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Che Uigornian. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, " ra piv Stcaicra fjarOavt>>, TO. 0 ttipera £»;rfc, ra 5' tiikra Trapa Otitv ;/r7/<ra^t»;r."

No 119.

JULY,

VOL. IX.

Contents. Editorial School Calendar ... ... ... School Notes In Memoriam ... ... ... ... Athletic Sports Prize-Giving Cricket Rowing Notes ... ... ... ... Rowing Swimming ... ... ... ... Shooting Fives Competitions 1927 ... ... Chess Notes O.T.C. Notes O.V. News The General Knowledge Paper 1927 ... The Library ... ... ... ... The Field Club A Day with Bedouin Sheikhs Concerning the Eclipse ... ... ... " Der Tag" ... Crescendo and Diminuendo ... ... Vigornaria ... ... ... ... Barns and Biers ... ... ... ... The Eclipse of the Sun ... ... ... " The Weathercock " School Officers ... ... ... ... A Nightmare ... ... ... ... Valete Salvete ... ... ... ... ... Deplorandum est ... ... ... ... Careers in South Africa ... ... Correspondence ... ... ... ...

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editorial. What shall we do for an Editorial this term? You say " Leave it out; it's always about the weather." But we can see an immortal group of Eds. Vig. standing apart, brow-bound with golden crowns bearing the word " Editorial." A little wrinkle of contempt—contempt for them as never done it—relieves the rigid contour of their saturnine faces. Shall not we too, stand apart with a little wrinkle of contempt? We are resolved . . . " Moriamus et in media arma mamus." Gentlemen, the weather has been fair but cold, wind varying from N.E. to N.E. We have played cricket (almost continuously) and done other things. The Musical endeavour of the School has been unceasing, and with unvaried result. . . . Gentle reader, it really has been very very good, and all concerned are to be congratulated. There has been tennis and pass-ball—an interesting sport that has found its way from Aldershot once again, and has survived a whole year. Also a considerable amount of interesting and ever peculiar contributions have been received for the School magazine, showing that the spirit at least is willing. . . . The absence of both Oxford and Cambridge Letters is, to say the least, unfortunate. But more of this anon. Have we won our crown, and shall we have our little wrinkle ? EDS. VIG.

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Scbool Calendar. Fri., Sat., Sun.,

6. Boarders return. 7- School begins. 8. School Celebration of Holy Communion. 8.45 a.m. Thurs.. „ 26. Ascension Day. O.T.C. Field Day at Kempsey Common. Sat., June 18. Half Term. ist IV at Marlowe Regatta. Mon., July 4- O.T.C. Section Competition. Fri., 3 p.m. Distribution of Prizes by Dr. Pearce, Master of Corpus Christ! College, Cambridge. 5.30 p.m. ist VIII v. O.V. VIII. 8.0 p.m. School Concert and Entertainment. ii.o a.m. O.T.C. Annual Inspection. Sat., 2.15 p.m. O.V. Cricket Matches and Re-union. Certificate Examinations begin. Mon., Mon., Exeunt Omnes. O.T.C. go into Camp at Mytchett Farm. Sept. 16. Boarders return. '7- School begins. May „ ,,

School notes. We take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Moore-Ede very much for her gift of a cast of " The Victory of Samothrace," which now stands in the Chappel Reading Room. * * * We also thank Mrs. Gettings very much for her gift of two handsome volumes of Shakespeare's plays to the Reading Room Library, which is growing steadily. » * * Our representatives at the Duke of York's Camp this year are C. D. Garrett and E. A. Rieu. We hope they have a good time. * * * D. A. B. Hopkin and A. D. Arbuckle are going to the Annual Course at the Army School of Physical Training, Aldershot. * * * There were many more entries than usual for the Mrs. Henry Wood Essay this year. The winner of the first prize was Yarnold. * * * A few weeks ago we were pursued around the school by a photographer. We hear that the results of his visits are soon to be had in postcard form for a small sum. He is coming again, moreover ! * * * The fittings for the electric light in the Chappel Memorial Reading Room have now been finally put up. The pentameter on the central light, " Arte ego suppedito quam

negat hora diem," although it has been recognised (?) by some pseudo-classical scholars as coming from Horace, is in reality the work of Mr. Franklin. The end of the Summer Term always brings us the painful task of saying good-bye to many of our number. We will confine ourselves to wishing every success to those who are going.

In Iftetnortatn. LESLIE ALBERT HAWKINS, born February ist, 1914, died June 29th, 1927. Leslie Hawkins only came to the School this term, and as a Day Boy in the Lower School he was only known by a few of his school-fellows, when we were all saddened by hearing of his sudden death after an operation. We desire to express our deep sympathy with his parents in their loss.

fltbktic Sports. The finals of the Sports took place on April 6th and 7th under weather conditions which were very unfavourable to the competitors, a noticeable feature being the very small number of Old Vigornians among the spectators. However, the events were all keenly contested, though the track was in too bad a condition to enable good times to be recorded. C. L. Garnett, who tied in the competition for the Senior Victor last year, carried all before him and came out an easy winner of the Cup. At the conclusion, Mrs. Garnett very kindly presented the Challenge Cups and the House Shield, which was won by Castle House by a considerable margin. The following were the officials :— Judges—Rev. C. Creighton and T. E. Rammell, Esq. Starter—F. B. Thomas, Esq. Timekeeper—R. J. Castley, Esq. Stewards—Rev. R. J. Whitaker, A. Taylor, Esq., S. D. Strong, Esq., and the School Monitors. Hon. Sees.—C. E. Porter and C. P. Longland. RESULTS. Throwing the Cricket Ball (Open).—i C. E. Porter, 2 N. K. G. Pike, 3 R. R. Haynes. Distance 86yds. ift. Quarter Mile (Open).—i C. L. Garnett, 2 D. R. Davies, 3 R. H. N. Wood. Time 61 2-5secs. High Jump (Open).—i J. S. Colombi, 2 G. D. S. Boole and M. J. C. Stanley. Height 4ft. loin.

THE VIGORNIAN. Long Jump (Open).—i M. J. C. Stanley, 2 J. C. Palmer, 3 C. L. Garnett. Length i8ft. Half Mile (Open).—i C. L. Garnett, 2 D. A. B. Hopkin, 3 O. R. Davies. Time 2min. 25sccs. 100 Yards (Open).—i J. C. Palmer, 2 C. L. Garnett, 3 D. A. B. Hopkin. Time n 4~5secs. One Mile (Open).—i C. L. Garnett, 2 D. A. B. Hopkin, 3 A. D. Arbuckle. Time 5inin. 31 3-5secs. Threequarter Mile (under 16).—i O. R. Davies, 2 G. H. Carrel, 3 N. K. G. Pike. Time 4min. jsecs. Throwing the Cricket Ball (under 15).—i M. H. Cullcn, 2 C. P. Collier, 3 E. C. Mayhew. Distance s6yds. Half Mile (under 15).—! J. R. Partridge, 2 E. C. Mayhew, 3 C. P. Collier. Time 2inin. 4ysecs. High Jump (under 15).—i E. C. Mayhew, 2 R. S. Carter, 3 G. W. P. Stretton. Height 4ft. 2ins. Long J u m p (under 15).—i W. L. Solon, 2 E. C. Mayhew, 3 R. S. Carter. Length i4ft. 2ins. 100 Yards (under 15).—i R. S. Carter, 2 D. C. Royle, 3 W. L. Solon. Time 13 2-jsecs. One Mile (under 15).—i J. R. Partridge, 2 E. C. Mayhew, 3 T. S. Broadhurst. Time 6min. i6secs. too Yards (under 13).—i D. C. Royle, 2 R. P. Royle, 3 G. D. Holder. Time 13 i-5secs. Relay Race (Senior).—a School House, 2 Castle House. Relay Race (Junior).—i Castle House, 2 School House. O.V. Race.—i W. B. Evans, 2 G. Garnett. Pole Boat Race.—i School House, 2 Castle House. Consolation Race (Senior).—i H. L. Hargraves. Consolation Race (Junior).—i P. A. Thorne. Tugs of War.—i Hostel beat Natland, 2 School House beat Day Boys, 3 Castle House beat Hostel. Final : School House beat Castle House.

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They were not hoping to make the School a very large one. Their buildings and arrangements were not such as at present would suit that, and personally he was not in favour of very large schools, because he could not help thinking that there was a limit to the personal interest in boys which a headmaster could take, and when they reached, as they had, over 200 boys, it was better that the School should not be enlarged.

Their finances were in a most satisfactory condition. Their increased income, due in a great measure to the small increase they made in fees, was going chiefly to the salaries of the masters. He was one of those who believed that masters should be properly paid—(" hear, hear," from a master, and laughter)—if they were going to give of their best. He believed they now paid the masters to the best of their ability. This was shown by the good results they got. They had an admirable staff, an ideal headmaster— (applause)—and those who knew the arrangements of the School would agree, he thought, that it was admirably equipped. They were always on the look-out to do anything they possibly could to provide any equipment, apparatus, or anything of that kind that was necessary, and they were prepared to go on doing so, so that they did claim they had an up-to-date school and one that was perfectly satisfactory to its Governors. (Applause.) Mr. Southall told the boys how on one occasion he was awarded a divinity prize, much to his surprise, and how he eagerly went home and spread the news to his people, who, too, were rather sceptical about the award. They flocked to the College Hall with him to see the prize handed to him, but on arrival he was told that the marks had been added up wrong and that the award had to go to someone else. He was awarded a consolation prize, however. (Laughter.) Introducing the principal visitor, Mr. Southall mentioned that the Rev. E. C. Pearce was not only a distinguished scholar, but chairman of the Cambridge County Council and a former Mayor of the Borough of Cambridge.

[Reprinted from the " Worcestershire Echo."} The Rev. E. C. Pearce, D.D., Master of Corpus Christ! College, Cambridge, distributed the prizes at the Cathedral King's School Speech Day on Friday, July 8, in the College Hall. Mr. S. Southall, a Governor and an O.V., was in the chair, and the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Parsons) were present. The CHAIRMAN referred to the unavoidable absence of the Dean and the members of the Chapter. He offered a hearty welcome to the guests, and said he was very pleased indeed to see such a large number of people, because it showed the interest taken in the School, not only in the city but the surrounding county. With regard to the School itself, the Chairman said the Governors were absolutely satisfied with its position. He did not believe it had ever been stronger or better. The number of boys was within one of a record.

THE HEADMASTER'S SPEECH. The HEADMASTER said he could not begin his remarks without saying how much he regretted the absence of the Dean from the day's proceedings. It was the first occasion he had been absent since he had been chairman of the Governors, He would take the opportunity of saying how greatly he appreciated, and he knew all the members of the King's School appreciated, the interest which the Dean always showed, both as chairman of the Governors and as Dean of the Cathedral, in the School, and in all that pertained to its welfare. The same was true of Mrs. Moore Ede, whom they all wished to thank for the beautiful gift of a cast of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, which now stood in the Chappel Reading Room. To most of them Mr. Southall was known and held in high respect—respect, could he say, mingled with awe, as . the Town Clerk of Worcester. (Laughter.) To the School

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he was known and held in regard, mingled with affection, as an Old Vigornian, president of the Old Vigornians' Club, governor of the School, and one who had given much devotion to his old School. (Applause.) There were a great many absentees regarding whose absence he would like to express regret. Unfortunately, all the members of the Cathedral Chapter were away. The Church Assembly in London accounted for many of them. He regretted the absence of Archdeacon Peile, who was unwell. Another person whose absence they regretted was the Bishop, because when he asked Dr. Pearce to attend he held out the promise that he would be able to see his brother at Hartlebury. He made that his justification for asking him, but he did not remember that at that very time the Bishop would be away. Under the heading " Work," the most notable thing that he had to report was the great development of facilities for advanced work in various subjects which had been made during the past. For some years past he had been able to report year by year on the striking increase in the number of boys winning School Certificates. The result was that there were at present in the School 30 boys who had obtained the School Certificate and who were now doing work with a view to obtaining Higher Certificates in no fewer than five different groups ; some in classics, some in modern languages, science, and mathematics. A FINE ACHIEVEMENT. He was afraid this was a dull subject for the younger members of the audience, but he wished to lay special stress upon it for two reasons : Firstly, because it was a very remarkable achievement, and one which he doubted whether any school in the country of the same size could equal; and, secondly, because he did not think that parents altogether realised the meaning of School Certificates and Higher Certificates and advanced courses. The School Certificate was an examination of Matriculation standard intended for boys of 16 and upwards, and in all ordinary school subjects ; and the obtaining of this certificate indicated that the boy had attained the requisite standard of a secondary school education in those subjects. In a school of just over 200 boys ranging in age from 9 or 10 years upwards it was a remarkably high percentage that 30 boys, or one in seven, had already reached that standard. After obtaining a School Certificate bovs were allowed to specialise on the subjects of their choice and read for a Higher Certificate, which was intended to be taken after a two years' course of study in those special subjects. This advanced work was intended to lead on to an honours degree of the University for those who were able to go there, or for those who could not it formed, not, of course, a substitute for University education, but something which, at any rate, went some way towards compensating for the lack of University education. In the King's School they had had for many years an advanced course recognised by the Board of Education in classics, which had done excellent work, as the School re-

sults had shown. This year the Board had also recognised an advanced course in modern languages as well. He had great difficulty in persuading the Board to do so, because they quite naturally took the line that a school of that size was not large enough to maintain two advanced courses. He was able to point to the 30 boys who had won the School Certificate, most of whom were ready to embark on the work of the advanced course, and he eventually won his point, but only because he could prove that the King's School had proved itself capable of doing what other schools of its size were not considered capable of doing. The Headmaster said his object in pointing this out was not so much to pride themselves on their past achievements, but to appeal to parents to co-operate with him in maintaining the standard they had reached. This was only possible if a sufficient number of them would keep their boys at school for two years longer after they had passed the School Certificate. A Higher Certificate was not only evidence of having reached a certain standard in advanced work which would be of material advantage to a boy in his future career : it also meant that he had had a chance of having intellectual interests aroused and tastes developed, which, apart from any question of material advantage, would widen his outlook and enrich his personality throughout the whole of his future life. The Governors of the School realised that there were many cases where financial considerations might make it difficult for parents to keep their boys at school for the two years longer, and they were prepared in such cases, where the need was proved, to grant special scholarships to boys who had done well in School Certificate, and who undertook to remain for the two years of the advanced course. EXTENSION OF THE CHOIR SCHOOL. The Headmaster went on to refer to the proposed extension of the Cathedral Choir School next term, so as to enable it to take a limited number of additional boys, both boarders and day boys, of the ages of 8 to 12. This would be of great value to the King's School in providing preparatory education at those ages to boys coming on to the King's School later. The Choir School had for years past sent a steady supply of boys to the School, among them some of their most distinguished. This gave him an opportunity of referring to the remarkable success of an O.V. who had begun at the Choir School, J. L. Longland, who had achieved a double first at Cambridge by adding to his First Class in History last year a First Class with distinction in English this year, and had been elected to a Bye-Fellowship at Magdalene. This showed, as the Dean had pointed out in his letter, that a boy educated at the Choir School and the King's School could do as well as anyone who had been to an expensive Preparatory School and one of the big Public Schools. Longland had also won his Blue for the Pole Vault and would to-morrow represent Oxford and Cambridge against Harvard and Yale in London.

THE VIGORNIAN. MR. RAMMELL. The Headmaster continued : The other matter on which I wish to say something concerns the Kings' School very closely, for it has to do with one who has been connected with the King's School longer than anyone else and to whom the School owes more than to anyone now living. I refer to Mr. Rammell. I am sure that it will astonish most of you and even provoke general incredulity when 1 tell you that Mr. Rammell has now reached the age at which he is qualified to retire on a pension. I need not tell you what that age is, but it is an age which Mr. Rammell shows almost indecently little sign of having reached. Why, when the Staff played the School at cricket he kept wicket throughout the innings, and then made top score for his side ; and those of you who meet Mr. Rammell daily as house master, formmaster, on the cricket field or fives court, will smile at the idea of his being past work. That is what I did when he came and offered me his resignation. Castle House without Mr. Rammell and Miss Rammell was to me unthinkable ; the time must come of course, but it is not due yet. So I asked Mr. Rammell to continue as House Master of Castle House for a while longer, and I am glad to say, and I know that the boys of Castle House and their parents will be particularly glad to hear, that he has consented. There is one thing which you will agree that Mr. Rammell is justified in claiming after 36 years of teaching, and that is some relaxation of school work. But he rightly did not wish to continue as House Master without also teaching in the school and continuing to associate himself with all the life of the School. When the time comes that he wishes to be released from this he will wish to retire altogether. In the meantime he will carry on as before (and I ask for nothing better), except for two things : (i) he has asked to be allowed to be an honorary member of the staff in the sense that he will receive no salary; (2) I have arranged to give him some of the freedom he has earnecl by lessening his hours of work next term. The time has not come yet to speak of all that the School owes to Mr. and Miss Rammell, but I am sure you will agree with me that the debt has been increased by their consenting to continue their long and devoted connexion with the School in the way that I have described. Dr. Pearce then distributed the prizes, and the Mayor handed the prize he had especially offered to the winner. " COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS." Dr. E. C. PEARCE said it was a very pleasant job indeed to give away prizes. He thought it was a more pleasant job than to get them. If a boy went away without a prize he had no responsibility for awarding it, whereas if one himself got a prize one might have the appalling feeling that it ought to have gone to somebody else ; indeed their chairman had confessed that on one occasion he was only saved by re-addition from being guilty of depriving someone else of a prize.

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It was not always hard work that won the prize. It was not always the proper person who got the prize. Those who had not got prizes could flatter themselves with the thought that they ought to have got them. (Laughter.) He never went to a ceremony of that kind without thinking of what King Feisal once said on visiting a European country. He was asked what he thought of the leading men of the country, and, being a wise man, as all Eastern monarchs were, he waited a long time and then said that he could not answer the question directly, but he could by an experience. He said that when he was travelling through the desert he very often overtook a caravan and found camel after camel groaning under its burden. There might be 15 up to 40 camels one after the other, and when he got to the head of the team he found it was led by an ass. (Laughter.) He did not like to think of that story because, as the Chairman had told them, he was the chairman of the County Council. (Laughter.) The one thing he had to say to them that afternoon was also best explained by a sort of parable. They knew of the two women in the street; the one grousing and complaining to the other that everything had gone wrong and what was the good of anything—why, nothing; the other saying, " Count your blessings." VALUE OF TRADITION. He wanted them to count their blessings in belonging to that foundation. Their advantages were immense over those of their own age, but not of their station. Let them take the first question, that of secondary schools of the County Council type. In Cambridge they had a county girls' and a county boys' school, and he tried to be chairman of the county boys' school. It was the hardest possible thing to get into the minds of the boys of the school what they (of Worcester) had all made for them—history, antiquity, tradition and esprit de corps. How was it possible for antiquity to have lessons for them ? One wondered how any child of an old and noble family brought up in a great house with pictures of ancestors looking down on him could fail to live up to the great people gone before him. How much better situated were they of the King's School than those in a secondary school of the County Council type. How much better off were they than those in elementary schools. Let them think of the great things some of the boys and girls in those other schools might do if they only had the advantages. He had two stories vouched for by two of his Majesty's inspectors of schools. A little girl was set to write an essay on man, not an easy subject. (Laughter.) She tackled it and said that man was what woman had to marry. (Laughter.) Her only outlook on life, they said, was drudgery for her husband. She continued by stating that he smoked, swore, drank, and never went to church. (Laughter.) She said that both man and woman had sprung from monkeys, but that woman sprang the furthest. (Laughter.) Let them think of the ingenuity of that poor

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V), J. A. Crofts (Remove), A. R. Hart (Upper IV), F. G. Rowe (Middle IV), L. V. Podesta (Lower School); Archdeacon Spooner's Recitation Prizes, C. L. Garnett (Upper School), G. H. Nicholls (Lower School); Music Prize (Sir Ivor Atkins), R. P. C. Bagnall ; Mrs. Henry Wood Essay Prizes—Senior, First Prize, F. H. Yarnold ; second prize, G. D. S. Boole and O. R. Davies; highly commended, S. M. Bate; extra prizes for good essays, J. Wilding, R. D. R. Probert, D. W. A. Molony, J. F. R. JonesWilliams; junior first prize, H. G. A. Maund; extra prizes for good essays, W. R. Cox, G. D. H. Rushton, J. H. Waylen, A. H. S. Powell, M. J. Haywood, G. D. Brown ; Drawing Prize, C. Glutton ; Special prize for the best school certificate (in memory of F. T. E. and E. R. H. Lewis, O.V.), W. J. L. Severn; Mayor of Worcester's Prize (Proxime Accessit in K.S. Examination), O. R. Craze.

little child in the elementary school. What, with a brain like that, could she not have done had she been in the circumstances those better-off enjoyed. A boy was told to write an account of a county cricket match. Soon after he was noticed doing nothing. He was spoken to and stated that he had complete dhis task. Asked to produce his work he was seen to have written : " Heavy rain ; no play." (Laughter.) Would any of those present have had the energy, intellect, cheek almost, to have done that. Let them think of the possibilities of a boy like that with advantages such as they had. The speaker strongly urged the boys to make the most of their time, supporting the Headmaster's desire that some of them should stay at school longer. If they could, by all means let them go to the universities. There were no places like them. They were the most democratic places in the world. No one there asked who your father was, or how much money you had. You put into the common stock exactly what you had. If you could do something, well then you were welcome. If you could not do anything nobody said anything. They were the most levelling places he had ever struck. If they could not go to the universities let them consider the advance courses. It was a great thing to do something well. Let them get to know something definitely well and then they would be spared from dropping those bricks so many people did drop bv propounding a knowledge of something the}' knew nothing about. If they could get to do something thoroughly well they would realise that education really taught them not the things they finally knew, but the things they did not know, which was much more important. (Applause.) The MAYOR thanked Dr. Pearce for his visit. PRIZE LIST. Bishop of Worcester's Divinity Prize, K. N. Ross (VI); Rev. N. F. McNeile's Divinity Prize, R. S. Eckersley (Upper V) ; George Nash Divinity Prize, J. A. A. Maund (Lower V) ; Maurice Day Classical Prize, K. N. Ross (Senior VI), F. J. W. Mansfield (Junior Upper V); James Nash Classical Prize, P. Bowles (Lower V) ; School Latin Prose Prize (Canon Lacey), K. N. Ross; School Mathematical Prize (Archdeacon Peile), C. J. O. Blackall; School French Prize (Mrs. Ernest Day), J. J. Painting; School French Prize, School Certificate (Mr. S. W. Whitehouse), E. A. Rieu ; School German Prize, H. L. Hargraves; School German Prize, Lower Certificate, P. D. Rabjohns; School Science Prize (Mr. S. Southall), T. E. 'D. Beavan; Archdeacon James' Accidence Prizes, F. H. Yarnold (VI Latin and Greek), P. Bowles (Upper V Latin), W. E. A. Brown (Greek), J. R. A. Embling (Lower V Latin), J. L. Payne (Greek), T. S. Broadhurst (Remove), J. G. Beavan (Upper IV); General Knowledge (the Dean of Worcester), C. E. Coverdale (Upper VI), J. H. Nicholls (Modern VI), P. Bowles (Upper V), M. M. Hallett (Lower

Honours won by members of the school since last Prize Day : J. L. Longland, First-class with distinction, English Tripos Cambridge, Charles Kingsley Bye-Fellowship at Magdalene College, Cambridge. Winners of certificates of the Oxford and Cambridge Schools Examination Board, 1926.—Higher Certificates in Classics : K. N. Ross (with distinction in history and literature), G. E. Churchill, C. E. Coverda|e. In Mathematics : C. J. O. Blackall. In Modern Subjects : R. I. Graham, J. J. Painting. In Science: T. E. D. Beavan (with distinction in chemistry). I | -

School Certificates : D. M. Birkmyre, G. H. Carrel, C. Glutton, O. R. Davies, R. S. Eckersley, C. D. Garrett, H. L. Hargraves, D. A. B. Hopkin, T. O'D. Lumley, J. H. Marker, W. J. Mayhew, E. A. Rieu, R. H. Rowland, W. J. L. Severn, B. S. Verdier, R. H. N. Wood, W. H. O. Woodrow, F. H. Yarnold. Lower Certificates : R. P. C. Bagnall, P. Bowles, R. M. Brighouse, W. E. A. Brown, A. T. Claytor, D. J. Cockle, E. C. Halton, C. V. Hodgson, W. Hornblower, J. S. Hughes, J. F. R. Jones-Williams, J. A. A. Maund, J. L. Payne, R. D. B. Probert, H. D. P. Raban, P. D. Rabjohns, B.. A. Sewell, J. S. White, H. E. Wood. London Matriculation : G. L. Bishop. Certificate A won by members of the O.T.C. during the past year : A. D. Arbuckle, G. D. S. Boole, J. B. Edwards, E. C. Halton, C. P. Longland, T. O'D. Lumley, D. L. Matheson, J. A. A. Maund, J. H. Nichols, C. E. Porter, E. A. Rieu, M. J. C. Stanley, E. F. Stanton. Besides those who have given special prizes which stand to their names the following have very kindly given contributions to the prize fund : Canon Cronshaw, Mrs. Claughton, Aid. C. Edwards, Mr. C. J. Houghton, the O.V. Club, the Headmaster, the Precentor. Some of the prizes were awarded in December.

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ever." His Somersetshire county songs were also very good. The concert was a great success, and even went so far as to inspire a rather premature " end-of-term " feeling into the hearts of the younger members of the School. Our hearty thanks are extended to Mr. Day, and those members of the School who have given up their time towards producing this effort.

THE CONCERT. The most popular feature of the concert was the rendering by the School Choir of Hoist's " Swansea Town," a performance which the Choir enjoyed as much as the audience ; a realistic representation of a storm caused much amusement. Other part songs sung by the Choir were Lee Williams' " Song of the Pedlar," Edward German's "London Town," with its local references to " Tewkesbury inns and Malvern roofs, and Worcester chimney smoke," from John Masefield's poem, and " Two Cupids " by Wcllesley Batson. In a more serious vein were " My true love hath my heart," by Smart, and " The Knight's Tomb," by Stanford. The audience looked forward to the two choruses " Fair shines the moon to-night " from Verdi's " Rigoletto," and the " Gipsy Chorus " from the same composer's " II Trovatore," and they were not disappointed. R. P. C. Bagnall, P. D. Rabjohns, P. Bowles, H. F. Blandford, C. P. Longland, M. J. C. Stanley, C. L. Garnett and C. Glutton gave a spirited performance of both items. Stanley's rendering of " The crown of the year " (Easthope-Martin) was well received, as also was Comen's stirring " Border Ballad," sung by Garnett. J. E. A. King was quite equal to the difficulties of Schubert's difficult Impromptu in A. flat. King shows surprising technique for his years, and with age, and a little more expression, should do well as a pianist. Perhaps the individual success of the evening goes to Bagnall, whose " Nymphs and Shepherds " and " Fairest Isle," both by Purcell, were given in finished and artistic style.

The Thirtieth Old Vigornians' Annual Dinner was held in the College Hall on Saturday, July gth, 1927. Mr. Henry D. Roberts, M.B.E., was to have taken the Chair, but owing to illness was unable to be present, and his place was filled by Mr. Samuel Southall, President of the Old Vigornians' Club. The Vicc-Chairman was Capt. F. W. S. Watkins, and the following were present :—H. A. Ainsworth, T. Bates, D. Bruce-Jones, A. G. Bain, H. C. Burgis, H. H. Blanchard, G. E. Churchill, M. R. Craze, J. B. Cavenagh, H. B. Downes, J. G. Downes, A. F. Drake, H. C. F. M. Fillmore, J. D. Gerard, O. P. Giles, C. Graves-Morris, W. McC. Graves-Morris, A. J. C. B. Gill, R. I. Graham, F. G. Jones, J. N. B. Lander, P. H. Ludlow, C. I. Record, K. N. Ross, E. J. Rees, L. Rees, J. C. Rammell, E. S. Sherwood, Rev. G. H. Sharpe, R. G. Smith, S. D. Strong, R. E. Thomas, F. I. G. Tweedie, W. F. Underwood, F. W. Webb, D. Webb, G. Webb, F. M. Webb, A. Webb, G. M. Watts, H. M. Whitcomb, G. H. Wilford, D. H. Addleshaw, A. J. Bentley, Rev. C. Creighton, R. J. Castley, T. E. Rammell, A. D. Franklin, F. B. Thomas, G. K. Tattersall, Rev. R. J. Whitaker.

The second part of the programme was supplied by Mr. Frederick Chester, who entertained his audience with a well-chosen selection of stories, character sketches and songs, the most well received of which was " The Big Drum Major," or " the army that went on marching for

Cricket.

1ST XI.

Runs Date. Opponents. Sat., May Wed., 1 8. —Worcester Regimental Dep6t Sat., 21. — Worcester Cathedral Guild C.C. Wed., 25. — King's School, Warwick \Ved. , June i — Hereford C S Sat., 4. —Worcester R.F.C Sat., ,, i i . — Malvern College Colts Wed., 15. — King's School, Warwick Sat., iS.— T. E. Rammell 's XI Tuos., ,, 21. — Dean Close School Sat., 25.— Malvern College " A " XI Wed., 29. —Worcester Regimental Depot Sat., July 2. —Worcester City C.C. Sat., Q. — Old Vicornians

...

Ground. Result. For. Home Won 193 for 6 Away Won 145 Drawn 177 for 8 Home Away Lost 61 Lost Home 53 Won 161 Home Won Home '5° 124 Tie Home Won Home "37 Scratched Home Lost 97 Away Won 208 for 4 Home Lost 50 Home Won 227 for 6 Home

Against. 66 126 42 for 8 127 55 124 no 120 106

THE VIGORNIAN.

54°

2ND XI.

Runs Opponents.

Ground.

Result.

May 21.—Worcester Cathedral Guild znd XI. ,, 28.—King's School, Warwick, 2nd XI June I.—Hereford C.S. 2nd XI. ,, 4.—Dean Close School 2nd XI ,, ii.—Malvcrn College Colts 2nd XI. ... ,, 15.—King's School, Warwick, 2nd XI. „ 21.—Dean Close School 2nd XI. ,, 25.—'Malvern College Colts 2nd XI ... „ 29.—Hereford C.S. 2nd XI July 9.—Old Vigornians 2nd XI

Away Home Home Home Away Away Away Home Away Home

Won 127 Lost 71 Scratched Scratched Won 145 Lost 79 Scratched Won 126 Won 69 for 6 Won 70 for 2

Date. Sat., Sat., Wed., Sat., Sat., Wed., Tues., Sat., Wed., Sat.,

Against.

For.

126 no 79 59 69

3RD XI.

Runs Date. Sat.,

June

Opponents.

Ground.

Result.

For.

Against.

25.—Hanley Castle Grammar School

Away

Won

Result. Lost Won Won Lost

For.

4TH

XI.

Runs Date. Opponents. Sat., May 14.—Tredennyke Wed., 18.—Choir School Wed., June 15.—Choir School Sat., July 2.—Tredennvke

This has been a curious season. The XI started well by beating Norton Barracks, after being 20 runs behind with nine wickets down. Almost immediately after came a terrible and inexplicable collapse at Warwick, and the season went on in the same way, a brilliant victory followed by an inexcusable defeat ; until we finished up by beating the Old Vigornians in such a decisive manner that one O.V. of great experience declared that it was the best team the School had turned out since the days of B. G. Stevens. This was a higher estimate than most of those who had seen the School matches throughout the term had made, and the erratic results are probably accounted for to a great extent by the nature of the batting. We had three very dangerous hard-hitting batsmen, who, unfortunately, were rather rash. Two balsmen were sound but inexperienced, and the rest were only so-so. A pleasant feature of the batting, however, was that there was no real tail, and the last wicket frequently put up quite a good show. It was a pleasure to see the fielding, because, while mistakes were made, it was always keen and fearless, and the fielders looked as if they realised that getting the other side out was as much their responsibility as that of the bowler. A common fault was a tendency to one-handed groundfielding, which can be practised safely only by the best and most experienced fielders. The bowlers, with the exception of the Captain, were rather erratic.

Ground. Away Away Away Away

Against.

CHARACTERS OF THE XL C. E. PORTER (Capt.). Did excellent work as captain. Managed his bowling well, and set the field with judgment. Excellent in the field. Picked up cleanly and returned quickly and accurately. Steady bowler, the best on the side. Hard-hitting batsman, often successful, but vigour and a good eye rarely atone for a straight bat against the best bowling. C. LL. GAKNETT (Secretary). Kept wicket. As a batsman, rather too apt to let the ball hit the bat. Reserved his best effort till the last match of the season, when he made the O.V.'s bowling look very poor stuff. C. V. HODGSON. As a bowler, was too apt to send down loose balls. Bowled very well once or twice, especially against the O.V.'s, who found him almost unplayable for several overs. As a batsman, developed a pull at the expense both of his drive and (in the long run) his average. G. W. ROWLAND. Soundest batsman on the side. but not very quick in the field.

Safe

G. H. CARREL. Promising batsman with attractive style. Poor runner, and bad caller. Safe, but not very quick, in the field. N. K. G. PIKE. Hard-hitting batsman. Might make a successful slow bowler if he had more control of length, and could vary' his leg-breaks with an occasional straight ball or googlie. Rather slow in the field.

THE VIGORNIAN. successful as a change bowler. M. D. B. ROYLE. Has natural talent as a slow lefthand bowler, but is too apt to drop the ball short, and would do better if he bowled with his head. Did not do himself justice with the bat in matches. G. D. S. BOOLE. Fair defensive batsman. Safe fielder. H. F. LANGSTAFF. Safe fielder. As a batsman, helped the tail to wag more than once. R. H. ROWLAND. Fair change bowler. Rather slow in the field. SCHOOL v. MASTERS. Played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, May i4th. This match, which is looked upon as a test of the capabilities of the season's eleven, was marred by a most unfortunate accident to Mr. Halcombe while fielding ; however the form shown by almost everyone, though against a weak side, showed considerable promise. A long partnership between Porter and Garnett, which yielded a hundred runs, put the School in a very strong position at the fall of the fourth wicket, enabling them to declare at the interval. T. E. Rammell, who played a very fine innings and was last out, made a great effort to save his side, which offered very little opposition to the School attack, the innings closing for only a moderate total. SCHOOL. G. D. S. Boole b Tattersall R. H. Rowland c Rammell b Day C. V. Hodgson run out ... ... C. E. Porter c Castley b Day ... C. L. Garnett b Dav ... A. D. Arbuckle b Tattersall ... M. D. B. Royle not out ... ... G. W. Rowland not out ... ... N. K. G. Pike G. H. Carrel (. Did not bat H. F. Langstaff I Extras ... ... ...

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

... ... ..

... ...

... ... ...

... .. ...

9 o 23 70 30 n 27 8

...

Total (for 6 wickets) ...

...

193

D. H. Addleshaw c Rowland (G. W.) b Carrel

...

K. B. Thomas absent R. J. Halcomb absent hurt

Total

C. V. Hodgson A. D. Arbuckle C. E. Porter ... G. W. Rowland M. D. B. Royle G. H. Carrel ... N. K. G. Pike...

o. 8 2 6 5 5 i i

BOWLING. m. ... 3 ... o ... 2 ... o ... 2 ... i ... i *

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

r. 17 14 10 16 4 o o

w. 2 o o 2 2 i i

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

* *

SCHOOL v. WORCESTER REGIMENTAL DEPOT. Played at Norton Barracks on Wednesday, May 18. A thrilling match, in which the School last pair were required to make 21 runs for victory. These they obtained by means mainly of singles. For the Depot Garratt (26) and Bryant (30) hit hard, and Cooper bowled very well (7 for 57). For the School, Porter (37) played a splendid innings when his side was in danger. He also bowled very well—6 for 34. Rowland and Langstaff, the last pair, played excellently. NORTON BARRACKS. Capt Garratt c Porter b Rovle Lt Ford b Hodgson

Sergt. Johnson c Garnett b Rowland ...

...

Cpl Walters b Porter

C. S. M Denton b Porter

...

26 4

...

19 4

...

BOWLING. Extras G. K. Tattersall

...

R. J. Castley ...

...

—

...

Total

...

.. ...

...

126

BOWLING. MASTERS. T. E. Rammell c Porter b Pike G. K. Tattersall b Hodgson ... ... ... R. J. Whitaker c Hodgson b Rowland (G. W.) C. 1. Record c Royle b Hodgson ... ... A. D. Franklin c Hodgson b Royle ... ... R. J. Castley c Langstaff b Rowland (G. W.)

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

32 4 5 13 o 6

Porter Hodgson Royle Arbuckle Rowland

o. m. r. ... 10-3 ... i ... 34 ... 6 ... i ... 35 ... 5 ... — ... 25 ... 3 ... — ... 9 ... 3 ... — ... 15 Hodgson bowled i no-ball.

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

w. 6 i i i i

THE VIGORNIAN.

542

CATHEDRAL GUILD.

SCHOOL. M J

Balch Ibw b Cooper

Wr\Hrfcrin

i H

Wult-^rc

37 0

i '4

B Royle b Cooper

2 28 2

H. F. Langstaff c Bryant b Denton

Total

H. Gough Ibw b Hodgson ... ... R Kings c Rowland b Hodgson W. Green c Boole b Arbuckle ... ... C. Warman run out ... ... ... J. Stinchcombe c Rowland b Hodgson F. Fitzer b Porter P. Whitcombe c Arbuckle b Royle ... H. Manning b Porter ... ... ... E. Gough not out ... ... ... ... J. Evans not out ... ... ... ... R. Drew did not bat Extras ... ... ... ...

BOWLING. Walters Cooper Denton

... ... ...

m. 2 i I

... ... ... »

... ... ...

7 i

GUILD

SCHOOL v. CATHEDRAL GUILD. SCHOOL. G. D. S. Boole c and b Whitcombe

24 3 40 32 45 i 16 o 3

C E Porter b Evans

G. W. Rowland 'c Drew b Whitcombe M. D. B. Royle c Kings b Warman N K G Pike run out G. H. Carrel I H. F. Langstaff ( Did not bat Extras

"77

BOWLING. ... ... ... ...

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

m. i 2 o i

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

...

o 42

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

Hodgson Porter Royle Pike Arbuckle

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

o. ii 12 6 4 3

m. 5 7 4 i 3

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

r. 8 9 10 15 o

w. 3 2 I o i

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

SCHOOL v. KING'S SCHOOL, WARWICK. Played at Warwick on Wednesday, May 25th. After the home team had made the moderate total of 127 on a fast wicket, in just over two hours, the School proceeded to get themselves out in a manner which was quite inexcusable. Three valuable wickets were lost by run outs, while Porter (20), endeavouring to stop the rot, was dismissed by a brilliant catch. The last-wicket partnership between Carrel and Langstaff, which lasted fortyfive minutes and yielded 31 runs, just failed to save the situation by nine minutes. Rishworth bowled well for Warwick, taking six wickets for 20 runs.

KING'S SCHOOL, WARWICK. ... Clark c Garnett b Hodgson Colquhoun c Garnett b Hodgson Shiner c Boole b Hodgson ... Burnett Ibw b Porter ... ...

.. ... ... ...

Davey b Porter ... Rishworth b Porter Randall Ibw b Pike Kerr c and b Royle Talbot not out ... Nixon run out ... Extras ...

... ... ...

... .

7 33 4 o

Total (8 wickets, declared)

Whitcombe Evans Stinchcombe Warman

... ... ...

C.C.

Played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, May 21St. The School were not seriously troubled by their opponents' bowling, and obtained 177 runs in a little less than two hours, for the loss of eight wickets. Rain a t the interval prevented resumption for an hour ; the Guild then made no attempt to get the runs, but by stern defence they managed, before the drawing of stumps, to score a mere 42 for the loss of eight wickets.

o. 16 n 5 6

... ... ...

2$ o 3 2 4 i 3 o 3 I

BOWLING. w. i

r. 60 57 20

SCHOOL v. CATHEDRAL

...

Total (for 8 wickets)

"45

o. 18 19 4-3

...

r. 66 49 24 20

w. 2

...

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

... ... ... ..

28 23 o

... .

g n -, 2

2 I 2

Total

,27

THE VIGORNIAN.

Hodgson Porter Fike Arbuckle Koyle

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

BOWLING. o. m. 17-6 ... 2 22-5 ... 6 ii ... 3 4 ... i 4 ... 2

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

r. 42 36 28 6 13

w. 3 3 2 o i

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

A. Harrison Brookes Blunt Vale Shaw

543

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

BOWLING. o. m. 13-3 ... 6 n ... 3 3 ... 2 3 ... o 2 ... i

... ••• ... ... ...

r. 15 22 i 8 2

w. 5 2 i i i

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

SCHOOL. HEREFORD C.S.

Porter c Nixon b Rish worth

Rowland c Colquhoun b Rish worth

...

G. A. Carter c Arbuckle b Hodgson J. O. James c Rowland b Porter

H U Vale c Boole b Porter

...

S G. Shaw b Porter W. G. Blunt c Pike b Porter G. W. Tanner not out ... Total

5 o .

...

Rishworth Burnett Kerr Clark

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

C. V. Hodgson c Beecher b Brookes ... C. E. Porter b Brookes G . W . Rowland b Blunt . . . . . G H Carrel c Blunt b Vale

Total

...

o 7 o

...

r. 20 28 4 8

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

w. 6 I o o

SCHOOL v. HEREFORD C.S. Played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, May 28th. Batting first on a wicket that was always in favour of the bowlers, the School showed no signs of offering resistance to the attack, and in an hour and a half were dismissed for the very poor total of 53. Hereford looked as if they would suffer a worse fate, until Harrison came to the rescue by playing a very plucky innings of 31, undoubtedly saving his side from inevitable defeat, and giving them a victory by two runs. SCHOOL. G D S Boole b A Harrison 2

M. D. B. Royle Ibw b A. Harrison N. K. G. Pike b A. Harrison A. D. Arbuckle not out ... ... H. F. Langstaff Ibw b A. Harrison

...

Total BOWLING. o. m. 9 ... 5 q ... 2 3 ... o 3 ... o * * *

...

... .

...

j 8 8 6 3 o 3 8 «

Hodgson Porter Pike

... ... ...

BOWLING. o. m. 10-5 ... 5 12 ... 3 2 ... o

... ... ...

r. 18 20 12

... ... ...

w. 4 6 o

* * *

SCHOOL v. WORCESTER R.F.C. Played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, June 4th. The Rugby Club gave a poor display of batting on an easy wicket, only two batsmen reaching double figures, Arbuckle being responsible for four of the wickets for one run. The School found no difficulty with the bowling and passed the visitors' total for the loss of three wickets, and were eventually dismissed for quite a satisfactory total. WORCESTER R.F.C. R. E. Taylor c Langstaff b Royle E. H. Davies c Arbuckle b Hodgson G. K. Tattersall c Carrel b Royle

11 z 13

R O Wormald b Arbuckle

R. Shrimpton c Boole b Arbuckle Rev. J. G. Scougal c Garnett b Porter D. M. Townshend c Carrel b Hodgson

o 6 o

THE VIGORNIAN.

544 BOWLING, o. m. ii -6 ... 3 10 ... 3 3 ... o 2 ... i

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

r. 19 20 9 i

SCHOOL. G. D. S. Boole c Shrimpton b Craze

...

Hodgson Porter Royle Arbuckle

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

w. 3 i 2 4

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

Fremlin Gifford Phillips Crabtree

C L Garnett b Tattersall M J Balch b Cox N. K. G. Pike Ibw b Taylor

2 15 3

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

r. 51 29 36 20

MALVERN COLLEGE COLTS. Verschoyle c Boole b Porter Crabtree c Langstaff b Arbuckle Phillips c and b Porter Gifford c Boole b Porter ...

C E Porter c Taylor b Tattersill

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

BOWLING. o. m. 17-3 ... 5 12 ... 7 12 ... 3 3 ... o

I IO

Lister c Ralph b Porter

7 o o 6 ii o o

Whitlev b Arbuckle Duncan b Hodgson Hamilton c Garnett b Arbuckle ...

H. F. Langstaff not out ...

...

13 Fremlin not out

Total

Rev. Craze Taylor Tattersall Scougal Cox Flows

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

BOWLING, o. m. 5 ... 2 9 ... o 12 ... i 4 ... o 4 ... o i '8 ... o

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

r. 7 46 37 32 15 6

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

w. i 2 3 i i i

Hodgson Porter Arbuckle Pike

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

BOWLING. o. m. 9 ... 2 12-5 ... 7 7 ... 4 3 ... o

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

r. 22 n 24 12

w. I 5 4 o

SCHOOL v. MALVERN COLLEGE COLTS. Played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, June nth. Batting first on an easy wicket the School scored at a quick pace, finding no difficulty in dealing with the Colts' bowling. Porter and Hodgson soon put the School on a substantial footing, and Pike played a fine hard-hit innings towards the end of the innings. When the visitors went in to bat, good bowling by Porter caused disaster, six wickets falling for 27 runs. A sound effort by Gifford almost saved the rot, but the task proved too difficult for them. SCHOOL. G. D. S. Boole b Fremlin G. H. Carrel c Crabtree b Fremlin ... ... ... C. V. Hodgson c Duncan b Phillips ... C. E. Porter c Phillips b Crabtree ... ... ... G. W. Rowland run out ... C. L. Garnett Ibw b Phillips ... ... M. J. Balch c Lewis b Crabtree ... ... ... ... N. K. G. Pike not out ............ M. D. B. Royle b Phillips ............ A. D. Arbuckle b Phillips ... H. F. Langstaff c Lewis b Fremlin ...

Extras

... Total

...

. . ... ... ...

26 24 6 2 ii

42 o 6 8 14

SCHOOL v. KING'S SCHOOL, WARWICK. Played on the New Road Ground on Wednesday, June lathWarwick batted first, and Clark, taking advantage of some good luck at the start, scored 53, to give his side a good beginning. However, after his dismissal, the batting became tediously slow; they eventually compiled a moderate score in two and a half hours. The School were left with ninety minutes in which to get the runs. Hodgson rapidly made 24, and Porter, hitting hard from the beginning, made it at once apparent that some result should be attained. Burnett was bowling well and seven wickets were down for 80, but Porter continued to hit so hard that he hit off the deficit in four overs. When, however, the scores were a tie, he was well caught in attempting a big hit. With still two wickets to fall the School appeared to have certain victory, but the last two batsmen were out with two successive balls, leaving a thrilling match a tic. KING'S SCHOOL, WARWICK. Clark Ibw b Porter Coloquhuon b Porter Bingham c Carrel b Hodgson Burnett b Porter Davey not put ... .,.

S3 ii S o

THE VIGORNIAN. Tandy c Garnett b Royle Rish worth run out ...

... ...

12 o

Randal b Porter ... Kerr Ibw b Porter ... Talbot b Pike

... ...

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

... ... ...

o 3 5

... ...

— C. V. Hodgson.. C. E. Porter ... R. H. Rowland M. D. B. Royle N. K. G. Pike... G. W. Rowland

BOWLING. o. m. 19 ... 3 23 ... 9 5 ... 2 6 ... i 3-8 ... — 2 ... i

r. 35 29 10 29 7 i

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

w. i 6 — i i —

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

SCHOOL. G. D. S. Boole c Tandy b Burnett

...

N. K. G. Pike c Tandy b Burnett

24 68

R H Rowland b Clark

...

SCHOOL G. H. Carrel st Rammell b '1 attersall

G. W. Rowland c Rammell b Chatterley

...

N K. G. Pike c Record b Chatterley ... M. J. Balch Ibw b Bunting ... ... M. D. B. Rovle b Bunting A. D. Arbuckle run out ... . . . . H. F. Langstaff c Record b Bunting ...

... ...

...

n o o 5 9

Total

...

137

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

r. 24 59 31 2

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

w. — 4 4 i

... BOWLING.

C. V. Hodgson c Clark b Burnett C. E Porter c Burnett b Kerr . .

545

W. F. Spreckley W. M. Chatterley Dr. Bunting ... G. K. Tattersall

o. 8 18 13-6 3

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

m. i 3 6 2

T. E. RAMMELL, ESQ.'S, XL Dr. E. L. Bunting b Hodgson ... ... ... Col. F. L. Footner c Arbuckle b Hodgson ... W. N. Chatterley b Porter Rev. W. H. Wood b Hodgson D Webb c Langstaff b Royle . W. F. Spreckley c Pike b Rovle ... ... Rev. R. Craze c Arbuckle b Porter C I Record b Porter ... ... ... . G. K. Tattersall c Balch b Porter T E Rammelt b Hodgson

Rishworth Burnett Clark Kerr

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

o. 7 n 5-3 i

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

m. 2 — — —

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

r. 34 48 26 9

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

w. i 6 2 I

* * »

SCHOOL v. T. E. RAMMELL'S XI. Played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, June i8th. Batting on an easy wicket, the School made only a moderate score. After Carrel and Porter had carried the total to 73, good bowling by Dr. Bunting caused a rot to set in. It was only Garnett who showed any opposition, he playing a valuable innings. Dr. Bunting and Col. Footner gave the visitors a good start, but then wickets fell rapidly. When the last pair became associated fifty runs were still required. Rain began to fall heavily but T. E. Rammell and Partridge played so pluckily that when they were parted they were only 27 runs behind the School total ; a very exciting finish to a most enjoyable match.

Total

C. V. Hodgson.. C. E. Porter ... A. D. Arbuckle M. D. B. Royle

...

BOWLING. o. m. 13-5 ... i 12 ... 3 5 ... i 4 ... —

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

... ...

... ... ...

20 18 3 i n o i o u

...

r. 31 45 18 14

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

w. 4 4 — 2

* * *

SCHOOL v. MALVERN COLLEGE "A." Played at Malvern on Saturday, June 25th. Playing a much stronger team than in the first match, the home side made a good start with Hunt and Burrows in partnership. On their dismissal wickets fell rapidly, the side being dismissed for a very moderate total. The School fared even worse. Porter and Garnett played two valuable innings, but they received little support, with the result that their innings closed twenty-three runs in rear of their opponents.

THE VIGORNIAN.

546 MALVERN COLLEGE ' 'A."

i j6 o

Bellville c Porter b Pike ... Bird b Porter

o 18 6

Duncan not out

Total BOWLING. ... ... ... ... ... ...

SCHOOL.

19 i i^

Hodgson Porter Arbuckle Rowland Pike Royle

was chiefly assisted by Rowland. Between them they put on 118 for the fourth wicket. This enabled the School to declare for four wickets. Porter's innings included two 6's and sixteen 4's. He followed up this effort by taking five wickets for 16, keeping the batsmen in difficulty the whole time. The Depflt never looked like making the runs. Cooper offered the stoutest resistance. Capt. Hargraves played a spirited innings to try and save his side towards the close.

o. 14 14 7 4 3-8 4

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

m. 6 7 I — i —

r. 23 20 18 14 8 17

••• ... ... ... ... ...

w. I 4 i — 3 —

C V Hodgson c Gill b Cooper C. E. Porter b Denton ... ...

...

... ...

2 122

N. K. G. Pike M. D. B. Royle R. H. Rowland A. D. Arbuckle H. F. Langstaff Extras

...

} \, ( ) ...

15 25 7

BOWLING. m.

... 208

Cooper Rose Walters Denton

w. 2 o o i

WORCESTER REGIMENTAL DEPOT. Lieut. H. E. R. Ford Ibw b Porter Mr. G. C. Cooper c Garnett b Porter ... ... ... Lieut. L. G. H. Bryant b Porter ...

i 33 2

Cpl. Walters c Pike b Hodgson . Capt. P. W. Hargraves b Arbuckle

...

15 28

. . . . .

8 4 2 o

I I O

Extras Total

Thistleton-Smith Whitley ... Burrows ...

...

BOWLING. o. m. 7 ... — 15 ... 3 8-5 ... —

C L Garnett b Burrows N. K. G. Pike st Bird b Whitley M D B Royle b Burrows R H Rowland b Whitley

...

Total (4 wickets, declared) ...

SCHOOL. G. D. S. Boole b Thistleton-Smith G. H. Carrel c Short b Whitley C. V. Hodgson b Thistleton-Smith C. E. Porter c Short b Burrows

Did not bat

... ... ...

r. 41 28 21

... ... ...

w. 2 3 5

C.Q.M.S. Singleton not out . Sergt Gill c Garnett b Porter . Mr. C. Rose c Garnett b Porter Sergt. Usher c Garnett b Arbuckle

...

... ...

» * *

SCHOOL v. WORCESTER REGIMENTAL DEPOT. Played on the New Road Ground on Wednesday, June 2gth. Quite the outstanding feature of this match was the fine innings of 122 played by Porter. Going in when the score was 8 for two wickets, he stayed until 184, making his runs in one and a half hours, and giving no chance. He

BOWLING. m.

Hodgson Porter Arbuckle Pike Rowland, R. H. * * *

THE VIGORNIAN. SCHOOL v. WORCESTER CITY C.C. Played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, July 2nd. On a rain-sodden wicket, the cricket became slow and runs hard to obtain. The visitors batted first and lost three wickets before a run was scored. Then Heaton and Clark put on 30 for the next wicket, but the bowlers were on top throughout and the innings closed for the small score of 56. The School shaped similarly and little or no resistance was shown until Boole and Langstaff entered upon a last wicket stand which nearly gave them victory, but the partnership was upset when six runs were still required. WORCESTER CITY C.C. S. D. Collier c Arbuckle b Hodgson o R. Townshend c Garnett b Porter ... ... ... o

J. Clarke c and b R. H. Rowland C G D Smith c Pike b Royle T Swift b Arbuckle A. J. Boulter c Langstaff b Porter E. H. Davies c Hodgson b Porter

... ..

W Price b Porter

...

Total

Hodgson ... Porter ... Arbuckle ... R. H. Rowland Royle ...

...

... ... .. ...

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

12 4 2 n 8

...

BOWLING. o. m. 15 ... 5 13-5 ... 8 6 ... — 3 ... — 2 ... —

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

...

r. 21 9 11 7 6

...

w. j 5 2 i i

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

SCHOOL. G H Carrel b Harber . N K G Pike Ibw b Harber

G. W. Rowland c Collier b Harber C L Garnett b Harbor ... ... G. D. S. Boole b Price M. D. B. Royle b Price R H Rowland Ibw b Price A. D. Arbuckle b Price ... ... H. F. Langstaff not out

... ..

...

Total

...

3 5

... ...

...

3 i 14 2 2 o 6

...

BOWLING. Harber Price

o. ... 13 ... 12-6

... ...

m. 6 4

... ...

r. 24 21

... ...

w. 5 5

547

SCHOOL v. OLD VIGORNIANS. Played on the New Road Ground on Saturday, July gth. Batting first on a soft wicket the School lost three wickets for forty, but Pike hit freely in making twentyeight, which contained two sixes. Then followed the longest partnership of the day, between Rowland and Garnett, who put on ninety runs in an hour, before the former's valuable innings came to a close. Hereafter, Garnett monopolised the bowling. He completed his first 50 in seventy minutes, but in the next remaining twenty minutes before tea he reached his century, which contained a six and seventeen fours, the second of the season, and was still undefeated at 107, when Porter declared the innings closed. Craze was the most successful bowler, his four wickets costing thirty-five runs. The Old Vigornians never settled down before the good bowling of Hodgson and Arbuckle, all being disposed of for the poor total of 45, the lowest total of which they have ever been guilty. SCHOOL. C. V. Hodgson c Fillmore b Graham ... G. H. Carrel Ibw b Craze N. K. G. Pike c Record b Craze C E Porter Ibw b Craze G. W. Rowland c Record b Craze ... C. L. Garnett not out ... ... ... G. D. S. Boole c Webb b Burgis M. D. B. Royle not out R. H. Rowland , A. D. Arbuckle i Did not bat. H. F. Langstaff ' Extras ... ... ... ...

...

... ...

...

Total (for 6 wickets) ...

...

... 227

Craze Graham Burgis Fillmore Tweedie

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

o. 13 8 9 5 5

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

r. 35 88 31 35 16

w. 4 i i — —

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

OLD VIGORNIANS.

P. H. Ludlow c Arbuckle b Hodgson ...

...

F. Watkins c Boole b Arbuckle M. R. Craze b Arbuckle ... ...

... ...

2 o

R. I. Graham Ibw b Rowland (R. H.) C. I. Record not out ... ... ... H. C. Fillmore. c and b Arbuckle ...

... ...

7 2 6

Total * * *

BOWLING, m. ... 2 ... — ... 3 ... — ... i

19 17 28 o 30 107 2 7

...

THE VIGORNIAN.

548 BOWLING.

m. 5

Hodgson 10 Porter 6 Arbuckle ... 4-6 Rowland, (R. H.) i

...

i g

...

4 j

has shown his interest both by writing the characters this year, and also by sacrificing his valuable time in order to umpire in almost every match this season ; and in like manner to those many other masters who have shown their interest by invaluable coaching in the nets and in the junior games. C.E.P.

C.LL.G.

* * * RESULTS. Played. 13

Lost. 4

Won. 7

Drawn. 1

Rowing notes.

Tied. 1

One of the most marked features of this season's Rowing has been the remarkably good races that have been rowed in all three fours.

BATTING AVERAGES. No. Most Times of in Not Inns. Inns. Out. Name. 13 0 122 C. E. Porter ... 13 107* C. L. Garnett 4 13 G W . Rowland ... 3 39* 9 26 11. F. Langstaff 4 13 o 40 C. V. Hodgson o ii G. H. Carrel 23 i ii N. K. G. Pike 42* M. D . B. Royle 12 27* 3 2 I3 0 G. D. S. Boole 4 11 I A. D. Arbuckle IO R. H,, Rowland o — 4 Following also batted : 8 o M J. Balch 15 " not out." * Signifies

No. of Runs.

474 257 177 76 191 116 98 72 74 40

Average. 36-46 28-55 17-70 I5-20 14-69 10-54 9-80

8-00 5'69 4'44 •5°

6-50

BOWLING AVERAGES. Overs. Maidens. A'uns. Wickets. C. E. Porter ... 168-6 A. D. Arbuckle ••• 54'4 C. V. Hodgson ... 158-4 10 G. W . Rowland N. K. G. Pike ... 30-6 M. D. B. Royle ••• 39 R. H . Rowland ... 16

62 18 45 i 6 9 2

The following also bowled : G. H. Carrel i. I *

The first crew lost to Hereford by three feet after a most exciting race, which is described elsewhere. They beat Imperial Service College, Windsor, in the Public Schools Cup, at Marlow, by three feet, in their first heat.

272 116 320 32 96 127 54

47 19 33 3 8 10

Aver.

578 6'io 9-69 io'66 I2'OO

12-70 27 oo

A new fixture, in addition to their two annual races against Monmouth and Hereford, was arranged for the 2nd IV this year in a three-cornered race against Clifton College and Cheltenham College 2nd IV's. This fixture was a great success, Clifton winning from Cheltenham by one foot after a most exciting race. The 3rd IV this year acquitted themselves in noble fashion against St. Edward's, Oxford, 3rd IV, winning, after a ding-dong struggle, by one foot. Junior Rowing has proceeded this term with much keenness and the Junior House Fours showed that there is plenty of good material available from which to build up future crews. There are, however, two things that several beginners are apt to do and which were rather prevalent in junior rowing. The first is a curved back, the second is pulling with the arms. No man ever looks an oarsman if he sits all hunched up in the boat and if he lugs at the oar with his arms. The Junior House crews soon got out of this, and all crews rowed very well indeed in the Junior House races which were won by Day Boys, who beat a combined Castle and School House crew in the final by i j lengths. The Day Boys were an exceptionally large crew, a thing which counted a great deal with a stream running such as there was on the dav.

Mr. Samuel Southall, O.V., has given a prize for the best bowler of the year. We are indebted to Mr. Southall for so manv gifts that we feel unequal to the task of thanking him. The winner is C. E. Porter.

In the first round a Castle and School House crew beat the School House crew by two lengths. School House crew were by far the most stylish and well together of the three crews, but they lacked length and weight, which was the cause of their defeat.

A summary of the season's cricket cannot be completed without mention being made of the continued untiring interest taken by Mr. Rammell in all the departments of the game. Also we are most grateful to Mr. Whitaker, who

It may be of interest to some to know that this year Castle House's record for having the stroke of the first IV has been broken; the stroke this year being in School House. For the past eight years the stroke of the ist IV has been in Castle House. This, we believe, is something of a record,

THE VIGORNIAN. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Strong for all the time he has given up to the coaching of the ist IV and to Rowing in general ; also to Mr. Bentley and Mr. Addleshaw for the time and trouble they have given in coaching the 2nd and 3rd IV's ; and, finally, to Mr. Brown, of the Blind College B.C., who was kind enough to lend us two VIU's again for the O.V. race.

Rowing. SCHOOL v. HEREFORD. Our annual fixture with Hereford was rowed this year at Hereford. The course was their usual course, from the Elms to the Swimming Club. Conditions were not exactly ideal, there being a strong wind up stream, which rather troubled the crews. Hereford got away well from the start and were half a length up after ten strokes ; and rowing a slightly faster stroke, they kept their lead for the first two minutes. The School spurted slightly, and by the end of the second minute were nearly level with them. Hereford replied well and drew away again. The School again spurted at the railway bridge and went up well; however, they could not quite overtake Hereford, who managed to keep ahead and win by a canvas it was a very good race throughout and certainly one of the closest there have been between the two schools for many years. It was the School's first race of the season, and considering there were no old colours left, they acquitted themselves very creditably, and they gained much valuable experience which helped them considerably in competing for the Public Schools Cup at Marlow.

OLD V I G O R N I A N S ' V I I I v. KING'S SCHOOL VIII. Once more, owing to the kindness of Mr. Brown, of the Blind College R.C., the annual boat race versus the Old Vigornians was able to be rowed in eights. This year, however, the race was rowed on slides and not on fixed seats as in previous years. The Old Vigornians were fortunate in obtaining three good men for " stroke," " seven," and " three," who were in excellent training and who had been rowing all the season. The course was from the first lock to the end of the top promenade. There was a very strong stream running. The O.V. had as usual the weir side. Both crews got bad starts. The O.V, nearly caught a " crab " and " 2's " strap in the School boat broke. However, the O.V. went ahead, and were nearly a length up at the end of the first ten strokes, the School rowing at a much slower stroke, still lost ground, and were just over a length behind at Diglis Hotel. The O.V. were rowing very well, their stroke having them well in hand.

549

The School spurted but made little impression on the O.V., and still spurting went up well only to lose by threequarters of a length. The O.V. had an admirable slroke in H. S. Spong, who stroked the ist IV last year, who was in good training, and having a fit " 7 " in C. E. N. Davies behind him, did much in obtaining this very unusual victory for the O.V. This is the first time the O.V. have won a race against the School for many years. Full credit must be given the whole crew for doing so well. Crews :— School. Bow. E. F. Stanton. 2. P. Haynes. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Stroke. Cox.

O.V. Bow. L. Rees. 2. W. Me. GravesMorris. J. B. Edwards. 3. J. A. W. Rogers. M. J. C. Stanley. 4. A. F. Drake. J. S. Colombi. 5. C. I. Record. P. C. W. Monahan. 6. G. Webb. D. A. B. Hopkin. 7. C. N. Davies. E. C. Halton. Stroke. H. S. Spong. R. S. Carter. Cox. R. P. Royle.

THE IST IV. With the departure of all last year's first colours, the prospects for the season seemed very doubtful, and the members of the ist IV have every reason to be very satisfied indeed with the results they have obtained, having defeated three of their old rivals.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS CUP. It was evident on the Friday when the School crews were practising at Marlow that there would be some good even racing for the Cup this year. In the first heat we were drawn against the Imperial Service College and Monmouth. With the former we had one of the best races possible, and just managed to obtain a victory by three feet, after a very exciting race, in which Carter, by his very excellent steering, played no small part. Monmouth, after keeping with us for half the race, dropped behind and were some way behind at the finish. The winning of this heat, however, did not put us in the final, as it had done on two other occasions, and in the next heat we met St. Edward's, Oxford, and Tonbridge, who had won their heat by a quarter of a length from Clifton and King's, Canterbury, in exactly the same time as we had won ours. This again proved to be a very exciting contest, for at half way there seemed little between all three boats. St. Edward's, however, began to lose ground, and it soon became certain we should beat them.

THE VIGORNIAN.

550

Tonbridge went ahead and were leading by just over a length, when Halton made a good effort to work the stroke up, which brought us up again a little, but Tonbridge responded, and won by a length, St. Edward's being about two lengths behind us. In the final, Winchester just managed, after a very exciting race, to beat Tonbridge by three feet, and so retained the Cup. * » » CHARACTERS OF THE CREW. (Bow) J. S. COLOMBI (lost 61bs.). His blade work and swing forward is inclined to be erratic, but this has gradually improved. He rows himself out and has a very effective leg drive, and his work is always very genuine. (2) P. C. W. MONAHAN (last 61bs.). Has attained a very fair and orthodox style. His finish is rather weak, but he has made full use of his weight and length, and has excellent prospects of becoming a very good oar. (3) D. A. B. HOPKIN (ust 4lbs.). Has not yet got quite the steadiness over the stretcher that is necessary, but his hard beginning and drive from the stretcher has been very good, and with more steadiness and little more length, should be a very valuable " 3 " next season. (Stroke). E. C. HALTON (lost iolbs.). Considering that he had had no previous racing experience before this season, he has done remarkably well. Digging and having his hands rather heavy over the stretcher at times are his chief faults, but he sets a very fair length and rhythm, and should be a very good stroke indeed next season.

in Clifton winning by a foot, with one length between Cheltenham and ourselves. This was the first time this fixture had been arranged and it is hoped to make it an annual fixture. On June 25th, St. Edward's, Oxford, came to Worcester, and again a good race was witnessed. In this race Stanley rowed with good judgment. The crews got off well together and were never more than a few feet ahead of each other in turn. At the bend by the Grand Stand St. Edward's drew ahead slightly, but Stanley kept his head and delayed his effort. We had made up the distance and were level at the Baths. Soon after, Stanley commenced his spurt and drew half a length ahead. Unfortunately at this point stroke in the Oxford boat caught a crab and we finished two lengths ahead. In this race Royle, coxing, steered a better course and was generally better than in the previous race. The Monmouth race, which had twice previously been postponed, was rowed finally at Monmouth on June 28th. The crew were by this time rowing well and were well together. They got a good start and led all the way, eventually winning by two lengths. Again Stanley rowed a good race, and it is chiefly owing to him that his crew have acquitted themselves so well in all their races. (Cox) ROYLE n R. P. Was erratic at first but improved steadily during the term. He should be useful next year. (Bow) STANTON, E. F. A very useful oar, short but neat, and pulls his weight. (2) HAYNES I P. A very much improved oar, though still inclined to use his arms too much.

(Cox). R. S. CARTER (?st.). Has kept up his reputation of being able to steer a very good course, and he ranks high amongst past coxes.

(3) EDWARDS, J. B. Is very short but has good legdrive ; blade work good.

The crew, as a whole, has rather a poor style, but has made its pace by having a good leg drive, and some very fair length, the latter being one of the essentials, of course, for a successful crew.

(Stroke) STANLEY, M. J. C. An excellent oar, though rather short. Rows with very good judgment and was the making of his crew. # * *

S.D.S.

* 2ND

» * IV.

After a little changing about early in the term the 2nd IV were fortunate in settling down into their positions in the boat and continued steadily with their training. Their first race was against the 2nd IV's of Cheltenham and Clifton and was rowed at Tewkesbury. We were unfortunate in having last choice of station and had the worst of the only bend in the course, which was about 6J furlongs. The start was delayed by a collision between Cheltenham and Clifton and a re-start was ordered. We got off well and held Cheltenham for half the course and were leading from Clifton by threequarters of a length. At the bend Cheltenham drew ahead but Clifton, who were rowing extremely well, were gradually drawing up, and from the bend challenged Cheltenham. A very good finish resulted

3RD IV v. ST. EDWARD'S, OXFORD 3 R D IV. This race was rowed at Worcester on June igth. The School got a better start than their opponents and then settled down to a steady rate of striking. St. Edward's School then made a strong effort and drew level, but Wingfield Digby brought in his crew with a well-judged spurt to win by one foot. The crew lacked style and were rather short, and a tendency to rush forward prevented them from ever being really steady. However, they made up for this by a good leg drive and plenty of determination. They row better than they paddle and were at their best in the race. Wingfield Digby stroked most creditably and showed that he could keep his head in a close race.

THE VIGORNIAN.

Swimming. This has been a very poor season owing to the cold weather and the unusual height of the river, which has made it impossible on many occasions to hold the river test. Consequently, up to the present only 12 have passed the river test, although there are others capable of doing so, as soon as the river regains its normal level. The swimming sports have not yet been held but will take place during the last week.

Shooting. For the first half of this term Shooting was confined to members of the VIII, which had two matches, both against the other O.T.C.'s of Worcestershire. We were unlucky in not having Stanton for these matches; had he been present for the W.R.A. Competition we should probably have run Malvern and Bromsgrove very close indeed. Later in the term classification tests were shot, along with the Individual Competition ; the shooting in this was very good indeed, there being twelve who dropped not more than twenty points out of the Possible 120. E. F. Stanton won the Cup with 115, H. F. Langstaff second with 114, G. W. Rowland and R. H. Rowland third with in. The House Shooting Cup up to the time of writing has not yet been decided.

55i

Mr. Whitaker has been most generous in his willingness to coach us, and we would like to express our gratitude to him for his untiring help.

Scores of the VIII in matches : — Chichester Cup. H. F. Langstaff .., 69 C. LI. Garnett 60 W. E. A. Brown .., 68 G. W. Rowland .., 64 W. E. Singeisen 53 E. J. Granger 68 R. H. N. Wood ... 63 H. G. Parsons 38 H.P.S.

80)

Total ... 483 Bromsgrove School 558 Malvern College 547 Worcester R.G.S. (fourth) Conditions Group Application Rapid

W.R.A. Competition. 49 43 52 52 S3 47 42 30

(70)

368 388

388 411

7 shots and i sighter at 5ooyds. and 2ooyds.

fives Competitions, 1927. HOUSE MATCHES. DAY BOYS (A. D. Arbuckle and J. L. King) NATLAND (H. F. Langstaff and J. L. Richards)

NATLAND (15—12, 15—12) CASTLE HOUSE CASTLE HOUSE (C. LI. Garnett and M. D. B. Royle) HOSTEL (C. E. Porter and G. H. Carrel) SCHOOL HOUSE (C. V. Hodgson and C. P. Longland)

is—i) CASTLE HOUSE (8—15, 15—11, 15-10)

HOSTEL ('S—4. iS—7)

THE VIGORNIAN.

552 Final Round.

CASTLE HOUSE v. HOSTEL (Holders).

Neither Castle House nor Hostel had the slightest difficulty in reaching the Final Round, and, as was expected, it proved to be a very close and exciting match. As is usual in the final, the standard of Fives is considerably lowered by the trying circumstances and strained feelings under which it is played. The onlookers on several occasions could not withstrain their applause until the end of the rally—a disconcerting occurrence for the players. Sometimes balls were gently lobbed into the middle of the Court, and as gently returned. No one ventured to depart from the orthodox. The left-hand wall was closely hugged, and outright winning shots were very rare. Garnett seemed to be concentrating on the dropping lob-shot into the left-hand corner, which considerably slowed up the pace of the game. During the first game, the Hostel pair were hitting the ball much harder, and after leading 10—i,

eventually won at 15—8. The tactics remained unchanged at the beginning of the second game, except that the Hostel were hitting still harder. They led 7—o, and later 10—5. It then became quite apparent that the slower Castle House tactics were beginning to tell. The dropping shots were winning constantly and several attempted returns fell short. The rallies still remained long, but Castle House crept up, passed the Hostel score, to win at 15—11. The third and final game was the fastest of the three. Castle House still concentrated on the left hand but their shots were strong now. They quickly went to 7—0 and were leading later at n—5. Hostel made a very gallant effort to pull up, but were obviously more tired than their opponents. They succumbed at 15—10. Porter had played a fine game all through, and Royle, as usual, had been very strong with his left arm.

HANDICAP DOUBLES. th Round Semi-Final R. R. Haynes P. M. Townshend

+ 10

S. D. Strong, Esq. P. Murphy R. H. Rowland i Royle ii

-f-8

G. K. Tattersall, Esq. C. E. Coverdale

-33

C. LI. Garnett C. Assheton

-33

J. D. H. Slade J. G. Beavan

+ 10

('S—i, 15—3)

C. V. Hodgson R. P. Bagnall

M. D. B. Royle i W. L. Severn

Haynes Townshend

Final Haynes j + io Townshend ('5—4. 15-3)

S. D. Strong, Esq. j Murphy ( (15—12, 15—9) Garnett Assheton (15—12, 17—14) Garnett Assheton ( " (15—8, 15—7) Garnett Assheton

f—33 iS—7)

Slade (_ Beavan f (walked over)

From a record number of entries, many excellent games were witnessed, and it can really be said that right up until the last point had been played no-one knew which pair Would win. The final round saw the highest and lowest handicapped pairs meet. It was altogether a strange game, making up for its mediocre play by an abundance of energetic enthusiasm. Haynes and Townshend won the first two points and required only three more to win the game. However, despite enormous and continual energy on the part of Haynes, who flung himself round and round the court

after the ball, bruising himself all over, and sparing himself not a jot, Garnett and Assheton from —33, won this game without losing another point. The second game was very much a replica of the first as far as tactics were concerned. Haynes and Townshend reached game-ball before the other pair were free from the minus, but it was a very tired Haynes and he could not quite win another point. At game ball all, he made his last effort. It was a reeling effort and quite hopeless, but altogether praiseworthy and plucky. He left the court practically blind with fatigue, while his partner was almost cold !

THE VIGORNIAN.

553

OPEN SINGLES. )

G. H. Carrel P. Murphy

Carnel ((15—9, IS—9)

M. J. C. Stanley R. R. Haynes

Stanley (15—10, 15—7)

C. LI. Garnett C. V. Hodgson

Garnett (15—10, 15—1)

G. W. Rowland ii C. E. Porter

Porter

Only sixteen were allowed to enter for this competition. The winner, Garnett, lost the first ten points in his matches, both against Hodgson, and against Porter. With the latter he had a good game all through. UNDER 15 " SINGLES. Royle iii Clinch

Royle iii

R. S. Carter Royle ii

, I

Carter

There were ten entries for this competition. R. S. Carter had little difficulty in defeating all his opponents. The standard of play was undoubtedly higher than the previous year, and all the games reflected a refreshing keenness which made them worth while watching. * * * Our thanks are due to Mr. Rammell and Mr. Whitaker for umpiring in the various finals, and to all those masters who took an interest in Fives.

C.LL.G.

CDcss Rotes. Games Played. 6

Lost. 5

Drawn. 1

Won. ii

Lost. 25

Such is the doleful record for the past season. But on looking back at particulars of these results one is tempted to hope for the future rather than to despair. Next season will see three members of this year's team still at the School, and they should form a strong nucleus on which to build a team. The keenness displayed by the younger members of the Chess Club is also very satisfying, and, given a fair amount of luck, next year's team should be an extra strong one. * * * Our thanks are due to the Rev. R. J. Whitaker for his kindness in playing simultaneous games, and in arranging matches, and to F. W. Trent, Esq., of the Worcester City Chess Club, for coming to play simultaneous games.

Carrel S—10. iS—9) Garnett (15-8, 15-8) Garnett (15—12, iS-8)

There were 36 entries for the Chess Cup this year. The semi-finalists were C. LI. Garnett, T. O'D. Lumley, J. D. H. Slade, C. J. O. Blackall. The finalists were Garnett and Slade, the former winning easily. The cup thus returns to Castle House. * * * On Tuesday, March 8th, F. W. Trent, Esq., of the Worcester City C.C., played eleven simultaneous games against members of the School Chess Club, winning 8, losing 2, and drawing i. His opponents were C. LI. Garnett (o), O. R. Craze (i), E. A. Rieu (o), J. G. Beavan (i), C. J. O. Blackall (o), T, O'D. Lumley (o), W. H. O. Woodrow (i), P. Headeach (o), R. G. W. Weight (o), F. H. C. Williams (o), J. H. Waylen (o). # * * During the season, the Rev. R. J. Whitaker played 17 simultaneous games, winning 6, losing 10, and drawing i ; F. W. Trent, Esq., played 19, winning 13, losing 5, and drawing i ; K. N. Ross, O.V., played 6, winning 6; C. LI. Garnett, played 5, winning 2, losing 3.

Fortune was none too kind to us for our last match of the season on Tuesday, March 2gth, when we visited the Blind College in an attempt to recover the Public Schools Chess Shield. O. R. Craze was prevented from playing, and W. H. O. Woodrow deputised for him. The result was a comfortable win for the Blind College by 42 games to 11, but all the games were keenly contested. W.C.K.S.

W.B.C.

C. LI. Garnett J. G. Beavan E. A. Rieu C. J. O. Blackall T. O'D. Lumley W. H. O. Woodrow

A. Brace R. Cross R. Ash A. C. Threlfall G. Miller E. A. Hughes

C.J.O.B.

THE VIGORNIAN.

554

O.C.C. Rotes. Training has been carried on this term without interruption. The two Senior Platoons are well advanced and marked progress has been shown by recruits who have been under the command of Sgt. Halton. The decision to enrol recruits in September only and keep them together throughout the year is being justified by results.

The results of last term's Certificate " A " Exam, were announced early this term, there being only one failure. The successful candidates were:—Cpl. A. D. Arbuckle, L/Cpl. J. B. Edwards, Sgt. C. P. Longland, L/Cpl. T. O'D. Lumley, L/Cpl. J. A. A. Maund, Cpl. D. L. Matheson, L/Cpl. J. H. Nicholls, Cpl. E. F. Stanton, Cpl. M. J. C. Stanley.

The percentage of passes and of marks gained was higher than in recent years. In this connection the following letter was received from the War Office :— " Sir, " I am directed to congratulate you and the candidates concerned on the high proportion of " passes " obtained by the contingent under your command in the examination for Certificate " A," Officers Training Corps, held in March last. (Signed) " R. G. HOWARD VVSE, Col. G.S. for Director of Staff Duties."

the Platoon in Attack. The demonstration took place on Kempsey Common in the morning. Afterwards we carried out the exercise ourselves. The demonstration was admirably carried out and was invaluable, particularly to younger cadets, who have not yet had an opportunity of seeing similar demonstrations in camp. The corps marched to the Common by way of Kempsey village, a feature of the march being a good attempt at organised singing, which deserves every encouragement. At the end of the day an excellent tea was enjoyed on Stonehall Common and the return journey was made by motor "bus. *

* *

•

The Section Competition took place on Monday, July 4th, and, as last year, was judged by an O.V.—Capt. E. H. Newcomb, M.C. The usual keenness and enthusiasm was shown by all sections—most of which reached a high standard of efficiency, making it difficult to judge the best. The competition was won by Castle House Section, commanded by Cpl. Hopkin. They scored very nearly full marks, but were run very close by Hostel Section. School House No. i Section were third and the rest close behind.

The Annual Inspection takes place on July gth and will be carried out by Major O. E. Wynee, O.B.E., General Staff, the War Office. * * * This year we go to Mytchet Farm, Aldershot, to camp, on July 25th.

We congratulate P. H. Graves-Morris (School House, 1920-1925) on being made Under Officer at Sandhurst. The activities of the Shooting VIII are recorded elsewhere. Afany boys have been exercised on the miniature range and as many as possible on the open 30 yards range. The VIII were unfortunate in their matches to be without the services of Cpl. E. F. Stanton, an excellent shot, who was sitting for his examination at the time.

The Band are to be congratulated on the high degree of efficiency they have attained. The drums are as good as last year and the bugles considerably better. They have worked hard and should do well in the Band Competition in camp. Their equipment was renewed last year with the exception of the drummer's leopard skin, which was presented to the Band on its inauguration and now needs renewing. * •* » Instead of the usual Field Day this term we were enabled to take advantage of an offer from the Depot, The Worcestershire Regiment, to give us a demonstration of

The following promotions and appointments were made this term : C.S.M. Langstaff to be Under Officer. Sgt. Porter to be C.S.M. Cpl. Wood to be Sergeant. Cpl. Halton to be Sergeant. Cpl. Taylor to be Sergeant. L/Cpl. Arbuckle to be Corporal. L/Cpl. Matheson to be Corporal. L/Cpl. Hopkin to be Corporal. L/Cpl. Stanton to be Corporal. Cadet Edwards to be L/Corporal. Cadet Maund to be L/Corporal. Cadet Nicholls to be L/Corporal. Cadet Lumley to be L/Corporal.

Sgt. Halton was made N.C.O. I/C Recruits.

THE VIGORNIAN.

O.V. HCUJS. E. W. Lavender is now a junior electrician with the Eastern Telegraph Co. at Gibraltar. Lieut. L. A. Harrison has left the Rhine and is now with the Sierra Leone Batt. West African Frontier Force, Daru, Sierre Leone. K. E. H. Lett writes to say that he has left London. He is getting on well and has started work in his father's business. T. S. R. Hall has given up the land, and gone into the motor business with the General Motors Plant at Merrickville and New South Wales. J. G. Downes has recently succeeded to the managership of the works of Pemberton and Son, wholesale brush manufacturers, Worcester. Major S. G. Simpson has been appointed Assistant Inspector of Educational Training in the Army. He begins his new work at the end of August. E. L. Mercier, after eight years as a " Temporary " in the Civil Service, was appointed Intelligence Officer in the Dept. of Overseas Trade. Subsequently he was promoted temporarily to the post of Private Secretary to the Permanent Head of that department. Again, since then, the unwelcome news of the Government's decision to terminate " its separate existence " has come. He writes: " We have not yet returned to our parents the Foreign Office and the Board of Trade, and it yet remains to be seen whether that happens." But he says that he is only too thankful that he was granted his certificate as a permanent, established civil servant before the unwelcome news of the Budget speech.

BIRTH. QUIN.—On January 19, 1927, at Bloemfontein, to Audrey, wife of Captain S. E. V. Quin, 2nd Welch Regiment—a son. » * * J. L. Longland, Jesus College, Cambridge, has followed up his " First " in the Historical Tripos last year, by obtaining a first-class with special distinction in Part II of the English Tripos in his " Finals " this year. He has been elected to a Charles Kingsley Bye-Fellowship at Magdalene College, Cambridge. In addition to this, he was re-awarded his " Blue " last term, and although he did not equal his record of lift. 3in. (incidentally, a 'Varsity " record " for an Englishman,) in the Sports against Oxford, he tied for second place in the Pole Vault, at l i f t . An ardent mountaineer, he is also President of the Cambridge Mountaineering Club.

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So he " goes down " with a remarkably good record. We give him heartiest congratulations, and wish him all success for the future. G. A. Hill is no longer in West Africa, but is learning the brewing trade with the Cirencester Brewery, Ltd., and likes it verv much.

Cbe General Knowledge paper, 1927. It is a great fad of modern newspapers to talk about the " average man," the " average cow," the " average bungalow," and so on. The fact is that the average man is a most interesting and curious creature, whom nobody has ever met. Yet interesting—and curious. But it is the average boy of King's School, Worcester, with whom we are concerned at present. He, too, is a fascinating personality. For the benefit of the uninitiated we will explain that the average boy is a day boy, and is in the Sixth Form, on the modern side. He is in the Corps, and plays cricket in preference to rowing; but he does not learn music, or book-keeping. You understand? Very good ; we will proceed. The next question to be faced is, What is the knowledge of the average boy? We will endeavour to give some idea of it, drawing our deductions from the. "yearly horror." Now, it is not surprising that the average boy knows, more than anything else, all about the Post Office. He has probably spent many dreary hours there, waiting for a stamp. It is less easy to see why he should know least of all about the painter Raphael. Next to the Post Office, his knowledge of Shakespeare and of Mr. Winston Churchill is best; and, next to Raphael, his knowledge of supping with the devil is least. Then, our hero's favourite author is still Shakespeare, followed closely by Dickens and Milton ; but he has no use for Browning or George Eliot. When he goes into the Reading Room, he reads the magazines, but turns up his nose at chess. We gather this, because he knows what the London Charivari is, but has never heard of Capablanca. But besides Punch, we know that he reads the daily press—or the parts he likes in it. He follows, with great interest, motor racing, the League of Nations, and the Chinese question ; but takes no interest in Flemish art, by-elections or Rugger matches. He knows who presides over an inquest and an orchestra; but not ditto with regard to the Houses of Parliament. Advertisements catch his eye. The most catching advertisement is that for Player's cigarettes (we are in no way connected with the firm); in fact, he notices every advertisement except that for Zeiss Lenses. It would be too much to suggest that our average boy is a Communist. But the fact remains that he is well

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acquainted with the views of Mr. A. J. Cook, whereas he tloes not know the politics of either the Daily Herald, the Daily News, or the Morning Post.

quite unimpaired ; only the red colour of the material has gone, leaving in its stead a more sombre brown.

We could go on almost indefinitely, but refrain for your sake, gentle reader. Suffice it to say that the av. b. knows what it is to have the blues, but not what it is to be a bluestocking ; knows that the punishment should fit the crime, but not the- proper study of mankind; prefers Stephenson to Einstein; and can at last spell " reckonise."

Martley and Cotheridge were the churches chosen for the next expedition. At the former there are some mediaeval mural paintings, the chancel walls being entirely diapered. The paintings along the east wall are the best executed, being in the form of a curtain, the folds being very natural. In the loops are representations of mythical animals, the drawing being most spirited.

And, by the way, he still holds to the old belief that Shakespeare wrote his own plays, in defiance of the modern Bacon theory, and of the ultra-modern theory (expressed by one candidate) that it was A. W. Verity.

In this church also is an excellent modern rood loft, well carved, there being a single screen with splays either side to support the loft, which is reached by the old rood stair.

Cfte Clbrarp. The following books have been added to the Library this term :— A Wing by Night Edgar Wallace The Fellowship of the Frog ,, „ Jack o' Judgment „ ,, The Door with Seven Locks „ „ Marigold Cottage A. A. Thompson A Small Bachelor P. G. Wodehouse The Return of Don Quixote G. K. Chesterton Dracula Bram. Stoker The Old Bridge William J. Locke The following books have been added to the Chappel Memorial Reading Room :— Revolt in the Desert Col. T. E. Lawrence Popular Fallacies Explained and Corrected A. C. E. Ackermann Evo'e (E. V. Knox) Parodies Regained Presented by Mrs. Gettings :— Shakespeare's Tragedies, Comedies, Histories, in three volumes.

Cbc field Club. Up to the time of writing the Field Club has made four expeditions. In the first of these Kempsey, Severn Stoke, Pirton, and Stoulton were visited, all being of considerable interest. At Kempsey is some good old glass, an interesting piscina and sedilia ; also a somewhat exceptional tower arch, the interior of the arch being panelled. At Pirton there is a magnificent half-timbered tower, and several other points of interest. Our visit to the next church—Stoulton—was impromptu. Here is some fine Norman exterior arcading above the north and south doors; its original use is somewhat problematical. Inside is a portion of an excellently preserved mediasval cope, the magnificent needlework being

At Cotheridge is a unique collection of encaustic tiles, two of which are executors' tiles. There was once a third —the only complete one—which was stolen several years ago. There is a good Norman chancel arch, with a spiral pattern on either column which appears to be an early form of ball-flower. The altar rail is old, and there is some magnificent timbering in the tower. The next expedition was to Dormston, Grafton, Flyford, Upton Snodsbury, and Broughton Hackett. Here, however, the only church of much interest was Upton Snodsbury, which has a large three-storied tower, and, in the nave, some good four-centred arches. Last year the organ was completely taken down for repairs, and this year no advance was noticed to have been made. This is a pity, as it is a good two-manual instrument in a district where harmoniums are rather prevalent. On walking through the churchyard we were startled by this alarming notice on a tombstone :—" Reader, prepare to die." We are gradually becoming reconciled to the prospect of an early extinction! The last expedition was further afield, extending to Strensham and Besford. At Strensham is a gloriously carved and painted rood loft, extending right across the west end. The figures on the twenty-three panels are most lifelike. At Besford is the only other rood loft in the district, this being in its original position. The actual loft is inferior, however, to that at Strensham. There is also here a mediaeval painted triptych commemorating the death of the young boy whose effigy lies in the chancel. After this, Mr. Franklin asked the members of the Field Club to tea with him at Pershore. His hospitality was very welcome after a ride of about twenty miles. Mr. Franklin has run the expeditions again throughout this term, and it is entirely due to the trouble and time he has spent that the expeditions have been as great a success as ever.

THE VIGORNIAN. To the Editors of the " Vigornian." " Moascar, " Ismalia, " Egypt, " znd July, 1927. " Dear Sir, " In response to your cries for contributions to the Vigornian, I am sending you a screed of sorts that may be of interest to readers of the magazine. " I hope things are going well with the School and the magazine. " Yours sincerely, " C. W. PRESTON LUDLOW, " Captain, " i/Somerset L.I."

fl Dap wltb Bedouin Sheikhs. In April, at our local Horse Show in Moascar, we had the privilege of a visit from some Bedouin Sheikhs, who had to come in some twenty miles across the desert to have their first view of a British Horse Show and also to compete in a trotting camel race, which they asked to have included in this show. These desert warriors were thrilled with the hospitality extended to them that day, and before they left they insisted on the Brigadier bringing over a party to spend the day with them and their friends in their own village. Early one morning in May, therefore, three Ford loads of us set forth on this adventure. The chief of police from Ismailia and the Brigade Interpreter accompanied us as our host of the day knew no English and we should not have been able to scintillate as conversationalists with an Arabic knowledge practically limited to " Imshi "—a useful word on many occasions but not likely to carry us very far or make us very popular with our hosts on such an occasion as this !

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tent, the front being open to the air. On the floor of the tent were some very fine Persian rugs on which we cast envious eyes. The tent was also divided down the middle by some very charming striped curtains—making a separate room for meals. We were received by the sheikhs in one half of the tent and there were some quite comfortable sofas arranged under the bank of bedding which were much appreciated after our jolting voyage, and after the many handshakes and enquiries after health had been gone through—these latter were suitably conveyed and reciprocated by the Interpreter. After settling down and looking round for a few moments we were given some very highly coloured and sweet sherbet to drink. We were then taken into the village itself and shown all the sheikhs' possessions—Arab horses and brood mares, camels, sparrow-hawks and saddlery. The succession of " turns '' bore a distinct resemblance to a circus, and the obvious pride the sheikhs took in showing off their possessions was very like that evinced by children when showing off their toys. We all secured some good " snaps " of this really fine show, and after about one hour we were taken on to the verandah of the one fairly respectable building in the village—the harem. Very highly coloured and sickly syrup was now brought out for us to drink and the ladies of the party were then taken to see the women folk. I understand they were made to decorate themselves up with heavy gold ornaments—causing much amusement to the harem ladies. These latter see very little of the outside world except occasional rides in one of the sheikhs' motor cars. We were then told that we were going to see one of the hooded sparrow-hawks pounce on to a pigeon. It was a cruel exhibition and not in accordance with our ideas of sport—but one had to realise that these hawks had to be given two live pigeons a day each, in order to keep them in training for hawking, and that what we saw was merely giving the bird part of its lunch. It appears they kept thousands of pigeons merely to be used as food for their hawks.

Our cars were met at the village entrance by horsemen mounted on some very fine Arabs, and it was very like a cinema film as we ploughed our way through the sand escorted by this pirouetting and curvetting troupe.

After this we adjourned back to the large tent, whither most of the village seemed to drift and stand and stare at their masters' strange guests. More horses were brought into the tent, trampling over those fine Persian mats, for us to see and admire. Each sheikh seemed to want you to say that his animal was better than the others. By now we could see large dishes being conveyed across the sand to the other half of the tent and knew that the great ordeal of the visit was at hand—the feast.

On the top of a sandy hill and right in among the mud houses of the village a huge camel-hair tent had been erected. This, it appeared, was used as a reception room by day for the Sheikhs and their guests and at night as a general sleeping apartment, as it had bedding, consisting of brightly coloured blankets, pillows, and eiderdowns very neatly and effectively arranged round three sides of the

We expected to have to sit on the ground and eat with our fingers, but found to our surprise that we were to sit down to a table with tablecloth, cutlery and chairs. There were about a dozen of us with the sheikhs, and the table presented a wonderful sight, as heaped on it were two whole roasted lambs, two turkeys, plates of rice and liver, pigeon, fruit and chapaties.

Even Fords could not manage the loose sand of the straight route across the desert—so we had a 62 miles roundabout journey through Tel-el-Kebir—mostly over very bad, bumpy and dusty roads.

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We were all expected to stand up and carve off whatever portion of any joint or bird we liked the look of. While you were not looking one of the sheikhs would pile your plate with something else and it was nothing strange to have lamb, turkey and pigeon all on your plate at the same time. I saw one of the. sheikhs pull a piece of a turkeys' wing off with his fingers, eat it and grunt with approval, and the next thing I knew was that the remainder of the wing had been put on my plate by his fingers—presumably a great favour. The sheikhs started with knives and forks but they soon abandoned them ! All the food was good but too fresh and therefore verytough. We were terrified at first of leaving anything, but found out that our hosts wouldn't mind—so there were many half-empty plates at the conclusion of the first course. Drink was a difficulty—there was nothing but very cloudy looking water, which we didn't dare face. So we decided to stave our thirst from orange juice when the dessert came round. Before that, however, we had to go through the ordeal of pretending that we liked a most ghastly concoction—a sort of very sweet batter pudding but terribly greasy. Oranges and bananas came as a most welcome change. After this meal, we all in succession had water poured over our hands and then adjourned to the other half of the tent for coffee. The sheikhs wanted us to stop and see the hawks help the hounds to chase rabbits—the hounds watch the shadow of the hawks—but time didn't permit, and after we had all taken many " groups " and given still more handshakes, and the Brigadier and the ladies had received tight posies of flowers, we got into our cars for home. It was a most interesting day. The hosts were charming but a big disillusionment for those who expected to see a quintet of Rudolf Valentinos. C. W. PRESTON LUDLOW.

Concerning iDe eclipse. The recent eclipse of the sun caused such a stir in the scientific world that we have thought it well to compile a symposium of the views of eminent personages for the benefit of our readers. The subject is " The Eclipse," and the views of notable people are seen in the following selection : THE PRIME MINISTER : " A magnificent, imposing and impressive spectacle." LORD ROTHERMERE : " The eclipse was a great success, thanks to the preparations made by the Daily Mail." MR. GEORGE LANSBURY : " I don't see what it matters, since the workers were too tired to look at it." THE DEAN OF ST. PAUL'S : " It is a sign of our decadence that such a fuss should be made over an eclipse."

MR. A. J. COOK : " I am looking forward to the day when the bourgeoisie will be eclipsed by the British proletariat." MR. G. K. CHESTKKTON : " It is a preposterous paradox that everybody wants to look at the sun when least of it can be seen." MR. LLOYD GEORGE : " It is the greatest thing but one that has ever happened at Criccieth." SIR OLIVER LODGE : " The most astounding thing about the eclipse is that it was 3^8321576 seconds early." THE BISHOP OF BIRMINGHAM : " In twenty years' time an eclipse will seem as ridiculous as the first chapter of Genesis does to-day." MR. LESLIE HENSON : " Unfortunately, I was in my bath at the time, and so I missed it." SIR ARTHUR CONAN-DOYLF, : " We were able to take . some very interesting photographs of the fairies on the moon." LORD BEAVERBROOK : " For the best account of the eclipse, see the Daily Express of June 3Oth." MR. GEORGE BERNARD SHAW : " I refuse to make any statement on the subject." [The Editors desire us to mention that all the statements we have made are entirely fictitious—and their decision is final!] J.R.W.D.

Der Cag.'

Troops were massing everywhere. Since dawn, when the bugles had been blown to wake the weary soldiers from their rough bunks, there had been a continual bustle. The last meal had been eaten, rifles attended to, equipment settled. At last the signal for parade was given. Coolly the commander addressed his force. His words ran like fire through the serried ranks ; a cry, not of despair but of courage, came from the throats of his noble men. His troops were ready to follow him to the end, and well he knew it. Quickly they seized their ammunition, still more quickly did they seize their emergency rations. The command was given to march; bravely the little band set forth. At the entraining station they piled into their carriages ; there were few dry eyes after that last, long farewell. Arrived at their destination, out they tumbled, weary and sore from the endless throbbing of the rickety train. Under fire from the beginning ! ! This was going to be a great battle. Youthful platoon commanders, the fluff still on their handsome cheeks, handled their men like jockeys

THE VIGORNIAN. handling their horses. Back at Headquarters, the scared C.O., surrounded by his faithful staff, gravely reviewed the situation. " It comes to this," he said, " unless we hold this gap, the day is lost. It is up to you, Strongbow, to hold that gap-" " Sir," replied that courageous officer, " I will." It was an impressive sight ; the work-weary C.O., Major Beesly, Capt. Strongbow, and Capt. Whayker, all standing stiffly at attention, looking into each other's eyes with the look that only strong men going out to die can give. Smartly they moved away and amid the rattle of riflefire, the crash of Lewis guns, the great defence had begun. Time after time the enemy reached the frail line, but each time they were repulsed with tiger-like ferocity. At last it began to waver. The enemy, under the command of General von Langpoll himself, had pushed forward all their reserves. But was Capt. Strongbow to be defeated lying down? No. " Fire like anything, men," he cried. A despairing wail rose from the prostrate defenders. " Our ammunition is finished," they moaned. " THEN RATTLE YOUR BOLTS AND " CHARGE ! " screamed the indomitable Strongbow, rushing to the fore and leading the charge himself. It was in vain, however. They were seized and captured, many being killed. Weary they returned, captives, in the troop-train that night. Returning to a life as hewers of wood and drawers of water. " Cruel their fate and piteous men say, Heroic boys cut off before their day." *

Not a bad field-day. Why on earth hadn't we more rations? " D.W.A.M.

Crescendo and Diminuendo. Horace, Virgil and Cato Went out one day to tea, Cato said " A potato Is just the thing for me." Virgil being a pious man, And 'twas Friday afternoon, Said " I'd like some fish in a frying pan And I should like it pretty soon." But portly Horace just down from the hills And his fertile Sabine farms, Desired some beer and other bills Of fare for his jovial charms. After they'd finished their " bite o' tea," They started telling their tales

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Of Odysseus or Chloe or fiddle-de-dee While Virgil was making a meal of his nails. Cato was smoking a large clay pipe And Horace was sucking a large cigar. As " self-made " men think that all else is tripe, And when they had spoken the usual rot Such as " Good-bye Mrs. Jones, thank you, oh ! such a lot," This peculiar trio got up from the bar, And put on their sandals and went right away, Having promised they'd meet on the very next day.

Vigornarla. It has not yet been discovered who knocked the head off the Reading Room statue. * » * " Worcester is not in the totality area," said a local paper. This statement was contradicted by several people who viewed the eclipse through their patent sun-masks. » * # The Band reached its six-hundredth performance " Salute the Guard " on Saturday, July gth. * * *

A gentleman who fell out of a whiff the other day cried out, " I'm in the soup! " It is rumoured that the Corporation intend bringing an action for libel against him. * * * It is complained that too much " four-by-two " is being used. The difficulty we find is that when ours comes back from the wash, it is always too torn to use again. * * * A member of the Sixth Form assures us that the Euphrates is the only river in Palestine. That being the case, we shall have to alter many of our popular hymns. * * » It has not yet been decided for what purpose the new Cycle Shed will be used. The story that somebody who was walking up to Shrub Hill the other day overtook three Worcester trams is now proved false. It is known that there is never more than one to be found on that route. " Dreams are the reflex of our waking thoughts," says the Dean of Worcester. Our thoughts on being awoken by the bell are such that we can only hope we do not talk in our sleep. * » » Advertisement in paper : " General servant required, plain cooking." We think we know of one. J.R.W.D.

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Barns and Biers.

Che eclipse or fbe Sun.

Colonel Hickson turned into H Street and walked for his 'bus with head erect and shoulders set back as if he were on parade. So the old dogs were getting him that way, were they? Three more weeks. H'm, none too long, but he would put a few of 'em out of the way. Twenty years' service in the Army and now they expected him to weep and look through photograph albums and ask to see his dear sister. Enough of this humanity.

" . . . And the wise men of all the land emerged from their studies and, leaving their learned documents and mystic calculations, prophesied and sent word throughout the land that upon a certain day the sun would be darkened and all the hidden wonders of the heavens would be revealed to mortal gaze. North and South, East and West, this message passed from mouth to mouth, and far and wide was praised the wisdom of these philosophers, who thus were able to probe the mysteries of the constellations. From the very corners of the earth came people of all nations to see the Sun bow his head before the Powers of Darkness. The same learned philosophers also issued a grave warning to all their ignorant fellow-creatures, declaring that the magic of these celestial apparitions was so great as to be harmful to the human eye, and the unwary might even be smitten with blindness. They, therefore, returned to their studies and their books, and eventually produced a magic charm which would ensure the safety of the wearer, and these they distributed throughout the country.

Sitting in a leather chair at home, he realised that he was in for one of his cushiest jobs ; no responsibility, no fear, and no chance of failure. He knew an old barn which commanded a pretty fair view, with no hedges or trees near it, where the dirty skunks could hide. Not very many people about, but they would come soon enough. A fortnight later he was arranging the last of his store in the barn. He did it all at night, which impressed on him more strongly than ever that he had been told no more than the truth in H Street. For the rest of the week he rested, reading magazines in a sunny deck-chair. He felt quite benevolent at the crisis and almost helped his gardener weed a flower-bed. The lazy skunk! On the last night he walked into his barn and piled up his earth sacks against the door, and over the windows, so that each presented a single small hole about four inches square. Every strain hurt him ; but after the sacks were ready he could sit down and wait for day. At the first rays of light he started his vigil. Stopping for two minutes at each opening, he went round and round the barn. The first person to appear was a ploughman, whistling in the joy of early morning and the scent of the dewy mist. How nice to be out early! thought the Colonel, who always had his tea brought him at 9.15. The ploughman clasped his hand to his left side and fell on his face ; but for a second longer the Colonel heard his eerie whistle, and then the birds filled the air again. The next was a woman bringing milk into the village. Soon she was lying in a stream of milky blood. Then people came running to see what all the noise was about. He had to dash from window to window more quickly, but they all died. He had always been a useful man against the neighbouring barracks. For most of the day he kept up his fire until he saw with dismay that his ammunition was running short. He put one round aside for the end. Ten minutes later he was closing the bolt on the last cartridge, hoping that it would not be needed. He decided to wait till his barricades were destroyed before he pulled the trigger. He would give the specialist's prophecy every chance. They were hacking at the door with axes. The pile of sacks bulged and fell. He pulled. It was a dud. J.H.C.P.

Word came to a certain city of Wygom and careful preparations were made for the coming hour. Early in the morning of the appointed day the inhabitants arose from their beds and issued forth, each with his magic charm. And lo! even yet had the Sun been smitten, for the Lord of Darkness had bitten a large piece out of its side. Then mists arose and heavy clouds, and battled with the Sun, and for a time prevailed; but ever and anon the Sun peeped through in all its glory. And lo! it was being slowly eaten by some monstrous ogre, and was indeed but a shadow of its former self. The watchers then bethought them of their charms. Great was the magic of these charms. They totally obscured the Sun and all the sky around seemed dark and black, but immediately on their removal the blazing crescent appeared once more, ready to afflict men's eyes and destroy their vision. The Powers of Darkness weakened now, and the Sun grew brighter, and, emerging from captivity, dispelled the gloomy shadows from the ground and the creeping mists faded in the air. The eventful hour had passed and daylight reigned once more. . . ." O.R.D.

"Cbe ttleatftercock." It was the last day of November. The weather was bleak and wintry. The Raven flew up to the top of the steeple and perched beside the Weathercock. " Well, old neighbour," said the Raven, "you puzzle me; what do you do, say think? You seem to lead an extremely boring life, and you don't seem to do much good in the world." " Mine is an unlucky fate," answered the weathercock. " I am stuck up here, and people look at me, but few take any notice of my arrow, or of what I say. So many

THE VIGORNIAN. people ask one for advice, and having got the advice, contradict, curse, lose their temper, and take no notice of the advice at all, and so the pearls are trampled underfoot." "Yes, it is very provoking," said the Raven. "What wind is going to blow to-night? " " An East wind," said the Weathercock. " Not at all! " retorted the other, " it's a West wind ! " " There you are ! you are doing it yourself now," the cock complained: "too many are so ready to sympathise against another's faults and yet they themselves possess the fault as well." "All right," said the Raven testily. " Ah, yes, I am generally right," said the Weathercock. " I didn't mean it like that," said the Raven. " It doesn't matter," went on the other. "And then again, I warn people of the East wind, and those who take any notice of me, buy woollen things, and wrap themselves up in warmth, but I, the warner, stay out and face the blast, and accept punishment from him whom I betrayed. How many people set a sentinel and then, escaping by his warning, leave him to the invader. How many people ask you to take their part and then conciliate themselves with their enemy, and both turn on you." " You don't lack praise or sympathy, anyway," sneered the Raven. " Well, if no one praises me I must praise myself. And then I am so far from everyone ; but still I can persist in my purpose without listening to the vain prattle of others." " Boaster! " yelled the Raven. " Crusty bird! •—don't interrupt. I have one pleasure however, the music from the church. It is far away but sweeter on account of that;—heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter, you know, and I am so far away that the music is almost unheard, and therefore very sweet—•—" " You have misunderstood the quotation," said the other. " It doesn't matter," continued the Weathercock, "distance lends enchantment, and the music floats up and hangs palpitating around me, filtered and purified by distance from the creaking of chairs and the croaking of unappreciating hypocrites, and I can laugh and weep, intoxicated by the quivering harmony, and no one can see me." " Faugh! " said the Raven, " I must go home to my warm nest," and he flew away. The East wind started up slightly, the strains of the " Wilderness " rose up from the church. The wind moaned, and in the moan was another moan. Ah ! such a soft little moan,—the weathercock was weeping.

M.j.as.

Captains of Houses :— School House C. P. Longland. C. L Garnett. Castle House Day Boys . . . . A. D. Arbuckle. Hostel . . . . C . E . Porter. Natland . . . H . F . Langstaff. School Monitors—C. L. Garnett, C. E. Porter, G. D. S. Boole, H. F. Langstaff, C. P. Longland, A. D. Arbuckle, D. A. B. Hopkin. F.ditors of the " Vigornian "—C. L. Garnett, G. D. S. Boole, C. P. Longland, J. J. Painting. Librarians—D. A. B. Hopkin, J. J. Painting, C. J. O. Blackall, D. L. Matheson, W. E. A. Brown.

Jl It was a melting hot day, and my throat was dry. I stood there wondering what would happen, my head throbbing, my ears strained to catch any sound. . . Now I heard footsteps, and started. They were coming at last, coming perhaps to kill me, perhaps to torture me. I held my breath and stood motionless, prepared for the worst. They were coming nearer now. I could hear the gruff voice of the Captain mumbling something incoherent. I stood glued to the spot. Terrified. I dared not turn my head to look. My first impulse was to scream ; but I checked it. My heart was beating very fast, and my hands trembled as I nervously clutched my rifle. Now the awful moment had arrived. I could dimly see the forms of the two men stalking towards me. My fate hung in the balance. I had but a faint chance against these big men. Still, I would face it like a man. As the Captain came into view, I tfirust the muzzle of my rifle into his face. He stared at me for a moment, and passed o n . . . . And then I heaved a great sigh of relief. He had not noticed that I had forgotten my bolt. J.R.W.D.

VakU.

Scbool Officers. Captain of School Captain of Cricket Secretary of Cricket Captain of Boats Secretary of Boats Captain of Shooting Secretary of Shooting -

C. L Garnett. C. E. Porter. C. L Garnett. D. A. B. Hopkin. E. C. Halton. H. F. Langstaff. E. F. Stanton,

Upper VI. Coverdale, C. E. (1922-1927), Day Boy. 2nd XI Cricket 1925, ist XI 1926, 2nd XV Football 1927, Librarian, Sergeant O.T.C., Cert. " A " 1925. Modern VI. Woodrow, W. H. O. (1521-1927), Day Boy. Upper V. Murphy, P. P. (1922-1927), School House. Cadet O.T.C. Lower V. Haynes ii, R. R. (1924-1927), Castle House, ist XV Football 1927, Cadet O.T.C.

THE VIGORNIAN.

562 Upper IV. Hart, A. R. (1923-1927), Day Boy.

Lower IV. Richards, J. L. (1925-1927), Natland. Cadet O.T.C.

Salvete. Upper IV. Beaumont iii, J., Natland. Gawn, R. H., Castle House. Muir, A. F. M., School House. Readman, W. L., Hostel. Hallett ii, A. R., School House. IllA.

Hawkins, L. A., Day Boy. Yeomans, C. H., Castle House. IIlB.

Evans, J. D., Castle House. Tysoe, L. E., Day Boy. Yates i, D. R., Day Boy. Yates ii, R. W., Day Boy.

Dcplorandum cst. We have received neither an Oxford nor Cambridge Letter this term. This is no fault of ours. In spite of repeated and early requests to two members of the O.V. section at Oxford, no response was made. Our Cambridge representatives were considerably fewer in number, and therefore the difficulty was greater. But an appeal was made. Our local University O.V. frequent the school in person, but none can contribute to the school magazine. Surely this is a pity. EDS. VIG.

Careers In South flfrica. Since the far-off days of 1583, when Sir Humphrey Gilbert annexed Newfoundland, the people of these islands have been seeking opportunities overseas, and the result of this migratory instinct is the greatest commonwealth of nations under one flag in the history of man. The disturbing influences of the Great War were responsible for a large individual movement during the years 1919, 1920 and 1921. Young men who had become habituated to an openair life preferred to seek wider fields than to return to the circumscribed surroundings and the routine of commercial careers in the home country. In these times of economic pressure it is surprising that more young men do not turn to the Dominions as an outlet for their energies. South Africa differs essentially from

other Dominions as a field for settlement. The presence of a large native population makes the country, generally speaking, unsuited for the man who cannot command at least a small capital. This essential difference renders the Union particularly attractive to young men of the Public School type, who readily learn to handle native labour and whose progress is not retarded, as it is in other parts of the world where labour is either non-existent or excessively expensive. The agricultural development of the Union of South Africa has proceeded with great rapidity during the last twenty years and the path of the newcomer has become smoother, but there is still plenty of scope for the adventurous. There are yet great open spaces where men with that pioneering instinct, which assuredly is not dead in our race, may strive to make nature give of her fruits. Hardships and disappointments there will be, but with grit and character there is no reason why success should not crown the efforts of any young man who is prepared to make the attempt. The greater part of the country, however, is becoming more closely populated, and for the settler who wishes to keep in closer touch with his neighbours there is a wide range of choice. The agricultural resources are immense, and with the people so hospitable, life on the land is singularly agreeable. The climate is one of the finest in the world, taxation is low, and the South African farmer enjoys a Government which keeps his interests always to the forefront. It is not generally known that the Government, through its Agricultural Department, affords to the farmer assistance in the shape of loans and practical advice on progressive farming, and in this respect South Africa enjoys privileges which compare favourably with those available in other countries. Practically every kind of farming is to be found in the Union of South Africa, and in order to give the young settler an opportunity of discovering which particular branch appeals to him, the 1820 Memorial Settlers' Association has founded three Training Farms, at each of which upwards of 40 boys, drawn from Public Schools in the British Isles, spend one year in training. The period at the Training Farm is followed by at least two years with a practical South African farmer. Whilst at the Training Farm board and lodging costs £$ a month, but during the subsequent two years this is free. To qualify under the scheme for the settlement of Public School boys the Association requires parents or guardians to guarantee that capital amounting to ^Ti,ooo will be available to enable the young settler to start on his own, on the condition that during the period of training he has proved himself likelv to become a successful farmer. Life at these Training Farms is not all hard work. Those in charge believe in the value of play at the proper time. Tennis, cricket and football are played, and some of the pupils have bought cheap ponies. There is a practical side to this. Having to attend to their ponies, early rising follows naturally. Week-end shooting trips by ox-

THE VIGORNIAN.

563

Correspondence.

wagon are arranged for the purpose of giving the men an experience of camping out in the bush and fending for themselves.

To the Editors of the " Vigornion." Sirs,

The Association has no land or stock for sale and is not in any way a money-making concern. It exists solely to introduce men and women into South Africa who are likely to become successful settlers and good citizens, and endeavours by every means in its power to place each individual in the environment most suited to his needs and capacities. Boys are accepted under the Public School scheme between the ages of 17 and 20, and must be passed by the Organiser of the Public Schools Employment Bureau, to whom application should be made in the first place. » » * AGRICULTURAL T R A I N I N G IN ONTARIO, CANADA. OPENINGS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL BOYS. The Agent-General for Ontario advises us that fifty places annually have been made available for British boys, over 17 years of age, as students at the Ontario Agricultural College (Guelph, Canada), affiliated with Toronto University. The purpose of this arrangement is to provide, at a reasonable cost, training in scientific and practical agriculture for suitable well-educated boys, desiring to engage in Canadian farming, and whose parents or guardians are in a position to defray the cost of a college course. The course recommended is for two years, and the approximate cost for tuition and residence is 50 guineas each school year, from September till April. During the remainder of the year British students taking the course will be employed on farms, where they will be self-supporting, and in receipt of wages. The Ontario Agricultural College is one of the foremost institutions of its kind in the world, and is maintained by the Provincial Government. The College farm consists of 700 acres. The Government has also a scheme for boys wishing to learn farming without college training. Approved boys between 15 and 17 are granted free passages, while suitable boys over 17 are given reduced passages, costing only £^ 175. id. from the port of embarkation to Guelph, Ontario. They are sent first to the Ontario Government's reception centre, at Vimy Ridge Farm (330 acres), near Guelph, Ontario. From there they are placed in situations with selected farmers, receiving wages (beginning at about £2 a month), in addition to board and lodging. The Government of Ontario has undertaken to provide supervision and after-care for at least three years. Full particulars of either of the above schemes can be obtained from the Agent-General for Ontario, 163, Strand, London, W.C.2.

May I, through your columns, announce that at the General Meeting of the Old Vigornian Club, on Saturday, gth July, it was proposed that " the present O.V. Club blazer being unsuitable for winter use, more especially for Rugby football players, an alternative blazer be sanctioned and adopted." It has been suggested that the blazer might be a plain dark chocolate with the School crest on the pocket. It was decided at the meeting to refer the matter to the Committee. I should therefore, before doing so, like to ask any O.V. who has any views or suggestions on the subject to write to me, and also I should like to know especially the names of all those who, if such a blazer was sanctioned and adopted, would guarantee to purchase one. It is important for me to have such information at hand, before placing the matter before the Committee. Yours faithfully, S. D. STRONG, Hon. Sec. O.V. Club.

To the Editors of the " Vigornian." Dear Sirs, I have been requested by the Headmaster to make enquiries as to whether there are any complete sets of Vigornians in existence. There are several bound volumes in the School, but these are not complete. If there are any O.V., or others, who have past copies of Vigornians which they do not require, will they please send them to the Editors? By this means it is hoped to raise at least three complete sets. Yours sincerely, C. J. O. BLACKALL.