Obituary : Canon C. Patteson

were concerned the initial three or four weeks were as if they had never been—the full programme of the term was eventually carried out. The 1st XV overcame what at the time must have seemed wellnigh insuperable difficulties of team-building and enjoyed a most successful season, culminating in a notable victory over an exceptionally strong Old Peterite side. Above all, we were gratified that it was not found necessary to abandon the idea of having the School Play at the end of term. Although the time of rehearsal was seriously curtailed, Mr. Burgess and his cast applied themselves with commendable vigour and enthusiasm to making up the leeway, and they were justly rewarded by a presentation of "Nightmare Abbey" which was universally acclaimed as the best of our many recent stage successes. This amusing "frolic", as it was well designated by its author, was presented by an unusually well-balanced cast with gusto and real competence. In particular, P. L. Bellwood, admirably sustaining an exacting leading role, and B. Jones, who in combination excellently interpreted so much of the eccentric comedy, are to be congratulated on notable performances.

The term ended with the traditional Play Supper (from which Mr. Burgess, laid low by illness, was unfortunately absent), and the boarders' Supper, when boys and the Housemasters, with their wives, were entertained with lavish Christmas fare by Mr. and Mrs, Dronfield.

Altogether the Christmas Term, 1957, must be considered memorable not only for the incidence of an epidemic on a scale the like of which cannot be remembered by anyone now connected with the School, but also for the resolution with which its effects were mitigated or overcome entirely.

CANON CHARLES PATTESON

We were greatly shocked when we heard the news of Canon Patteson's sudden death early in the morning of 9th December. Scarcely more than a year earlier he had left us to take up his new work as Vicar and Rural Dean of Howden but he had found time to keep in touch with us all. Thus his considerable impact on the life of the School remained a fresh and abiding memory, and there were many here who felt that morning that a close friend had been suddenly snatched from them.

Charles Patteson never lost his enthusiasm and passed on in the full spate of a new task well begun. There could be no failure for him, and although we would have earnestly wished for him a longer) ministry in the Church Militant, we can feel thankful that he was ' spared any experience of that comparative failure which often comes with increasing old age.

We mourn his passing and shall always look back with gratitude upon his ministry at St. Peter's. To Mrs. Patteson and family we tender our deepest sympathy. J.D. 2