The Science Society

During the School high tea, opportunity was given to the organists to try the Chapel organ.

After tea, the joint meeting in Big Hall took the form of a concert given by the Musical Society, which was followed by a film on organ construction, called "Music in the Wind". The concert was an oportunity for seven members of the Society to play in public, some for the first time, and for the Chapel Choir to sing a short anthem. The standard of performance naturally varied but it was noted that all the pianists kept their heads, while some produced polished performances. The Choir sang the anthem from memory. The programme had been planned on the assumption that the film would last twenty minutes, but when it was discovered it would last but half this time, Mr. Waine invited Mr. Ray, who was on the staff for the term, to entertain us with a piano solo. This he did in brilliant style, playing Chopin's Scherzo in B flat minor. He showed great virtuosity # and received an ovation. It was interesting to compare his interpretation with one given on a previous occasion by Mr. Waine.

The film which followed characteristically proved to be a miracle of comparison, as one would expect from the land of the celluloid kings. Sections on the history of the organ, its manufacture at the present day, as well as an organ recital (given by the great Dr. Healey Willan) succeeded one another with bewildering rapidity. It might well repay a second showing, preceded perhaps by a relevant lecture, on some future occasion.

A few of the guests stayed to see the Film Society's presentation of a French film "Farrebique". All agreed they had spent a most enjoyable evening here, and we look forward to having the privilege of entertaining them again.

The keenness of members to take part in our meetings has perhaps been the most gratifying aspect of the term's adtivities. In three programmes more than twenty boys have taken an active part, and, as many of these are staying on, we hope to have laid a sound foundation for several years to come. This combined with our large attendances points to a successful future.

We opened this term on 27th January, by holding an inter-House quiz. These are always very popular and this proved no exception. Each House was represented by one boy in the VIth or Transitus and one in the Vth or below. The contest developed into a keen struggle between Manor and School House, the former eventually 34

winning by a narrow margin. Many of the questions involved recognition of objects. The inevitable question from Mr. Harris, where competitors were asked to identify a liquid by smell, caused much amusement among the onlookers.

Our second meeting was held on 14th February and we were very glad to welcome an 0.P., Mr. J. Saville, who showed us three films. The first was on high-speed photography, using exposures of about 1/3000 of a second. A rain drop appeared to fall into a puddle just like an atom bomb exploding. Other things we take for granted appeared to be quite different at this speed. The next film showed us how, by steam sterilising the soil, much better tomato crops could be grown. We saw how it was carried out and, at the conclusion, the resulting magnificent crop. The last film dealt with the problem of maximum fertility. Too many farmers rely solely on manure, the film pointed out the deep rooted suspicion the "old school" have of modern scientific fertilisers. We could not help being impressed by all the facts in the film and it is no wonder that the number of these farmers is slowly diminishing. We thank Mr. Saville very much for such an excellent show and also another O.P. Mr. R. Buckton, who operated the projector.

Our next meeting was held on 4th March and consisted of a Grove 411. night, three speakers from this House giving talks on different topics.

R. M. Hodgson spoke first on the history of the motor cycle. He traced its development and, by means of the epidiascope, showed us ' several photographs of old and new models. M. J. F. Everitt followed and spoke on the storage of fruit. He told us there were two main methods, cold and gas storage. He explained each separately and pointed out that by considering the flavour and firmness, etc., of any fruit it was found which type of storage retained the market value of fruit to the best advantage. The last talk was given by N. M. Hodd on the solar system. He described the features of all the planets and illustrated them with the aid of artists' impressions.

At the commencement of the last meeting of the term, held on 17th March, Mr. Ping, the chairman, announced that in order to commemorate the Science Exhibition he had suggested that three "conker" trees be planted at the far side of the rugger field near to the baths, so that, amongst other things, "the boys may carry on that ancient game". The proposal met with unanimous approval from all members present. The evening's programme was then commenced, and questions of a scientific nature which had been previously submitted, were answered by a panel of experts. J. R. Bird answered a question on territory in birds. J. M. Holt spoke on radio-activity, explaining why it is dangerous to our health. Mr. D. K. Crews spoke on telepathy, and told us of many simple experiments which may be carried

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