The Vigornian November 1919 by King's Worcester

Uigornian. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRA! KIM'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, " ra fjiiv SiSaKTci /javdaria, ra $' ti , TO. y EVkTa Trapa.

No. 96.

VOL. IX.

Contents. News

Page 1 05

106 107 107 I IO

WC.K.S. War Memorial

Cricket Football Fives The Russian Revolution and Bolshevism Chess Notes Shooting Notes .— School Officers O.T.C. Notes Promotions ... Salvete Valete Debating Society ... Correspondence Contemporaries Games Account Library Accounts ...

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NOVEMBER, 1919.

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editorial. "Each term when the time for the publication of " The Vigornian " draws near, there arises the same question, "Who is going to write the Editorial?" Whenever this point is raised by the senior editor the silence, to put it mildly, is oppressive, and the decision which is ultimately arrived at, is " Nobody ! "

This term however it has been decided to attemot this apparently impossible task, and this effusion is the result.

"3 "5 116 117 117 117 118 119

At the end of last term we parted with the services of Miss E. M. Hughes and Mr. F. B. Thomas; in their places we heartily welcome Messrs. A. K. Birch Jones and D. W. Walton, from whose gifted pens we are indebted for two most interesting articles which appear in this number; also Mr. A. B. Williams, who has taken charge in the laboratory.

I2O I2O 121 121 I23 I23 124

At the time of writing all four of the unfortunate beings, upon whose shoulders rests the Herculean task of producing " The Vigornian," are being bombarded with the question, " When will ' The Vigorrfian ' be out? " We here beg to excuse our seeming tardiness by the plea of unforeseen circumstances, including the illness of one of our number.

THE VIGORNIAN.

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ScDool On Tuesday, Nov. nth, the School attended a most impressive Memorial Service in the Cathedral, afterwards joining in the procession past the Cenotaph. Probably nobody realised until this occasion how long a column is formed by 200 people walking "in pairs." The ist XI. may be sympathised with on their ill luck, having been able only once to take the field as a complete team. They showed their worth on this occasion by beating Hereford 7—2. * * * We beg to congratulate Mrs. Creighton on the birth of a son, on Sunday, November i6th, and are very glad to hear that mother and child are both progressing favourably. * * * We hear that the rifles of the O.T.C. are to be replaced by Short Rifles at an early date. We also anticipate an issue of webbing equipment, which will be the first grant of its kind as yet made to the Corps. # * * Rev. R. J. Whitaker's house, situated in Battenhall Road, is rapidly approaching a size when it will embark upon an independent existence. It already supplies a section in the O.T.C. The School was fortunate enough (some say unfortunate enough) to have already assembled before the railway strike broke out, so that apart from the inconveniences of the postal service we pursued our course unaffected by the turmoil around us. The College Green has now quite recovered from the stress and strain of its war work. The only questionable thing is the advisability of not putting a fence of any sort round it. The loss of several members of the Shooting VIII., notably P. C. K. Lewis, the Captain, is greatly felt, but there is a great deal of young talent " coming on " so we do not despair. * * * On Saturday evening, Nov. i5th we enjoyed a very interesting lecture by Canon Wilson on " Stars." Last year he was unable to give it, but this term we were more fortunate. He showed us some wonderful slides taken of the stars through telescopes. * * * The first Debate of the Session was held on Nov. i2th. We hope to have more before the term finishes, owing to the activity of the new Secretary. A full account will be found elsewhere. * * *

The O.T.C. sent a contingent to camp at Tidworth this year. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed the fortnight. The inter-Brigade Field Day which was to end the proceedings, however, was rather a failure as far as we were concerned, only one member of the Corps firing a shot. * * * Everyone is looking forward to the visit of Canon W. H. Chappel, our late Headmaster, on Dec. 5th. This is the first visit he has paid to us since his retirement, and we venture to say that he will not find that the School has changed in any of the essential features of its character since his departure. * * # The O.T.C. took part in a big Field Day at Badminton quite recently. Although parading in the early hours of the morning everybody was very keen, and when we arrived at our destination at about 10 a.m. nobody was heard to say that he would rather have been in school. *

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We wish to congratulate Corpl. B. St. J. Howells on the excellent performance given by the Band on Prize Day. He is a worthy successor of the vigorous Sergt. B. Adlington who left us last term. * * * An Amateur Dramatic Society has b'een started in the School with the aid of the Rev. R. J. Whitaker and the Misses Campbell. On reference to back numbers we find that something of the sort was attempted in 1900 but was not a success. We sincerely hope that this " youngster" will not share the same fate.

School Calendar. THIRD TERM, 1919. Wednesday, Sept. 24.—Boarders Return. Thursday, Sept. 25.—School meets at 9.0 a.m. School Service in Ladye Chapel. Sunday, Sept. 28.—School Celebration in Ladye Chapel, 8.45 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23.—Prize-Giving by the Lord Bishop of Worcester at 2.30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.—O.T.C. Field Day. Wednesday, Nov. 5.—"A" Certificate Examination (practical). Saturday, Nov. 8.—Half Term. Saturday, Nov. 15.—Lecture on " Stars." Canon-Wilson. Saturday, Nov. 22.—Mr. Douglas Beaufort's Entertainment. Friday, Nov. 28.—" A " Certificate Examination (written). Saturday, Nov. 29.—Lecture on " Russia." Mr. Walton.

THE VIGORNIAN. Friday, Dec. 5.—School

Advent Service at 3.15 p.m. Preacher, Canon Chappel. Saturday, Dec. 6.—"Merchant of Venice." Mr. PagetBowman. Friday, Dec. 12.—School Advent Service at 3.15. Preacher, Rev. R. J. Whitaker. Saturday, Dec. 13.—Lecture. Mr. Birch-Jones. Thursday, Dec. 18.—List for the Term. School Service at 3.15. Preacher, the Headmaster. School Concert. Friday, Dec. 19.—-Exeunt Omnes.

O.V. Reujs. C. C. ANGWIN is apprenticed to Holman's rock drill foundry at Cambourne. C. K. ADAMS is working for a degree at the London University. T. C. BOWSTEAD has been transferred from H.M.S. "Malaya" to H.M.S. "Valiant." LIEUT. J. BOVVSTEAD, M*.C., has taken up his exhibition at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and is reading Mathematics for the Tripos. MR. D. L. BOARD, after serving in Mesopotamia and Baku, is now in Bombay. He has sent a terrible account of the Armenian massacres. G. P. CLARK has entered the Military College at Sandhurst.

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THE REV. R. P. QUILTER has resigned the office of Sub-Warden to the Homes of S. Barnabas, which he has held for the last five years. Mr. Quilter has now been appointed by the Bishop to the post of Wakefield Diocesan Chaplain, and has taken up his residence with his predecessor at S. John's Vicarage, Wakefield. E. J. REES has been demobilised and is studying medicine at Cardiff. MAJOR S. G. SIMPSON is now on the Board of Education in London. K. P. SMITH is now in hospital, having been wounded in Russia, and incapacitated for further service. S. D. STRONG has recently left Cambridge, having finished there more quickly than was expected. He intended to take up farming in Canada, but was unfortunately prevented from doing so. He is however interested in his present work at Broadstairs, where he is an assistant master, and he intends to take up this as a career. XV. M. TYLER is now a pupil on a farm at Steyning, near Brighton. L. WOODCOCK is preparing to enter an engineering school. R. C. WINTERTON is a pupil on a Warwickshire farm. DEATH. LIEUT. BUCHAN METCALFE LIDDEL, R.N.R.— While on leave at Zanzibar he met with a severe accident, and injured his spine. He was brought home to England, but died in the Empire Hospital, Westminster.

H. B. DOWNES has entered his father's office in Worcester. G. H. GRIFFITHS has been articled to a firm of architects at Cardiff. N. GOWING has obtained a post in the London Joint City and Midland Bank at Chester. R. E. O. HALL is at the Austin Engineering College. LIEUT. L. HARVEY has been appointed Professor of English at the University of New Brunswick, Canada, which is situated at Frederickton. He sailed for his new post in August. A. L. HARRISON has entered the Military College at Sandhurst. CAPT. R. T. KEEN has entered the firm of Messrs. Trethewy, Solicitors, at Bedford. A. K. LEWIS has been stationed at Grantham with the Machine Gun Corps, and has been nominated to go before the Selection Committee for Sandhurst. E. K. PRICE has entered the Military College at Sandhurst. J. PANRUCKER, Capt. Adjutant of the and Worcestershire Regiment, is now stationed at Cologne with the Army of Occupation,

Speecb Dap. Reprinted from the "Worcestershire Echo." The Dean of Worcester presided at the annual prize day held in the College Hall, on Oct. 24th. He was supported by the Bishop of Worcester (Dr. Pearce), Canon Wilson, the Headmaster (the Rev. C. Creighton). The Dean announced apologies from Canon Lacev, Canon James, the Mayor of Worcester (Aid. A. Carlton), Mr. Willis Bund, and Mr. S. Southall. ADDRESS BY THE DEAN. The Dean referred to the loss the School had sustained by the death of Mr. Charles Wood (the son of Mrs. Henry Wood, the authoress), who had given considerable sums for the purpose of endowing prizes. Mr. Wood took a very keen interest in the School, and they would cherish his memory and be grateful for what he had done for it. The Dean next referred to the change of Headmasters which had occurred during the year. They could not, he said, over-estimate the debt they owed to the late Headmaster, Canon Chappel. (Applause). He had no hesitation in saying that he was far and away the greatest Head-

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THE V1GORNIAN.

master of the School since the time of the celebrated Dr. Henry Bright, who was Headmaster in the reign of James I. Canon Chappel not only caused the School to increase in size, but he created the tone of the School. It was manifest to everyone that Canon Chappel's character and influence were rooted in his deep religious convictions. The Dean mentioned the name of the new Headmaster (Mr. Creighton), and it was received with hearty applause. The Dean said Mr. Creighton had great difficulties to contend with. He came at the end of the war, which had disorganised all schools more or less, and that school especially. There were great changes in the staff, and Mr. Creighton had to settle down under a staff that was largely new. The new Headmaster had not yet been able to show what he could do. But what he had done filled them with hope. The School was not only full, but full to overflowing, and they had been obliged, for want of room, to reject some applicants. Speaking for himself and not for the Governors (because the Governors had come to no conclusion upon the matter yet), he believed that one of the developments that they should endeavour to bring into fulfilment in the comparatively, near future was the establishment of a junior school, to take the junior boys from the buildings used by the other boys, and so establish a truly junior boys' school. The Dean next referred to the change of Bishop which had occurred since the last prize day. The late Bishop of Worcester, now Bishop of Coventry, was a warm friend of the School, and did a great deal for it. It was largely through his exertions, wisely applied, that they were able to obtain an increased endowment from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The Bishop had given them sonie money from the VVheeley Lea Fund and they hoped for more. (Laughter). He always took a very active and keen interest in the School, and especially in its religious character. On that occasion they had the pleasure to welcome his successor. Like his predecessor the present Bishop of Worcester valued the connection of the School with the Cathedral. (Applause). NEW HEADMASTER'S REPORT. The Headmaster then made his report. He first welcomed the large gathering, saying that he regarded it as one more sign of that open-hearted friendliness -and generosity which he had always learned to regard as one of the characteristics of the citizens of Worcester. Such a feeling as they showed by their presence was the surest sign that the School, in the past, had won their confidence and affection, and it assured him of their support and continued interest. He was conscious of the disabilities and disadvantages of a new comer amongst them. He assured them of his interest in their boys, and said that he knew a good many of them already and should not be content until he knew a great deal more. He knew that their thoughts must be full of the memories of the hearty welcome and stirring words which Canon Chappel was wont to address to them at these gatherings. It was not for him to speak of Canon Chappel's work, but he could say, •' If you wish to see his memorial cast your eyes around." In the hall, in the school buildings, in the

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characters of many generations of boys, Canon Chappel had left a memorial more lasting than brass—a memorial of which any man might be proud. He acknowledged the personal kindness and help that Canon Chappel h'ad given to him. The success and prosperity of the School during the year was in no sense to be set down to his (the speaker's) credit. The only credit he could claim during the year was that he had the good sense not' to interfere in any vital way with the established traditions of the School. He had allowed it to continue to run on the same lines that it was running with such conspicuous success when he had the honour to be appointed Headmaster. He did not mean by that that there were not, perhaps, some developments and improvements he had in mind, but that it was too early to speak of them. He assured them that when he took over the School he found it was plentifully and adequately equipped with every material for growth and development. He found it equipped like the camel with the hump, with plenty of life and growth to guide it through the desert of the first year of his Headmastership. He found that the staff, particularly the senior members, showed him the utmost loyalty and most valuable support and the greatest friendliness and kindness that had been of the greatest possible assistance to him. He was fortunate in having exactly the same staff as Canon Chappel, though some of them, for various reasons, left the School during the year. But mainly he had the same help as Canon Chappel, and he took that opportunity of publicly thanking them for the very great help they had given to him. (Applause). Mr. Hughes had left to be Headmaster of King's College, Taunton. He was not at the School very long, but he was there long enough to have made them wish that he could stay, and they wished him success. Mr. Thomas, who came there to do war work, had returned to Cambridge to continue reading for his degree. He (the speaker) found him of the greatest help as House tutor, and the boys of the School knew how much he did for the life of the School in many ways. Mr. Creighton said he had been able to fill the vacancies, and whatever misgivings he had in regard to next year, they did not arise from any fears in regard to the staff. (Cheers). He thanked most heartily the leading boys of the School, especially the School monitors, and the Captain of the School, M. E. Webb. (Applause). Next the Headmaster acknowledged the help given to him by the Governors. It was suggested to him before he came, that it was a disadvantage to have a governing body, and two eminent headmasters on the spot, and he felt nervous. But it was not very long before he found that any fears that he may have had were entirely unfounded. So far from it being a disadvantage, it was of the greatest possible help to have the governing body to turn to. The Dean and the other Governors had helped and advised him when he needed it without interfering when he did not wish it. THE, SCHOOL AND SANDHURST. Speaking of the work of the School in more detail, he said the most successful feature was the success won in the entrance exhibition to Sandhurst. Three members of

THE VIGORNIAN. the School passed, and one, E. K. Price, won ninth place and the prize cadetship. (Applause). Those successes in one Army examination were extremely gratifying1 to a school of that size. He considered the testimony to the value of the classical training was found in the fact that the three successful candidates took as one of their subjects Latin, and passed without that special examining in army subjects which, in many schools, was considered necessary. He admitted that the number of certificates in the Oxford and Cambridge certificate examinations was not so large as it had been in the past, or so large as he hoped it would be in the future, and he said this was due to what the Dean had indicated—the dislocation and disturbance of work during war time, and the changes of form masters. The Sixth Form worked under different form masters each term during the year. Taking these circumstances into consideration he thought the result of the examinations was very creditable. The record of the boys who formed the Upper Sixth was both interesting and creditable. Two won higher certificates, in advanced classics, three passed into Sandhurst, and the remaining one, A. G. Coombs, won an exhibition of Divinity at Selwyn College, Cambridge. The health of the School during the year had been marvellously good, and in that connection he said .they owed much to the domestic staff, the wives and relatives or servants of the House Masters, whom they were sometimes apt to forget on occasions of that kind, but who played a most valuable part in the life of the School. (Applause). The numbers of the School had been maintained up to the utmost limits. He desired it to be known that those who thought of sending their boys to the School must not expect to get them admitted if they applied during the last few days of the holidays. The number of boarders was greater than ever, and last term Mr. Whitaker opened a new house, which was now almost quite full. He acknowledged the excellent work done by the O.T.C.,and mentioned that the War Office, by way of recognising the excellent work done by the O.T.C., had presented a captured machine gun, which had been set up in the playground. Mr. Creighton then referred to the inscribing, in letters of gold on the walls of the hall, of the names of the O.V."s who had fallen in the war, saying that two other names had been added, A. Baird and C. L. Davey. He then reminded them of the appeal issued bv Canon Chappel for subscriptions to the School war memorial (recalling Mr. RammelPs munificence in providing one part of it, the School cricket pavilion), and said that they had .£1,500 subscribed towards the ^2,000 which Canon Chappel said was needed. He asked for more subscriptions in order to provide the fund for forming scholarships for the sons of O.V.'s. He claimed that the School was unique, because it was both democratic and aristocratic. It was aristocratic in its connections with the past, in its traditions and associations with the Cathedral and monastery, and it was democratic in its situation in the city, and the part it played in the education of the lives of • the citizens-regardless of distinction. He hoped that the School would always preserve that double character, and it would be his effort in any-

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thing he did to develop it, to preserve those two characteristics. In choice phrase he reminded the audience of the beautiful surroundings of the School, and so, consciously or unconsciously, the beauty must have a profound effect upon the boys. Surrounded by ancient and beautiful buildings, it should be, and he believed it was, inspired by ancient and beautiful traditions. The chimneys of the town reminded them of the great industrial world and activities of life outside, for which the School should be training boys, and he trusted that the School would continue to send out many further generations of old boys who would give their lives for the service of their fellow men. (Applause). The Bishop then distributed the prizes. School Prizes.—Bishop of Worcester's Divinity Prize, Via., A. G. Coombs; Rev. N. F. McNeile's Divinity Prize, VIb., G. B. Coombs; George Nash Divinity Prize, V., T. H. Horsfield ; Maurice Day Classical Prize (senior), Via., M.. E. Webb; (junior), VIb., I. F. W. Schofield; James Nash Classical Prize, Va., J. L. Longland; School Latin Prose Prize, M. E. Webb ; School Maths. (Canon Wilson), R. Owen Smith; S,outhall Accidence Prizes—Via., Greek and Latin, M. E. Webb; VIb. (ditto), I. F. W. Schofield; Remove (ditto), A. de B. Edye; V., Latin, J. E. R. Wilford; Greek, R. E. Hulse; IV., Latin, R. M. Beavan. Form and Set Prizes—Va., Form and French, J. L. Longland—Maths., Ai, S. H. Baker; Vb., Form and Science, H. H. Blanchard; A3, G. D. Horner. Rem., Form and French, R. M. Beavan; A4, B. Adlington. III., Form and Science, S. G. Fowler; Bi., R. M. Beavan. Ha., Form and French, E. de C. Tillett; 62., O. M. Smith. I., Form and French, P. H. B. Woodhouse; 83., E. Rice-Jones. IVa., Form Prize, N. A. Snowball; 64., V. E. M. C. Stanley. IVb., Form Prize, J. F. B. Harvey; Ci., R. Amor. lib., Form Prize, H. E. Chandler; C 2 ., J. C. Flay. VIb., French Prize, I. F. W. Schofield; C3, J. C. Harcombe. IVa., French Prize, C. T. Palmer; C4., H. R. Dorrell. III., French Prize, C. H. Brown. German, A., W. A. Winstone. VIb., Science Prize, M. A. Le Huray; C., H. Fillmore. Va., Science Prize, S. H. Baker; D., C. T. Palmer. Rem.., Science Prize, F. M. Jones; E., N. A. Snowball. IVa, Science Prize, V. E. M. C. Stanley. Greek, C., .G. D. Horner. IVb., Science Prize, R. F. P. Cobb; D., W. L. Shorting; E., R. Daniel. Extra Subjects—General Knowledge: VI., N. Spackman ; V., H. H. Blanchard; Rem., H. Fillmore. Holiday Reading (winter and summer combined): VI., M. E. Webb; Va., V. C. Powell; Vb., R. E. Hulse; IVa., K. N. Ross; IVb., R. F. P. Cobb; III., G. W. Mumford; Ila., W. H. K. Davey; lib., A. D. Arbuckle; I., C. E. N. Davies. Drawing: R. L. Sedgwick, N. A. Snowball, W. C. Edwards. Holiday Drawing: J. E. Seabright. Mrs. Berkeley's Prizes for Holiday Collections: Flowers, A. F. Drake i, W. J: Blakeway 2; architecture, G. H. Wilford r, G, H. .Evans 2 ; insects, -J. E. Seabright. Canon Rivington's Prize for Cathedral Catechising: J. J. Longland i, G.-H. Bartleet 2. Mr. Ivor Atkins' Music Prize: B. St. J. Howells. Mrs. H. Wood, Senior ist not

THE VIGORNIAN.

awarded; E. H. Coombs 2 ; junior, H. Fillmore; commended, H. H. Holmes. Aid. Steward's Prize for Proxime Accesit in K.S. Exam. : J. E. Seabright. BISHOP AND SCHOOL INDIVIDUALITY. Addressing the assembly, the Bishop pleaded that a school that had an individuality should be allowed to remain. We had come to a time when there was a danger of settling down to a " common form " of school —every school to have a certain kind of constitution, its governors to be elected in a particular way, it must have a certain number of free places, and its salaries and pensions must be of a certain kind and size. Of the last two things he said they would all say let them be done to the utmost limits possible, but he urged that that School should not be compelled to be like every other and to lose its individuality. He reminded them that it was to a Bishop of Worcester that the establishment of that School was due, and he recalled the long association which the monastery had with the cause of education. We sometimes talked as if scholarships or exhibitions were something that we had founded. Did we not realise that from the monastery in Worcester every year, from the year 1290 onwards, young monks were picked out— young men who ought to have better education than the monastery could afford—and sent to Oxford? Where they had a fine old institution centred in the Cathedral, he asked them to do all they could to bring it into line with the kind of efficiency that was demanded, pay its staff well, and get them some provision for their old age, but never to let the School lose its special individual character. (Applause). Canon Wilson proposed, and Mr. Rammell seconded, a vote of thanks to the Bishop, and it was heartily carried. The Bishop asked for a holiday for the boys, and it was granted, and the proceedings terminated with cheers for the Bishop and others. The company then dispersed to view the school buildings and work, and were entertained to tea by the Headmaster and Mrs. Creighton.

Pierre. " Les hommes nous paraissaient les restes d'une race gigantesque qui s'^teignait homme par homme et pour tou jours." —De Vigny. The life of a battalion out of the trenches is necessarily nomadic. Sometimes, in order to mislead the ever-active German Intelligence Department, divisions were kept constantly on the move, marching for the most part by night and seldom spending more than forty-eight hours in the same locality. At such times one moved from village to village, and always rested at one of those little farm-steads which are typical of Northern France. It was when I was "on the trek," and was spending a brief sojourn in such a farmhouse, that I met Pierre.

He was not good looking, nor was he talkative. He was slovenly dressed in a blue smock, and grimy above the average. He extended no welcome to his uninvited guests. Indeed, he had nothing but black looks for the little troop of cooks and batmen, who invaded his kitchen, piled their arms and equipment on his floor, and cooked unsavoury meals upon his carefully polished stove. But one night we invited him to come and hear the overworked company gramophone grind out the latest music-hall ditties. We gave him coffee, rum, and tobacco, all of which he accepted with the courtly grace of a true son of France. And then he gradually thawed, and he started to relate to us something of the tragedy of his life. He told us how his two sons had left him at the very commencement of the war; how Georges, the farm-lad, had been summoned after a very few months; and how he himself since that time had done the work of all alone, or aided by his grandson, that sturdy young man of eight, who did the full day's work of a farmer, and yet always managed to find odd moments in which to shoulder his wooden rifle, march around the courtyard, and salute, with the utmost gravity, every officer within view. At one time the village had been occupied by the Germans, and, in the same even tones, Pierre related his experiences of German " Kultur." He pointed out the bullet-holes through his front door, which the German officers, with never a thought for the safety of those within the house, had used as a revolver butts. He narrated grim little stories of wanton destruction, bestial habits, or brutal cruelty. But never once did he whine. True, the tears rolled down his cheek when he spoke of the day when the Gendarme and M. le Cure entered his little house with the news that " Mon fils etait mort pour la Patrie "•—for they announce such tidings personally in France with a certain touch of ceremony, and perhaps it is more merciful than the curt War Office •' official wire " of our own country. But the tears were" soon brushed aside and the eyes glowed with wonderful pride as he showed us his most treasured possession, the letter of M. le Colonel describing the death of a hero. Seldom, indeed, did Pierre indulge in the luxury of tears. In a day which starts at earliest dawn and often does not come to an end until ten o'clock at night there is but little time even to grieve. Sorrow had made itself visible in other ways—in the deeplyfurrowed expressionless face, in a body bent and crippled, and in the nervous, twitching fingers. My last memory of him is his coming out to watch my company move, off en route for the trenches. For some time he watched the platoons being fallen in and proved by their N.C.O.'s, and in this he displayed all the interest of an old soldier—he served in " soixante-dix." At last the Sergeant-Major reported " all correct," and I went forward to give the command to march. But before I reached the centre of the company, Pierre arrested me. Coming up to the salute he gave me his final message, " Mon Captaine, je TJOUS veux 16 ban courage toujoiirs! " • And so we parted, and I never saw him again, but I

THE VlGORNIAN. have often seen his fellows since. France is a nation of heroes, but I doubt whether at any period of her history she has produced heroism comparable with that of her " Old Guard" of to-day. Grey-headed old men, the battered survivors of two wars, bereft of their children, weary, and bent with toil are going down in bitterest sorrow to the grave, but they not complaining, " C'est pour la Patrie "—and that is enough. The hardest battles of all are not fought on the battlefield, and when I think of the magnificent courage of the French nation there rises up in my mind the vision not of a French soldier —beyond praise though he was—but of a simple, lonely, old peasant wishing the present generation •' le bon courage " for the future. B. J.

UI.C.K.S. ttlar Memorial. King's School, Worcester. To Parents of past and present pupils and to all Vigornians and friends of the K.S. It is nearly a year since my predecessor Canon Chappel addressed to ydli a letter stating the scheme which it was proposed to carry out as a School War Memorial to the O.V."s who gave their lives in the war. You will remember what the four objects were, and will be interested to know what progress has been made towards carrying them out. 1. 'A Roll of Honour in College Hall. This has been erected and the names inscribed in letters of gold beneath an appropriate inscription on the panels of College Hall. 2. The St. Wulstan's Window in the Cloisters. The drawings for this are nearly complete, and it is hoped that work will begin upon it soon. 3. New Cricket Pavilion and Fives Courts. The Cricket Pavilion has been provided for by the munificent gift of Mr. T. E. Rammell. The plans have been made and it was hoped that by now the Pavilion would have been completed but the contractor has not kept his promise, and the work has only recently been begun. But, thanks to Mr. Rammell, this part of the Memorial is assured, and it is only tight that I should add that to carry out his idea to his own satisfaction Mr. Rammell has considerably increased his original subscription of .£500. 4. A Scholarship or Scholarships for the sons of O.V.'s fallen in the War, and, when these have been provided for, for the sons of other O.V.'s who need assistance to send their boys to the Old School. The question of the Scholarships and the Fives Courts depends upon the amount subscribed to the Fund. Canon Chappel appealed for " at least £2,000 " for the four objects combined. The amount subscribed so far

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is about £1,500. This meant that in order to fulfil the original expectation we need at least another £500. In the present condition of the building trade it is impossible to estimate at all accurately the cost of two Fives Courts. For the Scholarship Fund it would be impossible to have too much. The more money there is for this purpose the more lasting will be the Memorial in this form. I have not felt justified until now in associating myself with this appeal issued by Canon Chappel, but I hope that at the end of my first year as Head Master I may be allowed to address to you this letter, informing those who have already subscribed of the progress of the Fund, and reminding all that a further sum of £500 is still needed to complete the minimum sum which we set out to obtain. I hope to see at least this additional sum of £500 subscribed by the end of this year, when I should ask Canon Chappel to convene a General Meeting of subscribers to discuss the final settlement. This appeal will be better enforced than by any words of mine, by the glorious record and the imperishable memory of those whose names appear upon our Roll of Honour. C. CREIGHTON, Head Master. Subscriptions should be sent to the Treasurer—Mr. T. E. Rammell, Castle House, College Green, Worcester. Amount hitherto £1540 6s. 6d.

acknowledged

the

Vigornian,

Additional subscriptions promised or received since the Head Master's appeal at Prize-Giving, October 23rd, 1919: £ s. d. W . H . Collett, E s q 2 2 0 Mrs. Creighton 25 o o S. Foster, Esq i i o F. M. Webb, Esq. (2nd donation) i n 6 College Green Cultivation (Fives Courts) ... 3 19 10

Cricket. Though there were rto performances of outstanding merit, the past season presented several encouraging features. We won five matches and lost two, our fixture with Dean Close once more having to< be cancelled, this time owing to infectious disease. With our School matches —far the most important ones on the card—we have every reason to be pleased, all resulting in our favour except that against Hereford, and even in that one more boundary hit would have done the trick. But the most satisfactory feature of our victories, and one that should be taken to heart by the rising generations of cricketers, is the fact that they were largely, two at least of them entirely, attributable to good fielding. Indeed the fielding of both ist and 2nd elevens has been distinctly above the average. The splendid example of the captain, combined with

THE VIGORNIAN. constant practice, has infused a keenness and alertness into the team which it was a pleasure to watch. Our batting and bowling in most matches left much to be desired ; but lack of good coaching was again in great measure responsible for this. True, we were fortunate in securing the services of Bale, who by bowling at the nets on whole-school days did us a lot of good. But for various • feasons'-^among others County matches and a damaged foot—he could not give us nearly as much time as we hoped. Still, on more than one occasion a situation demanding nerve and grit was saved by a creditable batting display. Attention to bowling is our great need, if we are to do really well. A word of congratulation is due to the 2nd eleven, who, under the able captaincy of Lewis, had a very successful season and were undefeated at the close. The junior games were well organized and looked after: but it is a pity they cannot have more regular coaching, and be made to play the game. There is the real key to future success. Appended are a few remarks on the members of the team: M. E. WEBB (capt.).—Should have made many more runs, but could never get going. In fielding he was facile princeps, revelling in plenty of work, and gathering and throwing in splendidly. Should, however, beware of overdoing the latter when there is no hurry. .Excellent captain. C. I. RECORD (sec.).—Improved as wicket-keeper, taking the ball well. Will be more effective next year if he can stand up to the wicket more regularly. His batting has been uneven, but he has played some valuable innings at critical times. L. F. H. WOODCOCK.—At beginning of season looked like making a lot of runs, but developed a mania for wild slogging, which proved disastrous. He did good service as a bowler, but should make moie use of his height, and not hesitate before delivery. Poor field. G. E. D. SHORTING.—Played one or two splendid innings, with good strokes all round the wicket: but unfortunately lost his form latterly. Bowled well for a few overs,' but could not keep a length. VV. M. TYLER.—Much improved as a batsman, with hard driving as a speciality, though he has not fulfilled his early promise, his defence being still very weak. Brought off some fine catches at point. W. L. SHORTING.—A very useful all-round cricketer. Batted with pluck" and resource under trying circumstances. His driving is good, but will gain in power and safety if he will consider carefully the movements of his legs. A left-hand bowler with easy action, he might with advantage have been more utilized. Good field and safe catch. N. A. SNOWBALL.—A good trier, and should therefore succeed. The only bowler with any pretensions to speed, on his day he is destructive. Bats pluckily, but has much to learn, and overdoes the excellent habit of stealing runs. R. O. EVANS.—A very promising cricketer with great possibilities in batting and bowling, if he will take the

game seriously. But will start hitting indiscriminately, and is too fond of fancy bowling. Very good field. B. ADLINGTON.—Can make runs quickly, in a style of his own, against moderate bowling, but has poor defence. Uncertain field. H. S. THOMAS.—Had a disappointing season after last year's promise. Never seemed at home at the wicket, and his fielding was often faulty. S. NASH.—Can sometimes make runs against poor bowling, but must cultivate defence. Slow in field, but brought off some exceptionally fine catches. 2nd XI. This year the 2nd XI. have had a most successful season, losing none of the four matches played They were unfortunate in having to cancel the two matches arranged with Dean Close, but this was unavoidable. The return match with Malvern Colts ended in a draw much in the School's favour owing to expiration of time. The victory over Hereford Cathedral School 2nd XI. was distinctly a decisive one, and the team was then at its best.

P. C. KING LEWIS (capt.).—Made an admirable captain and was most useful as a man to open the innings. Had many defensive strokes, and could score off a fast bowler. His steadiness was often the saving of the side. G. N. T. WIDDRINGTON.—A batsman of rather involved style, but at times quite a fast run-getter. Moderate wicket-keeper on occasion. Uncertain in ground-fielding, but a fairly safe catch. C. A. C. PATTON.—Much improved in style since last season, with a stronger defence. Good wicket-keeper with a safe pair of hands. F. H. C. SHORTING.—Uncertain bat, putting too little " shove " into his forward strokes. Excellent coverpoint, picking up clean and throwing in well. Bowler of medium pace and often uncertain length. A. E. DA VIES.—Greatly improved bat since the beginning of the season. He^gave fine performances on two occasions. Knows how to take advantage of a loose ball. Uncertain in the field. Moderate change bowler. M. A. LE HURAY.—Successful on the whole as a batsman, getting some fine shots past " third man." Forward play weak, but he relies almost entirely on his wrist play. Moderate field, but should practice throwing-in to the wicket. P. N. WHI^E.—Unsteady bat, owing chiefly to nervousness at the beginning of his innings. Gradually getting an idea of how the forward stroke should' be played. During the season he seemed to prefer getting as far back as he could to a ball of any length. Ground fielding at times faulty. R. V. FARR.—Gains chief merit as a bowler, securing the majority of wickets in most matches. When " set," he possessed considerable hitting powers, but had few or no defensive strokes. Should show more keenness in the field.

THE VIGORNlAN. F. M. JONES.—A medium-pace bowler who will be useful next year. Usually kept quite a good length, and •—as a consequence—secured a good number of wickets. His batting is as yet quite undeveloped, but we hope for improvement later on. Smart in the slips. A. L. HARRISON.—Useful left-handed batsman, whose style improved considerably throughout the season. Smart in the field. R. M. BEAVAN.—Good idea of how the thing should be done, but seemed unable to put this knowledge to any use in matches. Fielding at times good, but subject to unaccountable lapses.

HIMBLETON C.C. G. Bearcroft, b Nash F. Jackson, b Nash C. Rogers, c White, b Nash Rev. Craze, b Farr E. Hollington, c Harrison, b Nash ... K. Claridge, b Davies J. Crump, c Harrison, b Nash Rev. Raban, b Nash J. Gould, c Widdrington, b Nash R. Claridge, Ibw, b Nash G. Parker, not out Byes

W.C.K.S. 2nd XI. -a. HIMBLpTON C.C. Played at Worcester on July 5th, this match ended in an easy win for the home team. On winning the toss Lewis opened the innings with Nash as his partner. Lewis soon became set, and Nash was batting steadily when he was very smartly caught at point. Davies had the misfortune to play on to his wickets and the three following wickets fell very rapidly, but Le Huray came in and being joined first by Harrison and then by Farr the play became more steady, and the innings finally closed for 98, Le Huray carrying his bat out with 33 runs to his credit. There was plenty of time left and our opponents played a careful game, nevertheless four wickets were secured by Nash for 19, White also making a good catch. Then Hollington came in and batted well, while Claridge stayed for some time, but the remainder were quickly disposed of arid the innings closed for 43. Nash took eight of the wickets for 18 runs, and Farr and Davies secured the remaining two, and Widdrington brought off a good catch. W.C.K.S. 2nd XI. P. C. K. Lewis, b Claridge S. Nash, c Jackson, b Rogers ... A. E. Davies, played on, b Rev. Craze G. N! T. Widdrington, c Claridge, b Rev. Craze . P. N. White, b Claridge C. A. C. Patton, b Rev. Craze M. A. Le Huray, not out A. L. Harrison, c Claridge, b Rev. Craze ... R. V. Farr, b Crump R. M. Beavan, c Jackson, b Crump ... F. M, Jones, b Jackson ... Byes ... Total

Bearcroft Rev. Craze Rogers Claridge Crump Jackson

BOWLING ANALYSIS. Overs. Maidens. Runs. 6 o 16 4 14 39 2 5 9 O 24 5 O 6 3 I i 3

n 14 3 o 33 12 14 o

Wkts. o 4 2 2 2 I

6 o 18 7 o o o o o 4

Total

Nash Jones Farr ... Davies

BOWLING ANALYSIS. Overs. Maidens. Runs. ... 12 ... 3 ... 18 3 ... 2 ... 2 5 ... 3 ... 10 4 ... 2 ... 7

Wkts. 8 o i i

Football. FIXTURES, 1919. ist XI. ii—Malvern College Colts 18—Hereford Cathedral School .. 22—The "Nondescripts" ... 25—Avon Football Club ... 29—The "Nondescripts" ... i—Dean Close School 8—Hereford Cathedral School .. 15—Malvern College Colts 22—Austin Engineering College... 29—Dean Close School 6—Austin ^ngineering College ..

Away Home Home Home Home Away Away Home Home Home Home

2nd XI. Oct. ii—Malvern College Colts „ 18—Hereford Cathedral School .. Nov. i—Dean Close School ,, 8—Hereford Cathedral School .. ,, 15—Malvern College Colts ,, 29—Dean Close School

Home Away Home Home Away Away

3—3 D i-3 L 1-4 L 2—6 L o—2 L

ist COLTS' XI. Nov. 12—Hanley' Castle G.S. ...

Home

3—i W

2nd COLTS' XI. Nov. 5—Choir School ... ... ,. ,, 15—Tredennvke ,, 29—Tredennyke

Away Away Away

5—2 W

Oct. „ ,, ,, ,, Nov. ,, ,, ,, ,, Dec.

1-4 L 7—2 W

7— 2 W 3—5 L i-5 L 1-4 L o—4 L i—i D 2-3 L

5-4 W

W.C.K.S. v. MALVERN COLLEGE COLTS. This match was played at Malvern on Oct. nth, and resulted in a win for the home team. With a light ball and a fair breeze, it was a difficult matter to keep the

THE VlGORNlAN.

ball under control, and the School backs—without the help of Tonking—had an awkward task in getting' the ball away. The Malvern forwards were a fast combination, and opened the score with a good shot, which was shortly afterwards followed by another. However, just before half-time, a mix-up in front of the Malvern goal resulted in a goal for the School by Thomas. The sides crossed over with the score 2—i against the School. The second half was very fast, and the play was much more even. The rushes of the School forwards lacked combination, and Malvern showed their superiority in breaking through twice more. The final score was 4—-i against the School. W.C.K.S. v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. Played on the New Road Ground on Oct. i8th, and resulted in a victory for the home team. The game was quite fast throughout, and the Hereford forwards were the first to break through the School defence. However, we quickly equalised by a shot from White, and before half-time a corner resulted in a second goal for us. Shortly after play was resumed, Thomas increased the School's lead to two, but a fine run through by the Hereford centre forward brought the score to 3—2. After this the School's play improved greatly, and White scored with a fine shot, shortly followed by another from Farr. The School defence successfully held the Hereford attack, and Evans, after a good piece of dribbling, put the score to 5—2. The last ten minutes saw two more goals added to our score from corners by Webb, and the final score was 7—2 in our favour. This was the first time that a full team had been put into the field, and seems to give us good grounds for hope of future success. W.C.K.S. v. " NONDESCRIPTS." This- match, played against a team raised by B. Adlington, O.V., was played on the New Road Ground on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd. The School was represented by the following: Powell; Record, Tonking; Patton, Blanchard, Adams; Evans, Shorting ii., Thomas, Jones, Farr. From the start the game was very fast and the scratch team pressed hard, but the School defence stood the strain and play was transferred to the other end, where after a " rough and tumble " in the goal-mouth, the School scored, one of our opponents' backs heading it in by accident. Shortly after this Farr scored with a fine shot from the wing. After this our opponents made several dangerous rushes, but the only other goal in the first half was scored by Shorting with a fast ground shot, which put the School three goals up. The second half was not so fast as the preceding one, the " Nondescripts " beginning to feel the want of training. After the score had been raised to 5—o, our opponents broke away twice, scoring the first time, and Powell bringing off an excellent save the second.

Shorting added two more goals for the School, and the "Nondescripts" obtained a second from a melee in the goal-mouth b%fore time was called. Final score, 7—a. W.C.K.S. v. THE AVON FOOTBALL CLUB. This match, against the Avon Football Club, was played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, Oct. 25th. The School was represented by the following: Powell; Record, Tonking; Patton, Blanchard, Adams; Evans, Shorting ii., Thomas, Jones, Farr. The game, played on a ground sodden with rain, was from the first very fast. After pressing hard, the visiting team opened the scoring by a well-placed low shot. Soon this was repeated and the score stood 2—o. However, Shorting, breaking away, scored for the School with a beautiful shot in the right-hand corner of the goal. Thus at half-time the score stood 2—i. During the first part of the second half the opposing team added three more goals to their score which now stood at 5—I. However toward the latter part of the game, the School by a determined effort raised the score to 5—3 by two excellent shots, Evans' being particularly fine. When time was called the score still stood 5—3, resulting in a loss for the School. W.C.K.S. ». " NONDESCRIPTS." This match, played against the team raised by B. Adlington, O.V., took place on the New Road Ground on Wednesday, Oct. agth. The School was represented by the following: Powell; Record, Tonking; Patton, Blanchard, Adams; Le Huray, Shorting, Thomas, Jones, Farr. During this match the rain fell heavily and there was a strong wind. The visiting team, who won the toss, played first with the wind. They were able to press vjery hard during the first half, and though repulsed again and again by the School defence they scored three goals. Our forwards, owing to the wind, were unable to bring the ball to the opposing goal, although now and then they made some dangerous rushes. Thus at half-time the score stood o—-3. During the second half we pressed harder, and Adams scored our only goal. However, the Nondescripts got through the School defence and scored two more goals. The School was unable to retaliate, and when time.was called the score stood at i—5 for our opponents. For the School it must be said that three of its best forwards were, through illness, prevented from playing. W.C.K.S. v. DEAN CLOSE. This match, played against Dean Close, took place on their ground at Cheltenham on Saturday, Nov. ist. The School was represented by the following: Powell; Record, Tonking; Patton, Blanchard, Adams; Le Huray, Shorting H., Thomas, White, Farr. From the start the School defence was hard pressed by their opponents, who played first with the wind. Dean

THE VIGORNIAN. Close opened the scoring with a well-placed ground shot. Again and again they made dangerous- rushes, but were repeatedly repulsed. They added another three goals, however, before half-time. Up to this time the School forwards, with two of their best missing, seemed unable to keep the ball, much less to score, so at half-time the score stood 4—o. During the second half, however, they became " animated," and White scored from an excellent centre from Le Huray. Dean Close failed to score during the second half, although they made several dangerous rushes. When time was called the score stood 4—i. 2nd XI. v. MALVERN COLTS 2nd XI. Played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, Oct. nth, this match resulted in a draw. The School was represented by the following: Winstone ; Fell and Davies; Badger, Heaven, and Webb; Le Huray, Shorting ii., Shorting i., Jones, Wintexton. Le Huray won the toss and elected to play into the New Road goal. From the kick-off, Malvern attacked strongly, and only their execrable shooting and Winstone's good goal-keeping prevented a large score being raised in the first quarter of an hour. Eventually a misunderstanding between Fell and Winstone caused the School to be a goal to the bad. Shortly afterwards Malvern added another. Up to now the School forwards had never been dangerous, but they now pressed hard and Shorting ii. scored with a good shot from outside the penalty area, half-time arriving with the score 2—1 against the School. In the second half Worcester attacked strongly, but a breakaway by Malvern increased their lead to two; the School forwards scored again almost immediately afterwards. About ten minutes from time Beaven equalised from a place-kick, and this naturally had the result of " brisking " up the game. However, the final score was 3—3. 2nd XI. TI. HEREFORD 2nd XI. Played at Hereford on Saturday, Oct. i8th, this match resulted in defeat for the School, who were represented by the .following: Winstone; Fell and Nash; Davies, Beaven and Webb; Le Huray, Shorting ii., Shorting i., Jones, and Winterton. Le Huray again won the toss, and Hereford kicked off against the sun. From the start the home team attacked strongly, the School defence being apparently unable to settle down. After about a quarter of an hour's play Hereford scored, the ball being bundled in after a melee in the goal-mouth. The Worcester attack was " scrappy " and Hereford increased their lead. Shortly before half-time, Le Huray was ruled off-side when about to score. The second half was very like the first, Hereford scoring a third goal through a mistake by one of the School backs. About ten minutes from time Jones scored our only goal with a fast high shot. Final score, i—3.

2nd XI. T>. DEAN CLOSE 2nd XI. Played at home on Saturday, Nov. ist, resulting in a defeat for the School, which was represented by the following : Winstone; Fell and Nash; Davies, Beavan and Webb; Badger, Landale i., Shorting i., Jones and Winterton. We won the toss and decided to play against the wind for the first half. The opposing team started very strongly and breaking through our defence, scored a goal within the first five minutes, and in spite of great efforts on the part of our defence, managed to obtain two more goals in the next twenty minutes. After this the play was fairly even until very near halftime, when they again managed to score, thus bringing their score up to four. The School started well in the second half and made some big efforts, but it was evident from the first that the visitors were the heavier and faster side. Just after half-time Webb scored our only goal with a fine shot from near the half-way line, and although the opposing team pressed hard after that, we managed to keep them out and the match ended with a score of 4—i. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking all those masters who have in any way helped during the term in the organisation of Football, particularly in the Lower Games. The assistance they have given has been much appreciated, and their supervision of play on half-holidays has effectually put an end to that " attack in phalanx formation on the ball " which was quite a notable feature in games consisting of junior members of the School. I am quite certain that those who generally play in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th games have been much benefited by the coaching they have received, and are beginning to get an idea of what to do, and how to do it at the right moment. I am very well aware what a stupendous task it is to keep a game of even smaller boys than these in some sort of order and approximately in the right places, ^but they can and do enjoy a game far more when someone in authority is good enough to spare time to attend to them. Again many thanks are due to those masters who have found time either to play in the first game and coach the XL's, or else to referee in matches. I should like to express my gratitude to them. CAPTAIN OF FOOTBALL.

Fioes. Our Fives season ended later than usual, in midsummer heat, with a brilliant victory by 180 points to 26 over Bromsgrove School in their courts. It is, as a rule, hard to estimate the standard of Fives as compared with other Schools, as it is difficult to arrange matches, and the few that can be played are apt to go to the home team, who are more familiar with their own courts. Our team, however, have won all their three matches, two of them away

THE

from homo, and we are therefore justified in thinking our four was decidedly above the average, and the Fives of the School in a- satisfactory state. Widdrington was a very keen and capable captain, and the team was fairly strong throughout, without a weak member : in fact it was a difficult matter to decide which was the first, and which the second pair. We only hope the good work will be continued, and the coming season will be equally successful.

Cbe Russian Resolution and Bolshevism. The chief cause of the Revolution in Russia was the treachery of the pro-German Czarina and the War Minister Sonhamlinoff who deprived the army of munitions. When the victorious Russian armies had taken the Carpathians and had the plains of Hungary at their feet, they were left without shells, and the immediate result of this treachery was the Great Russian Retreat. The army lost four million men, killed, wounded and prisoners, during this retreat, and the survivors swore that for this betrayal they would " be even with the German woman in Petrograd." From the time of the Great Retreat till the Revolution matters went from bad to worse. The towns were overcrowded with refugees from the invaded districts, more and more men were taken away from agriculture in order to create a scarcity of food. In Siberia the cattle, by order of the Czarina, were requisitioned from the peasants, slaughtered, and the meat left to rot. All this was done to cause hunger, to weaken Russia, and to bring about a separate peace with Germany. Discontent, of course, grew and culminated in the Revolution and the abdication of the Czar. The Revolution was made by the Cadet or Liberal Party. Its leaders were so afraid that it would go too far as in the French Revolution that they begged the Czar to form a Constitutional Monarchy, and all the Republicans would have given their support. The Czar, however, refused, so the only thing to do was to make the Revolution and hope for the best. The Provisional Government was composed of good men and true patriots, and had the support of all educated Russians, but it was too weak and allowed itself to be thwarted at every step by the Soviet of the workmen and soldiers, headed by Kerensky whom the Russians call the " evil genius of the Revolution." It was Kerensky who allowed Lenin and Trotsky to make propaganda for Germany. The soldiers were tempted by the offer of immediate peace and did not think of its price. They were deceived by the numerous German spies who told them that Germany was their friend, and that the Allies and the Russian Middle Class wanted to continue the war for their own profit. So these poor, uneducated and deceived soldiers murdered their officers and swarmed into the towns shouting for Bolshevism which promised them immediate peace, food, and an end to their sufferings. Instead of food and peace, Bolshevism has given starvation and war. The

Soviet authorities have not only disorganised the old machinery of government, but have showed their total incapacity to replace it by their own institutions. Under Bolshevism there is no freedom of the press and no freedom of person ! The Russian press is the most independent and Radical in Europe. Almost all its prominent men have paid for their convictions with years of imprisonment, exile and Siberia. And all of them indignantly protested against and exposed the Bolsheviks. As a result the Bolsheviks closed all the papers in Russia, their own excepted. Bolshevism is the Tsarist regime, only a thousand times worse, and painted red. It is not only immeasurably, brutal and heartless, but it is in the highest degree lacking in talent. It has ruined Russian industry and culture without creating anything. The war and the necessity of feeding the army resulted in the Provisional Government monopolising the grain. The Bolsheviks continued this policy, since the grain monopoly fitted into their plans for the nationalisation of the entire economic system, but, as every month of Soviet rule further paralyses economic life, the results obtained were truly tragic. The fixed prices for grain were so low that the delivery of grain to the Government greatly decreased. The peasants disposed of their grain to private traders at much higher rates, or still more frequently, exchanged their corn for other goods. So long as the Bolsheviks had no armed force available this trade flourished exceedingly and the people were fed. The Soviet Government, however, decided to stop it at all costs. Preventative detachments were formed at all the railway, termini to confiscate all food brought into the towns. The peasants were ordered by the Government to sell direct to the State and not to private traders. And . the result of the corn monopoly is that the people are starving in the midst of plenty. It is not without reason that in Russia this system is called thq organisation of starvation. All are compelled to submit to the new despots because the bayonets of the Red Army, Chinese and Letts are turned against everyone who protests. No words can describe the sufferings of the town population in Soviet Russia. The false social theories and the bold despotism of the Soviet power have completely ruined the entire food system of a country where, until recently, the population had all the necessities of life. As a result Russia, which not only never lived on foreign foodstuffs, but, on the contrary, fed Europe, and exported grain, sugar, butter, eggs and poultry to the value of millions of roubles, is now considered as a pauper country, which needs to be fed. This is an absolute error. Russia is not a pauper. All that is needed is to strike off the fetters of the Bolshevist power, and she will feed herself and Europe. To satisfy the hunger of Europe, Russia must again become a country not only producing, but also exporting, foodstuffs. To bring this about the Bolsheviks must be removed. A National Assembly must be elected to decide the form of government. Local self-government must be restored, and industry, banking and commerce re-established, and then before Russia there lies a future of honourable independence and happy prosperity. ANGLECHAINEEN.

117

THE VIGORNIAN.

CIKSS notes.

Shooting notes.

When chess was begun this term it was felt by everyone that to uphold the traditions of last season, and retain the hard-won trophy wrested from the Blind College, a great deal of practice would be necessary. This feeling was greatly added to by the disastrous result of the match against our old opponents, which was played on Oct. aist.

Last term we sent a team to Bisley to compete in the Public Schools' Snap Shooting Competition, the " Daily Graphic " Medals, the Ashburton Shield, and the Spencer Cup. We did well in the Snap Shooting Competition, coming out tenth of an entry of 20. B. Adlington was unlucky in being counted out in a tie for the third " Daily Graphic " Medal, having a magpie in his 22 out of 25. Our shooting for the Ashburton Shield was disastrous, being bottom but one. We hope for better things next year. B. Adlington was eighth in the Spencer Cup. Our team thoroughly enjoyed its few days at Bisley, and is looking forward to it next year. The team consisted of:—

On the previous day the School defeated the Staff, but this is not great consolation in view of the fact that next term the Blind College are certain to make an attempt to regain the Shield. The loss of P. C. K. Lewis, N. W. Cowing and H. C. B. Hill is keenly felt on account of the fact that our rivals have lost but one man. It must be borne in mind, however, that this is merely the opening of the season, and that there has not been much opportunity for practice. At the time of writing a scheme is on foot for raising an under 143 team to play against the Choir School, where the Precentor is raising great enthusiasm.

M. E. Webb. B. Adlington. W. M. Tyler. G. P. Clark. R. G. Smith.

G. E. D. Shorting. P. N. White. A. L. Harrison. W. L. Shorting.

The Miniature Range is entirely given over to Classification for the first half of this term, but we hope to shoot two matches with K.E.S., Birmingham, and Whitgift, Surrey, in November.

Matches may also be arranged with Tredennyke and the Blind College should the team prove itself a success.

School Officers.

October 20. School versus Staff. School. M. A. Le Huray ... R. A. K. Bowstead W. L. Shorting ... F. H. C. Shorting

Staff. 0 1 I i

F. S. Salisbury, Esq. Rev. R. J. Whitaker A. H. Taylor, Esq. A. B. Williams, Esq.

i o o o

Head of the School -

Captain of Football

M. E. Webb.

Secretary of Football

H. D. Tonking.

Captain of Shooting

M. E. Webb.

H. S. Thomas.

Captain of Gymnasium -

P. N. White.

Captain of Fives

R. G. Smith.

School Monitors—M. (E. Webb, A. H. Adams, M. A. Le Huray, P. N. White, C. I. Record, T. H. Horsfield, R. G. Smith. Editors of " The Vigornian "—M. E. Webb, M. A. Le Huray, T. H. Horsfield, I. F. W. Schofield.

October 21. School versus Blind College. School. M. A. Le Huray ... R. A. K. Bowstead F. H. C. Shorting W. L. Shorting ... W. Landale C. I. Record

Blind College. o o o o o o

V. C. Grimshaw ... G. FitzGibbons H. J. Hargreaves ... E. I. Reed H. Coldwell J. E. Hunt

Secretary of the Debating Society -

M. A. Le Huray.

Secretary of Chess Secretary of the Orchestra

M. A. Le Huray. B. St. J. Howells.

Games Committee—The Headmaster (chairman), T. E. Rammell, Esq. (treasurer), Rev. R. J. Whitaker, A. F. Birch-Jones, Esq., F. S. Salisbury, Esq., M. E. Webb (secretary), P. N. White, A. H. Adams, C. I. Record, R. G. Smith, H. S. Thomas. Library Committee—-The Headmaster (chairman), R. J. Castley, Esq. (treasurer), R. M. M. Beach-Hicks, Esq., M. E. Webb, A. H. Adams, C. A. C. .Patton, W. Wickersham, V. C. Powell.

THE VlGORNlAN. O.C.C. Dotes. The annual inspection took place on June 23rd, and was carried out by Colonel E. D. White, C.M.G., the Area Commander. The result was distinctly satisfactory. * * * We sent an eight to Bisley in July, and though the results in (he Ashburton Shield left much to be desired, we did much better in the Public Schools' Snap Shooting, and Sgt. Adlington only just missed a "Daily Graphic" Medal. * * * Lieut.-Col. Chichester, who until lately was in command at the Worcestershire Regimental Dep6t, Norton, has presented a challenge cup to the four O.T.C. contingents in the district, to be shot for on the 30 yards' range at Norton. The first contest took place last term, and the result was as follows :— 1. Bromsgrove. 2. King's School. 3. Malvern. 4. Worcester R.G.S. * * * The Section Competition was held on July I5th ; Major Kerans, D.S.O., who had most kindly allowed us to use the 30 yards' range at Norton for practice in shooting ball ammunition, added to our debt by acting as judge in the Competition. The result was as follows :>— Maximum 60 points 1. Cpl. White's Section (School House) ... 54 ,, 2. Sgt. Widdrington's Section (Hostel) ... 53 ,, 3. (Cpl. Adams' Section (School House) ...1 aeq. ( L/Corpl. Thomas' Section (Junior Squad) \" " 5. Cpl. Coombs' Section (Day Boys) ... 42 ,, 6. L/Cpl. Harrison's Section (Day Boys) ... 40 ,, 7. L/Cpl. Record's Section (Castle House)... 37 ,, The Signalling Competition was held on July 4th, and was judged by Captain Hudson (Adjutant, Norton Barracks). The winners were the School House team, by a comfortable margin. * * * On Ascension Day we had a Field Day on our familiar battlefield, the Old Hills. We were favoured with magnificent weather, and in spite of th* heat, completed the march out and back without a single casualty. The lessons learned by the course of the operations may be summarised as:— 1. The importance of reconnaissance. 2. The advantages of flank attacks. 3. The use of natural cover. 4. The value and difficulty of units keeping touch with one another. * * * On the march out the column was heavily attacked in rear by an ice-cream tank, but extricated itself with trifling (financial) loss.

The Contingent went into camp at Tidworth Pennings, this being the first time since the' beginning of the war. We got special leave to go on the 26th July, two days before any other contingent turned up, and marched in 75 strong, giving a severe shock to the Brigade-Quartermaster, who had not read the date on our preliminary marching-4n state. However, he rose to the occasion, put us in tents, and procured rations from somewhere. We started by lugging flooring-boards for the tents from huge distances. Then we drew bedding and filled it with straw. Then we went to bed, but it came on to rain, and some of the tents leaked, and the beetles and ear-wigs intimidated us, so that our first night in camp was also our worst. The next day—Sunday—was fine, and the sun shone, so we felt cheerful, and everybody assured everybody else that he was enjoying it immensely. We had a service to ourselves in the Recreation Tent, and spent the afternoon exploring, or lying about and basking in the sun. It was our last really slack time. After tea we were sent out to gather wood for heating the camp ovens, and brought in no small amount of timber, some of the sticks brought being little less than telegraph-poles.

On Monday they began to set us to work in earnest. We were the only contingent in camp, so were put on to fill five hundred palliasses and bolsters for the people who were expected in next. We were somewhat consoled by being informed that the next people would have to do the same in their turn. It may be noted here that none of our immediate successors complained to us about their bedding. This may or may not have been due to the excellent way in which the bedding had been stuffed. \Ve had no sooner done this than we were told that we were in the wrong tents, so we had to move, and seized upon the opportunity to practise tent-pitching and striking, to our own great satisfaction. We also provided fatigueparties to carry tent-boards (for other people), and finished a strenuous day by watching two or three other contingents march, in. On Tuesday, we and the other two or three contingents already in camp—all from different battalions—were marched out of camp for extended order drill, and on our return to camp were told, to our great disgust, that we were in the wrong tents. This statement seemed familiar, and we pointed out that we had been ordered into those very tents. However, our protests were unavailing, and we had to move to the lines behind. As a compensation, we found that our new—and final—quarters, when we were settled in them, were composed of all the whitest tents in the camp. This was no doubt owing to the consideration of the camp authorities, though some think otherwise. * * #

THE VIGORNIAN. On the next day, we found out exactly who and what we were. Our Battalion was No. 4, under the command of Captain Longueville, D.S.O., Coidstream Guards, and we were No. 4 Company, the other detachments in the Battalion being from Cheltenham College, Brighton College, and All Hallows School. Our next few days—Wednesday, Thursday and Friday— were taken up by such diversions as extended order drill, training in fire-control, map reading, distance judging, attack formations, and an outpost scheme. Then on the Saturday we had a Battalion Field Day. One platoon went out as a skeleton enemy, and the rest of the Battalion attacked. We were thrown out to the left of the attacking force, in order to outflank a detachment of the enemy with a machine-gun. Eventually we forced them to retire, and then went forward and outflanked their tiext position, and the process was repeated. Eventually, we repeated the process on the enemy's third and main position, and consolidated. After this trifling, we returned to camp, and prepared for the more serious business of Brigade Sports in the afternoon. * * * The Battalion did not very greatly distinguish itself, though it did manage to win the Junior Tug-of-War. Snowball was second in the Cricket-Ball, with a throw of #9 yards, and our Band took third place in the Band Competition. * * * On Sunday there was an early Celebration, and then after breakfast a Brigade Service in the valley outside camp, after which we went back to have our lines inspected by the Brigadier. We came unscathed through this dreadful ordeal—even with compliments—and then we rested. We wanted a rest, too. * * * Then on Monday we had a quiet and peaceable day. In the morning a platoon of Inniskillen Fusiliers showed us how " blobbing," attacking, scouting, and—what was appreciated most of all—marching, should and should not be done. After this most instructive but not strenuous morning we had a half-holiday, and went down to the Cavalry Sports at Tidworth. That evening it rained, but nobody's spirits were damped, and our tents kept the water out nobly. So did the Recreation Tent, but it was said that this was in reality due to the thickness of the air inside. * * * On the next day we marched out beyond Netheravon— a great but unascertained distance—to see an artillery demonstration of a shrapnel barrage, a high explosive barrage, and an exhibition of rapid firing. We then went a huge distance into the desert, and saw a cavalry

119

demonstration. Then we marched home, and what is more, we got there, tired, hungry and thirsty, but still able to sleep. On the Wednesday we went out and watched aeroplanes doing marvellous things, until we got blase, and merely brushed them away with a handkerchief when they came too close. On the Thursday we had a Brigade Field Day, but what happened at that nobody ever found out. We got into artillery formation, and after a long march were ordered to attack a position, but then the umpires stopped the proceedings—we supposed out of pity for the enemy, for we were getting more and more savage.

This was the end of a most instructive—attd enjoyable— time. It has been suggested that an examination paper on the lessons learned in camp would be a not inappropriate climax to the tortures suffered. A few suggested questions follow :— i.—" A-BEE-OUT X TURN ! " Write out the melody of this well-known song in staff notation in the key of S-Major. 2.—Explain the allusions in the following: Locus Hiberni; " Before I joined the Bolsheviks"; " 'Ow about an 'Alt? "; " You're the man I don't admire "; " I didn't mean you to move the TENTS." 3.—It is said that Mess Orderlies are so called because they make one. Discuss this, quoting instances. 4.—What, in your opinion, are the alterations most required in modern infantry tactics in dealing with an attack of earwigs. State clearly the relative importance in this connection of (i) fire direction, (ii) the butt-stroke.

25.9.19.

Promotions.

C.S.M. Webb to be Cadet Officer. Sergt. P. N. White to be C.S.M. Cpl. A. H. Adams to be Sergeant. L/Cpls. C. I. Record H. S. Thomas to be Corporals. R. G. Smith L/Cpl. B. St. J. Howells to be Band Corporal. Cadets M. A. Le Huray ^ G. H. Webb / V. C. Powell to be Lance Corporals. C. T. Winterton E. R. Palmer C. A. C. Patton 5.10.19. Cadet Lanning to be Lance Corporal (for signalling duties).

THE VIGORNIAN.

I2O

This term we are fortunate in having the help and advice of Captain A. F. Birch-Jones, M.C., who has joined the Staff of the School. Examinations for^ Certificate A have begun again, after a long interval. Major Kerans, D.S.O., conducted the practical part of the examination, and all our 19 candidates passed in this part, two others having previously passed in Camp. On Tuesday, Oct. 28th, we joined in a Field Day held near Badminton. We started from the School at 6.20 a.m., joined the rest of the Army at Badminton at about n, and fought till tea-time. Then we had tea, and were glad of it, and almost forgot the iniquities of the umpires.

Saluett.

Va. G. H. Eden. Vb. C. W. Seager. Remove. A. J. C. B. Gill, ii., G. J. Shaw. IV a. D. M. Forrest, VV. M. Graves-Morris. IVb. E. S. Sherwood, M. A. Foster, D. H. Preston, E. L. Seager, ii. III. J. W. Taylor, ii., R. K. Taylor, iii. Ila.

C. E. Porter, ii. lib.

G. E. Churchill, E. Hamilton, M. J. C. Stanley, ii. I.

T. E. Davies, iv., N. A. Earle, O. Lloyd, C. D. Palmer, iii., J. Pennington, D. W. Rowe, R. H. N. Wood.

Valete.

Upper Sixth. G. N. T. Widdrington (1913-1919). School Monitor. Secretary, Debating Society. Editor of " The Vigornian." Librarian. 2nd XL, Cricket (1917-19). 2nd XL, Football (1917). ist XL, Football (1918). Sergt., O.T.C. Captain of Fives (1918-19). ist XL, Hockey (1919). E. K. Price. School Monitor. Librarian. Sergt., O.T.C. 2nd IV., Rowing (1919). Captain of Gymnasium. A. G. Coombs (1912-1919). School Monitor. Librarian. Sergt., O.T.C. A. L. Harrison (1911-1919). School Monitor. Editor of "The Vigqrnian." Bislev VIII. (1919). 2nd XL, Cricket (1919). Corpl., O.T.C.

G. P. Clark (1914-1919). School Monitor. 2nd XI. Football (1916). ist XL, Football (1917). Captain of Football (1918). and IV., Rowing (1918). Captain of Boats (1919). Sergt., O.T.C. Shooting VIII. (1919). Lower Sixth. H. C. B. Hill (1914-1919). Sergt., O.T.C. L. F. H. Woodcock (1917-1919). 2nd XL, Cricket (1917). ist XL, Cricket (1918-19). 2nd XL, Football (1918). Pte., O.T.C. E. B. Bridger (1916-1919). 2nd XL, Football (1918). 2nd IV., Rowing (1919). Lce.-CorpI., O.T.C. P. C. K. Lewis. School Monitor. Librarian. and XL, Cricket (1916 and 1919). 2nd XL, Football (1916). Captain of Shooting. Sergt., O.T.C. Upper

Fifth.

S. H. Baker (1918-1919). Pte., O.T.C. R. Carless (1917-1919). Pte., O.T.C. Lower Fifth. G. E. D. Shorting (1916-1919). 2nd XL, Football (1917). ist XL, Football (1918). 2nd XL, Cricket (1917). ist XL, Cricket (1918). ist XL, Hockey (1918). Shooting VIII. (1919). ist IV., Fives (1919). B. Adlington (1911-1919). 2nd XL, Football (1917). ist XL, Football (1918). 2nd XL, Cricket (1917). ist XL, Cricket (1919). ist IV., Rowing (1919). Shooting V I I I . Sergt., O.T.C. C. C. Angwin (1917-1919).

Pte., O.T.C.

W. M. Tyler (1912-1919). 2nd XL, Football (1917). ist XL, Football (1918). and XL, Cricket (1916). ist XL, Cricket (1917-1919). Shooting VIII. ist XL, Hockey (1918). Corpl., O.T.C. C. T. Hopkirk (1918-1919). A. H. Fagg (1915-1919).

Pte., O.T.C.

Upper Fourth. C. E. Eccles (1913-1919). Pte., O.T.C. J. L. Porter (1915-1919). Pte., O.T.C. G. A. Wilcock (1915-1919). Pte., O.T.C. B. C. A. Woodcock (1917-1919). Pte., O.T.C. Lower Fourth. G. A. R. Bricquet (1915-1919). Lower Second. O. A. Solon (1918-1919). S. Page (1919). Pte., O.T.C. First Form. S. W. Spencer (1919).

THE VIGORN1AN.

Debating Soclctp. Session 22. Meeting i. A meeting of the Society was held in the VI. Form Room at 12.45 p.m. on Thursday, October gth, the business being the election of a Secretary and Committee. The following were elected:— Hon. Secretary—M. A. Le Huray. Committee Via—M. E. Webb (previously elected). W. Landale. VIb—H. S. Thomas. A. H. Adams (in place of P. N. White resigned). V—V. C. Powell. R. L. Sedgwick. Meeting 2. A somewhat sparsely attended meeting was presided over by Rev. C. Creighton on Wednesday, Nov. i2th, at which Mr. A. Taylor brought forward " That in the opinion of this House the present scheme for the formation of a League of Nations will prove to be a failure." Opening his speech with a reference to the unchangeableness of human nature, Mr. Taylor went on to compare the condition of Europe at the end of the Napoleonic Wars with that to-day, pointing out that the attempt then made by some of the leading powers to form a League of Nations, the Holy Alliance, had proved a disastrous failure, developing into a close alliance, and saying that this would probably occur to-day. Touching on the possibility of one dissatisfied nation causing a schism in the League, Mr. Taylor queried that the voices of the smaller nations would be as influential as those of the Great Powers, comparing the ancient Athenian League. By the terms of the League Germany would be a shackled member, 'forced to give up all her national ambitions, the greatest of which was the union of all Slavs and Teutons; would she do this, Mr. Taylor asked, finishing up his speech with a somewhat idealistic vision of Britain all-powerful in the world, the mainstay of the smaller nations, with her Church becoming all-powerful by sheer good example, as an alternative to a League of Nations. Rev. R. J. Whitaker then got up to oppose the motion, stating as his first remark, that the very reason of the failure of the Holy Alliance had been given by the hon. proposer himself, namely that it did not include all the nations. The hon. opposer then went on to say that although at first the League might be disadvantageous to England it would only be to give it a trial. The basis of Mr. VVhitaker's speech was the assumption that as England had been united and improved by a league of tribes originally, the world would benefit in a like manner by the formation of a League of Nations. Mr. A. H. Adams, in supporting the motion, seized on Mr. Whitaker's statement that the League might at first

121

be disadvantageous to England, and went so far as to say that it might prove fatal, and concluded with a comparison of war with duelling, pointing out that although the latter was prohibited by law it still went on. Mr. W. Landale, supporting Mr. Whitaker, maintained that as law had put down duelling it would also' put down war (question), finishing his speech by saying that as the powers were " fed up " with war now was the opportunity to form a League of Nations. The subject was now thrown open to debate. After Mr. V. C. Powell had spoken against the motion, stating that as people had learnt to know better in the matter of burning their fellow men, they would do the same with regard to war, and Mr. Schofield for the motion drawing attention to the danger of one nation accepting and another refusing the suggested decreases '!n armament, Mr. Birch-Jones delivered a fiery oration, in which he undoubtedly carried a great number of votes with him by the statement that anyone who opposed the motion was holding that religion was impracticable. Mr. Le Huray then spoke for the motion, remarking on the probability that when another generation, which had not know the late war, had arisen, it would be just as eager for war as were the people in 1914. Mr. R. L. Sedgwick also spoke against the motion. Summing up, Mr. Whitaker remarked that the interests of the world ought to take precedence over those of one nation ; and Mr. Taylor merely emphasised the main points in the arguments already brought forward in favour of the motion. The House then divided, the motion being lost by 27 votes to ii.

Correspondence. To the Editors of the ff Vigornian." Dear Sirs, It is very difficult to believe everything that one hears, and it is also very undesirable that anyone should believe the rumour that School notepaper has been abolished. If this rumour proves to be true, may I take the liberty of asking the reason? I cannot think why the School should be robbed of'one of its distinctive features, especially as each individual pays for his own paper; and as there has never been any superfluous stock there can never be any waste. Will nobody in authority assure us that this rumour is false ? Yours truly, " A LETTEH-WHITER."

122

THE VIGORNIAN.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, When, on our return to School after the summer holidays, we perceived that a body of workmen had taken possession of College Green, and were laboriously engaged in the laudable task of reconstruction, we rejoiced, for the sight of what appeared to be a very praiseworthy imitation of " No Man's Land," every time we crossed to College Hall, was beginning to pall. Time wore on, the work was finished, and a beautiful flat plain, if somewhat devoid of herbage, delighted our eyes—but round it there was no barrier. " Would the general public," we asked ourselves, " whom the Dean and Chapter so kindly permit to pass through our midst, and who appear to take the privilege too much for granted, be content to keep to the appointed path?" We feared not. Alas ! our forebodings were only too well-founded, and people, whose resemblance to Vandals is very marked, walk across the corners with impunity. Can nothing be done? I remain, Yours sincerely, " DISGUSTED."

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Last term a letter appeared in your columns asking if it would be possible to play " rugger" in this School. Can nothing be done to find out which game is really preferred ? Why not put it to the vote ? With customary apologies for waste of space. Yours sincerely, " WELSHMAN."

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Do you not think that a column of questions should be inserted in this magazine for the benefit of those who thirst for knowledge and understanding. I feel sure that members of the School would willingly take the trouble to contribute, and an interesting column should result. I append a short example :— " Things we want to know." What ought to be done to a Sixth Former who translates " que votre majeste ne se mette pas en colere " by "let not your, majesty put on a collar," and "pas de deux " by " father of twins "; Whether the term " copy-half "'has been forgotten; How many black beetles have been caught this term by the bug-hunters; If the person who ate seven " pastry-structures " on the recent field day felt any after effects;

And whether, by process of arithmetical progression in extra rations, he was a Brigadier-General; Whether the "anxious watchers" for the new pavilion have observed the hole which has been dug, and in which, I presume, it is to float. With all due apologies for using your valuable space, I remain, Yours, etc., " DiSCIPULUS."

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Gentlemen, I wish to add a few, shall I say " humorous touches " to your memoir of W.E.B., published in the last issue of the "Vigornian." W.E.B. was quite young when he came to the School. Many of us can remember him, a familiar figure in his Merton blazer and cap, playing cricket in School matches, when he often knocked up a useful score and sometimes took a few wickets. We used to think at times that cricket enjoyed his favour a little too predominantly, at least as compared to rowing, which was always " put out of bounds " during the Summer Term, but this was probably inevitable in a small school. It was he, too, who was responsible for changing from " Rugby" to " Association," but he did not impose 'the change magisterially on the School. At his suggestion each form elected a representative for a little committee, to which the head boy of the School was added—-an unpardonable person in that year, who after the Committee had been addressed by the head master, and other speaking had followed, turned the scale in favour of the change. Chess again was a strong interest of the old man's, this went with his strong pipe habit. He was a late reader and smoker, and the wakeful boarder in the dormitory of the School House might see'a head just thrust in at the door in the small hours of the morning: it was the Head having a final look round before turning in. Speaking of boarders reminds me that W.E.B.'s boarders were uncommonly well fed. I should doubt whether he was popular in the ordinary sense with the majority of boys. His gift of sarcasm made him perhaps a little too feared. It was when one got into the Sixth that a more intimate knowledge was possible. His favourite texts were Vergil, Thucydides and the Acts of the Apostles. In working through Thucydides he would from time to time drop little hints on political philosophy. You say in your last issue that it was in Bolland's time that the School first became a public school. In this connection one is reminded of a speech by Canon Creighton, as he then was, at the re-opening of the College Hall in 1886. He then told the citizens of Worcester that they had better consider what they wanted to make of the School, as the professional classes, who were always on the look-out for a place with the makings of a good public school, might well light on this foundation.

THE VIGORNIAN. He was one of the most sagacious men of his day, and in this speech seems to have divined what has happened. The process of transforming an old country grammar school into a public school involves a certain loss to the locality, and this also implies a loss of individuality to the school. Fortunately this can never happen altogether to W.C.K.S. The physical attachment of the School to the Cathedral buildings and the use of the Lady Chapel as the School Chapel gives the School a certain atmosphere such as is well conveyed by Pater in his account of the King's School, Canterbury. Possibly it is the influence of this environment communicating itself in a subtle fashion, which accounts for the tradition of " tone " within the School. The word was already current thirty years ago, and I gather that it is still used. Another thing occurs to me. The " Ethos " of an English public school certainly implies a preference in some directions for the spirit of sport, and this is the spirit of Athens. Now in the time of W.E.B. there was certainly a great measure of the spirit of Athens, and looking back some of us will feel that the liberty which this implied was a good thing; W.E.B. rather believed in letting boys follow their bent. If this saved us from being imbued too much with a code and convention, it is one of the things for which we are not least grateful to him. H.M.C. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Though there will probably be many letters in this number concerning the introduction of Rugby Football into the School, may I venture to add one more? A considerable time ago, I believe that the question of rejecting Rugby in favour of " Soccer " was laid before the School in Hall, and the latter was introduced as a result of a vote taken on the subject. As is always the case in an " election by show of hands," the obscure individual takes his cue from someone who is looked upon as a " blood "; and it was probably the case that the motion at that time was won thanks to junior persons who hardly knew the difference between the two games, and who further thought that it would be rather fine to try " something new." At the present moment, when Rugby is being restored to public favour, and when most of the Public Schools are taking it up, does it not seem to you that this would be a good opportunity to re-open the question? Besides, the debate on the subject will probably have given everyone some ideas at least of what he wants. I suggest that the question should be decided by a committee selected from members of senior games, and that the "people who don't matter" should not be consulted. For what is the use of attempting to govern by a democracy which doesn't, know its job? I am, etc., Yours, " ARBITER LUDENDI."

123

Contemporaries* We beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following:— Herefordian, Portcullis, Bromsgrovian, Felstedian, Rossallian, Tonbridgian, Alleynian.

Games Account RECEIPTS. 1919. Sept.

Balance in hand Boys' Subscriptions Bathing Book Fund

s. d.

60 o 9 6O 12

5 0 0 2 5 0 £127 17 9

EXPENDITURE. July 26. Hobday (Swimming Belt) July 26. Moving Barge Masters' Fares—Cricket Wilesmith Income Tax (Field) Poor Rate General District Water

£ s. d. 0 4 6

9 2 6 ii

Ward (Cricket Gear) Mann (Cricket and Rowing) Sept. 20. Insurance (Barge) Sept. 29. Jenkins (Pumping Boat-house and Attendance) Rent (Field) Hall (Mower repaired) Sports Invitations Cricket Cards ... Haughton (Barge and Pavilion) Football Sec., and Wire to Malvern Hunt—Wages ... Horse Keep Blacksmith Whitening and Oil ... Hockey Balls Cricket Balls Cricket Gear and Repairs ... Score Books Masters' Fares (Football) Balance ...

4 10 2 i 3 6 0 17 6 1 10 o 5 0 0 5 9 ° 0 8 6 1 IO

3 5 n 0 2 6 30

3 0 0 o 19 6 0 9 3 2 18 6 6 6 0 7 8 6 0 3 0 I I I

42 3 n "7 9

T. E. RAMMELL, Hon. Treasurer. C. CREIGHTON, Headmaster.

THE VIGORNIAN.

124

Clbrarp Accounts. IST TERM 1919. RECEIPTS. oalance ... ... Per Rev. C. Creighton— May 17. 203 Subs at 1/6 ... 203 Vig. at 6d. ... Extra Vigs. ... ... Pound ... ... ... D

July 22. O.V. Club

...

£. s. d. y 1 1

15 4 6 5 i 6 0 4 0 0 5 0 20 15 o 12 4 o £40

o i

Apr. ,, ,, ,, July

10. 22. 22. 25. 15.

EXPENDITURE. Haughton (Repairs to Case)... Large (Papers) Phillips (Papers) Whiteman. Baylis (" Vigornians ") Stamps on Cheques ... Stamps, Postage, etc. Balance

£ s. d.

••

6 8

5 5 o I 4 9 25 7 6 0 0

0 1

4 '4 o

£4° °

R. J. CASTLEY, Hon. Treasurer