HOUSE NOTES THE GROVE After a quiet beginning the term ended with a flourish of activity mottled with success. With doubtful material we plunged into the House Singing Competition, and after concentrated practice under the careful guidance of W. E. Jones, we triumphed with "Sir Eglamore" in the Unison section, thus repeating our performance with it six years ago. Unfortunately, however, there was not adequate support from the Part Song to keep us in the lead. It did not prove to be our year for cricket, although the Junior House team survived one round. Our lack of cricketers was balanced by a strong set of boaters. Brown, Bruce, Jones and Wheeler rowed for the 1st VIII throughout the term, while Evans managed to stay in the 4th IV. It was this core, supported by Bach, Lee and Jowett with Marshall as cox, that first beat School House by eight lengths and then The Rise by five lengths (after a false start), and finished up by beating The Manor in the final by a convincing two lengths. As a result of their contribution to this achievement, Brown and Marshall were awarded House Colours. Alexander's example and enthusiasm made the most of limited material in the House swimming, and many will have benefited from his stirring work. Evans, Bennitt, Batty and Clarke all figured in the prize-giving awards at the end of term and we congratulate them and also Wheeler on winning a State Scholarship. We thank him, together with the other Monitors, for their services to the House last year, and hope that all the leavers will return and visit The Grove some day.
THE MANOR The House did not prove to be as adept at retaining cups this year as it had been at winning them last, and it was unfortunate that we were forced to defend one of our most coveted trophies, the Senior Boating, without the assistance of Bywater and J. R. Brown. Nevertheless, the House eight, excellently stroked by Parkin, confounded the pessimists by reaching the final. Even Read seemed satisfied! For his efforts in this and in other House activities T. E. H. Smart was awarded his House Colours. The cricketers were fortunate in not having to defend a cup, but in spite of a back-bone of 1st XI players and a good sprinkling of Colts the team was beaten by a strong Rise side. For their contribution to House Cricket, Higgins and Nettleton were awarded their Junior House Colours. The Hobbies Cup, which we had begun to look upon as the personal possession of P. J. Holmes, was wrested from him after two years. In a way this is a good thing, as nothing should now stop him from winning it next year. The Kazerooni Cup was only relinquished after a great fight, and R. L. Bruce and Parkin are to be congratulated on some particularly fine swims. The term ended with a very successful House Party. Looking to next term we wish Brown the best of luck as Captain of School Rugger. We wish all those that are leaving us all good fortune in their future careers and thank them very sincerely for all they have done for the House. We say a special goodbye to Muller, our visitor from Germany, who in a very short time became an active and popular member of the House.
