The Vigornian June 1913

T. B. MIDDLETOX.

(Cox)

J. H. SPENCER.

(3)

(Bow)

W. D. BATTERSHILL.

(Stroke) S. G. LEE, ESQ.

H. B. DOWNES. 00

1913. J. M. ALDANA.

1»t IV.,

Che Uigorniaii THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, ." TO. JUEV SiSaicra fiavdavo), TO. 2' tvptra , TO. 2' £ir*.ra irapa 0«ai/ /p-ijo-a/ij)!/."

No. 77.

VOL. VII.

Contents. School Notes Kalendar Rowing Regatta Entertainment O.V. News Cricket Fixtures ... ,, Matches ... Sports Ketch Run O.T.C O.T.C. Notes Shooting Cycling Tour in France ... A Corner of the Empire on New Year's Day Debating Society Gymnasium Notes Fives Field Club Address Confirmation Museum Oxford Letter Cambridge Letter Correspondence Officers, Valete, and Salvete ... Library Accounts Contemporaries Some Notes on School's History Government Inspection

JUNE, 19:3.

PRICE 60.

scDooi notes. Page

167 169 169 170 171 173 '75 176 178 179 179 180 180 181 'S3 185 187 187 187 188 188 188 188 190 190 191 191 192 192 193 194

The fields have been flooded no less than seven times since last August, and so bad was the flood towards the end of last term that at one time it was thought that it would be impossible to hold the Sports on our own ground. But, luckily, the water subsided just in time and the Sports were most successfully held under a brilliant sky if on a rather moist field. They were, on the whole, distinctly more successful than in former years. We must congratulate the School House on winning the Shield and Battershill the Victor Ludorum. We hope that the new system will be kept.

S. St. G. S. Kingdom is to be congratulated on winning a Demyship at Magdalen College,

THE VIGORNIAN.

168

Oxford. We also congratulate J. H. Spencer on winning the Colquitt at Brasenose. We are sorry that B. Kenyon-Davies was only proxime in the same examination. At Cambridge, H. H. Milward is to be congratulated on winning a History Scholarship at Downing College, and S. J. A. Evans on winning a Choral Scholarship at King's, a distinction which has not been won for the School for a good many years past. » # » Cricket was impossible during the first fortnight of this term, owing to the heavy floods, but it is now in full swing. Lack of practice accounts to a great extent for our failures in the first two matches of this season, but the team seems to be picking up now. *

*

*

Rowing has also begun this term. The 1st IV. have a fixture with St. Edward's School, Oxford, on July 2nd, and the School is sending in a pair for the City Member's Plate in the Worcester Regatta on June 12. A full account of last term's rowing appears elsewhere. Races in the Regatta last term were rather spoilt owing to the heavy stream, which greatly handicapped those unlucky enough to get the wrong side of the river. *

*

*

A most successful entertainment was given last term in aid of the Rowing Club funds. The play selected was a four-act one entitled " Jedbury Junior," and was acted with considerable skill. Our best thanks are due to Mr. and Mrs. Tower and to Mr. Whitaker, who were chiefly responsible for a very enjoyable evening. *

* *

A pair were sent up to Aldershot this year for the Gymn. Competition, and a representative also entered for the Boxing. Although they were not very successful we

hope for better things in the future, and think that they did not do so badly when all things are considered. The Shooting team are to be congratulated on keeping up their reputation of last year in the " Country Life " Competition. They were again runners-up to Trent, who were however 40 points ahead.

The O.T.C. took part in a very successful Field-day on May 2Qth near Leominster, which was chiefly arranged by Shrewsbury.

We shall be very sorry to lose Lieut. Lee at the end of this term, but we are pleased to hear that he has been appointed lecturer in History and Economics at Magdalen College, Oxford. Mr. L. H. C. Smith, B.A., of Queen's College, Cambridge, and of the Special Reserve of officers at present attached to the 2nd Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters at Plymouth for three months' training, will succeed him. *

* »

Speech Day next term will be on Tuesday, October 7th, when the Dean will preside and the Bishop of Worcester will distribute the prizes.

Fives was very popular last term and the usual tournaments were held. We are glad to hear that there will be an O.V. Dinner in London this year. It will be held on Wednesday, July 2nd, at the Holborn Restaurant at 7.30 p.m. A. P. Bolland, Esq., to whom we offer our heartiest congratulations on his engagement, will take the chair. We

THE VIGORNIAN. hope there will be a good attendance. The Sec. is G. M. Jeans, Esq., 23, Oxford Terrace, Hyde Park West.

Kalcnaar. May 6.—School Meets. School Service. „ 11.—Whit Sunday. School Celebration 8.45. Ladye Chapel. „ 12.—Whit Monday. Minor O.T.C. Field Day at Old Hills. „ 24.—Empire Day. Inspection of O.T.C. by Admiral Cuming. Malvern College Colts Match. „ 29.—O.T.C. Field Day with Shrewsbury at Ludlow. June 2-7—Review Week. „ 9.—Review Half-holiday. S.P.G. Lecture. Rev. S. Brough. 8.20. „ 2O.—O.T.C. Government Inspection. „ 21.—Dean Close Match. „ 27.—Imperial Challenge Shield Competition. „ 26-27.—Common Entrance Exam. „ 28.—Field Club Field-day. July 3.—Section Drill Competition. „ 5.—O.V. Match. „ 9.—Club and Ground Match. „ 10.—House Shooting Competition. „ 14.—Higher Certificate Exam, begins. „ 16.—K.E.S. Birmingham Match. „ 21.—School, and Lower Certificate Exams, begin. School Exam. „ 26.—School Ends. Camp. Sept. 17.—Boarders Return. „ 18.—School Meets. School Service 9 a.m. „ 21.—School Celebration 8.45, in Ladye Chapel. Oct. 7.—Prize Day. Nov. 18-19.—K.S. Exam. Dec. 18.—School Concert.

169

Rowing* One point stands out clearly with regard to the present season, namely, that the standard of rowing throughout the School is considerably higher than in 1912. The keenness of several members of the staff, as well as the encouraging activity of the learners, must be thanked for this most pleasing condition of affairs. Whilst we deplore the quite unexpected defeat at Hereford, we were successful against Magdalen College School and Monmouth. Two other notes must here be made. (i.) It seems impossible to arrange a fair course on the Severn. On this point all the authorities on rowing in the neighbourhood seem for once to be agreed. This is only a foreword in order to prepare our numerous spectators and supporters for drastic changes which may be introduced in our methods of racing. ' Station ' or ' Time ' races may be less interesting to watch—but fairness, after all, is the main object. (ii.) We are thoroughly dissatisfied with our boat-house accommodation. " I could a tale unfold "—but this is not the place. The fact remains that the Committee will shortly be asked to reconsider the whole question of the School Barge, and we should welcome a reasonable suggestion as to how we might be better ' housed' and attended. If only we had—but here again we must leave our readers to guess what it is we badly want.

HEREFORD RACE. The annual races against Hereford took place on Saturday, March I5th. The day was bitterly cold and the river was very high, owing to the wet weather. So strong was the current that the boats took about half-an-hour to reach the starting-point, and then rowed the race down-stream in about three minutes. The Second IV. race, which was rowed first,

THE VIGORNIAN.

170

resulted in a tragedy. Winning the toss, we took the Boat-house side: but since the flooded stream made the centre of the river the only place to be, our opponents are to be congratulated upon getting round first and keeping our fellows well into the bank. It was a magnificent piece of coxing and undoubtedly won the race for Hereford. The crews were admirably started, and Hereford got away at once—whilst the slack water under the bank held our crew back all the way. Cavenagh worked his crew very well however, and had the race been 50 to 100 yards longer, we should certainly not have been beaten by half a length. The spurt by Worcester at the end of the race deserved a less unhappy result. The race between the first boats was a repetition of that between the second boats. The time between the races seemed hours, and a snowstorm did not add to the pleasure. Hereford again quickly took the lead. Their cox kept well in the middle of the river and secured the full advantage of the current. At the railway-bridge Hereford were a length ahead. A belated " spurt " again reduced the lead, but Hereford won by half a length. MONMOUTH RACE. The Wye was running like a mill stream, and the race was over very quickly, which was lucky, as rain was pouring down all the time. An attempt was made to start from stake boats, which immediately began to drag. The crews were then brought level for a flying start. While the starter was debating whether to say ' Go ' or re-load his pistol, which had misfired, our crew drifted under the bank, and after the first ten strokes we were half a length to the bad. Both crews were rowing a fast stroke, but whereas the time in the Monmouth crew was rather ragged, our four were well together.

Downes kept it going splendidly, and by half-way we forged ahead and increased the lead to 11 lengths by the time the finish was reached. Both crews rowed very pluckily, and Monmouth had bad luck in having one of their men not feeling his best. Good steering had much to do with the result of the race, as Middleton made the best possible use of the strong stream and did not allow himself to be pushed under the bank. A down-stream course which takes something under three minutes is hardly a test of oarsmanship.

Regatta. The Regatta took place on Wednesday, March 26th, the course being up stream from the Deanery to the Railway Bridge. All the heats had been rowed off on the day before. In the Inter-House Competition, Castle House reached the final by beating, rather unexpectedly, the Day Boys, and had as their opponents The Hostel, to whom School House had succumbed. The Hostel won the cup by easily beating the Castle House. In the Senior Pairs there were some very close finishes, and in the final Aldana and Thomas i. beat Harvey and Rees, by one length. The Junior Pairs were won by Day and Turley. The Regatta terminated by a race between the School Four and the O.V.'s. The course was from Pitchcroft to the Deanery. The School lost the toss but won the race by three lengths. Our best thanks are due to J. B. Cavenagh for kindly getting up a crew and to the O.V.'s who took the trouble to row. If the Regatta did nothing else, it clearly demonstrated the impossibility of getting an absolutely fair course on the Severn at Worcester.

THE VIGORNIAN.

171

CHARACTER OF THE FOUR. Bow. W. D. Battershill. A hard worker who can always be relied on. If he could get out of the trick of dropping his outside shoulder he would be a pretty oar. 2. J. M. Aldana. A powerful and useful number two, who must learn to link up body swing and leg work and must loosen his shoulders. 3. J. H. Spencer must also loosen his shoulders. He understands leg work and rows a clean hard blade. Proved a very good captain. Stroke. H. B. Downes. A plucky stroke with a taking style. He is inclined to be short, but has a good idea of rhythm. When he has put on two more stone he should be a very useful oar. Cox. T. B. Middleton is perhaps not rude enough to the other cox, but is able to profit by experience and manages a boat well, using very little rudder. THE SECOND FOUR. Bow. Thomas ii. Still in the elementary stage, but a good worker. Must learn to sit up well in the boat. 2. Strong. A promising oar, developing well. His muscles are not yet set, which perhaps accounts for an unmistakeable ' flop ' over the stretcher, and—the inevitable consequence—a lack of beginning. 3. Fosbrooke. Patient and hardworking, but still unable to master his rebellious shoulders. Stroke. Cavenagh. A cool and steady stroke, likely to be very useful when he has additional weight. Cox. Thomas iii. Not quite enough cheek IN a boat, and apt to speak with a sleepencouraging drawl.

The dramatic entertainment in aid of the funds of the Rowing Club was given on Wednesday, April 9th. The play chosen was " Jedbury Junior." Although the story was of the stock type, it was so skilfully staged and acted that an appreciative audience never failed to give the well-merited " asbestos gelos." Christopher Jedbury, Junior, the son of a self-made merchant, has been coerced, while on a visit to Trinidad, to go through a form of marriage with an officer's daughter. This entanglement prevents him from being able to marry the heiress chosen by his ambitious parents. A father's anger banishes his son to serve as a clerk in the Bombay office of the firm. Here the son, having discovered certain fraudulent practices on the part of the manager, effects the latter's utter discomfiture by frustrating his aspirations to the hand of Dora Hedway, the daughter of a retired officer. A young lawyer-friend arrives at the proper time with the proof that Dora Hedway is the girl that Jedbury Junior married in Trinidad. The main characters were exceedingly well sustained. As Christopher Jedbury, Junior, Mr. Tower showed considerable versatility, and dramatic talent. With the delightful " abandon " of an " ingenuous " youth he carried the audience with him from start to finish. The gallery—or, more politely, the dress-circle —were especially pleased with the topical allusions. Castle House revelled in the gibe at the School House bread; while Strong, as the manager of the Bombay Office, was just prevented from lighting a cigarette by a warning that the Head Master did not like smoking. [Day i. strangely failed to see any joke. Coming as he does from near the border, he was allowed the next morning to think it over.] Mr. Whitaker, as the suppressed husband of Mrs. Glibb, had a difficult part: for, though he appeared in most scenes, he spoke but one

172

THE VIGORNIAN.

word. In the presence of his " better half " he was a much hen-pecked creature, but when her back was turned, his antics were cleverly comic. No mere unsophisticated man could have added the finishing touches to the toilette of Miss Dora Hedway. Her beauty won much admiration, while several ladies in the audience are said to have determined to imitate her stylish modes. She or he, if we must confess that it was Harrison, showed no small grace and delicacy. A sweet voice, a winning smile, and a graceful figure, all contributed towards making a charming heroine. We hardly felt safe when Mrs. Glibb appeared first on the stage. A more militantlooking suffragette is hardly possible. We were consoled when our programmes assured us that the law-abiding Spencer was hidden beneath that formidable appearance. Nor did his acting belie his looks. We really felt sorry for poor Mr. Glibb. Rumour avers that a strange suffragette was seen after the performance in the pale purlieus of the Precincts. Of the other female characters, Tree was an admirable old woman, as Mrs. Jedbury. Perhaps he did not chatter as much as is usual: we mean, of course, for'old women. Powell, as Nelly Jedbury, appeared to have grown out of her frocks. Angular shoulders and elbows obtruded: and we wanted to say, " What a big girl you have grown!" The voice did not appear natural. But a creditable attempt was made at a difficult part. Milward was very effective as the pompous Christopher Jedbury, Senior. His massiveness was aldermanic. Sometimes his voice lacked thickness and volume, but his appearance was enough to make any frail son cower. Evans's height and sonorous voice helped to make him a very dignified lackey. Plum, as valet to Jedbury, Junior, was awkwardly dutiful. We liked his wig. Cavenagh was rather a mild major, while Battershill, as the young lawyer,

Tom Bellaby, was somewhat stiff. (It was afterwards explained to us as the result of running so successfully in the Sports.) Strong i., as the Manager of the Bombay House, did not show sufficient strength of character for a successful swindler. He looked very charming. The Headmaster, during the second interval, thanked the various performers and organisers. Omnes omnia optime fecerunt—was his judgment and that of the audience. Our best thanks are given to Mrs. Tower and Miss Gough for their assistance, especially in the dressing and making up: to Mr. George Smith and the orchestra (for whose names we looked in vain on the back of the programme), who played selections during the intervals: to Mr. Nicholls for making some really first-class scenery: to Mr. Lee and Rammell and K. Davies, who acted as stage managers: and to the various boys who cheerfully carried chairs and helped to get the hall ready.

PROGRAMME. " JEDBURY J U N I O R . " A Comedy, in Four Acts. N.B.—The translations have been carefully prepared for the benefit of the Mathematical Masters—and others). Sentiments before the Play :— (i) Those acting for the first time : Ingeniis patuit campus, certusque merenti stat favor.—(Claud. Cons. Mall 262). The field is free to talent; merits' sure of its applause, (ii) The Stage Managers : Ultima semper exspectanda dies homini; dicique beatus Ante obitum nemo supremaque funera debet.— (Ov. M. 3, 135). The approach of your last day always attend, And call none happy till his death and end. (iii) Expected by the audience : Asbestos Gelos.—(Horn Od. vii., 599J. Unquenchable laughter.

THE VIGORNIAN. ACT I.

]edbury, Junior's, Apartments in Town. Fallit enim vitium, specie virtutis et umbra, Quum sit triste habitu, vultuque et veste severum. —(Juv. 14, 109). Vice can deceive, ape virtue's mien and air By sad demeanour, face and dress severe. ACT II. Hall in Jedbury, Senior's, House in Devonshire. Etiam oblivisci quid sis, interdum expedit.— (Syr. 152,). It is sometimes expedient to forget who you are. Interval of Six months (life size). Nil mora parva nocet; nonne est patientia virtus? —(Can. Min.) Patience is a virtue; to wait a little won't hurt you.—(Every man's nurse). ACT III. Bombay. Major He.dway's Bungalow. Ingenium mala saepe movent.—(Ov. A. A. 2, 43J-

Misfortune often quickens genius. ACT IV. The same. Six weeks later. Prospera lux oritur, linguisque animisque favete ! —(Ov. F. i, 71). A happy day is dawning, let your words and thoughts be propitious. Dramatis Personce— Christopher Jedbury, Senior (a self-made man)... H. H. Milward. Mrs. Jedbury (a nervous woman) P. B. Tree. Christopher Jedbury, Junior (their son) Ingenui vultus puer, ingenuique pudoris.—(Juv. xi, 154) A boy as frank and shy as nature can produce. —[Genitive of quality, Loc. Class], Nelly (their daughter) J. G. N. Powell. Whimper (their man-servant) A. W. Gough. Job (valet to Jedbury, Junior) R. B. Plum. Major Hedway (a retired soldier) R. T. Cavenagh. Dora (his niece) E. F. Harrison. Mr. Glibb (President of the Association for Suppression of Juvenile Gambling). Saepe tacens vocem verbaque vultus habet.—(Ov. A.A. «'. S74.)-

Often a silent countenance conveys words and meaning of its own. Mrs. Glibb (his much-better half) J. H. Spencer. Tom Bellaby (a young lawyer) W. D. Battershill. Mr. Simpson (Manager of the Bombay House)... S. D. Strong. Sentiments after the Play :— (a) The Headmaster—Omnes omnia bene fecerunt.—(Ed.) (Translation by Prox. Access, for Second Form Limerick Prize). Chappy made the scenery, George Smith inspired the band; All (except the Deanery) Thought it simply grand.

173

(b) Canon WilsonQuid te vana juvant miserae ludibria chartae?— (Mart. 10, 4, f ) . Why with such silly trash your mind debase? (c) The Stage Managers— Odi profanum vulgus et arceo.—(Hor. C., 3, i, i). I bid the unhallowed crowd avaunt. (d) Those who Trained the Actors— Infelix operam perdas, ut siquis asellum In Campo doceat parentem currere fraenis.— (Hor. S., i, i, 90). "Twere but lost labour, as if one should train A donkey for the course by bit and rein. (e) The Audience— Non hoc ista sibi tempus spectacula poscit.—(Virg. A. 6, 37). The present moment is not one for such exhibitions as those. (f) The Author on his Programme— Quum relego, scripsisse pudet, quia plurima cerno, Me quoque qui feci iudice, digna lini.—(Ov. Ep. i, S, IS)When I read what I've written, I'm often abased, There's so much in my judgment that should be erased.

O.V. Reu>$. N. F. Acton has been appointed junior clerk in the City Accountant's Office, The Guildhall, Worcester. F. W. Bagott has sailed for South Africa to take up a post on a farm devoted to ostriches and horse-breeding. Lieut. F. G. Brodribb, of H.M.S. " Collingwood," has joined the Central Flying School at Upavon, to qualify for an appointment in the naval wing of the Royal Flying Corps, P.S. Beauchamp has accepted an assistant mastership at Gatehouse School, Kingston-onThames. L. F. Burgis has been appointed Second Lieutenant to the 6th (Perthshire) Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). A. K. Chaytor has been appointed Superintendent of the Manichwatte Estate, Dikoya, Ceylon.

'74

THE VIGORNIAN.

C. J. Chaytor, of the Colonial Civil Service, has been posted at Zordia, Northern Nigeria, where he is at present in command of the district. T. E. Clarke now represents Marlborough in gymnastics and was fourth in their competition against Cheltenham. R. E. Davis has sailed for Canada to take up a business post in Toronto. A. G. Davis has been elected a member of the Institution of Municipal and County Engineers. F. C. Davis has obtained 3rd class honours in Classical Moderations at Oxford. The Rev. C. T. Dimont, Vice-principal of Wells Theological College, has been appointed by the Bishop of Salisbury, Principal of Salisbury Theological College. S. J. A. Evans has entered as a choral scholar at King's College, Cambridge. H. Farthing has obtained a post in the Union Bank of Canada at Niuga, Manitoba. S. M. Hawkins, Keble College, Oxford, has passed Moderations and is now reading for honours in History. H. C. B. Jollye has been appointed to Mandla, in the Northern Circle of the Forest Office, Forest Department, Central Office, India. H. J. Kirkby has been appointed assistant clerk on H.M.S. " Blond." T. B. Kennan has been appointed subinspector with a commission in the Basutoland Mounted Police by His Excellency the High Commissioner, Lord Gladstone, of South Africa, having previously passed the South African Civil Service Law Examination and having qualified in the Basuto language. S. Richardson has joined the Behar Light Horse. W. S. Thompson, Queen's Coll., Camb., has obtained honours in the Moral Sciences Tripos, Part I, Class III.

The School was well represented in the Oxford Eights, J. B. Cavenagh rowing bow in the Magdalen boat, F. C. Davis in the Hertford boat, A. J. Mainwaring for Pembroke, and P. W. Worster for St. Edmund's Hall. The engagement is announced of Arthur Philip Bolland, Sudan Civil Service, Cairo, son of the Rev. W. E. Bolland, rector of Denton, Norfolk, formerly headmaster of Worcester Cathedral King's School, and Rosa Jocelyn (Joycie) Waiters, daughter of the Rev. H. J. Watters, vicar of St. James's, Prebend-square, N., and granddaughter of the late Mr. Patrick Watters, of Kilkenny, Ireland.

MARRIAGE. DAVENPORT—LITTLE.—On April i2th, at St. John's, Newport, by the father of the bridegroom, assisted by the Rev. Llewellyn Jones, Vicar, Charles Davenport, M.A., son of the Rev. James Davenport, Rector of Harvington, to Winifred Augusta, daughter of Samuel Little, of Newport.

It may be of use to " Old Boys " who visit or emigrate to Canada, to learn that an association exists in British Columbia entitled the Old Country Public School Boys' Association. The great value of this association is to enable newcomers to obtain reliable information about local conditions and is a means of keeping all Old Country public school boys in touch with each other by occasional meetings and also helping them in other ways. The Secretary of the branch in Victoria, Vancouver Island, is Mr. A. R. Sherwood, P.O. Box 812, Victoria, B.C., who will be glad to be of any assistance to all Old Boys who may visit the Island.

THE VIGORNIAN,

175

Cricket. LIST OF MATCHES. FIRST XI. Opponents.

Date. Where Played. May. Home i Mon. 12. "London Old Vigornians Home f Sat 17 +St John's C C Wed. 21. ... Home Sat. 24. *Malvern College Colts Wed. 28. Sat. 31. K.E.S., Birmingham ... Away June. Wed. 4. *Norton Barracks ... Home ... Away Sat. 7. Malvern College Colts ... W^ed ii Norton Barracks ... Away Sat. 14. Hereford Cathedral School ... Away Wed. 18. Sat. 21. *Dean Close School, Cheltenham ... Home Wed. 25. ... Home Sat. 28. T. E. Rammell Esq.'s XI. July. Wed. 2. TTnmp Sat 5 *Old Vigornians Wed. 9. t Worcestershire Club and Ground ... Away Sat. 12. Dean Close School, Cheltenham ... Away Home Wed. 16. *K.E.S., Birmingham ... Home Sat. 19. "Hereford Cathedral School ... t With Masters. * On these days Mrs. Chappel will be pleased to see Parents and Friends for Tea on the Ground.

Date. May. Sat. 17 Sat. 24. June. Sat. 7. Sat. 14. Sat. 14. Sat. 21. July. Sat. 12. Sat. 19.

Date. May. Sat 31 June.

SECOND XI. Opponents. St John's C.C Malvern College Colts

...

Malvern College Colts Hereford Cathedral School St. John's C.C. 2nd XI. Dean Close School, Cheltenham

Home ... Home ... Away ... Away

Dean Close School, Cheltenham Hereford Cathedral School

Home . . . Away

OTHER FIXTURES. Under 13. Opponents.

Where Played.

Choir School

Wed 1 8 Choir School Sat. 28 Tredennyke July. Sat.

Where Played.

i Q. Tredennvke

Away Away

Score for.

Score against.

Scratched. 47

133 (7)

66

153 (8)

215 ( 7 ) 197 (9) 1 44

167 81 1 79 Scratched.

176

181 (5)

Score for.

Score against.

Scratched 51

243

78

103 Scratched.

154 90

88 162 (9)

Away

62 (7)

45

Awav Away Awav

19 62

129 55

Home' ... Awav

i76

THE VIGORNIAN.

THE SCHOOL v. MALVERN COLLEGE COLTS. Played on our ground on Saturday, May 24th. This was our first match, and lack of practice owing to heavy floods at the end of the holidays may be reasonably offered as an excuse for the heavy defeat which we suffered. Our opponents, going in first, made 133 for seven wickets, and then declared during the tea interval, leaving us reasonable time to get the required runs. We failed miserably, however, and were all out for 47, of which two 9's were the top scores. THE SCHOOL v. K.E.S. BIRMINGHAM. We won the toss, and went in first. The batting was most disappointing. Only J. G. S. Thomas seemed to have any idea of coping with the bowling, and though Rammell was out very unluckily, and Warren made a few runs in a very scratchy style, the innings as a whole was a very dismal spectacle, and the umpire the School took wished that there were a convenient grave that he might bury the whole team in, and stamp on it afterwards. The bowling was a little better, and Brocklehurst was very steady and difficult to make anything of, but the catching was very uncertain, and the ground-fielding poor. Few members of the School seem to have any idea of anticipating the batsman's stroke, and of preventing a run being scored off it. Anybody can field decently, if he will only take the trouble to try, and if only every fieldsman felt that he was as much concerned in getting the other side out as the bowlers, we should have much smaller scores made against us, and should win many more matches. A team which gives nothing away in the field can afford to make fewer than 100 almost every time. As it was, we were badly beaten. THE SCHOOL v. NORTON BARRACKS. Played on the School ground on Wednesday,

June 4th. The Barracks went in first, but we got them out fairly cheaply, until Lieut. Heymann, hitting very hard, soon knocked up fiftysix, his score including three sixes. Their innings finally closed for 167. When the School went in, the prospects of reaching that total seemed small, since our first three men were out for a total of 15. Thomas ii., however, at this critical moment, played an excellent innings. He was joined soon by Kenyon-Davies, who also hit well. Together they carried the total to 103, when Thomas was caught for a useful innings of 42. The School soon passed the Barracks' total, and when stumps were drawn our score stood at 217 for seven wickets. Quin had made 40, and Kenyon-Davies' contribution was 83, which, coupled with the fact that he took six of our opponents' wickets, constituted an excellent all-round performance. NORTON. Major C. H. Palmer c Warren b Kenyon-Davies Qr.-Mr.-Sergt. Prattinton run out ... ... Qr.-Mr.-Sergt. Woodman b Kenyon-Davies ... Capt. W. L. Newcombe b Kenyon-Davies ... Capt. A. S. Nesbitt b Kenyon-Davies ... ... Lieut. R. Heymann c Aldana b Kenyon-Davies Col.-Sergt. Key b Powell ............... Capt. E. Phelips c Aldana b Brocklehurst ... Dr. Percival b Kenyon-Davies ............ Corpl. Howse b Brocklehurst ... ... ... Col.-Sergt. Stockton not out ............ Extras ... ... ... ... Total

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

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

WORCESTER. Aldana c Corpl. Howse b Capt. Phelips ......... Thomas, J. G. S. b Major Palmer ... ... ... Rammell run out ... ... ... ... ... ... Thomas, T. S. c Major Palmer b Lieut. Heymann ... Kenyon-Davies c Corpl. Howse b Capt. Phelips ... Powell b Capt. Phelips ............... Quin c Major Palmer b Corpl. Howse ......... Warren not out ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Fosbrooke ~\ V Did not no bat. Brocklehurst Plum j Extras Total

14 9 n 4 15 56 6 9 o 10 8 25 167 5 3 3 42 83 20 40 o

177

THE VIGORNIAN. THE SCHOOL v. MALVERN COLLEGE COLTS. This match, which was played at Malvern on Saturday, June /th, resulted in an easy victory for the School. Malvern Colts, going in first, were dismissed for the small total of 81. Brocklehurst bowled really well, and his six wickets were taken at a very small cost. Two of their men helped us considerably by running themselves out. When we went in, Aldana quickly knocked up 51, and when his wicket fell we were quite near their total, which we finally passed with eight wickets in hand. When stumps were drawn we were 197 for nine wickets, having thoroughly avenged the defeat which we had suffered from Malvern a fortnight before. MALVERN COLLEGE COLTS. Bibby run out Stone b Brocklehurst Todd b Brocklehurst Clery run out Naumann c Kenyon-Davies b Brocklehurst Capes c Quin b Kenyon-Davies ... Brownjohn not out ... Crompton c Aldana b Brocklehurst Sweet-Escott run out Burton c Kenyon-Davies b Brocklehurst Hamat c Quin b Brocklehurst Extras

5 21 O

J

9 S 4 10 2

4 i

NORTON. Major C. H. Palmer b Kenyon-Davies ... ... ... Lieut. Northey b Sinnet-Jones ... ... ... ... Lieut. Graham b Kenyon-Davies ... ... ... Major Sykes c Brocklehurst b Plum Capt. Phelips c T. S. Thomas b Brocklehurst Capt. Nesbitt c J. G. S. Thomas b Kenyon-Davies ... Qr.-Mr.-Sergt. Prattinton l.b.w. b Kenyon-Davies ... Capt. Watson c T. S. Thomas b Brocklehurst ... ... Capt. Newcombe c Plum b Brocklehurst ... ... Corpl. Howse not out ... ... ... ... ... Lce.-Corpl. Reynolds c J. G. S. Thomas b Kenyon... ... ... ... ... ... Davies Extras Total

8 32 4 48 31 14 i I 16 2 2 20 179

WORCESTER.

THE SCHOOL.

Total

The return match was played on Wednesday, June nth. The Barracks put a strong team in the field, including eight officers, obviously with the intention of avenging their, former defeat. We lost the toss and started well by getting two wickets down for some 15 runs. Lieut. Northey (32) and Major Sykes (48) soon raised the total to 80, and helped by 31 from Capt. Phelips, their innings closed for 179. Aldana began our innings well with 64, 56 of which he made in boundaries; Kenyon-Davies added a useful 30, but the rest of the team failed, and the innings closed for 144, or 35 behind the required total.

4

Total

Aldana b Capes Thomas, J. G. S. b Capes Rammell b Capes Thomas, T. S., c Sweet-Escott b Stone ... Kenyon-Davies l.b.w. b Crompton ... Powell l.b.w. b Capes . ... Quin b Capes Carless not out Warren b Stone Fosbrooke c Hamat b Todd Brocklehurst not out Extras

SCHOOL v. NORTON BARRACKS.

...

si 37 o 12 IO 10

...

...

3 32 23 i 6 12

197

Aldana c and b Corpl. Howse ... ... ... Thomas, J. G. S., l.b.w. b Capt. Phelips , ; Kenyon-Davies c Capt. Nesbitt tt Major Sykes ... Thomas, T. S., c Lieut. Northey b Corpl. Howse Rammell c Lieut. Northey b Corpl. Howse ... Carless b Major Sykes ... ... ... ... Quin b Major Sykes ... ... ... ... Warren c Major Palmer b Major Sykes ... Brocklehurst c and b Corpl. Howse ... ... Plum not out ... ... ... ... ... Sinnet-Jones b Major Sykes ... ... ... Extras ... ... ... ... Total

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

64 7 30 2 o 3 12 4 2 10 o 10 144

THE

VIGORNIAN.

flibiettc sports, i<m. Our annual Sports were held this year on April 7th and 8th. They had originally been fixed for the 2nd and 5th, but owing to the floods we were obliged to postpone them. It seemed at one time, indeed, that it would be impossible to run them on our own field, but we refused to give up hope, and were eventually rewarded by holding them on the cricket field on the last Monday and Tuesday of the term. The weather, fortunately, was fine, but the strong wind which was blowing and the somewhat soft state of the ground combined to make the times rather worse than those of previous years. The entries were considerably smaller than usual, but this was due to a large extent to the prevalence of sickness throughout the School. For the first time we tried a new scheme of allotting points for the House Challenge Shield, which had been drawn up by the Games Committee. Points for handicap races were abolished and all points were awarded on the merits of the races, irrespective of the number of competitors. We are glad to be able to state that the scheme gave every satisfaction. The Shield was carried off by the School House, to whose success Battershill contributed a large share: winning the Senior Victor Ludorum with a score of 34 points, he proved himself to be quite the best individual entrant. The Junior Victor was won by Gough, who beat Brett i. by £ point. At the conclusion of the Sports on Tuesday, the prizes were distributed at the pavilion by Mrs. Wilson, whom we would like to take this opportunity of thanking for her kindness. ioo YARDS (OPEN). Winner, Battershill; 2nd, Wiggin; 3rd, Ward. Time, ii 2-5secs. Battershill obtained a good start and won easily, beating Wiggin by three feet. QUARTER-MILE (OPEN). Winner, Battershill; 2nd, Mayo and Rammell (a tie).

Time, 62 sees. Mayo at once took the lead, which he held until the pavilion was reached. Here Battershill overhauled him and eventually won an exciting race by six feet. HALF-MILE (OPEN). Winner, Mayo; 2nd, Battershill; 3rd, Aldana. Time, 2 mins. 5 sees. Battershill at once set the pace and led for the first lap, with Aldana and Mayo in close attendance. Mayo then spurted and took the lead, finishing about twelve feet in front of Battershill, with Aldana following in close succession. ONE MILE (OPEN). Winner, Thomas i. ; 2nd, Aldana; 3rd Mayo. Time, 5 mins. 28 sees. There was a record number of entries for this race, thirty-six running. Aldana at once took the lead, followed closely by Mayo, Rammell and Kenyon-Davies. At the end of the third lap Aldana was still leading, while Thomas i. occupied the third place. Thomas gradually caught up and overtook Aldana by the pavilion, maintaining his lead till the finish. HIGH JUMP (OPEN). Winners, Thomas ii. and Battershill (a tie); 3rd, Hamilton. Height 4ft. Sin. Not a very good jump, though both had done considerably better in practice. LONG J U M P (OPEN). Winner, Hamilton ; 2nd, K. Davies ; 3rd, Battershill and Ward (a tie). Distance i8ft. Hamilton jumped well and won easily. THROWING THE CRICKET BALL (OPEN). Winner, Aldana; 2nd, Hamilton; 3rd, Warren i. Distance 84yds. 2ft. 4ins. Not a very good throw, but this was to a great extent due to the wind that was blowing at the time. THREEQUARTER-MILE (UNDER 16). Winner, Warren i. ; 2nd, Thomas ii. ; 3rd, Beale and Nind (a tie). Time 4 mins. 8 3-5 sees. Warren soon established a substantial lead, which he maintained until near the end of the last lap. Here Thomas ii. made a good spurt and reduced his lead to two feet, though he just failed to overtake him. 100 YARDS (UNDER 15). Winner, Gough; 2nd, Smith. Time 12 2-5secs. event proved an easy victory for Gough.

This

HIGH J U M P (UNDER 15). Winners, Watkins i. and Brett i. (a tie); 3rd, Smith. Height 4ft. 2ins. Not a very good jump. LONG JUMP (UNDER 15). Winner, Brett i. ; 2nd, Smith. Distance I3ft. 5ins. A close competition, though the standard of jumping was not high.

THE VIGORNIAN. THROWING THE CRICKET BALL (UNDER 15). Winner, Gough; 2nd, Warren ii. HALF-MILE (UNDER 14). Winner, Thomas iii. ; 2nd, Bowstead ii. ; 3rd, Bradley. Time, 2mins. 5osecs. Thomas iii. ran well and won an exciting race from Bowstead ii. by three feet. 100 YARDS (UNDER 13). Winner, Lewis iii. ; 2nd, Thomas iii. ; 3rd, Adlington ii. Time i4secs. A close finish. Lewis ran well. 100 YARDS (UNDER ii). Winner, Spackman ; 2nd, Edmonds. Time i$secs. The entry for this race was small and Spackman won easily. ONE MILE BICYCLE RACE HANDICAP. Winner, Cavenagh; 2nd, Richards ; 3rd, Day ii. Time 3min. 55secs. Cavenagh, who started scratch, rode well and won an easy victory. QUARTER-MILE HANDICAP (UNDER 15). Winner, Lewis iii. ; 2nd, Thomas iii. ; 3rd, Gough. Time 67 2-5secs. Lewis ran pluckily and just succeeded in finishing before Thomas, who had beaten him in his heat on the previous day. OLD VIGORNIANS' RACE (120 YARDS). Winner, J. Nash. There were only three entries for this race, which proved an easy victory for Nash. CONSOLATION RACE (OPEN). Winner, Downes. CONSOLATION RACE (UNDER 15). Winner, Seeker. In the Tugs-of-war the School House were beaten by the Castle House, who were a much heavier lot, while the Hostel were beaten by the Day Boys. The Castle House then beat the Day Boys after a hard struggle. The positions of the various Houses in the Challenge Shield were as follows :— Points. ist School House 71 2nd Day Boys ... ... ... ... 41 3rd Castle House ... ... ... ... 36 4th Hostel 21

KetcD Run. The Ketch Run took place on Wednesday, April 2nd, being postponed from the previous Monday on account of the muddy state of the tow-path. As it was, it was run in the pouring rain, and the course by the river was practically impossible. The entry was a small one, owing

179

to the fact that as it was a handicap race no points could be gained for the Challenge Shield. The following gained the first four places:— 1st Warren i. 2nd Warren ii. 3rd Battershill. 4th Adlington ii. Warren i. ran well and beat Warren ii. by 2 mins. His time, considering the adverse conditions, was good. Adlington ii. also ran very pluckily.

O.C.C. On May I3th, we marched to Old Hills and worked out a little scheme. Section I. and Junior Squad formed a picket on high ground to the west of the Powick-Upton main road. The picket was attacked by the remainder of the company under the command of Mr. Board. The attack developed somewhat slowly, but was carried out well on the whole. Eventually the picket retreated to the extreme west of the common, where they were almost surrounded by the attackers by the time cease fire sounded. Nearly the whole company took part in this miniature field-day, and as it was a good 4! miles each way, the smaller boys especially are to be congratulated on their marching powers. It was gratifying that no one had to succumb to a tempting motor 'bus at Callow End. The band assisted our footsteps as far as Powick bridge on the outward journey and through the suburbs of the city on our return. # * * On May 2Qth, the contingent, 75 strong, took part in an interesting Field Day near Leominster. We formed part of a white force, which was ordered to capture and hold a piece of high ground called Bircher Common, The

THE VIGORNIAN. King's School Company were fortunate in being told off to form the advance guard, a piece of work which was quite realistically carried out. We got into touch with the enemy on the outskirts of some very difficult country, through which he was driven back gradually. At this stage of the fighting, the company got very much separated, but the section commanders carried out the spirit of their instructions quite well. There was then a pause in the fighting. The enemy was concentrating on Bircher Common and the main body of the white force moved against him up a long winding valley. A final attack was just beginning at the top of Bircher Common when the cease fire sounded. By the time certain wandering sheep had been collected it was 4 p.m., and the train was due to leave Woofferton at 5.10. The distance from the station was variously estimated by bucolic wellwishers at from three to five miles. Consequently we had quite an exciting march against time, which everyone endured remarkably well. In the end we reached the station exactly at 5.10, and finding to our relief that the train had been put back 40 minutes, we were rejoiced at the thought of being able to have tea after all, a possibility which had grown very faint in the minds of some of us. The tea, when we found it, was rather milkless, but still it was wet. We did not get back to College Green till 8.45. Before dismissal, the band played the " Last Post," and very well too, considering the hard work which they had had during the day. * * » EMPIRE DAY. The Corps was reviewed on Empire Day by Admiral Cuming. After the inspection, the Corps marched through Edgar Tower into the Green. There it was drawn up opposite the flag-staff. After saluting the flag, the Admiral gave a short address.

He said that Empire Day was instituted to try and foster the spirit of patriotism. Some people did not understand the meaning of thai word. It meant not only loving one's country, but doing one's duty toward it, and the country had a right to expect that. He had the privilege of knowing the King when he was a lieutenant in the Navy. He was loved and honoured by every man in the Navy, not merely because he was a great sailor, or because he was full of zeal, but for the great consideration he always had for those under him. The speaker wanted them, when they left school and went out into the world, some he hoped into the Army and Navy, and others into civilian business, to do their best to try and remember those three qualities, and especially the last one—consideration for those under them. Since he (the speaker) joined the Navy in 1866 great changes had taken place. He could assure them that the great spirit of determination to overcome the difficulties brought about by this always had been and always would be in the hearts of the sailors of this country. A few years ago, however, other countries had practically no navies at all. Now they saw countries building up strong fleets, one in particular having one that could equal or even surpass their own. Their land was threatened, and it behoved every Englishman to be up and doing, and to realise his individual responsibility. It was the duty of each one of them to take part in the defence of their great Empire. If they were going to do that duty and hand down to those who came after them the glorious traditions they had inherited they must wake up. The colonies had set a splendid example. Let them follow that example. They who were in the O.T.C. were doing their duty. They were showing a splendid example of patriotism. It was for those in that to try and persuade others to take their share. They must keep pegging away until they got a Government that was honest and bold enough to make compulsory military training the law of the land. It must come if they were to hold their proud position among the nations of the world. Surely if a country was worth living in it was worth fighting for. The day of battle would be too late to do their learning. They must do it now there was time. Capt. Lee, on behalf of the O.T.C., thanked Admiral Cuming for his address, and the Admiral, in reply, said that it was a very sad feeling to him to think how Empire Day was not kept in this country. In their colonies millions were keeping the day, and yet in Worcester he could see hardly a flag flying. He thought it was awful.

o.cc. Rotes. The Shooting Team are to be congratulated on again securing second place in the " Country Life " Competition. All members of the team practiced energetically, but a special measure of praise is due to Lance-Corpl. Rammell, who

THE VIGORNIAN. showed his usual keenness in keeping things going. * * * The annual Government Inspection by Major M. F. M. Meiklejohn, V.C., took place on the cricket field at 11.30 a.m. on Friday, June 2oth. The report was very satisfactory. * * * The Contingent is going into Camp at Tidworth on Monday, July 28th, and will remain there till August ;th. * # * Promotions this term : — Cpl. Battershill to be Lance-Sergeant. Band-Cpl. Powell to be Band-Sergeant. Lance-Cpl. Strong to be Band-Corporal. * # * The Shooting Team are practising with a view to the Imperial Challenge Shield at the end of June. * * * The Section Competition is on July 3rd. The result is expected to be a close one and much enthusiasm is being shown among the sections. * * *

Shooting. The Shooting VIII. again distinguished themselves in the " Country Life" competition, being for the second year runners-up to Trent College, who again carried off the cup. The competition was fired in March. There were three parts, and the range was 25 yards, (i) Grouping at a bull's-eye, for which 100 was possible; (2) Rapid 10 shots in 60 sees, at an O.T.C. Instructional figure target, for which 200 was possible; (3) Landscape target, for which l| mins. were allowed for describing and firing three rounds at a certain object on the picture of a landscape. The following were the scores. We were this time 40 behind the leaders.

181

TRENT. Grouping Rapid Landscape target

90 196 225

Total WORCESTER. Grouping Rapid Landscape target Total

75 191 210

476

CD* Inside of a Week Cycling Cour In H.€. France. Being invited to make the fifth of a party bent upon seeking exercise, change of food and manner of life, I said good-bye to my bath sponge and took a return ticket to Amiens. This was my first mistake, and leads me to suggest a few rules for those considering the possibility of cycling in France. The mistake alluded to did not consist in leaving the bath sponge behind, for it would have been useless,—a bath being still less common in French hotels than aeroplanes at Worcester. It was the return ticket that was wrong. If one would get the best' cycling tour, one should take a single ticket to some good centre and decide the tour each morning according to the wind, returning at the end of one's allotted time from the nearest port. But here are the general rules :— (i.) The less luggage one takes, the- happier one feels. Cycles are human and resent over-burdening. There is always a theory that one can " expeMier " baggage by Grande vitesse, but like many theories and sermons, it is very rarely put into practice ; and if it is, well then one prepares to sleep without one's usual comforts. (ii.) Take with you soap, spare straps and string. Soap to wash with (it is still rare abroad) : spare straps, for they are frequently stolen ; and string to secure your mudguard stays, which will undoubtedly be shaken to bits by the vile pav£ that breaks your heart as you try to ride through any French village or town. (Pav^ = irregular stone blocks arranged on the principle of a mountain range with frequent valleys and ravines.) (iii.) Join the C.T.C.—or you will have difficulty in getting your cycle through the French customs—and do not forget to get their special ticket which will enable you to obtain a " permit de circulation " for 6d. at Calais, Boulogne, Dieppe, or wherever you land.

182

THE VIGORNIAN.

(iv.) There is a tradition that English gold is accepted anywhere. The tradition is founded upon fact, for it will pass in any big town, but it is quite useless to offer an English io/- bit at a wayside caf£ and expect " mine host " to give you 12 francs change after you and your friend have had a " syrop de citronnade avec eau de seltz et un tout petit peu de Kirsch." (N.B.—This is a first class drink when you're thirsty, and can always be obtained. The Kirsch just cancels the over-sweetness. Experto crede.) Hence Rule iv. must be. Remember to change enough money to carry you through to the next big town. This needs great care, as one must not change too much. It is a great thing to arrive back at your port of departure with as little French money as possible, because you lose heavily on the exchange from French to English. (v.) Take care to buy road maps before you start, of any districts through which you may be likely to cycle. The " carte routiere " is rarely obtainable in France, and the roads are not so easily found as people say. (Vide—" The man who took the wrong turning," below.) The C.T.C. have the very best foreign maps and they tell you all sorts of things. Also they have hotel guides—invaluable if you do not want to be landed " ankle deep in the consomm^e.) Well, we got to Amiens, and left our bikes in the " Consigne " (cloak room) whilst we went to see the cathedral. No one who has not been abroad knows how jolly it is to be in such entirely new surroundings. Everything is so different. The cathedral is a I3th century building, and as I had heard that it is supposed to be the highest point of Gothic architecture, I was prepared for a thrill of delight. Somehow it failed. Whether it was my hopeless lack of architectural education or the fact that we had to pay 4 francs 50 for dejeuner in the train, I don't know. The fact remained that I couldn't get the thrill. The choir stalls are wonderful. (See Ruskin, The Bible of Amiens, chapter iv., §5.) It took six to eight men fourteen years to carve them and they received £400, i.e., about 2jd. each per day, inclusive of the oak. (Editor is not quite certain as to the mathematical accuracy of this—but then what can you expect from Set E?) One realizes readily that there were no Trades Unions in the i6th century, when the carving was done. There is one thing which may help to account for the writer's lack of thrill—especially when one first goes into a French cathedral. It is the awful contrast between the magnificent stone work, and the tawdry, vulgar, cheap paint and dusty imitation flowers which jar upon every sense of taste and the beautiful. As one knelt to pray for reunion, one seemed to be asking a very hard thing, for how can we worship together on earth in one building when some of us feel that everything in the church which is modern seems a wicked sacrilege? The writer is not complaining about ornaments, but he does feel, and feel intensely, that if there are to be ornaments, flowers, pictures, and painting, they must be good, real, and in keeping with the temple they are meant to adorn.

Candles to the various saints abounded. " Poor mistaken men and women " do you say? " Far better spend the money upon the poor or the extension of Christ's Kingdom." True! But remember those who spend their money upon candles to saints are also far ahead of Anglicans in their donations to the work of the Church abroad. Moreover, one could wish that our people were more in the habit of giving "thank offerings." Yes! I could almost have paid for a candle to St. Peter myself that afternoon in gratitude for the lesson of devotion set by the many humble Roman Catholics. No, my Protestant friend, I did not. It is all right. I gave my contribution to the beggar at the cathedral door instead. Ruskin says you may. But we must leave Amiens, remembering carefully that the rule of the road is different and that one must keep to the right. We intended to sample our cycles for 14^ miles, and catch the 19.38 train from Conty to Beauvais, where we had booked rooms at the Hotel de France et de I'Angleterre— but no such luck. The younger members of the party (my father and baby sister) had got a bit ahead, and we three were wearily shoving along | of a kilometre behind. Indeed another sister seemed after about seven miles to be lagging badly—her ankle had been hurt in getting out of the train at Amiens. She had forgotten that the platforms are nowhere near the trains in France ! At about nine miles we two waited till she came up and found her complaining of something uncomfortable about her back wheel. She had noticed it for several miles. I turned as pale as ashes (with apologies to W. le Q.}—she had been riding for miles upon the rims. Five miles to go—no house in sight—beginning to rain—a ruined tyre ! A message went on by the third cyclist to the others to await us, and I tried to mend the wreck. It was useless. After three unavailing removals of the cover we gave up hope of catching the train, and walked in the rain to the nearest village, where we ordered white wine and an omelette. Monsieur Cornette, at the Caf6 de L'Agriculture, Loenilly, had a son who managed to keep enough air in the tube for us to get on to Conty, by the aid of Chinese lanterns pro cyclelamps. There, on enquiry at the station, we found that three Anglais had been there, but they had not taken the train to Beauvais. They had gone to the Hotel d'Amiens in the village. So we all met again, we two being greeted as long lost travellers, for whom a police search and an automobile were just about to be ordered. Now Conty is an important place in the local estimation. It is the head of a Canton. There are two hotels in the " commune " and we were told that they were really first class. Suffice it to say that we were not at all sorry to be alive next day, and that only two of the party had bronchial attacks from damp beds. Oh that tyre! There was a local cycle shop where they charged us much money, moved the valve and everything else. But even so, the tyre was flat before we were clear of the village. Sending on the two who had outstripped us the evening before, we three returned to buy a new Michelin. The others were to await us five miles out. At last we left

THE VIGORNIAN. Conty, but we did not meet them. On we treadled to Creve-coeur, 123 miles—but they were not there, and we gathered they had lost their way. We had no map, but borrowed one in our best French from a fellow-luncher, and had bets (no money of course !) on which wrong turning they had taken. They arrived just as we finished dejeuner, having waited half-an-hour for us five miles out on the wrong road, and having cycled about twenty miles ! it was our turn to " smile and smile and be " sympathetic. The ride from Creve-coeur to Beauvais was glorious—about 14 miles, nearly all down hill. For some miles out we had seen the cathedral—just a choir and transept, but the highest cathedral in the world. A glorious I3th century fragment, never finished—" Pas de sous " (the garrulous caretaker told me) being the reason for its unfinished state. Amiens had failed, but Beauvais gave me the thrill—what is it? 200 feet high from floor to groining ! But even here, in the middle of the wonderful interior, as one looked up, one saw that some wretch having a pot of 6d. blue enamel had left his wicked mark upon an otherwise perfect " ciel." They were very nice to us at the hotel (good and cheap) and made no fuss or expense over our not turning up the night before. The next morning (Wednesday) we went over the tapestry factory. What patience and beauty! I made a joke in French to one of the workers. He was very kind indeed and laughed heartily. (Wild horses would not drag the joke from me !) It was a glorious day and we cycled against the wind about 36 miles to Compiegne. The Hotel de la Cloche is expensive but distinctly good. The town is charming, though one cannot, so to speak, lay one's finger on the charm. We did not examine the Royal residence, which is now a museum (I hate museums), but just took a few photos and meditated upon the capture here of Jeanne D'Arc in 1430. Compiegne stands in the centre of a vast forfet—once the royal hunting ground. We cycled through about seven miles of it on the Thursday morning—again glorious. The forest was carpetted with bluebells, and even more so with abundance of lilies of the valley just breaking into bud. How we did wish it was a fortnight later ! Twenty-five miles' steady grind against a growing wind brought us to Soissons—I2th century cathedral, and nth century abbey (ruined). We had little time to spare, as lunch was an urgent necessity, and the train was leaving at 12.28. We only reached the station six minutes before it was due to leave, and one would think that they had never heard of such a rush ! The ticket official told us it could not possibly be done. They put every difficulty in our way, and it really taxed our French to explain what we thought of them. However, I charged men who tried to stop my progress and got the cycles (unregistered) into the train and they went all right. And so we went to Reims by train—far the best way of cycling if the wind is against you. The first thing we did

was to visit the "Caves Pommery." The vaults go some ten miles underground, all filled with millions of bottles of the best champagne. I dipped my fingers in it at the bottling hall—it was quite all right. At dinner that night we " bio wed the expense " and got a bottle of Veuve Pommery, and it was perfect! Then a visit to S. R£my (i2th century), dark and glorious. There lies the Saint Remigius who baptized Clovis, King of the Franks and his men in 496 A.D. But the Cathedral of Reims—that is what we really came to see. Do not, if you go there, worry about the west front with its 600 statues (though it is supposed to be the finest west front on earth). Do not bother about the magnificent tapestry, nor the clock with its moving figures, nor the fictitious flask of holy oil supposed to have been brought by a dove from Heaven to St. Remigius for Clovis' baptism. (The flask was smashed to atoms by a revolutionist in 1793, but reappeared (ut dicunt) at the coronation of Charles X in 1825). I say, do not let these things be your study at Reims, but spend all your time looking at the colouring of the glass. There is a flame coloured rose window of the I3th century at the west end which is worth all the stained glass I have seen in England put together. But it is not only that rose window—but almost every stained light in the building is worth sitting before for all the time you have to spare. As we left the Hotel du Commerce next morning (Friday) we passed the Gallo-Roman " Porta Martis," a fine old triumphal arch of the 3rd century. The last day of riding was almost without incident-^4& miles. Laon, the great fortress, stands up well as you approach it from the south east, or as you leave it going north west. But for all its historic interest, it would be nothing were it not for its great i2th century cathedral— with the crudely beautiful glass of its east window in the setting of warm white stone, of which the cathedral is built. Do not take your cycle up the hill to Laon : leave it at the bottom and go up by train ! The ride down is not worth the toil up. Talking of trains—we went 16 miles on from Laon and entrained for Amiens, where we arrived (after three hours in a slow train) at 8.43 p.m., ready for the return to London the next day. Perhaps of all the incidents with which our short week was crowded, not one stands out with such vividness as the unpleasant two hours from Boulogne to Folkestone. More need hardly be said.

fl Corner of empire on lttu> year's Dap, 1913, How the days lengthen! There was bright sunlight streaming through the chiks when the bearer brought seven o'clock tea.

184

THE VIGORNIAN.

It was very pleasant to lie watching " the snows," some eighty miles away, gleaming under the sun behind a foreground of ranges from 6,000 feet upwards—ranges of browns and purples, with dashes of vivid green much nearer where the young rice is showing brightly on the narrow tiers of terraced cultivation. There are sounds from the bath-room of the pani-wala's arrival: the grating of the indispensable kerosene-tin in which the water has been heated, at extravagant expense of wood, by simply having a fire of chur (pine) built around it—the tin ! By the way, what would India do without its kerosene-tins ? either plain or with soldered adjuncts, or enamelled, or blacked, or flattened out, they serve, amongst other purposes, as water-cans, boilers, wateriw^-cans, shrub-tubs, umbrella-stands, coal-boxes, roofing. A person who could make a " corner " in kerosenetins would paralyse domestic life in India and (perhaps) make a fortune. Meanwhile Khim Singh has been laying-out, of his own accord, my " colob-cupre "—meaning the tidy suit I wear to the club after tea: sometimes he calls it fanch-bage cupre (five o'clock clothes). He wants me to be smart. For to-day is a Great Day in Military India, a sort of Declaration of Allegiance Day, and he knows that the Sahib is going to The Parade after breakfast. And one wants breakfast, too, for now the morning air is keen and frosty, although by ten o'clock it won't be safe to walk in the sun without a topi. * # # As I go down the drive, " under the deodars," the youngest subaltern joins me, in subdued splendour of black uniform, much black millinery and leather, some silver, slung sword, jingling spurs, white topi (which has taken the place of the black helmet since the King's suggestion at Delhi. He wants to look in at the club: so down

the deodar drive, turn to the right, into the garden of the " Justice House." At the gate a huge tree, a mass of brilliant purple blossom, is shedding frost-nipped blooms as a gorgeous doormat. The frost does not seem to do much harm to the garden; all round the newly-whitewashed bungalow the Marechal Niels are flowering vigorously; the beds are bright with real old English scented stocks and hollyhocks and nasturtiums, poppies, narcissi, and " all those sort of things," and the sweet peas have already been promoted to sticks. Down the steps, past the graceful bamboo clumps and the palms, to the Club to glance at the Pioneer, that edition of it which we get up here on Wednesdays, a sheet like a " galleyslip, with its grey 3-pies stamp sticking to it ": " Terrible weather in the English Channel: more ships put back: Turkey refuses to ." Oh, we can read about Turkey later; come on! Down the ramp to the Parade Ground, baked and scorching, framed on three sides in assorted sizes and colours of mountain, up through greens, browns, purples and greys to " snows "—eternal snows. On the Parade Ground those of the Battalion who remain " in residence " are lined up, all in their best clothes too, in charge of a Native Officer who calls the men to attention and " hands them over " to my companion. Now we are waiting for the only other British Officer in the Station, a young and very popular Captain, who as remaining Senior Officer is " Warden of the Fort." The Union flag is standing in a small ropedin enclosure; fore and aft are the foot-high marking flags. One minute to ten. Here comes the C.O., even more bright and beautiful than his junior; more silver flashing; medals too— South Africa. The Subaltern advances with drawn sword at " the carry " to meet his captain: salutes

185

THE VIGORNIAN. exchanged, each after his sort. Junior reports " strength on parade " 43 files and one Native Officer and hands them over. A few preliminaries and the Warden of the Fort begins—" Ord-er arms !" " Feu de joie !" (He doesn't like pronouncing French so loud as that; first word such an awkward one too! Why can't we have an English command to use out here, and at home too ?) " Load—present —commence ": and there follows the usual succession of cracklings. " Unload " (though there isn't anything to unload!) " Ord-er arms " and so on to " Three Cheers for His Majesty the King-Emperor!" The merry funny-featured little chaps from Nepal wave their caps on their rifles: the officers struggle with their chain-and-strap-encumbered topis and wave too, and the cheering is well performed. A minute later the men are marching round the ground, marvellously, machinely accurate in every step and turn, past the Saluting Point —and the flag is left alone in its little fence and the men are disappearing down the steps to the Lines. The young officer and the very young officer come across and join us for a few minutes, and then go off to change into their usual " Shorts " —very Shorts—and Khaki, after asking us to imagine what their full-dress uniform must have felt like at Delhi, where they had some days to stand in it from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. A. P. W. D. Engineer asks me to come to the gaol and see the new gallows which he is building, and the Parade is deserted, save for the emblem of That Which has been Duty Honoured—the Flag—fenced in—nowhere more strongly and loyally fenced in than here. WILLIAM WHEELER, O.V. [The Editors are always glad to receive articles for publication from O.V.'s.]

Debating Socldp. There was a meeting of the Society on Wednesday, February iQth, 1913, when Mr. Battershill was elected to the chair. Mr. Kenyon-Davies called the chairman's notice to the fact that the rule, by which no person below the Fourth should vote, had been violated. The Chairman announced that the rule would be enforced in future. He then' called on Mr. Evans to move that " In the opinion of this house the belief in supernatural manifestations is eminently practical." The speaker treated the matter scientifically, and was rather too scientific to be convincing. His speech, though sound, did not sufficiently descend to the level of the unscientific part of the audience. Mr. Kenyon-Davies opposed and objected to the wording of the motion. His speech was more adapted to the level of his audience, and he showed the evil influence of Mediums and of Spiritualism. HQ^. also c_^ objected to the belief in ghosts on the ground that the Bible prohibited intercourse with spirits, as in the case of Saul and the Witch of Endor. His speech, to use the next speaker's phrase, " was sound rather than convincing." Mr. Whitaker supported Mr. Evans, and gave a very interesting account of a ghost which he said that he had seen. His speech was both sound and convincing. He admitted that several of the points of the opposer were true, but he argued that the evidence in favour of ghosts was very strong. Mr. Board supported Mr. Kenyon-Davies. He, like Mr. Evans, treated the matter scientifically, though from a different point of view. His speech was convincing, but to the unmathematical mind was rather hard to follow in places. From the House, Mr. Baxter made a very amusing speech against the motion, and doubtlessly won a large number of votes for his side. The Secretary and Mr, Battershill (vacating the

186

THE VIGORNIAN.

chair pro temp.) spoke respectively for and against the motion, each producing anecdotes to support their views. On the House dividing, the motion was lost by 19 votes to 26. The meeting was then adjourned. A meeting of the Society was held on Monday, March 3rd, when Mr. Denton was elected to the chair and called on the Secretary to move that " In the opinion of this House the rapid growth of Picture Palaces in this country is a menace to the well-being of the Community !" The speaker prefaced his remarks by saying that he did not wish to prevent any present member from going to Picture Palaces. He said that on the young mind of the class, who frequented these shows, the pictures had a tendency to exercise an upsetting and exciting force. They stimulated crime. He compared them to the love of the Circus at Rome. Mr. Powell opposed the motion, and said that the pictures were better than cheap melodrama. The Town Councils could refuse to renew the licenses if the pictures were objectionable. Mr. Cavenagh supported the Secretary, and said that besides the influence of the pictures on the mind, the atmosphere was likely to cause disease. They kept people from enjoying fresh air. Mr. Battershill supported Mr. Powell, and showed their superiority over low Music Halls. Moreover, he said, the educational pictures were most useful and instructive. . From the House, Messrs. Spencer and Evans spoke against the motion. On the House dividing, the motion was lost by 2 votes to 23. The meeting was then adjourned.

There was a meeting of the Society on Monday, March 24th, 1913, when the Headmaster took the chair, and called on the Secretary to move that " In the opinion of this House the extension of the Franchise to women would be most undesirable." The speaker showed that the extension of the Franchise would probably lead to adult suffrage. He said that women had made little use of their right to vote for Municipal Boards: the country had shown no clear enough indication of its wish for the measure for Parliament to pass it into law. Mrs. Wilson, who received a hearty welcome, opposed the motion. She said that the opener had taken such a different line to what she had expected, than she felt bound to answer his objections than to say what she had originally intended. This she proceeded to do very adequately. She spoke so convincingly that it was obvious that most of the House was won over by her speech. She added how impossible it was for Parliament to deal properly with Women's questions, if they were unrepresented. They only knew what their grievances were. Mr. Powell supported the Secretary. He spoke persuasively and convincingly. His speech, however, did not carry as much conviction as it would undoubtedly have done, had it not come directly after Mrs. Wilson's excellent speech. Mr. Spencer supported Mrs. Wilson. He showed how it would be but an act of justice to grant the vote to women. He said that in the North women took more interest in politics than men. He added that the Australian Government had sent a message to England urging the adoption of Woman's Suffrage. From the House, Mr. Lee came forward and supported Woman's Suffrage. He upbraided both the speakers for the motion, for their apparent abandonment of democratic principles. After replies by Mrs. Wilson and the Secre-

THE VIGORNIAN. tary, the latter thanked Mrs. Wilson for coming, and expressed a wish that she would come at some future date and put forward some more aspects of the case. On the House dividing, the motion was lost by 9 votes to 29. The meeting was then adjourned.

Gpmnasium notes. This year, for the first time, we sent up a pair for the Public Schools Gymnastic Competitions at Aldershot, and also a representative to take part in the boxing. The contest was very close, and though we occupied a very lowly position, we were not bottom, nor were we far behind those immediately in front of us. Less than 40 marks out of a total of 200 separated the top and bottom pairs, and as our representatives were much younger and less " beefy " than most of the competitors, we hope to be able to take quite a high place another time. In the boxing, Thomas was beaten, after a close contest, on points, by Elliott, of Dulwich College. If the trip had no other tangible result, it was certainly instructive. We gathered, from remarks made at the distribution of the prizes, that the authorities intend in future to lay greater stress on physical drill than on gymnastics, and, taking the hint, we hope to have a Swedish drill competition ourselves in the near future, either in connection with the House Gym. Competition, or supplementary to it. It is hoped that this will act as a stimulus. Comparatively few experts can make much show in gymnastics, but almost anybody of average physique can show good positions and move smartly in Swedish drill, if they will take the trouble to try. This, of course, is not much of a term for Gym., but when the evenings get darker, and the weather worse, we hope to see

187

preparation for a keen competition in this most interesting and useful form of physical exercise.

Ttoes. The Fives tournaments held last term were very popular, the number of entries being larger than usual. The tournaments were Under Fifteen Singles, Open Singles, and Open Doubles under Handicap. The Under Fifteen Singles was won rather easily by Smith, who beat Middleton in the final by 15—4, 15—6. In the Open Singles, Aldana and KenyonDavies met in the final, when the former won by 13—15, 15—3, 15—7. Masters played in the Open Doubles and this made the tournament much more interesting than in years when they did not play. Mr. Rammell and Marsland opposed Kenyon-Davies and Limbrick in the final, and won by two games out of three. Mr. Rammell generously provided the runners-up with cups. Towards the end of last term there was some talk of having an Inter-House Competition in the Summer Term, but the suggestion seems to have fallen to the ground, which is, we think, rather a pity. The Fives Courts also seem to need some repairing. The wire-netting at the top of the walls has become completely rotten, and incapable of keeping balls from the Sixth Form Room and Armoury, and the Boards in both courts show signs of falling out. The repair of these deficiencies would greatly add to the pleasure of those who play Fives during the Summer Term.

Club. On Monday, June gth, the Field Club went for their first expedition of the term. They rode to Bredon on bicycles via Kempsey and Eckington, . Photographs were taken of Eck-

THE VIGORNIAN.

188

ington Bridge and Eckington Church. On arriving at Bredon, the party went to the church, which is very interesting. They saw the famous tiles in the chancel, on some of which are painted the coats of arms of the leading families of the district, while others are engraved with Lombardic lettering which probably signify the names of the twelve months. The arch entering the chancel is of Norman architecture, though, in shape, it is pointed like the early English. There are several famous tombs, among which is the tomb of a bishop of Worcester who was forced to live there at the time of the Civil War. There are three fine arches in the north, west, and south doors respectively. They have very beautiful carving on the outside, though very plain and severe-looking on the inside. On leaving the church, the party had a very excellent tea at the Laburnam tea-gardens, after which they rode back via Pershore. The day was fine except for a few drops of rain on the return ride and we had a very enjoyable afternoon. We hope to have another expedition later on in the term.

flddress. On Saturday, June 14, we had the pleasure of having Rev. S. Brough, of the S.P.G., the successor of Rev. F. Peile, who is now in Singapore, to address us. The lecturer dwelt chiefly on the great crisis through which the whole world is now passing. Especially in missionary work may this be seen, and to prove this statement he went on to show what was happening in the great changing countries of the world. In Canada he pointed out the population is increasing with incredible speed, but the Church is failing to cope with this great influx. In Africa, the white is changing the habits of the native, and breaking up his old religion,

but he gives nothing in return. Mohammedanism is advancing like a wave from the north. In China and India also the old faiths are broken. What is going to take their place? Christianity or Agnosticism. This all-important question will be settled once and for all during the next twenty years, and meanwhile what the Church wants is " more men, more money."

(KonflrmafioiK The following were confirmed in the Cathedral by the Bishop of Worcester on March 12th:—P. W. Bingham, E. A. Cave, H. B. Downes, I. Grant Ferguson, O. P. Giles, G. W. Hemming, A. Littlebury, A. P. Lloyd, C. B. Lewis, A. Macdonald, K. D. Marsland, T. B. Middleton, H. P. Nind, J. C. Perry-Gore, R. B. Plum, D. W. A. Richards, M. G. Roberts, K. P. Smith, P. N. W. Strong, G. V. Roland, L. Warren, F. W. S. Watkins.

museum. The Curator of the Museum wishes to thank the following for presentations given during the Lent and Summer terms:—The Dean of Worcester, for two specimens of Papyrus Plant; Miss Power, for an ancient brick found when alterations were being made at the Old Bank> Worcester; and Smith, for some Indian Clothes.

Oxford Cettcr. To the Editors of the " Vigornian" Dear Sirs, When your predecessors bothered the first of the long series of " Oxons " for an O.V. letter, that individual planned a demoniacal revenge, not on them, but on his guiltless successors;

THE VIGORNIAN. for did he not originate the custom of being funny? He himself must have had a sense of humour to conceive such a plot. Unfortunately many of his successors have not. He well knew that a convention, once started, races and roars along like a train in a tunnel; and that the man who meets it must lie flat on the track or suffer annihilation. With the evil eye of his imagination he pictured scores of " Oxons" lying prone like railway sleepers (wooden, but far from somnulent), and over them all runs the train, drawn by O.V.R. express locomotive The Funny Man, squeezing out of all the same antique jests and Noachian gibes. And now, sirs, we are the latest sleepers. The engine is pressing our chest like a cheesevat, and cheese-like we exude little but the most watery of witticisms. A few expressions are indeed more strongly flavoured, but they refer to the lago who started the train, and are somewhat too personal for publication. Pray accept the watery ones. C. J. Barker (Christ Church), our fifth year man, like the rainbow and the snail, may occasionally be seen after a shower: finds an umbrella excellent company. A. J. Mainwaring (Pembroke) rowed in the College Eight: regarded the strikers with little of that humanity which should characterise a student of Litterae Humaniores. J. B. Cavenagh (Magdalen) rowed bow in the First Eight which was always hoping to catch New College and go Head of the River. We trust hope deferred has not made his heart sick—he looked so nice in the magenta blazer. G. T. de Blaby (Hertford) used to spend an hour daily in his " bedder" cultivating the military guffaw: unfortunately, this prolonged and artificial merriment has strained his little inside. He now reads a school where such joviality is not essential—Theology. W. D. Seville (St. John's) always exhibits such a cheerful countenance that we suspect

189

secret application of the Psalmist's oil: an enthusiastic militarist, but so dour an opponent of militancy that he has developed a tendency to misogynism — an unusual philosophy amongst undergraduates. P. W. Worster (St. Edmund's Hall) rowed in the Eight: is reading Theology and has become infected with the Odium Theologicum: denies that he is in the habit of discussing the Nestorian heresy with turbanned gentlemen from Balliol. E. R. H. Lewis (B.N.C.) is also reading Theology, but has no spare time for controversies, or indeed any other recreations. F. C. Davis (Hertford) anxiously stroked his chin and College Eight. T. F. Bye (Keble) has passed Part I. M-.. Bac.: is rumoured to conduct a highly successful ladies' choir. A. L. E. Williams (Exeter), our aesthete, cultivates the arts, and not least the ars vivendi. E. L. Harvey (St. Edmund's Hall) indulges in white lies, black tobacco, and colour photography. J. Nash (Hertford) finds time for everything —Cricket and Demosthenes, Tennis and Grand Opera: during Eights' Week his guests from St. Hugh's were a notable feature of the Hertford Barge. C. V. Hancock (All Souls) suffers from temporary indiChes'ton, and as a cure takes the sparkling waters of H. G. (not to be confused with Malvern or Tunbridge) Wells. S. Minifie-Hawkins (Keble) beneath his suave exterior conceals a nerve-shattering trouble: — his bath is too small for him, but the extreme exiguity of his rooms precludes the use of a larger size. Can any reader suggest an alternative to taking his bath in the quad ? We fear, sirs, that the above contains a minimum of what you require—news; but we lack the chef-like ingenuity of the journalist who can prepare an appetising dish of " copy "

THE VIGORNIAN. out of old jokes or Old Vigornians. Oxford O.V.'s are not different from Oxford O. Anywhere-else's. All the real news about them is either false and uninteresting or true and unprintable. And now, the guard's-van having reduced our last rib to pulpousness, there is but one ejaculation left in our flaccid body, and that we bravely wheeze after the departing buffers:—Floreat Schola! Yours truly, OXON.

Cambridge tetter. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, We again respond to your call for news of the members of the colony up here. It is a comfort to be able to welcome an addition to our number before we bid farewell to those departing, and hope that there are others with plans for joining us up here. It is a goodly place withal. Without further speech, the activities of our colony shall be indicated. W. S. Thompson (Queen's). We congratulate him on defeating the Moral Science Tripos, and we hear he is to be up for two more years to read the second part of the Theological Tripos, The Philosophy of Religion, Lectures. B. A. Conan-Davies (St. Catharine's). He will be seen next Christmas, when he hopes to take his degree. Meanwhile we hope he has exhausted the excessive interest in " ladies " which he has constantly displayed while in residence. G. I. F. Tweedie (Gonville and Caius) seems to have avoided mishap with his motor bike for nearly a whole term. Appears to have few interests in life. S. J. A. Evans (King's) is already well known in the 'Varsity on account of his voice;

is enjoying life thoroughly. We wish him every success. With best wishes to the School. Yours, etc.,

CANTAB.

Correspondence. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, As an interested spectator of the Regatta last term, there were two things that struck me, and I will mention them in order of importance, (i) Considering the current that was running it seemed very dangerous to allow any but expert swimmers to compete, whereas to my knowledge there were one or two at any rate who could not swim at all. A nasty accident might easily have occurred. (2) Is it not time to make some alteration in the House races ? In five out of six years there is so much difference between the two sides of the river as to make the race almost depend on the spin of the coin. This year, it is probably right to say, the two best boats were knocked out in the first round without the slightest chance of winning. Could not someone be asked to judge before the toss how many lengths should be allowed for the current ? This year I should estimate it would have been quite five. It seems a great pity that the handsomest of all our cups should go to the House that can win the toss twice. Yours faithfully, X. To the Editors of the " Vigornian."Dear Sirs, We have been looking back over the interesting pages of your late volumes, and find printed in the " Vigornian" June, 1909, a circular issued by the Headmaster. In the latter part it states, to quote the circular: " I f you are willing that your boy should join the

THE VIGORNIAN. Corps, either now or as soon as he is qualified by age and height." At the commencement of the Corps we believe the qualification was that each cadet should be 12 or 13 years of age and 5ft. in height. To-day the qualification seems to be disregarded when a survey of the famous " Junior Squad " is made! We would be the last to discourage any member of the School from joining the Corps, but still, at the same time, we think the Junior Squad should not be dispersed among the House Sections for field days, which always means two rifles to be carried by several, and so make a forced march still more laborious. Yours, etc., SECTION COMMANDERS. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Sirs, It is with feelings akin to surprise that I notice that, when the first or second elevens are playing a match, there are no bowling screens. Surely in such a school as this something should be done to remedy this defect. I am, yours faithfully, " LOOKER-ON."

School Officers. J. H. Spencer. B. Kenyon-Davies. J. G. N. Powell. J. H. Spencer. W. D. Battershill. J. G. S. Thomas. H. Brocklehurst. J. H. Spencer. J. C. Rammell. J. G. S. Thomas. ' J. C. Rammell. P. B. Tree. Editors of " Vigornian ' J. G. S. Thomas. J. C. Rammell. J. H. Spencer. Librarians B. Kenyon-Davies. J. Bowstead. Secretary of Field Club Secretary of Debating Society P. B. Tree.

Captain of School Captain of Cricket Secretary of Cricket ... Captain of Boats Secretary of Boats Captain of Football ... Secretary of Football . Captain of Shooting ... Secretary of Shooting Captain of Gymnasium

School Monitors

191 J. H. Spencer. J. C. Rammell. P. B. Tree. B. Kenyon-Davies. J. M. Aldana. J. G. S. Thomas. W. D. Battershill. H. H. Milward.

Valete. V L B . S. J. A. Evans (1908-1913). 2nd XI. Football 1912, Private O.T.C. Remove. L. T. Sprosen (1905-1913). Private O.T.C. Fourth. D. J. Lloyd (1911-1913). Private O.T.C. Third. F. L. Dames (1910-1913). J. G. Anton (1910-1913). Private O.T.C.

SaliKte. Remove. M. C. T. Bate. Second. J, A. J. Caves, L. E. Cowing, R. E. Hulse, C. V. Paull. First. G. A. Betteridge, M. W. Drucquer. Total number in School, 151.

Eibrarp. The following books have been added to the Sixth Form Room Library : — Presented by C. Sayle, Esq.— The Family of the Nation - Whetham. The Invention of Printing- Middleton-Wake. Gothic Architecture, 3 Bloxham. vols. Annals of Politics and Culture - Gooch. Sophocles and Shakespeare - Horton-Smith. A Tale of a Tour in Macedonia - Abbott. In the Utmost East - Hawes. Studies in Vergil - Glover.

THE VIGORNIAN.

192

Presented by the Author : — My Life among the Bluejackets - Agnes Weston. Other Sheep

-

£

- Begbie.

£92

Leckey. Essays Oxford Studies in the Synoptic Problem.

Clbrarp account.

RECEIPTS.

Apr.

£

s. d. May

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

3 12 o 2 9 - 6 2 0 6 i 10 o

...

... ...

... ...

... ...

21 i 6 0 3 0

Games Subs. ...

...

...

...

43 4 o

Subscriptions i . — Fines ...

„

RECEIPTS. Balance ... ... 7. — Per HeadmasterSchool Subs. ... Vigs Times Pound ... ...

£ ...

...

s. d. 617 2

10 19 o 3 17 o 0 6 8 o 4 10

15 7 6 3 18 n

7.— O.V. Club for Vigs

£26

3 7

£

s. d.

EXPENDITURE. O.V. Books Play

3 7 4 i 17 6 £92

o 5

Baylis

£

S. d.

,,

EXPENDITURE.

Mar. 15.—Rowing Sec. and Telegrams

,,

° 5

T. E. RAMMELL, Hon. Treas. Examined and found correct, W. H. CHAPPEL. 15/6/13-

Games account. S; orts Subs. — School House Castle House D a y Boys Hostel ...

s. d. o 10 o 17 o o 15 o o 16 16 2

May 20. —Worcester Rowing Club (Entrance) Everton, Rowing ... ... ... Hunt, Salary Lent Term Balance ... ... ...

.

(Books Bound)

...

o I 6

Brown (Table-cover)

28. —Carriage (Mappin & Webb's, Prizes)

0 3 0

Ed. Vig. (St amps)

Jan. 27. —Rent 2nd Field

...

...

.

...

...

8116

...

...

0 8 0 0 8 3

...

...

...

o i o

...

2 0 0

£26 3 7

Tips, Boatmen, ,, ,, Gym. Entrance, Aldershot ... ... Haughton, Rep. Pavilion

0 5 6 i 18 o 1 8 3

R. J. CASTLEY, Hon. Treas. Examined and found correct, W. H. CHAPPEL. 12/6/13

Regatta Programmes ... Ketch Programmes . . .

... ...

... ...

0 3 6 0 5 6

Mappin & Webb (Prizes) Cooper (Prizes) ... May i. —Rent 2nd Field ... Ward (Football Gear)

... ... ...

... ... ...

4 15 ° 2 13 9 2 0 0 0 5 6

We beg to acknowledge the following contemporaries : — The Herefordian, Oceanian K.E.S. Birmingham Chronicle, Monmothian, Alleynian, Tonbridgian, Portcullis, Wulfrunian, Wyggestonian, Constantia.

THE VIGORNIAN.

Some notes on the past filstorp or tlK School. Having had permission recently to search the Chapter Act books in the Cathedral Library for information on other subjects, I noted a few references to matters connected with the King's School. There are several resolutions touching the appointment of Masters and of their subsequent preferment to benefices in the gift of the Dean and Chapter, which may be interesting for some future records. There are also matters of discipline, such as the following:— In 1635 the scholars seem to have been careless of their proceeding to the daily service, and the Chapter passed the following resolution : — " It is decreed that the Scholemaster shall diligently observe that the King's Schollers doe decently come into Church by two and two, doeing their Reverence towards the Easte, and that upon that prayers is donne, that likewise they passe out by two and two doeing the like Reverence towards the Easte." A generation later, the behaviour of the boys again called for reproof: — " Whereas the worship of God at the Six of Clock Morning Prayere is less solemne, and the devotion of the people often disturbed by the late coming and noise of the boyes towards the end of the service, it is decreed that all the schollers of the College Schoole shall be ready every morning in the said Schoole, before the great Bell for the said Prayere hath done tolling, and thence proceed orderly to the Church. The Master and Usher enjoyned to be daily present themselves, to awe them into Reverend and decent gestures agreeable to the place and presence they are in; a Roll to be kept and those schollers absent called to account, and punished according to their demerits, every

193

Monday morning, as hath been heretofore accustomed." The early hour of Service, 6 o'clock, was not so trying as might appear; people began the day much earlier then than now, and ended it sooner, so that relatively to the rest of the day, it was not out of the way. School began at 7 o'clock in the summer, and 8 o'clock in winter. In 1770 the Chapter directed both Masters to be in their places at this time, to continue until 12 o'clock except during one hour for breakfast; then from 2 o'clock until 6 o'clock in the summer, and 5 o'clock in winter. Here is a note on Play time in 1688. It sounds severe: — " That for the future, the Scholemaster shall not grant any whole day for play; that he shall never grant any time for play upon a Friday; that he shall never grant any time for play in any week wherein there shall be any Holy Day." And again in 1770: — " No School boyes shall play within the College Cloisters, nor the Area before the Deanery and Audit Hall." During the I7th and i8th centuries there were only two masters, both in Holy Orders, know as the Head and Under Master, or Master and Usher. A great quarrel arose between them in 1775, as to the limits of their authority, and the division of the fees. They fought openly before the boys, and the Chapter dealt with the trouble. It was ordered: — " That the upper master have superintendence of the whole school, that, at his discretion, he remove boys out of the Lower School, which is to consist of four classes, into the Upper School." With regard to the fees it was stated to have been customary for the whole of the Upper School fees to be paid to the Head Master, and 2s. 3d. from each of the Lower School boys. The Dean and Chapter now thought it more

THE VIGORNIAN.

194

equitable that the fees from the Lower School should be equally divided. As to the fighting both masters were admonished for the unseemly conduct. REV. F. S. COLMAN, Rector of Hanbury.

Government inspection. The Annual Inspection was held at 11.30 on June 2Oth. Major Meiklejohn, V.C., again inspected. The Corps paraded at 11 o'clock, under Mr. Lee, and then, headed by the band, marched down to the field. The General Salute and the March Past were very creditably carried out. Afterwards close order and extended order drill followed; each section commander, in the extended order drill, was given

certain easy exercises to carry out, and they were then told their mistakes by the Inspecting Officer. Both the close order and extended order drills were carried out successfully. When the Corps was again drawn up for the address, Major Meiklejohn congratulated the Corps on their efficiency and said he would be pleased to report this to the War Office. He also congratulated the Corps in obtaining second place in the Country Life Competition, being the same place as that obtained last year. He also commended the Band on their splendid performance at Camp, where they won first place in the competition, and hoped they would repeat the performance this Camp. He spoke of the value of the work done by the 48,000 members of the O.T.C. as a whole, and hoped that on leaving the boys would either join the Special Reserve of Officers or the Territorials. The Company then marched back to the Green via the Cross and High Street.