THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL CHRONICLE TO. /ACV* oioa/CTct juavpava), TO. o evpcra y/Toi, TO, o CVKTO. Trapa Ocwv ^r^froi
No. 28. VOL. III.
DECEMBER, 1895.
Contents. PAGE Editorial A Journey in Mashonaland Football Speech-Day The Latest Soliloquy ... Old Vigornians' Club O.Vs News School News ... School Officers... King's Scholarships Oxford Letter ... Correspondence Chess
PRICE 6d.
together and forming a connecting link between them and their old School.
I 2 3
5 8 8 9 10 IO IO IO
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The Speech Day this year was even a greater success than usual. It was certainly a great pity that the Lord-Lieutenant was not (owing to pressing business) able to attend. However, we had our kind friend the Dean, who made his usual excellent speech. We certainly missed Canon Melville, who we have always associated with a humorous speech. Canon Knox-Little also was unable to attend. Mr. Ernest Day gave us an interesting speech, and Canon Claughton also spoke.
(Eftttorial. §HE commencement of a new volume can, we think, begin with no fitter subject than the announcement of the birth of the Old Vigornians' Club. This Club, which owes its being very greatly to the energies of Mr. Frank Webb, assisted by other gentlemen, is now, as may be seen from an article in this number, in an extremely flourishing condition, having already over a hundred members. We wish it on behalf of the School a long life and success in the work it is endeavouring to perform in binding Old Vigornians
The football season, as may be seen in another column, does not show a very good record of matches. We hope next year to have the balance of matches won on the right side. We hear the Band is still flourishing, and is going to play at the Christmas Concert. We are asked to state that Old Vigornians, as well as present members of the School, may be members of the Band, and are earnestly invited to join.
THE VIGORNIAN.
Journcg from *3ma to Hmtali in South Africa. jAVING decided to leave the old Country and go and make my fortune abroad, I embarked in the Castle Mail Line steamship " Roslin Castle " to Durban, and then after duly arriving there took the Union boat " Goth " to Beira. Beira, the East coast port for Mashonaland, is in the Portuguese territory, and is what schoolboys would call a "beastly dirty hole,",and I don't think I can give a better description of it. It is built on a mud bank on which has been put a lot of sand, to make it a little inhabitable ; on one side of it is a swamp, and on the other the sea, very dirty and full of sharks. Beira is a dreadful place for malarial fevers, in fact all the Portuguese territory is unhealthy. Having arrived at Beira I was very anxious to get out of it, so booked a berth on board the steamer " Mary," to go up the river Pungwe to Fontesville. Imagine a steamer about the size of the little private steamer " Swallow " that steams about so gaily on the Severn, and you have the size of the " Mary." There were twenty passengers in this trip, and as there wasn't room enough to sit down for all of us, we had to stand. The Pungwe is full of sand-banks, alligators, and hippopotami, the sandbanks ever changing their position ; and as the skipper was very drunk, and the crew consisted of one black boy, who was worse than useless, and the engineer, you can guess we were soon in some very awkward scrapes ; but after running into half-a-dozen banks or so, and the skipper mistaking the banks for the water once or twice, we at length arrived at Fontesville. Here we stopped for the night at the hotel, but don't imagine you can guess what the hotel was like because you can't. Let me tell you. It was simply a huge conical mud hut, with two bedrooms, which were the homes of any amount of live-stock, at least so the ladies who were with us told us next morning. We were content to sleep in the bar or on the verandah, for nearly every place in South Africa has a verandah. During the night we heard for the first time a lion roaring near by, accompanied by a chorus of wolves and jackals. Next morning we
started by train on the Beira Railway for Chiniois, but again, you must not make the mistake of thinking that the railway is just the same as an English one at home. First of all the gauge of the rails is only 2 feet, and the engine does not use coal but wood only. As there were such a lot of us they condescended to let us have a passenger coach, but usually when there are only a few, you have to ride on the luggage or goods trucks. There was one thing too that amused me much at the time. We were going along at full speed—about 10 miles an hour—when I saw several of the passengers get out rifles and guns, and of course I thought that we were soon coming to a long stoppage, and that they intended to do some shooting; but what was my astonishment to see them coolly get. up and go outside the carriage and sit down, load their weapons, and wait. Presently, one of them spys a partridge, and he blazes away and shoots it. The train stopped at once, the man got down, picked up the bird, gets up again and off we go once more, and so it continued all along the line. We did not see any big game, unfortunately, or else, they told me, they stop the train for half-a-day sometimes, and everyone goes hunting. The scenery we passed through was magnificent, first it was on a long level sort of prairie, or " veldt" as it is called here; then we would run through an immense forest, then over a big mountain, and then along a valley,—all different landscapes ; at length, after a very pleasant journey, we reached Chiniois,—that is as far as the line goes at present, though they are going to extend it on to Umtali shortly. Having had some food here (they call food here, " scoff," just as you call it " grub "), we went in search of a transport rider (why they are called riders I really don't know, as they are wagon drivers carrying merchandise), we at length succeeded in getting a rider to take us, but we had to leave our goods and chattels behind ; these were forwarded on by another • wagon, till they reached a place called Massi-Kessi—there they got completely burnt. The wagons that these riders use are drawn by oxen, and are of immense weight. However I must get on. We duly made a start but had not proceeded far when the "disel-boom" of the first wagon snapped off, this necessitated the unyoking of the oxen, and cutting
THE VIGORNIAN. down a tree to make a new " disel-boom"; this at length being finished we set off once more, but had nothing but accidents the whole way : once the bottom fell out of a wagon, then one upset in a gully, then a lion came and frightened the oxen off the path and the wagon got stuck in a stream, then during the night a lion came and killed three oxen, and of course the transport rider wanted his revenge, so we resolved to stop where we were for two or three days or so, and set a trap for the lion, which we did with the result that the trap was duly sprung by the lion about 8 p.m., and we could hear the lion making a dreadful row quite close to us. Next morning three of us took our rifles and went to the trap, and found that the lion had jumped out but was evidently badly wounded by the quantity of blood he had lost, so we resolved to follow his track which was very dangerous work, as, if the lion was not dead, a wounded lion is twice as savage as if he had not been hurt, and besides the grass reached high above our heads, so we could not look about us, but had to blindly follow the blood spoor; all our dogs had run away (except one little bull terrier) when they smelt the spoor, but we got on all right and at length the tension on our nerves was relieved by the sight of a fine young lion lying quite dead underneath a tree. So we got four bullocks from the camp and dragged him to the wagons in triumph, and skinnedhim. I resolved to taste the meat, but when it was cooked it was very insipid. The skin repaid the rider for the loss of his oxen in some measure, as they are worth something! like ^£15: then the teeth and claws are worth at least £4 or ^5. Well, the next accident we had was another " diselboom " smashing; and then six oxen were taken sick with the lung disease, and had to be left behind; and then our provisions got finished and we lived two days on two small tins of sardines; and there were several other small accidents. One in trying to stop a wagon running backwards down a hill, our Kaffir driver put a stone under a wheel, but the wheel went over it and crushed the tip of his finger right off. He took it quite coolly, simply tied his handkerchief round it, and went on driving. But it must have hurt him to use his whip, a heavy bamboo cane, 12 ft. long, with a lash isft long. It is simply marvellous
how they use them ; yet with this clumsy whip, if they see a fly irritating an ox, they will whirl it round their head, and then down it will descend on the fly, knocking him off his perch, and the ox won't have felt the lash at all. We at length reached Uintali, after taking nearly three weeks to do 75 miles in, and found it a very pretty place indeed. And now let me tell you of the chances of earning a living out in this country. First of all, clerks are not wanted out here, though if he has brains, and can turn his hand to something else, why he can get on here. And let me tell you this, that everybody in the country is always ready to give a helping hand to any new man out from the Old Country, provided he will try to help himself too. Now all who want to be farmers and perhaps wish to come out here can get a farm for next to nothing : land can be purchased from the Government at ninepence an acre, but I should advise anyone before going in for farming to hire himself out to a farmer already here, so that he can learn the difference in the climates. Any man who has learnt a trade can always find employment here and earn good wages : a bricklayer and a carpenter even can earn ^i IDS. a day here. But my advice is, if a man wants to leave the Old Country let him come out here in Mashonaland or Rhodesia as it is now called, and not go to the Cape Colony or Natal, these places are as bad or worse than England for finding employment. I forgot to mention that an engineer, especially a mining engineer, can earn his ^£50 or £fio a month here with ease, also what is known as an amalgamator. CHARLES W. F. WALLER.
Jootball. >UR Football this year, it must be confessed, has not been as successful as in previous years, if the results of the matches only be taken, for out of eleven matches we have only won four, while we have lost seven. It can, however, be fairly said that the teams we have been playing this season have been, as a rule, stronger than those we
THE VIGORNIAN. have opposed in former seasons. But in spite of this there is no excuse for our not doing better than we have done. The forwards are perhaps still the weak point of the team, since they show a great lack of combination (perhaps this may be accounted for by their being too frequently changed), and are very deficient in shooting, several matches having been lost solely through their inability in this respect. The halves have, as a whole, played well, though they still do not help the backs enough by "taking the man." The backs, especially B. M. Liddell, have shown great improvement. The Juniors have shown very promising form in most of their matches, and some of them ought to be useful in future years. Both Senior and Junior practice games have been well attended, showing a great improvement on former years. As usual, of matches within the School, those played between the School and School House have been most exciting. In the first of these matches the School won after a good game by 5 goals to 2, but in the return match the House caused considerable surprise by turning the tables on the School (who were one man short), defeating them by 5 goals to i. The following are the results of the matches played up to the present time :— W.C.G.S. v. E. L. HARKNESS' XI. (October 2nd). Played on the School Ground, against a fairly strong team. At half-time the School were leading by 2 goals to nil, but on changing sides the scratch eleven scored rapidly in spite of all efforts to prevent them, and won finally after a good game (6-2). W.C.G.S. v. F. C. FULLER'S XI. (October 5th). Played in fine weather against a scratch team, and resulted in a win for the School by 6 goals to 2. W.C.G.S. v. VOLUNTARY CHOIR GUILD. (October i2th). This match, played at Diglis, resulted in a win for the Guild, who were decidedly the better team, by 9 goals to nil. W.C.G.S. v. VOLUNTARY CHOIR GUILD. (October igth). The following Saturday we played the return match against the Guild, but could only
succeed in slightly reducing their number of goals, the game ending in a win for the visitors (8—o). W.C.G.S. v. R. A. C. LEGGETT'S XI. (October 23rd). Played in beautiful weather on the School Ground. At half-time the visitors were leading (2 — 0), but the School making an effort scored seven goals in quick succession, against two scored by Mr. Leggett's XI. The game resulting in a win for the School by 7 goals to 4. Our goals were kicked by J. K. Deakin (3), F. Morris (2), J. S. Liddell, Mr. Rammell. W.C.G.S. v. I). LAURIE'S XI. On October 3oth we played a strong team brought by Mr. D. Laurie. The first half of the game was not very exciting, the score being 4 goals to the visitors, but in the second half the School pulled themselves together, and playing much better scored 3 goals to i by the visitors, the game ending in a defeat for the School (3—5). W.C.G.S. v. DEAN CLOSE, CHELTENHAM. (November 9). Played on the School Ground, and resulted in a decisive win for Dean Close by 10 goals to nil. The score does not, however, fitly describe the game, as though we did not score it was only because our forwards did not make use of their opportunities, while Dean Close forwards played splendidly together. W.C.G.S. v. J. LUXMORE'S XI. (November 16). Played on the School Ground in a terrific wind, and resulted in a win for the School. Winning the toss the School played with the wind, but in the first half could only manage to get 2 goals. In the second half, playing against the wind, we got 3 goals, and our opponents getting the same number, the game ended, as before stated, in a win for the School by 5 goals to 3. Our goals were kicked by P. Morris, J. S. Liddell, J. K. Deakin (2). W.C.G.S. v. HEREFORD COUNTY COLLEGE. On November 27th we journeyed to Hereford and met with a crushing defeat by 9 goals to i. Winning the toss we decided to play down the slope. The first half was extremely even, the School scoring from a long shot by Bolland, while Hereford got two goals. In the second half, however, Hereford playing down
THE VIGORNIAN. hill, scored goal after goal, and when the whistle sounded the score was i goal for and 9 against. W.C.G.S. v. KING EDWARD VI. SCHOOL, STRATFORD-ON-AVON (December ii). Played at Stratford, and after a hard game in which we held the advantage most of the time, resulted in a win for us by i goal to nil. The low scoring was partly owing to the state of the ground. JUNIOR MATCHES. W.C.G.S. (under 14) v. CHERBOURG HOUSE, MALVERN. Played at Malvern on November 13, and resulted in a draw, each side scoring i goal. For the School the play of Jones was especially noticeable. W.C.G.S. (under 14) v. CHERBOURG HOUSE, MALVERN. This, the return match, was played at Worcester, and resulted in a win for Cherbourg House by 4 goals to nil. W.C.G.S. (under 14) v. EVESHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL (under 14). Played at Worcester on December n, resulting in a decisive win for Evesham, who were playing well together, by 8 goals to nil. The following match has still to be played:— Dec. 18, W.C.G.S. v. Worcester Crusaders.
(Eathebral School Speech Bag. (Reprinted from " Berrow's Worcester fournal.")
jgHE Annual Speech Day and Distribution of Prizes in connection with the Worcester Cathedral Grammar School was held on Monday, October i2th. The College Hall was well filled by parents of scholars and friends. The boys of the School went through the following programme, the dramatic items being presented with studied care I—SCHOOL SONG "Where Severn winds." Caldicott. Euripides— "Cyclops." Polyphemus Ulysses Silenus
A. P. Holland. F. Morris. G. W. S. Driver.
Terence—" Andria." Simo R. G. Telfer. Sosia H. E. Powell. Moliere—" Le Malade imaginaire." Argan S J. Steward. Beline (his wife) F. Morris. Toinette (servant)...A. Marshall. Shakespeare—'' King Henry V." Henry V H. E. Watts. N. G. Davies. Scroop H. F. Claxton. Cambridge Grey C. T. Ley. H. E. Powell. Exeter Sheridan—" St. Patrick's Day." Justice Credulous ...A. P. Bolland. Bridget Credulous...J. Shield. Lieut. O'Connor ...H. E. Watts. Dr. Rosy N. G. Davies. , H. W. Cotton. Lauretta Servant S. J. Steward. A Song of Life ; Lullaby Invocation ; King Cricket. Dr. Wareing conducted the singing. The HEAD MASTER welcomed the Dean and the other members of the governing body of the School, saying it was always of great help to them when the Govenors showed an interest in the School. In the name of the School he also gave a hearty welcome to the numerous friends whom he saw in the hall. Their numbers formed a record. Never on their School prize day had they had such a gathering of friends, and if that was an index of the growing interest in the School they felt grateful. (Applause). Of the history of the School for the past year he had nothing to say which was not favourable During the year the number of scholars had been higher than ever before. That was another record. (Applause). The entry of new boys was larger than it had ever been, which was another record. (Applause). The entry of boarders was also larger—still another record. He thought the increase in the new boys and entries was one of the most satisfactory things possible in the school life, because the time a boy stayed at school averaged four or five years ; and a little multiplication of the number of new boys, 28, would indicate that in three years the School would have considerably over 100 boys ; and the Governors would be considering what was the best site for building a new boarders' house. (Laughter). This was not a certificate year, and the School had been examined by an outside examiner, Mr. Fisher Williams, who was in Spain and could not attend on that occasion. None of their boys were leaving for the Universities during the year, and therefore they had not tried for any scholarships. But the old boys continue to bring honours on the School. The opening of the Victoria Institute, which would shortly take place, was an event interesting to the School. When the Institute was originated it was the strong wish of its initiators that the scholars of that School should receive science teaching at the Institute. The Governors at that time were erecting new buildings, and decided not to build a laboratory for themselves, but to wait until the Institute provided one for the city. They were told they might have to wait for two years. He thought if they subtracted 1887 from 1895 they would get a rather longer period than that, but in a week or two he hoped the scholars would have regular lessons in practical chemistry and physics in the Victoria Institute, and in that way the one missing link in the School curriculum would be supplied. And he hoped very soon among the honours he had to read out there would be a good many in chemistry and the various branches of natural science. He did not wish the friends of the School to think they had neglected natural science. They had only had to wait for practical work. Physiology was taught regularly, and also physical geography and natural history. A good many of them would remember that last year Bennett obtained distinction in
THE VIGORNIAN. physical geography and geology. That name reminded him of a remark that he would like to make about the Victoria Institute. There had been a good deal of talk about a science day school-— it was not his wish or place to express any opinion on the matter —and it had been argued that it was a necessity to carry lads over from the elementary school to the Universities. They had not had many boys out of the elementary schools, but they had some, among them Bennett, who obtained the highest distinction in mathematics and geology and physical geography. A second was about the best mathematician of his year at Oxford. Another was one of the most all-round distinguished scholars of the University, and they would allow that the ladder of advancement had not been deficient of steps in those cases. He thought the science day school was hardly necessary in Worcester to complete the ladder. If boys came there they were glad to do the best they could for them; and the Grammar School was equally ready. He added that there was a proposal to form an Old Vigornians' Society or Club. Old Vigornians had always been very true and staunch friends of their School, and had practically shown their good wishes by their help (and he might recall the handsome gift of Mr. Holland, whose kindness they remembered), but there had not been any organisation among them. He could not say how much, as head master, he believed in the value of such an institution; and he hoped the project would be brought to a successful issue. In conclusion he thanked his colleagues most heartily for their loyal support, saying if it was not for the loyalty of assistant masters a school like that could not go on for a day. He was most grateful to them, and the School was most fortunate in having such a staff. He also thanked the upper boys for their successful efforts in keeping up the tone of the School, which they valued even higher than success in other departments. Canon CLAUGHTON then read the following report of the examiner :— In reporting upon the results of the examination, I will first make a few comments of general application, and then deal with the work done in each form in detail. Taken altogether, the work was uniform and intelligent, that done in the books read during the term and in other prepared subjects being the more worthy of praise. In the unprepared subjects, although the work was on the whole good, many boys seemed to suffer from the lack of a wider vocabulary, a defect which time and reading alone can cure : a fault more easily corrigible was a certain want of care in grasping the exact meaning of a question before putting pen to paper, and a consequent failureto confine the answer within the scope of what was asked. The vivd voce examination, in which I took every form, greatly pleased me. The answers given, especially in the lower forms, where they are necessarily a more valuable guide to an Examiner's judgment than the paper work, were bright and ready. The discipline seemed excellent. I nowpass to the consideration of the work done in the different forms of order. VI. Form. I was here unfortunate in not having the opportunity of seeing work done by the boys entered for the higher certificate examination. Of the four boys whose work I did see, the papers in the Old Testament, Horace, and Shakespeare (Merchant of Venice) were the best. The results in the Old Testament were extraordinarily level and good ; out of a possible total of 125 Sheild got 106, Powell and Steward 105 each, and Davies 103. In the Horace Powell was first with a careful paper marked 80 out of a possible 100 ; Steward was second with 72. In the paper on the Merchant of Venice Steward, Davies, and Shield, with 80, 76, and 75 respectively, all showed accurate knowledge of the text and movement of the play. They were all able to quote with some fulness. The paper, the Epistle to the Philippians, was well done in its main portions. Steward was best here, with 52 out of a possible 70. The Homer was not up to the level of the Horace. The Classical Unseen and Grammar papers, in which were included sentences for translation, showed a good average mark, but call for no special comment. The facts of the period of Roman history which was taken were well known by all four boys. In French, Steward was easily first, being marked 83 and 86 (in each case out of loo) for Unseen and grammar. These marks are very creditable. In mathematics, in which the papers set
for the H. C. were taken, the results were also good. Here again Steward was first with 74, So, and 72, in Euclid, Algebra, and arithmetic, the last-mentioned mark being out of a possible 80, the other two out of IIO and 100. V. Form. Here, too, good work was shown to me in the Latin prepared books, the papers in Horace and Cicero, especially those of Sampson ii., Watts and Richings ii. being carefully and thoroughly done. In a paper on the Medea of Euripides the standard reached was less high : Driver and Watts were the best. In this Form the unprepared classical work, in contrast to what I found to be the general rule, reached a higher level relatively than the prepared. The Greek Unseen was particularly well done, Seccombe being marked 90 out of a possible 100 ; while in the Latin a more difficult piece, Cotton was first with 66, and Seccombe second with 58. In the Latin and Greek paper the level was not so high, Seccombe being first in the Greek with 69 out of 150; in the Latin, Cotton and Seccombe, with 76 a piece, were equal in the first place, Claxton running next with 67. I was occasionally led by results in these subjects to a conjecture that the remedy for low marks in prepared work lay entirely in the hands of the boys marked low. In the papers in the Old Testament and the Merchant of Venice a good average was reached ; in Old Testament Richings ii. was first with 91 out of 125 ; in the Merchant of Venice Cotton was best with 68 out of 100. In Roman History Richings ii. was again first, this time easily. In French Marshall, who did good prepared work, grammar and prose, beat Sampson ii., whose Unseen translation was the best. In mathematics some of the boys of this form are in the first and the rest in the second mathematical division of the school. Those in the first division did the higher certificate papers, and of these Cotton, with 66, 74, and 80 marks, out of 110, 100, and 88 respectively in Euclid, Algebra, and arithmetic showed very considerable ability. Those in the second division took the lower certificate papers ; of these Ley was the best, his work in all three branches being very level. Usher, with 84 out of 88 in arithmetic, also deserves special mention. IV. Form : The classical prepared work in this form consisted of Ovid, Livy, and Xenophon; in all these subjects the work all through the form was with few exceptions careful and thorough ; in Xenophon Hammond showed up a creditable paper marked 70 out of 100 ; in Ovid, Telfer ii. and Lewis, with 50 and 49 respectively out of a possible 60, were the best. In Latin sentences and grammar Telfer ii. and Lewis were again first and second. In Greek grammar the general average was high, and four boys, Webb, Lewis, Bates ii. and Telfer ii. each got over ico out of a possible 146. In the Old Testament paper (which, with the exception of two questions, was the same as that done in the VI. and V.) the work was well done, as throughout the school in this subject. Deakin was first with a mark of 91. In both the Shakespeare (Merchant of Venice) and Greek History (43J"336 B.C.), Ingratn-Halford i. was easily first with the excellent marks of 87 and 93 out of a possible loo in each subject; his work was intelligent and full of promise. The rest of the form was some way behind. In French grammar and sentences Telfer ii. was the best, with 70 out of loo; the average in this paper was high. In mathematics the greater part of this form belongs to the third or C Division and did papers set by Mr. Clarke. All through the division the Algebra, which went as far as simultaneous equations, was well done, Purser and Newman being first and second. In geography, a subject in which this form did the same papers as the form below it, Morris ii., Ingram-Halford i., and Newman were all masters of the facts of their subjects (British Isles and Australia), being marked 100, 98, and 93, out of a possible ICO. I ought to remark that in this form, as in those below it, the results in this subject were most encouraging. The maps of Australia, drawn from memory, were in many cases at once accurate, full and neat. Form III. (A and B). In this form the higher or A Division took the same papers as the IV. in Latin and Greek grammar and Latin sentences. In Greek very little was to be expected, as the boys were, I am told, mere beginners. Norton, however, showed promise. In Latin, where the general performance was better, Wallis and Norton
THE VIGORNIAN. were the best. In the lower or B division Evans ii. did an exceedingly accurate paper in Latin grammar. In the Old Testament paper, which was taken by both divisions of the form, Wallis was easily first in the higher division with a good mark of 81. In the lower division Kvans ii. was the best. In a paper on the Church Catechism Wallis and White showed most knowledge. The average here was very high. The English History (William I.—Richard I.) was well known; but the boys did themselves better justice viva voce than on paper. White and Wallis were again the best. In English grammar Wallis was first with 83 out of 100, Steward ii. being second with 75; both papers showed intelligence. In elementary physiology, on the inclusion of which subject in the term's work the school is to be congratulated, Coombs did best with a paper really remarkable for so young a boy; Simpson ii. and Norton were also very good. The work of the lower division also included a paper in which the boys reproduced in their own language a story previously read to them by the Head Master ; in this Halford was marked full marks. In mathematics Wallis, who worked with third or C Division of the school, was easily best. Of the others Steward ii. in the higher division of the form did a good paper in arithmetic. In the lower division Williams i. and Evans ii. did well. In Euclid and Algebra, the elements of both of which had been taught to the higher division only, much could not be expected from the majority of the boys, who were mere beginners. Cross, however, did well in Algebra. In French Cross was again best. Form II. In this Form the vivA voce results were in nearly all cases better, and also in my judgment more reliable than those obtained by written answers. In the Old Testament paper, Wooster and Eldershaw showed most knowledge : in questions on the Church Catechism Whitgrove was best, with others close up. In Latin grammar one looked for and found more promise than performance : Wooster was the best. The English history (William III. to George II.) was well known, Whitgrove and Eldershaw being first. The English grammar paper was also praiseworthy, and in the " Story," which was the same as that done in the lower division of the third, intelligence was perceptible and interesting. In geography Bates was marked 93 out of a possible 100, in a paper common to this form with the III. and IV.—a performance which deserves special notice. In Physiology Whitgrove did a capital paper: Eldershaw and Wooster were also good. In arithmetic Whitgrove was 1st and Wooster 2nd. In French Koechlin was easily first with a very good paper, and the general average also was high. In concluding this report I must express my opinion that the school was fortunate both in the choice of subjects and in the manner in which the subjects chosen were taught and learned. A general average of care and industry is a result less easily attainable than the occasional brilliance of a few exceptional pupils. The following was the prize list:— Honourably Awarded to. mentioned. Form Prize. VI. Form Bolland V. ,, Seccombe Watts. IV. ,, Lewis Purser, Telfer ii. Ill Wallis \\\b. , Evans ii Williams ii. II. „ Whitgrove ... Wooster. Divinity. Open Bolland Latin Composition. Open... Powell English Essay. Open Bolland Divinity and History. V.... Richings ii. ... Watts. IV. (Divinity)... Deakin IV. (History)... Ingram - Halford i ,, III. Wallis Slatter, Evans i., Evans ii. » II. Wooster Kcechlin.
Mathematics. Open Telfer ,, B. Division... Ley .. ... Newman .. D. E.
Modern Languages.
... Steward ii. ... Binns Open Steward i. V. ... Marshall IV. Telfer ii.
Purser, Usher,Liddell i. Bates ii., Wallis, Lewis. Norton, Evans i. Williams ii., Whitgrove, Evans i., Wooster. Telfer. Simpson ii. Marshall, Harington i. (German). Foster, Collier.
,, III. Cross ,, II. Koechlin Natural Science. Physiology Coombs Whitgrove. Drawing. Freehand, Senr. Ingram - Hal ford i Newman. ,, ,, Junr. Norton " Maurice Day " Prize Bolland
The following honours are reported to have been obtained since October, 1894 :— Proxime Accessit for Senior Mathematical Scholarship, Oxford, with special prize of £20 from the University Trustees, E. A. White. Classical Tripos, Cambridge, II. Class (Honours), J. T. Chamberlain. Thorpe Scholarship, Emmanuel College, Cambridge, J. T. Chamberlain. Natural Science Tripos, Cambridge, III. Class (Honours), H. W. Bolland. Open Prize for Modelling, Midland Institute, Birmingham, F. J. Hadley. Exhibition and College Prize, S. Catherine's College, Cambridge, E. II. P. Higgins. Final School of Litterse Humaniores, Oxford (Honours), II. Class, C. T. Dimont and W. Hill. Ditto (Honours), III. Class, H. Quilter. The DEAN, who gave away the prizes to the boys, apologised for the absence of Canon Knox Little, and expressed his disappointment that the Bishop of the Diocese did not occupy the chair. (Hear, hear.) The Bishop had presided on various similar occasions in different parts of the Diocese, and, though no doubt he was unusually busy, he thought they would begin to get jealous if he passed them by any longer. He thought the gathering would agree with him, that the report was very gratifying, and that upon the whole it reflected great credit on the Head Master (Mr. Bolland) and upon his able assistants— (hear, hear)—and upon the boys themselves. He referred to the remark of the Examiner, that the remedy for low marks lay with the boys, and to an opinion of the Head Master, that it was laziness. He (the Dean) liked the polite periphrasis of the Examiner—(laughter)—but he urged the boys to show the same energy and tenacity and fixity of purpose in their studies as in their games, and they would soon have a transformation in the School. What distinguished one man from another was strong and unswerving purpose.and not so much talent or even genius. He further alluded to Conacher as one who reflected great honour on the School, where he had his entire education, and set a brilliant example to the boys of to-day. It had just come to his knowledge that Conacher was one of the foremost men in his day in classical scholarship. He noticed also the passage of the Examiner's on the remarkable knowledge of Old Testament history and the Old Testament generally, saying that after all the Old Testament was the most interesting book of the world. Certainly there was a great and general interest evinced in the problems which it presented among the various branches of Christian scholarship, such perhaps as never was known in any previous age. He trusted that the effect of its teaching would never be lost. One of the most illustrious Englishmen said the lessons he received in sacred things in childhood had left an indelible impression on his mind, and that they were like a rudder set in the right direction which guided him safe among the rocks and shoals and quicksands of life. (Applause.) ALD. DAY, speaking as a Governor of the School, said they were exceedingly gratified to hear of such excellent work. It was satisfactory to know that the School did not forget physical
THE VIGORNIAN. exercises, because there was no douttt that a sound body was necessary to a healthy and active brain. It was also worthy of note that Mr. Holland had had carpentry classes there for some years, as showing that technical education was not lost sight of. He asked the citizens to give their hearty and cordial support to the School. They had had very good evidence that a very high class education was given there. He noticed with gratification that the head boy of the School was the son of the Head Master, and he offered him the warmest congratulations. He thought the number of scholars ought to be very considerably augmented. Anybody who could be educated in that magnificent hall, with its interesting historical associations, ought to be immensely 'oud. It should give a boy an ambition in life, for he (Mr. ay) believed in sentiment in these matters. They knew they had very good masters, and they were very gratified to see the boys take such an interest in their work. He proposed a vote of thanks to the Dean for presiding, saying that he had made a very long journey at great personal inconvenience for that purpose. CANON CLAUGHTON seconded the vote of thanks, regretting the absence of the Sub-Dean and Canon Knox Little, who always added very greatly to the exhilaration of those occasions. The DEAN replied, and the proceedings ended.
S
t Soliloqun. SCHOOL HOUSE DORMITORY, 7.45 A.M. To wash or not to wash, that is the question,— Whether it is easier in the morn to suffer The skin being harassed by outrageous dirt, Or to turn soap into a sea of bubbles, And by a washing end it ?. To wash,—to sleep : Just one more doze or forty winks may mean A dirty face and a thousand ugly looks Of the flesh and hair too—'tis a consolation Devoutly to be washed. To wash,—to sleep ; To sleep ! perchance to dream :—then, where's your tub ; For in that sleep of dirt the bell may ring, And while we're shuffling on our various clothes— We must not pause to wash, or brush our hair. F.H.P.
©Ill ligornmns' (Hcrlumn. THE O.V. CLUB. |HE long-talked-of O.V. Club is at last an accomplished fact! A preliminary meeting was held at the School House on July 17, at which it was decided to issue a circular describing the objects of the proposed Club, and inviting O.Vs to
discuss the matter at another meeting on the Speech Day in October. At this meeting, which took place after the Speeches on October 7, there was a fair attendance, and several letters were read approving most warmly of the scheme. After a short discussion it was unanimously decided to form the Club. Mr. Walter Holland was elected President, Messrs. H. G. Budd, H. M. Conacher, C. T. Dimont, A. P. Higgins, T. W. Powell, S. Southall and Albert Webb on the Committee, with Mr. F. W. Webb as Hon. Sec. and Treasurer. Thus the O.V. Club was started, and there are now over 120 members, the dates of whose leaving school range from 1845 to 1895 ! On the whole the idea has been received with a great deal of enthusiasm, and there can be no doubt that the newly-formed Club will be the means of tightening the bond and enlarging the sympathy between Past and Present Vigornians. In a few instances this idea has not been sufficiently grasped, but happily in one or two cases only has the Club met with actual discourtesy and refusal to render any assistance. The first great work of the Club at present is to complete a Register of the School, from earliest times to the present, giving, where possible, dates of entering and leaving the School, offices held at School, Scholarships, Exhibitions, Degrees, Civic or other distinctions gained, with present employment and address. Some progress has been made with this work by sending out forms to be filled up with the abovementioned particulars. A good number of these have been received, some of them, through excess of modesty, being but partially filled up. A great many forms are still not returned, and the Club Committee most fervently beseech procrastinating O.Vs to hesitate no longer, and above all not to let their sense of modesty overpower their sense of duty and patriotism ! Their natural diffidence does them credit, but sadly hampers the work of the Club. And one word to those (there are a few) who are inclined to resent these enquiries as inquisitive. The information is not asked for simply to satisfy the curiosity of a private individual —it is asked for by a responsible committee, and its object is to enable them to do a public duty. It may not be easy in some cases to ascertain necessary dates, etc., but the object in view is worth some little trouble.
THE VIGORNIAN. It is hoped that the Club may serve, so to speak, as a Registry office, to which all O.Vs who wish to have news of their old schoolfellows may apply, and with this object in view all Vigornians are asked to communicate any O.V. news to the Hon. Secretary. This column will always be open to contributions of this kind, however small and (apparently) unimportant. Already the Club has been of some service in this way, and there can be no doubt that a long career of usefulness is before it. Referring once more to the Register, it should be pointed out that though addresses are gradually accumulating there are still hundreds of names against which there are no particulars at all, not even addresses, and in order to fill up these blanks the names will be published in these columns from time to time. A first "batch" will be found below. Any details, such as addresses, or (if deceased) dates of deaths, should be sent to the Hon. Secretary, Greenfield, Battenhall Road, Worcester, who will also be glad to receive names of those who wish to join the Club. It should perhaps be re-stated here that the subscription is 53. per annum, payable in advance, and that members receive the " Vigornian," notices of speech days, concerts, and all other important school fixtures. Former masters are eligible. . So much for the Past. One word now to Present Vigornians. We are tempted to repeat a hackneyed quotation relative to the " eyes of England," but refrain. Let it be remembered, however, that the Old Boys, though not exactly representative of England, do not lose sight of you, and that they want the sight of you to be a pleasant and encouraging one ! On the whole, no doubt, they are an egotistical body, and have grave doubts whether any of you will ever do as well as they did, but show them their mistake and no one will be more pleased and proud than they. The Old Boys are proud of the old School and its glorious past—its present and future are in your hands and can be made still more glorious. O.V. The Hon. Sec. will be glad to receive addresses or any other information about the following (the dates given are those of entering the School):—
1889 Jones, C. H. 1888 Banks, S. A. „ Iceley, C. S. ,, Shattock, E. A. 1886 Salisbury, H. le F. „ Walker, A. J. „ Sherlock, W. H. 1885 Banks, Frederick „ Guest, G. 1884 Drake, N. N. „ Gough, E. H. „ Shaw, G. H. W. „ Laing, W. B. ,, Bomford, P. J. „ Frost, F. W. H. ,, Aulton, W. C. 1883 Woodward, W. E. 1882 Wyndham, W. „ Shattock, T. 1881 Greenland, H. G. „ Roberts, H. D. 1880 Meredith, A. P. ,, Mann, Herbert „ Bamforth, N. ,, Humphreys, F. ,, Humphreys, L. H. ,, Holland, A. E. 1879 Outlaw, Alfred G. „ Bach, T. W. ,, Hooke, Theodore „ Gill, K. C. ,, Pitt, E. A. 1878 Coates, K. W. „ Watts, W. E. 1877 Little, W. P. ,, Sidley, John ,, Hanham, H. ,, Vlieland, A. H. ,, Cumberland, J. B.
1877 Graves, S. A. 1876 Perkins, R. H. „ Cross, F. H. ,, Smart, S. H. „ Little, John 1875 Sprigg, S. W. „ Hill, O. „ Blick, P. J. ,, Lewis, F. H. „ Sherring. W. H. ,, Carpenter, F. G. 1874 Woolsey, H. 1873 Malpas, T. E. ,, Marmion, W. P. 1872 Penny, F. P. „ Evans, H. C. R. „ St. John, C. W. R. „ Mullany, E. H. ,, Aldis, F. C. 1871 Stokes, A. S. „ Blashfield, C. W. 1870 Francis, A. ,, Haultain, A. T. R. 1869 Francklyn, C. N. „ Horton, F. E. „ Blair, W. H. T. „ Traill, A. J. „ Noke, E. „ Leigh, H. H. 1867 Grierson, W. „ Watts, H. G. 1866 Wadham, M. W. 1865 Murray, G. 1864 Rosser, J. S. 1863 Baumgartner, H. P. 1862 Cowie, H. D. ,, Greville, George 1861 Taylor, H. B. 1860 Ahier, W.
MARRIAGES. " BLANDFORD-SMILEY.—July 23, at S. Mary's Church, Worcester, by the Rev. J. P. Driver, George Blandford to Eleanor, daughter of S. Smiley, engineer, H.M. Prison." "DARLING—ADAMS.—September 21 st, at S. Mary's, Balham, London, by the Rev. Thomas Bates, vicar, Albert Charles, son of Charles Darling, Henwick Road, Worcester, to Effie, 2nd daughter of W. H. Adams, Astwood, Worcester." C. T. Dimont (Worcester Coll., Oxford), has obtained a 2nd class in the Final School of Litterae Humaniores. W. H. Hill (Lincoln Coll., Oxford) has also obtained a 2nd Class in the Final School of Litterse Humaniores. H. H. Quilter (Hertford Coll., Oxford), has obtained a 3rd Class in the same Final School. H. W. Bolland (Emmanuel Coll., Cambridge) has passed his 2nd M.B. examination. . E. W. Bolland (S. Mary Coll., Oxford) has passed his Divinity Moderations this term.
THE VIGORNIAN.
IO
We heartily congratulate F. H. Dutton (Hertford Coll., Oxford) on obtaining his " cap " for the Oxford trials this term. H. Holloway has taken the degree of Mus. Bac. at Oxford this term. W. H. Dyson has been appointed conductor of the Intermediate Orchestra at the People's Palace, Battersea. W. S. Blandford (late of Gloucester Cathedral) has obtained an appointment as Lay Clerk at Winchester Cathedral. W. H. Webb (I.C.S.) has recently been transferred, for survey work, from Agra to Shahjahanpur, and thence to Meerut. W. H. Higgins has been appointed House Surgeon at the Midland Ear and Throat Hospital, Birmingham. The following musical news will be found of interest:—" On July 23rd the new Glee and Madrigal Society of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, gave its first concert under the conductorship of Mr. Percival Quarterman. The chorus, though small, gave excellent renderings of the various part-songs selected, and the band performed several interesting works, including Mr. Quarterman's ' Chanson d'Amour,' which was encored." The annual Old Vigornians' dinner will be held at the Star Hotel on Friday, December 27th, when Mr. L. Melville O'Brien (O.V.) will preside.
School jjletos. F. Morris obtained a Lower Certificate in the Oxford and Cambridge Examination last July, passing in six subjects, obtaining distinction in Geography, French and Latin. The following boys have passed the swimming test this term :—Bolland, Claxton, Deakin, Davies, Davids, Evans i., Evans ii., Gray, Harrington, IngramHalford i., Ingram-Halford ii., Ley, Liddell ii., Marshall, Powell, Richings i., Richingsii., Sampson i., Steward i., Steward ii., Usher. A Chemistry Class was formed this term, about 20 boys joining. Mr. Cooper was their instructor, and classes were held at the Victoria Institute, using the fine laboratory recently built there. The School Concert will be held on December i8th, in the College Hall. Dr. Wareing's new Cantata " The Wreck of the Hesperus " will be performed on that occasion for the first time. The Editors beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following contemporaries :— Bromsgrovian, Cantuarian (2), Denstonian, Exonian, King Edward's School Chronicle (2), Liverpool Institute Schools Magazine (2), Tonbridgian (2), Reading School Magazine, Ousel (3), Ulula (2), Whitgift Magazine (4), The Raven, and others.
School <M«rs. Captain of the School Captain of Football Secretary of Football Captain of Cricket... Secretary of Cricket Captain of the Boats Secretary of Rowing Club Secretary of Fives ... Captain of Cyclist Club ... Vice-Captain of Cyclist Club Librarians Curator of Museum Editors of The Vigornian...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A. P. BOLLAND. A. P. BOLLAND. N. G. DAVIES. A. P. BOLLAND. F. MORRIS. T. BATES. H. E. POWELL. A. P. BOLLAND. H. E. POWELL. G. S. DRIVER. / A. P. BOLLAND. \ F. MORRIS. ... F. MORRIS. ( A. P. BOLLAND. '" \ H. E. POWELL.
fling's Scholarship Examination. The Examination for King's Scholarships was held on November 26th and 27th, Rev. H. F. Bennett, Rector of Pirton, being again the Examiner. The following was the result:— 1. R. T. G. Salisbury, Landaff Cathedral School. 2. O. H. Vevers, Worcester Choir School. JM. Bates, Cathedral School. 3 '\H. J. F. Wallis, Cathedral School. 5. N. King, Royal Free Grammar School. 6. F. S. Dyke, Etonhurst, Weston-super-Mare. 7. J. D. Day, Cathedral School. 8. J. R. Newman, Cathedral School. There were 12 other candidates. The first five were elected. There may possibly be another vacancy, in which case F. S. Dyke would get a Scholarship. OXFORD LETTER. To the Editors of the " Vigornian:' Dear Sirs, Woe is me that I am anything but the " more sprightly heir" (vivacior heres) of the scribe who has been performing in these columns of late. The afternoons of the late term, which is as important a part of the day at Oxford as among the lotus eaters, were alike wet and musical.
THE VIGORNIAN. Some, indeed, dared to say that they had come up to hear the Richter Concert, an unpardonable conceit of language; yet all who desired to surfeit their souls with Wagner, and purify them again with Beethoven, gathered in the Sheldonian to hear the great orchestra played on as if it had been an organ. What other topics were discussed in North Oxford drawing-rooms ? Oh ! we remember—certainly there was no Armenian meeting, but the friends of Russian freedom strove hard to steal a fragment of our sympathies for the victims of Siberia. Was it a tactical blunder or a piece of reckless irony ? Surely Turkey would be the best ground for the F. O. R. F. to win proselytes in just now. A Brahmin, too, has been among us treating Oxford philosophers much as the priests of Neith treated Solon. Perhaps he had been sent out as a missionary to save England from beer : there are many brewers in Oxford. We are threatened with or promised a new railway from Swansea. Preparations are so far advanced that notices have been served on the owners of property along the proposed route, and have been sown broadcast in the suburb of Grandpont, where the station might be if they don't mind floods. It is usual for the University to thwart any proposal which the town would welcome, but the more serious objection has been urged by those who fear that the inevitable " viaduct" (not " bridge and embankment " for our health's sake, O ye directors !) will block the view of the summer eights for the ladies on the barges. I had nearly forgotten that some frivolous people think that the beauty of the river and low-lying oozy meadows between .the barges and Iffley will be spoiled by the new plans. However the generation has borne New Iffley and Grandpont with New Hincksey, it is late to follow Ruskin, after turning a deaf ear in the heat of the day. Let us now praise Old Vigornians. M. S. Baylis (Lincoln) has been down some little time, but we take this opportunity of welcoming his little book on English History. Its reason is set forth in the preface; the method and treatment justify it abundantly. The selection of authorities stamps and commends the work; it is abreast with new ideas, yet it overdoes no one formula; it never repeats the jargon of even the most recent sect or school; it is sane, thorough, discreet. It is with sincere regret that we face the departure of C. T. Dimont (Worcester). For the present writer he leaves a keen sense of personal loss. Health has never allowed him to do himself justice' in the schools, but he is best judged by those who have not been his examiners, but tutors, pupils, or friends. He has done more than anyone to keep the O.Vs together; but he has never lost a chance of helping his younger contemporaries; he has recommended a
ir
graceful hobby to the University : it is one of the obvious blots of the present system, that under it we cannot retain men like him. We all hasten to congratulate F. H. Dutton (Hertford) on his Trials Cap. We don't know whether he had his place by the suffrages of all the College boatmen, but he was put in obviously to equalise the eights. We speak not without book. The President of the O.U.B.C. unfortunately makes the eight up without consulting the Vigornian, but we could give him some useful suggestions this year. As for Schools to come, let us hope for the best ; it is a pious frame of mind. CORPUS.
FIVES. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, I have noticed a great falling off this term in the matter of Fives. There are not more than halfa-dozen boys who have played this term, and of these some have only played once or twice, while the Juniors (from the amount they use the Fives courts), seem to be ignorant that there are such things. It seems that in a year or two Fives will be a game almost unknown and unplayed in the School, and the Courts will be allowed to go to ruin. Do not you think that something should be done to rouse the School from the slackness it has fallen into in this point ? I should also like to know whether it would be impossible to arrange a Fives match with some school near. I am, Sirs, yours truly, PILA. THE FOOTBALL FIELD. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, I really think something might be done to prevent our Football field being used as a rendezvous for errand boys and like, for constantly this term the goalkeeper, at the New Road end of the field, has had stones, etc., thrown at him from the road; and also to prevent others using the field when not used by members of the School. Yours truly, FOOTBALLER.
THE VIGORNIAN.
12
(Ehess. Problem No. 33.
1 K to B i 2 R „ K i mate
Composed for The Vigornian, by W. E. B. BLACK.
i P takes Q (queens) or i P takes R
2 Kt „ R 5 mate ^
or i Bishop moves K J.V R ^ \Ji V^/ ^).
XVL lUclLCa «1L XV
[The Editors hope that solutions will be sent to them. Those who solve the problems often do not take the trouble to send in their solutions.] We give a short game shewing the danger of the unwise capture of a piece.
WHITE. White to play and mate in two moves. Solution of Problem No. 33 :— Position. Black, White. K at Q Kt 2 K at KB 3 B „ KB 6 Q „ KB i K Kt i & K 5 Ps „ K Kt 7, K B 7 Rs B QR i and Q Kt 5 Kts K B 4 & K R4 K R 5, Q Kt 3, & Q R 2 Ps
(Vienna opening). Black. White. i P to K 4 P to K 4 2 Kt „ Q B 3 Kt „ Q B3 P takes P 3 P „ K B4 4 Kt „ B 3 P to K Kt 4 B „ Kt 2 5 P » Q4 6 P „ K5 P „ R3 Kt „ K 2 7 Q „ K2 8 B „ Q2 Castles P to Q 4 9 Castles (Q Rook) 10 P to K Kt 3 B „ Kt 5 Kt takes Q P 1 1 P takes P 12 Q to B 2 B „ Kt B „ R 13 Q takes Kt Kt to B 3 14 P „ P P takes P 15 Q to Kt i Q to K i 1 6 B takes P Resigns. 1 7 6 to B 6
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