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The Vigornian November 1921

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Che Uigorman. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, ' ra fifv

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No. 102.

NOVEMBER, 1921.

VOL. IX.

Contents. Editorial ... School Notes O.V. News School Calendar Football Speech Day ... ... ... O.T.C. Notes King's Scholarships ... ... Strasbourg, 1921 Poem Kismet Cricket Review Lecture Society ... ... ... Debating Society Amsterdam ... ... ... Concert Duke of York's Camp On Smells and Kindred Subjects The School of Samuel Butler Cambridge Letter School Officers Correspondence ... ... ... Valete -. Salvete ... ... ... ... Contemporaries ... ,.. ...

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201 202 202 203 203 205 207 207 208 208 209 209 210 2I ° 211 212 213 213 213 214 215 215 215 216 216

PRICE is.

editorial. " He that spareth his words hath knowledge."—Proverbs. We have chosen to insert the above enlightening sentence at the beginning of this magazine for obvious reasons. The usual paragraph occupying this position in the " Vigornian " consists of a string of laments and apologies on the grounds of hard work and lack of time. This term we go one further and show you why this issue is not of the bulky dimensions usually expected at our hands, and, we may add, rarely received. We thoroughly agree with the writers of Proverbs and we intend to flatter ourselves. Last term several of the staff left us, but the " Vigornian " has not suffered in consequence, for two very interesting articles appear in this number from the pens of two of their successors. By the way, and we nearly forgot it, we take this opportunity of wishing you a very happy Christmas. Mr. Chesterton turns out essays on nothing by the score ; the Editors will be more than delighted to receive information- concerning the writing of an editorial on the same subject!


THE VIGORNIAN. The musical concert just after half-term was a great success, and we heartily congratulate those who were responsible for its organisation, and also beg to thank the ladies from Kempsey for their very kind assistance. s * *

School Rotes. When \ve came back to school this term it seemed very different without the genial presence of Mr. Beach Hicks. After having been a master here for thirty years we had begun to look on him as a school institution. We wish him a long and happy leisure.

The Lecture Society has been flourishing this term. However, we very much miss Mr. Beach Hicks, whose services " at the lantern " were invaluable. A full account of the lectures appears elsewhere.

We were also sorry to lose Mr. Walton and Miss A. Campbell. We welcome in their place Mr. Fogden, Mr. Mathew, Mr. Whitehouse and Miss E. H. Smith.

O.V. The musical element in the School is now becoming very strong owing to the interest taken in it by the new members of the Staff.

N. Cowing is studying for his M.D. at Birmingham University. A. Cowing has a post at the head office for the West of England of Barclays Bank in Oxford.

Many will be glad to hear that Selwyn Driver, O.V., is coming down to help our own efforts at the concert at the end of the term. * * *

A. rt. Macdonald has been appointed to a Mastership in Modern Languages at C/opthorne Preparatory School. C. P. Clark passed 26th out of 200 out of Sandhurst, where he acted as Under Officer, and has been gazetted to the Northampton Regiment, and has left for India to be stationed at Peshawar.

On the whole, the weather this term has been favourable to us. Two or three wet afternoons at the most have prevented us playing football, but what we are most thankful for is the fact that so far there have been no floods. We take this opportunity of congratulating the Football officials on their capital organisation of the games and matches this term. #

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The Headmaster has presented a representation of a Delia Robbia Work to the Sixth Form Room. We beg to thank him for his kind gift, which is much appreciated by most of us but, of course, there are some Philistines. Many additions have been made this term to both the Sixth Form and School libraries. In the latter many old books have been rebound, thanks to the energies of our new librarian, Mr, Fogden. Also the " Field " has reappeared in the Reading Room. We learn that Mr. Fogdcn has revived the Literary Society. We wish this every success and only hope it will not suffer the fate of . but we will say no more. The School attended the service in the Cathedral on Armistice Day. The O.T.C. was represented by twenty cadets under the command of Lieut. Strong. The Museum has been partially cleaned and tidied this term, we are glad to observe. Although the improvement at first sight is not very apparent, we understand that for many reasons this task is a difficult one.

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J. B. Foulkes has been admitted to the Priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church while in America, and has now returned on his way to the Dominican University in Rome where he is to read for a degree. C. Walpole Simmons has been demobilised from the Indian Army and returned to England in quest of a Government appointment. . Selwyn Driver has returned from his tour in the East and resumed his work at home. Captain Carlton Ludlow has returned from India and is now serving with his Regiment in Belfast. C. E. Eccles is studying at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. C. V. Hancock now holds a mastership at Heathmount School, Hampstead. Captain K. D. Marsland has moved to Mesopotamia from North West India with his Punjabi Regiment. P. N. W. Strong has taken his Degree at Cambridge and is now at Cheshunt Theological College. A. Francis, manager of the National Provincial and Union Bank, Liverpool, since 1908, has retired upon a pension. S. G. Simpson, O.B.E., G.S.O. (Education), has obtained a first class in the examination held by the Civil Service Commissioners for Army Interpreters. D. D. Warren is in Trichinopoly, Madras, and is to have charge of a division near there in December.


THE VIGORNIAN. E. K. Price has passed out of Sandhurst and sailed for India last month. A. L. Harrison has passed out of Sandhurst and has been posted to the Worcestershire Regiment in India. K. P. Smith is with the Berks Regiment in East Africa. R. G. Porter has passed the legal portion of the Law Intermediate Exam. J. G. S. Thomas won the light-weight boxing for Oxford University against Guy's Hospital. T. J. Wilford is with the R.I.C. in Ireland. J. E. R. Wilford has sailed for South Africa. G. M. Jeans has been appointed Honorary Secretary of the Wiltshire Branch of the Central Landowners' Association. C. C. Dickson has been given the living of Shooters Hill in Kent.

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School Calendar. Tues., Sept. 20. Boarders Return. Wed., 21. School Meets 9 a.m. Sun., 25. School Celebration 8.45 a.m. Tues., Oct. i i . O.T.C. Field Day. Thurs., 13. Speech Day. Mon., 24. Cert. A Practical Ejtam. Sat., Nov. 5. Half Term. Wed., 9. Cert. A Written Exam. Wed., 16. Concert. Thurs., Dec. i. School Advent Service. Thurs., ,, 8. School Advent Service. Thurs., ,, 15. School Advent Service. Tues., ,, 20. Half Holiday. Wed., 21. School Service. School Concert. Thurs., 22. Exeunt Omnes.

R. S. Ferry has sailed for Spain. R. HI Ferry is studying farming near Evesham.

football.

BIRTH. KIKKBY—On 3oth July, the wife of Paymaster-Lieutenant H. J. Kirkby, R.N., O.V., of H.iVLS. Revenge, of a daughter. WEDDINGS. BINGHAM—BREMNER—On Thursday, Nov. 3rd, at St. Peter's Church, Baling, Philip W. Bingham to Olga, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Bremner, of 8, Killcroft Crescent, Baling. TREMAINE—THOMAS—On Sept. 6th, at Christ Church, Sutton, by Canon Chappel, Sub-Dean of Coventry, Kathleen Thomas, only daughter of the late Sanby Thomas, Bank House, Pontypridd, to William Tremaine, Bank House, Wirksworth. VEVERS—CARPKNTIER—On the i2th Oct., at the Church cf the British Embassy, Paris, by the Chaplain, the Rev. A. S. V. Blunt, Oswald Henry Vevers, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., only son of the Rev. W. W. Vevers, Vicar of Norton, Evesham, and Mrs. Vevers, to Genevieve Gabrielle Marie, only daughter of the late Julien Carpentier and the late Madame Bournisien de Valmont. SHARPE—YOUNG—August 3ist, 1921, at St. John's Church (Canton), Cardiff, J. C. Sharpe, to Ada Maude, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Young, " Rowberrow," Plasturton Gardens, Cardiff. CRICK—BEACH-HICKS—On Sept. 7th, at the Cathedral, Worcester, by the Sub-Dean, Canon J. M. Wilson, the Sub-Dean of Coventry, Canon W. H. Chappel, and the Rev. F. W. Crick, father of the bridegroom, Captain C. C. Crick, O.B.E., logth Infantry I.A., second son of the Rev. F. W. Crick, of Litton Cheney, Dorset, to Edith Eva Montague, only child of R. M. M. BeachHicks, Esq., and the late Mrs. Beach-Hicks, of St. John's, Worcester.

FIXTURES. 1ST

XI.

Goals Date. Opponents. Ground. For. Agst.Result. Oct. 12. Worcester Rowing Club ... Home o Lost 15. Kepax 2nd XI. 2 Home Lost 22. Malvern Coll. Colts ist XL Away I Draw26. Hereford Cath. Sch. ist XI. Home Won 9 29. Dean Close School ist XL Away o Lost Nov. 5. Dean Close School ist XL Home Draw 5 12. St. Andrew's Home Won S 19. Malvern Coll. Colts ist XI. Home I Lost 23. Hereford Cath. Sch. ist XI. Away I Lost Dec. 3. Cathedral Guild Home Lost 2ND

XL

Oct. 3- Cathedral Guild 2nd XI. ... 22. Malvern Coll. Colts 2nd XL 26. Hereford Cath. Sc. 2nd XL 29. Dean Close School 2nd XI. Nov 5 Dean Close School 2nd XI. '9 Malvern Coll. Colts 2nd XL 23 Hereford Cath. Sc. 2nd XL Dec 3 Cathedral Guild 2nd XL 1

Home Home Away Home

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3 4 o i

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Away Away Home

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Lost Lost Won Won

Away

3RD XL Oct. 29. Hanley Castle Gram. Sch. Away Nov. 12. Hanley Castle Gram. Sch. Home

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Lost

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Won


THE VIGORNIAN.

204 Oct. 19. Choir School Nov. 23. Choir School

4TH XI.

Oct. 29. Tredennyke Dec. 10. Tredennyke

Away

3

2

Won

Away

2

5

Lost

STII XI. ... ... Away

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Lost

... ... Away * * * We now look back on a season almost finished, and we realise that many matches we hoped to win we have lost, in fact that, as far as our record goes, it is not so good as we hoped it would be. * * # We console ourselves, however, with the fact that the matches we have had, have been first-rate, although we may have lost many. And on all occasions when we did not win we only just lost or drew, and a good match, be it win or lose, is far better than an easy win in a onesided show. * * # The first eleven record is : Played 9, lost 5, won 2, drawn 2. -* * * The 2nd eleven have had quite a good season, on the whole, their record being : Played 7, lost 4, won 3. * » * The 3rd and 4th elevens have also been fairly successful, and it is a great pity that more matches cannot be fixed up for these elevens. * * * A class-room league has been formed to encourage the younger boys, and it has had excellent results. * # * In conclusion we should like to thank Mr. Thomas for so kindly coaching and refereeing in the matches and also Mr. Strong. * * * May we also thank Mr. Ramniell for coaching the 2nd game every half-holiday, and mention that there are five other games which have badly needed someone to coach them, but, as a rule, there has been no one to do so. * * -* Games are almost as important as work in the education of an average boy : the work is supervised, but the games—only some ! V. C. POWELL, Captain of Football. W. L. SHORTING, Secretary of Football. IST XI. v. THE WORCESTER ROWING CLUB. Wednesday, Oct. 12th. At home. In abnormal weather, that is to say abnormal football weather, this opening match of the season was played. The afternoon was, to say the least, boiling, and both teams felt the effect. Soon after the kick-off the Rowing Club made repeated attacks on the home goal, but the School defence was fop a time unbeaten, until ten minutes

before half-time, when the Rowing Club breaking clean through the School backs scored two goals in quick succession from close range, giving Powell in goal no chance. Half-time : 2—o. In the first part of the second half the School forwards suddenly revived, and only the excellent play of the visitors' goalkeeper prevented the School from scoring. Soon, however, the superior weight of the visitors told, and before the close of the game they had added three more goals. An excellent game therefore ended in a loss for the School by 5—o. Result: Lost 5—o. Team—Powell; Fisher, Fillmorc; Davey, Beavan, Winterton ; Evans i, Jones i, Shorting i, Arthure, Evans ii. IST XL v. KEPAX 2ND XI. Saturday, Oct. 151(1. At home. The weather again was of the midsummer type, and the game therefore was rather slow. A new combination of the team was being tried and the result was not satisfactory. Soon after the kick-off Jones opened the scoring for the School with a fast ground shot which gave the visitors' goalkeeper no chance. Kepax, however, soon equalised. Shorting, however, breaking through the opposing defence, added a second goal for the School. Play then became rather slow and uneventful until just before half-time, when Kepax equalised, shooting from close range. Halftime score : 2—2. In the second half the School collapsed utterly and entirely and the game became shots in for the visitors. The School forwards obtained the ball many times, but could not keep it. The School defence was kept very busy, but in spite of their efforts, Kepax added four goals, thus winning the game 6—2. Result : Lost 6—2. Team: Powell; Beavan, Fillmorc; Davey, Winterton, Fisher ; Evans i, Jones i, Shorting i, Arthure, Evans ii. IST XL v. MALVERN IST COLTS. Saturday, Oct. 22nd, at Malvern. For many years the match with Malvern Colts away has always been played in torrents of rain. So again this year. Almost as soon as play started the rain began. However, the game was a very good one in spite of this. During the first half, play was very even, and both sides made repeated attacks, but the respective goalkeepers were unbeaten. The ball was of course very hard to control and many were the chances missed on both sides. Half-time : o—o. During the second half rain still fell heavily. Both sides made repeated attacks, and at last Jones scored for the School. Then the Colts attacked again and again but were unable to score until about five minutes from the end, when, breaking through the School backs, the Colts scored from close range. No further score was made, and so a very good—though wet—game ended in a draw. Result: Draw i—i. Team—Powell; Beavan, Fillmore; Davey, Shorting, Winterton; Evans i, Arthure, Jones i, Daniel, Evans ii,


THE VIGORNIAN.

Speech Dap. A YEAR OF UNBROKEN PROSPERITY. The annual prize giving in connection with the Cathedral King's School took place on Thursday in the College Hall. The Dean of Worcester presided, and there were present on the platform Dr. Montague R. James (Provost of Eton College), Canons Wilson, Southwell, James, and Lacey, and Mr. S. Southall, and the Headmaster (the Rev. C. Creighton). The Dean recalled that Mr. Charles Wood, the son of Mrs. Henry Wood, gave a very handsome sum of money for the purpose of establishing a prize for the School, and He particularly wished that these prizes should be used for the encouragement of the study of history, and more particularly local history. The subject set last year was " Life in a Mediaeval Monastery," with special reference to Worcester. The excellence of the work done in connection with that prize was such that it had been decided to increase the amount given from £$ to .£10. The other essays were all exceedingly good, and displayed a very diligent amount of research. The Dean said that he thought that there was nothing which made a more permanent impression on a boy or a girl's mind than doing good and thorough work in connection with a prize essay. THE HEADMASTER'S REPORT. The Headmaster welcomed Dr. Montague James and Mr. Southall, and said the latter had shown a zealous interest in the welfare of his old School, on the governing body. They took that opportunity of congratulating him, on behalf of his old School, on his approaching nomination to the office of Mayor of the City. (Applause.) When he (Mr. Creighton) looked back upon the past year, the most memorable event to him was the Old Vigornians' Reunion last term, when a large number of old members of the School than had ever collected before, assembled from all parts of England for the inauguration of the School war memorial. He reviewed the events of that day, and, referring to the memorial itself, the new pavilion, Mr. Rammell's munificent gift—(applause)—said that it was valued by them all. They could look back with thankfulness on a year of unbroken prosperity, in which the normal activities of the School had been well maintained. The numbers of the School were as large as they had ever been, quite as large as, in some cases larger than, they could conveniently accommodate. When such things were possible, they looked forward to extensions in the class room, boarding house, and playing field accommodation; but the time for such things was not the present. It was not so much a large increase in numbers that he looked forward to. He did not think that they could conveniently accommodate a much larger number than 250, and they were now nearly 220, without destroying in some degree the School's character. They looked forward rather to the increased efficiency which extended accommodation would make possible. One such extension they had enjoyed during the year—a new day boys' changing room, which had been most useful, and had had the effect he hoped that it

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would have, of enabling the day boys to take a greater part in the field games. The day boys formed an important part of the School—they numbered half the School. There were advantages and disadvantages in being day boys, and the advantages could not be wholly realised, nor the disadvantage met unless the parents co-operated with the masters. He enumerated three ways in which they could do this. First, they should encourage their boys to take as full a part as the boarders, in (he games, the O.T.C., and in the general activities of the school life outside the class room. Secondly, that they should see that the boys got adequate time and supervision for their home work, and thirdly, that they should keep the boys in the School for the same length of time as the boarders remained. To carry out these three things would involve self sacrifice on the part of the parents, but he had no hesitation in asking them to make that sacrifice for the sake of their sons. SOME NEW CLASS ROOMS. During the year they had added two new class rooms in Edgar Tower, which had enabled them to set aside one room as a drawing room and art school, and had enabled them to make the bottom forms of the School a separate institution. It was now possible to give the boys in those forms a somewhat different curriculum from that of the older boys. One modification in the curriculum had been to make instruction in singing a regular part of the School time table of the lower forms of the School. He was a great believer in the educational 'value of singing and music generally, and he hoped that it would be possible to develop both the singing and music generally of the School to a much greater degree of efficiency than it had hitherto been possible to aim at. It was not possible for Mr. George Smith, who had worked enthusiastically at the School singing for manv years past, to give the extra amount of time required, and it was a very great advantage to have the music of the School in the hands of one of the permanent members of the staff, as they had now in the case of Mr. Mathew, who had joined them this term. There had been a slight rearrangement of the forms in the School, and he had introduced a new form between the lower and middle school, for the purpose of providing for a fuller grounding in the elements of Latin and French of those boys who passed through the Lower School, and especially those clever boys who passed through rather rapidly, and wanted a resting time in order to revise their work. He hoped that it would add considerably to the efficiency of the School work. It was now possible to make a beginning in the teaching of Spanish. To those who desired their boys to give up Latin, he said the education they aimed at providing there was spread out over the whole future life, and was not to be measured in terms of pounds, shillings and pence during the first two or three years of a boy's professional or commercial career. In every way the School aimed at giving a liberal education, and not merely a utilitarian education—education of the whole man for the' whole of life. In that process the study of Latin, and, for those who had the ability, of Greek also, played a part for which there was no substitute, and, he


2O6

THE VIGORNIAN.

firmly believed, there would not be found a substitute. The education provided in the School was based upon as wide a study as was possible of the language, literature, and history and thought of our own nation, and of one at least of the great nations of antiquity from which arose the foundations of our European civilisation, and of one at least of the modern European nations, and it included training in mathematics and natural science, without which education would be lopsided and incomplete. No review of the year would be complete without reference to the loss, by retirement, of Mr. Beach Hicks., (Applause.) During those years he played a very prominent part in the School life, and in many of its activities, and he had given of his best in the interests of his pupils. They assured him that he carried with him in his well-earned retirement the affectionate good wishes of his old pupils, and of them all. (Applause.) But they had not only losses ; they were fortunate in having four new members of the staff who joined that term, which meant an increase of one in the number of the staff. He hoped great things from this infusion of young and vigorous blood into a not effete organism. (Laughter.) He recalled the good health which the School had enjoyed. For nearly three years there had been absolutely no serious illness whatever, and no epidemic of infectious disease at all in the School. Such a record was a very strong testimony to the healthiness of the climate, and the School life generally. The Headmaster then alluded to the successes mentioned in the prize list— to the higher certificate gained by Schofield, and the achievements of Bain and Sarland, and to the remarkable record of Certificate A obtained by members of the O.T.C. Out of 28 members qualified to compete for that certificate 22 had won it. That record was a striking testimony to the excellent work of the O.T.C. (Applause.) Dr. James then distributed the prizes. PRIZE LIST. School Prizes.—Bishop of Worcester's Divinity : Via., J. L. Longland. Rev. N. F. McNeile's Divinity Prize : VIb., A. J. C. B. Gill. George Nash Divinity Prize : V., K. N. Ross. Maurice Day Classical Prize: Senior, Via., I. F. W. Schofield ; Junior VIb., A. G. Bain. James Nash Classical Prize : Va., M. R. Craze. School Latin Prose Prize : I. F. W. Schofield. School Maths. : V. C. Powell. Archdeacon James' Accidence Prizes: Via. (Greek), I. F. W. Schofield; (Latin),. J. L. Longland; VIb. (Latin and Greek), A. G. Bain; Va. (Latin and Greek), J. L. R. Croft; Remove, R. F. P. Cobb; IV., D. S. F. Hanan. General Knowledge: Upper School, I. F. W. Schofield; Middle School, D. N. Forrest i, J. N. B. Lander 2 ; Lower School, R. H. N. Wood. Prize Poem : A. J. C. B. Gill. French Prize: I. F. W. Schofield. German Prize : R. L. Sedgwick. Mrs. Henry Wood Essay Prizes : VI. Form, R. L. Sedgwick i, A. J. C. B. Gill 2 ; V. and Remove, J. L. R. Croft; Below Remove, J. R. A. D u n n ; Highly Commended, G. R. B. Hopkin and V. H. Sarland ; Commended, H. P. E. Pereira and W. McC. Graves-Morris, and E. L. Fisher. Form Prizes.—VIb., A. G. Bain ; Va., K. N. Ross ; Vb.,

R. Daniel; Remove, N. Bancks; IVa., R. E. Holmes; IVb., B. H. Carter; III., J. L. Darby; Ila., C. C. Steward; lib., C. E. A. Senter ; I., H. G. A. Maund. Mathematical Sets.—Aa, D. Webb; A3, H. A. Ainsworth; A<j, E. Rice-Jones; Bi, L. Rees; 62, C. J. O. Blackall ; 63, B. H. Carter; 84, J. G. Downes ; Ci, R. K. Hooper ; C2, R. A. W. Langfield ; €3, T. O. D. Lumley ; C'4, D. L. Drury. Extra Subjects.—Recitation Prizes : V. H. Sarland, R. L. Sedgwick. Lower School, J. A. A. Maund. Holiday Reading: VI., R. L. Sedgwick; Vb., W. P. Phillips; Remove, R. F. P. Cobb; IVa., G. E. Churchill; IVb., D. D. Williams; III., G. M. King; Ila., R. H. N. Wood; lib., J. A. A. Maund. Writing Prize (Lower School)1: C. G. Blakeway i, C. G. M. Hodgkins 2. Drawing (Middle School) : H. E. Chandler; (Lower School) J. A. W. Nott. Holiday Drawing—Div. I., Landscape: M. A. Foster, R. W. Hinchliffe. Div. II., Nature Study: i., Hillyard. Holiday Collections—Botany : H. G. A. Maund ; Architecture : W. McC. Graves-Morris. Proximo Accessit in K.S. Exam. : E. W. Lavender. Winners of Oxford and Cambridge Certificates.—Higher Certificate in Classical Studies : I. F. W. Schofield. School Certificates : A. G. Bain, with credit in 7 subjects ; A. de B. Edye, with credit in i subject; G. H. Evans, with credit in 3 subjects ; H. C. Fillmore, with credit in 3 subjects; V. C. Powell, with credit in 3 subjects; V. H. Sarland, with credit in 6 subjects. Lower Certificates : H. A. Ainsworth, 3 First Classes ; M. R. Craze, 2 First Classes ; J. L. R. Croft, 2 First Classes; A. R. Harrison ; H. H. Holmes ; E. W. Lavender; K. N. Ross, 3 First Classes; V. E. M. C. Stanley, i First Class; D. Webb, 2 First Classes. Certificates A won by members of the O.T.C. during the past year.—November : H. Blanchard, V. C. Powell, E. R. Palmer, E. L. Fisher, G. H. Evans, H. D. Tonking, J. W. Price, I. F. W. Schofield, W. Wickersham, A. E. Davies. March : W. L. Shorting, S. Nash, R. Loach, C. T. Wynne, H. C. Pratt, F. M. Jones, A. de B. Edye, R. M. Beavan, B. A. J. Arthure, A. F. Drake, G. B. Coombs. THE VALUE OF A HOBBY. Addressing the boys, Dr. James emphasised the value of acquiring a hobby. He did not include in that term sports or games, but something which would " busy the brain and open the eye." It was quite a mistake to imagine that everything had been recorded and collected in libraries and museums, and it was possible for many of them to become authorities on some subject. A man with a hobby need never be dull. The other thing he desired to suggest to them was that if youth knew how very valuable to the whole community was any attempt it made to be genuinely serviceable and considerate, and how much it was welcomed and appreciated by older people, youth would think that all such attempts very well worth the making. He wished the School happiness and prosperity. The Headmaster's report disclosed a state of things upon which they could be congratulated. He recalled one record of the School in 1814, which he thought might not be generally


THE VIGORNIAN. known. It stated that it was " conducted on a liberal plan, offering a complete preparation for the universities, as well as instruction in music, drawing and in modern languages, nor are the lighter and fashionable accomplishments neglected." (Laughter.) That was a very gratifying picture of the employment of King's Scholars of 100 years ago. (Applause.) Mr. S. Soulhall proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. James. He said it was a great help to the governing body to know that the School, a comparatively small one, was of sufficient importance to induce a busy man, and a man great in the world of education, to come down to do this service. With humorous references to his own school life, he emphasised the truth of Dr. James' injunction that the boys would do nothing in the world unless they worked hard. Referring to the hope expressed by the Headmaster that he would not forget his old School when he became Mayor, Mr. Southall said he preferred not to count his chickens before they were hatched, but whether he was Mayor of Worcester or not he should always be glad to do anything he could for his old School. (Applause.) Canon Wilson seconded, and the motion was heartily carried, and Dr. James replied, and asked the Headmaster to mark the day by giving the boys a holiday. The Headmaster signified his willingness to do so. The gathering then dispersed amid the cheers of the boys. The parents were entertained to tea by the Headmaster and Mrs. Creighton.

o.c.c: nous.

Promotions 23.9.21. Sgt. Powell to be C.S.M. L/Cpl. Palmer to be Corporal. SHOOTING COMPETITION. The House Shooting Cup was won by the School House, and the Individual Shooting by L/Cpl. Davies. SIGNALLING. The Signalling Cup was won by the Hostel. CAMP. We went into Camp this year at Tidworth Park, The Camp Detachment was not so .strong as in the previous year, but still amounted to 70 all told. Those who were not there missed an almost perfectly organised camp, and a very pleasant and instructive time. We went into Camp on Monday, July 25, the day before the common herd, and such was the efficiency of the organisation that we got everything shipshape the same evening. ' Then we had a little breathing-space before settling down to serious work. We were in No. i Battalion, under the command of Major Gambier-Parry, M.C., and were the two leading platoons of our Company, the other two being from Emanuel School and Wilson's School. Major Burnett (Emanuel) was in command of the Company.

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Wednesday morning was given up to Platoon training, Thursday to Company training, and after that we had a battle every morning, a demonstration every afternoon, and usually another demonstration after tea. We were not idle. We even worked on Saturday afternoon. We saw demonstrations of the platoon in attack, aeroplane cooperation with infantry, and drill of almost incredible smartness by a platoon of R.M.C. Cadets. Moreover, every morning we marched out of Camp up a hill variously estimated at from 1000 to 6000 feet high, and repeated the dose on the rnajority of afternoons. It usually fell to our lot to be one of the supporting Companies—an instructive job no doubt, but rather dull. However, on the last day, the big battle, we were advance guard to the Brigade, and reached our objective so quickly that we got home in time for dinner, while our supports, who had leap-frogged through us, were still heavily engaged. But to turn to more serious matters. We learned the full significance of a " Blood Orange," and made the acquaintance of Hugo, not to mention other doughty warriors. We perambulated the Camp assuring everybody of the super-excellence of No. i Battalion, but we were only third in the Band competition. On, the whole, we were very free from sickness, two or three cases of sore feet and one false alarm of measles being the only casualties in our contingent, though some others were not so fortunate, and to our disgust let us in for a daily medical inspection parade. However, we reached home safely in the end, in spite of most of the accommodation on our train being pinched by the other Camp.

King's Scholarships. We congratulate the following on their success in the Exam, held on November 14111 and igth :— Elected to King's Scholarships. 1. L. G. K. Ford. Mr. H. H. Gairdner, Tredennyke, Worcester. 2. (Honorary). C. E. Coverdale. do. do. do. 3. O. T. Storrs. King's School, Worcester. 4. H. W. Burdett. Mr. Montagu -Lawson, Harborne Hall, Birmingham. 5. P. H. Graves-Morris. King's School, Worcester. 6. F. M. H. Stephens. St. Petroc's, Bude. 7. (Supplementary). K. C. Bristow. Mr. C. E. Cherrill, Upton School, Ripple Vale. Entrance House Scholarships. 1. R. B. Wade. St. Michael's College, Tenbury. 2. E. G. Clerke. Worcester Cathedral Choir School. Amy Lea Exhibition. R. H. N. Wood.

King's School, Worcester.


THE VIGORNIAN.

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Strasbourg, Alsace, nowadays, presents a subject of unusual interest to the English visitor. The older generations of Alsatians have been alternatively French, German, and again French, by nationality, while the majority of the inhabitants of this province, which now gives its allegiance to the " powers that be " of France, have been under the sway of the "powers that were" in Germany; some of the present day inhabitants of Alsace have returned to a land of which they had been voluntary exiles from 1870 until the conclusion of the Great War. It is probably a natural consequence of the buffetings of fate, that the people of Alsace are generally well disposed towards both France and Germany, and to the various allies of these rival countries. French tradition must have influenced the Alsatian mind with friendly feelings, while the constant interminglings, associations and inter-marriages with other Rhenish peoples, which took place under German rule, have left impressions upon the dwellers of Alsace, which are not easily to be effaced. The visitor to the province therefore, of whatever nationality he may be, receives a warm welcome from the inhabitants. There is yet another influence which tends to " a life of peace with all men." The Alsatians are trying hard to forget the war, yet in the Vosges Mountains, which they are constantly re-visiting, stretches the gloomy and tragic waste of the battlefield. In the humdrum round of everyday life, the ex-service man of the French Army will sit, in a " pension " or boarding-house, in friendly conversation with the erstwhile soldier of Germany. At the boarding-house in which the writer was staying in Strasbourg this year, were two ex-soldiers who were both wounded at Verdun—one on the French side and the other on the German ; they appeared to be on excellent terms. However, the ex-German soldier's sympathies were far more French than German. Another interesting person whom the writer met in that city was an. ex-officer of the Prussian Guard, who, called up for military service under France, was going to take up a commission in the French Army ! Some Alsatians fled to France on the declaration of war in 1914, others deserted from the German lines and came over to the French Army, at the front, hence their presence in the ranks of France during the war ; others were conscripts, unwillingly enough perhaps, under German law. As was the case during the American Civil War, the family were sometimes divided against itself, brother fighting against brother, and father against son. The modern part of Strasbourg is, of course, German in plan. The Germans certainly seem to possess to a more marked degree than the French the ability to lay out towns artistically and hygienically, and the still more important art of keeping them so. The city itself has undergone a few small changes since the war. A statue of " Germania " on the exterior of the University building was decapitated by students on the night of the festival to celebrate the restoration of Alsace and Lorraine to France. A similar fate has befallen statues to " other " prominent Germans elsewhere in the town. Streets have been re-named; for

instance, the " Schwarzwaldstrasse " has become the " Rue de la Foret Noire," and the " Lessingstrasse " is now known as the " Rue Erckmann-Chatrian." The fine building which was once the Kaiser's palace is now a museum. Finally, " Strassburg " has become " Strasbourg." Strasbourg offers a good illustration of the consequences of the Tower of Babel. It is the fashion of the younger generation to speak fluently three languages, French, High German and Alsatian German. The exhibition of such trilingual proclivities in human beings aged—say, from seven to seventeen years—is rather apt to cause comment from an Englishman. Our insular tendencies and prejudices are inclined to be somewhat against the acquisition of such a linguistic capacity. Under the German rule, the language of the " Vaterland " was naturally enough the medium of instruction in Alsatian Schools of all grades. Since the war, the French Government, as is also natural, has insisted on the use of French in teaching. Many Alsatian schoolmasters have therefore found it necessary to commence a systematic study of this intricate, and to some, unattractive, language. Several such members of this honourable profession were studying at the Strasbourg University vacation course this year. Apart from the regret experienced by most members of the male sex for the days when, under German rule, cigars were cheap, and that felt by many owing to the stringent rules against smuggling the commodity in question across the Rhine, the general preference of the Alsatian is, of course, towards France. The upper-class people are essentially for France, owing to aristocratic descent from the old French nobility ; the middle-class has a decided preference for France. The lower-class people, who know but little French, are perhaps inclined to a certain extent to pro-German tendencies. When the writer asked his Alsatian host which country's rule he preferred, he was told that French Authority was better than German, but that Alsatian government would be best of all.

Poem. "THE RETURN FROM THE SEA." (!N MEMORY OF AN IDYLL NOT YET WRITTEN.) Just as the sky unfolds At evening, after a joyless day, Into the fairy flowers Of sunset, so from the haze, and grey, Voiceless, forgotten seas, In silence, I and my ship stole out Into a sunlit bay. With joy I hailed the glad shore, and shout Shout after shout came back To me : the hills gave the answer : no Creature or man replied. " Alone "—I thought; the wind changed, and lo,


THE VIGORN1AN. Seen on the height a fair, White form : a voice pours its golden strain : Surges my heart: I leap To shore : night falls—and we meet again. C. B. G. Worcester, 18/10/21.

Kismet. My body lives to-day, But soon it will be clay, From which it came to which it will return ; Whenever soon or late Inexorable Fate Lets fall my lot from out the turning urn.

As when a sunny beam Does through a window stream Into some shady, high and lofty room, And, looking at it, you See small specks passing through That come from and return into the gloom ;

So to myself I say, Since here is short my stay, Let me enjoy the bright light of the sun, For we are specks of dust And to the dark we must Return when all our sunny life is done.

The rulers of this earth Are those who at our birth Do spin the thread that represents our years, Whenever they may think That of this life we drink Enough, they cut it with their fatal shears. G. R. B. H.

Cricket Review. Our record for this season, though poor compared with last season's or with what we had hoped, leaves no grounds for despondency. There were distinctly bright spots, notably our signal victory over Hereford. If we compare the two seasons it would perhaps be fair to say that this year we played as far below our true form as last year above it. One undoubted cause of weakness was the fact that our Captain, from whom, on the strength of last year's performances, we expected great things, failed to do himself anything like justice. He was a victim, as many another good captain has been, to the responsibilities of his position, and though his own cricket suffered, the

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School probably gained more than it lost from the thought and anxiety he expended on its behalf. This consideration, coupled with the able instruction given at the nets by Skinner, who has had considerable experience in coaching, leads us to hope that there is no lack of recruits worthy to uphold our best traditions during the next few years. The fielding was nearly always keen, and in some matches good : at the same time one reserves to oneself the right to expect the very best in this respect from a school team. And in this connection it will perhaps not be out of place to offer two suggestions : (i) That cricket boots should not be worn except on the field. Time after time balls were missed and runs given away for the simple reason that the fieldsman could not start or turn for lack of nails. This is quite avoidable, and might easily prove the deciding factor in a close match. (2) That the fielding practice should be more varied. To stand with ten or twenty others for more than half-an-hour waiting for an occasional ball is wearisome. We recommend a division of labour, by which two or three batches can take turns in slip catches or bowling at a stump. If by the last-named process even one or two bowlers could be unearthed, a sorely-felt need would be met. The following gained their ist XI colours :— W. L. SHORTING (Capt.). Most disappointing with the bat. Ought to have made lots of runs, but never got going, his chief fault being the old tendency to play a straight ball to leg. Showed glimpses of his bowling prowess, but was too prone to long-hops to leg. Excellent field, and hard-working captain. A. E. DAVIES (Sec.). The most consistent member of the team. Has many more scoring strokes than last year, though his defence is still weak, especially on the leg side. Most useful bowler, but would have been better for more frequent rests. Good field. . S. NASH. Our nearest approach to a fast bowler : broke up several threatening partnerships, but had not the accuracy of length to keep up an end for long. Made few runs owing to poor defence, but can punish a loose ball on the off. C. A. C. PATTON. Much improved as wicket-keeper, though hardly yet a stumper. Was handicapped by more than his share of casualties. His batting was unsuccessful on the whole, but he stopped the rot at least on one occasion. B. A. J. ARTHURE. A good trier with plenty of pluck. Played one or two eminently useful innings, and should make good scores next year. Keen and alert in the field. L. P. SNOWBALL. Has a good idea of playing forward, but has no scoring strokes, and little confidence. Is a good out-field, but in more than one match failed to do himself justice. R. M. BEAVAN. A useful man to go in first, but his style is too cramped and stiff ; must study footwork carefully. Smart point.


THE VIGORNIAN.

2IO

C. T. WINTERTON. Earned his colours by making runs at critical times in the later matches. Bats with pluck and determination, and does good work in the field. D. WEBB. Plays correctly and stylishly, but lets the ball hit the bat. Should develop run-getting strokes next year. Good field, though rather slow. F. M. JONES. His bat is not straight, and he does not bring his left leg across, though he can deal with a ball on the on-side. Has brought off some good catches at short-leg, but should practise throwing-in. G. J. SHAW. Plays with a straight bat, and has some neat strokes on the off. Has done quite useful work in the out-field. Should come on next year. HOUSE MATCHES. The results of the House Matches played last term were :—• School House beat Hostel. Castle House beat Day Boys. Final : School House beat Castle House.

Cecture Society. The following lectures have been arranged to take place this term :— Sat., Nov. 5th, at 5 p.m. - THE HEADMASTER. "Another Holiday in Italy." Sat., Nov. 12, at 5 p.m. THE DEAN OF WORCESTER. " University Life in Central Europe." Sat., Nov. igth, at 7 p.m. STAFFORD WEBBER, ESQ. " The Humour of ' Punch.' " Sat., Nov. 26th, at 7 p.m. T. F. FINUCANE, ESQ. "Wireless Simply Explained." Friday, Dec. 2nd, at 5 p.m. CAPT. C. W. R. KNIGHT, M.C. " More Adventures in the Tree-tops." Wed., Dec. 7th, at 5 p.m. REV. B. G. CHANDLER, S.P.G. "The Liberation of Palestine." Sat., Dec. 171)1, at 5 p.m. ARCHDEACON JAMES. " Greece." All the lectures will be illustrated by lantern slides. The subscription to the Lecture Society, which gives admission to all the above, is 2/6 for an individual ticket or 5,'- for a family ticket; obtainable from the Headmaster. # » * On November 5th we were very fortunate in having another lecture on Italy by the Headmaster. His

last lecture ended at Assisi, so this time the Head, before going on to the lecture proper, gave us some information about that extraordinary man, St. Francis of Assisi. He told us of Francesco's early life as a leader of fashion and of his " marriage " to " Lady Poverty." We were also given some extracts from the " Little Flowers " of St. Francis which helped us to learn more of his character. After this the Headmaster told us much about many different towns of which he had some fine slides, making us all wish we had been to Italy. The views of and information about Venice in particular were very interesting. We are all very grateful to the Headmaster for his excellent lecture and hope he will give us another next term. We are grateful to Mr. Beach Hicks for coming to work the lantern. On Nov. i2th we were given a most interesting lecture by that old friend of the School, the Dean. Owing to an unfortunate accident the lantern could not be persuaded to work. However we were given the lecture without the slides, and we arc sure that the absence of slides was very little felt. This would not be the case with some lectures and the Dean gave us a really enjoyable evening. He spoke of University life in Prague and such towns in Central Europe, contrasting the size and poverty of the Universities there with the state of Oxford and Cambridge. There was one statement with which we disagreed, namely that "everyone, if he is wise, will go to Cambridge." The applause which the Dean received after the conclusion of the lecture showed how highly it was appreciated.

Debating Soclctp. The Society commenced this term's activities by holding a meeting of the Committee in the Sixth Form room on September the 24th. A slight change in the committee was made: it was decided that the Upper Sixth should have four representatives, namely: Messrs. Schofield, Powell, Sarland and Gill. D. M. Forrest was elected to be the representative for the Fifth Form. The Secretary proposed that Messrs. Fogden and Strong should be placed on the committee, and since no objections were made they were accordingly elected. No private business was forthcoming and the meeting, having decided that with the exception of wet days, the debates this term would not commence until early lock-up was in force, adjourned. * * # An impromptu debate was held in the College Hall on November the 3rd. The meeting was somewhat sparsely attended and it was slightly discouraging to find that only two of the Committee managed to put in an appearance. When E. L. Fisher had been elected to the chair, the Secretary proposed that the house should discuss the following motion: " That in the opinion of this house cinemas do more harm than good."


THE V1GORNIAN. Mr. Schofield kindly filled the breach by offering to propose this motion. He opened his speech with a reference to the poor class of film one usually encountered in the modern Picture House. He thought that many of these often proved extremely, detrimental to the many children who attended cinemas, and concluded by reminding the house of the many instances in the daily papers of children trying to copy things they had told the judge they had " seen on the pictures." Mr. Watts, who had meanwhile volunteered to oppose the motion, said that he thought the cinema kept many people out of the public houses in the evening ; he ventured to state that, on the whole, cinemas provided a much greater attraction to the public. Mr. Sedgwick, in seconding, suggested that we should get a board of film censors who did their work properly. He moved that children, until they reached a certain age, should not go to see films at all unless they had first been pronounced suitable by thoroughly responsible persons. He also said that it would be better for everybody, except the Americans themselves, if we did not rely so much upon their " dramas " for our cinemas. In seconding the hon. opposer, Mr. Forrest said that he agreed with Mr. Watts on the public-house question. The motion was then thrown open to the house. Mr. Longland got up and suggested that children should have a special cinema of their own to which they might go. Rather tactfully he endeavoured to point out to a rather hostile house that the American ideal of drama was not a very lofty one. The debate was marked by the number of speeches delivered from the house. Among many who " broke the ice," were Messrs. Hopkin, Croft, Ainsworth, Coverdale, and lastly Messrs. Winterton and Bain, the former referring to the excellent educational value of many films. After short speeches from Mr. Schofield and Watts, in which they summed up the chief points, the house divided. The motion was lost by 24 votes to 16.

flmsterdam. Although Amsterdam is far from being the most picturesque of the Dutch towns yet it ranks highest in historical interest and antiquity. The capital of Holland is situated at that point of the river Amstel, where the Y (pronounced as i long), an arm of the Zuiderzee, flows into it, and which consequently forms an excellent harbour. Erasmus once puzzled his friends by jestingly remarking that he knew a city whose inhabitants dwelt on the tops of trees like rooks : and it is said that it took these friends of his some time to realise that he referred to Amsterdam. In order to appreciate this joke, you must know that the upper stratum of the natural soil is loam and loose sand, and that therefore before any permanent building can be erected a solid foundation must first be formed by driving piles measuring from forty to sixty feet long into the firmer sand beneath.

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In consequence of this many of the houses are of a curious and altogether delightful shape—especially noticeable in the Old Part of the town. A network of canals runs all over the city. A street lined with tall shady trees runs on either side of each canal. Through these waterways there passes a constant train of fantastically painted barges both by day and by night, steered by wizened old men in clogs and baggy trousers, who divide their time in swearing at one another, steering in and out one another, and in doffing their beavers to you as they pass. At the same time it may be gathered that the number of bridges and ferries in Amsterdam is enormous : in fact one cannot turn a corner without finding a bridge before one. The cost of the works connected with the bridges, canals, and dykes is estimated at several thousand florins per day. Since the natural conditions of the city prevent there being an underground service, the Dutch make up for the omission by a marvellous train service. Electric trams run all over the city. They rush over steep little bridges, run down perilously near the sides of the canals, and twist and turn down the narrow streets until you begin to wonder that there are not accidents every minute. These electric cars are very elaborately fitted up. There are usually two or three cars linked up together ; they are longer than our London cars and have no outside deck to them but are far more comfortable and roomy. The three carriages usually consist of a smoking and non-smoking compartment, behind which a " summer car " is attached. The latter has a roof, but open sides, built very much after the style of the scenic railway car seen at our fairs. Not only will these trams rush you to any part of the city in a few moments, but should you desire they will take you out of the citv to any neighbouring town within a radius of thirty to forty miles. These outgoing trams, however, are usually (except the one running to Haarlem) steam driven. Sometimes when you are travelling in the outskirts you catch at the end of some street a fleeting glimpse of lowlying green meadows dotted with windmills, and black and white cows, and long white straight roads flanked on either side by tall trees. If you really wish the Dutch capital to make a lasting impression upon your mind, when you go to Holland, make sure of seeing Amsterdam by night. It is just beginning to grow dusk. The air is ringing with the tinkling of innumerable bicycle bells [everybody in Holland possesses a cycle from children of six to old men and women of sixty or seventy', and many insist on riding in clogs ! When the day's work is done they always make a point in going for an evening ride in one of the parks.] We get into the well lighted tram, which takes us through the Leidscheplein, where the fashionable caffe are already beginning to be crowded ; we pass through the Voorburgwal-Paleistraat and thence into the Dam, the Strand of the Dutch capital. Here the pavements are thick with tables, at which people of all classes are sitting sipping their lagers or " Framboze-Limonades ! "


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THE VIGORNIAN.

After passing the Queen's Palace we turn up past the Central Station, from where we can discern in the distance the Zuiderzee. Here we alight and cross over the Y in the crowded steam ferry and proceed to make our way down the locks and canals. It is now almost dark and we turn to contemplate the scene behind us. A big red moon is slowly rising over waters wherein are reflected myriads of different coloured lights. Shapes loom out of the night and chug-chug their way down the river to the open sea. Fishing smacks with grotesquely shaped sails are silhouetted against the star-bespangled sky. We watch the brightly coloured lights of the slow moving barges over in the. city as they pass down the canals, and a sort of homely feeling comes over us. Occasionally a gigantic dark mass towers above us and a warning hoot tells us it is some ocean going liner steaming down to the open sea. The air is filled with the cry of the bargemen, the shouts of the costermongers, and over all the sound of distant orchestras, proceeding from the gaily lighted cafe's, steals over the river. The whistles of the trams do their best to drown the cries of their conductors, and the rushing noise of giant screws churning the water mingles with the noise of the waters rushing through the flood gates of the countless locks. On your way home in the tram you pass little stalls lighted by evil-smelling naptha lamps, behind which old women in their picturesque shawls and bonnets nod at you. Should you have occasion to alight near one you will probably have an alarming experience. The old woman who from the tram looked so sleepy and lazy will develop into an importunate widow guaranteed to drive mad the strongest judge. She will rush at you, waving under your nose a bunch of split smoked eels, shouting at the same time : " mar dertig cent ehn tros! (only thirty cents per bundle!) mar dertig cent ehn tros mynheer! " If you politely or otherwise refuse, it does not matter, she will follow you home, calling to one of her numerous offspring to mind " de berrie," whilst she is away. You will be wise to buy the eels and you will be still wiser to throw them away. Should you not act upon the last piece of advice—having eaten them—the next day will see you a wiser man than you were before !

We cannot conclude without a word or two about the buildings of Amsterdam. The celebrated Rijksmuseum, an imposing building covering nearly three acres of ground, is full of the most wonderful exhibits. Its special feature is the Art Gallery, which contains Rembrandt's Night Watch and many others of his paintings. We have only space to allude to Jan Steen, Vermeer, Rubens and Martens. The Rembrandt House in the Joden Breestraat is full of interest to lovers of this great Dutch painter. Finally, there is the Nieuwe Kerk, a late-Gothic cruciform structure with ambulatorv and side chapels, a beautiful piece of work, and only one of many splendid buildings in this fascinating city. R. L. S.

Concert* Under the direction of the Musical Branch of the School Entertainment Society a Concert was given in College Hall at 5 p.m. on November i6th. A very comprehensive programme, which maintained the happy mean between the severely classical and the merely trashy, gave a large and appreciative audience an enjoyable hour and a quarter. We must congratulate Mr. Strong, Mr. Fogden, whom we heard for the first time, and G. J. Shaw, on their songs, which were well rendered and provided an excellent variety. Had there been time we should have liked to hear more of Mr. Mathew's plaving, for the piano solo, with which he opened the concert, made us wish for a further opportunity of hearing him. As an accompanist he was invaluable, and the vast improvement that the Glee Club exhibited is, mainly, due to him. Owing to the kind offices of a friend we were able to enjoy the pleasure of hearing some string music once again. A quartet of ladies from Kempsey, accompanied by Miss Winifred Norbury, were the " piece de resistance " of the programme, and contributed enormously to the success of the evening. To them we must accord our heartiest thanks for their kindness in coming, and for the great enjoyment their playing afforded us. The following was the Programme :— 1.

Piano Solo—Waltz Coleridge Taylor MR. MATHEW. 2. Song—" Blow, Blow, thou Winter Wind " Roger Quilter MR. FOGDEN. 3. Piano Quintet—" Valse Triste " Sibelius 4. Song from " Princess Ida," "The Baffled Grumbler" Sullivan MR. STRONG. 5. Part Song—" Hart and Hind " Sir Henry Bishop THE GLEE CLUB. 6. Song—" England Mine " Teresa del Riego G. J. SHAW. 7. Song—" Come ! let's be merry " Old English MR. FOGDEN. 8. String Quartet—Allegro: Op. 18 : No. I... Beethoven 9. Song—" Son of mine " Wallace G. J. SHAW. 10. Song from " Patience "—" The Esthete "...Sullivan MR. STRONG. 11. Piano Quintette—"Petite Suite de Nanette" Coleridge Taylor 12. Unison Song—" The Onset " .Charles Wood THE GLEE CLUB. " God Save the King." The following is the list of the ladies who came from Kempsey to play :— First Violin Mrs. Horley Mrs. Lovett Second Violin Viola Miss E. Scott 'Cello Miss M. Scott


THE VIGORNIAN.

Duke or fork's camp* We arrived at Romney on July 3oth, in the evening, and then walked to our camp, a distance of about two miles from the station. We have left out a description of the dinner at the Mews and the subsequent rushed race, seeing the sights—or some of them—of London, so that we may have more space to talk about the camp itself. We were, 1 think, just walking to our camp. Well, we arrived, and the first thing was of course a meal. Afterwards we went to a cinema show—we had our own !—and then went to bed. Eighty-four in one room, and there were five rooms, so that means there were about 400 fellows in camp. We were divided up into sections of twenty, ten school boys and ten working class boys and a leader. The fellows came from all parts of the British Isles, and in our particular " dorm " there were some infernal bagpipes, which do not persuade to sleep. Then the sections were divided up into four groups-—red, green, blue and yellow. Every day we played inter-section games of a most weird nature. No cricket or football, but " patent " games in which everyone had an equal chance to distinguish himself and bring victory to his side. There is hardly space to describe everything in detail, but we must mention the bathing, which was glorious. We were close by the seaside and bathed from a long stretch of beautiful sand. We also went for many charabanc rides to places of interest around, Folkestone, Dover, etc. For two days we were honoured by a visit from our host, H.R.H. the Duke of York, who told us how glad he was to see us all, and hoped we were having a very jolly time—which we were. He said that it was his ambition to make all boys realise that they were all, so to speak, brothers, and to exterminate snobs and snobbery. Our skipper, Commander Coote, was a delightful man and greatly added to the fun and happiness on the camp. However, a week soon goes by, especially a good one, and all too soon the camp came to an end, but may the spirit it produced last for ever ! Before we bring to a close this imperfect record of a perfect camp may we be allowed to moralise for a moment. Social conditions at the present day are in a very critical position and class warfare has reached a terrible pitch— why? Because mankind has not yet learnt the great truth that all men are equal in the sight of God and should therefore consider each other equal. Our life is eternal—a fact we often forget—and it is not only wrong but stupid to consider one who has had the misfortune of an inferior education or birth in a life of a mere three score years and ten, to be lower than ourselves. The gentlemen who started this camp realised this truth and organised the camp on that basis with the result that it was unlike any other camp the world has ever seen, and if only the world in general also would realise the same great truth and act upon it , , , well , , , what a jolly world it would be!

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On Smells and Kindred Subjects. A few weeks ago I went for an evening constitutional through the by-streets of Worcester. Now by day there are compensations for all the foul odours emitted by the numerous factories and shops from which food is produced. One can stand in the most deadly smell and not realise one's danger, for one's eyes feast upon the delightful old houses with their leaning walls and quaint beams and picturesque tiles. But by night all one's other senses are, as it were, dead, and the nose alone is active. So at least I found, and consider myself fortunate in surviving to tell the tale. I will spare you, my young and tender readers, from a detailed account of all the monstrosities that offended my nostrils : but to show you how serious the matter is, I will relate just one incident. I had safely passed a fish shop, when to my dismay I thought I smelt another ahead. However, I kept bravely on for a hundred yards, and discovered, not a fish shop, but an amorous couple eating fish. Perhaps you can guess the condition of that fish, a handful of which can make its presence realised a hundred yards away. Now these hideous blots on the fair fame of Worcester must be abolished, and it is for enlightened people like you and me (o abolish them. So I have a very definite proposal to make. You and 1 will all meet outside the Edgar Tower one night—you know the way out, don't you?—and \ve will destroy those poisonous places that pollute our atmosphere. Bring pickaxes, firebrands, anything that you think will be of use in this work of purification. We will have scouts sent out to warn us of the approach of the police and, if necessary, to put them out of the way. We will not leave one single foul-smelling brick standing. One thing more. We will also raze to the ground that hideous town hall. That is as much an offence to the eye as these other places are to the nose. It is really scandalous that young people like us should be brought up amid such ugly surroundings. Our sense of beauty will become utterly perverted. In order to prevent that, the town hall must go. Perhaps some of you are a little afraid of consequences. You do not look forward with equanimitv to the prospect of imprisonment. But be brave ! Surely the need of purification is so urgent and the deed such a noble one that you will not be deterred by a little personal inconvenience. You will be doing a great work in the interests of humanity and you will be remembered for ever as a hero who endured persecution for the sake of cleanliness and beauty. Civis FIDULIS.

Cbe School of Samuel Butler. Though Aubrey states that Samuel Butler, author of Hudibras, went to school at Worcester and tradition has it that he was educated at the King's School under HenryBright, one of the most celebrated headmasters of that age, many later writers have disagreed as to the identity


THE VIGORNIAN.

214

of Butler's school, some assigning him to the Royal Grammar School (known previously as the Free School or Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School), and others even questioning if he was educated at Worcester at all. Carlisle, in his Endowed Schools, places Butler " at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Worcester," and is followed by the D.N.B. Chambers, writing of Lord Somers in his Biographical Illustrations of Worcestershire, says : " I am not acquainted that any register is in existence to give to any school in this city the honour of educating Butler or Somers." It seems probable that the school of Somers will always remain a matter of uncertainty ; but, as far as Butler is concerned, such a register does exist, which throws fresh light upon the subject and, though it does not actually contain Butler's name, yet indirectly confirms the tradition that he was educated at the King's School. Aubrey, in his Brief Life of Butler, states : " He went to schoole at Worcester—from Mr. Hill," and adds in a note, " He was born in Worcestershire hard by Barbon-bridge, half a mile from Worcester, in the parish of St. John, Mr. Hill thinkes, who went to schoole with him." This Mr. Hill, as is seen from other references in the Lives, was the Rev. Richard Hill, incumbent of Stretton in Herefordshire. He matriculated at Oxford from Balliol College in July, 1634, as " son of James, of Upton-on-Severn, co. Wore., pleb. aged 17." In the register of boys elected to King's scholarships during the period 1590-1645 (Wore. Cath. Man. A. xxi, printed in A. F. Leach's Early Education in Worcester) there occurs the name of Richard Hill under the date Nov., 1626. The identification of this Richard Hill with Aubrey's Richard Hill who went to school with Butler appears certain, and thus the claim of the King's School to have educated Butler is vindicated. Butler, who was baptized in February 1612/3, would be Hill's senior by about four years; but this disparity in their ages is not great enough to discredit the statement that they were at the school at the same time, although they may not have been together for more than a short period. Butler's name is not found in this register, because he was never nominated to a King's scholarship: this fact gives point to Aubrey's statement that " His father was a man but of slender fortune, and to breed him at schoole was as much education as he was able to reach to. . . . He never was at the university for the reason alledged." C. V. H.

Cambridge tetter. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." DEAR SIR, After much difficulty, someone has been found who is able to bear the responsibility of writing this letter. Most of us are completely overcome by the suggestion that women should wear cap and gown in Cambridge. It was necessary, therefore, to place the responsibility, which this letter involves, with the utmost care and deliberation. We wish to thank Mr. Creighton and all those, who by their kindness and labour, contributed so largely to the success of the re-union at Worcester last June.

Our best wishes go with A. N. Macdonald, J. Bowstead, and P. N. W. Strong, in their various spheres of activity, while we welcome, as a Fresher this term, T. C. Bowstead. S. F. DAVENPORT, B.A. (St. Catharine's and Ridley Hall), is reading for another tripos. We fear this kind of thing is becoming quite a habit with him. A. G. COOMBS (Selwyn) has not been seen lately. It is thought that this quietness may be dde to the near approach of Armistice Night. H. S. DENTON (Sidney Sussex) is still reading for a tripos, but takes " special " examinations, in his spare time, with great success. We hear that he continues to sing and play the mouth-organ, with his accustomed grace and vigour. T. C. BOWSTEAD, R.N. (Pembroke) is being taught quadratics, which he thoroughly appreciates. He feels sure that those in authority are pleased with him, but up to the time of writing they hadn't mentioned it. B. ST. J. Ho WELLS (Queen's) sleeps, rows, reads history and rides a bicycle, with his usual energy and cheerfulness. Plays instruments of music and sings, when not engaged in one of the above-mentioned pastimes. A. H. ADAMS (Emmanuel) is very much upset about the question of "Women and the University." During an interview a few days ago, he said, " This matter is rather a sore point and (like all women) must be treated with great caution." We feel certain that he will make his mark in the world, but his wisdom frightens us. V. P. Ho WELLS (Queen's) also sleeps, rows and rides a bicycle very much like his brother. He reads theology two days a week, and is much disgusted at having to attend lectures at 9 a.m. every day, which, we fear, is undermining his constitution. We wish the School every success during the coming year. Yours, etc., " CANTAB."

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." " Emmanuel College, Cambridge, DEAR SIRS, 4/11/21. Apart from the Cambridge Letter, perhaps a true explanation of the Newnham "rag," which has met with much criticism from the daily papers, would not be out of place. I am writing as being far from a woman-hater ; and yet as an opponent to Grace I. In fact, to put it in a military term, I am strictly neutral. Let me briefly outline the day's proceedings, and then sum up ; so that you will be able to take your stand on either side you like, but so long as the name of the university is cleared, from the terrible attacks made upon it, we shall feel satisfied. Moreover since it is a very easy matter to do that, we think you cannot be so stubborn, hard-hearted or foolish as to think much the worse of us, for the trifle that took place on " women's degree day." In the morning there was a very orderly " non placet " procession about which no comment is made in the papers, for they could " slang " nobody for it.


THE VIGORNIAN. Then in the evening crowds assembled outside the Senate House to hear the result of the voting. As you know the result " nobis placuit " and we were sure that the women would like to know the result and be congratulated, parties set off. Imagine their thoughts when they found the whole place barred up. Naturally some few " hot heads " tried to force their way in. However since the police and " progs " seemed to number a small army, this attack broke down after about twenty minutes, and a very orderly riot ensued in the town. Before any mention of the affair was made by the press, a fund was raised to pay the expenses of the damage. Moreover, as a Newnham raid has been the regular form of beginning all the " rags," if no damage had been done, all England would have laughed. But since a considerable amount of damage has been committed, Cambridge is treated as a university of criminals, or women-haters. It is wrong! Immediately after the matter, an apology was sent to Miss Clough, the principal of Newnham, from every college, and the apologies' were accepted. So that it is only the press which is causing the trouble, and after all it might possibly be because they want to sell their papers. Please think the whole matter over and then I am sure you will be convinced that it was neither premeditated, nor intentional, but " accidents must happen even in the best regulated establishments." And if my memory serves me well, I believe they sometimes occurred at school. Yours truly, A. H. ADAMS.

Correspondence. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." DEAR SIRS, I think it is time that public schools realised the fact that in after life there are other things besides work and games. I should like to suggest that the social entertainment known as dancing should not be forgotten and that those who so desire should be able to learn that most desirable accomplishment. It is too late to request that the authorities should consider this suggestion for this term, but I think it would be appreciated if it were taught to those who wish it during other winter terms. I apologise for wasting so much of your space with this letter. Yours sincerely, TERPSICHORE.

215

School Officers. Head of the School . I. F. W. Schofield. Captain of Football - V. C. Powell. Secretary of Football - W. L. Shorting. Captain of Shooting E. L. Fisher. Captain of Gymnasium - C. T. Palmer. Editors of the " Vigornian "—I. F. W. Schofield, R. M. Beavan, E. L. Fisher, R. L. Sedgwick. School Monitors—I. F. W. Schofield, V. C. Powell, W. L. Shorting, R. M. Beavan, E. L. Fisher, H. C. Fillmore. Secretary of Debating Society - R. L. Sedgwick. Librarians—I. F. W. Schofield, V. C. Powell, E. L. Fisher, R. L. Sedgwick, A. J. C. B. Gill, F. H. Burden.

Secretary of Chess Club Curator of The Museum -

-

- R. A. K. Bowstead. - R. L. Sedgwick.

Valete.

Upper Sixth : W. Wickersham (1918-1921)—School Monitor, Secretary of Rowing 1921, 2nd IV. 1921, 2nd XI. Football 1920, Librarian, Corporal O.T.C. Lower Sixth : T. H. Horsfield (1916-1921)—Head of the School, School Monitor, Librarian, Editor of the " Vigornian," Pte. O.T.C. A. E. Davies (1919-1921)—2nd XI. Cricket 1919, ist XI. 1920, Secretary 1921, 2nd XI. Football 1919, ist XI. 1920, Shooting VIII. 1920, Lce.-Cpl. O.T.C. H. D. Tonking (1916-1921)—School Monitor, 2nd XI. Football 1917, ist XL 1918, Sec. 1919, Capt. 1920, 2nd XL Cricket 1921, ist IV. Rowing 1920, Corpl. O.T.C. U. H. Webb (1912-1921)—School Monitor, ist IV. Rowing 1920, Captain of Rowing 1921, 2nd XL Football 1919, 2nd XL Cricket 1921, Librarian, Cadet Officer O.T.C. G. H. Eden (1919-1921)—2nd IV. Rowing 1921, 2nd XI. Cricket 1921, Pte. O.T.C. Va:

S. Nash (1912-1921)—School Monitor, 2nd XL Cricket 1919, ist XL 1920-21, 2nd XL Football 1919, ist XL 1920, Fives IV. 1921, Cpl. O.T.C. Vb : C. A. C. Patton (1913-1921)—2nd XL Cricket 1919, ist XI. 1920-1921, 2nd XI. Football 1919, ist XI. 1920, Capt. of Gym., C.S.M. O.T.C. L. P. Snowball (1920-1921)—ist XL Cricket 1920-21, 2nd IV. 192!, Pte. O.T.C. R. Loach (1912-1921)—Lce.-Cpl. O.T.C. R. C. Hare (1919-1921)—Pte. O.T.C. A. J. Hunt (1918-1921)—Pte. O.T.C. R. J. Beddow (1916-1921)—Pte. O.T.C. C. T. Wynne (1921)—Lce.-Cpl. O.T.C.


2l6

THE VIGORNIAN.

Rem. : G. West. IVa : W. E. Wright.

IVb: L. A. Carleton. Ill : H. F. Lavis. I la: J. Landale.

lib: O. Craze, P. E. L. Fellowes, L. E. G. Graeme, R. I.. Loveridge. I:

A. N. Grundy.

SalueK.

Remove : Joseph J. A. D., Storrs O. T. IVa: Alexander S. M., Rushworth L. A. H., Shell-Moor A. M. B III : Burton L. S., James T. V., Spong H. S. II : Griffiths G. T., Sargent F. M. I: Beaumont P., Beaumont J. F., Harding C., Marker J. H., McDonaugh E., Powell A. H. S., Rabjohns P. D., White J. S., Wilding J., Woodrow W. O. H.

Contemporaries. We beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following:—Alleynian, Bromsgrovian, Cantuarian, Decanian, King Edward's School Chronicle, Lily, Monktonian, Petriburgian, Portcullis, Rossallian, St. Edward's School Chronicle, Wulfrunian, Wyggestonian.


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The Vigornian November 1921 by King's Worcester - Issuu