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Che Ukjorniiin. THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE, " ra fifv SiSaKra fiavOavu, TO. 3' cvpera ^j/ra, ra S' tikra Tra/oa Qtttv rp

Contents. Editorial ... School Notes O.V. News School Calendar School Officers Valete Salvete K.S.W.R.C. Rowing Notes ... ... ... Cricket Rugger Notes Speech Day The School Concert Fives O.T.C. Notes The Christmas Concert, 1931 ... Shooting Notes The Cross-Country Run Lectures ... ... ... ... Swimming Sports P.T. Camp The Scouts The Library French France Pencils Lest We Forget A Treatise on Cricket Oxford Letter Correspondence Contemporaries

PRICE is.

JULY, 1932.

No. 133. VOL. IX.

...

Page

editorial.

809 810 811 812 812 812 8i3 813 814 817 824 827 830 831 831 833 833 834 834 835 835 836 836 837 838 838 839 839 840 840

In this number of The Vigornian we have to endeavour to record the events of the past two terms, and even some which relate to the misty distance of the Christmas Term. We will ask our readers to be patient and transfer their righteous indignation from us to the protracted epidemic of Scarlet Fever which is responsible for such unseasonable passages as Rugger Notes in Midsummer. This plague completely paralysed all our activities during the latter half of the Easter term, and was nothing if not thoroughly disastrous, though we are glad to say that with a few exceptions the disease was lenient to its victims. In the School it upset nearly all of last term's athletic events. We were unable to hold either the P.T. or the Boxing Competition and all idea of Sports had to be abandoned. Soon after Half-term normal School routine ceased; first School House were isolated; then the Day Boys broke up altogether and Hostel and Natland were isolated. It was a nightmare at morning prayers to see the School assembled—50 people in huddled groups. Nor was there an absence of the element of morbid superstition wrought by the Fate that hung over our heads— lots were feverishly drawn to determine the next victim, and in some cases the oracle was fulfilled. But enough of this melancholy record; let the memory of it fade with the reek of disinfectant that has at last quitted our nostrils. This term we have been practically free from all illness except for another Scarlet Fever scare which died within a week, and the time has been very full, as is usual in the Summer. If we had had to write this Editorial six weeks

8io

THE VIGORNIAN.

ago we should have had a few unpleasant words to say about the floods and incessant rain, but since then the weather-clerk has redeemed himself and has made a decided effort to make our lot a more happy one. O.V. Week-end went off well, though there were not so many O.V.'s attending as last year, a fact which we put down to the financial crisis rather than any lack of interest. We were glad to welcome Canon Duppuy to our Governing Body, and hope he appreciated the change of position since the last School Prize-giving he had attended—as a boy. After tea on Speech Day we saw the race for the House Rowing Cup between Castle House and School House, the latter winning by a canvas. It really was a spectacular race this year and not a mere carnival procession as it has proved for the last two years. On Saturday morning the Annual Inspection of the O.T.C. took place. The Inspecting Officer, Col. Buxton, seemed extremely pleased with our performance and did not make us perspire too profusely. We were anxious at first lest we had missed the usual extra half-holiday, but were relieved when the Headmaster later intimated that a slight relaxation from strenuous labours would not be denied us. The O.V. Cricket Match was the first we have personally witnessed which could be described as thrilling. That the result should be a tie was a satisfactory conclusion. We think the School ought to have won—but still, we are rowers. We apologise again for the queer miscellany of contents which decorates this magazine. Finally we wish all our readers a very pleasant holiday.

School Rotes. We take this opportunity to welcome the Right Rev. C. R. Duppuy, D.D., late Bishop of Victoria, Hong Kong, who is the new Canon and Governor of the School. In the short time he has been among us he has already shown great interest in the School and its activities.

New embellishments to the School Garden include a semicircular seat of Hollington Stone, of severe but pleasant design, and a tablet just above the fountain, giving a brief outline of the history of the site. The lead statue of Sabrina fair was added to the fountain-column early last term.

A new argument has been discovered in favour of a Classical Education—it enables the scholar to pronounce and comprehend the names of the flowers in the garden.

We congratulate J. F. R. Jones-Williams and T. S. Broadhurst on being awarded Honorary Scholarships in History at Hertford College, Oxford; and F. H. Yarnold

on obtaining ist Class in Classical Moderations at Oxford; also A. V. Parsons on winning a Classical Exhibition at Queen's College, Oxford. We thank them, too, for the halfholidays they have gained for us, this being, no doubt, the chief incentive to distinction. We regret to announce the closing down of Natland, but are glad that Mr. Whitaker will still continue among us, though no longer as a House Master.

Great interest has been shown this term in the acrobatic side of P.T. and we welcome the arrival of a new vaultinghorse in the Gym. We understand and hope that a mattress and ropes are to follow.

Members of the Sixth and Upper Fifth have been to the new Shakespeare Memorial Theatre at Stratford to see performances of " Julius Caesar " and " As You Like It." Opinions on the novel style of architecture were varied according to taste but all were unanimous as to the excellence of the acting.

A few weeks ago we were pursued round the school by a photographer who is preparing illustrations for a new School prospectus. He arrived just in time to " shoot " the O.T.C. with the band in full panoply. We are glad to announce, however, that the Corps recovered in time for Inspection.

We rejoice to hear that the mechanism for playing tunes on the Cathedral bells is to be repaired. There are certain days on which the more sensitive of us have been racked with excruciating pain at .noticing unauthentic variations of otherwise well-known airs.

Since the Headmaster has given us the use of his radiogramophone we have been enabled to form a gramophone club which has been rather pretentiously named the " Musical Society." The gramophone is kept in the College Hall and may be used at any out-of-school times by members, who number about 25. There is a small termly subscription which is spent on records. Some thirty have been purchased in the one and a half terms of the club's existence.

On Tuesday, June 7th, we were visited by Mr. Lennard, who gave an interesting talk on Toe " H " to the senior half of the School. He divided his lecture in main outline into two stories; one about the war and the other an example of the work of the Toe " H " of to-day.

THE VIGORNIAN.

O.V. Dews. Capt. C. M. Lane, 2nd Bat. isth Punjab Regt., has been awarded the Military Cross for gallant and distinguished service in action during the recent military operations in Burma. Major S. G. Simpson has been given Brevet promotion to the rank of Lt.-Colonel, and is probably going to India. * * » Rev. E. Walter Bolland was appointed Vicar of Fittington, Durham, in January, 1931, and has since been appointed Rural Dean of the Deanery of Casington. * * * J. W. Card won a King's Cadetship to Cranwell in December. He has now been looping and flying solo for some time and very much enjoys the life. * * * Berkeley-Hollyer recently went to Torquay as the General Manager of the Torquay Medical Baths and has since been appointed Publicity Manager for the Torquay Corporation. He continues to interest himself in amateur opera and took the comedian part in the production of " A Country Girl " with great success. » * * William C. Edwards, A.C.A., has been taken into partnership by Frank Impey & Co., Accountants, of Birmingham ; a firm with which he has been associated for the last seven years. * * * G, Ashdowne is now in New Zealand. Before he left England he lost his sight, but despite this he is now running a poultry farm there. * * * E. D. Hooper, who is Engineer Assistant in the Assam Co., Ltd., has spent a week at Jorbat with the second session of Assam Valley Light Horse Camp. During the camp he won two silver cups for riding, shooting and general smartness. Some time ago he was made captain of a polo team. H. C. F. M. Fillmore has been appointed Town Clerk of Warwick from the post of Deputy Town Clerk of Bury, Lancashire. F. B. Knowles has acquired the business of G. Chierici Kendal & Son, watchmakers, jewellers and silversmiths, at Stratford-on-Avon. P. H. Jackson is rowing for the London R.C. 2nd VIII. This crew won the Thames Cup at Henley this year. * * *

K. Derbyshire is now working at the Malvern Link Gas Works. * # * P. P. Murphy has graduated as M.B. at Trinity College, Dublin. BIRTH. ADLINGTON.—On April 8th, to Dr. and Mrs. Basil Adlington, Great Yarmouth—a son. * * * DEATH. STANHOPE WILLIAM SPRIGG, a journalist and editor of a large number of magazines and newspapers, including the Daily Mail and Daily Express. He was one of the oldest members of the Savage Club. * » * MARRIAGES. SEABRIGHT—ACTON.—On Saturday, August 2gth, 1931, at Christ Church, Ealing, London, W.s, Gilbert William, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Seabright, of Worcester, to Marjorie Ethel, fourth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Acton, of Ealing, London, W-5. HARRISON—HARRISON.—On the i6th April, 1932, at Edgbaston Old Church (by the Venerable Archdeacon of Birmingham, assisted by Canon. Blofeld), Antony Roy, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Harrison, Whittington, Worcester, to Margaret Lovell, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Harrison, Garth House, Edgbaston. STEPHENS—JAMES.—On November 22nd, 1930, F. M. H. Stephens, to Phyllis May, daughter of the late Thomas James, of Gloucester. GRAINGORGE—BERNARDT.—On June 3oth, 1932, at Liege, Francois Graingorge to Julia Bernardt. * * * ENGAGEMENTS. The engagement is announced between the Rev. Charles Cecil Dickson, Hon. C. F., younger son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dickson, of Preston, and Doris, second daughter of Sir Clarence Smith, of Wilmington Manor, Kent, and of the late Lady Smith. The engagement is announced of J. S. Dumeresque, to Jean, younger daughter of the late Major S. Lorimer, C.I.D. Capetown, and Mrs. Lorimer, of St. John's Wood. * * * FORTHCOMING MARRIAGES. J. H. Walton is to be married on August 6th at Oatlands Church, Weybridge, to Miss M. O. Culver. * * * C. I. Record is to be married on August 3oth, at St. Martin's Church, Worcester, to Miss Margery Dorrell. * * * The marriage arranged between W. B. Benton-Evans, of Worcester, and Miss K. E. Morley, of Walford, Ross-onWye, will take place at Walford on September 3, at 2 p.m.

THE VIGORNIAN.

812

Scftool Calendar. Apr. 19.—Boarders return. 20.—School begins. „ 24.—School Celebration of Holy Communion. 8.45 a.m. Thurs., May 5.—Ascension Day. School celebration of Holy Communion. Thurs., „ 12.—O.T.C. Field Day on Kempsey Common. 18.—ist XI v. Norton Barracks. Wed., 31.—Chichester Cup, at Norton Barracks. Tues., Sat., June 4.—ist and and IV"s v. Monmouth School. Tues., 7.—Lecture on Toe " H " by Mr. Lcnnard. 8.—O.T.C. Field Day at Broadway. Wed., Sat., „ ii.—Half-term, ist XI v. Worcester City, ist and 2nd IV's v. Cheltenham College. 15.—ist and 2nd XI's v. Monmouth School. Wed., ist and 2nd IV's v. Hereford C.S. Public Thurs., „ 16.—Worcester Rifle Association. School Cup, at Kidderminster. Sat., „ 18.—Mariow Regatta. Tues., „ 2i.—2nd IV v. Clifton College. Wed., „ 22.—3rd and 4th IV's v. St. Edward's, Oxford, ist XI v. Norton Barracks. Sat., „ 25.—ist XI v. Worcester Nomads. Wed., 29.—ist and 2nd XI's v. Hereford C.S. Sat., July 2.—ist and 2nd XI's v. Malvern Colts. Mon., ,, 4 - j f Races for Junior House Rowing Cup. to Thurs., „ 7-—I 6.—ist and 2nd XI's v. Warwick. Wed., 8.—Speech Day. Presentation of Prizes by Fri., the Right Rev. C. R. Duppuy, D.D., Canon of Worcester, late Bishop of Hong Kong. 3.0 p.m. Boat Race. House Challenge Cup. 5.15 p.m. Concert in College Hall. 8 p.m. 9.—O.V. Day. Annual Inspection of O.T.C. Sat., by Col. J. L. Buxton, D.S.O., C.M.G. 10.30 a.m. Cricket Matches v. O.V. 2.30 p.m. O.V. Reunion Dinner. 8.0 p.m. Mon., ii.—Certificate Examinations begin. Thurs., 14.—Matches for House Cricket Cup begin. 25.—Exeunt Omnes. Mon., Tues., Wed., Sun.,

ScDool Officers. Captain of the School Captain of Cricket Secretary of Cricket Captain of Boats Secretary of Boats Captain of Fives Captain of Shooting -

A. P. Shrimpton. L. M. Bailey. H. Readman. A. P. Shrimpton. D. C. Royle. R. P. Royle. A. V. Parsons.

Captains of Houses :— A. V. Parsons. School House A. P. Shrimpton. Castle House G. C. L. Thompson. Hostel Day Boys R. E. Summers. P. Headeach. Natland School Monitors.—A. P. Shrimpton, A. V. Parsons, H. S. Clarke, P. Headeach, G. C. L. Thompson, R. J. Mailland, L. M. Bailey. Editors of The Vigornian.—A. P. Shrimpton, A. V. Parsons, H. S. Clarke. Librarians.—A. P. Shrimpton, A. V. Parsons, P. Headeach, E. G. Knapp-Fisher, L. V. Podesta.

Valet*. DECEMBER, 1931. Modern SixthCard, J. W. (1928-31). Natland. School Monitor 1931. 2nd XV Rugby 1929. ist XV Rugby 1930-1. 2nd IV Rowing 1930. ist IV Rowing 1931. Sergt. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Upper Fifth. Wynne-Woolly, J. (1929-31). Natland. ist XV Rugby 1930-1. 2nd XI Cricket 1930. ist XI Cricket 1931. Cpl. O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Lower Fifth. Dunnill, D. H. (1930-1). Castle House. 2nd XV Rugby 1930. ist XV Rugby 1931. 2nd XI Cricket 1930-1. Cadet O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1931. Remove. Colombi, P. L. A. (1930-1). School House. Cadet O.T.C. Upper Fourth. Pearson, J. P. (1931). Day Boys. Sleath, R. E. (1929-31). Day Boys.

APRIL, 1932. Modern Sixth. Hartill, C. A. (1926-32). Natland. 2nd XI Cricket 1931. 2nd XV Rugby 1931. Cadet O.T.C. Hall, A. O. (1929-32). School House. Cadet O.T.C. Cert. " A " 1932. Derbyshire, K. (1928-32). Day Boys. Lock, H. T. R. (1926-32). Day Boys. Holder, G. D. (1926-32). Day Boys.

THE VIGORNIAN.

813

Lower Fifth. Darch, J. K. (1927-32). Day Boys. Rose, D. (1929-32). Castle House. Cadet O.T.C.

Upper Fourth. Emery, W. B. Day Boys. Wilkinson, J. S. School House.

Remove. Davies, J. G. (1926-32). Hostel. 2nd XI Cricket 1930. ist XI Cricket 1931. Cadet O.T.C. Shooting VIII.

Lower Fourth. Allen, R. W. M. Castle House. Baxter, G. N. T. Hostel.

Middle Fourth. Allen, A. B. (1929-32). School House. Cadet O.T.C.

Second Form. Hoddinott, P. F. Day Boys. Lodge, R. L. Castle House.

Lower Fourth. Woodyatt, F. G. (1929-32). Day Boys. Anthony, G. C. (1929-32). Day Boys.

* * *

MAY, 1932. Upper Fourth. Spenser, W. G. Hostel. Worsley, R. C. School House.

Middle Fourth. Noble, J. L. Castle House. Steward, J. Day Boys.

JANUARY, 1932. Lower Fifth. Raban, J. P. C. P. School House,

Lower Fourth. Bush, C. G. School House.

Remove. Baxter, J. N. Hostel. Bocking, G. C. Castle House. Brooks, R. I. G. Castle House. Dyer, K. B. School House. White, A. C. School House.

Second Form. Taaffe, J. J. Day Boys.

K.S.UI.R.C. FIXTURES AND RESULTS 1932. 1ST IV.

Date. Opponents. June 4.—Monmouth School ,, n.—Cheltenham College 15.—Hereford Cathedral School 17.—Winchester College 17.—Clifton College

Rowed at Monmouth Tewkesbury Worcester Marlow Marlow

Result. Won J length Won | length Won j j lengths Won J length Lost 11 lengths

Monmouth Tewkesbury Worcester Worcester

Won 3 lengths Won j j lengths Won 2 feet Won J length

Oxford

Lost 2 lengths

Oxford

Lost easily

2ND IV.

June 4.—Monmouth School znd IV ... ,, n.—Cheltenham College 2nd IV „ 15.—Hereford Cathedral School 2nd IV ,, 21.—Clifton College 2nd IV 3 RD

IV.

June 22.—St. Edward's, Oxford, " B " 4TH IV.

June 22.—St. Edward's Oxford, " A "

THE VIGORNIAN.

814

Rowing Poles The ist crew consisted this year of two old 2nd IV colours and two 4th IV. This material did not, on the face of it, seem to be very promising ; there was also almost complete lack of racing experience throughout the boat, but the first race taught the necessary lessons. Some tubbing was put in during the Easter term but the final four was not decided on until this term. The crew also went out in a light four a little more than usual. But this was more than counteracted by the fact that we were not together for the first three weeks of this term, three members being in quarantine. Training therefore had to be a little hurried this term. We always aim at a fast first minute, and this year the crew managed to combine with it plenty of leg-drive during the remainder of the course—a thing which is generally lacking. This is, no doubt, the key to the season's success. We have this year equalled the record by winning four races and claim that it is better than the previous one since it comprises all the annual fixtures and Winchester College. The draw for the Public School Cup at Marlow was again unlucky for us. As last year, we claim to have been second best crew since we came nearer than anyone else to Clifton College, the winners. But this " second best " does not get us very far, and we hope that some time soon it will not be necessary to add it. The 2nd IV was most certainly the best on record; it is the first time that the 2nd IV has been unbeaten. The crew has been awarded ist IV caps on the strength of its success. At the beginning of the season, in their practices with the ist IV, there was a noticeable weakness at stroke. Only a few days before the first race a change was made, which has proved very successful, and the crew has remained unchanged since then. There has been amongst the coxes a mild epidemic of taking one's opponents' water. It has been done in three races and every time it has been very early and in one case almost led to disqualification. But it is a sign of initiative, which is promising. Owing to illness and isolation the 3rd and 4th IV's were together for only a short time; the 4th IV, in fact, had only a week's training. They did not, therefore, put up a very good show against St. Edward's, Oxford. Junior rowing was hindered at the beginning of this term by illness and floods. Though the number of junior rowers is slightly lower this year than last the standard is good and some of the races for the Junior Rowing Cup were very exciting. We take this opportunity of congratulating P. H. Jackson on his inclusion in the London R.C. 2nd VIII and his success at Henley. We should like to thank Mr. Strong for all the time and energy he has spent in coaching the ist IV, and also Mr. Bentley, Mr. Burnett and Mr. Pedder for all the coaching they have given the 2nd, 3rd and 4th IV's respectively. We acknowledge with thanks the following subscriptions to the Boat Club Fund :—

Mr. V. Parlby Mr. R. E. Coomber Mr. G. H. Richardson...

£i i o £i i o ... £i 17 o

CHARACTERS OF THE IST IV. (Bow) G. C. L. THOMPSON. list. Has not quite the complete control of his blade that he ought to, but he works very hard and has improved greatly during the year. (2) D. C. ROYLE. list. 7lbs. Has developed a great deal more length than he had last year and has rowed a very good style all this season. (3) A. P. SHRIMPTON. i2St. 3lbs. Has become steadier over the stretcher than he was earlier in the season, and he rows a very powerful blade. He has been, without doubt, a great power in the boat. His year as Captain of Boats is one of which he can certainly feel proud. (Stroke) R. P. ROYLE. lost. ylbs. This has been his first year's experience as a stroke, and he has come up to all expectations. He has had a real test in some very close races, and has shown he is capable of dealing with them without losing his head. (Cox) E. T. C. HARRIS. 731. Has coxed well in all the races and has gained the confidence of his crew. * * » IST IV RACES. IST IV v. MONMOUTH SCHOOL IST IV. On Saturday, June 4th, both crews went to Monmouth. The river was slightly in flood, which meant that down one side was a very strong current and down the other comparatively dead water. Monmouth won the toss and chose the stream. There was some delay at the start, Monmouth having to replace two straps. Owing to the difficulty in getting level in the strong current the School were well over into the still water at the start. However we managed to gain a lead of half a length in the first minute. Both crews then rowed almost stroke for stroke for the rest of the race. In the middle of the course Monmouth spurted and came up; but went back again on our replying to the challenge. The School managed to retain their lead and won by half a length. As this was the first real race for most members of the crew they never really settled down, striking at a very fast rate throughout the course.

IST IV v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE IST IV. The race was rowed at Tewkesbury on Saturday, June nth. This is the first time that the ist IV have rowed this course. Cheltenham won the toss, taking the disadvantage at the first bend and the advantage at the second. The School got away at a slower rate of striking than usual and were slightly behind at the end of the first minute. Nevertheless they lengthened out and settled down to a long powerful stroke. Cheltenham, keeping up the stroke, were a length up at half way. The School remained steady and

THE VIGORNIAN. clung on. Royle gave two " tens " and at the second we began to go up. From then we went up steadily, and in spite of the fact that we had the outside of a very long bend went ahead to win by threequarters of a length. * * * IST IV v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL. Rowed at Worcester on Wednesday, June isth. For the first time this season the School won the toss and chose the Henwick station. Both crews got away at a fast rate of striking, but at the end of the first minute we were threequarters of a length up, due largely to the fact that Harris had managed to push his opponents into the bay. Dropping the stroke and keeping up a good drive the School drew slightly away down Pitchcroft. An excellent " ten " at the Worcester Rowing Club gave the School one and a half lengths lead and enabled Harris to take his opponents' water round the bend. At the baths Hereford sprinted very hard and came up fast in an effort to bump. The School replied and drew away again, but it was a little late and we only just managed to avoid a foul. Tired by this effort, Hereford were unable to make another real challenge and the School drew away slightly to win an exciting race by one and a quarter lengths. *

* *

PUBLIC SCHOOL CUP. MARLOW. We were drawn against Winchester College and Clifton College and rowed in the first heat of the regatta on Friday evening. The School had the centre station. All three crews got away from the stake-boats well, and for the first two minutes there was nothing in it, Winchester being slightly up on us. Then Clifton went slowly away to win eventually by one and a quarter lengths. We had a hard race with Winchester College for second place. At half-way the School were a quarter of a length up; Winchester then managed to gain a very small lead; but with a final spurt the School went up to win by a quarter of a length. Clifton College eventually won the Cup by four or five lengths. This is the third successive year that we have been drawn in the first heat against the ultimate winners of the cup and it is to be hoped that next year the School may have a chance of a little more racing at Marlow. It is also the third year running that we have met Winchester College and for the first time we were able to reverse the result. 2ND IV CHARACTERS. Bow. M. C. B. BODDINGTON. (lost, gibs.) Has developed into a useful oar. He was inclined to " sky " his blade at the beginning, and to get rather short when rowing, but has improved in both these respects. 2. H. S. CLARKE. (lost. 2lbs.) Very much improved. He has probably the best style of the IV; a neat blade, and good length. 3. R. J. MAITLAND. (list, gibs.) A good oar who has been steadily improving. He has excellent length and is

very powerful. He has backed up stroke well, and helped materially to keep the crew together. Stroke. P. T. DARCH. (lost, izlbs.) He has good length and has stroked all his races with excellent judgment. He keeps his head and refuses to be flurried, putting in his spurts at the right moment. Cox. K. B. DYER. (531. 61bs.) Though new to " coxing " this term he has done excellently. He is inclined to take risks too much, but with more experience he should be very good. * » * 2ND IV RACES. 2ND IV v. MONMOUTH SCHOOL 2ND IV. This was rowed at Monmouth on Saturday, June 4th, before the ist IV and over a shorter course. Monmouth won the toss and chose the stream. The School got away well and striking at a much higher rate than their opponents were nearly a length up at the end of the minute. In the next minute they increased this to one and a quarter lengths and Dyer took his opponents' water, and the stream. This left only a few feet of daylight between the boats, but Monmouth were unable to bump and the School drew away to win comfortably by three lengths. Dyer coxed very well indeed—though his tactics were a little risky—and especially since it was his first race.

2ND IV v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE 2ND IV. The three-cornered event which we have usually had with Cheltenham and Clifton was divided into two races again this year and is a great improvement on the old arrangement. Cheltenham won the toss and chose the same station as their ist IV. The School got away well and were soon half a length up. In the second minute, although the School continued a fast rate of striking, Cheltenham drew almost level. Then the School lengthened out and began to go up. Being on the outside of the bend, Dyer cut his opponent in very close and took his water, again very early, Stroke's blade almost touching Cheltenham's bows. But the School continued to go away and won by two and a half lengths. This was a very creditable performance since it is the first time that we have succeeded in winning this race, and it was over a strange course. * * * 2ND IV v. HEREFORD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL 2ND IV. The race was rowed at Worcester on Wednesday, June 15thThe School won the toss and chose the Henwick station. Hereford obtained a lead of half a length early, but the School were unperturbed and settled down well. Opposite the boat house the School challenged the Hereford lead and reduced it to a quarter of a length. A tremendous fight for the lead followed and it looked as if Hereford would just retain their advantage. But at the railway bridge the

THE VIGORNIAN.

8i6

School, who had been behind the whole race, made a magnificent spurt and just managed to get their bows in front to win a hard race by two feet.

ZND IV v. CLIFTON COLLEGE 2ND IV. This is the first time that Clifton have visited Worcester. Clifton won the toss and chose the Pitchcroft station. The start was delayed by a tug which stirred up the water and made the first part of the course rough. The School got a very bad start and lost half a length immediately. But they recovered themselves well, and in spite of that were threequarters of a length up at the end of the first minute. Down Pitchcroft Clifton, who were a very powerful crew, began to reduce the lead and at the boat house were almost level. The crews remained level until the railway bridge, where, as against Hereford, the School made an excellent final spurt to win by a quarter of a length. They did not row quite as well as in the previous race, getting a bad start and being rather short in the middle of the course, but their final spurt was a very good example of how to go " all out."

had the complete 2nd IV and Castle House three ist IV colours and bow from the House tub four. School House had a slightly better start and led by a canvas at the end of the first minute. Castle House continued to keep up the rate of striking a little higher and drew level . School House however went away again to just over a canvas lead. This lead was reduced slightly but School House eventually won by a canvas. This was certainly the most exciting race witnessed on Speech Day for a very long time. We wish to thank Dr. T. Bates, who consented to judge the finish. Junior. The Junior Rowing Cup was won by Castle House with an aggregate of 16 points; School House were second with 12 points. The following were the results of the finals :— TUB I Vs.

Scratch Crew beat School House by one foot. SCRATCH CREW.

* *

3RD IV v. ST. EDWARD'S. The race was rowed at Oxford under ideal conditions and resulted in a win for St. Edward's by one and a half lengths. Worcester conceded threequarters of a length to atone for the advantage of the bend and, although they got off to a good start, they never looked like catching St. Edward's, who, rowing a faster stroke, had the race well in hand after the half-way post had been passed. The result came as a surprise, as the School crew had shaped very well in practice. It may partly be accounted for by their failure to adapt themselves to unfamiliar conditions.

4TH

IV v. ST. EDWARD'S, OXFORD, " A " CREW. The 4th IV race was rowed at Oxford on June 22nd. In spite of a good start and a lot of hard work the 4th IV lost ground steadily and were defeated very easily by St. Edward's. Our four was at some disadvantage through only having been together for a week and their performance was consequently rather ragged. St. Edward's " A " IV was a good crew and it is a pity we could not give them a better race.

INTER-HOUSE ROWING CUPS. Senior. Only Castle House and School House entered crews this year. The race was rowed after the Prize Giving on July 8th. It promised to be a good race this, since School House

G. W. Edwards (Bow). R. H. Fyson. A. E. N. Branch. D. R. Holloway. E. M. F. Bearcroft.

SCHOOL HOUSE. A. J. N. Richards. M. C. Dormehl. C. R. Donald. J. W. Graves-Morris. F. W. N. N. P. Raban.

SCULLING. Coxs' Class.—E. T. C. Harris (C.H.) beat R. W. M. Allen (C.H.) by five lengths. Junior Class.—B. C. Burpitt (C.H.) beat D. H. Langley (Hostel) by three lengths. Junior-Senior Class.—J. G. Stretton (C.H.) beat W. J. Mercer (S.H.) by four lengths. Senior Class.—A. R. E. Thomas ii (S.H.) beat J. M. Harrison (C.H.) on a foul. In the Tub IV race the Scratch Crew led from the start and kept a lead of threequarters of a length. About 200 yards from the finish the Scratch Crew caught two crabs and were slightly behind when they got together again. But they rowed very well. Though they were considerably lighter they just managed to draw up again to win by one foot. The finishes in the Sculling finals were not very close. The race between Harrison and Thomas ii promised to be very exciting. After about two minutes Harrison was leading by half a length when he came over too far and fouled his opponent.

817

THE VIGORNIAN.

cricket. 1ST

Date.

Wed., Sat., Sat., Wed., Sat., Wed., Sat., Wed., Sat., Wed., Sat., Mon., Wed., Sat.,

Opponents. May 18. —Norton Barracks ... „ 28. — Hereford C.S June 4. —Malvern Colts „ 8. —Warwick ,, ii. —Worcester City ,, 15. —Monmouth ,, 18. —Dean Close ,, 22. —Norton Barracks „ 25. —Worcester Nomads ,, 29. —Hereford C.S. July 2. —Malvern Colts „ 4.—R. J. Castley, Esq.'s XI ... ,, 6. —Warwick „ 8. — Old Vigornians

XI.

Ground.

Result.

Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Home Home Away Home Home Away Home

Draw 37 for 5 Scratched Scratched Scratched Draw 56 for 8 Lost 56 Scratched Draw 109 for 6 105 for 5 Draw Won 109 Draw i 02 for 8 Won 203 for 3 Draw 126 for 8* Tie 117 * Declared

For.

Against.

126 for 8 98 for 3 150 for 9* 217 for 6* J«5 172 for 6* 117 83 for 8 117

2ND XI.

Date.

Sat., Sat., Wed., Wed., Sat., Wed., Sat., Wed., Sat.,

Opponents. May 28. — Hereford June 4. —Malvern Colts ,, 8. —Warwick ,, 15. —Monmouth „ 18. —Dean Close ,, 29. — Hereford July 2. — Malvern Colts ,, 6. —Warwick ,, 8. —Old Vigornians

Cricket Rotes. On looking through the fixture card one would say that we have had a disappointing season. Four matches were cancelled owing to heavy rains at the beginning of the season and also to infectious diseases. Six matches weoe ended undecided. However there was a marked improvement as the season went on, thanks to the coaching which one or two professionals from the County Cricket Club gave us. For five weeks we could not even put in a practice game on our field, but we were able to arrange a net for the ist XI on a tennis court at Northwick which was kindly lent us by Col. A. V. Rowe. However, as the season went on, the weather improved and by half term full cricket was possible on our own ground. Only two old colours were left, but those left in the 2nd XI from last year came up to expectations as their form showed last year. Also we were lucky in finding a good wicket-keeper, who has done extremely well for his first season, and two sound batsmen who have improved the side more than was expected. Amongst the batsmen Morgan was conspicuous ; he three times passed the fifty mark, twice being not out. Morgan and Summers, the opening pair, who also opened last year for the 2nd XI, made a very good opening pair, although they did not always take full advan-

Ground.

Result.

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home

Scratched Scratched Scratched Lost Scratched Won Lost Won Won

For.

Against.

140

107 76

4' 78 97 65

101

197

tage of short runs. Although the tail-end got few chances for batting, we feel sure that they could have collected quite a few runs in an emergency. The bowling on the whole was not very strong. With the exception of Gawn, a slow left-hander, the new bowlers did not develop as expected. Summers started off well but seemed to lose his form later on. Readman bowled consistently throughout the season, improving every match and always hard to score off. A fast bowler was greatly needed and the captain tried towards the end with spasmodic success. The fielding in the first few matches was not too good, two or three members of the ist XI were noticeably slow both in gathering the ball and throwing in. However most of the faults were improved to such an extent that we can say that in the last few matches scarcely a run was given away. Beard was by far the best fielder, very smart and quick both in the in and out field, and he deserves his place in the ist XI just for fielding alone. Although the 2nd XI had very few fixtures, they did quite well and give promise of good talent for the coming season. The following were awarded their 2nd XI colours : D. H. Clinch (capt.), J. S. Pressdee, C. A. Baker, R. B. Barker, J. L. Adlington, G. R. Dickins, D. A. Hemmings, D. O.

THE VIGORNIAN.

8i8

Butler, M. I. D. Greenhill, J. K. C. Bayes, H. P. K. Beauchamp. As last year, the Junior cricketers have not had their full share of the cricket. However, the Junior Cricketers (under 15) were able to play a match against the Choir School, which they lost by a narrow margin. We should like to thank Mr. R. J. Whitaker and C.S.M. Cooper for umpiring; also Mr. Boothroyd and other masters who have supervised the junior games.

* * * THE SCHOOL v. NORTON BARRACKS. May 18. For the first match we were unlucky that the Captain was unable to play, being "down " with chicken-pox. We played two old colours and four members of last year's 2nd XI, and the rest were new to the first game. It was rather an exceptional side, not having had much chance to try out those new to ist XI cricket. The School batted first on a soft wicket. Scoring was very slow and after one and threequarter hours we had only made 34 for five wickets. Spencer brightened things up by driving Major Pefly for a six. Morgan was extremely slow and refused to take chances, batting till tea for five. Rain set in just before tea and made further play impossible. THE SCHOOL. R. E. Summers l.b.w. b Private Dalloway ... ... W. F. R. Morgan not out H. Readman b Private Dalloway J. S. Pressdee l.b.w. b Corpl. Hyrons ... C. W. P. Langley c C.S.M. Greham b Corpl. Hyrons W. G. Spencer b Major Pelly A. L. Taylor not out W. K. Beard H. L. Baly i >-Did not bat E. P. K. Rushton E. G. Knapp-Fisher Extras Total (for 5 wickets)

BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. Private Dalloway ... 9 5 5 Corpl. Hyrons ... 10 5 6 C.S.M. Harling ... 7 6 i Major Felly ••• 4 2 9

2 5 o i o 10 7

The School fielding was good, three of the Worcester City men being run out. The School batting, on the whole, was rather disappointing. Morgan and Pressdee opened the batting. Pressdee was out third ball, and Summers joined Morgan. These two put on 32 runs, and then Morgan was l.b.w. The remainder of the wickets fell easily; Darwood and Langley, however, managed to make it a draw. WORCESTER CITY. F. Blunden run out W. Bryan b R. E. Summers ... ... ... J. Collet b R. E. Summers P. Field run out ... ... ... ... ... H. Lane run out P. Newcombe c L. M. Bailey b R. E. Summers P. Chance not out A. N. Jenkins ) S. Smith P. Osborne >Did not bat R. Hurley ) Extras ... ... ... ...

w. 2

-S 3

THE SCHOOL v. WORCESTER CITY. June ii. By this time the field had recovered and the wicket was hard and dry. Worcester City batted first, and although it

... ... ...

16 n 18 4 20 30 n

...

Total (for 6 wickets, declared) 120

BOWLING ANALYSIS. J. S. Pressdee R. E. Summers H. Readman L. M. Bailey

was only their 2nd XI, they proved themselves too good for us. Pressdee opened the School bowling, but met with no success. Summers, who went on the other end, bowled steadily, keeping a good length. He was rewarded by taking three wickets for 29 runs. P. Newcombe went in and livened things up by hitting a 6 and five 4*8.

aver.

... " n.2 ... 6 ...4

2 4 i 2

54 29 18 9

o 3

9.6

—

THE SCHOOL. W. F. R. Morgan l.b.w. b H. Lane J. S. Pressdee c P. Chance b A. N. Jenkins R. E. Summers b F. Blunden L. M. Bailey b P. Newcombe W. G. Spencer l.b.w. b H. Lane H. Readman b H. Lane ... W. K. Beard c F. Blunden b H. Lane A. L. Taylor c P. Osborne b H. Lane I. A. Darwood not out C. W. P. Langley not out E. P. K. Rushton did not bat Extras Total (for 8 wickets)

15 o 20 o

THE VIGORNIAN. BOWLING ANALYSIS. A. Jenkins S. Smith F. Blunden H. Lane P. Newcombe P. Osborne

o. ... 8 ... 8 ••• 3 ••• S ... 6 ... 2

m. 2 4 i 4 i i

r. 13 n 5 8 6 5

w. i — i 5 i —

MONMOUTH. J. H. A. Tresauna not out ... ... G. Hutton b H. Readman S. C. R. Jones run out ...

aver. 13 — S *•& 6 —

J. Rice not out ...... W. T. Salter A. S. Comber 1 A. G. Chaston I W. 0. Wicks I Did not bat D. Shilbach ] D. J. Williams ' Extras ... ...

» * *

THE SCHOOL v. MONMOUTH. June 15. The School won the toss and batted first on a perfect pitch, which equalled a county wicket, yet the School made a very feeble show, no one reaching double figures. The only way that we can account for this was the lack of coaching. Each batsman went in and not having enough confidence in himself hit the ball half-heartedly, and as a result the majority of the side were caught out. Monmouth were very quick on the ball and fielded extremely well. Some very good catches were held in the outfield. Monmouth had in Tresauna a very careful batsman, who scored on the loose balls. Readman dismissed one of their first batsmen for one run. However, their next two batsmen put on runs quickly, passing our score early in the game. The School fielding was poor and slow ; three perfectly easy catches were dropped ; the ground fielding was also very slovenly and careless. THE SCHOOL. R. E. Summers c Williams b Chaston W. F. R. Morgan c Jones b Tresauna

8 3

W. G. Spencer c Tresauna b Williams

A. J. Taylor c Chaston b Wicks I. A. Darwood c Williams b Chaston W K. Beard l.b.w b Chaston ... ... C W P Langley not out ... ... G. A. Baker b Wicks Extras

8 3 9 o i 6

... ...

Total

... ...

BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. A. G. Chaston ... n 8 J. H. A. Tresauna... 12 6 S. C. R. Jones ... 2 2 D. J. Williams 7 2 W. O. Wicks ... 9 - 3 5

r. 7 20 o 14 9

w. 3 i o 2 3

aver. 2.33 20 — 7 3

819

...

46 i 23 o

...

•••

Total (for 3 wickets)

J. S. Pressdee R. E. Summers H, Readman L. M. Bailey G. A. Baker

BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. ... 10 4 12 ... n 6 17 ... 10 4 17 ... 6 o 23 ••• 3 i 22

w. o o i o o

aver. — — 17 — —

* * *

THE SCHOOL v. NORTON BARRACKS. June 22. The School fielded first and the Barracks' pair offered some resistance. However, Gawn's slow bowling separated them at 55, and collapse set in until the score was 82 for nine. A great last wicket stand followed between L/Corpl. Bryant and Major Pelly, who went in second wicket down and had been scoring steadily. By the close of their innings he had made 78. With the score at 150 for nine he declared, thus setting the School a big task. However, Morgan, who had made a bad mistake in the field, seemed inspired and played a very sound innings of 62 not out. The School made 109 for six, thus ending the match in a draw. NORTON BARRACKS. C.S.M. Cooper c J. S. Pressdee b B. J. Gawn Pte. Dalloway st C. W. P. Langley b B. J. Gawn ...

16 35

Mr. Turner c W. G. Spencer b H. Readman C S M Jones b B J Gawn Sergt. Pacy c C. W. P. Langley b B. J. Gawn ... Pte. Hemming c R. E. Summers b H. Readman ... Corpl. Dyke b B. J. Gawn Pte. Smith c W. G. Spencer b H. Readman Corpl. Hyrons c W. F. R. Morgan b B. J. Gawn ...

6 o o o o o o

Extras

...

Total (9 wickets, declared)

...

150

THE VIGORNIAN.

820

BOWLING ANALYSIS. J. S. Pressdee R. E. Summers B. J. Gawn H. Readman L. M. Bailey

E. C. L. Hughes run out

aver.

... ... •••

8 7 9 9

i — — 2

29 34 46 22

— — 6 3

— — 7.67 7.33

...

6 31

A. E. Link J. M. L. Hughes T. B. Duckworth

Did not bat

J. J. Roberts g

THE SCHOOL. W. F. R. Morgan not out

... 217

Total (6 wickets, declared)

R. E. Summers st Cooper b Major Pelly W. G. Spencer c and b Major Pelly ... B. J. Gawn b Pte. Dalloway J. S. Pressdee l.b.w. b Pte. Dalloway ... L. M. Bailey b Major Pelly H. Readman b Major Pelly A. L. Taylor not out W. K. Beard | I. A. Darwood I Did not "bat C. W. R. Langley ( Extras

M »3 4 o 8 o 6

BOWLING ANALYSIS. J. S. Pressdee R. E. Summers B. J. Gawn H. Readman L. M. Bailey

... 6 ... 12 ... 13 ... 8 -3

— i i — i

39 56 71 36 7

aver.

3 3

18.66 35-S

—

THE SCHOOL,

Total i(6 wickets)

109

BOWLINIa ANALYSIS.

... Private Dalloway ... ... Corpl. Hyrons Major Pelly ... Private Hemming .. •••

A. D. Arbuckle c L. M. Bailey b B. J. Gawn ... K. W. Allen c H. Readman b B. I. Gawn

13 13 9 ini 5

3 4 i

37 ii 49

2 — 4

i18.5

i12.25

W. F. R. Morgan not out R. F. Summers b T. B. Duckworth W. G. Spencer l.b.w. b K. W. Allen , A. L. Taylor c S. M. L. Hughes b E. C. L. Hughes., J. S. Pressdee c G. K. Taylor b K. W. Allen

H. Readman B. J. Gawn W. K. Beard

16 IS o 3 7

Did not bat

I. A. Darwood W. P. Langley

c..

Rirtrac

* * *

THE SCHOOL v. WORCESTER NOMADS.

Total (for 4 wickets)

June 25. The Nomads batted first. W. R. Chignell, who played a perfect innings of 106 not out, was by far their best bat. A. L. Guise and K. W. Allen made 45 and 31 respectively. These were the only outstanding scores. The fielding was quite good but the bowling was not up to the usual standard. Gawn, who bowled well in the previous match, did not find his form and only succeeded in getting two wickets for 71. The Nomads declared at 217 for six, thus giving the School a heavy task to carry out. Here again Morgan played a sound innings of 56 not out. Both Summers and Spencer played a good innings and the School were able to make it a draw. The Nomads' bowling was not so good as their batting, as they had only three bowlers on their side. However, their fielding enabled them to take two of the School's wickets by good catches.

WORCESTER NOMADS. W. R. Chignell not out H. J. Davies b R. E. Summers G. K. Taylor b R. E. Summers ... A. L. Guise b R. E. Summers

...

106 19 o 45

BOWLING ANALYSIS. m.

E. C. L. Hughes ... 14 T. B. Duckworth ... 10 A. E. Link ... 5 W. R. Chignell ... 4 K. W. Allen ... 7 H. J. Davies ... 2

4 2 2 5 1 6

1 i

2 i(

— —

—

* * *

THE SCHOOL v. HEREFORD C.S. June 29. Hereford went in first. Their first two wickets fell fairly quickly. Then there was a short stand by C. W. P. Jones and E. E. Watson. However on the whole the batting was not very strong and the rest of the wickets fell at frequent intervals for a total of 104. The School bowling was good and a good length was kept by all the bowlers. The fielding was also good and Langley made two good catches behind the wickets.

821

THE VIGORNIAN. Morgan and Summers went in and were dismissed for very few runs. In fact the score was at one time only ii for three, and it looked as if the School were going to be the victims of G. J. Morris, who was bowling extremely well. However Taylor and Bailey stayed in and brought the total up to 66 when Taylor got a nasty knock on the head and had to retire. Readman went in and the score continued to rise gradually. Then Bailey was out to Morris and Taylor went in again. Taylor and Readman brought the score up to 99, when Readman came out. Gawn then went in and made the winning hit. HEREFORD C.S. N F Hidden b R E Summers ... ... ... ... 6 M. A. W. Vale c W. F. R. Morgan b B. J. Gawn ... o G W P Jones b H Readman .. ... 24 E. E. Watson c C. W. P. Langley b R. E. Summers n H. W. B. Stammers b B. J. Gawn 3 E J Preece b L M Bailey ... ... ... ... 26 G J Morris b L M Bailey ... ... ... ... 4 H J Green b L M Bailey ... ... ... ••• 10 G. H. Harrison c and b E. P. K. Rushton 2 B. Aikens c C. W. P. Langley b H. Readman ... 14

BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. E. E. Watson ... 12.1 G. J. Morris ... 16 H. W. B. Stammers 3 E. J. Preece ••• 7 G. K. Harrison ... 6

2 2 i ' —

22 27 6 25 19

aver.

2 4 — — 4

n 6.75 — — 4.75

» * »

THE SCHOOL v. MALVERN COLTS. July 2. Malvern Colts went in first on a good batting wicket. The School bowling was quite good, but the Malvern batting was definitely superior. After the fall of the first wicket, runs came fairly freely. A good performance was put up by Tolkein, who made 93 not out. By tea time Malvern were 125 for five. After tea Malvern batted again and declared at 172 for six. Both of the School opening batsmen failed to score. However Taylor and Spencer raised the score fairly quickly. H. H. Brodhurst bowled very well for Malvern colts. He was backed up by very quick fielding, who gave very few chances of short runs. MALVERN COLTS.

Total

...

104

r. 39 23 17 18 5

w. 2 2 2 3 i

aver. 19.5 11.5 8.5 6 5

BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. R. E. Summers ... 10 B. J. Gawn ... 7 H. Readman ... 6 L. M. Bailey ...5 E. P. K. Rushton ... 3

m. 2 — i — —

A. E. F. Jackman l.b.w. b R. E. Summers ... ... R. H. B. Francis c C. W. P. Langley b W. G. Spencer A. H. Brodhurst b B. J. Gawn .. A. C. Sheppard b H. Readman ... ... ... ... S. F. A. Tolkein not out ... ... ... ... ... J. R. Ross c W. F. R. Morgan b R. E. Summers ...

o 27 16 10 93 15

H. R. MacScott c W. F. R. Morgan b H. Readman ... M. H. Le Bas v D. I. St. H. Davies ( Did not bat R. Greatbach ) Extras ... ... ... ... ..

Total (for 6 wickets)

4 172

THE SCHOOL. W. F. R. Morgan b G. ;J- Morris

W. G. Spencer b G. J. Morris A. L. Taylor c and b E. E. Watson ... ... ... L. M. Bailey b G. J. Morris ... ... ... ... H. Readman l.b.w. b G. H. Harrison B J. Gawn c W. L. Davies b G. H. Harrison ... W. K. Beard l.b.w. b G. H. Harrison I. A. Darwood b E. E. Watson ... ... ... ... C. W. P. Langley c H. J. Green b G. H. Harrison ... E. P. K. Rushton not out Extras

3 37 25 22 9 o o o o 10

Total

109

BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. R. E. Summers ... 10 3 33 L. M. Bailey ... 10 3 19 H. Readman ... n 4 15 B. J. Gawn ... 13 2 64 E. P. K. Rushton ... 2 o 16 W. G. Spencer ... 4 o 21

w. 2 — 2 i — i

aver. 16.5 — 7.5 6.4 — 21

THE SCHOOL. W. F. R. Morgan c A. Francis b A. N. Brodhurst...

W. G. Spencer l.b.w. b A. N. Brodhurst A. L. Taylor c MacScott b Brodhurst H. Readman b Brodhurst

27 25 4

THE VIGORNIAN.

822

B. J. Gawn c J. O. Gallimore b A. H. Brodhurst W. K. Beard run out ... ... ... ... I. A. Darwood c J. R. Ross b A. C. Sheppard C W P Langley not out E. P. K. Rushton did not bat

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

Total (for 8 wickets)

o 21 4 i

103

BOWLING ANALYSIS. W. Spreckley F. H. Yarnold W. J. Lomax C. LI. Garnett R. J. Castley A. D. Franklin

...

m. i i i o i o

r. 64 24 44 39 15 9

w. i — — i i —

aver. 64 —— 39 15 —

R. J. CASTLEY'S XI.

BOWLING ANALYSIS.

J. O. Gallimore

o. ... 14 ... 6 ... 13 • •• 9 ... 5 ... i

—

THE SCHOOL v. R. J. CASTLEY'S XI. This year Mr. Castley again got up an eleven of Masters and O.V.'s.

C LI Garnett b L M Bailey

R. J. Whitaker b L M Bailey J. K. Mitchell b L. M. Bailey R. J. Castley c E. P. K. Rushton b H. Readman A. J. Bentley b B. J. Gawn

17 o o 8

...

F. H. Yarnold l.b.w. b L. M. Bailey S. D. Strong b B. J. Gawn J. H. L. Burnett st C. W. P. Langley b B. J. Gawn...

6 4 13

The School batted first on a hard wicket and Morgan and Total bowled. Then Spencer went in and helped to raise the score to 150, when he was bowled by Mr. Castley. Morgan was the next to be dismissed, after playing a good innings of 89. On the whole the School batted well, although Mr. Castley lacked bowlers. After tea C. LI. Garnett and W. Spreckley opened the batting. C. LI. Garnett played a very sound innings but unfortunately had no one to back him up. The School bowling proved rather too strong for them and they were all out for 117.

R. E. Summers L. M. Bailey H. Readman B. J. Gawn

...

117

BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. ... 8 i 30 ... 13 3 35 ... 7 2 19 ... 6.5 2 22

w. — 5 i 5

aver. — 7 19 4.4

» * »

The School fielded quite well and showed an improvement on their previous match.

THE SCHOOL v. WARWICK. July 6.

THE SCHOOL. W. F. R. Morgan st E. G. Boothroyd b C. LI. Garnett

W. G. Spencer b R. J. Castley

L. M. Bailey not out H. Readman B. J. Gawn W. K. Beard I. A. Darwood C. W. P. Langley E. P. K. Rushton D. H. Clinch Extras

. . . .

Did not bat

...

Total (3 wickets, declared)

The School batted first on a hard pitch. Summers and Morgan opened the innings, and were batting steadily when Morgan was obliged to retire owing to a rising ball hitting him. The Warwick bowling was very accurate, and made the scoring very slow. By tea time the score was only 79 for four wickets. After tea Beard went in and started hitting out, and the score rose steadily. Half an hour after tea the School retired for 126 runs, and two wickets in hand. Warwick went in with an hour and a half to play. Readman bowled very well, keeping a good length throughout. The Warwick wickets fell very quickly and at one time it looked as if the School would win. However, when War-

...

... 203

Throughout this match the School fielding was smart and quick. Langley played an excellent game behind the wickets.

THE VIGORNIAN. THE SCHOOL. R E Summers c Grice b Bell ... W F R Morgan b Brown ... W G Spencer b Bell A L Taylor 1 b w b Bell ... ... L M Bailey 1 b w b Brown ...

... .. ... ...

B J Gawn b Bell ... . ••• ..C. W. P. Langley l.b.w. b Brown I. A. Darwood | E. P. K. Rushton j Dld not bat

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

••• 34 ... 10 ... 18 ... n ... 9

•••

Total (for 8 wickets)

o 9

126

A. G. K. Brown A. P. Bell H. A. Coles D. R. Butcher

aver.

... 19 ... 22 ... 8 ... 4

S 8 3 o

45 41 13 8

3 s o o

'S 8.2 — —

spection, their fielding was extremely good, and two very spectacular catches were made by Beard and Darwood. Beard, who was fielding on the boundary, ran into a high ball, and made a beautiful catch. Darwood, fielding at midoff, had to run back to a high ball, and had to jump for it. The School batting was very poor towards the tail end. Many more runs should have been made from short hits ; however, the last wicket batsman put up a very exciting show. Langley received the last ball of the match, with two runs to make. He hit it past mid-on to the deep field. One run was got, and another one was tried on an overthrow, but unluckily Langley just got run out. It was nevertheless a sporting attempt to win the match. The match concluded with 117 runs to each side, thus making it a draw. THE OLD VIGORNIANS. C. LI. Garnett b L M Bailey ... . ... B. Auther c H. Readman b R. E. Summers ... ... A. C. Morgan c W. G. Spencer b H. Readman ... H. M. Morgan b B J; Gawn ... ... ... ... F. H. G. Bridgman b R. E. Summers ... ... ... C. A. C. Patton b B. J. Gawn R. J. Graham b L. M. Bailey A. D. Arbuckle c I. A. Darwood b R. E. Summers... F. H. Yarnold c C. W. P. Langley b H. Readman ...

BOWLING ANALYSIS. o.

823

WARWICK. B. I. Johnson c C. W. P. Langley b H. Readman H. A. Coles l.b.w. b R. E. Summers P. A. Treadaway c B. J. Gawrt b H. Readman ... F R Solkeld b R E Summers D R Butcher b H Readman .. . ... ... A. P. Bell c H. Readman b L. M. Bailey R. G. Schooley l.b.w. b B. J. Gawn

i 4 7 10 14 15 o

R. G. Sutherland c C. W. D. Langley b B. J. Gawn

H. C. F. M. Fillimore c W. K. Beard b R. E.

BOWLING ANALYSIS.

A. G. K. Brown did not bat Total (for 8 wickets)

BOWLING ANALYSIS. H. Readman L. M. Bailey R. E. Summers B. J. Gawn

o. ... n ... 9 ... 10 ... 4

m. 6 2 5 o

r. 17 29 20 10

w. 3 i 2 2

aver. 5.33 29 10 5

* * *

THE SCHOOL v. THE OLD VIGORNIANS. July 8. The O.V. 's won the toss and batted first on a good wicket. However, the School bowling was fairly good, and not many runs were scored by the last several batsmen. Although the School eleven were rather tired owing to in-

n 20 21 7 n 5 7 9 i

H Readman L. M. Bailey R. E. Summers B. J. Gawn

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

o. 12.2 8 7 6

m. 3 o i i

r. 27 33 23 13

w. 2 2 4 2

THE SCHOOL. R. E. Summers c C. A. C. Patton b J. Beavan W. F. R. Morgan c and b A. D. Arbuckle W. G. Spencer c A. C. Morgan b R. J. Graham A. L. Taylor b J. Beavan ... ... ... ... L. M. Bailey c A. C. Morgan b J. Beavan

aver. 13.5 16.5 5.75 6.5

... ... ...

36 20 10 10 5

W. K. Beard l.b.w. b J. Beavan

I. A. Darwood l.b.w. b R. J. Graham C. W. P. Langley run out E. P. K. Rushton not out Extras ... ... ...

3 8 i ic

THE VIGORNIAN.

824 BOWLING ANALYSIS. o. m. r. R. J. Graham ... 18 J. Beavan ... 17 F. H. Yarnold ... 4 A. D. Arbuckle ... 3

2 6 o o

38 29 20 15

aver.

2 6 o i

19 4.66 — 15

* * *

BOWLING AVERAGES. o. m. r. B. J. Gawn ... 60 6 249 H. Readman ... 81 23 188 L. M. Bailey ... 60 n 183 R. E. Summers ... 86 23 282 E. P. K. Rushton ... 5 o 21 W. G. Spencer ... 3 o 21

w. 20 14 n 16 i i

aver. 12.45 13-43 16.66 17.56 21.0 21.0

CHARACTERS OF THE XI. 1

L. M. BAILEY (Capt.). Set a good example in the field. Bowled with success, but did not do himself justice with the bat. H. READMAN. Fairly successful with the ball, but might have taken more wickets if he had fielded more aggressively to his own bowling. Batted fairly well. W. F. R. MORGAN. The mainstay of the batting. Sound and steady, but lacks enterprise. Fair field. R. E. SUMMERS. Sound batsman and steady bowler. Did much useful work. W. K. BEARD. Worth his place for his fielding alone. Saved more runs than some other better batsmen made. I. A. DARWOOD. Keen and active in the field. Moderate bat. W. G. SPENCER. Bats in good style, and makes his runs with good strokes. Poor in the field. Looks as if he could field better. A. L. TAYLOR. Sound and steady batsman, but a poor judge of a run. Slow in the field, thereby losing runs which he found it difficult to make up for. C. W. P. LANGLEY. As wicket-keeper was safe and at times brilliant. Unscientific but plucky bat. B. J. GAWN. Promising left-hand bowler. Hard-hitting batsman, but must learn to pick out the proper ball to hit. Erratic fielder. E. P. K. RUSHTON. Made up for lack of skill by a very refreshing keenness. * * *

BATTING AVERAGES. No. No. Times of Highest of Not Runs. Score. Innings, out. W. F. R. Morgan ... 264 89 10 3 W. K. Beard ... 59 21* 5 2 A. L. Taylor ... 116 37* 10 4 R E. Summers ... 182 49 10 o W. C. Spencer ... 139 33 10 o L . M . Bailey ... 74 25 9 2 C. W. P. Langley ... 18 9 6 2 H . Readman ... 32 22 8 0 I. A. Darwood ... 12 5 4 i B. J. Gawn ... 17 9 5 ° E. P. K. Rushton... i i* i i

Aver. 37-71 19.66 19.33 18.2 13.9 10.57 4.5 4.0 4.0 3-4 —

Rugger Rotes. CHRISTMAS TERM. Owing to the inroads of Scarlet Fever in the Spring Term, making it impossible to do so then, we have at the present to recall the two events of last Christmas Term, the O.V. Match and the final of the House Matches, which occurred too late to be recorded in The Vigornian of that term. These matters of the distant past are by now rather hazy in our minds and we must beg for leniency with regard to any little inaccuracies which may occur in the accounts we give of them. THE O.V. MATCH. Up till the day, it was thought that this match would be impossible. The weather had been very cold and the whole neighbourhood enshrouded in fog with no sign of clearing. But on the Monday the fog lifted and a thaw set in, so that in spite of the previous severe frosts the ground was soft enough for play by the afternoon. The lifting of the fog, however, did not leave a clear sky and the atmosphere was damp and the ground muddy. The match was started as near half past two as possible, so as to get finished before the rising again of mists and the fall of night. The O.V. won the toss and decided to defend the goal nearest the river, having a slight advantage of the slope. At first the match was very even. The O.V. were a good deal heavier of course than the School but, at any rate at first, not combining as well as a team. This made the resources of each team comparatively equal. The O.V. scored first but the try was unconverted. The School threequarters, who might have done better on a drier day, were finding the ball rather slippery, and in them the School's chief power of retaliation was paralysed, since it is in the threequarter line in particular that superior cooperation tells, even against greater weight. The forwards, moreover, could hardly hope for more than to hold their own against the strong pack put out against them, and it was unlikely that they would be able to force their way over by rushes. In spite of the disadvantages of threequarter movement, the School continued this policy as much as possible for want of better. At last they were rewarded by a try as the result of a brilliant run and cut though on the part of Baly i. This was converted by

THE VIGORNIAN. Morgan i. But before half-time the O.V. scored twice again, the score being 9—5 in their favour. In the second half the School had to play one man short owing to the injury and retirement of Clarke i, just before the interval. Besides this handicap, their opponents' pack had by now achieved a pretty good co-ordination under the influence of P. H. Jackson's frantic encouragement and his support by other strong and more silent men. Moreover, the ball was by now more slippery owing to the muddiness of the ground and the rising of the mists made threequarter play even more difficult. As a result the O.V. scored several times more, once or twice by good forward rushes. They won finally 22—5, after a good, hard game. The following represented the O.V. :— J. Cale; J. L. Longland, C. LI. Garnett, R. S. Carter, F. H. Yarnold; H. F. Langstaff, P. Bowles; C. N. C. Herridge, G. K. Tattersall, P. H. Jackson, J. H. F. Dixon, F. Cale, P. Beaumont, A. C. Morgan, M. R. Craze. The following represented the School:— I. A. Darwood; D. C. Royle, H. L. Baly, D. H. Dunnill, A. V. Parsons; R. P. Royle, H. S. Clarke; A. P. Shrimpton, J. W. Card, J. Wynne-Woolley, R. J. Maitland, M. C. B. Boddington, W. F. R. Morgan, G. B. Hopkin, L. M. Bailey. HOUSE MATCHES. Before the actual final, Castle House had yet to play Natland. Natland, whose chief weakness was their threequarters, whom they had to strengthen by the inclusion of forwards among them, were unable to stand against Castle House, who were in this department peculiarly strong, and were defeated more crushingly than expected 45—o. This left the final fight between School House and Castle House. The match promised to be close this year and the spirit of rivalry between the two Houses was roused to a high pitch in secret speculation on the issue. In fact a fight was hardly prevented before the match between certain enthusiastic young supporters of School House who had adorned the goal posts with light blue paper, and indignant members of their rival House. With this and other signs of mutual animosity the game finally began. The match was not very good as an example of rugger, since both sides were trying to play different kind of games, and in addition anxious to do nothing to risk their opponents' scoring, even if they stood less chance thereby of scoring themselves. Castle House being stronger in three-quarters were endeavouring to open up the game while School House were trying to play a forward game for fear of their opponents' superiority in this respect. Neither side were strong enough to force their own way entirely and the result was rather a lot of scrappy play. After a certain amount of doubtful play Clarke i succeeded in breaking through and scoring for School House a try that was unconverted. Before half-time Castle House obtained a penalty kick within reasonable distance of the goal and there was a tense moment or two while it was being tried, especially when Castle House were awarded a second shot

825

after the first one had failed, as the result of certain members of the School House side charging it contrary to the rule. But the kick failed and the game continued with little event worth mentioning except that School House scored again in the corner towards the end of the second half, to win finally 6—o. The winning team was :— Parsons, Baly i, Clarke ii: Clarke i ; Maitland, Boddington, Thomas, Butler, Conner. *

* *

EASTER TERM. Rugger this term, as all other interests, has suffered from the rebuffs of fortune. At the beginning of the term the fields were in a bad condition, as the result of the floods which occurred during the Christmas holidays. It was impossible to play en them for a while and even then, on certain pitches only, so that all games could not play at once. Later on, too, the ravages of Scarlet Fever and the prevalence of frosts prevented any of the Under " 15 " fixtures arranged from actually materialising. Nevertheless a certain amount of valuable work has been done. We have chiefly concentrated this term on preparing for next season, and for this reason our " A " XV (proposed ist XV next season) and the Under " 15 " team have received most of our attention. The " A " XV in particular has shown considerable promise. It has proved a very well balanced side in matches versus Worcester City " B." The majority of the team were excellent and no one definitely below standard. The three-quarters were unexpectedly good. By the end of last term there had been few signs of new three-quarters capable of filling the positions of those who were to leave. But this term the three new comers to the School line— Pilbeam, Barker, and Bayes—have improved admirably and should all be well worth their places next season. In fact these two matches tended to show that the School threequarter line will again be a strong point in the team. The forwards had plenty of promising material to draw from, which, I think, has been well tested against opponents of greater size, though not greater skill, than themselves and have proved very satisfactory. Their one fault is a tendency to overdo winging at the expense of shoving in the scrum—a thing which is liable to produce, or at any rate to encourage, bad hooking. This will prevent the threequarters from having the opportunities of which they have shown themselves to be capable of making full use. If this is improved the team should meet with every success next term. Their defence, a weak point in last year's team, is better : the backs at tackling and the forwards at dribbling, but there is still room for improvement in this, a vitally important department of the game. *

* #

826

THE VIGORNIAN.

MATCHES v. WORCESTER CITY " B " XV. (i) Played on February 4th on the Worcester City ground at Northwick. The Worcester City side got off the mark well. They were considerably heavier than our own team, a fact which told most among the forwards where weight in itself is definitely an advantage. Thus, at first, the School pack were overwhelmed by their opposing forwards, with the result that a try was scored against them. But the fast and nippy School backs were more than a match for their opponents, and before long the score was made equal by a try scored by Pilbeam after a brilliant run. Moreover, even the advantage the City had had in the scrum was only temporary, since as the game wore on the superior training of the School forwards began to tell, in spite of their adversaries' weight. By half-time the School had scored again, Maitland picking up and forcing his way over. The try was converted by Rushton, so that the School now led by 8 points to 3. At the beginning of the second half Worcester City scored again, but again the kick failed, so that the School still held the lead. The game was still fairly even, but the superiority of the School three-quarters manifested itself, and by two excellent runs Royle ii defeated the defence and scored. One of these tries was converted by Rushton and the School won finally 16—6. On the whole the School side played very creditably both in defence and attack for its first match, though the forwards were not as well together as they should have been, and the side as a whole was inclined to be slow to get going at the beginning of both halves. The School side was :— I. A. Darwood; D. C. Royle, J. K. C. Bayes, D. J. V. Pilbeam, R. B. Barker; R. P. Royle, D. S. Clarke; R. J. Maitland, W. F. R. Morgan, W. J. Mercer, E. P. K. Rushton, G. E. Rackstraw, A. R. E. Thomas, D. O. Butler, D. H. Clinch.

(2) Played on February i3th on the Worcester City ground at Northwick. In this match Worcester City, anxious to wipe out the defeat of the previous match, put out a team that was considably stronger. Fortunately, the School also were able to strengthen their forwards, who especially needed it, by the inclusion of Bailey ii, who had been unable to play before. The result was a very hotly-contested game. At the end of the first half neither side could claim the advantage. The School had scored one, thanks to Royle ii, but their opponents had done likewise. Soon after play had been resumed the School side began to lose its vigour and allowed their opponents to score again. But towards the end of the game their former energy returned and they played the last quarter of an hour as hard as ever. As a result of a back movement and an excellent run on the part of Barker, a try was scored in the centre,

which Rushton converted. For the remainder of the match they were successful in staving off their opponents' attacks and won in the end by the narrow margin of two points, the final score being 8—6 in their favour. This match, though seemingly a less creditable attempt on the part of the School team, as the result of the increase in their opponents' strength, was in two ways very promising. Firstly, the fact that it was the two wings, as they should, who scored, shows that three-quarters must have been cooperating well, and is an excellent sign and an improvement on last year, when the insides were liable to forget their wings even when they had made openings. In the second place the School tackling was eminently good, especially that of Darwood at full back.

THE UNDER " 15 " TEAM. This side, unlike the " A " XV, was not very well suited as a team. The players we had to draw from were of very different sizes and standards of ability: some were outstandingly good: others were below the usual standard. Nevertheless, after a certain amount of practice, they had achieved some shape as a team, and although they were handicapped by illness, they would probably have defeated, or at any rate put up a good fight against their opponents if they had had a chance to meet them. Unfortunately, this year again none of their matches came off. Their first one had to be cancelled on the actual day, when all was prepared, owing to severe frosts causing their opponents to withdraw from the fight. All the rest of their matches were cancelled as a result of Scarlet Fever. Although they actually had no matches, they were given as much practice as possible, and as a result several people were discovered who may develop in time.

" BELOWS." These matches were, as usual, played on the American Tournament system, counting 2 points for a win, i for a draw, and o for defeat. The result was as follows:— i st. School House, with 8 points, winning all their matches. and. Hostel, with 6 points, only losing to School House. 3rd, equal with 2 points, Castle House, who beat Day Boys; Natland, who beat Castle House; Day Boys, who beat Natland. This tournament has a particular interest in matters of inter-house rivalry in that it gives the smaller and less successful houses a chance of distinguishing themselves. As Day Boys last year, Hostel this year were strong competitors for first place. The final, in as far as there is one, between School House and Hostel, was one of the last two matches to take place and a cause of considerable excitement on the part of the two houses, though it actually resulted in an easier victory for School House than they had gained over one or two other houses.

THE VIGORNIAN.

827

Besides this more obvious interest, the Belows are also a useful opportunity for testing the progress of junior rugger throughout the season. In reviewing the teams as a whole the standard was very satisfactory, though there was rather a wide difference between the best and worst. School House were decidedly the best. They were fortunate in being of more or less uniform size, and added to this advantage by skill and hard work in all departments. Of them their scrum half, Graves-Morris, deserves particular mention, as he was consistently excellent throughout the tournament. None of the other sides, though good individually, combined as well as they did as teams. This may have been due in part to the continual changes necessitated in teams by the ravages of illness. At all events, it was probably the main cause of their failure, as in a rugger side teamwork is absolutely the most essential quality. H. S. CLARKE. A. P. SHRIHPTON.

to know that he was having a holiday somewhere else. There were also two other gentlemen whom he would have been glad to see on the platform, but they were doing their duty elsewhere. These were Aid. Edwards and Mr. Webb. Both would have been there, but they had to be at a meeting of the Education Committee which unfortunately coincided with their prize-giving. They had quite rightly put civic duty before school duty. Turning to the activities of the School during the year, he said that really there had been little to report. It had been an exceptionally uneventful year—perhaps the most uneventful that he had had to report, but there were unfortunately nearly always some losses to report on that annual occasion. Last year he had to say a few words about the loss the School had sustained by the death of Mr. Samuel Southall, and they could not meet there that afternoon without feeling the loss the School had sustained through the death of Dr. Lacey. He (the speaker) would not be misunderstood when he said that it was almost a surprise to him to find on the occasion of Dr. Lacey 'a death how particularly warm a feeling the School entertained towards him.

Speecb Dap.

Loss OF DR. LACEY.

(Reprinted from the " Worcester Times.")

The loss which Dr. Lacey's death was to the Church at large was well known and his qualities of scholarship and churchmanship appealed rather to others than to the boys, but the feeling of regard they held for Dr. Lacey was put to him by the Captain of the School when they were preparing the material for the School magazine. The Captain said: " Please, sir, shall we put anything in about Dr. Lacey? " He (the speaker) said that they did not want a long obituary notice in their School magazine. The Captain replied : " I should like to put something in because Dr. Lacey was such a great favourite with the School." He thought the boys appreciated his vigorous and courageous personality. The Headmaster then welcomed Dr. Duppuy. He said that quite naturally in these times the School had not launched out into any new schemes. There had been no changes on the staff of the School, and there was really nothing new to report. He noticed that at most school prizegivings just now reports were made of economy measures and proposals which had been forced on the schools by the present financial stringency. He had no financial measures or proposals to report. In that school they had always aimed at keeping everything on as simple lines as was consistent with health and efficiency. They had always borne in mind the needs of that class which he thought was the backbone of England—the people of small means but great discrimination who wished to secure for their sons the advantages of a public school education and who had to make sacrifices—in some cases very real sacrifices—to do so, and were sending them to a school which would give them those advantages to the full at the lowest possible figure. Because that had always been their aim they were, he thought he might claim, in a fortunate position in that they had not to make economies, which he understood was being found a very difficult thing to do, so on the whole that school had not been materially affected by the financial times through which the country was passing. There had been

The annual Speech Day of the Worcester Cathedral King's School took place at the College Hall on Friday, July 8th. On the platform were: The Mayor of Worcester (Miss D. Ogilvy), the Dean of Worcester (Dr. W. Moore Ede), who presided, the Headmaster (Rev. C. Creighton), Archdeacon J. H. F. Peile, Canon A. J. Carlyle, Canon C. R. Duppuy, and Mr. J. R. Anthony. The Dean said he was very pleased to be there again that afternoon. The very first function he attended and took part in at Worcester was the prize-giving of the King's School, and he thought their new Canon was very rightly treading in his footsteps in coming there that afternoon on his first public appearance in Worcester. He thought that all of them who knew the inner life of the School and the work done by the boys were very proud of the School and considered that it did exceedingly well in its educational results, and it maintained what was more important, a very good and high tone. This year they had been unfortunate. He thought they had paid the penalty of boasting. They had boasted so often that they never had anybody ill. This time they could not say that, but they could say that they had not had anybody seriously ill, and that the boys who had to go into the Sanatorium thoroughly enjoyed themselves. (Laughter.) THE HEADMASTER'S REVIEW. The Headmaster, presenting his report, said his first and most pleasant duty was to wish the visitors a very hearty word of welcome and to say how very glad he was to see once more so many friends of the King's School and parents present that afternoon. While he was very pleased to see so many present there were one or two absentees to whom he wished to refer. One was their old friend, Archdeacon James, who was not there that afternoon, but they were glad

THE VIGORNIAN. some drop, however, in their numbers, due to the fact that some parents had been compelled to withdraw their boys from the School earlier than they otherwise would have done. There had been no material falling off in entries and he had no fear for the future of the School. He quite understood that many parents must have been compelled to withdraw their boys from school earlier than they would have done. It was well worth while, however, to make a considerable sacrifice to enable one's boy to remain at school until he had secured a job or an opening. That had come home to him very often. NATLAND. There was one change which was imminent in the School in the future. That was the giving up of Natland as one of the School boarding-houses; this was to take place after the end of this term. He would take that opportunity of expressing both for himself, as Headmaster, and for parents whose boys had been at Natland during the past 13 years, how very grateful they were for the devotion which Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker had shown to the interests of the boys under their care. (Applause.) Theirs had been in many ways a very difficult task. It was inevitable that a boarding house situated at a distance from the School, and not right on the spot, should be at a disadvantage in some ways compared with other school boarding houses. Its necessarily smaller numbers gave it little chance of competing with success in the various House contests, which meant so much in school life, but both House Master and members had shown a very gallant spirit in refusing to be in any way daunted by this disadvantage, and they succeeded in building up a very real spirit of House loyalty and esprit de corps. Natland had no reason to be in any way ashamed of its record. It had reason to be proud of many sporting efforts against great odds, and Natland boys had every reason to be grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker for all that they had done for them. It would be possible, after this term, to redistribute among the other boarding houses the boys still in Natland, and he thought it only fair to release Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker from the responsibility which they had so devotedly shouldered during the past 13 years. Of course that did not mean that Mr. Whitaker was not still to be on the staff, and he would continue to play that part in all the different activities of the School which he had always done. The Dean had reminded him of what he would gladly forget—the epidemic of scarlet fever which caused so much disorganisation in school life during the second half of last term. He pointed out, however, that apart from that epidemic the School's health record had been most remarkable during the past 13 years. After all, there were only 16 cases of scarlet fever, and it was only because scarlet fever took such a long time for recovery that it upset things so much. The epidemic enabled him to make acquaintance with an institution of which the City of Worcester might be very proud indeed—the Newtown Isolation Hospital. He was up there constantly during last term, and all the boys who were there, and their parents, would agree with him in saying that the Matron and the nurses of that hospital could not possibly have looked after the boys better if they had been attached to that School.

He could not speak too highly of the care they took of the boys and of the good time the boys had up there. He thought it was an institution of which the City of Worcester had every reason to be proud. (Applause.) Referring to the honours won by members of the School since the last Prize Day, the Headmaster said that in many ways it was a remarkable list. He spoke of the First Class Theological Finals at Oxford obtained by two members of the School, and the honorary scholarships in History at Hertford College, Oxford, awarded to two other members. Dealing with athletics during the past year, he said they might claim that last Christmas term they had probably the strongest Rugby football team that they had ever had. The School rowing four had the misfortune to be beaten at Marlow in the first round by the final winner. They had, however, defeated Winchester (last year's winners) in their heat, and in their school races had beaten all the schools they had rowed against. He thought that the School four and their very enthusiastic coach were to be congratulated on that record. Cricket had been very slow in " getting going " this term, because of the disastrous weather at the beginning; but having got going, he thought they might claim to be acquitting themselves very creditably. THE DEAN AND THE TEACHERS' " CUT." The Dean recounted how, that morning, he had received a notice of a dividend from a company in which he had some small interest—a company engaged in scholastic work—and he had been struck on looking through the accounts, to find that they had made a profit of ;£6,ooo out of the " cut " from teachers' salaries. That was what had enabled them to declare a dividend. He felt that the action of the Education Department in cutting salaries in schools like the King's School was extremely unjust. " It is quite fair to say," added the Dean, " that in the elementary schools there is a cut of 10 per cent, for the benefit of the national finances, and it should have been for the benefit of the national finances in a school like this. But though the Board of Education reduced our grant, they did not reduce it as much as they made us reduce our salaries. The Governors wanted to reduce the staff's salaries by only as much as the grant was reduced, but the Board declined to allow that. The Governors desired to prevent any injustice, and they are not going to declare a dividend out of the balance. The balance made up by the difference between what we have received from the compulsory " cut " in the staff's salaries and the deduction from the Government grant the Governors have carried to a suspense account, and we hope the day will come when we may be able to restore it to the masters." (Applause.) Extending a hearty welcome to their new Governor—Bishop Duppuy—the Dean said they were very glad the powers that be had selected him to come to Worcester as successor to Canon Lacey. The prizes were then presented by Bishop Duppuy. When the Captain of the School (A. P. Shrimpton) came up to the platform to receive a prize, the Headmaster remarked that he had very well maintained the tradition of his predecessors, and had been one of the most helpful, loyal and useful Captains of the School they had had.

THE VIGORNIAN. BISHOP DUPPUY LOOKS BACK. Bishop Duppuy then addressed the gathering as follows :— " When, six months ago, in distant Hong Kong, ten thousand miles from here, I was offered by cable a Canonry in this Cathedral, and had to cable a reply without being able to come to see the place, I turned to the chapters on the Worcester Canonry in the life of Bishop Mandell Creighton, to learn what I could about the place and its setting. I had been ordained in this Cathedral—but that was nearly 28 years ago—and I had only twice been here since, so I actually knew very little of the place. I read in Bishop Creighton's life of the friendliness of the people of Worcester, of his love for the Cathedral and its precincts, its music and his home in the College Green, and of the many activities that go on in this City. I little thought when I read those chapters that my first public act would be to give away the prizes at the Worcester Cathedral King's School, of which a son of Bishop Creighton was the Headmaster. I am still very much of a stranger in Worcester, but I am very happy to be here to-day, and I thank you for the welcome you have given me. I have never served on the staff of a school, but out in China we had a great deal of educational work in connection with the Church; big schools for boys and girls, and hostels for University students. These were served for the most part by Oxford and Cambridge men and women—our two latest recruits were a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and a Wellington master. Nothing used to please me more than being brought into touch with the young life out there, and I shall value whatever brings me into touch with young life here at home. I am glad that, as a Canon of Worcester, I have a definite connection with this School, and am your near neighbour. Your beautiful garden occupies the most ancient site in Worcester, and mine adjoins yours. I suppose from the seventh century till the present time there has been a school in almost the identical spot where we now are, and perhaps even earlier, in Roman times. I think all this historic association will have a big influence on the lives of some of you boys. I know when I was out in China, making long journeys up country, the thought of Canterbury Cathedral as I used to see it from my school would often come to me as an inspiration in times of difficulty. It teaches you to take the long view. I think having been at this School will teach you to take the long view when you go out into the world as well. " I have not long been associated with your School, but long enough to see that you have had some marked successes, and that you live a full life here, with your studies, your cricket, your rowing, your O.T.C., your connection with the Cathedral with all its rich associations, religion and music and art and history. Some of you boys will be leaving scon. I have seen life under many varying conditions, and one of the things it has taught me is this: that people's gifts vary greatly, and that many different types of gifts are needed in life. Some people are more brilliantly endowed than others, but the great thing is to be true to the highest that is in you. It is not always the most brilliant who go the furthest; it is grit and character and ' gameness ' that count for most.

829

YOUTH READY FOR SACRIFICE. " Before I sit down I want to add a word especially to you parents. We are passing through a difficult phase in world history. The world of to-morrow is not going to be like the world of yesterday or to-day. Humanity is being moulded into new forms, and a great deal of readjustment must take place. If things are to be right in the world, and a catastrophe is to be avoided, there must be a partnership between the old and the young. It is only so that a way out can be found. Probably there is no one here who is not feeling the financial stringency in one form or another, and you are wondering how all this is going to affect your boy or girl. But just as in the crisis of the war the young were ready for any sacrifice at the call of duty, so I believe it will be to-day in this hour of economic upheaval. Let youth really know the difficulties of the position—tell it the real facts—and it will respond. Youth wants something with a risk in it; it does not want the prize without the dust. Youth won't talk much, but it is ready for the hard thing. It is only waiting to see its duty plain. No one can have a better comrade in life than his own boy or girl; take them into partnership early enough, and, please God, they will help to get society on to a securer basis and make a tomorrow that is better than to-day." Mr. J. R. Anthony thanked Bishop Duppuy for distributing the prizes. The prize list was as follows :— Bishop of Worcester's Divinity Prize.—A. V. Parsons. Canon Cronshaw's Divinity Prize.—A. O. Hall. Maurice Day Classical Prize (Senior).—P. Bowles. James Nash Classical Prize.—R. L. Thomas. George Nash History Prize.—T. S. Broadhurst. School Latin Prose Prize (Archdeacon Peile).—J. R. A. Embling. School Mathematical Prize (Bishop Duppuy).—A. Shrimpton.

School French Prize.—T. S. Broadhurst. School Science Prize (in memory of Samuel Southall, O.V.).—G. B. Torrens. Archdeacon James' Accidence Prizes.—VI. Latin, H. S. Clarke; Greek, A. V. Parsons; Modern VI. Latin, L. V. Podesta; Upper V. Latin, R. H. Fyson; Upper V. Greek, D. S. Clarke; Lower V. Latin and Greek, R. W. Hall; Remove Latin, M. E. G. MacLeod; Upper IV., D. O. Hall; Middle IV., J. F. Lavender; Lower IV., T. P. Walker. General Knowledge (The Dean of Worcester).—Not awarded. Reading Prizes (Canon Carlyle).—J. G. Stretton (Senior); C. M. Lavender (Junior). Music Prize (Sir Ivor Atkins).—G. A. Baker. Junior Singing.—A. Hinton. Drawing Prize.—J. D. Evans. Special Prize for the Best School Certificate (in memory of F. T. E. and E. R. H. Lewis, O.V.).—R. J. W. Bryer.

THE VIGORNIAN.

830

Mayor of Worcester's Prize (Proxime Accessit in K.S. Examination).—J. S. Wilkinson. Yates' Prize for Best Certificate A in O.T.C.—J. W. Card. Mrs. Henry Wood Essay Prizes.—Senior First Prize, J. D. Evans; Senior Second Prize, A. P. Shrimpton, C. F. Davis; Highly Commended, A. M. Penny; Commended J. T. Darch; Junior First Prize, H. C. Cox; Junior Second Prize, A. G. Strother; Lower School, D. E. Margrett. Honours won by members of the School since last Prize Day.—K. N. Ross, ist Class Theological Finals, Oxford; L. S. K. Ford, ist Class Theological Finals, Oxford; P. Bowles, State Scholarship in Classics; A. V. Parsons, Classical Exhibition, Queen's College, Oxford; F. H. Yarnold, ist Class Classical Moderations, Oxford; S. M. Bate, 2nd Class Classical Moderations, Oxford; T. S. Broadhurst, Hon. Scholarship in History, Hertford College, Oxford; J. F. R. Jones-Williams, Hon. Scholarship in History, Hertford College, Oxford; J. W. Card, Prize Cadetship, R.A.F. College, Cranwell. Winner of Certificates of the Oxford and Cambridge Schools Examination Board, 1932.—Higher Certificates in Classics: P. Bowles, with distinction in Greek; J. R. A. Embling; A. V. Parsons. In Modern Subjects: T. S. Broadhurst, J. F. R. Jones-Williams, J. L. Payne, F. W. R. Claxton, A. P. Shrimpton. School Certificates: R. B. Barker, K. F. Bartrip, R. J. W. Bryer, R. S. Carter, E. J. Cole, J. W. Card, C. A. Hartill, T. N. Gray, A. O. Hall, T. F. Higginson, G. D. Holder, B. H. B. Hopkin, H. T. R. Lock, A. J. N. Richards, L. V. Podesta, J. F. E. Rawlings, E. P. H. Rushton, R. L. Thomas, G. B. Torrens, R. Derbyshire. Certificate A won by members of the O.T.C. during the past year: J. L. Adlington, H. L. Baly, D. O. Butler, D. H. Clinch, E. J. Cole, D. H. Dunnill, J. W. Card, A. O. Hall, E. G. Knapp-Fisher, D. R. Mole, H. Readman, A. J. N. Richards, D. C. Royle, R. P. Royle, G. C. L. Thompson, G. B. Torrens, J. Wynne-Woolley.

CD* School Concert. In the evening the usual School concert was held in the College Hall, and was again attended by many parents and friends of the scholars. It is customary for the first part of the programme to be given to a work of some merit and size, and for the second half to be devoted to items by the School Orchestra, part-songs by the School Choir, and sometimes amusing interludes by some entertainer. Though Sir Edward Elgar's " The Banner of Saint George," with which the programme opened, was not of so great a length as is usual for the main piece of the programme, it was a very happy choice, and one which was, of course, particularly welcome to an audience composed largely of Worcestershire people. The School choir (which is surely of smaller proportions now than one remembers it to have been for some time) sang this work with understanding and nice expression, and the rendering was wholly enjoyable. Dramatic narrative of the slaying of the Dragon by Saint George and splendid music

are wedded in this work, and the Choir's rendering was warmly appreciated by the audience. Particularly effective were the passages " At heaven's command I fall—or I prevail ! "—which was sung with the requisite power—and that beginning " They meet like waves when o'er the deep," which was given with fine dramatic force. Some of the best singing was heard in the Epilogue, and the Choir sang the verses in praise of England with such stirring vigour and force as to give one a thrill of patriotism and of delight in the music. In the second half of the programme, the School Choir were again heard, this time singing part-songs and one notable unison song—a composition of Mr. Edgar F. Day, who so ably encourages the boys' musical interests and trains them for these School concerts. This song, " England, arise! " was sung for the first time publicly at the Concert, and the Choir and Mr. Day were enthusiastically applauded at the conclusion of the song, which brought the concert to a close. The part-singing was very jolly, especially R. Vaughan Williams' " The dark-eyed sailor " and " Swansea Town " (arr. by Gustav Hoist). The School orchestra gave Handel's Firework Suite, and pieces by Haydn, Mozart (the lovely Minuet and Trio) and a Sailor Dance by T. F. Dunhill. Their playing gave great pleasure and one wished that time and the programme had permitted them to give other items, but space had been reserved for the witticisms of Mr. Selwyn Driver. He is an Old Vigornian, whose performance is always popular, and once again he showed himself a versatile and skilled entertainer. His wit and clever rhymes won applause and laughter—and much admiration from the younger members of the School. Mr. Day conducted throughout the musical programme, and Mr. C. Brown (another Old Vigornian) was the accompanist. At rehearsals G. A. Baker acted as accompanist. The members of the School Choir were :—Treble: G. C. Booking, R. I. G. Brooks, M. E. G. MacLeod, A. S. Yarnold, F. L. Coulter, D. A. Hemmings, A. Hinton, J. Steward, G. N. T. Baxter, R. P. Beard, C. G. Bush, H. C. Cox, G. T. Jones, F. R. Spalding, A. R. Spooner, A. G. Strother, H. G. Williams, E. M. F. Bearcroft, D. Briggs, H. A. Bubb, J. E. Cowper, S. B. Harris, C. G. Hartwright, H. W. Hinds, D. R. Mann, D. E. Margrett, J. R. Morris, W. N. Bryer, S. C. James, R. L. Lodge, E. A. Protheroe, J. J. Taaffe, J. W. Wise. Alto: Mr. H. E. Nicholls, F. W. N. N. P. Raban, J. P. C. P. Raban, K. B. Dyer, A. C. White, J. R. Ravenhill, H. N. Rice-Jones, R. W. M. Allen. Tenor: Mr. E. G. Boothroyd, Mr. J. K. Michell, G. B. Hopkin, G. A. Baker, B. C. Burpitt, E. L. R. Gilson, J. G. Stretton. Bass: Mr. A. D. Franklin, H. S. Clarke, E. G. Knapp-Fisher, A. V. Parsons, A. J. N. Richards, A. P. Shrimpton, G. B. Torrens, D. S. Clarke, D. R. T. Mole, A. L. Taylor, C. G. L. Thompson, J. M. Harrison. The members of the School orchestra were :—ist violins: Mrs. Winifred Hill, R. B. Barker, G. A. Baker. 2nd violins : Mr. H. E. Nicholls, G. B. Hopkin, D. R. T. Mole. Viola : Mr. F. Fielder. Flute : Mr. A. D. Franklin. Clarinet: Mr. E. G. Boothroyd. Piano: R. A. H. Davies.

THE VIGORNIAN.

The various Competitions went off very well except the Handicap Doubles, the last stages of which had to be played off this term. The following were the matches played in the Handicap Doubles this term :—

flues. FIXTURES AND RESULTS. 1ST IV.

Played at. Date. Opponents. Hereford Feb. 10.—Hereford Worcester „ 17.—Bromsgrove Worcester „ 24.—Warwick Worcester Mar. 2.—'Hereford „ 5.—Bromsgrove Staff ... Worcester Warwick ,, 9.—Warwick Bromsgrove ... „ 19.—Bromsgrove

Result. Lost Won Cancelled

„

2ND IV.

Result. Played at. Date. Opponents. ... Worcester Won Feb. 10.—Hereford Cancelled ... Warwick „ 24.—Warwick Mar. 2.—Hereford ... Hereford ... Worcester ,, 9.—Warwick In the Easter term Fives was going very well until, like everything else, it was disorganised by the epidemic. A much larger number of fixtures had been arranged for this season but only two ist IV and one 2nd IV matches could be played. IST IV v. HEREFORD C.S. IST IV. Played at Hereford on February loth. What might have been a very good match was spoilt by snow. The first pair had a very hard struggle, just winning each game. 15—12, 18—16, 15—8. The second pair did not quite come up to expectations, losing 14—17, 5—15, n—15. Final result: School lost by five points, 78—83. The School was represented by R. P. Royle, D. C. Royle, A. V. Parsons, H. S. Clarke. *

* *

IST IV v. BROMSGROVE SCHOOL IST IV. The match was played at Worcester on February 17th. The first pair won quite comfortably, 15—8, 15—8, 15—4. The second pair also won 7—15, 17—14, 15—9. Final result: School won by 26 points, 84—58. The School was represented by R. P. Royle, D. C. Royle, A. V. Parsons, H. L. Baly. *

831

* *

2ND IV v. HEREFORD C.S. 2ND IV. This match was played at Worcester on February loth. The first pair just won by a very narrow margin, 15—13. 18—14, 17—15. The second pair also gained a victory, IS—12. IS—™. 7—15Final result: School won by 8 points, 87—79. The following represented the School 2nd IV: D. H. Clinch, E. G. Knapp-Fisher, C. R. Donald and E. T. C. Harris.

A. D. Franklin, Esq.) Nicholls

; Clarke i |

Clarke i Greenhill

}

Greenhill j

Clarke i \ Greenhill /

Royle ii \ Hall iii j In the Open Singles R. P. Royle i won, A. V. Parsons being the runner-up. In the Under 15 Singles Averill and Hall iii were the finalists, the latter winning. Castle House won the Fives House Challenge Cup against School House. The winners were represented by R. P. Royle and D. C. Royle. In conclusion we should like to thank Mr. R. J. Whitaker and Mr. A. D. Franklin for the interest they have shown in Fives this year. R.P.R.

O.C.C RotCS. Last term it was found impossible to have parades after half-term through the epidemic, but all members of the corps have been able to attend quite enough parades to be returned efficient. We were unable to take part in the field day with Cheltenham, Marlborough and others, as we generally do, for the same reason. Training has been carried out this term with a view to the Annual Inspection. We have been reorganised as two large platoons, which is now our official strength. This is due to the new War Office regulation referring to higher age for entering the O.T.C. After our visit to the Norton Barracks two instructors came down and gave us a more detailed explanation of the mechanism and use of the Lewis gun than we had had time for there. The standard is very satisfactory in spite of the shortening of the time of training through illness and bad weather. Since there was no field day in the Easter term and there is no camp this year, the Headmaster has allowed us two field days this term. The first of these took place on Kempsey Common on Thursday, May I2th. The company marched out with the band to Norton Barracks, where Major J. H. Pelly had kindly arranged for us a number of demonstrations—arms drill, P.T., and the Lewis gun. Some seniors were given the opportunity of firing a few rounds with the Lewis gun; it was a very strange feeling after firing with a rifle. We marched on from the barracks without the band. The

832

THE VIGORNIAN.

scheme this time was different to the usual. The vanguards of two opposing armies advancing towards each other were trying to make contact and they came into collision on Kempsey Common. The Brown force, Under-officer Shrimpton in command, advanced from the east side, and the White force, under C.S.M. Maitland, from the west. Both forces advanced with scouts in front and deployed on making contact. The Brown force were successful on the right and managed to get round and attack in the rear; but the White force had also made a successful attack on their right flank. In the second phase the forces changed direction, Brown defending. The White force made a good feint attack and then overmastered the right flank of the defence, which however refused to retreat, with the result that the forces became confused. The chief criticism was that the forces extended too soon, the White force being in open formation before contact had been made with the enemy. It was the first time we have visited Kempsey for some years and the area proved rather too large for our diminished contingent. The company marched back, picking up the band at the Barracks again. Though the action had been short it was a strenuous day, entailing plenty of marching. The second field day, in connection with Cheltenham College O.T.C., took place on June 8th, in the Stanton district of the Cotswolds. We travelled in buses and the weather was perfect. Our contingent, under C.S.M. Maitland, consisting of two platoons commanded by Sergt. Parsons and Sergt. Thompson, belonged to a White force ordered to defend a tract of high ground as long as it could. Our contingent held the forward positoins and bore the brunt of the first attack of three companies of Cheltenham College. The ground was very hilly and dotted with copses, and thus good defensive positions could be occupied. The enemy were delayed considerably by having to deploy very early. Our section-commanders proved themselves very efficient, especially in posting their men and giving clear fire-orders at the right time. After being forced out of our first position we withdrew slowly, just in time to avoid being cut off by the enemy hordes which surged around. The control of sections was well carried out, though the inevitable confusion occurred when one platoon had to retire quickly through a steep and dense wood. We then withdrew right back behind a friendly company of Cheltenham, and later took part in a counter-attack which was vigorous though rather hampered by fields of growing crops and by the fact that the enemy were all crowded together on a frontage of about 100 yards, where a few well-aimed shells from our artillery (imaginary) would soon have accounted for them. On the whole the operations were well organised and we personally greatly appreciated manoeuvres on a larger scale than our own private field days.

The Annual Inspection was carried out by Col. J. L. Buxton, D.S.O., C.M.G., on Saturday, July gth. A short time was spent on company drill, which was very good considering the little practice we get at it; then the inspecting officer devoted himself entirely to a thorough examination of Section Commanders and holders of Certificate " A," instructing their sections in musketry and arms drill. He expressed himself very satisfied indeed with the contingent and said that it was the best that he had inspected this year. In his address he laid stress on the fact that the purpose of the War Office in giving grants for the O.T.C. was not only to get recruits for the Regular and Territorial Armies but also to make boys learn to be leaders. He considered, he said, that we were admirably fulfilling this aim.

The band practices last term were very irregular and the band did not really settle down until this term. It has improved very considerably in the last six weeks owing to assiduous practice. They played very well on the General Inspection, though the marching was perhaps not quite as good as last year. The band test has been held earlier than usual this year. Ten drummers and four buglers were awarded first classes; there were also six second class awards. This is well up to standard and would probably have included more first class buglers if they had not had to play individually first. The keenness of the band has been well maintained considering that there was no prospect of a camp at the end of the term.

The following promotions and appointments have been made:— January, 1932. C.S.M. Shrimpton to be Under-Officer. Cpl. Clarke i ,, Sergeant. ,, „ Cpl. Boddington L/Cpl. Rushton „ Corporal. Cadet Royle ii „ Lance-Corporal. „ Adlington „ Knapp-Fisher „ „ » Mole

May, 1932. Sergt. Maitland to be C.S.M. L/Corpl. Royle ii ,, Corporal. „ Royle i „ Adlington ,, Clinch Cadet Butler Lance-Corporal. „ Cole ,, Readman „ Richards ,, Torrens

THE VIGORNIAN.

CtK CDrlsttnas Concert,

Part II.

At the School Concert held on Monday, December 2ist, the School gave two fairly short works as they did last year—" Phandrig Crohoore " by C. V. Stanford, and a seasonable Welsh melody " A Festival Chime," arranged by Gustav Hoist. The latter was a carol with an unfamiliar but catching tune, which was well rendered by the Choir and loudly applauded. We were very pleased to see the Masters' quartet once again after so long a break, and they were given a rousing reception. Three of their numbers were old favourites— Two Snails, The Mad Dog, The Flirt. Though they had had very little practice they rendered them with their usual vigour; the repetition in the bass part of " Through the Telephone " in the first of these, is probably well known to many members of the School, past and present, and roused the usual laughter. Claude Brown, O.V., once again accompanied the Choir and this time received some recompense for his continual work, as it were, " behind the scenes," for he played a pianoforte solo and was strongly applauded. C. I. Record excellently gave two songs, " To Daisies " and " O Mistress Mine," both by Roger Quilter. The orchestra was in full force again and gave us five pieces during the evening ; one of them—a Jig—was specially written for the orchestra by F. Fielder. PROGRAMME. Part I. 1. School Song—" Floreat "

833

Vine Hall

2. " Phandrig Crohoore " (An Irish Ballad) C. V. Stanford THE SCHOOL CHOIR. Conductor—Mr. E. F. Day. Accompanist—C. Brown, O.V. 3. Orchestra—• i Two Dances from " Comus " (1738)...T. A. Arne 2. Air a danser Gossee 3 Jig F. Fielder ist Violins—Mrs. W. HILL, G. A. BAKER, R. B. BARKER. 2nd Violins—Mr. H. E. NICHOLLS, D. R. T. MOLE, D. ROSE, G. B. HOPKIN. Viola—Mr. F. FIELDER. Flute—Mr. A. D. FRANKLIN. Clarinet—Mr. E. G. BOOTHROYD. Piano—R. A. H. DAVIES. 4. Quartets— (a) " An Old Rat's Tale ") (b) " Two Snails " } /• *"**»'* Bridge Messrs. H. E. NICHOLLS, E. F. DAY, A. D. FRANKLIN, G. K. TATTERSALL.

1. Pianoforte Solo—Sonatine i Allegretto, ii Tempo de Minuet, in Allegro.

Ravel

C. BROWN, O.V. 2. Sons—(a) To Daisies j (b) O Mistress Mine f R°£er Quilter C. I. RECORD, O.V. 3. Quartets—(a) The Flirt /. Frederick Bridge (b) The Mad Dog C. Hubert H. Parry 4. Orchestra— 1 Overture, " King Arthur " Henry Purcell 2 Hungarian Dance No. 6 Brahms 5. A Festival Chime arr. by Gustav Hoist Welsh Melody, " St. Denis." THE SCHOOL CHOIR.

Shooting Shooting this year has shown a decided improvement on previous years, and we venture to say that this year's VIII has been the most successful we have had for at least ten years. In the Easter term shooting was confined to the miniature range in practice for the VIII. We possessed six people from last year's team and a high standard was maintained. Unfortunately one of our matches had to be cancelled owing to Scarlet Fever. Again the destroying plague seriously harassed our efforts to practise for the Country Life Competition on March sth, as we were relieved from quarantine only three days before. In this, despite the absence of two regular members of the VIII who were in isolation, the score showed a considerable improvement, especially in the Landscape Target, which was largely due to the able target indications of Shrimpton, acting as team leader. The result was that we scored 682 out of a possible 872, and came 23rd out of a total of 68 entries. Other results were as follows :— Pts. Pts. Date. Opponents. For. Against. Result. Feb. 6. K.C.S. Wimbledon 519 588 Lost by 69 ,, 13. Framlingham College 566 559 Won by 7 „ 13. Bloxham School 566 446 Won by 120 In the Summer we concentrated upon the Chichester Cup Competition on the 30 yards range. Here we managed to get in a good amount of practice, although our efforts were frequently thwarted by rain and shortage of ammunition. In the Competition we made a strong bid for first place and managed to beat last year's winners, Bromsgrove School, whose VIII, we understand, devotes the entire Summer term to shooting. Our score shows a vast improvement in

THE VIGORN1AN.

834

Che Cross-Coumrp Run*

the Rapid practice. Butler is to be congratulated on producing the best score of the day, only dropping three points. Scores:— Group. Application. Rapid. Total. H.P. 25. H.P. 20. H.P. 40. H.P. 85. A. V. Parsons ... 20 20 33 73 D. O. Butler ... 25 20 37 82 R. J. Maitland ... 20 17 37 74 J. M. Harrison ... 20 16 35 71 A. P. Shrimpton... 20 17 33 70 D. H. Clinch ... 15 16 35 66 C. G. L. Thompson 20 18 27 65 I. A. Darwood ... 15 18 28 61 Result: ist, Malvern College, 583 ; 2nd, King's School, 562 ; 3rd, Bromsgrove School, 554.

For the Worcestershire Rifle Association Cup Competition, on the long range at Kidderminster, none of our VIII had had any practice, and three of them had never before shot on a long range. Thus again, in this Competition held on June i6th, we put up a very creditable show under the circumstances, by far exceeding our scores of recent years. At 200 yards we were very few points behind Malvern College, but dropped more at 500 yards. Scores :— A. V. Parsons D. O. Butler A. P. Shrimpton I. A. Darwood C. G. L. Thompson ... D. H. Clinch J. M. Harrison R. J. Maitland

H.P. 70. 52 57 55 55 S4 51 49 38

Result :ist Bromsgrove School 2nd Malvern College 3rd King's School 4th Royal Grammar School

45' 436 411 348

The rest of the term has been spent in classifying the remainder of the Corps under the Empire Test, in which the standard has been moderately good, though few really good shots have been discovered. There are at present r y ist Class shots, and 31 2nd Class. The Individual Shooting Cup was won by Clinch with a score of no out of 120; the House Competition was won by School House, with Hostel second. Our thanks are due to 2nd Lieut. J. H. L. Burnett for supervising the shooting, and to C.S.M. Cooper for the trouble he has taken in coaching the VIII, and his keen interest which has greatly contributed to its success. A.V.P.

The Cross-Country Run was held on Monday, February 22nd. The course was in good condition owing to the dry weather, and the number of entries was considerably higher than last year. From the first Clarke i led the open: competitors and steadily drew away. He overtook Fyson ii, the leader of the " Under 15," two fields from the finish and came in well ahead, in the record time of i6mins. 51 sees. Clarke i is to be heartily congratulated on an excellent performance, by which he has proved himself the best long-distance runner that the School has had for some years. Fyson ii was second, followed by Boddington and Shrimpton. School House won the House Team Cup easily, with six of their people in the first seven places. Results :— WARREN CUP. 24 points. School House Castle House 97 Day Boys 152 Natland 190 „ Hostel 219 .. DAY CUP (Individual) H. S. Clarke i. Open. 1. 2. 3. 4-

Clarke i Boddington Shrimpton Clarke ii

Under 15. Fyson ii Lavender i Townsend Jackson ii

Under 13. Strother Wise Bubb Ansty A.V.P. G.C.L.T.

Ccciurcs. On February i3th we were visited by Mr. Oliver Simmonds, who gave a lecture entitled " Air Travel, Today and To-morrow." From the beginning Mr. Simmonds struck out on a different line from most of the air lecturers we have heard before, in that he was concerned with aircraft as a commercial advantage in peace-time instead of as a particularly pernicious method of annihilating one's enemies in warfare. His idea was to impress upon the younger generation the vast importance of air communication and its future in the modern civilised world. By this time people should be taking aeroplanes for granted, as much as they did motor-cars. Thus extension in the air ought to be well supported by public opinion. He explained the facilities and comforts of the route across the Channel to Paris by air-liner, and it was a new fact to most of us when we were told that this method of crossing was actually cheaper than the ordinary train and packet-boat journey, not to mention the safety, speed and ease of the trip. He then took us for a flight over London and offered some aerial views to be solved by the topographical experts among the audience. All the slides were remarkably clear and of

THE VIGORNIAN. great interest, and certainly everyone went away not only pleased with the entertainment but more enlightened on a subject which deserves serious consideration nowadays. *

* *

The other lecture was on February 2Oth by Mr. H. G. Walking on " Exploring in Greenland." Here we were face to face with " the real thing." Mr. Watkins was leader of the British Arctic Air Route Expedition of last year, in which a party of experts were sent to find out whether it was possible to establish an air route across Greenland to Canada, though we suspect that Mr. Watkins himself went more for the sheer joy of adventure, in which he had already had much experience. Landing on the east coast they established a solitary post on the high ground in the centre of Greenland for the purpose of watching the atmospheric conditions, and also started, with the help of an aeroplane, to map out the coast-line. They found the region very liable to sudden blizzards, which occurred on an average of two a week, and so they decided that the air route scheme would be impracticable. The story of the rescue of Mr. Courtauld from the solitary post had been furnished with melodrama by the sensational press and thus we were glad to hear " the truth about the matter " from a first-hand authority. Mr. Watkins also described a journey he had made in an esquimaux" kyak canoe round the coast. The chief thrill was seal hunting, a sport which needed great skill, and involved considerable danger, because if a seal " got fresh " it would overturn the canoe, which could only be righted by a special knack that Mr. Watkins had acquired from the esquimaux. The lecture was illustrated throughout by excellent slides, which gave a good idea of the nature of the country. * * * On June I3th we were given a recital in College Hall by Mr. Isaacs and a 'cellist who was travelling with him. These two, though thorough musicians, as we judged from their performances, had failed to obtain any good engagements and were touring the country at random with a piano on a donkey-cart, living and camping out in the open. We were sorry that the donkey could not come for this performance. First they played a Beethoven Concerto for 'cello and piano, then a series of solos for each instrument. We were particularly amazed by the wonderful tone that Mr. Isaacs elicited from the College Hall piano, an instrument which most of us had given up in despair. The 'cellist caused great excitement among the elite of the Jazz circle, when, in the last item, he laid down his bow and plucked the strings like a ukelele. The recital was thoroughly enjoyed by all, high- and low-brow alike, especially because of its informal nature, and we wish the musicians the best of luck in their enterprise.

Swimming Sports. The Swimming Sports took place this term immediately after O.V. week, on July nth and izth, and were favoured with slightly better weather than usual. Castle House gained a large lead in the Junior events and were leading

835

until the Long Race. School House gained almost all the places in this and practically won the Cup on it, getting 26 points for this one race alone. It seems a little unfair that that one race should account for almost as many points as all the others together and it is to be hoped that this will be altered before next year. Sprint—Open. 1 Maitland, R. J. 2 Mercer, W. J. 3 Donald, C. R.

Long Race—Under 15. i Brooks, R. I. G. 2 Allen, R. W. M. 3 Averill, T. E.

Sprint—Under 15. 1 Brooks, R. I. G. 2 Allen, R. W. M. 3 Jackson ii, J. H. Back Race—Open. 1 Headeach, P. 2 Thompson, G. C. L. 3 RoyleYi., D. C.

Long Race—Open. i Maitland, R. J. 2 Mercer, W. J. 3 Harrison, J. M. 4 Clarke i, H. S. S Boddington, M. C. B. 6 Donald C R - ' " 7 Mole' D' R ' T8 Stretton, J. G. g Higginson, T. F. IO parsons> A. V. „ Thompson, G. C. L. 12 Lewis, F. C.

Back Race—Under 15. 1 Brooks, R. I. G. 2 Jackson ii, J. H. 3 Bearcroft, E. M. F. Beginners' Race. 1 Smith i, J. 2 Lavender ii, C. M. Diving. 1 Clinch, D. H. 2 Thompson, G. C. L. 3 Harrison, J. M. Relay Race. 1 School House. 2 Hostel. 3 Castle House.

F , NAL

HOUSE POSITIONS.

School House

... 359

Castle House

- 4* ... 19

3 Hostel 4 Natland ^ 0ay Boys

...

8 3

P.C. Camp. This year the O.T.C. were fortunately again able to send six members of the Corps to attend a course of Physical Training at Aldershot; we hope that this number will continue in future years. We can assure anyone intending to take this course, not only that they will gain by it physically, but also that they will have ten days' enjoyable holiday. Cadets attending this course arrived at Aldershot at 5 p.m. and were met by an army lorry, into which about twenty or thirty boys managed to crawl, with their luggage, being ejected at Blenheim Barracks somewhat the worse for wear. The accommodation this year was decidedly better than the year before; it did however take us some time to get used to army sheets and beds. The course was started on the following day. Reveilte is sounded at 6.30 a.m. ; an hour later cadets, encouraged by sergeant energetically blowing whistle, thought of arising. After breakfast Parade fell in at 9 a.m. in the Aldershot Command Gym. Being only a short course it is made as

THE VIGORNIAN.

836

interesting and varied as possible, each day being divided into half-hour periods. These periods consist of Boxing, Swimming, Agility, and demonstrations by the instructors. One demonstration which was really worth watching was a black and white boxing display, given by " Dusty Miller " (ex fly-weight champion of the Army) and one of the instructors. In the afternoon, besides P.T. there were other things to do, such as athletics, and obstacle courses. We made up a section with Cranleigh and Eastbourne. This section won the Inter-Section P.T. Competition, and the swimming relay race. In the evening there was no parade for those who did not wish to attend, but for those who still felt energetic enough, a voluntary was held. At this parade, the gym. was at your disposal, so that you might do anything you liked, and this evening parade gave a very good chance to better anything that you were not quite sure of. The instructors were always willing to help. With permission cadets were allowed to go into Aldershot, and it seems they made full use of the caf£s and cinemas. The object of sending members of the School to this course is to encourage P.T. throughout the School, and it seems to be having the desired effect.

Cbe scouts* During the Summer term the Scouts appear a good deal in uniform, and people are heard to remark that the Scouts are waking up, and doing something. This remark, however, of some misguided people is untrue, the Scouts are awake all the year, but during the other two terms any work they do, must be done indoors, or at least a great deal of it, so they are naturally not noticed. This year we have been very lucky, having had glorious weather for all the week-end camps. As a consequence more work has been done during these week-ends, and many tests have been passed. Everyone, I think, enjoys these week-end camps, and it is certainly nice to get right out into the country for a couple of days. We must thank the Headmaster for our chief camping site this year, as in previous years. He has again allowed us to use the grounds of his house at Claines. The equipment has been increased during this term, and will be adequate for the Summer camps. Many Scouts have their own tents, and I believe do a fair amount of camping during the holidays. There are to be two Summer camps this year. The first troop, under Mr. E. G. Boothroyd, is camping near Aberystwith for ten days, from 2Sth of July until the 5th of August. This troop consists of School House and Day Boys, with Summers as troop leader. The second troop, which includes Castle House and Hostel, is again going to the Lake District, where they will also camp for ten days, starting on the 25th of July, in the grounds of Mr.

Peddar, who is Scoutmaster of this troop. Royle i is troop leader. On the 6th July the Scouts in School House entertained the St. Alban's Holborn troop of Scouts. Their Scoutmaster is the Rev. A. J. C. B. Gill, O.V. The numbers of the Scouts is increasing and we hope that people will not only be content to join the corps, but that they will also join the Scouts. Iti a great many cases it is an asset in later years and has already helped certain members of the School to obtain jobs.

Cbe Clbrarp. The following books have been added to the School Library :— At G.H.Q Brig.-Gen. John Charteris Dr. Sally P. G. Wodehouse Jeeves Omnibus ,, Mike „ William Richmal Crompton The Friendly Road David Grayson Master Minds of Modern Science Hessel Tiltman The Black Swan , Rafael Sabatini Scaramouche the Kingmaker „ ,, Trader Horn ,.. A. A. Horn Bulldog Drummond and His Four Rounds with Carl Peterson Sapper The Salt of the Sea Morley Roberts Sir Nigel Conan Doyle A Study in Scarlet ,, ,, Firm of Girdlestone ,, „ Owd Bob Alfred Ollivant Judith Paris Hugh Walpole Maid in Waiting John Galsworthy Old Wine and New Warwick Deeping Sorrell and Son „ ,, Fed Up George A. Birmingham The Complete Human Boy Eden Phillpots Sea Fog J. S. Fletcher Tantivy Towers A. P. Herbert The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman Steine The Lively Peggy Stanley Weyman Jim Redlake F. Brett Young Adele and Co Dornford Yates * * • The following have been added to the Chappel Memorial Reading Room :— The Life of Earl Haig Brig.-Gen. John Charteris The Log of a U Boat Commander Ernst Hashagen * * * Miss Isaac has kindly presented the following to the Reading Room :— The New Science and the Story of Evolution Joseph Maccabe

THE VIGORNIAN.

J rencb France. Last year, for my holidays, I planned a walking tour in France. It was to be a most comprehensive walking tour. I had a ticket which would take me to Perpignan. From there it was my intention to set out along Hannibal's great road to Elne and Argeles and so up into the Eastern Pyrenees; along the valley of the Tech to Amelie-les-Bains and then skirting Canigou, the sacred mountain of the Roussillon, make for Olette and the Cerdagne, from whence I could attack the fastness of Andorra. Once in Andorra my plans, I will admit, were subject to variation. If my newly acquired Spanish proved intelligible I would journey on into Spain, along the Southern foothills to the Mediterranean, and back by the coast road into France. If they merely gaped at me I could retreat, I hope, in good order, by another route straight away back into France. My French was only School Certificate French but it was the more certain quantity. I travelled down from Paris overnight, third class, in company with two Dutchmen, a Zouave soldier, a pompous little person in a wig, and am onion man with his family and his dog and seemingly all that was his in a great washing basket. The onion man tied his dog to the window strap, the pompous little man objected, and there the argument began. The onion man's wife propped her feet up on the washing basket and went to sleep, his children climbed up on to the rack and they went to sleep. The Zouave soldier sprawled across his corner and he went to sleep, snoring vigorously. The train rattled and swayed. All night long the Dutchmen smoked cigars, all night long the argument went forward—" Un Men n'est pas un person." " Mais turn, un chien n'est pat un person." If for a moment I ventured to doze someone would shake me and ask to see my ticket. Dawn found us at Perpignan; dusk found me footsore and very weary away up in the mountains towards the Spanish border. The lights of a little village were twinkling Out on the hillside high above me. I could go no further. My scheduled resting place lay still an impossible number of kilometres away. I must modify my plans. " Is there an inn in the village up there? " I enquired of a passing carter. Yes, there was the Caf£ des Acacias. It was clean and they were honest people. He lived in the village. He was on his way there now. Monsieur was tired. Would Monsieur jump up? That was how I came to the village. For the purposes of narrative let me call it Val Fontaine. Its true name is almost that. At Val Fontaine I stayed for a full fortnight, as long that is as the claims of work could possibly allow me to stay. Hoar conservatism I know. And yet im that fortnight I think I came to understand a great deal more of French France than I should have done if I had carried out that very comprehensive walking tour. Nothing further removed from a tea shop can be imagined than the Cafe1 des Acacias. It was an old solid inn built round a cobbled courtyard or patio, for they still call it by the Spanish name. There is much of Spain about the whole village, for up to the time of the Revolution it belonged, as all the country round here, to Barcelona. There is a Spanish

837

stamp about the market place with its solid pillars and buttresses and about the church with its bell in the open belfry. The people still use Catalan for their ordinary conversation, Catalan and French this side and Catalan and Spanish across the border. But the cooking at the Caf£ des Acacias was happily French, the good savoury cooking of the French countryside. We dined at a large communal board presided over by the landlord, Grandpere Oliveres. Wine is placed in the middle and used as freely as water, even to swilling out glasses with it. When you have finished you turn your plate upside down, or at least we did, and have for your dessert a sort of marmalade, just the fruit cut into four parts, and you eat it with a spoon—a thoroughly delightful dish, for the fruit is so beautifully fresh. Quite a number of visitors come in for meals, especially the evening meal, and of course more come in afterwards for drinks, as in the ordinary tavern in England. There are very few visitors to the inn, occasionally a stray commercial traveller, and at intervals a mysterious, very aloof individual, who eats by himself at a separate table and with his hat on. But no Englishman had ever stayed at the village before, so that I felt my responsibility. In a sense I was an ambassador of England, the future opinion of England in that village depended upon me. Few of them had ever seen an Englishman, and then only the rich dyspeptics from the spa at Amelie-les-Bains, and they had the queerest ideas about us. But oddly enough they had nearly all of them heard of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race on the river Tamees as they called it. And one of them had played rugger for a village team nearby and had earlier in the year been to Perpignan to see the match against the Welsh side Abertillery. As I myself had played against Abertillery shortly after their return from their French tour I was particularly interested, and we had a common ground from which to discuss the ethics of Rugger. The world seemed curiously small at that moment. One of the most refreshing things of the whole holiday was being able to meet the man of the soil on equal terms, in a way that would never have been possible in England. I looked untidy enough and spoke his language badly enough to be anyone, I could not but be of the people. Remember they are tremendous Socialists down in the South, though I could never discover quite why. True they were rather at a loss to understand how I, who seemed unable to afford either a top hat or a monocle, could come all these hundreds of miles, and, having done so, why I should spend my time in their little village. There was Narbonne and Perpignan with casinos and at least a dozen cinemas. But then all the English were a bit mad. Who but a madman would sleep with his shutters wide open all night? I made many enjoyable expeditions around the countryside on an old bicycle that belonged to the young M. Oliveres, but most of all I liked pottering about the village in the sunshine. I love Val Fontaine, I love everything about it. The compact cluster of the houses round the little place,- the dusty, rather sour-smelling Place Georges Clemenceau, which seems to change its name about every

838

THE VIGORNIAN.

ten years. Long, long ago, when this country belonged to Barcelona, they tell me it was called the Puerta del Sol. Then it became the Place de la Republique, and when the first enthusiasm had died down the Place de la Libert^. Then it was the Place Lafayette, and when the new Maire was built the Place de la Maire, and now it is the Place Georges Clemenceau. I love the advertisements painted in great letters over its walls, Amer Picon, Byrrh, St. Raphael Quinquina, Chocolat Menier, words that spell holiday to me; the Gendamerie National; the little shops, the Epicene Fine, the Boucherie du Midi, and the pretentious little Au Printemps. And the Maire, Liberte', Egalit£, Fraternity, visited each week by a travelling cinema—Admission Two Francs and bring your own chairs. I love the weatherbeaten grey church above the village with its ring of cypresses. I love it inside, the whitewashed walls, the glitter and the dark wood. But best of all perhaps I love that old farmhouse down the valley with the carving over the door that says so simply and proudly—I Sebastian Urrizola built this house in 1642. A Urdzola still lives there, they are Spanish and keep rather aloof from the village. All their workpeople are Spaniards but they come down quite often of an evening to the Gate des Acacias. It was from them that I first heard real Spanish gypsy music, that wild, rather inhuman music of quarter tones that the Arabs have. And I remember how one evening they asked me to sing them an English song, and I thought for a minute and then with no little diffidence I sang Widecombe Fair as being the most English song I could think of as well as one of whose words and tune I felt tolerably sure. And I remember how interested they were and how kindly they praised both the song and the singing, though this last was, in all conscience, of a poor order. But then the courtesy of the Spaniard, the very lowest Spaniard, is proverbial. The complete independence of a French village is a quite amazing thing. At Val Fontaine, with the exception of a few luxuries which it cannot produce, tobacco and tombstones stand highest in this list, practically everything is a product of the village and the surrounding fields. Each man is a smallholder, a landowner, and in his plot of two or three acres, often made up of little terraces in an impossibly steep hillside, he produces an amazing variety of things, while to any scrubby piece of land that is left over he tethers sheep. Suits, usually of a corduroy that lasts for ever, are made by the village tailor, clogs, which are normal wear, and even leather shoes are hand-made by the cobbler. You can understand how in a compact village like this when there is emigration they all go, the cur£, the butcher and the candlestick maker. It is this independence from whence they derive their strength. Nothing of our fevered world touches them. It may be selfish to live like this, it may be backward, but to me in the solid peace of these hills life has a saner meaning, life is more understandable. I shall always remember their kindness to me, I shall always remember particularly the last night I spent amongst them. It was a glorious star-lit night with the sky that deep burning blue of the South. After dinner, M. Maun£, the blacksmith, with whom I still communicate regularly, and his friend, who was head gardener to that Urrizola I

have mentioned, and myself walked a way down the valley along the road which leads to Andorra. And* of a sudden, in the middle of conversation, M. Maun£ stopped dead. " Vous-Anglais," he said, " Vous-Espagnol, moi Frawfais —Trois Amis," and with great tears in his eyes he embraced us both as the extraordinary significance of it struck him. Next day I set out for home. The whole village came to see me off, and with many promises to write to them and to come and visit them again next year, I stepped out along the road for Perpignan. I shall hope at intervals to give you a few sketches from a less personal point of view of life in Val Fontaine.

AN O.V.

Pencils. Why Pencils? I can't tell you! The Editor has come down on me for something and pencils is as impossible as anything. " Oh, you'll write something for us, won't you? " he says. I remark dubiously that there's nothing worth talking about, so he says " Oh, something will crop up," and leaves me to it. The reason why I happened to think of pencils to-day is that I've lost all mine. I say "all mine " because I keep several stumps which are the battered remains of old friends —and are often useful in a small way, you know. Somebody asks for a pencil to jot something down. You offer him a stump. If nobody has a superior model like an Eversharp he looks at it as if he doesn't know what it is and proceeds to write. Of course it's not often you see that bit of pencil again. These little stumps disappear in a most disconcerting way and then you are stranded. They find their way into every pocket of every suit you've got, and when you particularly want one they've all wandered into one pocket and can't be found. They have a difficult life. To start with they are mere chips, perhaps of the old block you had the term before last. They are sharpened till they hardly exist, they are jabbed with nibs and compasses and chewed to shreds in the throes of a difficult question. And then when the last and unsuccessful attempt is made to sharpen them with somebody else's blunt knife they are eloquently cursed and hurled at the waste-paper basket. " S."

Ctst u>t Forger. Lend me of your ears, O people ! Of your 'tentive ears, O people! Listen to the mighty story Of the Field Club in its glory, When on bikes it used to sally Up the hill and down the valley, Looking for some old church steeple. Stifle once that yawn, O people!

THE VIGORNIAN. Stifle once again that yawning, For the little car is coming Bringing with it light refreshment; Now they stop their wide-mouth'd yawning. " Here it comes, that mighty speed-car, With it comes the light refreshment, Though but very light refreshment, One bun and some lemonade, Which is eagerly devoured, Then when nearly overpowered From the ground they try to stumble, But emit a hollow rumble, And the club with all its members, Just about a score in number, Sink down backwards to the ground. Having rested for an hour They arise and start their searching : Slowly wand'ring through the church-yard They observe the noble tomb-stones, And inside, the font they study, Contemplate it in its glory, Study every nook and cranny Looking for some roman tomb-stones, Lying in the aisle unbroken. " But, alas, I have to tell you Of the keenness sadly waned, For this year the Field Club never Came to light in1 its existence. That is what I want to tell you, Though it grieves my heart to say it, For it once did flourish greatly, I a member was, and in it Used to spend most pleasant hours. Though this year it did not flourish, Through the keenness sadly waned, Let us hope next year to see it In its former grand existence." " THE PRINCE OP MONACO."

H Crtatlse on Cricket. There are a certain number of rowers who are forced to support their houses in cricket at the end of the term. Naturally they are not as well versed in the game as is desirable. I am therefore writing this little treatise on the subject for their benefit. Of course I do not say that it may not be of use to the cricketers themselves. I have adopted the system of tabulation for clearness. Bowling. There are various methods of bowling. Overarm, over the wicket and so on, substituting round and under for over. One may also bowl underhand, but this is not considered cricket. The following articles, etc., may be hurled at the batsman : full pitchers, straight balls (I have never seen this variety), and nobles (sometimes written no-balls). These are believed to be the coins of that name.

839

Bowlers should always bear the following point of etiquette in mind. One may bowl a man out but one must always bowl a maiden over. Batsmen, (i) The most important thing for the batsman to remember is to play a straight bat. I am also given to understand that he should not fail to play a straight ball. (2) Batsmen should realise that in cricket there is no danger of being had up for driving too hard. N.B.—I was told the other day that a batsman was considered remarkable if he carried his bat. I should have thought he would be remarkable if he didn't. Fielders. Obviously the most important fielders are the umpires. I do not know exactly what they are meant for but I have come to the following conclusion after watching a game: Umpires are always inclined to go to sleep. Accordingly, if a side can prove that its umpire is awake a batsman is out. This is the method of proof. At some time during the game the field suddenly shout out " Hat! " very loud. If the umpire is awake, he points to the said article to show that he understands, and a batsman retires. N.B. (i) All the best clubs provide their umpires with stones to play with to keep them awake. (2) A reliable cricketer once told me that there was a point in the scheme of fielding. Personally I admit I have never seen any. H.S.C.

Oxford Cctter. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, Even scarlet fever has compensations. It provided the Dean with an unexpected dividend and it spared us the necessity of writing an Oxford Letter. We hoped we might be allowed to remain in obscurity but the Editors cornered us. They assailed us on Prize Day when we were loaded with strawberries and cream: the only way to save them seemed to be to promise to libel our fellow-Oxonians. Thus were we ambushed and conquered. Since then we have received imploring letters for our " scandalous composition." And so, feeling greatly insulted, we have written it. You may have read that the past term has been a dull one. If you imagine we have wallowed in the slough of boredom, you are mistaken. We are not among those to whom Bump Suppers and Commem. Balls are the spice of life and, despite their absence, we have succeeded in enjoying ourselves. We have played cricket and tennis with great enthusiasm : we have discovered the difficulties—and occasionally the pleasures—of punting. Two of us rowed in " Eights " with most unhappy results. It is becoming remarkable how any boat in which we have a representative is always bumped at least three times. We have even done some work, though fortunately only one of us was threatened with schools.

840

THE VIGORNIAN.

But we become prosaic, and it is our business to provide material for the scandal-mongers. Let us therefore proceed to our libels: E. W. PARSONS (Brasenose). Our worthy Pater-familias. Occasionally acts with a light-heartedness unworthy of his position—but then we look the other way. Is said to be working very hard, but he lives far from us and Rumour often speaks false. J. H. C. PHELIPS (Hertford). A man of numerous activities. Spends much time denouncing the numerous things which he dislikes. An ardent student of Communism and ancient history. S. N. BATE (Trinity). Succeeds in giving us the impression of being very learned, but we have never seen him working. Sings in the Bach choir which, nevertheless, still manages to impress the critics. P. BEAUMONT (St. Peter's Hall). Ran after his college boat in " Eights " week with extreme energy but, alas !— we have had to move to larger rooms that we may receive him in comfort. O. R. CRAZE (Hertford). Passes a harassed existence writing endless essays. Tried to kill an unfortunate visitor in " Eights " week. Spends much time on and in the river —sometimes in it when he means to be on it. F. H. YARNOLD (University). Has taken a well-earned rest after his success in Mods.—he only goes to eleven lectures a week. Plays cricket and always looks coo! and collected. H. BAYLIS (Keble). Has found that it is easier to grow a moustache than to get rid of it. Is, we fear, lazy. In theory he rows, in practice . . . ? P. BOWLES (Hertford). Surprises us (a) By the number of gramophone records he buys, (b) By the numerous charming visitors he has, and (c) By trying to smoke a match and light it with a cigarette. Is on excellent terms with his tutor. T. S. BROADHURST (Hertford). Still refuses to behave in a rational manner. Is quite the most exasperating person to play tennis with, that we have ever met. Adopts stonewall tactics. J. R. A. EHBLING (University). An enthusiastic Scout. We have been unable to visit him, as he lives over the College kitchen. J. F. R. JONES-WILLIAMS (Hertford). Has spent most of his time choosing rooms for next year and then discovering that he couldn't have them. Played tennis for his College ist VI. Has violent likes and dislikes—the latter are more numerous. J. L. PAYNE (Trinity)). Studies law—where, we have never discovered. Had the misfortune to be ill early in the term and has spent the rest of it recuperating. In conclusion, we extend a hearty welcome to all who are coming up next term, and we offer sincere, if belated, congratulations to Parsons on obtaining an Exhibition at Queen>sYours, OXON.

Correspondence. To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, The system of keys in this School seem to me to be very badly arranged. During this term, at one time or another, keys have been lost. Everybody puts the blame on each other and a lot of trouble is caused. Could not the keys of the Gym. and Armoury be left, hung up in some convenient place, with a note-book or some such arrangement. The idea of the Music Club is good, but the keys are not even then in a convenient spot. I hope that you will use your powers to have this remedied. I am, dear Sirs, Yours, etc., " KEYLESS." [We join with Mr. Keyless in deploring the inconvenience that has been caused by lost keys. At the same time in his proposal of reform he does not seem to have taken into account the fact that special permission must be obtained for the use of certain keys, those, for instance, belonging to the Armoury or the Hall, which should not be entered at all odd times of the day by any unauthorised person who wishes, except for a very special reason. Also the analogy of the Music Society system does not apply, because there it is to the members' advantage that they should keep the rules about the keys, whereas in the other cases the principle of mutual benefit does not necessarily exist, except perhaps in the trusting imagination of our correspondent. The best remedy would be for those who keep the keys to take a course in memory-training.— EDS. ViG.O

Contemporaries. We acknowledge the following contemporaries, with apologies for any accidental omissions :—The Cheltonian, The Journal of the Honourable Artillery Company, The Felstedian, The King Edward's School Chronicle, The Bromsgrovian, The Brigade, The St. Edward's School Chronicle, The Portcullis (the chronicle of Warwick School), The Limit, The Tonbridgian, The Cantuarian, The Wulfrunian, The Monktonian, The Wolvernian, The Monmothian, The Herefordian, The Oceanian, The Journal of the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell.