The Vigornian December 1937

THE VIGORNIAN THE WORCESTER CATHEDRAL KING'S SCHOOL CHRONICLE TA MEN AIAAKTA 31AN9ANO, TA A'ETPETA ZHTQ, TA A'ETKTA ITAPA 9EON HITHSAMHN.

DECEMBER, 1937.

No. 149. Vol. XIII. CONTENTS. Editorial Art Room School Officers King's Scholarships School Notes House Notes ... Rugger Notes O.T.C. Notes Band Notes Shooting Notes Scout Notes O.V. News Births, Marriages, Engagements, etc. Oxford Letter Oxford Dinner The Building of School House Fifty Years Ago The School in the XVII Century... Lectures ' Le Malade Imaginaire " Debating Society Play-Reading Society Scientific and Engineering Society Library Valete Salvete Contributions Correspondence W.C.K.S. Games Fund Contemporaries

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Page 39 40 40 40 40 41 43 46 47 47 47 48 ... 48, 49 49 49 50 50 ... 50-52 52 52 52, 53 53 ... 53 54 54 54, 55 55 ... 56 57 57

Price Is. EDITORIAL.

Most schools possess some building or some small piece of architecture, which was in its place long before any past or present member of the school can remember. It may possess a history of its own, quite apart from its connection with the school, but always the thoughtful present-day member of the school will think of it as in some mysterious way symbolising the very life-blood of the school. It has remained undisturbed while long processions of boys and masters have come and gone. It is not only a symbol, but is in fact, the very spirit of the place, made manifest in stone. It has seen the reverses and successes of the school from its foundation, and appears to look down with benign and kindly gaze upon the present-day members of the school with their petty worries. How often have we walked out of the school gates, leaving the school buildings and chatter of boys out for ' break ' behind us and thought these same thoughts about College Hall ! How often have we said to ourselves—" There is the School; those who chatter are only those who serve it for a time ; College Hall was here before they came and will still be here when they have gone, and it will still remain as the symbolic embodiment of the real life of the school, the life which it has watched and jealously guarded for four hundred years." And how often have we stopped ourselves in such reflections and asked ourselves what imperfect service we are rendering to the real life of the school. " Architecture," Goethe said, " is speechless music." College Hall is alas speechless ! How willingly would we editors lay down our pens and allow College Hall, so familiar to all of you, to tell you the story of this term.

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THE VIGORNIAN.

It would tell of the successful completion of the period of transition from one Headmaster to another, and the renewed energy with which both masters and boys have gone to work now that the first strangeness of a new regime has passed. It would tell of the more frequent successes of the XV's and of the new burst of vigour in the school which has resulted in energetic activity in the Debating, the Play-Reading and Science Societies, and it would even tell in a whisper of a Music Society. It would point with pride to a brand new Drum-Major, at the head of a band, which is succeeding in its efforts to maintain its usual high standard. The School Services which have taken place in the Lady Chapel on three Sunday afternoons during the term and the usual Thursday afternoon services in Advent— Nothing would have escaped its vigilant and affectionate eye and we can only hope that our efforts to record the events of the term will meet with similar success. Duty being done and an Editorial written, it only remains for us to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

THE ART ROOM. To Parents, O.V., and Friends of the School. An account appears elsewhere in this issue of the venture we made in sending exhibits this year to the Public Schools Art Exhibition, and many of you have seen in the Art Room itself the kind of work that the School is doing. Unfortunately, to get these good results, not only Art, but also the Artists, cannot stand still; Art is a peripatetic subject; In a word, we want to make the Art Room sound-proof, in order that the sister arts and sciences, especially Geography, who lives in the floor below, may remain undisturbed. The cost of suitable flooring material (rubber on felt) would be £50, and the School would be very grateful for contributions towards it. Would those who would like to help, kindly send their contributions to me ? L. A. WILDING.

SCHOOL OFFICERS. - D. B. Steward. Captain of the School - A. Fairgrieve. Captain of Rugger - W. N. Bryer. Secretary of Rugger - A. Fairgrieve. Captain of Shooting - F. E. V. Cant. Secretary of Shooting - D. B. Steward. Captain of Gym. - C. M. Lavender. Secretary of Fives School Monitors—D. B. Steward, W. N. Bryer, S. O. A. M. Lock, F. J. Curtis, A. J. Bendall, A. Fairgrieve. Captains of Houses :— - D. B. Steward. School House - - - A. J. Bendall. Castle House Hostel - . . . - S. O. A. M. Lock. - W. N. Bryer. Chappel's House Creighton's House - F. J. Curtis.

December, 1937

Editors of The Vigornian—D. B. Steward, P. T. Halliley, H. W. Hinds. Librarians—S. O. A. M. Lock, P. T. Halliley, R. T. L. Allen, H. W. Hinds, H. J. Checketts. KING'S SCHOLARSHIPS. The following awards were announced as a result of the examination held in November :— To be King's Scholars :— 1. D. L. Thawley (Rev. K. Swallow, The Preparatory School, Coventry). J. A. Nicholls (Rev. K. Swallow, The Preparatory School, Coventry). T. R. Layton (R. L. Griffiths, Esq., Cathedral School, Salisbury). B. S. Clarke (E. M. Lawford, Esq., Bassets, Farnborough, Kent). N. Richardson (King's School, Worcester). To School Entrance Exhibitions :— C. Havard (T. R. Coombes, Esq., Cathedral School, Llandaff). G. C. Hinson (C. E. Cherrill, Esq., Upton School, Ripple Vale, Dover). SCHOOL NOTES. We offer our deep sympathy to Mr. Burnett in the sad loss of his brother, and also to Capt. Strong, who was unfortunately taken ill with appendicitis in the latter half of the term. During Capt. Strong's absence we have welcomed back Mr. A. Taylor, who is taking his place. * * » We should like to congratulate B. S. Eckersley on winning a Worcestershire County Council Scholarship tenable at Oxford University for three years. We wish the best of luck in the future both to him and to J. F. Lavender and A. C. White, who are now also at Oxford. We are glad to hear that both Eckersley and Lavender have been awarded Leaving Exhibitions. * » » On Thursday, November 25th, the Headmaster, the Second Master and the King's Scholars attended a Roll Call in the Chapter House. Originally this Roll Call was held every month, but towards the end of the last century it had become an annual event, and in the early nineties the custom lapsed altogether. This is the first time since then that the King's Scholars have attended, and the Dean referred to the importance of the occasion in a few words before the Roll Call. » » » This term has seen the revival of our connection with Magdalen College School, Oxford, in the form of a Rugger Match to be played annually for a Cup. This Cup was originally competed for at rowing, but when Magdalen College School changed to ' slides,' the fixture lapsed. We are happy to report that we kept the Cup this year, but we anticipate many close struggles in the future. * * * On three Sundays this term we experienced the novelty of a School Service in the Lady Chapel. On October 17th the Dean preached the Sermon, on

December, 1937

THE VIGORNIAN.

November 14th the Headmaster, and on December 19th we are expecting the Headmaster of Malvern College. We hope that we shall enjoy many such services in the future. Our usual Advent services have been held regularly on Thursday afternoons, and the Rev. J. P. Evans, Rector of Leigh, has delivered a series of addresses. The collections have been for the School Mission in Central Africa. * * * On Friday, November 19th, Captain PulleinThompson, M.C., Secretary of the Careers Advisory Bureau, paid us another visit. He interviewed 17 boys and addressed a mixed audience of parents and boys. * * * The O.T.C. had the great honour of providing five buglers to sound the " Last Post " and " Reveille " at the War Memorial during the Armistice Day Service. We should like to congratulate them on a fine performance—so good that the Governors, we were told, said that it was the finest " Last Post " and " Reveille " they had ever heard at that Service. On September 18th and November 19th, H. W. Hinds was privileged to attend a Diocesan Youth Conference, held at the Deanery. The Conference ended in a petition being sent to the Bishop to set up a Diocesan Youth Council. A subsequent Conference of the local Deanery Youth Council was attended by H. W. Hinds and S. O. A. M. Lock as representatives of the School. * * * The School obtained 25 School Certificates and 9 Higher Certificates in the July Examination. B. S. Eckersley gained a distinction in History. * * * We note with pleasure that the Rev. C. Creighton has been appointed Mayor's Chaplain for the coming year. He preached the sermon on Mayor's Sunday, and owing to his activities in connection with the Bishop's Appeal, has never been far from us this term. * # # Though for many years past the School has bought its " refreshments" elsewhere, early generations of O.V. will learn with regret of the death, on October 5th at the age of 65, of Annie, daughter of the late " Ma " Lane, of Sidbury. * * * At the Public Schools Art Exhibition, Imperial Institute Gallery, South Kensington, which closed on September 30th, there were several exhibits of work done by the School. These included a set of pen-andink drawings, and lino-cut prints of Worcester Cathedral and old houses. The " Sunday Times " art critic picks out the School, with two or three others, as one where the work shows an absence of " artistic strangulation." Some of Miss Campbell's pictures have been exhibited this year at London, Birmingham, Malvern, and Guildford.

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There has recently been published a book called " Memories of W. H. Helm " (Richards 6/-) by his nephew, Mr. E. H. Visiak. W. H. Helm, who died last year, was for many years literary editor of the Morning Post. He was born in Worcester in 1860, a few months after the death of his father, the Head Master from 1856 to 1859. This book enables us to add to the account in the History of the School the fact that the family was of Austrian extraction, the Head Master's grandfather being Count Martin Joseph von Helm, an equerry to Marie Antoinette. He was one of seventeen children, and it seems that his escape to England at the Revolution was one of the reasons why his eldest brother was found, after the death of Robespierre, on a list of persons drawn up for proscription.

HOUSE NOTES. SCHOOL HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : D. B. Steward, A. Fairgrieve, P. T. Halliley. On our return to School at the beginning of this term some excitement was caused by the appearance of a small dog in the neighbourhood of School House. We soon learned that it belonged to the Headmaster, and it was immediately taken into the bosom of the House. Answering to the name of Peter, what it does not know about the socks to be found in Castle House and Hostel is not worth knowing ! Our House Rugger has not been successful this term, although we can console ourselves with the thought that we suffered badly from injuries in all but one of the House Matches ; of four matches played we have lost three and drawn one. We have, however, been well represented in School Rugger. Besides possessing the Captain of Rugger, the following members of the House have played in the 1st XV : Steward, Lavender, Trap6, Dobson, Reynolds, and Pickford, and the following in the 2nd XV : Fox, Knapp-Fisher, and Field. We were unable to report in last term's issue that we succeeded, most unexpectedly, in winning the House Shooting Competition. Our team consisted of Fairgrieve, Steward, C. M. Lavender, and Knapp-Fisher, and we should like to congratulate them on putting up a very fine show. We are once more proud to have the Under-Officer in School House, and this term Field and Fox passed Part I of Certificate ' A.' We wish them the best of luck with Part II, and hope they will soon swell the ranks of the N.C.O's., of whom School House now sports eight. Although there are still four members of the House not in the Corps., we realise that they are still too small and will no doubt join when the time comes. The School House Amateur Dramatic Society is active once more, but this year it is confining itself to two one-act plays—one a ' thriller,' the other a ' farce ' —and a short sketch. The Classroom are also very busy, and if we can judge by the amount of rehearsing that goes on, their Show should be well worth seeing —although by the time this appears in print we shall know the result of their efforts.

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THE VIGORNIAN.

We cannot close these Notes without a reference to the fact that the building in which we live is fifty years old this year, but since an article appears elsewhere it only remains for us to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. CASTLE HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : A. J. Bendall, H. Rice-Jones, R. L. Lodge, R. T. L. Allen. We congratulate A. J. Bendall on his accession to the captaincy of the House and the other monitors on their appointments. Though we were sorry to lose several of our members, we are pleased to welcome Morris, Bowles and Graves. We would like to add that what the last named lacks in stature he makes up in spirit. The House has been well represented in the two XV's, Bendall, Folley and Orchard have been awarded their 1st XV colours and Rice-Jones his 2nd XV colours. As far as House rugger is concerned, we have had our usual " luck " and so far have drawn one match and lost two ; but we hope to add points to our total in the last match. We are trying to make sure of keeping the Boxing Cup, and the keenness shown by all the members of the House has enabled us to hold several of our own boxing classes in the gym. As regards the O.T.C., Allen, Hollyer and Bearcroft secured places in the Shooting VIII. All four candidates in the House, Rice-Jones, Allen, Kirkwood and Bearcroft successfully passed Practical Certificate ' A,' and we add with pride that only one member of the House is not in the O.T.C. The House Dramatic Society is in full swing again, and we hope to present an entertaining programme at the end of the term. In connection with this subject and not forgetting other occasions, we would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Bentley for their great help and cooperation. The tidiness of our Changing Room has been rudely disturbed by the frequent visits of the Headmaster's dog, Peter, and numerous socks have been found in unexpected places. In conclusion we are all looking forward to the House Supper and the Christmas Festivities.

HOSTEL NOTES. HOUSE MONITORS : S. O. A. M. Lock, F. E. V. Cant, J. D. H. Sayer. First, we should like to take this opportunity of extending our heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Burnett in his recent sad bereavement in the death of his brother. This term has been comparatively uneventful. Again, fortunately, the sick room has had a holiday— an important factor, surely, towards the success we have enjoyed in the past year. We now have the Cricket cup and an excellent chance of getting the Rugger pot as well. Luck we have had, but at the same time we may boast of producing a team which

December, 1937

has raised greater hopes of success than any of ours before. The first match was against School House, who had the bad luck of having several men unable to play. After a great tussle we won 6—3. We beat Creighton's also without some of their best men, fairly easily (17—0), and Castle House in another hard game (8—0). Up to the time of going to press we have yet to play Chappel's in what promises to be a terrific match, as it will be the decisive one in the competition. Outstanding in a team that seems to have few, if any, weak spots, are two very fast three-quarters, Poths and Richardson, the latter having scored in each match. To return to the domestic side ; this term will be memorable to us for the pleasant experience of returning to a house newly decorated in a clean cream colour. This undoubtedly thawed that icy chill which, we must admit, does afflict the schoolboy— creeping like snail Unwillingly to School. The beauty of this colour is that it shows up pictures to best advantage and adds an air of taste to our surroundings. Matron's dog, Sam, has now a new companion in Polly, Mr. Burnett's golden cocker, whose illustrious grandfather, we are told, once distinguished himself at Cruft's. Best of luck in the hols, and happy hunting—in the Christmas pudding ! CHAPPEL'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : W. N. Bryer, P. Neale, H. W. Hinds. This term marked for Chappel's House the opening of the second year as a separate House in all branches of School life. Four senior members left last term, and we welcome eight new boys, who, although very junior, have settled into the House activities with great keenness. The House has been well represented in School Rugger ; Bryer and Mann have received 1st XV Colours, while Caldicott, Hinds, and T. W. Checketts have played in the 2nd XV. The " Under 15 " Team included four of our members—a good omen for the junior rugger next term. We have been successful in the House Matches so far; our team consists of Caldicott, Mann, T. W. Checketts, Green, Bryer, Hinds, Price, Smith, and Kendall. At the time of going to press we have won three matches and have to play Hostel. Three members of the House joined the O.T.C. this term, bringing our total numbers in the Corps to fifteen. Neale has taken Certificate ' A,' being successful in Part I ; we wish him success in Part II. We again appeal to those boys who could join to do so at once to show that the effort made by members a year ago was not wasted. Both Bryer and Neale are leaving us this term. We realise what a severe blow it is to the House to have two senior members leaving together, but we can only hope that we shall receive new members next term who will in time take their places.

December, 1937

THE VIGORNIAN.

CREIGHTON'S HOUSE. HOUSE MONITORS : F. J. Curtis, H. J. Checketts, J. H. Pressdee. This term we welcomed to our house nine new members who, we hope, will take full part in the school life. At the beginning of the term H. J. Checketts and Pressdee were appointed as House Monitors in place of A. R. Pettigrew who left at the end of last term. The house has been represented in both XV's this term and we congratulate F. J. Curtis on getting his 1st XV colours and cap and also Baldry, who played for the 1st XV, also Bubb, on getting his 2nd XV colours. We were also represented by three members in the Colts XV which was captained by C. F. Bryer. We have only won one House Match so far this term, against School House who unluckily had some of their players absent. The team consisted of F. J. Curtis (Capt.X Baldry, Key, C. F. Bryer, Bubb, Styles, James, Pressdee and R. C. Allen. We are very glad to

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see such a keen spirit among the younger members of the house as regards rugger, but may we appeal to all those who do not play games at present to do their best to play next term so as to make it possible for us to retain the " Belows Cup " which we at present hold. There has been some welcome additions to the changing room this term, by far the most important being the repainting of the interior. All the lockers have been repainted and numbered and duck-boards placed all the way round, also a compulsory cold shower after games has been welcomed by many and abhorred by a few. We congratulate J. G. Green on passing Part I of Cert. ' A ' and wish him the best of luck for Part II. Only one new member from this house joined the O.T.C. this term but we hope that many more will join next term. Lastly, may we wish all those who will be leaving us at the end of this term the best of luck with their future

Date. 2 9 23 30 Nov. 3 13 13 24 27 Dec. 4 11

RUGGER NOTES. FIXTURES AND RESULTS. 1st XV. Opponents. Ground. Result. Lost Wycliffe College ' A ' XV Home Won Cheltenham College 3rd XV ... Away Won Away Wolverley Home Won Magdalen C. S Away Lost Monmouth School 2nd XV . . . Cheltenham College 3rd XV ... Won Home Cancelled Home Hereford C. S Won St. Edward's Oxford ' B ' XV ... Away Lost Home Warwick School Cancelled Bloxham School... Away Cancelled O.V. XV Home

Oct. 23 30 Nov. 3 13 „ 27 Dec. 4

Wolverley Magdalen C. S Monmouth School ' Colts ' Hereford C. S Warwick School Bloxham School...

Nov. 17 „ 20

Warwick School... Wolverley

Oct.

For. 0 14 18 19 0 14

Against. 9 9 0 3 3

11 0

5 15

0 4 3

2nd XV. Home Away Home Away Away Home

Won Won Won Cancelled Lost Cancelled

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COLTS XV. Away Home

Won Cancelled

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1st XV. The 1st XV of 1937 improved considerably on last year's record, for which the forwards were mainly responsible. Apart from very poor heeling from loose scrums, the forwards played consistently well. Behind the scrum the halves developed a good understanding, but the three-quarters lacked the necessary smoothness of running and passing, and many a promising attacking movement faded away. In all games victory breeds victory, and in no game more than in rugger. Thus after * comparatively

6

11

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successful season, there is some reason to look forward with hope, specially as the junior games contain some lively forwards and a few three quarters with a genuine turn of speed. * * * Characters of the 1st XV. G. W. MANN. He continued to show great promise as full-back. His defence was good, and one resounding tackle of his against Sebright will long be remembered by at least one of the spectators. His kicking improved in length.

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C. M. LAVENDER. Faster than last year, he hardly got the chances which he deserved. He must check his tendency to cut inside his man, instead of going straight for the corner flag. A cut-in can only succeed on the wing as a surprise move. H. D. POTHS. He took some time to find form, but played some good games towards the end of the season, and did his best to give his wing every chance. F. J. CURTIS. When he got into his stride, he always looked dangerous, but unfortunately this was not often. However, his defence in the centre was consistently good, and he was responsible for a number of tries. A. E. BALDRY. A little more determination would make him into quite a formidable wing. A wingthreequarter can get a long way by mere use of weight, specially when within a few yards of the line. J. H. FOLLEY. A very promising stand-off half. He succeeded in taking his passes on the run and with greater speed next year he should be very effective. He has sound instinct for tactical kicking. M. ORCHARD. He at last learned to pass from the base of the scrum without taking that fatal step, and as a result developed into a very efficient scrum-half. His defensive work was invaluable. J. M. GARNETT. A sound front-row forward with a fine pair of shoulders. He must not wait to be roused by the other side. J. H. TRAPE. He was inexperienced as a hooker, but made up for deficiencies in this direction by considerable dash in the loose. S. O. A. M. LOCK. He played hard and intelligently in the front row of the scrum throughout the season, and was one of the mainstays of the pack. A. FAIRGRIEVE. (Captain). A well-built and very capable forward, who was often prominent in powerful breakaways. His leadership of the side and of the pack improved considerably, though at times he took rather too long a time to rouse himself. A. J. BENDALL. He shoved well in the second row, and was often surprisingly agile in the loose for one of his bulk. W. N. BRYER. (Vice-Captain). A very good wingforward with plenty of vigour and initiative. As a result of experience gained as a three-quarter last year, he is able to play in almost any position. J. C. BIRD. Though not quite coming up to expectations, he played a sound game in the back row, and was usually close to the ball. A. W. PICKFORD. A promising young forward, who knows how to use his physique. Next year much will be expected of him.

2nd XV. The 2nd XV had a successful season this term and played with more skill and vigour than has been seen in 2nd XV's for some years past. The following were awarded 2nd XV colours :— D. B. Steward, L. C. Jones, H. Rice-Jones, H. A. Bubb, R. M. Dobson, J. D. Reynolds, D. C. Shelton, M. B.

December, 1937

Knapp-Fisher, T. W. Checketts, P. D. Caldicott, J. H. Pressdee, H. W. Hinds, R. L. Lodge, A. J. Kirkwood, F. E. V. Cant.

JUNIOR RUGGER. The standard of the 3rd game is higher than usual, owing to the School having been divided into those above and those below 15J years of age. This has proved invaluable for Colts rugger. The Colts have had one match this term v. Warwick School, which they won by 17 pts. to nil. This promises well for next term.

HOUSE MATCHES. The House matches this term have proved to be very exciting, although there was always the bogey of injury looming very largely with some of the Houses who never seemed to have any luck. At the moment of going to press the cup lies between Hostel and Chappel's and a close game is expected. 6—3 Oct. 26 Hostel beat School House Chappel's beat Creighton's ... 15—0 Oct. 27 Creighton's beat School House ... 14—0 Chappel's beat School House ... 16—3 Nov. 10 School House drew with Castle ... 16—16 Hostel beat Creighton's 15—0 Dec. 1 Chappel's beat School House ... 3—0 Hostel beat Castle 8—0

MATCHES.

SCHOOL v. WYCLIFFE COLLEGE " A " XV. LOST. SCHOOL : NIL. WYCLIFFE (3 tries): 9 PTS. Played at home. Wycliffe kicked off and immediately took the ball into the School ' 25,' and as a result of a quick heel scored in the corner. There was now some very hard play in midfield but Wycliffe scored again as a result of a ' 5 yards scrum.' Wycliffe continued to press hard and shortly before half-time scored another try. In the second half the school pressed hard but the threequarters failed to move smoothly and were unable to score despite many opportunities. Team :—G. W. Mann; A. E. Baldry, F. J. Curtis, H. D. Poths, C. M. Lavender; J. H. Folley, M. Orchard; A. Fairgrieve (Capt.), W. N. Bryer, S. O. A. M. Lock, D. B. Steward, R. M. Dobson, A. J. Bendall, J. H. Trap6, J. C. Bird.

SCHOOL v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE 3rd XV. WON. SCHOOL (1 Goal, 1 Penalty Goal and 2 Tries): 14 PTS. CHELTENHAM (3 Tries): 9 PTS. Played at Cheltenham. The school kicked off and within the first minute Cheltenham were unlucky enough to lose their right wing through injury. After five minutes play Cheltenham scored underneath the posts. The school pressed hard and Folley kicked

December, 1937

THE VIGORNIAN.

a fine penalty goal. The school continued to press and following a forward rush, Bryer scored near the posts. Folley converted. After half-time the school were forced back and Cheltenham scored in the corner. From now on the school had most of the play anc pressed hard. Baldry scored in the corner and Lavender underneath the posts. Cheltenham rallied hard and scored again. Cheltenham were very unlucky in that owing to hard ground they had been unable to practice and owing to their injury early in the first half. Team .—G. W. Mann; A. E. Baldry, F. J. Curtis, H. D. Poths, C. M. Lavender; J. H. Folley, M. Orchard ; A. Fairgrieve (Capt.), W. N. Bryer, S. O. A. M. Lock, A. J. Bendall, J. C. Bird, J. H. Trape, D. L. Shelton, J. M. Garnett.

SCHOOL v. SEBRIGHT SCHOOL, WOLVERLEY. WON. SCHOOL (3 Goals, 1 Try): 18 PTS. WOLVERLEY : NIL. Played at Wolverley. Wolverley kicked off and immediately pressed hard. The school fought back, but the threequarters seemed unable to get moving, and it was not until after twenty minutes play that Orchard scored near the posts. The school pressed hard in the second half. Following a series of forward rushes Bryer was able to score twice and Folley converted. Following up their advantage the school again pressed and Baldry scored in the corner. Folley converted. Team :—G. W. Mann; A. F. Baldry, F. J. Curtis, H. D. Poths, C. M. Lavender; J. H. Folley, M. Orchard ; A. Fairgrieve (Capt.), W. N. Bryer, S. O. A. M. Lock, A. J. Bendall, J. C. Bird, J. H. Trape, D. L. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds.

SCHOOL v. MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL. WON. SCHOOL (3 Goals, 1 Dropped Goal): 19 PTS. MAGDALEN (1 Try): 3 PTS. Played at home in perfect weather conditions. The first of a series of matches between the school and Magdalen C. S. for the possession of a Cup. The school pressed hard from the kick-off and after twenty minutes very hard play Shelton scored from a forward rush. Folley converted. The school continued to press and Poths dropped a fine goal just before halftime. In the 2nd half, Magdalen pressed hard and scored in the corner. Lock now scored near the posts, Folley converting, and Curtis scored from a fine threequarter movement. Folley again converted. This was the first time that the school team got working as a team. The threequarters were on form and the forwards dominated in the loose although Magdalen with their heavier pack had most of the ball in the tight. Team:—G. W. Mann; A. E. Baldry, F. J. Curtis; H. D. Poths, C. M. Lavender; J. H. Folley, M. Orchard; A. Fairgrieve (Capt.), W. N. Bryer, S. O. A. M. Lock, A. J. Bendall, J. H. Trape, D. C. Shelton, J. D. Reynolds, A. W. Pickford.

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SCHOOL v. MONMOUTH SCHOOL 2nd XV. LOST. SCHOOL : NIL. MONMOUTH (1 Try): 3. Played on a wet ground at Monmouth. The school seemed listless, especially after the life they had shown against Magdalen College School. The game was very scrappy, and Monmouth scored late in the first half from a threequarter movement. The School had several chances, but did not take them. Team : G. W. Mann; A. E. Baldry, F. J. Curtis, H. D. Poths, C. M. Lavender ; J. H. Folley, M. Orchard ; A. Fairgrieve (Capt.), W. N. Bryer, S. O. A. M. Lock, A. J. Bendall, J. H. Trape, J. C. Bird, J. D. Reynolds, A. W. Pickford.

SCHOOL v. CHELTENHAM COLLEGE 3rd XV. WON. SCHOOL (1 Goal, 3 Tries): 14 PTS. CHELTENHAM (1 Goal, 1 Try): 8 PTS. Played at home. The School were able to repeat their previous performance, although Cheltenham fielded a much improved side. Rice-Jones opened the scoring for the School with a try in the corner, which Folley converted. Just before half-time Cheltenham scored a try : the School retaliated and Bird scored from a forward rush. After half-time Poths scored, followed by Bird, who once more scored from a forward movement. Cheltenham retaliated strongly and scored under the posts just before time. The School was never properly together although the forwards showed promise. Team : P. D. Fourdrinier ; H. Rice-Jones, F. J. Curtis, H. D. Poths, C. M. Lavender ; J. H. Folley, M. Orchard ; A. Fairgrieve (Capt.), W. N. Bryer, S. O. A. M. Lock, A. J. Bendall, J. H. Trape, J. C. Bird, J. D. Reynolds, A. W. Pickford.

SCHOOL v. ST. EDWARD'S SCHOOL ' B ' XV. WON.

SCHOOL (1 Goal, 1 Penalty Goal, 1 Try): 11 PTS. ST. EDWARD'S (1 Goal): 5 PTS. The School were slow in starting and St. Edward's scored underneath the posts after ten minutes play. The School now retaliated strongly, Folley scored from a penalty kick, and a few minutes later he scored near the posts, but failed to convert. After half-time the game was very hard and even, but shortly before the end Lavender scored near the corner, and Folley converted. The threequarters never really got going, although the forwards playing a very fine game gave them all the chances they needed. Team : G. W. Mann; A. E. Baldry, F. J. Curtis, H. D. Poths, C. M. Lavender; J. H. Folley, M. Orchard ; A. Fairgrieve (Capt.) W. N. Bryer, S. O. A. M. Lock, A. J. Bendall, J. H. Trape, J. C. Bird, J. M. Garnett, A. W. Pickford.

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THE VIGORNIAN.

SCHOOL v. WARWICK SCHOOL. LOST. SCHOOL: NIL. WARWICK (3 Goals): 15 PTS. Played at home. Shortly after the kick-off Warwick scored under the posts, and although the School fought hard Warwick scored again after fifteen minutes play. After half-time Warwick continued to press, and scored again near the posts ; in spite of every effort the School was unable to break through the Warwick defence. The School forwards played very well, and gave their threequarters plenty of opportunities, but the threequarters seemed unable to cope with their faster opponents. Team : G. W. Mann; A. E. Baldry, H. D. Poths, F. J. Curtis, C. M. Lavender ; J. H. Folley, M. Orchard ; A. Fairgrieve (Capt.), W. N. Bryer, S. O. A. M. Lock, A. J. Bendall, J. H. Trape, J. C. Bird, J. M. Garnett, A. W. Pickford.

The O.V. Match was officially cancelled owing to the hard state of the ground, but in view of the unexpected thaw, a match was played, the O.V. fielding a hastily collected side containing three substitutes. They were thus not as strong as originally intended, and the School beat them 22—0. It was the most promising match that the School played during the last few weeks of the season.

O.T.C. NOTES. The contingent attended Strensall Camp at the end of last term. The weather was very hot, but everybody enjoyed themselves. The contingent formed a company with Mill Hill School; we came second in the Brigade Guard Mounting competition, being beaten by Stonyhurst College. This was a very creditable performance, as there were about 30 guards mounted during camp. The Band were disappointed in the competition, but the result might have been better, if news of the conditions had arrived earlier. * * * Twelve recruits joined the corps this term and our numbers are well up to scratch. They are being instructed by Sgt. Lock and are improving rapidly. * » * No. 1 Platoon has as usual been split into two squads. ' A ' squad consisted of this terms Certificate ' A ' candidates, all eight passed the practical examination, but the results of the written paper are not yet known. The following cadets passed the Practical Examination for Certificate ' A ': R. T. L. Allen, W. G. C. Bearcroft, A. G. T. Field, D. C. Fox, J. G. Green, A. J. Kirkwood, P. Neale, H. Rice-Jones. * * * We welcomed Capt. Abbott of the Worcestershire Regiment when he gave a lecture one afternoon. * * * We sympathise with our C.O., Capt. Strong, T.D., who is suffering from appendicitis. We wish him a speedy recovery.

December, 1937

The contingent sent representative bodies to the Armistice Sunday Service and also to the Mayor's Sunday Service. Promotions :— To be Under-Officer—C.S.M. Fairgrieve. To be C.S.M.—Sgt. Steward. To be Sergeants—Cpls. Richards, Bendall, Lavender, Lock. To be Corporals—L/Cpls. Lodge, Reynolds, Cant. To be L/Corporals—Cadets Poths, Bird, Folley, Hollyer, McEachran, Ewen, Wedgewood. Appointments :— To be Drum-Major ,, Secretary of Shooting To Command No. 1 Platoon „ No. 2 „ No. 3 „ „ „ Recruits To be platoon Sgt. No. 1 Platoon

C.S.M. Steward. Cpl. Cant. C.S.M. Steward. Sgt. Lavender. „ Bendall. ,, Lock. „ Richards.

FIELD DAY. Field Day this term took place on the high ground South-East of Stroud. The operations were under the direction of Lt.-Col. R. Macleod, G.S.O. 48th S.M. Division. The Regular Army besides helping in designing and umpiring the scheme, provided a Battery of the 33rd Field Bde. R.A. and a Section of the 1st Bn. Royal Tank Corps. The R.A.F. assisted with a flight of the 16th (Army Co-operation) Squadron. The general idea was that Southland, consisting of 2 Battns., one provided by Bromsgrove School, the other by Monkton Coombe, Wantage, Malvern and King's School, Worcester, had invaded Northland, represented by Cheltenham. The Northland troops were going to fight a series of rear guard actions during their retirement. The King's School, providing 3 Platoons formed a Company with Wantage, who also provided the Company Commander. Owing to the fact that no Company orders had been issued, no contact could be gained with Wantage at the commencement of operations ; and as a result the King's School Contingent, commanded by Under-Officer Fairgrieve, delivered an independent attack on Lowsmoor Farm. They were held up some 300 yards short of the objective, which was being strongly held by Northland patrols. The farm was now subjected to heavy Artillery fire, and the Contingent was able to get a first-class view of the attack by Tanks on the farm. The Tanks attacked right through the Contingent and cleared the farm buildings. The question whether the tank attack would have been beaten off by an antitank Section is a matter open to argument. During the consolidation of Lowsmoor Farm contact was gained with Wantage, and the complete Company now continued the advance. Opposition was not encountered until within sight of the second objective, and just as the attack was

December, 1937

THE VIGORNIAN.

beginning to break up the defence, a halt was called for dinner. This break was also utilised to enable the defence to withdraw to new positions. The attack was continued after a short break, and no opposition was encountered until within 500 yards of the final objective. From now on the manoeuvres became unreal, and platoons advanced where it would have been impossible to advance in view of the fire power of modern weapons. The " Cease Fire " was sounded shortly after this, and from our Company's point of view, operations for the day ceased, about half an hour before schedule. Tea, provided by Cheltenham followed, and all ranks were able to view the tanks at close quarters, ajso the mechanised Artillery. The weather was foggy at the start, but it cleared sufficiently later for the air craft to locate and dive at the Artillery. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by every one and interest was increased by the co-operation of mechanised Units. A. F.

BAND NOTES. From distinctly unpromising beginnings, the Band has improved considerably this term. We are particularly short of good buglers, but with plenty of hard work and practice the defect should be remedied. By far the most important item this term has been the gradual appearance of a Drum Major's equipment, and now a need that had become urgent has been satisfied. Although still a little awkward under the new conditions, the Band is rapidly coming into shape, and the presence of a Drum Major should make a great deal of difference to the bearing and smartness of the Band. However, many members of the band do not realise that it is no good putting a band at the head of a contingent unless it can march, and it is up to individuals to improve their marching before the band can be really good. We should like here to express our very deep sympathy with Bandmaster Latham, on his being stricken with 'flu during the latter part of the term, and at the same time we should like to thank him for his valuable assistance, upon which we have come to rely so much as a matter of course. On Armistice Day we provided five buglers to sound " Last Post" and " Reveille " at the War Memorial. The following buglers paraded, and they are to be congratulated on the excellence of their playing : L/Cpl. P. McEachran, Cdt. D. C. Fox, L/Cpl. P. L. B. Hollyer, L/Cpl. J. H. Trape", and Cdt. M. B. Knapp-Fisher. It is satisfying to know that, despite the smallness of their numbers, the efficiency of the buglers is as high as ever. D. B, S.

47

SHOOTING NOTES. We have concentrated this term for the most part on practising the VIII. on the 25 yards range. At the beginning of the term we were left with seven members of last year's VIII, and so had no difficulty in filling the last place, for which there was considerable competition. The usual S.M.R.C. Match came half-way through the term, and the score returned by the VIII is the highest on record in the School, the total being 656 out of a possible 800 (the individual scores are given below). The range was then given over to the classification of the Corps as a whole. This term we have been issued with three new aiming rests, which should prove invaluable in musketry Instruction. Finally, we should like to thank Lieut. J. L. C. Burnett and C.S.M.I. Cooper for the valuable help they have given the VIII. Scores of the S.M.R.C. Match :— Official return : 656 Official place : 58 Individual Scores (estimated) : Und. Off. Fairgrieve C.S.M. Steward Cdt. Bearcroft L/Cpl. Hollyer Sgt. Lavender Poths L/Cpl. Cpl. Cant Cdt. Allen

91 90 85 84 83 79 78 63 A. F. F. E. V. C.

SCOUT NOTES. Our numbers have somewhat increased, and a new patrol under Waterhouse has been formed. Hinds is now acting as secretary to the Troop and has been succeeded as Troop Leader by Bough. Patrol meetings have been held weekly as usual. The activities at these meetings have included training recruits in their tenderfoot tests and preparing stunts for the Troop Rally which is to be held at the end of term. Thanks are due to Price and Waterhouse for undertaking the re-roofing of the Scout Hut, which has become very necessary. A number of Scouts have begun working for their First Class badges this term. On Mayor's Sunday a detachment of Dayboy Scouts paraded under Bough. Camp. The Summer Camp was held this year on the usual site near Newby Bridge, at Mr. Pedder's kind invitation. It began on Monday, July 26th, and we enjoyed splendid weather the whole camp. It was a larger camp than usual and it was therefore found possible to form four patrols, which were led by Carstairs, R. E. Harris, Waterhouse and D. W. Smith. The Efficiency Competition was won by Waterhouse's patrol.

48

THE VIGORNIAN

December, 1937

The Rev. W. F. Cox (Day Boys, 1923-1931) was We were pleased to welcome in camp with us Bernhard Moch, from Germany, and Gunnar Swantesson ordained priest by the Bishop of Worcester in the from Sweden. Gunnar Swantesson could speak Cathedral on October 3rd. He is Assistant Curate English, fortunately, but Moch knew very little English of St. Peter's, Cradley. and afforded the German-speaking members of the * * # camp plenty of opportunity to try out their knowledge C. F. Davis (Natland and Castle House, 1931-1932) of that language. is on the reporting staff of the " Daily Sketch," and, The usual camp activities were carried on. In the among other things, covered the arrival of the yacht mornings there were games or Scout work. The Endeavour in the English Channel, the first Atlantic afternoons were devoted to swimming and fishing in flight from Foynes, Ireland, the arrival at Cherbourg Boretree Tarn, or exploring the surrounding country. recently of Mr. Robert Taylor, and the recent tour Several camp-fires were held, with great success. by H.M. the King of his Duchy of Cornwall. Bough, Harris, Annis and Smith successfully com* * * pleted their First Class journeys, for which the fine The Rev. E. D. Dickson (1898-1899) left his parish weather gave excellent opportunity. on the Indian Reserve near Brantford at the beginning The Troop has given tangible expression to its of June, after being a Missionary among the Six Nation gratitude to Mrs. Pedder for her hospitality and Indians for seven years. He is now at the Rectory, innumerable kindnesses during eight successive summer Paisley, Ontario. * * * camps by presenting her with a Thanks Badge. The presentation was made during a visit of Mrs. Pedder H. G. Eddy (Day Boys, 1931-1935) matriculated at the July examination with six credits. to Worcester this term. * * * Field Day. P. H. Jackson (School House, 1927-1930) is captaining Field Day this term was held on Wednesday, October 20th, on Kempsey Common, and we all enjoyed our- the British Empire Games Eight which is going to selves, in spite of the damp state of the ground. In Australia. * * * the morning a trail, which had been prepared by J. M. Paul (Castle House, 1931-1935), though still Bough and Price, was followed and in the afternoon a novel and exciting game was played. The object of at Faraday House, is now spending a year at an the game was to catch two thieves who were at large engineering works, for practical experience. * * * on the Common, and every suspicious character was accosted until they were caught. They were handled F. L. Steward (School House, 1897-1903) of Wolverrather violently, their disguises fell off, and they turned hampton, has been elected Chairman of the Solicitors' out to be people well known to the Troop. Benevolent Association. * « » Troop Leaders : Bough, Fairgrieve. E. J. Steward (School House, 1929-1933) has passed Patrol Leaders : Price, Carstairs, Bagenal, Bearcroft, the Intermediate Examination of the Law Society and L. C. Jones, Waterhouse. is articled in Birmingham. * * * C. D. A. Whitehead (School House, 1931-1935) at O.V. NEWS. the recent Examinations of the Royal College of G. R. Acton (Day Boys, 1910-1914) was the architect Veterinary Surgeons, passed the First Professional who designed the annexe to the Nurses' Home at the Examination. Royal Infirmary, which Lord Nuffield opened on September 13th, shortly before being admitted a BIRTH. Freeman of the City. The building is of red brick and in a modern interpretation of the Georgian style. LANGSTAFF. On August 3rd, 1937, to Mary, wife of It is fitted with a bomb-proof roof and stands upon a H. F. Langstaff (Natland, 1921-1927)—a son. basement which, in case of air-raid, would house the entire population of the Infirmary. * * * MARRIAGES. H. G. Bentley (Natland, 1922-24), the Walker Cup BEARD (Day Boys, 1927-1929)—-THOMPSON. On Sept. player and former English Amateur Golf Champion, 21st at St. John's Church, by the Rev. E. D. H. won the German Amateur Golf Championship at Bad Robinson, O.V., John Henry Lawrence, eldest son Ems last August, beating his German opponent by 7 of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Beard of Teme House, Lower and 5 in the 36 holes final round. In so doing he Wick, Worcester, and Dorothy Margaret, only repeated his success of 1933 ; in 1935 and 1936 he had daughter of the late Mr. Guy and Mrs. Thompson, been runner-up. In the morning round he equalled of Rainbow Hill House, Worcester. the course record of 66, held by the German Open Champion, and beat by one stroke the amateur record HOOPER (Castle House, 1921-1925)—GARNETT. On Aug. 14th, 1937 at Bletchingsley, R. K. Hooper and established in 1935. Nancy Whitaker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. * * » Garnett of Bletchingley, Surrey. R. J. W. Bryer (Day Boys, 1926-1933), having taken his B.A. degree at London University, has accepted KNIGHT (Day Boys, 1924-1927)—MARTIN. In July, 1937, E. Wright and Miss D. Martin, of Normanton, a post with Messrs. William Cowlin and Son, engineers Georgina Avenue, Worcester. and contractors, of Bristol.

December, 1937

THE VIGORNIAN.

ENGAGEMENTS. BRIGHOUSE (Day Boys, 1920-1927)—SMETHURST. The engagement is announced between Ralph Moore, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Brighouse, of Red Hill, Worcester, and Ursula Wintringham, second daughter of Colonel and Mrs. W. W. Smethurst, of Thornton Hall, Ulceby, Lines. PARLEY (1927-31)—SAUNDERS. The engagement is announced between George Parlby and Nesta, youngest daughter of the late Mr. G. J. and Mrs. Saunders, of Ipswich, Queensland. KING-LEWIS (Castle House, 1911-1919)—MEDD. The engagement is announced between P. C. King-Lewis, of Nunwell House, Bromyard, and Cicely, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Medd, of Wonersh, Guildford. OBITUARY. Mrs. R. J. Whitaker. Many generations of O.V. will join with the whole School in deep sympathy with the Rev. R. J. Whitaker and his family in the loss of Mrs. Whitaker, who died peacefully at the age of 74 on December 3rd at Cleeve Prior Vicarage. Mr. Bentley represented the School at the funeral. OXFORD LETTER. To the Editors of the Vigornian. OXFORD, DECEMBER, 1937. Sirs, As we take up the typewriter we have borrowed, pur first thought is of the fact that we have, for the first time for about five years, observed the good old custom of meeting together with all due ceremony to eat and to drink. In other words, since our number has now increased to nine, we have reconstituted the Oxford University Old Vigornians' Society—already spoken of affectionately, in the Oxford manner, as the ' Oaves ' —and have held a very successful Dinner on the evening of the School match against St. Edward's. We are enclosing a separate account of this. But now about individuals :— A. J. N. RICHARDS (Hertford). Now in his fourth year. Is doing a special course, which includes a multiplicity of subjects such as Agriculture, Anthropology, Law and what not; hints darkly at this being preparatory work in some far-flung outpost of Empire. Lives in digs, out at Headington. Has done a little rowing, some riding, and also dallied with the Jiu Jitsu Club. Sings in the Bach Choir. J. F. LISTER (Keble). President of the O.U.O.S. Plays fives with zest and is as genial and popular as ever. Won a £20 College Prize for Theology at die beginning of term, since which his room has begun to take on the air of a department of the Bodleian. Imitates many dons with success, and occasionally gets imitated himself. J. L. WARREN (Hertford). Has given up Chess in the interests of work. Plays soccer—with more keenness than skill, he tells us modestly. Also hockey. Asks us to deny that he was ever member of the Corbie Club. Goes to tutorials at St. Hilda's . . . Known to his friends as ' Jasper.'

49

R. C. HICKS (Keble). Secretary of the O.U.O.V.S. Tells us he is kept busy by being treasurer of innumerable societies. Plays hockey, fives and squash with indifferent success ; has also taken Cert. ' B." Described by a freshman as ' the man with the hearty laugh that rings out across the quad.' J. D. EVANS (Worcester). Came up at the beginning of this term, and although it is three years since he left, tells us he can still remember the School ! At present working for Pass Mods., after which he proposes to read English. Plays Hockey. Represented his College in the Inter-College Cross Country and the Relay Races : as a result wears an aggressive pink and black tie. Reported to have caused a disturbance in the Union, and, what's more, admits it ! J. F. LAVENDER (St. Edmund Hall). Tells us he is at present busy with Modern Languages Prelim. Plays for Teddy Hall 1st XV, and beguiles his more frivolous moments playing Squash with . . . (v. infra). Has joined the Corps (Infantry), but until recently has been unable to attend the lectures. Frequents the Union (' Only Free Messenger Service In Oxford !) and the usual entertainments. It has been suggested that he should buy a typewriter. Still known as ' Collie,' as his name and initials are the same as the President's. B. S. ECKERSLEY (Hertford). Taking Pass Mods, at the end of term and consequently has an excessive fondness for ' the witching hour of midnight'—and later. Intends to read History. Plays Squash with (v. supra). Has joined the Corps (Machine Guns—this is the same unit as the Infantry really, but it sounds different). A. C. WHITE (Keble). When he has dealt with Pass Mods, next term, proposes to join the vast army of Keble theologians. Plays rugger and soccer. Lives at the top of three flights of stairs, and when we have climbed there is always out. Has joined the O.U. Scouts and Rovers. J. A. LAWREY (Exeter). A budding politician (Conservative flavour). Tells us that he will soon be able to draw some health insurance. Taking Pass Mods, at the end of this term, with a view to reading History. Gives colossal—and most excellent—teas. We were very glad to see the two XV's on the respective occasions when they came up this term. Wishing the School the best of luck, and a very happy Christmas after it's all over, We are, Yours, &c., OXON. OXFORD DINNER. The O.U.O.V.S. held their first Annual Dinner on the 24th of November, at the Clarendon Hotel, Oxford. The guests were the Rev. C. Creighton, the Headmaster, Mr. A. D. Franklin, and R. L. Thomas, of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge (Day Boys, 1928—35). The President (J. F. Lister, (Day Boys, 1925—35) was in the Chair. A. J. N. Richards (School House, 1929—34) proposed the toast of " The School," to which the Headmaster replied in a witty speech. " The Guests " was proposed by J. D. Evans (Castle House, 1927—34), the Rev. C. Creighton responded in his own inimitable manner. Finally, Mr. A. D. Franklin proposed the health of the O.U.O.V.S., and the President replied, after which

50

THE VIGORNIAN.

the School Song was sung. In addition to the members of the O.U.O.V.S., we were fortunate in having with us C. Graves-Morris, Esq. (1900—1903). The absence of the Hon. Secretary of the O.V. Club was much regretted, and all those present expressed their very sincere sympathy with him and wishes for a speedy recovery. R. C. H. THE BUILDING OF SCHOOL HOUSE. (We are indebted to Mr. A. Macdonald for allowing us to reprint some paragraphs of his " History of the King's School." Eds. Vig.). Fifty years ago building was commenced on the School House that we know today. In 1880 there had been an outbreak of diphtheric sore throat in the Head's house ; one of the maids had died and the Headmaster, Mr. Holland, had himself been attacked. The house was condemned, and Mr. Bolland moved first to Malvern, and later to Cripplegate, while schemes were considered for a new Headmaster's Boarding House. It was designed by Mr. Ewan Christian, of Gloucester and London, one of the best-known architects of the day, who, a few years later, designed the National Portrait Gallery. He had previously superintended the restoration of College Hall, of which mention is made elsewhere in this issue. In 1886 the Governors secured from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners a substantial part of the Castle Hill on which to build. This is the area now covered by the playground and the School House. In those days it was covered by allotments which were divided by a road which ran over the place where the Headmaster's study now is, called Castle Crescent. Mr. Christian's original conception was extremely grandiose, and its cost would have been fabulous ; it embodied two blocks, one of which was to contain a large laboratory, classrooms, and an infirmary. This block was to be joined to the School House by a covered corridor flanked by studies on its east side with a dormitory over them, and the Headmaster's house was designed round a central courtyard. Mr. Christian then produced a simplified modification of this plan. The connecting corridor is now indicated only by a dotted line, as a possible addition later, and the studies are very absurdly put over the classrooms, well out of reach of the Housemaster, who is placed in the other building, which does not materially differ from the School House as it now is. Even this scheme proved more ambitious than practical, and the classrooms had to be abandoned. The planning of School House, as revised by Mr. Bolland, proved admirable, and the style, if drab, is at least free from meretricious ornament. The red Ruabon brick however is, and, owing to its weather.-resisting properties, must always remain, harsh and unlovely. The House was built to hold thirty boarders, and the cost was £10,000. It is interesting to note that the arrangement in the dormitories of dressing cubicles at the head of each bed (an ingenious combination of the advantages of the cubicle system and of the open dormitory) was adopted from a plan sent by Dr. Thring, of Uppingham, who had seen it in some girls' school. The House was opened in 1888, and this year is the fiftieth anniversary of its building. Let us hope that as a House it will last even longer than the brick of which it is built.

December, 1937 50 YEARS AGO.

(From the Vigornian of November, 1887). The re-opening of College Hall on Monday, Oct. 3rd, marked the completion of the restoration and the beginning of a new era in the History of the School. At the re-opening ceremony on Monday afternoon the College Hall was crowded by a representative assembly, including many old scholars and parents of past and present pupils. The Mayor and Corporation walked in procession from the Guildhall, attended by the sword bearer, mace bearers, and other officers, His Worship and the Aldermen wearing their robes of office. The Corporation were met at the south-east entrance to the cloisters by the Governors of the School, the Headmaster, and others, who followed them into the Hall, where they were received with cheers. The Very Rev. the Dean, as chairman of the Governing Body, presided, supported by the Lord Bishop of Worcester, and the following Governors : Earl Beauchamp (Lord Lieutenant), Canons Melville, KnoxLittle, Creighton, and Cloughton, the Mayor, and Mr. Francis Dingle. There were also on the platform, in addition to the members of the Corporation, Mr. J. H. Hooper (Clerk to the Governors), Rev. W. E. Bolland (Headmaster), Rev. E. Thring (headmaster of Uppingham School), Rev. Maurice Day (a former headmaster of the Cathedral School), Mr. J. S. Philpotts (headmaster of Bedford Grammar School), Rev. J. Went (headmaster of Leicester Grammar School), Mr. H. Millington (headmaster of Bromsgrove School), Rev. R. Ewing, (examiner), Rev. D. Sampson (Market Bosworth), and Messrs. T. S. Dyball, E. D. Jordan, and A. J. Froidefond (masters of the Cathedral School). [Those who would like to pursue the matter further are referred to pages 237—241 of Mr. Macdonald's History of the School. Eds. Vig.].

THE SCHOOL IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. The Cathedral Librarian, Sir Ivor Atkins, has kindly drawn my attention to a list of " Orders for the Government of the School," which had hitherto escaped notice in the Bishop's Registry Office. It is bound in, together with a copy of the Statutes and some other papers, at the end of p. 143 of a seventeenth century MS. book entitled " Notitia Dioc. Wigorn," and filled for the most part with extracts from episcopal registers and similar memoranda. The document—a double sheet of foolscap—is neither dated nor signed, but the late seventeenth century hand and other internal evidence leave little room for doubt that these are the Orders drawn up about 1685 by Dr. Hopkins and Dean Hickes in consequence of the slackness of the Master, John Wright (History of the King's School, p. 152), and they should evidently have been inserted in the Chapter Act Book and not in the Bishop's Notitia. They throw such valuable light on seventeenth century educational methods that I make no apology for asking the hospitality of the Vigornian for them, leaving it to others to decide how many of them are worth enforcing to-day : I suspect that most of them remained a dead letter at the time. A. M.

December, 1937

THE VIGORNIAN.

[Endorsed :] ORDERS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SCHOOL. The Dean and Chapter taking into consideration how much the schoole hath of late decayed for want of good Order and Discipline, have, for the better regulation thereof and the promoting of good Literature, and good Manners therein, made the following Orders, which the Upper and Under Master are required strictly to observe. 1. The number of scholars in the said schoole shall allwayes be digested into five or six Classes of which three are to be under the Usher besides the Infinita Classis, or petits Forme consisting of boys who are taught extra ordinario, till they are fitt to be taken into the first Class. 2. A whole Forme of boyes shall not be removed together into a higher Classe, but only so many as upon examination shall be found fit to be advanced, being able to performe the exercise of the Forme into which they are to be removed, and the times of removal! shall be three, viz. The two great Chapters and the 1st day of March, at which times the Master shall give notice to the Dean and Prebendaries resident when he intends to examine the boys in order for their removall, that some of them may be present at the Examination. 3. The Master and Usher shall teach the severall Classes under them in those Authors which are prescribed by the Statutes, haveing liberty to add others, as they shall see fitt. 4. The exercises of each Form shall be constantly proved upon certain dayes betwixt the houres of 7 and 9 in the morning, and the Master and Usher are to take special care to observe this Rule. 5. The Theames, Verses, and other Exercises of the Scholars in the Upper School shall be filed every week after they are proved, and kept safe under Lock and Key in some part of the School, and every boy shall put his name and the day of the moneth and year to his Exercise, that so the Dean or any of the Prebendaries coming to inspect the Schoole may see the proficiency every boy makes. 6. The boyes shall first construe, and then parse their Lect[?ions] at the same time, after which they shall be employed in translating some part of a Greek or Latin Author that they may at no time sitt idle. 7. They shall be often exercised in reciprocall Translation, or translating their own Translations into the Originall againe ; and this shall be carefully observed both in translating Latin into English, and Greek into Latin, and the books out of which they translate shall be taken from them when they translate their translations into English. 8. All the boyes in the upper school shall speak Latine to one another in the School and the Ferula shall be the proper punishment to every boy that shall presume to speak English after he hath been one moneth in the upper schoole, and every boy that shall hear another speak English, and not inform the Master of it shall receive one stripe of the Ferula on each hand.

51

9.

The boyes of the third Form under the Usher shall write their Latine every week in a Note booke for that purpose after they are corrected, and shall put their names with the day of the moneth and year to them. 10. The Master and Usher shall teach the boyes in bookes of such Editions, as have only the Originall and in the mean time till such can be procured, they shall not suffer them to cast their eye on the English or Latin version, when they construe any Author. 11. The Taskes given to the boyes of the upper school and the third Forme of the lower, when they break up at the customary times, shall be some Exercise proportionable to the time of intermission, which shall be performed without faile, and presented fairely written out to the Upper and Under Master that they may examine them. 12. All the Authors read in each class shall be hung up in a Table in the schoole, and the particular dayes sett down when they are read, that soe the business to be done in every Classe may be known by the boyes thereof. 13. Every Saturday between 11 and 12 of Clock two or three boyes of the upper part of the schoole shall narrare [narrate ?] out of some Greek or Latine Author, sometimes in Prose sometimes in Verse, and once in six weeks two or three boyes of the fifth or sixth Form shall declame at the same time. And the Master shall desire the Dean or some Prebendary to be present at these exercises ; and noe boy shall speak any Speech or Declamation, but of his own making. 14. The uppermost Form shall be taught Geography and the most famous Chronologicall Epoches, as the Beginning of the World, Noahs Floud, the going out of Egypt, the rebuilding of the Temple, the Birth of Christ and the Council of Nice in Sacred History, and in Civill, the Argonautic Expedition, the destruction of Troy, the beginning of the Olympiads and the building of Rome. 15. The boyes shall be placed in the respective Classes according to their proficiency without partiality. 16. They shall not be dismissed from schoole on Tuesdayes before the usuall time, nor on Thursdayes before three of Clock in the Afternoon. (1) 17. The Master shall appoint the Monitor to call over the names of all the boyes in their .order, after Morning Prayers, and at one of Clock, that the absent may be noted. 18. They shall goe from school two and two according to their seniority. 19. No boy shall be admitted into the lower schoole without the approbation of the Master as well as the Usher. 20. The Admission or entrance money for all boyes shalbe equally divided betwixt the Upper and Under Master. 21. Neither the Master nor Usher shall absent himselfe from the schoole a whole day without leave from the Deane or Senior Prebendary resident. (1) Footnote.—Thursday was the holiday in the 17th Century.

customary half-

52 22.

THE VIGORNIAN.

Both the Masters according to the Statutes shall inform the Dean from time to time of as many of the King's Scholars as he shall find uncapable of Literature, and the Upper Master is bound by Statute to examine all the boyes in the schoole at least once a week, and shall not faile faithfully to admonish their friends of all other boyes who are not capable of Learning to take them from the schoole as the Statutes also direct. 23. Every boy before he goes to the University shall make a Valedictory Oration and pronouce the same publickly in the schoole, and every boy laudably departing from the schoole out of the uppermost Classe shall write his name in a Register to be provided for that purpose. [There follows a Latin extract from Chapter 26 of the Statutes, referred to in Order 22]. The Dean and Chapter did then also ordaine that a little Library should be erected with all convenient speed in the schoole, of such bookes as are fitt for the use of the schoole. (2).

December, 1937

On November 18th Lieut.-Col. V. Haddick, F.R.G.S., lectured to us on " The Make-Believe World"—a lecture compiled with the aid of Mr. Charles Laughton. Some of the facts of the film-world that were revealed to us were so amazing that there are few of us who will be able to see a film in future without wondering how much the actor or actress got from the producer or how much was their own. Lieut.-Col. Haddick first demonstrated an invention of his own. He threw a slide of a snow scene on to the screen, and, by manipulating a system of different-coloured slides, he gave us the impression of evening coming on, gradually darkening until complete night set in, and finally the effect of the moon rising. We were then shown the inside of the film-world, and we were told something of the work that goes into producing a good film. Including Lieut.-Col. Haddick's idea of a film as it used to be, the lecture was full of interesting and out-of-theway detail. But we should like to have seen something of Mr. Charles Laughton.

LECTURES. "LE MALADE IMAGINAIRE." On November 1st we heard an interesting lecture The School visited the Royal Grammar School on on " Castles in Southern and Western England," by Mr. H. G. Davies. He showed us numerous slides of Tuesday, November 30th, to see a performance of various types of castles, beginning with ancient earth- Moliere's play " Le Malade Imaginaire," by Les works, and excellent example of which, we were told, Com£diens de Paris. The play was rendered paris Maiden Castle, Dorchester. We were then shown ticularly interesting since most of us had read it in the " motte and bailey " type of castle, with its outer form and we were able to notice how extremely clever court-yard and mound and the watch-tower on top. certain passages really were, which previously had This .tower was originally built of wood, but in later escaped our notice. The parts of Argan and Beline times was sometimes changed to a stone keep. The were admirably played, as were the parts of Toinette lecturer then showed us how castles had gradually and Angelique, and Thomas and Monsieur Diafoirus changed from strongholds to dwelling-places. Although made a great sensation. In spite of the excellence of Mr. Davies had some very good slides, we felt that a the performance, we would suggest two criticisms: little more body was necessary in the lecture itself. we were rather disappointed at the omission of the Mr. Davies gave us a most interesting lecture on Louison scene—and the play was rather too long. The Southampton Docks last year, and we were expecting performance will be extremely valuable to those who something of the same standard ; most of us were rather are taking French in the Higher Certificate, next year, and we must consider ourselves very fortunate in being disappointed. After the lecture Mr. A. Macdonald reminded us able to see " Le Malade Imaginaire " acted by those that there used to be a " motte and bailey " castle in who alone can make the characters live. the School Garden. * * » On November 10th we were visited by Rear-Admiral THE DEBATING SOCIETY. Macnamara, R.N. (ret'd), who gave us an interesting talk on the Navy and Problems of Imperial Defence. This term has seen the revival of the Debating Society, Beginning with a brief summary of the duties of the and we have held three Debates this term. Although Army and Air Force in connection with the Navy, the Society receives considerable support in the Sixth Rear-Admiral Macnamara went on to tell us something Forms, the support coming from the Fifths is only of the Weapons of the Fleet, and we were particularly too small, and we hope to see more enthusiasm in the interested by the details and slides he showed us of future. important naval bases in distant parts of the world. The first debate was held on Monday, October 18th. The lecturer brought home to us how great our Mr. A. Macdonald was in the chair, and the motion dependence on the Navy really is—a fact which the lecturer's ready wit prevented from becoming too before the House was " That Communism is the serious. Amongst other things we were told some ultimate end of Civilisation." S. M. Lock proposed motion and said that Christ was the first Communist, interesting facts about the working of depth charges, the illustrated by some very striking slides. The lecture and when Man had made a Communistic State out of ended with an array of slides of ships of every sort and the world Christ would come again. H. W. Hinds, kind which we only wish we had had more time to opposing the motion, suggested that if men should try to set up a Communistic State the result would be inspect. comparable to the French Revolution, and quoted Our Lord's words : " My Kingdom is not of this world." (2) Footnote.—See the list of " Books for the School, H. J. Checketts, for the motion, suggested that Combought by Mr. Deanes Order " in 1687—History, p. 151. munism would reconcile itself to Christianity, and

December, 1937

53

THE VIGORNIAN.

A. J. Kirkwood, seconding the Opposition, stressed the point that all men were not born equal, but should be allowed to have equal ambitions. D. B. Steward, speaking from the House, said that only when human nature had been altered could a Communistic Utopia be set up. The motion was lost by 14 votes to 5. The second debate was held on Monday, October 25th, the motion being : " That the Duke of Windsor basely deserted his Country "; Mr. C. M. Meade-King took the Chair. The motion was proposed by A. J. Bendall who, in the course of an eloquent speech, maintained that King Edward VIII was a man well suited to his position, but who tried to set himself up as a royal dictator. Bendall was supported by D. B. Steward, who pointed out that a king, more than anyone else, should put the demands of his country before the demands of his heart. H. W. Hinds, opposing the motion, said that since the House could not possibly know all the facts of the case, it was, therefore, not in a position to discuss it. He went on to say that no man should be branded a deserter who had given 26 years of his life in the service of his country. S. M. Lock, supporting Hinds, claimed that, in abdicating in favour of his brother, whom he felt to be more suited to the task, King Edward had done the only honourable thing possible under the circumstances. Hinds summed up for the opposition and suggested that the whole blame lay on the British people who expected their king to be a demi-god immune from temptation. The motion was carried by 42 votes to 12. On Monday, November 8th, the third and last debate was held, the motion being : " That colonies should be restored to Germany." Mr. B. B. Ward was in the chair. J. D. Reynolds, the proposer of the motion, said that Germany's reasons for demanding colonies fell into two classes, material and moral, and proceeded to enumerate them. J. D. H. Sayer opposed the motion, and said that it would be foolhardy to give Colonies to a nation that could not be trusted to behave itself with them. R. L. Lodge replied for the motion and claimed that only when colonies had been restored to Germany would the peace of Europe be at hand. Mr. B. B. Ward temporarily relinquished the Chair to ask that the matter be considered from the point of view of the Colonist. The motion was lost by 10 votes to 11.

THE PLAY-READING SOCIETY. The Play-Reading Society was formed again at the beginning of the term with 9 old, and 5 new, members. Mr. Ward once more very kindly allowed us the use of his sitting-room, and continued as President of the Society, while S. M. Lock was elected to take Bolland's place as honorary secretary. The following plays have so far been read and discussed : " The Moon in the Yellow River," by Denis Johnston ; " The Dover Road," by A. A. Milne ; " Lady Precious Stream," by S. I. Hsiung.

At Half-Term, Mr. Macdonald persuaded a friend of his, Mr. Holland, to give a short lecture to the Society on " Producing a Play," an arduous enterprise of which he had a wide experience. In the course of a most interesting lecture, Mr. Holland illustrated a few scenes from Marlowe's " Dr. Faustus " with little cardboard figures, which, apart from an obstinate desire to lie down on their backs, served admirably to show the importance of grouping the actors on the stage correctly. We hope to read Galsworthy's " Loyalties," and, by way of contrast, " Rope," by Patrick Hamilton, before the end of the term, which has been a most successful one, and we are glad to see that interest in the Society has by no means decreased since last year. S. M. L.

THE

SCIENCE

& ENGINEERING

SOCIETY.

The society contains twenty members this term. A committee has been appointed, consisting of R. T. L. Allen (Secretary), C. M. Lavender, N. W. Richards and H. D. Poths. Several meetings have been held, at which talks were given on various subjects. At a meeting on October 24th. three talks were given. P. Shovelton explained, with the aid of a model, the chassis of a car, showing how different drives are obtained in the gearbox, the purpose and action of the universal joint and differential, and the action of the steering gear and brakes. At the same meeting R. L. Lodge described the processes to which a steel bar is subjected on its journey through a rolling mill at Newport. R. T. L. Allen explained the principles of both high and low definition television transmitters and receivers, the action of different types of scanners, spotlight and floodlight transmission, and electron cameras. On November 21st, W. G. Bearcroft gave a talk on micro-biology, which was illustrated by microscope slides, showing the appearance of human blood, and various micro-organisms in the human body, in the bodies of other animals, and in water. At a meeting on December 5th, H. D. Poths described the lighting and ignition systems and steering of a car, and the evolution of the internal expanding brake. C. M. Lavender explained the action of swash-plate engines, both hydraulic and internal combination. It was hoped to arrange talks on modern navigating instruments and naval gunnery, but these had to be postponed until next term. R. T. L. A.

54

THE VIGORNIAN. LIBRARY.

This term the Library Committee Meeting took place rather later than usual, so that very few actual purchases have yet been made. The following new books have been bought:— HEROIC LIVES ESCAPE

Rafael Sabatini F. Yeats Brawn

THE ALDIN BOOK OF OUTDOOR GAMES ... W. Byford-Jones BOTH SIDES OF THE SEVERN LAUGHTER AND WISDOM ... ... Stephen Leacock It was decided to add the following books to the Library during the term : THE FLIGHT OF THE HERON D. K. Broster THE GLEAM IN THE NORTH D. K. Broster BUSMAN'S HOLIDAY Dorothy L, Sayers STRONG POISON ... Dorothy L. Sayers YOUNG MEN IN SPATS P. G. Wodehouse P. G. Wodehouse LAUGHING GAS THE HOUSE THAT HITLER BUILT... S. H. Roberts John Gunther INSIDE EUROPE THEY SEEK A COUNTRY F. Brett Young THE CLIPPER OF THE CLOUDS Jules Verne THE VOYAGE TO THE MOON Jules Verne ROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS Jules Verne The complete set of " Punch " which was bought for the Reading Room last term has proved very popular and apart from a tendency of readers to forget to return copies to their shelves, we are glad to see that they have been treated with the care due to their peculiar historical value. The following are Librarians for the Spring Term : Hon. Sec., S. M. Lock ; Librarians: P. T. Halliley, H. W. Hinds, R. T. L. Allen, H. J. Checketts. Representative for the Middle School : J. P. Pimley.

S. M. L.

VALETE.

Lavender, J. F. (1930-37). School House. Captain of the School. 1st XV Rugger, 1934. Secretary of Rugger, 1935. Captain of Rugger, 1936. Secretary of Boats, 1935-6. Captain of Boats, 1937. 2nd IV Fives, 1935. 1st IV Fives, 1936-7. Sports Secretary. Editor of The Vigornian. Under-OfBcer O.T.C., Cert. "A," March, 1935. Pettigrew, A. W. R. (1929-37). Creighton's House. Cadet O.T.C., Cert. " A," March, 1937. Sutton, J. (1933-37). School House. King's Scholar. Librarian. Sgt. O.T.C., Cert. " A," March, 1936. Upper V. Bearcroft, E. M. F. (1930-37). Castle House. 1st XV Rugger, 1936. 1st IV Cox, 1935. Shooting VIII, 1936. Secretary of Shooting, 1937. Cpl. O.T.C., Cert. " A," November, 1936. Davies, R. G. (1935-37). Creighton's House. 2nd XV Rugger, 1936. 2nd XI Cricket, 1937. Cadet O.T.C. Glover, I. (1935-37). Castle House. 2nd IV Rowing, 1937. L/Cpl. O.T.C., Cert. "A," March, 1937. Hackwood, S. N. (1934-37). Castle House. School Monitor. 1st XV Rugger, 1935-6. 1st Cricket XI, 1935. Secretary of Cricket, 1936. Captain of Cricket, 1937. Sgt. O.T.C., Cert. "A," November, 1936. Pepper, A. E. (1932-37). Chappel's House. 2nd XV Rugger, 1936. Lower V. Hayes, B. D. (1934-37). Creighton's House. 2nd XV Rugger, 1936. 2nd XI Cricket, 1937. Morris, J. R. (1931-37). Chappel's House. Cadet O.T.C. Nicholls, M. E. (1934-37). Chappel's House. 2nd XV Rugger, 1936. 2nd XI Cricket, 1935. 1st XI Cricket, 1936-7. Cadet O.T.C. Poths, J. D. (1934-37). Castle House. 1st XV Rugger, 1936. 2nd XI Cricket, 1935-6. Cadet O.T.C. Upper IV. Brown, J. C. H. (1937). Hostel. Cadet O.T.C. Walker, T. W. (1935-37). Creighton's House. Cadet O.T.C. Middle IV. Waterhouse, R. B. W. (1934-37). School House. Williams, A. T. (1936-37). Chappel's House. Lower IV. Frearson, J. (1936-37). School House. 1st XI Cricket, 1937. Glover, J. A. (1934-37). Creighton's House.

Classical VI. White, A. C. (1932-37). School House. King's Scholar. L/Cpl. O.T.C., Cert. " A," November, 1937. Modem VI. Briggs, D. E. (1932-37). Chappel's House. Librarian. Davies, M. B. (1934-37). School House. 2nd XV Rugger 1936. 1st XI Cricket 1935-6. Secretary of Cricket, 1937. Cpl. O.T.C., Cert "A," November, 1936. Eckersley, B. S. (1930-37). Castle House. King's Scholar. School Monitor. Editor of The Vigornian. Librarian. Sgt. O.T.C., Cert. "A," November, 1935.

December, 1937

SALVETE. Lower V. Taylor, W. C. Upper IV. Wharmby, R. G. E. Wilson, A. J. Middle IV. Bowles, T. Rowan, R. St. M,

House. School. School. School. Castle. Chappel's.

THE VIGORNIAN.

December, 1937

55 WANDERER'S VESPER.

Lower IV. Badham, J. A. Sunning, W. B. Moody, P. J. E. Morris, J. G. Papps, J. Williams, M. G. E.

Creighton's. Chappel's. Creighton's. Castle. Chappel's. Creighton's.

Lower School. Anstey, W. Ayrton, J. G. W. Banning, R. J. Charlish, J. A. Clifton, P. D. Evans, J. B. .Graves, L. M. Griffiths, A. G. Griffiths, S. Moflat, M. J. Snell, P. G. Thomas, A. R.

Creighton's. Creighton's. Creighton's. Chappel's. Chappel's. Creighton's. Castle. Creighton's. Chappel's. Creighton's. Chappel's. Chappel's.

CONTRIBUTIONS. STRAY THOUGHTS. CINQUAINS.

after Goethe O'er all yon mountain tops Lies Peace ; Scarce ever a towering tree-top Shimmers in the lulling breeze ; Slowly cease The trillings in the thicket: Yet a while, And thou shalt find thy Peace. H. W. H.

LAMENT. Alas ! Alack ! Our Old School Cap, Eyesore of ages past, Our oldest friend, our oldest foe, Is doomed to die at last ! It wrings my heart to see it go, And makes me joyful too—For old loves I should love much less Loved I not more loves new ! Farewell to thee, beloved K.S.! Fresh may thy memory be, Henceforward thou shalt blush unseen Along with ! O. U. O. V.

LIFE. These be Three beauteous Things ; Morn-misty meadows,—noon's Full glow—and the serene gaze of One dead. LOBSTER SAUCE. AUTUMN. Listen To the rustling Of the rusty leaves, as They whirr and they swirl in the breeze, Today.

YOUTH. And Youth Is but the first Of many stages—On And on, in a slow senseless surge— To Death. H. W. H.

As I was walking on the beach, A lobster I did see. " Good day !" said he, " Good day 1" said I, " A lovely day !" said we. I saw he was inside a cage, And asked what it might be. " A pot," said he, " A what ?" said I, " A lobster-pot," said we. I wished him luck and shook his hand ; He did the same to me. " Good-bye," said he, " Good-bye " said I, " Well, cheerioh '" said we. O. U. O. V.

56

THE VIGORNIAN. THOUGHTS.

Ah well, back to school again ! But for the last time. Am I sorry or am I glad ? I really do not know. The thought of going out into the world sometimes appeals to me, sometimes makes me a little afraid, reminds me of the fact that I am, after all, a very small creature. I shall have to make new friends, be surrounded by new faces, new manners and new temptations. I shall be able to look upon daily tasks from an entirely new angle, perhaps pleasing, perhaps not, I cannot tell. There will be aspects of school life I shall be glad to be free of, the various rules and traditions which have to be observed ; but, on the other hand, I shall have to make my own rules for the future and create my own traditions in the world of men. It will be like starting again from the very bottom of a very much larger school in which one has to live by one's wits and in which even the best of us will feel lonely and neglected. No longer will there be someone to go to in time of trouble, and it is in the next few years that the real test will come. It will be a heartrending experience going to College Hall with the thought that it will be for the last time I shall hear : " Let the words of our lips . . . . " The last game of Rugger, sitting beneath the pulpit in the Cathedral for the last time as a member of the school, will be experiences which will stamp themselves in my memory for many years to come. RELICTURUS.

December, 1937

among some of us that previously a very important side of our school activities had been neglected. Let us hope that having been revived it will remain a permanent one.

Yours, etc.,

J. D. H. S.

To the Editors of " The Vigornian." HERTFORD COLLEGE, OXFORD. Dear Sirs, Now that Hockey has a definite place among the School games, would it not be an excellent idea if the O.V. Club could give it its recognition and support by arranging an annual fixture—School v. O.V.—to be played about the middle of March ? If there are any O.V. who are interested in the above proposal and would be willing to give their support by playing in such a match, I should be grateful if they would communicate with me at the above address during University Term, or at St. Peter's Road, Malvern, during vacation. Yours, etc., J. L. WARREN. [The School would welcome such a match, but March 12th is the latest possible date this year. Eds. Vig.].

CORRESPONDENCE. (Since it is customary for someone to write a letter to the Editors of the Vigornian at regular intervals bewailing the fact that pleas expressed in letters are invariably ignored by the " authorities concerned," we would take the opportunity of reminding correspondents that letters reach the Editors too late in the term for action to be taken immediately. If correspondents are still prepared to support their suggestions in the following term, it is up to them to remind the Editors, who may be fresh and ignorant of their letters, when the Editors will try to see that the matters receive due discussion by the " authorities concerned."—Eds. Vig.). To the Editors of " The Vigornian." Dear Sirs, It is my belief that this number of the Vigornian should contain some form of congratulation to those who revived that very absorbing pursuit, debating. The attendance in the House at the debates shows the success of this venture; and surely it deserved the support it received. There must have been a feeling

To the Editors of " The Vigomian." Dear Sirs, May I make a suggestion through your columns about the Chess Cup. In past years it has been a " Knock-Out" Competition ; in future, could not each House send in a team of four players and play every other House on the system adopted for the Cricket and Rugger Cups ? By this system the " house-spirit " which shows itself so strongly in other sports would be brought into Chess. It would, moreover, give the Secretary of Chess twenty players from whom to choose a School team and so renew the School fixtures that have been in abeyance these last two years. Trusting this suggestion will receive consideration. Yours, etc., A CHESS PLAYER.

December, 1937

THE VIGORNIAN. RECEIPTS.

W.C.K.S. GAMES FUND. YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 6xH, 1937. ROWING : Expenses—Clifton—Marlow, &c. ... Cathedral Boating Station—repairs &c. Marlow Regatta—entrance f e e ... Visitors'tea, &c Ayling—Oars, &c Walker—boat CRICKET, FOOTBALL, HOCKEY & BOXING : Dean & Chapter—Rent of Ground ... Insurance Russell & Dorrell—Umpires Coats ... Barkers—Marl Grass Seed Lillywhite Frowd Gear Bryans „ Crowshaw „ Relfe „ Gunn & Moore „ Corporation of Worcester—Rates, &c. Bakers—Repairs, &c Ecclesiastical Commissioners—Rent ,.. Rugby Union Bailey & Turner—Buses, &c Boxing Hunt—Cricket Balls Ward—Repairs to Machinery Ward—'Bus Fares, petrol, &c. Barkers—Repairs to roller, &c. National Playing Fields Assn. Expenses of Visitors—Teas, &c. Sports prizes Inland Revenue W.C.K.S. Scouts Printing, &c Wages Miscellaneous ... Bank Charges Cr. Balance at Bank, 6th Dec., 1937

57

£ s. d. 21 1 0 31 0 0 3 3 0 1 10 0 10 6 6 5 0

10 0 0 5 1 0 15 0 2 0 0 2 2 9 9 15 9 11 17 10 9 6 6 11 10 6 23 4 8 47 4 0 20 9 6 8 0 0 1 1 0 28 7 6 8 18 0 3 10 0 3 3 0 43 11 0 16 12 6 1 0 0 1 16 0 6 10 8 9 19 10 44 0 0 6 16 1 116 16 8 6 0 1 10 0 £523 9 4 10 9 6 £533 18 10

Games Subs., &c. Y.W.C.A Miss Isaac Mr. A. Taylor Rent from Field & Sundries From Shop Cr. Balance at Bank, Dec. 10th, 1936

426 9 4 2 2 0 2 0 0 10 6 16 2 6 70 0 0

£517 4 4 16 14 6 £533 18 10

(Signed)

L. A. WILDING, Headmaster. F. B. THOMAS, Hon. Treas.

CONTEMPORARIES. We acknowledge with thanks the following contemporaries with apologies for any accidental mistakes or omissions: — .Felstedian (2), Wulfrunian, The Portcullis, St. Edward's School Chronicle, Cantuarian, St. Michael's School Chronicle, Decanian, Monktonian, Cheltonian (3), Tonbridgian.