Issuu

Che Uigornian. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, " ra fair 2t2aicra fiavdavia, TO. $ evptru £jp-a, ra J' tvi>ra irapa Qe&v

No. 109.

MARCH, 1924.

VOL. IX.

Contents. Chappel Memorial Reading Room Editorial School Notes School Concert O.V. News Birth Deaths

Old Vigornians' Club P.T. Competition Oxford Letter Cambridge Letter Rugger Notes O.V. Re-union The Ketch Run School Officers Correspondence Cloister Window O.T.C. Notes School Calendar The Story of John Davis (Concluded) Debating Society

Some Epigrams from the Classics Boxing

Cricket Prospect Lecture Society Chess Notes Contemporaries Valete Salvete Games Account

Page

325 326 326

327 328 328 328 328 329 329 33" 33' 332 332 S32 332 333 334 335 335 337 337 337 337 338 338 339 339 339 339

PRICE is.

Chappel memorial Reading Room. Of the .£1,400 required, not quite half has hitherto been subscribed or promised. The Governors are going to begin building the new Classrooms at once. It will be a great saving of expense if the Reading Room can be built at the same time, but, unless subscriptions come in more rapidly than they have done in response to the recent appeal sent to all O.V., this will not be possible. I am convinced that O.V. do not wish the scheme to fail for lack of their support and I know of many who mean to subscribe but who have not yet done so. It is urgent that subscriptions, or promises, if more convenient, should be immediate and substantial if the building is to be begun at the same time as the Classrooms.

C. CREIGHTON.

THE VIGORNIAN.

326

The O.T.C. Field Day on March 6th was a great suecess; technical particulars may be found elsewhere. * * »

editorial. The nature of an Editorial should be in direct contrast with that of the other columns of any school magazine. For elsewhere there are to be encountered merely the matter-of-fact, business-like and historically accurate announcements that such-and-such a match has been won or lost, that so-and-so has jumped a certain height or distance, that someone else has been appointed to a certain office. (We will wisely exclude from our reckoning those attempts at humour or poetry which are allowed to appear in print merely to show that, as everyone believes should be the case in all the best schools, these particular forms of lunacy are still flourishing.) In the Editorial, however, the Editor exchanges with his readers in as natural and hearty a way possibh a few remarks on topics of general interest. Instead of masking his individuality beneath cold and unsympathetic statistics, he achieves that same personal intimacy with each reader that one human being feels towards another in conversation. In short, the Editor thaws, steps off his pedestal, humanises himself—express it what way you will. What is to be the medium of this " humanisation " of the Editor this time? What topic affords between man and man a bond of mutual sympathy and interest capable of transforming him from a machine for drawing up statistics into a human being, pulsing with the joy of life as much as anyone else? The coming of Spring? But by now it is stale news to us, especially in an omniscient scientific age, that this is the season at which lambs may be seen skipping, birds building their nests, and buds shooting, amongst the many natural phenomena that usually tempt us to prophesy recklessly that summer is at hand. What of the Boat Race? This is far too delicate a question, as whatever is said on this point will be certain to be imagined by some to show a displeasing favouritism. But by now perhaps the discussion of what is to be the theme for conversation has proved a theme in itself and by this subtle means the mask of Editorial formality has already been cast aside. At any rate we will end our gallant attempt to bring this about without more ado.

Softool nous. As this number will not appear till the end of term we feel safe in congratulating ourselves on the continued freedom from any epidemic, which the School has now enjoyed for over five years. We understand that the School doctor is contemplating a strike in protest.

" It is an ill wind " The indisposition of a member of the Staff gave us the pleasure of welcoming back, for a couple of days, Mr. Beach Hicks, who gallantly stepped into the breach.

We hear a rumour that on our return next term we may hope to find work already begun on the new Classrooms and Reading Room. * * * In the meantime a flagged pavement, which is to be adorned with benches, has been laid along one side of what will become the School quad. The mistaken impression that it is " crazy " pavement is due to the fact that it lies below the windows of IVb Form Room. # - *

The Concert held at the end of last term proved more than usually entertaining. We should like to congratulate Mr. Day and the performers on their success, and to thank those Masters whose several efforts were invaluable. * * * The Easter Term is usually noted for the variety of its pursuits, and the present term is no exception. The First game played Hockey up to half-term with considerable vigour; one unfortunate accident occurred when a goalkeeper in a fil of frenzy broke his—goalpost. It was however speedily set. . ** This arrangement enabled the junior XV. to get more coaching, and, as a result, many promising players have been unearthed, notably in the under 14 team, where there has been some excellent combination. Junior House " belows " were played; Castle House beating Natland in the final by 8 points to nil, after an excellent game. * * « Rowing is in full swing and claims several prominent cricketers, who may be missed in the elevens next term. We wish Mr. Strong all success in building up an entirely new crew for Marlowe. Mr. Bentley is again kindly coaching the second four. * * * The Ketch Run took place on February 25 ; there was an excellent entry. D. W. Molony, last year's winner, was again first man home, an extraordinarily good performance for one so young ; likewise B. H. Carter was again first in the open event, with W. B. Evans runner-up. * » * The competition for the Warren Cup was unusually close. School House gained an unexpected victory with 66 points, Day Boys next with 68, and Castle House third with 69. * * * A Chess competition is in progress ; more we cannot say. A Chess six journeyed to the Blind College, but returned without any games won, sad to relate. * * #

THE VIGORNIAN. The P.T. Competition took place on Wednesday, March 12, C.S.M.I. Eccles kindly undertaking the judging. The Hostel won the cup foi the third successive year, with considerable ease ; School House were runners-up. The judge made a few remarks at the end, which showed the chameleon-like principles of P.T. a la Aldershot. *

The Boxing Competition has provided a good entry, but this, we fear, is entirely due to the determined efforts of Captains of Houses. * * * The Lord Bishop of the Diocese will hold a Confirmation in the Cathedral on April 4, at which several members of the School will be presented. * # * We should like to take this opportunity of congratulating C. A. E. Fogden, Esq., on the birth of a son. Mr. Fogden, it will be remembered, was Sixth Form master at the School two years ago. * * * Congratulations to the Rev. S. 1. Davenport (O.V.) on winning the Norrisian Prize for a theological essay at Cambridge. This is a valuable distinction, as the award takes place only every five years, and we have celebrated it by a half holiday.

327

After a generous interval the School Choir sang " The Revenge," a work lasting for thirty-five minutes; the audience seemed quite satisfied and we heard no grumbling. Apart from the very great measure in which Mr. Day, and Mr. Brown who accompanied, were responsible for the success of so comprehensive a work, the School Choir should feel pleased by the favourable comments which the performance evoked. The humorous quartet, appearing for the second time, broke what tension existed by spirited renderings of " The Frog " and " Bold Turpin "—an extract from Pickwick Papers. Solos were sung during the evening by J. L. King, and by Messrs. G. K. Tattersall, S. D. Strong, and B. Holloway ; it was unfortunate that the lack of time prevented all being encored, but we were enabled to hear the last two again. It may be added that during the evening, a large contingent of O.V.'s, posted as usual in the rear, gave exhibitions of systematic applause, which were possibly more amusing to themselves than to the rest of the audience. At the close Mr. Rammell apologised for the absence of the Headmaster: he had unfortunately contracted a cold and was confined to his bed. The Dean was sorry to hear of the Headmaster's illness ; he congratulated Mr. Day on the excellence of the performance. PROGRAMME.

ScDool Concert. The Annual Concert was held in the College Hall on December 19, before an unusually large and duly appreciative audience. Mr. Edgar Day, the School music master, had arranged an excellent programme, which amply justified the Headmaster's hopeful reference on Prize-day to the progress of music in the School. Praiseworthy enterprise was shown in the inclusion of such a difficult work as Stanford's " Revenge "—a ballad of the Fleet—as the piece de resistance of the evening. We were glad to know that the humorous quartet, composed of members of the Staff, which had been so successful in the previous year, had again pursued its activities ; it is now becoming quite a feature of our School concerts. The performance opened, commendably promptly, with the School song, which was rendered with the customary vigour ; this was followed by a violin and pianoforte duet, to which Mrs. Winifred Hill and C. Brown, O.V., did ample justice. Mr. Day himself played a Scherzo from Chopin from memory; his playing was obviously much appreciated by the audience. Having had a taste of serious music, we were delighted with a version of " Old King Cole " by the humorous quartet, which gave the raucous voice of the " big burly bumbo " ample scope for its surplus energy ; this was supplemented by " Simple Simon," which concluded with an entertaining moral.

PART I. 1. School Song—" Floreat Schola " Vine Hall. 2. Violin and Pianoforte—" Sonata in A," last movement Ce"sar Franck. Mrs. Winifred Hill and C. Brown, O.V. 3. Song—" I Have Twelve Oxen " J. L. King.

John Ireland.

4. Pianoforte Solo—" Scherzo in C sharp minor "...Chopin. Mr. E. F. Day. 5. Song—" My Love's an Arbutus " ... Arr. by Stanford. Mr. G. K. Tattersall. 6. Humorous Quartets— (a) "Old King Cole" Arr. by Cecil Forsyth. (b) "Simple Simon " Macey. Messrs. H. E. Nicholls, E. F. Day, A. D. Franklin, G. K. Tattersall. 7. Madrigal—" Come Again, Sweet Days "... John Dowland (1597). The School Glee Club. Words by Philip Latimer. 8. Song—" The Stockrider's Song " S. D. Strong, O.V.

W. G. James.

PART II. 1. " The Revenge," a Ballad of the Fleet...C. I'. Stanfnrd. The School Choir. Accompanist—C. Brown, O.V. 2. Song—" Harlequin " Sanderson.

B. Holloway, O.V.

THE VIGORNIAN. 3. Humorous Quartets— (a) " The Frog " Ernest Newton (b) " Bold Turpin " /. Frederick Bridge Messrs. H. E. Nicholls, E. F. Day, A. D. Franklin, G. K. Tattersall. " The National Anthem." " Auld Lang Syne."

0. V. Reu>$. F. H. A. Watkins is at Jubluepore, where he is acting as adjutant to his regiment, the i4th P.W.O. Scinde Horse. H. D. Hubble has completed five years' training at Rugby and been transferred to the Coventry Branch of the British Thomson Houston Co. Ltd. G. M. Watts Folkestone.

is " cramming " for the Army at

G. A. West is on the staff of a Liverpool Bank. W. L. Shorting played in the West of England trial match at Hockey, at Bristol. R. R. Bromley played Hockey for Wales in the international match against England. G. Rice Jones is in his father's business in Ruthin. R. F. Beddow has sailed for New Zealand. C. B. Hall was ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Worcester in Advent and is now curate at Kidderminster. W. H. Counsel], Headmaster of the Grammar School,* Morecambe, is being ordained in the Diocese of Manchester. P. N. W. Strong, who is curate at South Shields, was ordained Priest in Advent. C. B. Lewis, Captain in the ist Gurkha Rifles, is Instructor at the Small Arms School at Satara, India, and writes us an interesting letter of his doings. E. K. Price has retired from the Indian Army and has a post in the Burma Oil Company.

Old Vlgorntans' Club. Your Committee beg to report as follows with reference to the work of the Club during the Year 1923. Three numbers of the " Vigornian " have been issued. The usual grant has been made to the School Prize Fund. The Rules have been revised and will be presented to the next General Meeting for approval. New Members joined during the year 36 Members resigned 5 Life Members in the Club 122 Hon. Members i n t h e Club 7 Names removed for non-payment of Subscriptions 13 Still in Arrears with Subscriptions 95 Total Membership - 334 With regard to Arrears of Subscriptions it is hoped that Members concerned will be good enough to forward their Subscriptions without further delay to the Secretary (H. E. NICHOLLS, 9, College Green, Worcester). He has issued ist and 2nd Applications for payment of arrears, but 95 are still outstanding, and he is now authorised to issue a " 3rd (Final) Application " for payment by a certain date, and that if not paid by then no further " Vigornians " or Notices will be issued, and the names will be brought before the Committee, who will consider whether they shall be removed from the Register of Members. A statement of Accounts is set out below :— OLD VIGORNIANS' CLUB. Statement of Accounts for the Year ending 3ist Dec., 1923. RECEIPTS. £ s. d. To Balance in hand ... ... ... ... ... 15 10 i ,, Annual Subscriptions ... ... ... ... 17 S ° ,, Five Years' do. ... ... ... ... ... 45 3 o ,, Life Members' do. 51 9 o ,, Interest on War Loan Stock i i o „ Sale of War Savings Certificates 121 17 2 5 3

Blrtb. BROWNE.—On the 28th February, at 6, Hurst-close, N.W.I i, to Enid (ne'e Moore), wife of Major B. S. Browne (late R.G.A.)—a son (Christopher Cordy Barwick).

Deatbs BAINES.—Archibald Charles Baines, of Hartley-Witney, Hants, eldest son of Dr. J. C Baines. COOMBS.—On Feb. igth, at 2, Lower Park Road, Hastings, the Rev. Robert Arthur Coombs, late Vicar of Elmbridge.

EXPENDITURE. £

s. d.

By " Vigornians "— December ......... April ............ July ............

£7 18 7 7 15 5 9 ii 8 - 25 5 „ W.C.K.S. Prize Fund ............ i i o ,, Printing and Stationery ... ... ... ... 10 17 6 ,, Postage and Receipt Stamps ... ... ... 6 9 0 „ Loss o n O.V. Dinner ............ 1 4 6 „ War Savings Certificates ......... 11600 „ Balance in hand on gist December, 1923 ... 91 7 7 £252 S 3

THE VIGORN1AN. RESERVE ACCOUNT.

£ s. d. ... 20 o o ... 116 o o

To War Loan Stock ,, War Savings Certificates

o o

£136

G£ioo 33% Conversion Loan has been purchased since the date of this Account.) O.V. DINNER ACCOUNT. RECEIPTS. To Sale of Tickets (47) , , Loss

...

£ s. d. 17 12 6 1 4 6 £18 17 o

EXPENDITURE. By Dinner „ Printing ,, Postages

...

£ s. d. 14 19 o 2 13 o 1 5 0 17 o

gth January, 1924. Examined, compared with Vouchers and found correct. FREDERICK G. JONES, A.C.A., Hon. Auditor. For the Committee : — S. D. STRONG (Hon. Secretary), School House, College Green, Worcester. H. E. NICHOLLS (Secretary), 9, College Green, Worcester.

P. C. Competition. The alteration of the date of the annual Physical Training from last term to this hardly proved a success, as it entailed the crowding together of practices for this event with Rowing and Boxing. As a result, the standard was rather below par, with the possible exception of the Hostel, whose carefully-prepared squad emerged the victors by the considerable margin of 10 points, with School House second, as has now been the placing for three consecutive years. C.S.M.I. Eccles, of Norton Barracks, who kindly consented to act as judge, gave the squads the benefit of some useful criticism after they had drilled. The points were as follows :— 1. The Hostel 2. School House 3. Castle House 4. Day Boys 5. Natland

65 points SS .. S3 ..

Oxford Cetter. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Fair and Gentle Sirs, It is with extreme diffidence, not to say distaste, that we nerve ourselves to the aggravating and thankless task of composing what is commonly known as the Oxford Letter. Not that we dislike writing to you, our erstwhile fellowsufferers and colleagues, a succinct account of our own doings (kindly note use of editorial first person plural throughout, please)—indeed there are, to be perfectly frank with you, few things we cherish more than this inestimable privilege. No—what justifies our choice of epithets in connection with this epistle is the reticence in revealing to us, who are in some sort the drudge of this community, the interesting facts of their secret lives—they must have secret lives, mustn't they?—or any facts of any kind of life at all, displayed by those on whose behalf we write to you. This lack of confidence is, as we are sure you will agree, both hurtful and mean—yes, " mean " is exactly the word ! It must by now be clear that we cannot hope to imitate the pseudo-Ciceronian verbosity of your last correspondent from these altitudes—but we can at least borrow something from him in the shape of a side-light upon our present difficulty. Let A and B represent " two gentlemen of Worcester." To A your last term's correspondent penned a piquant note soliciting suitable information for your columns. The reply has not come—yet! B was favoured with a personal visit. There was an interchange of embarrassment, cigarettes and views upon the weather. When the caller was rude enough, as he was leaving, to make an enquiry as to what B had been doing with himself all the term, B flushed, muttered something about " Haven't-gotthe - slightest - idea - will - try - and - find - out - if - you really - want - to - know - so - sorry - you - can't - stay good-bye," and shut the door on him ! And he didn't—find out, we mean; or if he did, he didn't like the result and never breathed a word to a soul. " Therefore be it known unto all men by these presents " that we took no risks such as these. We have asked no one about himself—therefore the information we give will probably be true. Let him complain who will. * * * It is some time since we wrote the above—and the hand with which we grasp the hilt of our trusty quill is still infested with the virulent influenza germ and trembles like an aspen leaf. We feel weak and childish. Pray pity us ! For most of us this has been a happy, happy term, rowing about on the river when the days are still green and cold, bumping into other people's boats (oh ! do you know some people did it so hard that they knocked all the others into the chilly water, and then fell in themselves out of sheer excitement. I saw them do it with my own eyes ! It was nice!) and running races from Banbury to Oxford and drinking champagne on the steps of the Sheldonian afterwards. As to " victories athletical " we suppose your light-

33<>

THE VIGORNIAN.

blue correspondent will bray considerably (" brag," we really mean). " Oxford's claim to greatness does not, in reality, rest upon kicking a ball or upon adroitness at table tennis. It is the Oxford men, not the Oxford marmalade, that make this city famous. That which makes Oxford men loved and admired wherever they go is not what they do, but what they are." (See our speech at the Union Centenary banquet, a repast which we dare not mention to you. We think it lasted from somewhere near eight o'clock to somewhere not far from two o'clock! Sic transit. . . .) M. E. WEBB (Hertford) interrupts us to say he is working. Strange as the remark may be to your ears, sirs, to those who picnic with the public Examiners in the merry month of June, such a course of action is at times imperative. That we believe is Mr. Webb's view of the matter. To maintain the excellence of his health he also plays a little Soccer—keeping the ball out of goal for his College, we understand—and buying gramophones, or parts of them. S. NASH (Hertford). Runs so much (properly we mean, with spiky things in his shoes) and so fast, that he is rarely if ever seen. Mr. Gill, of Exeter, reports a delicious, though fleeting glimpse of Mr. Nash, who makes mysterious use of the Hall at Exeter one morning per week. We are painfully surprised to hear this if it means work. We always felt Mr. Nash's true meiier was the cinematograph. I. F. W. SCHOFIELD (Hertford). We believe some " remark " was made in the last letter concerning his riding proclivities. It was wasted. He still persists. As he is reported to be awaiting with anxiety the result of some brand of " schools " he has taken, it may be a nervous affectation. We hope so. The horse does clash so fearfully with Mr. Schofield. The rival colour schemes are not at all felicitous. T. H. HORSFIELD (St. Edmund Hall). Fearfully " hearty." Has rowed so much and so hard hitting other people's boats and with some success—he did it four times, then the other people wouldn't have any more—that tailors find an ordinary tape measure quite inadequate to register the girth of his chest. Otherwise is doing " Groups." In our ignorance we thought this had something to do with Shooting, but he says not—and he ought to know. . HOLT (Keble), like small children, is seen and not heard. We can only infer from his earnest yet carefree expression and from the serenity of his gracious smile that his life pursues its even tenour—doubtless towards great things. C. B. GILL (Exeter). Has been seen to our utmost astonishment sailing on the upper river on two distinct occasions and once playing golf (sic) at Frilford Health. When taxed with the same Mr. Gill confessed somewhat shamefacedly—but stated quite definitely that they were his only lapses and that otherwise his activities had been limited, as last term, to taxi-cabs. Otherwise " eats, drinks and is merry." And (we forgot it) works. And now, sirs, as with old Kaspar on a certain memorable summer evening, our work is done. In conclusion,

may we express our delight that our request for " new blood " has at last roused some response, in that two of the most renowned of your number are even now clamouring for admittance within these academic portals. Needless to say we hope they may prove but the vanguard of quite an invading host. With good wishes for the present and future success of the School. We are, Sirs, Yours, OXON.

Cambridge tetter. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Skimming idly through the pages of a modern poet, we discovered, with deep emotion, a lyric which might have been written by us in some such moment as this. We had hoped that a prose rendering, more wholesome for the young mind, might have adorned our tale ; but the beast— not tale, but lyric—has slunk into its lair, and will not be prodded out, even by the weapon that is—'nuff said. As far as we remember, the gist of our poem was that the greatest catastrophe, even, say, a Labour Government, would not check the supply of cakes and ale; in other words, though we should be defeated at Marlow, yet Miss Bishop would not go bankrupt in consequence. So it is with us. Esthetes may loiter down the K.P. in mediaeval attitudes ; Birds, unlike the rooster of the Englishman in France, may twitter in the original Greek; the Lents may have gone off swimmingly for those afloat and ashore—but we go on for ever. Our valiant little community still nestles among the lichened buildings of this venerable institution ; small numbers, rather than ardent fraternal affection, bind us together; the Brotharhood of Sidney still trip the verdant green in sweet dalliance with the nuns of Jesus, undisturbed by the rude clamour of the outer world. Names and latest weights :— A. H. ADAMS (Emma). The mantle of Elijah has fallen upon him since the much-bewailed departure of B. St. J. Howells. This awful responsibility weighs him down so that he has sunk almost from mortal view ; however, we managed to catch sight of him at Fenner's, sobbing over the deterioration of athletics since those far-off days when he burst new-fledged upon an admiring Cambridge. V. C. POWELL (John's). Sits continually outside the gates of the Divinity Schools. In frugal mood, like Ruy Bias, he opens his windows and breakfasts off the fruity smell arising from the neighbouring college kitchen. This year he omitted to cry gleefully on the towpath " Well rowed, John's! " and so saved us many blushes. Is renowned for his quiet little lunches.

THE VlGORNIAN. G. H. EVANS (Christ's). After this crowning misfortune we hope Chuggy will begin to see eye to eye with Dame Fortune. May his heart have recovered from strain (of every description) by next Running season, that he may be again a bright star in the cross-country firmament! We still gather of an evening round his ancestral gramophone, and thrill to the strains of " Last Night on the Back Porch "—which we hear has at last reached Worcester. R. WYNNE-WOOLLEY (Christ's). The efforts of the rest of his family to join him up here have not been as successful as one might desire; we understand that he has decided to ignore them. Though rarely to be met, he may be scented from a distance owing to his exotic taste in tobacco. Still singing. E. L. FISHER (Sidney). Has fallen to the lure of the Open Road—as seen over the handle-bars of a B.S.A. Has taken another spell of the gentle exercise in which he indulged at Marlow : result—the College Second Boat rose two places in the Lents. Sometimes hits the target at 200 yards when frolicking with the other members of the Sidney Shooting Eight. Discusses grave theological questions when we meet at V.C.P.'s for tea. J. L. LONGLAND (Jesus). Has joined the Boy Scouts and spends most of his time jumping over ditches and bits of trees with the aid of a pole ; as far as we can make out, staggers 100 yards to rise 8 feet 5 9-10 inches nearer the abode of the immortals. He has already won his badge, and rumour hath it that he is expected to do well in Cookery. Although not a rowing man, he was so upset at not rowing in the Lents that he arranged a private bumping race with a punt manned (?) by the Girton crew. His frail bark was bumped and sank in a few minutes. We hasten to add that he was saved—but in what manner, and by whom, we leave to the imagination. With the usual apologies, We remain, Yours, CANTAB.

' nous. In the ist Round of the House Matches, the Day Boys beat Castle House in a narrowly contested game and Natland lost to School House. Hostel, who had drawn a bye, put up an excellent fight against School House in the and Round, but were defeated by a fair margin. In the final, School House met the Day Boys and were again victorious. We congratulate them on retaining the cup, which they have held since Rugger became the School game. * * * The School showed its appreciation of the " Rugby Kicking Competition " instigated by F. Gettings, Esq., by a surprisingly large entry. P. H. Graves-Morris won the prize, beating R. K. Hooper by only one point. The Headmaster and members of the Staff adjudicated the competition. * * *

33 i J U N I O R FOOTBALL.

Members of last year's ist XV. have this term devoted their energies to the promotion of junior football, and it has been found possible to run four junior teams and arrange suitable matches for them. Experience has proved that it is impossible to maintain the proper standard of School teams as one season succeeds another if the " latent talent " of the juniors is not cultivated at an early stage and proper instruction given. The results of the matches are as follows :— Points Ground. Result. F. A. Opponents. Sat., Feb. 2.—Hereford 3rd XV. Away Drawn 3—3 Sat., ,, 16.— ,, „ „ Home Won 14—3 3RD XV.

4TH

XV.

Wed., Feb. 20.—Blakebrook

Home

Lost

UNDER 16 XV. Wed., Feb. 13.—St. Edward's, Oxford Away Lost

o—14

UNDER 14 XV. Sat., Feb. 9.—Downs School ... Home Won 24—6 Wed., ,, 13.—Blakebrook ... Away Won 21—o * * * The " Belows " (junior house matches) have proved a great success this term and have done much to instruct and encourage juniors in the art of Rugby football. In the First Round, School House beat Day Boys by one try (3 points), and Hostel succumbed to Castle House. Natland beat School House by a comfortable margin in the Second Round, but were defeated in the Final by Castle House, who scored twice in the second half, making the result 8 points—nil in favour of Castle House. * * * We wish to thank all members of the Staff and the ist XV. who have given their help so willingly on the football fields during the past season. W.B.E. C.J.C.M.

CHARACTERS OF THE XV. W. B. EVANS (Capt.). An excellent forward. Thorough in the scrum and controls the ball well in the loose. Tackles and punts well. M. E. KITTON. A speedy and tricky wing three-quarter. Knows when to try a drop at goal. Tackles well. C. J. C. MOLONY. Scrum half. Plucky and untiring. Feeds his outsides well and is never afraid to go down on the ball. He is sometimes apt to stand rather too far behind the scrum. Must make his forwards listen to him. B. H. CARTER. A much improved centre three-quarter. Runs straight and is getting an idea of the art of drawing the defence before passing. Is fast and tackles well.

THE VIGORNIAN.

332

R. E. B. ROBINSON. Wing three-quarter. Kicks well and is better in attack than defence. Is too fond of cutting in when he has plenty of room outside. F. H. tackier.

BURDEN. A sound scrummager

and resolute

A. DAVEY. A good stand-off half. He can run straight and swerve when necessary. Passes well and does not hesitate. A. G. BAIN. Light for a forward but works hard. Punts well in defence. Good in the loose. J. C. FLAY.

A hard working and vigorous forward.

P. H. GRAVES-MORRIS. Improving fast. Apt to run sideways and pass behind his man. Should do well next year.

up with 68, Castle House third with 69. Molony's performance in winning for the second year from the under 13 group was most excellent, and had the effect of giving School House an unexpected victory in the Warren Cup. At the close he received the cup from the Headmaster on behalf of School House, The teams were :— First—School House. Molony ii. i Mattheson S Davey 7 Croft 9 Woodhouse 21 Graves-Morris 23

F. W. C. GETTINGS. A sound hard working forward. Rather slow in the loose.

J. L. R. CROFT. Fast and energetic in the loose, but he must learn to push his weight in the scrum.

Points for Senior Victor. Carter 10 Evans 8 Davey 6 Davies 4

H. P. E. PF.REIRA. Sound and effective, whether in the scrum, the loose or line out. R. W. PORTER.

Back.

M. R. CRAZE.

Useful, but slow.

Disappointing.

The usual programme will be carried out, that is to say, beginning at 12 noon on Saturday, July 5th, with the Boat Races, Cricket Matches in the afternoon, and the Dinner (preceded by a General Meeting) in the evening. All who propose to attend the Reunion should write and let the Secretary know before June 2ist.

Che Ketcl) Run. The annual Ketch Run took place on February 25. The weather was hardly favourable for the runners, there being a stiff breeze and rain to be encountered on the return journey. A few brave hearts struggled through the mud along the towpath, but the majority preferred hard tarmac. At the Ketch Molony ii. was leading by some thirty yards, with Evans and Carter first in the open and running strongly. At Norton turning the order was unchanged, but Molony was farther ahead and Thomas, Porter ii. of the under 15 group somewhere near. Molony finished very strongly and won by some two hundred yards. Thomas, who ran very well, was second, Porter ii. third. Meanwhile in the open Carter had passed Evans and finished fourth, thus retaining the individual cup for Castle House. The points for the Warren Cup were uncomfortably close, School House winning with 66 points, Day Boys runners-

10 13 '4

Points for Junior Victor. Thomas 8 Porter ii. 6 Molony ii. 6 Mattheson • 4 Hopkins ii. 4

Scbool Officers.

O.V. Re-union. The O.V. Reunion will take place this year on JULY sth6th.

Second—Day Boys. Evans Davies McDonnaugh Palmer i. Taylor . . . Palmer ii -

Head of the School Captain of Hockey Secretary of HockeyCaptain of Football Secretary of Football Captain of Gymnasium Captain of Cricket Secretary of Cricket Captain of Fives Secretary of Chess -

- A. G. Bain. - W. B. Evans. - B. H. Carter. - W. B. Evans. - C. J. C. Molony. - A. G. Bain. - A. G. Bain. - R. E. B. Robinson. - R. E. B. Robinson. - K. N. Ross.

School Monitors—A. G. Bain, W. B. Evans, M. R. Craze, R. E. B. Robinson, B. H. Carter, H. A. Ainsworth, L. E. H. Gbddard. Librarians—H. A. Ainsworth, H. P. E. Pereira, K. N. Ross, C. E. Coverdale, C. J. C. Molony. Editors of " The Vigornian "—A. G. Bain, H. A. Ainsworth, M. R. Craze.

Correspondence. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Surely it is of the greatest necessity in connection with School football that the Games Fund should provide such necessary extras as "flags for the touch-lines." For every match during the past season, it has been necessary to

THE VIGORNIAN. borrow the Hags which belong exclusively to the O.T.C., and this proceeding—I have reason to believe—does not meet with the whole-hearted approval of the O.C., nor does it tend to alleviate the difficulties of persons responsible for the management of " Rugger." Hoping the matter will receive attention. 1 am, yours sincerely, W. B. E.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." i, Endsleigh Gardens, Surbiton, nth February, 1924. Sirs, It has been suggested that the custom of holding an annual O.V. Dinner in London should be again revived. I am quite willing to undertake the running of such a dinner, and would take steps immediately to forward the scheme, should the necessary support from O.V. be forthcoming. 1 am open to receive any suggestions and shall be glad to receive the names of any O.V. upon whose wholehearted support I can rely, as soon as possible. Perhaps some O.V. who have had experience of previous London O.V. Dinners will come forward with suggestions, in order that a general consensus of opinions on the subject may be obtained. I may add that Mr. Rammell, with his usual unfailing kindness, has promised to " push " the idea in Worcester, and it is hoped that there will be no lack of keen supporters. Yours faithfully, G. H. WILFORD.

Cloister Ullndou). MEMORIAL TO THE LATE CANON CHAPPEL. (From the " Worcester Times.") " THE GOOD CLERK."

A window erected in the Cathedral Cloisters to the memory of Canon William Haighton Chappel, for 22 years headmaster of the School, was unveiled on Friday, Feb. ist, by Mrs. Chappel. The attendance included many Old Vigornians. The choir was present, and the robed clergy were: The Dean (Dr. W. Moore Ede), Canons J. M. Wilson and T. A. Lacey, Hon. Canon J. E. H. Blake, the Rev. C. Creighton, the Rev. E. H. Tupper (former Precentor), and the present Precentor (the Rev. G. Barrington Baker)

333

Canon Wilson read the prayers, after which Mrs. Chappel performed the unveiling ceremony. THE DEAN'S TRIBUTE. The DEAN, in a dedication address, said that they were met there that day to dedicate that window to the memory of a great headmaster—the greatest in their long list of headmasters since Henry Bright, who for as many as 40 years had charge over the King's School and who died in 1626. In the igth century, for reasons with which they need not concern themselves, the King's School had declined in reputation and in numbers, so likewise had the Grammar School. Local reformers urged the amalgamation of the two schools, so as to make one really efficient school. Thi-> policy was strenuously and successfully opposed by Mr. Holland, Mr. Chappel's predecessor, who believed that the connection of the King's School with the Cathedral was of great value, both educationally and religiously. The conflict ended, and new buildings were erected for both schools. Mr. Hillard was appointed headmaster of the Grammar School and Mr. Chappel of the King's School, and a new era began for both schools. When Mr. Chappel came, the number of boys was small, but under his influence the numbers steadily grew until they reached the maximum the Governors thought desirable. Mr. Chappel, however, did more than increase the numbers ; he created the tone and the character of the School. His personality made the School, and influenced all who came in contact with it. Mr. Chappel particularly valued the opportunity of giving religious training and opposed an application for financial help from the State, lest it should fetter the teacher in giving religious instruction, and hinder what our ancestors used to call " the liberty of prophesying." He need not have been afraid, for the religious tone of the School came, not from the actual lessons, so much as from the Headmaster, whose religious sincerity was manifest in all that he did. Especially did it show itself in the careful preparation of his boys for Confirmation, Many looked back on that preparation as one of the precious privileges of their lives. The building of the King's School, and the stamping on it of the impress of his own character, was the life work of William Haighton Chappel, a work in which, as he would have been the first to admit, he was ably supported by Mr. Rammell, Mr. Castley, Mr. Beach Hicks, and others of his staff. Such spare time as he had for work outside the School, he devoted to the candidates for ordination (acting as examining chaplain to the Bishop of the diocese) and the promotion of a wider civic outlook through the Worcester Christian Social Service Union. All connected with the School and Cathedral and the city rejoiced when the Bishop recognised his work by appointing him to the stall of an Honorary Canon in the Cathedral. LAST STRENUOUS YEARS.

When the new diocese was formed, the Bishop wisely asked Canon Chappel to relinquish his post as headmaster

THE VIGORNIAN.

334

and undertake the charge of the new Cathedral of the great industrial city of Coventry. Of the last strenuous years of his life it was not necessary for him to speak. Those who lived in Coventry and knew its affairs realised how much the new diocese owed to the wisdom and work of Canon Chappel. Such a life deserved to be commemorated, and therefore those nearest and dearest to him had caused the memorial window to be erected in the Cloisters of the Cathedral he loved and served. Later it was hoped to erect, as a School memorial, a new and much-needed reading-room. There was a singular fitness that the historical pictures in the window should portray John Wyclif and his work, for Canon Chappel held Wyclif in high esteem. There was also Bishop Cobham, whose epitaph might serve for the epitaph of Canon Chappel himself—" A man of great prudence in spirituals and temporals, and endowed with a heap of many virtues, insomuch that he was commonly distinguished by the name of the good or honest clerk." " May future generations of King's Scholars when they gaze on this window will learn to say that this was erected to the memory of a good and honest clerk who was a great schoolmaster, and may they be thereby stimulated to be good and honest men, faithful in the discharge of whatever duties are committed to them," concluded the Dean. " I.et saints on earth in concert sing " was sung, after which the Dean pronounced the Benediction. THE INCIDENTS DEPICTED

This window continues the series and depicts the chief incidents of the period 1327-1415. Added to the evils of war with France, were the miseries of pestilence. The awful Black Death carried off over one-third of the population. But, if the people became poorer the Church seemed to grow richer. It was a time when much money was expended on the building and adornment of monasteries and cathedrals. Bishop Cobham, one of the four central figures in the window, constructed the stone vaulting of the two eastern bays of the north aisle, and the Jesus Chapel at his own expense, but the great restorer of the Cathedral was Bishop Wakefield. It was during his episcopate that the Norman Cloisters were pulled down and the present beautiful Cloisters erected in 1372. In 1374 the Tower was finished and the refectory, now the College Hall, was built. In 1376 the roof of the Nave, Choir, and Transepts were vaulted with stone, and a few years later the North Porch was built. In all these years of restoration, Henry Wakefield was Bishop and John Lindsay Sacrist. The Cathedral, as it is to-day, is largely the work of these two, and the Bishop and Sacrist are commemorated in one of the centre lights. In many parts of England the oppressed poor attacked the monasteries. In Worcester, in 1349, as may be seen in the window, a mob came in warlike manner with arms into the Church and Priory, beating the servants and chasing the Prior and Monks, and took the fish from the ponds. In 1381 the peasants broke out into revolt and several thousands of them marched to London, headed by Wat Tyler and John Ball, the Poor Priest. The young

King (Richard II.) bravely came out to meet them at Mile End, outside the city, and received their petition. This scene is depicted in the window. Lollardry was so prevalent that the Archbishop of Canterbury came especially to Worcester in 1384 to make an inquisition and punish the followers of Wyclif. Wyclif died in 1384. But his influence extended far beyond England. John Hus, of Bohemia, translated Wyclif's work in Czech, and preached his doctrines. In 1415 John Hus was tried by the Council of Constance. The trial, which was held in the chief church of the city, lasted many days. During a great part of the trial Hus, whose portrait is taken from a medal struck at the time, sat with eyes closed, praying. Eventually he was condemned and burnt.

o.c.c. notes. PROMOTIONS. 19.1.24. Sgt. Ainsworth to be C.S.M. Cpl. Evans to be Sergeant. Lance-Cpls. Pereira and Craze to be Corporals. Cadets Porter, Allcott, Churchill, to be LanceCorporals. 1.2.24. Cpl. Bain to be Sergeant. Lance-Cpls. Gettings, Carter, Croft, to be Corporals. Cadets Molony i, Ford, to be Lance-Corporals. FIELD DAY. On March 6 we had a Field Day on Kempsey Common. We managed to pick a fine day, that was just cold enough to make marching pleasant. No. 3 Platoon and the Recruits were supposed to be part of an Eastern army, and were protecting a party of their own force who were supposed to be preparing a position for defence on Stonehall Common. Nos. i and 2 Platoons formed part of the advance guard of a Western force which had crossed the Severn at Pixham Ferry, and had orders to attack the position the Eastern force were preparing. They encountered a screen of this force strongly posted on Kempsey Common. The early part of the battle went rather in favour of the Eastern force, but after a time, owing to an unexplained retirement of one section in an important part of the position, the defenders were driven back to their second position. Unfortunately, they held this in line instead of in depth, with the result that when the attack was renewed, and the weakest part of the defending line was penetrated, the whole position was turned, and the Eastern force was pushed aside, leaving the way open for an attack on the (imaginary) main position on Stonehall Common, where we proceeded to have tea, and afterwards marched back, having had a successful day.

THE VIGORNIAN. CERTIFICATE A. The following gained Certificates at the Examination held in November : Cpl. Carter, Lance-Corporals Molony, Porter, and Ford. * * * CAMP. The Contingent goes into Camp this year at Tidworth Pennings. We hope for good weather and a record attendance. Our present record is 76 (at Strensall in 1920). * * *

335

Next Term begins : Boarders return, MONDAY, MAV 5th. Si.hoo! open, TUESDAY, MAV 6th, g o a.m Next Term ends : MONDAY, JULY 28th

Cbe Sforp of 3ol)n Dauls. (Concluded). At nine o'clock on the first night of John's imprisonment, the keeper of the prison, Richard Howborough, went his usual round. " You miscreant," said he to John, " what will become of you? They will burn you."

J. G. Downes, O.V., has been granted a commission in the R.F.A. (T.A.). * » * H. S. Coverdale, O.V., has been granted a commission in the 8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment (T.A.). » » *

" They can do no more than answered.

By the kindness of Major Senhouse Clarke a course for Cadets of the O.T.C. is to be held in the coming holidays at Norton Barracks. We hope to send several representa-

" I am not afraid of the fire," John replied; and, while the keeper held out the candle, he placed his first finge1in the flame and kept it there, till the other marvelled.

God allows," John

" Tush ! " said the keeper, " prove with this candle how you can bear the fire."

" Do you not feel the heat? " he exclaimed. " No," said John.

School Calendar. TERM I., I924. Fri., Sat., Sun., Fri.,

Jan. 18. Boarders Return. „ '9- School Opens, 9 a.m. » 20. School Celebration, 8.45 a.m. Feb. i. Unveiling of Chappel Memorial Window in the Cloisters, 3.45 p.m. Sat., Lecture by P. Escott North, Esq., 8.0 p.m. Sat., 16. Lecture by Miss Kemp, 8.0 p.m. 2 Sat., 3- Half Term. Lecture by W. M. Webb, Esq., 8.0 p.m Mon., ,, 25. Ketch Run. Wed., Mar. 5. Ash Wednesday. Service in Cathedral, 3.15 p.m. The Dean. Thurs., 6. O.T.C. Field Day. Kempsey Common. Sat., Lecture by F. R. D Onslow, Esq., 8.0 p.m. Wed., 12. P.T. Competition. Thurs., School Service, 3.0 p.m. Rev. C. Storrs 13Thurs., 2O. Do. do. do. The Headmaster. Wed., 26. Boxing Finals. Thurs., 27. School Service. 3 p.m. Rev. R J. Whitaker. Fri., „ 28. Sports Heats. Mon., „ 31. »» » Tues., Aprl. i. Sports Finals. Wed., „ 2. tt >» Thurs., „ 3. Concert and Entertainment. Fri., „ 4. Confirmation in Cathedral, 12 noon. Exeunt Omnes.

The keeper would not believe until he had scrutinized the finger and found it not scorched. Wondering much, he bade the boy good-night and relocked the door.4 4 Foxe, relating this incident in his Book o[ Martyrs, states that Davis himself was his informant: " yet (as the party himselfe to me assureth) felt no burning thereof."

Some days later another man was placed in the same room of the prison. Like the rest of the old town hall, the gaol was a half-timbered building. Some of the clay having fallen from the wall on to the floor, this prisoner, to curry favour with the keeper, declared : " This heretic boy has damaged the wall in trying to escape." In consequence John was placed in an inner and more wretched cell called " the peep-hole." But worse than discomfort was in store for him. When he had been in prison for a little more than six weeks, it being Michaelmas, new bailiffs came into office. The lower bailiff, Robert Yowle—" a jolly Catholic," according to John—regarded him as a prisoner specially worthy of his " charity." By his orders the boy's ankles were loaded with a pair of iron fetters so heavy that he could not lift his small legs, but could only move about by slithering his feet along, at the same time pushing himself forward with a stick. Day and night for months he was shackled with these irons, the effects of which he never outlived, for he suffered all his days from a sensation of extreme cold in the ankles. In this state he shivered through the winter, without a wisp of straw to soften the hardness of the damp and chilly ground which was his bed, and with only a couple of gaol-worn sheep-skins to cover him. Apart from bodily ill-being, the loneliness of confinement in this " peep-hole " must at times have been terrifying to a child. Such breaks as occurred in his solitude he would

336

THE VIGORNIAN.

gladly have spared. A fuller, Fairfield by name, either of his own accord or prompted by John's well-wishers, made a habit of passing nightly by the boy's cell and shouting down to him : " Why do you not recant? Sooner or later you will be plagued by the Devil. I myself have seen him ere now in this very hall, like a shaggy colt. What a dance he has led me all through the night, and in the end has laughed me to scorn ! " Other visitors, less eerie in their prophecies, were unanimous as to John's end, differing only about the date. " You heretic," said they, " you will be burned next week "—" You will be burned this week "—" You will be burned to-morrow "—" You will be burned this very day." Meanwhile none of his kith and kin dared to visit him, not even his mother. A time came when the authorities deemed that he had had enough of solitude. They gave him a companion, William Taylor, a man imprisoned for treason, but, in point of fact, mad. Often, when raving, this lunatic would brandish a knife, which he was allowed for cutting his food, and threaten to stab the boy. About the New Year two canons of the cathedral, Richard Ewer and Henry Jolliff, interrogated him and tried to argue him out of his convictions. His attack on the Six Articles was read to them in his presence, and his disrespectful ballad about shaven crowns—as very likely their own had been not long since. Like Chancellor Johnson, they were heart and soul opposed to doctrinal reformation, and, like him, they both had young kinsmen among the King's Scholars who had been Davis's schoolfellows. They could not view with equanimity the introduction of heterodox and illegal doctrines into the school of which they were governors and where their own nephews were being educated. In their eyes the youth of the offender rather aggravated his offence. Moreover, John's manner may not have been entirely deferential. At any rate, the canons departed in high indignation, promising that faggot and fire would be his lot in no great while, and exclaiming : " 'Tis a mercy we caught you in time—so rank a heretic at your age. Had God not cut you off, all Christendom would not have held a heretic so notorious." Whether Bishop Heath had ordered this visit preparatory to the ecclesiastical trial, John did not learn ; but soon afterwards the chancellor's court was held at the Guildhall to hea>- his case. John himself was not present. He seems to have been given no chance of making a defence. The evidence of his accusers was heard by a jury of twenty-four, who found him guilty. All was now in readiness for his trial before the King's judges at the coming assizes. Following this verdict he was removed from the Guildhall to the common gaol in the Foregate, where indeed he did not lack company, but it was the company of thieves and worse. The judges at the assizes were Sir Edward Marven and Sir William Portman, afterwards chief justice. When brought before them, being so small a prisoner, John had to be held up at the bar in a gaoler's arms. But the time

for burning Protestants was past, until Mary's reign. Henry VIII. was dead, and the political power had fallen to the Reformers. The judges frowned sternly upon the accused as an obstinate defier of the laws of the realm ; but they knew well that the Statute of the Six Articles was as good as repealed already, and that they would soon be administering very different laws. Law-breakers, however, must not escape unpunished : let the prisoner be whipped. At this point John Bourne of Battenhall rose in the court. It has been said of him that, under Henry VIII., " he reconciled a firm grasp of Church doctrine with a firm grasp of Church property." A life-long antagonist of all Protestant reforms, he was afterwards knighted by Mary and made a Secretary of State : under Elizabeth he was a leader of the Roman party in Worcester diocese and at perpetual loggerheads with Bishop Sandys. All honour to him that he now stood up ia protest against further persecution of this little Protestant. " My lords," he said, " he has been sore enough whipped already." The sentence of whipping was withdrawn, and John received only the light punishment of one more week's imprisonment. There were many in court, notably a priest, who was so moved at the sight of him that they would have taken him to their homes at once. It was Palm Sunday when at last he was set free, having been imprisoned for more than seven months. The good-hearted Bourne carried him off to his own house, where Mrs. Bourne herself bathed and dressed the bruises which the irons had left. Not unnaturally Bourne, as a good Catholic, tried hard to convert his young guest, but John could not pay his debt of gratitude by abjuring the faith for which he had endured so much. His convictions were as proof against kindness as against cruelty. Mrs. Bourne began to grow alarmed lest her son Anthony should incline towards Protestantism from attachment to John : already her Kother-in-law, Gilbert Bourne, canon of Worcester, was inclining that way from attachment to prebendal temporalities. It was decided that the time had come for John to go. Where he went is unknown : perhaps his mother was now able to shelter him. It is certain that his uncle and aunt would have no more of him ; though Thomas Johnson seems to have retained a liking for him almost to the last, and it was only on his death-bed, when scarcely accountable for his actions, that he was finally induced by his wife to cut John's name out of his will. There is next to nothing on record of Davis's adult life. He himself mentions that during the Marian persecution, when hardly yet a man, he was informed against by six fellow Protestants, presumably to save their own skins and was forced to flee overseas for his life. Even had he been still a boy he would not have been safe from the stake : the neighbouring city of Gloucester was soon to see the burning of one of Bishop Hooper's disciples, Thomas Drowrie, a boy, and blind. Davis's mother, it seems, was now dead. To relieve his poverty in exile he had to sell his patrimony. The last we hear of him is that on the accession of Elizabeth he returned from the Continent with other Protestant

THE VIGORNIAN. refugees, and took orders. He now wrote the account of his sufferings and communicated it to John Foxe, who made use of it in his Rook of Martyrs. Foxe, writing in 1563, concludes his notice of Davis with the words : " who is yet alive, and a profitable minister this day in the Church of England : blessed be the Lord, qui facit mirabilia solus." There is nothing to show that his career in the Church was in the least degree distinguished; but no obscurity could diminish, nor eminence enhance, the splendid constancy of his boyhood's stand for what he believed to be the truth. C. V. H.

Debating Socletp. The Society has held but one debate this term : a mere conscientious effort to avoid entire absence of oratorical endeavour. The subject was both old and hackneyed— "Capital Punishment." As one might expect, few of the speakers were at all intimate with the matter under discussion : none, in fact, may be said to have had first hand experience of it : however, they made brave attempts to be interesting, though most ended by being merely amusing. So few arguments were there, however, of any weight, that we include only one here. This was a statement made by the honourable proposer to the effect that statistics prove Capital Punishment to be no deterrent. He thus neatly rendered invalid his opponents' chief argument. Of the other speakers, one proffered the surprising information that a man's wife is his worst enemy; another attempted to disprove the proposer's remarks by recalling them separately and saying after each one, " Well, it's silly." The criminals' cause won the day, and it is to be regretted that the Government is too occupied with housing and unemployment to attend to the crying need of the murderers.

Some epigrams from tbe Classics. "My throat is bad," says Maximus, Before a recitation : You've given your excuse, so why Not stop then your oration? Martial I I I . 18. Now Thais' teeth are black as night, Laecania's are pearly white. Why so? Laecania's teeth are bought, While for her's Thais ne'er paid aught. Martial V. 43. " Though Jove my suitor were, Yet thee I would prefer To all," my darling said. Said: words to am'rous mind From woman, on the wind Write, or on Tiber's bed. Catullus LXX.

337

All her friends Lycoris has ended : May my wife By her be befriended ! Martial IV. 24. Why does a muffler swathe your neck When going to recite? Indeed, 'twere better if with it Our ears were covered tight. Martial IV. 41. Shameless you buy and use false teeth and hair. An extra eye? Ah, that you'll buy nowhere! Martial X I I . 23. K. R.

Boxing. Even more than usual keenness has been displayed over this event, the entries totalling over 130, a number that, though revealing a praiseworthy enthusiasm, necessitates that a lot of time is spent over competitors who have scarcely ever tried on a boxing-glove before, and who are therefore more of a hindrance to the authorities than a help to their respective Houses. Plenty of spirit—even between members of the same House—has been shown, and though the standard of boxing was not of the highest in the preliminary rounds, the finals produced some good boxing. Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Thomas, as well as C.S.M. Handley, are to be deeply thanked for their untiring kindness in judging and refereeing the bouts.

Cricket Prospect. Though more than one ist or 2nd XI. colour will have been led astray next term into the ranks of the rowers, there is good grounds for the hope that last year's failure will be avenged. Only three of last year's XI. have left, besides two who were awarded 2nd XI. colours, so that there should anyhow be six or seven old colours in the ist XI., and three or four in the 2nd. Those who will be representing the School this season will have had that experience of match-play, the lack of which proved so disastrous last year. Finally the old ist XI. colours are all young and so capable of improvement. We may then hope that, handicapped as we shall be by the loss of Skinner's valuable coaching, something will be achieved far in advance of last year's performance. A. G. BAIN (Captain of Cricket). R. E. B. ROBINSON (Secretary).

THE VIGORNIAN.

Socktp. It has been noticeable that each of the lectures which have taken place this term has had one especial merit which has contributed most largely to its success. They comprised the following :— Saturday, February 2nd, 8 p.m. "On the Trail through Nature's Zoo." P. Escott North, Esq. Saturday, February i6th, 8 p.m. "The Holy Mountains of China." Miss Kemp. Saturday, February 23rd, 8 p.m. " Frauds and Forgeries." W. M. Webb, Esq. Saturday, March 8th, 8 p.m. " Some Sea Birds." F. R. D. Onlsow, Esq. * » » One could scarcely hope that Mr. North's second lecture would come up to the standard of his first: yet the fact remains that many people thought it was better. As before, his virile personality was predominant. It was this that fired his whole lecture, which was a descriptive picture of his life among the animals of South Africa, when on hunting expeditions and on service in the War. In passing, Mr. North paid a tribute to that great hunter Selons, with whom he himself had been well acquainted; and to the possibilities of faithful service from the native. Many of his slides were of great interest, notably one of a lion walking about a few yards from the camera. *

Webb was one, who by their ceaseless toil effectively checked the success of these devices. * * * By his ever-ready humour, Mr. Onslow made his lecture on " Birds " doubly enjoyable to the audience. Rambles with a camera among birds might tend to become tedious, but they would certainly not do so if one rambled with the lecturer. His slides were of a very high standard and depicted all sorts of birds in all sorts of attitudes. He obtained them, he explained to us, by various dissemblances —a hiding place consisting of a portable tree which he carried in a cricket bag, an imitation of a dead sheep, which was said to look most " life-like," and a faked rubbing-post, a pitfall for genuine sheep. This lecture was most decidedly one which might attract many recruits to the ranks of naturalists with the camera.

Cbess • Last term, on Thursday, December i3th, a match was played with the College for the Blind. Our team was practically at full strength, but the result was a win for our opponents, 4—2. W.C.K.S. BLIND COLLEGE. M. Bates R. Brearley R. Bonham C. D. Wheeler A. Brace V. Nelson -

K. N. Ross R. K. Hooper M. R. Craze L. W. Shorting C. H. Brown C. L. Garnett -

•

The great feature of Miss Kemp's lecture was her wonderful slides. These consisted of places or buildings in China, and were all painted in gorgeous colour—the work of the lecturer herself. To many of the audience it was probably quite a shock to hear that China was to a great extent a country of flowers and beautiful buildings. Miss Kemp's account of the monasteries emphasized the prevalence of ignorance and misplaced zeal among the devotees of Buddha. Buddhism, she said, far from being the lofty faith many Westerners thought it, had greatly deteriorated. Christianity was needed amongst Buddhists quite as much as elsewhere. * * # Mr. Webb's lecture on " Frauds and Forgeries " was divided into two parts : those perpetrated unwittingly by Nature, and those wilfully by man. Of the former he took such examples as the changing hue of many moths and the camouflage of the zebra and leopard among the tall grasses of the forest. His second half was of unusual interest, being a rarely given insight into the work of the censors during the War. Every conceivable method it seems was employed to send useful commodities to the distressed Germans, even to concealing rashers of bacon in newspapers. Great credit is due to the censors, of whom Mr.

On Friday, March i-fth, the School sent a team to the College for the Blind to try to recover the Worcestershire Public Schools Chess Shield. The team was not at full strength and the result was a complete win for the College. The games were played as follows :— W.C.K.S. K. N. Ross L. W. Shorting R. K. Hooper C. L. Garnett C. H. Brown T. O. N. Monahan

o o o o o o

BUND COLLEGE. M. Bates R. Brearley R. Bonham V. Nelson C. D. Wheeler A. Brace -

i i i i i i

The annual competition for the Cup is in full swing and there will undoubtedly be some good games in the semifinals and final.

THE VIGORN1AN.

Contemporaries.

339

Remove. Chamberlain C. H. B., The Hostel

We beg to acknowledge the following, with apologies for any accidental omissions:—"The Alleynian," "The Bromsgrovian," " The Browning Buzzer, " The Felstedian," " The Herefordian," " The King Edward's School Chronicle," "The Saint Edward's School Chronicle."

Knight C. J., The Hostel. Stanton E. F., School House.

IVa. Gregory R. H., Natland. Halton F. j., The Hostel. Halton E. C., School House.

Valete.

Powell M. D., Day Boys. Wingfield-Digby J. R., School House.

Upper Fifth. M. E. Kitton, School House, 1920-1923.

School Monitor.

2nd XI. Cricket 1922, ist XI. 1923, ist XV. Football 1922,

IVb. Cadbury-Jones B., The Hostel. Shell.

Secretary 1923, Shooting VIII. 1921, 1922, Secretary 1923, C.S.M. O.T.C., Cert. A, 1922.

McPherson H. K., Day Boys. 1.

F. H. Burden, Day Boys, 1918-1923.

ist XV. 1922, 1923,

2nd IV., Rowing 1922, ist IV. 1923, Captain, Winter 1923,

Cale F., Day Boys. Louch W. B., School House.

Sergt. O.T.C., Cert. A 1922. Lower Va.

Games account.

E. N. Bradburn, Day Boys, 1917-1923. H. F. Bryant, Day Boys, 1920-1923.

RECEIPTS.

E. G. Clerke, The Hostel, 1922-1923.

2nd XI. Cricket

1923, 2nd XV. Football 1923, Pte. O.T.C. C. Harris, Day Boys, 1920-1923. Lower Vb. F. B. Knowles, Natland, 1916-1923. S. Misraki, Natland, 1923.

Lance-Cpl. O.T.C.

Pte. O.T.C.

D. R. E. Whiting, Day Boys, 1918-1923. Remove. H. W. Daniels, Day Boys, 1918-1923. H. T. Graham, Castle House, 1922-1923.

Pte. O.T.C.

IVb. G. A. Hill, School House, 1923.

Pte. O.T.C.

C. G. M. Hodgkins, Day Boys, 1920-1923. III. F. M. Sargent, The Hostel, 1921-1923.

Subscriptions— ist Term 1923 Rowing 2nd Term 1923 Rowing . . . . 3rd Term 1923 Profit on Jerseys and Luggage Concert, April, 1923 Use of Ground— Postmen Viginti Lady Winnington Y.W.C.A. . . . . Donation—F. Fillmore, Esq. Sports Subs. Transferred from War Memorial Deficit

s. d.

68 12 5 ° - 69 15 3 0 - 86 o

6 ° o 0 o

S i 4 17 17 o

i i o 17 19 6 129 6 10 95 6 5 502 19 7

Pte. O.T.C.

J. G. Gascoigne, School House, 1922-1923. EXPENDITURE.

£ s. d.

Lower Va. Boole G. D. S., The Hostel. Mansfield K. J. N., Natland.

Deficit Sports Prizes and Expenses Hall—Mower (on account) Rev. G. W. Gillingham (Cricket Balls) Rent, Ground ,, 2nd Field Income Tax and Rates -

44 i 10 18 12 ii 54 i 6 4 16 o 10 o o 6 0 0 '3 '3 7

THE VIGORNIAN.

34°

Football Sec. . . . . Francis (Footballs) Ward (Footballs) Stop Watch Cricket Cards Rowing — Thornborrow Boathouse—Spicer „ Rent „ Poor Rate Williams (Boat Storage and Repairs) Ayling (Oars and Carriage) Marlow Entrance Masters' Expenses HuntWages Horse Keep -

Rent Football Ground Hedge Repaired Cricket Materials Sundries Skinner—Coaching „ Wreath Knowles (Horse) Ferry (Visiting Teams) Hockey Balls 'Bus Millington -

18 6 o o - 130

o - 6 2 6 I 3 6 - IO 12 o - 3 3 0 - 5 12 I 2

s. d. ii 6 5 ii o i 13 7 S o i 5 6

- So -

10 2

!? I

o o 6 4 o o 3 o o 6 o

£502 '9 7

o o

s. d.

o 14 - 36 17 - s 7 - 15 o - i i 2 16 15 15 -

T. E. RAMMELI ^, Hon. Treasurer. C. CRE1GHTON, Headmaster.