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No 82.

MARCH, 1915.

VOL. VIII.

Contents. School Notes Roll of Honour School Calendar ... Letters from the Front ... O.V. News In Memoriam End-of-Term Entertainment Football Gymnasium Fives Notes Debating Society Chess Notes Lectures O.T.C. Notes Cambridge Letter O.V. Club Correspondence School Officers ... . ... Salvete Valete O T C Account Games Account Library Account ... Contemporaries Library Poetry Lecture Regatta

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PRICE 60.

School Rotes. This is our second number since the war began, and still the list of O.V.'s who have responded to their country's call grows larger. The total of those known to be serving has already exceeded 160. * * * Nothing can express the pride we feel on account of the honour which has been conferred on Captain Steward, O.V., of the R.A.M.C., who has been most deservedly awarded the Distinguished Service Order for saving life under heavy fire. On two occasions he bravely rescued wounded soldiers at great personal risk. A letter of his is printed elsewhere. * * # Two members of the staff, Mr. Beach-Hicks and Mr. Humby, have taken commissions in the O.T.C. this term. We hope that this welcome addition will do much to increase the zeal and enthusiasm which is very necessary at the present time. * * *

THE VIGORNIAN. The football of last term was very promising at first and showed every prospect of a good season. These promises, however, were not quite fulfilled, and the results of the last matches were not quite so pleasing. But on the whole the 1st XI. played remarkably well, considering the fact that there were only two of the previous year's colours. * * * Though the old gymnastic exercses have been replaced by a new system of Swedish drill, our usual competition was held last term. Squads of six from each house competed, and the cup was again won by Castle House. -X-

Rowing is now in full swing. Mr. Rowntree and Rev. E. Powell coach the ist and 2nd fours, while Rev. H. Baxter and Mr. Board give considerable help. The races with Monmouth G.S. and Magdelen College School have unfortunately been cancelled owing to conditions arising from the war. * * * A prominent position in school games is now taken by fives, since, owing to the flooded state of the football field, we are especially attracted to this form of exercise. In addition to the Doubles and Singles competitions now taking place, an Inter-house competition was played, resulting in a win for the School House. * * * The entertainment held at the end of last term, in place of the annual concert, was generally acknowledged a success. The proceeds which were devoted to the Belgian Relief Fund amounted to £2$. The Dramatic Society had previously- given, in conjunction with a quartette under Mr. George Smith, a performance before the Territorials at the Public Hall. * * * In the annual essay competitions offered by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds,

two members of the school gained distinction. In the Junior Division, Berkeley Seeker was awarded the Second Prize, and S. F. Davenport was highly commended for an essay on " Owls." We congratulate them heartily on their industry. * * * J. G. S. Thomas, last term's head of the school, who has now obtained a commission in the Worcester Regiment, gained the Meeke Scholarship at Hertford College, Oxford, in December. We are very sorry to lose him, and think he thoroughly deserved that which he has acquired. * * * To celebrate the birth of their daughters, Mrs. Castley and Mrs. Rowntree asked the Headmaster to give us half-holidays. We enjoyed them very much, and desire to thank them. * * # This term the school is devoting weekly subscriptions to the Serbian Relief Fund. The Serbians are the most impoverished and badly supplied army at present in the field, and we are glad that it is to them that the support of the school is being given. * * * We should like to congratulate Rev. E. Powell on his engagement to Miss Wheler. His marriage is to take place on April 2ist and we wish him all happiness. * * * Lieut. H. L. C. Smith was mentioned in Sir John French's last dispatches. This is the first that has been heard about him since he was recorded as " missing." * * * On behalf of the School we desire to express our deep sympathy with Rev. H. Baxter in his sad bereavement. * * * The news has just arrived of J. L. Hamilton's success in winning a ;£ioo choral scholarship at King's College, Cambridge. We offer him our hearty congratulations.

THE VIGORNIAN.

Roll or Honour. The following O.V.'s are known to be serving at the present time in the war. OFFICERS. *Aldana, J. M., 6th Worcesters. * Allured, W., Manchester Regiment. * Andrews, F. N., Royal Irish Rifles. Armstrong, F. H. C., 67th Punjabis. *Baird, A. A. D., 6th Worcesters. Bates, M., R. A. M. C. *Battershill, W. D., 6th East Surreys. *Beauchamp, P. S., loth Worcesters. *de Blaby, G. T., gth Worcesters *de Blaby, R. S., 3rd North Lanes. Blake, A., Essex Regt (Wounded Feb. gth). Brodribb, F. G., Royal Flying Corps, Flight Commander (Wounded). *Brock, G. F., nth Cheshires. Bull, G. F., nth Worcesters. Burgis, L. F., A.D.C. to G.O.C., Reigate, Black Watch, Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders. *O'Callaghan, C. T. *Carless, W. J., A.S.C. *Caswell, J. B., Durham Light Infantry. *Cavenagh, R. T., gth Worcesters. Cavenagh, T. F., R. F. A. Chappel, B. H, 4th P. & C. L.I. Charlton, G. D., 2nd North Staffs. Chaytor, J. C., Nigerian Force. Chaytor, A. K., 6th Worcesters. Clarke, T., Dakin Smith, W. H., R.A.M.C. Davies, A. G. A., R.E. *Davies, H. M., nth Welsh. *Davies, E. J., I2th Essex. *Davis, F. C., 3rd City of London Fusiliers Day, H. D., 2nd Midland Brigade. Dickson, D. K., Canadian Defence Force. •Downes, H. B., loth Worcesters. Eccles, C. G., Royal West Rents.

Edwards, A., ist Monmouth. *Evans, H. de la P., Ass. Paymaster, R.N. Fergusson, N. M., R.A.M.C. *Ferguson, D. M. G., 3rd K.O.S.B. *Ferguson, I. A. G., I3th Scottish Rifles. *Griffiths, W. P., Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Goodwin, B., R.A.M.C. Hatton, F. C., Indian Army. *Hawkins, S. M., 3rd Oxford & Berks. L.I. *Howells, E. S., (Signalling Officer) nth Welsh. Humphreys, R. C., Ass. Paymaster, R.N. *Jeans, D. M., 3rd Wilts. *King, H., nth Worcesters. *Kingdom, S. S. S. gth Royal Warwicks. *Keyworth, F. D., 4th Shropshire L.I. *Kirkby, H. J., Ass. Paymaster, R.N. *Knight, M., Midshipman, H.M.S. Achilles. Langdon, J. A. T., gth North Staffs. Ludlow, P. H-, 2nd Midland Brigade. *Ludlow, C. W. P., gth Royal Warwicks. *Lumsdaine, A. M. M., I4th Northants. Fusiliers. *Mare, A. L., nth Liverpools. *Major, H., 5th Middlesex. Masterman, A. H., 5th Lanes. Moore, W. L., 5th Gloucesters. Moore, W. H. E., King's Liverpools. Nash, G., 6th Worcesters. *Nash, J., 4th East Surreys. Newton, S. G., 2nd K.O. Yorks. L.I. Overell, L. D., /th Warwicks. *Owen, LI. W. G., 15th Cheshires. Payton, Rev. C. H., Chaplain, H.M.S. Crescent. Pearce, A. C., R.F.A. *Powell, J. G. N., gth Welsh Regt. Raymond, H., gth Worcesters. Rowe, A. V., 8th Worcesters. Rowland, F., R.A.M.C., Captain. Salisbury, R. T. G., 26th Punjabis, Captain. *Sievers, F. W., I2th Worcesters. *Simmons, C. W., 5th Worcesters. Simpson, S. G., 2nd Life Guards.

THE VIGORNIAN.

Smith, H. L. C, (formerly O.C., O.T.C.) Sherwood Forresters. *Spencer, J. H., 3rd Lanes. Fusiliers. Steward, S. J. (D.S.O.), R.A.M.C., Captain. (Mentioned in Dispatches.) Steward, F. L., 6th South Staffs. Steward, F. V., Veterinary Surgeon. Stevens, B. G., Worcestershire Yeomanry. Stinton, T., 8th Worcesters. *Strickland, W. C., 6th Worcesters. Sweet-Escott, T., 3rd North Lanes. *Thomas, D. C. S., 5th Welsh *Thomas, J. G. S., lOth Worcesters. Thomas T. S., 5th Welsh. Tweedie, G. I. F., loth Manchesters. Wallis, H, 2nd Wilts. Wayland Smith, R., R.A.M.C. Webster, A. H. B., 4th Northants. Wilmot, R., 6th Sherwood Forresters. Wintle A., gth Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. Woodeforde, E. B., 5th Sherwood Forresters. Wyllie, A. T., 3rd Royal Scotch Fusiliers. *Wyllie, G. A. C., 3rd Oxford & Berks. L.I. *Young, T. B., 8th Worcesters. IN THE RANKS. *Adlington, A., Public Schools Batt. Andrews, F. W., Public Schools Batt. Bagott, C., Public Schools Batt. Berkeley, R. B., 2nd Warwicks. Crowe, D. V., Indian Mounted Territorials. Hollyer, R. B, R.A.M.C. Brourton, H. R., Imperial Light Horse. *.Burden, O. H., igth Fusiliers, P.S.B. Burgis, L. H., Queen's Westminsters. *Burr, A, Public Schools Batt. *Conan Davies, G., Public Schools Batt. Corder, W. C., Public Schools Batt. Davey, C. L., Public Schools Batt. Darby, N. L., 15th Royal Warwicks. Davey, H. B., Sportsman Batt. *Davies, W. L. H., Westminster Dragoons. Davis, R. C., Canadian Reserve Force. Day, G. D., Egyptian Defence Force.

Day, M. S. D., Malay Straits Defence Force. Dimoline, C. E., 8th Worcesters. Evans, H., Farram, F. F., 6th West' Riding. Fergusson, A., /th Canadian Expeditionary Force. *Fergusson, G. N., Legion of Frontiersmen. *Forwood, G., ;th Welsh Cyclists. *Fosbrooke, O., 2nd North Midland Cycling Brigade. Gedge, G. H., R.F.A. Gibbs, J., 8th Worcesters. Griffiths, A. M., Bedford Yeomanry. Hancock, B. O., Birmingham City Battalion, 12th Warwicks. *Harvey, E. S., 3rd County of London. Hipkiss, W. A., North Midland Cycling Batt. Hugh Jones, B. L., Public Schools Battalion. Hamilton, I. I., Birmingham City Battalion, 3rd Warwicks. Hawkins, H. J., Royal Gloucestershire Hussars. Johnson Barker, F. C., I2th A.S.C. Koechlin, R. A., Indian Mounted Territorials. Leeke, F. W., Liverpool Scottish. Leeke, C. R., Australian Contingent Lester, G. F., S. African Force. Lester, H. L., Public Schools Batt. Mainwaring, A. J., 8th Worcesters. •Matthews, D. M., King Edward's Horse. Matthews, F., Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars. *Milward, H. H., 5th Worcesters. *Mogridge, E. C., Public Schools Batt. Morgan, J., Canadian A.M.C. Morris, H. G., Public Schools Batt. Norton, C. H., nth Royal Montreal. Olds, H. R. H., Rutland troop, Leicestershire Yeomanry. Panrucker, J., Royal Flying Corps. Pearce, C. J., 3rd Warwicks. Pretty, H., Australian Contingent. *Quin, W. V., S. African Defence Force.

THE VIGORNIAN. *Quin, H. C., S. African Defence Force. *Rae, A. G., 4th Cheshires. Rammel, C., East Rented Mounted Rifles. *Richardson, S. G. B., Behar Light Horse. Rogers, J. D., Public Schools Batt. *Rowley, H. T., 2Oth City of London. Stuart Shepherd, D., Public Schools Batt. Steward, F. L., 8th Worcesters. Temple Bourne, G., Birmingham City Batt. 2nd Warwicks. Tonking, D. W., Public Schools Batt. *Tree, P. B., Public Schools Batt. Wagstaff, J. B., 8th Worcesters. Webb, A. E., Public Schools Batt. *Whistler, G. F, Notts R.H.A. *Wilesmith, J. W., Winnipeg Rifles, C.C. Willis, D. W., Indian Mounted Territorials. *Wiggin, J. H., 5th Suffolks. Wood, T. L., Public Schools Batt. Wyndham Jones, W., Public Schools Batt. An Asterisk denotes a former member of the O.T.C. O.V.'s known to be, or have been, in Firing Line in France:—• F. Matthews. S. J. Steward. J. Nash. J. B. Wagstaff. S. G. Simpson. F. L. Steward. T H. H. Milward. - Morgan. D. M. Jeans. Wounded. C. W. Simmons. A. G. Blake. A. H. Masterman. T. Sweet-Escott. R. G. Olds. Killed. F. C. Davis. W. C. Brodribb.

School Kakttdar. Jan. igth. School meets. Service 9 a.m. The Headmaster. „ 24th. School Celebration. Ladye Chapel. 8.45 a.m. „ 3Oth. Lantern Lecture. The Stars. S. R. Humby, Esq. Feb. 13th. Lantern Lecture. U.M.C.A. Rev. C. W. Ker.

Feb. I5th-20th. Review Week. „ i /th. Ash Wednesday. Lent. „ 1 8th. School Service, 3.15. Rev. A. H. Phelips, M.A. Vicar of Pershore. „ igth. Knox-Little Latin Grammar Paper. „ 20th. Lecture. The War on the Eastern Front. A. C. Cherry, Esq. „ 22nd. Half Term. Mid-term Reports. Review Half-holiday. „ 25th. School Service, 3.15. Rev. O. H. Hubble, M.A, March 4th. School Service, 3.15. Rev. S. F. Lloyd, Vicar of Broadheath. „ 5th. Knox-Little Paper. 6th. Regatta. Lantern Lecture. " The Worcester Regiment," Rev. T. B. Monahan, M.A. „ nth. School Service, 3.15 p.m. Rev. R. J. Whitaker, M. A. „ 1 5th. Ketch Run. „ 1 8th. School Service, 3.15 p.m. Rev. H. Baxter, B.D. „ igth. Knox-Little Paper. „ 2Oth. Lantern Lecture. " Origins of Worcester," F. T. Spackman, Esq. ,, 23rd. Cathedral Confirmation. Noon. „ 24th. Hereford Boat Race, at Hereford. „ 26th. School Service, 9.0 a.m. Rev. E. Powell, M.A. Sports. First Day. Knox-Little Paper. „ 27th. Sports. Finals. 28th. Palm Sunday. Holy Week. „ 2gth. Passion Music. 8 p.m. Cathedral. „

3 1 st.

Gen. Knowledge Paper, 2.15. Lists, 7.15. Passion Music, 8.0. April ist School breaks up. „ 27th. School meets for Summer Term. Service, 9.10 a.m. July 24th. Summer Term ends.

THE VIGORNIAN. stantly, and you wonder whether the next is coming where you are, and it takes a lot of nerve to stand the strain. R. K. OLDS."

tetters from tDe front. We are permitted to publish the following interesting extracts from letters from O.V.'s at the Front to the Headmaster: — " We get three days in the trenches and three days out. Three days is quite sufficient for the average man as you may well imagine, when I tell you that the mud is well over one's ankles and in places over the knees!! There is no getting away from the fact that it's simply awful, and it's really marvellous how well the men stand it; but of course there's a good deal of sickness. . . . It is, I expect, hard to believe in England that we went and shook hands and talked to the Germans on Xmas day. I was not in the trenches, being in a Company in reserve half a mile behind, so I did not actually see this, but, nevertheless, it is quite true, for I have seen the various gifts from the Germans to our men. One man was given an Iron Cross!! He is naturally very proud of it. I am indeed grateful to the O.T.C. Had I not joined, I should probably have not got a Commission, but owing to that I was able to get one at once. D. M. JEANS." * * » " Nobody, except those who have been actually through the mill can realize the awfulness of this terrible war. All through the days and nights every other man in the trenches has to be on guard for an hour at a time so that very little sleep can be had. All the time shells are bursting around, and if a man puts his head up too high a bullet usually finds it. The German shells which we call " Jack Johnsons " are terrible things; when they strike the earth they make a hole about 20 feet deep and wide and long enough to bury a wagon in. We have hundreds of these bursting around us during the day; sometimes they drop right in the trenches when numbers of poor fellows are killed in-

" Yola Column, " Nigerian Field Force, " Yola. " At present we are waiting for the arrival of the French from the North before making a second attack on Garna. We need their guns very badly and also their troops ; fine Senegalese fellows who live for fighting. We may move any moment now as we heard of the arrival of the French at a place called Mora four days ago, and Mora is only five days north of Garna. It will not be an easy business, we hear that the Germans have dug trenches everywhere and, true to their character, have made pit-falls covered with grass and filled with poisoned spears and arrows stuck barb upwards! I fear we shall suffer heavily in taking the place. We will hope that by the time you get this, that you will have read of Garna's fall. C. J. CHAYTOR."

" I have had the good luck to participate in Mons, the retreat, and the big shows since, but it has been an appalling business and we, perhaps, from a sentimental point of view see the worst of it, when one has any feelings left. I feel prouder than anything, to think that my, name will be on the school boards; it is not everybody who has the luck to catch a general's eye. With kindest regards to all and best of luck to the old school. SIDNEY J. STEWARD."

THE VIGORNIAN.

O.V. R. P. Beckingham's correct address is c/o R. Ramsey, Esq., Harrow, Cambooya, South Queensland, Australia. G. A. G. Bonser qualified as M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. in October last. F. Brock has returned from Shang Hai, where he has had a position under Messrs. Brunner, Mond & Co. R. J. Cavenagh has passed two examinations of the Second Part of the Oxford Medical. Rev. A. K. Cobb is curate of St. Matthias Church, South Winbledon. C. R. Davies has been appointed registrar of the New Diocese of Kalgoolie, W. Australia. G. Conan Davies has entered the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. B. Conan Davies has entered Salisbury Theological College. R. B. Croad has been detained as a prisoner of war at Spandau, whence he sent good wishes to the Headmaster and school on Christmas Day. F. M. Longworth Dames has obtained a Certificate of Efficiency as a wireless operator in the Marconi School, and is taking an appointment on board ship. Rev. C. C. Dickson took his M.A. at Cambridge in December, and was offered the chaplaincy of Guy's Hospital. He remains, however, senior curate at Plumstead Parish, which contains 16,000 workers at Woolwich Arsenal. J. R. Dutton is in the Drawing Office of Messrs. Dennis- Bros., Guildford, engaged in the construction of 5 ton tranport lorries for the Government. A. W. Gough arrived at Gisborne, New Zealand, after an interesting and exciting voyage, in which he escaped the Emden and then passed 40 liners with Australian troops. E. I. Macnalty was ordained deacon by Bishop Sanford of the Missionary district of

San Joaquin, California, on Nov i8th, in the Church of St. Matthias, Oakdell, California, in which he is now ministering. F. S. Mayers is assistant manager at Messrs. Heenan & Froude's Engineering Works. Rev. W. F. H. Newton-Eldershaw of the Charleville Bush Brotherhood, Western Queensland, has been appointed by the Bishop of Kalgoovlie to the Rectory of Menzies, an important mining centre in Western Australia. H. P. Nind has passed the Chartered Accountants' Preliminary Examination. H. C. Noyle has obtained an appointment in the Galaha Tea Company, Ceylon. F. R. Oliver matriculated at Caius College, • not at Queens, as was stated in our last issue. J. L. Partington has returned from South America, where he has been working under the Railway Engineers, Messrs. Saxby & Farmer. D. G. B. Partridge has joined the O.T.C. (Senior Division) of London University. Rev. C. H. Payton has been entered as Acting Chaplain for temporary service, with seniority of Feb. 8th, and appointed to H.M.S " Crescent." Rev. A. H. Richings has been appointed to the Curacy of Corbridge-on-Tyne, under Canon Lonsdale. F. Rowland, who served as a civil surgeon in the Boer War, is again on service with the R.A.M.C. R. F. Sievers has passed all examinations for the Royal Dental Hospital and is now at the Middlesex Hospital. He has joined the London University Contingent of the O.T.C. S. G. Simpson has a commission as lieutenant interpreter. After being at the front for less than two months, he found himself in command of a squadron of Life Guards. He was told off to examine a prisoner, while the others went on; and happened to get under fire from two Maxims. All the officers were killed or

THE VIGORNIAN. wounded except Lieut. Simpson, and so the command of the squadron devolved on him. F. V. Steward has been appointed Veterinary Inspector to the City of Worcester. He has had, however, to employ a locum-tenens, as he is shortly proceeding to the front. Rev. M. G. Truman, having obtained his B.A. at Selwyn College, Cambridge, was admitted to Priests' Orders at the Advent Ordination by the Bishop of Winchester. R. Warren has just returned from a voyage round the world. He is now serving on S.S. Brodmount, Blue Star Line, Liverpool, and his ship has been taken over by the Government. A. L. E. Williams has entered Salisbury Theological College with an Exhibition.

BIRTHS.

A marriage has been arranged between Henry Herbert Sweet-Escott, O.V., of Hartrow Manor, Somerset, and Frances Vera Pellereau, elder daughter of Mrs. Brandreth, of Hill Crest, Aldeburgh, Suffolk. * * * A marriage has been arranged between Mr. Stanley F. Jenkins, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Watkin Jenkins, of Redlands, Stourbridge, and Winifred Ernestine Pasco, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Pasco, of Edgbaston, Birmingham.

In Ittetnoriam.

CASTLEY.—On June I5th, 1914, the wife of R. J. Castley, Esq., The Hostel, College Green, of a daughter.

PHILIP GORDON KIBLER.

ROWNTREE.—On January Qth, 1915, the wife of M. Rowntree, Esq., Worcester, of a daughter.

Philip Gordon Kibler entered the School House at the age of n in January 1903 in the first Form. He steadily worked his way up the school and left in the modern VIth in May 1909. He was a universal favourite, and took an active part in all school life, being Captain of Classroom in his early days and Captain of the school Gymnasium when he left. His genial conduct, frank manners and earnest character endeared him to all, and the early termination to his career will cause great regret to all his schoolfellows. From school he went to the Wye Agricultural College, Kent, where he was prominent in sports, and passed all his examinations with credit, qualifying for the Surveyor's Institute at the early age of 18. He obtained an appointment in the Land Valuation Office for Warwickshire and by his thorough and practical knowledge was

THELWALL SALUSBURY—On Nov. 27th, 1914, at Karachi, India, the wife of Capt. Robert Thelwall Salusbury, O.V., of the 26th Punjabis, of a son. ADLINGTON.—On Jan. 26th, 1915, to Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Adlington, Henwick Road, a son.

MARRIAGES. ADLINGTON—WILCOCK.—On November agth, at St. John's Church, Worcester, by the Rev. V. C. Blyth, Laurence Spencer, eldest son of E. L. Adlington, Esq., Rainbow Hill, Worcester, to Ethel Evelyn, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wilcock, Comer Road.

Died November 28th, 1914. Aged 22.

THE VIGORNIAN. making good the early promise of his school days. He was a Lieutenant in the /th Battalion of the Warwickshire Territorials, and, though seriously ill when his regiment was called up, he eagerly anticipated a speedy recovery; and his chief hope was soon to get to the front in France. This was not to be. He grew rapidly worse and after a painful illness, borne with great patience and fortitude, he passed away on Monday, Nov. 23rd. His devotion to his old school was strong, and his occasional visits on Sundays to the Afternoon Service at the Cathedral, showed his appreciation of the things that matter most. W. H. C.

GUY MORGAN. Died December iQth, 1914. Guy Morgan entered the school in January, 1897 at the age of 12, and left three years later at an early age to coach for the Civil Service. In this he was successful and quickly obtained a post in the Colonial Civil Service in Nigeria, where he succumed to the climate at Waraguta, in December last, at the age of 29.

€na=ot-Cerm emmainmetit. An epistle by eye-witness. Instead of the usual Christinas concert, we had a patriotic entertainment in aid of the Belgian Refugees' Fund. We all felt patriotic. Even the weather contributed its best: it tried hard to make us realise what it feels like to stand knee-deep in water, but only succeeded in wetting us to the ankles. We began, of course, with the National

Hymns of the Allies—England, Belgium, France, Russia. These were sung by that mysterious body known as " The School Singing Class." While we were looking round to see who were present, the orchestra played " Maribe Russe,"—' an attractive air, capably treated,' (See, Worcester Daily Times). Macdonald then recited some rather sentimental verses entitled " Handing Down," by Begbie. His encore " Belgium," by Adrian Ross was in better taste. Marsland gave a sympathetic rendering of " Bird of Love Divine," and was deservedly encored. After this, came an " entr' acte " —• whatever that is — called " Mystic Beauty." The orchestra played a fascinating piece with a marked air, the while there danced behind a diaphanous curtain strange figures clad in white samite. The name " Mystic Beauty " not inappropriately described the general effect of this novel turn. The best items in the programme were the unaccompanied quartettes: — " Hymn before Action," by Walford Davies and " The Ash Grove," an old Welsh folk-song; the dramatic expression of the first and the harmony of the second were excellent The School Singing Class mobilised twice more: on the first occasion they vigorously attacked " Follow the Colours," by Elgar, a stirring song with a stately swing; on the second occasion " The Viking Song," was rather thinly tackled by the trebles. The orchestra contributed two more items—a dreamy valse and a fantasia, entitled " Our Empire." The rest of the first part of the programme was filled up by a patriotic solo by Denton. We understand that he is a candidate for the elocution prize next term. Part II. consisted of a comedietta, " Dearest Mamma." A comedietta, you know, is " a little comedy." The little comedy was, in this case, afforded by the not unusual interferences of a mother-in-law. This particular busybody was cleverly impersonated by Macdonald. The young couple whose happiness was marred by

THE VIGORNIAN. " Dearest Mamma" were Harry and Edith Clinton. As the young wife, Humphries looked a charming girl, unfortunately he monotoned everything he said. As the husband, D. D. Warren either struck stained-glass window attitudes or gesticulated wildly; he reminded us uf the automaton from which a well-known play took its name of " La Poupee." The misunderstanding between the Clintons was caused by a gushing widow, called Mrs. Honeywood. Strong " gushed" with much success. The part of a cynical man-of-the-world was cleverly played by Middleton. His make-up was excellent. The proverb says that every family has a skeleton in the cupboard. In the house of the Clinton's this skeleton took the form of a somewhat substancial widower. Why he was there, we did not discover. Perhaps, since he was allowed only a surname, Browser, he was some poor relative. In appearance he was like unto the corpulent chairman of a County Council. At any rate, upon him (again for some unknown reason) descended the torrent of Dearest Mamma's vituperation. To evade this, he used at all times and in all places to fall asleep with great facility. Mr. Whitaker played this part with his usual skill. Denton made a very impressive butler, quite awing us with his superlative super-touchline tones. The Headmaster briefly thanked all who were responsible for the success of the evening, in particular Mr. G. H. Smith for the pains he had taken with the Orchestra and the Singing Class; Mr. Whitaker for his careful coaching of the actors; and Mrs. Whitaker for her trouble with the dresses. Miss Chappel also gave no small help to the arrangements. The profits were £2$ is. 6d.—an excellent result of a very successful entertainment.

Football. CHARACTERS OF THE IST XL J. G. S. Thomas (Captain). A hard worker, and game "as a pebble." Rather slow, and does not use his voice enough to encourage or reprove. None the less a tower of strength. J. L. Hamilton. The "star" of the side. Very fast, strong, and tricky. Shoots well at goal (as elsewhere). E. W. Green. An excellent kick and fearless tackier. Judgment much improved, but rash at times. H. S. Denton. Knows the game well, and uses his knowledge. Centres fairly well, but rather clumsy, rather slow, and too much given to appealing. A. W. Limbrick. Painstaking but very slow. R. G. E. Mayo. A hard worker without much judgment. Apt to miskick. Fair tackier. G. H. Sharpe. Rather a late discovery for the position. Strong, hardworking, and game. K. P. Smith. Tackles fairly well, but is rather uncertain where he is putting the ball. Rather slow. M. G. Roberts. A useful goalkeeper, with occasional but disastrous spasms of carelessness. C. V. Paull. Very slow indeed. A fair shot when the other side allow him to think about it. W. I. V. Quin. Plucky, if small. Goes straight for goal. SCHOOL v. DEAN CLOSE. Result: Lost 6—I. The return match was played on November 14th, in fine, bright weather. In the first half Dean Close had the sun and wind in their favour, and at once pressed, but were driven back, and we should have scored but shot wide.

THE VIGORNIAN. Our backs were rather inclined to miskick and let their forwards through too often, with the result that Dean Close scored with a good shot from the left wing. There was not much in the play, which was very even. The forwards on the whole were weak and did not combine well; Thomas was a host in himself, but the other halves were weak and we could not manage to keep them from scoring again before half-time. On changing over the game still continued to be very even and Hamilton broke through and scored. At this point it seemed that we might equalise, but in the last ten minutes our play deteriorated and Dean Close were far superior to us, obtaining four more goals. There was a lack of sting about our play, which just made the difference in a good match. SCHOOL v. HEREFORD. Result: Won 5—I. Soon after the kick-off we began to press, and in a few minutes Thomas opened the score with a long, dropping shot. Hamilton followed this up by running through their defence and adding a second goal. We had much the better of the game throughout the first half and should have scored several more goals than the two obtained by Paull. The second half was much more even and our opponents scored directly after the kick-off. Their half-backs played, more forward and we were continually offside. They had bad luck in not scoring with a shot which rebounded from the post, and their goalkeeper brought off several good saves before Hamilton scored the final goal. 1ST XL v. MALVERN COLTS. Result: Lost 2—5. The ground was very wet and play was slow in consequence. The team did not as a whole

play up to its best form, and Malvern forwards showed up to advantage. Denton scored the first goal after a good movement by the forwards, but Malvern soon replied with two goals which should have been stopped. The second was from a corner, the ball going into the net off Roberts's hands. Probably the stickiness of the ball was the cause of all the first three goals. Subsequently Roberts saved some good shots. The game was even through the first half, though Malvern succeeded in adding a third. After half-time Malvern again scored, but Hamilton replied to this with an excellent shot. Play remained steady, but was never of a very inspiring nature, Malvern adding a fifth towards the end. The weakness in the team seemed chiefly due to clumsiness with the feet, which can only be remedied by constantly kicking a ball about, and indecision when to pass and when to go on with the ball. HOUSE MATCHES. The House Matches were played at the end of last term, and resulted in a very keen fight for the cup. The Hostel did not send in a team, owing to the smallness of the House. The Day Boys put up a surprisingly good fight. The match between the School House and Castle House was a game of many thrills, the issue being in doubt until the final whistle. The results were as follows: — Castle House beat School House (5—4). Day Boys beat School House (2—o). Castle House v. Day Boys, a draw (i—i). Castle House beat Day Boys (3—o).

Gymnasium. The House Competition was held on Dec. 17th. It consisted this year solely of physical exercises. Squads of six entered from each

THE house, and the competition was close. Castle House were placed first, with 33 points, while close behind were the School House and Hostel, with 32 and 31 points respectively. The Day Boys got 26. Miss Turner judged, and our thanks are due to her for her kindness in coming.

We are still carrying on as best we can in Sergeant Tibbitts' absence. But while some are keen and attend more than regularly, there are still many who regard Gym. as something to try to be excused from. There is not much difficulty in identifying these people when they do come. In the Army nearly one-third of a recruit's time is taken up with physical exercises, and every one, whether he intends to enter the Army or not, cannot help being benefited by them, both in health and appearance.

Fives nous. Repairs to the best Fives Court were carried out during last holidays and are most satisfactory, the result being a great improvement in the play. The tournaments are now being played and the games promise to be most interesting. A resolution was passed by the Games Committee that Inter-House Fives Competitions should take place during the fifth week of this term. These resulted in a win for School House. The School match against Hereford will take place at Hereford on March 24th. It has been resolved by the Games Committee that Fives shall be treated in the same way as other School games, and colours awarded.

Debating Socklp. On Wednesday, February 3, a meeting of the Society was held, when Mr. Macdonald was elected to the chair. After the minutes had been passed, the Chairman called upon Mr. Hemming to move that in the opinion of the House " The pen is mightier than the sword." The honourable proposer lucidly stated his case, and gave many excellent reasons for supporting the motion. Mr. Powell opposed the motion. Mr. Humphries, in supporting Mr. Hemming, ought to have convinced his audience. He launched loud invectives against the opposer, and his well-based statements could certainly be heard. Mr. Middleton seemed to get near the bottom of the subject in speaking in support of Mr. Powell; and his arguments were sound. His speech rendered considerable service to the opposition. After the motion had been thrown open to the House, Mr. Baxter came forward. While showing his contempt of the literal " grubbing" of the opposer, he presented a very broad-minded and logical view of the subject. Mr. Whitaker also supported the motion by descending to " hard facts" and reviewing the present situation. Mr. Board spoke also from the House, arguing in a clear and convincing manner. Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sharpe and Mr. Denton spoke from the House. After the proposer's reply, the 'House divided. The motion was won by 18 votes to 15. The meeting then adjourned. * * * A meeting was held on February i;th, when Mr. Middleton was elected to the chair. After the minutes had been read, numerous objections were made to which replies could not be given owing to the absence of the Secretary. It was finally vo'ted that the minutes should be rewritten. The Chairman then called upon the Rev. H. Baxter, in place of the Secretary, to move that

THE VIGORNIAN. in the opinion of the House " The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." The hon. proposer, in a very convincing speech, based his arguments on the assumption that love always has dominated the course of the world. He observed that the very essence of Christianity was love; every soldier in the trenches had thoughts of love and home. Miss Chappel thought that the hon. proposer's ideas were Utopian. She contended that we must look at the world as it is to-day; she also pointed out that many women had not a cradle to rock. Mr. Macdonald attempted to be humorous in support of Rev. Baxter. Mr. Roland supported Miss Chappel in a brief maiden speech. His speech contained allusions to the suffragettes. Mr. Denton then spoke from the House, and after him Mr. Humphries. Mr. Sharpe made a few witty remarks. Mr. Sinnett-Jones followed, and also Mr. Bowstead. Replies were delivered by the hon. opposer and the hon. proposer. The motion was lost by 17 votes to 14.

Clxss Dotes. On December 3rd, a match was arranged with the Worcester Blind College, and resulted in a draw, each side scoring 3! points. Some games had unfortunately to be abandoned, owing to lack of time. In the return match a few days later the result was a win for the School by 4^ points to 2|. The School was, in both cases, represented by the following: Limbrick, Giles, Lewis iv., Strong, Newcomb, Burgis, and Bowstead ii. * * * At the end of last term a match was played against some of the O.V.'s, which resulted in a win for the School. Cambridge was repre-

sented by S. J. A. Evans, S. D. Strong, and H. Brocklehurst; Limbrick, Giles, and Strong played for the School. * * * This term matches have been arranged with the Worcester Rowing Club and the Blind College. The tournament for the Chess Cup is now in full swing, and should afford an exciting finish.

Cccturcs. On Saturday, November 28th, Rev. H. Baxter gave us a lecture on " Belgium." He dealt with the nature of the towns of Belgium, and also with the characteristics of the people. First he explained some slides dealing with the towns of Brussels, Louvain, Malines, Bruges, and Antwerp. He especially called our attention to the beautiful buildings and the style of architecture; the elaborate designs, the adorned roofs, and the aesthetic beauty of Belgian buildings we could notice from his slides. The lecturer then took us on an imaginary tour through the Ardennes, and showed us the wonderful landscapes in that region. The lecture concluded with a series of slides on the war in Belgium—its devastating effect both upon the country and upon the nation, and the supreme heroism of the gallant Belgians. The lecture was an interesting and appropriate one, and taught us all something which we keenly desired to learn. * * * On Saturday, December 6th, Madame de Lisle gave a lecture to the School in French on Napoleon. ,The subject was an interesting one, and the early life of that great man was told simply and clearly, so that the youngest could not fail to understand something. Napoleon's Corsican birth and home-life, his

THE VIGORNIAN.

zeal for work, and in particular mathematics, were told us with the help of coloured slides, which gave us an idea of the costumes and buildings of France at that time. It was interesting to recall that the first as well as the last battle he took part in was against the English, for at Toulon he was responsible for driving us out. His ability was recognised and he was placed in command of the army invading Italy. This wonderful campaign revealed to the world the greatest soldier of his day. Soon after his return he embarked on the African campaign; but his dream of an oriental empire was shattered by the destruction of his fleet by Nelson. Finally his rapid rise to the position of First Consul, and his march over the Alps to defeat the Austrians were touched upon. We were glad to hear of the early life of Napoleon, of which we knew so little, and we hope that Madame de Lisle will return and complete her account. * # * Once more we were entertained by a member of the Staff on Saturday, January 31st, when Mr. Humby lectured to us on " Astronomy." Now this is a subject in which not many of the School are deeply interested, and which, if dealt with in a purely scientific way, causes part of the audience—especially the classical part—to be affected with "ennui." But Mr. Humby rendered us a great favour by dealing with the subject in such a way that not only were we given a general knowledge of every kind of heavenly body, but we were also able to understand all that the lecturer pointed out. We all feel that even a " smattering " of the elements of astronomy, and a greater knowledge if possible, is essential to the maintenance of a liberal education, and we thank Mr. Humby very much for his excellent lecture.

On February 13*, the Rev. C. W. Ker, of Nyasaland, gave us a most interesting and instructive lecture on his work in connection with the Universities' Mission to Central Africa, one of the native workers in which is supported by the contributions of the School. After briefly telling us how the U.M.C.A. was founded by David Livingstone, who appealed to the Universities to send their best workers and help to Central Africa, the lecturer proceeded to describe to us in a most interesting and amusing way the manners, customs and habits of the natives, and the way in which the good work is being carried on. We were shown many views of African schools and of the children who are educated in them, and some of the missionary hospitals and the ways in which they are managed. Mr. Ker then proceeded to show us the building of permanent and temporary churches and houses. The altar in one of the former was greatly admired, being built and carved entirely by the ingenuity and skill of the natives themselves. The lecture was illustrated by a series of excellent photographs taken by the lecturer, and adorned with many remarks in the native language, which, however, he was good enough to translate for us. * * * On Saturday, February 2Oth, we were given a most interesting and appropriate lecture by Mr. Cherry, which was deservedly considered a privilege. His subject was " The Eastern Theatre of the War." The lecturer started by giving a clear sketch of the races which make up the nationalities of the belligerents in the Eastern theatre. We were told about the Slavs, with Russia as their champion, about the Poles and the Czar's proclamation, and finally about the heterogeneous character of the AustrianHungarian empire. The latter is composed of Teutonic, Slav, Italian, Croat, Hungarian Pole and Roumanian elements. The lecturer,

THE VIGORNIAN. in pointing out how these different races are scattered abroad, expressed his opinion that the huge number of prisoners taken by the Russians is due to the fact that a great number of the inhabitants of Austria-Hungary have no heart in the war. The problem of Roumanian neutrality was also clearly put before us. We saw, many for the first time, how Roumania has been hindered from joining the Allies owing to the fact that Bulgaria is ready to pay off a grudge against her. Having stated the facts about the murder of the Archduke at Serbian hands, the " occasion " of the war, the lecturer proceeded to give us an account of the movements in the Eastern campaign. The manoeuvres of the Russians in East Prussia and in Galicia were both dealt with. He showed us how the Germans had a huge point of vantage in their elaborate railway system, and how this advantage had led to repulses of the Russians such as that at the beginning in East Prussia. The movements, the swaying to and fro of the lines by reason of reinforcements, the strategy of the commanders, and finally the position of the lines to-day, were all clearly demonstrated. This most interesting and instructive lecture was brought to a close by an equally clever and amusing poem and a request for a half-holiday, which called for loud cheering.

{ | | ; !

We are glad to welcome Mr. Beach-Hicks and Mr. Humby, who have recently taken commissions in the O.T.C. Lieut. Beach-Hicks has already distinguished himself by his excellent defence of Mushroom Hill, as is reported elsewhere. He is also doing good work as commander of two platoons of the Worcester Volunteer Training Corps. We are glad to be able to help them by lending them our rifles. They also drill in our Gymnasium several nights a week. * * * Company Sergt.-Major Tibbitts is shortly proceeding to the Front, and our best wishes go with him. Meanwhile his place is being taken by Trumpeter Latham, Sergt. Sear, and Sergt. Pearce, the latter being in charge of signalling.

We are sorry to hear a rumour that Sergt. Armitage has been wounded, and wish him a speedy recovery. * * * Owing to the war, Camp, Field Days, and Certificate A. Examinations will not take place this year. Lectures and classes for the latter are however still being held, and we have had several minor field operations on our own. *

O.C.c. Dotes. We regret that we have still no news of the whereabouts of Lieut. H. L. C. Smith, who, as stated in our last number, was reported missing on October 2Oth. We hear with great pleasure, however, that he was mentioned in Sir John French's dispatches. We hope he may be safe in Germany. We should like to thank Mr. Smith, senr., for his gift of a photograph of the Corps last August, which has been hung in the Orderly Room.

We are glad to record that yet another N.C.O. has'been granted a commission—Col.Sergt. Thomas leaving to join the loth Worcesters. Both he and Sergt. Mayo will be a great loss to the Corps. * * * Col.-Sergt. Hamilton, who succeeded Thomas, has just left to take up a Choral Scholarship at Cambridge. He was also Captain of Shooting, and will be much missed Sergt. Bowstead has been promoted to be Col.-Sergt. in his place.

THE VIGORNIAN. The War Office have at last taken 45 of our service rifles, but we have obtained substitutes. Owing to the growth of the Corps there has been for some time a shortage of uniforms. The war has made it difficult to obtain new ones, but these have at last arrived, and everyone is now fitted out. * * * New arrangements are now in force at the Orderly Room, which have resulted in a great improvement in its appearance, which we hope will be maintained. *

* *

As will be seen from the list in another part of this issue, 42 past members of the O.T.C. have obtained commissions, while 21 are serving in the ranks, a very good number when it is remembered that the Corps was only founded in 1909. # * * The O.T.C. Accounts for the year ending June 3Oth, 1914, will be found elsewhere. *

The Corps is organized in two Platoons as follows: — No. I. PLATOON. Commander - Sergt. Sharpe Sergeant Sergt. Hemming Section Commanders No. i Cpl. Humphries „ „ „ 2 Lce.-Cpl. Rees „ >•' „ „ 3 Lce.-Cpl. Smith „ „ „ 4 Lce.-Cpl. Warren i No. II. PLATOON. Commander - Col.-Sgt. Bowstead Sergeant Sergt. Matthews Section Commanders No. 5 L.-Cpl. Watkins i ,. „ „ 6 Lce-Cpl. Limbrick „ ,. „ 7 L-Cpl. Bingham i „ „ , . 8 Cpl. Warren iii JUNIOR SQUAD - Lce.-Cpl. Roberts.

FIELD OPERATIONS. On December gth we practised the Company in attack on the Golf Links'. Major Garnett kindly supervised the operations, and the next day lectured to us on the subject, pointing out our mistakes. We should like to take this opportunity of expressing our thanks to him. * * * On January 3Oth the Corps went for a short Route March, combined with scouting, near Bransford and Powick. No. I. Platoon, under Lieut. Beach-Hicks, marched via Powick and took up a number of concealed positions intended to ambuscade No. II. Platoon, which marched via Bransford. Scouts were thrown out to protect the main body from surprise, but on two occasions out of three the main body would have been badly cut up. •X-

On February loth we engaged in field operations on the Golf Links. The Headmaster was kind enough to prepare a plan of campaign and to act as umpire. The general idea, which was made public beforehand, was as follows: The advanced guard of an invading army (Blue) moving from the East coast, with its main body at White Ladies Aston, has reached Spetchley Park at 2-30 on February loth. The home defence force (Red), in retiring, has reached Fernhill Heath and is preparing to take up fresh positions on the Lickey Hills, leaving a rearguard to cover the retreat on the high-road north of Worcester. Red Force—Junior Squad O.T.C., Lieut. Beach-Hicks. Blue Force—King's School O.T.C., Lieut. Board. The following special ideas were issued to the O.C.'s: — Red—From O.C. Headquarters, Fernhill Heath to O.C. rearguard. The enemy are reported near Spetchley, advancing to destroy the waterworks and railway north of Worcester. Occupy and hold Mushroom Hill, and

THE VIGORNIAN. if hard pressed fall back on Gorse Hill. Reinforcements will reach you at 3-30 p.m. Blue—From O.C. Spetchley to O.C. Outposts. Parties of the enemy are supposed to be holding Mushroom Hill, North of Worcester, (i) Locate them, and (ii) if possible dislodge them. Make good the hill and prepare to destroy the waterworks on the next ridge. The C.O. of Red decided not to occupy Mushroom Hill in force, but, placing small outposts under cover on the south front, posted his main body behind hedges on the east of the hill, in a good position, which enfiladed the most likely approach for the attack. He also placed a small body to watch for attack from the west, but this failed to keep touch with the rest of the force. It was not, however, attacked. The C.O. of Blue stated at the " Pow-wow" that he sent forward a section to scout with supports while he delivered a flank attack with two sections on his right. His scouts, however, failed to locate the positions of Red, and his main attack was delivered on a non-existent foe. In doing so his sections were unduly exposed in crossing the open ground, and were twice put temporarily out of action by the umpire. The ground over which they advanced, as well as that covered by the flank attack, was completely swept by the flank fire of the Red force. When operations were resumed his flank sections advanced cleverly (though one crossed the prescribed area of operations) and Red had to fall back, which they did steadily, taking up fresh positions in defence of Gorse-hill. By this time the umpire decreed that reinforcements would arrive, and there could be no question that honours rested with Red. The umpire congratulated the Corps in a considerable advance in taking cover, but criticized some lack of connection between units. Both commanders stated their aims and dispositions clearly, and we may say that the exercise proved useful.

Cambridge tetter. To the Editors of " The Vigornian" Dear Sirs, The soreness of my Pegasus' withers prevents my soaring to those lofty heights of rhetoric and witticism which characterise so prominently the pages of the " Vigornian." No goad—nay—not even that spurred heel of khaki-clad militarism—can draw from him anything more than a groan. But " to our muttons." W. S. Thompson (Queen's). Is bursting with health and vigour, and carries on the work of the Student Christian Movement at this University with energetic determination. S. J. A. Evans (King's) is working for his Historical Tripos, Part I.; all his spare time is taken up with music. He says that the approach of the final catastrophe in June appals him somewhat. S. D. Strong (St. John's). Like so many of us has been attacked by that bugbear of existence—influenza—but has now resumed his choral work. He is reading Theology, and the month • of May—magic month some people call it—is beginning to lose its attraction for him—with its attendant torture ! H. L. Brocklehurst (Christ's). Finds life rather chill—even Theology palls. He gets an occasional game of Fives. F. R. Oliver (Caius). Pursues the even tenor of his way—and it must be a very industrious one, for he is hardly ever to be seen. S. F. Davenport (St. Catharine's). Says he is wearing the white flower of a blameless life, but this is only his opinion. He seems to be working sedulously at his mathematics, but very little is known of him. We mentioned in our last letter that G. I. F. Tweedie (Gonville and Caius) and H. H. Milward (Dunning) were serving in His Majesty's forces. We look forward to glean-

THE VIGORNIAN. ing some further news of them from your columns. With every good wish to the School. I am, Sirs, yours, etc., CANTAB.

O.V. Club. The annual meeting of the O.V. Club was held in the King's School Library on January 14th. The attendance was very small, owing to the war. The Club was found to be in a fairly satisfactory financial position and the membership had increased during the year by fourteen. It was decided to place sums of money on deposit each year so as to safeguard the life members. Two new members were elected on the Committee, Messrs. W. Farmer and J. Jasper Jones. This year must necessarily be a very quiet one for the Club, as no O.V. boat race can be rowed and it is doubtful if the usual cricket and football matches can be played, as there are so few O.V.'s available to make up the teams, and our energetic games' hon. sec., Mr. Ludlow, of Stourbridge, is with the Army, and so I fear will not be able to bring a team against Hereford as he has so kindly done in the past. It is hoped members will loyally support the Club by keeping their subscriptions up to_date and so place it in a strong position to enable it to do the work it was founded to do. Let us sincerely hope that this dreadful war will soon be over and that we may soon all meet again at what we hope will be one of the biggest O.V. gatherings that has ever been held. Wishing all O.V.'s the best of luck. I remain, yours faithfully,

H. ERNEST ORAM, Woodlawn, Lark Hill, Worcester.

Hon. Sec.

Correspondence. To the Editors of " The Vigorntan." Sir, " Shade of Euripides " seems very angry with the School Dramatic Society for acting " miserable farces " instead of " our English Classics." He does not explain, by the way, what " our English Classics" are. Does he mean Shakspere (or whoever it was that wrote Shakspere's plays), Goldsmith, and Sheridan ? Or does he include George Bernard Shaw, who has confessed that his plays are much superior to everyone else's ? But this is a minor difficulty which we need not discuss here, for everybody knows that if G.B.S. did not write " Hamlet," he meant to. Well, we have several reasons. To begin with, we know our own limitations. We do not seriously believe that the dramatic critics of the School and city would really flock to see us murder Julius Caesar or Desdemona, or that they would contemplate the crime with any satisfaction if they did so. Many of us have been more or less unwilling witnesses of amateur representations of Shakspere's plays, and have often felt that " something lingering, with boiling oil in it" would be a fitting reward. In plain language, we think that such plays, if presented at all, should be done well, and we don't as yet feel equal to it. Another difficulty is that of scenery and dresses. One can't play Richard III. in a frock coat or a friend's old suit, nor can we imagine Juliet dressed as a modern young lady about to play lawn-tennis. This is not mere frivolity. The financial side of these shows is always a matter of great importance and some anxiety, and it is very difficult, if we wish to make money,—as we nearly always do—to keep the expenses within proper bounds. Lastly, there is the difficulty of rehearsals. Even for our imperfect representations of the

THE VIGORNIAN. despised farces, we give up as much time as we can possibly afford to rehearsing. " Classical" plays have more characters, are more difficult, and are usually longer, so that the difficulty of rehearsing would be enormously increased. We hope that the " Shade of Euripides " will see the force of our very weighty arguments, and will not again disturb the equilibrium of UNCLE BROWSER. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Your interesting journal is practically the only chance for the majority of the School and outsiders to voice any complaints and suggestions for the welfare of the School. These letters are generally read and always interesting, but they are unfortunately an utter waste of your valuable space, for, alas ! how often are the complaints remedied, the suggestions carried through, or the questions answered ? Begging forgiveness for my intrusion on your precious columns, and trusting that my complaint may be remedied. I am, yours, etc., lUSTITIA. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, A rumour has got abroad that the Secretaries of Sports are going to write for subscriptions for prizes as usual. I only hope this is untrue, but if it is the case, allow me to appeal, through your columns, that during the present crisis you will at least do without prizes for sports, when so many Serbians and Belgians are in great need. I happen to know that your Games Fund is in debt and that the Sports will help to wipe off this debt, but, I ask you, is it a time to think of prizes ? Believe me, yours sincerely, PATRIOTISM.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, We should thank you very much if you could give us a few lines in a letter to the " Vigornian." It has come to our notice of late that the School pavilion is most easily broken into. You just pull down the boards and in you climb; there being nothing on the inside to prevent one from doing so. This has been actually accomplished by two members of the King's School. Trusting this will soon be seen to. We remain, yours truly, "B. & L."

Scbool Officers. Head of the School ... Captain of Football ... Secretary of Football Captain of Boats Secretary of Boats ... Captain of Gymnasium Captain of Fives Captain of Shooting ... Secretary of Shooting

J. Bowstead. H. S. Denton. E. W. Green. G. H. Sharpe. J. Bowstead. K. E. Ward. F. W. S. Watkins. J. Bowstead. O. P. Giles.

Librarians

J. Bowstead. J. V. Sinnett-Jones. A. K. Matthews. A. Macdonald.

Secretary of the Orchestra ... Secretary of the Debating Society

H. S. Denton. D. D. Warren.

Editors of the " Vigornian "

T. B. Middleton. D. D. Warren. A. Macdonald.

School Monitors

J. Bowstead. D. D. Warren. H. S. Denton. G. H. Sharpe. T. B. Middleton. L. Warren. i J. V. Sinnett-Jones.

THE VIGORNIAN.

V. Hames H. J. P. Remove. Angwin J. B. P., Webb ii. M. E., White A. J. H. IV. Hill ii. B. E. T. III. Probert S. S. II. Seabright i. G. W., Seabright ii. J. E. I. Bricquet i. G., Bricquet ii. A., Cawker A. L. G., Lanning F., Porter ii. T. J.

Shooting. B.S.A Parker (Repairs) Kynock (Ammunitions) Wilkinson (Targets) ...

£ s. d. 2 0 6 6 16 6 o 10 o 5

Band. Band Instructor Graham & Latham Hawkes

12 15 o 2 1 2 6 10 o o

£25

Valet*. VI. Thomas J. G. S. (1909-1914). Head of the School, ist XI. Football (1912-14), Captain of Football (1913-14), ist XL Cricket (1913-14), Captain of Cricket (1914), Captain of Gym. (1912-14), Aldershot (1913-14), 2nd IV. (1914), Colour-Sergeant O.T.C., Certificate A., Ed. Vig. Mayo R. G. E. (1906-1914). School Monitor, ist XL Football (1914), 2nd XL Cricket (1914), Sergeant O.T.C. V. Newcomb E. R. (1912-1914), 2nd XL Football (1914), 2nd IV. (1912), Private O.T.C. Marsland K. D. (1910-1914). 2nd XL Football (1914), Private O.T.C. Rem. Brett A. H. (1910-1914). Shooting VIII. (1912-1914), Private O.T.C.

O.C.C. Accounts. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR YEAR ENDING J U N E 3oth, 1914. EXPENDITURE. Camp. Lewis, Birmingham, Equipment O.T.C. Tidworth— In advance ... ... £62 10 o Cashier Southern Command 14 5 6

£ s. d.

£2 15 4 25 i o 27 16 4

Rations—• Evans Osmond

.£994 211

O 12

Malvern Field Day Griffiths (Cabs)

T J

^107

3 4 i 3 2

8 3

General. Hobson (on Account) ... ... ... ... Deighton (Military Tournament) Arcade Cinema (Army Film) ... ... Sergt.-Instructor King ... ... ... Sergt.-Instructor Tibbitts (two terms) ... Mapp (Ironmonger) Haughton (Carpenter) ... ... ... Small Payments— S. G. Lee, Esq. ... ... £12 2 3 Gale & Polden ... ... 2 5 2 Sgt.-Mjr. Innwood (Section Competition) ... o 10 o Photos ... ... ... 230 Insurance ... ... 0160 Small Bills 12 15 8

f. 7° 5 \t 11 8 o T o o

10 16 7 o 15 o

i 14 7

•7^1 1

G.W R . . . . Band Instructor Rations Army and Navy Stores Marshall (Swagger Sticks) ...

Field Days. Railway Fares— G.W.R. M.R.

7 6

Summary of Expenditure. Camp Shooting Band Field Days General Total

50 o o 5 0 0 2 9 0 6 10 o 20 o o 4 1 3 3 19 10

30 12

£l22 12

£ s. d. •

107 2 8 9 12 o 25 7 6 122 12

THE VIGORNIAN. £ s. d.

RECEIPTS From Boys— Summer 1913 ... Michaelmas 1913 Lent 1914

. .

£ s. d. 138 o 4 78 7 4 75 '8 9 6 S o o o o 2 17 6 6 18 10

Capitation Grant" ... N.R.A. Prize, Imperial Challenge Shield Band ist Prize, Camp Cash

£377 Total Receipts Total Expenditure

d. 9 2 7

177

... 316

Balance on Year's working ... £61

Examined and found correct, HERBERT BAXTER. EDWARD POWF.I.F, November ist, 1914. On June 3oth the Corps was insolvent to the extent of about ;£ioo (including ^41 due to Messrs. Hobson's for the initial expense of uniforms, and ^29 to Messrs. Stokes for the building of the Armoury). This amount has been gradually reduced, and we hope to become solvent during the present year.

Feb. ,, ,. ,. , ,,

13. 1313IS18. 18.

£ Salter (Felt Pads) Menzies (Boat Straps) Roberts & Everton (Repairing Boat) Sports Sec. Hunt (Wages) ... Ward (Football Gear)

14 o 7 4 o 5 15 o i 3

d. 4 6 o 0

o I

£97 16 4

£ s. d.

RECEIPTS. Nov. 18. Dec. 4. Governors (Rent of Field) ,, 20. Fines ,, 21. Books Sold ,, 21. O.V.'s Odd Books ,, 22. Gift, Dean and Chapter Jan. 20. School Subs. Deficit

6 o II 6 6 9 4 19 3 S o o 2 o 4 14 2

£97 16 4 Examined and found correct, W. H. CHAPPEL, Headmaster. 27/2/15-

Ctbrarp account. SUMMER TERM 1914.

RECEIPTS. /~ ;6

Nov.

Deficit Football Sec. Cleaning Boats Linesmen — Hereford (2) £o 6 4 Cheltenham ( 2 ) 0 5 0 Malvern ( 2 ) 0 2 0

Ferry (Visiting Tfams) i. Rent 2nd Field 7- Boat Painting Dec. 7- Fire Insurance, Pavilion 18. Haughton (Locks, Barge) Re-painting Boats (9 weeks) 20. Severn Commission (Locks and Re2O. pairing Barge) 20.

.. "

20.

,. 2 41915Jan. 14-

Higgs (White Lead, &c., Boat)

Sept. 2^. o 2 6 o 5 o

Sports Programmes 1914 Football Fixture Cards Feb. 8. Cooper & Co. (Sports Prizes) ., II. Chamberlain (Boating Goods)

... ... ...

£ s. d. o 9 8 ii 12 6 4 o o ,f.

Oct. U o 7 2 o O 7 O 7 o 6 6 15

4 6 o o

o 15 o o o o o O 11 o 12 3 IO

S 13 9 £35

o 10

13 12 7 3 o 6 4

20. O.V. Club (Vigs.)

4 o

Talboys (Cartage of Boat, Oxford)...

Per Headmaster— Pound ... School Subs. Vigornians

EXPENDITURE. July 22. Humphries (VI. Form Room Lib.) Aug. i. Large (Papers) Whiteman (Papers) Humphries (Papers) ... Oct. 13. Baylis (Vigorhians) ,,

21.

Lantern Slides Cheque Book ... Iliffe (Photo) Stamps (Vigs.) Postage

Balance

...

£ s. d. o 13 o i 19 o i i ii i o o o o 16

9 4 6 7 6 o i o 7. 6 ?, o 2 o O 6 6 i

£35 o 10

THE VIGORNIAN.

LIBRARY ACCOUNT (continued). Balance at Bank Cash in Hand ...

£ s. d. 16 2 ii 0 3 2 £l6

Examined and found correct, W. H. CHAPPEL. 30/10/14. WINTER TERM 1914. RECEIPTS. Balance Per Headmaster— £ s. d. 0 3 0 Dec. i. 6 Vigs. Sold 0 8 7 Dec. 20. Pound ii o 6 School Subs. Vigs. Charged 3 14 ° 0 5 6 Extra Vigs.

£ s. d. 16 6 i

IS ii 7 5 16 3

O.V. Club (Vigs.)

£37 13 " Dec. 20. Nov. 2. Dec. 23. ,, 30. Jan. 13. ,, 23. ,, 28. Feb. i.

£ s. d.

EXPENDITURE. Books, Vlth Form Room Stamp Album Humphries (Papers) ... Large (Papers) Whiteman (Papers) Smith & Sons (Books) Lantern Account Baylis (Vigornians) Balance

0 15 o 1

6 o

2 19

18 17 0 8 1 i 10 19 16 18 I

9 9 o o o 6 i

£37 13 ii

£ s. d.

Balance at Bank Due to R. T. C.

o 4 10

£16 18 i Examined and found correct. W. H. CHAPPEL.

Contemporaries. We acknowledge with gratitude the receipt of the following contemporaries, and apologize for any accidental omissions: —King Edward's School Chronicle, Portcullis (2), Wyggestonian, Alleynian, Monktonian, Rossalian, Cantuarian, Decanian, Eagle, Lily, Tonbridgian, Monmothian, Bromsgrovian.

tlbrarp. The following books have been added to the School Library: — Marjorie Bowen. A Knight of Spain The Governor of England The Quest of Glory The Two Carnations God and the King The Rake's Progress God's Playthings John Oxenham. Mary All Alone The Coil of Carne Lauriston My Lady of Shadows Red Wrath Queen of the Guarded Mounts The Song of Hyacinth, etc. Their High Adventure F. Anstey. The Brass Bottle E. V. Lucas. Mr. Ingleside A. E. W. Mason. Laurence Lavering The Turnstile At the Villa Rose The Witness for the Defence - Jerome K. Jerome. They and I A Marriage under the Patricia Wentworth. Terror The Fire Within A Little More than Kin The Devil's Wind The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg, etc. Mark Twain. A Tramp Abroad The £30,000 Bequest Laid up in Lavender S. J. Weyman. The Wild Geese j> The Dragon of Wessex - Percy Dearmer. )t

»»

THE VIGORNIAN.

Potfrp.

lecture.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian."

On Saturday, March 6th, Rev. Monahan gave us a lecture on " The Worcestershire Regiment." He emphasised the fact that this regiment, which was eulogised both by the Duke of Wellington and Sir John French, had never sustained a defeat during its whole career. As the old 2Qth it had been considered, in the opinion of great authorities, the most disciplinary regiment in the whole army; it had attained pre-eminent success in the American War, the Sikh War, the Peninsular War, and the Boer War; it had served in Ireland, and was in many ways connected with the Irish; and above all its gallant conduct in the field in the past year has won for it the warm praise of Sir John French. The lecture was embellished with some witty anecdotes and interesting slides, the latter showing, in addition to the regimental uniform at different times in the history of the Worcesters, some of the officers who are now serving their country. We were very interested, and should like to thank Rev. Monahan for the trouble which he has taken.

Sir, I write to right myself; (Nota Bene, I'm a bust). Long you've left me on the shelf, Unbefriended in the dust. Labelled with a pseudonym, This Wilsonian room I've sat in, While you've prosed in Greek that's grim And false-concorded in Latin. Libelled by a lying hand, I've preserved heroic silence, When your blaring brazen band Frightened nervous nags a mile hence. • Most unkindest cut of all,— I've been forced by Fate ironic To attend inimical Instillations of Teutonic. To the point! (My Classic bias Must no longer lead astray us) I'm no mad sheep-slaying Aias ! I'm the royal Menelaws! I beseech you by myshelf, I, a suppliant in its dust,— Sir, correct my name yourself (Nota Bene, I'm a bust). With apolog- (for space occupied) -ies, I am, yours, etc., M. ATREIDES. [The venerable warrior will be pleased to hear that we have given him his correct name.— EDS. VlG.]

Regatta. The Regatta was held on March 6th, a date unavoidably earlier than usual. Mr. Rowntree acted as starter, and the Headmaster was judge. •In the first round of the House Fours the Day Boys beat the Hostel after a most exciting race, Bow of the Hostel and No. 2 of the Day Boys both catching ' crabs.' In the second round, the Castle House, after a slight mishap to their stroke, pulled well together and easily beat the School House, who did not finish the course. In the final the Castle House gained an easy victory over the Day Boys, who pluckily finished. This was the first time the Castle

THE VIGORNIAN.

House had won the Rowing Cup. The course of the heats was from the Diglis Locks to the Cathedral Ferry, but the final was rowed from the locks to the Deanery. The Junior Pairs were won by Yarnold and Giles, who beat Richards and Smith after a close race. In the Senior Pairs Lane and Sharpe, after a close and most exciting race, beat Ottley i. and Hemming i. There _was a good wind and a strong stream, and these conditions augmented the disadvantages of the Cathedral side. The rowing was much better than last year, and there was a keen interest and close competition throughout the regatta. The day was fine and the spectators numerous. The rowing officials

wish to take this opportunity of thanking no less than four masters for their valuable assistance in helping the younger members who are to constitute the crews in the future.

HOUSE CREWS. Castle House. Bow M. G. Roberts. 2 O. P. Giles. 3 E. J. Rees.* Stroke F. J. Hemming. Cox T. B. Middleton.

Bow 2 3 Stroke Cox

Day Roys. C. P. Joseland. K. R. Mackenzie. D. W. A. Richards. G. H. Sharpe.* B. Adlington.

School House. V. P. Howells. A. W. Limbrick.* J. L. V. Ottley. P. W. Bingham. H. S. Thomas.

Bow i 3 Stroke Cox

Hostel. A. D. Yarnold. D. D. Warren.* C. M. Lane. G. V. Roland. G. N. T. Widdrington

Bow 2 3 Stroke Cox

* Captain.