THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL CHRONICLE. il
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No. 27. VOL. II.
JULY, 1895.
PAGE
Editorial Letters from India Christmas Concert Old Vigornians' Dinner Boat Race, v. Hereford The Regatta ... 'School Sports ... Cricket Lecture on Japan A Junior on the Holidays Oxford Letter Cambridge Letter School News ... In Memoriam ... School Officers Correspondence Chess
437 438 439 440 440 441 442 443 450 450 451 4Si 452 453 453 453 454
(gbitoral. |ROM an Editor's point of view the period of School history since The Vigornian last appeared has been distinctly uninteresting, but we are not sure that these quiet times are not the best for us. At any rate we may express our thankfulness that we escaped, to a great extent, the tremendous epidemic of influenza, which played such havoc with some of our neighbours. Frost, of course,
PRICE 6d.
did a lot of harm to our rowing, but the weather of this term made amends and gave us real cricket weather. It was rather bad luck that the few rainy days should have chosen to come when we had cricket matches fixed. Perhaps the chief features of recent months has been the disappearance of so many old faces and the arrival of so many new ones. It seems that we are to have a '-'record" year in the way of numbers, as the entries for the first two terms already equal the highest total of all three terms in any year since the new scheme came into force. We trust that all this fresh blood means in the far future scholarships and "blues." Luckily there has been no change in the staff of Masters, and we still get the great help of Mr. Rammell and Mr. Beach-Hicks in the cricket and football field. We have spoke of cricket elsewhere, but we cannot refrain here from congratulating the XL on the greatly improved form which they have shewn in batting and fielding. Our bowling has been good for some years, but there was a limpness in batting and a slackness in fielding, which make the vigour and briskness shewn this year all the more refreshing. If the School has not won more matches than usual it has at least deserved to do so.
THE VIGORNIAN.
438
If the rowing this season has not been quite so successful as in former years, it is owing chiefly, if not entirely, to the persistency of the severe weather which we experienced the first half of the term, and which kept on until the beginning of March. This left less than five weeks to get together a four to meet Hereford. Mr. Melville again kindly took up the management and training of the crew, and we must heartily thank him for his unflagging energy in coaching them. The tubbing of junior members did not progress much until the O.V's came down and took charge of them, and also of the School and House fours, both of which received good coaching. The Regatta and Race v. Hereford are reviewed elsewhere. We must also congratulate the Chess Club on their bold bid to win the School Championship of the County. In the final tie we were only beaten by one game. Many of our players were not much more than beginners, and we trust that this success will induce many more to join the Club, and that we may quite win the Championship next season. We hear that the idea of an Old Vigornian Club or Association which was started some time ago is now beginning to take definite shape. We wish the venture all success.
(Extracts from fetters from Enoia. [ We have been allowed by the kindness of the father of one of our 0. Vs to make extracts from the letters written home by his son. We think that they will be found interesting by our readers.] n
j>E got to Aden late at night, and only stayed about two hours, so that it was impossible to see anything of the place. Some natives came off in boats and rowed up to the ship to the accompaniment of a most curious sort of chant. They are very pure Arabs, and remind me very much of the Old Testament. After leaving Aden we saw no more land until we sighted the Indian coast on Tuesday morning. The last week of our voyage was most enjoyable, it was not at all too hot, and there was generally a good breeze. We had more tournaments and athletic sports, and finally a fancy dress ball, which
was a great success. You would have been surprised to see some of the dresses, most of which had been extemporized. Mine was very simple: I borrowed the Sunday go-to-meeting toggery of the Lascar bo'sun, which consisted of a long white tunic and a gorgeous scarlet and gold turban. The Lascar bound it on for me, and took quite a pride in my get-up. I burntcorked my moustache and eyebrows, and everybody said my show was one of the best. By-the-by, I never told you of the Sunday morning muster. It did not come off the first Sunday owing to the weather, and the next* Sunday we were just getting out of Marseilles at muster time, so we really didn't see it till we got into the Red Sea. The whole of the crew were paraded on the quarter deck (they stretch in two long lines right down each side of the ship), all the officers in their best uniforms, frockcoats and so forth, and all the sailors, engineers, firemen, punkah, coolies, etc., each in their own peculiar dress, for they belong to any number of different nationalities, and you seldom see more than three or four dressed alike. On Sunday, however, they mostly wear white, it is in the colour and arrangement of their headgear that they differ. Then they are all formed up. The captain, chief officer, 2nd officer and doctor walk down one line and up the other, every man saluting as they pass, until finally they come to the halt in front of the other officers ; hats are lifted, and then at a given word the " sarang," i.e., the native bo'sun and his mates, blow their whistles, and the crew all troop off to their respective quarters. Bombay. Well, we got in here at middle day on Tuesday. The first sight of Bombay is very impressive. I don't think I noticed the " smell of the East," at any rate not till we had landed, and then one noticed various distinct smells, but nothing oppressively permanent. The " husbands' boat" came alongside before we got into dock, and there was much embracing of course. The quay was crowded with coolies in every stage of undress. Some of them wear practically nothing, but there is a beautiful variety of colour in an Indian crowd which is infinitely more picturesque than an English one. The natives strike one as being for the most part very straight and well made. They came crowding on to the steamer, that is the private servants did, and in the middle of the confusion a man
THE VIGORNIAN. came up and said he was Grindley's agent, and as I could not find King's man anywhere, I instructed him to clear my baggage, and T and I took a " gharri" and drove up to this hotel, which is the best in Bombay. And oh ! the wonderful sights that met us from the moment of landing. One has fancied it all often enough, but yet there is a charm about it that one could never have realised for oneself—the mass of dusky-brown half-naked humanity, every face revealing, or rather not revealing, an utterly novel and mysterious type of character; the wondrous colours of their dresses and of the setting, the bullock carts, which I don't think I had ever taken the trouble to picture, but which are perhaps the things that impresses one most of all, the extraordinary incongruities, a host of natives riding on a tramcar, the destination of which is painted in Maratho, while an advertisement of " Lipton's Teas " takes up the whole of one side. It is simply impossible to try and describe one's first impressions. . . . Last evening I went a lovely drive round a hill called the Malabar Hill, and this morning we drove early through the native city, and saw so many new sights that it is of no use my beginning to give you them in detail, but we ended by going to the Hindoo burning ghat, where none but Hindus are allowed to enter, save only the all-powerful Sahib, and there we saw the ghastly process of cremation in full swing. We passed through a gate into a long sort of yard with high walls on each side, and a rough veranda running down one side. Down the middle was a row of funeral pyres, some already dying down, some blazing away fiercely, and some not yet lighted. From one of the latter, at a height of about four feet from the ground, some bits of colored cloth and a pair of brown feet emerged from between the logs. Then we waited and saw the fire lighted and the flames creep up, while under the veranda a crowd of natives sat round the professional mourners, who squatted on the ground beating tom-toms and gongs, and singing incessantly a most weird Gregorian-like dirge. Presently another pyre was erected, and two men came along with the dead body of a little child, which they laid on the pyre, then covered it with logs. Whilst they were doing this the other pyre was burning fiercely, and the higher the flames climbed the louder grew the voices
439
of the mourners until at length they reached a deafening pitch, and after reiterating something about a hundred times they suddenly ceased, packed up their instruments and departed. We saw yet another corpse brought out, that of a woman, who must have been of some position, as it was profusely decorated, and much trouble was taken to ensure her safe passage into the next life. The attendants first sprinkled her with some red powder, and then forced some rice and water into her mouth. We did not stay to see the fire lighted. The whole business was very gruesome, but in the afternoon we approached near to, though we did not actually witness, a still more ghastly sight. We went to the "Towers of Silence," the place where the Parsees neither bury nor burn their dead, but expose them for the vultures and the kites—great round towers, within which none but certain specially qualified persons ever enter. All round the tops of the towers sat the birds, waiting ; and outside there were beautifully kept gardens, and beyond these a lovely view of the city and the harbour, but no sound save the harsh cry of the birds overhead. This morning my man came to me, he is a Mahommedan, and rejoices in the name of Manawurud-diu, and after giving me the key of my room said " and I not going down town this Friday, and I going to Church, same as the sahib does on Sunday." So I said " Accha," which means "good," and Manawurud-diu went off, I hope, to the Jamma Musjed or Congregational Mosque, but very possibly to his own devices. He seems a reliable man though, and I expect I shall keep him on. I could go on for hours, but if this letter is to catch the Christmas mail, it must be closed very shortly. W. H. W.
et dTatheoual School Comcri. (Reprinted from "Worcester Daily Times." The Annual Concert in connection with the Cathedral School took place on Wednesday evening, December igth, when there was a large attendance of parents and friends of the scholars. In the absence of Dr. Wareing, who was prevented through a family bereavement, the Precentor conducted the concert, Mr. Porter acting as accompanist for the songs and solos. The School Band has only been started three weeks, and they were under the conductorship of H. E. Watts, one of the schoolboys. The programme was a most enjoyable one, commencing with the appropriate carols, "The anthem of peace" and "Sweet
440
THE VIGORNIAN.
Christmas bells." Other items by the School Singing Class were " Five times by the taper's light," "O'er the woodland chace," "Fairy voices"—which was encored—"Tit willow," " Forgive blest shade," and " Floreat schola vigorniensis." " My sweetheart," a selection by the band, was encored, and the song, " Blow, blow, thou wintry wind," by the Rev. H. E. T. Arthure, was well received. Mr. Porter played " Polonaise " with vigorous execution. Mr. Blandford sang "In old Madrid" with familiar effect. Mr. E. W. Price, an Old Vigornian, gained an encore with "The dear home land," and a similar reward was paid the quartet " Dream, baby, dream," by Messrs. H. W. Cotton, E. W. Price, W. S. Blandford, and G. Smith. Messrs. H. W. Chaplin and Spark gave "Tarantella," a pianoforte duet, with effect. Mr. Blandford also sang "The three ages of love," and its tasteful rendering provoked an encore. Mr. Price contributed two 'cello solos, which were enthusiastically encored. Messrs. Cotton, Price, Blandford, and Smith sang the charming madrigal " Brightly dawns our wedding day," which was warmly received, and Mr. A. P. Higgins sang " Private Tommy Atkins."
nevertheless, done a great work for the city, county, and the nation, and the fact that so many who were filling high positions had been educated there spoke volumes for the School. The affection of O.V.'s for and the interest they took in the School was shewn by the fact that several had come long distances to be present at the dinner. The Head Master, in replying, alluded to the success of the School in examinations, cricket, football, and rowing, referring especially to the munificent present of Alderman Walter Holland of a racing boat, which carried the School crew to victory against Hereford Cathedral School last spring. He also made the interesting announcement that an illustrated account of the School would appear in the St. James's Budget for i8th January. Referring to (Dlb ' Sinner. the opening of the School Museum and the formation jjHE sixth annual Old Vigornians' dinnner was of a School Orchestra by the boys, he thought that it held at the Star Hotel, on Thursday, augured well for the School, and he prophesied that December 2 yth. Mr. Alfred Baker was in the coming year would be a very prosperous one. the chair and Mr. A. Pearce Higgins in the vice-chair. Mr. Melville O'Brien proposed the health of the The Rev. W. E. Bolland (Head Master of the Chairman, who responded, giving an interesting Cathedral School) was the guest of the evening. The account of the School of 30 years ago. The Chairfollowing Old Vigornians were present : — The High man then proposed the health of the Secretaries, who Sheriff of the City (Mr. J. B. Matthews), Revs. H. replied. Mr. J. B. Matthews, in well-chosen words, Tilley and F. T. Minchall, Messrs. W. S. Branthwaite, proposed " The Absent." Messrs. P. B. Wright and H. W. Bolland, R. Baylis, E. W. Bolland, H. G. Budd, F. W. Webb were elected hon. secretaries for the W. H. Counsell. P. Campbell, A. M. Campbell, coming year. The rest of the evening was spent in J. T. Chamberlain, J. L. Cook, C. T. Dimont, A. C. songs by Messrs. Albert Webb, P. H. P. Hayes, A. Darling, Frank Everill, W.W. Finch, P. H. P. Hayes, Pearce Higgins, Maurice Webb, J. B. Matthews, J. G. George Higgins, F. W. Keen, G. T. Newman, L. Newman, G. H. Higgins, and recitations by Mr. W. Melville O'Brien, A. Peake, J. G. Rusher, F. L. Wilding, H. Counsell. Albert Webb, Frank W. Webb, Arnold Webb, A. Weldin, J. C. Wilson, J. Wilesmith, and the Hon. Secretaries (Messrs. F. Maurice Webb and Philip B. HE Hereford race of '95 was rowed at HereWright). The Chairman having proposed the toast of ford on Saturday, April 6th, and is chiefly " The Queen," the Vice-Chairman gave the toast of remarkable for the ill luck that befell us, " Prosperity to the Worcester Cathedral Grammar though in the end we were beaten by a much better School," coupling with it the name of the Head Master. He referred to the fact that he was a crew than we were ourselves. After several changes connecting link between two Head Masters, the Revs. our crew was composed as follows :—Bow, J. K. Maurice Day and W. E. Bolland, and that the high Deakin; 2, C. Richings ; 3, H. Harrington ; stroke, standard of scholarship and moral tone under the N. G. Davies ; last year's 2, Richings, being brought former was maintained and increased under the in only a few days before the contest. An early train present head. The School, though comparatively took us to Hereford, where we were met by our small when compared with some other schools, had, opponents, and ordering our lunch, went down to
441
THE VIGORNIAN. inspect the course and practice a " start" on the Wye. The race was arranged for 3 p.m., and we were at the start punctually, only to find the stake boats were not there, and that the Hereford crew were some quarter of an hour behind us. The strong wind tried us severely going up, and the cold while waiting for the stake boats to come down and for positions to be taken up, rather militated against our chances, added to which we lost the toss and had a long stretch of slack water at the beginning ; while our opponents, who were nearly a stone a man heavier than us, were favoured by a strongish stream and a longer course than ours, over which they had the full benefit of the wind. Notwithstanding these difficulties our boat kept on equal terms for a short distance, when the superior weight and strength of Hereford began to tell and they quickly went ahead, winning easily by several lengths. They were well together all the way and showed clearly the advantage to be gained by having members of former crews in the boat, while we rather fell to pieces and did not keep the length of stroke, which has helped us to victory on former occasions. It is only, however, fair to ourselves to add that our " bow " was by no means fit, and was, in fact, beginning an attack of influenza, which the next day saw fully developed. We have nothing but praise . for our crew, who so pluckily fought out a losing race, and the fact that now we are on equal terms with Hereford—each having won twice—adds a great interest to the race of '96, in which we hope to come off victorious. WORCESTER. HEREFORD. st. Ibs. st. Ibs. 8 7 H. L. Coath (bow) ... 9 ii 11 8 10 o C. G. Potter (2) C. Richings (2] ii ii H Harrington (3) 9 6 W p Rowe (3) N C. Davies [stroke) 9 6 H. E. Oakley (stroke) 10 9 S. Steward (cox)... 4 8 O. G. Croft (cox)... 5 9
J. K. Ueakin (bow) ...
|HE ill luck, as regards the weather, which pursued us throughout the season, did not desert us on the Regatta day. Although in the morning there appeared to be every prospect of it being a fine day, shortly after 3 p.m. it commenced to pour with rain, and kept on almost incessantly the
whole afternoon; under such unfavourable circumstances it was not to be surprised at that but few spectators put in appearance. Owing to a very strong wind which was blowing down stream, and also to a strong current, we were compelled to row down stream and not up as in previous years; the course being from the Distillery down to a short distance above the mouth of the canal. The first event was to have been a race between University O.V's and Town O.V's, but as one of the latter failed to come down it had to be abandoned. The next race was the School v. Old Boys; unfortunately the O.V's had been unable to secure a racing boat, like our own, and so had to row in a " tub " four, which, of course, considerably handicapped them. The crews were as follows :— SCHOOL. OLD BOYS. Bow 2 3 Str. Cox
J. K. Deakin. "1 C. E. Richings. H. Harrington. [N. G. Davies. Steward. J
Bow 2 3 Str. Cox
F. T. Davies. J. T. Chamberlain. H. W. Bolland. H. Dutton. F. H. Higgins.
It was considerably after the appointed time, owing to the late arrival of one of the O.V's, when the two crews paddled down to the starting place. Davies, having won the toss, chose the Cathedral side of the river, and the boats were quickly got in position. At the word " go" both crews started rowing at a fast stroke ; the School after getting over a little splashing at the commencement soon drew away, and though rowing a slightly slower stroke easily maintained the lead, winning finally by 2\ lengths. The latter half of the race was rowed in a perfect down-pour Af hail and sleet, with the result that by the time the two crews had returned to the Boat House they were thoroughly wet through. After waiting for nearly an hour there were some signs of it leaving off, so it was decided to try and proceed with the other events. The following heats for the " Pairs " had been rowed off on the previous afternoon, when Bates Sampson
beat
Williams Steward
by J length.
Davies Liddell
beat
Telfer Simpson
by I length.
Richings Seccombe }
beat
Harrington { Bolland
by \ length.
Deakin Shield
Powell | beat | Claxton
by i\ lengths.
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442
From this it will be seen that four crews were left in for the semi-finals, in the first heat of which Davies Liddell
1 beat , }
Deakin Sheild
after a good race, but the heavier pair just led all the way and won in the end by i j lengths. 2nd Heat.
Bates I Sampson /
( Richings l Seccombe
beat
A close race for most of the distance, but nearing the winning post Bates spurted and won by i| lengths. Immediately after the conclusion of this race the rain again began to fall heavily, and it was decided to postpone the remaining races until the Tuesday following. The weather then was fortunately more favourable. The final of the " Pairs "was first rowed, which resulted in Davies (stroke) 1 Liddell /
,
..
beatm
g
( Bates (stroke) \ Sampson
A hard and close race. Davies and Liddell secured the lead soon after the start, and just managed to hold it all the way, finally winning by a length. The School v. School House Race, which came next, usually creates a good deal of excitement, and this year it seemed to cause more than usual. Those rowing in the ist Four were excluded from either boat, so that the two crews were as follows :— Bow 2 3 Str. Cox
SCHOOL. A. Williams T. Bates M. F. Sampson R. Telfer F. Steward
v.
HOUSE. f Bow S. Steward 2 • B. M. Liddell 3 A. P. Bolland Str. H. E. Powell Cox A. Marshall
The " School" were thought to be a trifle the better, and were certainly heavier than their opponents, who had a very light "bow" and "stroke." The " House " got off smartly at the start, while the " School" half missed the first stroke, with the result that the former at once shot ahead, but the " School" having once pulled themselves together rapidly reduced the gap, and soon assumed the lead ; the " House " now got ragged and very short, and in spite of a plucky spurt were beaten by -f length.
School §ports. jHE Sports, which were held on April 3rd and 4th, must again be pronounced a decided success. The weather, though not brilliantly fine, proved no impediment, A large gathering of the School's friends displayed a lively interest in, and appreciation of, the several events ; and the performances themselves, though there was nothing in the shape of record-breaking, maintained a fairly high average and produced some most exciting struggles. The first day was devoted, as usual, to preliminary heats, together with the Hurdle Race, Long Jump, and Cricket Ball. The first-named was a splendid race, Bolland and Liddell being level till the last hurdle, the former then just getting home. Telfer made a good start by winning the Cricket Ball and Long Jump, in each case curiously enough at the last attempt. To come to the second day, the High Jump (Open) was disappointing, neither Bolland nor Seccombe,' who tied for first place, doing himself anything like justice ; in fact, they were beaten by the really good jump of 4ft. 6in. of Richings, under 15. Of the short races, Harrington and Telfer showed good pace in the sprints, while Bolland secured the Quarter in capital style, and might have improved on his time had he not just previously run the Half. The latter was perhaps the best race of the day on account of the large number of entries, and the closeness of the finish reflects great credit on the handicappers. Liddell went off at a good pace, and at the end of the first lap was more than his distance ahead of Bolland and Bates, who, however, running strongly and well only just failed to overhaul him, Liddell after a desperate struggle winning in the creditable time of 2-21. The Mile was robbed of much of its wonted interest, owing to the fact that only three were found sufficiently fresh to compete, due to our unfortunately being obliged to crowd so many races into one day. Of these three, Telfer soon dropped out, and Bolland at once took such a strong lead that there was never any doubt as to the result. Bates, however, stuck well to his work, and might have made a good race of
THE VIGORNIAN. it had he not lost so much ground at first. The Old Boys' Race was easily won by Laurie, who was in his usual good form. The struggle for the Championship Gold Medal was very interesting and open till late in the afternoon. Harrington had been thought to have a good chance, but unfortunately was in training for the boat race, and therefore, besides having no practice, was afraid to over-exert himself. Telfer, thanks to his good start on the opening day, held the lead in points for a long time, but failed in the long distances. Holland, on the other hand, displayed wonderful staying power, and, unlike the other competitors, seemed to get fresher after every race. In the end he won the Medal by the comparatively wide margin of 19 points to Telfer's 13, a performance that appears even more meritorious when it is remembered that he had all the anxiety and responsibility of organisation on his shoulders. Mrs. Forrest once more kindly consented to give away the prizes, and the customary cheers for her brought to a close a most enjoyable day. Appended are the results :— WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3rd. 100 Yards, under 15.—First prize, clock; second, inkstand. First heat: Rowe I, Usher 2, Claxton 3. Second heat: Richings ii. I, Bates ii. 2, Halford i. 3. Final : Usher I, Richings 2. 100 Yards, Open.—First prize, cricket bag ; second, flask. First heat : Harrington i. I, Telfer 2, Williams i. 3. Second heat: Liddell i. I, Bolland 2, Sampson i. 3. Final: Harrington and Telfer equal first, Bolland 3. Throwing the Cricket Ball.—Prize, bat. Telfer (79yds. 2ft.). Long Jump, Open.—Prize, cup ; presented by Mr. Cooper. Telfer (i7ft. 2in.) I. Long Jump, under 15.—Prize, cup. Usher (i4ft. 2in.) I. Hurdle Race.—Prize, writing case. Bolland I, Liddell i. 2.
THURSDAY, APRIL 4th. High Jump, Open.—Prize, Aneroid barometer. Bolland and Seccombe equal first (4ft. 5in.). 120 Yards Handicap, Open.—P'irst prize, cricket bag; second prize, biscuit box; third prize, letter weights. First heat : Telfer I, Liddell i. 2. Second heat: Harrington I, Liddell ii. 2. Third heat: Sampson I, Bolland 2. Final: Harrington I, Telfer 2, Sampson 3. 100 Yards, under 13.—Prize, cup. First heat: Coombs I, Halford ii. 2, Wooster 3. Second heat: Koechlin I, Williams ii. 2, Binns 3. Final: Coombs I, Koechlin 2. 100 Yards, under n.—Prize, barometer. Ko3chlin 2.
Coombs I,
443
High Jump, under 15.—Richings ii. (4ft. 6in.) Quarter Mile, Open.—First prize, presented by R. W. Binns, Esq.; second, bag. Bolland I, Telfer 2, Harrington 3. Quarter Mile Handicap, under 15.—First prize presented by Mrs. Bolland; second, clock ; third, racket. Bates ii. i, Halford i. 2, Wallis 3. Half Mile, Open.—First prize presented by the Masters; second, cup ; third, fishing rod, given by Mr. Warner. Liddell i. i, Bolland 2, Bates i. 3. Time 2 rain. 21 sec. Half Mile, under 15.—First prize, horn cup ; second, bag. Bates ii. I, Halford i. 2. Old Boys' Race, 120 Yards.—First prize, flask ; second, cigarette case ; third, scarf pin, given by Mr. Birley. Laurie I, Spark 2, Powell 3. One Mile, Open.—First prize given by the Head-Master ; second, cricket bat; third, inkstand. Bolland I, Bates i. 2. Time 5 min. 29 sec. Sack Race.—Prize, sleeve links. Davey I. Consolation Race.—First prize, clock ; second, collar box. Kcechlin I, Halford ii. 2, Chaplin 3. Champion Gold Medal (for the largest number of points).— A. P. Bolland.
(Ericket. jHOUGH not quite so successful as that of last year, this year's cricket season has been by no means unsatisfactory, since up to going to press we have won five matches, lost six, and drawn one. We started the season with all our eleven of the previous year save three—F. C. Fuller, E. W. Bolland, and F. J. Davies. Our first match we lost, though we ought to have easily won it. Of the others, the one which is most important of all, in our own eyes, viz., that with Hereford Cathedral School, we won for the jjrst time in the last three years, thus making our records equal for these inter-school matches. Our bowling has this year immensely improved—J. S. Liddell and J. K. Deakin coming off with most success, though now and then B. M. Liddell bowls very well. The batting on the other hand has certainly not come up to expectations, for in two or three instances, viz., the matches against the Voluntary Choir Guild and Norton Barracks, we have collapsed lamentably. In fielding, however, the eleven has shown great improvement, though they are still rather slow in returning the ball. The Juniors have made good use of their new pitch, which was laid out for them at the beginning of the year. Of their bowlers Wallis has shown great promise. Of the matches played so far they have won
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444
against the Voluntary Choir and lost against Rev. C. Black's Colwall and The Choristers. The evil so often complained of in former years, i.e., that of bad attendances at net-practices has been to a great extent remedied this year, and the bowling of Straw, our professional, has certainly done us good. Finally, we must give our hearty thanks to the Masters for their ungrudging aid in matches and practices. A.P.B. W.C.G.S. v. VOLUNTARY CHOIR GUILD. This, the first of the season, was played on the School ground on May i8th in beautiful weather. The Guild won the toss and elected to bat. The scoring on both sides was very small, J. Smith being top scorer for the Guild with 11 and Mr. BeachHicks for the School with 10 runs. After getting all our opponents out for 40 it looked like a probable win for the School, but Phillips'bowling proved too much for them, taking 6 wickets for 13 runs. The innings closed for a feeble 35. For the School Mr. BeachHicks took 6 wickets for 12 runs, being by far the most successful. VOLUNTARY CHOIR GUILD. First Innings. Second Inning?,. }. Smith, b J. S. Liddell II W. Wall, c Telfer b B. M. Liddell I S. Smith, b J. S. Liddell o b Sheild I R. Harford, c Deakin bj. S. Liddell o not out 5 H. Bragg, b Beach-Hicks o b Deakin o W. Williams, b Beach-Hicks 6 not out 21 F. Phillips, b Beach-Hicks 5 S. Evans, b Beach-Hicks 3 c Deakin b J. S. .Liddell o W. Watkins, c and b Beach-Hicks... 8 F. Pardoe, b Beach-Hicks i L. Rushton, not out o b Beach-Hicks ... 3 Extras 5 Extras 5 Total
40
Total (4 wkts) 35
W.C.G.S. E. A. J. Seccombe, b Phillips 3 B. M. Liddell, b Phillips 3 R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., c Williams b Phillips IO T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Phillips o A. P. Bolland, c J. Smith b Phillips 3 J. S. Liddell, Ibw, b Phillips 3 J. Sheild, b Williams 7 J. K. Deakin, st Harford b Williams o R. Telfer, b Watkins o T. Bates, not out I
H. E. Powell, b Watkins Extras Total
o 5 35
W.C.G.S. V. WlCHENFORD.
This match was played on Saturday, May 25, and resulted in a decided victory for the School by 3 wickets and 76 runs. Wichenford went in first, but no one except Sergt. Turner, who just reached double figures, made any stand against the bowling of J. S. Liddell and Mr. Beach-Hicks, the former having the exceedingly good analysis of 8 wickets for 11 runs. The total for the innings was 40. The first wicket of the School went down quickly, but when J. S. Liddell and T. E. Rammell became associated, the aspect of the game changed considerably, and both scored fast. Mr. Rammell was the first to leave for a hard hit 40,. having with Liddell put on 66 runs. B. M. Liddell then joined his brother, and together they raised the score to 95 before the former was bowled for 15. The next wicket fell quickly, and just before time Liddell was dismissed by Caswell for 40, for which he had played excellent cricket. Scores :— WICHENFORD C.C. W. Jones, c Morris b J. S. Liddell A. P. Battersea, ht wkt, b J. S. Liddell J. Winnington, c Deakin, b J. S. Liddell F. Fidoe, c and b J. S. Liddell H. Caswell, b J. S. Liddell T. C. Jones-Williams, b J. S. Liddell E. Fidoe, b J. S. Liddell W. Nott, b J. S. Liddell A. E. Bryan, not out W. Hemus, b Beach-Hicks H. Turner, b Beach-Hicks Extras Total
3 7 3 o 3 2 o 2 2 i 10 7 40
W.C.G.S. R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., b Caswell o E. A. J. Seccombe, b Winnington 4 J. S. Liddell, b Caswell 40 A. P. Bolland, b Winnington 5 T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Caswell 32 B. M. Liddell, b Caswell 15 J. K. Deakin, c Turner b Winnington 4 J. Sheild, not out 4 R. Telfer ~\ T- Bates I d;d not bat. F. Morris I Extras 12 Total (7 wkts)
116
THE VIGORNIAN.
445
W.C.G.S. v. REV. H. F. BENNETT'S XI.
W.C.G.S. v. THE CLERGY.
Played on the School Ground on May 3oth, in brilliant weather, Bolland winning the toss put the School in first,and sent in Mr.T. E. Rammell and Bates. Both 'wickets fell quickly, but J. S. Liddell stayed a short time together with Mr. Beach-Hicks (who got top score with 14) and raised the score to 32. No one else could make any stand against the bowling of Rev. H. F. Bennett and E. C. Hobson (who got 6 wickets for 13, and 4 for 24 respectively), and eventually the innings closed for 39. The first wicket of the visitors played very well, and before being separated put on 27. Except for these no one, however, stayed, and all were out for 54, the last 7 wickets only adding 29 runs. The bowling honours for the School were won by B. M. Liddell, who got 5 wickets for 16 runs, and J. K. Deakin, who got the same number of wickets for 17 runs. B. M. Liddell, it should be noticed, did the "hat trick." Scores :—
This interesting match was played on June i ith, on the School ground, and resulted in rather an easy win for the School. The first 4 wickets of the School (who batted first) fell for 20, but. A. P. Bolland and Mr. Rammell made a long stand, putting on 66 for the fifth wicket, making 38 and 35 runs respectively. The total for the innings was 118 against the 76 made by our opponents. The Rev. J. Webster did best with the ball for the Clergy, getting 4 wickets for 11 runs. The Clergy then went in, but made a poor start, as the first 6 wickets fell for only 31. However, with Revs. C. W. Barnard and S. Morgans in the score went up faster, and reached 50 before the latter was clean bowled by Mr. Beach-Hicks, having quickly compiled his 14 runs. The Rev. C. W. Barnard carried out his bat for a slow but sure 23 runs.
W.C.G.S. First Innings. T. E. Rammell, Esq., c and b Hobson 4 T. Bates, b Bennett I J. S. Liddell, b Bennett 9 A. P. Bolland, c Dillon b Bennett... 3 R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., b Bennett 14 B. M. Liddell, b Hobson o E. A. T. Seccombe, b Hobson 3 R. Telfer, b Hobson o J. K. Deakin, b Bennett 3 F. Morris, b Bennett o H. E. Powell, not out o Extras 2 Total
Second Innings. b Hobson
5
not out
2
b Bennett cClaxtonb Hobson b Bennett Extras
5 o o 3
39
Total (4wkts) 15
REV. H. F. BENNETT'S XI. J. Pinney, b B. M. Liddell R. Pinney, b Deakin E. C. Hobson, b B. M. Liddell Rev, J. Morgan, c Rammell b Deakin F. Checketts, c Deakin b B. M. Liddell C. Dillon, b Deakin Rev. H. Bennett, c Seccombe b Deakin J. Dowson, c Deakin b B. M. Liddell A. B. Wrangham, b B. M. Liddell E. F. Smith, c Bolland b Deakin F. Claxton, not out Extras Total..
10 13 7 2 4 3 o 8 2 I o 4 54
THE CLERGY. Rev. R. Arden-Davies, bj. S. Liddell 7 ,, J. Webster, b J. S. Liddell I ,, J. Hastings, b R. M. M. Beach-Hicks ... 5 „ H. Collier, c Ley b J. S. Liddell 7 ,, K. Deakin, b R. M. M. Beach-Hicks ... 4 ,, C. W. Barnard, not out 23 ,, W. E. Bolland, b J. S. Liddell I ,, S. Morgans, b R. M. M. Beach-Hicks... 14 „ W. R. Carr, b T. E. Rammell o ,, W. G. Melville, b J. S. Liddell 8 F. Morris, run out 2 Extras 4 Total
76
W.C.G.S. R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., b W. G. Melville 9 R. Telfer, b W. G. Melville 5 J. S. Liddell, b W. E. Bolland o B. M. Liddell, c Arden-DaviesbW. G. Melville o A. P. Bolland, b J. Hastings 38 T. E. Rammell, c Morris b J. Webster 35 E. A. J. Seccombe, c C. W. Barnard b J. Webster 7 J. G. Sheild, b J. Hastings 7 J. K. Deakin, st Arden-Davies b J. Webster... o T. Bates, b J. W'ebster I C. T. Ley, not out I Extras 15 Total
118
W.C.G.S. v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. This, one of our most important matches, was played at Worcester on Saturday, June isth, and after
THE VIGORNIAN.
446
a very exciting match, eventually resulted in a win for us by 17 runs. Hereford having lost the toss were put in first, and began most disastrously, losing, their first wicket before a run was scored. The next wicket went down with only four more runs added, J. S. Liddell then doing the "hat trick"—4 wickets for 4 runs. However, a useful stand was made by J. Bourdas and C. E. Polter, putting on 34 runs for the 6th wicket. The rest gave little trouble, and the innings closed for 53. J. S. Liddell and J. K. Deakin bowled splendidly, taking five wickets for 10 runs, and 4 for 6 respectively. Worcester then went in, sending Telfer and Bates to the wickets ; the former was bowled at 8, but the latter, with Seccombe put on 13 before being exceedingly well caught at point for 10. Soon after Seccombe left, having made a well played 15. The next 3 wickets went down with only 5 more added, and it seemed probable that the finish would be exceedingly close, but J. K. Deakin and H. E. Powell played steadily, and bettered the Hereford score by 4 before the latter was caught. The loth wicket fell for 70, thus leaving us a creditable victory. In their second innings Hereford fared even more disastrously than in their first, as five of their best wickets were down for 16. Liddell and Deakin again being most successful. Scores :— HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. First Innings. Second Innings. C. J. Briefly, b B. M. Liddell 5 H. E. H. Oakeley, b J. S. Liddell... o R. J. Morgan, c F. Morris b J. S. Liddell I J. L. Rowe, b J. S. Liddell o A. E. Jones, b J. S. Liddell o J. Bourdas, b Deakin , 16 C. E. Polter, b Deakin 18 C. E. Machen, bDeakin 2 E. N. Lewis, bDeakin 3 A. Purnell, b J. S. Liddell 2 B. Wood, not out o Extras 6 Total
c and b Deakin .., bj. S. Liddell ... b Deakin o bj. S. Liddell ... 10 not out 4 bj. S. Liddell ... o did not bat
S3
'. Total
o
Total (5 wkts) 16 3 10 15 o S 4 5 13 o 7
2 6
70
W.C.G.S. v. ST. JOHN'S. Played on the School Ground on July i6th, and resulted in a decisive victory for St. John's by 4 wickets and 93 runs. The School won the toss and elected to bat. Mr. Beach-Hicks and T. Bates went in to face the bowling of H. Smith and W. A. Young; the former was dismissed by a catch in the slips by the first ball sent down, the score was carried from 15 to 31 for the third wicket, but the rest gave very little trouble. J. S. Liddell played a very fine innings of 34, going in second wicket and coming out last. Smith had by far the best analysis, taking 8 wickets for 26 runs. The visitors then batted and made a very good show, putting together 156 for 6 wickets. H. Smith 48, Rev. Arden-Davis 24, and B. Roan 22, not out, being the chief contributors. The bowling of the School was weakened, the Rev. W. E. Bolland being unable to share in the attack, owing to two severe knocks on his hand. W.C.G.S. R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., c sub b Smith o T. Bates, b Young 2 J. S. Liddell, c Hopkins b Smith 34 T. E. Rammell, Esq., Ibwb Smith 3 A. P. Bolland, b Smith 10 Rev. W. E. Bolland, c sub b Smith I J. K. Deakin, c and b Smith 5 B. M. Liddell, b Smith o J. Sheild, b Smith i E. A. J. Seccombe, c Roan b Souch I R. Telfer, not out o Extras 6 Total
Extras
W.C.G.S. R. Telfer, b Machen T. Bates, c Wood b Jones E. A. J. Seccombe, c Rowe b Machen J. S. Liddell, c Bourdas b Rowe A. P. Bolland, b Machen B. M. Liddell, b Machen J. S. Sheild, b Oakeley J. K. Deakin, not out F. Morris, b Oakeley H. E. Powell, c Oakeley b Machen
C. T. Ley, run out Extras
63
ST. JOHN'S. W. Souch, c Bates b Deakin 3 H. Smith, bDeakin 48 E. S. C. Hobson, b Beach-Hicks 13 Rev. R. Arden-Davis, b Deakin 24 J. Walker, b J. S. Liddell 17 W. A. Young, run out 3 B. Roan, not out 22 H. P. Onslow, not out ...' 10 E. L. Harkness i S. S. Williams J-did not bat. H. E. Hopkins J Extras 16 Total (6 wickets)
156
THE VIGORNIAN. W.C.G.S. v. NORTON BARRACKS. On Thursday, June 2oth, we played the Barracks on our own ground, and were defeated by 34 runs. The v: tors having won the toss sent in Messrs. Winnington and Norman, who put on 17 runs before the former was bowled. Soon after Norman was out, but except for Lieut. Hobson, who carried out his bat for 15, no one made any stand. The School, although they had only to get 51 runs to win, utterly and unaccountably collapsed, no one, except E. A. J. Seccombe (who made 8) offering any resistance to the bowling of Messrs. Hobson and Norman, who took 4 wickets for 6 runs, and 5 for 10 respectively. Mr. Rammell had unfortunately to retire on account of an injured finger, The Barracks on going in a second time did much better, and scored 84, the first wicket putting on 43 runs, Scores :—• NORTON BARRACKS. Second Innings. First Innings. Sergt. Norman, b W. E. Holland ... 9 b W. E. Bolland 18 Mr. Winnington, b J. S. Lidclell ... 8 run out Sergt. Turner, b J. S. Liddell o b W. E. Bolland Sergt. Pitt, run out 3 b W. E. Bolland Major Ferrier, c Rammell b \V. E. Bolland 3 b \V. E. Holland 8 Mr. Hobson, not out 15 bB. M. Liddell... 29 Sergt. Pearce, b W. E. Bolland o b W. E. Bolland o I Mr. Brinton, c Telfer b J. S. Liddell o not out Sergt. Sandy, run out o c sub b J. S. Liddell 10 Mr. Carr, b W. E. Bolland o bj. S. Liddell ... o Pt. Clifford, c J. S. Liddell b Deakin I b W. E. Bolland o Extras n Extras 5 Total
50
Total
W.C.G.S. Rev. W. E. Bolland, b Norman R. Telfer, b Hobson E. A. J. Seccombe, c Carr b Norman J. K. Deakin, b Norman R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., c Pitt b Hobson J. S. Liddell, c and b Norman A. P. Bolland, b Hobson T. E. Rammell, Esq., retired hurt B. M. Liddell, c Hobson b Norman J. Sheild, not out T. Bates, b Hobson Extras Total
84 I o 8 o o o I 3 3 o o o 16
W.C.G.S. v. BARNT GREEN. In this match, played on our ground on June 22nd,
447
we received the worst defeat of the season. The Visitors went in first, sending in F. L. Hodgkinson and Gibson. At 4 Hodgkinson was out, but the next wicket raised the score to 50, when Gibson was caught. Only one run later A. W. Everitt was bowled for a well played 19. The next two batsmen, Messrs. T. Izod and H. Margetts, made a long stand, putting on 64 before they were separated, the former making 24 and the latter 36. Except for S. H. Clark, who soon knocked up 31, no one made any stand, and the innings realised 173 runs. The School went in and made a very feeble resistance, no one seeming to be able to do anything against the bowling of Gibson (pro.), whose analysis read 8 wickets for 13 runs. The total of the innings was 42 runs. Scores :— BARNT GREEN. F. L. Hodgkinson, c B. M. Liddell b J. S. Liddell 2 Gibson, c and b Beach-Hicks 21 A. W. Everitt, b Beach-Hicks 19 T. Izod, st Beach-Hicks b Rammell 24 H. Margetts, c Telfer b Sheild 36 R. Rowlands, b Rammell 7 T. Addenbrooke, c Beach-Hicks b Rammell... 7 S. H. Clark, c Sheild b Rammell 31 Rev. K. Deakin, b Rammell 4 C. Fletcher, run out 4 E. W. Bolland, not out I • Extras 17 Total
173
W.C.G.S. J. Sheild, c Everitt b Gibson o T. Bates, b Gibson 3 R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., b Gibson 9 J. S. Liddell, b Gibson o T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Gibson 4 A. P. Bolland, b Gibson 3 Rev. W. E. Bolland, c Gibson b Addenbrooke 4 B. M. Liddell, c Hodgkinson b Gibson 2 E. A. J. Seccombe, Ibw, b Izod 6 J. K. Deakin, b Gibson I R. Telfer, not out o Extras 10 Total
42
W.C.G.S. v. OLD VIGORNIANS. This match, played without Masters, took place on June zyth, on the School ground. The School, winning the toss, went in. The first 3 wickets fell quickly, then Liddell and Bolland made a slight
THE VIGORNIAN.
448
resistance, until the latter was caught at point. Sheild, however, hit about freely for his 14, and being joined by Powell together they put on 19 runs, but then Sheild was bowled, Powell getting 24 not out, bringing the total to 80. The O.V.'s then started to bat, but made little resistance to Deakin's bowling, the only stand being made by F. M. Webb, who made 8 runs (not out), out of a total of 30. Deakin bowled well, taking 5 wickets for 16 runs. Scores :— W.C.G.S. T. Bates, b J. Chamberlain , o E. A. J. Seccombe, Ibw, b R. Webb I J. K. Deakin, b R. Webb I J. S. Liddell, c Davies b J. Chamberlain 7 A. P. Bolland, c E. W. Bolland b E. Webb... 9 B. M. Liddell, bj. Chamberlain o . J. Sheild, b R. Webb 14 R. Telfer, b E. Webb o H. Powell, not out 24 C. T. Ley, c R. Webb b E. Webb 6 F. Morris, b J. Chamberlain 2 Extras 16 Total OLD VIGORNIANS. G. Newman, c Liddell b J. K. Deakin E. W. Bolland, b J. K. Deakin E. Webb, run out R. Webb, bj. S. Liddell J. Chamberlain, c Ley b J. K. Deakin F. Davies, run out F. M. Webb, not out W. Telfer, b J. S. Liddell N. Davies, b J. K. Deakin L. Lingham, c and b J. K. Deakin Extras Total
So o i 3 2 6 4 8 o 3 o 3 30
W.C.G.S. v. BARNT GREEN C.C. On Thursday, July 4th, we played a return match against Barnt Green on their own ground. Bolland winning the toss decided to bat first, and sent in Messrs. T. E. Rammell and J. K. Deakin. The first two wickets fell rather quickly, but when J. S. Liddell arrived runs began to come more quickly, and the score had been raised to 73 before Liddell, who had played well for his runs, was bowled. The next wicket fell immediately, and soon after T. E. Rammell was given out Ibw, after a faultless innings of 42. Bolland soon after was out from a remarkably fine catch by
the bowler. B. M. Liddell, who hit hard for 14, was the only other batsman to make a stand, and finally the innings closed for 114. Barnt Green sent in F. Hodgkinson and Rev. E. Healey. Both played so carefully that although several bowlers were tried, all efforts to separate them were of no avail. Finally, however, when the score stood at 86, F. Hodgkinson was caught for a splendid innings of 40, in which he had given no chance. After this Barnt Green did all they could to get the runs, but the bowling and fielding prevented them from scoring. When time was called they were 9 behind our score, thus leaving the match a draw greatly in favour of Barnt Green. Much praise is due to the excellent fielding of all alike for the School. Scores :— W.C.G.S. T. E.' Rammell, Esq., Ibw, b Hodgkinson 42 J. K. Deakin, b Addenbrooke 4 E. A. J. Seccombe, Ibw, b Gibson 7 J. S. Liddell, b King 17 Rev. W. E. Bolland, b King o A. P. Bolland, c and b King 10 B. M. Liddell, not out 14 J. Sheild, c and b King 5 H. Powell, c M. Rowlands b King o R. Telfer, c and b Addenbrooke 3 R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., b Hodgkinson... I Extras II Total
114
BARNT GREEN. F. L. Hodgkinson, c and b Beach-Hicks 40 Rev. E. Healey, not out 48 Gibson, b Beach-Hicks 5 M. Rowlands, not out I E. King T. J. Addenbrooke Rev. K. Deakin S. R. Sayer ^did not bat. H. Rowlands A. N. Otter E. Baldwin •j Extras Total
105
F. DAVIES' XI. v. W.C.G.S. Played on July 6th, and resulted in a victory for the School by 25 runs, Davies being two men short. F. Davies won the toss and put his own team in. The first wicket went down for o, but E.W. Bolland and J. T. Chamberlain made a fair stand, the
THE VIGORNIAN. former making 12 runs in good style before being caught by third man. P. B. Williams made some very good hits for his 19, but after he was caught at mid-on the remaining wickets fell rapidly, making the small total of 47. The School now went in, their first wicket soon falling, but a good stand was made by J. S. Liddell, who hit two fours in his score of 27 runs. E. A. J. Seccombe quickly compiled his 15, the rest of the team adding but little to the score, which eventually reached 72. Deakin bowled well for the School, taking 7 wickets for 17 runs. Scores :— MR. F. DAVIES' XI. First Innings. Second Innings. T. E. Rammell, b J. S. Liddell o retired 16 E. W. Holland, c Deakin b B. M. c Seccombe b Liddell Deakin J. T. Chamberlain, b J. S. Liddell... 9 Ibw.b J. S. Liddell I F. J. Davies, run out o b Deakin o L. Waugh, b Deakin o b Deakin o P. P. Williams, c C. Telfer b B. M. o Liddell 19 b Deakin E. Hyde, b B. M. Liddell o c Seccombe b Deakin • A. E. Davies, b J. S. Liddell I b Deakin N. G. Davies, c C. Telfer b B. M. Liddell o b j . S. Liddell E. H. Ingram Halford, b B. M. 2 Liddell o not out M. Bates, not out I b Deakin o Extras 5 Extras. 7 Total
47
Total
449
being short of three men filled up their places with three of the ground pros., thus making a strong bowling team. The School, however, started well and kept on to the end with good scoring all round. A. P. Bolland played an exceptionally good innings of 38 (not out); the two Liddells also did good service in the batting. Our opponents then put in their pros, first, but all three fell very easily without having scored many. Souch and Caldwell made a good stand however, until the former was bowled at 76. G. Bearcroft then went in, and in the short space of five and twenty minutes hit up a vigorous 75, comprising no less than 12 four's; after making 50 he was missed twice at cover-point. Caldwell had a narrow escape before he had made 10 runs, but played a careful innings throughout. Wr.C.G.S. R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., b Hopkins T. Bates, c Hopkins b Souch" J. S. Liddell, b Caldwell T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Straw J. K. Deakin, c Souch b Burrows A. P. Bolland, not out B. M. Liddell, c Straw b Burrows J. Sheild, c Harkness b Burrows E. A. J. Seccombe, b Straw H. E. Powell, c Caldwell b Bearcroft R. Telfer, b Bearcroft Extras v
34 Total.
W.C.G.S. J. K. Deakin, c Williams b Chamberlain i H. E. Powell, ht wkt, b Chamberlain 8 J. S. Liddell, st Williams b Rammell 27 A. P. Bolland, c E. W. Bolland b Rammell... I J. Sheild, b Rammell 6 B. M. Liddell, c A.- E. Davies b Rammell 5 E. A. J. Seccombe, st Williams b Rammell ... 15 R. Telfer, b Chamberlain o C. T. Ley, c F. J. Davies b Rammell 3 F. Morris, b Rammell 3 C. Telfer, not out o Extras 2 Total
23 9 21 '22 I 38 19 o II 3 o 14 .161
WORCESTERSHIRE CLUB AND GROUND. Bowley, c Bolland b Deakin 5 Burrows, b Deakin 7 W. Souch, c Sheild b Rammell 29 Straw, run out I W. Caldwell, not out 63 T. A. Walker, b Rammell 4 E. L. Harkness, c Bolland b J. S. Liddell ... 2 G. Bearcroft, c Sheild b Deakin 75 H. E. Hopkins, b Beach-Hicks I J. B. Parsons, not out o R. H. Martin did not bat Extras 15
71
Total (Swkts.)
202
W.C.G.S. v. WORCESTERSHIRE CLUB AND GROUND. This was one of the most interesting matches of the season, and was played on the County Ground at Boughton. The pitch was somewhat damp owing to the rain in the morning. The Club and Ground
BATTING AVERAGES, 1895. No. of Times Highest Innings, not out. Score.
T. E, Rammell, Esq... 9 J. S. Liddell 12
o o
42 40
Total Runs.
Average.
145 158
i6'i J3'i6
THE VIGORNIAN.
450 A. P. Holland 12 R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq 9 E. A. J. Seccombe ... 13 B. M. Liddell 12 J. G. Sheild n T. Bates.. 10 J. K. Deakin 13 R. Telfer n
i
38*
126
n'45
o i i 2 i i 2
23 15 19 14 10 13* 5
66 83 65 49 32 38 u
7-32 (rgi 5-91 5-4 3-5 3-16 1/2
Wickets. 40
Runs.
Analysis.
32
255
7'96
18 8 13
75 124
9'37 9'54
*Signifies not out.
BOWLING
ANALYSES.
Overs.
J. S. Liddell J. K. Deakin R. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq T. E. Rammell, Esq. B. M. Liddell
173-1 109-4 85 34-4 55-1
307
7-67
The following matches have unfortunately had to be postponed on account of rain and other causes :— W.C.G.S. v. K.E.S., Stratford. W.C.G.S. v. Dean Close School, Cheltenham. W.C.G.S. v. Norton Barracks (return). W.C.G.S. v. T. E. Rammell's XI.
" Jlmono, the Chinese anb Japs." (Reprinted from Worcester Daily Times.) This was the title of an interesting and instructive lecture which was delivered in the College Hall, on Wednesday evening, May I5th, by Mr. T. H. Peatling, barrister, who has recently returned from the scene of warfare in the Far East. There was a good attendance. The lecturer said that the origin of the Chinese was unknown, but they were a brave and enterprising race supposed to have come from the West and settled in Eastern Asia. The present Emperor was 24 years of age, he having ascended the throne when he was 4 years of age. During his childhood his mother, the Dowager Empress, held the reins of power, she in her turn being influenced by ministers. The present emperor lived a life of seclusion in his palace at Pekin. The inhabitants of the Chinese empire consisted of several different races, varying in language and physique, and it was absolutely impossible to secure the unity of the nation. The government of the empire was theoretically based on the most democratic principles. The Government offices were competed for by examination, but, if the competitors were blessed with riches, it was much better for them. Whilst the present corrupt system continued it was impossible for the nation to rise. Mr. Peatling enumerated some of the many ways of punishment, amongst others being slapping in the mouth, pinching the fingers, and kicking the ankles, the victim suffering a great deal of pain. Many, however, of these cruelties were being abolished. Mr. Peatling gave an account of the execution of 17 pirates for insubordination on a ship in which he was travelling. The Chinese looked upon an execution as a kind of joke, and congregated in large numbers to witness the wretched spectacle. In the case of more than one man being executed the man who first met his death looked upon that as a privilege, and men had been known to pay to be decapitated first. The Chinese were a very religious set, and generous and fair in their dealings. English merchants had certified to this, saying that they were the best people from whom they buy. This could not be said of the Japs. The Chinese were a remarkably clever race, their notions being original, and their inventive powers good. They used the
metallic type for printing 200 years before us. It was the Chinese who invented gunpowder and the mariner's compass. Unfortunately they had not followed up their inventions. In summing up the character of the Chinese he said they were genial, industrious, and thrifty, whilst they were inclined to be licentious, jealous, distrustful, and cruel. Speaking of the Japs, Mr. Peatling said they had a strong anti-foreign feeling, though now in touch with western ideas. The speaker said he was in Japan at the time of the attempted assassination of the Czarewitch by a Japanese policeman whose duty it was to guard the visitor. It was curious to note that the man who recently attempted to take the life of Li Hong Chang, as with the policeman, was at the head of the ante-foreign party, and hated foreigners. Their great motto was "Japan for the Japanese." Notwithstanding this feeling they employed foreigners to train their army and navy, but after this training the foreigners were dismissed and their places taken by natives. The speaker said that previous to to the outbreak of the recent war the interior of Japan was very unsettled, and the Government was unpopular ; but nothing could have been more popular than for the Government to declare war with their near neighbour. The people rallied round the Government and supported the votes of large sums of money. Mr. Peatling said that Corea had been the bone of contention between the two countries for many years. In giving some of the reasons of the Chinese defeat, Mr. Peatling stated that the men were poorly fed and wretchedly armed. The officers were looked upon with contempt by the inhabitants. The men had not received any pay for their services nor were they likely to get any. With such odds as these against them, how were the Chinese to stand up against the well-armed, well-fed, and welldisciplined Army of Japan? The result was inevitable, and the Japs carried everything before them. It was a surprise to him that the Chinese held out so long. Speaking of the accounts given in English papers of the recent hostilities, he said, as most of the correspondents were Japs, we could get nothing but Japanese ideas. During the recent war the Japanese had relapsed into some of their old barbarisms which were not creditable to them. One result of the war had been that England was compelled to increase her strength in the Pacific. The opening up of China might be for our commercial advantage for a time, but Japan would compete with us a good deal. The lecture was illustrated with lime-light views, portraying native scenes and character studies. A vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer at the close.
Jl Junior on the 'HE Cathedral School again resounds with the questions passed from one to another in joyous tones, " Where are you going for the holidays ? Where did you go last year ? " Yes ! Holiday time again draws near, and we must tear ourselves away from our School for a few weeks ! We must bid adieu to Ovid, Xenophon, Euclid, Homer, and all the host of those who seem to have taken delight in puzzling the schoolboy's brains. And now the great question for us is, "Where are we to spend the holidays ? " Some turn their faces north, some south, some east, some west, and a few of the more adventurous spirits, perchance, aspire to foreign climes, to return with travellers' tales of gigantic mountains and thril-
THE VIGORNIAN. ling adventures — safe in one thing at least, no one can contradict them ! Try North Wales, say I. There you may enjoy a dip in the " briny," a sail or a swim to perfection ; there you may climb to the mountain-top and wander for hours in rocky glens, amid the fragrant heather and lovely yellow cistus, nothing to disturb the calm and peaceful scenery but a few mountain sheep grazing quietly, till, on your approach, they scamper wildly over the crest of the rock and disappear. Then what can be more interesting than the ancient town of Conway, with the ruins of its fine old castle overlooking the river, the drawbridge, the moat, the dungeons, and the dining hall carry you back to the days of yore ; and musing thus you almost hear the clang of steel and call " To arms ! " that resounded o'er hill and dale in those rugged fastnesses when Llewrellyn and Edward I. met in mortal combat. Or Bangor and its Cathedral ; or Llanfairfechan, and Aber with its waterfall. Have you seen these ? My pen fails me further to describe the beauties, to tell of glorious sunrises, the glowing sunsets, the calm peaceful hush of evening as the moon rises in her splendour above the rippling waves, and one by one the stars appear twinkling in the dark blue heavens. All nature is lovely, and all surroundings enchanting ; but oh ! the language, all consonants and no vowels. But when you understand it you doubt not the beauties of the language are as varied as those of the country, yet isn't " Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgoglrychwyrndrovwllysitiogogogoch " a poser ! the name of a small parish near the Menai Bridge. I must not trespass further on the space of "The Vigornian" but if you have not seen it, spend a happy holiday in seeing Wales. H.L.H. [We are glad to insert the above in order to encourage contributions from the juniors of the School. — EDS.,
CAMBRIDGE LETTER. To the Editors of Ihe " Figornian." Dear Sirs,— In undertaking to write the half-yearly
Cambridge letter to your paper, I feel that my task is not one of unmixed pleasure. Most of your readers know only too well that about the middle of the Lent term our number was prematurely diminished by the sad death of W. Wykeham Finch of Peterhouse, who nearly completed his three years' residence. His loss has been felt in many ways by a large circle of friends both in and out of Cambridge. Early last January A. Pearse Higgins and W. H. Counsel ceased to be in statu pufillari, both of them proceeding to the degree of M.A. The Lent term, generally the dullest in the year, was this year made exceptionally so by the appalling amount of sickness in our midst. Two of our most brilliant Dons were taken from us—Professors Cayley and Sir John Seeley. The loss of the latter will be felt throughout the British Empire, whilst that of the former is a loss to the whole mathematical world. Owing to the severe weather the Lents had to be abandoned, much to the sad regret of those who were hoping to don their colours. As usual at the end of the Lent term the 'Varsity Volunteers betook themselves to Aldershot, where the Old Vigornians were most ably represented by J. H. West, whose musical powers soon won for him a deserved popularity. May there never be wanting a faithful representative of the Old Vigornians at Aldershot. The term that has just expired was a brilliant contrast to May term last year. The Hall in splendid style easily maintained its place at the head of the river. May week was fortunately favoured with glorious weather, and there was little to mar the happiness of men, save ihe approaching uncertain results of examinations. The anxious time, however, is now over, and hearty congratulations are due to H. W. Bolland and J. T. Chamberlain for their success in Natural Science and Classical Triposes respectively. J. T. Chamberlain has taken his Tripos at the end of his second year, and has obtained a Second Class. As only a very small minority of men attempt to take two Triposes in their three years, his Second Class is specially to be noticed. A similar, nay greater, success, we hope, will await him in the Mathematical Tripos next year. We are glad to see his College has awarded him a Thorpe Scholarship. F. H. P. Higgins has been given an Exhibition on the result of the Inter-collegiate Examination in History, and is also one of the prize-winners of his College for this year. Since commencing this we have heard rumours of forming an Old Vigornians' Club, which we sincerely hope will soon be brought into existence. CANTAB. OXFORD LETTER. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs,—Once again have you burst in on the placid calms. I find in contemplating (according to
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the bidding of Plato, his Republic) all time and all space and nothing in particular in either of them, with a demand for an Oxford letter by return of post. Like the Walrus, you bid me talk of many things, but O.V. news from Oxford is scarce ; wherefore you must not be too severe if some parts of this letter display the pleasing irrelevancy which led the above-mentioned animal to investigate the properties of cabbages and swine simultaneously. Of the torpids there is nothing to record, for a very sufficient reason : the great frost which lasted till the Ides of March kept the river icebound, so that no races could be rowed. This, combined with the heavy visitation of influenza, before which mussabat tacito medicina timore, made the I-ent of 1895 unpleasantly memorable. Some compensation was afforded by the brilliant weather of the Eight's week ; the great heat, it was remarked by scoffing males, seemed to cause the Episcopal sleeves now in vogue among the ladies to bulge out more than ever. Some of the barges looked as if they were covered with captive balloons. Button stroked the Hertford eight, and needless to say they improved their position. W. H. Hill was not up during the Summer term, but appeared to take Greats. For the information of those unacquainted with him, it should be added that his retirement was voluntarily undertaken for the purposes of reading and not by order of the authorities. The select company qui in Literis Humanioribus honorem ambiunt is larger this year than ever before; one hundred threescore and ten gentlemen devoted a sultry week in June to the gratuitous enlightenment of six inquisitive dons on sundry philosophical and historical topics. As for the result—caliginosa nocte premit Cairdeus, and will continue to do so till the first week in August. Convocation has lately been busying itself in inventing a new School of English Literature and new Research degrees. Meanwhile the Amazons of Oxford have gathered by their companies and made a ferocious assault on the exclusive right of men to obtain the old degrees. We may shortly expect, therefore, to be confronted with Mistresses of Arts and Spinsters of Divinity, and to see the shop windows displaying hoods cut in the lastest Paris fashions. At present the repressive influence exercised by the fair sex on masculine self-sufficiency is chiefly visible at the Encaenia. Ladies are now allowed to sit in all parts of the Sheldonian, an arrangement which prevents knots of undergraduates gathering to assist and cheer the Vice-Chancellor in the performance of his duties. Some unusual disturbance was, however, anticipated on the entry into the theatre of the present Proctors, which was accordingly made to coincide with the performance of the National Anthem. Consequently divers persons were seen trying to sing "God save the Queen" with one side of the mouth while hissing with the other, a blending of loyalty and feeling not always successful.
A curious Greek fragment has come into my hands, of which I send a translation. Some say it has a local reference, but it seems more like a bit of the lost Assyrian history of Herodotus. Perhaps some reader can explain :— " Near this river is a land full of pelicans, so many and so fierce that no fowler can tame them. Concerning one who dwelt amongst these is a strange story. For this man about the period of the winter solstice put on a black coat and a white tie, and going before certain priests and others expounded sundry portions of the Sacred Books. And so pleased were they with his words that they bade him come again and talk about the same things, alleging that Apollo had given this oracle for such occasions : " Wheels I see revolving and on them a youth full of folly, When priest puts hand to plough the youth must stay from mirth."
"The meaning of this oracle I know, but I shall not relate it for I do not think it proper to do so ! When then, they assembled at the season of the equinoctial winds he obeyed them and taking a present of gold went a second time; but in my opinion the priests found no pleasure in him this time, for they put up his name in a list in the forecourt of the Temple of the Harpies, where they sacrifice victims, and told him not to return. That their decisions are always right I know, for I myself have been praised by them.. And since such customs prevail among these people let them keep them." This narration resembles the story (well-known to your readers) of K6-nakk-ur, a monarch of a northern dynasty who treated the Sacred Books with contempt, and fell out with the priests in consequence; perhaps it is another version of it. F. H. Button has been promoted from the Captaincy of the Hertford Rowing Club to be a Private in the Volunteers. The Cambridge Volunteers, it is rumoured, have been so demoralised on receiving this intelligence that they have abandoned their project of marching on Oxford next term. On Whit-Sunday the Bishop of Peterborough preached before the University. His discourse was quite worthy of a past Governor of the Cathedral School, and the extent to which he was appreciated may be judged by the number of men who turned up on a hot afternoon to hear him. Yours sincerely, Bis VIGORN.
School fittos. We congratulate E. A. White on his splendid performance in the Senior Mathematical Scholarship, Oxford. Though not quite successful he was so nearly equal with the Scholar that the Trustees award him
THE VIGORNIAN. a prize of £20 at the request of the Examiners, a most unusual honour. H.W. Bolland (Emman. Coll.) has obtained a Third Class in the Natural Science Tripos. J. T. Chamberlain (Emman. Coll.) has obtained a Second Class in the Classical Tripos, and has been awarded a Thorpe Scholarship. F. J. Hadley has obtained a prize of ;£io for Modelling at the Midland Institute, Birmingham, open to the whole of Birmingham. H. Morris obtained a First Class in the recent Examination of the London Matriculation. H. Button (Hertford College, Oxford) stroked his College eight in the " Eights " races, and he is captain of the Hertford boat. An interesting Lecture was held in the College Hall on March ist, on " Greece." The lecturer, the Rev. E. J. Whinfield, illustrated his lecture v,-ith some very good views. School Services were held as usual on Wednesday mornings during Lent. The preachers have been— The Headmaster, Revs. P. H. Richings, G. K. Simpson, J. P. Driver, and K. H. Deakin. At the December ordination A. E. Wheeler was ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Durham, and T. A. Branthwaite by the Bishop of Peterborough. We beg to acknowledge the following contemporaries :— The Denstonian (3), Portcullis, Cantuarian (4), Ousel (4), Leodiensian (3), King Edward's School Chronicle (3), Tonbridgian (4), Bromsgrovian (2), Liverpool Institutes Magazine, Exonian, Raven (2), Stratfordian, Ellesmerian (3), Coventry School Magazine, Oswestrian, and others.
453
Jlieb at <S. gtter'a Calltfle, Cambridge, an 20th .JfebroarB, 1895, 23 gears.
gjerberi 5«b at .Sibbwrg xm JJa«h 14th, 1895, 26 j>ear0.
School ©fficers. Captain of the School Captain of Football • Secretary of Football Captain of Cricket Secretary of Cricket Captain of the Boats Secretary of the Rowing Club Secretary of the Chess Club Librarians ... Curator of Museum Editors of The Vigornian
In JHonoriam. flicharb Ihomas 2P'
ffiaitleg,
J!ieJ> at £. .Parg's "Emact on gUtflust Slat, 1894, 42 gears.
A. P. BOLLAND. A. P. BOLLAND. N. G. DAVIES. A. P. BOLLAND. F. MORRIS. N. G. DAVIES. H. E. POWELL. A. P. BOLLAND. A. P. BOLLAND. F. MORRIS. F. MORRIS. A. P. BOLLAND. H. E. POWELL.
OTorasponkna. Dear Sirs, In speaking about cricket we, the juniors, propose that there should be a picked Second XL, and that we should elect our own captain. We think that there should be more matches, and that they should not be played under a certain age, but by the Second XL The practice of the juniors should also be attended to better. Why should we not have one night in the week at the net, and that then some of the seniors should be there to coach us ?'
THE VIGORNIAN
454
We also hope something to the same effect will be done about the football next term. Hoping this letter will not be written in vain, We remain, Yours truly, THE JUNIORS. [Our correspondents must understand that unless we played under a certain age no matches could be arranged as we have to meet the convenience of those we play.—EDS., Vigornian.'] To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs.—May I call your attention to the small amount of boys which have been present at most of the cricket matches this year. There can be no excuse for their not being present in saying that the majority of matches have been played " away," seeing that every one has been "at home," save one; and when a few do make their appearance they seem to do nothing else but " romp " about the pavilion, taking no interest in the play. In many of our unlucky performances, I may say, the results might have been quite different had the School XI. only received encouragement from an enthusiastic audience of school-fellows. But I hope the views taken in the School next year as regards cricket will totally differ from the present one. Yours truly, SPECTATOR.
This year the newly-founded Chess Association of Worcestershire started a competition for the Schools of the County. Our chess team was one of those competing, and did very well since they were in the " final," and were only beaten by one game. Five schools entered this year, three of them, including us, being " byes " in the first round. In the second round we played Hanley CastleGrammar School at Worcester, and beat them well by n games to 2. The game on the last board was especially interesting, and was finally adjudicated against us. Hanley Castle had the move on the first board. Scores :— W.C.G.S. H.C.G.S. 1. C. T. Ley 11 F. B. Hall oo
2. A, P. Bolland 3. H. E. Powell 4. F. Morris 5. J. S. Liddell 6. J. K. Deakin 7. N. G. Davies
II II n* 01 n o*
G. A. Hemus F. H. Hargraves F. C. B. Lloyd R. M. Guilding T. Hartland J. H. Bromfield
II *Adjudicated by Rev. F. J. Eld.
oo oo oo* 10 oo i*
On Saturday, May nth, our team journeyed over to Stourbridge to meet King Edward's School in the final tie. The match had to be postponed till after the Easter Holidays, which had greatly interfered with the practice. The match was extremely level throughout, the result being in doubt till nearly the close of time. We did much the best at the upper boards, but our " tail " was very unsuccessful. On board 4 the game looked like a certain win for us, since at one time there was mate on the " move." Finally this very interesting and exciting match ended in a win for Stourbridge by one game. They thus become the first winners in the Schools' Competition. Score:— 1. C. T. Ley 2. A P. Bolland 3. H. E. Powell 4. F. Morris 5. J. S. Liddell 6. J. K. Deakin 7. B. M. Liddell
1} II i o o oo o
A. E. Brooks W. H. Brooks C. E. Brooks A. E. Davies H. V. Brooks C. W. Hunt H. R. Cornford
o| oo o i i ii I Si
Problem No. 33.
Composed for The Vigornian, by W. E. B. BLACK.
WHITE. White to play and mate in two moves. Solution of Problem No. 32 :— Position. Black, White. K at O_4 K at K 2 R „ Q B2 Q „ K B3 Ps „ K R 3, K Kt 4 R » K. R 5 Bs „ Q 7 & Q Kt 8 K 2, Q B 6 and QKt 2 Kts „ K 4 & Q R 3 Ps K 6, Q B 2 & Q Kt 6 iKtoKs
iKtoK4
2 Q „ Kt s mate
or i R takes B or R to B 5 2 Q „ B 4 mate
or i R to B i, B 3 or B 4 2 Q to Q 3 mate. Printed by Deighton and Co., 53, High Street, Worcester.