, a magnificent view was to be seen of Marseilles and out to sea. The shops of Marseilles were most interesting, but I was fascinated by the fruit market, where the peasants sold their fresh fruits, cheeses and flowers.

• Late in the afternoon we returned to the Bourse, which was a hive of industry. When I looked upon the huge square, I did not forget that this was the place where the King of Jugo-Slavia had been assassinated. We got into bus No. 23, hoping that it was the right number, and that it would take us back to the boat. Leaving Marseilles, we passed through the Gulf of Lyons, next day sighting the Balearie Islands.

I. Arnott (Pass VI.)

36

THE LUCERNIAN

BEAUTIFUL BRITAIN OF YESTERDAY What is it that is unique in the British countryside? How may we define its secret charm?

The first thing a foreigner appreciates—and the last thing a Briton is likely to forget— is the great diversity of scenery. Britain has been called the Northern Hemisphere in miniature, because it can show, in great measure, scenery found in different parts of the world. There are at least three types of scenery—the Scottish Highlands, the open downlands, and the village landscape of England.

Nowhere can be rivalled that blend of grandeur, which is found in the heather-covered moors and highlands of Scotland in autumn.

The simple village landscape of England is a great contrast with the thick-thatched, highchimneyed, white-washed cob cottages of Warwickshire and Welford; the deep, red-soiled, tree-fringed Devonshire lanes, or pine-sheltered, sandy Surrey paths. Even when they appear forbidding, the undulating downs have a cultivated look, and the tang of the sea is in the air.

The English scene is satisfying, without being spectacular. For each man, one spot proves, as Sussex did for Kipling, " beloved above all." A man need be no exile to echo Arthur Hugh Clough's tender lines Green fields of England, wheresoe'er Across this watery waste we fare, Thine image in our hearts we bear, Green fields of England, everywhere.

E. Sharpe (V.) TANGLIN My last school's name was Tanglin. It was up in the eastern hills in Malaya. I was eight years old when I first began and nine years old when I left. I was a boarder. We wore brown divided skirts, with yellow shirts, brown hats, socks, raincoats and jumpers with no sleeves, which had yellow bands round the neck. I was in IIIB. My mistress' name was Miss Vendrell. My first term at school started on May 4th. A friend of mine and myself were new girls together. The train came in at 9 o'clock at Prai Station. We said good-bye to our friends and relations; then the train started. After five hours, we arrived at Tapah Station.

Tanglin is much smaller than Morongo.

There are three buildings—one for the nursery school, one junior, and one for the senior. I was in the senior building. Chinese Amahs did the washing and cooking. We had gym. every day; we did hand-stands and cartwheels and lots of other things,

On Sundays we went for long walks. One day we went behind the hotel, and one boy shot a catapult into a bush and a swarm of bees came out and stung us all. At the end of last Christmas term we went for a walk, but could not get down the hill because of the land-slides. It took a day and a night to clear them, and even then we had to walk a lot of the way. It was one o'clock at night when I got home.

R. Soper.

MY SCHOOL AT HYDERABAD In the morning at about eight-thirty we climbed with our cases into the car, and set off for school. It was about two miles away.

When we arrived, the car pulled up by .ne doorway, which had two curtains—one on each side of the door, so that they who were punda (who were not allowed to be seen by any man except of their own family) could not be seen. Once inside, there were two shelves against the wall, where we could put our topees. Then we went to our different form rooms, where we unpacked our homework books. When the bell went we all had to get into line in alphabetical order. Then we all went up to the hall.

After assembly we marched outside, where we had to do exercises in the shade for fifteen minutes. After that, we went to our form rooms. Some of the lessons, such as Urdu, Persian and Arabic, we did not take. We did not learn French or any other foreign languages. At recess, we had to put on our topees again, as the sun was so hot. At dinner-time we went home, as all the other girls had their own dinner of curry and rice, Avhich their ayahs had brought. In the afternoon we went back to school till three-thirty.

Instead of having Saturdays and Sundays at home, we had to go to school on Saturdays, but we had Fridays instead, because that was the day the Mahomedans went to their mosques to pray. There were some English teachers there, and they went to church on Sundays, that is why we did not have school on Sundays, as usual.

In the summer we had to be at school an hour earlier, because of the great heat at midday. We did not have to come to school again in the afternoon because it was still so hot.

The summer holidays lasted for two months, because everybody, or nearly everybody, went up to the hills for the hot weather. In the winter we only had a fortnight before we went back to school.

The girls all wore trousers, with a coat and a brocade waistcoat, often beautifully embroidered in gold or silver thread. The younger children wear a sudri, which is a long scarf of

THE LUCERNIAN bright muslin, worn round the waist and over the shoulder, and fastened with a brooch. The older girls wear saris of gay colours or of white, with embroidered bands.

Their names sound strange to us—Fatima, Rahim, Nafeesa, Jihanga, Laigue—to mention only a few. All the girls spoke English, and most of the lessons were taught in English.

They have girl guides, but the younger ones, instead of being called Brownies, are called Blue Birds.

We were the only English children there among four hundred Indian girls. It seemed strange at first, but they were friendly, and we soon made friends with them.

J. Pyper (IVB.)

NATURE OF WAR War is purely a human occurrence. Lower animals fight duels for food and sport, but these are not more warlike than are the activities of rabbiters or of fishermen. These duels have nothing in common with war, which is man murdering his own species in cold blood.

It is quite nonsensical to say that war acts as ",Nature's pruning-hook." The best, the young and strong, are eliminated in war, and the weak and unhealthy are spared.

All civilized societies are warlike. The rise of war appears to be connected with the rise of self-conscious leaders filled with personal ambition. Ideas of glory and immortal fame flourish in the minds of dictators, and are important causes of war.

There are different attitudes adopted to war.

Compare Chinise and Indian with the European ideas. Europeans have always worshipped the military leader, unlike the Chinese, whose ideal of manhood, according to Confucianism, is the humane and cultivated man living at peace in an ordered and harmonious Our European admiration for the society. military hero has helped to. make men believe that a good death is better than a good life.

In China those who would live in harmony must avoid self-importance, and aggressiveness, and must cultivate humility and return good for evil. This would not be very easy for us, but is well worth attempting. Chinese philosophers and Chinese poets have nearly all been anti-militarist. The soldier was regarded as an inferior being who is not on the same level as the scholar or administrator. It is a huge tragedy that the Westernisation of China meant, progressive militarization; in 1936 partial conscription was imposed, and now a soldier is held up for admiration.

Indian pacifism finds expression in Buddhism, which, like Hinduism, teaches the sacredness of life and forbids the making of poisons

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and intoxicants, soldiering and the slaughtering of animals. Buddhism made its way without persecution, censorship or inquisition. We only remember the horrors of the caste system, and tend to overlook the humane teaching in which its record is enormously superior to that of Christianity. For Buddhists, anger is always unconditionally disgraceful. Christians believe in " righteous indignation," and we feel ourselves justified in making war and committing the most hideous atrocities for the sake of an ideal.

The fact that three principal civilizations adopt three distinct attitudes to war is encouraging. It proves that there is nothing natural about our present attitude to war. The pliability of human nature is such that if we so desire and work in the right way, there is no reason why we should not free ourselves of war. War only exists because men wish it to exist, and the intensity of the wish has increased, and is widespread.

We must be grateful that our wills are, to some extent, free, and that our minds are open to receive opinions other than our own.

It is very difficult for us to change our wishes, but it is not impossible.

H. Stewart (Honours VI.)

MADAME CURIE Marie Curie was born in Poland in 1867.

She was one of the few people whom fame did not spoil. She went to a small school in Poland until her mother died, then she obtained a position as a governess at a country home. The eldest son fell in love with his governess, Manya, but as his parents did not approve of their marriage, Manya had to leave.

By this time she had saved up enough money to go to the Sorbonne, in Paris, where her sister Bronya was studying medicine.

She stayed for a while with her sister, but though she and her husband were very kind, she was not able to do her studies thoroughly, so she took a small room by herself.

During her course at Sorbonne she met a science student, Pierre Curie, and later they were married. Their greatest joy was to go into the woods near Paris on their bicycles after a tiring day.

After a long struggle, they managed to procure an old shed in the University grounds, which they converted into their laboratory.

The shed let the rain in when it was wet, and became a furnace in summer, but the two scientists battled on.

Marie discovered that the radium was contained in pitch blende, which was the residue from the mines in Russia, so she wrote and asked one of the mining companies fora ton of pitch. They thought her request strange,

38

THE LUCERNIAN

but sent her five tons. Marie stood over large coppers of the pitch blende for days, stirring it, and finally getting an impure form of radium, which she and her husband worked upon, until, at last, they had some pure radium. Both of them were so thrilled when this work was completed that they would walk to their laboratory at night just to see their precious radium giving out light in the darkness. • During the war, Marie Curie became a muchsought-after person in the hospitals near the scene of battle, because she had set up a car with an X-ray apparatus, which had just recently been discovered and put into practical use.

Right to the end of her life she continued to go to her new laboratory at the University, where she had become a doctor — the first woman to hold such a position at the University.

Marie Curie gave a lifetime of service to humanity in the discovery of radium.

VICTORY V On every window of bus or tram, On the funnels of ships at sea, On every person's coat lapel, We see the Victory V. From Holland and Greece, from Poland and France, And parts of Hungary, From countries under the Nazis' heel, We hear the Victory V. From the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, From the air and under the sea, And over the wireless every day, We hear the Victory V. On the posters all along the road, Standing out like a governor's decree, On every available piece of space, We see the Victory V.

smelt), and it is then that he causes great interest. He is given several names, but, finally, one is chosen upon after much argument. The poor shark, however, is soon to be christened differently, since, when he is cut open, he is found to be a female shark, and " his " name must be altered accordingly.

Then comes the time when everyone dislikes the shark. It is not treated with any respect, since, once it has been cut open, it must be drawn, which is not an easy task; and, also, it seems to resent being cut open and studied, because it does its best to keep people from its vicinity by its unpleasant smell. But this defect is soon remedied, since, after a few minutes, the smell becomes comparatively pleasant, thus proving that what at first seems almost intolerable improves once one gets used to it.

After a few weeks the shark makes an unceremonious departure from the Science Room, where it has served at least one useful purpose, to the boiler, where it serves another—that of heating the water for the House. So ends shark time at " Morongo " . . . not a very pleasant time for anyone . . . and, least of all, for the shark.

M. Henderson (Pass VI.)

Means something to you and me, Something to help us in winning this war— The well-known Victory V. J. Bull (Pass VI.)

THE EXAM. (With apologies to Longfellow) Beside her scattered books she sat, Her pencil in her hand; Her page was blank, her heart it sank, Her heated brow she fanned.

She looked around the silent room, Once more the board she scanned.

She tried to think of many things, But none of them she knew— What was the date of Raleigh's fate And where was Timbuctoo?

She scribbled down a few short lines, And soon her time was through.

And soon that fateful day arrived, When marks they were to hear.

Oh! had she passed and not come last?

For sixty-seven were her marks— Her highest for the year!

A. Margetts (13), P. Bull (13).

SHARK TIME AT " MORONGO " Following upon the announcement that " a shark is coming to-morrow," a mysterious board is seen the next day over one of the Science Room sinks. For a few days little attention is paid to the shark—a grey corpse about two and a half feet long—which is lying in a bath of water and formalin, covered by two wooden boards. However, the shark, evidently not liking his insignificant existence, soon begins to make his presence felt (or

Once upon a time there was a pony, and his name was Creamy, and he was a nice little pony, too. He has come to live with me.

Sometimes he runs away when I open the gate of the paddock. One day I might ride him to school. When I feed him, he runs away because he is frightened of the bag. Sometimes he is naughty, and sometimes he is good.

Sometimes he chews my hair.

Judith Williamson (8 years)

MY PONY

THE LUCERNIAN PANTRY Every morning at half-past eight, Inside the pantry the boarders all wait.

In comes our bustling matron stern, Who looks at us all with great concern. " All those with colds please step aside, Why have you so my patience tried By mixing with the others here, Whose heads from colds are wholly clear? " Who wants Vicks? all fingers in, My word, Fay, you are getting thin!

Now for some eucalyptus strong; Pamela, you've had your cold too long. " You others outside may come in now, But please don't make an awful row, For Lucy, here, has a bad headache, I must give her an aspro to take. " What's wrong with you? . . Chilblains again You come here nine days out of ten.

You look tired —a dose of magnesia, Come every night for some, Letitia! " Now every one, upstairs, quick, And have your beds made on the tick."

And so our morning pantry ends, To be sorry it's over, no one pretends.

THE ABSENT-MINDED PROFESSOR There was once an old man called Professor Popcorn, commonly known as the " absentminded professor."

One morning he went down to breakfast to partake of an egg; tapped his wife on the head with the spoon, and began to devour his newspaper.

After being scolded by his wife, he set off for his laboratory, but, on the way, was a:.,ked to have a cup of tea with a friend; he hung himself on the hat-rack and put his hat on the chair. After having been extricated from this tangle, he drank his tea and set off again for work. Having such an absent-minded morning, he got his chemicals a little mixed, and finished his career (minus his head), so that was the end of the absent-minded professor.

P. Rowley (12 years).

THE DIFFICULTY OF WRITING AN ARTICLE Writing an article is absurdly easy . . . anyone can do it. Well, when I say anyone, I mean anyone but myself. In the minds of most people is the idea that one needs only to concentrate for a while, then sit down and dash off the required number of words.

Parents, teachers — particularly teachers — friends and others say simply, " Oh, it is easy to write an article, Just think of a subject,

39

and off you go. I'm sure you can do it without any trouble."

After hearing these airy remarks, one is expected to disturb people with no more enquiries 'as to what to write about. It is all so easy!

Somehow, the actual attempt does not appear to work out as it is expected to. All that teachers and parents have taught does not seem to be of much help, and, in the end, one finds one has to fall back on one's own self and " write an article."

When an article I'm asked to write, My thoughts begin to whirl; I long to call Prospero's sprite To aid a puzzled girl.

But as the days of sprites are past, To others I apply — For help; yet, at the very last, There's one to write it — I! From everyone to whom I go Will come the same reply, " There's nothing to . . . you will know Just what you want. so try To do it for yourself. It's not Of any use to you if I Should do it . . . " What a helpful lot! " Parents and teachers make one sigh J, Pratt.

WINTER AND SUMMER The winter morning is cold and still, The fog lies thickly on valley and hill, When presently, up the silent street Come the merry schoolgirls bright and neat.

They stand at the corner and laugh and complain Of marks and exams.—their life's only bane.

Then suddenly, with dreadful rattle, and noisy gears, The bus, like a fierce, green dragon appears Through the fog. The girls get in and away it goes, Having roused the street from its quiet repose.

The Summer sun is bright and high, The day is warm and blue the sky, But still the street is quiet as night, Except for birds who sing in the light.

The green bus is absent, the street seems dead, The merry schoolgirls are still in bed.

M. Henderson (Pass VI.) THE PINE I saw a lovely tree, Its name was pine . . . it dazzled me.

Its big green branches rocked and swayed I saw it 'as the sky turned grey.

Margaret Walker (11 years)

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THE LUCERNIAN

SPRING As I walked across the fields one beautiful Spring day I thought how different the sun makes everything look. When the sun is not bright and the clouds cover the sky the plants are not so pretty and bright. I stood on the hill, looking across the valley below; the capeweed flowers were like a yellow carpet, with all their daisy-shape petals opened out to the sun.

The birds seem so much happier when the sun is warm. The skylarks up high are singing, the sparrows are chirping away in the trees. A big hawk is soaring high like a kite, watching for something to pounce on; no wonder, when they can see a little mouse from up there.

And there is the black crow that flies back and forwards over the farm, watching for a chance to steal hen eggs. I saw one flying away with one in its beak.

We should be all glad when Spring comes . with all the flowers and sunshine, but we will be sorry when it passes by.

Lynette Madden (10 years) THE FIR TREE Once there was a little fir tree which lived in a wood. The other trees used to make fun of him, and say, " You will never be any good."

But one day a little girl and her father came through the wood and saw the fir tree, and the little girl said, " Oh, daddy, can I have that for my Christmas tree," and the next day he was standing in a room all decorated with candles and tinsel. The other trees did not make fun of him then.

Joy Baker (8 years)

NIGHT JOURNEY The train leaves the station amid all the bright lights of the busy crowded city. We gain speed slowly, passing through the gaylylit suburbs; as we pass through the suburban stations, we catch a glimpse of people waiting anxiously for their trains, but we are safely aboard ours, so we lean back and settle down for the journey that lies before us.

Leaving the outskirts of the suburbs, our train gathers speed, and soon we are rattling along at a speed of about 50 miles an hour.

Sitting comfortably in our carriage, we listen to the many noises of the train as it goes on its way—the creak of the carriages as the train sways along, and the steady roar of the engine as it stretches out into the night. Now and again we hear the shrill whistle as we pass a solitary station or near a curve, but by now we are well out on to the plains, and so we seldom pass a station.

Little twinkling lights are dotted here and there over the plains; it is just beginning to

get dark, and occasionally we see the headlights of 'a car as it makes its way along the country roads. Against the skyline the rugged peaks of the You Yangs are outlined sharply against the dim glow in the West, where the sun has just set.

Still we go on, occasionally flashing past small stations, till we come to the one stop on the journey. As the train draws to a standstill, we see people hurrying to and fro across the platform, and as soon as the train stops, everyone jumps out and joins in the scramble for refreshments. In a few minutes the guard's whistle blows shrilly, and everyone makes a wild dash back to their carriage again. Out goes the green light, and puff-puff! goes the engine, and we are off once more for the rest of the journey.

By now the sky is dotted with little twinkling stars that come out one by one as we watch—in the West the evening star is shining brightly. Around us the sky becomes darker, and looking over towards the bay we see the waters shining in the silvery light of the moon.

It is all so peaceful; it seems horrible to think that in other parts of the world people are fighting for their very lives, and have none of the pleasures and comforts that we enjoy.

We have only a few more miles to go until we reach our destination—Home! Everyone begins to put their belongings together, and soon we are passing through the outskirts of our home town. Suddenly there is a roar, and all is black outside as we pass through a tunnel. Now we are slowing down, passing many shining rails that gleam in the moonlight, until, at last, we draw slowly into the bright station. All is bustle and confusion on the platform as everyone tumbles out gladly, to be met by friends and so home to rest. We are all thankful to be back again after the long journey, and leave the train with no regrets . . and so. Home, Sweet Home!

B. Steel (Pass VI.)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We wish to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following school magazines:— " The Pegasus," from Geelong College; " Coo-ee," from the Church of England Girls' Grammar School, Geelong; " Green and Gold," from Warwick; " The Scotch Collegian "; " M.A.G.," from Queen's Church of England Girls' Grammar School, Ballarat.

We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Sir Harry and Lady Lawson, and to Mrs. Harry Lawson, on their recent sad bereavement.

We wish also to extend our sympathy to Gwen and Olga Young on the death of their brother Leo.