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Che Uicjornian. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, " TU fitv ItSaKTci fiat'dai'w, ra S' ivptra £jjra, ra 5' fvkra wapa Ottiv y

No. 117.

DECEMBER,

VOL. IX.

Contents. Editorial School Calendar School Notes O.V. News Rugger Lecture Society ... ... ... Cricket ... ... ... ... Shooting ... ... ... O.T.C. Notes O.T.C. Account Chess Notes ... ... ... Debating Society ... ... King's Scholarship Examination The Library ... ... ... Physical Training Course Justice The Ultra-Moderns Contemporaries ... ... ... Swimming and Life-saving ... Burglars Christmas ... ... ... Duke of York's Camp ... ... School Officers Valete Salvete ... ... ... ... The Oxford Letter Correspondence ... ... ...

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495 496 496 496 497 499 500 501 501 502 503 504 505 505 505 506 506 506 506 507 507 507 508 508 509 509 510

PRICE is.

1926.

editorial. We thought we would do without one—an Editorial, we mean—but, sirs, we dare not. Craven-hearts we dare not break from the custom of writing a column about nothing. But the Editors of the past were men of genius, and to write about nothing was easy to them. It is not so with us. This is our sixth attempt to produce something worthy of your notice. Some three weeks ago we bought a new pen-holder, two new nibs and a bottle of ink, but nothing happened—at least nothing to boast about. Once we even went so far as to try and write an Editorial in verse. We wrote two lines : " The weather. Oh ! 'tis very sad, But it has been most awfully bad." and then we thought that we had better stop. No, sirs, other Editors may sit down and write off four or five sheets of foolscap of a self-satisfied Editorial, and then with a self-satisfied smile on their cherubic faces, the " copy " safe in an inside pocket, march with a self-satisfied step down the middle of the High Street to the publishers. But we are different. We scribble feverishly with a much-chewed pencil and then with " Thank heaven ! it's done! " we slink by side streets, a hunted look upon our face, the " copy " clutched in our hand, to the publisher's office, we hand our masterpiece, crumpled and torn, to the printer, and flee. So now you know. * '* «

THE VIGORNIAN.

496

We are conscious of the approach of that season of " solemn and sacred feeling that blends with conviviality " when despite the disturbing influence of saxophone and Charleston on our other pleasures, we can still be festive in the good old way. To misquote : " Ay ! 'tis substantial joy to eat." We will therefore pay you no cold " compliments of the season," but wish you heartily " a merry Christmas! " -; :• * * In conclusion, allow us to make an appeal for contributions. Anybody sending a contribution, however small, to the Vigornian will make life-long friends of the Editors. Surely this is an inducement to the faint-hearted genius to take up his pen and write.

School Calendar. Sept. 17- Boarders return. 18. School Service in the Cathedral 9 a.m. 19. School Celebration of the Holy Communion in the Cathedral at 8.45 a.m. 27. Lecture by Mr. A. Dordan-Pyke on " Photographic Opportunities." 8 p.m. Oct. 19. Address by Father Baker on " Missions." 8 p.m. 23- Certificate " A " Practical Exam. 30- Lecture by Mr. Edgar J. March on " The Salving of Ships." 8 p.m. Nov 4- O.T.C. Field Day at Ripple. 9- K.S. Exam begins. Certificate " A " Written Exam. A Visit ' 3 - Lecture by Mr. W. S. Rowntree on to the Zoo." 8 p.m. Lecture by Mr. W. M. Webb on " The History of the Punch and Judy Show,' with Slides and the Show. 8 p.m. Dec. Advent Service in the Cathedral. " Mons " at the Silver Cinema. Advent Service in the Cathedral. Lecture by Mr. Escott North " On the Trail of the Cowboy." 8 p.m. 16. Advent Service in the Cathedral. 20. School Concert. 21. Exeunt Omnes.

School Dotes. There has been a change in. the Staff this term. We much regret that Mr. Thome has left us. In the short time he was here he entered with great enthusiasm into every side of the activities of the School.

We welcome Mr. Addleshaw and Mr. Rowsell. Mr. Addleshaw takes Mr. Thome's French and Gerrfian classes, and Mr. Rowsell takes Science and Mathematics. The addition to the numbers of the Staff is due to the new advanced course in Modern Subjects. * * * After prayers in the Hall, on Saturday, October 2nd, a party of German students who had sung in the Cathedral the previous evening, delighted us with a selection of German songs. » * # Floods. We leave any comment to you, sirs. As for us, if you expect our views " infandum jubes renovare dolor em." * # * This term we had a Field Day on Ripple Common, going there and coming back by /notor-bus. It was new ground and offered more scope for the ingenuity of commanders. As usual, we were lucky with the weather ; in fact we do not remember a wholly fine day since. * * * We take this, our first opportunity of congratulating C. E. Porter and J. D. H. Slade on reaching the final of the Boys' Doubles Lawn Tennis Championship of Worcestershire, at the Malvern Tournament. We were about to congratulate ourselves on freedom from infectious disease, but even as we write we hear of a case of chicken-pox. We sympathise with the sufferer, and hope there will not be any more.

O.V. Reios. DEATH. HENRY WOOI.SEY.—At School from January 1874 to July 1876. King's Scholar. Four years Magdalen College School, Oxford. M.A. Trinity College, Dublin. Gold Medallist—Prizeman. Senior Moderator (Modern Languages). 1884-1903 Master, later Second Master at Hurstpierpoint College. Ordained 1892. 1904-7 Curate of St. Columba's, Kingsland Road, N.E. 1907-10 Headmaster of Ellesmere. Vicar since 1911 of Holy Trinity, Gosport. * * * The Rev. G. H. Hopkins, O.V., of Lydbrook, Ross-onWye, has been presented to the living of Houghton by St. John's College, Cambridge. He has been at Lydbrook since 1912. J. D. Gerard is in the testing department of Gerard Bros, soap factory.

THE VIGORNIAN. J. L. Porter has been taking materials for the new bridge at Sydney, on his ship. K. N. Ross has represented Oxford University at Chess. J. A. W. Rogers is in a bank at Evesham. K. E. H. Lett writes from 2834, Harrow Road, London, VVg, asking if there are any past or present members of the School who wish to buy a Tobacco farm in Northern Rhodesia, the property of his brother-in-law. Further details will be given on application to Lett at the above address. W. J. Mayhew has failed to become a Chartered Accountant, and at present is at home doing nothing. R. W. Porter has left Harper-Adams Agricultural Col!•. ge, Shropshire, and is now an engineer in Maidstone. S. V. Strong is going as doctor on a trip around the world. L. W. Shorting is in a bank in Birmingham. R. I. Graham is in a bank in Stratford-on-Avon. T. M. L. Redmond has returned from India and is preparing for the Army Exam. We extend our sympathy to G. F. C. Ashdowne, who, due. to an accident while shooting, is now completely blind. The Rev. N. F. McNeile, O.V., who has been Vicar of Brafferton, Helpcrby, since 1876, celebrated the jubilee of his ministry in the parish recently. He has shown his continued interest in the School by giving annually the Divinity prize for the Upper Y.

Rudder. We fear that it is our ^unpleasant duty to announce that the ist XV has not come up to expectations ; the results of the matches have been indifferent to disappointing. At the time of writing, we have played seven matches, of which we have won four. At times the side showed promise of much better things than were actually forthcoming; they seemed to lack the " go " which would have turned them from an indifferent side into a good team ; the material was there, but the power to bring it out was lacking. This is not the place to mention individual play and we must wait till the end of the season before we can thoroughly and properly criticise the results. Let it suffice to say that we trust the team will justify itself in the remaining matches. * # * Nor are we cheered when we turn to the 2nd XV. The results are even less, encouraging. Against Hereford away they won a substantial victory by 34 points to 8, chiefly due to good running of Stanley and Palmer. Against Warwick away they just lost a most keen and exciting match by n points to 10. Against King's Norton 2nd XV they were well beaten by a much heavier team, whose larger members found little difficulty in breaking through our somewhat small defence. Of the 2nd XV we will say the

497

same as of the first, leaving time and more matches to prove of what they are capable. * * * We seize the opportunity to say how grateful we are to Mr. Bentley and Mr. Tattersall for the time and trouble they have taken in coaching the ist XV, to Mr. Thomas for refereeing the matches and looking after the interests of Rugger generally, to Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Strong, and Mr. Franklin for their trouble taken in refereeing and looking after the lower games, and finally to all members of the Staff who have shown interest in the School Rugger.

C.LL.G. M.R.A.A. v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE 2ND XV. At Cheltenham. i6.x.26. With Garnett again absent, Ainslie was taken from the scrum to play threequarter. The whole game was very disappointing. The backs seemed incapable of making a good movement and the forwards seemed to miss their leader. The short ground and the unusual presence of another match on the same field seemed unnecessarily to worry the School. They never settled down, and except for a penalty goal by Porter in the second half, they obtained no score. Cheltenham deservedly won by 26 points to 3. The School lacked energy, and opportunities were carelessly thrown away. The team was the same as against Warwick except that Matheson was playing back in the place of Langfield. The team :•— Matheson ; Langstaff, Porter, Ainslie, Hargraves; Arbuckle, Halton; Hopkin, Colombi, Monahan, Taylor, Boole, Burnett, Stanton, Wood. * * * v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. At Worcester. 27.x.26. Although the School won, the standard of play was inferior to that shown in previous matches. Owing to the absence of Garnett, Ainslie was taken from the scrum to play threequarter. The scoring in the first half was done by Ainslie (2), Porter, and Stanton, only one of which was converted. The forwards were not together and the backs were inclined to fumble. Hereford only managed to get one try in this half, although on several occasions they came very near scoring. The second half showed a slight improvement in the play of the forwards, but was otherwise poor. Tries were scored by Arbuckle (2) and Ainslie. The latter also dropped a very good goal from the twenty-five line. Porter again managed to convert only one try. Hereford scored a goal from a try near the touch line. The final score, 29 points to 8, was much larger than at one time seemed probable.

THE VIGORNIAN.

498

v. KING'S SCHOOL, WARWICK. At Worcester, I3.X.26. This was a very keenly contested match. At the outset the Worcester side, playing with the wind in their favour, attacked vigorously, and in a very short time scored their first try through Hargraves on the left wing. The kick at goal was not successful. Pressure was continued, and the game was confined to the Warwick line. Before half-time further tries were added by Hopkin, Hargraves (2), and Ainslie. Porter converted two of them. During this half the Warwick forwards improved, and after breaking through, scored an unconverted try. Thus at half-time we led 19—3. In the second half Warwick, with the wind behind them, were for a time dangerous in attack, but the defence of our three-quarters was good. Our forwards again mastered their opponents and gave the backs many chances, so that tries were scored by Ainslie (2), Colombi, Porter, Arbuckle, and Halton. Porter had several attempts to convert, but, except in one instance, failed owing to a strong wind and difficult angle. Final Score : 36—13 in pur favour. A feature of the game was the good work of our forwards, especially in the first half, when they completely outplayed their opponents. Porter, who played splendidly throughout, with Arbuckle and Halton, was the outstanding figure of the backs. v. CHRIST'S COLLEGE, BRECON. 3.xi.26. This match at Brecon, to which we so eagerly looked forward, by an unfortunate accident, was spoilt. At Hereford we found that our connection had been taken off the day before, due to the Coal Strike. In the ensuing confusion, when, as the only alternative we were trundled back into the train we had just left, three of our team got left behind. They could find no means of reaching Brecon, and remained in Hereford until we picked them up on our return journey. Brecon kindly lent us three men, but the game which ensued could hardly be called a match. We lost, despite great efforts by the forwards, of whom Colombi was the leading light, and vastly-improved tackling throughout the whole team, by 43 points to nil. The Brecon backs were much faster and had matters practically all their own way. * * *

v. KING'S NORTON R.F.C. At Worcester. 6.11.26. Continual rain for most of the morning had made the field into a very muddy condition. Unfortunately our opponents turned up one man short, and were thus handicapped in the scrum. Losing the toss, the School had to play against the elements of wind and sun. Under the circumstances, the game was much more open than would be expected. Be-

hind the scrum, the School backs showed more combination than their opponents, but still lacked enterprise and finish. During the first half, the School kept the play, most of the time, in their opponents' half, but failed to register any score. King's Norton, however, by means of a long pass in the School twenty-five, managed to put Davies over near the post; the try was easily converted by Yates. In the scrummage, the struggle for possession was about equal, although the School shoved their opponents more often than not. The second half was much the same as the first. The game remained chiefly in the centre of the field. On many occasions, the ball passed down the line of three-quarters, only to find that the wing man was marked. The bustling kick-and-rush tactics of the King's Norton forwards often carried them down the field and on several occasions they came dangerously near scoring. With ten minutes still to go, Ainslie started a movement which, after passing through the hands of Colombi, Monahan, Porter, Garnett, eventually ended in a try far out by Hargraves. The kick at goal failed. Just on time, the King's Norton Captain, Yates, getting the ball in the line-out, ran down the touch-line, side-stepped the School back, and scored between the posts. The kick was successful, and the School thus lost by 10 points to 3, after a most enjoyable game. The features of the game were the good all-round play of Arbuckle as stand-off half, of Ainslie and Hopkin in the forwards, and the vast improvement of Haynes as full-back. * * * v. KING'S SCHOOL, WARWICK. At Warwick, io.xi.26. The return match with Warwick did not yie'd as good a game as the first. Warwick were not, unfortunately, up to full strength, whereas Worcester had their strongest possible team in the field. Winning the toss, Worcester started off with a rush, and Arbuckle, showing greater speed, scored three times in quick succession. The School continued to press ; the forwards were heeling well, and the backs showed better combination and tackling abilities. Occasional rushes by the Warwick forwards were only just saved on the line. At half-time, the score was 22 points to nil in favour of Worcester. For the first quarter of an hour of the second half, Warwick pressed and Worcester seemed unable to get them away. Eventually they were awarded a penalty kick in front of the Worcester goal, and scored easily. After this, improved movements by the Worcester backs brought more tries and the final score was 40 points to 3. Tries were scored by Hargraves (3), Ainslie (2), Colombi. The movements by the School backs showed more finish, and frequently the wing-man on receiving the ball found himself unmarked. Hargraves showed much improvement, and the whole team seemed better.

THE VIGORNIAN.

499

FIXTURES. For. Agst.

ist XV. Sat Oct Wed

Sat. Wed Wed Sat Wed Wed Wed

Home

" Nov

Cheltenham (College 2nd XV Hereford C S

Tettenhall College Hereford C S

Dec

Away Home Away Home Away Home

....

Won Won Lost Won Lost Lost Won

Lost

•16— ii 3 —25 20—8

O— 41

3—J o 40—3 Scratched 1

For. Agst.

2nd XV Wed Wed Sat Sat Sat Wed..

-14—8

Oct

Hereford C S

" Nov

Dec.

Hereford C.S

Ceciure Society. On Saturday, September 5th, Mr. Dordan-Pyke lectured to us on "Photographic Opportunities." Perhaps this rather vague denomination was apt to be misleading ; there was a tendency to suspect a rather colourless picture of Wild Life and its opportunities for the enthusiast photographer, when this lecture was announced. At any rate such was the suspicion of the pessimist. However, the lecturer soon put us at ease, and showed us a most interesting display of excellent photographs. These were of infinite variety; and we passed from one scene to another with lightning rapidity. From the King in Flanders during the War, to the well-known photograph (taken by the lecturer himself) of a racing motor, which while travelling at an alarming speed loses a back wheel. From that to an exquisite view of the sea-shore on a moonlight night. Then, Allenby's entry into Jerusalem, storm-tossed ships at sea and gorgeous rock- and rose-gardens. These last opened up a very interesting aspect of the subject—colour-tinting? Mr. Dordan-Pyke, by his slides of brilliant gardens, emphasised the care and patience required for this artistic pursuit, and showed us how nearly a good photograph thus treated can resemble a painting. We went away from this lecture well satisfied by this medley of vivid scenes excellently depicted by photographs. * * * On Saturday, October 3Oth, Mr. Edgar J. March lectured in College Hall on a subject of extraordinary fascination to us all, even to the most confirmed " land-lubber "—

Home Away Away Away Home Home

Won Lost Lost

Scratched 34—8 10

»—6< Scratched Scratched

" The Salving of Ships." The fact that Man's efforts to control the forces of Nature are perhaps more vividly displayed in salvage work than in anything else, may be the cause of its universal attractiveness. At any rate, intoxicated by the impressiveness of the slides, we soon lost ourselves to College Hall and were actively engaged in saving the derelict vessels! We shared in the diver's laborious task of cutting through the steel-plates of a vessel with the oxy-acetylene cutter and ourselves were subject to his dangers. The remarkable salvage achievements of Commodore Sir Frederick Young were commented upon by the lecturer, and some of his cunning devices described to us. How " Pouring oil on troubled waters " is actually sometimes employed; and how, on one occasion, the divers being unable to repair the leaks below the water-line, loads of straw were dropped into the sea, and were sucked into the holes, stopping them effectively. Of many such feats, splendid slides were shown. Mr. March dealt with ships that were raised from the ocean-bed by compressed air, often in an upside down position; with ships that had broken their backs on reefs : with ships that lay stranded on rocky coasts exposed to the full force of the ocean : and with ships, of which only perhaps guns and machinery could be cut away and saved, leaving the mere hulk. We saw one part of a vessel that had broken in two, towed safely to port, and we soon saw it as a perfect ship again ; for it had had another portion made in distant port which was then sent and fitted to the old part. In addition to this, the lecturer mentioned the efforts continually being

THE VIGORNIAN.

5°°

made to raise old vessels, rich in gold, which were lying half-buried in the quicksands at the bottom of the sea. All this salvage work is often attended by bitter disappointment, long labour undone and often serious loss of life. For a ship may easily overturn or founder when in these precarious positions, taking ^11 hands with it. Such were the dreams that Mr. March sent us away with, after a most absorbing lecture. # * * On Saturday, November I3th, we paid a " Visit to the Zoo " under the guidance of Mr. W. S. Rowntree. Judging from the suppressed merriment in some quarters, the experience was a novel one to most of the audience. Indeed the familiar antics of the apes and the gambollings of the lion cubs were very refreshing to us all. There was little that the lecturer omitted to touch upon as he led us through the three parts of the garden ; moreover Mr. Rowntree aimed at introducing to us the less familiar, but none the less attractive, species of animal life. He endeavoured too, with no small success, not merely to show us round Regent's Park, but also to give us a glimpse of wild life throughout the world. Australia was put before us in a most interesting light, as being isolated not only in situation, but in animal evolution. The lecture altogether was very vivid and entertaining, illustrated by slides with an almost human element in them, and we personally went away with the resolve to revisit the Zoo at the first possible opportunity. * * * Great things were expected of Mr. W. M. Webb and his Punch and Judy Show, and not even the most optimistic of us could say we were disappointed. First there were a few slides in which we were shown how the present Punch and Judy show can trace its origin to an amazing antiquity. Who ever imagined that Mr. Punch, whom we think of as so very typically English, was a Roman actor of the Empire? After the slides came the Show. Who would be so bold %as to criticise " Punch and Judy "? From half-past eight until half-past nine College Hall reechoed, as never before, to roars of spontaneous laughter. Mr. Punch's vain efforts to count his victims were especially funny, as well as the Clown's attempt to kill the butterfly. The " orchestra " too, we cannot pass by. It was an extremely vigorous orchestra to say the least of it, and the volume of sound it produced was astounding, as well as the variety of tunes that it played. The only disappointing feature, however, was Toby—but then in our own meagre experience of Punch and Judy Toby is always disappointing. Perhaps, however, the light was too strong for this particular performer in a very excellent show.

Cricket. The results of the House Matches last term were as follows :—

First Round. SCHOOL HOUSE v. NATLAND. Natland—ist Innings, 5. 2nd" Innings, 14. School House—ist Innings, 108 (for 5 wickets decl.). School House won by an innings and 89 runs. Scmi-Final. HOSTEL v. DAY BOYS. Day Boys—ist Innings, 97. 2nd Innings, 70. Hostel—ist Innings, 87 (Porter 53). 2nd Innings, 91 for eight wickets. Hostel won by 'wo wickets. CASTLE HOUSE v. SCHOOL HOUSE. School House—ist Innings, 106 (Longland 57 not out). 2nd Innings, 106 (Hodgson 64). Castle House—ist Innings, 235 (Garnett 53, Balch 54). Castle House won by an innings and 23 runs. Final. CASTLE HOUSE v. HOSTKL. Hostel—ist Innings. G. D. S. Boole c Ainslie b Graham J. H. Slade c Beavan b Royle W. J. Mayhew b Graham ... ... ... C. D. Garrett b Verdier C. E. Porter c Verdier b Graham G. H. Carrel b Royle R. H. N. Wood b Graham G. H. Bedford b Royle E. W. Parsons not out F. H. Bridgman c Cockle b Royle E. J. Granger b Royle Extras

...

ii 6 o 1 3 o i o o 2

Total

Royle Rowland Graham Payne Verdier Beavan

o. 9.6

BOWLING. m. ... i

3°

5 o

•••

...

4 o i o

7 3 10

Hostel—2nd Innings. W. J. Mayhew b Graham ... ... ... G. D. S. Boole run out C. D. Garrctt run out J. H. Slade c Tull b Royle C. E. Porter c Payne b Graham ... R H. N. Wood st Ainslie b Royle G. H. Carrel c Balch b Payne 0. H. Bedford b Royle E. J. Granger run out F. H. Bridgman not out E. W. Parsons c Verdier b Rowland ... Extras Total

4 3 49

...

5 6 9 69 3 6

o i ii '33

THE VIGORNIAN. ]

Shooting.

BOWLING. Graham R °y'e Rowland Payne Verdier

... ••• ... ... ...

o. 16 19.8 6 2 2

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

m. 2 4 2 o o

r. 51 38 10 14 9

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

w. 2 3 i o o

Castle House — ist Innings. C. L. Garnett b Wood ... M. J. Balch b Wood ... M. R. A. Ainslie c Slade b Wood R. I. Graham Ibw b WTood C. W. Rowland Ibw b Porter M. D. B. Rovle b Wood J. C. Beavan b Wood . C. E. Payne c and b Porter . B S. Verdier b Carrel ... R. E. Tull c Garrett b Wood D. J. Cockle not out ... ... Extras ... ... .

3 2(J

57 i 14 o o

The Shooting VIII had a moderately successful summer term, though only two matches were shot. In both of these we defeated Bromsgrove School and Worcester R.G.S. but were beaten by Malvern. College. Six colours were awarded during the term to D. G. W. Brown, G. E. Churchill, C. LI. Garnett, H. F. Langstaff, W. E. A. Brown, E. F. Stanton. * * * The Inter-House Shooting Cup was won easily by School House, who had four members of the VIII in their team. The Competition for the Individual Cup produced poor shooting, and was won by W. E. A. Brown with the comparatively small score of 72 out of a possible 85 points. * * *

21 jg 4 o

-7 School O.T.C. test laid down in O.T.C. Regulations. It is

Total

Porter Wood Carrel Mayhew

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

ic,.

BOWLING. o. m. 25 ... 9 23.3 ... 9 9 ... o i ... o

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

r. 49 44

50 4

... ... .. ...

H.F.L. E.F.S.

j i o

Castle House—2nd Innings. C. L. Garnett b Porter M. J. Balch not out M. R. A. Ainslic run out ... R. I. Graham not out C. W. Rowland, ( M. D. B. Royle, J. G. Beavan, C. E. Payne, Did not bat. B. S. Verdier, R. E. Tull, D. J. Cockle, Extras

o 29 33

Total (for 2 wickets) ..

10 3 6. 5 ... i o 3 Castle House won by eight wickets.

O.C.C. Rotes. Work this term has been of a general nature, except that special instruction has been given to candidates for Certificate " A." * * * Early in the term the Corps was re-organised in such a way as to group cadets in platoons according to age and length of training. A new syllabus of training has been arranged so as to ensure that all cadets pass through progressive courses until they are sufficiently trained to enter for the Certificate " A " examination.

Field Operations took place on November 4th, a detailed account of which appears below.

BOWLING. Porter Wood Carrel

are due to Lieut. R. J. Whitaker, who, as Musketry Officer, has superintended the Shooting this term.

31 28

w. I

C.E.P.

During the term most of the Corps have been exercised on the Miniature Range and early in the term several visits were paid to the 30 yards open range. The standard of the shooting has improved and several matches are being arranged with other schools. *

-x-

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502

This year the contingent attended Camp at Tidworth Park. The W.O. restricted the numbers and only 60 were allowed from this contingent, so that many boys who wished to do so were unable to attend. A pleasant and instructive time was spent there, and we were favoured with good weather, although it rained heavily on the day of arrival. We formed one company with Highgate. All ranks worked well and were a credit to their School. The Physical Training team acquitted themselves well, although they were beaten by several Schools. The band entered for the Band Competition and were placed equal first with three other Schools. The judges then asked them to sound the Retreat, to decide the final order, and in this our bugles were not so good. It is, however, very much to the credit of the band as a whole that they were placed so high in the list in competition with many other Schools. Their playing was good, especially the drums, and their marching and " turn-out " excellent. To attain this high standard they had voluntarily given up a large part of their spare time during the year and their efforts are worthy of the highest praise. We were very glad to welcome the Headmaster in Camp on two occasions. He came first on Sunday, and after looking round the Camp witnessed the sports. The burning of the officers' mess marquee was not, however, arranged as an additional spectacle. Guard-mounting competitions were held each evening, and with an excellent guard we won the competition for our Battalion against the other three.

The practical examination for Certificate " A " was held on October 23rd. There were eleven candidates and only one failed in this part of the examination. The remaining ten took the written part of the examination on November gth, but the result is not yet known. The Practical examination was conducted by Captain Guiness, who has succeeded Captain Melville Lee at Norton Barracks. * * * On Sunday, October 3151, the contingent attended Church Parade in remembrance of Armistice Day. *

The following promotions were made this term :— To be C.S.M.— Sergt. M. R. A. Ainslie. To be Sergeant— Cpl. C. P. Longland. „ C. E. Porter. ,, H. F. Langstaff. To be Corporal— L/Cp\. }. ]. Painting. „ M. S. Taylor. „ R. H. N. Wood. „ E. C. Halton. To be L/Corporal— Cdt. A. D. Arbuckle. „ G. D. S. Boole. „ J. S. Colombi. „ D. A. B. Hopkin. „ H. G. Parsons. „ E. F. Stanton. „ R. E. Tull. ,, D. L. Matheson. * * * Sergt. Langstaff has been appointed Band Sergeant. L/Cpl. Stanton has been appointed Secretary of Shooting.

O.C.C. Account. Year ending ist October, 1926. RECEIPTS.

£ Fees 3rd Term 1925 ,, ist Term 1926 „ 2nd Term 1926 From Gym A/c Government Grant Sundry Debit balance ist October, 1926 ...

92 6 9 114 8 2 .. 221 3 9 40 o o 105 o o 4 10 s 9 i 10

* *

.£586 10 ii

During the term, M. R. A. Ainslie was examined for entrance to Sandhurst. The result is not yet known but there is little doubt that he will be accepted. During the year F. W. Gettings and L. Goddard have been gazetted to commissions in the Territorial Army. H. C. Gettings has also applied for a commission but has not vet been gazetted. » * *

EXPENDITURE.

£ s. d. Debit balance ist October, 1925 Clothing, Equipment, etc Band (Renovation of Instruments) Field Day

i. 2.

There were nineteen recruits this term. In future, reoruits will be enrolled only in September and January. *

* *

s. d.

Camp. Fees ,, Fares, etc. Musketry Requisites

47 16 5 89 i n 30 ii 6 18 6 3 13 14 6 21 15 o 60 o o 83 S « IS IS 10

THE VIGORNIAN. £ s- d. Hire of Range Wages Text Books, Stationery, etc. Cashier, Southern Command Aldershot P.T. Course Sundries Bank Charges

2 IO

. • .

ClKSS ROtCS.

170 13 o 14 3 7 i 6 3 6 2 0 9 2 3 2 6 9

^586 10 ii C. CREIGHTON, Headmaster. A. J. BENTLEY, O.C. * » » FIELD OPERATIONS. The Field Day was on Thursday, November 4, and the weather, as has been our experience for years past, was propitious. At all events we had no rain. This year we broke new ground, and went to Ripple Common, near Tewkesbury, the transport being carried out by motor omnibuses. The scheme was that an East land army had been defeated and driven across the Severn, and their retreat was being covered by a weak rearguard, who were trying to delay West land troops until their own forces had crossed the Avon, and occupied a prepared position to the east of that river. This rearguard was represented by a single platoon—No. 2—and the attacking Westland troops by the rest of the Company. They encountered their first check at the western edge of the Common, in very close country, offering plenty of concealment for small parties of the defending troops, who held back the advance for a considerable time. However, the pursuing troops managed to advance a party along a ditch to a position from which they were able to direct fire on one of the defending army's advanced posts. This being forced to retire, the whole line was withdrawn to the next position. Unfortunately for Eastland, one of the centre sections selected a position with no field of fire, and plenty of cover for the attack, so that although the flanks held, the centre was pierced, and another retirement was ordered. This brought the battle into open ground and the advance became more difficult. However, retirement from this third position was almost impossible, there being no covered line of retreat, so when the right of the attack threatened to make the defenders' position untenable, proceedings were held up by the umpires, and the rearguard were ordered to take up their final position on the ridge to the east. Operations then concluded with an attack on these positions. Both the attack and the defence and retirements were on the whole creditably carried out, the chief faults noticed being in the maintenance of lateral communication, difficult at any time, but especially in close country, and a tendency to choose a defending position with an eye for concealment rather than for damaging or delaying the enemy.

503

This term Chess has been as popular as ever. One frequently sees all the Reading Room chess boards in use, and if the keenness of some of the younger players is any guarantee of future success, there will be plenty of talent from which to choose future teams. The results of this season's matches have so far been somewhat disappointing. Three matches have been played, all of which have been lost. No less than four members of last year's team have left, and consequently our team, at present, lacks experience. But time may improve matters, though our chances of winning the Worcestershire Public Schools Chess Shield are not exactly rosy. On three occasions the Rev. R. J. Whitaker has very kindly played simultaneous games against members of the School. On October I3th, he played six games, winning two and losing four. His opponents were:—T. O'D. Lumley (i), C. J. O. Blackall (i), J. G. Beavan (o), J. D. H. Slade (o), W. H. O. Woodrow (i), G. H. Carrel (i). On November loth, he played six games, winning three and losing three. His opponents were:—T. O'D. Lumley (o), C. J. O. Blackall (i), J. G. Beavan (i), W. H. O. Woodrow (i), G. H. Carrel (o), C. D. Garrett (o). On November i7th, he played five games, winning one, losing three, and drawing one. His opponents were :— E. A. Rieu (i), T. O'D. Lumley (i), J. G. Beavan (i), C. J. O. Blackall (J), W. H. O. Woodrow (o). We should like to take this opportunity of thanking him for all the trouble he has taken. On Friday, October ist, the School played a match against a team collected by the Rev. R. J. Whitaker, and were defeated by 4J games to ij. The games were played as follows :— THE SCHOOL. C. LI. Garnett O. R. Craze E. A. Rieu - - T. O'D. Lumley C. J. O. Blackall J. G. Beavan -

THE REV. R. J. WHITAKER's TEAM. M. R. Craze, O.V. - o K. N. Ross, O.V. - i Rev. R. J. Whitaker - i A. D. Franklin, Esq. - i S. D. Strong, Esq. - i D. H. Addleshaw, Esq. i 4*

* * * On October i4th, K. N. Ross, O.V., very kindly played six simultaneous games against members of the School, and won them all. His opponents were:—T. O'D. Lumley, C. J. O. Blackall, W. H. O. Woodrow, J. G. Beavan, G. H. Carrel, J. D. H. Slade. * » »

On Thursday, October 7th, the School, strengthened by the inclusion of the Rev. R. J. Whitaker, played a match

THE VIGORNIAN.

504

at the Victoria Institute against the Worcester City C.C. II, and were defeated by 5 games to i. The games were played as follows : — THK SCHOOL. Rev. R. J. Whitaker C. LI. Garnett O. R. Craze E. A. Rieu T. O'D. Lumley C. J. O. Blackall

WORCESTER CITY C.C. II. P. Lane, Esq. - i K. N. Ross, Esq. - o L. Sharpe, Esq. - i J. King, Esq. - i H. G. Perkins, Esq. - i D. Collins, Esq. - i

0 1 o o o o I

On Tuesday, November i6th, the School played a match against the College for Blind, and were defeated by 4^ games to i^. The games were played as follows :— THE SCHOOL. BLIND COLLEGE. C. LI. Garnett o A. Brace O. R. Craze J £. E. Davie.s T. O'D. Lumlev o R. Cross •K. A. Rieu R. Ash 0 J. G. Beavan 1 A. C. Threlfall C. J. O. Blackall o G. Miller

C.J.O.B.

Debating Society. At the time of writing three debates have been held, and we may fairly boast that never before have the debates been more interesting or attracted larger houses, and we should like to take the opportunity of thanking Mr. Franklin, who, as chairman, has played no small part by his enthusiasm and helpful suggestions, in bringing the Society to its present flourishing condition. * * * We shudder to think what had happened if a correspondent of the " Daily Mail " had been in College Hall on Saturday, October 23rd, when D. A. B. Hopkin delivered a red hot attack on " the policy of His Majesty's Government in the present lock-out in the mining industry." He gave us to understand that the Government were a lot of fat, fussy old 'men, who cheated the poor man, and held endless useless conferences. " Twenty million pounds," said J. R. Wingfield-Digby dramatically, as he opposed the motion. This enormous sum he claimed was what the Government had given the mining industry with which to mend itself. Twenty million pounds and nine months. Was that not enough? It was not the business of the Government to interfere any further in a quarrel which concerned employer and employed. C. E. Coverdale drew attention to the fact that the ^20,000,000 referred to had been paid out of the pocket of

the down-trodden tax-payer. What return, he asked, was the tax-payer getting for his money. M. R. A. Ainslie, in seconding the opposition, seemed to wander somewhat from the point, imagining, as it seemed to his hearers, that if we viewed with concern the present policy of the Government we would soon be over-run by Bolsheviks. On the motion being thrown open to the House, Messrs. Blackall, Langstaff, and the Secretary spoke for the motion and Messrs. Glutton and Molony against it. The motion was lost by 27 votes to 11. » * * On Saturday, November I3th, before a crowded House, D. A. B. Hopkin proposed that " In the opinion of this House sacred music is not suitable for the concerts at the end of a School term." He urged that the atmosphere at the end of term was not suitable for sacred music. He thought lighter music would be more welcome both to audience and singers. C. P. Longland opposed the motion. He said that although it so happened that all the greatest composers wrote their best music to sacred words that should not be any reason for not singing them in the concert. The Choir sang the best music, and that happened to be sacred. C. E. Coverdale supported the motion. He said that the audience of O.V. and parents should be considered. He himself knew of several people who did not come to the concerts now, preferring the cinema. He suggested more variety. Mr. Day opposed the motion. He said that he had failed to find the dividing line between sacred and secular music, and stated that he believed no such line existed. To illustrate his point he gave a very spirited rendering of part of the " Hallelujah " Chorus, and then of " Yes, we have no ," showing that they were one and the same thing. He said that we were trying to build up a tradition of great music in the School. If the great music happened to be sacred, that should be no reason for not singing it. On the motion being thrown open to the house, Messrs. Blackall and Wingfield-Digby spoke for the motion, and the Secretary and Messrs. Clutton and Garnett against it. The motion was lost by 36 votes to 26.

On Saturday, November 2oth, H. F. Langstaff moved that " In the opinion of this House compulsory prep, should be abolished." He drew a vivid picture of a harassed school-boy who was compelled to do more prep, than his intellect was capable of. He suggested that each boy should do of his own accord as much as he could. C. Clutton opposed the motion. What, he argued, would people do if they were not forced to do a specified amount of prep. ? Those who were naturally brilliant would get on all right, but any slight tendency to slack in others, would become greater, until for them prep, would cease to exist.

THE VIGORNIAN. J. B. Edwards supported the motion. We were told to love our work, he said, and to force work on us made us hate it. Mr. Franklin opposed it. We must form a habit of work, he said. This was easy for some, but for the weaker of us some sort of compulsion must be exercised. It was in prep, that we made use of what was told us during the day. On the motion being thrown open to the House, J. R. Wingfield-Digby supported the motion, and the Secretary vacated the chair to oppose it. The motion was won by 30 votes to 13.

G.B.

505

Pebits and Credits The Sword Decides Ernestine Sophie Lord Raingo

Rudyard Kipling Marjorie Bowen Sophia Cleugh Arnold Bennett * * *

We beg to thank the following who have been good enough to present books to the Library :— K. N. Ross, Esq., O.V. " The Dean and Jecinora " Victor L. Whitechurch J. P. MAYHEW, Esq., O.V. " The Golden Scarecrow " with apologies for any omissions. * * *

Hugh Walpole

Our thanks are also due to Canon Wilson, who has presented the following books to the Reading Room :—

Kind's Scholarship examination. The following have been elected King's Scholars this term :— 1. F. H. Yarnold, King's School, Worcester. 2. P. Bowles, King's School, Worcester, formerly of Gunnersbury Preparatory School. 3. J. R. Hobson, Beach Lawn, Leamington. 4. J. F. R. Jones-Williams, King's School, Worcester. 5. P. D. Rabjohns, King's School, Worcester. 6. D. W. Bain, Rocklyn, Clevedon. 7. R. Graves-Morris, Dragon School, Oxford. 8. J. L. Payne, King's School, Worcester. Entrance House Scholarships have been awarded to :— P. Headeach, Ripley Court. K. C. Stocker, Cherry Orchard. We heartily congratulate the successful candidates ; it is ' gratifying to see so many of the School represented in the list.

Cbe Cibrarp. The following books have been added to the School Library :— Beau Sabreur P. C. Wren Beau Geste P. C. Wren Stepsons of France P. C. Wren The High Adventure J. Farnol Mr. Ramosi Valentine Williams The Gates of Doom Rafael Sabatini Bellarion Rafael Sabatini Half a Sovereign Ian Hay Fiction as She is Wrote E. V. Knox The Fortunes of Hugo Denis Mackail Word of Honour " Sapper " The Man from Morocco Edgar Wallace The Gaunt Stranger Edgar Wallace The Gorilla Hunters R. M. Ballantyne Martin Rattler R. M. Ballantyne

Gothic Architecture C. H. Moore Westminster Abbey Francis Bond Tewkesbury and Deerhurst H. J. L. J. Masse1 The Great Artists. Rafaello Sanzio da Urbino N. D'Anvers^ The Great Artists. Rembrandt Van Ryn J. W. Mollett The Great Artists. Tiziano Vecelli da Cadore...R. F. Heath Hubert and John van Eyck F. C. Weale Leonardo da Vinci H. P. Home Hokusai C. J. Holmes The Stories of Venice John Ruskin D.A.B.H.

Physical Craining Course. On Monday, August gth, we arrived at Aldershot for the ten days' course of P.T. organized annually by the War Office for members of the Junior Division of the O.T.C. We had already spent an enjoyable but strenuous eight days at Tidworth Park, and we were rather loth to abandon the civilization that we had enjoyed for but five days. For depression Aldershot itself is a poor tonic, and our taxi, as we drove from the station to our quarters in the Marlborough lines, might have been a hearse, for the silence of its occupants. However, once there, our gloom was soon dispelled by the palatial appearance of our " Blenheim Hutments," and the general healthy atmosphere of the place. Indeed, thanks to the attention of Lieut. Sewell, of the Northamptonshire Regiment, we were extremely well-fed and cared for all through the course. No time was wasted in settling in, and on the very next morning our routine of P.T. and agility exercises began ; this was varied by field sports. We were given a peep into the intricacies of Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling, of putting the weight, throwing the hammer and discus, pole-jumping, and hurdling. One of the finest tracks in the country was at our disposal for running; and we had ample opportunity for high-jumping and longjumping.

THE VIGORNIAN.

506

Boxing, fencing, life-saving and massage were all part of the curriculum. But, owing to Mr. Cook's activities, there was one great disappointment: we were unable to use the fine swimming-baths adjoining the gym, and we had to endeavour to master the " Trudge " and " Trudge-crawl " and the more complicated strokes, on land. We had an excellent lecture and demonstration on boxing and refereeing and the making of boxing-kit—from a punch-pad to a portable ring. We were divided into sections at the beginning of the course and each section worked more or less independently under its own instructor. During the last two days, an inter-section flag competition was held, which involved an obstacle race, cross-country race, and pass-ball, the army version of net-ball, in addition to P.T. and field sports, In the evening, one could go to a show in the town, or amuse oneself in the Recreation Room at the billiard table perhaps. There were only about thirty-five who attended the course this year, compared with sixty odd last time and a hoped-for one hundred and fifty next. The course was jolly good fun, and apart from the instructive point of view, one has the chance of meeting other Public School boys; so we recommend all who can, to take the opportunity and go next year. P. LONCLAND.

Justice. uilty of Murder— ale, wretched, woman from the dock she stept Condemned to Death By twelve fat greasy citizens who slept, While hour by hour Hard men, unpitying, in law adept, Exposed a woman's broken heart. God wept.

Cbe Ultra-moderns. Let the sky be red And the sea be blue, With speckles of yellow for something to do, With an inkpot here, And a toadstool there, And cross-word puzzles right up in the air ! For we're all clever artists, as you may see : And isn't it time for our wormwood tea?

Let's make up a Fugue Al a furious pace, With elbow clusters down in the bass, And a trumpet blast That'll wake the town, To be played on a Harpsichord upside down ! For we're modern musicians : the devil to pay ! Oh ! here comes the keeper to take us away !

If the world were just As it ought to be, There'd be pepper for dinner and mud for tea ; We'd talk about kippers, And whooping-cough, While for clothing we'd run to the table-cloth ! For we're Ultra-Moderns as large as life: Hi ! After you with the tadpole knife ! E.W.P.

Contemporaries. We acknowledge the following contemporaries, with apologies for any accidental omission :—The Bromsgrovian, The Cantuarian, The Felstedian, The Herefordian, The Monktonian, The Portcullis, The Rendcomb College Magazine, St. Edward's School Chronicle, The Wyggestonian,

Swimming and ore-saving, Last Summer Mr. H. E. Nicholls won the " Ratcliffe All-round Swimming Challenge Cup and Gold Medal," which entitles him to be styled the " Champion all-round swimmer of Worcester." This is the first time the trophy was offered and the tests are as follows :—(i) Distance • swim with a time limit, (2) Breast stroke (style), (3) Back stroke (style), (4) Over-arm side-stroke (style), (5) Trudgeon stroke (style), (6) Speed, (7) Diving from the surface and raising objects, (8) Plunging, and (9) Motionless floating. In addition to the above, Mr. Nicholls was the winner (at Birmingham) of three Awards of the Royal Life-Saving Society, viz. :—(i) The Proficiency Certificate, (2) The Bronze Medallion, (3) The Award of Merit (Silver Medallion and special silk badge for swimming costume). There is only one Award higher—the Diploma. To win the " Award of Merit " candidates must be holders of the R.L.S.S. proficiency certificate and bronze medallion. Dressed in swimming costume, shirt, tie, collar, waistcoat, serge or flannel trousers, and socks (all to be of an ordinary character and properly fastened on the body), the following six tests must be performed in a meritorious manner :—(a) to carry a person by the second or third method of rescue, a distance of at least twenty yards; (b) to swim (also in clothes) continuously a distance of 600 yards by three different strokes, viz. :—(i) 200 yards breast stroke, (2) 200 yards back stroke, using arms and legs, (3) 200 yards, either by the side-stroke, over-arm sidestroke, trudgeon, or crawl; (c) to float and undress on the surface of the water ; (d) to dive from the surface of the water to a depth of at least five feet, raise and land an object weighing five pounds; (e) to dive neatly from two heights, five feet and ten feet; (f) to perform any three trick-swimming movements. During the last four years Mr. Nicholls, as our teacher of swimming, personally taught 75 of our boys to swim.

THE VIGORNIAN.

Burglars. It was a very extraordinary coincidence. In the middle of a cold night in November the master of the house woke up suddenly and heard a noise downstairs. It was undoubtedly a burglar. He waited for some time, shivering, as he sat up in bed. Would he go down? After a few minutes, which seemed about an hour, he got out of bed and put on his dressing-gown. As he did .so he heard a noise which sounded like a fight going on in the hall. Ah ! perhaps it was a policeman who had discovered the burglar in the house. He went downstairs to find two people, both of whom appeared to be burglars, fighting. As he approached them they stopped for a moment, and in that moment the master of the house saw that one was a typical ruffian and the other was a half-starved, miserable-looking man of about forty. They went on fighting when they saw he had no weapon. All of a sudden there was a noise at the window ; then the window opened and a policeman climbed in. The master of the house got up from the table at which he had been trying to telephone the police, and with a smile on his face said : " Here are your men, constable ; you are here just at the right moment." The constable replied that he had heard a noise from outside and tame in to see what it was. He took the two burglars and the " swag," which would be needed as evidence against the prisoners. As the three were walking along the Embankment to the Police Station, the little man cursed himself for having * done it. " Well, Joe, that was a good haul," said the policeman to the bigger burglar, much to the surprise of the smaller. " Oh ! what about this little wretch; he'd better go along, hadn't he? Yes, run home and thank Fortune I'm not a real policeman."

Christmas. As certain shepherds of Bethlehem were watching their sheep by night, there appeared in the heavens a mighty light, and they saw the angel of the Lord descending with all the host of heaven praising God and saying, " Glory be to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men." And the same evening the Saviour of the World was born in a stable, to a woman, the wife of a carpenter of Nazareth. * * * It is the birthday of Christ. A small half-starved girl sits up in bed and rubs her eyes. She looks at the stocking she has hopefully hung over the end of the bed. It is empty. She jumps out of bed and runs through the door into the next room. " Daddy ! Father Christmas hasn't been to fill my stocking." Her father gulps. " No. Father Christmas only goes to the children of rich men."

507

They have all been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. They are Christians and so they are celebrating Christmas. At the top of the table sits a big fat bloated man. At the bottom of the table sits a big fat bloated woman. Around the table sit four little fat bloated children. On the table is too much food. Nobody has spoken for five minutes^ but there is much noise in the room—the noise of eating. From outside come the plaintive notes of a girl: " All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace ; Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men Begin and never cease." The voice faded and died. The noise of eating still went on. " B."

ClK Duke of fork's Camp. On Saturday, July 3131, following the custom of previous years, the 400 who were going to New Romney assembled at the Royal Mews for dinner. Unfortunately the Duke of York did not attend. Everyone was a little strange at first, but the ice was soon broken, for one must say something to a person who upsets a glass of gingerbeer over one's dinner. Afterwards we were taken over the Royal Mews, seeing the State coach and the King's horses, among other things. Then, after a little sight-seeing in London, we proceeded to Cannon Street, from which New Romney was reached in a couple of hours time. It was a good two miles from the Station to the Camp. The reader, perhaps, pictures some such journey as he himself has made from Tidworth Station to Camp, in full kit, on a boiling day. But we were without luggage, able to set our own pace : most of the way was along by the sea, with a Seabreeze blowing—a most exhilarating walk, and one which we would not have missed. Supper was waiting for us, a very welcome meal, during which the Camp Chief (Captain J. G. Patterson) introduced us to various Camp celebrities, rejoicing in such names as " Boss-eye " and " The Wart-hog." At the risk of being tedious we repeat what must be familiar to most of our readers, that the Camp is composed of 400 boys, taken equally from the Public Schools and from industrial centres. This 400 is divided into twenty sections, and all Camp tournaments are played between sections. We, the School representatives, found ourselves in Section D, our Section leader being Mr. Carter. Sunday was employed chiefly in preparing for the strenuous week to follow. The day's routine was as follows : After breakfast at 8 came the camp tournaments. The games played were various, but in all the individual was sunk in the side. Obstacle races, land boats, foot and hand net ball, aiming

508

THE VIGORNIAN.

at a target (in which the School representatives showed uncanny proficiency), and similar games were played throughout the week. After games came bathing, and very good bathing it is at New Romney. After dinner, everyone was free to do as he liked until supper at 7.30, which was followed by an Entertainment and films in the marquee. Then we withdrew to the sleeping-huts about half-past ten. All the week we had been looking forward to Thursday, when the Duke of York was to spend a day with us. He arrived about noon and had dinner with the Camp. Speeches followed from all the members of his party, including Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland and Sir Philip Gibbs. " Boss-eye " was in charge of a pistol, which he fired at the end of three minutes, when the speaker was bidden get along with his peroration. The report came as a great relief sometimes, both to the speaker and his audience! In the afternoon a demonstration of the games played during the week was given to His Royal Highness, and after tea he joined in the bathing on the beach. " Boss-eye " also enjoyed a somewhat unexpected dip at the same time ! The Duke attended the Entertainment in the evening and said a few words before leaving the Camp at 9 p.m. His visit was very much appreciated by all. The Entertainment in the evening had been of a varied character : songs, jazz bands, choruses, followed by a comedy film and " Claude Duval " as a serial. But on Sunday evening a special privilege was in store for us. Major and Mrs. Court-Treatt described, with the aid of their film, the story of their wonderful journey from the Cape to Cairo in two Crossleys. It was an amazing story of almost insuperable difficulties overcome, and they were given a tremendous ovation. The film itself was excellent, the picture of the Victoria Falls being particularly beautiful. On the last full day at Camp was held the Cross-country Run, a sort of miniature " Ketch." The whole Camp takes part, the first in getting 400 marks, the second 399, and so on. It will thus be seen that the ultimate order of the Section largely depends on this event. We Vigornians were not of a very athletic mould, but succeeded in amassing over 300 marks between us. Section D, however, was not high up in the final list, to put it mildly. Some of our readers, no doubt, listened-in to our broadcast in the evening. We had scarcely rehearsed at all for it, as must have been fairly obvious, but what we lacked in quality, we more than made up for in enthusiasm. Mr. Hyde introduced the programme, which owed a great part of its success to his persistent energy. As was natural for the last night, it was a very long programme, and about i a.m. we all left the marquee to go and sing round a huge bonfire which had been lit some distance away. " Auld Lang Syne " and " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow " were sung very heartily, and then we went back to Camp for a pillow fight. This was somewhat of a fiasco, as all those of the opposite colours to us refused to come out and fight. Most succeeded in getting to sleep about two o'clock.

Saturday was spent in the mournful business of packing up and late in the afternoon at Cannon Street the Camp dispersed. There can be no doubt of ils success, though everyone wanted longer time in which to associate further witfi his fellows. If not broken down, differences of position were forgotten in the one universal wish to " play the game." We who have been desire to recommend most heartily all who get the chance to go to the Camp to seize it, for they will enjoy every minute. K.N.R.

School Officers. Captain of School Captain of Football Secretary of Football Captain of Shooting Secretary of Shooting Captain of Fives Captain of Gym. Secretary of Chess

C. L. Garnett. C. L. Garnett. M. R. A. Ainslie. H. F. Langstaff. E. F. Stanton. C. L. Garnett. C. P. Longland. C. J. O. Blackall.

Captains of Houses :— School House Castle House Day Boys Hostel Natland -

C. P. Longland. C. L. Garnett. A. D. Arbuckle. C. E. Porter. H. F. Langstaff.

School Monitors—C. L. Garnett, C. E. Porter, G. D. S. Boole, H. F. Langstaff, C. P. Longland, A. D. Arbuckle. Editors of the Vigornian—C. L. Garnett, G. D. S. Boole, C. P. Longland, J. J. Painting. Librarians—D. A. B. Hopkin, C. E. Coverdale, J. J. Painting, C. J. O. Blackall, D. L. Matheson.

Vakte.

VI. Beavan, T. E. D. (1923-6). Natland. Blandford, G. F. (1922-6). School House. Librarian. Brown, D. G. W. (1923-6). School House. Shooting V I I I 1924-26. Sec. of Shooting 1925. Capt. of Shooting 1926. 2nd XV Football 1925. 2nd IV Rowing 1926. Sergeant O.T.C. Cert. " A." Churchill, G. E. (1919-26). Natland. School Monitor, Captain of Natland 1924. Shooting VIII 1924-6. Sec. of Shooting 1926. ist XV Football 1925. Sergeant-Major O.T.C. Cert. " A."

Every G. (1923-6). Vigornian.

School House.

Editor

of the

THE VIGORNIAN. Gettings, H. C. (1920-6). Day Boy. 2nd XV Football 1924. ist XV 1925. 2nd IV Rowing 1925. ist IV 1926. Sergeant O.T.C. Graham, R. I. (1923-6). Castle House. 2nd XI Cricket 1924. ist XI 1925-6. Secretary of Cricket 1926. 2nd XV Football 1925. Corporal O.T.C. Cert " A." Molony, C. J. C. (1922-6). School House, ist XV Football 1922-6. Secretary of Football 1923. Captain of Football 1924-5. 2nd IV Rowing 1924. ist IV 1925-6. Captain of Rowing 1926. School Monitor 1924. Captain of School House 1926. Cadet Officer O.T.C. Cert. "A." Peters, D. K. (1923-6). Castle House. 2nd XV Football 1923-5. 2nd IV Rowing 1925. ist IV. Sec. of Rowing 1926. Sergeant O.T.C. Cert. " A." Ross, K. N. (1917-26). Day Boy. Librarian. Editor of the Vigornian. Chess VI 1923. Sec. of Chess 1924-6. School Monitor, Captain of the Day Boys 1925. Head of the School 1926. Corporal O.T.C. Cert. " A . "

Upper IV. Blackband, A. E. Hostel. Gibbs i, D. F. Natland. Middle IV. Partridge, C. J. R. Castle House. Potts, S. J. Natland. Shrimpton, A. P. Day Boy. Solon, W. L. Day Boy. Lower IV. Baly i, H. L. School House. Brown, G. D. Day Boy. Dickins, L. C. Castle House. George, J. G. Natland. Gibb ii, G. K. Day Boy. Hartill, C. A. Day Boy. Stretton, G. W. P. Castle House.

III. Cole, E. J.

Upper V. Woodhouse, P. H. B. (1918-26). School House. 1924-6. Cadet O.T.C.

509

Day Boy.

2nd IV

Middle V. Greenfield, G. B. (1920-6). Natland. Cadet O.T.C. Marker, J. H. (1921-6). Day Boy. Mayhew, W. J. (1920-6). Hostel. 2nd XI Cricket 1924-5. ist XI 1926. 2nd XV Football 1924. ist XV 1925. School Monitor, Captain of Hostel 1926. Corporal O.T.C. Rowe, J. W. (1919-26). Day Boy. 2nd XV Football "PSSpong, H. S. (1921-6). Castle House, ist IV Rowing 1926. Cadet O.T.C. Verdier, B. S. (1923-6). Castle House, ist XV Football 1925. 2nd XI Cricket 1926. Lance-Corporal O.T.C.

II. Adlington, J. L. Day Boy. Clayton, L. Day Boy. Cleverley, E. Day Boy. Davies, J. G. Day Boy. Dormehl, P. M. C. School House. Higginson, T. F. Natland. Hodges, E. J. T. Day Boy. Holder, G. D. Day Boy. Lock, H. T. R. Day Boy. Morgan, A. C. Day Boy. Podesta, L. V. Day Boy. Rushton, E. P. K. Day Boy. Smith, H. E. A. Day Boy. Smith, G. Day Boy.

Lower V. Bedford, H. G. (1925-6). Hostel. Cadet O.T.C. Nott, J. A. W. (1920-6). Day Boy. Cadet O.T.C. Remove. Haysman, F. J. (1924-6). Hostel. Cadet O.T.C. Jackson, N. (1923-6). Castle House. Cadet O.T.C. Lister E. G. (1925-6). Day Boy. Cadet O.T.C. Upper IV. Randall, J. L. (1921-6).

Day Boy.

Saiuctc. Lower V. Bang, E. C. A. CaslSe House. Remove. Baly ii, A. D. School House. Ford, B. L. School House. Meers, R. G. School House.

Cadet O.T.C.

Cfte Oxford £etter. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, A sorry task is ours. Your peremptory missive galvanized us into taking up our " Waterman," but no words formed themselves. Lest we should seem to be libelling the worthy firm that produces them, we hasten to say that it was not its fault. No, gentlemen ! We reflected how inferior this letter would appear, having none hut dreary topics to touch on. The General Strike provided a soulanimating letter for your excellent number last term, but the very topic which would supply our mill with grist prevents us setting pen to paper. We refer, of course, to the Coal Strike. No inspiring thoughts flash upon the shivering genius : as Juvenal, himself a disappointed writer like ourselves remarked, you can't write well when you're

THE .VIGORNIAN. shivering for lack of a blanket. (You do not see the hint? Let us continue.) If you will only send us a ton of coal, we will write such an " Oxford Letter " " that never was on land or sea," one that would obey Oscar Wilde's dictum, that " Nothing succeeds like excess." But if you find it in your hearts to deny us this boon, you must not complain if the "^Oxford Letter " leaves you cold, as it leaves us. We had once intended writing this in verse. There were a number of good and adequate rimes at hand. " Girton " was an exceedingly apt rime for Merton ; but we confess that " Hertford " was too much for us. You will agree, sirs, that it is difficult to find a rime for it which is fit for the Vigornian. Very little of interest has happened so far : the chief topic of conversation has been, and continues to be, the rain. November 5th passed by very sedately : we take our pleasures moderately, and leave it to Cambridge to run amuck. You, sirs, being well-read gentlemen, no doubt saw that Mr. Thomas was granted an honorary degree in the course of the term, and to staunch conservatives like ourselves it was significant that the Labour Club about the same time passed a vote of entire confidence in Mr. Cook, who, be it observed, has not ventured to come near Oxford again. You have also noticed, we feel sure, all the compliments that are showered upon our teams, so that it would be supererogatory for us to advise you to put all your money on us.

D. H. PRESTON (Worcester). Requires an immense amount of exercise before he is fit for any sort of work, i.e., until dinner he exercises, afterwards joins the " Scala " scrum and return to " work " about 10.30 p.m. Runs and plays Fives and many other games. K. N. Ross (Merton). Has decided to enjoy life. May be seen not infrequently at the Playhouse and " Super." Plays unimpressive chess occasionally. Policemen grow eloquent when he cycles. Looks as if he works, but C. J. C. MOLONY (Queen's). Has the misfortune to be in digs. Is rarely seen off his bicycle. Plies the oar with no little vigour. Does not seem to be over-working. G. E. CHURCHILL (Hertford). Works very hard, but regrets that Demosthenes had such a facile pen. Takes an adequate amount of exercise, and has been seen in Cinema and Theatre. (We threatened to say " He over-eats," but he vowed vengeance on us if we did.) A prosperous colony are we not, gentlemen? With another member we shall reach double figures. Send him along quickly, so that he can write the next " Oxford Letter." Wishing the School every success, Yours, OXON.

We regret that, despite entreaties, we have received no letter from Cambridge.

Alas, sirs, jroAii/«)ris 'Oova-a-ew; summons us, and we must hasten on to our personalities : I. F. W. SCHOPIELD (Hertford) was so touched by the tears shed at his departure last term that he decided to return. (We shall not weep quite so heartily next time.) He now sits in state at the B.A. table. We are informed that he is studying anthropology, law and—never mind ! A. J. C. B. GILL (Exeter) " vidi tantum." H. A. AINSWORTH (Keble) informs us that he is working hard, and, in a fit of confidence, that he adored womenlecturers. In his leisure hours, he shows great talent on the stage, and, in a considerably lesser degree, on the greens. W. BENTON-EVANS (Queen's). Is no longer seen with his old Enfield: peace to its Manes! Takes life as seriously as ever, plays Soccer vigorously. Attempted to institute a Ping-pong Club at Queen's, but his Dean would not countenance it. An ardent devotee of Stage and Cinema. M. R. CRAZE (Hertford). Is very hearty. Plays Rugger and Soccer concurrently—we mean, consecutively, to say nothing of Hockey and Fives. Looks as if he does no work, but we think he does. Rhapsodizes at great length on the slightest provocation about the beauties of Homer. Sings loudly.

Correspondence.! To the Editors of the " Vigornian."

Sir, As an O.V. who was present at Bisley during the Ashburton Shield Competition this year, I was very disappointed to find that the School failed to enter a team for this important Public School competition. Might I venture to suggest that a team should be trained and entered for this competition next year? Yours faithfully, OUTER. [This letter arrived too late for publication in the last number. —EDS. Vio.] * * * To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, May we register a hearty protest, both as representing Old Vigornians and a number of parents, against the growing custom of selecting what is known as " high-brow ' music for the end-of-term concerts? We .are moved to write, since we have heard that the " Elijah " is to be

THE VIGORNIAN. rendered at the end of this term. One or two serious items are very nice, but surely this is going too far. The School Choir can have no desire to emulate the Three Choirs of Worcester, Hereford and Gloucester. The programme years ago was altogether lighter, and more appreciated, though not so well done. In saying this we sincerely feel that we are representing no small part of the usual audience. Yours, etc., SOME OXFORD O.V.'s. May we suggest, too, that the programme should not consist entirely of musical items? [We recommend our correspondent to read the report of the Debate held on this subject, and to note the voting.— EDS. VIG.]

To the Editors of the " Vigornian," Dear Sirs, I think it would be a suggestion almost generally accepted that the " Daily Herald " should be ejected from the Reading Room and a reasonable paper placed in its stead. Why not the " Daily Mail "? With the usual apologies, etc., Yours, " STALE NEWS." [Evidently " Stale News " is so bigoted a Tory that he refuses to read the paper of the Labour Party. But we would remind him that there art always three Tory papers in the Reading Room for the majority, and the " Daily Herald " (one paper) represents the demands of the minority. Also we would remind him that his " Daily Mail " is sent every day to his house.—EDS. VIG.]

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, I think it would be a very good idea for each House to have a librarian because, when such oddities as new books arrive, the librarians pounce upon them and for the whole term they circulate through their respective Houses and the unfortunate Houses without librarians do not get the said books till months afterwards. With the usual apologies, etc., Yours, NOVELIST."

[We cannot but take up the cause of the Librarians against the scurrilous attacks of Novelist. New books are certainly not " oddities," and we ourselves have not noticed that they are the monopoly of the Librarians.—EDS. VIG.]

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Allow us to make a plea on behalf of Boxing. It is shameful that in this School there should be no proper provision for boxing lessons, and we cannot but think that this is due to a lack of enthusiasm on the part of the members of the School. Next term especially arrangements might be made for those who wish to indulge in what is undoubtedly the finest possible form of indoor exercise. We would, moreover, go so far as to advocate compulsory boxing for those physically fit. For there is no doubt that those who most need boxing are those individuals who are too indifferent to any form of hard physical effort, and too averse to anything at all likely to hurt their pretty faces, to box voluntarily. People are inclined to look on boxing as a low form of sport, on a level with cock-fighting and bear-baiting. But we venture to suggest that boxing can be carried out in a right spirit, and bring out noble qualities, just as Rugger can be played in a wrong spirit and bring out the worst qualities of a man. Finally we urge that boxing teaches quickness of thought and control of the temper ; and brings quickness of movement and physical fitness. Let us box as the Greeks did, not with intent to hurt our opponent, but as a graceful and health-giving form of exercise. Yours very sincerely, Us.

[We are glad to be able to announce that arrangements have been made, and instruction will now be available fpr those who wish to learn the noble art of self-defence.— EDS. VIG.]

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Yesterday, thanks to the great kindness of the proprietors of the Silver Cinema, ~we went to see that wonderful film " Mons." But did we enjoy ourselves? To a casual observer it would seem not. True, some few of us sang scattered words of " Land of Hope and Glory," and we all stood for the National Anthem (though even then one member of the School found occasion deliberately to don his. cap), while there was some clapping at the end. Apart

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THE VIGORNIAN.

from that we might have been so many blocks of ico. Were our feelings stirred? Did we applaud once during the film? No. Now I think that our feelings were stirred, but we did not like to show it. " We are we. We are intellectually superior to this appeal to sentiment. We must not appear to be enjoying ourselves. Let us leave all show of enthusiasm to the parterre." And so we stifled our feelings of patriotism and loyal ardour in order (as we thought) to assert our own intellectual superiority, which you, sirs, will agree is the grossest form of snobbishness.

" Laissons nous aller de bonne foi aux choses qui nous prcnncnt par les entrailles, et ne cherchons point de raisonnenients pour nous empecher d'avoir du plaisir." Yours, etc., " IMP." [We wonder that " Imp " should expect us to applaud a picture. One might as well walk around the National Gallery clapping the pictures one liked. We hope that at the first opportunity, he dealt in the approved manner with that member of the School who donned his cap during the National Anthem.—EDS. VIG.]