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Cbc Uigornian. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE. " ra \iiv SiSakTa fiavQavia, TCI $' evpera ra 5' fVkra Trapa deiav Tyrr\aa.jir\v'."

No. 47.

VOL. IV.

JUNE, 1903.

gonfenfs. School Notes With H. M. S. " Tribune " Blockading Venezuela ; by Lieut. G. Threlfell, R.N. Rowing The Athletic Sports Cricket: Earlier Matches The School Band Concert Old Vigornians' Column The Third's Watch : by F. S. Dyke. ... ... Fives ... Sixes The Weather for May ... * Library and Museum The Rifle Club School Officers School Accounts Oxford and Cambridge Letters ... Correspondence ... ... ... ...

PAGE 189 191 J93 194 196 199 200 202 203 203 204 204 205 205 206 206 208

struggle with the elements has lasted longer than usual this year. Rain invaded the summer term and once more our field was practically flnder water. However, we have been able to return to it

PRICE 6d.

before the actual commencement of the Cricket Season. * * * Cricket prospects are very bright: only two> of last year's team have left, and Mr. Castley has also proved a great acquisition. Though practice was considerably interfered with at the beginning of the Term by the heavy rains, the XI. was able to make use of the nets at Boughton Park, by the kindness of St. John's C.C. The field adjoining ours, rented duringthe football season, has also been prepared for the second game. * * * The list of fixtures is a great improvement on last season's, including whole-day matches with Bromsgrove School, Norton Barracks, and Malvern; two matches have also been arranged with Malvern College 2nd XI. We regret that owing to an oversight several friends of the School did not receive fixture-cards till rather late. We include in this number accounts of the earlier matches, and print below the fixtures, for the remainder of the Term: —

THE V1GORNIAN.

i go

July 2—*Worcestershire Club and G....Away „ 4—*Malvern C.C Away „ g—tOld Vigornians Home „ ii—tHereford Cathedral School ...Home „ 18— Dean Close, Cheltenham Away * With Masters. t Mrs. Chappel will be pleased to see parents •and friends at tea on the ground. The Sports, after two postponements, were finally held on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12th and I3th. The weather was fortunately fine and there were some good performances. B. G. Stevens was Victor Ludorum for the second time in succession, and Wilmot ii. was •conspicuous among the juniors. The prizes were distributed by Mrs. Berkeley. » * » At Rowing this year we had great expectations of unqualified success. Not only had we last year's four still with us, but, mainly on the initiative of Williams, the Captain of Boats, we had obtained a new boat. Of the three races, we won the two against Monkton Combe and the Old Vigornians. The former was an easy victory, but we look forward to a closer race •on our opponents' water next year. Our loss to Hereford came as a great disappointment to all, and not least to the 50 enthusiasts who went to see the race: a full account of this race and the rowing season appears elsewhere. * * » We may here express our indebtedness to Mr. Allison for his careful coaching; and our gratitude to many subscribers for kindly raising the required sum for the new boat in so short a time, and more especially to Mr. W. H. Webb, for his generous donation of £5. »

Non-iowers were engaged in football and runs at the end of last term. Acting on the

suggestion of Mr. Jarrett, a trial was for the first time given to " Sixes." After some keenlycontested games, the competition resulted in the victory of Darby's team. * * * The Fives Tournament (handicap), held at the end of the term, produced some excellent games, the final winners being F. L. Steward and A. J. Dash. » * * This term, the Hostel has actively commenced its school life. Though Mr. Castley's new boarding-house has but few members at present, we hope to see as rapid an advance as in the case of Castle House. * * * The School Band, successfully organised by T. Harrington and the Rev. C. T. Powell, gave a capital concert on June 6th. It speaks in high praise of the management, that the proceeds amounted to so large a sum as £10 43. 3d. The object of the New Piano Fund, to which the sum has been devoted, is either to renovate the old piano in the College Hall, or, in course of time, to purchase a new one. May the Band long live up to the reputation it has acquired. * * * We regret to announce the passing away of Canon Cattley. For upwards of fifty years, the Canon had been a true and sympathetic friend to the School. * * * The late Canon Cattley's will provides for the foundation of a valuable Scholarship of £70 a year, tenable (for three years) at either Oxford or Cambridge. The election will be made by the Dean and the Headmaster, and the scholar must be over 18 years of age and must have been three years in the School. * * » On behalf of the School, we venture to thank Canon W. Flory, of Leamington, for an annual

THE VIGORNIAN. reading prize. The competition for the first prize was held on May i6th, when there was an entry of 13. A selection from four pieces of Shakespeare was allowed; and was followed j by two unseen pieces. D. Fergusson gained i the most points in all three trials; Overell and Stinton being honourably mentioned. The Headmaster, Mr. Allison, and Mr. Jarrett acted j as judges. * » * Our thanks are also due to Miss Power for her kind offer of a prize for conversational French in the lower forms. * * * The Editors are honoured to have received the card of two Old Vigornians on their visit to Worcester during Eastertide. We were " out" at the time, though we must plead guilty to being " at home." Mr. Robert Taylor, of Brighton, is well known in the musical world. He is Director of Brighton School of Music and Conductor of the Brighton Sacred Harmonic Society. * * * Our hearty congratulations are due to M. Bates on gaining a Science Exhibition at St. John's College, Oxford; and to C. St. M. Williams for his Exhibition at Corpus Christi, Cambridge. * * # Lieut. G. Threlfell, R.N., who last term presented his old School with the first Venezuelan flag captured in the late war, very kindly sends us an article entitled "With H.M.S. ' Tribune' Blockading Venezuela." We are also indebted to Mr. F. S. Dyke, one-time editor, for "The Third's Watch," being the experiences of a Third Engineer. * * * Many thanks for the following contemporaries : Bromsgrovian, Oceanian, Eagle, Herefordian, K.E.S. Chronicle (2), Salopian, Stratfordian, Tonbridgian.

191

BY LIEUT. G. THRKLFELL, R.N. jN the 17th of December, 1902, at 7 a.m., His Majesty's second-class cruiser " Tribune" arrived at Port of Spain, Trinidad, from Bermuda, and anchored with the British Fleet assembled there. We were not allowed to rest long in peace; for, as soon as the anchor was down, orders were received for the " Tribune " to proceed to La Guaira, with all despatch, at noon. We left at the time appointed, and, after a fast and pleasant passage along the Coast, arrived off La Guaira at 11 a.m. the following day. La Guaira is beautifully situated and presents an imposing appearance from the sea, with noble looking mountains rising up behind to a height of 9,000 feet, but the town itself, like most Spanish towns, is dirty and illOn kept, and in a perpetual state of ruin. arrival at La Guaira we found H.M.S. " Indefatigable " there, and, the duties of Senior Officer having been turned over to the " Tribune," the " Indefatigable " left for Trinidad. Everything seemed to be quiet at La Guaira and we were under the impression that the trouble had blown over, but on Saturday, 2Oth December, at 9 a.m., we got a surprise packet in the shape of orders to blockade the port and capture all vessels sailing under the Venezuelan colours. The Italian cruiser " G. Bausan," also lying off La Guaira, received similar orders, and, from that day to the time the " G. Bausan " left for Trinidad at the end of January, great rivalry existed between the two ships in the matter of capturing prizes. A sail was no sooner sighted than the men were all eagerness to be off, some exciting races being the result. The crews of the two ships were very evenly matched, the prizes at the end amounting to seven vessels for each ship. At noon on the day the blockade commenced,

I92

THE VIGORNIAN.

the smart Venezuelan schooner " Mercedes" attempted to run the blockade, but she had barely got outside the harbour when she was promptly captured by a boat's crew from the " Tribune." Her colours were hauled down, the crew landed, and a prize crew put on board. The next day, Sunday, 2ist December, Captain de Horsey decided to send the " Mercedes " round to the Prize Court at Trinidad, in charge of Sub-Lieut. Clarke, R.N.R. At noon, therefore, the " Tribune " left La Guaira, towing the " Mercedes," and, when we had got about ten miles from the port a schooner flying Venezuelan colours was observed standing in, but a blank charge from a 6-pounder gun soon brought her to. She proved to be the " Aguila " of La Guaira, laden with charcoal for the powder-factory there. The crew were taken on board the " Tribune," a prize crew put on board, and the schooner taken in tow of the prize schooner " Mercedes." After towing them about • thirty miles from La Guaira, the prizes were cast off with orders to make the best of their way to Trinidad, and the " Tribune " returned to her station off La Guaira, capturing the large schooner " Maria Louisa " just before reaching the port on the following morning. On the 23rd December a small vessel, called the ' San Raphael," was captured. Some of these captures which took place close to the town, seemed to excite great indignation in the minds of the assembled crowds, who were eagerly watching the operations. The thing, however, that annoyed them most was to see their captured gunboat " Zumbador " and transport " Zamora " steaming into La Guaira under the British ensign with stores and supplies for the blockading fleet. On the 24th December a ludicrous incident occurred, which has not been made public before. About 2 p.m. a sail was sighted on the horizon to the westward of La Guaira, and the usual race took place between the " G. Bausan's " and " Tribune's " boats ; the " Tri-

bune's," however, getting a good start, the " G. Bausan's" boat returned. The schooner was overhauled and boarded after a long and weary pull, and then stood into the harbour towing the cutter. One can imagine the mirth of the ship's company when the expected prize turned out to be the " Aguila," which had been captured three days before, and was one of the two which had sailed for Trinidad on the 2ist of December. She had experienced bad weather, contrary winds and currents, and, running short of water, the officer in charge wisely decided to return to La Guaira—hence the capture. Not a few jokes were made at their expense, especially as they had turned up just in time for their Christmas dinner on the next day. Blockading off La Guaira was weary work, no communication being allowed with the shore, and the heavy swell caused by the N.E. trade wind always setting on the coast, made the ship roll heavily the whole time we were there. The usual programme was to steam up and down the coast about a mile off during the night, searchlights being continuously employed to pick up any vessels which might attempt to break the blockade. The forts above the town had some good guns which, if properly handled, could have blown the " Tribune" out of the water, and there were also torpedoes in the stores on shore, by means of which, if the Venezuelans had had any energy, they could have made things quite exciting for the blockading fleet. On the 2gth of December three vessels were captured, two of them being the trading schooners " Orchila " and " Sociedad," and the third being the " Restauracion," a schooner, bearing letters of marque from President Castro to sail on the high seas and capture and destroy British commerce. The jest can be appreciated when the size of the vessel is taken into consideration, she being a craft about as big as one of the barges which bring timber to the saw-mills

THE VIGORNIAN. near Worcester Bridge. She was manned by a General of the Venezuelan Army and six soldiers, armed with Mauser rifles, which arms, with the ammunition, were confiscated by the " Tribune," and the General and his little army landed on the breakwater. The General landed with his full-dress uniform tied up in a handkerchief. By that time we had practically cleared the sea of all vessels sailing under Venezuelan colours and the dull time of the blockade set in, with the ship waiting off La Guaira like Mr. Micawber, " for something to turn up." The only break in the monotony was our being relieved by the flagship " Ariadne," to go to Guanta to coal from a steam collier sent out from England. This was on the gth of January, and we returned to our station on the I ith. On the 22nd, we were all very pleased to receive the news that Sub-Lieut. Clarke had safely arrived at Trinidad with the " Mercedes." We had been very anxious for some time on account of the long passage he was making, and having had no news of him. It speaks well for his pluck and perseverance when it is remembered that he sailed a schooner the whole 340 miles to Trinidad against head winds and calms and an adverse current of not less than two miles an hour, and had to put into ports along the coast on two occasions for water and provisions. The " Maria Louisa " also made a long passage of the same nature, being sailed round by the boatswain of the " Tribune." The other prizes had much the better -of it, being towed round by the captured gunboat " Zumbador." The blockade was raised on the I5th of February, and the " Tribune" returned to Trinidad to join the fleet then assembling at Port of Spain .for a winter cruise round the West Indies. This blockade has given us an idea of what will really happen when we are fighting an enemy who can hit back as hard as we can hit him, and the experience should prove very useful to all engaged in this little affair.

'93

This year we had rather more than usual down to row. But, unfortunately, the weather was unfavourable for coaching beginners during the latter part of the term, the river being constantly in flood, and the water often very rough. We had another difficulty to contend against, in the fact that the tub pairs and fours were getting worn out. But we hope that this will be remedied next season, as we propose going elsewhere for our boats. The badness of the boats quite spoilt the regatta, several of the races being fiascoes, owing to the breaking of riggers. The best races were afforded by the pairs, in which some close and exciting finishes were witnessed; but unfortunately these did not take place on the afternoon of the regatta. The winners of the pairs were Fergusson and MacNalty, who just beat Raymond and Crowe. The latter are especially to be congratulated on making such a good fight. We were fortunate in having the same four as last year, and in spite of some bad faults, they turned out a fair boat. But we were seriously handicapped by losing our stroke, owing to the exigencies of examinations, just before the races. Steward ably filled his place. But at such a critical time, a change of stroke is bound to disconcert those behind him. Below a critique of each of the crew is given : Bow. B. G. STEVENS (lost s^lbs.). Works, hard but is slow with his hands and does not sit up at the finish. He also lies out of the boat. 2. E. V. OVERELL (lost. I3^1bs.) Also does not swing straight. He would make a fair oar if he would correct this fault, and also put more life into his beginning. 3. D. FERGUSSON (i2st. Sflbs.). Was rowing well, and has improved much since last year. But he is still apt to let his back give at the beginning of the stroke, and he does not row it out at the finish.

194

THE VIGORNIAN.

STROKE. C. ST. M. WILLIAMS (iost. 61bs.). Again proved himself a good stroke. He has a good swing and does a lot of work, and keeps those behind him together. But a certain hang over the stretcher is still noticeable, and he should keep his feet firmer on the stretcher. Cox. A. W. STEVENS (6st. 4lbs.). Has learnt to use his voice more frequently. W.C.K.S. v. MONKTON COMBE. This race was rowed on Wednesday, March 25, on the home water. We decided to lengthen the course this year, and started from the Waterworks instead of from the Dog and Duck. The wind was blowing strongly up-stream, but, fortunately, fell in the afternoon sufficiently to admit of the race being rowed. The water, however, was still rather rough. The starting boats had been securely moored, in spite of a strong stream; so a start was made without delay, both boats getting away together. For the first few strokes the boats kept together, but then we began to draw rapidly away and were soon clear; while at the Dog and Duck two or three lengths separated the boats. Keeping our lead without difficulty, we won by three or four lengths. Towards the end of the race the time of our crew became rather ragged, bow being often late. Otherwise the rowing was fairly satisfactory, the leg-work being good but the recovery rather sluggish. It was not, however, easy to form an opinion of our crew, since they were never pressed. W.C.K.S. v. HEREFORD. On the next Saturday we went over to Hereford. The day was stormy, with heavy showers and a strong gusty wind blowing down stream. A heavy storm of wind and rain burst as the boats rowed up to the start, and it would have been well if we had had canvas ends to our boat, an omission which must be made good

next year. The starting boats were moored far too insecurely to withstand wind and current, so that it was necessary to make a flying start, a matter of no small difficulty under existing conditions. Apparently the starter lost his head, for when he gave the word our boat was lying at a considerable angle across the stream, stroke was holding up his hand, and bow had a sweater on his arm. Owing to the tempest they did not hear the word to start given, the first indication they had of it being the sight of the other boat dipping their oars into the water. By the time we were ready our adversaries were a length ahead, which was increased before we could get together. However, we were never able to recover and the race was practically over before the railway bridge was reached. We ought never to have started, but, having done so, we had to go through with it. As it was, our rowing was poor and without life and certainly not up to previous form. Let us, however, in fairness add that the Hereford crew was certainly a good one; nor do we wish to claim that we could have beaten them under other circumstances. But we could at least have given them a better race.

Qfye JUBCefic $ ports. After two postponements, necessitated by the heavy rain and the consequent state of our field, the Sports were finally held at Boughton on Tuesday and Wednesday, May I2th and 13th, S. John's C.C. very kindly lending us their field. The turf there was in capital condition, and the weather was fortunately fine on both days. On the first day we began by running off the heats for the 100 yards. The open race was very poorly entered; but in the junior events there were more competitors. For throwing the cricket ball four entered, but Dickson, who owed 10 yards, won easily, with 92 yards 2 feet; Williams (owed 5 yards),

THE VIGORNIAN. second. Prize, biscuit box. In the junior event Partington ii., who threw 64 yards, beat Beauchamp by about a yard. Eleven competed. Prize, cricket bag. For the quarter mile handicap, under 15, 20 entered, and it proved an excellent race. Chaytor i. (scratch) just failed to overtake Wilmot ii. (4Oyds.), whilst Jollye (scratch) and Sweet-Escott ii. (loyds.) were close behind. The time, 64isecs., was good. 1st prize, brushes (given by F. Charley, Esq.) ; 2nd prize, studs; 3rd prize, cricket ball. The long jump (open) only produced four competitors, Stevens ii. winning easily, with a magnificent jump of igft. 2^in. ; very close on the School record. Raymond was second with 16ft 2in. Prize, cricket bag. In the long jump, under 15, there were four entries. Wilesmith and Chaytor i. were very close together, the former winning by ^in. only. Prize, watch. The half-mile handicap, by far the most popular race, produced 39 starters. Wilmot ii. (2OOyds.) ran splendidly, and was never overtaken. He was closely followed by Smith ii. (i2Oyds.) and Bruorton (i3Oyds.), whilst Darby (5Oyds.) spurted finely at the finish. An exciting race, though only about a dozen finished. 1st prize (given by the Masters); 2nd prize, chess set; 3rd prize, brushes; 4th prize, watch chain. On Wednesday the number of spectators was far larger than on the preceding day. Only three entered for the high jump (open), Day i. jumped 4ft. /in., beating Stevens ii. by an inch. Prize, bag (given by F. Charley, Esq.). In the hundred yards open Wijmot i. and Sweet-Escott i. had an excellent race, the former winning the verdict by a few inches. Running against a strong wind, the time, I2secs., was good, ist prize (given by O.V.'s); 2nd prize, clock. In the hundred, under 15, Partington ii. won a

good race in I4secs., Wilesmith and Jollye being tied for the second place, ist prize, tennis racquet; 2nd prize, match box. By winning the hundred, under 13, Wilmot ii. (8yds.) won his third success, in the excellent time of I4secs. He led by six yards, from Kibler, who had a close race with Chaytor ii. i st prize, writing case ; 2nd, knife; 3rd, studs. Three only started for the quarter mile open. Stevens ii. and Sweet-Escott i. had a good struggle until near the finish, when Escott fell back, and Stevens won a fast race in 54secs. ist prize, china biscuit box (given by E. P. Evans, Esq.); 2nd prize, Sir Toby jug. For the high jump under 15, three entered. Chaytor i. jumped 4ft. 2in., defeating Jollye by an inch. Prize, cricket bag. In the three-quarter mile (under 16) nine started. Dash led for half the way, but Raymond passed him and drew well ahead, winning by 30 yards. Bruorton made a good effort tc overtake Dash, failing by a foot only. Time, 3min. 51 sees. ist prize (given by Mrs. Chappel); 2nd prize, biscuit box. The mile (open) produced but four starters. MacNalty i. made the pace for the first lap and Fergusson i. for the second. Darby and Day i. passed him, and the former drawing right away won easily by thirty yards, Fergusson being about 40 yards behind Day. The time, 5min. 23secs., was a great improvement on last year's, ist prize, salad bowl (given by the Head Master) ; 2nd prize, dressing case (anonymous) ; 3rd prize, knife. In the half-mile (under 14), Partington iii. led all the way, winning easily by 20 yards, in 2min. 43secs. Chaytor ii. (second) was about the same distance ahead of Hamilton i. 1st prize, writing case ; 2nd prize, knife. The three-legged race produced a very near finish, Brodribb and Larr defeating Goodwin and Dash by a few inches only. Prize, studs. The one mile bicycle handicap was a great improvement on last year's race. Adlington

196

THE VIGORNIAN.

(looyds.), who took the lead in the third lap, was challenged by Darby i. (/oyds.), but managed to hold his own, winning by three lengths. Williams (scratch) made a capital effort and finished only a few yards behind them. Time, 3min. Ssecs. The consolation race (30x3 yards), senior, Stinton ; junior, Morgan. Prize, studs. The tugs-of-war were then decided. The School House easily proved their superiority over Castle House, whilst the latter defeated the School after a good struggle. The Victor Ludorum was B. G. Stevens, who won the trophy for the second time. He scored 10 points, 4 for the quarter, 4 for the long, and 2 for the high jump. Mrs. Berkeley, who distributed the prizes, was welcomed by the Head Master, more especially as the mother of four Vigornians. He regretted that owing to the phenomenally wet season the sports had had to be twice postponed. He thanked Mr. Isaac for the use of the Boughton ground and Fergusson for his indefatigable energy as secretary of the sports. Mrs. Berkeley, after giving away the prizes, congratulated the School upon the success of the sports. She added that in spite of the many advantages of our New Road ground its nearness to the County Ground was not wholly beneficial, as it induced boys to look on rather than to play. The Head Master, in reply, heartily agreed with Mrs. Berkeley that there was far too much " spectacular athleticism."

grtc&et : W.C.K.S. v. H. F. WALLIS'S XI. On May 2ist. The School won the toss, and, batting first on a very soft wicket, ran up the total of 1 60. Dickson, Sweet-Escott and Fergusson all batted well, especially Sweet-Escott, who made 64 in a very short time.

The visitors, with the exception of H. B. Howard, seemed quite incapable of facing the bowling of Dickson, who captured seven wickets for 25 runs. Their total only reached 49, of which Howard secured 31. SCHOOL. B. G. Stevens, b Barren C. St. M, Williams, b Chignell C. C. Dickson, c Rammell b Wallis T. Stinton, run out T. Sweet-Escott, b Hudson ... D. Fergusson, c and b Rammell G. D. Day, b Rammell G. M. Jeans, b Barren A. W. Stevens, Ibw, b Rammell R. C. Wilmot, not out ... E. V. Overell, b Hudson Extras

33 o

64 25 i 2 O

7 ii

Total

160

H. F. WALLIS'S XI. H. B. Howard, run out L, Barrington-Ward, b Dickson H. M. Barren, b Dickson T. E. Rammell, b Dickson H. F. Wallis, c Stevens (i.) b Dickson A. Hudson, b Dickson H. Maylett, b Dickson H. Walker, b Dickson Capt. Walker, b Williams A. Chignell. not out ... Sanderson, b Williams Extras

31 o o 4 i 6 o i o o o 6 Total

W.C.K.S. v. BROMSGROVE SCHOOL. At Bromsgrove on May 23rd. Bromsgrove batted first on a fast wicket, and soon succumbed to the bowling of Dickson and Williams, who were in great form. On going in to bat the School had only to obtain 64 runs to win, which they did with the loss of three wickets. Everyone who went in batted excellently except Williams, who was caught when he had scored i.

THE VIGORNIAN. BROMSGROVE. W. R. Boswell, b Williams S. H. Thompson, b Dickson ... T. E. Melvill . c Dickson b Williams ... T. H. Soulby, c Dickson b Williams ... G. G. Thompson, b Dickson ... F. G. Smith, c Williams b Dickson ... R. M. Jones, b Williams H. S. Gibson, not out ... W. Heard, b Dickson ... P. W. Hemming, b Dickson ... J. G. Dormer, b Dickson Extras

S 12 15 O

3 o

4 6 3 i 4 10 Total

ANALYSIS OF BOWLING. O. M. R. C. C. Dickson ... 22 5 55 C. St. M. Williams ... 16 2 45 B. G. Stevens ... 4 i 20

W. 7 5 i

SCHOOL. B. G. Stevens, c Melville b Jones C. St. M. Williams, c Thompson b Dormer ... C. C. Dickson, c Smith b Thompson ... T. Stinton, b Jones D. Fergusson, c Smith b Thompson ... T. Sweet-Escott, not out G. D. Day, R. C. Wilmot, A. W. Stevens, did not bat. G. M. Jeans, E. V. Overall, Extras Innings declared closed (for 5 wkts.)

SCHOOL. B. G. Stevens, c Umfreville b Rose ... C. C. Dickson, st. Skinner b Umfreville T. Stinton, c Phelps b Umfreville ... T. E. Rammell, Esq., b Umfreville ... D. Fergusson, not out ... ... C. St. M. Williams, b Rose T. R. Sweet-Escott, not out ... ... R. J. Castley, Esq., W. A. T. Jarrett, Esq., did not bat. G. D. Day, R. C. Wilmot, Extras

2nd innings—74 for 4.

197

... ... ... ... ... ...

67 n 14 50 92 4 23

Total (for 5 wkts.) 260 W.C.K.S. v. K.E.S., STRATFORD. On May the 3Oth the School journeyed to Stratford, expecting to get a good game, as they had heard that their opponents' strength had greatly increased since last year. But after 20 minutes' play, rain came down and the match had to be abandoned. The School lost one wicket for 26, Stevens 18, Dickson not

out 8. i 39 22

47 2 3

168

W.C.K.S. v. ST. JOHN'S C.C. On May 28th. St. John's brought a strong team to meet the School. The latter won the toss, and ran up the total of 260 for five wickets. Fergusson, Stevens, and Mr. Rammell all batted magnificently, the former of whom hit fcur 6's and eight 4's in his 92 not out. As the School were on the point of declaring their innings closed, a heavy thunderstorm came down and stopped all play.

SCHOOL v. LONDON O.V.'S. On Whit Monday. The School again won the toss and ran up the score of 121 on an exceedingly slow wicket. The chief scorers were Fergusson (39), Dickson (24), Day (21). Wallis bowled well for the O.V.'s, capturing six wickets for 30 runs. The O.V.'s score only totalled 67, of which Liddell was responsible for 26. In the second innings the School made 73 for six wickets, and the O.V.'s 42 all out. SCHOOL.—ist Innings. B. G. Stevens, b Wallis 12 C. C. Dickson, b Ley ... ... ... ... 24 C. St. M. Williams, b Wallis 10 D. Fergusson, c Day b Ley ... 39 2 T. Stinton, c and b Wallis I T. R. Sweet-Escott c Wallis b Vevers 21 G. D. Day, b Wallis R. C. Wilmot, b Wallis 3 o M. S. D. Day, c Wallis b Ley G. M. Jeans, not out ... 2 F. C. Charley, b Wallis O Extras 7 Total

121

i 98

THE VIGORNIAN.

and Innings. B. G. Stevens, c Telfer b Wallis C. C. Dickson, c Vevers b Liddell C. St. M. Williams, b Liddell D. Fergusson c Telfer b Wallis T. Stinton, not out T. R. Sweet-Escott, c Telfer b Wallis G. D. Day, b Shuttleworth R. C. Wilmot, M. S, D. Day, did not bat. G. M. Jeans, F. C. Charley, Extras

2nd Innings. 2

4 o ^ 15

Dickson Stevens

O. ... 8 ... 7-2

M. 2 I

R. *3 '9

W. 4 4

12 O

W.C.K.S. v. T. E. RAMMELL ESQ.'S XI.

Total

Innings declared closed. LONDON OLD VIGORNIANS.—ist Innings. i H. Telfer, c Stevens b Williams H. D. Day, b Dickson ... 3 26 J. S. Liddell, st. Fergusson b Stevens 12 C. T. Ley, b Dickson 2 O. HI Vevers, b Stevens 6 A. P. Bolland, c and b Stevens I H. F. Wallis, st. Fergusson b Stevens I L. C. King, run out ... 2 T. Powell, b Dickson ... W7H. Shuttleworth, not out 5 2 N. G. Davies, b Dickson 6 Extras Total

On June 6th Mr. Rammell brought a team of moderate strength to meet the School. The latter again batted first and knocked up 126, Dickson, Escott and Day all batting well. The visitors replied with 75, of which Mr. Rammell scored 37, when he was run out.

SCHOOL.—ist Innings. T. Stinton, b R. J. Castley H. M. Wilding, c Morris b R. J. Castley ... D. Fergusson, c J. Rammell b Beach-Hicks ... C. C. Dickson, c Beach-Hicks b Carson C. St. M. Williams, c Edmunds b Jarrett T. R. Sweet-Escott, c and b Beach-Hicks G. D. Day, st Rev. Webster b Rammell M. S. D. Day, c Beach-Hicks b Carson G. M. Jeans, hit wkt. b Rammell ... E. V. Overell Ibw, b Rammell H. R, Bruorton, not out Extras

i 8 34 7

20 2

3 2

4 o 8

2nd Innings. Total

H. Telfer, not out H. D. Day, b Dickson J. S. Liddell, c Fergusson b Stevens .. C. T. Ley, absent O. H. Vevers, c Charley b Dickson .. A. P. Bolland, c Day b Dickson H. F. Wallis; st. Fergusson b Stevens L. C. King, b Stevens T. Powell, st. Fergusson b Stevens W. H. Shuttleworth, c and b Dickson N. G. Davies, absent ... Extras

126^

6 3 o o

2nd Innings.

o o 4 3 o 8

Total ANALYSIS.—ist Innings. O. M. R. Dickson ... ... 17'i 8 20 Williams 4 i 15 Stevens 13 3 26

W. 4 i 4

T. Stinton, c Morris b J. Rammell ... H. M. Wilding, c Carson b Beach-Hicks D. Fergusson c Edmunds b Carson ... C. C. Dickson, not out C. St. M. Williams, not out T. R. Sweet-Escott, ^ G. D. Day, M. S. D. Day, • did not bat. G. M. Jeans, E. V. Overell, H. R. Bruorton, Extras Total (for 3 wkts.)

5 16 31 13

THE VIGORNIAN. T. E. RAMMELL'S XL C. H. Edmunds, c Fergusson b Dickson R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, b Dickson ... Rev. J. Webster, b Dickson ... J. G. Carson, c Wilding b Williams ... R. J. Castley, run out ... J. Rammell, c Stinton b Williams T. E. Rammell, run out H. D. Day, c M. S. Day b Williams ... W. A. T. Jarrett, b Dickson C. G. Morris, b Dickson E. M. Floyer, not out ... Extras

5 o o 7 i 9 37 8 o o 2

6 Total

ANALYSIS. Dickson Williams

O. ... 13 ... 12-2

M. 2 3

R. 29

W. 5 3

>e $c£ooC ^8on6 gkmcerf. It can certainly not be said that the members of the School are lacking in enterprise. In several of our recent issues it has been our pleasant duty to publish records of entertainments organized with some good object in view, but it is certainly five or six years since any account of a School orchestral concert appeared in the columns of the " Vigornian." When, towards the close of last year, it became known that a band of present and past Vigornians was being formed, the news was received with the greatest pleasure, and the progress of the new movement watched with keen interest, especially as it was understood that the Rev. C. T. Powell, whose name, in connection with any enterprise of this kind, is an assurance of efficiency and success, would act as conductor. The first public performance of the new organization took place on June 6th, in the College Hall, a goodly portion of which was filled with an appreciative audience of members of the School and their friends. The proceeds, which amounted to over £10, are to be devoted to a fund for purchasing a new piano in place of the present instrument in the Hall, which is

becoming rather out of date, was the programme: —

199

The following

PART I. 1. Minuet ........... Overture to "Samson" ............... Handel 2. Sacred Song ...... ' Lead, kindly light " .............. Pinsuti Rev. C. T. Powell. „ ,r ,. c . | (a) "Simple Aveu".................Tftoint! 3. ViohnSolo ...... | ^ j < 'Sonata".....................Schubert Mr. W. H. Shuttleworth, O.V. 4. Song ............ " When the heart is young " ............... Buck O. G. O. Larr. 5. 'Recit ( T | "I feel the Deity within" ) „ , , > « < A r m ) ^ yeybrav£,, \ Handel Air V D. Fergusson. 6. 'Cello Solo ............... " Nocturne" Squire Mr. F. J. Hadley, O.V. 7. Song ............. " True to the last " ........ Stephen Adams Mr. G. H. Smith, O.V. 8. Pianoforte Solo " Merrymakers' Dance" (NellGwyn) German G. M. Jeans. 9. March .......................................... Alexander Rowland PART II. 1. Song .............. "The Everlasting Day" ...... C. T. Powell D. Fergusson. 2. Duett ............... " I would that my love '' ..... Mendelssohn H. B. Uavey and O. G. O. Larr. 3. Song ........... ......... "Tally h o ! " ............... St. Quentin Rev. C. T. Powell. 4. 'Cello Solo ...... " Romance sans paroles".. ..... Mendelssohn Mr. F. J. Hadley, O.V. 5. Song ............ " Nelson's gone a-sailing " ................ Lohr Mr. G. H. Smith, O.V. 6. Waltz ..................... "Stories" ........ . ----- St. Quemin 7. Song ................. " Down the Vale " ......... . ........ ...Moir Mr. M.Webb, O.V. 8. Recitation ......... " Historical Events " .................. Wood F. L. Steward. 9. March ............... "Washington Post" ..................... Sousa " God Save the King."

The playing of the concerted pieces, which was marked by tunefulness and accuracy, reflected great credit on Mr. Powell, and showed how thoroughly the members of the Band had entered into the work. Mr. W. H. Shuttleworth's two violin solos were tastefully rendered, and the same may be said of G. M. Jeans' piano solos, while Mr. F. J. Hadley, whose appearance at the Christmas concerts is always so welcome, gave his two 'cello pieces in his customary

2OO

THE VIGORNIAN.

finished style. Of the vocalists, Mr. Powell gave two songs in capital form, of which the second, " Tally ho! " seemed to suit his voice the better. Mr. G. H. Smith, who was heartily received, sang with his usual vigorous style and was especially pleasing in " Nelson's gone asailing," while Mr. M. Webb gave the favourite, " Down the Vale," most attractively. Of the members of the School, D. Fergusson made his debut as a vocalist. He has a powerful voice, which he kept well under restraint, and rendered the recit. and air from Judas Maccabaeus in most promising form. His second effort was particularly interesting, as it came from the pen of the Rev. C. T. Powell. It was well sung, and merited the hearty applause which it received. O. G. O. Larr showed that his splendid voice still retained its power to a marvellous degree. In his duet with H. B. Davey both voices blended nicely, the younger boy showing considerable promise. Humorous relief was supplied by F. L. Steward, who gave a " historical " recitation, which was well received. The orchestra was composed as follows:—1st violins, Mr. W. H. Shuttleworth, O.V., Mr. R. T. Keen, O.V., H. P. Mason; 2nd violins, T. Harrington, L. S. Adlington; 'cello, Mr. F. J. Hadley, O.V.; oboe, Mr. F. Rowe, O.V.; piano, C. C. Dickson; conductor, Rev. C. T. Powell. Our hearty thanks are due to the members of the band who so unselfishly gave up a great deal of time and trouble to make the concert a success: to T. Harrington, who has throughout been one of the prime movers in this most praiseworthy enterprise and was largely responsible for the capital programme: to Mr. Powell, who so energetically coached the band, and whose persevering training showed itself markedly in the finish and neatness of the playing : to Messrs. Elgar, who kindly lent a piano for the occasion: and to C. C. Dickson, who

performed the duties of accompanist with his customary accuracy. Time did not permit of encores being allowed, but the frequency and heartiness of the applause testified to the enjoyment and gratification of the audience.

' gioCtmw. Old Vigornians will be relieved to hear that at last their old Headmaster, Mr. Bolland, is slowly regaining strength after his succession of serious illnesses. All will join in wishing him a speedy and complete recovery, and in assuring Mrs. Bolland and her family of hearty sympathy with them in their-great anxiety. The presentation of a Venezuelan flag to the School (see last " Vigornian," p. 169-70) has been appropriately followed in this number by Lieut. Threlfell's most interesting account of the blockade. Would that more O.V.'s would follow his example and send in accounts of their adventures! Another success, in a very different field, deserves notice. W. C. Ricketts (O.V. 1873-77), whose marriage is recorded in another column, has again secured a place in the Royal Academy Exhibition, this time with a small water-colour, " Wild Roses." This is the second time this O.V. has won the distinction so coveted by all artists, and the School has reason to be proud of his success. Some time ago a complaint was made tliat the " Maurice Day" memorial tablet in the Cathedral was in a deplorable condition. This was indeed the case, but through the energy of a member of the O.V. Club, the mischief has been remedied, and the plate will, it is hoped, be kept bright in future. A very interesting article on Leeds Clergy School, by its Vice-President, the Rev. C. T. Dimont (O.V. 1883-91), appeared in the March number of " The Treasury." O.V.

THE VIGORNIAN.

was

N. G. Davies (1889-97) ordained Deacon, and was Gospeller, at Exeter on Trinity Sunday, June 7th. H. D. Day (1894-1901) played football for Cornwall against Southampton. The Rev. R. P. Quilter (1879-85), Rector of West Heslerton, has been appointed Diocesan Preacher for the Diocese of York. Patron, the Archbishop. Lieut R. T. G. Salusbury (1896-99) has been transferred from Crete to the 3rd Lanes. Regiment at Jellandur, India, and is studying for the Indian Staff Corps. L. S. Young (1897-1900) has obtained an A.S.C. Clerkship at Aldershot. S. S. Young (1896-1902) has obtained an A.S.C. Clerkship at The Curragh. An O.V. correspondent, who would certainly have deserved a place in that sparkling periodical " The Sixth Form Chronicle," had it existed in his day, sends us the following epigrammatic reference to certain business houses in Worcester : " Though buying boots of " Cash " for cash A lot of people suits, It boots not, though you have the cash, To go to " Boots " for boots."

MARRIAGES. .ARTHURE—DONNISON.—April 22, at St. Mark's Church, - Surbiton, by the Rev. B. Arthure, M.A., father of the bridegroom, assisted by the Ven. Archdeacon Burney, the Rev. H. Edgar E. Arthure, M.A., Vicar of Tibberton, younger son of the Rector of All Saints', in this city, to Maud Mary, eldest daughter of Alfred Donnison, of Twycross, Surbiton.

201

EVANS—SAUNDERS.—April 28, at Wethersfield, Essex, by the father of the bride, Francis John Evans, second son of E. P. Evans, J.P., Worcester, to Marian Lucy, daughter of the Rev. Barnard W. Saunders. MORRIS—CUFF.—April 2ist, at Bromyard Parish Church, by the Rev. W. Martin, L. J. Freeman Morris, of Thornbury Court, Bromyard, to Lily, youngest daughter of E. J. Cuff, Bromyard. RICKETTS—TARPLEE.—On April i2th, at St. Stephen's Church, Worcester, William Cebert Ricketts, to Alice Tarplee.

DEATH. WALSH.—At Bromyard, W. Arthur S. Walsh, formerly surgeon of this city, aged 48.

Members are earnestly requested to pay up all arrears of subscriptions at once. There are members who owe two, three, and even four years' subscriptions. O.V. Colours. These can be obtained, -provided a sufficient number be ordered, from the Hon. Sec. O.V. Club, Sunnyside Road, Worcester, at the following prices: — i|- inch ribbon ties i^ „ made-up tie 2\ „ do. Knitted silk i^ inch hat ribbon 2 „ do. Waist scarves-

1/6 3/6 4/9 4/3 2/3/Q/-

Those who wish to obtain blazers in the O.V. colours are requested to communicate with Mr.

THE VIGORNIAN.

2O2

Arthur Holland, Hampden Club, Phoenix St., London, N.W. The following new member has joined the Club: Graham M. Bird (1896-1902), 5, Apsley Crescent, Manningham, Bradford.

BY F. S. DYKE.

Whirr-rr. Ting-a-ling-ting-ting! The cheap alarum clock swinging from the cabin roof bespeaks the approach of the midnight hour, and under its dulcet strains the Third Engineer's snores, after a long, diminuendo ending in a weird chortle, cease altogether. Slowly and sleepily the Third opens his eyes to the dim light of a kerosene lamp and takes stock of his surroundings. The somewhat alarming spectacle of a pair of " slops " sticking out of the wall at an angle of 45°, apparently fails to disconcert him; but, as they swing back to a vertical position, a healthy-looking kit-bag makes a sudden dash across the floor, followed by a mixed assortment of books, boots and clothes. " Must be rolling a bit," he casually observes. " Shall have the Chief worrying round if I don't turn out." He sticks a trousered leg over the bunk-board, and regretfully throws off some rather greasy-looking blankets. Overhead, the steam steering-gear, after a preliminary bump or two, begins working like a thing possessed, and, with a sudden downward swoop of the vessel, the Third fetches up violently on all fours against the opposite side of the cabin. " Dear me" (or words to that effect), he mutters, and, having captured a pair of boots which considerately follow him up, he cautiously regains the settee below the bunk, and puts them on. A knotted neckerchief completes his

toilet. Rolling out through the little messroom, with its oilcloth-covered table, he awaits his opportunity, makes a dash for the companion, and gains the deck. The white-capped waves are racing away astern in endless succession, now climbing over the taffrail, now falling away far below, while dirty streams of water spout from the scuppers back to their native element. Two empty, crumpled davits and a few splintered boards are mute witnesses to the port-lifeboat's fate. The wind rushes down and strives to tear him from his hold as he cautiously makes his way aft, past the chart-house, where the " old man " is taking a few minutes' well-earned sleep, past the little galley where Tommy (all ship's boys are Tommies), the new boy, spoils the officers' food in his intervals of sea-sickness, till he at last stands in comparative quiet within the engine-room hatch. A glimmer of lights far below comes up in strange patches through a network of iron gratings, as he grips the steel handrail and swings himself down the steps. The steady " git-him-up-an'-heave-him-over " of the engines is changed to-night. For a few seconds the great connecting-rods travel up and down with heavy laboured strokes; then, as the vessel plunges forward, they start off with a rattle and clash, sending the propeller racing wildly round in a churned-up mixture of sea and air, till the good ship quivers from stem to stern. The tops of all three cylinders are encrusted with a white coat of salt sea spray, which has come in through the hatch above, and even the brightly-shining supporting columns are soiled with a dirty grey film. A heavy grindstone has broken loose down below, and the Chief is discovered chasing it over the slippery footplates. With the Third's help he comers and lashes it down, and, with a few professional words of advice about some

203

THE VIGORNIAN. part of his beloved engines, he clambers off bunkwards. In the ruddy stokehold the grimy stokers are staggering to and fro, exuding perspiration and profanity in their endeavours to keep the steam pressure up. With hands that slip on the shovels and eyes that smart with sweat, they toss the cheap slack coal into the roaring furnaces, which gape like the mouths of some insatiable monster. Despite the chill nor'easter that roars down the wide ventilating-shafts, and the splashes of spray that now and again fall through the iron gratings far away in the darkness overhead, the heat strikes out fierce and intolerable, and the Third heaves a sigh, partly from relief and partly because the bulkhead door is a bare eighteen inches wide, as he regains the engineroom. When the clock above the bright-faced telegraph dial marks the half-hour he commences a perilous journey round the throbbing machinery, screwing down the lubricating boxes, squirting oil on the smooth, slippery guides and feeling the bearings everywhere. The thrust-block that takes up the whole push of the screw on the vessel and is placed just within the rumbling shaft tunnel, is running hot in all its five collars, and a stream of cold water must be turned on it, lest the greasy white metal in the bearings melt and run out like quicksilver. Every half-hour must the more quickly moving parts be lubricated, and the Third, with one hand hanging on for dear life to anything that comes first, and with an oil-feeder in the other, anathematises the day he took to the sea. In the intervals he sits tight in a corner with a wary eye on the gauge-glasses and meditates on the girl he left behind him, or such like matters, while the bilges flop dismally to and fro below and the storm-fiend shrieks above. At 4 a.m. he oils round for the last time, and

cheerfully proceeds to rouse the Second. The usual cup of cocoa is out of the question, as the galley fires have been extinguished by the copper tank above them breaking loose; so, munching a hard dry biscuit he turns into his bunk, all standing. And there let us hope he will soon sleep the sleep of the just.

The Handicap Tournament was held at the end of last term and afforded much interest. The entries were rather limited owing to measles being prevalent at the time, but, nevertheless, some very close games were witnessed, of which the following were most noticeable: In the first round, Day i. and Roberts v. MacNalty i. and Hamilton i. (17-14, 15-13). In the second round, MacNalty ii. and DakinSmith v. Jeans i. and Pretty ii. (8-15, 15-12, 15-9)In the final, Steward and Dash met MacNalty ii. and Dakin-Smith, and won easily (18-16, 15-9)-

r."3

TEAM.

£•

is i

•

Wilding's -

« >,

Wilmot's -

Day 2*s -

Thompson's

Darby's

THE VIGORNIAN.

204

Sixes were tried with great success last term as a means of encouraging the interest in football. It was only possible to have them once owing to the bad weather during the latter part of the term. Of the teams, Darby's was the strongest, and won easily, not meeting with a single defeat. It was composed of Darby (capt), Bode, Larr, Chaytor ii., Roberts, and Jenkins i. Football on the whole was well attended and signs of much promise were shown among the smaller boys.

gS<?afl?er for The weather for this month was exceptional on account of the abnormal rainfall. As much as 3-48 inches of rain fell during the month and, on the 28th alone, ri inches fell. This is considerably above the average for May. There were only two days in the former half of the month on which no rain fell, but from the i6th to the 28th, no rainfall was recorded. Correspondingly, there was little sunshine up to the 16th; while during the latter half of the month there were very few cloudy days. The temperature was above the average, rather from the absence of cold than from any extreme heat. Moist and mild weather was followed by cool winds from the north ; this considerably lessened the heat, which the fine weather generally brings with it. The thermometer never fell below 32° except on the grass. The wind was chiefly northerly: to the 16th —i.e., during the rainy half of the month—it was N.W.; after that date it was N.E. For the whole of the month the wind averaged moderate velocity. The barometer on the 4th was at 29-08, the lowest for the month. During the first fortnight rain fell every day.

About the 11 th, the temperature fell, the minimum being reached at 34°. Meanwhile, the barometer rose steadily and on the i8th a period of fine weather set in: the days were sunny, but, as the wind was in the north, the thermometer remained low till the 22nd. On the 23rd the barometer reached 30-13ins., the highest for the month. From the i8th to the 27th no rain fell, and a considerable amount of sunshine was recorded. This spell of fine weather culminated in a heavy thunderstorm, which lasted if hours; as much as r8 ins. of rain fell at Diglis, and several houses in Worcester were struck by lightning. The close of the month was rainy, but on the 3151, after a wet morning, some improvement set in, and the thermometer rose to 80°, the highest temperature registered for the month. A. J. DASH. [The above is an abstract from observations made by the Weather Section of the School Field Club.—EDS. VlG.]

Library. Col. Albert Webb, O.V., has very kindly presented Modern Warfare by " Ubique." The Headmaster has also presented Notes on the Miracles (Trench), Notes on the Parables (Trench), Rambles and Researches among Worcestershire Churches (Stanton). The following additions have not yet been announced in these columns : — Greek Testament, Vol. ii. - Alford. Gallus - Becker. Obiter Dicta (2 vols.) - Birrell. Three Years War - D e Wet. The Athenian Drama— Sophocles Phillimore. The Story of Architecture - Waterhouse. A Bid for Fortune Guy Boothby. The Lilac Sunbonnet - S. R. Crockett. TKe Light Side of Nature - Cath. Crowe.

205

THE VIGORNIAN. Bleak House Dickens. In the Reign of Terror Henty. The Duke Decides Headon Hill. Adventures of Captain Kettle Cutcliffe Hyne. do. do. Further In Chaucer's Maytime Richings. Godfrey Marten, Schoolboy - Turley. The " Standard" International Library of Famous Literature (20 vols.) has also been added, and a library catalogue has been published, copies of which may be obtained on application. M

Museum. The Curator of the Museum wishes to express his thanks for the many donations to the Museum this term: — Cabinet of Eggs Stamps » ~ ~ Collection of W. African Curios Chinese Envelope Frog Blind Worm and Puff Ball Boer Needle Case Mauser Cartridges Spiders' Eggs Stamp . .

S. G. Simpson, O.V. C. A. Steward, O.V. F. W. Webb, O.V. J. Liddell, O.V. J. Hamilton. G. M. Jeans.

R. M. M. BeachHicks, Esq. S. F. Jenkins. V. R. Hughes. A. F. Love. . D. V. Crowe.

Of the two matches which have this year been arranged with the Hereford Shooting VIII., we regret that the earlier—fixed for June 13th—had to be postponed : it is hoped the fixture will be re-arranged. The return match will take place on July 11 th, at Worcester. The Headmaster has very kindly repeated his offer of last year of two cups for the winners of senior and junior competitions, to be held during the last weeks of term. Shooting practice this term has been well attended: the total strength is 52.

gic(?ooC Officers. Captain of the School - A. P. G. SMITH. Captain of Cricket - C. C. DlCKSON. Secretary of Cricket- C. ST. M. WILLIAMS. Captain of Football - G. D. DAY. Secretary of Football - B. G. STEVENS. Captain of Boats - C. ST. M. WILLIAMS. Captain of Fives - C. C. DICKSON. Captain of Gymnasium - E. V. OVERELL. Vice-Captain of Gymnasium J. A. T. LANGDON. Captain of Rifle Club F. L. STEWARD. Captain of Cycle Shed - G. D. DAY. Secretary of Debating Society T.STINTON. Secretary of Chess Club - A. J. DASH. Secretary of Field Club C. G. MORRIS. F. L. STEWARD. Editors of the "Vigornian " A. P. G. SMITH. G. D. DAY. F. L. STEWARD. Librarians T. STINTON. MONITORS. A. P. G. SMITH, T. STINTON, F. L. STEWARD, A. J. DASH, F. T. BODE, G. D. DAY, C. ST. M. WILLIAMS, W. F. H. N. ELDERSHAW, D. FERGUSSON, C. C. DICKSON. LIBRARY COMMITTEE. REV. W. H. CHAPPEL, MR. BEACH-HICKS, MR. JARRETT (HoN. TREASURER), F. L. STEWARD, A. P. G. SMITH, G. D. DAY, T. STINTON, B. G. GOODWIN. GAMES COMMITTEE. MR. RAMMELL, MR. BEACH-HICKS, C. C. DICKSON, C. ST. M.WILLIAMS, G.D. DAY, B.C. STEVENS, A. P. G. SMITH, F. L. STEWARD, E. V. OVERELL, B. G. GOODWIN, D. FERGUSSON (HoN. SECRETARY).

THE VIGORNIAN.

2O6

190 3Feb. Apr. i:sth. „ May 41 h. ,, if >th

Mar i 4th. it 2C th. 2* th. ,, 3" St.

Apr. I ith. Js

,, , May "rA T I

,, ,, ,,

th. (

^ t

June 3 d. )» ,, ,, ,, „

, , , , ,

RECEIPTS. Balance in hand ... Boys' Subscriptions... Rowing Subscriptions Surplus from boat ... Sports Subscriptions Entrance fees : School House Castle House Day boys ... EXPENDITURE. Sports Sec. To School boat Coach's fare to Hereford Carriage of boat to Hereford Hutchinson (football) Sambrook „ Baylis & Lewis ... ...

£ 21

...

s. d. ii U

18 18 O 4 18 O o 5 O 3o 5 6 3 i 6 i 16 0 2

'4 6

£%3 10 £ s. o 12 5 0 ... ...

Prizes for Sports ... ... ... Hutchinson (prizes) Souch (ground work during winter) P. Foley Esq. (rent of ground) ... Cooper (prizes) Pollard (hire of pistol) Birley (prizes) Worcestershire Echo ... ... Worcester Daily Times Capner (Rowing Account) Balance

5 d. 6 o 0 3 o i 18 4 o 2 8 o 6 o i 2 6 o 11 o o 18 3 3 S 3 4 4 o S o o 3 o o

6 o o 4 o o 10 o 7 19 6 45 9 ii 0

2 I

^83 10 5 T. E. RAMMELL, Hon. Treas. Examined and found correct, W. H. CHAPPEL, June 8th. 1903. Headmaster.

Jlccounf. LENT TERM, 1903. RECEIPTS. Balance ... ... ... May 4th. Per Headmaster— 108 Subscriptions ... 13 10 o 116 Vigornians ... ... 2 18 o Pound o 2 ii May 12th.

O.V. Club (perF. W. Webb, Esq.)

d. 3

£ '5

16 10 it 3 8 ii 35 '5 i

1902 Mar 2nd. „ I Sth. „ 2$th. Apr. yth. May 7th. »» » >» »

EXPENDITURE. Mr. Beach-Hicks Grolier Society (books) ... Baylis & Son (catalogue) ... Large (papers) Walter & Houghton (books) Baylis & Son (Vigornians) Hooper (Encyc. Brit )

d. o o 6 2 4 i 3 0 6 i? 9-

£ S. i I i 3 S 13 2

6 12 13 ii 1 I1

Balance

/35 15 i W. A. T. JARRETT, Hon. Treasurer. Audited and found correct, W. H. CHAPPEL, Headmaster.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Some melancholy individual, dyspeptic beyond the hope of cure, found solace in uttering the verdict that the Englishman's sole idea of humour consists in personalities. At present we do not feel disposed to combat this view, but should it be adopted we fear that the humourist's plight would be indeed a sorry one, and that he would in despair abandon humour and join the staff of " Comic Cuts." The writer of an Oxford letter has either to be personal, and thereby be evermore suspected of attempting humour, or obscure himself in caustic comments on the weather or criticise events about which he knows little and his readers less. But to return to our muttons (at this season in the guise of lamb), we find M. Bates a worthy example of Juvenal's remark about mental and physical development. As all frequenters of the College Hall know, his profound knowledge of the functions of the internal mechanism of mankind resulted last term in a substantial appreciation by the authorities of S. John's. Notwithstanding the proximity of his Schools at the end of term, for which his new honours should augur well, his sporting instincts prevailed, and himself the eighth, as the Greek grammar puts it (to say nothing of the cox), he gave valuable assistance in raising the S. John's boat five places in Eights. Those who witnessed his performance in the O.V. race at the School regatta will probably be surprised to hear that L. Sampson has not been stroking the Hertford eight, but unfortunately he is seriously involved in Greats, which have demanded all his time and attention. At present he is in the Schools attempting, after the orthodox fashion, " to scoff at Spencer and belabour Mill." Alas, that he

THE VIGORNIAN. should have to go down after this. Let us conclude by wishing all happiness to himself and the young idea, whom he intends for a time to instruct. J. D. Day's retiring disposition has not brought him much before the public eye of late, except when he makes spasmodic appearances for the Hertford 2nd XI. Otherwise he seems content with the milder forms of exercise in vogue during the summer term. This may be due to the fact that his heart is reported to have been seriously affected during the vacation and seems likely to remain so. However, we believe that there are ultimate hopes of a permanent cure. F. L. Steward paid us a short visit earlier in the term and we hope to welcome him as a full member of the O.V. Colony next term, when he comes up with a Meeke to Hertford. Jupiter Pluvius, being a ladies' man, was prevailed on by the presence of other people's sisters and cousins to abate his floods and tempests for a period of seven days during Eights Week, but evidently found the effort rather trying, to judge from the weather next day. In conclusion might I, as an O.V. who likes to know something about School cricket, humbly petition and advise the Secretary of the Cricket Club to send the results of matches to that invaluable paper, the " Sportsman." So far vague rumours of conquest permeate through to us, but we should like to get them a little earlier and from a more reliable source. With best wishes for cricket and certificate, OxoN.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, The smallness of our colony here makes writ-

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ing a Cambridge letter with any interest in it, a matter of some difficulty. We are very glad to learn that we shall be largely reinforced next term with some of the School's well-known champions. To adopt a very unorthodox proceeding, we will turn at once to our members without further preamble. N. King (Sidpey) has just negotiated his tripos. We all are sure he has taught his examiners a lot. But it always was, and still is a failing of examiners, that they will never accept those new constructions and ideas, until they have been in accepted use for a long time. They really are ridiculously conservative. But to return to Mr. King: he presides with great dignity at the meetings of his College Debating Society, of which we learn (indirectly) he is one of the shining lights. S. G. Simpson (Sidney), as usual, is very versatile in his pursuits. In primis he has just negotiated some vague history exam. The results are not yet out; we wish him all success. But O ye School Band, listen with awe. He is writing the libretto of a comic opera. Perhaps as we learn that several lyrics have been already finished, and the plot and dialogue not commenced, we ought to call it a musical comedy. N. M. Fergusson (Magdalen), to use the " Sportsman's " phraseology, is ' wielding the oar at the sixth thwart.' He has also been dabbling in " Mays." (These are traps for the innocent second-year man who did not go off on his " wild lonesome " to work, but played instead.) On a few spare afternoons he has been known to bowl for his college. C. Davenport (non-collegiate) still resides far from everywhere. Information is hard to obtain. But he has been elected secretary of the FitzWilliam C.C. On occasions when the captain cannot turn up he has also-captained the team. The result in the only match we heard of must surely have been a mistake. We are not going to blow the trumpet over

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THE VIGORNIAN.

our fellow-sufferer from the Isis. We sympathise with him deeply. But the boat race and sports, though now ancient history, are none the less gratifying to ponder on. At cricket our men seem to be doing well. A splendid victory over Warwickshire, and some capital displays of batting and bowling (we regret we cannot say fielding) seem to promise well. We have it on good authority that Dickson and Williams are coming up next year. We are truly delighted, and hope they will enhance, if possible, their own and their School's reputation. We would congratulate the team on the successes they have achieved so far. We were delighted to hear of the victory over Bromsgrove, and trust it will be repeated against Malvern. CANTAB.

gorrespon&mce. AH letters intended for insertion in these columns must be authenticated by the name and address of the sender, not necessarily for publication, but as evidence of good faith. Every facility will be afforded for the discussion of matters of interest to the School, but a rigid compliance with this rule will be enforced. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions of correspondents.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian," Dear Sirs, I hope the School authorities may not consider me impertinent if I suggest that some alteration should be made in the School cap. The present design, it may thankfully be said, is perhaps unique. The queer assortment of initials being quite unintelligible to strangers, it is of no use as an advertisement, nor is one of such a kind needed. Surely some more attractive design, as, for instance, the School Badge, could easily be found to replace the present unsightly object, which is neither useful nor ornamental. Yours truly, ICONOCLAST. R. E. HOPTON.—The Library Committee has ordered the " Amateur Photographer" for the Reading Room.—EDS. VlG.