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THE LUCERNIAN The MAGAZINE of the PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS' COLLEGE GEELONG

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Editresses : JUDITH M. JOHNSON, MARGARET H. HENDERSON

School Reporter : MARGARET HENDERSON

Editorial Committee : ISOBEL ARNOTT, MARJORIE MUNRO, ALICE STAFFORD, JEAN BULL, MARGARET NEILSON

Vol. 2.

No. 13

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

OFFICE-BEARERS The Headmistress (Miss Lucy Shaw, B.A.) is Patron of all School Societies Prefects : Judith Johnson (Senior Prefect), Ida Brewster, Margaret Neilson, Margaret Henderson, Marjorie Munro, Isobel Arnott, Loris Thomson, Alice Stafford, Jeanne Bayly, Dorothy Doull, Helen Stewart.

Probationers : Jeanette Arnott, Joan Bartle, Jean Bull, Marjorie Field, Betty Douglas, Joan Neilson, Margaret Parkes, Heatherbell Roberts, Shirley Steel, June Pratt, Margaret Sutcliffe, Heather Wallace.

Baseball Captain : Marjorie Field.

Basketball Captain : Ida Brewster.

Tennis Captain : Helen Stewart.

Ardens House : Captain : Ellen Strickland.

Vice-Captain : Jean Bull Forum Representative : Judith Johnson.

Harris House : Captain : Ida Brewster.

Vice-Captain : Isobel Arnott.

Forum Representative : Jeanette Arnott.

Lawson House : Vice-Captain : Jeanne Bayly.

Captain : Margaret Neilson.

Forum Representative : Alice Stafford.

Roslyn House : Vice-Captain : Marjorie Munro.

Captain : Marjorie Field.

Forum Representative : Helen Stewart.

Library : Miss Hope, Isobel Arnott, Jeanette Arnott, Loris Thomson, Margaret Parkes, Alice Stafford, Jeanne Bayly.

Social Services : Miss Hosking, Miss Wellard and Mrs. Shiels, Loris Thomson, Alice Stafford.

Student Christian Movement : Miss Hope and Miss Dunoon, Margaret Neilson.

Music Club : Miss Wadelton, Miss Madden and Miss Glover, Ida Brewster, Jeanne Bayly, Margaret Neilson, Judith Johnson, Margaret Parkes, Helen Stewart, June Pratt, Ellen Strickland.

Camera Club : Miss Wellard, Betty Douglas

Form Captains : Honours VI., Isobel Arnott; Pass VI., Jeanne Bayly; V.A., Mary Christopher; VB., Moira Hildebrand; IVA, Betty McDonald; IVB, Margaret Walker; IVC and IVD, Janet Field; IIIA and IIIB, Jean Dougall.

MISS LUCY SHAW, B.A., Principal

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CONTENTS : : Page

School Office-bearers Editorial Calendar of School Events School Notes Kindergarten Notes House Notes Boarders' Notes Prefects' Notes Sport School Activities— ..

The Forum Dramatic Society Student Christian Movement Music Club Camera Club Fifth Geelong Girl Guides Company •• Social Service Report Library Notes Speech Night, 1941 Prize List ..

Examination Successes Salvete Valete Old Collegians' Association— Annual Report Melbourne Branch ..

South-Western Branch Engagements ..

Marriages Births ..

Original Contributions Book Reviews Poets Acknowledgments

2 4 ▪ 6 ▪ 10 11 11 12 13 13 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 19 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 25 27 37 40 43

are difficult times for the world, layed the progress of mankind on the path THESE torn as it is by apparently useless strife towards liberty and humanity, the fault may and confused by contrasting ideals; but even in these days there are moments in our lives when we instinctively force ourselves to put aside the anxieties of the present conflict in an effort to discover the underlying causes of the struggle. If we resolutely turn our thoughts to the future, there appears to be at least one dominant question facing us before all others: " Will men ever learn to live peaceably and reasonably ? " Together with that disturbing thought comes the realisation that, although man has made remarkable pro()Tess in every field of human achievement, he has yet to learn how to live in accordance with the ideals of Christ. Is it our failure to appreciate the value of His teachings which is responsible for the destruction and sorrow which daily menace the basic principles of civilisation?

There are very few of us who may claim to be carrying out the ideals of Christianity in our daily lives; until we do this, we have no right to allot blame for the present chaos.

Although certain great nations, by their open and defiant faith in material force, have de-

be said to lie in every one of us, in our selfishness and greed, our petty hates and envies.

The remedy for these universal faults lies only in truly balanced education, since it has been proved that secular teaching alone is never enough to convert enemies into friends.

If we are to secure a permanent peace, we must do so not by suppressing those who are opposed to us, but by using the spiritual weapons of tolerance, courage and faith in our ideals, and, above all, by awakening the spirit of brotherhood in all men. These are enduring qualities which shine forth from the lives of all noble men and women, and which will continue to characterise all those who pursue their ideals with steadfastness and sincerity.

The misery caused by war may seem to be overwhelming, and we may deplore " man's inhumanity to man," but it should never be forgotten that philosophers, saints, poets and masters of music, have left to us an abundant testimony to all that is good and beautiful, and they provide us with an invincible shield against the evils which strive to hinder our steps along the path to true progress.

COUNCIL NOTES THE EDUCATIONAL OUTLOOK " For I dipt into the future, far as human eye could see."—Locksley Hall.

Most of my readers will be familiar with the words, " Post-war Reconstruction," which Those who are we so often hear to-day. studying this subject are thinking of International Inequalities, Tariff Barriers, the Four Freedoms, Standards of Living, Unemployment, and many other matters of great importance that will have to be considered.

Have you thought of the part that education will play in the reconstruction plans?

The British Government has announced that one of its principal reforms will be in the field of education.

One important matter in the minds of many thinking people is the fact that only a comparative few continue at school beyond the leaving age of 14 years at present in operation in Victoria.

The pupils of " Morongo " should realise their good fortune in having parents who make sacrifices so that their children can

remain at school up to a stage which gives them opportunities in life too often denied to those whose schooling ends at 14.

Professor G. S. Browne, of the Melbourne University, recently gave an address in Geelong on the subject of " Education," and some of my remarks will be based on his statements.

Our ideas regarding educational developments must of necessity depend upon our ability to win the war. Should our enemies succeed, we need not worry about reforms, for education would be turned into, and used as, propaganda; freedom of speech would be abolished, and all systems would be subservient to the State. However, we feel quite certain that our enemies will be defeated. We have implicit confidence in the righteousness of our cause, in the ability of our leaders, and the courage and devotion of our fighting forces. Let us, therefore, set our minds to the task of planning our education of the future.

It is quite likely that when peace daes come, there will be important economic changes, such as will demand much thought and de-

THE LUCERNIAN liberation. Consideration of educational problems may be crowded out of the mind of the public and our legislators.

It behoves us, therefore, to enter on the task now, before the world is engrossed in other matters.

• In Germany, the leader thinks and acts for all, whereas, in democratic countries like Australia, legislative action is secured as the result of the free and unfettered expression of public opinion, from people entitled to think and speak for themselves. This means that Australia can only progress in proportion to the intelligence of its citizens. Education is therefore of vital importance to our well-being.

This is one reason why so many people think that the school leaving age should be extended; why Professor Browne and other leaders of educational thought constantly plead for equality of opportunity for all. Why should children blessed with brains not enjoy the privileges of a full education, apart from the financial position of their parents? The late Mr. D. Lewis, in his munificent bequest of £700,000, has set a fine example of provision for free education at the Melbourne University for those unable to pay fees.

Herr Hitler has made wide provision for education, as he realises its national importance. I wish I had space to permit of an outline and idea of the system operating in Germany to-day. Briefly, I can say that it is a complete instrument of discipline and regimentation.

Some contend that, in Australia, we have no definite aim and policy in our education programme. In most of the States of U.S.A., the leaving age is 18 years, and opportunities are provided for free University education.

The statement of aims of education in U.S.A. in order of priority is :1. Health, 2. Command of fundamental processes, 3. Worthy home membership, 4. Reasonable vocational efficiency, 5. Citizenship, 6. Proper use of leisure, and permeating all is the development of character.

One question that must arise in our minds is, Have we the desire for, and the willingness to have, a democratic form of education such as exists in the United States? This would involve the complete breaking down of class distinctions and the bringing together of boys and girls representing all classes of the community. As Professor Browne puts it—when it comes to the consideration of real equality of educational opportunity, would we be prepared to sit side by side with, sav, " Miss Fitzroy." This mythical young lady may come from the humblest of homes and a pitiful environment, but if she has intelligence which can be developed for the good of the

5

nation, and a character in keeping, should she The be precluded from the opportunity?

British Government proposes to arrange for the sending of such girls to the public schools of England and reimburse the schools in some way. It may be that the Australan Government will also introduce some plan to enable schools like " Morongo " to extend facilities for continued education for those attending State Schools, and who otherwise would be leaving at 14 years of age, possibly to enter upon the first work available. Would you welcome them? I am sure you would. " Morongo " has a background of democracy in its constitution and operations, and such an idea is in nowise a repellant one.

Then, again, some people are thinking about what Professor Browne calls " The Educational Meal," to provide for - training, vocationally and otherwise, in crafts, social studies, physical culture and science, both Unfortunately, indigeneral and domestic. vidual schools do not at present possess the complete equipment of laboratories and apparatus for such an extensive programme.

Hence it is that suggestions have been made for the provision of communal centres, where pupils of all schools could attend and amplify their studies.

To extend the leaving age and provide for new buildings and equipment, to make scholarship financial provision for those who at present are forced to become wage-earners at 14 years of age, would require a largely-increased Government education expenditure. The problem has to be faced.

There is also a growing criticism of the " Examination System." Many consider that the present conditions, whereby a whole year's work is judged on a single examination, with its consequent strain, has many evils, and is not in keeping with modern developments.

What is the objective of a school? One expert stresses that the ideal education is " the right pupil, in the right school, taught by the right teacher." Professor Browne says, " Our job in school is not to find out what the pupil ought to do, and make him do it, nor is it to find out what the pupil wants to do, and let him do it. It is surely to find out what the pupil can do and ought to do, and then help him to do it."

Have some of you caught the gleam that the profession of teaching is a noble one, that it gives opportunities for moulding young lives, just as the potter fashions the clay into an object of beauty and service. I hope that some of you will devote your talents and lives to this conception of national ideality.

I have written this with the object of giving you something to think about regarding present and future educational problems; if you do so, then I will be amply repaid and satisfied.

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THE LUCERNIAN PARENTS' AND FRIENDS' ASSOCIATION.

JUNIOR SCHOOL AUXILIARY Membership of this section has been largely increased during the year. In common with other similar units, the many demands for work of a patriotic nature have, to a large extent, overshadowed our normal work. However, the objects for which the Auxiliary was established have not been overlooked.

Regular meetings have been held, and close touch kept with Miss Radford. A number of books has been purchased for the Library, and it is proposed to assist at the Christmas functions.

The following are the office-bearers : — President : Mrs. P. Neilson.

Vice-President : Mrs. H. A. Thomson.

Secretary and Treasurer : Mrs. E. J. Fairnie.

Committee : Mesdames F. H. Wallace, F. W. Ford, W. Smail, H. Oakley, G. F. Lindsay.

The many calls on members for various war and patriotic services and the effect of enlistments and manpower regulations, have resulted in the Association's activities being much reduced. Nevertheless, interest in the welfare of the School has not lessened, and it was pleasing to the parents and friends to be able to give practical demonstrations of that by assisting in the purchase of an electric Panatrope for School and Music Club use.

In the coming year every effort will be made to co-operate with the Council and Miss Shaw, and meantime all good wishes are expressed to Council, staff and scholars.

(Mrs.) H. F. H. ELVINS, Secretary.

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CALENDAR OF SCHOOL EVENTS TERM I. February 11th—First School Assembly to welcome Miss Shaw.

The Assembly opened with a prayer by Mr. Watkins, after which we sang the hymn, " Lord, Behold Us With Thy Blessing."

The Chairman of the School Council (Dr. R. G. McPhee) then introduced Miss Shaw to the pupils, Old Girls and staff. He spoke of the influences which had guided the Council in their fortunate choice of Miss Shaw as Principal, and expressed the pleasure which the privilege of this ceremony of inHe mentioned Miss troduction gave him.

Shaw's plane trip to Geelong to visit the School. Dr. McPhee concluded by paying a warm tribute to Miss Pratt for her great service to " Morongo."

The Head Prefect (Judith Johnson) presented Miss Shaw with flowers on behalf of the girls of the School. Judith welcomed Miss Shaw with an enthusiastic promise of loyalty, and told her how much the girls had looked forward to her coming.

The President of the Old Girls' Association (Miss Minnie Harding) then presented Miss Shaw with flowers, expressing her pleasure in welcoming Miss Shaw, and offering her the absolute loyalty and support of the Old Collegians.

The lesson, from the Book of Proverbs, was read by Mr. Simpson. It emphasised the true value of instruction which is received in the right spirit.

Mr. Watkins then addressed the School. He spoke of the uncertainty of present-day conditions, which call for courage. He stressed the great opportunities which these days

of testing hold for young and old. Mr. Watkins asked us to face the year in the spirit expressed by Peter Pan, " To die will be an awfully big adventure." He accentuated the value of our school training in helping us to achieve self-mastery.

He closed his talk with a message of encouragement and good wishes to the School for a successful year.

After this, the hymn, " 0 God, Our Help in Ages Past," was sung, and it was followed by a short address from Miss Shaw to the girls.

She thanked present and Old Girls for their expressions of loyalty and support, and acknowledged her appreciation of the assistance given to her by Miss Pillow, Miss Dunoon and Miss Hosking. Miss Shaw told of the reasons which had brought her back again to " Morong- o," where she had previously worked with Miss Pratt. She spoke of the many pleasant associations and memories which had been recalled by her return to the School. She also thanked the Council for their words of confidence, and expressed her own feeling of responsibility in the trust she had undertaken. Miss Shaw paid a tribute to Miss Pratt for the valuable service she had given to the School, and closed, with the thought, " We shall go forward into the future together."

The Assembly ended after the Benediction had been pronounced.

February 25th—Installation of Prefects.

The service, which was led by the School Chaplain (Mr. Watkins) opened with a prayer, after which the School sang the Lord's Prayer. The reading, which was from the Gospel of St. John, stressed the qualities of

THE LUCERNIAN devotion and service as seen in Jesus followers.

Mr. Watkins then gave an address to the Prefects and the School. He said that it was a privilege to set apart the Prefects for their work, and spoke of the dignity of the step they were taking, and the importance of their task.

To illustrate the importance of ambition in life and of the opportunity to guide others to find their purpose in life, he chose the story of Sir Henry Jones. Keeping before him throughout the qualities of devotion and loyalty, he showed how Sir Henry Jones, as a poor Welsh child, had first had his ambition kindled by a woman who started a penny reading circle for poor children. After this humble beginning, Henry Jones determined to go to the University and finally passed a University Entrance Examination, later becoming a professor in the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Henry Jones' devotion to service was illustrated by his continuing to lecture in his latter years, although he was suffering from a fatal disease. In closing, Mr. Watkins referred to the similar stories of deep devotion exemplified in the lives of Captain Scott and his companions in their days of trial.

Mr. Watkins spoke to the Prefects, reminding them that "To whom much is given, from him much will be required," and pointing out that the character of the whole School depends on the nature, character and disposition of the Prefects.

Speaking next to the girls, Mr. Watkins said that loyalty to their leaders was required of them, and that their motto should be: " Our utmost for the Highest." He said that, although difficulties would arise for the Prefects, he hoped that their way would be paved by the loyalty of the girls. He showed them an example of loyalty in a reference to " Doubting Thomas," who, although he had not always had full faith in Jesus, was the first to offer to go with Him into a danger area, saying to the disciples, " Let us also die with Him." Mr. Watkins concluded by thanking Miss Shaw for inviting him, as the Chaplain, to perform the ceremony for the Prefects.

The Prefects (J. Johnson, M. Strickland, I. Brewster, B. Steel, M. Henderson, M. Neilson, M. Munro, I. Arnott, L. Thomson and V. Rickard) were then congratulated individually by Miss Shaw.

The ceremony closed after a dedicatory prayer and the Benediction.

March 17th.—Visit of the Reverend Captain A. Stewart.

We considered it an honour to have a visit from Heather Stewart's father, Captain Alex.

Stewart, who is an Army Chaplain, and who

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has recently returned from the Middle East.

Miss Shaw welcomed Mr. Stewart, who conducted the Assembly. He read from Acts, chapter I., and told us about the places mentioned in it, most of which he had visited.

After the Assembly, Mr. Stewart spoke to the School. He first congratulated Miss Shaw on her appointment and the School on its good fortune in securing her as Principal.

Mr. Stewart said that " Morongo " had something for which schools in the Middle East were searching, but which they had not yet attained. He said we would appreciate our School and our country more if we left them for a while and later returned to them.

Mr. Stewart then spoke of the places he had been to in the Middle East, and of some of his experiences there. In a hospital, shortly after he arrived, he saw Ailsa Storrer and some nurses who had previously been at " The Hermitage." He mentioned the Governor of Sinai, who was then the last employee of the British Government remaining in the Middle East. He also referred to several towns in Palestine, and he contrasted the lives of the Jewish and Arab children with our own. He also told us many amusing anecdotes relating to his experiences in the Middle East.

Mr. Stewart finished his very interesting talk by asking us to appreciate fully our School, and telling us the names of some interesting books about the Middle East.

Miss Shaw thanked Mr. Stewart and promised him the help of the School if ever he required anything in which we could assist for his men.

On behalf of the girls of the School, Judith Johnson thanked Mr. Stewart.

April 6th—Staff v. School Baseball Match.

The only Easter holiday we had this year was on Good Friday, but a baseball match was arranged for Monday afternoon. The opposing team was alleged to be made up of members of the staff, but this was not at first apparent, since our opponents wore abbreviated green tunics and chose unique hair styles, each person using different coloured ribbons for her plaits. The identity of the team became obvious when the game began, and the resulting score was twenty-eight to eight runs in favour of the School. We hope the defeated team enjoyed the game as much as we did, and we thank the staff for giving up the afternoon to play with us.

April 18th—Old Girls' " Back-to-School " Day. Many Old Girls assembled at the School, where they revisited their old haunts and met their old School friends. The Old Girls were able to meet Miss Shaw and to see again Miss Pratt, who is an honorary member of the Old Collegians' Association, and was, fortunately able to attend the reunion. During the afternoon the Old Girls played tennis against

8

THE LUCERNIAN

the present girls, but were unsuccessful in defeating them. Afternoon tea was served in the Assembly Hall.

the outstanding items of which was the " Dance Macabre," by Saint-Saens; this was played by Miss Wadelton and Miss Madden.

April 24th--Anzac Service and Shakespeare's Day. The Senior School commemorated Anzac Day at the morning Assembly, when the hymn, " 0 Valiant Hearts," was sung, and Judith Johnson read Laurence Binyon's " For the Fallen." The reading and prayers were appropriate to the occasion, and Miss Shaw brieflly told us why we still remembered Anzac Day when it seemed to some that those who gave their lives in the Great War had died in vain. She said that we must consecrate opr lives to the ideal for which they died—that wars should cease, and that men should be brothers.

After the Anzac Service, celebrations of Shakespeare's birthday were held.

Judith Johnson outlined the story of Shakespeare's life. Scenes from " Richard II.," " The Merchant of Venice," and " A Midsummer Night's Dream " were enacted by all the forms of the Middle and Senior School, with the exception of the .Intermediate. Each scene was introduced by a member of the form, who also summarised the story of the play previous to the scene which was to be performed. Innovations which proved most successful were the singing of songs in two scenes and the playing of music at appropriate times in others.

For the musical section we should like to thank Miss Glover, while the rest of the staff merit our thanks also for the help they gave in making this year's Shakespeare Day so successful. We are indebted to Miss Hope, Miss Haase, Miss Wellard and Miss Price for helping us with rehearsals.

May 5th—Ex-Senator R. D. Elliot, C.M.G. We felt it was a great privilege to have a visit and a most interesting talk from Mr. Elliot', who, in the previous fortnight, had been around the world, and had visited Washington with Lord Beaverbrook.

Mr. Elliot spoke of the bombing of London; he extolled the British people, whose determined, unselfish attitude and reserve, he said, cause them to be frequently misjudged by people of other countries. Mr. Elliot said the citizens of Britain were willing to make every sacrifice to defeat their ruthless enemy.

Mr. - Elliot, who visited Moscow with the Anglo-American Mission, described his experiences and impressions there. He spoke of the Kremlin and of the three representatives whom he met there—Stalin, Beaverbrook and Harriman. He told us how these men, despite the initial difficulties created by Russian mistrust of England, came to an agreement in three days. Mr. Elliot stressed the importance of this agreement to Britain, and concluded with the words, " Thank God we Australians are British."

April 26th — Anzac Service at St. David's Church.

The first public appearance of the School this year was at the Anzac Service held at St. David's, which many day girls attended besides the boarders. At the service, the School sang the hymn, " 0 Valiant Hearts."

May 1st — Presentation of Electric RadioGramophone. Music Club Committee Concert.

Mr. Hedley, the President of the Parents and Friends' Association, visited the School on this occasion, and formally presented to us the beautiful radio-gramophone. Miss Wadelton worked very hard to obtain this gramophone for the School. We wish to thank her for our new acquisition, which seems perfect in every way. We should also like to thank the members of the Parents' and Friends' Association.

After the presentation, the members of the Music Club Committee gave a concert, one of

May 10th.

Remembering the promise Miss Shaw had given him when he spoke to the School, Senior Chaplain Stewart asked the School to donate an Australian flag for the soldiers under his charge. The flag was dedicated at St. David's Church, at the morning service, which was attended by the boarders and representatives of the day girls. After Mr. Watkins had dedicated the flag, Judith Johnson presented it to Chaplain Stewart with the best wishes of the School. The Chaplain thanked the School for the flag, assuring us that it would be a most necessary and valuable part of his equipment accompanying him even to the front line. He expressed his appreciation of the gift, and said he hoped to be able to return it to the School when the war was over.

May 12th—First term ended.

We were very sorry to lose three of the boarder prefects — Mary Strickland, Betty Steel and Val Rickard. Mary was Head of the House and had an excellent career in every field of School sport.

The House and Form Music Competitions were held in the morning of May 12th. Lawson was successful in winning the House Competitions, while Leaving Pass and Honours and Form TVA won the senior and junior form competitions, respectively.

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THE LUCERNIAN TERM II. June 3rd—School resumed.

June 9th—Major William Courtenay.

- We had yet another distinguished person at the School, when we were fortunate enough to receive a visit from Major William Courtenay, the aviation editor of the " London Daily Sketch," who was in Australia at the invitation of the Army authorities of the United States. Mr. Courtenay spoke about aviation, tracing its development from the first aeroplane to what the future aeroplanes may be; he discussed the possible problems which their increasing speed would create. He spoke of the Royal Flying Corps of the last war, and of the tremendous development which has taken place in aviation in the last twenty years.

Mr. Courtenay mentioned the vast importance of aviation and the necessity for our interest in it, since it is bringing the ends of the world closer, and should help to unite them in communication.

After his talk, Mr. Courtenay took some moving pictures of the School.

June 30th—Lieut.-Colonel Attebery.

We had .a most interesting talk from Lieut.Colonel Attebery, a United States Army Chaplain.

He spoke first of American education and the great advance which had taken place in country schools in America since the last war.

In 1937, Colonel Attebery was in Germany, and he told us the impressions of German youth which his visit gave him. He spoke of the serious plight of the young people and the bitter conflict between the Christian Church and the Youth Movements. He said that the great majority of German children are brought up to worship Hitler, who maintains that the Christian God must die and be replaced by a god of physical strength. Colonel Attebery said that we must sacrifice everything if necessary to keep our freedom of religious thinking and to defeat the German worship of Hitler and militarism.

Mrs. Fletcher.

After school, we had another talk from Mrs. Fletcher, the Travelling Secretary of the Student Christian Movement in Victoria. Last year Mrs. Fletcher spoke to the Christian Union on the way in which the movement originated, and this year she told us what it was doing now in wartime. She told of the divisions which are caused by the war and which prevent the holding of the World Federation Meetings. She went on to speak of the work being done by the Federation in internment camps, for lonely and homeless refugees from all over the world. She referred particularly to the relief centres in London organised by the Federation, and to the work being done

among the Chinese University student refugees in Western China.

July 15th—The Rev. W. L. Simpson.

Mr. Simpson visited us, and spoke to the members of the Student Christian Movement.

He gave a very interesting and entertaining talk on Arab customs, especially dwelling upon Eastern customs of love, courtship and marriage, and the parts played by both girls and boys in them among a people who believe women have no souls, although men, animals and insects have the right to immortality. Mr. Simpson also related some of his own experiences among the Arabs.

July 16th—Staff v. Prefects' Basketball Match.

A basketball match was played between the staff and prefects, but although not entirely devoid of amusing incidents, it was a far more serious game than usual, and both sides seemed determined to win. The result was a victory for the Prefects, the final score being eight goals to six.

July 29th—Miss Paul.

The Principal of the "Mooroolbeek " Training College, Miss Paul, accompanied by Miss Fraser, visited the School, and Miss Paul gave the senior girls a very interesting talk. She told us why kindergarten teachers are so essential, and outlined the life and course of study at " Mooroolbeek," where the teachers are trained.

She expressed the hope that some of us would take up kindergarten work.

August 27th—Second Term Vacation.

TERM III. September 16th—The third term began.

October 2nd.

Miss Pratt made an unofficial visit to the School, and was entertained by Miss Shaw and members of the staff at afternoon tea.

The girls, who had the opportunity of speaking to Miss Pratt, were delighted to see her at school again.

October 6th.

The members of. the Presbyterian Assembly of Victoria met in Geelong. In the afternoon, many of them accompanied by their wives, accepted an invitation to visit the School.

They were shown over the buildings and grounds, and were entertained at afternoon tea.

October 24th—Sports Day and Hobbies Day. Owing to transport difficulties, it was decided to hold Hobbies Day on the same day as the School Sports. This meant that there could only be a display of work and hobbies done by the girls throughout the year, and no gymnastic display.

In the Assembly Hall there was a display of craft work, leather work, and sewing; there was also included a Camera Club display of photography, while, round the walls, were drawings and posters. Examples

10

THE LUCERNIAN

of ancient art and paintings were shown in the Library. There were also displays of project work, dressmaking and work done by the Kindergarten and Nursery School. The arrangements for Hobbies Day were mainly in the hands of Miss Howard and Miss W el lard.

Afternoon tea was served in the Dining Hall and Common Room, and the proceeds were donated to war funds.

October 30th.

We were very grateful to Miss Glover, who invited Mrs. Adams (violinist) and Mrs. Grose (soprano) to visit the School. They gave us a very enjoyable and instructive concert.

November 4th.

Mr. K. C. Masterman visited the School, and gave the senior girls a most interesting talk.

He told them about Rome, its history, and its language, and stressed the importance of our learning Latin. Mr. Masterman explained to us some interesting relics of Roman civilisation, and showed some slides of Rome.

November `iith.

Miss Giles, head of the Domestic Economy Department of the Gordon Institute of Technology, spoke to the Senior School, and told the girls of the courses open to them at the Institute. We are grateful to Miss Giles for this interesting talk.

November 11th.

We celebrated Armistice Day by having a special Assembly at 10.45 a.m. Our Acting Chaplain, Rev. E. Day, conducted the service.

The reading was from the Book of Ecclesiasticus, and the hymn chosen was " The Supreme Sacrifice." Judith Johnson read Laurence Binyon's poem, " For the Fallen."

November 13th.

An exhibition of work done by the senior art students of the Swinburne Technical College. was held in the Assembly Hall. This display, which we saw as a result of Miss Howard's work, helped to stimulate our interest in art. The collection of about £2/10/which was obtained from it will be used to buy copies of famous pictures for the School.

October 25th—Annual Church Service.

The service was held in St. David's Church, and was conducted by the Rev. A. W. Fraser, who chose for the text of his sermon these words, taken from William Tyndale's translation of the Bible: " The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a lucky fellow." Mr. Fraser said that the world owes a great deal to dreamers like Joseph, and that we should believe in our dreams and work to make them come true, since, in so doing, we would achieve real happiness. He warned us against being cynics, and explained the curious origin of this word.

The word cynic had its origin in the Greek term for a despicable cur of the Eastern type.

He explained that the early Greeks had associated " cynic " with all that was mean, savage and objectionable. Mr. Fraser asked us to remember George V's. words, that it is the will " not to do what one likes, but to like what one has to do," which makes a great character.

The School Choir was again in the choir seats, and sang the anthem, " Lift Thine Eyes," and the School sang " Lord, While for all Mankind we Pray." Miss Glover played the organ, and we owe her our thanks for the training she gave us for the service.

0

SCHOOL NOTES REV. W. E. WATKINS. We were sorry to lose the School Chaplain, Mr. Watkins, who left at the end of September to go to Melbourne. Mr. Watkins, who has been School Chaplain for six years, was an active member of the School Council, and was very interested in all School activities.

When he left, Mr. Watkins was presented with two books, with the School crest imprinted on them. We send our best wishes to Mr. Watkins in his new charge.

We are grateful to the Rev. E. Day, who has acted as Chaplain in the period between Mr. Watkins' departure and the appointment of a new Minister to St. David's.

MISS BOOTH AND MISS McKAY. At the end of last year we were sorry to lose several of the staff, among them Miss Booth and Miss McKay, whom we missed especially, since they had both been at " Morongo " for fifteen years.

Miss Booth was head of staff in the House for several years, and Miss McKay was for some time Vice-Principal. We should like to express our gratitude to them for all they did for the School, and to extend to them our very best wishes in their new schools.

We were sorry that Miss Hosking was ill for a time during second term. We were fortunate, however, in having Miss Robin to take her place, and we are grateful to her for all the help she gave during Miss Hosking's absence.

THE LUCERNIAN KINDERGARTEN NOTES. There have been so many new girls and boys at the Kindergarten and Nursery School this year that we cannot mention them all by name. But we do welcome them, and hope they will be very happy while they are here.

Sometimes the Old Girls of the Kindergarten come back for a visit when they have a holiday at the big school, and then we are very glad to see them all again.

Gardens.

We have been busy during the year growing vegetables in our gardens, and lately we have been having cabbages, silver beet and peas for dinner. They taste ever so much nicer when we know we have grown them ourselves. It will soon be time to start all over again with a fresh supply of seeds and seedlings.

Library.

The Mothers' Auxiliary has again given us some new books. These have been very popular, and many children make use of the Library, and often take books home to read.

We would like to thank the mothers for the interest they have always taken in us and for all they have done.

Air-Raid Shelter.

Some months ago, several of the fathers came and put in an Anderson shelter. This took up quite a large amount of room in the yard space, but it makes a very good playhouse, which we use every day.

Pets.

The birds we kept for so long were given away at the beginning of the year, in case we should have to go away suddenly to the country. We missed them very much at first, because they were always chattering and singing; perhaps some day we shall be able to keep them here again. So that now we have only some fish and a few tadpoles to look after.

Sports.

We visited the swimming sports during the first term, and Adrienne was the only girl who swam in any of the races—the others looked on. But on Sports Day at " Big Morongo," we entered for all the Kindergarten races, and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

War-Savings Certificates.

We have been very busy with war-savings cards this term, and are trying to fill them with stamps before Christmas. We have also collected many bags of waste paper and metal, which members of the Comforts Fund collect each month.

Work.

During the year we have all been working hard, and eight or nine of the bigger girls will be going to the big School next year. We shall all be sorry to see them go, and wish them a very happy time there. We are now looking forward to Christmas, and are be-

11

coming busy with the usual preparations. So we shall finish these notes with the Christmas greetings of all the Kindergarten children.

HOUSE NOTES. ARDENS HOUSE We would like to congratulate our last year's House Captain, Judith Johnson, on being elected Senior Prefect this year—a position which she has ably filled.

We were sorry to lose our last year's Vice-Captain, Eileen Sharpe, who has now become a member of the W.A.A.A.F. We wish her the best of luck in her new life.

We welcome all new girls, and hope that they will try to uphold the House standard for both work and sport.

We extend our hearty congratulations to the members of Harris House on their winning of the Swimming Shield and the Margaret Shannon Cup for Athletics this year.

Congratulations to Marie Wilson on being Intermediate Champion in Athletics!

We were very sorry at the end of last year to lose Miss Booth, who was a very enthusiastic house mistress, and we wish her all happiness in her new school.

We welcome Miss Price this year, and we would like to thank Miss Wood and Miss Price for their ever-willing co-operation.

Ellen C. Strickland.

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

Unfortunately we lost our House Captain at the end of last year, but Ida Brewster, last year's Vice-Captain, became our House Captain, and Isobel Arnott was elected as ViceCaptain.

We welcome all the new girls to the House, and are glad they have taken such an enthusiastic part in its activities.

Once again we were successful in winning the Swimming Shield. Our congratulations go to M. Field, who was senior champion, and to N. Wallace, a member of Harris, who gained the junior" championship. Success was ours also in the House basketball matches, so we shall hold the shield for the following year.

Sports Day was a great day for Harris, as we were successful in gaining the highest number of points, and will hold the Margaret Shannon Memorial Cup for 1943. We congratulate the champions, J. Bartle, M. Wilson, M. Toyne and M. Barnes, but, unfortunately for us, none of them was a member of Harris.

We congratulate Roslyn and Harris on their success in winning the junior inter-house tennis matches. We are still waiting to finish the senior tennis and baseball.

We all wish to thank Miss Evans and Miss Dunoon for their constant help throughout the

12

THE LUCERNIAN

year. To those girls who are not returning we extend our best wishes, and are confident that those returning will continue to keep our flag flying high.

Ida J. Brewster.

LAWSON HOUSE. We were sorry to lose our Captain, Mary Strickland, at the end of first term. Margaret Neilson automatically took her place in second term, and Jeanne Bayly was elected Vice-Captain.

Harris was successful in winning the swimming sports, and we would like to congratulate all its members, and also the two champions, Marjorie Field (Roslyn) and Nancy \Vallace (Harris).

Basketball matches were keenly contested during second term, Harris again being victorious.

The sports were held in third term, the Margaret Shannon Cup being won by Harris, with Ardens only three points behind them.

We extend hearty congratulations to them and also to the four champions — Joan Bartle (Roslyn), Marie Wilson (Ardens), Margaret Toyne (Lawson) and Margery Barnes (Roslyn).

Both basketball and tennis matches have not yet been completed, and we are eagerly awaiting the results.

We are pleased to be able to say that we were successful in winning the Music Club competitions in first term.

We would take this opportunity to thank Miss Hosking, Miss Wellard and Mrs. Muller for their continued interest and support throughout the year.

Margaret Neilson.

ROSLYN HOUSE. " It's Roslyn! Roslyn Forever! " First, we would like to extend a welcome to all the new girls and to let them know how much we have appreciated their co-operation throughout the year.

Although we have not been particularly successful in any spheres of School life this year, the House standard has improved a great deal.

We hope that the girls who remain next year, and the new girls to come, will be able to provide the extra effort which will enable them to finish the year victoriously.

We would like to congratulate Harris House on winning both the Athletic Sports and the Swimming Sports, also to congratulate the champions on both these occasions.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Miss Hope and Mrs. Shiels, who have shown ever-ready interest and constant enthusiasm throughout the year.

Marjorie J. Field,

On our return to School on Tuesday, February 10th, we were pleased to welcome the new girls who had come as boarders to " Morongo." Several new girls joined us during the year, and we were glad to have two children from the Kindergarten with us for a few weeks.

During first term we went swimming several times, and on one occasion had a very enjoyable picnic at the Eastern Beach.

At the end of first term we were very sorry to lose three of our boarder prefects, and we would like to wish them luck in their new work.

We spent many hours after school and on Saturdays filling sandbags for our air-raid shelter, which was built by members of the School Council and senior boys from Geelong College. We owe our thanks to all the people who helped us in this way. We are also indebted to those friends of the School who helped us with the vegetable garden.

The Ramblers' Club was most active during second term, and many walks were planned

by Miss Wood.

We were fortunate in attending " Fantasia " during second term, and also " Once Aboard the Lugger," presented by the Geelong Grammar School; the latter was a production which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

During second term the boarders gave a concert, the proceeds of which helped to swell our war fund.

Several of the boarders attended a dance at Warinn House, Geelong College, during first term. The senior boarders attended a dance held at " The Hermitage " early in second term. We enjoyed both dances very much.

Towards the middle of second term we were very sorry to lose Mr. Wall, caretaker of the School. Mr. Wall had been with us for many years, and had helped us with many heavy tasks.

Miss Shaw and the resident members of the staff invited us to two very enjoyable parties; one was held at the end of first term, and the other at the close of second term.

At the beginning of third term a tennis tournament was held with a number of boys

PREFECTS :: 1942

Back Row (L. to R.): A. Stafford, T. Thomson, D. Doull, I. Arnott, H. Stewart, J. Bayly.

Front Row (L. to R.): M. Munro, M. Neilson, J. Johnson (Senior Prefect), I. Brewster, M. Henderson.

TENNIS VIII.

Back Row (L. to R.): B. Douglas, H. Stewart (Captain), I. Brewster, B. Herd.

Front Row (L. to R.): D. Doull, E. Hemphill, E. Strickland, H. Roberts.

THE LUCERNIAN

13

Rickard, left at the end of first term, we sustained a great loss; we were especially sorry to lose Mary, who had proved a very capable head of the house, and whose ability and influence have been missed in every field of school sport.

Chiefly owing to wartime restrictions, we have unfortunately been unable to arrange a dance, but we thoroughly enjoyed the patriotic funds' dance given by " The Hermitage " during second term.

The Staff v. Prefects basketball match was played during second term, and both spectators and participants derived a great deal of enjoyment from various incidents. The staff had evidently been learning a few of the finer points of the game, judging from their elusive and energetic play.

Although the prefects gained a victory, the match was keenly contested, the score being 8 to 6 goals. We wish to thank the staff for entering into the fun of the game with such good will, since this has been an exceptionally busy year for them.

We were pleased to welcome four new boarder prefects—Alice Stafford, Jeanne Bayly, Dorothy Doull, and Helen Stewart—to our number during the latter part of the year, and they have already proved very ready to accept responsibility.

Those of the prefects who are leaving carry with them our best wishes, and we know that those who are returning will have a very happy year with Miss Shaw, whose help and understanding have been unlimited.

from Geelong College; the proceeds of this afternoon went to our war fund.

Shortly after we returned for third term we went to " The Hermitage," whose pupils gave a presentation of Barrie's " Quality Street," which we all greatly appreciated.

We were pleased to receive a visit from Miss Pratt early in third term, and again on Sports Day. Several of our old boarders came back to visit us during the year.

To the boarders returning next year and to the new boarders we wish the best of luck for 1943. To those who are leaving, we extend our very best wishes for the future.

It is largely due to the hard and thoughtful work done for us by Miss Pillow and Mrs. Kennedy that this has been such a happy year for the boarders. We thank them sincerely for all they have done.

I. J. BREWSTER.

PREFECTS' NOTES. Since five of last year's prefects returned and four probationers were made prefects, we were able to gather our forces together quite early in the year. Valma Rickard was made a prefect during first term. We were installed at a service conducted by the Chaplain, the Rev. W. E. Watkins, who impressed upon us that " to whom much is given, from him much will be required." When three boarder prefects, Mary Strickland, Betty Steel and Valma 0

SPORT This year sport has again played an important part in the School activities.

The Swimming Sports were held in the afternoon this year in ideal weather, on March 16th. The winning house was Harris, which gained 73 points; Roslyn gained 56 points, Lawson 29 points, and Ardens 221 points.

Marjorie Field was Senior Champion and Ida Brewster runner-up, while Nancy Wallace won the under 15 championship, with Pat. Field runner-up. During the afternoon we were very fortunate in having a diving exhibition given by Miss Marcia Lord, holder of the Intermediate Diving Championship of Victoria.

The Annual Athletic Sports were held on There October 24th in beautiful weather. was a large attendance of parents and friends, and we were especially glad to see Miss Pratt.

Although we had to mow the oval ourselves this year, we secretly thought it looked quite as good as usual. Unfortunately, owing to the necessity for austerity, we were unable to have the usual band of ribbon round our tunics; however, there was still a considerable

amount of colour, derived from the flags. The Margaret Shannon Cup was won by Harris (153 points), with Ardens (150 points) second, Roslyn (143 points) third, and Lawson (70 points) fourth. We congratulate the champions—Joan Bartle (Senior), Marie Wilson (Intermediate), Margaret Toyne (Junior), and Margery Barnes (Preparatory).

On October 14th, junior and senior running teams competed against Hermitage teams at the Hermitage sports. We congratulate both our teams on being successful, and thank our opponents for the opportunity of competing against them.

We should like to thank the staff, the house captains and all the friends who helped to make the Sports Day so successful. We would especially like to thank Mrs. Groube for her work, not only on Sports Day, but throughout the whole year.

Baseball.—This year, owing to the cost of transport and the uncertain state of affairs, we were not able to play any of our interschool matches.

14

THE LUCERNIAN

However, as a number of the Geelong College boys were interested in baseball, we were able to play two friendly matches against them. On April 5th we played the College First XI., and the result was 40 runs to 12.

The second match was played against the College prefects, the score being 23 runs to 18.

Although the boys were successful on both occasions, these matches kept sufficient interest in baseball this year to make the girls as keen as ever.

One afternoon, the staff very kindly gave up their time to compete against the School team.

The afternoon proved to be a success, as much amusement was provided by this match. Also, a collection was made for the Red Cross. The result of this match was a win for the girls, the score being 28 runs to 8.

As the inter-house matches have not yet been finished, the winner of the Baseball Shield has not yet been determined.

We should like to thank Mrs. Groube for her help and interest throughout the year.

Marjorie J. Field.

Basket-ball.—This year, as few inter-school matches were played, the House matches were specially appreciated. These matches resulted in a victory for Harris, who gained 11 points; Roslyn was second, with 9 points; Ardens gained 3 points, and Lawson 2 points.

Early in third term our only inter-school match was played against Sacred Heart Convent, resulting in a victory for our visitors; the score was 16 to 7 goals.

We should like to thank Mrs. Groube for her constant help and interest throughout the basket-ball season.

Ida J. Brewster.

Tennis.—This year tennis has played an imThe portant part in the School activities. girls have all been very enthusiastic, and we have had a successful year.

Although few inter-school matches have been played owing to war conditions, we have been fortunate in having two matches with The Hermitage and Geelong College.

The match against The Hermitage resulted in a win for the visitors, while the College defeated us by 32 games to 16.

A tournament between some of the boarders and boys of the College was also held at the beginning of this term. All had a very enjoyable afternoon, during which tea was served. The proceeds from the afternoon tea helped to swell our Red Cross funds considerably.

The house competitions, which were finished this term, resulted in some very good tennis, and we have to extend our congratulations to Roslyn and Harris, who won the junior cup.

The senior matches have not yet ben finished.

At present the School senior and junior championships are being played, and everyone is entering wholeheartedly into the contest.

Our success with this sport is the result of Mrs. Groube's untiring work, and we all wish to convey to her our sincere thanks for the interest which she has taken in the girls throughout the year.

Helen Stewart.

Hockey.—At the beginning of second term, hockey was commenced as an extra winter sport. Many girls have been anxious to begin this game, and were very grateful for Miss Shaw's suggestion that we should do so.

Those who wished to play bought their own sticks, and great enthusiasm was shown at all practices.

Although most of the girls were new to the game, we were successful in picking quite a good team, which will form a foundation for the team next year. A match had been arranged against the girls from The Hermitage, who had also recently started hockey, but this match had to be postponed. However we are hoping to challenge them again next season.

We should like to thank Miss Shaw and the other members of the staff for their valuable help during the absence of Mrs. Groube.

We should also like to thank Mrs. Groube for her continued interest in the game throughout the term.

Kathleen Hodge.

SCHOOL COLOURS. Tennis—H. Stewart, E. Hemphill, B. Herd, B. Douglas.

Baseball—M. Field, B. Herd.

Basket-ball—H. Prager, H. Stewart.

HOUSE COLOURS. ARDENS. Tennis—E. Strickland, H. Roberts, K. McCoy. Baseball—J. Johnson, E. Strickland.

Basket-ball—J. Bull, B. Douglas, J. Johnson.

Running—M. Wilson.

HARRIS. Tennis—P. Umhauer, J. Pratt, I. Brewster.

Baseball—I. Arnott.

Basket-ball—P. Blythe.

LAWSON. Tennis—H. Prager, J. Bayly, M. Neilson.

Basket-ball—H. Prager, A. Allen.

ROSLYN. Tennis—D. Doull, H. Stewart, M. Field.

Baseball—M. Henderson, H. Stewart.

Basket-ball--L. Cameron, D. Doull, M. Field, M. Henderson.

Running—M. Anderson.

Swimming—D. Doull.

BASKETBALL VII.

1.

L. to R.: S. Steel, H. Stewart, P. Blythe, I. Brewster (Captain), E. Strickland, H. Prager, B. Herd.

•

. . ...

..

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

THE LUCERNIAN

15

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES THE FORUM.

STUDENT CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT.

This year the custom of holding monthly prefects' meetings was discontinued, and, to replace it, a students' council, the Forum. was instituted by Miss Shaw; it meets weekly, and is attended by the House Captains, House Vice-Captains and one other representative from each house. Its purpose is to bring the staff and girls into closer co-operation.

We were pleased to welcome Miss Hope as president of the S.C.M. this year, and we are very grateful to her for the untiring efforts she has made to increase our activities in all fields. We would like also to thank Miss Dunoon, Miss Wood and Mrs. Shiels for their help throughout the year.

It was very encouraging to have an enrolment of forty-two girls at the beginning of the year. These girls were divided into three study circles, led by Miss Hope, Miss Wood and Mrs. Shiels. The text-books studied were " Venturing " .and "The Story Told by the Bible."

One day in second term we held a sale of pies to raise money for International Student Service funds. E1/10/- was raised, and this amount was handed in at Clyde House.

Although this is only a small sum compared with what is needed, we hope it will do something to help to relieve students' sufferings.

We hoped to be able to organise another effort for I.S.S., but that we shall have to postpone until next year.

We have been fortunate in having several very interesting speakers, namely, Mrs. Fletcher, Rev. W. L. Simpson, and Miss Living. We would thank them all very sincerely for visiting " Morongo " and giving us such interesting addresses.

Margaret Neilson.

DRAMATIC SOCIETY. On August 25th the School presented the play, " Lady Precious Stream," to an appreciative audience in the Plaza Theatre. The play is Chinese, and tells of Lady Precious Stream, the youngest daughter of the Prime Minister Wang, who is disowned by her family because she marries the gardener, Hsieh Ping Kuei, against her father's wishes. The couple live in a humble cave, but because of his strength and bravery, Hsieh Ping Kuei is soon sent with the troops on a punitive expedition to the Western Regions. His wife's brotherin-law, General Wei, plans his death, but, after being rescued by the beautiful princess, Hsieh conquers the Western Regions, and is obliged to consent to marry his rescuer.

Shortly before the marriage is to take place, Hsieh receives a message from his wife, who has been suffering in the cave during the eighteen years that her husband has been away. Hsieh returns to China, followed by the Princess, and after he has explained the situation to her, she agrees to be his sister, and to go to China with him. Hsieh returns to his wife, and as King and Queen of the Western Regions they punish the wicked Wei; they are then reunited with the Prime Minister, now an old man of sixty, and his family.

Meanwhile, the princess flirts with the Foreign Minister.

The play was produced under Miss Haase's capable guidance, and was presented in the traditional Chinese style, with no scenery, and with the property-men on the stage all through the performance. Yvonne McPhee was the charming Lady Precious Stream, Judith Johnson was the dignified hero, Hsieh Ping Kuei, and Zipporah Friedman was the vivacious princess. The Prime Minister Wang and his wife were played by Audrey Allen and Loris Thomson. As the cast was so large, several girls who were not in the dramatic class were included in the play. A very important part of the performance was the music, which was excellently managed by Miss Wadelton and Helen Stewart.

We would like to thank Miss Haase for all the work she did to make the play such a success, and also to thank Miss Wellard, Miss Hope and Miss Wadelton for the valuable assistance they gave so willingly.

MUSIC CLUB. Under the leadership of Miss Wadelton the Music Club has been very active this year. We are most grateful to Miss Wadelton, Miss Madden and Miss Glover for keeping the girls interested in its work.

At the beginning of first term it was decided that day girls should also become members of the club. A committee was elected, with representatives of boarders and day girls from each house.

We were very sorry to lose Betty Steel, our Secretary, at the end of first term, but a member of the Committee was elected to take her place.

Our first meeting this year was held on May 1st, when Mr. Hedley, President of the Parents' and Friends' Association, presented the School with a new radio-gramophone, which we had been working to obtain for some time. The new instrument has been greatly appreciated by all the School.

For the last day of first term another meeting was arranged; it took the form of house competitions, and we congratulate the mem-

16

THE LUCERNIAN

bers of Lawson on their success. The competitions were in three sections. First. there was a senior and junior solo, either vocal or instrumental; this was followed by an ensemble, and, lastly, there were several songs by the house choirs. We would like to thank Mr. R. J. Dickson for sparing the morning to come and judge our work.

The next meeting took the form of a concert given by the members of the Committee.

On June 26th the youngest forms entertained us with a concert, in which . they showed us how they learn to understand music under the careful direction of Miss Madden.

Before we went to see the picture, " Fantasia," Miss Wadelton explained to us the way in which the movements and subjects of the picture were taken from the music. Accompanying this, recorded extracts from the music Of the film were played.

For our next meeting, Harris and Ardens together gave a concert, choosing music from the Romantic School.

Every Thursday during second term midday gramophone recitals for those interested in -music were held in the Assembly Hall.

On Friday, October 30th, Miss Glover arranged a violin and vocal recital. We would like to thank our visitors, Mrs. Adams (violinist) and Mrs. Grose (soprano) for giving up their time to come and entertain us.

Our second house competitions, which were to be held on .August 26th, have been postponed until December 4th, owing to unavoidable interruptions.

Ida J. Brewster.

CAMERA CLUB. This year members have been keenly interested in the work of the club. Miss Wellard has arranged competitions every four weeks, and the girls have been very enthusiastic. Mr. Porter has also given us talks on printing and shown us coloured plates with the epidioscope.

Mr. Porter has also shown us how to print our negatives to photographs.

This term we had a display of snapshots and a competition for Hobbies Day, which Miss Shaw, Miss Pillow, Miss Hosking and Miss Howard kindly judged for us. There were five sections in the display, which the following girls were successful in winning; Margery Mosman came first in the self-printed, an animal study and School activities sections; Audrey Jones in a group, and Alice Stafford in three photographs of any subjects.

Gwenda Moreton.

FIFTH GEELONG GIRL GUIDE COMPANY. This year has been a most interesting and active one for the guides. However, owing to several difficulties, we have been unable to hold our meetings regularly, We have three patrols—Waratah, Robin and Wattle. There have been two hikes—one to Queen's Park, where we joined in with the 8th Company, and another to Highton.

A camp was to have been held in May, but unfortunately, owing to the weather, it had to be postponed.

During second term a Pets' Parade was held by the companies of Geelong. It was a great success, and the total proceeds of the day amounted to £16/2/3. This money was distributed among different branches of the Guide Movement and the Fighting Forces' Hostels.

Some of our company spent a very enjoyable evening at Christ Church Hall on the occasion of the Guides twenty-first' birthday.

During- Guide Week we attended a service held at the " Hermitage " Hall. Miss Shaw gave a very interesting talk on guiding.

The " Hermitage " Company held a fancydress ball during second term, but, unfortunately, none of our company was able to attend.

Throughout the year our captain, Miss Leigh, has been untiring in her efforts to enable the guides to pass their various tests; for this, and for her capable management of the company's meetings, the whole company is very grateful.

SOCIAL SERVICE REPORT. As this report goes to press, £98/18/4 has been collected from our social service work this year. We hope to increase this total to £100 before the end of the year.

In first term a Staff v. School baseball match was held, from which we collected 11/11/10; also, from the sale of ice-creams during the term, £1/9/9 was raised.

By various means during second term we were able to collect £67/13/2. We have donated this money to patriotic funds and charitable institutions.

Due to the preparation for examinations and the demands of the many School activities which are held in third term, we have been unable to hold competitions this term. However, on the first Saturday of the term the boarders held a tennis tournament at School with the boys from Geelong College; £2/0/9 was raised from this effort. Later in the term

BASEBALL IX.

Back Row (L. to R.): G. Ross, M. Henderson, I. Brewster, E. Strickland, H. Stewart.

Front Row (L. to R.) : B. Herd, M. Field (Captain), S. Steel, L. Cameron.

THE LUCERNIAN

£11/8/- was collected from the profits made from afternoon tea on Sports Day. Throughout the year, girls have been knitting various garments for the Australian Comforts Fund. During first term 115 garments were made for the Free Kindergartens of Geelong and the Bethany Babies' Home.

As a result of the day girls' Red Cross bus tin collection, £3/7/2 has been raised.

Each week the girls have contributed a small sum for our social service work. This has amounted to £11/8/7.

During the year there has been a War Savings Group, which, under the guidance of the Head Prefect, has contributed approximately £30.

We should like to thank Miss Shaw and all the members of staff' for their helpful assistance and support throughout the year in connection with our social service work.

L. Thomson.

Proceeds from Various Efforts.

Staff v. Girls' Baseball Match Sale of Ice Cream • •• Penny Drive .. . *Paddy's Market ..

Boarders' Concert .

Treasure Hunt ..

Day Girls Sale of Sweets Competition Staff v. Prefects' Match ..

Dramatic ..

Boarders' Tennis Tournament Weekly Contributions ..

Bus Collections ..

•• Sports Day • •

•

• •

s. d.

1 11 10 1 9 9 4 2 2 4 10 10 0 18 0 7 0 0 13 0 •• 0 5 6 1 1 3 • • 54 14 6 2 0 9 11 8 7 3 7 2 11 8 0 £98 18

4

Donations

£ s. d.

Bed for Soldiers' Hostel ..

Bethany Babies' Home Newtown Kindergarten Comforts Fund .. • • • Red Cross .. . • • • .

Chinese Relief ..

Red Cross Xmas Parcels ..

Women's Shilling Drive ..

Skins for Russia ..

Geelong Hospital ..

On hand .. .

• •

0 1 3 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 6

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

£98 18

4

1 .. 3 .. 15 .. 26 .. 15 .. 5 .. 5 .. 5 .. 10 .. 6

17

(011(Flo, Wit If " A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit embalmed and treasured upon purpose to a life beyond life."

—John Milton.

How fortunate we are to-day to have within our grasp so many valuable books. I often wonder if we realise just how many great men have educated themselves through the- medium of such books. The books of the world contain the experiences, wisdom and thoughts of many men and women of the human race.

How many of us have, when reading books, considered their origin and history? Recently, I read an article on this subject.

The cavemen learned to speak, and they invented certain sounds to mean certain thoughts. Later they wished to set down those thoughts in a manner that would last, so they began to draw pictures on the walls.

This was not the only method used; other races used sticks, on which they cut notches; others marked pebbles or beads; while others arranged leather thongs on a crossbar or made groups of knots on ropes.

The ancient Egyptians developed this idea of picture-writing to form what we know as hieroglyphics. Our bookmaking is developed from the art of the Egyptians, who, in turn, derived their notions from the Babylonians.

The Egyptian book was written on squares of papyrus glued into long sheets. A book was preserved by rolling it up on a staff, and enclosing it possibly in a case. Papyrus continued to be the usual vehicle of writing until the early centuries of the Christian era. In the second century B.C., the King of Pergamus, finding papyrus hard to procure, introduced improvements into the preparation of the skins of sheep and calves for writing purposes. The use of papyrus was succeeded by that of parchment. In the tenth century there was introduced from the East a new writing material made from linen rags, and the name of the vanquished papyrus was transferred to this new rival. When nations found themselves possessed of an alphabet such as you or I know, and also of thoughts, they considered passing them on to others ; so books began to appear. The desire to write became keen, and scholars wrote down the results of their studies. Scribes copied out the thoughts of learned masters and made up the sheets into bound books. Their aim had been to

18

THE LUCERNIAN

give something to the people of the world which would be of some use, and which would endure. The books of those days were very different from those of to-day : The chapter headings, headlines, initial letters and paragraph marks would be added by hand in a style which might closely resemble the letter decorations in the manuscript from which the text was being printed ; there would be no title page, and most probably no statement as to when the book was printed.

Much do we owe to John Gutenberg, who cut out separate alphabetical letters, formed them into words, and printed the pages by pressure from a linen press. The idea of printing soon spread from Germany to other European countries — so the art of printing progressed. Further necessary improvements were made in the actual printing machines and in the making of paper. These two great needs were supplied in the early nineteenth century, and they made possible the rapid advance seen in the printing of our books.

We have had some valuable editions to our Library this year, and to Dr. McPhee we are deeply grateful for the continued interest he has shown throughout the year.

The books he has given us include : " Winter in Arabia " (Freya Stark), " Concise Cambridge History of English Literature " (George Sampson), " Botticelli " (Medici Masters), " Pieter de Hooch " (Medici Masters), " Living Things for Lively Youngsters " (T. J. S. Rowland), " Tents in Mongolia " (Henning Haslund), " The Emperor of the Ants " (Vamba), " Bird Wonders of Australia " (H. Chisholm), " Theatre: Priestly, Odets, Williams " (Omnibus), " Sweet Thames, Run Softly " (R. Gibbings), " Great Lives : Keats, Marlborough, Wren ,Elizabeth ; " British Scientists of the Nineteenth Century," Vols. I. and II. (Crowther), Plays (J. M. Synge), " Primitive Art " (L. Adain), " Modern Architecture " (J. Richards), " English Diaries of the Sixteenth Century " (Aitken), " Marvels of the East " (R. Halliburton), " Balletomania " (Arnold Haskell), " Westward the Course " (Paul McGuire), " The Gay Galliard " (Margaret Irwin), " My Love Must Wait " (Ernestine Hill), " Only the Stars are Neutral " (Quentin Reynolds).

As many of us have been unable to read these books, I have collected a few facts from notes on written reviews ; the following are particularly interesting " Tents in Mongolia " is an account of adventure and travel in the Steppe lands of Central Asia. The author, Henning Haslund, has told it with the utmost vividness, humour and simplicity. As an introduction the author has given an account of the object of his expedition into this little-known country. Our starting-place is Copenhagen ; from there we travel with the author to Peking, Kalgan and

to Urga. The scenery of both Mongolia and China is vividly depicted—the journey is one of deep interest and excitement. From Urga we travel north-west, bearing all the hardships of such a journey, until at last we reach our destination.

The second part of the book begins with the construction of a camp and a trading station for furs. With the opening of the third part, we find the author and his faithful Cossack servant, Sava, setting off on a fur campaign.

Here are depicted the wild hunters, trappers and Chinese traders. Sava is sent on a long trip; his return is prophesied by an old lama; the author is captured by Buriats, then imprisoned by Soviet authorities of the district.

He escapes from murder, and finally is released.

In his book, " Marvels of the East," Richard Halliburton describes the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the ruined cities of Baalbeck and Petra, his flight over Baghdad with Prince Ghazi, the Taj Mahal, the Temples of Madura, the mystery of Angkor, the Great Wall of China and Mt. Fujiyama. These are only a few of the world's wonders which the author describes in this fascinating, descriptive and educational book. Other books of R. Halliburton are " Seven League Boots," " The Flying Carpet," and " A Book of Marvels of the \'Vest," all of which aide deeply interesting.

A book which is likely to fascinate any child interested in insects is Vamba's " The Emperor of the Ants." It is just as enchanting as " Alice in Wonderland." In it the characters are either bees, wasps, caterpillars or other creeping and flying creatures.

We should like to thank the following people, and assure them that we appreciate their thought and generosity :— Miss Shaw—" Trampled Lilies " (Lady Fortescue), Geographical Magazines.

Miss Hasking—" One Hundred Non-Royalty One-act Plays " (Kozlenko).

Miss Hope—" Northanger Abbey and Persuasion " ( Jane Austen), " Prefaces to Shakespeare " (Harley - Granville Barker), " Life of Robert Browning " (Edward Dowden), " The Letters of Charles Lamb, Vols.

I. and II. (Everyman).

Miss Wood—" Regency " (D. L. Murray), " Kipps " (H. G. Wells).

Miss Living—"Mansfield Park" (Jane Austen).

Margaret Parkes — " Pollyanna's Jewels " (H. L. Smith), " Pollyanna's Debt of Honour " (H. L. Smith), " Pollyanna's Western Adventure " (H. L. Smith), " Pollyanna in Hollywood " (Elizabeth Borton), " Pollyanna's Door to Happiness " (Elizabeth Borton), " School on the Moor " (D. S. Bruce), " Chubby " (Gertrude Hart), " Dr. Dolittle's Circus " (Hugh Lofting).

Isobel Arnott—" Contemporary British Literature " (F. B. Millet).

19

THE LUCERNIAN The following books have also been added to the Library shelves. They were purchased with our own funds :— " A Leaf in the Storm " (Lin Yutang). " London Diary " (Quentin Reynolds). " Sense and Sensibility " (Jane Austen). " Southward Journey " (Halliday Sutherland). " Laughing Diplomat " (Daniel Vare). " The Stranger Prince " (Margaret Irwin). " Science Looks Ahead " (Prof. A. M. Lowe). " Fifty Favourite Operas " (Paul England). " The Cats' Grandmother " (S. Tweedsmuir). " Pompey was a Penguin " (S. W. Bradshaw).

"The Book of Insect Oddities " (R. L. Detmars), " The Little Boy and His House " (S. Bone and M. Adshead) " Michael Angelo " (The Sculptures) (Allen Urwin)

" Fra Angelico " (Medici Masters). " Sculpture " (Shown Series) (Editor, L. Chisholm).

The senior girls have appreciated the books lent to the Library by Miss Shaw, Miss Hope and Miss Hosking ; these gifts have proved most beneficial and interesting in their work.

The members of the Library Committee have carried out their duties this year _with zeal and regularity, and they deserve the thanks of all the girls.

To Miss Hope we are deeply grateful for her sympathetic understanding of all our literary problems. She has instilled into all of us the value of good literature. Under her guidance the Library has continued to be an integral part of our school life. We extend to her our sincere thanks.

I. Arnott.

0

SPEECH NIGHT, 1941 The Speech Night of 1941 was held in the Plaza Theatre on December 15th. It was an important occasion, as not only was it the twenty-second annual Speech Night of " Morongo," but it marked the end of Miss Pratt's twenty-two years as Principal of the School.

The principal speaker was Sir Harry Lawson. He said people were inclined to say that " the old school tie " did not matter very much in these days. That was true if the old associations were abused, but in so far as the old school tie stood for constancy of aim and high endeavour, it should be with us all the time, and we should do nothing to sully the good name of the school it represented. " Morongo " was a priceless heritage for Geelong, a priceless asset to the Presbyterian Church and the Western District people. In her twenty-two years as Principal of the College, Miss Pratt had set an example of high endeavour and wonderful achievement.

Prior to the presentation of a substantial cheque to Miss Pratt, Dr. R. G. McPhee (Chairman of the School Council) spoke of her long and valued service to the College from its beginning to the present day.

Proceedings opened with the presentation of a nativity play, " Every Man in Every Street," under the production of Miss Haase.

In her report, Miss Pratt outlined the successes and achievements of the School during the year. She congratulated the Council on its good fortune in securing Miss Lucy Shaw, B.A., as the next Principal of " Morongo," and expressed her certainty that under Miss Shaw's control the School would continue to grow and prosper.

The prizes were presented by Sir Harry Lawson and the sports prizes by Miss Minnie Harding (President of the Old Collegians' Association).

PRIZE LIST :

Honours VI. Heather Stewart, A. C. Harris Prize, Dux, Dramatic, Senior Class Singing. Jean Davidson, Prefects' Prize, Dramatic, Senior Class Singing.

Jean Blackwood, Senior Music, Scripture. June Backwell, " Lucernian " Prize.

Barbara Clifford, Library.

Pass VI. Judith Johnson, Speech Training, Dux. Margaret Henderson, Pass. Margaret Neilson, Pass.

Marjorie Munro, Scripture. Bettie Chisholm, Domestic Science. Pamela Muckner, Senior Music. Alice Stafford, Arts and Crafts, Special Progress.

• Intermediate.

Jeanne Bayly, Olive Filmer Dux Prize.

Dorothy Doull, Pass. Averyl Mackinnon, Pass, Commercial Work, Botany, Chronicle of School Events. Claire Potter, Pass. Helen Stewart, Domestic Science, Scripture. Ida Brewster, Music. Violet McLeod, Music.

Peggy Hore, History of Art Notebook.

Sub-Intermediate.

Rhonda McKay, Botany, Dux. Marie Wilson, Pass. Jean McDonald, Pass, Scripture.

Elsa Hemphill, Pass. Yvonne McPhee; Speech Training. Betty Hughes, Mrs. Keay's Memorial Prize for Needlework. Margaret Lee, Junior Music.

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THE LUCERNIAN

Form IVC. Audrey Margetts, Dux Shirley McKinnon, Pass. Dorothy Kendell, Pass. Dorothy Knox, Scripture. Gwenyth Robertson, Needlework.

Gwenda Moreton, Camera Club, Dressmaking.

Pamela Rowley, Speech Training. Shirley Burch, Junior Drawing.

Form IVB. Betty McConaghy, Scripture, Dux. Elizabeth McDonald, Pass. Mary Thomson, Pass, Needlework. Joan Gurr, Speech Training.

Form IVA. Janette Winstanley, Scripture, Dux. Lynette Madden, Pass. Dorothy Brownlees, Speech Training, Musical Appreciation. Needlework.

Barbara Bossence, Junior Class Singing, Junior Music.

Form III. Alison Williams, First in Form. Elizabeth Margaret Knox, Needlework, Scripture.

Welsh, Speech Training.

Form IIB. Joy Baker, Musical Appreciation, First in Form.

Form IIA. Pamela Chapman, First in Form. Cynthia Wootton, Progress.

Form I. Joan Pope, First in Form.

Swimming Championships.

Marjorie Field, Senior; Pamela Muckner, Junior.

Athletic Championships.

Judith Johnson, Senior; Ida Brewster, Intermediate; Margaret Toyne, Junior; Ali'3on Williams, Preparatory.

Tennis Championships.

Mary Strickland, School Champion: Verna Lyon, Senior Champion; Helen Stewart, Junior Champion; Helen Stewart, Jean Browne, Tennis Improvement Badges.

House Shields and Cups.

Pettitt Shield, for Work, Ardens; Marion Rankin Shield, for Basketball, Roslyn; Mrs. H. B. Simson Junior Tennis Cup, Harris; Hitchcock Tennis Cup, Lawson; Eileen Buckhurst Shield, for Baseball, Roslyn and Harris; Ena Miller Shield, for Swimming, Harris; Mrs. Lewis Hirst Cup, for Work and Sport, Roslyn; Charles Neville Cup, for Inter-House Sport, Roslyn and Harris; Margaret Shannon Memorial Cup, for Athletics, Ardens; InterHouse Choral Competition Shield, Ardens.

EXAMINATION SUCCESSES, 1941.

INTERMEDIATE A. Allen—English (Higher Standard).

J. Arnott — Geography, Algebra, Biology, Music (Higher Standard), English (Lower Standard).

A. Barker—English, British History, Arithmetic, Music (Higher Standard), Geography, Botany (Lower Standard).

J. Bartle—English, French, British History, Algebra, Music, (Higher Standard), Geography, Botany (Lower Standard).

J. Bayly—English, French, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Music (Higher Standard).

I. Brewster — English, Music (Higher Standard).

J. Bryan—English, Drawing (Lower Standard) D. Doull—English, French, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Drawing, Physics, Chemistry (Higher Standard).

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

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

P. Hore—French, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra (Higher Standard), English (Lower Standard).

J. Judge— English, French, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra, Botany, Biology (Higher Standard).

E. Lowson—English, French, Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Physics, Chemistry (Higher Standard), Arithmetic (Lower Standard).

P. Maddern — Geography, Botany (Higher Standard), English (Lower Standard).

A. MacKinnon—English, French, Geography, Arithmetic, Botany, Biology (Higher Standard), British History (Lower Standard).

E. McKenzie—English, British History, Arithmetic, Algebra (Higher Standard), French, Biology (Lower Standard).

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

V. McLeod—Music (Higher Standard), English, Botany, Geography (Lower Standard).

H. Prager—English, British History, Music, Domestic Science (Higher Standard), French, Algebra (Lower Standard).

J. Pratt—Music (Higher Standard), English, French, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Biology, Domestic Science (Lower Standard).

C. Potter — English, British History, Geography, Arithmetic, Algebra, Botany, Biology, Music (Higher Standard).

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THE LUCERNIAN

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

C. Robb — English, Botany, Music (Higher Standard), British History, Biology, Geography (Lower Standard).

B. Selman — English, French, Geography, Arithmetic (Higher Standard), Botany (Lower Standard). . E. Sharpe—British History (Higher Standard), English, Arithmetic (Lower Standard).

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

E. Strickland—Music (Higher Standard).

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

P. Umhauer—English, French, Algebra, Arithmetic, Botany, Domestic Science, Physics (Higher Standard), Biology (Lower Standard).

H. Wallace Geography (Higher Standard), British History, Biology, Music (Lower Standard).

U. Williams — English, French, Algebra, British History, Arithmetic, Geography (Higher Standard).

J. Woolley— English, Biology, Geography, Drawing, Domestic Science (Higher Standard), French (Lower Standard).

LEAVING PASS.

I. Arnott—English, European History, British History, Geography.

M. Bowring—Maths. II., French (Int.).

J. Bull—French (Int.).

B. Chisholm — Music, Domestic Science, French (Int.).

M. Cooke—English, French, Music, Domestic Science.

M. Gerrand—English, Music (2), French (Int.) M. Henderson—English, French, Maths. II., Chemistry, Physics, Biology.

L. Johns—English, French, Domestic Science, Arithmetic (Int.).

J. Johnson—English, French, European History, British History, Geography.

V. Lyon—English, French, Domestic Science, Hons. European History (Pass.).

E. McKindlay—Geography, Domestic Science, French (Int.).

P. Muckner—English, Music (2), French (hit.)

N. Middleton—English, French, Drawing, Domestic Science, Arithmetic (Int. Lower Standard).

M. Munro—English, French, British History, Maths. II., Geography, Music.

M. Neilson—English, French, Maths. II., Geography, Music (2).

M. Parkes—English, French, British History, Geography, Music.

V. Rickard — English, British History, Music (2).

M. Spalding—British History, Geography.

A. Stafford—English.

B. Steel—English, French, European History, Geography, Music (2).

J. Stewart—English, French, British History, Maths. II., Geography.

M. Sutcliffe—European History, British History, Geography, French (Int.).

L. Thomson—English, British History, Geography, Music, French (Int.).

J. Davidson—French, Geography.

LEAVING HONOURS.

J. Blackwood—French (3rd Hons.).

B. Clifford—Biology (Leaving Pass).

MUSIC (1942).

I. Brewster—Grade I., Piano (Pass); Grade II. Perception (Pass).

M. Anderson—Grade II., Piano (Credit); Grade II., Theory (Hons.).

E. Forbes—Grade II., Piano (Hons.); Grade IV., Perception (Hons.).

H. Prager—Grade II., Piano (Credit).

A. Allen—Grade III., Violin (Credit); Grade IV., Perception (Hons.)

M. Lee—Grade III., Piano (Hons.); Grade III. Perception (Credit).

M. Mosman—Grade III., Piano (Credit).

P. Moreton—Grade III., Piano (Pass); Grade IV., Perception (Credit).

J. Noel—Grade III., Piano (Credit); Grade IV. Perception (Hons.).

J. Reddie—Grade III., Piano (Hons.).

H. Roberts—Grade III., Piano (Credit); Grade IV., Perception (Credit).

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

A. Jones—Grade IV., Piano (Hons.).

B. Bossence—Grade V., Piano (Credit).

L. McLeod—Grade V., Piano (Credit).

B. Thornton—Grade V., Piano (Credit).

0

SALVETE. Honours VI.: P. Blythe.

Leaving Pass VI.: M. B. Anderson, E. Forbes, K. McCoy, M. Noel.

Intermediate : M. Baron, Z. Friedman, M. Hodgson, J. Noel.

Sub-Intermediate : K. Bennett, D. Bradshaw, B. Dickins, J. Dickins, S. Ling, J. McDonald, P. McGregor, C. Oke, P. Riddoch, G. Ross, R. Ward, P. Warren.

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IVA.: D. Barnes, S. Cookson, J. Dorman, H. Hore, A. Jones, M. Rees.

IVB.: M. Barnes, J. Hannam, A. King, H. Lawrie, J. Lynch, J. Reddie.

IVC.: J. Foster, H. Cherry, P. Briggs, M. Price, M. Tritschler, T. Wood.

IIIA .and IIIB.: A. Steed, M. Meldrum, B. Harman.

Captain, House Captain); M. Gerrand, T. Griffin, L. Hill, M. Hill, P. Hore, B. Hughes, L. Johns (Prefect), J. Judge (Tennis VIII., Basketball VII.); D. Knox, E. Knox, G. Knox, V. Lyon, P. Maddern (Tennis VIII.); P. McKay, E. McKenzie, E. McKindlay, A. MacKinnon, V. McLeod, N. Middleton, P. Muckner, R. Murdoch, B. Penney, C. Potter, V. Rickard (Prefect, Tennis VIII.); C. Robb, B. Selman (House Captain, Baseball IX.,.

Basketball VII.); E. Sharpe, M. Spalding, B. Steel (Prefect, Baseball IX.); H. Stewart (Senior Prefect, Dux of the School); J. Stewart, M. Strickland (Head of the House, Tennis Captain, Baseball IX., Basketball VII., House Captain); E. Tarr, R. Thomson, U. Williams, J. Woolley.

0

VALETE. J. Backwell (Baseball IX., Basketball VII.); A. Barker, J. Bennett, J. Blackwood (Prefect, Baseball IX., Basketball VII.)• M. Bowring, J. Bryan, B. Chisholm, B. Clifford (Prefect); M. Cooke (Prefect, Tennis VIII.); J. Davidson (Head of House, Tennis VIII., Baseball 0

OLD COLLEGIANS' ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT. IT IS with pleasure that I present to you on behalf of your Committee the Annual Report for the year ended 1942.

At our last Annual Meeting, held on Saturday, 22nd November, 1941, at the McPhillimy Hall, St. George's Church, the following office-bearers were appointed for the ensuing year :— President : Minnie Harding.

Vice-Presidents : Mrs. H. Fallaw, Mrs. G. Logie-Smith.

Secretary : Rae McClure.

Assistant Secretary : June Orchard.

Treasurer : Mrs. L. Shone.

Assistant Treasurer : Mrs. I. Dancey.

Committee : Mesdames M. Mund, N. Peck (nee Berryman), Misses Pat Hearne, Margaret Cameron, Alexe Carnell, Beth Davis, Pat Elvins, Morva Long, Gwen Purnell, Mollie Shirra, Margaret Simson, Wyn Sinclair and Heather Stewart.

Membership.

It is pleasing to report that this Association retains its membership, and has throughout the year increased its numbers.

Owing to her call to the A.W.A.S. during the year, Alexe Carnell tendered her resignation from the Committee, and Audrey Smith was duly elected to fill the vacancy.

New Member.

At the initial Committee Meeting this year, Heather Stewart was appointed to that position left vacant for the girl leaving School at the close of the previous year,

Welcome to Miss Shaw.

A floral tribute was handed to our new Principal, Miss Shaw, on the first morning of the opening term on behalf of the Old Collegians. The President and a number of Old Collegians attended the Assembly on this morning, and Miss Shaw was welcomed to the School. Miss Shaw was promised the faithful and consistent support of the Old Collegians, and we trust that our association with her will be a long and happy one.

At the kind invitation of the Senior VicePresident, an afternoon tea party was held early in the year at her home, in order that the Committee should meet our new Principal.

We wish to thank Mrs. Fallaw very sincerely for her kind hospitality. " Hermitage " Re-Union.

Your President and Secretary were privileged to attend the " Hermitage " Old Girls' Luncheon, and were there afforded the opportunity of meeting many of their members.

Auditor.

It was decided that the books of the Association be audited in future, in order that the responsibility be taken from the Treasurer.

To Mr. Neilson we are indebted for his promise to have this work carried out.

Working-Bee. A working-bee was held at " Morongo " during first term, in order that sandbags be filled and sewn up. The Old Collegians gave some assistance in this work.

Honorary Members.

At an early Committee Meeting it was decided that all Old Collegians serving abroad with the fighting forces should be made honorary members of the Association.

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THE LUCERNIAN

Annual School Sports and Church Service.

To date, this privilege has been conferred upon Staff Nurse A. M. Storrer, Staff Nurse S. L. Mann, Sister E. D. Riddle and Masseuse C. A. Simson.

In accordance with the usual custom, a number of Old Collegians attended both the Annual School Sports and the Church Service.

" Back-to-School's" Day.

General.

We were this year indebted to Miss Shaw for the cordial invitation extended to the Association to hold the Annual " Back-to-School's " Day at " Morongo " on Saturday, 11th April.

Some 70 girls were present at this, our first function for the year.

In this connection, we owe very special thanks to Miss Pillow and her helpers for the time and trouble spent in preparing a very excellent afternoon tea, and also to the Sports Mistress, Mrs. Groube, for arranging the sports programme.

It was with deep regret that we read of the death on active service of the son of our dear friend, Sir Harry Lawson. The Association as a whole expresses its sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Sir Harry and Lady Lawson in their grief.

We congratulate and offer our best wishes for future happiness to Betty Berryman (Mrs. Neil Peck), a Committee member who was married during the year.

To the " Geelong Advertiser " we are grateful for the consistent support and courtesy always accorded us.

Special tribute must here be paid to Miss Margaret Simson, whose outstanding services in a Secretarial capacity to this Association for the past three years should not go unrecorded. Her courtesy and real assistance to incoming office-bearers for the coming year is deeply appreciated.

Before concluding, I have pleasure in announcing on behalf of the Committee for 1943 our newly-appointed office-bearers :— President : Gwen Purnell.

Vice-Presidents : Lorna Mund, Mollie Shirra.

Secretary : Rae McClure.

Assistant Secretary : Wyn Sinclair.

Treasurers : Gwen Shone, Beth Davis.

Hostel Staffing.

This Association has undertaken to staff the Fighting Forces' Hostel in Geelong on the fourth Sunday of each month. To those girls who have so willingly given their services in this direction we wish to express our sincere appreciation, and trust that they will be able to continue to help during the coming year.

Dances in Aid of Fighting Forces' Hostel.

During this year two dances were held at the Hall of Honour in aid of the Fighting Forces' Hostel, one on the 5th May and the other on 7th July, realising £14 and £22/12/7, respectively.

The amount of £14 was spent in purchasing two beds for the Hostel. Both beds bear nameplates denoting that they were the gift of our Association.

The other amount, £22/12/7, was left with the Hostel Committee for the purchase of refrigeration equipment needed during the summer months.

Melbourne Branch Annual Meeting.

Your President and Secretary attended the Annual Meeting of the Melbourne Branch of our Association early in the year. A cheque for £5/7/3, being half that Branch's subscriptions for 1941-42, was handed to your President.

Life Memberships.

Life Membership fees amounting to £55 this year were invested in War Savings Certificates.

Presentation.

It was decided to recognise the valued services of Mr. John Dawson, our former Singing Master, who was with the School for a period exceeding 20 years. A picture of the wisteriacovered School porch was presented to him to mark our appreciation and as an acknowledgment of his unfailing loyalty during those

years.

MINNIE HARDING, President.

RAE McCLURE, Secretary.

MELBOURNE BRANCH. The year 1942 has been one of renewed activity for the Melbourne Branch, due in a great measure to the initiative and energy of our President, Eileen Davies. Early in the year she decided that, as an Association, we should be doing something more constructive to assist the war effort. Accordingly, it was decided to save qur threepences, in order to buy surgical instruments for the Heidelberg Military Hospital, and members were circularised. to this effect. Up to date, £5 has been subscribed in this way.

At the instigation of the President, a number of knitting groups were formed amongst the Old Collegians. These groups meet once a month to knit, either for the Infant Welfare Centre or for the services. At each meeting a collection is made to buy War Savings Stamps, and any money for the surgical instruments fund is handed in. These groups have proved very successful in promoting interest in the Association and in keeping its members in contact.

On 18th May a very enjoyable social evening was held at the Combined Old Collegians'

24

THE LUCERNIAN

Club Rooms, and we are looking forward to a card party, to be held shortly at Eileen Davies' home.

Many Old Collegians are now engaged in war work. Several members of the Melbourne Branch have joined the A.W.A.S.—Erica Johnson is at Duntroon; Lois McDonald is a stenographer; and Elsie Gough is training in a Signal School at Killara, New South Wales.

Ruby Smith has joined the W.A.A.A.F., and Heather Chisholm is working at Victoria Barracks with the Department of Air. Rhona Connery is at the Navy Office, and doing broadcasting in her spare time.

Olga Young is in Canberra with the Censorship Department. Also in the Federal Territory is Norma McArthur, who is Senior Computer at Mt. Stromlo Solar Observatory.

Dorothea Davidson has been testing gasmasks at Maribyrnong.

Betty Anderson is Secretary to the Vocational Officer at the Beaufort Factory, Fishermen's Bend.

Helen Ferguson is with I.C.I., and Margaret McArthur is now with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, after spending the first part of the year doing research at the Chemistry School, Melbourne University.

Pat McBride is lecturing in Economic Geography with the Faculty of Commerce, Melbourne University.

Norma Sutherland and Beth Bartlett are in residence at the Women's College, and are doing their final year in Science and Arts, respectively.

Degrees were conferred this year on Margaret McArthur (M.Sc.), Dorothea Davidson (B.Sc.), and Betty Anderson (B.A.).

Pat Warren is pursuing a course of Social Science, and is in residence at Janet Clarke Hall. Effie Ross has commenced the final year of her medical course, and is at present at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Mavis Honey is a dietitian at the same hospital, and Barbara Sewell, Jean Smith and Janet McDonald are nursing there. Daisy Balfour is continuing her training at the Alfred Hospital.

Mavis Pettitt and Winnie Burridge are both teaching at the P.L.C. Gwen Little and Heather Bowring are studying at the Emily MacPherson College.

Enid Wilson is at the C.E.G.G. School at Marysville. We sympathise with her in the sad loss of her brother Athol, killed on active service.

SOUTH-WESTERN BRANCH. ANNUAL REPORT. This year has been a quiet one, owing to the prevailing war conditions, but we have pleasure in reporting that we have 32 very

interested members, and we welcome to our roll this year three new members—Norma Middleton, Thersa Griffin and Joan Bryan.

On behalf of our Association I would like to thank our Treasurer, Greta Gray, for the extra work she has put in in shouldering the Secretary's job in addition to her own as Treasurer, throughout the year.

We were sorry indeed to lose the services of our very energetic and untiring Secretary, Edna McLean, but wish her every success in her new V.A.D. position; and also, on behalf of the members, we offer her our best wishes on her recent engagement.

Other Old Girls of our Branch, Jessie McCallum, Lois McDonald and Margaret McDowall , are serving their country in the various women's services, and we wish them all every success. Congratulations go to our newly-engaged Alberta McKay, our recentlymarried Jessie H,astie, and to Marj. Gibson, who has given birth to a son. Our deepest sympathy is expressed to our Vice-President, Jessie Lang, who recently lost her mother.

We should like to record our deep appreciation of Miss Pratt's work and influence in the School during her twenty-two years' association with us. To Miss Shaw, who returns to us now as Principal of " Morongo," we send a welcome and assurance of our wholehearted co-operation.

Our three representatives at the " Back-toSchool's " Day reported an exceedingly interesting and enjoyable day.

The only function we were able to hold this year was a dance run by the Social Committee for patriotic funds. It was held in Colac, and was a huge success both socially and financially, and I am pleased to report that the Prisoner of War Fund benefited to the extent of £17/3/9. I would like to thank the Social Secretary, Nancy McRae, for her energetic work, and other members for assisting in the smooth running of our dance.

As this year ends, we are looking forward to 1943 season, and hope it will bring peace and prosperity again to the School and to us all.

VALMAI ATKINSON GRIMSHAW, President.

ENGAGEMENTS. June Orchard—Lieut. Stuart McColl, A.I.F. Myrl Holt—Sgt. John Irving, A.I.F. (ret.).

Beth Winstanley—Jack Foley.

Alison Robley—Archie Wallace.

Margot Prowse—Pilot-Officer Henri Kelder (N.E.I. Forces).

Jean Black—J. C. Sloss.

Beryl Eaton—LlOyd Little.

Gwenda Ives—Lieut. Lloyd Batten.

THE LUCERNIAN Jean Venters—W. Marshall.

Nell Williams—Alan Randle.

Gwen Hinchcliffe—Lieut. Alister Lyon.

Edna McLean—Harry Unmack, A.I.F. (ret.).

Meg Carmichael—John Headlam, A.I.F. (ret.)

Dorothea Davidson—John Arnott.

Nancy Heard—Eric Dohut, A.I.F. Margery Horne—Staff-Sgt. Keith Featherstone Mary Higgins—Colin Fraser.

Dora Riddle—Dudley Hallam.

May Fraser—Ralph 0. Liddle.

Margaret Kerr— Alberta McKay—Laurie McFarlane.

June Graham—Bill Dunn.

Jean Kennedy—John Phillip.

Nancy Munro—Dr. Duncan Reid.

Gwen Madden—Lieut. C. Stewart Blakiston, A.I.F. MARRIAGES. Betty Berryman—Neil Peck.

Marianne Pettitt—George Muller.

Gwenda Ives—Lieut. Lloyd Batten, A.I.F. (ret.).

Peggy Freedman—John Jolly.

Verna Robley—Ernest Gray.

Enid Ebbott—Val Eckstedt.

Jean Venters—W. Marshall, R.A.A.F. Vivien Bartlett—Bill Orchard.

Nell Williams—Lieut. Alan Randle, A.I.F. (ret.).

Gwen Hinchcliffe—Lieut.Alister Lyon, A.I.F. Marjorie Meadows—Fred. Collier.

Norma Windmill—Jack Rowles.

Norma White—Capt. Norman Bigmore.

Pearl Black—W.. Weston, A.I.F. (ret.).

Gloria Lock—Flight-Lieut. Coventry.

Gladys Fagg—J. V. McNair.

Lesley Long—Capt. St. E. D. Nelson, A.I.F. (ret.)

Dorothea Davidson—John Arnott, A.I.F. (ret.)

Nancie Keays—Flt.-Lieut. N. S. Parry, R.A.A.F. Mary Graham—Jack French.

Jessie McAdam—Bremner Hastie.

Alva Potter—George Bustard.

Isobel Heard—Lieut. Murray Bucknall.

Margery Horne—Staff-Sgt. Keith Featherstone Nancy Stewart—Bill Symons.

Nellie Munro—Gerald Murray.

BIRTHS. Mr. and Mrs. J. Chisholm (Lois Matthews)— a son..

Mr. and Mrs. R. Stabernack (Marjorie Blakiston)—a daughter.

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Mr. and Mrs. McCann (Edna McIntyre)— a son.

Mr. and Mrs. Purnell (Jean McIntyre)— a daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. G. Boadle (Carleen Roebuck)— a daughter Mr. and Mrs. John Wager (Isobel McLean)— a daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. McKay (Gwen Morgan)-a daughter.

Mr. and Mrs.. Fleming (Margaret Salter)— a son.

Mr. and Mrs. C. Cowperthwaite (Esther Blakiston)—a son.

Mr. and Mrs. Ian Gibson (Marjorie Craig) — a son.

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Paton (Chirsty Ross)— a daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. Alec Lee (Janet Ballantyne)— a son.

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Ching (Connie Lancaster)—a son.

Mr. and Mrs. George Baker (Edna Richardson)—a son.

Mr. and Mrs. Shell (Gladys Gibb)—a son.

Mr. and Mrs. Laird (Margaret Page)— a daughter.

Mr. and Mrs. A. Butcher (Bessel Batten)— a son.

A.W.A.S. Dora Madden, Lieut..; Lois McDonald, Cpl.; Alexe Carnell, Dyllis Henry, Cpl.; Nancy Plain, Jean Plain, Eunice Hair, Betty Gunn, Cpl.; Eathorne Stewart, Dorothy Maltby, Sgt.; Margaret Dale, Sgt.; Jessie McCallum.

W.A.A.A.F. Doreen White, Dorothy Batten, Pauline Marchant, . Marcia Chapman, Verna Gray, Mary Stanistreet, Eileen Sharpe.

V.A.D. Rosemary Weddell, Ethel Tribolet, Edna McLean.

ARMY NURSES. Ailsa Storrer, Dora Riddle (recently discharged), Meg Carmichael, Stella Mann, Gladys Mathieson, Alison Simson (masseuse), Flora Plain.

MUSICAL QUALIFICATIONS. Faye King—(1941) A.Mus. A. and A.T.C.L. Betty Grant—A.T.C.L. (Practical, 1942).

Note.—In order that the Register may be kept up to date, will Old Collegians please report any change of address. You are asked also to report any information regarding engagements or marriages to the Honorary Secretary.

THE LUCERNIAN

A CAUTIONARY SKETCH

The Haunted House

A WARNING TO ALARMISTS

THE LUCERNIAN

27

ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTIONS THE SCHOOL BELL Only last year there was an article in this magazine about the historic School bell, which has been used for so many years, first as a warning for settlers to assemble for defence against the natives, and then as a warning for pupils to assemble for lessons. Now this bell has taken on a new significance, as it sounds a warning to the pupils of an air-raid.

Formerly it was used to gather people together, but now, at the first sound of the bell, the pupils and staff leave the buildings and scatter among the trees of the plantation.

As yet, the air-raid warning has only sounded for practices, and it is the earnest wish of everyone that it will never have to be used for a real air-raid; we hope that the bell will be able to remain as a symbol of peace and learning—not of war and destruction. It has been a heartening thought to us all to know that England's church bells have now rung again for their rightful purpose. We hope that our own bell will soon be restored to its normal usage in our school life.

M. Henderson (16 years.)

L'HEURE DU BERGER (By Paul Verlaine)

The Rose Garden " A GARDEN IS A LOVESOME THING" Gardens are among the most beautiful, peaceful and interesting things ever made. No stately building, however much acclaimed, can ever surpass the quiet beauty of a garden with its delicate flowers and proud, graceful trees.

No material made by man can better the soft velvet of old and well-kept lawns. Seldom is music made that sounds more pleasing to a peace-loving heart than that of trickling water or the song of the birds. No human artist could mix such colours as are to be seen in an old world cottage garden. There are not two trees of exactly the same shade of green or silver-grey, and, as for the flowers, their colours are impossible to describe. Nobody could do them justice in words, however eloquent he or she might be. There is not time to dwell on the many other lovely things about a garden, but they may be found by all those who are looking for tranquility.

Sundials " count only the sunny hours," and their quiet record seems to bring us nearer to peace in a garden " than anywhere else on earth."

Lesley McLeod (12 years).

La lune est rouge au brumeux horizon ; Dans un brouillard qui danse, la prairie S'endort fumeuse, et la grenouille crie Par les joncs verts ou circule un frisson.

Les fleurs des eaux referment leurs corolles, Des peupliers profilent aux lointains, Droits et serres, leurs spectres incertains, Vers les buissons errent les lucioles ; Les chats-huants s'eveillent et sans bruit Rament l'air noir avec leurs ailes lourdes, Et le zenith s'erriplit de lueurs sourdes.

Blanche, Venus emerge, et c'est la Nuit.

AUTUMN I think the most beautiful season of the year is Autumn. Autumn is alive with golden things which no other time or season has. The air is filled with the fragrance of late flowers, and at night the fires are lit in the gathering dusk. The trees, once laden with fruit and nuts, are losing their burdens; but greatest of all the wonders of Autumn are the leaf colours. The colours of tree and vine, of falling leaf and fading flower, of smoke curling upwards in the still air, all bring a quietness to the mind.

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THE LUCERNIAN

The season always seems, however, to be a little wistful, as if asking why it always has to come before Winter, and mark the end of all the outdoor activities. However, the wistfulness is very lovely, as you will discover if you walk along a winding path, carpeted with leaves of red and gold, just at sunset.

Autumn sunsets are the most magnificent of any; then the birds going to rest sing gently among the boughs. Tread softly, for it would be a sin to disturb the birds singing their love songs just at eventide. As you walk slowly, or stop under a tree uprising in its strength and pride, you will think and dream of those things which have given courage to man since the world began. Suddenly you will see that the sun has gone down, and that quickfooted dusk has already stepped lightly over the world. As you turn back along the path that is lit only by the stars, shining through the clear night as they have shone through eternity, you will breathe a silent prayer of thanks.

Lesley McLeod (12 years).

POEM The winds began to howl, and then the storm Broke upon the earth; the angry sea arose And crashed upon the high white cliffs above With deafening roar, which shook the very heart And core of earth, and earthly men.

The gods in heaven it seems let loose their rage And flung their burning arrows at the -earth.

This not enough to satisfy their anger, They sent the rumbling thunder, thinking it Would make men realise their power.

And into this wild windswept, shaking earth A little Child was born, a thing of peace.

It seemed a token to the gods on high To show them that their mighty wrath and power Were naught, for peace remains on earth.

Perhaps when this small Child has grown to be A man, he will reduce the suffering And pain on earth, and prove unto the gods That peace prevaileth over noise and power For all the reign of men on earth.

Jean Bull (17 years).

DAY DREAMS

Autumn Afternoon THE SHEPHERD'S HOUR The red moon rises through the horizon's mist, And meadows drowse amidst the hazy smoke Of evening; the frog gives voice to his twilight croak, Hidden where rushes by night winds are kissed.

The water-flowers fold their petals in sleep In far away fields rank poplars appear, And like dim ghosts their branches rear Towards the bushes bright fireflies sweep.

Screech owls awake and silently fly Through the darkening air with heavy wings, The heavens are dim with faint glowing things.

Pale Venus appears, and the night is nigh.

J.M.J.

The windows rattled monotonously in their frames and the bare virginia vine tapped lightly on the window panes. Outside, the pine swayed sedately in the wind, offering a contrast to the tossing of the gum branches and wildly waving arms of the cyprus tree.

A stray leaf whirled past the windows and a crow flew slowly to the shelter of the eaves.

Suddenly the hail came, striking the window ledges and bouncing off again, piling up against the railing of the porch, rattling on the ventilators in the roof, blotting out the town and bay.

Then, as suddenly, it ceased, and a rainbow bridged the sky. There came a lull in the wind, broken only by the buzz of voices in the classroom and the swift command, " Stop talking, and pay attention."

Through the wide, open windows, framed with the green of the virginia creeper, came the gentle sighing of the pine and the soft rustle of the gum leaves in the breeze.

Through the trees were glimpses of green padclocks, rolling down to the buildings edging the sparkling waters of the bay. Huge white clouds drifted slowly across the wide expanse of blue sky. A dove cooed softly from the branches of the cyprus, and the sun lit up the amber tips of the gums. An aeroplane droned past. Then all was quiet in the drowsy afternoon. . . . " Stop dreaming, and pay attention ! " the voice once more broke harshly across my thoughts.

A.M.S. (18 years).

THE LUCERNIAN

A VISIT TO THE HIGHLANDS OF SUMATRA We walked down the gang-plank on to the wharf of the main port, Belawan, and moved along among the crowds of native porters (who always eagerly attended the coming of a ship), to the Customs Office, where we were subjected to the usual official search through our belongings. Outside, a taxi was waiting for us, and we climbed in, having stowed our luggage at the back. After about half an hour's motoring on a lovely road by the side of the Deli River, we came to the centre city of these parts, Medan. This city was originally the chief town, where all the products from the neighbourhood were taken; at Medan are all the different companies' headquarters. Medan is a modern city, with asphalted streets and handsome stone buildings. The great Mohammedan Mosque here is one of the finest to be seen anywhere in the East; it has an attractive little lake in front of it, on which swans gracefully glide.

We did not stop in Medan, as it was a hot day, and we were wanting to get up to the cooler climate of the highlands. When we had just got away from the main outskirts of Medan, we passed through rubber and tobacco plantations. Here and there along the sides of the road we saw native plantation workers walking along. In about an hour we arrived at Bandabaroe, a small town, which marks the beginning of the pass. Our taxi had to do some climbing and swerving around hairpin bends in the pass, as the road follows the contours of the mountain—not unlike the Tropical mountain passes of Switzerland. trees and flowers grow around the road, and monkeys are heard shrieking in the distance.

Sometimes little streamlets can be seen trickling down the sloping banks of the road.

As we get higher up, the tropical flowers are replaced by fir trees and shrubs. Presently we were rid of the pass and were going through the mountain resort of Brastagi. As we were going straight on to Kaban Djahe— our destination—we did not stop at that town.

After another twenty minutes' driving, we arrived at the town of Kaban Djahe, where we drove straight to our house.

Kaban Djahe has a very pleasant climate— warm, sunny days, and cool nights. There are small hills, varying from two thousand to four thousand feet, while the two extinct volcanoes reach a height of eight thousand feet above sea level—that is, about seven times as high as the You Yangs.

The small native village is called a " kamThe typical Batak house is made pong. from bamboo and wood; it is erected on bamboo poles, about five feet high; it has a thatched roof, with decorations of a painted buffalo head at each end. These houses are

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very inadequately lighted, having one main door and a few slits in the walls. The attics of the houses are used to store grain. Most of the houses are shared by two or three families. Pigs run around the yards, while the small native children shout and play.

Native women can be seen pounding rice or washing clothes for their families in front of the houses, while the men are out in the fields.

The typical native women is brown-skinned, with long black hair. She wears a long indigo sarong " wound about her, with a cushionlike head-dress to match, which is used to support any awkward load. On great occasions she wears large, heavy, brass e:ar-rings.

The typical man wears a long pair of patterned trousers, a jacket, and a short sarong wound about him. He wears a tight-fitting miniature sarong twisted around his head.

On the birthday of the Dutch Queen Wilhelmina, the natives round about all flock to the nearest large towns in nice clothes and celebrate for a few days.

The natives here are always very friendly, and never quarrel seriously among themselves. Most of the natives around Kaban Djahe and Brastagi are Christian or Mohammedan, and the churches in both towns are visited regularly by them every Sunday. The conversion of the natives to Christianity is the work of missionaries from various parts of the world.

Susan Cookson (12 years).

LONDON UNDER SNOW It was in London. The weather forecast had given warning of snow, and the people were eagerly awaiting its first appearance.

The sky had been overcast all the morning, and towards late afternoon soft flakes fell, till grey London was white.

The morning dawned, and the snow stopped falling. The blacksmiths had come to the stables to put frost-nails in the horses' shoes to prevent them from falling. To the usual sound of traffic was added the musical sound of chains on the wheels of the cars; these are used to stop the vehicles from skidding.

Towards midday the snow had started to melt, and the roads were even more slippery. Later, sand-carts came round and put sand on the roads to give them a firmer surface. As time went on, even the sand was washed away by the melting snow.

So the winter went on, till the snow became too thick to melt in a day, and the sand-carts were busier still. The fall continued, and " there was no waft of wind with the fleecy fall," Joanna Pyper (12 years),

30

THE LUCERNIAN

MORN Beside an open tomb there stands The risen Christ with outstretched hands.

It is but morn; yet the dawn of Peace Is slowly, surely advancing, With all the light on land and sea, Gathering in its intensity.

And He Who has been sacrificed, Our living, gracious, loyal Christ, Who has proclaimed, " I am the Light," Will bring us Peace.

Yvonne McPhee (15 years).

GREAT PAINTINGS In my opinion, to judge from copies I have seen, two of the finest pictures in the world must be the Sistine Madonna, by Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

Raphael is the only painter who has ever been able to create in a Madonna's eyes that indescribable look of glory and majesty, of wisdom, power and love. It is the beauty of holiness. The grouping of the figures in the painting, " The Sistine Madonna," is triangular in form.

The Madonna and child form the centre, with the Pope Sixtus II. on one side and Saint Barbara on the other. In the background of the picture may be seen a host of attending cherubs, while the pair at the foot of the picture have captivated the world. The picture, in itself, is glorious; but in the Madonna's eyes lies the key to its beauty, for in painting the Sistine Madonna, Raphael made supreme use of his gift of facial expression—a gift which lived, and died, with him.

The smile on the face of the Mona Lisa and also the mystical expression of her eyes immediately hold your gaze. Wherever you stand, those eyes seem to follow you with calm, gentle serenity. The smile which plays about the corners of her mouth is believed by some to be a sneer. However, it is said that when Leonardo da Vinci was painting this masterpiece, he had flutes playing nearby, which brought that smile, known the world over, to her lips.

Both pictures are the masterpieces of their respective painters, and both paintings fill whoever gazes at them with awe; the beauty and majesty of both are supreme. When one has looked at the copies, one feels a wild urge, a mad desire, to see the originals.

Margaret Toyne (13 years).

A CANADIAN CHRISTMAS SCENE It was Christmas Eve in the snowy north of Canada. Five members of our family had been to town to get last-minute Christmas presents. It was nearing twilight as we watched the town lights disappear over the slopes one by one; as we had to be back in time for tea, my father hurried the huskies

along the track towards home. The ground was already covered with snow about one and a half feet deep, and the branches of the trees were clothed in white. The scenery around was very pretty, and soon the moon rose to make the snow glisten like silver.

Suddenly, when we were nearing another forest, we heard the howl of wolves. Most people would feel rather alarmed if they heard wolves howling as the fierce creatures did that night, but we were used to them, and went gaily on our way through the forest. When we came to the plains again, a pack of wolves began to chase us.

My father made the huskies run faster, because he knew the tricks of hungry wolves could be dangerous. My uncle, with us, had a small pistol, with which he fired at the wolves. This kept them back until we could get out of their sight. When the wolves stopped pursuing us, we had a chance to look at the scenery once more.

Here and there one would see a log cabin, with a large stack of snow on its roof.

The moon was still shining brightly, accompanied by the stars. Sometimes an owl flitted by, hooting weirdly. Every still object was white and silver with snow, and the silvery countryside looked like glistening white satin. At last the warm lights of home shone out across the pearly slopes, and our meditations were interrupted by having to get our bundles together. It had been a lovely ride, and we were happy and rather hungry as we entered the front door. Inside glowed a welcoming fire, whose shadows flickered on the walls.

Susan Cookson (11 years).

A STRANGE CUSTOM Although the natives of Java are not a superstitious race, they have many ancient beliefs, one of which concerns a type of lizard called Chee-Chuck. These Chee-Chucks are very numerous, and their calls are heard often through the day. When a native is undecided about something, he very often relies on this call to decide it for him. Their custom resembles our own way of picking a flower and plucking the petals from it, saying, as we do it, " He loves me, he loves me not."

Often when the sky looks very black, a native says, in time with the Chee-Chuck, " It will rain, it. won't rain," and so on. This custom has gone on for centuries, because the natives find that it is very reliable.

One occurrence of this type is recorded, when a native, having caught a fish, could not decide whether to eat it straight away or take it home. At this juncture a Chee-Chuck saved the situation by deciding upon the latter alternative; however, the native, who was very hungry, decided against the lizard's advice. He set about making a fire on which to cook the fish. To do so he had to get some twigs; so,

31

THE LUCERNIAN leaving the fish at the foot of the tree where the Chee-Chuck was, he wandered round, colHowever, when he relecting odd twigs. turned, the fish was gone! In his absence, a cat had carried it off!

Margot Baron (14 years).

MY SCHOOL IN MALAYA The school that I went to in Malaya was right up in the hills. The uniform was brown and gold; we had special frocks, with splits up the sides, for dancing. The classrooms were very bright, with lovely cream desks. Everyone who was at the school was a boarder.

The oldest girl in the school was sixteen.

There was a nursery school, and that was There called " The Snow White School." were horses to ride in the jungle, and there was a place, all fenced in, where we had races, and where there were hurdles for the horses to jump over. We used to go butterflyhunting with nets; all the butterflies were pretty. We used to go for long walks in the jungle. There were lovely wild flowers everywhere. Most of the trees were rubber ones.

There were always kittens wherever you went.

There were a few monkeys, and quite a lot of grass-snakes.

Anne Steed (9 years).

SINGAPORE Ships entering Singapore harbour can either anchor at the wharves or in the harbour itself. If the latter course is taken, then ferry-boats convey the passengers to the shore, where rickshaws are ready to take them around the city.

There are not many statues in Singapore, but the statue of Raffles, who is the founder of Singapore, is one of the statues that sightseers usually see.

The streets are usually crowded with Europeans, Chinese and Malayan people. The Europeans will probably be on their way to the biggest shops, while the Malayans and Chinese will probably be on their way to the market, where tropical fruits and vegetables are sold on stalls in the market-place.

One of the most modern buildings in Singapore is that for cold storage, where meat is kept in good condition, and is also sold.

Adjacent to the cold storage building is a cafe, where cold drinks are served.

There are five theatres in Singapore that show modern films, and as the theatres are air-conditioned, they are usually filled with Europeans.

Malayan, Indian and Chinese temples are scattered almost everywhere in the city, and there are also some Malayan picture-houses.

The Singapore Swimming Club, or the S.S.C., as it is popularly called, is a haunt where many Europeans can be found on a very hot day. It has a tiled, salt-water pool, and also two pools similar to the pool at the Eastern Beach, in Geelong. There is an upstairs and downstairs restaurant, and a small house where people can stay overnight.

There is an aerodrome in Singapore, with a hotel in it and a cafe and bar, where the newly-arrived passengers from an aeroplane are usually found.

Singapore is rather like any city in Australia or America, the only difference being in the climate, the customs, and the variety of races of people that are seen in its busy streets.

Ruth Lowson (12 years).

A POEM With apologies to the Editress and to Oliver Wendell Holmes, who wrote the original, " The Height of the Ridiculous."

I wrote some lines upon a time In wondrous merry mood, And thought, as people usually do, That they were very good.

They were so queer, so very queer, I laughed as I should die, Albeit, in the general way, A sober girl am I. I took them to the Editress, And watched her peep within.

She read the first line, and her face Broke into one large grin.

She read the next — the grin grew broad, And shot from ear to ear.

She read the third — a chuckling sound I now began to hear.

The fourth — she burst into a roar, The fifth — what had I writ?

To make the tears stream down her face, To make her have a fit?

For many nights, with sleepless eye, I watched her laugh and roar.

And since, I've never dared to write A poem any more.

Ruth Lowson (12 years) Lesley McLeod (12 years)

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TIT LUCERNIAN MALAYA

In Malaya there are a number of servants.

The Kebun is a gardener, the Syce is the driver, and the Amahs, who look after the children, are very clever with their hands, and sew beautiful dresses. There are a lot of rubber trees, coconut trees and banana trees.

One day, a man with a monkey passed through our garden, and went to the golf course, which is next to our house. The monkey climbed up the tree and threw down the coconuts.

There are a great number of pineapples in Malaya, and at times you can get one for a cent., which is about two for a penny. We also have mangosteens, rambutans and durians.

The durian as as big as a pineapple, and is covered with thorns like spikes. They are very difficult to open, and the boy used a meat-chopper in one hand and a thick cloth in the other. The durians have a very strong smell, which is not pleasant to people who do not like durians, but they have a lovely taste.

There is no winter in Malaya at all. It is all summer.

Militza Meldrum (8 years).

LIN YUTANG An Ambassador for China Lin Yutang, in his book, " My Country and My People," interprets to us very completely not only China's art, but every other aspect of her national life. The book is divided into sections, each dealing with a separate part of Chinese life, character, ideals and beliefs.

The Chinese ideal of great learning is directed towards the attainment of a " clear character," by which is meant " the illumination of the understanding of life and human nature developed and cultivated through knowledge." The outstanding traits in Chinese character are pacifism, contentment, strength of endurance, and mellowness.

The true end of life for a Chinese person lies in " the enjoyment of a simple life, especially the family life, and in harmonious social relationships." Their only idols are humans, in whom they recognise the truest picture of an ideal. These idols are to them patterns on which they should build their own characters and base their own lives.

A woman lives in absolute subjection, effecting a general recognition of the inferiority of women. Inside the family only does a woman rule; their ideal of womanhood lies in being " a helpful wife and wise mother."

China is a nation of individualists, who are essentially family-minded. Their social scale is strictly divided into groups of scholars, farmers, artisans and merchants.

In four decades of war, China has suffered great tragedy at the hands of other countries.

She realised that she must ultimately rely on herself, and had no choice but to imitate Western methods.

Chiang Kai-Shek has united China by force and masterly strategy. He is a strict disciplinarian, his principles for securing final victory being, firstly, to offer a prolonged resistance; secondly, to present a national resistance on all fronts; and, lastly, to fight to keep the initiative in battle.

In his novel telling of war-swept China, " A Leaf in the Storm," Lin Yutang brings us a vivid and intensely personal picture of Chinese life to-day. The story centres about three Chinese characters, Lao Peng, Malin, and Poya, who at this time are living at Peiping.

The Japanese advance reached Peiping suddenly, and all houses were searched for hidden guerrillas. Malin found herself in danger, and, acting on the advice of her lover, Poya, went to stay with Lao Peng for a time. As the danger intensified, they left Peiping at very short notice, leaving word for Poya as to their intentions.

They journeyed through the hills, and came to a temple hidden deep in the range. Here they met a refugee girl, Yumei, whom they took with them to Tientsin. Poya joined them at Shanghai, where Malin found herself in fresh danger, causing her to continue with Yumei to Hankow.

The greatest migration of people in all history was reaching Hankow at this time, and Lao Peng was working with the Buddhist Red Cross. Malin and Yumei joined him in this wonderful work of caring for refugees, orphans and wounded soldiers. " Lao Peng was happy with the little good that he was doing. His reward was the knowledge that he was doing right according to his own conscience."

Lao Peng left Malin to carry on while he went out into the war area to do more extensive war work. He fell ill at Chengchow, and Malin, realising her love for him, travelled up to nurse him. Poya, still faithful to Malin, followed her to Chengchow. He realised that Malin was in love with Lao. Peng, and while they were retreating from a Japanese advance, he purposely attacked a group of ten Japanese.

He fell an easy victim to them, but not before he killed three of their group.

In Hankow once more, Malin took up her old work with the refugees. She was very happy with Lao Peng. Not far away on the hill was Poya's grave. Above it stood an epitaph chosen by Malin and approved by Lao Peng. It was a non-Buddhist but curiously universal text: " Greater love hatli no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Margaret Neilson (16 years)

33

LUCtRNIAN CHARLES AND MARY LAMB A Reverie It was a golden Spring afternoon, and a wind gently stirred the trees. We settled ourselves on a rug on the lawn and looked to the bay, which shimmered in the sun—there was not a ripple on the sea.

I had a copy of the " Essays of Elia," which I was reading as we lay on the lawn.

Suddenly, to my surprise, I heard faint voices in the distance, and soon recognised them to be those of Charles and Mary Lamb.

I seemed to see Mary and Charles sitting by the fire in their drawing-room, talking over the happenings of yester-year. The snugness of their room, with its antique furniture, shelves of books right round the room and cheery fire glowing in the grate, seemed quite in keeping with the character. It was a room that was not extremely tidy; books and papers were strewn on the table. How typical of the people that lived within those walls!

I heard Bridget telling the maid to be sure and use the willow-patterned cups, of which Charles was so fond. He gave a deep chuckle over these cups; I had often wondered in my reading what it really was that amused him so much about this china. My curiosity was satisfied when I saw the way in which the quaintly-proportioned little figures entertained him. " How he loved those little, lawless, azure-tinctured grotesques ! " I noticed that Bridget, while they were sipping their hyson, or green tea, was in the best of moods, and spoke of the great enjoyment which surged up within her when she remembered how Charles would come home in the old days with a rich treasure—a first edition.

She remembered how Charles loved to delight her with simple things, and how he would wear his old black suit, " his corbeau," for longer than was fitting, so that he could have sufficient money to buy a book or a print which he coveted. A mood of depression seemed to come over her as she sighed for the past, when they were not so rich, and when every purchase was made at the price of sacrifice. Charles was always " quick to detect summer clouds in Bridget," and he sought gently to humour her wistful reminiscent mood.

Bridget went on to talk of visits to the theatre in the days of their comparative poverty. How she had loved to have Charles at her side in the one-shilling galleries! But those days were gone forever. I also heard her speak of their pleasant walks to Enfield on their too rare " holy days." I caught a mental picture of Charles and Mary lying side by side on the " dear green earth," delighting in one another's company and enjoying a frugal lunch, packed with such care.

I had sometimes wondered as I read, and now more particularly as I heard Charles and Mary talking, what was the root of theintimate friendship which had sprung up between I realised that it was brother and sister. probably Lain.b's affectionate care for his invalid sister. Her dependence on him soldered the bond between them. When Bridget had finished reminiscing, she said that she did not find life nearly as interesting now that they were richer. I saw a smile creep over Charles' face, and saw him glance at her affectionately; with sympathetic understanding he chided her pleasantly for this point of view. Bridget was soon brought to Charles' way of thinking as he explained they were both younger then, and were more capable of facing difficulties and discomfort.

I saw Charles stoke up the fire and draw the table nearer for a friendly game of bridge.

Bridget tauntingly remarked that Charles was of the same opinion as Mrs. Battle, " that cards were not to be meddled with."

While they were playing, I scrutinised the books that lined the shelves. I could see that Mary delighted in novels and stories, while it was clear from Charles' collection that he did not favour narrative.

I could see his favourites there—Sir Thomas Browne, Robert Burton, and copies of Shakespeare. Wellchosen prints and some paintings of old masters were shown to advantage on the walls.

During their game of cards, I heard them discussing holidays. Lamb remarked that he liked most of all to spend his leisure " in some woody spot on the banks of his beloved Thames."

As I listened, I longed to hear more, but the voices grew fainter each moment. " Don't go away," I wanted to call, " you dear, homely people."

Had it been only a dream? On waking up, I found myself lying on the lawn, with my friends and books around me. The shadows were lengthening in the garden. I had not done very much work, but my dreaming hours spent with Bridget and Elia had been well worth while. I shall ever retain a memory of that ,quiet, lovable Elia, with his hatred of hypocrisy and his lively sympathy.

E.M.F. (15 years).

MY KITTEN I have a little kitten, Fluffy is her name; She is a lovely kitten, And really very tame.

And when I do my knitting, The naughty little thing, She creeps along and chews it, Till my wool is like a string.

Joy Baker (9 years).

34

THE LUCE1NIAN HORACE AND THE CARROTS

Horace McDonald was a jolly little boy. He went to Mayfair College, and as Mr. Waddles (the headmaster) was very fond of vegetables, he grew a great amount of them. There was one thing that Horace was very lucky about, and that was that he lived next door to the school, and as he was fond of vegetables also, used to creep through a gap in the hedge and pick them, because he was so greedy.

One day Horace stumbled out from the front door. He crept into the school garden, and spent at least a quarter of an hour pulling carrots. He pulled and pulled, and I am sure he had at least four pounds of them to take home. When he got back, he whistled to Blinker, his donkey, and he sat down to rest (pretending his fatigue was dreadful after his hard work). Anyway, it was not long before he was munching carrots and stroking Blinker, and also trying to read his favourite book, " Pleasant Stories for Pleasant Children." His mother came out to harness Blinker, as she was going to market. " Mind you don't turn into a donkey," she called; " you are eating such a lot of carrots." " No, I won't," he answered.

After a while, he began to feel his ears.

It was a peculiar feeling. It seemed as though he was stretching out his body. Soon he felt a tail, then a donkey's face. Then, after another few minutes, he was a full-grown donkey. He screamed and yelled for help, and with a bounce and a jump he found it was all a dream, and that Blinker was just finishing the remains of his wonderful book, " Pleasant Stories for Pleasant Children." Horace did not even smack Blinker, though; in fact, he petted him, because he was so pleased his dream was not true.

That ends the story of Horace and the carrots, and it also ends Horace's greed.

Margaret Price (9 years).

THE MESSAGE OF BELLS. Just after war was declared in 1939, the King said that no more church bells were to be rung in England unless the country was threatened with invasion. On Sunday, 15th November, 1942, the bells of England once more sent their sweet chimes over the countryside for the first time for nearly three years.

When I heard of this, it reminded me of Edgar Allan Poe's poem, " The Bells." In this poem, he mentions some of the various kinds of bells. In the first verse he speaks of sledges, with their silver bells, tinkling merrily in the snow and frost. In the course of the verse, he says :—

" How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, In the icy air of night, While the stars that over sprinkle All the heavens seem to twinkle With a crystalline delight ; " You can imagine the sleighs on a clear frosty night, and all the stars winking and twinkling up above.

In the second verse we can hear rich, full golden bells telling of the future.

Every thing in the verse gives you the impression of peace. " Hear the molten golden notes all in tune."

The next verse is a striking contrast to the last; it is about fire bells. You can almost hear the loud brazen bells telling of terror, with the hungry flames licking the houses hungrily, leaping higher and higher. In some of the lines it says :— " With a desperate desire, Now, now or never To sit by the side of the pale-faced moon."

Can't you almost see the flames way up in the air, while the bells are sending out a " clamorous appeal " for help?

The last verse gives us a grim, sad feeling.

You can faintly hear the low, drolling, tolling iron bells; they just keep on the same note, rolling away. They are funeral bells, heard in the churchyard. It seems as though the people who are ringing them are ghosts, mocking, laughing at the dead.

I like the poem, because it is so full of contrasts. Long after we have put away the book, we can hear the bells still dying away in our ears.

B. Bossence, IVB. (12 years).

MY SNOWMAN I made a little snowman On a winter's day I begged and asked my snowman That he would stay.

He nodded at me brightly, I'm sure he understood, Although he had charcoal eyes And lips made out of wood.

But very soon the sun came out, And my snowman went away, So, although I'd begged and asked him.

He really could not stay.

Joan Oakley (10 years).

THE NIGHT RAIDER The night raider flew low across the sky, black against the moon. The barrage lay like a white net beneath.

The peaceful sleeper, occasionally emitting a well-regulated snore, heard nothing of the high-sounding siren, warning him of the

35

THE LUCERNIAN enemy's approach. " B-z-z-z-z-zz- " — but it sounded again unheard.

The raider hovered above a moment, hesitantly, the pilot skilfully avoiding the mountain which was prominent in the midst of the area of attack.

Suddenly the quiet night was split by a " b-z-z-z-z-z-," as the raider, finding its target, dived to attack!

There was a roar as of thunder, and the enemy raider rose, slightly damaged by the latest secret weapon of the British forces. But the raider, undaunted, was not to be deprived of its Iron Cross " for bravery in a daring raid on enemy territory." Again it rushed in to the attack, but this time the Allies, living up to their reputation of being slow but sure, were ready and waiting. As the raider struck the target for the second time, a large instrument—very similar to a human hand and worked on the same principle—crashed upon the enemy. The result, which would have been given over the B.B.C. news service, was " another of the —s squashed."

And all that remained to tell the tale were two white lumps on an annoyed man's cheek, and the wreckage of a frail mosquito body upon the bedroom floor.

A.M.S. (18 years).

MY DOLLY My dolly isn't very well, She has a dreadful pain, So I'll call the doctor in at once To make her strong again.

Rat-a-tat, the doctor's come, He frowns and shakes his head: Your dolly isn't well at all, So keep her warm in bed.

Pamela Chapman (8 years).

MY DREAMS I listened at my window To the beating of the rain, Then I snuggled 'neath the bedclothes, And went to sleep again.

I dreamt I was a smuggler, Who smuggled goods away, And lived inside a little cave Not far from Hawker's Bay. And then I was a pirate, Bold and fierce and big, Lurking in some hidden cove To steal a passing brig.

But when things get too dangerous, It's nice to wake again, To find yourself tucked up in bed, And listening to the rain.

Jennifer Field (12 years).

WINTER TIME Winter is here, and all is grey From break of dawn to close of day.

The boys go skating on the pond, A kind of sport of which they're fond.

The birds are few now winter's here, But through the day their song is clear.

At night around the fires men sit, When the world outside by the moon is lit.

Joanna Pyper (12 years).

SHOULD MUSIC PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN SCHOOL LIFE ?

It would be altogether too much to expect, that, amongst the large number of widelyvarying types of girls, who, when gathered together, constitute a school, all should be imbued with a similar love and desire for the same type of music.

However, during our school days we should take advantage of the opportunity which is offered to us to make the acquaintance of at least the more famous of the great Without this composers and their works. knowledge, how is anyone able to say, " I don't like classical music ? " One must know a thing thoroughly before daring to assert that one dislikes it.

Certainly it is easy for the majority to pick up and remember modern jazz tunes, but, owing to the fact that the rhythm is the chief part of these (the words and melody— especially the words—are often so pathetically like last year's " hits ") they are very short-lived, and after six months or so, they are " old," and therefore virtually finished.

Surely that is one conclusive argument in favour of taking an interest in classical masterpieces, which have stood firm in the affections of civilised nations throughout the years.

Music has many qualities which should appeal to different. types. Firstly, it is an art.

It is not to be expected that all should be able to play a musical instrument, but it is in everyone's power to be able to appreciate good music.

Secondly, music is a language, through which men of all nations communicate with each other. Just lately we read of a very popular English musical concert which was held in Moscow, the programme consisting of instrumental and vocal items rendered by Russians. Some narrow-minded people criticise the playing of German and Italian music just because we are at war with these countries.

Surely anyone with any knowledge of music at all knows that some of the finest music in the world was written by German and Italian composers.

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THE LUCERNIAN

It is in the power of every schoolgirl to try and cultivate her taste for music. The possession of a radio-gramophone has given to us this year an excellent opportunity to listen to musical programmes. This year, too, we tried the experiment of using our radio-gramophone for dinner-time recitals during second term. These proved quite successful, and we feel sure that some girls have obtained a different outlook on what they previously termed " dry " classical music. We are grateful to Miss Wadelton and the girls who arranged the recitals.

Margaret Neilson (16 years).

A VISIT TO THE COURT On August 4th the Intermediate Form, under the supervision of Miss Price, our History Mistress, assembled at the Geelong Court to hear and watch the proceedings of a trial by jury in the Supreme Court.

We were ushered into the gallery by a court official. The court, a new building, is very modern. The bench, tables, seats, jury and witness boxes are all of highly-polished wood, and the upholstery is of green leather.

The men from whom the jury was to be chosen sat beneath the gallery, and on the left side of them sat three members of the press.

Between the bench and the seats occupied by those summoned to serve on the jury was a table, on one side of which sat a lawyer, the Crown Prosecutor, and the defending council. On the other side sat three clerks.

The officials entered, and took their places.

The names of the members of the jury were called out, and if the prisoner did not desire any one of them, he called out " Challenge " before that juror stepped into the witness-box.

Twelve jurors were chosen.

The Crown Prosecutor opened the case, and witnesses gave evidence against the accused.

These were cross-examined by the defending council.

The prisoner then gave evidence, and was cross-examined by the Crown Prosecutor.

The defending council and Crown Prosecutor summed up their sides of the case, and then the judge summed up the entire case.

The jury then retired to reach a unanimous verdict, which, in this case, was in favour of the accused.

H. Gillies and P. Field (15 years).

AN EXCURSION TO THE WHEAT ELEVATORS OF GEELONG This massive terminal consists of two units, one being the working-house, and the other the storage bins. We were shown the whole process of bulk handling of wheat. Indeed, the wonders and possibilities of modern engi-

neering are surely infinite. It is one of the most ingenious constructions of its type in Australia.

The wheat is received from railways trucks and fed to hoppers in the working-house, thence, by means of electrically-operated conveyor belts and elevators, it is taken to storage bins. Altogether there are fifty-two of the latter, each of which has a capacity of about 2,000 tons. Four grades of wheat can be received at a time, and a record is kept of each truck load, its weight, and quality, and the bin in which it is stored. The grain is turned from time to tme to keep the wheat in condition.

When the grain is required for ships, it is conveyed by endless belts from the storage bins to the weighing machines, and thence to the shipping bins. These are situated in the centre of the working-house, and each holds about 6,500 tons. The terminal is fitted with conveyors, which connect these bins with the pier. When we came to the end of the pier, which is about a quarter of a mile in length, we viewed the mechanism of one of the loading spouts.

Every electric motor is operated from a control-room. An engineer is in charge of the switches, having before him a complete plan of the building, showing every bin, chute and machine. All this is necessary, as the grain dust is explosive. Many other safety measures must also be taken to guard against this risk. The building throughout is of steel and concrete.

We are indebted to the management of these elevators for their permission to visit the building. It was definitely a most interesting and educational experience for each one of us.

Ketha McCoy (16 years).

HOBBIES DAY, 1942 The last tack is hammered geritly into the last drawing, and the last felt belt is pinned in place. The workers step back with a sigh, and take another look round the Assembly Hall. A speck of dust is flicked from the window-sill and a leather handbag is moved into a better position. On the table in the centre and on the platform is arranged the work of Special Arts and Crafts Classes and of the girls who take class Arts and Crafts.

There are cosy hand-made slippers, serviette rings, tiny felt purses and belts, cane trays, leather writing-cases, knitting bags and lampExamples of class work done in shades. sewing during the year, under the supervision of Miss Wellard, are also to be seen. The walls are covered with drawings executed by

THE LUCERNIAN those girls who take class drawing, and the printed designs give added colour to the room.

This work has been carried out under the guidance of Miss Howard, who has gone to great trouble to show everything at its best.

One corner of the Assembly Hall has been devoted to the exhibits of the Camera Club, of which Miss Wellard is in charge.

Upstairs, in the Dressmaking Room, is a display of the work of the dressmaking girls.

This is Miss Vautier's sphere of work, and the frocks, skirts, blouses and slips do both girls and mistress credit.

In the Library, Miss Howard and Miss Hope have arranged a most interesting display of History of Art pictures, which attract much attention.

Downstairs, in the IVB Form Room, is the Kindergarten and Nursery School work. Gay paper sailors, wells and windmills, prove that the little people, with the assistance of Miss Radford and Miss Dwyer, have been just as busy as their elder sisters.

From two o'clock onwards the visitors arrive, and after watching the sports, move in groups through the rooms with their display of work.

The mistresses and girls who have worked so hard to make this Hobbies Display a success must feel well rewarded when they hear the visitors' exclamations of admiration and praise at some part or other of their work.

A.M.S. (18 years).

KINDERGARTEN. THE GOLD FISH There was a little bowl, it had one fish who had a little snail who cleaned her windows.

One day she looked through the glass and saw a little girl. She swam around then, for she thought that the little girl was fishing. But she was only playing with a bit of string. " Oh, dear! " she cried; " what shall I do, for I shall be killed, and I don't want to be cooked for the girl's dinner. I want to be safe, so I will hide at once. Oh, dear! I must go." So she hid behind a stone, and the little girl did not get her.

Adrienne Clarke (7 years).

THE CAT Once there was a cat called Peter, and he was a white cat; he caught a lot of mice and rats, and was liked by everybody. One day he caught so many mice and rats that his master gave him a nice bone, and he ate it all up. And the next day he went off again.

This time he caught more, and his master gave him two bones. So I think he was very lucky, don't you?

Myrna Gillespie (7i years).

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BOOK REVIEWS " THE WHITE CLIFFS " (Alice Duer Miller) Alice Duer Miller's delightful book, " The Nry hite Cliffs," has done much to strengthen Anglo-AmericAn friendship, and it will stand as a memorial to its authoress, who died towards the end of July this year.

This book, which is written in free verse, tells of the courtship and married life , )f a young American, Susan Dunne, and her English husband, John. John is killed in the Great War (1914-1918), and after his death, Susan brings up their son as heir to the estate.

Susan and her mother-in-law, the Lady Jean, are at first hostile towards one another, but later become firm friends, and when Susan's father visits her in England, he, too, becomes Lady Jean's friend.

Although much in the English way of living annoys Susan, who is still a true American at heart, she finds much to admire in the English character.

Then comes 1939, and war again, this time claiming Susan's son. For a time she fights against this claim, and then she sees the meaning of it all, and realises that although the sacrifice is great, it is worth while. With this realisation comes the reflection that though now, in a sense separated, England and America are still one in all that really matters.

The book closes with the following thought of Susan's :— " I am American bred, I have seen much to hate here—much to forgive, But in a world where England is finished and dead I do not wish to live."

A.M.S. (Pass VI.)

" LONDON DIARY " (By Quentin Reynolds) Quentin Reynolds, the well-known American war correspondent, who has been in England since the beginning of the war, has written several books on the subject of that country, his latest being " Only the Stars are Neutral."

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THE LUCERNIAN

" London Diary," an earlier publication, is perhaps one of his most interesting. Originally, this book was never intended for publication, being only a diary, written just so that Reynolds could look back and see his own ractions to the most devastating sights and events he had ever witnessed in his life, that is, the horror of the heavy raids on London, beginning in September, 1940. " London Diary " depicts the type of life which people lead in England to-day, and shows something of the courage, fortitude and bravery of the British people when subjected to night bombing and other hardships. Reynolds has nothing but admiration for these people and for their Majesties the King and Queen, who carry on just as do their subjects.

In this enlightening book we are given brief glimpses of Reynolds' own life, of his interesting experiences as a journalist and of his intimacy with the brave young boys of the R.A.F., who would dare anything, and of whom Churchill said, " Never was so much owed by so many to so few."

If you want to read the story of London under blitzkrieg, Quentin Reynolds is the man to tell it to you. His writing is vivid, moving and humorous, and his eyewitness accounts of history in the making are something never to be forgotten.

M .Parkes (Honours VI.)

" MEMORY. HOLD THE DOOR " (Thoughts from the Autobiography of John Buchan) John Buchan was born at Perth, in Scotland, on August 26th, 1875. In his early childhood he lived in a manse on the Fife coast, and here he loved to wander in the woods, where he found many fairy haunts, his family being noted for the appreciation of fairy tales. His earliest recollections of his childhood were of his environment, not of himself.

The household was ruled by Old Calvinistic discipline. The ideas of his cultural father, who believed all things worked together in the goodness of the Lord, formed a solemn background to the child's life. His mother, who was not intellectual, thought always of her children and the people of her kirk.

Wandering thoughtfully in the woods, he built up his own interpretation of the Bible and John Bunyan's " Pilgrim's Progress " became his constant companion. He loved to spend summer afternoons on the seashore of the Firth of Forth, talking to old sailors, and from these conversations there awakened within him an ambition to visit the many lands of the globe. He said of these talks that they " seemed to slacken the bonds of destiny and enlarge the horizon."

He often spent the summer holidays with his grandparents in the Tweedside hills. Here

he talked with shepherds, wandered amongst the glens and nooks of the hills, and explored the higher places. In later years he loved to return to this country, where he found perfect peace and the pastoral life he loved.

He attended school in Fife village, but when his parents went to Glasgow, he became a pupil of the Grammar School. His interests were in private concerns, and he lacked any enthusiasm for games. At the age of seventeen he entered Glasgow University, where his first intellectual interest in Greek and Latin classics was aroused. He read a great deal of such writers as Scott, Hazlitt, Milton, Wordsworth and many others. He became interested in philosophy, and his thoughts moved in a Platonistic atmosphere.

He became tolerant of all human moods except intolerance, and adopted a conservative state of mind. His political ideas were based on historical reading. He taught himself to write, following the style of Stevenson and Walter Pater. His style in his amateur days was stiff and heavily laden with philosophical terms.

At the age of eighteen he first visited London, and sat for a scholarship at Oxford.

He entered Brasenose College, Oxford. He made friends throughout the university, learning the characteristics of the English people.

He loved the Oxford countryside, and described it as " a country wholly and exquisitely fitted for the gentler uses of life." At Oxford he gained knowledge, broadened his outlook, and became charitable in his judgments. After four years at Oxford, he decided on law for his profession. In 1901 he was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple.

In 1901 he accepted the invitation of Lord Milner to accompany him to South Africa as his private secretary. He worked with this great man for three years. He learnt to love the people of this country, which he considered one of the most fascinating lands of the earth. He realised the importance of the Empire, and wanted some share in the making of the Commonwealth.

In 1903 he returned to England, and went back to the Bar. The next few years were unsettled, but came to a happy end in 1906, when he became engaged to Susan Grosvenor, whom he married in the following July. He joined the publishing firm, of Thomas Nelson shortly before his marriage.

The outbreak of the war in 1914 found Buchan a sick man. In 1915 he was a " Times " correspondent at the front. In 1916 he joined the Intelligence Corps, and the following year he was appointed Director of Information under Lloyd George.

In 1919 he went to live at Elsfield Manor.

He was by this time becoming known as an author. His ambition was to write fiction.

In 1910 he wrote " Prester John," which was

39

THE LUCERNIAN based on his African experience, and in 1914 " Salute to Adventurers," an American historical book. The famous Richard Hannay series include " The Thirty-nine Steps," " Greenmantle," " Mr. Standfast," and " Courts of the Morning." There was a wide sale for his books, so he continued to write. Other famous novels are " The Free Fishers," showing his love for the shores of Fife; " Huntingtower," and " Cromwell," in which he tried to show the more human side of the character of this famous leader.

In 1935 he was appointed Governor-General of Canada, and was created a Baron, taking the title of Lord Tweedsmuir. Here he came into close contact with Americans. He was impressed by their homeliness, sincere friendliness, and limitless hospitality. He says that they are fundamentally modest, " and that the democratic testament is one that America has to teach the world."

His last work, his autobiography, " Memory Hold the Door," was written while he was Governor-General of Canada, being completed shortly before his death, in Montreal on February 11th, 1941.

J. Bayly (Pass VI.)

" ONLY THE STARS ARE NEUTRAL " (Quentin Reynolds) Each of us has heard and been impressed by the voice which so much enriched the meaning of the film, " London Can Take It." On hearing that voice, we felt that its owner could be no impartial onlooker, but one who had been deeply impressed with England and the unconquerable morale of the British people.

Now we see with great interest that this commentator has written several new books, amongst which, and most recent of which, is This is a " Only the Stars are Neutral." story dealing with the peoples of Britain and Russia, the effect of the war on both countries, and also the fighting conditions in the Libyan Desert.

A fuller description of England has been given in one of Quentin Reynolds' other books, " London Diary " (which has been previously referred to among these notes), but no one has yet provided us with a more interesting and enlightening inside view of Russia. We are given 'a very intimate picture of the Soviet leader, the man who is always pictured as a forbidding, frowning figure, dressed in a semi-military tunic. Reynolds gives a homely picture of Stalin, and adds much to our original conception of this leader.

How many of us believe that there is Christianity in Russia? Probably not one of us; and yet, at a dinner given for the English and American representatives in Moscow, Stalin prayed to God to help President Roosevelt in his most difficult task of leading a non-belli-

gerent country, which was honestly desirous of doing all it could to help the two great democracies of Europe in the fight against Fascism.

The writer points out that the people in the British Empire and America believed that Russia was anti-religious and Stalin the antiChrist; yet the majority of people in Russia go to church, and Stalin has his own priest, who says mass for him every day. Perhaps all that Communism has done is to separate the church and the state, and so do away with much injustice and cruelty.

Now that all the countries of the world have been drawn into the conflict for the survival of freedom, no man or nation is really neutral. We realise the significance of the arresting title, " Only the Stars are Neutral."

J. Bull (Pass VI.) it

SONS OF THE OTHERS " (Philip Gibbs)

Philip Gibbs was the son of the novelist, Antony Gibbs. He was educated privately, and in 1902 began to show an interest in literature and journalism. He then did editorial work for four years. In 1912 he became a war correspondent with the Belgian Army, and later with the British Army.

Recently he wrote a new novel, " America Speaks," which has caused much interest. In it he gives a graphic impression of that country after a return visit paid after an absence of some years. This book has been particularly recommended to us, and we hope to obtain it for the Library.

His previous novel, " Sons of the Others," centres round the epic happenings of Dunkirk.

In this book, Philip Gibbs reveals the gay, light-hearted courage of those young men who formed the backbone of the First British Expeditionary Force, which left for France in 1940. We see a gay group of young men in the early days of the war, hoping to settle for a while in the French village of Courcy Notre Dame, close by Arras, and deploring the restlessness of Fritler. But, as time passed, and no action took place, boredom, or " cafard," possessed them.

The author depicts the lads' concern about the seeming British attitude of negligence in that the members of its command failed to realise the immensity and strength of the German war machine. The same nonchalant outlook was apparently characteristic of the French High Command, in their opinion.

Then he records the news of the German attack on France—" the balloon had gone up."

The British and French advanced together, only to be met by disillusionment and treachery.

Throughout the book runs the love story of Pierre Vallon and Ginette Alisse, a young

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THE LUCERNIAN

French couple, and the tragedy of their lives occurs when Pierre is killed in action; the story of Ginette being forced to flee from her home with her family in the face of the advancing Germans is typical of what happened to so many people in France in 1940.

Peter Redwood, a veteran of the 1914-1918 war, is characteristic of those men upon whom four previous years of strain had left an indelible mark. A subtle contrast is afforded in the person of David Chandler, a young Oxford graduate, whose irrepressible vitality and optimism are just as characteristic of his generation. David falls in love with Pierre lon's sister, Marthe, and Redwood meets his former sweetheart, Marguerite Vallon, Pierre's mother, once again, after having lost all trace of her since 1918.

These sons of the others, English and French, had the spirit of their fathers. They were fighting for freedom, and right through the book, from the declaration of war to the fall of France and the glorious evacuation of Dunkirk, we can trace their undaunted spirit.

In his book, " Sons of the Others," Philip Gibbs shows his readers the futility and misery which war occasions; we realise its heartThrough it all we breaks and tragedies. recognise as the cause of this misery the lust of a few men who wish to dominate the world.

D.F.D. and A.M.S. (Pass VI.)

" IT'S TOO LATE NOW " (Autobiography of A. A. Milne) Within the pages of this book the writer provides a fascinating background to his other books and plays, all of which have the same degree of charm and humour. He remains in our minds as one of that most winsome order of artists, the interpreters of childhood with minds forever young.

At his father's preparatory school in Kilburn, and at Westminster, Milne reached his zenith as a mathematician. It was a continual reproach to his elder brother, Ken, that his younger brother always achieved greater success than he did throughout their school life. Yet they shared in common all their beliefs, knowledge, ambitions, hopeS and fears.

Although Milne pursued a mathematical course at Cambridge, we also find him entering fully into the literary realm. Inspired by his little Anglo-Indian friend, Ghita, he was determined to edit the University's magazine, " The Granta."

At the conclusion of his studies at Cambridge, Milne resolved to enter a new world, become a free-lance journalist, and reside in London. A position on the literary staff of " Punch " was his goal. He produced articles " with a smile in every paragraph." One day this hard-working journalist was asked if he would like to be the assistant editor.

His work for " Punch " was of a very high character during the next eight years, until he left to become a signaller in France during the Great War. He continued to write in his few leisure hours, and tried his skill as a playwright, with his wife as collaborator. At the conclusion of the war, he turned his full attention to the writing of drama.

Doubt seized him. Could he be sure of a livelihood as a dramatist? Nevertheless, he decided to send in his resignation to " Punch." During this period his most ambitious work was done for the stage. His work was a direct continuation of that of Barrie, bringing to the stage a charm that it can ill spare.

His only child, Christopher Robin, is perhaps as familiar to all of us as Peter Pan. His books for children had a most popular success. Even when Milne left the literary realm of the nursery, one of his critics said that his new hero was just " Christopher grown up."

Thus we also may find after reading this work, that heredity and environment make the child, and the child makes the man, and the man makes the writer; so it is too late now— for Milne to be a different writer.

K.McC. (Pass VI.)

POETS JOHN MASEFIELD (1878) John Masefield is the present Poet Laureate.

His writing is rugged, colourful, and simple, as may be seen in such wind-swept lines as : " And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by, And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sails shaking, And a grey mist on the sea's face and a grey dawn breaking."

(From " Sea Fever.")

His poetry contains all the atmosphere of outdoor vagrant life and, with its vigour, holds our attention throughout. We feel the " Keen, cool rush of the air " in such lines from " Tewkesbury Road," as :— " It is good to be out on the road and going one knows not where, Going through meadow and village, one knows whither or why; Through the grey light, drift of the dust, in the keen, cool rush of the air, Under the flying white clouds, and the broad, blue lift of the sky."

When Masefield writes about ships, he becomes a sailor or, rather, a pirate, instead of a poet. We feel, when reading these poems, that we are on board ship, and sharing in the life and adventures of the crew and its few casual passengers. Masefield writes of cargo ships, of. every type and every nationality rather than of passenger ships. By saying this, I do not mean that he writes only

THE LUCERNIAN

41

In all Masefield's work we sense a love of about ugly little tramp steamers, for in his his wife colouring the general theme of his poem, " Cargoes," he includes a description of two beautiful sailing ships—the Quinquireme poems. Of her, he says :— of Nineveh and the stately Spanish Galleon. " And sunny water where a shadow shivers, After reading several of these sea poems, we And little brooks that lift the grasses, feel that we, too, would like to board a ship And April flowers are where she passes, and sail out to discover the adventures that And all things good and all things kind lie beyond the horizon; then we would, perAre glimmerings coming from her mind." chance, hear, as he does, Masefield is a true lover of England and of " . . . the sea wind, the mewing of the gulls, A characteristic his native West Country.

The clucking, sucking of the sea about the example of his love and yearning for England rusty hulls, is seen in the following lines from " The The songs of the captain in the hooker West Wind " :— warping out." " It's a warm wind the west wind, full of By reading these poems, we see that Masebirds' cries, field's knowledge of the sea is not superficial, I never hear the west wind but tears are but has been acquired through long experience. in my eyes.

The general impression one gains from For it comes from the west lands, the old Masefield's poetry is that he has not only brown hills, travelled widely but has noticed every detail And April's in the west wind, and daffodils." of beauty in the sea and landscapes of the And again in :— places he has visited. He seems to have " It's the white road westwards is the road I noticed the Australian birds and to have taken must tread a great interest in them, for he writes :— To the green grass, the cool grass, and rest " Then, of all the birds, the exquisite blue for heart and head. wrens, To the violets and the warm hearts and the The kookaburras laughing in the fig tree, thrushes' song, The whip-birds slashing in the rainy glen, In the fine land, the west land, the land The blue and scarlet parrots rushing past, where I belong."

And black swans on the lake at Woolongoon.

Masefield's optimistic philosophy may be Yet, of the birds the black-backed magpie summarised by quoting the following lines seems The very soul of the Australian scene." from " To-morrow " :— Masefield has a very true appreciation of " Oh, yesterday the cutting edge drank beauty in all things, from a fever-stricken port thirstily and deep, to a dawn or sunset sky. He sees beauty in The upland outlaws ringed us in and herded horror-stricken places of disease and crime, as us like sheep; he shows in these lines from " Port of Holy They drove us from the stricken field and Peter ":— bayed us into keep But to-morrow, " The blue laguna rocks and quivers, By the living God, we'll try the game again."

Dull gurgling eddies twist and spin," In his poetry we are from the very beginjust as well as he sees it in this serene picture ning aware of an intense yearning for the unof the world :— attainable, coupled with a strong sense of " I have seen dawn and sunset on moors and mystery. He knows the immensity of life; windy hills, he believes that man is just a particle caught Corning in solemn beauty like slow old tunes up in machinery and events which are inof Spain; I have seen the lady April bringing the finitely greater than himself. He is not daffodils, concerned with man as the product of an ecoBringing the springing grass and the soft, nomic system, but rather as a spiritual force warm April rain." emerging into something greater than he We see his sensitive awareness of a woman's knows. grace in the lines of the same poem, which Masefield's optimism and love of beauty describe his wife :— seem to free him from any sordid realism. " I have heard the song of the blossoms and Although at times he can paint pictures of the old chant of the sea, stark horror, these pictures have a splendid And seen strange lands from under the vision behind the reality, which seems to rearched white sails of ships; But the loveliest things of beauty God ever lieve their grimness. Masefield's optimism is his dominant quality, and is illustrated by the had showed to me rippling quality of his poem, " Laugh and be Are her voice, and her hair, and eyes, and the Merry " dear red curve of her lips."

42

THE LUCERNIAN

" Laugh, and be merry; remember, better the world with a song, Better the world with a blow in the teeth of a wrong.

Laugh, for the time is brief, a thread the length of a span; Laugh, and be proud to belong to the old proud pageant of man."

He seems to find joy in all things on earth. " So we must laugh and drink from the deep blue cup of the sky, Join the jubilant song of the great stars sweeping by, Laugh, and battle, and work, and drink of the wine outpoured In the dear green earth, the sign of the joy of the Lord."

Jean Bull (Pass VI.)

JOHN SHAW NEILSON During the year we heard with deep regret of the passing away of one of Victoria's less well-known poets, John Shaw Neilson. His poems have great strength, given to them by their truth, beauty, and simplicity, all of which is balanced with delicacy of thought. There is lightness in the lines :— " Let your voice be delicate.

The bees are home : All their day's love is sunken Safe in the comb."

He shows in his poem, " To a Blue Flower," that he likes a simple life, for he says Soon I would tire of all riches and honour or power that they fling, But you are my own, of my own folk, you little blue flower of the Spring."

Neilson led a very simple life. As a young boy, he was brought up on a farm in the Wimmera, neither he nor his father being successful. Later, when he worked in a mine, his eyes and hands became so affected, that he was sometimes unable to write his own poetry. In his early life, his verse was not successful, and over a stretch of about twentyone years, he only earned about seven pounds from it. Even at his death, Neilson did not have great worldly wealth, but he has immortalised Australian poetry by " lending his mind," a mind rich in the verities of life.

In his poems Neilson -shows his love of nature and of the sheep country, where he was brought up. This quotation from " To a Blue Flower " is an example. " Here in the heart of September, the world that I walk in is full Of the hot, happy sound of shearing, the rude heavy scent of wool."

His poem, " Heart of Spring," also depicts his love for this season. " To a Blue Flower " again expresses this thought for the little blue flower that he loves is a child of Spring.

He was a very vivid and colourful poet, as is shown by these words from his poem, " To An Early Flowering Almond " :— " Gowned as a bride thou art, Caught with the glow, Giving with ruddy heart Blood to the snow."

This line of his from the poem, " May," is also very descriptive of peeping young mushrooms. He describes their appearance as :— " Shyly the silver-hatted mushrooms " appear above the ground."

His delicacy of thought is again shown in this verse from " Love's Coming " :— " Quietly as rosebuds Talk to the thin air, Love came so lightly, I knew not he was there."

Although Neilson received only a very limited education, he has produced some of the finest Australian poetry. The gentleness of his character, reflected in his works, gives them their beauty. The noble qualities and fine character which he possessed can be seen clearly in his writing.

It is only since he has passed away that many of us haVe begun to realise the rich qualities of his verse. He leaves behind him, for all his readers, a memory of beauty and simplicity. We owe much to him for his gift of lyric poetry, which has helped to depict the life of Australia to the world.

M.D.W. (14 years).

WALTER DE LA MARE Walter de la Mare has a vivid imagination and a love of the mysterious. In all his works we find something whimsical and, in a sense, bewitching. We can see in our mind's eye the details of all the pictures he paints in his poems; one finds vivid, glowing lines such as : " And in the evening lamps would shine, Yellow as honey and red as wine."

(From " Tartary.")

In " The Spark," de la Mare describes the momentary beauty of such things as lightning and "a gem of dew or fallen rain "; he tells of the beauty of all small common things, such as pebbles, daisies and moss. One who does not see beauty in simple things, he considers blind.

He gives us a perfect picture of lightning in a still sky in the following lines from " The Spark ":— " Calm was the evening, as if asleep, But sickled on high with brooding storm, Couched in invisible space. And, lo!

I saw in utter silence sweep Out of that darkening starless vault A gliding spark, as blanched as snow, That burned into dust, and vanished in A may-cropped meadow, brightly green."

THE LUCERNIAN Walter de la Mare has the gift of being able to interpret magically the supernatural world.

This is done chiefly by his ability to express himself with words of childlike simplicity combined with beauty, music and colour. " Arabia " and " The Listeners " reveal to us his interpretation of mystery and magic, as in the eerie lines :— " But only a host of phantom listeners That dwelt in the lone house then Stood listening in the quiet of the moonlight To that voice from the world of men."

As he holds decided views about life, we must not think of Walter de la Mare as only a whimsical writer, but must give him his His place amongst the true philosophers. philosophy is serenely and delicately expressed in the following lines from " All That Is Past " :— " Very old are we men ; Our dreams are tales, Told in dim Eden

By Eve's nightingales; We wake and whisper awhile, But, the day gone by, Silence and sleep like fields Of Amaranth lie."

In his works there is enjoyment for the adherents of all types of poetry : those who like mystery and fantasy, those who like philosophical works, and those who like pure beauty and enjoyment. One finds poems which only learned scholars will really appreciate, and others which win the hearts of children.

In " The Little Creatures," we catch the true Irish sense of the supernatural.

One thrills to his belief in magic potents, witches, pixies and magic charms. One almost holds one's breath in reading the haunting lines :— " Twinkum, twankum, twirlum twitch— My great grandam—She was a witch— Mouse in Wainscot, Saint in nitch— My great grandam--She was a witch— Deadly nightshade, flowers in a ditch— My great grandam—She was a witch.

Walter de la Mare is a master of the creation of atmosphere; he seems to have experi-

43

enced everything he writes about. This art, combined with his enthusiasm and perfect choice of words, make the complete pattern of his poems. Everything he thinks of has repercussions in the realm of fantasy. All his verse has an underlying, shadowy beauty and inner meaning. He calls to us to look our last " on all things lovely every hour," lest we should miss this meaning.

Life to de la Mare was not merely a biological occurrence, but an intricate web of silken threads, each one of which has an important significance. We can see by reading " Farewell " and " All That's Past," that the poet considers our little lives as unimportant compared with Nature and the eternity of Nature's life. Man lives less than a century, but Nature remains for ever in company with " silence and sleep ; " we mortals but " wake and whisper awhile."

In my opinion, three of the best of Walter de la Mare's poems are the three simplest— " Tartary," " Someone," and " Nod." Of these I would choose " Nod " as one of the most perfect poems I have read. " Nod " contains not only beauty and simplicity, but an underlying sense of peace throughout. Walter de la Mare's poetry, although often vigorous and mysterious, always leaves us with the same feeling of absolute serenity that we retain after reading the following lines :— " His are the quiet steeps of dreamland, The waters of no more pain, His ram's bell rings 'neath an arch of stars, Rest, rest, and rest again.' " J. Bull, Pass VI. (17 years).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We wish to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following magazines :—" Patchwork," from the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne; " The Cluthan," from Clyde; " The Pegasus," from Geelong College; and the " Scotch Collegian," " M.A.G.," from Queen's Church of England Girls' Grammar School, Ballarat. ,

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