THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL CHRONICLE. TO. fji.avOa.via, TO. 8'fvpera. frfrw, ra S'dWa irapa 6fi
No. 22. VOL. II.
Contents. Editorial July Examinations Mr. Gladstone in Oxford S. Patrick's Cathedral ... Cricket Football Speech Day School Officers King's Scholarships In Memoriam ... School News ... Correspondence Chess
DECEMBER, 1892. PAGE 361 362
363 365 366 368 369 372 372 372 372 373 375
(gbitorial. SHE last term of the year is usually the least interesting, but this term can boast of one rather exciting event. On December 2nd, at half-past three in the morning, the sleepers in the dormitory were aroused by the news that the College Hall was on fire. Everybody immediately jumped up and ran down-stairs without paying much regard to toilette. They were greatly relieved to find that it was not the Coliege Hall that was burning, but the old house that contained the class-rooms of the sixth, fifth, and fourth Forms,
PRICE 6d.
the reading-room, and carpenter's shop. The fire, when discovered, had got a good hold on the building, and the contents of the reading room only were rescued; it was soon impossible to approach the house on account of the falling walls, and one of the fellows was very nearly buried in their fall. There were several hoses at work, and about eight o'clock the fire was nearly extinguished. Everything was burnt except the books of the Sixth Form, which were in a part of the house that escaped the fire, and a valuable old staircase was lost. The fire formed a topic of conversation during the day, and as it was almost impossible to get work done under the circumstances, a half-holiday was given. The loss of books and tools is a very serious one, but we hope the destruction of the house may prove a blessing in disguise, if we can get the new class-rooms erected, which we have so long wanted. At present we are using the rooms of a house standing near-as temporary class-rooms. We are glad to see that the members of the School are waking up at last to the consciousness that their School Magazine possesses a correspondence column, if they choose to make use of it. The number of letters poured in upon the Editors is not very great, it is true, but it is a great advance on no letters at all. We should like the School to realise that it is
362
THE VIGORNIAN.
impossible for the Editors by themselves to produce a respectable issue, unless the rest of the School co-operate with them. Let us hope that in the future boys with grievances to air (and we know there are some) and articles to contribute, will put off their laziness or shyness and rain in upon us the results of their toil.
house in which it was held, almost owed its existence to him. He always threw himself into the games, and has been of invaluable assistance in getting up the School cpncerts and entertainments. Besides feeling grateful to him for all he did for the School in general, there are many fellows who will remember thankfully the individual help he gave them. He was present at Speech Day, when the School gave him a small token of their esteem. He has left us for a post at Chigwell, in Essex, where we heartily wish him every success.
The cricket season was reviewed at length in our last number, and as only six matches were played since it went to print, there is no call for further comment. We feel more cheerful than we have been for a long time when we look forward _to next season, We are glad to welcome two new masters this term. for it should prove a very successful one. We shall Mr. Jordan's place has been taken by Mr. Batchelor, have next year, with one exception, the same Eleven who, in addition to his ordinary school duties, has as we had last year. We have also secured a valuable undertaken the direction of the carpentering class, in addition to our strength in Mr. Beach-Hicks, the new which he takes great interest. He has shown his master, who seems likely to be as great an acquisition interest in the School library by presenting " Cassell's in regard to cricket as he is in respect to football. Rugby Football," and we hope we shall keep him as He will be especially useful for us on account of his long as his predecessor. The other new master, Mr. fast bowling, a fast bowler being sorely needed by the Beach-Hicks, takes the French and German classes, Eleven for a long time past. We intend to secure, if besides giving lessons in physiology. We have already possible, the services of a professional to coach us referred to his energetic and much-needed assistance during May and June. to the football team and the help he will give us next cricket season, and we hope that he, too, will lend us Turning our thoughts now to the work proper of his services for a long while to come. the School, many changes have been introduced. It has been urged against us that we paid too little attenThe present football season has more interest than tion in our curriculum to modern languages. This reproach can no longer be laid to our door; a usual for us, as it will decide whether the Rugby or complete change has been made in the arrangement Association game is more suited for the School. It of work, much more time being devoted to this will be seen from the football article that the change department. The good effects of this are already has resulted in larger attendances at practices and an apparent, and we hope next year to show that the increased number of matches arranged. Our thanks study of modern languages is as carefully cultivated are due to Mr. Rammell and Mr. Beach-Hicks for the energetic and unselfish way in which they have as that of the classics. coached us in our practices and aided us in our With the close of the School year, we regret to say matches. If we had not possessed two such sure that we have lost Mr. Jordan, the news of whose backs as they are, we should have fared much worse departure we heard at the beginning of this term. than we did. But we must not be discouraged, His loss is very much felt, as he has long been con- though we have only won two games out of the six we nected with the School. In 1878 he was captain of lave played. Nearly all the teams of our opponents the School, and after taking his degree at Oxford, were much stronger than our own, and though this, returned to us in 1885 as a master. He has always makes the list of wins much less imposing, yet we taken the greatest interest in everything connected must of necessity learn more of the science of the ;ame from playing good teams than from playing with the School during the seven years he has been with us. The carpentering class, which has just come small teams which it requires no effort to defeat. We to an untimely end through the burning down of the lope next year that good results will follow from our
THE VIGORNIAN. discipline this year, and, judging from the extremely good play of the younger members of the School, we ought to be able to hold our own fairly well next year.
^he -Sfnlg (Examinations. gOLLOWING our usual custom of taking the Oxford and Cambridge School Examinations in alternate years, the Sixth* Form this year went in for the Higher, the Fifth for the Lower Certificates; the rest of the School being examined by Mr. Rushforth, whose report is given in another column. The result of the Higher Certificates was most satisfactory. Conacher brought glory to himself and the School by obtaining the mark of " Distinction " in all the five subjects which he took up, doing as well as any boy in England. Chamberlain also obtained two Distinctions, so that we obtained seven altogether, and were mentioned in the Guardian among the Schools which had done the best. Davies was very unfortunate. He did very well indeed in five subjects, but the want of a few more marks in one paper (Arithmetic) lost him his certificate. We hear that the report of the Board to the Governors (which is never published) was very pleasant reading, the papers getting a good word in every subject. In the Lower Certificates there has been a great falling off from our triumphs in previous years, especially in the number of First. Classes, but Bennett did very well in getting six. Higher Certificates were obtained by :— VI. Form. Six candidates. Five succeeded. Chamberlain, J. T. (a b f G i J k) Conacher, H. M. (A B I J K) Dutton, F. H. (a b f i j k) Purser, H. (a f g i) West, J. H. (a b f g i j k) a—Latin. i—Scripture knowledge, b—Greek. j—English. f—Elementary Mathematics, g—Advanced Mathematics. k—History. Lower Certificates were obtained by :— V. Form. Bennett, A. (A b c F G I J k L) Bolland, A. P. (a F g i j k L) Bolland, E. W. (a f g i j) Fuller, C. C. (a f i j k 1) Fuller, F. C. (a f g i J K)
363
Morris, H. W. (a F g j 1) Pickin, F. H. (a f i j k) Steward, C. A. (A b c F i J k 1) Telfer, R. G. (a c F g i) a—Latin. g—Euclid and Algebra, b—Greek. i—Scripture knowledge, c—French. j—English, f—Arithmetic. k—History. 1—Geography. A capital letter denotes distinction for the Higher, and a First Class for the Lower.
Mv. @lai>stane in ©xforfc. lOWARDS the beginning of the winter, Boidios being yet archon for some time, and men coming to pay their matriculation tribute to the University chest, from which I myself have suffered and seen others suffering since as many as had not chanced with a misfortune in smalls or through any other cause, had just come up, both many and other strange and wonderful things fell out, and indeed certain Jaggers men were seen in a trial trireme, so that men thought it unworthy of notice, seeing a fresher going about clad in a bowler hat and scholar's gown. About this time, then, a certain Sophist, than none inferior and not least famous as a mighty satrap, came to an Oxford discourse apparently about this University and others, how they grew to power, but in reality to magnify his own University as having sent out the most famous men. This lecture seemed certainly to have been established for the young men, being not less ignorant about this than other things, but those about the chief priests thought more of strangers and priests or even women, and how the young men shall get whence they may hear of this, there was no case to them, so that to these were assigned the two Obol seats—for the Sophist was to lecture in a theatre—and of them not too many. Now of the struggle at the gates how dreadful it was Somatoscholastes wrote both having foreseen it would be most noteworthy of all previous and such as none after and also being in it himself. The theatre had an entrance looking towards the broad road, from which it stood back, and the precinct was guarded by a great wall wherein were stuck mighty iron shafts, and at intervals certain statues, Hermae, as it was once thought, and eponymous
364
THE VIGORNIAN.
heroes, all most hideous and such as some would shudder at seeing, but the majority rather treat with jeers. Now about these heads strife arose, who on earth they are, for indeed the majority assert that the ancients tried then to sculpture the twelve Apostles, but a few being more learned counted sixteen, and said nay but that they were Caesars, but the many as was likely for men to do ploughed more than once in divinity mods, rather believe the former account, for men suit their guesses to what things they themselves have lately suffered, nor doubt I, if another time come, when men know divinity and not Tacitus, but that they will readily call them Caesars. Now at one place this wall was broken by great gates, to which steps ascended a short passage, marked off on each side by lower spikes, leading to the entrance of the theatre. Many indeed being arrant fools, when they had come early so as to get in first, benefited thereby nought, for being thrust up the steps to the gates by the mob, always growing greater, so that those in front were at length swept on one side to make way for those behind, these early people before they knew it were carried over to the opposite houses, and for the most part turned to foolish speeches and imprecations on themselves, if they shall ever come to such a thing again, but some few, than whom none were wiser, returned home. On the outskirts of the crowd, and far from the athletes, stood men learned in things ancient, and quoting old oracles such as " suave mari magno," to whom none gave heed. Now and then certain galley slaves passing down the Piraeus affected indeed to make light of their striving for nothing, but really would have gladly done the same had they not feared the taskmaster and his whip.* At length those inside began to open the gates, so that greater strife arose among those at the top of the steps, each man barging f at his neighbour, and uttering such things as a crowd is wont to at such times, not caring if he shall have left his raiment torn off him and suffer things unspeakable. Which thing happened, those who being " commoners" were lightly attired, and I myself saw the steps afterwards almost carpeted with remnants of their robes. By this way the majority got in, but others, a few braver spirits setting the example, were scaling the iron spikes, not having been able to climb over earlier for the presence of certain slaves standing there to check if any one does anything unbearable, but these
being prudent men had made away with themselves when the gates were opened. It was a sight wonderful and ludicrous and pitiful to see these ascending the railings, for one would be caught by his clothing, and some were wounded in the hand, and others in the feet by the sharp points ; there were also standing round certain of the Pericei, who seemed certainly to be willing to help but really sought to hinder, holding men by one foot, or refusing to give to one his hat, having held it, and at last when he appeared to be coming back to chastise, flinging it in his face. Nor was their state when once over the high railings more cheerful, seeing that the lower spikes were yet to be crossed by those wishing to get into the passage, whereby it is gone into the theatre. This passage, however, men entering by the ordinary way having quite filled, these were hard put to it how they shall alight on a place where there was no clear ground to drop on. All the time certain men, weaker of stomach than their fellows, and only not swooning, were lifted over the high railings so that the Perioei and metics standing round laughed immoderately, jeering if these " swells " shall not stand the " squash." Nor to those even inside, and now on the stairs, did it befall more happily, for both by all wishing, each against his neighbour, to arrive first at the top it happened that two and three together were mounting by stairs where one might go with ease, and also through the cramping of many in a narrow place, the air was stifling, so that some being learned in notable things of this sort, fell to talking by the black hole, if perchance they may cheer up the more squeamish and now fainthearted, but others indeed, and of these not least the JBeenceemenidai, certain, to whose lot it would not fall to do the deed, having advised it kicked out the windows on all sides to whom it matterednot if the Prox shall ardently desire to see them ; which thing, in truth, did befall, not less than forty of them being summoned so as not to refuse to his Council Chamber the next day. And so the greater part made their way up, being cheered not a little bymen coming out and saying things utterable and unutterable about the sort of things they suffer, who are inside, and those on the platform at the top of the stairs especially, wondering every moment why the balustrade does not give way and all tumble to the ground. Which thing Somatoscholastes fearing and others all round suggesting it, himself, the ninth,
THE VIGORNIAN.
365
in one spouse, reserving to the other church the prerogative of honour." The present edifice, light, graceful, and of beautiful proportions, wherever they can be distinctly traced, was enlarged, the injuries from a fire completely restored, and the whole adorned with a steeple by NOTES.—*" Whips." An old Latin version reads Archbishop Minot, in 1370. Fulk de Sandford is "verba," "words," and this seems supported by the supposed to have been the founder of the Chapel of Greek too. However Slacun proposed the brilliant the Blessed Virgin Mary within the Cathedral, and emendation " verbera," which is supported by S. T- the lofty spire owes it origin to a legacy of _^i,ooo, Webb, who characterises it as a certain correction. bequeathed by Dr. Stern, Bishop of Clogher. The length of the nave, choir, and lady chapel, which are We have adopted it unhesitatingly.—ED. all in continuation, is 300 feet, having a breadth of t" Barging." So the early English translations. 67 feet; the transept measures 157 feet in length, the The original is here corrupt ; surely, however, northern, an entire restoration, being occupied as the " charging " should be read.—ED. parish church of St. Nicholas Without. The choir, J"Beenceemenidai." So all the best MSS. ; some inferior ones, however (K.L.P.) read " Brasenosii," at all times less dilapidated than the other parts, was originally ceiled with stone and ornamented with probably the gloss of an officious " recens homo." gilding; but it was apprehended the side walls had H. M. C. become too feeble to sustain the weight, and a groined roof of stucco, admirably executed, has been executed. The prevailing style of architecture is Pointed, in what is usually termed the first order, and uniformity 5t. Patrick's (Eathciral, Bublirt. has been observed with much exactness in the restora|HE See of Dublin extends into five counties, tion. The monuments possess a very deep interest, and is a union of the ancient bishoprics of not from their number or the curious character of Lusk, Finglass, Coudalkin, and Tallagh, to their workmanship more than from the quality of the which Glendalough was added in 1214. It claims an individuals to whom sepulchral honours have here ancient foundation, and the names of its occupants, been paid. Against one of the columns on the eleven in number, from Livinius, who died 633, to southern side of the nave is placed a plain black O'Haigny, whose death is placed in 1121, are carefully tablet, to the memory of Dean Swift, bearing an preserved by our annalists. In 1152 Gregory, who at epigraph written by himself, dictated by a mind that time had filled the see for 31 years, was formally embittered by private disappointment, and indignation invested with the pall; and then it was that the archi- at the wrongs of his country.* An excellent bust in episcopal dignity was first conferred upon this see. white marble rests in a niche above the monument. It is a remarkable circumstance that there are two To Swift's direction is owing the preservation of cathedrals in the archdiocese—Christchurch and Archbishop Tregury's monument, who died in 1471, St. Patrick's: the first founded by Gitricus, the son of found in the ruins of St. Stephen's Chapel, and Amlave, King of the Ostmea of Dublin, in 1038, removed thence to its present position near the assisted by Donat, Bishop of Dublin. western entrance. The monument of Archbishop St. Patrick's, built by John Comyn, was collegiate Smyth presents a noble piece of sepulchral architecat its first institution, but rendered capitular and ture, enriched by an epitaph from the pen of Bishop metropolitical by Henry the Londoner, his immediate Lowth, of Oxford. The coup d'ceil of the choir is successor; it was built on the site of an ancient exceedingly impressive, the roof is lofty and groined, parish chHrch and dedicated to St. Patrick about 1190. five narrow lancet windows, high above the altar, The anomaly of two cathedrals in one see was reconciled, according to Archbishop Alan, " by uniting St. Patrick's with the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Obiit die 19' die mensis Octobris, A.D. 1745, anno aptatis helped to clear the platforms, and if any be curious to hear what the Sophist said, let him read the writings of the daily scribes. For he saw nought else but the coming out of the Sophist, and so the lecture was over and the afternoon ended, of which Somatoscholastes truthfully wrgte.
THE VIGORNIAN.
366
jealously admitting "a dim religious light." The stalls, pews, throne, and pulpit, are formed of dark oak. Swords and gilded helmets of the Knights of the Illustrious Order of St. Patrick glitter in the uncertain light of day, or dazzle in the flickering lamplight of the evening. The most sumptuous memorial in the choir is dedicated to the great Earl of Cork, his Countess, and different members of both their families. It consists of four chambers, placed over each other, and containing 16 figures in various costumes and attitudes. Here also is a monument to the philosopher, Robert Boyle, namely, a figure of an infant. A handsome statue of George Ogle is placed in one of the southern aisles leading to the old Chapter House. A square aperture cut in the centre of the old oak door of this deserted Chapter House remains as a memorial of individual ferocity. The Earls of Ormond and Desmond, having long oppressed the kingdom and harassed the government by their violent feuds, were directed to perform the ceremony of public reconciliation ; such was the hatred and distrust each chieftain entertained of his rival that they could not bear to look upon each other in the execution of the high command, and actually joined hands through this aperture, the intervening door effectually screening them from each other's gaze. The notable well, which is situated on the north side of the nave, cannot, as the report goes, be stopped up. I may say the water tastes very much of tar, etc. A visit paid to this noble fabric will well repay the reader if ever he happens to pass through Dublin. H. M. C.
Otrkkct. W.C.G.S. v. HARTLEY. This was played at Hartley, July 2nd. The School was much handicapped, owing to the nature of the ground. A thick jungle, crossed by hidden ditches, came close up to the pitch on all sides. Under these conditions the only way was to hit hard into the long grass. Our opponents had some hard hitting bats. Fielding was difficult and dangerous through the concealed ditches to those unacquainted with the ground. Score :—
HARTLEY. First Innings. Rev. J. F. Hastings, st Bolland b Chamberlain 39 E. Warren, b Chamberlain o Rev. M. Buckle, st E. Bolland b Chamberlain 11 A. P. Battersea, c Jordan b Chamberlain 33 H. Taylor, run out 3 M. Coleman, st E. Bolland b Rammell 5 H. Caswell, c Rammell b Chamberlain C. Holliday, b Rammell B. Preece, c A. Bolland b Chamberlain Col. Currie, I b w , Rammell H. Rowley, not out Extras
Second Innings not out run out
29 o
b Chamberlain o c Webbb Fuller .. I c Chamberlain Fuller
b I
o b Chamberlain 5 b Chamberlain
2 I
o b Chamberlain o not out I c Fuller b Chamberlain 12 Extras
9 I
109
2 4
(8 wickets) 50
W.C.G.S. J. Chamberlain, b Battersea F. C. Fuller, b Battersea T. E. Rammell, Esq., c Buckle b Caswell G. Webb, b Taylor E. W. Bolland, c and b Battersea E. D. Jordan, Esq., c Battersea b Caswell A. P. Bolland, b Buckle R. Telfer, not out J. Liddell, b Buckle J. Sheild, c Caswell b Coleman L. Laurie, st Hastings b Buckle Extras
i i 22 5 4 5 o 4 o o i 9
52
W.C.G.S. v. WORCESTERSHIRE (CLUB AND GROUND). A revived fixture. In the last match of the kind three years ago the School played up well and obtained a very good draw. So might they have done on this occasion with a little more pluck and steadiness. Thanks to the fine batting of the masters, only five wickets had fallen, and it wanted a very little to time. But the next five came down like ninepins, three in one over. Stone's analysis is a marvel to read. It will be noticed that our opponents, too, were chiefly indebted to the first wicket for their score. CLUB AND GROUND. D. Smith, c Fuller b Webb 50 G. Bearcroft, c Chamberlain b W. E. Bolland. 60 E. Styche, c Laurie b Rammell 18 W. Souch, not out 5 H. Brierley, run out 7 W. A. Young (absent) A. M. Stone, c and b Bolland o
THE VIGORNIAN. A. Douglas, not out W. Goodwin (absent) Extras
5
W.C.G.S. v. CLERICAL XI.
i
The return ended in a victory for our opponents, who were again indebted to a regular member of our own team, the head master, for a brilliant innings. Curiously enough Mr. Rammell and Chamberlain made another stand much like their former one, only that their respective scores were reversed. In fact the match all round followed the previous one except in ending differently. THE CLERGY.
146
W.C.G.S. J. T. Chamberlain, b Brierley Rev. W. E. Holland, b Brierley F. C. Fuller, b Brierley T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Brierley E. D.Jordan, Esq., c Brierley b Stone G. Webb, c Brierleyb Stone E. W. Bolland, b Brierley A. P. Bolland, c Brierley b Stone D. Laurie, b Stone C. Forrest, b Stone J. G. Sheild, not out Extras
2 30 3 27 17 6 o 2 o o I 14
W.C.G.S v. SPETCHLEY C.C. One of the most cheerless matches that we have ever been engaged in at Spetchley. The home team, according to their custom, filed up a respectable score in the morning. After lunch we resumed for an hour; then the rain that had been threatening all day came down and stopped the match. During the last over H. W. Bolland unfortunately put his knee out while running for one of his own hits. Scores :— SPETCHLEY. G. Bearcroft, c Laurie b Rammell J. Clarke, b W. E. Bolland A. G. Steward, b Fuller L. Fetherstonhaugh, b Fuller E. Townsend, c Rammell b Chamberlain C. Dillon, c Webb b Rammell F. Scott, st E. Bolland b Chamberlain R. H. Berkeley, not out J. C. Williams, b Chamberlain J. Liddell, c H. Bolland b Rammell C. Leg, run out Extras
367
96 22 9 I 29 8 O II I I O 5
Rev. W. E. Bolland, c T. E. Rammell b Chamberlain 43 ,, Deakin, run out o ,, R. Wylde, b Chamberlain o „ W. G. Melville, st T. E. Rammell b Jordan 28 ,, C. H. Fullmer, b Chamberlain o ,, J. H. Waugh, b Fuller 2 „ F. Nicholson, b Chamberlain 4 ,, C. Robinson, b Chamberlain 4 „ W. Carr, not out n H. Blair, c Bolland b Fuller 3 W. H. Littlebury, b Chamberlain 4 Extras 5 Total 104 W.C.G.S. T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Rev. W. E. Bolland 15 J. T. Chamberlain, b Fullmer 26 F. G. Fuller, b Melville 2 E. D. Jordan, Esq., b W. E. Bolland I G. Webb, b W. E. Bolland o E. W. Bolland, c Waugh b Deakin 4 A. P. Bolland, c Carr b Bolland 4 D. Laurie, c & b Fullmer 16 R. Telfer, run out o J. Liddell, b W. E. Bolland o J. Sheild, not out o Extras 15 Total
83
W.C.G.S. v. WORCESTERSHIRE CLUB AND GROUND. 183
W.C.G.S. Rev. W. E. Bolland, b Bearcroft J. T. Chamberlain, c Berkeley b Bearcroft F. C. Fuller, run out T. E. Rammell, Esq., not out H. W. Bolland, not out G. Webb E. W. Bolland A. O. Bolland D. Laurie R. Telfer J. Sheilcl Extras
16 o o 15 8
-to bat
3 39
This, the return match, was also played on the County Ground at Boughton, and turned out a most disastrous defeat. The School was utterly unequal to such a team as that set against them. At the same time we have slight excuse for offering such a ludicrous exhibition before Mr. Foley's lobs. The second innings, except for Mr. Bolland's fine batting, offered little in the way of consolation. W.C.G S. First Innings. Second Innings. Rev. W. E. Bolland, hit wkt, b Smith I not out 47 J. T. Chamberlain, c Carmichael b Foley 2 b Carmichael I
THE VIGORNIAN.
368
F. C. Fuller, b Smith O b Carmichael T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Smith ... 8 c Foley b Brierley E. D. Jordan, Esq., bFoley o c Carmichael b Brierley G. Webb, c Moneypenny, b Foley 2 b Carmichael E. W. Bolland, c Carmichael b Foley o run out A. P. Bolland, not out 6 b Carmichael D. Laurie, b Smith 3 b Isaac R. Telfer, b Smith 5 not out J. Shield, bFoley o To bat Extras Extras 3 Total
30
Total
5 o 5 o 4 5 o 7
3 79
CLUB AND GROUND.
70
73
W.C.G.S. J. T. Chamberlain, b Wilkinson T. E. Rammell, b Wilkinson F. C. Fuller, b Wilkinson G. Webb, c T. Claughton b Wilkinson E. D. Jordan, c Stockdale b Wilkinson E. W. Bolland, c T. Claughton b Webb A. P. Bolland, runout D. Laurie, b Nicholson R. Telfer, c T. Claughton b Nicholson J. Liddell, not out J. Sheild, run out Extras
E. G. M. Carmichael, retired 125 Captain Campbell, c Shield, b Rev. W. E. Bolland 22 D. Smith, c Telfer, b Chamberlain 85 A. Caldwell, c Laurie b Chamberlain 2 A. C. Isaac, b T. E. Rammell, Esq 12 H. W. Brierley, b T. E. Rammell, Esq 39 W. Souch, not out 28 H. V. Plum, b Rev. W. E. Bolland 26 C. J. V. Moneypenny, b Rev. W. E. Bolland o P. H. Foley \ TTo,bat . H. C. Jobson } Extras 23 Total
Rev. Canon Claughton. c Liddell b Chamberlain o not out 3J Father Nicholson, not out 6 c Webb, b Fuller... 19 ,, A. D. Williamson, b Chamberlain 4 c Chamberlain, b Fuller O ,, C. Robinson, b Chamberlain 10 Forrest, c Liddell b Rammell O G. Bennett, Esq., b Rammell 6 H. Webb, c Sheild b Rammell O R. Webb, Esq., b Rammell o H. Claughton, c Laurie b Fuller O Extras 6 Extras 4
Total
326
W.C.G.S. v. REV. W. G. MELVILLE'S XI.
Jfootb^ll.
Played at New Road. This match was one of the most successful of the whole season. This match is usually interesting partly from the peculiar composition of the other team, partly for the opportunity which it gives of a social afternoon on our ground. However, the game was not neglected for there was good batting on each side. The team calling itself a Clerical XL, but eked out by two laymen, batted first. The head master made just half of our opponents' score. In their second innings Father Nicholson and Canon Claughton made a very fine stand. For the school the first two batsmen did most towards winning the match, Mr. Jordan being the only other member of the School XI. who reached double figures. Score:— CLERICAL XI. Second Innings. First Innings. Rev. W. E. Bolland, c A. Bolland b Chamberlain 36 b Fuller ,, P. L. Claughton, c A. Bolland b Chamberlain 10 b Chamberlain A. Dickens, run out o b Rammell W. R. Carr, b Chamberlain ... 4 b Fuller C. Stockdale, b Webb 2 c E. Bolland b Fuller
18 28 2 o 12 3 2 i 3 3 o 14
o 3 5 o 2
ILTHOUGH there was a great deal of opposition last year against changing from Rugby to Association, the result has proved that it was much the best course we could have pursued, for the attendance at practice this season has been much larger and more regular than in previous years, at the junior game as well as the senior, while another great improvement is in the number of matches which have been arranged; previously, we have been content to play three or four matches during the season, but this year we have more than twice as many. This is owing to the fact that there are more Association clubs about which we are strong enough to play, and'though we have done nothing to boast of yet, the matches so far have been fairly satisfactory, considering that we are as yet only learning. As might be expected, there is room for a great deal of improvement in the play, very little science being as yet displayed ; but doubtless this will come with more practice. The weak point of the whole team is undoubtedly the shooting, as we have several times lost matches owing to this defect, which
THE VIGORNIAN. cannot be excused, as it is quite possible to practise regularly. The forwards have not had much opportunity as yet of getting together, owing to the constant changes, and in consequence there is a total absence of combination, while they fail to get the ball when it is kicked to them by the backs, so that the latter have most of the work to do. The half-backs have not yet learnt to make sure of tackling their opponents and leaving the backs to take the ball, but they have improved a great deal during the term. We are especially fortunate in having two masters who are regular players, and it is chiefly owing to them that we have not been more heavily beaten in several cases, while they have spent much time and trouble in coaching us. There have been two matches played between the School and School House : in the first, one master played on each side, the School winning fairly easily; the second, in which the masters did not play, was very close, and ended in a draw of four goals each. These two games created a great deal of interest in the School. The following are the matches which have been played up to the present:— W.C.G.S. v. W. H. LITTLEBURY'S TEAM.—October 26. This was our first match, and was played on the School ground in fine weather, ending in a win for the School by 5 goals to I. W.C.G.S. v. VOLUNTARY CHOIR GUILD.—November 5. Played at Diglis, and was won by the Guild by 3 to I. The School forwards played a very poor game and failed to take advantage of many of the opportunities which they had. The score would probably have been larger but for the splendid kicking of Mr. Beach-Hicks. W.C.G.S. v. W. H. LITTLEBURY'S TEAM.—November 9. Played on the School ground, and won by the visitors by 5 to I. In this return match our opponents were much stronger than before, while Chamberlain and Holland i. did not play for the School. W.C.G.S. v. EVESHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—November 23. Played on our ground and won by the School by 2 to I. We had much the best of the game, but owing to bad shooting were unable to score more. This match was played without masters. W.C.G.S. v. DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL. — November 26. Played at Cheltenham, and won by Dean Close by 8 to I. The ground was almost under water, and good play was out of the question. We held our own in the first half, the score at halftime being 2 to I, but were quite outplayed in the second half. W.C.G.S. v. MALVERN TOWN.—December 3. Played at Malvern, and won by the home team by 5 to o. Malvern were much the heavier team, while the School played one man short
and were without Davies. played in semi-darkness.
369 The last part of the game was
The following matches had to be scratched on account of the weather :— Against Cherbourg House, at Malvern. ,, Voluntary Choir Guild (return).
Hag. ( Reprinted from Berrow's " Worcester Journal. " ) The annual Speech Day at the Worcester Cathedral School took place yesterday afternoon. There were present — the Dean and Mrs. Forrest, Canon Melville, Canon Claughton, Canon Chappell (Cranborne), Canon W. W. Douglas, the Rev. T. and Mrs. Littleton Wheeler, the Rev. J. P. and Miss Hastings, the Rev. W. W. and Mrs. Vevers, the Rev. James and Mrs. Hastings, the Rev. Philip Norton, the Rev. Cecil Hughes, the Rev. and Mrs. G. F. Hough, the Rev. A. Telfer, the Rev. F. H. Richings, Col. Sellers, Col. Norbury, Aid. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Webb, Captain Leggett, Mr. Bourne (Kempsey), Col. and Mrs. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. F. Curtler, Mr. R. Berkeley, •Dr. Wareing, Mrs. Simmons, Miss Lines, Messrs. W. P. Hughes, H. Davey, Jordan, D'Arcy Cattley, T. G. Chaplin, G. Clarke, A. Higgins, S. G. N. Spofforth, the Head Master (the Rev. W. E. Bolland), and the Assistant Masters (Messrs. H. Clarke, T. E. Rammell, J. Batchelor, and R. M. M. BeachHicks). The hall was well filled. As usual the proceedings commenced with an entertaining programme, which besides being entertaining, exhibited the attainments of the scholars in music and the classics. The songs by the school singing class, conducted by their instructor, Dr. Wareing, were well sung, and the recital by the elder boys of selections from Aristophanes, Plautus, Shakespeare, and Sheridan, were exceptionally able and interesting, notably the two scenes from "The Rivals," in which Conacher distinguished himself as Bob Acres. The following was the programme : — School Song — " Where Severn winds " ................ A. Caldicott ( Dicceopolis ......... Conacher Aristophanes — " The Acharnians "-! Euripides ..... Chamberlain \ Servant............H. Purser IWolsey ............. F. Fuller „, , ,, ,TTTT ,i I Cromwell ...ft. W. Bolland Shakespeare-" TT Henry VIII." ...... \Norfolk ............ C. Fuller \Surrey ................ Davies Part-Song— "When Summer is ending" ................... Watson „, re™., ^., »o ( Pvrgopolinices ......... West .Ptert*-." Miles Glonosus," Sc. ij^f/^ ............Davies „, ., ,,„, _. . „ . . (Acres................Conacher Shendan-' The Rivals, ActTTT III. , I ^ Ludus Q,Tri Sc IV - ............\ ............... Cblmberlain Part-Song— " Euclid " (Harrow Songs) ..................... Farmer Acres ............... Conacher Sir Lucius O' Trigger ............... Chamberlain Captain Absolute ...... West Falkland... .A. P. Bolland PartAt the conclusion of the programme the speech-making took place, the Dean presiding. The Rev. W. E. Bolland gave an account of the work of the year. One of the most important tests was the amount of sympathy shewn by their neighbours and the interest they evinced in their proceedings, and therefore it was with great gratitude that day that he welcomed those present. He welcomed a new governor in Aid. Hill, who it was long felt by everyone in Worcester should be a member of that body, the constitution of which his generosity was so instrumental in producing. He hoped they would welcome him for many years to come. Another new governor, the Mayor, of whose position
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THE VIGORNIAN.
as an old Vigornian, they were very proud, intended to be present, but was unable to be there at the last minute. Last year their Chairman (the Dean) was also a visitor. That day he was an integral part of the life of Worcester, and he welcomed him not only with the respect due to one of his governors, but as a member of the more august circle, of which as head master he was bound to stand in considerable awe, the parents of the Cathedral School boys. During the past year they had had a great deal for which they felt thankful. There was a steady and satisfactory increase in the number of boys and the income of the school. There had also been an advance, in what he wished to be a distinguishing mark of the school, the high tone of the boys, which he believed made a school useful, gave it a position at the universities, turned out good citizens, and in time gave the school good will in the wider world. While the old boys were going on as they were he had no fear for the school in the future. It must not be thought that they did not enjoy intellectual distinction, and he was glad to say that the list contained honours of a higher character than could be found in the records of the school. With regard to the Worfield Exhibitions, he explained that the school did not take those Exhibitions more often, because the competitors were limited to those who were born in the City, or in Powick or Bransford. Many of their boys had not the fortune or sagacity to be born within that charmed circle. Referring to the Certificate examination, Mr. Bolland said the school had lost the position of being first in all England; but the honour had not gone out of the County. Next year he hoped their Bromsgrove friends would be content with second place, and let the Cathedral School again take first place. (Applause) Hereadthelistofhonourssinceprize-day, 1890, as follows :—Open Exhibition at St. John's College, Oxford, C. T. Dimont; Scholarship (£$o) at the Middle Temple, A. W. H. Knott ; Classical Moderations (Honours), II. Class, H. W. Webb ; ditto III. Class, C. R. Davies ; Law Tripos, Cambridge, Part II., II. Class, (first place), A. P. Higgins ; ditto, Part I., III. Class, A. W. H. Knott; Modern History Tripos, III. Class, W. Counsell ; Winchester Reading Prize (open to the University), Cambridge, P. P. Higgins ; Open Scholarship (£80). Oxford, C. T. Dimont ; Final Theological School, Oxford, II". Class, H. Littlebury; Law Prize, Middle Temple, A. W. H. Knott; Open Exhibition, Lincoln College, Oxford, W. Hill ; South Kensington Examination, First Class Honours in Theoretical Chemistry, G. Rowland; ditto, First Class Honours in Practical Chemistry, G. Rowland; Exhibition, Hertford College, Oxford, H. Quilter; Meeke Scholarship, Hertford College, Oxford, H. Dutton ; Open Scholarship (/8o), Corpus Christi College, Oxford, H. Conacher ; First Class Final Examination for LL. B., London University, H. Bennett ; First Class Final School, (Mathematical), Oxford, E. A. White ; Worfield Scholarship, J. C. Chamberlain ; County Council Scholarship (£30), Yorkshire College, Leeds, F. Pember. Mr. Bolland then referred to the success of the school four on the river against Hereford, chiefly due to their stroke, Dutton, and thanked the Rev. W. G. Melville for his skill and trouble in coaching the four. He regretted that owing to failing health they were deprived of the services of their French master, and a break occurred in their French lessons. They had now secured an accomplished French instruccor, and were devoting more time to the subject. (Applause). He referred to the loss of Mr. Jordan, who was a most conscientious and unselfish master, and to the fact that Conacher, the head of the school, was leaving, and spoke of the moral influence he had exercised over the younger boys. Lastly Mr. Bolland thanked Dr. Wareing and his colleagues for their work in the school. (Applause.) Canon Claughton read the following report of the Examiner, Mr. G. M. N. Rushforth, M.A., St. John's College, Oxford, who, after referring to the nature and scope of the examination, said :— I will first make some general remarks on the work, and the impression which I have gained from the examination, and afterwards review in detail the results obtained in the different subjects in which the examination was held. Generally, the condition of the school seems to me to be decidedly satisfactory. In the lower half of the school promise has to be looked for rather than performance, but looking at the results, I should say that these forms would compare favourably with the corresponding parts of schools of the same type with which I am acquainted. I may add that there appear to be a number of very promising boys in Forms IV. and III., who ought to be a credit to the
school later on. The work on the whole was well known, and the answers intelligently given. In the not unimportant matters of writing and neatness, a very high level was maintained throughout the forms. I cannot say as much for spelling, especially in proper names, where, even in such familiar names as those of Bible History there is room for a great deal of improvement. I think this is a point which might be specially attended to in the future. The forms, so far as I could judge from their vivA voce, appeared to be in good order. The boys in IV. seemed to be specially attentive. SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE.—The subject seems to have been carefully taught, and the results generally showed a considerable amount of accuracy and intelligence. IV., a rather hard paper was very creditably done by the greater part of the form. The best were Shield, Richings ii., and Laurie i. III., result very fair. Chaplin ii., Laurie ii., Harrington i., Browne, Bates i., all did well. In some respects the best faper was that of Browne, though he did not get the highest number of marks. His answers, in addition to their clearness and correctness, had the great merit of avoiding unnecessary and irrevalent matter. II. The results appear to be satisfactory. Bates ii., Veel and Pearson i. did best. LATIN AND GREEK.—I am glad to say thai in classics, which must form the staple of the work done at a school like this, the results were the most favourable of any obtained at the examination. With boys of this age a large amount of knowledge is of course not to be looked for, but it is important and satisfactory to notice that they show every sign of being well grounded and thoroughly taught. IV. The Latin Grammar was decidedly good, the first five boys all getting over 75 out of 100 (Steward ii. being the highest with 88). The Greek Grammar was also well known. Especially good were the portions of Livy and Xenophon, which have been read, the translation being particularly well done. Here Steward was again highest in Livy (91 out of 100), while Morris ii. did best in Xenophon. III. The Latin Grammar was very fair. The best were Liddell ii., Laurie ii., Usher, Browne, and Forrest, all of whom had the merit of doing correctly what they attempted. As Greek is begun in this form, much cannot be expected in the way of results. The upper part of the form, however, did very creditably, and Laurie ii. decidedly well. The Latin Grammar of II. was also very fair. The translation in both these forms seemed to be well known. HISTORY.—IV. A paper was set on the somewhat uninteresting text-book used (Merivale abridged), which was perhaps rather beyond the capacities of boys of their age. A considerable knowledge of facts was however shown, and some decidedly intelligent answers were obtained. III. In Roman history a steady knowledge was shown by the upper part of the form. In English history the present century is not the most attractive or interesting for young boys, but the results were decidedly encouraging, and a good deal of intelligence was shown. Chaplin ii. did best in both papers. Bates i. did very well in English. II. I examined these boys viva voce in English history with satisfactory results, and the written answers which I looked throvighappeared to be well done. Bates ii., Pearson i., Morris iii., and Slatter deserve special mention. ENGLISH GRAMMAR is I believe made a special point of at this school, and to judge by the papers which I saw, the boys seem to be interested in the subject and to produce good results. IV. had also read Shakespeare, "Julius Gesar." Morris ii. and Steward ii. both did very well, and in III. Davey. GEOGRAPHY.—I examined the papers done in III. and II. in this subject, and they do not appear to me to call for special notice, Usher and Chaplin ii. deserve commendation in III., and Slatter and Pearson ii. in II. FRENCH.—This is the only subject I find to be in an unsatisfactory condition, and I am glad to be able to say that an explanation of this is forthcoming. The head master tells me that recently the school was unexpectedly deprived of the services of the French master, and that under the temporary arrangements made to supply the deficiency the teaching has naturally become somewhat disorganised. The results obtained from the papers generally were small. Form IV. was decidedly better than the others, Shield and Morris ii. doing creditable papers. In III. Browne did well. The rest were nowhere. MATHEMATICS.—Algebra: I have seen the papers set by the head master. He tells me that the results show a decided
THE VIGORNIAN. improvement upon last year. Then, so tar as I could judge, all the mathematical papers appear to have been very carefully and neatly done. In Division B the marks show a very satisfactory level of attainment, the first seven boys all doing decidedly well ; Steward ii. was highest. Division C contains only the beginners, and therefore had not much to show. Forrest was highest, and did very well. He should no doubt be at work with the highest division, and will, of course, be removed ; but doing the same paper as B, I notice that he would still have been second in the two divisions taken together. Euclid : Mr. Clarke tells me that he considers the results satisfactory. Browne deserves special notice. Arithmetic: I went through the papers with Mr. Clarke. He tells me that they show a decided improvement, and they seemed to show in many cases very considerable accuracy, more than one boy getting practically full marks in all ten answers which he sent up. The names which call for special notice are—in B, Steward ii., Davey, Laurie ii., and Morris ii. ; in C, Forrest and Usher ; in D, Bates ii. and Slatter. The Dean then distributed the prizes. Before doing so he expressed his happiness in presiding, as he took a deep and real interest in the Cathedral School. He had never interrupted the school in school hours ; but he had listened with pleasure to the voices of the boys at football and cricket across the river, and was always glad to return their courteous salutations when he met them. He had felt it a privilege to take part in the special school services in the Lady Chapel. The report of the school examiner and of the Oxford and Cambridge Board Examination were thoroughly satisfactory from beginning to end. The only fault was with regard to French, and was due to accidental and unavoidable causes, that would not recur. In the name of those present he congratulated the head master and his zealous and able coadjutors on the conspicuous success of their work in the past year. He expressed a real interest in the success of Conacher, which interest was not lessened by the fact that he had been one of the most regular attendants at all services in the Cathedral. He hoped, and was sure that his future career at the University and in the wider arena of life would reflect much credit upon the school. The speaker also complimented Chamberlain, the succeeding head boy, and Bennett and Bolland in the lower school. He was particularly pleased to notice the increasing proficiency in religious knowledge. The religious element in education was one of the burning questions of the day, but one which he hoped was for ever decided in the school. He hoped they all felt that without that element, education was scarcely deserving of the name. Indeed the very idea of morality, apart from religion, would seem to be impracticable, if not impossible. He quoted the words of the Rev. Hugh Price Hughes to the effect that the greatest mistake the Nonconformists ever made was the acceptance of a secular platform for national education. The speaker pointed to France, where the State schools were secularised ten years ago, and where now they had a motion to build more prisons and reformatories for the reception of juvenile criminals, boys and girls, the number of whom had of late greatly increased. He wished the boys all success in the coming year, and hoped they would not prove unworthy successors of those who had shed lustre and honour on the school in years past. He remarked upon the interest of seeing the names of Alfred Tennyson and his brother Charles in the books of the Grammar School they attended, and said it was more interesting to learn the traditions which were handed down there of the high character and of the devoted diligence which even in those early days were conspicuous in the future Poet Laureate. His life and work were a noble example to the boys there, although they might not possess his genius nor aspire to his world-wide fame. He was sure they would all unite in hoping that the wish so pathetically expressed in those verses sung over his grave when he was laid to his rest in the great national temple of England, might have been fulfilled— " For though from out our bourne of Time and Place, The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar." A letter was read by Canon Melville from Canon KnoxLittle, expressing great regret at not being able to be present. He was sorry because he took a deep interest in the school, and was always glad of an opportnnity of showing sympathy with it.
He wished the school had a larger number of boys, and that the head master's house was full, which would come in time when people knew more of the good work done. He thought the teaching was really good and sound, and was given in a scholarlike and conscientious way. The tree was known by its fruit, and they had every reason to be satisfied with the results of the school as to scholarships and, what to him was more important, tone. As an old schoolmaster he was specially trained to detect the quality of that rather intangible but very real thing—tone. He had many opportunities of noticing that, especially among the boys living in the school house, and he thought there was a straightforward, manly, and healthy moral temper among the lads which certainly reflected credit on all concerned. It reflected credit also on the older boys. He had ventured to say so before, and experience had not led him to modify his opinions. Long might it be so. It was all important in a public school that that should be the case. He was glad to know that while classical and English teaching were well done, there was greater care taken in modern languages, so often a weak point in our public school training. Mr. Bolland seemed to have been fortunate, which meant wise, in selecting his colleagues. (Applause.) Canon Melville, referring to the letter he had just read and its remarks about " tone," asked—What is tone? It was not an easy thing to understand. In those days everything—even private life—was scrutinized and looked at through and through, and none of the mysteries of life and nature were left without a revelation. But there were certain moral effects which had escaped that accurate investigation of philosophy and science, and " tone " was one. They could not exactly define it, though it was a prevalent influence. "Tone" in a school meant, firstly, that the masters must be evidencing in themselves certain qualities and devoting care and effort and attention to the care of the boys over whom they were. Education meant not only learning and knowledge, but character and tone, which, coming from the head and chief authorities, directed the conduct of the school, and was of the greatest importance. The outcome of that tone in a school was purity in thought and deed, truthfulness, mental and moral qualifications, generosity, nobleness of character in every particular, sympathy, and manliness. (Applause.) Aid. Hill expressed a hope that the increase in numbers and attainment reported by the head master would continue from year to year. He proposed a vote of thanks to the Dean for presiding. The Dean replied, and the proceedings ended with the usual demonstrations by the boys. The prize list was as follows:— Honourably Awarded to mentioned. Form Prize. VI. Form Conacher ... (Chamberlain) „ V. ,, Bolland i ... (Bolland ii) ,, IV. ,, Morris ii ...(Laurie i) ,, III. ,, Laurie ii ... (Bates i, Nicol) „ II. „ Morris iii... (Veel, Slatter) Greek Testament. Open Conacher ... ,, Second Prize. Davies i ... Latin Composition. Open Conacher ... English Essay. Open Conacher... Divinity and History V Fuller i ... (Bolland ii) /Shield ... IV \ Richingsii... ,. Ill Chaplin ii ... (Bates i, Harrington i) ,, II Bates ii ... (Slatter, Pearson i) Mathematics. Open Chamberlain. (West, Purser i) ,, Lower A Division...Telfer ... (Bolland ii) „ „ B „ ...Steward ...(Davey, Bates i) „ ,, C ,, ...Forrest ... (Harrington!) ,, ,, D ,, ...Slatter ... (Batesii, Pearson i) Modern Languages. Purser! ... (Steward i) „ IV Shield ... (Morris ii, Ley) „ III Browne ... (Webbii) „ II Slatter ... (Morris iii) Natural History. Nicol ...(Usher) ,, (Collection.) ...Morris ii ...
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372 Drawing, Model. ,, Freehand, Sen „ „ Jun ,, ,, (Extra)
Fuller i ... (Baylis i, Davies ii) Webb ii ... (Fuller i) Nicol ... (Veel, Usher) Turley ... (Pearsonii, Foster, Pearson i) " Maurice Day " Prize Conacher ...Chamberlain Extra Prizes for Examination ...Chamberlain Extra Prizes for Examination ...Bennett ... Extra Prizes for Examination ...Bolland ii...
School ©films. Captain of the School Captain of Football... Secretary of Football.. Captain of the Boats... Captain of Cricket ... Secretary of Cricket... Librarians... Editors of The Vigornian
... J. T. CHAMBERLAIN. ... F. T. DAVIES. ... J. T. CHAMBERLAIN. ... J. T. CHAMBERLAIN. J. T. CHAMBERLAIN. / \ / 1
J. T. CHAMBERLAIN. J. H. WEST. J. T. CHAMBERLAIN. F. C. FULLER.
liittg'0 Scholarship (Examination. N examination was held by the Rev. J. Martin, to fill six vacancies, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 22 and 23. The following were successful:— f H. E. Watts, The Choir School. 1 i S. J. Steward, The Cathedral School. 3 F. Morris, The Cathedral School. 4 L. Sampson, Cumberland House School. 5 W. H. Smith, The Cathedral School. 6 C. T. Ley, The Cathedral School.
Jit
©oofreg (ggcrion irm0 Jwtoneti in the fouvtuerirtg of lite " "Bokhara," October 17th, 1892.
He entered the School Michaelmas Term, 1887, and stayed with us two years. He was a very useful member of the cricket eleven, and a universal favourite.
School The Head Master and F. Jones (O.V.) have been playing in the chess matches this season for Worcester. Their scores are :— against St'rbridge. Cheltenh'm. Oxfd Uni'sity.
Rev. W. E. Bolland F. Jones
ro i'i
n i'J
r \
H. M. Conacher has gone into residence at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He has been in for the " Hertford " scholarship, and though not being successful, we are told that he sent in the best prose. F. H. Dutton has gone into residence at Hertford College, Oxford, and is stroking one of the trial fours. J. T. Chamberlain has gained a Worfield scholarship of -£$o for four years. He has also been elected to a Meeke scholarship at Hertford College, Oxford, of £40 for three years. W. W. Finch has gone into residence at Peterhouse and is rowing in his trial of college eights. H. W. Bolland (Emanuel College, Cambridge) also rowed in his college trial eights. W. H. Webb rowed in the 'Varsity trial eights up to two days before the crews were picked. School services are held every Tuesday afternoon in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral during Advent. A gymnasium class has been formed this term consisting of twenty-eight boys. The Town Gymnasium, near Shrub Hill Station, is used, and the instructor gives a lesson once a week. The annual Old Vigornians' dinner will take place at the Bell Hotel on Monday, Jan. 2nd, and it is hoped that all O.V.'s will make an effort to ensure its success by their presence. Names may be sent to the Secretaries, School House, Worcester. G. Threlfell has passed the Board of Trade examination, qualifying him for the post of first mate in the merchant service, obtaining all but full marks. F. Pember has been elected to a County Council scholarship of ,£30, tenable at Huddersfield Engineering College. The Editors beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following contemporaries : — Ousel, Canfuarian, Tonbridgian, Oswestrian, Fehtedian, Ipswichian, Denstonian, Roffensian, Raven, Old Haitian, Ulula, Trinity College (Stratford) Magazine, Portsmonthian Herefordian, Bromsgrovian, and others.
THE VIGORNIAN.
Dear Sirs,—In compliance with your orders I follow the example of so many other decayed editors of the Vigornian, and become one of your correspondents in foreign parts. Let me begin by offering the congratulations of all O.V.s here to J. T. Chamberlain on winning the Meeke. We shall be glad to welcome him into our colony, now nine in number. E. A. White has proceeded to the degree of B.A., after doing exceedingly well in the Final Mathematical School. He is still up looking about for a mathematical fellowship, which, unfortunately, is rare in Oxford. W. H. Webb was in the trials up to two days before the crews were picked : your readers will congratulate him on having kept in the running, or rather, the rowing, so long. F. H. Button has been stroking the Hertford Torpid, and, with Webb and Davies, playing football (Rugby) for his college. W. H. Hill has been coaching on the river, and also playing football for Lincoln. He was on the field when a record was created by the college of which your correspondent is an unworthy member, beating Lincoln by 60 points to nil. A short time ago, Mr. Moody, the American evangelist, held a mission here, and M. S. Baylis has gotten him a name by throwing down a dagger in the local Press for Moodyites and anti-Moodyites to stab one another withal. In the conflict that has ensued, some of the combatants have turned aside to rend M. S. B. himself, and those who wish for an exhaustive survey of his character should consult the letters in the Oxford Review for the week November 21-28, in which he was compared to everything from a "pilar of the faith " to a "yelping cur," according to the standpoint of the writer. H. M. Conacher has been in for the Hertford Scholarship. His prose was the best sent in, but his verses were unfortunately found wanting. This defect he will doubtless remedy, and we shall await the result of next year's examination with hopefulness. As I understand the greatest event of the Term, the Romanes lecture, is to have full treatment elsewhere, I will only offer one or two remarks on the subject. Having with my own eyes observed the terrible portents that preceded the Clades Sheldoniana, I can only feel surprised that there were not many slain in that gentle joust. During the week preceding that day, strange forms clad in scholars' gowns and brown bowlers, flitted about the streets at dusk, and on the Sunday before five of the sacred Heads of Houses refused to go to sleep during the 'Varsity sermon. No attempt was made to procurate (as Titus Livius hath it) these hitherto unheard of omens, and the vengeance of Jove burst over us on the fatal Monday. Your correspondent was in the thick of that flattening squash, but fortunately scaled the railings without damage, being admonished as he did so by a gentleman several yards away in the crowd, whose chance of getting in was very small, that those who climbed over and went not in by the gate were thieves and robbers. Twenty-three undergraduates were more or less seriously wounded, and the com-
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moners' gowns in the street afterwards were like the leaves of the forest when autumn has blown. Oxford is at present full of the drink question. Great meetings have been held of the Church of England Temperance Society, when the Bishop of London and the Marquis of Normanby delivered themselves on the subject, and the Bishop of Chester has since explained his scheme for the better management of public-houses. Total prohibitionists, moderates, and licensed victuallers are girding up their loins for the fray, and the college debating societies resound with the declamations of topers and teetotallers. Canon Knox-Little preached here in October, but the Bishops of Truro and Peterborough have favoured the sister University only. The electric light has been extensively introduced here this Term. Even our November pea-soup fogs were pierced by its rays, and gownless men find it harder than ever to evade the proctors. Its adoption in some of the colleges has produced strange scenes, as, for instance, when in the midst of dinner a hall was suddenly left in darkness, which suspended eating operations and drew forth remarks of almost sconceable strength from dons and undergraduates alike. Since beginning this letter, news has arrived of the destruction of the class-rooms by fire. While condoling with you in the loss of books, carpentering tools, and also of the beautiful staircase, one cannot help feeling that it is not altogether an unmitigated calamity. One thing, however, has seriously alarmed us. No mention was made by the Worcester papers of the safety or destruction of that priceless MS. known as " Vetustissimus Illegibilis," or the records of Sixth Form meetings. If that, Sirs, has disappeared, then a great disaster has indeed befallen the State : let history make no more mention of the burning of the Sibylline oracles or the Alexandrian library; they are nothing to be accounted of in comparison with it. We shall hope to hear on coming down that some gallant hero plunged into the flames and rescued that Palladium of Sixth Form liberty. There is nothing to add, save that " mods." draws nearer and nearer, and paralyses with a nameless dread three wretched wights well known in times past at the Cathedral School. Yours sincerely, Bis VIGORN. To the Editors of the " Vigornian. Dear Sirs,—Would you kindly give the O.V.'s some information as to the presentation to Mr. Jordan. Many were not called on for subscriptions who would have been glad to give, and those who were given the opportunity have never yet heard what form the present took or when it was given. It would be advisable to have a properly arranged system on future occasions, so that there may be nothing to mar the pleasantness of a testimonial. Yours truly, A SUBSCRIBER.
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THE VIGORNIAN.
[We are sorry to find that the O.V.'s were left in darkness as to the particulars of Mr. Jordan's testimonial, and offer our apologies. The testimonial took the form of an album containing very fine photographs of the English Cathedrals, and was presented on speech day.—ED. Vigornian.~\ To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs,—It has become a widespread superstition that editors are compendiums of knowledge, and must be heard in respectful silence, and their remarks accepted with unwavering confidence and universal credence. Such is the temper in which a Radical reads the leading articles in the Daily News, and such, I submit, is the common practice in vogue among boys in regard to the editors of a school magazine. It is to the " editorial" that a schoolboy turns first, to see if his own achievements, or his pet interests, or his favourite comrades have fallen beneath the censorious or approving criticisms of those who edit the paper. A kind of mystic vapour envelops the personality and ignorance of the writer, and he issues his dicta under the guise and name of "editor." Such may have been the thoughts and feelings of those who were responsible for the following remark in the last issue of the Vigornian. Speaking of the cricket of last season, the editors state :— An examination of the scores will show that whereas last year it was the masters only who succeeded in scoring, this year, on the other hand, the boys themselves have contributed largely.
Now, removing the mystic veil that I have said affords protection to editors, they are, after all, very human and liable to err; but it might be supposed that they would not so outrage the feelings of readers and ask them to accept what is manifestly contradicted a few pages later, and to which they invite examination themselves. At the outset, I take for granted the scores given on pages 356-359 were the only material to hand when the article was penned, for it is not to be supposed any scores would have been held back which could have substantiated the remark. Taking these as my sole data, I venture to give you the result of an examination into the scores, and I think your readers will agree with me (and perhaps you yourselves may be disposed to admit) that facts give an emphatic contradiction to the remark in question, as to whether the masters did not afford material, nay, indispensable assistance to last season's cricket. You give accounts of nine innings, and in these a total of 547 runs was reached, towards this number the three masters who played contributed 283, considerably more than half the total, and this is not allowing for games in which all three masters did not take part. For of those nine innings Mr. Bolland played in six only, Mr. Jordan in seven,
and Mr. Rammell in eight. There were four games in which all three masters played, and then they scored 176, compared with 74 amassed by the remaining eight (the 74 would give an average to the eight of just over two apiece for each innings). Thus far was sufficient to show the utter folly of the remark, but continuing the analysis of averages we find that the three masters again head the list, with one exception—Mr. Rammell 3o|, Mr. Bolland u \ Fuller 9 °, Mr. Jordan 8, Telfer 5 ^, and the rest fluctuate between two and three apiece. The remark appeared to me at once as flagrantly wrong and most ungrateful to the masters. Being able to watch several of the games, what struck me as the general spirit was the entire dependence expressed by the team on the help of the head master and Mr. Rammell, and directly their wickets fell a general despair seized the remaining batsmen, which made a procession to and from the wickets. Mr. Rammell's average of over 30 is higher than any other master has obtained as far as I can determine looking through old issues of the Vigornian, and frequently I saw Mr. Jordan doing good service by keeping his wicket up, which is more than can be said for any of the boys, who seemed more comfortable when they left the wickets than during their stay. With the assistance of the present staff of masters, I venture to predict a successful season in 1893, and then I sincerely hope the boys will also make a worthy show and so wipe out any derogatory remarks which the point in dispute has evoked. Wishing such success may be theirs in the future, I beg to remain, Very truly yours, W. H. LlTTLEBURY.
W.C.G.S. CHESS CLUB. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs,—As I have been appointed secretary on the revival of the above-named club, I have been asked to make known, by your paper, to those of the school who may not have heard much about the club, what is required of its members. The fee is i/for each winter, or for such part of the winter as the member joins for. Also all the members are requested to meet at the School House once a week (Tuesday being fixed for the present) at 4.30 to play together, which meetings the head master has promised to attend occasionally and play simultaneous games with as many of the members as are willing to play; of course the members will receive notice beforehand of these games from the secretary. It has been decided to give instruction to a limited number of boys who are desirous to learn, who should apply for admission to the hon. secretary. Yours truly, H. PURSER.
THE VIGORNIAN.
375
Gthtss. Problem No.
29 (easy). Composed " Vigornian " by W. E. B. BLACK.
for
the
• a m* WHITE. White to play and mate in 2 moves. Solution of Problem No. 28 :— (White K at K 7 Q » K sq B „ K2 Kt „ K d and Q 3 P's „ K Kt 4, Q R 4 (Black) K „ K 5 P's „ K B 5, Q 3 and Q R 4 1 Kt to Kt 2 K to Q 3 or K 3 2 B to B 3 mates i P to B 6 2 B to B 4 mates i P to Q 4 or K to K 6 2 B to Q sq mates
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