THE FRITILLARY.
DECEMBER, 1910.
iebitor : Viis
WARD, Si.
Hilda's Ha
Committee Miss CARR, Lady Margaret Hall, M iss DAUNT, Somerville College. Miss HILL, St. Hrigh's Hail. tyliss W.LT,Kit, St. Hilda's Hall, Miss O'CoNNoR, Oxford Horee-Students.
treasurer : • mi55 DAUNT, Somerville College.
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DECEMBER.
No. 81.
1910.
CONTENTS. PAGE
PAGE
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CHRISTMAS NAN AND OTHER PLAYS HISTORY SCHOOLS NIGHTMARE OPENING OF NEW WING AT LADY MAR-
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GARET HALL ON AN ESTEEMED CONTEMPORARY
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SCHOOLS . NEWS OF THE TERM EDITORIAL
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OXFORD STUDENTS' UNITED HOCKEY CLUB, HALL MATCHES .
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Christmas. " Make we mery both more and lasse For now is the time of Christemas !" THIS injunction seems now to be almost disregarded ; more often we hear the remark, " Oh how I hate Christmas " Whether it is because the post never brings the really wished-for letter, or whether because there is in the morning an expression of enforced cheerfulness on everybody's countenance, we do not know the fact remains that, socially, Christmas in nine cases out of ten is a failure. Nevertheless this is a mistake, for looking at the festival from a purely secular point of view, Christmas Eve is the most romantic day in the whole year ; the customs which we associate with it bring with them a whole host of historical tradition, and we should like to point out the origin of one or two of them. -At the time of the winter solstice, when England was still pagan, a great festival was held at which the Druids and the people sallied forth to the sacred oak •tree to gather the myslip parasite which was believed to have wonderful curative powers. Two white bulls were bound to the tree ; the Chief Druid clothed in white ascended, and with a golden knife cut the sacred plant, which was caught by another priest in the folds of his robe. Sacrifices were then offered, and the mistletoe thus gathered was divided into small portions and distributed to the people, who hung it over the entrance of their
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CASTLE BOLTON THE SENTIMENTALIST'S OXFORD—(I) THE
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OXFORD STUDENTS' LAWN TENNIS CLUB OXFORD STUDENTS' DEBATING SOCIETY DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL NOTES CORRESPONDENCE • REVIEWS HALL NOTICES :LADY MARGARET HALL SOMERVILLE COLLEGE S. HUGH'S HALL S. HILDA'S HALL OXFORD HOME STUDENTS .
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dwellings as a propitiation to the sylvan deities during the season of frost and cold. Here we have the origin of our mistletoe bough ; where those further properties belonging to that plant came from we do not venture to say. The burning of the Yule log, however, was a ceremony which originally arose among our Scandinavian ancestors at the feast of Juul, when they kindled large bonfires to the God Thor. After England had become Christian the same ceremony was permitted by the Church during their great winter festival, and the bringing in and placing of the Yule log was one of the most joyous Ceremonies on Christmas Eve in feudal times. An old custom was to lay aside the half-consumed block in order to preserve it till the next Christmas and light the new log with the charred remains of its predecessor ; this custom secured the house against fire during the year. The only other light permitted in the room beside the blaze of the fire was a Yule candle of monstrous size, and Brand in his " Popular Antiquities " speaks of an ancient candle-socket of stone ornamented with the figure of the Holy Lamb, which had been used for this purpose, and which still remained in the buttery of St. John's College, Oxford. Of the festivities which delighted our ancestors on the night of Christmas Eve the most important one was the Mummers. These were in all probability a relic of the Roman Saturnalia, at which feast it had been the common practice for men and women to assume each other's garments and
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to cover their faces with masks. The mummers were clothed in garments of skin and wore large and hideous masks ; they performed a kind of mediaeval pageant, at which certain characters almost always appeared ; there was the King of England, St. George, the clown, and a doctor who cured
man anb other plays. The Tragedy of Nan and other Plays. John Masefield. (Grant Richards, Ltd. 3s. 6d. net.)
WE hear a great deal in these days of the decline and fall of the theatre. Drama is dying, we are told—but tragedy is dead. There are various reasons, all more or less red-handed, but the most "All sorts of diseases Whatever you pleases." murderous of all appears to be the fact that we unto ourselves a golden calf and the Another form of amusement was Snap-dragon, have made is very bitter in our mouths. Perhaps which is said by some people to be a remnant taste began it—Charlotte Brontë must be held of Druidical fire-worship. No other light was per- Byron partly responsible—but the largest share of the mitted when the dish was brought into the room, blame is due to something inexplicable, rather in order to intensify the weird and ghostly ap- fine, and incurably English. The ideal rule of pearance of the blue flame. conduct most of us cherish, is one of such reWith his blue and lapping tongue, pression and restraint that when the great moments Many of you will be stung. in our lives come we find nothing to say we see Snip ! snap Dragon the marks of our finger-nails in our palms, and For he snaps at all that comes, feel that we have lived up to our ideal. Which Snatching at his feast of plums. DragonI is all very well for life, but for tragic drama— Snip !snap ! nothing short of a death-blow. The third kind of amusement--the Waits—had What after all is the point of tragic happening, a slightly later introduction. The name was in life or in art ? Unless we believe that we are originally given to a band of minstrels belonging nothing but pipes for Fortune's finger, we must to the king's court who guarded the streets at hold that tragedy in any life is purposeful. But night and proclaimed the hour—in fact they per- it may I think, have either of two purposes. In formed a similar office to the watchman ; gradually this age of the deification of the Individual, the however, it became especially associated with Personality, the Me, is perhaps heresy to sugthose musicians whose performances were confined gest that the purposeitof tragedy may sometimes to the season of Christmas. Their duty was to be destined least of all towards the person who go from house to house during the period from is its central figure. We offer our lives gladly Christmas Eve to Twelfth Night and sing carols the world may know more about X-rays, announcing the birth of Christ. That this practice that more about air-ships—it has not occurred to us still remains many of us know to our cost to dedicate sufferings to the cause of progress, The Christmas Tree, the custom of hanging up to think of our ourselves as heroes of a play whose a stocking at the foot of the bed, the association mission has been to purify its audience by pity, of Father Christmas with St. Nicholas, are more to purge by fear. modern customs which hail from Germany. They Masefield has solved the chief difficulty have an equally interesting origin, but we fear of John modern tragic writing by choosing for his actors that we are taking up too much space. Our advice is this : when anyone declares Christmas people in a lower class who, (being vulgar !) may to be dull let us remember that it is only because be allowed freer play in their emotions. Morewe make it so ; in reality there is in the festival over, he has shifted time back a hundred years, so that we have an atmosphere slightly remote. every prospect of romance. The Tragedy of Nan " is a very great play we Yet in spite of this good counsel we should very "have nothing to touch it in modern drama unless much like to spend a Christmas Eve with our ancestors. The feast is over, and the joyful party it be the much more fragmentary work of the Irish writers. Among her drab surroundings, has gathered in the hall where the flames of the Nan shines like a star. Her speech is peasantYule log crackle on the hearth and cast dancing speech but " purified from all lasting and reflections on the polished oak. In a few minutes the blue flame of the snap-dragon will shed a rational causes of dislike or disgust." When Dick declares his passion for her, the beauty of her strange unearthly light on the faces round ; but soul first finds expression " I'll make a song for meanwhile the wassail - bowl passes gaily from you," says Dick, but she replies, "Your loving hand to hand. me, that's song enough." Once the tragic purpose The grotesque mummers have gone and outside a song is heard faintly at first as it travels through has touched her, she never speaks in prose again the quaint winding streets, then it grows louder —whether it be to Jenny (" No, my friend, my and louder, now it re-echoes from the quiet stars :- girt friend, my little Judas-friend, my little pale snake-friend "), or in the beautiful passages with " Nowell, Nowell, Gaffer Pearce, the poetry and pathos of whom she Born is the King of Israel." has always recognised. Tragedy makes or breaks, it is the touchstone :
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THE FRITILLARY. of character. It is a great force projected in our midst, and by it we stand confessed, alloy or gold. Nan is a spirit "finely touched," asking great beauty in all things, and accepting nothing less. Tragedy gives her clear vision, shews her the ugliness of a " justice " which hanged her father, of a friend who betrayed, of a lover who cared most for money. Her terrible denunciation of Jenny, and the death of Dick are just dues demanded by the law which says " There shall be beauty in all things," and she pays them unhesitatingly. For people like the Pargetters tragedy would have been useless. Seeing Dick's dead body, Mrs. Pargetter can only say, "Take the money, Will—don't 'eed the brandy." But for Nan, tragedy is a robe of gold which compels her to lay aside life as we know it, as one puts off a worn-out garment. But there is nothing morbid about her going : as with Beatrice Cenci, of whom she reminds us, the end is peace. We would not have it otherwise : she has achieved complete expression. Of the technique of the play much could be said. We may point out the dramatic effect of the irony of Nan's song at the opening of Act II., of Dick's horror at the convict breaking loose, and of Gaffer Pearce confusing Nan with his dead love. Dick himself is an interesting study. Personally, he does not seem altogether convincing, but perhaps his immediate transference of affection is quite in keeping with the greed and pettiness of his nature. Then there are the little Shakespearean etchings of Dixon and Drew, and the beautiful study of Gaffer himself, younger brother to the fool in " Lear." The two other plays are of slighter import. In "The Campden Wonder" fear purges, but the drama is too terrible for pity. There is power in the conception of a personality so relentless that he could involve himself, his innocent mother and brother in a horrible death, and here again we are reminded of Cenci's words :" My soul, which is a scourge, will I resign Into the hands of Him who wielded it
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The passing of the old mother, Joan, shews the craftsmanship of a true disciple of the Elizabethans " God be with ee, Dick. I've put ee to bed, Dick, a many times, but now I be going to bed afore you God be with ee too, John. For all your sins. Ee be that like your poor feyther, John. I be going to God's holy house." This is an instance of a play whose tragic meaning concerns the sufferers less than the spectators, and there is significance in those closing words, " Us be two poor souls, Parson." The last play, " Mrs. Harrison," should be regarded as the final act of " The Campden Wonder," for it contains the denouement we have all been awaiting, without really containing sufficient material for a new tragedy. In Mrs. Harrison's :
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death, we see as in "Nan," the idea of atonement and of peace. Life with her husband would have been abnormal, ugly. By refusing to accept it, she reconciles herself anew with the beauty of things. Here is deep emotion, classic restraint, delicate technique—our grateful thanks belong to Mr. Masefield for leading us away from stagnant waters to where we may lave as of old, in " genuine Helicon." V. I. BALKWILL.
lbistorp Scbools 1141gbtinare. THE night-wind is roaring and beating without down the tortuous flue sending moans ; the ghosts of grim Fear come slinking about and torment me with shudders and groans. Ranke and Freeman and Lecky sit round, and old Stubbs in the biggest armchair ; examiners' toils about me they've bound, and serenely they watch my despair. I sit at their feet on the lowest of stools and beseech them in agonised strains :— " Oh when I am slain by that monster called ' schools' will ye bury my mangled remains ? By day and by night, I have served ye, three years. No reward but a coffin I crave, that when with reproaches my tutor appears he may find I am safe in my grave I " T. W. M. [one who has suffered].
opening of Slew Ming at ILabt• Margaret bail. A BUSINESS-LIKE account of the opening of the new wing (or rather body) of Lady Margaret Hall has been given in the Times and elsewhere. This article can only aim at giving a personal impression, hoping that the Fritillary, in spite of its changed cover, has not wholly abandoned its old love of the personal element. First then, the new buildings are far more important than the mere ceremony of opening them, and perhaps a short explanation may be allowed for the sake of those who have not yet seen for themselves. Some of those who have vainly struggled with over-flowing bookshelves and over-flowing dininghalls have been heard to murmur vague and
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pleasant things about the " Promised Land." Others have shown a truly British incapacity to welcome a new idea, and have grumbled heartily at the newness and ugliness (!) of the new block, as seen from Norham Gardens. But once inside the door, unanimity reigns. A large and well-planned entrance-hall leads up by a double flight of steps to the dining-hall, but one is better advised to go round a charming corner and enter the Hall from its lower end. It is a ,room of beautiful proportions, whose beauty is dignified and emphasised by the oakpanelling, which has been given by past and present students in memory of Miss Wordsworth's thirty years' work for Lady Margaret Hall. At one end, fitted into the carving, is Shannon's portrait of Miss Wordsworth, and at the other a portrait of the Bishop of Southwark, the first Chairman of the Council. Beneath the Hall is a range of kitchens, &c., scientifically fitted with steam-cooking apparatus, but of this the mysteries are too technical to be revealed. Immediately over the Hall is the Library, a long room with imposing white pillars and a domed roof, and a most distracting view over the river and the Marston meadows. At present it is only partially fitted with shelves. There are also rooms for the Principal and the Librarian, and some quaint students' rooms in the roof, besides a fascinating view-point from the crowning cupola. Throughout the building one finds traces of the detailed care and thought of the architect, Mr. Reginald Blomfield, to whom is owing the fact that even the bell fittings are worthy of admiration ! But to turn to the actual opening. On the afternoon of October 22nd, an audience of nearly 400 gathered in the Dining Hall for the opening ceremony, and to hear Lord Curzon's speech. The Bishop of Southwark presided, and, after reading a prayer of dedication, gave a brief sketch of the past history of the Hall, for whose foundation he was so largely responsible. He then expressed the great pleasure which he and the whole audience felt in welcoming Lord Curzon, the first Head of the University who by his presence recognised the cause of women's education. Lord Curzon, in replying, said that he was particularly glad thus to welcome the progress of a great movement, of which he had formerly seen the beginnings ; he then gave an amusing impression of the luke-warm reception the movement had met with during his undergraduate days, and expressed his personal conviction that not only had the individual women and their cause profited, but that the whole trend of thought and progress in the University had benefited by the presence of women as corporate bodies of students. Lord Curzon also laid stress upon the great benefit which Oxford in particular and women's education in general had derived from the in-
fluence, the devotion and the intellectual power of the first Principal of Lady Margaret Hall. Then turning with hopeful auguries to the future, and speaking to women students in general, Lord Curzon advocated more boldness in choosing a profession. It was a mistake, he considered, for all educated women to drift into teaching— surely they could find many other channels into which to turn their artistic, literary or practical abilities. Probably everyone would follow Lord Curzon in what he said of women's part in the building of the Empire, and, in general, of the need for greater variety in women's work. But perhaps it may be permissible to criticise one or two points. In the first place, Lord Curzon's statistics were frankly impressionistic ; in the second place, the supply of thoroughly qualified women teachers is not yet equal to the demand ; while with regard to the specific occupations suggested by Lord Curzon, it may be noted that in most cases the training would be long and expensive, and the remuneration thoroughly inadequate. But although one might disagree with the Chancellor on points of detail, a real debt of gratitude is owing to him for his interest and sympathy. The Bishop of Southwark then expressed the thanks of all those present to Lord Curzon for his kindness in thus adding to his numerous engagements ; he then went on to emphasise the point that whatever their occupation, the sense of trusteeship was the great asset which students carried away from Oxford, and closed his speech with a statement of the Hall's financial position— ,'2,000 being still needed to clear the new building—and with an expression of gratitude to Mr. Reginald Blomfield, the architect who had so adequately fulfilled the desires of all those interested in the Hall. The proceedings were closed by the Rector of Exeter, Vice-Chairman of the Council, in the place of Mr. Wells (Chairman), whose enforced absence was the one shadow on a perfectly successful day. When the formalities were over, the company dispersed to the Library and Common-rooms for tea, and then began a strange scene of greetings and recognitions. Almost half the audience were old students of the Hall, and as each disguising hat was uplifted, one found an old acquaintance. It was almost impossible to appreciate the points of the Library while it was filled with a seething mass, all struggling to find out who was there. Gradually, however, the crowd cleared away— but not to part finally. By a very-happy arrangement, which must have meant untold labours in the back-ground, the opening was combined with the usual biennial Gaudy, and 140 old students met again for dinner in the new hall, and tried to appropriate to themselves the unfamiliar surroundings. But that is another story.
THE FRITILLARY. n an Esteemed Contemporary. IN the course of the last year I have read with enjoyment a series of articles* appearing weekly during term, which are, I think, remarkable of their kind. We learn from this periodical that " there is only one thing which the Editor likes better than praise, and that is abuse," so the present dissertation goes forward untroubled by fear of a prosecution for libel. A wide outlook, a clear, forcible style, an uncanny aptness of quotation, a great versatility in subject matter, are distinguishing features of the work. The merit varies considerably : this is seen to be inevitable when one considers the manner of production, yet even when treating of an unsympathetic theme the writer does not descend to platitudes or journalism, and a quaint epigram often clothes a familiar thought. There is throughout the series a spirit of uncompromising hostility to all forms of cant and hypocrisy, in vice no less than in virtue, in exhortation no less than in practice, from the opening satire on " Playing the Game " (appreciable in the light of views elsewhere expressed), to a broader treatment of the same idea in " The Art of making Friends." Some of the most effective articles are those dealing with topical subjects, and the publicschool system comes in for some severe handling ; in contrast the " Elder Son " contains a suggestive piece of reconstruction. Yet it is not by these studies, original and amusing as they often are, that the series as a whole can be judged. The "more congenial realms of abstract disquisition" are certainly productive of better work that the concrete expressions of bizarre opinions. In the papers on The Middle Ages, on Happiness, on " Gromboolianism," and on Mountain Poetry we reach a higher, simpler plane, where accuracy cannot be sacrificed to epigram, where there is no need for sarcastic criticism of institutions which (like marriage) are " horrible to contemplate in the concrete, but probably admirable in the abstract." Historians tell us that it is impossible to understand past events in the light of present criticism alone, and urge the necessity of studying contemporary memoirs and chronicles as a preliminary to an adequate grasp of facts. The essay on " The Middle Ages " seems to be a refutation of this theory ; the writer has succeeded in a few pages, and with no wealth of quotation, in reproducing wonderfully the spirit of medimvalism. Alike in strength and weakness, in cruelty and in charity he finds the men of the Middle Ages "essentially childlike," and so -strikes a note which will harmonise the apparent discords in past faith and action. The paper on Happiness is written in- a vein of retrospection ; hence content is made to depend * The Isis, 1909 1910. -
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largely on memories. This is no doubt possible for some enviable characters, but we prefer to agree with the poet that" Joy is not of the past, nor from things that were, Joy is not of our hope, nor of conscious seeing . . . .It asks no hope or memory, only is th ere," —and often past happiness seems to accentuate rather than to relieve present sorrow. " Gromboolianism (the quaint title is taken from one of Lear's nonsense verses), is an attempt to analyse the point of view from which a child regards the commonplaces of life—an attempt whose futility the author is the first to admit. These commonplaces " seem in certain moods charged with something indefinably sinister and threatening," and the author sets out bravely to "capture the true spirit of the mood, hauntingly irrational," which can only be " seen by rare glimpses." For a few chosen mortals alone may those" rare pictures shine . . . , Of child-land, where the roofs of rainbow bend Over the golden wonders of the world." One likes to think that the author may have found it himself in that" magical land of hills, • Loud with the crying of wind and streams, Thronged with the fancies and fears of dreams." It is always difficult to criticise a criticism, though such a course is inevitable in writing of "Mountain Poetry "; however, no account of the series would be complete without a reference to the subject which_this writer has made his own. The constructive part of the essay is an appreciation of " Wind and Hill"; the writer makes the mistake of choosing extracts to fit his remarks, instead of adjusting these to the most characteristic poems in the book. Even so, he has in a few touches sketched the outlines of a picture whose details can only be supplied from personal experience ; he has succeeded in bringing nearer" The chief things of the ancient mountains, And the precious things of the lasting hills." This review threatens to become inordinately long, but it is difficult to give shortly an account of such miscellaneous work. All the papers carry the stamp of the " ready writer " ; the lighter of them combine a well planned philosophic position with epigrammatic humour, and a delightful indifference to contradiction or adverse criticism. The more " abstract " make us hope for more work from the same pen, and are alone sufficient to lift the Isis, though a periodical, above the would-be permanent products of this ephemeral age. "
CHICHELE.
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FROM her grey tower the lady bright Saw gather many a gallant knight, When Scroop of Bolton went to war All in the southland country far, for fair King Richard's right. But from the tower so boldly pight Long may she strain her aching sight, For Scroop of Bolton comes no more Up the wide vale of sounding Yore for fair King Richard's right. She looks by day, she lists by night, Till riding comes one weary wight, Cries out the field was rayed in vain, And Scroop of Bolton's lost and ta'en, for fair King Richard's right.
The lady has graven a secret word Upon her silver torque, Has sent it to the Archbishop, Sits in his chair of York : The bishop he read that weighty word, And a wrathful man was he, And he gripped hard at his trusty sword, Like a Scroop of the north countrie : " And if they've slain my brother dear, 'Twas not in foughten fight, But there be Scroops enow stand here To do King Richard right." Then word is forth that Scroop of York Shall lead the country side, To wreak revenge for Bolton's death, And tame Lancaster's pride. But fair and false is the south countrie, Where wealth is won by guile ; And fickle and false a king have they, That rules with word of wile : And little availed that good bishop His train of mailed knights, For whom they could not face with strength They lured with crooked sleights. The Lady must find her a secret bower To hide her youngling son, And in the dales of Masham moor She's reared him up alone : " When thou art come to man's estate, As Scroop of Masham shall, Remember thou thy father's fate And good King Richard's fall ;
"Remember thou the Archbishop, And all my tene and dole, An if thou come to man's estate Repay thou all in full."
When Scroop of Masham came to age A cunning wight was he, In skill of fence and wit of words And lore of venerie ; And when the Lady lay 'neath sod, The youth to court must wend, And for his skills the false king's son He won to him for friend. But there was good King Richard's heir, The crown that should have worn, And it is Scroop of Masham's sword Shall right the wrong he's borne : Foul fall that royal Richard's heir Should craven shun the fray, And to the crafty council fare, And bold Lord Scroop betray ! They taunted him a false traitor ; Who fiercely answer flings : " The perjured line of Lancaster Scroop never knew for kings." IV. Ere Scroop of Masham kneeled to die, He bade his trusty yeoman hie" To Scroop of Danby quickly ride, Among the woods of Cover side, Where I'll ride never more, "And bid my kinsman hold him still Unto the day when wrath shall fill The cruel cup of Lancaster For all that we have holden dear And they have stricken sore, " Unto a day when perjured gore Shall flood the becks of Saxton moor, And Scroop of Danby proudly ride, His horsehoofs deep in vengeance dyed, Beside the sounding Yore." DRAYTON MINOR.
THE FRITILLARY.
Ube %entimentatist's Oxfor0. (I) THE SCHOOLS.
As it would be perhaps a sad waste of time and trouble to explain to our readers where they may find the Schools, I am endeavouring to point out a few details connected with them that are often overlooked. The Schools have three different modes of specification : i. To casual visitors and pompous relatives they are a good specimen of modern architecture," Yes Sir, a very fine building indeed ! " ii. To sympathizing parents and guardians they are designated as the home of torture. iii. For one's companions they publish an authoritative record of their success or failure, even though they may lie about oneself ! But the most interesting records of the building are not seen by the chance visitor, and are overlooked by the studious-minded ; I mean the really genuine emotion which is revealed by a careful study of its desks. Here we pierce through the formal severity which surrounds the whole and catch a glimpse of the throb of human life beneath. The writings for the most part illustrate the tortures which the mind undergoes during some severe test of its capabilities ; thus, neatly inscribed in a tombstone is the following sad document :— TO MY MEMORY, Which always deserts me on these occasions. R.I.P. After this sad and strange discovery the thought naturally leaps forward to the expected result ; and there are endless records of anticipated failure which one can only hope were not confirmed. Here is the mangled perversion of an Elizabethan lyric which in itself should have saved the poor examinee from disaster :Weep you no more sad ploughman, How can you weep so fast ? Look how the snowy class-lists Proclaim you have not passed. Rest you now, Rest sad youth, Melt not in weeping, Bury your griefs by just Sleeping
Here are in truth the last rash promises of a multi-millionaire :There was a young scholar of Jesus, Who said this exam. doth not please us ; If I only knew how To escape from a plough, I'd give all the wealth of great Crcesus.
The following may be the off-shoot of a generousminded man, who forgot his own misery in think-
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ing of those who would come after ; or perhaps, who knows, it may be the thankful utterance of a successful passman, who could survey the world with a benignant tenderness :Good luck to all who at this table sit, And may their answers to the questions fit.
Again, there is the record which tells of the fast vanishing hope of some more brilliant brain, who may have aimed as high as a third :— " A fourth is my highest possible now !" But underneath there is expressed a friend's unfailing confidence in him, for in another writing is the comment, " Modest man 1 " One examinee has thrown himself into the thoughts and feelings of the examiners, for he writes :" We plough the boys and scatter Their papers o'er the land."
A strain which, like the " Broken Melody," is deprived of a finish. Nevertheless there are records of a more happy time ; one person was evidently indulging in pleasant memories when he wrote :The sweetest girl I ever saw, Sat sucking cider through a straw; Said she to me why don't you know, That sucking cider's all the go ?
She must indeed have been fascinating if she could please the eye at such a really unprepossessing moment ! Another writer was performing feats of severer mental gymnastics, when he composed the strenuous lines :There was a young fresher of John's, ,
Who fed upon elephant bones ; When they asked him a question About his digestion, He said he'd prefer buttered scones.
And here it is not quite irrelevant to speak of the wayward humours which may be found in another building, where the would-be wag has altered the printed rules to something more pleasing to his fancy. " Underneath each desk will be found a hat hook," has been altered by the epicure to " fat cook " ; the headline, " Readers wishing to see" has had the rather obvious though doubtless funny (especially to the jester), addition, " must open their eyes," or again, " must wear spectacles." But here the sentimentalist is afraid that he is treading on too familiar ground ; the records in the latter building are better known, and have received many comments from its never-failing devotees. He will therefore conclude with the almost pathetic and really suggestive comment that he found on one desk,— "All good things come to an end " •
including this article.
June 59 ,
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THEVFRITILLARY. 14evos of the tern
PUBLIC functions this term have been somewhat scant. There have been few public lectures of general interest. The Union and Theatre have not been over-exciting. There were of course the usual thrills over " Justice," but these are becoming wearisome.
WE have great pleasure in welcoming back Miss Burrows to take up her new duties as Principal at S. Hilda's Hall. Lady Margaret Hall are to be congratulated on having among them this term Miss Mekutchin as Classics tutor and Miss Moberley as bursar. OF private functions this term there has been no dearth. The opening 'ceremony on October 22nd at Lady Margaret Hall, graced by the presence of the Chancellor of the University, has obtained, as is its due, fuller notice elsewhere in our columns. S. HILDA'S HALL on Oct. 29th presented a lively scene. Over forty (quite two-thirds) of the old students were " up " for the bi-ennial lunch. Miss Hayes-Robinson, the student member of the Hall Council, after lunch made to Mrs. Burrows, on behalf of all S. Hilda's Students, a presentation of a gold watch-bracelet and cheque. In the afternoon a special service was conducted in the chapel by Canon Clayton, and on that occasion there was unveiled some panelling in memory of Miss Wright, a former bursar. THE beginning of the term saw the pasSing of the measure for the Constitution of the Women's Delegacy. Much has already been said on the subject ; but as we go to press interest in the subject becomes yet greater. We hear that the following have been elected :—Miss Lodge, Miss Burrows, Mrs. Poole, Mrs. Fisher. EVEN in such stirring times the lighter side of things has not been neglected. S. Hilda's Hall celebrated Miss Burrows' return as Principal with an evening entertainment held on Nov. r9th, a date as .near S. Hilda's Day as was possible. Two plays were acted under the direction of Miss Ward—one, " Red Rubies," was her own production. The actors are to be congratulated on the general picturesqueness of the grouping. The evening proved enjoyable for both actors and spectators. WE hear with pleasure that the Home Students are going to revive " Eager Heart " some time in the near future. Somerville College are giving their " At Home" on December 3rd. It was inconsiderate of those
who issue writs to fix that date for the Oxford Election. Doubtless the date is providential. Somerville as a rival centre of attraction to that of the polling-station will come off victorious. TALKING of the election brings us quite to the end of term. Already our papers, our conversation, our meetings have a certain general-election flavour. And the fight will not be over when we go down for the Xmas Vac. What a busy time it will be for our Suffragettes--:even in the rustic seclusion afforded by " going down " they will be able to drink "Notes for Women " Tea and in lighter moods pull " Votes for Women " Crackers. Our earnest politicians are already collecting statistics and other thrilling matter, and the term promises to end in a buzz of excitement—of quite a healthy and stimulating nature.
Ebitorial. IT is a sad but true fact to have to announce that financially the Fritillary is in a very bad way. In spite of the attractiveness of its three different types, the printing of the last number has involved the magazine in a debt of £3 5s.; consequently we have been obliged to return to the old methods of printing, and to place a strict limit upon the number of its pages. We find that a similar financial crisis occurred once before in the annals of this magazine ; and to meet it a relief committee was formed who promised some small sum from one shilling upwards to clear the Fritillary from debt. As each number just pays its own way it is impossible to hope to clear this debt by any other means but that of outside support, and if any readers feel willing to contribute something towards its payment, we hope they will communicate with the Treasurer. We feel extremely grieved to enter upon a new office by begging ; but our only alternative was to materially curtail the size of this and succeeding numbers, and this we felt extremely loth to do. If readers can suggest some other method of raising funds towards this magazine would they impart these to the Editor ? In conclusion, the Editor would like to apologize for any mistakes that may be made, and would plead in excuse the short notice that she had in undertaking this office.
Can anyone inform the Editor of the author of a poem called a " Prize Fable ". published in December, 1904, and signed " Nemo " ?
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Oxforb Ztubeitts' tlniteb lbocltep Club. Captain—Miss ALMOND (representing O.H.S. and S. Hilda's Hall).
Secretary—Miss MASON (representing Somerville
Coll.), Miss CRICHTON (representing S. Hugh's Hall). Miss ELDER (representing L.M.H.). Miss G. CREIGHTON. A match was arranged for Thurs., Dec. 1st, attrainst the Northern Universities (Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham), but has been postponed till next term. _Fixtures for _Hilary Term, 19 Feb. troth. Northern Universities. „ 18th. Surrey II. Mar. I i th. London United Colleges. „ zoth. Cambridge (in London). RESULTS OF HALL MATCHES, MICHAELMAS TERM, 191o. L.M.H. v. S.H H , lost 6-5. L M.H. v. Somerville, lost 2—I. L.M.H. v. O.H.S. and S.Hil.H., scratched. Somerville v. Q.H.S. and S. HiI.H., won 8-1. Somerville v. S.H.H:, lost II—I. S. H.H. v. O.H.S. and S.Hil.H., lost 7-2.
Ogforb ZtuOents' Lawn tennis Club. A MEETING was held on October 19th, with Miss Kenyon-Stow (President) in the chair, at which the officers for the year were elected. These were :—Secretary, Miss Wadsworth, S.C. ; Treasurer, Miss Wilkinson, 0.H S. A test was held on November 9th, at which the following were elected :Members—Miss Austin (L.M.H.), Miss de Putron (S.H.H.), Miss Kirk (S.C.). Associates--Miss Lawson Lewis (S.H.H.), Miss Elder (L.M.H.), Miss Thompson (L.M.H.).
Ogforb Ztubents' Zebatiug Zocietp. President—Miss POWELL (L.M.H.). Secretary—Miss COOKE (S. H.H.). Treasurer—Miss SCOTT (S.C.). October 25/h.—Motion : " That the Introduction in England of Industrial Arbitration on the lines established in the Colonies would be detrimental to Industrial Progress." Mover—Miss SPENCER-SMITH (Ex-Sec.,L. M. H.). Opposer—Miss SKINNER (S.C.).
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3rd Speaker—Miss CRICHTON (S. H. H.). 4th Speaker--Miss CRAVEN (S.H iI. H.).
November 81h.—Motion : " That it is the duty of English Women to assert their individuality in their -dress, and to defy the tyranny of fashion." Aver—Miss M. SEGAR (O.H.S.). Opposer—Miss JAMISON (Ex-Sec., LM.H.). 3rd Speaker—Miss E. WHYTE (S.C. \, 41li Speaker—Miss MIDDLETON (S.H H.). November 22nd.—Motion " That the present Elementary School Education is an unsuitable preparation for any career." Mover—Miss DOUGLAS (S. 1-1.H.). Opposer—Miss CARR (L.M. H.). 3rd Speaker—Miss FAIRHURST (Manchester University). 4th Speaker—Miss HEWITT (Manchester University). The set speeches in almost every case had good matter in them, and showed both thought and knowledge of the subject. But speakers for the most part fail to get into contact with their audience. They seem to be indulging in a more or less audible. meditation rather than trying to impress their views upon the House. They recite treatises upon their subjects instead of turning their matter, by illustration and application, into the direct appeal which will bring an idea home to an audience in a speech. The House shows a corresponding apathy, though it has been gradually warming a little through the term, and has recently shown rare signs of animation in the form of spontaneous applause, which has done something to break down the barrier between the speaker and her audience. In the first debate the condition of polite apathy was particularly painful. The speakers, especially Miss Spencer-Smith, showed a remarkably detailed knowledge of the subject, but failed to bring it home to the interests of their audience. Miss Crichton showed independence of her notes, but was disjointed in matter and manner. Miss Craven's speech had a good deal of life in it, and she made her points tell by illustrations 'which appealed to the House. In the second debate the House seemed to find a subject which interested it. Miss Segar pointed out the way in which changes of fashion increase sweating. Her speech was interesting and clever as to matter, but some of its merit was lost by her habit of dropping her voice at the end of a sentence. Miss Jamison fascinated the House by the unflagging humour with which she applied a deeply philosophical method to a frivolous subject. She said that in expressing our individuality we fall into categories, such as students, artists, vegetarians, and hence by applying individuality to dress
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we should return to the rigid categories of apparel of the savage tribe. MissMiddleton's-poilt a good speech by talking too fast. An animated discussion followed, ranging from the colour of Miss Skrine's evening- dress when she was a fresher to a .comparison,• from Miss Myers, of fashion in dress with form in poetry. In the third debate the presence of four visitors from Manchester University roused the House to an unusual animation. They gave it just what it usually lacks in their closeness to facts and power of rousing the audience to attention. They spoke with vitality and spontaneity, and showed a readiness in picking up points in which the House is deplorably deficient. Miss Douglas said that Elementary Education failed in organisation and detail. Physically the children were hampered by bad conditions. On the intellectual side they were taught too many things. She made her points well, but her delivery lacked variety. Miss Carr showed that the system itself was excellent. The aim of education was to develop the personal intelligence. The large number of subjects excited general curiosity in the child. Technical 'education was not advisable in schools, because it was impossible to tell what trade a child was fitted for. The child gained more benefit from a short apprenticeship at a more mature age. If its after life was to be devoted to technicalities, its early education should aim at widening its Mind. The main objection arose from defects in the application of the system, which were rapidly decreasing. Her. speech was well reasoned and thought out, and she spoke with considerable force and animation. She is recommended to look at her audience. Miss Fairhurst said that the salary was too low to draw the Fight class of teachers. They were chiefly those whose alternative is an industrial occupation. Their training was inadequate, and hence they had not sufficient extensive views and Were apt to get into a groove. Even a teacher with high ideals was soon obliged to give them up. She was hampered by physical conditions, by antiquated schemes, and by ignorant inspectors. Miss Hewitt said that the supporters of the motion had argued not against the principles but aginst the practice which cannot be ideal without more funds, more teachers and a longer course. The indictments against teachers were unproved. She suggested that the majority of Honorable Members, if they had left their schools at thirteen, would not. stand comparison with children educated at•an elementary school. At the University those educated at elementary schools showed that they were well grounded and ready for the further. opportunities given them. A discussion followed in which members seemed to have plenty of information on the subject, and in which two more visitors from Manchester spoke. -
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MUSICAL NOTES. A SURVEY of the music of this term not only brings pleasant memories to one's mind, but suggests also thoughts on the music which Oxford is to hear this year. The programmes of this term with a few exceptions, have been pleasing to a degree ; and those promised by the O.U.M.C. up to May are of such a kind as to suit the taste of the lovers of classical and of the most modern music. For instance, that of February 8th includes the Bach B minor suite for flute and strings, and Mr. Granville Bantock's delightful Pierrot of the Minute which is to be conducted by the corn-poser. One is glad to see that Mr. Albert Fransella is to be the solo flute in the Bach, and surely he will be heard again in May in the F major Brandenburg. On March 8th the Bach Choir and Choral Society are to do. the Choral Symphony and Dr. Vaughan Williams' wonderful Sea Symphony, which he is coming up to conduct. This will be the second performance of the Symphony, as it has only been heard once before, at the last Leeds Festival. The May Concert, besides the Brandenburg, includes the Overture to Die Meistersinger, and Elgar's Overture, Cockaigne, which has appeared more than once at the Queen's Hall Promenade Concerts. The Brahms' Symphony (No. 3) is also to be played, and it is good to see that two Brahms' concerts are coming on, one at the end of this term and one on March 4th. Space does not allow of more than a word or two on a few of this term's concerts. After the Pach mann Recital came the O.U.M.C. concert, at which Mr. Leonard Borwick and Senor Pablo Casals played. It was delightful to hear again the Bach suite in C major (which one so instinctively associates with Senor Casals' name) with its heavenly Bourree and Gigue. Mr. Borwick's solo was Chopin's Fantasie in F minor, and both musicians played together Beethoven's Sonata for piano and violincello in A major, and Brahms' Sonata in F major. Mr. Borwick suits Senor Casals better than Mr. Tovey does, especially in anything allegro or scherzo. The Brahms with its heavenly third movement is a fitting end to a concert; it is always hard to listen to anything else after it. The second public O.U.M.C. Concert was on November z3rd, and Fthulein Adila and Fraulein Jelly von Aranyi were the solo violins. They played Bach's Concerto for two violins with string orchestra in D minor, and got well the contrast between the beautiful Largo and the vivace- and allegro movements. The whole Concert was . a collection of great works, for the orchestra played the Egmont Overture and Haydn's C major (Salomon) Symphony; and Fraulein Adila played
THE FRITILLARY. the well-known Concerto in E minor for violin and orchestra of Mendelssohn, and Fraulein Jelly the Romance which is the middle movement of Joachim's Hungarian Concerto in D minor. On November 16th Dr. Vaughan Williams gave the inaugural lecture of the Oxford Folk Music Society. It seems long since Mr. Cecil Sharp lectured here on Somerset Folk Songs, and since the Esperance Girls' Club danced and sang so delightfully in Black Hall garden. Such Lectures and Concerts will probably be more frequent now since the Society has really begun, and it is to be hoped that many people will join it, whether they belong to the older Folk Song Society or not, and try to fUrther this fascinating and most important movement. Dr. Allen, who took the chair, hinted at an apparently inexhaustible supply of Oxfordshire Folk Songs. The subject of the Lecture was treated mainly from the purely musical side, and the illustrations were taken from Dr. Vaughan Williams' Collection of Folk Songs from the eastern counties. They were charmingly sung by Mr. J. Steuart Wilson in the true folk-song style, simply and unaffectedly, and with the words from memory. One word more : Why cannot Oxford audiences ever be in time? Concerts and theatres here are generally late in beginning, and it was too bad to have that necessarily long pause on the 23rd between the first and second movements of the Bach Concerto. If North Oxford object that it is the tram's fault, let them take the tram before, or at least keep outside the concert-room till after the whole of the first thing has been played. H. C. E. M.
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Corresponbence. To the Editor of the Fritillary.
KENT COLLEGE, FOLKESTONE.
Nov. 22, 1910. .
DEAR MADAM,—I feel that I cannot leave unanswered the criticisms made by Miss 'Few on the play and management of the Oxford United XI. last year, and this more especially since Miss Tew has seen fit to back her criticisms with the name of the college hockey club of which I had the honour to be a member during the past five seasons. That there was ground for criticism of the actual day's play against Cambridge can hardly be denied in face of the scores on either side, But surely this does not give Miss, Tew sufficient ground for saying " that a real effort " (the italics are mine) " ought to be made to produce an XI. more fit to play against Cambridge." Madani, I ask your readers, what did last year's Captain leave undone that the reality of her efforts should thus be called in question ? Let my colleagues on the committee of last year bear witness that such criticism is groundless. I venture to doubt if Miss Tew really understands the difficulties under which the " United " has in the past laboured. She must remember that the team of which she was captain was one which was not yet held worthy to meet the 1st XI.'s of L.M.H. and S.C., and had no large share in the burden of " United Practices." The difficulties of an enthusiastic and energetic captain of a small college hockey club, only beginning to fight its way towards the front five years ago, are surely widely different from those of the " United " Captain and Committee DRAMATIC NOTES. last year. The Critic ' was given on two nights in the Now, granted that the " United " is managed drama week, in strong contrast to the dreary under difficulties, what are they ?—and is there atmosphere of ' Justice,' the topical allusions of a remedy ? The difficulties seem to me to be 'Press Cuttings,' and the dreamlike effect of the that Fantastics.' The Critic ' went splendidly as a (r) the number of comparatively small college whole, though one felt nervous at Dangle's inability clubs from which the " United " team is chosen, to remember his part, and aggravated at Sneer's (2) the restrictions imposed by external authoeternal flourishing of his lace handkerchief. But rity on both " United " and college practices and he sneered scornfully and Puff puffed happily, and matches, the play only dragged a little towards the end (3) " material " somewhat inferior to that found of the second act. The battle at the end was at Cambridge, combine to produce, as Miss Tew delightful, and so was the scenery. • says,— But what a pity that suitable music cannot be (a) weak combination, provided for each play : why should Patience ' (b) and uneven standard of individual play. form' an entracte to an eighteenth-century comedy ? But I cannot see that Miss 'Yew's suggestion re One expects nothing but Seilienger's Round when college practices, will do much to remedy these one sees an Elizabethan play, so that Handel even faults. all the time would have fitted the atmosphere Now, Madam, the number of teams whose better than modern light operatic music, however members are entitled to belong to the " United " charming*it be. cannot be reduced. But both " United" and college captains might be freer in the choice of [Various accounts were sent in of Justice, which lack the number of matches and practices to be played. of space prevents our publishing.—En.] -
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The greatest bar to the success of the " United," in my opinion, — and here let it be understood that I speak as one no longer " in statu pupillari " —lies in the restrictions imposed, with the best intentions by those in high quarters. If only the authorities would understand that it may be far less strain for a small college to turn out eleven players for a " scratch match," or a znd XI., or " A " team match, and to send its three or four best players to practise with the " United " or the County when the znd XI. is so employed, than to find twenty-two players for a full-side practice ! 'Then there might be some hope of raising the standard of play which at present varies so lamentably. The same is true of the " United." If a " United " match was a more ordinary and frequent occurrence, it would involve far less nervous strain on those chosen to play, while the physical strain might be distributed by different players being tried. At present so few are both matches and practices that it is very hard to decide which players are really best, while the players themselves feel bound to play when asked, even when it would be wiser not. Lack of material is a difficulty with which Miss Tew does not seem to reckon at all. Yet this was one of the greatest which had to be faced last year. For this there seems no remedy. But perhaps, if one day Oxford can manage to win the match against Cambridge, the material will come. In conclusion, may I express a hearty hope that the efforts of this year's Captain and Committee to raise a team to meet Cambridge may be crowned with such success that the match will provide, not only a satisfactory spectacle for the watchers on the touch-line, but more solid satisfaction still for the players, and those responsible for choosing the team. With apologies for trespassing so far upon your space, I am, Madam, Yours faithfully, LESLIE I. G. BICKMORE.
'Reviews. " Q." has again made us his debtors. His latest publication is a book that will be welcomed by all, for the selection and arrangement of the ballads that make up this delightful whole should give it at once a place of honour. Sir Arthur has divided his material into seven books, according to subject-matter, so that we know, as they say in the vernacular, " where we are." * "The Oxford Book of Ballads." Chosen and Edited by Arthur Quiller-Couch. Clarendon Press.
Book I. consists of ballads dealing with magic and the supernatural, such as our old friend "Thomas the Rhymer," and Others of that ilk. Book II. deals with purely romantic stories like " Childe Maurice," and " Edward, Edward," while the third includes those of the romantic ones that stand on the brink of history. Here we meet " Sir Patrick Spens," and " Hugh of Lincoln." Early carols, and ballads on religious subjects make up Book IV., and then we come to that rich heritage of ours, the greenwood ballads, that breathe the air of the open country, the liberty and joyousness of an outlaw's life, and the first delight in nature. Robin Hood and his merry men sport gaily through this book, a notable feature of which is the inclusion of the rare ballad " The Birth of Robin Hood." Truly the writer of it spake sooth when he said :— " Ana mony ane sings o' grass, o' grass, -
And molly ane sings o' corn, And mony ane sings o' Robin Hood Kens little whare he was born. It wasna in the ha', the ha', Nor in the painted boner; But it was in the gude green-wood, Amang the lily-flower."
This part of the book is the freest and freshest in spirit, but the sixth division is the stron ;est. Here we have historical tales of doughty deeds and of chivalry, to the music of horn and trumpet and the whiz of arrows. " Chevy Chase " and the Border fends—we get them all, told in song with that simplicity and quaint charm that only the old balladmakers can give us. Then, as if to mark a contrast. Book VII. contains the ballad in its decline, though it also numbers among its contents some later ones of exquisite beauty. As it would be impossible to have arranged them chronologically, this division into seven books is an excellent way out of the difficulty, and makes the subject more attractive to the general reader. With regard to the text, Sir Arthur has done what seems best in a collection like this, a collection not meant to be used for research or comparative study. He has taken the form he considered best, editing, adding or deleting where it appeared to him to be necessary or advantageous ; and in one or two cases he gives a variant version, as with " Young Bekie." The Oxford Book of Ballads, then, though it ctntains but little that is new, is a valu able and entertaining addition to any library. We would advise everyone to buy it for themselves, or, better still, to wait till Christmas and--but verbum sat ! fr " N'importe qui." Bridling of Pegasus. By Alfred Austin. Macmillan and Co. This is the title given by the poet laureate to a book containing ten essays on poetical criticism,
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and it treats of such varied subjects as :—" The Essentials of Great Poetry," " Dante's Realistic Treatment of the Ideal," I and, " A Conversation with Shakespeare in the Elysian Fields." The criticisms are as a whole clear and lucid, in some cases quite unorthodox, and we feel sure that the lovers of Wordsworth will not think that the writer has done sufficient justice to that great poet. Especially interesting is the essay on " Great Poetry," where the critic hazards the rather controversial statement that two poems alone, Spenser's " Epithalamium " and Byron's " Isles of Greece " take the first place among English lyrics ; and the essay entitled " The Feminine Note in English Poetry." In " Poetry and Pessimism " the writer laments the degenerate note in modern English verse, because the chief aim of poetry (i.e. to inculcate contentment and joy) is lacking ; and the author declares that it is his object to recall standards of literary excellence which can never be destroyed though they may be obscured, and which of late have been too much ignored. Quite refreshing are Shakespeare's comments on his fellow poets and on that "indefatigable manager and all embracing actor, Mr. Tree."
ball 'notices.
LADY MARGARET HALL. POLITICAL DEBATE AND SHARP PRACTICE.•
Four debates have been held already this term, and two more are announced. At the first meeting the motion, "That the elimination of the small master is the best feature of modern industrial progess," was carried by a large majority. It was decided almost unanimously that " our sole object in coming to Oxford " is not to work ; a sentiment hardly to be expected from a House whose reactionary and conservative spirit was conclusively shewn in a vindication of the principle of monarchic government and the censorship of the press. The subjects on which momentous decisions are shortly to be arrived at are, the claims of Imperial Federation to be the only solution of the colonial problem, and the part played by failure and success in the training of the human species. The level of the speeches has been very good throughout, and there is a general feeling that the American visitor can no longer say with any approach to truth, " that the amount of information the English college-girl lets loose on the world is in inverse ratio to the amount she possesses." First-years are reminded that there
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are times when modesty and a retiring disposition are no longer virtues, and should be suppressed as quickly and effectively as possible. M. SPENCER-SMITH. HOCKEY CLUB _(Captain, E. P. BRIERLY).
M. L.
ELDER;
Hon.
Sec.,
Results of Matches. ist XI. v. Old Students, won 5-3. v. Edgbaston High School, won 6-3. v. Etceteras, scratched. v. Worcester Ladies, not yet played. znd XI. v. Laurels, Rugby, scratched. v. Somerville, not yet played. V St. Hugh's Hall, not yet played. V Baker Street, scratched. .
.
First XI. The following have played :Forwards : Misses Duke, Calvert, Elder", Whitehorn'•=, Brierly. Halves : Misses Austin*, Thomson*, Head. Baths : Misses Horner4, Newboldt'. Goal : Misses Esdaile, Hyett. * Colours.
As the weather this term has been so bad, most of the matches have had to be scratched, and without the test of matches it is difficult to criticise the team. Only one member of last year's team being left, there is lack of combination, but this should be remedied with practise. The short passing of the forwards is good, but they show lack of dash, especially the wings. The centre half and the left back are good and reliable ; the right back wants more accuracy. The whole team shows keenness, and promises well for next term. Second XI. (Provisonal). Forwards : Misses Keyser, Kennedy, Bishop, Vassall, Wharam. Halves: Misses McGonigle Irons, Wilkinson. Backs : Misses Challoner, MacEwen. Goal : Miss Leeper. Both matches arranged for the znd XI. have had to be scratched. In practises, the halves are the mainstay of the team. The forward line is extremely weak, and shows lack of dash and shooting power. The right back hits hard, but is unreliable. The left back must be careful not to muddle the goal. New Students. G. M. G. Aitkin, Dunardarigh, North Berwick. D. Austin, Highbury and Islington High School. P. M. Bishop, Edgbaston High School. M. Burton, Wycombe Abbey. E. K. Burton, New College, Southampton.
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E. T. Calvert, Queen's College, Harley Street. C. M. Caley, St. Stephen's High School, Windsor. R. M. Creed, Leicester High School. D. L. Esdaile, Wycombe Abbey. A. M. Hay, St. Winifred's, Eastbourne. E. H. Heawood, Sherborne Girls' School. A. F. Hake, Redmoor, Canford Cliffs, Bournemouth. O. S. Homer, Roedean. C. M. Irons, Clapham High School. E. P. Jameson, Dulwich High School. E. Kato, High School, Tokyo. E. E. Lenox-Conyngham, Grassendale, Southbourne. G. M. Madge, Winchester High School. P. Merivale, Home Tuition. E. M. Newbolt, St. Paurs Girls' School. M. Payne, Queen's College, Harley Street. E. Thomson, Roedean. Burgess was elected at the end of last term as boating secretary. Miss Elder has qualified in punting. Miss Brown has qualified as a half-captain in canoeing. BOATING NEWS.—Miss
SOMERVILLE COLLEGE. BOAT CLUB.—The result of last term's test was as follows :— Captains: Misses Pantin, K. F. Jones, Henderson, J. E. Jones. 1st class Half-Captains : Misses Niemeyer, Haskins, Hughes, Blackwood, Bond, Rushbrooke, Lewis, ott. Upc and class Half-Captains : Misses de Zouche, Meikle, Skinner, Ogilvie, Hunter, R. Whyte. 3rd class Half Captains : Misses Ryland, Allen, Mason, Gerrard, East, Scott. The recently-made captains are to be commended for the enthusiastic discharge of their new duties. HOCKEY CLUB.
First XI. Forwards : Misses Dixon, de Zouche, Kink,
East, Waller. Halves : Misses Jefferys, R. Whyte, Niemeyer. Backs : Misses Pantin, Bond. Goal : Miss Mason.
a nd XI. Forwards : Misses Elligott,. Blackwood, Arnold,
Macalister, Walton. Halves : Misses Owen, R. F. Jones, Hume. Backs : Misses Latham, Rushbrooke: Goal : Miss Scott. 3rd XI. Forwards: Misses Ruegg, Markam, Kingsland,
E. Whyte, Gray. Halves : Misses Rathbone, Sutcliffe, Darwin. Backs : Misses Gerrard, Hodges. Goal: Miss Mann. Results of matches :— First XI. v. Old Students, won ro—t. v. Reading University, 6-3. and XL v. St. Hilda's, scratched. v. Southfield Hockey Club, not yet played. v. Lady Margaret Hall, not yet played. 3rd XI. v. Games Club, not yet played. The first eleven has improved a great deal this term. The forward line plays well together, but the halves and backs still lack combination. It is early to judge of the second and third elevens, as they have not had many opportunities of playing together. This term, through the generosity of the Principal, the club has been coached by Miss Johnson, and we hope the teams will, by hard practise, soon show how much they have learnt. ARCHIEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, Michaelmas Term, r9ro.—A business meeting of the Society was held at the beginning of the term, Miss Dendy in the chair. Nominations for President and Committee were received. The following were elected :President, Miss HUNTER.
Secretary, Miss CALEB. Treasurer, Miss E. M. L. LEES. Committee Members, Misses RANKEN & MENKE.
Eighteen new members have joined the Society. On the whole we think we may say that the `Ark ' has enjoyed a very successful term. There have been two expeditions, one round `the Walls' conducted by Miss Lees, and another to Brasenose College, where Mr. Jeffery showed us everything of interest. The hearty thanks of the Society are due to Miss Lees and Mr. Jeffery for so kindly providing us with two such delightful afternoons. G. A. C.
THE FRITILLARY. CONGRATULATIONS tO Miss Burton and Miss Ruck on their first in Schools last June.
New Students. R. W. Arnold, Prior's Field, Godalming. A. Mc. R. Cameron, Blackheath High School. K. E. Chester, King Edward VI. High School, Birmingham. E. M. Campbell, Berkhamstead High School. D. Dymond, Manchester High School. M. E. Darwin, Levana, Wimbledon Park. E. Graham, Private Tuition. F. R. Griffith, , Exeter High School. F. R. Hodges, Bedford High School. R. M. Hutton, Havergal, Toronto. H. M. Kirk, Sheffield High School and University. V. Latham, West Heath, Ham Common. E. Legg, Von Steyber's Institute, Leipsig. ol. J. Macalister, Liverpool High Scho E. Lax, Bede Collegiate, Sunderland. J. Mann, Bromley High School. E. M. Nic ol, Liverpool High School. K. M. Penzer, Brighton High School. L. P. Scott, Bat h High School. S. Scott-Scott, St. Paul's Girls' School. T. V. White, High School for Girls, Aberystwyth. C. S. Wilkinson, King Edward VI. High School, Birmingham.
ST. HUGH'S HALL. PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.—Our meetings this term have been devoted entirely to Ethics ; Miss Jourdain has given us an introduction to the subject in a course of papers dealing with moral sanctions, desire and will, and motive and intention. Two papers have also been read on " The Ethics of Virgil and Dante " by Miss Southwell, and on " Dante and Modern Ethics " by Miss Douglas. We are glad to welcome a large number of new members among the first-years. TENNIS CLUB (Captain, D. KENYON-STOW ; Secretary, M. ADDISON).—The first - years have
shown much keenness and there are promising players among them. E. de Putron has been elected a member of the 0 .S.L. T. C. SUFFRAGE SOCIETY (President, G. HILL ; SecreSTANSFIELD).—At the beginning of this
tary, H.
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term the Hall founded its Suffrage Society. For some time there had been a strong feeling prevailing in favour of the Franchise, but difficulties had arisen in the way of those who wished to set on foot a definite Society. These obstacles however did not prove to be insurmountable, for when the suggestion to form a Society was made, it was carried almost unanimously, and we a're now on the way to becoming a strong, keen, and, it is to be hoped, an effective body of Suffragists. It has proved impossible to hold a General Meeting this term, as the settling of preliminary business has taken a considerable amount of time— but it is hoped that now we are affiliated to the National Union, and are firmly established as a Society, in touch with other Halls, we may be able to do our share next term towards furthering the Cause in one way or another. We should like to take this opportunity of heartily thanking the Senior Common Room for the invaluable assistance which they have given in the forming of the Society. BOAT CLUB (Captain, L. THOMAS; Secretary, P. GWYNNE).—The Hall has taken over the lease of the Lower Cherwell boat-house, and we hope before long to find room in it for all our boats. Seven new members have joined this term, some of whom show great promise, especially in sculling. Tests were held during the fourth and fifth weeks of term, and qualifications made in sculling and canoeing.
SHARP PRACTICE SOCIETY DOUGLAS ; Secretary, G. M.
(President,
J. M.
BEBB).—At the beginning of this term the meetings were not distinguished either by the quantity or the quality of the speaking ; but matters have improved, owing very largely to the eloquence of the first-years. The subjects discussed have varied from the vanity of man compared with the vanity of woman, to the relative superiority of brain work over handwork. The minutes have been most heartily approved every week, if not as statements of fact, at any rate as interesting revelations of personality. HOCKEY CLUB (Captain, E. CRicliToN ; ViceCaptain, L. SOUTHWELL ; Secretary, G. HILL).— The Hockey Club has one more member than last year, our numbers having now reached twentyfive. Nine of these only are new members, but among the nine are two good inners and a good back. Left inner and left back have both received their colours. There are still three places in the 1st XI. unfilled, right inner, right back and goal. The team shows a good deal of individual talent, but needs much practice in playing together.
THE FRITILLARY.
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was scrappy and inclined to be irrelevant ; the motion was carried by a majority of 9 votes. The second Debate was a Sharp Practice. After the display of a considerable amount of wit in Private Business, a motion was brought forward, " That this House disapproves of Conventionality in Taste ; the motion was carried by ro votes.
First XI. Matches.
v. Etceteras, not yet played. Forwards : Misses P. Gwynne, E. de Putron,
M. Addison, M. Druitt, S. Margoliouth. Halves : Misses Southwell, E. Crichton, P. Middleton. • Backs : Misses E. Roechling, H. Smith. Goal: Miss M. Homersham.
"
SUFFRAGE SOCIETY (President, MISS KEELING)• —This term we formed a Parliament to discuss the " Conciliation Bill." The Pro-Suffrage Party was voted into office by 20 votes to 16. The first Parliament was held on October z6th, when the Home Secretary, Miss Odium, introduced the Bill in form. The vote for a Second Reading was carried, and another meeting will be held before the end of term to discuss the Bill fully and vote upon it. This will be the last meeting of the present non-party Society, as we are going to form a ProSuffrage Society for Old and Present Students, which will be affiliated to the N.U.W.S.S.
Second XI. Matches.
v. Oxford Home Students, 1st XI., drawn 3-3. v. Lady Margaret Hall, znd XI., not yet played. Forwards : Misses G. Lawson-Lewis, E. King, L. Phillips, P. May, J. Tugwell. Halves : Misses E. Blades, G. Hill, B. Selby. Backs : Misses M. Porcher, J. Cooke. Goal: Miss F. Sutton. The znd XI. shows much keenness, but not a great deal of science. Centre forward, left wing, and goal are promising players.
BOAT CLUB (President, Miss KEELING ; Captain, Vice-Captain, Miss BRAIN).— In spite of the fact that only two persons have qualified as captains (V. Doudney as canoe captain and M. Neve as boat half-captain), the term as a whole has been a very successful one. Most of the 1st-years have passed the swimming test and the sculling of several of them is very promising. The znd-years' sculling has greatly improved, but they need to remember the fact that no member can obtain its captaincy until it has become a thoroughly proficient cox (—and the ability to cox is not merely an instinct or " gift " but results from steady practice).
SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY (President, H. SMITH). —The Society has met every week to read " Much Ado about Nothing." The Society still keeps up its membership, whether from a desire for edification or for humorous recreation we sometimes wonder ?
Miss DONCASTER ;
X CLUB (President, Miss MAURICE, S.H.H. ; Miss EDWARDS, S.C. ; Treasurer, Miss SM]TH, S.H.H.).—Two meetings of the X Club
Secretary,
have been held this term, and there is still one more, the rooth. To celebrate the occasion Miss Kirkaldy has promised to give us reminiscences of the " Science School in Relation to Women," which we are sure will be very amusing. Of the earlier meetings the first was an exhibition meeting, and at the other Miss Wallace read a paper on " Reptiles, their Affinities and Distribution."
• HOCKEY CLUB (Captain, Miss VEITCH ; ViceCaptain, Miss PARSONS ; Secretary, Miss CORKE).
-
ST. HILDA'S HALL. DEBATING SOCIETY (President, Miss WARD ; Vice-Pres., Miss HASLAM ; Secretary, Miss PARSONS ; Hall Member, Miss VEITCH).—TWO De-
bates have been held so far this term. The motion of the first, " That Music not only stirs the emotions, but also has a permanent effect upon character," was supported by Miss Odium and opposed by Miss Corke ; Public Discussion
—There is not much to be said of the hockey this term as the weather has interfered considerably with both practices and matches. Only one Hall match has been played, against a team of Old Cheltonians. We were beaten 12-3, but the game was not so uneven as might appear from the score. The forwards, however, must learn to combine better, and they are still very weak in the circle. Several members of the team have played for the combined Team of St. Hilda's and the Home Students and two matches have been played.
THE ART CLUB (President, Miss MASSE).—No meetings have been held this term, but an open one will take place early next term. Mr. Selwyn
THE FRITILLARY. Image has promised to take a party round the Ashmolean pictures when they are again visible.
THE LITERARY SOCIETY (President, Miss Miss WARD).—A meeting
MASSE; Secretary,
is to be held at the end of this term, when Miss Doudney is to read a paper on Ibsen.
RIFLE CLUB (Captain, E. M. HASLAM).—The Club has now seventeen members, of whom five are new this term. A spoon competition was held on November 15th, for which there were nine entries, the winner being Miss Tomlinson, with a score of 128 out of 14o. It is proposed to hold another spoon competition on November 2nd under slightly different conditions, which will be more favourable to beginners. The bronze medal will be awarded on the result of the term's shooting. In spite of the weather and the distance, there has, been a good average attendance at the range, and several members are to be congratulated on the marked improvement in their shooting, due to their regular practice.
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ordinary meetings this term, at 4 St. Giles', by invitation of Miss Egerton, and at 14 Norham Gardens, by invitation of Miss Butler. Prof. Murray's " Hippolytus " and Browning's " Strafford " have been read. The rest of members' energies have been and are devoted to preparing for the performance of " Eager Heart " (acted by the Society last year in Oxford) in two villages :—Headington, and Birdlip, Gloucestershire. HOCKEY CLUB.—We beat Etceteras (t r—r), and lost to North Oxford (6—I), playing two short. ,BoA-r-CLUB (Secretary, J. M. ROPE).—The Club has been reinforced this term by several freshers of promising keenness. The following members were qualified for sculling, and it is hoped that several others will show their proficiency in a test to be held in the last week : — Captains : P. M. Bisgood, M.. Murray, J. Rope. Half-Captain.. E. M. Sandberg. The outrigger, kindly presented 14 Miss Egerton, was re-varnished and brought into use in the second week of term.
New Students.
Gladys Ainslie, Cheltenham Ladies' College. Lucy M. Bright, Plymouth High School. Dorothy Cartwright, Oakfield Private School, Dulwich. Elspeth E. Clark, Cheltenham Ladies' College. Lesley T. Donaldson, Wyggeston School, Leicester. Constance Jones, Clapham High School. Dorothy A. Olive, Cheltenham Ladies' College. Evelyn W. Pash, Croydon High School. Grace M. West, Worthing. CONGRATULATIONS to
in German.
Clara Wright on her first
MARRIAGES (Wijkander—Kock).—On October 1st, at Lund, a marriage took place between Theodor Wijkander and Klara Koch, formerly a resident of St. Hilda's Hall.
OXFORD HOME STUDENTS. DRAMATIC SOCIETY (President, Miss BUTLER ; .Secretary, Miss SCHLICH).—The Club.has held two
New Students.
Annie Templeton Anderson, Bedford Training College. Mary Catherine Amy Barclay, Durham High School. Phillis Bartholomew, Winchester High School. Marguerite Elizabeth Bickerqteth, Home Education. Adele Mary Bollman, Radcliffe College, Cambridge, U.S.A. Emma Carolyn Bollman, Radcliffe College, Cambridge, U.S.A. Josephine Callaghan, King's College, London. Louisa Chadwick, Liverpool Training College. Mary Edith Coates, Froebel Educational Institute, London. Luise Crecelius, Oberrealschule, Freiburg. Margaret Bracke nbury Crook, Exhibitioner, Manchester College, Oxford. Effie Linda Lawson, St. John's Convent, Rangoon. Blanche Maud Evans, Welsh High School, Ashford. Hilda Dorothea Evetts, Cambridge Training College. Dorothy Mary Forsaith, Clapham High School. Helen Juliet Rachel Fox, St. Felix School, Southwold. Lillian May Frazer, Carleton College, Minnesota, U.S.A. Marie Louise Augusta Groux, Oxford High School. -
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THE FRITILLARY.
Sara M. Goldman, A.B., University of Minnesota, U.S.A. Violet Clunas Goodeve, Scholar from Municipal Girls' School, Leamington. Eleanor Margaret Hindmarch, St. Hilda's College, Durham. Audrey Grace Isaacson, Oxford High School. Meriel Edith Jelf, Dorchester School. Mary Elizabeth Jenkin, Oxford High School. Mabel Kelly, Wells College, Aurora, U.S.A. Gabrielle Lafontaine, Maison de 1' Education de la Legion d'Honneur, Rouen. Hester Carter Lamb, Oxford Training College. Jessie Latto Lowson, M.A. S. Andrews University. y, Bedford College, Elizabeth Kathleen Macka York Place, W. Annie Mein, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Mansfield. Mary Annie Hope Mitchell, Heidelburg University.
Margaret Phelps Montgomery, King's College, London. Katharina Margarete Frieda Muller, Jena University. Hilda Mary Napier, Oxford High School. Elfrida Margaret Robin, St. Mary's, Wantage. Evelyn May Graham Sandberg, Bournemouth High School. Lottie Helene Sattler, Bremen. Emily Dorothy Scarborough, Chicago University, U.S.A. Phoebe May Swift, Mary Datchelor Training College, Camberwell. Annie White, A.B., Northwestern University, Illinois, U.S.A. Marie Valeska Luise Wilutzky, Honeremadchenschule, Breslau.
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